SEPTEMBER 2025
New beginnings as a new season approaches As summer winds down, we welcome a cool autumn breeze, colorful leaves, and of course, football season — Go Birds! While June through August brought plenty of joy and sunshine, some monthly gatherings took a summer break. With members of the PPH family more likely to be traveling, visiting family and friends, or enjoying time at the shore, campus was a bit quieter than it is September through May. With fall almost here, some regular activities and yearly favorites are returning, giving everyone a chance to engage in more throughout campus.
Independent Living Residents’ Association
Returning in September is PPH’s
Independent Living Residents’ Association (ILRA) monthly meeting. The ILRA’s mission is “to communicate with our PPH Administration in those areas in which mutual cooperation with all independent living (IL) residents will create a congenial, active and useful community.” This month’s meeting is Monday, September 15 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall and will broadcast on PPH channel 7. Light refreshments will be served at the end of the meeting. (And for a list of newly elected officers for 2025-2027, see page 2.)
Pastoral Services
In addition to the ILRA, Pastoral
September – Continued on page 6
In the spring, PPH’s Earth Day committee planted a butterfly bush to the right of the Lawndale flag pole. The black and yellow butterfly symbolizes “hope, new beginnings, and transformation.” As we enter a new season, let’s keep the butterfly alive in our hearts and minds.
‘Stayin’ Alive’ — Dance party takes over at PPH PPH Wellness Team held a special Summer Karaoke and Dance Party on August 13! For more photos, see page 4!
In This Issue...
• Newest Guardian Angel • Meet Wendy of the HR Team • PPH visits the Shore
6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111 • www.PPHFamily.org • 215.697.8000 Facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome
Family Focus ILRA resumes; new officers elected
Earlier this spring, PPH Independent Living residents elected new officers for the 2025-2026 calendar year, which begins this September. On Monday, September 15, the Independent Living Resident Association resumes its meetings at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall after a summer hiatus. Meetings are typically the 3rd Monday of each month and last approximately one hour. A calendar of the 2025-2026 meetings will be distributed, along with the Resident Association bylaws.
Top row: Maxine Littlepage, Corresponding Secretary; Carol Feeley, Treasurer; Lisa Bowman, Assistant Treasurer. Bottom row: John Gillespie, 1st Vice President; Elaine Grose, President; Jean Holland, Recording Secretary; and Evelyn Washington, 2nd Vice President.
All Independent Living residents are members of the Association. Please plan on attending and meet your neighbors, other residents, the building floor representatives, the Board of Directors delegates, and the Association Officers. If you cannot attend, consider watching on PPH TV channel 7. EverTrue Vice President of Managed Life Plan Communities and PPH Executive Director Kelli Mills will also be in attendance. Refreshments will be served at the end of the meeting.
Kelli Mills moves into official executive role at PPH, EverTrue Collaboration between PPH, EverTrue to bring on new opportunities On August 8, PPH officially welcomed Kelli Mills as Vice President, Managed Life Plan Communities with EverTrue, PPH’s new management company. In this role, Kelli also serves as PPH’s Executive Director. The following week, Kelli attended her onboarding in St. Louis, Missouri at EverTrue headquarters. She had the opportunity to meet her new colleagues and engage with them about PPH and senior living best practices. In the coming months, Kelli will be partnering with leaders across
EverTrue, exploring fresh ideas and opportunities to further enhance the PPH experience. “I enjoyed the chance to meet and collaborate with other EverTrue leaders,” Kelli said. “The PPH team and I are eager to work together with them in ways that will further advance our mission and daily resident experience.” For more information on EverTrue and Kelli’s new role at PPH, see the July and August issues of this newsletter, or visit the news section of the PPH website: pphfamily.org/about/pressnews/.
About EverTrue EverTrue, formerly Lutheran Senior Services and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri., is a leading provider of aging services, offering a full spectrum of services for older adults. EverTrue brings experience from 12 life plan communities in Pennsylvania, Illinois and Missouri. For more information, visit www. EverTrueLiving.org.
The next Koffee with Kelli & Team is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16 at 10:30 a.m. in the Social Hall.
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Family Focus New Senior HR Generalist is appreciative of warm PPH welcome PPH recently welcomed a new member to its leadership team – Wendy Smith. Wendy will serve as Senior Human Resources Generalist and oversee the Human Resources department. Wendy brings more than 25 years of experience in Human Resources, having served in both healthcare and hospitality organizations. Most recently, she worked with a home care and hospice organization before joining the PPH family.
Since her arrival to PPH in July, she’s received a warm welcome from residents and team members. “PPH seems so familyoriented,” she said, noting that the community lives up to its “We Are Family” tagline. “Everyone has been welcoming, and I appreciate that.” Wendy was enthused with the happiness of the PPH residents, which she notes is an indication of the care and commitment shown by team members across all departments.
“I’m impressed with the longevity of staff and the history and knowledge that they bring to the team,” she said. When Wendy is not at PPH, she enjoys spending time with family and her shitzu, Gizzmo. She enjoys the arts, music and theater, and likes to travel. She loves R&B, hip hop and pop music — her favorite musical artist is Michael Jackson. And when she’s not traveling far for vacation, you may find her at a beach on the Jersey Shore with her daughter.
Personal Care CNA ‘lights up the room,’ brings laughter and joy PPH’s newest Guardian Angel is Falisha Tyson-Brooks, a CNA Medication Technician in PPH’s Personal Care! Falisha was recognized by four Personal Care residents — Barbara Berger, Mary Carr, Jaki Mathews and Drew Muller. The four residents expressed their gratitude not only for Falisha’s caregiving and professionalism, but also her enthusiasm. Falisha goes doorto-door, encouraging residents to attend activities, particularly weekly trivia. “Falisha is an excellent caregiver for the 2nd floor Personal Care residents. She lights up the room when she walks in. She brings laughter, music and love to us every day,” said the four residents in a joint letter. Falisha: PPH’s Board of Directors, leadership, residents and team members thank you for your hard work and dedication to our residents. That is what is important to us every day…our care and compassion.
Left, Falisha Tyson-Brooks (middle) with the four residents who recognized her as a Guardian Angel: Jaki Mathews, Drew Muller, Barbara Berger and Mary Carr. Below, some of the many residents who attend Falisha’s weekly trivia. Recognize Someone Special – Show 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 215-697-8508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.
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Summer Entertainment at PPH
PPH Wellness Team held a special Summer Karaoke and Dance Party on August 13! Residents, Wellness members, staff and even some mascots joined in on the exercise and fun! Special thanks to MC Louis Daly for hosting. If you’d like to see some dance moves, but sure to visit our Facebook or Instagram page!
Our Time Cabaret (left) and Leslie Aita (center) both returned in August for performances in our Social Hall, as did Philly Soul Collective (right) — which also turned into another PPH Dance Party! See page 6 for upcoming entertainment in September.
Volunteer of the Month: Virtner Hynes
Congrats to Virtner Hynes, “Volunteer of the Month” for September 2025. Virtner, an Alpha Manor resident, has been volunteering with PPH since 2018. He devotes his time in our Chapel, and also delivers mail and packages. Wherever Virtner volunteers you can be sure he will do an excellent job and always with a smile. Thanks so much Virtner for all you do for the PPH Volunteer Program.
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PPH Visits New Jersey
Above left, a group of residents took a trip to Ocean City, New Jersey, and stopped by one of their favorite spots, Manco & Manco Pizza on July 29. Above right, Personal Care residents and team members visited the Camden Aquarium in August. The trip to the shore and the aquarium visit are two of many excursions our residents take through PPH transportation services. Whether it’s local trips to retail stores or nearby restaurants, or a further destination across the bridge in New Jersey our residents enjoy being out and about and the company of one another!
‘Keep your eye on the ball’ – new ping pong table at PPH
PPH residents Paul Bowman and Maureen Fitzpatrick compete in a friendly game of ping pong, as Kevin O’Keefe looks on, ready to face the victor.
PPH resident Kevin O’Keefe recently donated a ping pong table to PPH, which you can find this table in the Gateway Manor Basement! Kevin and other residents plan to gather on Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m. For any questions or if you’re interested in playing, contact Kevin at #8341. PPH is also home to a shuffleboard table, a pool table, a cornhole set and a bocce court!
Employee of the Month: Tammy Keyes Congratulations to Tammy Keyes, PPH’s September Employee of the Month! Tammy is reliable and always brings a positive attitude. She is not afraid to take initiative and is always supportive of her fellow team members. Her hard work does not go unnoticed.
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September – Continued from page 1
Services has some returning activities planned. Good Grief Bereavement resumes its monthly meetings on the 2nd Wednesday (September 10) of the month in the 1st Floor Alpha Lounge at 11:30 a.m. Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one; it can be the result of a traumatic event, broken relationships, and times of transition. Just as grief is not limited, neither is the timeline for grieving. The PPH Monthly Prayer Breakfast is returning in September on the 2nd Saturday of the month (September 13) in the Social Hall at 9 a.m. PPH has a rich faith-based and German heritage. Prayer and faith helped to establish PPH, and the monthly breakfast continues to sustain its legacy. Residents, team members, and outside visitors are invited to gather monthly to enjoy a morning that begins with a delicious breakfast, followed by hymns and prayer, ending with an inspiring message from various local pastors or speakers. A sweet fellowship is shared by all attendees. Tickets may be purchased from the Business Office or payment may be made at the door ($8.50). Besides these two returning monthly events, there is a Rosh Hashanah celebration on Friday, September 19 at 11 a.m. in the Private Dining Room and a Yom Kippur service on Tuesday, September 30.
PPH residents enjoy one another’s company during a spring Prayer Breakfast. The Prayer Breakfast is held the second Saturday of each month, September-May.
Garden Party A Tuscan Experience
One special event in September is PPH’s premier fundraising event, the Garden Party, held on September 10 in our ACE Courtyard from 5 to 8 p.m. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, there will be speaker remarks, food stations, wine, beer, and a specialty cocktail. Guests can also enjoy a live band and gift basket raffles. All proceeds go to Benevolent Care, which supports PPH residents who have outlived their financial resources — through no fault of their own — and can no longer afford the cost of their care. To attend this paid event, you must register by Tuesday, September 2. To register, please visit the PPH Business Office or the Garden party website: pphfamily.org/ GardenParty2025. Also on the Garden Party website is this year’s food menu, courtesy of our Culinary Services team. For any questions, contact Director of Donor Development
Marianna Calabrese (#8508, mcalabrese@pphfamily.org).
PPH’s Got Talent
Are you a singer, dancer, comedian or a lover of poetry? If so, consider showcasing your talents at the PPH Talent Show on Thursday, September 18 at 2 p.m.! To join, contact Life Enrichment Director Kathy Nucero (#8505). See page 6 for rehearsal dates and times. And if you can’t find your dancing shoes, attend the show as an audience member!
PPH’s Fight Against Alzheimer’s
And later in September is a Cornhole Tournament on September 23 in the Social Hall. Come out, throw some bags in this friendly competition amongst PPH residents and team members. (Bracket and game times are TBD) All proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association. As of August 22, residents, staff and the PPH Auxiliary have raised a total of more than $1,900, with additional fundraisers slated for October and November.
Ping Pong Action
Looking for some friendly, fun competition amongst fellow residents? A ping pong table is now set up at PPH! See page 5 for details.
“Back to School”
Fall is a fresh start — a chance to establish new connections, join an activity you haven’t tried before or attend an event for the first time. As we welcome the “back to school” season, take the opportunity to try something new, meet neighbors, and experience all that PPH has to offer!
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SEPTEMBER EVENTS AND NEWS BRIEFS ★ Veterans’ Meeting: Tuesday, September 2, 10 a.m. in the Learning Center. ★ Farmers Market : Wednesday, September 3 and 17 in the Fountain Room. See bulletin boards for list of items. ★ Philly Pups: Thursday, September 11, 7 p.m. in the Social Hall. Come and meet these future service/therapy dogs and watch them as they participate in training exercises. ★ 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s: Friday, September 5 at 2 p.m. in the Learning Center. Join Jane Cero, a community educator from the Alzheimer’s Association for this informative presentation and discussion. ★ 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 Tuesday, Sep-
tember 16 at 10:30 a.m. Community updates from Kelli and PPH administration provided. ★ DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) Monthly Meeting: Embracing Diversity at PPH - Monday, September 8 at 3 p.m. in the Fellowship Room. For more info on this resident-initiated meeting, contact MaryAnn Volk at #8345. ★ Quizzo: Monday, September 8 at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. Form your own team, or join another team! ★ PPH Auxiliary: The Auxiliary will hold its next meeting in the Social Hall on Tuesday, September 9 at 11:30 a.m. and will broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7. ★ Ted Talk: Tuesday, September 9 at 2 p.m. in the Learning Center. Join the Wellness Team for a Ted Talk and engaging conversation. Topic TBD: see PPH TV as date nears for topic/info.
PPH’s Got Talent?
★ Patriot Day Flag Raising Ceremony: Thursday, September 11, 10:30 a.m. at the Gateway Manor Flagpole. ★ Independent (Living) Residents Association: Monday, September 15, 2 p.m. in the Social Hall/broadcast live on PPH TV channel 7. See page 2 for more information on the ILRA. ★ IL Bingo: Thursday, September 25, 2 p.m. in the 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 are: 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.
Planning meeting: Wednesday, September 3, 2 p.m., Social Hall. Rehearsals: See the PPH calendar for rehearsal dates and times. Sign up for the Talent Show, the planning meeting and a rehearsal by contacting Life Enrichment Director Kathy Nucero - #8505.
Are you a singer, dancer, comedian or a lover of poetry? If so and willing to perform in front of an audience, please join the 2025 PPH Resident Talent Show, scheduled for Thursday, September 18, 2 p.m. in the PPH Social Hall! And if you can’t find your dancing shoes, attend the show as an audience member.
Upcoming services from PPH Pastoral Care ★ Bible Study: Tuesday, September 2 and 16, 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Room. ★ Shabbat Service: Friday, September 5, 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Room. ★ Good Grief: Bereavement Support: Wednesday, September 10, 11 a.m. in the Alpha First Floor Lounge. *Please note the change of time from previous meetings. ★ Chapters Bible Story Time: Wednesday, September 10, 2 p.m. in Chapters Lounge ★ Pathways Communion Service: September 12, 10:15 a.m. in 2nd Floor Pathways Lounge ★ Prayer Breakfast: Saturday, September 13, 9 a.m. in the Social Hall. ★ Rosh Hashanah Celebration: Friday, September 19, 11 a.m. in the Private Dining Room. ★ Yom Kippur Service: Tuesday, September 30, 11 a.m. in the Fellowship Room For the monthly Reflections column from PPH’s Pastoral Services team, see page 8.
September Entertainment ★ J ill Salkin – Wednesday, September 17 ★M ovie Matinee “Irish Wish” Friday, September 19
All performances/showings are scheduled for 2 pm. in the PPH Social Hall.
For a full list of weekly activities, special events, trips and up to date information, see the Independent Living calendar insert, bulletin boards, and PPH TV channels 2 and 4. Events and activities are subject to change.
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Reflections
By Hadley Whittle Pastoral Assistant
Hello! My name is Hadley Whittle and I am the Pastoral Care Assistant here at PPH. I support the chaplains through behind the scenes work and am also here to support residents in their spiritual journeys. It has been a joy to become a member of the PPH family this summer, a community that has proved so warm and welcoming as I become acquainted with the city of Philadelphia. As a new arrival, it is wonderful to see the love that folks from different backgrounds have for this town and its diverse history. To tell you all a bit about myself –– I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and grew up in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C. From a young age, I have loved playing soccer, woodworking (see surname), writing poetry, and composing music. I studied poetry and performance, gaining a degree in English from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif. and afterwards worked as the administrative assistant for a classical Christian school. I value communal living as an essential part of human flourishing and have experienced it through a multi-generational family home, various study programs, artist residencies, and volunteer work. Earlier this year, I returned to the United States from volunteering on the Isle of Iona in Scotland for a rainy four months at the historic Iona Abbey. Each day, I woke before the daylight began glowing from across the water to set out the tea and porridge for the pilgrims visiting the abbey and to ring the bell that signaled it was time to gather together and eat. In the morning and in the evening, the church bell rang for the worship services; and thrice daily we rang the meal bell which sounded throughout the chapel and cloisters and chapter house, calling us from our quiet moments back to the refectory to sit side by side and feast. Many pilgrims came to the tiny island, which is referred to as a “thin place”, meaning a place where the veil between heaven and earth is fragile, seeking peace and solitude. While solitude was abundant out on the windy, boggy landscapes, it was always necessary to return from whatever lonely place you had gone to, back through the churchyard and into the light and warmth of community. Often it is our loneliness that begets the true peace found through friend-
ship. Henry Nouwen writes about this in his book Out of Solitude: “Somewhere we know that without silence, words lose their meaning; that without listening, speaking no longer heals; that without distance, closeness cannot heal.” I pray that God speaks to us in our lonely places, just as he spoke to his Son in Mark 1:35, so that we then can speak healing words to one another through Him. As September comes around, the earth begins its tilt away from the sun beckoning in a quieter time of year after the hustle and bustle of summer. The leaves are only just starting to change as children settle into their new classrooms. Do you remember your first day of fourth grade? Here is a poem by Brad Aaron Modlin that harkens back the lost wisdom of our elementary school days.
What You Missed That Day You Were Absent from Fourth Grade Mrs. Nelson explained how to stand still and listen to the wind, how to find meaning in pumping gas, how peeling potatoes can be a form of prayer. She took questions on how not to feel lost in the dark After lunch she distributed worksheets that covered ways to remember your grandfather’s voice. Then the class discussed falling asleep without feeling you had forgotten to do something else— something important—and how to believe the house you wake in is your home. The English lesson was that I am is a complete sentence. And just before the afternoon bell, she made the math equationlook easy. The one that proves that hundreds of questions, and feeling cold, and all those nights spent looking for whatever it was you lost, and one person add up to something.
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