NOVEMBER 2023
The history of Veterans Day Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, is celebrated annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This date marks the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major US veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Dwight D. Eisenhower said of the renaming, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations...” There is often confusion about the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. While Memorial Day honors those who gave their lives in service to our country, Veterans Day honors all who served in the US Armed Forces. PPH has an active veterans group that meets monthly to give our veterans an opportunity to share their life experiences with fellow men and women who have served. Some of the meetings feature guest speakers, specifically to inform our veterans about
First news of Peace! November 11, 1918 the benefits that they are entitled to and how to navigate the sometimes complex application process. At PPH we take many opportunities to celebrate our veterans with trips throughout the year and flagraising ceremonites on campus. The highlight of this year was the Dream Flights program, which is a nonprofit organization focused on giving back to those who gave to our country. Resident veterans were given a ride in a Boeing Stearman biplane. PPH Community Relations Director, Bill Conaway, coordinates all of the veterans events and ceremo>>>continued on page 7, Veterans Day
In This Issue... • Staying healthy this fall • New Guardian Angels • Farewell to Kayla 6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia PA • www.PPHFamily.org • 215.697.8000 Facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome
Family Focus Staying safe from seasonal viruses Eileen Bratton, PPH’s Infection Control Preventionist recently shared information about the top viruses this fall and winter. Eileen has broken down the three viruses, treatment protocols, type of symptoms, how long they last and when to call your doctor.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) RSV is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract illness. Annually 60,000 to 120,000 older adults are hospitalized and 6.000 to 10,000 die from the RSV infection. Symptoms include: runny nose, wet cough, sneezing, fever, or wheezing. RSV virus can lead to pneumonia, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) exacerbation and CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) and is dangerous for young children and adults over 65; especially those with chronic lung disease and weakened immune symptoms. RSV typically lasts 2-8 days but can last longer. Treatment is rest, fluids, and pain-relieving medications.
Eileen Bratton, PPH Infection Preventionist
Covid 19 Typically, symptoms start 2-14 days after exposure, with day five being when symptoms get serious. Symptoms include: cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste/smell, and runny nose. An individual who is Covid positive can be infectious for 10 days. At first, symptoms are vague and then seem to get worse and that is when a person will get tested and discover they are positive. Treatment is isolation, rest, fluids, pain relieving medications and antiviral medications.
Influenza Influenza, “the flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. The Flu spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms appear suddenly and include: high fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, fatigue and chills. An individual is contagious from one day before symptoms to up to five days after they are symptomatic. Treatment is rest, fluids, and antiviral medication.
Vaccines are available for all three viruses. Be aware of all three of these viruses and if you think you may be ill with any of these, please isolate yourself and check in with your Primary Care Physician (PCP). Remember, using masks in crowded areas and good hand hygiene can help you to avoid all three of these viruses! We hope you stay safe and healthy this fall!
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PPH celebrates two new Guardian Angels There were two new Guardian Angels recognized recently by PPH residents. Sharise Paul, front desk receptionist, was recognized by resident Pat Ripoll for her welcoming manner and helpful nature. “Sharise is a great asset to PPH!” Yvette Lopez was recognized by residents Walter and Carol Ceglowski for her support and helpfulness with various maintenance related issues and the ability to solve problems. “Yvette has been an extraordinary help to us!” A Guardian Angel is a meaningful way (From left) Walter, Yvette, Carol to express your gratitude for a special and Isaac (Yvette’s supervisor) PPH caregiver or another employee who made a difference in your life or the life of a loved one. Recognize their quality Sharise with resident care and service by making a $250 donation in their honor. Patricia Ripoll https://pphfamily.org/giving/guardian-angel-giving/
New residents at PPH Lorraine Busch Lorraine moved to PPH from Northeast Philadelphia. A native of Northeast Philadelphia, she attended St. Hubert’s High School and Temple University. Lorraine enjoyed a career as a teacher. Lorraine enjoys fostering and training dogs, taking care of plants, swimming, and exercising. She has volunteered at PPH for years and will continue working in the PPH greenhouse. Before moving to PPH, Lorraine devoted many years as a volunteer, raising puppies for the Philadelphia chapter of the Seeing Eye organization. She continues to coordinate monthly meetings here at PPH. Welcome to PPH Lorraine!
Erna Mattiace Erna moved to PPH from nearby Fox Chase. She grew up in North Philadelphia and attended Philadelphia Community College, working as a secretary. She enjoys playing Sudoku and reading and has one son. Welcome to PPH Erna!
Facebook: Facebook.com/PhiladelphiaProtestantHome Instagram: @philadelphiaprotestanthome Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-protestant-home Twitter: @pphfamily For any REACH ideas, please contact Communications Department – Shannon Grieb at 215-697-8586 or sgrieb@pphfamily.org
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Unheralded Heroes by PPH resident Velma N'Jai Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston (1939–) Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston is a physician and researcher, and the first African American to direct a public health service bureau (the Bureau of Primary Health Care in the US Department of Health and Human Services Administration) with a budget of 5 billion dollars. She attended Miami University and the University of Cincinnati and completed her internship at the Philadelphia General Hospital where she first became interested in Sickle Cell Anemia, an interest that woudl lead her to conduct a revolutionary study on the disease. Gaston is internationally recognized for her leadership in combatting Sickle Cell disease. Madame CJ Walker aka Sarah Breedlove (12/23/1867 – 5/25/1919) Madame CJ Walker was one of the first self-made African American female millionaires in the World Book of Records. Walker made her fortune by developing and marketing a line of cosmetics and hair care products for black women. She learned of hair care from her brothers who were barbers. Walker’s business expanded beyond the US to Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, Panama, and Costa Rica. She founded CJ Walker Manufacturing Company which was a state of the art factory and school in Indianapolis, which was a major distribution hub, tarinign some 40,000 Walker agents. Miriam Benjamin (1861-1947) Mariam Benjamin was one of only a few African American women to receive a patent before the 1900’s. In July 1888, she obtained a patent for her invention, the Gong and Signal Chair for Hotel. As its name suggests, the chair had both a gong and signal connected to it. When the person in the chair pressed a small button on the side of the chair, it would ring a bell and display the red side of a ball on the back of the chair, allowing the attendant to see which guest needed help. The chair was designed to reduce expenses by reducing the need for waiters and attendants, and “to obviate the necessity of hand clapping or calling aloud” to obtain assistance. Her invention was a precursor to the signaling systems used in airplanes for travelers seeking assistance from flight attendants.
PPH bids farewell to Kayla Jurimas PPH bid a bittersweet farewell to Kayla Jurimas last month, former Wellness Coordinator at PPH. Kayla began her career at PPH eight years ago and quickly became a familar face in the Fitness area – and PPH! Her kind and helfpul manner resulted in several “Guardian Angel” awards from grateful residents. Residents gathered for a special “Smoothie Friday” to give Kayla a special send off. We wish Kayla the best of luck in her new position and hope to see her back as a visitor!
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RED OCTOBER
Employee of the Month: Jordan Robinson Congratulations to Jordan of the Life Enrichment department. Jordan started with out dining dpeartment as a server in July 2022. She transferred to the Life Enrichment Dept. in April of 2023 and has been a great addition to the team. She is always willing to help with a smile! Her courtesy and patience with our residents has been greatly appreciated. Thank you for doing “Whatever it takes.”
Volunteer of the Month: Marie Tucci Congratulations to Gateway resident, Marie Tucci, who is the “Volunteer of the Month” for November 2023. Marie has been a PPH Volunteer since 2021. She is a lady who likes to keep busy. Marie does that by being a mail deliverer, a librarian and delivering the monthly bills in Gateway Manor. No matter what department Marie is volunteering, you can be sure she will do an excellent job. Thanks Marie, for all that you do in such a nice way.
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NEWS BRIEFS + COVID-19 protocols for visitors: Masks are no longer required for staff, residents, or visitors while on our campus, and employees are not required to wear masks when interacting with residents. Residents, employees, and visitors may continue wearing masks if they feel comfortable. Masks and PPE will still be required in some cases of isolation or if there is a significant concern for serious illness. Please advise your guests to refrain from visiting if they feel sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. + Food Collection: The PPH Food Drive — a 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Project — will continue indefinitely, as long as PPH’s neighbors are in need of food. Food will be collected the last week of the month, and then will be delivered the first day of the following month. There will be two collection sites: the vending machine area, located near the Wellness Center, and in front of the Security office. For more information, call Tom Sexton at ext. 8368. + Trips: Fees for trips are now added to each resident’s monthly bill (NO CASH). If you’d like to cancel, you must call the Business Office (ext. 8010) to have the trip fee removed. + Independent Living Residents Association: The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. *(If subject to COVID-19 restrictions, this will broadcast on channel 7)
+ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary’s next meeting will be held in the Social Hall, and broadcast on PPH TV channel 7 on Tuesday, November 14 at 11:30am. 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. + Veterans Day lunch: Veterans Day program and lunch for our resident veterans will be held on Friday, November 10 at 11:30am in the Social Hall. Please RSVP to Bill Conaway at ext. 8031 + Herb Kaufman Happy Holidays: The Traditions of Thanksgiving and Christmas, Monday November 13th, 2pm in the Social Hall. Herb Kaufman is an Historian and possesses a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Temple University. He has been a teacher, lecturer and living historian for more than 20 years. He is a founding member of the faculty of the Civil War Institute and History Institute at Manor College and an Instructor of history at Camden County College. He also teaches history courses for adults at Gratz College, Katz JCC of Cherry Hill and Golden Slipper GEMS Senior Classes on the Main Line and Bucks County.
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+ TED Talks: See the November calendar. + Veterans’ Meeting: The November Veterans’ meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 7, at 10:00 a.m. in the Learning Center. If you have not provided your photos for the Veterans video, please bring them with you to the meeting. Please contact Bill Conaway at ext. 8031 with any questions. + Volunteer Opportunities: Our Volunteer Department is always looking for new volunteers. If you are interested in any volunteer opportunities, please contact Carol Cherrington at ext. 8027. + Calling all Veterans: It is important to PPH that we identify all veterans living in our community. We want to make sure you are receiving the meeting notices, ceremonial invitations, and other veteran specific information. If you are new to the community and/or you have not completed the May 2021 veteran survey, please contact Bill Conaway at ext. 8031. Our Time Cabaret will present a “Mashup” of Gospel, Standards and Holiday Music on Thursday, November 16 at 2pm in the Social Hall. We are pleased to include some songs requested by PPH residents at past shows. Songs include: • Baby It’s Cold Outside • Tennessee Waltz • How Great Thou Art • Night and Day AND more!
Election Day History Have you ever wondered why elections are held on the first Tuesday in November? You probably didn’t think it had to do with 19th century farmers! In 1800, most citizens worked as farmers and did not live close to a polling place. Since people typically travelled for a full day to vote, lawmakers needed a two-day window for election day. Sundays would not work as it conflicted with church services. Considering all of these factors, Tuesday was selected as the most convenient day of the week to hold elections. The time of year was also important as November did not conflict with planting or harvest seassons and also avoided the harsh winter weather. (In 1845, Congress passes a federal law designating the first Tuesday (following the first Monday) in November as Election Day.) For a complete guide to the 2023 general election in Philadelphia, you can visit: https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/philadelphia-election-2023/amp/ PPH residents, who are not voting by mail, can vote across the street at Cedar Grove Christian Academy at 6445 Bingham Street. Please contact Bill Conaway at ext. 8031 with any questions.
>>>Veterans Day, continued from page 1 nies at PPH. When asked about his dedication to our veterans, Bill shared, “It is a great honor for me to be able to give the recognition to our veterans for their sacrifices for our country.” In addition to special trips, Mission BBQ has treated veterans to a free meal on Veteran’s Day. In past years the meals were delivered to PPH or a special trip was planned to enjoy lunch at one of their local restaraunts. One of the biggest events of the year is our Veteran’s Day Flag Day at PPH lunch. PPH invites special speakers and students from local schools to help serve lunch and write special cards and notes of appreciation to our veterans. At PPH, we are grateful to all US veterans, especially those living and working with us.
PA State Rep.Anthony Bellman speaks at the PPH Patriots Day ceremoney
PPH resident veterans participated in the Dream Flights program
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Reflections Gratitude and Thanksgiving Have No Expiration Date One of the joys in the month of November for me is the celebration of Thanksgiving. As a national holiday it is a time for all of us, regardless of our faith and family traditions, race, or culture, to come together with family and friends to unite in a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving. Aside from football, turkey, and pumpkin pie many of us focus our thanksgiving thoughts on what God has given us and what He is doing in our life NOW. We offer thanks for a variety of different reasons such as our families, the PPH staff, our homes, our good health or having overcome a medical issue, financial resources that allow us to live a comfortable life and dear friends. Expressing our thankfulness verbally benefits the person we thank and brings us joy. A thankful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22. But when was the last time you gave thanks for your PAST? Sometimes thinking about our past can be difficult so we try suppressing the bad memories. The unexpected death of a loved one, illnesses, relationships that soured and dreams that never materialized can leave us angry, disappointed, and ungrateful. While recalling the people and events of our past that were painful, giving thanks in all things allows us to accept our past and move ahead. It is those difficult and painful experiences that help us grow and strengthen us. Pain and disappointment, if we learn from it, allow us to show and express understanding and compassion to others who struggle with similar heartaches. We have opportunities to show others what C. Spurgeon calls, “thanks-living.” Also, remembering experiences and loved ones who have impacted our lives in a positive way gives us another reason to give thanks for our past.Remember where you came from, who guided and supported you, and give thanks for the past experiences of your life journey, because they molded you into the person you are today. Prayers and Blessing to you and yours for a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude for ALL things. Linda Lewis Chaplain
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1.
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