Community Matters Aberdeen Village
May 2018
Mother’s choice gives children peace of mind Each May on Mother’s Day, we celebrate mothers, and honor their love and sacrifices. From breadwinning to baking to mentoring to meal-making, mothers are known for putting their children’s needs first. Many mothers also are amazingly creative when it comes to meeting their own needs, too. Ginny Graham, one of Aberdeen Village’s longest-term residents, was able to make a choice that benefited herself and her children. In 2001, Ginny moved into Aberdeen Village, one month after its official opening. “I was living in St. Louis at the time, but I wanted to be closer to my son and daughter who lived in Olathe,” Ginny said. Although her son, Bill, still lives nearby, Ginny’s daughter, Sue, eventually moved to Tulsa. Ginny’s three other children are in St. Louis, Denver and Waukesha, Wis. “It’s still a wonderful place for my children to come see me,” Ginny said. “They find flights into Kansas City for a reasonable price. I’m very blessed to have five children, and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.” GINNY, continued on page 3 CEO, continued on page 4
Grandchildren of the Bancrofts enjoy a large play room set up in the basement of their grandparents’ home, before the couple moved to Aberdeen Village.
A wonderful place to engage at every age
Did you know that May is celebrated nationally as Older American’s Month? The 2018 theme, “Engage at Every Age,” emphasizes that you are never too old to take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental and emotional well-being. According to the Administration on Aging, Older Americans Month also is intended to celebrate the many ways in which older adults make a difference in their communities. At Aberdeen Village, we pride ourselves on encouraging interaction between generations. Residents Bernie and Audrey Bancroft are proof that it’s good to “engage at every age.” Before moving to Aberdeen Village, the Bancrofts set up a large play area in their basement. It was an ideal setting for their eight grandchildren, ages 4 to 14, to play with the toys their parents once enjoyed. And, because this was a special space to play, the grandchildren feared they would lose out on all the fun after their grandparents moved to an ENGAGE, continued on page 2
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independent living community. “When the time came for us to move to a safer place because of Parkinson’s disease, we didn’t want to give up that special place for our grandkids,” said Audrey. Fortunately, when the Bancrofts toured the largest apartment residence at Aberdeen Village, they immediately knew it would be a great fit. “We chose a two-bedroom apartment with a study, and we use the study mainly as a play room.
Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Village by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at: PresbyterianManors.org. Tim Allin, executive director Chrissie Ammann, director of sales and marketing
A bulletin board displays grandchildren’s art.
It’s the first place they head to when they come through the door,” Audrey said. “We have Barbies, My Little Ponies, dolls and doll clothes made by great-grandma. There are Legos, old Fisher-Price toys, adventure sets, army toys, books and a table for art projects.” Another reason the Bancrofts liked Aberdeen Village was because of the indoor pool. They weren’t sure they would use it, but they knew their grandchildren would take full advantage. “They have so much fun swimming,” Audrey said. “They feel right at home when they are visiting us. In the common areas, they enjoy the candy at the front desk, the candy some residents put by their front
To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Chrissie Ammann, director of sales and marketing, cammann@pmma.org. Telephone: 913-599-6100 Fax: 913-599-3810 Address: 17500 W. 119th St., Olathe, KS 66061-9524 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Community Matters May 2018
doors, the butterfly house and the restaurant. They play chess in the library or work on a puzzle.” Outside, the Bancrofts’ grandchildren explore the garden and putting green, and like to look at the pond. Residents enjoy watching the grandchildren play catch, roll down hills or ride their plasma cars. “Other Aberdeen residents give them lots of attention and make them feel special,” Audrey said. “They ask about them if they haven’t seen them recently. Sometimes, our neighboring residents stop by with fun things for our grandchildren, like stickers, coloring books, note paper, novelty jewelry and ice cream treats.” The Bancrofts’ rewarding multigenerational experiences at Aberdeen Village are just one example of the wonderful ways in
A well-loved doll in the play room.
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Dolls, My Little Ponies and dollhouses are some of the toys available in the play room.
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delighted for the joy she is experiencing at Aberdeen Village. Before moving to Aberdeen “They love that I’m here, and they Village, Ginny lived in a number have all visited long enough to of places in the United States. know I’m comfortable and happy Her husband, Warren, was a Presbyterian minister and his work here,” she said. “This is a gift to them.” often required relocation. GINNY, continued from page 1
When Warren passed away while serving at a parish in St. Louis, Ginny remained in the city for a few years because she had many friends there. However, when the opportunity came to move closer to two of her children in Olathe, she jumped at the chance. “I don’t have any maintenance or upkeep to worry about here,” Ginny said. “I come and go as I wish, and participate in many activities. I play bridge every Saturday and every other Monday, and play mahjong once a week. I also eat dinner with four other women in neighboring apartments on Wednesdays, then we play games in our apartment. And, if the bus is going someplace, I’m on it. I love it.” Ginny’s children are equally
During his work as a Presbyterian minister, Ginny’s husband witnessed many circumstances in which a parent’s transition from their own home didn’t go well, and they didn’t want that for their children. They had discussed finding an independent living community before Warren passed away.
Ginny Graham
at schools,” Ginny said. “I was an assistant in classrooms. I volunteered at hospitals. I also drove for Meals on Wheels. And, “He would have loved living here. of course, I was active in our We had started looking at different churches.” places, and I know he would have Ginny’s love for staying active loved living here,” Ginny said. “I and involved is evident by her know he’s happy that I’m here.” willingness to take advantage of all Ginny has enjoyed decades of being active in her respective communities. When she wasn’t busy raising children or caring for the household, you could find her volunteering. “I loved to volunteer, especially
that Aberdeen Village has to offer, and her years of giving back to others are being returned in all the amenities she has here. “Sometimes I feel like I’m at a resort and I’m just enjoying everything,” she said.
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which relationships are supported and memories are made. “The way it has turned out, our grandkids have a lot more to enjoy at Aberdeen than they ever did in our previous home,” Audrey said. “They feel at home in the whole complex, not just in our apartment. We credit the special people who live here who have made them feel welcome” Like us on Facebook
Grandkids are welcome in the Bancrofts’ play room, but parents are by appointment.
Rules of the play room, as written by one of the Bancrofts’ grandchildren. Aberdeen Village
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Aberdeen Village 17500 W. 119th St. Olathe, KS 66061 Return Service Requested
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Community Matters May 2018
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