Community Matters Aberdeen Heights
May 2015 August 2014
Older Americans Month 2015: ‘Get into the Act’ Older adults are a vital part of our society. Since 1963, communities across the country have shown their gratitude by celebrating Older Americans Month each May. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Get into the Act,” to focus on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. By promoting and engaging in activity, wellness, and inclusivity, more Americans than ever before can “Get into the Act.” While Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica campuses provides quality senior services guided by Christian values to older adults year-round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults can access the home- and community-based services they need to live independently in their communities. It is also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a difference in those communities. Throughout the month, Aberdeen Heights will be conducting activities designed to highlight the contributions of seniors to the greater community. BRAIN, continued on page 4
Toni McCoy
Writing newsletters is a part of life Pick up a copy of the Aberdeen Heights Presbyterian Manor residentcreated newsletter, “The Tartan Times,” and you’ll see lots of friendly faces of staff and residents, stories covering events past and present, celebrations and the latest happenings. “Ray Kaarpowicz determined the direction and philosophy of the newsletter,” said Toni McCoy, co-editor of “The Tartan Times.” “We want lots of names and pictures of people who are here. We want it to be quick to read and interesting. We want it to be fun and for residents to get to know each other better – we’ve had some residents do some fascinating things.” Each month, Toni and a crew of writers, editors and a photographer work to objectively cover programs and capture life at Aberdeen Heights. “I plan at the beginning of the month what we will cover, but we have to be on our toes for any changes that might happen,” said Toni. “That’s really hard for me. I’m a real control freak and like to know what I’m working on and it’s hard to make a mid-road change.” While it may be hard to embrace change, it’s nothing new for Toni. She worked on a number of newsletters in the past – including the newsletters for her children while they were in school and every organization she has ever belonged to. “I’m married to a journalist, and NEWSLETTER, continued on page 2
A proud member of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America
Good luck to our Senior Olympic team Good luck to the Tartan Water Volleyball Team! Under the direction of Coach Katie Schmelzle, the team will compete for the gold on May 22 at the annual event. Be on hand in the front lobby to give the team a good send-off at 8 a.m.
NEWSLETTER, continued from page 1
Do you recognize this leprechaun? It’s resident Joan Nigh!
when you’re married to a journalist you get the job of newsletter for every organization you belong to by association,” said Toni.
Toni is married to Bob McCoy, a former sports writer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The two celebrated their 52nd anniversary in March.
Art is Ageless Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Heights by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at: PresbyterianManors.org.
Be sure to join us for the grand opening reception on Wednesday May 6 at 9:30 a.m. in the hall next to The Glen. While you explore the beautiful pieces of art be sure to partake in the early morning Mimosas and tid-bits that will be offered.
James “Jamie” Kneed, executive director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Vicky Weibel, resident lifestyle coordinator, at vweibel@pmma.org. Telephone: 314-909-6000 Address: 575 Couch Ave., Kirkwood, MO 63122 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
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Community Matters May 2015
Tai Chi class
A new 12-week Tai Chi class begins in May and will meet weekly in the Aerobics Suite. Exact times will be announced soon. The class is sponsored by Right at Home – Home Health Agency. No registration is required. Simply drop in and join the group.
Stop by and view our Art is Ageless exhibit from Wednesday, May 6 to Thursday, May 7. Then join us for the art reception at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 8 in the Multipurpose Room for the announcement and presentation of the awards.
Declutter Challenge: What works best for you? By Liza Kaufman Hogan
My 30-Day Declutter Challenge ended in a flurry as I scrambled to complete the last three days of clutter collection. The goal of the challenge, started on Aug. 1, was to collect one item on Day 1, two on Day 2 and so forth for 30 days. By the end, on Aug. 30, I had culled more than the requisite 465 items, really closer to 500. My declutter pile is big (see ugly photo) but not as big as I imagined when I started the challenge — maybe because I didn’t have large items like furniture to shed. Instead, I have amassed a large pile of small items like books, toys and electronic flotsam and jetsam. The challenge was well suited to a declutter procrastinator like me. Having rules to guide (and force) me to collect a certain number of items per day was really helpful. It occurred to me that you might also do the challenge backwards starting with 30 items when you are most fired up and work down to one item for Day 30. However you get there, you’ll be glad you did. Readers Share Declutter Tips We invited Next Avenue readers to join the challenge (it’s not too late to start now) and asked them to share their best tips for paring down their possessions. They had some great advice: • “I keep a shopping bag and fill it with things to give away, and donate that full bag every week to a local thrift shop. Then I open a new shopping bag to fill.” – Pamela Koller, Queens, N.Y. • “I decide what has value for me
today. What do I really need and want in my life today, and what is something from the past that no longer serves me?” – Kevin McGrath, Anaheim, Calif. • “I try to think if anyone else will care about this item if I were dead. The answer is most often, no. I still may have a hard time parting with it. I don’t like to throw away anything useful, so it must be donated or put on the curb for someone to take.” – Pam Chapman, Dallas, Texas
Other Ways to Declutter
Doing a declutter challenge or following tips from others are two ways to jettison things you don’t • “I organized and labeled boxes into need. But what if you have years’ categories: trash, sell, donate, file.” – worth of stuff and need help going Rich Crossett, Louisville, Ky. through it? Or you don’t have a lot of clutter but need help organizing • “I remembered William Morris’ what you do have or are preparing (19th century textile designer and for a move? novelist) dictum: ‘Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to Professional organizer Janine Adams be useful or believe to be beautiful.’” of Peace of Mind Organizing in St. – Jean Melom, Seattle, Wash. Louis, Mo., suggests partnering with a friend to get two houses done Like me, some readers found it instead of one. The work will go painful to part with some things. faster if you have someone to keep Asked what was hardest to part with, Koller said, “cards saved by my you on task, she says. Even Adams declutters with another professional recently deceased mother. I can’t organizer. She recommends you part with them.Yet.” choose the friend carefully. Someone Marie Scruggs, of Dallas, Texas said, who will encourage you to keep everything or is easily distracted or “We gave away a trampoline that wouldn’t fit into our new backyard. is in it for the stuff she’ll get may That was hard. The kids had so many not be the best person for the task. great memories associated with it.” When You Can’t (or Don’t Want Melom said her books were hardest To) Go it Alone to discard. “But a friend was having Sometimes you just need a a big book sale with benefits to professional if you don’t know support the marriage equality where to start or don’t have time campaign in my (former) state, so I to do it on your own. Adams says felt good helping a cause I believed in,” she noted. DECLUTTER, continued on page 4 Aberdeen Heights 3
DECLUTTER, continued from page 3
there are five common reasons people turn to professionals for help organizing: 1. They feel overwhelmed. 2. They don’t know how to get organized. 3. They are afraid they don’t know how to do it right. 4. They want it to go quickly. 5. They need help staying focused. If you are looking for a professional to help declutter or organize, check the directory of the National Association of Professional Organizers.You can search by ZIP code and expertise, such as help for families with children or hoarders or particular needs or home office set-up. When I did a general search for residential services, I came up
with 33 organizers within five miles of my home. If you are helping a parent move or preparing yourself for a move to a retirement community or a smaller home, you can find tips and someone to help through the National Association of Senior Move Managers. Adams sometimes works with clients helping a parent downsize or move. These situations call for special patience and empathy.You have to “remember that it’s their space and their home. Respecting their wishes is really important,” she says. Generally, Adams does not recommend people rent storage space — what she calls “paying rent on your stuff.” But, she adds, “if they want to keep everything, plan to
move stuff into storage if affordable.” She says it’s important to keep in mind that the person or couple moving may be OK with a living room crowded with furniture if it means keeping things they love, even if that’s not how you would arrange your house. Whether you are decluttering on your own, working with a professional, downsizing the family home or repurposing a room as an empty nester, Adams has this advice: “Be kind to yourself. Something about clutter makes people beat themselves up. They ask: ‘Why haven’t I gotten to this?’” As Adams knows, we all have clutter to a greater or lesser degree. However you approach the challenge, it’s difficult. But trust me, it feels great to let go of it.
Tulips help grow Good Samaritan Program Colorful paper tulips – each representing a gift to the Good Samaritan Program for Benevolent Care – are adding to the spring decorations at PMMA’s senior living communities. Prior donors received a mailing in April, inviting a gift in honor or tribute to a special woman in their lives. A paper tulip was included. The tulip may be returned with the gift to the PMMA campus of the donor’s choice. Tulips will be displayed through May. The Good Samaritan Program assists PMMA residents who have run out of funds through no fault of their own. To make a gift and hang a tulip, contact your local PMMA campus.
Coming Up in Community Matters In a future issue of Community Matters, we will be focusing on summer travel. Were you a summer traveler? Do you have a great vacation story or travel story to tell? Contact Resident Lifestyle Coordinator Vicky Weibel with your story, you may be selected to share in an upcoming Community Matters.
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Community Matters May 2015
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