President and CEO John Dubyk has longtime ties to both the PPH community and the entire area. He grew up just 10 minutes from PPH in Cheltenham more than 30 years ago.

As a true local, John loves that PPH is rich in history. “PPH has served this community and continues this tradition of excellence,” he says. “I joined PPH originally at the age of 25 with a passion to serve. All my grandparents had passed before I was born, so I felt PPH would be an excellent opportunity to embrace the culture. When I started working here, I found out quickly that ‘We are family’ is not only our motto but how we serve. We truly care about every resident and staff member that walks through our doors,” he says. “I returned four years ago with a chance to give back to the community and make a difference.”

One of John’s favorite things about his job here at PPH is being able to drive to work through  neighborhoods where he made so many special memories growing up. “I go by where I grew up every day,” he says.

Neighborhood Memories

“I grew up 10 minutes from PPH in the Melrose Park section of Cheltenham,” John remembers. “Weekends and summers were filled with stickball, football or street hockey games, swimming in Conklin Pool or playing baseball at Cheltenham Little League. I left our house in the morning, only to come home for lunch and dinner and then head back outside. I remember Fourth of July parades, watching the Lawncrest fireworks down the block from my front stoop, and cooling off with ice cream at Pauline and Eddy’s. In winter, it was sledding down the hills at Melrose Country Club.”

Favorite Local Haunts

John has many favorite places in the area, and some of them are still open today. “It was a treat to go to Burholme Golf, to play a round of miniature golf or visit the driving range to see if I could hit the golf ball in the middle. Joseph’s Pizza in Fox Chase was a staple, and I actually just stopped by for a cheesesteak not too long ago. In Jenkintown, I would go with friends to Buckets.

Some of John’s favorite haunts are no longer open, but he’ll always remember the sights, smells, tastes and experiences. “I still remember as a kid going to Sears on the Boulevard, and they would have all the Christmas decorations up. I remember walking in the front door and the soft pretzels were right there, and then getting chocolate covered pretzels in the candy department. Other special memories were bowling at Adams Lanes, watching the latest flicks at the Crest Movie Theater, and catching the Shopper’s Special SEPTA bus with his mom. It would pick them up at the end of the street and take them downtown for lunch and the Wanamaker’s light show.

Those were simpler times, and John loves sharing those memories with current residents who are also from the local area. “Actually, one of our residents was the chief of the fire company that I volunteered for,” John says. “It’s always good to see him and talk to him. And he’s one of many. I would say a large majority of our residents have ties to the area — and know all the history as well. I’ll bring up stories and I’ll say, ‘Do you remember this?’ And they do. It’s great to have that shared history. It brings us all closer.”

PPH: A Gateway to Memorable Experiences

Residents at PPH can get out and explore some of the landmarks that still exist in the surrounding community, a welcoming area that thrives on diversity and where everyone feels accepted. “Fun at the Parx Casino is close by. And Tookany Creek Parkway and Pennypack Trail are also nearby for some great walks,” John suggests. “PPH is also only 15 minutes from Manayunk, a national historic district with charming renovated Victorian storefronts nestled along the banks of the Schuylkill River.”

The community’s central location also means that it’s only a short drive or train ride to the city of Philadelphia for shopping, ball games, dining, historical sights and museums. And, John says, the community is looking forward to starting up trips to the Jersey Shore, which is only a little over an hour from PPH’s door.

You’re Invited to Come for a Visit

Now that we’re all returning to “the new normal,” John is very excited about the future at PPH. There’s been a lot of interest in the community from prospective residents, and he invites all who would like to explore PPH to come for a visit. Whether you’re from the local area or across the country, he would love to meet you!

To schedule your visit, call us at 215-697-8086.