Emporia Presbyterian Manor
DECEMBER 2023
Community’s partnership with ESU a true work of art They say necessity is the mother of invention and that holds true for the unique partnership between Emporia Presbyterian Manor and its neighbor Emporia State University. It all started in 2019, when Presbyterian Manor found itself in need of some new artwork to display around the community while a professor at Emporia State was on the lookout for a new demographic of models for his students to paint. The collaboration that transpired brought budding ESU artists to the community where they created portraits of residents that were eventually put on display. However, while the project was a huge success—and enjoyed by all—it was unfortunately cut short by the spread of the pandemic in early 2020. So, when Professor Derek Wilkinson found himself teaching portrait painting again this past summer, he decided to give it another try. “I thought it was a good time to see if folks at the Manor would be ready to do a collaboration like this again, and luckily, it all worked out,” said Derek. This time around, 13 Presbyterian Manor residents were paired up with ESU students who got started by simply sitting down together to get to know each other— providing not only a sense of familiarity and comfort, but a chance for each artist to get to know their subject’s unique personality. From there, the residents sat in pose for
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Luminarias honor loved ones, raise money for community improvement Once again, the soft glow of luminarias is lighting up Emporia Presbyterian Manor to honor loved ones and raise money 2022 Luminary for a worthy cause. In previous years, proceeds from the purchase of luminarias have gone toward PMMA’s Good Samaritan Program, a special fund that provides financial assistance to residents who have outlived their financial resources. This year, however, residents requested that the money raised go toward the renovation of the community’s country store, an on-site market where they can shop for small household essentials, grab a cup of specialty coffee, or even pick up a greeting card. “The Good Samaritan Program remains an important program, but this year, after a lot of input from residents, the decision to change the focus was made,” said Sarah Oenning, PMMA’s vice president of giving. “This is our residents’ home, and we seek to honor their wishes.” While the money raised from the luminarias serves a practical purpose within the community, those responsible for the event strive to ensure that the symbolism behind
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Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at EmporiaPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
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most of the afternoon while the students painted. While sitting for that long of a time can get a little boring, Barbara Freerksen and some of her fellow resident models took it upon themselves to keep the mood light and fun. “I’d sit there in the middle of the room and make funny faces to make them smile. Then when I went up there, they were doing that to me,” said Barbara.
In the end, the collaboration was once again deemed a huge success by both those at the community and the college. “The students learned a lot about what they would need to do if they were to become professional portrait painters, by interacting with strangers and having to conduct themselves in a professional manner,” said Derek. “The paintings turned out really well, and the residents seemed to enjoy the
experience as well.” Once the paintings were completed, they were first put on display at the community. Last month an exhibit of the art was featured on the ESU campus during the Emporia First Friday Art Walk. u
Emporia Presbyterian Manor shares customer service survey responses
The new 2024 Art is Ageless® Calendar has arrived! Visit ArtisAgeless.org for information on how to order. There you can also learn more about the program, meet the artists, even send an e-card. u Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
Community Matters 620-343-2613 ◆ Fax: 620-343-9195 2300 Industrial Rd. Emporia, KS 66801-6635 EmporiaPresbyterianManor.org
is published quarterly for residents and friends of Emporia Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: ataber@PMMA.org Andraya Taber, senior living sales director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
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Luminaries – continued from page 1 the event is what really shines. “Our hope as an advisory board/mission committee is that residents and community members alike can see the luminary lights shining in the darkness and feel a greater sense of connection to each other—residents to their families and the community and the larger community to members of the EPM community,” said Rev. Phyllis Stutzman, president of the Emporia Presbyterian Manor Mission Committee. One way the committee continues to attach meaning to the event is by literally attaching a name to each luminaria that is sponsored to honor a loved one. “Emporia Presbyterian Manor residents have shared with me how touched they are to have their names along the walk and how meaningful it has been for them to honor family and friends by contributing luminaries of their own,” said Phyllis. Sponsoring a luminaria is also a way for individuals in the community to feel a special connection to a loved one who passed on during what can be an especially difficult time of year. “Each year my family and children are able to visit
the luminarias we sponsor at the community, and we are able to feel closer to our loved ones in heaven as we find their lights shining,” said Crystal Stock, PMMA’s regional director of marketing and sales. “It has become one of our favorite holiday traditions. Seeing the luminarias as they shine on the
walkway mimics the stars in the heavens and helps us keep memories alive.” Individuals can sponsor a luminaria for $30 throughout the month of December and everyone is invited to enjoy a peaceful stroll through luminaria lane. u
Emporia Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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2300 Industrial Rd. Emporia, KS 66801-6636
Western Kansas roots inspire artist’s latest Art is Ageless® win John King is no newcomer to Art is Ageless®. The Emporia-based painter had a piece of his work featured on the cover of the competition’s 2017 calendar and has a “whole book of ribbons” to show for his past involvement. This year was different, though, as John’s painting, “Rodeo Cowboy” was named best of show in the professional division. “It was quite an honor,” said John. The painting was inspired by John’s childhood in Dodge City and the long-running Dodge City Days Rodeo. In fact, “Rodeo Cowboy” was originally painted for the rodeo’s western heritage art show where it also took home an award. “I tried to capture the essence of the man over the beast scenario, which I think conveys pretty well in that painting,” said John. But don’t pigeonhole John’s art by this one piece—his subject varies greatly from one painting to the next.
“I paint whatever I feel like painting basically,” said John. And he’s been doing it for a long time. “I’ve painted ever since I can remember,” said John. “I painted wild sweatshirts in high school and college and a lot of murals for free dance tickets and free beer—which worked out well,” said John. It was after retiring from Emporia State University, when John and his wife built a small studio in their basement that his career really picked up steam, though. “I paint five or six days a week religiously, from about 9 in the morning to two in the afternoon. My dog comes downstairs and goes around my easel and tells me it’s time to be done,” said John. As for Art is Ageless, John is just grateful for the opportunity to enter through Emporia Presbyterian Manor. “I appreciate PMMA for putting on
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this whole endeavor for retired people and people of my age,” said John. “I’ve seen a lot of people retire that didn’t have a thing to do and they didn’t last a whole lot longer because there wasn’t any reason to get up in the morning.” And, whether it is through Art is Ageless or just for their own enjoyment, John encourages other seniors to continue to express themselves creatively. “I think it’s a great endeavor for anybody fixing to retire—or already retired—to get involved and work, whether it be writing, singing, painting, drawing, sculpture … anything to keep your mind and body busy,” said John. u