Fort Scott Community Matters – April 2023

Appreciation dinner for donors and volunteers

Here at Presbyterian Village, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without our wonderful donors and volunteers. That’s why we honored them with an appreciation dinner recently.

It was a lovely evening filled with music, delicious food, and of course, friendship.

Everyone in attendance was either a donor of money or time. They tell us they love to help Presbyterian Village because they can see that we truly care about our residents and our community.

It’s hard to pick the highlight of the evening. We loved the beautiful orchestra music provided by Fort Scott High School. We also enjoyed the amazing menu from Cura Chef Andrew which included chicken carbonara, lasagna, and the most delicious chocolate soufflé. Thank you to everyone who attended. You make our lives and our work special. u

Experienced nurse finds expert care at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village

Michelle Stockstill is an LPN with 29 years of experience with a full career in retirement communities - but at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village she’s found a level of care for residents that’s rare.

“I’m amazed all the time,” Michelle said. “The staff is wonderful. You always wish you could have 10 of that one person, and they’re all here.” Michelle knew she wanted to be a nurse from the age of three, and she began volunteering as a candy striper at 12 years old. In high school, she worked as a medication aide and continued her path to becoming a nurse after graduation. She was only a semester away from obtaining her RN degree when she had a son - but she continued to turn her passion for others into a career. Throughout her journey, Michelle has served in a number of roles, including as the director of an assisted living facility. When her family moved, she decided to go back to being a floor nurse.

In June, Michelle had knee surgery and was ready to come back to work after her recovery. But she hit a cow, and suffered four compression fractures. The doctors didn’t think she would be able to continue working as a nurse. However, when PMMA reached out to her, she thought it seemed like a good fit.

Nurse–continued on page 3

More photos – continued on page 2

Appreciation dinner – continued from page 1

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Community Matters

To submit or suggest articles: gnance@pmma.org

Ginger Nance, executive director

Taylor Bailey, director of marketing and human resources

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 resiliently-

Ever 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;

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

Nurse – continued from page 1

Since starting at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, Michelle has been amazed by the staff’s wonderful work ethic.

“There’s no drama,” Michelle said. “It’s great. You don’t have to tell people to do things - they’ve already taken care of those residents’ needs. It’s the best staffing I’ve seen in my entire career and I’ve had some good staffing.”

"There are companies that I didn’t work for very long,” Michelle said. “I’ve never been here just for a check. I can’t do that. I always ask if these are the services I’d want my mother to have.”

Michelle has two grown sons and three grandchildren. She loves working out in the yard and taking care of guests at her AirBnB.

“People say I’m the “hostess with the mostest,’” Michelle said. u

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

Alice Kalb at the groundbreaking of the first Presbyterian Manor.