Farmington Community Matters – April 2023

We change as we age, so should our art

Each year, PMMA’s Art is Ageless® program celebrates the ongoing artistic pursuits of area seniors 65 and over. However, for every senior who participates in community-sponsored art classes or has their work featured in the annual Art is Ageless calendar, there are many more whose work we don’t get to see because they have simply stopped creating as a result of health-related challenges and disabilities.

According to Farmington Presbyterian Manor’s Sales and Marketing Director Keely Jameson, it’s often not that they can’t create, it’s that when they do, their work no longer meets their own standards.

“When you dig a little deeper, it’s usually because they are being too critical

Editor’s Note: In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we regularly feature a column from a PMMA® chaplain in our newsletter. This month’s column comes from Richard Russell, chaplain at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor®.

The Wonder of Spring

By Richard Russell, Chaplain

As we move into spring, I so enjoy seeing the wonder of God‘s handiwork. The beauty of new life in nature. Some of my favorites are the honeysuckle and dogwood. It causes me to think of walking afresh led by God’s loving care. I’m reminded of a beautiful poem written by Howard Thurman, called Give Me The Courage to Live.

Give me the courage to live! Really live, not merely exist. Live dangerously, Scorning risk!

Live honestly, Daring the truthParticularly the truth about myself! Live resilientlyEver changing, ever growing, ever adapting.

Enduring the pain of change

As though ‘twere the travail of birth. Give me the courage to live, Give me the strength to be free And endure the burden of freedom And the loneliness of those without chains;

Changing art – continued on page 4 Chaplain – continued on page 3

Richard Russell

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 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 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

kjameson@PMMA.org Jane Hull, executive director Keely Jameson, marketing director

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

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

“These are beautiful words that paint a picture of living life to its fullest, embracing the new and refreshing experiences, as well as those difficult times that come in life.”

Let me not be trapped by success, Nor by failure, not pleasure, nor grief, Nor malice, nor praise, nor remorse!

Give me the courage to go on!

Facing all that waits on the trail— Going eagerly, joyously on, And paying my way as I go, Without anger or fear or regret Taking what life gives, Spending myself to the full, Head high, spirit winged, like a god—

On… on… till the shadows draw close.

Then, even when darkness shuts down, And I go out alone, as I came, Naked and blind, as I came, Even then, gracious God, hear my prayer:

Give me the courage to live. These are beautiful words that paint a picture of living life to its fullest, embracing the new and refreshing experiences, as well as those difficult times that come in life.

In Isaiah 40: 26-31, we see Isaiah, sharing about the wonder of God in nature and his power and strength and enduring love that brings true hope.

“Lift up your eyes, and look to the heavens, who created all these? He who brings out the story host, one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel? My way is hidden from the Lord, my cause is discarded by my God? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and he is understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the week. Even youth grow tired and weary and young men, stumble and fall, but those who hope in the lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings. Like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they won’t walk and not be faint.”

We can see within the beauty of a new spring, a renewed hope in our loving God. He will take care of us in his own loving way that reflects the wisdom that only he can share. u

500 Cayce St.

Farmington, MO 63640-2910

Changing art – continued from page 1

of their own work because they can’t accomplish what they used to be able to,” said Keely.

Whenever she encounters an artist who no longer does what they love because they are unhappy with the results, Keely reminds them of why they created art in the first place and encourages them to look at the situation from a new perspective.

“It’s unfair to hold ourselves to unrealistic standards and allow those standards to dictate whether we continue to pursue something that makes us happy,” said Keely. “As we

age there are so many things that change with us—our clothes, hairstyles, modes of transport—why not allow our artwork to evolve with us as our age and abilities change?”

It’s also important to remind ourselves that some of the greatest artists in history have faced their own health setbacks. Michelangelo, Francisco Goya, Paul Klee, Vincent Van Gogh and Henri Matisse all had life-altering medical conditions and many not only adapted to their new circumstances but went on to be highly productive and create some of

their most famous and best-loved works of art.

Sure, we may not all be Michelangelo or Van Gogh, but that doesn’t mean we can’t follow their lead.

“Don’t let your loss bring your creative abilities to a halt. Learn how to change and adapt so you can keep creating and accept whatever art born from that for what it is—a beautiful new chapter,” said Keely.

Just remember, art is ageless— regardless of our physical abilities. u