Commun ty Matters Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
June 2016
Dorothy Decker uses Facebook to connect with her family.
‘Their world is expanding’ Residents becoming more techsavvy with help sessions
Reflections on Father’s Day
Technology is becoming less and less foreign to older adults. A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 59 percent of Americans age 65 and older regularly go online, and three out of four own a mobile phone. At Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor, Lori Peters has been helping residents get better at using their computers, smartphones and other electronic devices. Peters, the activity director for assisted and independent living, offers help sessions once a month for any resident who needs help with things like email, Facebook, using Google or downloading e-books. “I was surprised that we have so many people who have embraced technology and are really trying to utilize it and have questions,” Peters said. TECH, continued on page 2
By Wayne Rector, Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor resident
Wayne Rector
I am often reminded of my earthly father. He was a quiet man, strong built and straight laced. A good family man. I recall that as a child and an adolescent, I gave him many occasions to have to correct and discipline me, but he always forgave me, and this was evident in the good things he would do for me.
He reminded me of the father that Jesus told about in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke ch. 15) who agreed to his son’s request for an early dispensing of his share of the father’s estate. Then in loving concern he kept a continual vigil, watching and hoping for his son’s return. In later years, my father was less critical and more approving. He died in the fall of 1971, and one evening in the following spring I was setting out flower plants in our back yard, moving them from the hotbed to the flower bed. After one such planting, I straightened up and glanced toward the driveway, and for the tiniest fraction of a second, I saw him standing at the picket fence watching me with a smile of approval on his face. I can’t explain it, but it was real to me. He was a wonderful dad. I’ll never forget him, and I thank God for him. May God bless fathers everywhere today. Good day!
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Happy Birthday! Velora Bradshaw
Ed Gilliland
Rena Hopkins
Susie McDonald
Gwen Spillman
Ruth Reed
Joann Taylor
Mary Lindly
The help sessions are an extension of a series of computer classes offered in January. Those were led by a Wichita State University graduate student who is involved in a project to study how technology and social media can help seniors feel less isolated. At least six people attended those classes, Peters said, which offered hands-on, individual training. Once the student was finished with her work, Peters saw a need to continue. She puts up fliers and calendar notices for residents to join her in the library with their devices. “It’s going well. I’ll have two or three people show up,” she said. “Many ask for help to set up email and Facebook. Those are two of the big things. That way they can see pictures and videos of their great-grands.”
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Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.
Others have tablets or e-readers. The Pew study showed that more than a quarter of older Americans own a tablet or e-book reader, while 18 percent own a smartphone.
Some Presbyterian Manor residents also have used video calling services such as Skype for the computer and FaceTime on the iPhone or iPad. “You can see the kids running around; you can see their houses,” Peters said. “They’ll say, ‘Look, Grandma, I just painted my room.’ It’s next best thing to being there.” And that’s what motivates many people to push past their doubts or fears about using technology or being online, Peters said— the ability to build stronger connections with farflung family. “Their world is expanding.You can watch in their eyes and faces.” Peters is looking for volunteers to help with the training sessions. If you can help or know someone who would be interested, email her at lpeters@pmma.org or call her at Presbyterian Manor’s main number, 620-442-8700.
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Sarah Griggs, executive director Tara Clawson, marketing director Lori Peters, activities director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact tclawson@pmma.org. Telephone: 620-442-8700 Fax: 620-442-8224 Address: 1711 N. Fourth, Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607
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Support Presybterian Manors of Mid-America with a gift to the Good Samaritan Program. We’ll add another balloon to the bouquet and residents will see how much you care. Donate online at: Donate online at: PresbyterianManors.org/ PresbyterianManors.org/How_To_Give How_To_Give or stop by the front desk to make a gift. or stop by the front desk to make a gift.
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Community Matters June 2016
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Annual golf tournament raises about $17K Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor’s 22nd Annual Dick Metz Memorial Golf Classic May 7 raised approximately $17,000 for the Manor’s Good Samaritan Program. The tournament was named for the late golf pro and Arkansas City native, Richard “Dick” C. Metz, who was a leading golf pro in the 1930s and 1940s. In his career, he won 14 professional victories and was inducted into the Kansas Golf Hall of Fame in 1991. After Metz’ death, a golf tournament named for him was started to benefit the Arkansas City Good Samaritan Program, which provides assistance for residents who have out-lived their financial resources. “Our golf tournament continues to be a huge success from year-to-year,” said Sarah Griggs, executive director for Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor. “We are so thankful that we have a large group of businesses and individuals who support Presbyterian Manor and our mission, not only at the tournament, but throughout the year.”
A Flight winners Brian Sanderholm, Aaron Sanderholm, Michael Sanderholm and Don Shanks.
Seventy-six golfers participated in the four-person scramble tournament. Prior to tee off, the annual ball drop was held, which was special this year. In February, the Manor lost a longtime friend and supporter with the passing of Karl Faidley. Karl served many years on the Manor’s Advisory board and over 20 years on the golf tournament committee. In recognition of Karl’s dedication to the Manor’s mission, the ball drop was renamed in his honor. Karl’s wife Dorothy and his son David from Virginia attended the tournament this year. His son participated in the event by dropping the 300 golf balls from the bucket truck provided by Westar Energy. “Karl truly believed in our mission and supported us not only by volunteering his time, but also speaking openly about our mission to others,” said Griggs. “We were blessed by his friendship and renaming the ball drop was the least we could do.” The ball drop raises $2,000 each year for Presbyterian Manor’s Good Samaritan Program on its own. Ed Boyles’ ball landed closest to the pin and he won $500. Tad Stover’s was the second closest, which earned him $300 and Larene Walling’s landed third closest, winning $200. The winners of the pre-tournament putting contest were Like us on Facebook
B Flight winners Don Ward, Steve Ross, Bob Foster and Al Kimsey.
Justin Sparks in first, Leland Sweetwood in second and Ryan Williams placed third. The A Flight winners were Brian Sanderholm, Aaron Sanderholm, Michael Sanderholm and Don Shanks. The B Flight winners were Don Ward, Steve Ross, Bob Foster and Al Kimsey. “We couldn’t do this tournament every year without the tremendous support we receive from the Cowley County community,” Griggs said. “The residents who receive help through the Good Samaritan Program thank you.” Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
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Community Matters June 2016
What are your memories of school? Were you a teacher or lifelong student? Did you get a degree late in life? How did education shape your life? If you’ve got a story to share, contact Marketing Director Tara Clawson, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters. Like us on Facebook