OCTOBER 2021
Honoring those who serve & sacrifice PPH held a ceremony on Patriots' Day to honor those affected by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, as well at those who serve — and sacrifice — today. Speakers included Director of Community Relations Bill Conaway, PPH President & CEO John Dubyk, retired Philadelphia Fire Commissioner & current Upper Darby Fire Chief and PPH Board of Directors member Derrick Sawyer, and Councilwoman Cherelle Parker. Director of Community Relations Bill Conaway was the emcee of the program, which was held the morning of Sept. 11. PPH Lawndale Manor resident Pastor Ken Smith gave an invocation. Alpha Manor resident Jim Walker played TAPS as PPH Security staff member Jorge Rodriguez raised the U.S. flag. Audrey Alston sang “American The Beautiful” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” Pastor Ken Smith closed out the ceremony with a benediction. Many PPH residents were in attendance, including many veterans. Derrick Sawyer noted the importance service, but the sacrifice that comes with service.
From left to right: Ryan Morrissy, PPH resident Harry Morrissy, Kevin Morrissy, Keith Morrissy, PPH President & CEO John Dubyk, and Rich Schuck. Below Upper Darby Fire Chief and PPH Board of Directors member Derrick Sawyer, Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, and PPH residents Phil and Betty DeHennis with their son, Michael.
“The next time you see someone in uniform and you say to them ‘Thank you for your service,’ also say, ‘Thank you for your sacrifice,’”
Sawyer said. “That could be your only chance to thank them for their sacrifice.” Sept. 11 >>Page 8
In This Issue... l Sunshine Music Memories returns
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Auxiliary shows appreciation l Bocce court opens
6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia PA • www.PPHFamily.org • 215.697.8000 •Facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome
Resident finds confidence in wreath-crafting Wise class Gateway Manor resident Betty Wylot was recently told by a friend that she should seek out ways to increase her self-confidence. After talking to PPH Volunteer Coordinator Carol Cherrington, Betty decided to join Carol's WISE wreath-crafting class. Not only did she end up finding enjoyment in wreath-making, she discovered a new hobby and found the confidence she was seeking! She started off making small wreaths, and loved doing it so much that she is now making bigger and better wreaths. "I am so proud of her," Carol said. She is amazing!" One of the many benefits of lifelong learning for older adults includes a feeling of accomplishment, offers an opportunity to learn new skills, gives an interest that can be shared, and increases self-confidence. And Betty didn't stop with the Halloween wreath (pictured above) that she gave to her granddaugh-
Left, Betty Wylot holds a wreath she made for her granddaughter. Above, the PPH Auxiliary's fall raffle giveaway. Below, Auxiliary members Pat Lawson and Evelyn Washington sell raffle tickets.
ter away at college. She also made the wreath that's being raffled off with the PPH Auxiliary's gift basket of goodies. The Auxiliary's gift basket includes lottery scratch-offs, a seasonal candy dish, earrings, a charm bracelet and much more. Raffle tickets are $1 each, $5 for six tickets. Deadline to buy tickets is Friday, Oct. 15. All proceeds to go to PPH's Benevolent Care, which gives residents the extra
assurance that if they run out of resources, due to no fault of their own, they will be taken care of for life.
New residents at PPH ★ Delores "Dee" Bohn moved to PPH's Lawndale Manor building from the Tacony section of Philadelphia. She grew up in the Frankford section of the city and attended Frankford High School. After high school, she attended cosmetology school, eventually becoming a hairdresser. Dee's husband, Ted, lives in Pathways. She spends a lot time visiting with him and says that living on the same campus is very convenient for her. Dee has three daughters, four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She enjoys crafting, reading, and sewing. Dee has been a PPH Wellness Center volunteer for 18 years and says that she already feels at home at PPH.
Castor Gardens section of Philadelphia and attended Northeast High School. She attended college at Temple University and Drexel University. Deborah worked as a medical librarian. She is a bird enthusiast. ★ Linda and Bil Stokes moved to PPH's Alpha Manor building from Fort Washington, Pa. Linda grew up in Philadelphia and attended Olney High School. Bil grew up in Willow Grove, Pa. and attended Archbishop Wood High School. Bil worked for Prudential Financial & The Hartford. After retiring from the insurance business, he continued working for an additional 10 years at an automobile shop as a car detailer. The couple has three children and five grandchildren.
★ Deborah Kogan moved to PPH's Gateway Manor building from the Burholme section of the city. She grew up in the
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Sunshine Music Memories returns After 18 months, WBCB's Sunshine Music Memories returned to PPH's Fountain Room on Tuesday, Sept. 7. The radio show, hosted by "Smilin'" Lou Powers and Chris Ermer, last held a broadcast at PPH in March 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they began broadcasting the show from their studio in Bristol, Pa. The team is glad to be back at PPH. Sunshine Music Memories
airs Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. (It was previously held on Wednesdays.) It features music from the 1920s, '30s, '40s and '50s, as well as guest appearances from various PPH staff members. If you're unable to make it to the Fountain Room to view the show live, you can tune in to 1490 AM, on PPH TV channel 55, or online at wbcb1490.com/ sunshine-music-memories/.
Collections — Frankford HS alumni The group of residents you might have seen gathered around the display case in the PPH Esplanade are looking at the exhibition featuring 15 PPH residents (and one staff member) who are Frankford High School graduates from 1939 to 1978. Come look at their high school yearbook graduation photos and see if you can figure out who's who! Lawndale Manor residents Patricia Coyne and Phyllis Humpl reached out to fellow alumni, collecting yearbooks, class rings, scrapbooks, commencement programs and other memorabilia to share. Patricia has also interviewed each of our graduates and is preparing a video presentation (with the technical support of Communications Specialist and REACH editor Mike Berman) to be premiered later this month. This exhibit will be on display through the end of this month.
PPH Independent Living Sales Specialist Karen Votel shortly before going on air with WBCB's "Smilin'" Lou Powers and Chris Ermer.
Aloha Summer Luau PPH Personal Care residents and staff enjoyed a special luau on Aug. 31. Clockwise from top left: Selma Fine, PC Activities Coordinator Toni Granieri, Harry Lucas, Marie Hoffner, Selma Winters, and Dining Services team members David Nater and Selena Burton.
Can you identify any of these PPH residents (and one staff member) from their Frankford High School yearbook photo? (Names are listed next to the exhibit if you need help.)
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Garden Party recognizes longtime supporters, friends of PPH The PPH Garden Party, a sponsor and donor appreciation event, was held Sept. 23. The event was slated to be held in PPH's beautiful outdoor ACE Center Courtyard and Gardens, but was moved inside due to inclement weather, and held in the Private Dining Room, Bistro, and Fountain Room. PPH President & CEO John Dubyk presented the 2020 and 2021 Donor Appreciation awards and Community Leadership and Service awards, followed by the premiere of PPH's "Family Means" testimonial video. The Donor Appreciation Award honors a donor who embodies a culture of benevolence. The 2020 award was given to John Wozniak. John, an independent living resident and member of the PPH Bergdoll Society and the PPH Heritage Society, was honored for his support of current and future residents of PPH. Fred Schea accepted the
From left to right: Fr. Tariq Isaac of the Church of St. William, Frederick Schea of the Schea & Lloyd families, PPH President & CEO John Dubyk, Lawndale Manor resident John Wozniak, and Tom Waring of the Northeast Times.
2021 award on behalf of the Schea & Lloyd families for their longtime and consistent support of the Eberhard and Helen Schea Endowment Fund for Healthcare Education. The fund was founded by Fred and his sister Caroline Lloyd in honor of their parents, Eberhard and Helen. The fund has gone on to grant scholarships to numerous PPH employees. The Community Leadership & Service Award honors a partner in our community who shares our values and whose leadership serves
the needs of others. The Church of St. William was presented with the 2020 award for serving Lawncrest for more than 100 years and its willingness to adapt to the changing demographics of the community. Fr. Tariq Isaac accepted on the parish’s behalf. The Northeast Times was honored with the 2021 award for keeping Northeast Philadelphia residents informed and up to date for 87 years. Editor Tom Waring accepted on the publication’s behalf. See the November REACH for more photos from this event.
PPH Auxiliary shows appreciation to vaccinated staff members In a show of appreciation in PPH's fight against COVID-19, the PPH Auxiliary offered $50 to four randomly selected vaccinated staff members. The winners were: Andrew Denelsbeck, Environmental Services; Kimberly Smith, Personal Care; Bartholy Ferdinand, Healthcare Nursing; and Floryse Colon, Personal Care. (All vaccinated staff members were eligible.)
PPH Auxiliary President Patricia Coyne, Andrew Denelsbeck of Environmental PPH Auxiliary President Patricia Coyne, Services, and Director of Community Kimberly Smith of Personal Care, and Relations Bill Conaway PPH President & CEO John Dubyk.
Employee of the Month Marleen Pendleton
For employee of the month nominations, contact Janice Aouta at 8193 or jaouta@pphfamily.org.
Marleen has been working in our Life Enrichment Department as an activities coordinator since July of 2020. She is always pleasant and willing to do whatever is asked of her with a smile. She is great with the residents and goes the extra mile in all she does.
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Residents learn the game of bocce With the new PPH bocce court finished and ready for some game action, PPH Director of Community Relations Bill Conaway is teaching a WISE class this fall on the game of bocce. Many residents showed up to the first class for a beginner's guide of some rules and strategies of the game and participated in a few frames on PPH's new bocce court.
Celebrations for PPH's Medical Mission Sisters
Sr. Joan Foley celebrated her 90th birthday in September! She's pictured above (left) with fellow Medical Mission Sisters Sr. Jane Coyle and Sr. Joan Marie Doud. She also received a visit from a friend and her dog, Frankie Boy.
Volunteer of the Month Emil Scharer Congratulations go out to Emil Scharer, resident of Alpha Manor, who is the “Volunteer of the Month.” Emil has been a tremendous help to our Security department in his short time as a PPH volunteer. His main job is to help the Security department by organizing the Key Room, which holds many keys to our community. Security Director Ted Cannon (pictured with Emil) says that Emil is very efficient and has great organizational skills. Thanks so much Emil, for all that you do. You are appreciated!
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Sr. Dorothy "Jeanette" McDermott (left) visited with her four siblings in Iowa earlier this summer. While there, she celebrated the 90th birthday of one of her siblings. Jeanette is the second oldest and one of four over the age of 90! She says this most recent visit was even more special than past visits — she typically travels to Iowa at least once every year, but missed out on a 2020 visit due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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, in conjunction with Happy Hour! PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary's next meeting will be held in-person and broadcast on PPH TV channel 57, Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 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 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. PAR Recycling: There will be a recycling event for electronic devices on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here is an example of items: printers, keyboards, A/V equipment, phones, speakers, power supply wires (char-
please contact Bill Conaway (ext. 8194), Valerie Williams (ext. 8006) or Kathy Wersinger (ext. 8017) for a copy of the form. We want to make sure you are receiving Dr. Daisy Century speaks at the first Race all information and and Diversity event. The meeting notices. October discussions are Voting: The general scheduled to take place election will be held on Oct. 6 and 13, 1 p.m., in Tuesday, Nov. 2, from the Social Hall. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. PPH will not be a polling gers, connectors, etc...), computer site. The polling location for all PPH batteries. residents is Cedar Grove Christian The following items include a cost to Academy, which is located at 6445 ensure they are properly recycled: Bigham Street. Here are a couple of • older CRT monitors and TVs: $35 important dates: Oct. 18 is the last day $75/each (size varies) to register to vote or to make changes • flatscreen TVs: $20/each to your voter’s registration. Oct. 20 is • computer monitors: $5 the last day to request a mail-in ballot. • air conditioners, dehumidifiers, & Please visit www.vote.gov. to check air purifiers: $20 and confirm your voter registration • microwaves: $10 and much more information relating to Veterans' Meeting: The next Vetvoting. Please contact Bill Conaway at erans' Meeting will be held Thursday, extension 8194 to answer any quesOct. 5 at 10 a.m. in the Social Hall. tions relating to voting. Guest Speaker: Scott Ferguson, from Race and Diversity discussions: On Veterans Benefit Assistance Program Wednesday, Oct. 6 and Oct. 13 at 1 p.m., (VBAP). He will present information on our PPH sponsored Diversity program VA Burial and Death Benefits. led by Dr. Daisy Century will continue Honoring PPH Veteran Heroes: PPH in the Social Hall. PPH is proud to would like to honor all our veterans by sponsor this purposeful endeavor creating a PPH Veteran Heroes video to embrace diversity. Diversity nor that would be displayed near the vetthis program is meant to be political. erans' corner. The video would show Residents are encouraged to join us in a side-by-side picture of the veteran further discussions and conversations. in uniform and current photo, includPPH is committed to understand, ing name, branch, rank, and years of appreciate, and respect differences, service. We are targeting release of beliefs, and values. the video to be shown at the Veteran Hobby/Craft Show: Do you have Luncheon which will be held Nov. 11 at an artistic hobby such as painting, 11:30 a.m. Please start to gather your woodwork, knitting, crochet, stained pictures. A letter regarding next steps glass, photography, etc... that you will be sent out the week Oct. 4. We would like to highlight and have on hope all will participate to ensure the display in the Social Hall? Depending success of this project. on interest level, PPH will be planning a Calling all Veterans!: PPH wants to Craft Show sometime in the fall. Please make sure we have identified all vetcontact Kathy Nucero at 8505 if you erans living in our community. In May are interested in participating. 2021, we distributed a survey to gather Wireless Internet Project: The Wireinformation about your years of service less Internet Project is nearing compleand veteran affiliation in the commution. nity. If you have not completed a survey News >> Page 7 or are a veteran new to the community,
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Guardian Angel recognized for compassion, thoughtfulness PPH's newest Guardian Angel is Vice President of Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation (Pathways) Jennifer Honeyford. Alpha Manor resident Emil Scharer chose to recognize Jennifer for helping to make his 60th wedding anniversary a memorable occasion. “I’m recognizing Jennifer for her compassionate care, specifically for the thoughtfulness she showed in organizing a special dinner for me and my wife to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary,” he said. Emil’s wife, Patricia, is a Pathways resident. When Jennifer and PPH's Dining Services staff learned that the Scharers’ 60th wedding anniversary was approaching, they decided to organize a dinner for the longtime couple. They set the ambiance with flowers, decorations, and memories the two shared over the past 60 years. A Guardian Angel donation is a 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
Above, Emil and Patricia Scharer enjoy dinner on their 60th wedding anniversary in July. Top right, Jennifer Honeyford poses with her certificate with Patricia and Emil. Right, Jennifer (center) accepts her Guardian Angel award with Emil and PPH President & CEO John Dubyk.
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
Pathways residents keep busy
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.
News >> From Page 6
Residents in Pathways enjoy a wide range of activities. Clockwise from left: Regina Spotts works on a puzzle, Chuck Henry arranges flowers, and George Hunter reads the Philadelphia Inquirer.
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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. Vegetable gardens: Approval has been given to start planning an upgrade of PPH's Lawndale vegetable gardens. No timeline has been set; Dave Hughes will work with Kathy Nucero and the Resident Planting group to letting 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)
Reflections
Pastor Jack Price PPH Director of Pastoral Ministries
Faith is a gift Faith is the capacity to trust when the alternative is to slide into oblivion. It could be the choice to trust in a particular religious tradition and its teachings even when such trust is difficult—choosing to believe, to trust, despite what others might say. Faith could be the choice to trust that God exists and is actively behind all the events of life; to believe in a divine causation even though we allow for different interpretations of those events; to trust that God is present and active even though God's ways are mysterious to us— often confounding all
explanations and interpretations. Faith could be the choice to hang on to the belief that God exists amidst a great deal of disbelief; when the weight of rational explanation seems to drive away every religious tenet, including many we agree probably need to be driven away, when there remains a core of trust in the Divine at the heart of the universe. Faith is a gift of trust, endurance, perspective, and belief. It kicks in when it needs to kick in for each person, but not before. In my experience, there are people on
9/11 - From Page 1
Councilwoman Parker spoke on the importance of never forgetting what happened on 9/11, but also educating younger and future generations. “This will ensure that we never forget and never take our first responders, our country, our patriotism…for granted.” Members of Burholme Emergency Medical Services, Philadelphia Fire Department Engine 64 and Cheltenham Fire Company were in attendance, including Keith, Ryan and Kevin Morrissy – the son and grandsons of Gateway Manor resident Harry Morrissy. Harry was a volunteer firefighter with Cheltenham Fire Company as was PPH
the journey of faith that represent each of these approaches. We do well to honor each perspective. Faith requires of us four things: to believe that God is working in and through each person; to respect each person’s journey; to perceive that, in a mysterious and mystical way, God is working in us to grow and become more spiritually mature; and to trust that, even as God is before all things and in all things, we are each giving birth to God in our lives. May God continue to bless you as we journey together!
President & CEO John Dubyk. "The lives we lost should not be forgotten. The courage that day by those who sacrificed their lives will never be forgotten," he said. Bill Conaway closed out the ceremony, asking all Americans to challenge themselves to find the unity that we found in the days after 9/11. “When Americans lend a hand to one another, nothing is impossible,” he said, reciting a famous quote that resonated in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. “We are not about what happened on 9/11. We’re about what happened on 9/12. We were united; we were the United States of America. If we can do that 9/12, we can do that every day.”
Alpha Manor resident Margie Simon was one of many PPH residents to attend the Patriots' Day ceremony.
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