Parsons Community Matters – May 2023

Parsons Presbyterian Manor celebrates graduates!

As graduation day nears, we’re celebrating several soon-to-be high school graduates who call Parsons Presbyterian Manor their place of employment. We’re hopeful their experience in the world of senior living has prepared them for whatever comes next in their journeys!

Activities assistant Jadyn Heck says she’s “very excited” for the future.

“I plan to attend Labette Community College, then most likely Missouri State,” she said.

Jadyn plans to major in Biology and eventually become a physician’s assistant. She says senior living has been a great fit and she’s always loved older adults!

Dietary Aid Gisselle Hernandez agreed. “I love interacting with the residents,” she said.

Hernandez also plans to attend Labette Community College, then transfer to Pittsburg State.

Help us in offering a HUGE congratulations to all of our graduates! u

Mother-daughter bonds run deep at Parsons Presbyterian Manor

This month, we celebrate our mothers. For sales and marketing director Natae Nash, that won’t be difficult. Her mom is quite literally right down the hall.

“My mom is Becky Nash and she’s the life enrichment director here at Parsons Presbyterian Manor,” she said with a smile.

What’s it like working with her mom each day?

“To be honest, we don’t see one another as often as you might think,” she explained. “I’m busy with sales and marketing and she’s busy with our residents. We do make time to have lunch or meet up in my office for a quick break now and then.”

Mother-daughter –continued on page 4

Parsons Presbyterian Manor

Gisselle Hernandez

Jadyn Heck

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 Rev. Richard Russell, chaplain at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor®.

God’s Nearness

As I write this article, I am sitting by my wife’s bed in the local hospice house. She is nearing the end of her battle with cancer. She and I have spoken a lot recently about how God is very near to us. This made me think of a familiar old hymn, “Nearer My God to Thee.” In the first stanza, it says “Nearer my God to thee, nearer to thee, even though it be a cross, that raiseth me, still all my song shall be, nearer my God to thee, nearer my God thee.” We have certainly had a difficult cross to bear throughout these months. But God’s nearness has been the thing to help us through. He says in His word, as you draw nearer to me, I draw nearer to you.

In the second stanza, it says, “If like the wanderer, the sun goes down, darkness be over me, my rest a stone, yet in my dreams I’d be, nearer my God to thee, nearer my God to thee.” In our dark days

that we have journeyed through, it has been the tenderness of God’s care and love that has been our support. The psalmist said, “He loves you with everlasting love, and underneath are His everlasting arms.” We truly have sensed Him holding us in His love.

The third stanza says, “There let the way appear, steps unto heaven, all that thou sendeth me, in mercy giveth, angels to beckon me, nearer my God to thee, nearer my God to thee.” We know because of faith and God’s promises that He has gone to prepare a place for us. And we can look forward to the wonderous things that will bring.

In the last stanza, the old hymn says, “Or if on joyful wing, cleaving the sky, sun moon and stars forgot, upward I fly, still all my song shall

be, nearer my God to thee, nearer my God to thee.” My wife looks forward to hearing those words from Jesus Himself, “well done my good and faithful servant, enter into all that I have prepared for you.” We know that will bring perfect healing, perfect joy, and perfect peace. So, our hope for you dear reader is that you too would draw nearer to the Lord, and find His loving grace to be sufficient for your every need. u

Chaplain Richard Russell

Memorial Day – More than just the unofficial start of summer

For many of us, Memorial Day means a fun three-day weekend to celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer. But at heart, Memorial Day is a somber day to honor and remember those who died fighting for their country.

Memorial Day used to be known as Decoration Day – it was established in 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War, with the purpose of having people place flowers on the graves of family members and friends who died during the war. Decoration Day gradually became Memorial Day. At first, it only recognized fallen solders of the Civil War until World War I when the holiday evolved to honor Americans who died in all wars, now including

World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Originally observed on May 30th, it wasn’t until 1968 when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, establishing Memorial Day as the last Monday in May, giving federal employees a three-day weekend.

Nowadays, cities and towns across America hold Memorial Day parades and the tradition to decorate cemeteries with flowers and wreaths continues. Because of the long weekend, it’s also become a more fun day with road trips, barbecues, and other celebrations for the summer ahead.

Sources: www.history.com

The Library of Congress u

Memorial Day Poster on May 30th, from 1936 or 1937 honoring veterans.

Did you know? Mother’s Day began as a memorial service

People across the world celebrate Mother’s Day every year and there are many different stories about its origins.

According to history.com, celebrations of motherhood can be traced as back as ancient Greece when people honored the mother goddesses. Later on, it’s traced to “Mothering Sunday,” a Christian festival.

Eventually, the holiday left its religious roots and became to honor and show appreciation to mothers.

In the United States, the story goes back to 1868 when an activist named Ann Reeves Jarvis, of West Virginia, organized a “Mothers’ Friendship Day” for mothers of both Union and Confederate soldiers to gather and

promote peace after the Civil War.

But the creator of the modern Mother’s Day in the U.S. is Jarvis’ daughter Anna Jarvis. As a memorial service to her mother after she died in 1905, Anna came up with the day as a way to honor mothers for the sacrifices they make for their children. Anna made it her life goal to put this day on the national calendar – she argued the holidays were often biased toward men. Her hard work paid off when in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson officially established the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Sadly, Anna Jarvis eventually ended up protesting against Mother’s Day, arguing that it had become too commercialized. She publicly urged

people to stop buying flowers, cards and candies and spent most of her money filing lawsuits against groups that used the name “Mother’s Day.”

In other parts of the world, Mother’s Day comes with different traditions. In Thailand, it’s celebrated in August, Hindus in India celebrate in October with a 10-day festival, and Ethiopians hold a three-day feast.

Despite all these differences, it’s clear that most cultures around the globe understand the hard work and sacrifices of mothers everywhere and find it worthwhile to pause and celebrate.

Sources:

www.history.com

www.cardology.co.uk u

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Mother-daughter –continued from page 1

The younger Nash said her mom has always been her best friend. “Don’t get me wrong, she was definitely a parent, but I could go to her for anything.”

In fact, it was Becky who influenced Natae’s decision to join the Manor.

“She’s been here for four years, and I’ve seen the spark she gets from the relationship she has with our residents,” Natae explained. “That was definitely a factor in my decision to join the team here.”

Happy Mother’s Day to all our moms, including Becky and Natae Nash! u

MAY

PHILANTHROPY UPDATE

PMMA Department of Giving

Generation Buddies, an Intergenerational Program

Parsons Presbyterian Manor was recently awarded a $2,100 grant from the Parsons Area Community Foundation (PACF) to help fund a new intergenerational program called “Generation Buddies.” The program for residents and first-graders from Lincoln Elementary is designed to break down barriers between generations, while positively impacting physical, mental and social health for both.

Last fall marked the beginning of the program, but thanks to the grant, the program continues this year. Thank you PACF!

A Legacy of Education

Charles and Susan Koehn

2022 by the #s:

Total Raised: $6,099

Total Donors: 37

Total Volunteers: 23

Esther Njuguna, center, a 2022 scholarship recipient with Aberdeen Village leadership

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.

Total Raised in All PMMA Communities: $274,872

346 lives changed

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