Topeka Community Matters – May 2023

Resident Tom Rose had quite a career in aviation!

Topeka Presbyterian Manor resident Tom Rose was known to service aircraft owned by the likes Frank Sinatra and Danny Kaye during his days at Leer Jet. While that may seem impressive, it’s far from his biggest accomplishment.

“When I retired, I set to work building an airplane in my garage,” he said. “It was the first home-built plane to fly in Kansas and the most successful model of home-built airplanes in history.”

The low wing, single engine, tip up canopy, two passenger plane is still a sense of pride for Rose, formerly of Halstead, Kansas. It was, in many ways, the culmination of a life spent in aviation.

“I joined the Air National Guard at 17,” he recalled. “I finished high school with the Guard, then went into the Air Force in 1957.”

Rose met his wife, Carol, during that period and after getting out of the Air Force in 1962 he worked on large propeller airplanes, including the B-29. He eventually got both his pilot’s license and his mechanics license and eventually

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

eventually became Memorial Day. The first national celebration took place at Arlington National Cemetery where both Confederate and Union soldiers were buried.

Memorial Day

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Tom Rose -continued on page 3

John A. Logan - Major John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic declared May 30, 1868 as Decoration Day which

Tom Rose built this two-passenger plane in his garage.

Memorial Day – continued from page 1 weekend.

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

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

1942

Washington

Memorial Day parade –photographer: Dixon, Royden.

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D.C.

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

Tom Rose – continued from page 1

ended up at Beech Aircraft. He then built prototypes for Cessna. In between, he worked on the first 100 Leer Jets ever produced.

“Things slowed down in the aviation industry in the 70’s after Vietnam ended,” he said. “At that time, I joined the Santa Fe Railroad and stayed there until I retired, but I never lost my love for aircraft and aviation.”

That’s when he set to work building the twopassenger plane that made Kansas history.

If you’d like to learn more about Tom’s career in aviation, just ask him! He’d love to share his story. u

Employee Spotlight – Tanya Stewart-Vann

Tanya Stewart-Vann has been a nurse at Topeka Presbyterian Manor since March 2004. Her preferred shift is the night shift and she has been a night nurse for over 30 years. Tanya says that her favorite part of work here is the people. She has made special bonds with the residents and her coworkers, “I love them all!” She says that she thinks of everyone here as extended family. “Some of our residents don’t have family or friends visiting. By working the night shift, I can spend time with them, get to know them and let them know that I care. I don’t have parents or grandparents so they really are my family.”

In Tanya’s spare time, she likes to fish, paint and sing. She has enjoyed singing in several bands around Topeka over the years.

Tanya is a tremendous caregiver and her passion for her work is reflected in the relationships she has built with our residents and their families. We are extremely grateful to have Tanya on our team!

Tanya Stewart-Vann

PHILANTHROPY UPDATE

PMMA Department of Giving

Donor Spotlight - Dan Harris, Board of Trustees

Dan Harris’ connection with PMMA goes back many years. Having dedicated more than 30 years of service to Manor of the Plains (Dodge City, KS) 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: $17,622

Total Donors: 33

Total Volunteers: 13

Total Raised in All PMMA Communities: $274,872

346 lives changed

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