Creativity at your fingertips
Dreaming is not just for the young. No matter the years of wisdom or number of wrinkles, dreaming is hope for the future. Sometimes, dreaming just needs a little encouragement.
At Presbyterian Village, we are encouraging residents to share what dreams still tug at their heart. You may be surprised to learn most of their dreams are simple and achievable, not elaborate experiences.
And the list of hopes we have heard is vast. For one resident, it just took a little creativity.
Last month we granted the first dream of what we hope will be a new Presbyterian Village program to resident Minnie Lou Allen. The creative side of life is old hat for Minnie Lou. She has a history of painting on canvas and repurposing old things into something new and beautiful. She participates in the Art Is Ageless® program, has given her creations for gifts and even sold a few pieces.
A different kind of art was Minnie Lou’s dream – nail art. You’ve probably seen the artistic nails on employees, or maybe your granddaughter. Today nail art is a fashion statement and an accessory for many women. Nail salons are in every town with a list of clients craving a cadre of colors.
Fingertips – continued on page 2
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 Robert “Bob” Griffin, chaplain at Topeka Presbyterian Manor®.
THINKING ABOUT…
Punxsutawney
Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day. For those who gauge the future by a groundhog, that was supposed to mean we were going to have six more weeks of winter. For some, that might be a welcomed forecast. For others, the winter has dragged on long enough!
So, as we turn the calendar to a new month in March, what are we to do? Glad you asked!
The Apostle Paul has wise advice for us:“…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8, NIV). Sometime later, a man of much influence, Buddha, made this observation: “We are shaped by our thoughts, we become what we think.”
What we think and how we think matters. Our thoughts influence our emotional, physical, and spiritual
Chaplain–continued on page 2
Chaplain – continued from page 1 health. You’ve probably heard of “the winter blues.” The winter blues is a real thing!
In an article published on February 2nd “Verywellhealth.com” Nurse
Carrie Madormo writes: “If you’ve ever found yourself feeling rather blah during the winter months, you have likely experienced the winter blues. This very common condition affects just about every one of us at some point when we notice a shift in our moods during the colder, darker days of winter. It’s normal to feel down, sluggish, or not quite yourself during this time.” The winter blues are real but we need not let them rob us of our joy and vitality in life.
One of the ways for us to cope with the winter blues, or a longer winter, is to control our thoughts. We can do that! We may not be able to control the temperature, snowfall, freezing rain, or groundhog, but we CAN control our thoughts.
Take your thoughts to a place, a person, or a thing that rings true of all that is good. Focus your thoughts on the pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy things of life. For me, it’s seeing a picture of my purely innocent two-year-old grandson with a bowl of spaghetti turned upside down on his head. Or, the
sight of a lovely bright red cardinal sitting on a tree limb (perhaps trying to be inconspicuous but he’s too beautiful to go unnoticed!). Or a friend who sent me a note saying they were thinking of me –excellent! Whatever those things
are for you, think about such things. You’ll smile more, enjoy life more, “…and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9, NIV).
Resource: www.verywellhealth.com/winter-blues u
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village’s Art is Ageless® call for entries underway
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is looking for senior artists from the area to enter Art is Ageless® juried competition and exhibit to be held March 17 – April 5, 2023.
Entries of artistic works will be accepted from any area artist who is 65 years of age or older to exhibit and/or compete for an opportunity to be featured in the 2024 Art is Ageless calendar.
Artists compete in nine categories, including painting, drawing, photography, quilting and sculpture and may be designated as amateur or professional. The complete rules and category listing are found online at www.ArtIsAgeless.org. Artists may choose to enter their works for exhibit only. For the competition, works are to have been completed in the past five years (since January 2018). The entry deadline is March 17.
Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) communities to be judged at the systemwide level.
Entry forms and information can be obtained by contacting Taylor Bailey at 620-223-5550 or tbailey@pmma.org, or accessed online at ArtIsAgeless.org. u
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Community Matters
620-223-5550 u Fax: 620-223-7800 2401 S. Horton Fort Scott, KS 66701 FortScottPresbyterianVillage.org
is published monthly for residents and friends of Fort Scott Presbyterian Village by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: gnance@pmma.org
Ginger Nance, executive director
Taylor Bailey, director of marketing and human resources
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Fingertips – continued from page 1
Minnie Lou started dreaming of her own nail art while admiring the nails of employee and Certified Medical Aide (CMA) Denise Morris.
“Denise has beautiful long nails that she routinely changes with unique artwork and colors” Minnie Lou said.“I’m always anxious to see what Denise’s nails will be like each time she comes in to work”
When the staff interviewed Minnie Lou to learn of her dreams, they quickly realized they could help. Team members carefully planned a “girl’s day out” for Minnie Lou and Denise that included a trip to the nail salon. Minnie Lou told all of her friends, even as far as Oregon, of the experience she was about to have.
Thenailtechnicianatthesalon helped Minnie Lou select a favorite pink design. She was so patient and kind She explained each step of the process along the way and the result was one that Minnie Lou and Denise will never forget.
Dreams were made that day for one resident, but it just might be as special of a memory for Denise as well.
“It blesses my heart that such small things we take for granted can mean so much to someone else,” Denise said. “The residents are a big part of my life. I will treasure this day spent with Minnie Lou”
Minnie Lou will also treasure the day.
“I feel like a queen, waving my hands around for all
to see and enjoy my beautiful nails,” she said. It is a proud moment as the Village kicks off a program to help residents discover dreams and experience special moments. u
