Above: Talent Show performers and audience members share a laugh during the PPH Talent Show. See page 2 for more photos, including one act's member who can be seen above enjoying a nap after performing a series of tricks.
The PPH Talent Show took place on Sept. 18. Residents across all levels of care showcased their talents in song, dance, poetry and comedy. See page 2 for more photos of our acts.
A beautiful night in the gardens for a cause dear to PPH
The Garden Party, PPH's premier fundraising event, was a rousing success!
Guests enjoyed a Tuscan-inspired menu highlighting this year's theme "A Tuscan Experience," music from the band Turning Point, and lively conversation among all in attendance on what turned out to be a beautiful Wednesday evening in the PPH gardens.
Continued on page 4
Ken Venuti and Carol Drummond — two mainstay singers of PPH Talent Shows.
A talented group of residents at PPH! Family Focus
From left to right: The Lawndale Manor Choir sang "Side By Side," Lawrence Geller and Bernadette Cronin-Geller perform a duet, and Buttons performs a trick for Dorothy Kajani. Other acts included Carol Evans' round of jokes, Lucille Hite's poetry, and an additional performance by Dorothy and Buttons of "How Much is that Doggie in the Window," featuring June Conroy, Peg Hewitt, Chris Groeber and Marge Katziner. Special thanks to Patricia Coyne for accompanying the Lawndale Choir and the Doggie group on piano.
To support our commitment to being more environmentally friendly — and to keep up with today’s communication trends — REACH will transition to a quarterly print edition, with new issues every January, April, July and October.
These editions will feature much of the same content that many of our readers enjoy: recaps of major events, spotlights on residents, donors and team members (including introduction and advancement news), campus initiatives and a look ahead to the next quarter.
We are also excited to continue publishing REACH each month as a digital newsletter, beginning in November. This edition will feature timely community news, event and activity highlights, employee and team member recognition, reminders, updates and more. While it will be shorter in length, it will include links to photos and videos from our social media pages and content published on our website — making the
newsletter richer, more interactive and engaging for readers.
The monthly digital newsletter will be easy to find and access — it will be posted to the Press & News section of the PPH website (in flipbook and PDF format), on the PPH Resident Portal, and sent along with the PPH Messenger.
The monthly Independent Living calendar will continue to be delivered to IL resident apartments, and
all residents will continue to receive the "Birthday List" that includes new employee names, an "In Memoriam" section and a word search puzzle. We are excited to continue keeping you connected and informed while enhancing our communication. You can visit our social media pages, where you’ll find plenty of photos from events and activities, video highlight reels and important news of all that’s happening at PPH.
Family Focus
Guardian Angel trifecta for PPH Maintenance team member
'Happy Hour' bartender recognized for smile, ability to engage residents
PPH is proud to annouce its two newest Guardian Angel recipients: Dell Shelton of the Maintenance team — not exactly a "new" Guardian Angel — and Mikki Rollins of Culinary Services.
Dell received his THIRD Guardian Angel of 2025. In this instance, he was nominated by two Alpha Manor residents — Sherry Slutz and Gale Katz.
“Dell has been dependable, professional and kind. Whether it’s putting things together or handling urgent fixes, he’s always there to help. Thank you for all you do.”
Also honored recently was Mikki Rollins, who serves as the PPH bartender during Happy Hours in the Fountain Room. Mikki was nominated by a group of regulars, led by Gateway Manor resident Harry Morrissy.
“Mikki always comes to work with a smile. She never forgets a birthday — complete with treats and balloons — and is always there to listen and cheer you up. She goes above and beyond in everything
Above, Mikki Rolins is elated as she's recognized as a PPH Guardian Angel by a group of residents who regularly attend Happy Hour.
Right, Dell Shelton is congratulated by Sherry Slutz and Gale Katz.
she does and gives new meaning to ‘Happy Hours.’ This award is long overdue — Mikki, we all love you.”
Dell and Mikki — on behalf of the PPH Board, leadership and team members — we thank you for your hard work and dedication to our residents. That is what is important to us every day — our care and compassion.
The PPH Heritage Society
The PPH Heritage Society recognizes our friends who have generously provided a legacy of care by naming PPH as a planned gift beneficiary. Through their Gifts from the Heart, their legacy of compassion lives on. You may always choose to remain anonymous in your philanthropy. However, participation in The Heritage Society can be an inspirational experience and may encourage others to look toward how they too may
Recognize Someone SpecialShow your Appreciation
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 compassion a team member has shown your loved one, contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese at 215-6978508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.
have an enduring impact on future generations of older adults.
Planned giving offers us a way to make a difference, far beyond the measure of one lifetime.
If you are interested in joining the Heritage Society or have any questions, please contact Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese by calling 215-6978508 or emailing mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.
Continued from page 1
We are grateful for our sponsors and donors, as well as the PPH departments and team members who helped bring the event to life.
Proceeds from the Garden Party directly support Benevolent Care, which ensures that PPH residents who outlive their financial resources — through no fault of their own — can remain at PPH and continue receiving high-quality care.
"It was a wonderful evening," said PPH Executive Director & EverTrue VP of Managed Communities Kelli Mills. "This annual event allows our
vendor partners, friends and other key stakeholders an opportunity to come together to enjoy the night while continuing to support the missional arm of PPH".
Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese added, "Benevolent Care gives our residents peace
Volunteer of the Month: Barbara Sveen
of mind and helps ensure that they can achieve their highest possible quality of life. We thank everyone — sponsors, donors, residents and team members — for your support of Benevolent Care."
See more photos from the evening on our Facebook page
Congratulations to Barbara Sveen for being named the October Volunteer of the Month! Barbara moved to PPH's Alpha Manor building last year and jumped right into volunteering with the PPH Auxiliary. She leads PPH's collection of eyeglasses for AltruVision, a Lions Eye Bank, and helped sort and pack clothing donated to Troop 160 of Burholme for their annual fundraiser supporting their camping trip. Barbara is an asset to our Volunteer Program.
Family Focus
PPH, greater community, honor those who made ultimate sacrifice
PPH's Patriot Day ceremony honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001, while sharing hopes for a more united country — one that comes together despite differences, as in the days following 9/11/01.
Speakers included NSA Officer Matthew Blackmon, PPH Pastor Earl Scott, Director of Community Relations Bill Conaway, and PPH Wellness Director Maureen Solomon, who encouraged participation in that afternoon's stair climb challenge in memory of the first responders who rushed into the World Trade Centers 24 years ago.
Attendees included PPH resi-
dents and team members, Philadelphia Fire Department Engine 64, Philadelphia Police Department 2nd District Community
PPH climbs in tribute to 9/11 first responders
PPH residents Barb, Harry and Sylvia all express excitement at different points of the "Tunnels to Towers Stair Challenge."
Relations Officer Mark Mroz, and members of VMSC Emergency Medical Services.
PPH residents and team members participated in the "Tunnels to Towers Stair Challenge" on September 11 to honor the FDNY and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice 24 years ago as they rushed into the World Trade Centers.
Some participants climbed 110 flights (up and down), others joined as a team. Each person moved at a pace that worked best for them, and many cooled off with water breaks along the way. Special thanks to Maureen Solomon and Vincent Barrett of the PPH Wellness Team for organizing this challenge of tribute and exercise.
To view a video of the challenge, visit the PPH Facebook or Instagram page.
Employee of the Month: Donna Donaghy
Congratulations to Support Services Coordinator Donna Donaghy on being named the October Employee of the Month. Through her outstanding customer service, Donna helps turn many experiences into positive outcomes. We praise her patience and problem-solving skills, and thank her for all that she does at PPH.
OCTOBER EVENTS AND NEWS BRIEFS
★ Philly Pups: Thursday, October 2, 7 p.m. in the Social Hall. Come and meet these future service/therapy dogs partake in training exercises.
★ Veterans’ Meeting: Tuesday, October 7, 10 a.m., Learning Center.
★ Farmers Market : Wednesday, October 8 and 22, Fountain Room. See bulletin boards for items.
★ Koffee with Kelli & Team: Independent Living Residents - Come out and chat with Kelli Mills, PPH’s Executive Director, over a cup of coffee or tea in the Social Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Social Hall. Community updates from Kelli and PPH administration provided.
★ PPH Block Party: Thursday, October 9 from 1 to 3 p.m., Lawndale Parking Lot.
★ DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) Monthly Meeting: Embracing Diversity at PPH - Monday, October 13 at 3 p.m., Fellowship Room. For more info on this resident-initiated meeting, contact MaryAnn Volk at #8345.
★ Quizzo: Monday, October 13, 6:30 p.m., Social Hall. (Please note the
Residents Association Annual Employee Appreciation Gift
Help us recognize and thank PPH employees for their hard work and dedication! To contribute to Employee Appreciation: Please make check payable to PPH Independent Residents Association, with “employee gift” in the memo line. Kindly return your envelope to your Floor Representative. For any questions, call Assistant Treasurer Lisa Bowman – #8340.
new start time) Form your own team, or join another team!
★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, October 14 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7.
★ Marcus Chaney (Singer): Wednesday, October 15, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall.
★ Independent (Living) Residents Association: Monday, October 20, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall/broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7.
★ Oktoberfest: Saturday, October 25, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall. Sign up in the Business Office.
★ IL Bingo: Wednesday, October 29, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall.
Hispanic Heritage Month at PPH continues
By Kathy Andrews Williams PPH resident
National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the culture, achievements, and impact on U.S. history of people from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. As an observance from September 15 to October 15, it coincides with the national independence days for many Latin American countries. Hispanic Heritage Month gives us a perfect opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate culture, contributions, and individual stories. At PPH, we celebrate this month with cultural displays in the Esplanade, speakers, movies, Spanish bingo, Latino dancing, and highlight
★ Halloween Dance Party: Friday, October 31, 2 p.m., Social Hall.
★ PPH Food Drive: PPH's residentinitiated monthly food drive continues! Food is collected the last week of each month. The four locations for drop off:
1. Access Hub (1124 Lawndale)
2. Across from Tabor Market
3. Vending Machine area between the Wellness Center & Greenhouse
4. Gateway Manor Lobby.
For more information on types of food to donate or any questions, call Tom Sexton - #8368.
For a full list of weekly activities, special events, trips and up to date info, see the IL calendar insert, bulletin boards, and PPH TV channels 2 and 4. Events and activities are subject to change.
As we enter October, join us for the second half of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations:
Spanish Bingo - Thursday, October 2, 2 p.m. in the Learning Center. St. William Church Children's Dance Troupe - Saturday, October 18, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall.
Movies: "Roma" - Saturday, October 4, 2 p.m. on channel 8
"The Long Game" - Saturday, October 11, 2 p.m. on channel 8
Latino organizations in Philadelphia. For example, residents share their mementos from their travels in Latin America for all to see and enjoy. Also, Reverend Luis Cortes, president of Philadelphia’s La Esperanza organization, will speak about cultural contributions in our communities.
In the Esplanade, there are artifacts from several Latin American
countries and displays of Hispanic organizations in Philadelphia. In addition, look there for fun ways to learn Spanish words and expression for Spanish bingo games!
Let’s celebrate and recognize Hispanics and Latinos representing many diverse communities whose men, women, and children have shaped America, past and present!
A familiar face returns to the Greenhouse
The unofficial mascot of the PPH Greenhouse has made its longawaited return!
Freddie the Frog — originally donated by Personal Care resident Stephen Johnson — had a fall awhile back and sustained some damage.
Fortunately, Alpha Manor resident Marlene Matarazzo came to the rescue, and over time, brought Freddie back to life.
"There were several pieces I had to put together like a jigsaw puzzle, and there were also pieces that were lost. I recreated the different shape and sized pieces one thin layer at a
time, until the missing pieces were reshaped," Marlene said.
Using plaster of Paris material, Marlene repaired Freddie and gave him fresh coats of paint, carefully mixing paint colors to match the originals as close as possible.
Marlene, Stephen and others gathered in September for the official unveiling, and celebrated Freddie's return to the Greenhouse.
We thank Stephen for his donation, and Marlene for putting Freddie the Frog back together again!
Celebrate the history, culture and contributions of indigenous peoples
By Marge Sexton PPH resident
Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors and celebrates the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the Americas. Observed on the second Monday in October in the United States, it will be commemorated at PPH on Tuesday, October 14, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall Our guest, Boe Nakakakena Harris, is a tribal citizen of the Turtle Mountain band of Chippewa and of Spirit Lake Dakota ancestry.
Boe’s life journey and true gifts lie in connecting with others to deepen their understanding of Native American history and culture. She
achieves this with warmth, respect, humble confidence, and a willingness to share her personal story. Her respectful approach, rooted in her Indigenous perspective, emphasizes, “If you share your story and I share mine, we can walk beside each other in respect, understanding and honor.”
Now approaching her eighth decade of life, Boe carries on the legacy of her ancestors by using the gifts Creator has given her as an indigenous flute player, poet, jingle dress and Northern traditional dancer, cultural educator and champion pickleball player. Through these gifts, she has remained on
Upcoming services from PPH Pastoral Care
★ Bible Study: Tuesdays, October 7 and 21, 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Room.
★ Bible Study (Resident-initiated): Wednesdays, October 8 and 22, 10:30 a.m., 3rd Floor Personal Care Lounge.
★ Good Grief: Bereavement Support: Wednesday, October 8, 11 a.m. in the Alpha First Floor Lounge. *Please note the change of time from previous meetings.
★ Chapters Bible Story Time: Wednesday, October 8, 2 p.m. in Chapters Lounge
★ Pathways Communion Service: Friday, October 10, 10:15 a.m. in 2nd Floor Pathways Lounge
★ Prayer Breakfast: Saturday, October 11, 9 a.m. in the Social Hall.
★ Shabbat Service: Friday, October 17 and 31, 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Room.
an intentional journey of remaining physically and spiritually strong, devoting herself to bridging cultural divides.
★ Chaplain's Corner: Wednesday, October 22, 11:30 a.m. in the Fountain Room.
★ Quarterly Memorial : Tuesday, October 28, 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel. For more info on these events and the monthly Reflections column from PPH's Pastoral Services team, see page 8. For up to date info, see channels 2 & 4.
Reflections
By Linda Lewis PPH Chaplain
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Spiritual Care
It was Sunday, January 9, 2022. I was on call at the hospital I was doing my chaplaincy internship for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). I was working alongside a rabbi that day when I received a devastating phone call that penetrated deep into my heart and soul, leaving me with more questions than answers. "How would our family survive?" "What kind of long-term consequences and scars will this leave on all of us?" "Will my family member recover?" "Why Lord…why?"
After I hung up the phone, I sat sobbing in my office, an office that had very thin walls. After an appropriate amount of time, a gentle knock came at the door. I tried to pull myself together enough to respond to the knock, “Yes, can I help you," I asked.
Rabbi answered, “May I come in?”
I slowly opened the door, and she entered. We did not know each other very well; our conversations had simply been the polite, superficial type. I knew she only worked on occasional weekends, she had a family with grandchildren, and she and her husband enjoyed traveling. That was my limited knowledge about this person I found at my door. Yet there she was, offering compassion and empathy to a much less seasoned chaplain of a different faith tradition.
Catholic priest Henri Nouwen said, “Compassion is born when we discover in the center of our own existence, not only that God is God and humans are humans, but also that our neighbor really is our fellow human being.” That neighbor may be just on the other side of a thin wall, down the hallway, or miles away.
We all find ourselves in need of spiritual care at times; we need compassion, empathy, and love when our soul is wounded. No one is exempt from needing such care. Why? Because we all have a spirit and at times, like our physical body, our spirit can become weak, broken, or diseased. We recognize our physical body needs proper healthcare, exercise, and nourishment to stay strong and healthy; so too our spiritual body needs nourishment and proper care. Likewise spiritual care, which looks different for everyone, can play an integral
and vital role in your physical well-being and overall health.
Spiritual
Spiritual Care Week
Care Week is October 19-25
The concept of spiritual care has a history that goes back to biblical times. However, this year marks an anniversary milestone of officially recognizing and encouraging the important work of those who tend to the spiritual needs of others with a theme of “40 Years of Spiritual Support.”
The Pastoral Services team would like to invite you to stop by and visit us in the Fountain Room over in the “Chaplains’ Corner” on Wednesday, October 22 between 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. for a meet and greet, and an opportunity to express your thoughts and appreciation for those who support the spiritual and religious needs of our residents and team members. Sweet treats and water will be available as we hope to have a sweet time of fellowship and conversation with you. Joining us will be Rabbi August, Sister Mary Tate, our newest volunteer Sister Catherine (Cass) Glackin, and the members of our department: Pastor Earl, Hadley Whittle, and myself.
Our department wants to thank and express our gratitude to the Priests at St. William Church who provide weekly Mass, Holy Season services and meet the needs for our Roman Catholic residents. Appreciation is extended to the Pastors and lay speakers who preach at Sunday Worship services and daily Christian Chapel services.
If you feel moved to write an expression of gratitude to any of those who support the spiritual needs of PPH residents, we will see that they receive your notes or cards, or you may give them in person to those joining us on October 22. Hope to see you there!
May your spirit be filled with God’s peace,
Linda C. Lewis
PPH Chaplain
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.
