Clay Center Community Matters – April 2023

Craftsmanship on display for Art is Ageless

Resident Bill Bloom is showcasing his woodworking skills by participating in the annual Art is Ageless® competition. Bill has been creating wooden items since the late 1970s, and is excited to display his hand-made wooden bowl this year.

"I get a chunk of wood and start working on it, and what comes out is what comes out," says Bloom of the woodworking process.

The unique bowl is made from an old hackberry tree that was on his property for 95 years before being cut down. Bloom saved a piece of the wood and crafted the bowl, which is one of many pieces he has made over the years.

"That tree was there on our place,” Bill said. “We lived there about 40 years.”

Bloom – continued on page 2

PMMA celebrates history with Founder’s Day

PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) employees will observe the founding of the senior living system this month as the company celebrates its 74-year history of serving seniors in Kansas and Missouri.

PMMA’s roots go back to 1947. Alice Kalb, a widow from central Kansas, appealed to a Presbyterian Church organization to establish a home for seniors. Her vision laid the foundation for the first Presbyterian Manor community in Newton, Kan., and inspired others to do even more. Through the many decades, PMMA® remained true to the spirit of Alice’s vision, providing quality senior services guided by Christian values. Each Founder’s Day, staff members re-commit to live our mission by

Founder’s Day

continued on page 2

Alice Kalb, the visionary who imagined a home for seniors.

Bloom – continued from page 1

Bill’s craftsmanship is impressive, and his skills have not gone unnoticed by his family and community. Over time, he’s given much of his work away to family and friends. His former neighbor now keeps Bill’s lathe in his old woodworking shop, and his grandson keeps the China hutch Bill made from an ash tree.

Despite his impressive skills, Bloom remains humble about his work.

"I just saw some things I wanted to make, so I made them. I like to do it," he says. "I didn't have a lathe, so I made one. Made it out of the front end of an old car and some angle iron. Then I bought one later. I‘ve made a candle holder, clogs, bowls, just about

Founder’s Day – continued from page 1

signing the “WE PROMISE” board that lists the pillars of the mission: respecting that seniors retain their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; assisting residents with specific needs; providing compassionate service; serving as a trusted resource; and advocating for seniors.

“Our nearly 2,000 employees view what they

do as a calling,” said Bruce Shogren, president and CEO. “Our dedicated employees make it possible for us to

anything you can put on a lathe.”

Bloom's wooden bowl is a beautiful piece of artwork that serves as a testament to his dedication and passion for woodworking. His participation in the Art is Ageless competition is a reminder that age is just a number, and it's never too late to pursue your passions and create something beautiful. u

sustain PMMA’s mission, as well as its heritage. I believe Alice is watching over us today knowing that we’re carrying on the legacy that she established more than seven decades ago.”

Alice Kalb’s dream has turned into a network of 15 senior living communities and two hospices across Kansas and Missouri. A new senior living community is under construction in Colorado Springs.

PMMA remains true to its core and mission: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. u

Alice Kalb participated in the groundbreaking of the first Presbyterian Manor.

Department of Giving adds team member to help build community relationships

PMMA’s Department of Giving has named Jenni Jones as its director of giving. In this newly created role, Jenni will focus her attention on building relationships with donors and volunteers associated with the communities of Clay Center Presbyterian Manor, Manor of the Plains and Salina Presbyterian Manor.

“Jenni’s time will be focused on building internal and external relationships to advance PMMA’s mission,” said Sarah Oenning, vice president, Department of Giving. “Our goal with the position is to increase donor and volunteer engagement to have a meaningful and long-term impact on fundraising strategies.”

Jenni has been a part of the PMMA family since 2016 when she was hired as director of sales and marketing in Salina before later becoming regional director of marketing and sales. In this new position, Jenni will get a chance to play an active part in helping the organization achieve its mission and better serve the people she has gotten to know and love.

“I have always shared in PMMA’s mission to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values and I have seen over the last six years what giving can do to bless our residents and staff,” said Jenni. “I wanted to be a part of the team that shares our mission to the

communities through love, faith, charity and other Christian principles.”

For Jenni, it all comes back to the people who call PMMA home.

“I love our residents and I jump out of bed every day because of them. I am so grateful for the ones that have gone before me, the current residents and the future residents— I love them all!” said Jenni. “I am looking forward to serving our residents in a different capacity and making a positive difference in their lives.”

Jenni was born and raised in Salina and has a broad network of community members, friends and family in Dodge City and Clay Center as well. Her passion for seniors began when she would help take care of her own grandmother who lived in an assisted living community. It instilled in her a desire to spread love while extending a helping hand.

“I love helping people, especially the elders in our community. They have paved the way for me and I’m trying to give back,” said Jenni. u

Jenni with Glenn Kohr

Marilyn Hunt and Jenni.

Amy Hoffman with Jenni.

Connie Johnson shares with Jenni.

Puppy love comes to Clay Center Presbyterian Manor

The good folks - and pups - from Kansas Specialty Dog Service (KSDS) made a special trip to Clay Center to share the love of their four-legged friends. KSDS visited Clay Center Presbyterian Manor with a few of their special friends. In addition to all of us getting the chance to enjoy and pet these fine animals, the dogs enjoy the benefit of additional socialization, before they are put into service for others.

KSDS breeds and trains puppies that will eventually be certified for pairing with clients. This program was

established more than 30 years ago in partnership with the state of Kansas. The dogs are housed and trained in Washington, Kansas. KSDS provides guide dogs for the visually impaired, services dogs for the physically disabled, and dogs that assist in other specialty services. According to KSDS, to graduate from the program, the dog and student must train together on campus or in the client’s home for between one to three weeks. The estimated cost to train and place each dog is more than $25,000 but it’s at no cost to the client.

Our staff and residents enjoyed this visit from the Kansas Specialty Dog Service offering extra love for all on Valentine's Day! u