Manor of the Plains holds first health and wellness fair
Earlier this year, members of the Manor of the Plains staff—along with health care professionals from throughout the community—held the firstever Manor of the Plains Health and Wellness Fair.
During the event, Manor of the Plains nurses Karla Alberty and Melissa Morris provided blood pressure checks. Aegis therapists, Jie Hao, Julie Winkel, Darrell Roth, Alyssa Lewis and Marissa Mondragon offered balance assessments, gait training and guidance on using personal devices. Miracle Ear offered free hearing aid checks and cleaning. First Dental, Beyond Barriers, YMCA and Hospice of the Prairie & Prairie Home Health were on hand to talk about various programs available to local seniors.
Keeping with the theme of promoting a healthy lifestyle, Cura Dining Services provided delicious yogurt parfaits and healthy snacks to take home.
Thank you to all that attended and everyone who made it happen. We can’t wait until next year! u
Pictured left to right: Shirley Richardson, Donna Imel and Donna Penner
Resident volunteers always ready to lend a hand
Independent Living residents Shirley Richardson, Donna Imel and Donna Penner are always ready and willing to volunteer their time to whatever is asked of them.
“We want to help in any way we can, and we like the pay,” said Donna. Recently, the “pay” they received for putting together referral packets was homemade banana nut bread baked by then Sales and Marketing counselor Joy Wiggins.
“These ladies are always willing to lend a helping hand and I was always able to call on them when touring a new prospective resident by talking about their experiences living here at Manor of the Plains,” said Joy who left the Manor on March 31st. u
MAY 2023 Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at ManorOfThePlains.org/covid-19. 1
Manor of the Plains
Patty Lampe and the Goody Basket
Manor of the Plains announces Art is Ageless® winners
Manor of the Plains recently announced the 2023 winners of the annual Art is Ageless® juried competition.
“We are honored to exhibit artwork by seniors,” said Tammy Thompson, executive director. “Art is Ageless is unique in featuring only the works of artists age 65 and older. Our artists prove that art, in any form, is an ageless ambition.”
Winners in the Manor of the Plains Art is Ageless juried competition were:
Best of Show professional: Sarah Schaeffer, “Gano Elevator”
Best of Show amateur: Linda Kobs, “Just Hanging Out”
People’s Choice: Sarah Schaeffer, “Gano Elevator”
Judge’s Choice amateur: Leo Ontiveros, “Vena Amoris”
Judge’s Choice professional: Darlene Clifton Smith, “German Bride Tree”
Christmas amateur: Sharon DeMers, “Snow Family”
Christmas professional: Darleen Clifton Smith, “German Bride Tree”
Drawing professional: Patrycia Ann Herndon, “Last of the Hedgerow Holdouts”
Fiber Arts amateur: Dorothy Gabel, “Purple Passion”
Fiber Arts professional: Virginia Cobb,
“Boys Summer Adventure”
Mixed Media Crafts amateur: Susan Bunyan, “Valentina Sue and Valentine Tray”
Mixed Media Crafts professional: Carol Sinclair, “Kansas Sunflower”
Needlework amateur: Ruth Porter, “Gnome Towels:
Painting amateur: Linda Kobs, “Just Hanging Out”
Painting professional: Sarah Schaeffer, “Gano Elevator”
Quilting: Karen Ring, “Fallen Leaves”
Sculpture/3-D amateur: Jane Eskam, “Stained Glass Cross”
Sculpture/3-D professional: Virginia Cobb, “Silvia Bixby”
Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica®) senior living communities to be judged at the masterpiece level. Winning entries at the masterpiece level are selected for publication in PMMA’s annual Art is Ageless calendar and note cards.
Art is Ageless is a copyrighted program of PMMA®. For the competition, works must have been completed in the past five years. Started in 1980, Art is Ageless is an extension of PMMA’s wellness programs, which focus on mental, physical, social and spiritual health. u
2 COMMUNITY MATTERS | May 2023 Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events. Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Manor of the Plains by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. To submit or suggest articles: tthompson@pmma.org Tammy Thompson, executive director OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. 620-225-1928 ◆ Fax: 620-225-3982 200 Campus Dr. Dodge City, KS 67801-2760
Art is Ageless®
Leadership profile: Lizbeth Ontiveros
Lizbeth Ontiveros has served as human resources director at Manor of the Plains since April 2022. Prior to joining the community, she was a human resources specialist at St. Francis Ministries and worked in the financial sector for 10 years before that.
During her time at the community, Lizbeth said that she has been most grateful for the people she finds herself surrounded by on a daily basis.
“I really enjoy working with such a great team. Nobody is afraid to step in when help is needed,” said Lizbeth. “I also love being able to interact with the residents while at work.”
Lizbeth was born in Chihuahua, Mexico but moved to Dodge City when she was just two years old. She and her husband, Jesus, have been married for 14 years and are currently building a new home for their two sons Jesus Jr., 15, and Adrien, 8, as well as Rosie, a one-year-old Yorkie. u
Manor of the Plains | A PMMA COMMUNITY 3
200 Campus Dr. Dodge City, KS 67801-2760
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Creating a beautiful welcome to spring
Right before Easter, several Manor of the Plains residents came together to create spring-inspired wreaths and share some of their
favorite Easter memories. Those involved included residents Donna Imel, Donna Penner, Ella Mae Dale, Shirley Ballard, Shirley Richardson,
along with Executive Director Tammy Thompson and Life Enrichment Director Ariadna Cervantes. u
4 COMMUNITY
| May 2023
MATTERS
Ella May Dale with her wreath.
MAY
PHILANTHROPY UPDATE
PMMA Department of Giving
Donor Spotlight - Dan Harris, Board of Trustees
Dan Harris’ connection with Manor of the Plains goes back prior to the community’s opening. Having dedicated more than 30 years of service to Manor of the Plains in various roles, he currently serves on the PMMA Board of Trustees.
Dan’s parents, Phil and Opal Harris, were both residents. “I really appreciate the outstanding care they received. [There is] no better place in this community. I look forward to continuing to serve on the Board in a spirit that keeps residents as our primary focus," said Dan.
A Legacy of Education
Charles and Susan Koehn
At PMMA, we value our employees and we know you do too. Many years ago, in an effort to celebrate and retain the best talent in our communities, the late Charles and Susan Koehn
established an endowment to assist employees seeking to gain certification, licensure or a degree from an accredited educational program. Today, 17 years later, more than 700 PMMA employees have received scholarships to help them achieve their education goals and dreams.
You too can show your appreciation and support to staff with a gift to the Employee Scholarship Program. To learn more, and make a gift, visit the front desk today.
2022 by the #s:
Total Raised: $26,903
Total Donors: 41 Total Volunteers: 44
Total Raised in All PMMA Communities: $274,872
346 lives changed
2023
Esther Njuguna, center, a 2022 scholarship recipient with Aberdeen Village leadership
Dan Harris
PMMA at a Glance
Aberdeen Ridge - Colorado Springs, CO
We’re excited to bring a new retirement community choice to Colorado Springs. With construction scheduled to be completed in 2023, Aberdeen Ridge offers amenity-rich independent living and assisted living, and a warm and comfortable neighborhood supported by memory care.
KDOT Grant Update
Eligible PMMA communities participate in the Section 5310 Specialized Transportation program through KDOT.
Grants are awarded annually for transit vehicles and equipment such as wheelchair lifts, ramps, operating expenses, and maintenance. In 2022, nine communities received grants totaling $53,000. These communities were Arkansas City, Topeka, Emporia, Clay Center, Newton, Salina, Parsons, Lawrence, and Manor of the Plains.
Board of Trustees Spotlight - Mrs. Pat Cook
"I'm new to the board this year. I am a registered nurse, now retired, but I spent a number of years working in the field of gerontology. Working in this field can be a very rewarding experience. Thank you for all you do for the residents. I wish you well, and I look forward to meeting you." ~ Pat Cook
PMMA Board of Trustees
Robert S. Bonney, Kansas City, MO
Gary D. Brennecke, Parsons, KS
Pat Cook, Wildwood, MO
"Changing Dementia Care, One Mind At A Time."
As dementia and Alzheimer's continues to impact more senior baby boomers, PMMA is pleased to announce that we will be implementing the Positive Approach to Care (PAC) method to assist our residents with dementia. The PAC program focuses on building awareness, knowledge and skill with our staff and resident family members on how to communicate with residents with dementia.
The PAC program also referred to as the Teepa Snow method is a common sense approach in care for residents with dementia. For more information, visit their website at www.teepasnow.com.
PMMA will be providing staff training at all of our communities over the next few months. In addition, PMMA will also be providing classes on the PAC program for interested family members. Watch for available dates and times in your community.
Nancy Duling, Wichita, KS
Dan Harris, Dodge City, KS
Aaron Morrison, Salina, KS
