May 2025 Reach

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100th Mayor celebrates 100-year-olds at PPH The Philadelphia Protestant Home (PPH) held its annual Centenarian Luncheon on April 10, the 100th day of 2025. The celebration recognized individuals who have reached — or will soon reach — the incredible milestone of 100 years.

Attendees shared laughter and stories over a delicious meal prepared

by PPH’s Culinary team, enjoying the warm company of PPH administration and team members.

“Wisdom deepens with age,” said PPH Interim Executive Director Kelli Mills.

A special guest attended the luncheon — Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker!

The enthusiastic mayor noted the

“teenybopper energy” as she greeted the centenarians. Parker, who was a city councilmember for the 9th District prior to being elected mayor, noted her appreciation of PPH and the personal connection she feels with the community.

Parker was raised by her grandparents and spoke of the lessons she learned from them — that she still applies today — as well as what she takes away from other older adults.

“When I look at [this group], I think about the wisdom, your life experiences, and the power and spirit that each of you possess having lived through multiple generations and different times,” said Parker. → See Centenarians on page 2

PPH's centenarians (and a few soon to be centenarians) with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.

For more photos from this heartfelt celebration, see page 2.

In This Issue...

• Two new Guardian Angels • Easter and Passover Celebrations • Community Collections

6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111 • www.PPHFamily.org • 215.697.8000 Facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome

Celebrating our Centenarians Back row: Board of Directors Vice Chairperson Timothy Hinchcliff, Jordan Robinson and Ciani Langford of our Life Enrichment Team, Board Chairperson Eric Sigel; front row: special guests Mary Staton and Kenneth Strobel.

Sister Jane Coyle with State Rep. Anthony Bellmon and City Councilmember Anthony Phillips.

Centenarians → Continued from page 1 Each guest received a commemorative Philadelphia Liberty Bell from the Mayor’s Office, as well as roses provided by State Representative Anthony Bellmon and Councilmember Anthony Phillips, and congressional proclamations from the office of United States Representative Brendan Boyle. Guests

also received certificates of recognition signed by PPH administration, and the PPH Auxiliary provided flowers and corsages.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all department and team members who helped make this event a joyful success!

To view news coverage of the event and a slideshow of those honored, visit pphfamily.org/about/press-news/

Oldest PPH resident: Cecelia Amato - 108 years old Newest PPH centenarian: Bernice Segal Total PPH centenarians: 15 PPH 99-year-olds slated to turn 100 by the end of 2025: 5

Alpha resident celebrates 100 with family, friends and the mayor

Bernice was one of 20 PPH residents who received a special commemorative Liberty Bell from Mayor Parker.

Bernice (pictured with one of her daughters) received a Senate Citation from Pa. State Senator Bernice's friends and Christine neighbors signed a card to Tartaglione. mark the special occasion.

PPH Alpha Manor resident Bernice Segal celebrated her 100th birthday in April with a family party, as well as a celebration with neighbors and friends. A joyful Bernice thanked everyone for coming out and shared how special she felt from all of the visits, phone calls and well wishes she received!

A few days later, PPH's newest centenarian attended the Centenarian Luncheon, and received special recognition from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, who noted that her paternal grandmother was also named Bernice.

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Family Focus

Emil Scharer with Dell Shelton

Andrew Denelsbeck with the group of residents who recognized him as a Guardian Angel: Pat Ripoll, Maxine Littlepage, Velma N'Jai, Carol Drummond and Charna Heiko.

Two team members honored as Guardian Angels Two PPH team members were recognized in April as Guardian Angels!

Rondell "Dell" Shelton of PPH's Maintenance team received his second Guardian Angel in 2025! Emil Scharer of Alpha Manor recognized Dell for the dedication he shows each and every day he comes to work at PPH. "Dell does a great job in his role.

I really appreciated everything he did. He's a good and conscientious worker," Emil said.

Dell's expertise and friendly demeanor are always on display throughout the Community as he and the rest of our Maintenance team repair and fix any issues that may arise.

Andrew Denelsbeck of PPH's Environmental Services team was recognized by five residents: Carol Drummond, Charna Heiko, Patricia Ripoll, Maxine Littlepage and Velma N'Jai. The group expressed appreciation for Andrew's work ethic and willingness to consistently go above and beyond.

"Andrew comes to PPH from his day job to work an evening shift.

Andrew, we see you as you perform your duties with hard work and dedication. Thank you for the extra care you show; it doesn’t go unnoticed," the group said.

"Dell and Andrew, on behalf of PPH

board, leadership and team members, we thank you," said Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese. That is what is important to us every day … our care and compassion. Amazing work."

Recognize Someone Special Show your Appreciation PPH Guardian Angels are team members who go above and beyond for our residents, and embody the PPH core values of integrity, friendliness, quality care, compassion, respect and comfort.

Since 2018, PPH Guardian Angels

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have been honored for compassionate care, customer service, quickthinking action when necessary and much more.

If you are a resident who is interested in recognizing a team member, or a resident-family member who wants to express your gratitude and appreciation for the care a team member gave your loved one, contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at 215-697-8508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.

Family Focus — Collections for the Community

Presentation BVM students — as part of their Lenten project — donated essential and entertainment items to PPH residents. Items were distributed to residents who receive Benevolent Care, which supports residents who have outlived their financial resources. Pictured from left to right: Director of Community Relations Bill Conaway, Senior Director of Resident Engagement Marge Felix, Personal Care Social Worker Aiyana Carter, Presentation BVM teacher Mrs. Christina Breen, Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese and Interim Executive Director Kelli Mills.

PPH residents — as part of a special Women's History Month Collection Drive — donated items of need and joy. A total of 17 boxes, weighing more than 180 pounds were donated to PPH Social Services and Health Care, to be given to residents in Personal Care and Pathways. Items included lotions, toothpaste, undershirts, socks, crayons, stuffed animals and more.

We thank all of the residents and staff who contributed to this collection drive.

Root, root, root for the Phillies!

PPH residents enjoyed a special Phillies watch party in the Social Hall on Monday, March 31! Popcorn, pretzels and hot dogs were served as the Phillies defeated the Colorado Rockies 6-1.

Employee of the Month: Jamie Coates

Congratulations to Jamie Coates on being selected as May Employee of the Month!

Jamie has been with PPH since April 2006 and works as a CNA in Chapters Memory Care unit. Jamie has a pleasant demeanor as she encourages Chapters residents to participate in activities, and exercise in the PPH Wellness Center. She always goes above and beyond for the residents she serves. Thank you, Jamie, for all that you do!

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The Easter Bunny and a Spring Chicken visit PPH!

We had two special visitors this Easter! The Easter Bunny and a Spring Chicken visited our Personal Care and Pathways residents, and hopped over to say hello to some of our team members!

Passover Celebration

Yom HaShoah

PPH Jewish residents gathered for our annual Passover Celebration in the Private Dining Room on April 9!

Attendees enjoyed salmon, chicken, zucchini, squash, gefilte fish, salad, Manischewitz wine and more, courtesy of our Culinary team. Special gratitude goes out to longtime friend of PPH — Rabbi August — for leading the seder.

PPH held a Holocaust Remembrance program on April 21 to recognize Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah). Pictured above: Rabbi August, guest speaker Rabbi Nancy Kriemer and PPH resident Charna Heiko.

"No matter where you are from, we are glad you're our neighbor."

Volunteer of the Month: Lisa Bowman

Congratulations go out to Lisa Bowman, PPH's Volunteer of the Month for May 2025.

Lisa volunteers as a cashier in our Gift Shop, having started in September of last year. Her friendly and happy demeanor are on display whenever residents and team members visit the shop. Thanks Lisa, for all that you do and the nice way that you do it.

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NEWS BRIEFS, HAPPENINGS AND EVENTS ★ Philly Pups: Thursday, May 1 at 7 p.m. in the Social Hall. Come and meet these future service/therapy dogs and watch them as they participate in training exercises. ★ Bucks County Singers: Sunday, May 4, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. ★ Veterans’ Meeting: Tuesday, May 6 at 10 a.m. in the Learning Center. Any questions, call Bill Conaway - #8031. ★ Koffee with Kelli: Independent Living Residents - Come out and chat with Kelli Mills, PPH’s Interim Executive Director, over a cup of coffee or tea in the Social Hall on Wednesday, May 7 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. There will be monthly community updates from Kelli and PPH administration. ★ Independent Living Residents’ vaccine clinic: Monday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the Learning Center – COVID-19, RSV, and Prevnar 20 vaccines are available. For anyone that received a COVID vaccine in October, per CDC guidelines, a booster is recommended for six months after the first vaccine. To sign up, please call/leave a voicemail with Infection Control Preventionist Eileen Bratton at #6633. ★ DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) Monthly Meeting: Embracing Diversity at PPH - Monday, May 12 at 3 p.m. in the Fellowship

Room. For more info on this residentinitiated meeting, contact MaryAnn Volk at #8345. ★ Quizzo: Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m. in the Social Hall. Quizzo consists of multiple rounds of trivia questions. Be your own team or join up with some neighbors or friends! ★ Coffee with the Little Flower President: Calling all Little Flower alumna-residents, staff and anyone that has a connection to Little Flower Catholic High School. Please join us in the Learning Center on Tuesday, May 13 at 10:30 a.m. to sit and chat with Little Flower’s current president, Kristie Dugan '92. This will be informational and a reminiscing session on all things Little Flower. Please RSVP to Ginny Maciocha ASAP at #8567. ★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, May 13 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7.

★ Our Time Cabaret: Musical trio Our Time Cabaret returns to PPH to perform on Wednesday, May 14 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. ★ Ladies Day Tea: Thursday, May 15, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. Must sign up in business office by May 9. Please wear a fancy hat! ★ Independent Residents Association Officer Elections: The Independent Living Residents Association will hold its 2025-2027 elections for officers on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Fountain Room. Winners will be announced Monday, May 19 at the IL Residents Association meeting. ★ IL Residents Association meeting: The May meeting will be held on Monday, May 19 2 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall and on PPH channel 7.

→ See Briefs on page 7

Upcoming services and events from Pastoral Services ★ Bible Study: Tuesdays, May 6 and 20, 10 a.m. in the PPH Chapel and broadcast on channel 5. ★ Prayer Breakfast: Saturday, May 10 at 9 a.m. in the Social Hall. Tickets are $8.50 and may be purchased at the Business Office during the week or at the Breakfast.

Guest speaker: Interim Executive Director Kelli Mills

★ Shabbat Service: Friday, May 2 (postponed from 4/25), May 9 and May 23. ★ Good Grief - Companions in Loss Bereavement Support: Wednesday, May 14 at 11:30 a.m. in the Alpha Manor First Floor Lounge.

For a full list of weekly events and up to date information, see the May 2025 calendar and PPH channels 2 and 4.

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Daughter and mom Hailey and Theresa Magilton (Business Office) at the April Prayer Breakfast.

Sing a Song

Singer Elyse Langley performed various hits of the 1950s and '60s on April 16 in the Social Hall.

Briefs → Continued from page 6 ★ Remembrance Butterflies – A symbol of love and a reminder of the ongoing connection we have with those we’ve lost: Thursday, May 22 at 1 p.m. in the Learning Center. ★ Bingo (IL residents): Thursday, May 22 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. ★ Rhawnhurst Elementary: The Kindergarteners of Rhawnhurst Elementary return for a day of arts and crafts on Tuesday, May 27 at 9:45 a.m. in the Social Hall. ★ Juneteenth: Remembrance, Reflection and Celebration: Thursday, June 19, PPH will once again embrace and commemorate Juneteenth with a Juneteenth Festival.

Various activities are planned for residents to increase their awareness and understanding of this holiday through group discussions of historical events, film presentation, special musical instruments demonstration, games, special noon meal and light refreshments. The June REACH calendar and PPH channels 2 & 4 will have specific event info and times. ★ Pride Month: June is Pride Month, a month-long observance dedicated to the celebration of LGBTQ pride! If interested in participating in resident-initiated Pride events and activities at PPH, please contact Marge Sexton at #8368.

→ See Briefs on page 8

Meet our New Residents!

Margaret “Marge” Katziner moved into PPH's Alpha Manor building last summer from nearby Lawndale. Marge grew up in Cheltenham and was a teacher.

Marge enjoys reading, gardening and is a huge fan of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Marge has two brothers, a nephew and a great-nephew.

Dorothy Kajani recently moved to PPH’s Alpha Manor building from

the Fox Chase neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia and previously lived in nearby Elkins Park for 40 years.

Dorothy grew up in Defiance, Ohio; she attended the University of Toledo and went on to work as a nurse. She has two sons; and three grandchildren, two boys and one girl, all who live in California.

Since moving to PPH, Dorothy is happy to not to have to cook and can instead enjoy PPH’s food and

dining options. She’s also excited to make new friends in the community.

Kathryn Czajkowski recently moved to PPH’s Alpha Manor building from the Mayfair neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia.

Kathryn grew up in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia; she attended Cecilian Academy School and Chestnut Hill College and went on to work as a teacher.

Kathryn enjoys bowling.

Unheralded Heroes — Dr. Vada Watson Somerville Compiled by Velma N'Jai Alpha Manor resident Dr. Vada Somerville was the daughter of a former slave from Arkansas. She was born in Pomona, CA. She was the first African American female to graduate from the University of Southern California with a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, and went on to be the first women

licensed to practice dentistry in California.

She rose to prominence as a dentist and entrepreneur and hotel owner. She and her husband, John Alexander Somerville — also a dentist —encouraged her to go to school. They cofounded a hotel in Los Angeles, CA and named it Hotel Somerville. The hotel was described as an elegant space for gathering

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to speak freely for social change. They were nationally known leaders in social reform and civil rights in Los Angeles for more than 50 years. Today, the Hotel Somerville is an apartment building named "Dunbar Village."

Reflections

By Chaplain Linda Lewis

Celebrate and Thank God for our Mothers Dear PPH Family and Friends,

pain and emptiness never go away; others may forget, but a mother holds that loss in her heart forever.

Perhaps you are someone who feels you did not have the ideal childhood; you have feelings of resentment towards your mother. What factors affected her ability to give you the childhood you wish you had? I don’t know; we all have a different life story. But, I do not know of any mother who sets out on the journey of motherhood and says to herself, “Let me see how terrible of a mother I can be and how awful of a childhood I can provide for my child.”

So, I encourage you, if you have been holding on to bitterness, sadness, or anger for all these years, let it go! It is time to free yourself from the feeling that you were not loved or wanted. Forgive your mother for the mistakes you feel she made; it is the best gift you can give yourself.

Forgiveness is freeing. You can decide to remember your broken childhood with gratitude, because those difficulties and trials have made you a special person.

This Mother’s Day, let us all take time to celebrate and thank God for what we have in common – our mothers, who helped mold us into who we are today. Remember also to thank God for ALL the special women in your life mothers, spiritual mothers, daughters, sisters, or the dear friend who is always there for you, like a loving mother.

Happy Mother’s Day,

There is one thing each of us has in common, regardless of our gender, age, race, origin or childhood experiences.

All of us have a mother. While Mother’s Day is a special day to celebrate mothers, it is also a day to honor ALL the women in our lives who have helped shape us into the individuals we are today. Mother’s Day also brings about different feelings as we reflect upon our life and what this day means to us.

Many of us see Mother’s Day as a day to remember the joys of being a mother, or the joys our mother brought to us. For some there is emptiness in life, a gap that still remains unfilled because our Mom passed many years ago and we still miss her. If so, I hope you can hold fast to wonderful memories and your mom’s legacy of hard work, ethics, warmth and the love she bestowed upon you. Some of us hold up and remember grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and extended family members who always went the extra mile to maintain family traditions, keep the family united and memories alive.

But let us be mindful that for some women, Mother’s Day is a day that brings an element of sadness, for many reasons. Life is not always easy and for some of our dear sisters, it is a day filled with complicated emotions, grief and conflicting realities. Their dream of being a mother was never fulfilled, or their child is estranged. Perhaps, they are the mother or grandmother of a child who has died. Such

Briefs → Continued from page 7 ★ Estate Planning 101 - HOw to Make Informed Decisions During the Estate Planning Process: Thursday, July 10 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. For more info, contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at 215-6978508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.

Linda Lewis - PPH Chaplain

★ PPH Food Drive: PPH's residentinitiated monthly food drive continues! Food is collected the last week of each month and delivered the first day of the following month.

The four locations for drop off are: 1. Access Hub (1124 Lawndale) 2. Across from Tabor Market 3. Vending Machine area between the

Wellness Center, and Greenhouse 4. Gateway Manor Lobby.

For more info, call Tom Sexton - #8368.

For a full list of weekly events and up to date information, see the May 2025 calendar and PPH channels 2 and 4.

THE PPH MISSION Guided by Christian values, the mission of The Philadelphia Protestant Home is to provide a caring senior living community that affords its residents the opportunity to achieve their highest possible quality of life.

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