NOVEMBER 2021
PPH Auxiliary continues tradition of service and spirit Since its establishment in 1889, the Auxiliary of The Philadelphia Protestant Home has had a tradition rich in service and community spirit. Previously known as the Ladies Aide Society, the Women's Auxiliary and now the PPH Auxiliary, the group's mission is to "support the Benevolent Care Fund and gratitude activities by promoting engagement with and support for PPH's mission and one another." Auxiliary members — which consist of residents of all levels of care, staff of various departments, and members of the outside community — have helped to successfully meet the group's goals. These goals also include contributing to the purchase of equipment, renovation projects, resident amenities, support services and programs, and the expansion of social opportunities. The group's president, Lawndale Manor resident Patricia Coyne, is inspired by her passion of giving and serving, values that were passed down from her mother, a former PPH resident and Auxiliary volunteer. Several fundraisers are conducted throughout the year. The group
PPH residents and staff pose with firefighters of Engine 64. Last month, the PPH Auxiliary sponsored a full dinner for all four shifts of firefighters in Engine 64.
raises money for small gifts that go to Pathways and Personal Care residents on Mother's Day and Father's Day. They are currently working to raise funds for table decorations for the Personal Care Dining rooms. Most recently, the Auxiliary raised over $1,000 for a wreath made by Lawndale Manor resident Betty Wylot in a PPH WiSE class, and a gift basket with items from Dot's Closet. Dot's Closet is a storage area that contains household and clothing items that have been donated to PPH. These items are available for purchase, often at very low prices. Dot's Closet was open monthly
for sales prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; if you are interested in shopping, please contact an Auxiliary member. (Only open to PPH residents and staff at this time.) The Auxiliary is active in showing gratitude and appreciation to our partners in the neighborhood. Last year, they sponsored hoagies and pizza to the Philadelphia Police Department's 2nd District. And just a few weeks ago, they sponsored a full dinner for the Philadelphia Fire Department's Engine 64, located a few blocks away on 6100 Rising Sun Ave. Auxiliary >>Page 3
In This Issue... l New faces at PPH l
Active Aging Week l Oktoberfest photos
6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia PA • www.PPHFamily.org • 215.697.8000 •Facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome
Residents say goodbye to summer with cup of water ice
PPH independent living residents enjoyed a huge cup of water ice on one of the last warm days of the year, courtesy of the PPH Auxiliary! Mango and cherry were the big favorites.
New residents at PPH ★ James and Joan Smith moved to Lawndale Manor from Deptford, N.J. They both grew up in Frankford and attended Frankford High School. James attended Wilberforce University — the first college to be owned and operated by African Americans — for one year. Joan attended Penn State University for one year. James worked for the U.S. Postal Service. Joan worked as a school coordinator for the School District of Philadelphia. James and Joan have two daughters, as well as a son who is now deceased. They have four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. James enjoys sports and music; Joan enjoys reading. They both enjoy traveling — they had a motor home for 30 years and traveled all over the U.S. James and Joan both noted that they are impressed with the friendliness of staff and fellow residents and also complimented the cleanliness of the community.
★ Ernest Landsmann moved to Alpha Manor from the Rhawnhurst neighborhood of Philadelphia. He grew up in Fox Chase and attended North Catholic High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1960 and was self-employed in technical sales & services. Ernest's wife, Barbara Ann (Bobbie), passed away in 2009. Ernest has six children, four boys and two girls; and eight grandchildren. ★ Jill Lindberg moved to Lawndale Manor from Milwaukee, Wis. She grew up in the Wisconsin area and attended the University of Wisconsin. She was a special education teacher. Jill enjoys walking, painting, needlework, reading, and bible study. She moved to Philadelphia to be near her one daughter, Caroline, who lives in Mt. Airy. Jill has written articles geared towards young educators seeking to improve their skills.
★ Barbara Howald moved to Lawndale Manor from Hatboro, Pa. She grew up in Cheltenham, Pa. and attended Abington High School in Abington, Pa. She's familiar with senior living — she worked at Sunrise Community, also in Abington. Barbara has one daughter, three stepsons, three stepdaughters, and eight grandchildren. She attended college much later in life, at the same time as many of her children. Barbara has worked with Rainbow Girls and Eastern Star organizations.
★ Kathryn Miracle moved to Alpha Manor from the Mayfair neighborhood of Philadelphia. She grew up in West Philadelphia and attended West Philadelphia High School. She worked as a bank teller. Kathryn has three children, two girls and a boy; four grandsons; and two great-grandchildren, one girl and one boy. If you see any of these new PPH residents around campus, be sure to welcome them to the PPH family!
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The PPH Founders’ Appeal for Benevolent Care By Deanna Keough
Visit PPH's website — pphfamily. org — and click on the above graphic to watch our "Family Means..." video. Many of our PPH residents and staff participated in the filming and photo shoot for the video including Lawndale Manor resident Frank O'Neill and Wellness Center Director Maureen Solomon.
Director of Fund Development
As the holiday season approaches, most of us reflect on the past year with gratitude for the blessings in our lives. The anonymous quote, “we are blessed to be a blessing to others,” is a way of understanding the approach our donors have to philanthropy. The most generous among us have an amazing way of seeing what they have as not only something they worked hard for and deserve, but also as something they have been entrusted to share with others when they are able. This philosophy holds true for PPH and all who encompass the PPH family. Because of the abundant generosity of numerous individuals and corporate partners, PPH is blessed to influence countless lives through our mission of providing the highest quality of care as well as keeping our promise of Benevolent Care. PPH Benevolent Care lifts the burdens of those we care for by ensuring residents who have exhausted
Auxiliary >> From Page 1
The Auxiliary is also a gateway (no pun intended) to establish connections and friendships with fellow PPH residents. Gateway Manor resident Dot Smith, who moved into PPH earlier this year, said that volunteering with the Auxiliary helped her meet and get to know fellow residents. "It's just as important for that new person to be there, have a nice time, meet their neighbors, and come with some ideas," Patricia said. The Auxiliary meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. in the Social Hall. If unable to attend, meet-
their financial resources — through no fault of their own — remain at PPH and receive the same highquality care they are accustomed to. This holiday season, share the blessing of peace and comfort through a donation to our Benevolent Care Fund. Individuals who have made a cumulative gift of $1,000 or more in 2021 are recognized in the Leadership Circle of the PPH Bergdoll Society and invited to a reception in 2022 in appreciation
ings are broadcast on PPH TV channel 57. (Meetings are not currently open to the outside community due to COVID-19 restrictions.) Besides meetings now being broadcast on PPH TV, another positive that came out of the pandemic is the group's monthly newsletter, which gives a recap and preview of events and fundraisers. Auxiliary membership — only $5 per year — provides an opportunity to work closely with PPH family and make a difference in the lives of others. If interested in joining or volunteering, email auxiliary@ pphfamily.org or contact an Auxiliary member.
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of their philanthropy. Visit the PPH website to watch the recently premiered “Family Means…” video featuring several residents and staff who capture the spirit of the PPH culture. There are several ways to give: by check, over the phone, or through our secure donation form at PPHFamily.org/giving/donate. If you have questions, please contact Director of Development Deanna Keough at 8586.
From left to right: Betty Wylot, Evelyn Washington, PPH President & CEO John Dubyk, and Pat Lawson. Betty made the wreath that was part of the raffle, and Evelyn and Pat sold raffle tickets. The gift basket was put together by Personal Care Move-In Coordinator Mary Bargerhuff, with donated items from Dot's Closet. The winner of the raffle was Lawndale Manor resident Marge Sexton.
Active Aging Week keeps PPH residents on their toes
The week of October 4 was Active Aging Week, and PPH's Wellness Team was more active than usual — and any PPH family member knows they are highly active! The week started off with an alliteration of B's: Baggo, Bocce and Booze! Tuesday was chair massages with Alecia Aungst of Aungst Restorative Therapy; Wednesday was Courtyard Yoga/TaiChi; Thursday was Kick Off of Qi Gong, a four-week series of visits; and the week was capped off with Smoothie Friday.
Employee of the Month Robin Chase
Robin Chase has been with PPH since July 2019 in our Health Care department as a CNA. Her caring demeanor and warm heart are an asset to the department. She is a hard worker and treats the residents she cares for as family. Residents call her a “treasure”. Congratulations Robin! Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes!”
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For employee of the month nominations, contact Janice Aouta at 8193 or jaouta@pphfamily.org.
Oktoberfest at PPH
Residents and staff enjoyed PPH's annual Oktoberfest on a beautiful sunny afternoon, Oct. 20. Accordionist Wayne Huntsinger entertained the crowd, as staff dished out lunch to residents.
Midway residents show off red hats, 'tattoos'
The Red Hatters on the third floor of Midway had a "Booze and Tattoos" party (temporary tattoos). From left to right, CNA Jazz Lemar, Marilyn Clemson, CNA Falisha Tyson-Brooks, Selma Fine, Marie Hoffner, Ruth Beaucheane, and Joan DiSiata.
Volunteer of the Month Dot Smith
Congratulations to Dorothy "Dot" Smith of Gateway Manor, who is the “Volunteer of the Month” for November 2021. Dot has been a plus in our Gift Shop as a cashier. Dot makes it a point to come in earlier before her shift so that she can make sure the candy boxes are filled and the cards are in order. Dot is a pleasant lady who will do anything to help any way she can. Thanks Dot, you are a blessing to our volunteer program.
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For volunteer of the month nominations, contact Carol Cherrington at 8027 or ccherrington@ pphfamily.org.
NEWS BRIEFS Business Office hours: The Business Office hours have changed. Our Thursday hours switched to the afternoon. Business office hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon (no change). The Business Office is open Thursdays, 1:30 to 4 p.m. – no morning hours on Thursdays. The PPH Lounge (the bar in the Fountain Room): Open on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wellness Center: Vaccinated residents are not required to wear masks in the Wellness Center or in the pool. If you have any questions regarding the Wellness Center, please contact Maureen or Kayla at 8007. Sip 'N' Toss: Mondays (weather permitting) from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the Ace Center Courtyard. Tai Chi & Chair Yoga: alternating Wednesdays, 1 p.m. in the ACE Courtyard. Silver Sneakers: Circuit classes have resumed every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. in the ACE courtyard. All classes will be held in the Wellness Center in the event of inclement weather. Classes are open to all residents, and you do not have to be a SilverSneakers member to attend. PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary's next meeting will be held in-person and broadcast on PPH TV channel 57, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 11:30 a.m. Membership in the PPH Auxiliary is open to PPH residents, staff, and community supporters (only $5 per year). Dating back to its origins as the PPH Ladies Aid Society in 1889, the Auxiliary continues its initiatives to support the heart of PPH's fundraising mission, Benevolent Care, as well as supporting staff/resident gratitude activities. Contact Auxiliary President Patricia Coyne at cameo1200@gmail.com or 8403 to become a member or for more information. Food Collection: The PPH Food Drive is a one- year commitment to local food pantries in this area. Food will be collected the last week of the month and then delivered the first day
PPH Garden Party: PPH President & CEO John Dubyk (center) with award winners Fr. Tariq Isaac of the Church of St. William, Frederick Schea of the Schea & Lloyd families, Lawndale Manor resident John Wozniak, and Tom Waring of the Northeast Times. For more photos from this sponsor & donor appreciation event — as well as other PPH events and activities — see channel 2.
of the following month. There will be two collection sites: the vending machines area located near the Wellness Center and in front of the Security desk. For more information, call Tom Sexton at 8368. PACE: Pennsylvania's prescription assistance programs for older adults, PACE and PACENET (Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly), offer low-cost prescription medication to qualified residents, age 65 and older. Yearly income must be below $27,500 (single) or $35,500 (married) to qualify. For more information, visit the PACE website pacecares.magellanhealth.com/or reach out to Social Services for assistance. Veterans' Meeting: The next Veterans' Meeting will be held Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. in the Learning Center. Veterans Day Luncheon: Thursday, Nov. 11 at 11:30 a.m. in the Social Hall. Calling all Veterans!: PPH wants to make sure we have identified all veterans living in our community. In May 2021, we distributed a survey to gather information about your years of service and veteran affiliation in the community. If you have not completed a survey or are a veteran new to the community, please contact Bill Conaway (ext. 8194), Valerie Williams (ext. 8006) or Kathy Wersinger (ext. 8017) for a copy of the form. We want
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to make sure you are receiving all information and meeting notices. Race and Diversity discussions: On Wednesday, Nov. 3 and 10, at 1 p.m., our PPH sponsored Diversity program, led by Dr. Daisy Century will continue. This month's programs will be held in the Activities Room. PPH is proud to sponsor this purposeful endeavor to embrace diversity. Diversity nor this program are meant to be political. Residents are encouraged to join us in further discussions and conversations. PPH is committed to understand, appreciate, and respect differences, beliefs, and values. Elevators: The elevator repair / replacement project has started. The repairs to the Alpha elevator nearest the ACE center & greenhouse started at the end of September and will be out of service for a few more weeks. As more details are available on when and which other elevators will be renovated or repaired, PPH will provide adequate notification. Security: In PPH's ongoing efforts to increase security, a video intercom system has been ordered for Gateway and Alpha lobbies. Visitors will use the system to call security who will check with the resident to see if they want to allow the visitor in, and Security will then buzz the visitor in. News >> Page 7
Security officer, two social workers recognized as Guardian Angels PPH recently honored three Guardian Angels — one member of the Security department and two members of Social Services. Gateway Manor resident Barbara Renn recognized Security Officer Brenda Good for her quality care, compassion, and kindness. Brenda helps Barbara get on and off the PPH van each time she takes a trip somewhere. Brenda’s quality care has helped ease Barbara’s mind in regards to traveling outside PPH. Former PPH residents Dana and Harold Catlaw recently moved to California to be closer to family, but before saying their goodbyes, they decided to honor two members of the PPH family as Guardian Angels — Lisa Rubin-Wallack and Carrie Gabryelewciz of the Social Services department. The Catlaws recognized Lisa and Carrie for their ability to solve problems and tackle challenges, as well as their caring nature. "You have the courage, willingness and fortitude to rise to the task or meeting the needs of individuals you service every day. But best of all, it is your 'Glorious, unwavering sense of humor,'" the Catlaws said of Carrie. "I am constantly encouraged by your innate ability to self-reflect as a tool to guide others and those who are supervised by you," the Catlaws said of Lisa, also noting Lisa's "gentle calm" nature. It should be noted that this is Lisa's second Guardian Angel award of 2021 and Carrie's third! Be sure to congratulate these three new Guardian Angel recipients if you see them in the PPH hallways. A Guardian Angel donation is a News >> From Page 6
Vegetable gardens: Approval has been given to start planning an upgrade of PPH's Lawndale vegetable
VP of Marketing & Communications Shannon Grieb, Carrie Gabryelewicz and Lisa Rubin-Wallack of Social Services, and VP of Residential Living & Personal Care Mary Ann Parisse. Lisa and Carrie were recognized for their care by two former PPH residents. Left, Director of Security Ted Cannon, Gateway Manor resident Barbara Renn, and Security Officer Brenda Good. Below Brenda thanks Barbara for recognizing her as a PPH Guardian Angel.
meaningful way to express your gratitude for a special PPH caregiver or other staff member who made a difference in your life or the life of a loved one. Recognize his or her quality care and service by making a Guardian Angel gift of $250 in their honor. Your gift supports the PPH mission and further enhances all aspects of resident life. For more information on PPH's Guardian Angel program, how to nominate a Guardian Angel and to view past recipients, visit https:// pphfamily.org/giving/guardian-angel-giving/ or call Director of Fund Development Deanna Keough at 8586.
Recent recipients can also be seen on the display board in the esplanade.
gardens. No timeline has been set; Dave Hughes will work with Kathy Nucero and the Resident Planting group to let them know when this may happen.
REACH suggestions: If you have any content suggestions for REACH, please contact REACH editor and PPH Communications Specialist Mike Berman (call 8003, or email mberman@pphfamily.org)
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Reflections
Pastor Jack Price PPH Director of Pastoral Ministries
Gratitude brings joy I have mentioned several times recently that one of the very best parts of the fall season for me is the lineup of special celebrations. Halloween in our small town of Hightstown, N.J. is a wonderfully festive time with more trick-or-treaters than you can possibly imagine. With proper distancing and masking, I am looking forward to its post-COVID-19 return! We also are blessed with several family birthdays in addition to the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. These last two are so important for what they remind us about life and what is truly valuable. The true gift of being thankful is actually what we receive from being grateful. When our lives are marked by gratitude, life itself becomes more joyful. As in the Dr. Seuss story
"The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," when the Grinch learned the gift of gratitude, his heart began to grow. He learned the gift of loving and being loved. The gift of healing, both giving and receiving, is available to everyone. Everyone’s gifts for healing and transformation are valued. When we receive healing, God makes a priceless investment in us, then it matters what we do with that investment. It is becoming clearer the role that some social media processes have played in increasing the negative feelings that are threatening to tear our society apart. Even as I hope fervently that our leadership will address and deal with some of those systemic issues, there is a great deal each one of us can do to reduce
anger and promote healing. Start with catching the reactive feelings as they begin to arise — often in the form of self-righteous anger — and don’t act on them! Don’t even express them online or in person until you’ve had the chance to cool off a little and process those feelings with someone you trust. The division into hostile camps of us vs. them may well be far more dangerous to all of us than whatever differences of opinion we have. Let us seek the healing that is available by the grace of God. Remember that the purpose of healing is to invite us to become healers and transformers ourselves — to invest ourselves and our gifts in others. May God bless you as journey together.
PPH gets into the Halloween spirit!
A sampling of decorated doors at PPH! Happy Halloween!
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. 8