Commun ty Matters Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
May 2018
Looking back on 40 years of community support A dedicated group of people in Arkansas City first imagined a center for retired living within the Ark City community in the late 1960s. Some of the wood carvings entered in the sculpture and 3-D category.
Winners announced in local competition Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor recently hosted a reception for the winning artists in the annual Art is Ageless® juried competition. “We are honored to exhibit artwork by area seniors,” said Sean Page, marketing and admissions director. “Art is Ageless is unique in featuring only the works of artists age 65 and older. Our artists prove that art, in any form, is an ageless ambition.” ART, continued on page 2
In a March 14, 1962, article published by the Arkansas City Traveler, Dr. Frederick Maier, a retired Presbyterian minister from Arkansas City, wrote, “there is one thing Ark City as a community should strive for. It is a modern and adequate retirement and nursing home.” He also suggested that a retirement community would boost the economy, as well as provide a service to a needy and worthy segment of the population. “There are various ways this problem can be approached if a group of citizens have a mind to do so,” Frederick concluded in his article. A concerned group of local citizens led by committee chair William Baucus, took on that endeavor. After 10 years of planning and fundraising efforts, construction for the first phase of the project, which was the five-story apartment complex, began in November 1976. The complete vision of the project included 93 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, and a health care center to accommodate 60 residents with skilled nursing needs. Four out of the five stories were designated as independent living, and the fifth floor was designated for intermediate care. SUPPORT, continued on page 3
ART, continued from page 1
This year’s exhibit featured nearly 40 entries from individuals all over Cowley County. The judges for the competition were Kammy Downs, Paisley Howerton, Arty Hicks and Chris Todd. Winners in the Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor Art is Ageless juried competition were: Drawing (professional): Virginia McConnell, “Storm is Coming” Drawing (amateur): Marjorie Swaim, “Morning fog” Painting (professional): Sandra Halverstadt, “Silver Sage in Empire Gulch, Leadville, CO”
The winners in the 2018 Art is Ageless competition include, back row from left, Sharon Ternes, Leta Sherwood, Bob McClure and Neva Wilcox; and front row from left, Virginia McConnell, Sanrda Halverstadt, Wilda Buffo, Elsie Tipton and Donna Thompson.
Needlework (amateur): Donna Thompson, “Red Hot Chili Peppers” Sculpture 3/D (amateur): Bob McClure, “Flock of Four”
Community Matters
Mixed Media (professional): Sharon Ternes, “Roses”
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.
Fiber Arts (amateur): Neva Wilcox, “Spring Shawl” Christmas (amateur): Leta Sherwood, “Three Snow Friends” Quilting (amateur): Wilda Buffo, “Crossroads” People’s Choice: Elsie Tipton, “Over the river and through the woods”
Sarah Griggs, executive director Sean Page, marketing director Lori Peters, activities director
To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact spage@pmma.org.
Judges Choice: Virginia McConnell, “Storm is Coming”
Telephone: 620-442-8700 Fax: 620-442-8224 Address: 1711 N. Fourth, Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607
Best in Show: Wilda Buffo, “Crossroads”
Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
ArkansasCityPresbyterianManor.org
One of the quilts entered in the annual exhibit and competition.
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Photography (professional): Sanda Halverstadt, “The Real Heart of the Rockies”
Community Matters May 2018
Local competition winners will join winners from 16 other Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica communities to be judged at the masterpiece level. Winning entries at the masterpiece level are selected for publication in PMMA’s ART, continued on page 4 Like us on Facebook
The original layout of Arkansas Presbyterian Manor as seen in this mid-1970s drawing. SUPPORT, continued from page 1
Neva Bahruth, a current resident of Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor and a member of the First Presbyterian Church, remembers Frederick fondly. “He was the driving force behind the planning and fundraising of the project. Even though he had moved away from Ark City, he was very much a part of our community and concerned about our future,” Neva said. The approximate cost of the entire project was $4 million. The land was purchased from Laurence and Ruby Chaplin for $35,000. The project had the support of the local congregation, but the major financial support, operational counsel and management control was through the United Presbyterian Foundation of Kansas. At the time, the foundation was an agency of the Synods of MidAmerica, which was established as a special ministry to the elderly in order to provide them with quality care and supportive services. The Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor Like us on Facebook
was the 12th retirement community built by the organization in Kansas and Missouri. In an August 23, 1976, article published by the Arkansas City Traveler, William, the project’s chairman, said, “The objective is to minister to the psychological, social and spiritual needs of people in a successful attempt to have people live secure lives at that age within a similar type of familiar atmosphere in which they have lived for the last two-thirds of their lives.” The project committee turned over the soil to start “sowing” the new Presbyterian Manor campus in a field at the corner of Fourth and Hickory streets. Mrs. William Weston had the honor of turning over the first shovel of soil on Nov. 28, 1976, at the groundbreaking ceremony with the support of fellow committee members. At the time of the ceremony, 36 people had already made commitments to move to Presbyterian Manor upon its completion. Those desiring to move in were asked to make a development gift of $4,000, and
then pay a monthly rate ranging from $340 to $370 a month. The first residents moved into the apartments in October 1978, including Frances Baucus, William’s mother. Construction for the health care center followed, and it opened in 1980.
hope. Where there is heartache, there is
Be the fuel that ignites a spark for a resident. Get your donation envelope at the reception desk today, or visit presbyterianmanors.org/give_now. ® ®
Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
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ART, continued from page 2
annual Art is Ageless calendar and note cards. Art is Ageless is a copyrighted program of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America. For the competition, works must have been completed in the past five years. Started in 1980, Art is Ageless is an extension of Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica’s wellness programs, which focus on mental, physical, social and spiritual health. Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica’s Art is Ageless program
Residents and community members enjoy the exhibit.
encourages Lawrence Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition,
as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year.
Are you doing doctor appointments right? A physician’s guide to having a good appointment By Grace Birnstengel for Next Avenue
Navigating the medical system can be a daunting process. It’s challenging enough to find a doctor with openings, let alone a good doctor. And the internet isn’t always much help. What is helpful, however, are tips from an in-depth guide to having a good doctor’s appointment written for The New York Times by Dr. Danielle Ofri, author and associate professor of medicine at New York University. Danielle’s advice applies to you as a patient, but also is useful from the position of a family member or a caregiver. The guide reads like an insider’s perspective, and having tips and tricks written by a doctor is invaluable information. Danielle breaks the appointment down into four major parts.
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Community Matters May 2018
Finding the right doctor and clinic Danielle accurately points out that it sometimes feels easier to select things like blenders than a doctor. You can find pages of reviews online for other service providers, like hair stylists and mechanics, but reviews for medical professionals are harder to come by. Here are some of Danielle’s top tips to find the right care provider: • Start by seeing which doctors in your insurance network are conveniently located. • If you don’t have insurance, check out local clinics and health centers that might have sliding-scale fees or payment plans.
• Decide if you prefer a small or large practice, but know that ultimately, “who your individual doctor is matters more than the practice,” Ofri said. Prepping for an appointment Once you’ve selected a doctor and nailed down an appointment, there are steps you can take before your visit to aim for the best experience possible. First, set your goals. It’s important to be realistic about what you can accomplish at a single doctor’s appointment. Many of us have laundry lists of items we want to discuss with a doctor, but Danielle suggests picking out the two or three most important issues to focus on. Quality over quantity, she said.
Bring health records, medications • Ask for doctor recommendations and insurance information. from friends who have more DOCTOR, continued on page 5 experience with the medical system. Like us on Facebook
10 things to know about your new Medicare card Medicare is mailing new Medicare cards to all people enrolled in Medicare. Mailings started in April, and here are 10 helpful things you should know: 1. Your new card will automatically come to you.You do not need to do anything as long as your address is up to date. If you need to update your address, visit your “my Social Security” account.
arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s. 5. Your new card is paper, which is easier for many providers to use and copy. 6. Once you get your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new card right away.
3. Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.
7. If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare—you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should carry this card, too.
4. Mailing takes time.Your card may
8. Doctors, other health care
DOCTOR, continued from page 4
At Next Avenue, we’ve covered the commonly expressed frustrations with the lack of time doctors spend listening to their patients.
2. Your new card will have a new Medicare Number that is unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. This will help to protect your identity.
Getting the most out of the appointment You’ve made it to the doctor’s office. Remember: Appointments are a two-way conversation, and communication is everything.
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providers and facilities know the new cards are coming and will ask for your new Medicare card when you need care, so carry it with you. 9. Only give your new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf. 10. If you forget your new card, you, your doctor or other health care provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online.
It’s critical to reflect on the time you spent there to decide how to move forward.
Follow through on the plan you set Some of Danielle’s other during-the- out with your doctor. If you have more questions, find a way to get in appointment tips are: touch. • Keep track of time to make sure And ultimately, if things didn’t work your top items are being covered. out as planned, know that it’s OK to • Resist sharing new concerns at the close the door on one provider and last minute (instead, set up another go through this process again with appointment, phone call or email another. through a patient portal). “A relationship with a doctor is like • Don’t leave until you completely any relationship, and you need to understand your treatment plan. feel that it’s the right one,” Danielle wrote. “If something doesn’t feel Time to reflect right, that’s worth paying attention Your experience with your doctor to. After all, you are entrusting this doesn’t end after your appointment. person with your life.” Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
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Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor 1711 N. Fourth Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 Return Service Requested
A chaplain’s original poem: ‘I think I know myself ’ By Bill Bowles, resident chaplain Arkansas Presbyterian Manor
I think I know myself fairly well, Though probably not so well or fairly.
All of mind, heart, soul and strength. I live by commitment, daily prayers
At least sometimes surely and hopefully.
and promises, and actions with the
A caring, compassionate, good willing
Recognizing I must be open, attentive,
Disciple of Jesus, the Son of God, Savior
And always willing to learn good graces
Of the World, friend of all the human race!
From every human being whether they
Holy Spirit’s guidance, nudges, I believe often I am who I want to be promptings
Know they are blessings to others or And as our Lord Jesus teaches us; we are to love the Lord our God with not.
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Community Matters May 2018
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