Fort Scott Presbyterian Village
NOVEMBER 2020
Ruth Streitmatter shares her love for nursing and helping others
Celebrating country, flannel and friends
Ruth Streitmatter’s love story began as a young child.
In November 1939, Red Flannel Day was a bright spot in a time of war, when people could forget what was looming on the horizon. A festival was created in Michigan focused around red flannel. The theme was taking what they had and making it a fun and memorable occasion.
She was only 7 years old when her father passed away, leaving her mother with nine children, all born within 11 years. Ruth was the fourth oldest child, and from a young age she felt a loving responsibility to help her mother with the hard work of raising children, working on the farm milking cows, feeding chickens and all the hardships of farming in the early Ruth Streitmatter’s nursing school graduation photo. years without a father. That feeling of responsibility to care for others never departed. Ruth’s house was filled with God’s word and his love, and she carried that with her as she grew. Ruth said she always knew she wanted to be a nurse in order to care for others. While in high school, she took a job as a nurse’s aide at the Fairbury hospital in Illinois to earn money while still helping others. In those years, “they let aides do quite a lot,” said Ruth. She got a great deal of experience and knew nursing would be a perfect fit for her. NURSE– continued on page 2
We thought if we could borrow some of their ideas and add some of our own, it might take our minds off of the pandemic. Instead of thinking of all the traditional things we are not able to do during the upcoming November and December holidays, we plan to create memories by incorporating some new, fun activities into our days. Our theme for November and December is “country, flannel and friends.” Each resident and employee should get out their flannel and join in the fun! Over the course of two months, we will have country-themed events such as: -Best dressed “lumberjack” and “lumber Jane” on our stage, with prizes for the winners FLANNEL– continued on page 4
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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Nurse– continued from page 1 Additionally, Ruth had an aunt in her family who was a nurse, and she had good teachers who were great influencers in her life. They encouraged and invested in her to pursue getting her nursing degree. After graduating from high school, she attended the Brokaw Hospital School of Nursing in Bloomington, Ill., where she earned her nursing degree and certification. In those days, according to Ruth, each nurse received a highly starched nursing cap, which indicated the nursing school where they earned their degree and credentials. Ruth found her interest was serving in medical/surgery and obstetrics units, and she thrived in those settings. After becoming a nurse, she married and continued working for several years before having children. Ruth saw many changes over time in nursing, but what never changed was her love of people and her desire to help others. Many of Ruth’s wonderful teachers encouraged her to go into the nursing field, and this motivated her to be an example to others. When asked what advice she would give to young people thinking about a career today, her answer is, “I just feel like you have to
Resident Ruth Streitmatter shares insight of the nursing field with nurse’s aide Sierra Sanderson. Sierra wants to follow in Ruth’s footsteps in her nursing career.
really love what you do. Nursing can be really hard work, but if you love it, it doesn’t feel hard. I would also suggest to try being a nurse’s aide first. Once you get a little taste of it, you will know pretty quickly if you love it or not.” Ruth and her husband Jeff have been residents of Fort Scott Presbyterian Village since June 2019. Since that time, she has had the ability to influence other young women making career choices, specifically about going into nursing. This is a great love story that shows how one person can make a huge impact on the lives of others. Ruth’s mother, aunt, teachers and others were impactful in Ruth’s journey to become a nurse, and now Ruth
passes that on to everyone she touches. They will remember the influence she had on them and they, too, will influence others in positive ways. This is a great example to others that life’s purpose doesn’t end at retirement. We all continue to serve and influence others at all ages. Fort Scott Presbyterian Village has many benefits to offer our residents and employees. One of the benefits is an employee educational assistance program that encourages learning, growing and serving others. We hope that through the encouragement of others, like Ruth and many other residents, and through the opportunity for employees to further their education, more stories similar to this one will continue for years to come. u
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Community Matters 620-223-5550 u Fax: 620-223-7800 2401 S. Horton Fort Scott, KS 66701 FortScottPresbyterianVillage.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | November 2020
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: mbrillhart@pmma.org Ginger Nance, executive director Megan Brillhart, marketing coordinator
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Social distancing with style What is the No. 1 thing people have been doing during the pandemic? Our FedEx man would say they are shopping online (as he carries several boxes in his arms). Online shopping is not unfamiliar to seniors, since many now have computers, smartphones and tablets.
residents came together on the patio to show off some of their fall fashions. Some ensembles were crafted from new online shopping purchases, while others included
clothing they dug out from the back of the closet, giving older items new life. It is fun to see that social distancing can be done “in style.”
Our residents have also taken the opportunity to display their unique sense of style. Recently, several
Bert Nichols in lovely bright blue and black plaid. What timeless style!
Jerry Elliott is ready for cool weather and the holidays in his smart holiday hat and red vest.
Minnie Lou Allen is ready for pumpkins and Thanksgiving in her fall attire.
Jim Belknap will fit right in at a fall outdoor patio game while wearing his warm hat and fall colors. We love the purple mask he’s added as a socialdistance accessory!
Alberta Coe wears her cheetah sweater and fur scarf well. She can definitely show the youngsters what style is!
Judy Davis, Life Enrichment Director, helps residents show off their style. They made a fun afternoon of it together.
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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2401 S. Horton Fort Scott, KS 66701 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
COVID-19 updates continue
Flannel – continued from page 1 -Hay ride (weather permitting)
Get the latest updates on visitation status, ongoing safety measures and PMMA’s response to COVID19 on your community website, FortScottPresbyterianVillage.org/ covid-19. If there is a COVID-19
outbreak (positive COVID-19 test) at your community, your leadership team will contact employees, residents and their designated family representatives via telephone, email or mail with information about the outbreak and the recommendations of the local health department. u
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-Mustache and beard contest: natural or sculpted, bring it on!
-Country flannel holiday resident door decorating -Kettle corn -Deer antler art
-Flapjacks for lumberjacks
-Apple butter making
-Hot chocolate and cider bar
-Walker obstacle course
-Country chili cook-off and sampling
-Red football games on the big screen
-Lumberjack ax throwing
-Plaid and flannel days (wear PJs, suits or anything in between)
-Chainsaw carving demo -Bluegrass and other country music -Yodling and/or duck calling contest -Country sketch & paint art -Horseshoes & cornhole games -Winter and craft beer tasting
COMMUNITY MATTERS | November 2020
-Country Christmas resident photos -Red flannel lumberjack supper -Soup stations -“Wrapped in flannel” package wrapping station -Flannel “rag throw” blanket making