Kindness and friendliness fuel volunteer efforts
Every Tuesday for the past several years, you’re likely to find Carol Spurgeon helping out with a vigorous round of Bingo at Wichita Presbyterian Manor.
It’s one way, she CarolSpurgeonwithhermother,BeatriceNutting. said, to give back to a community and the people who cared for her admittedly sometimes challenging mother, Beatrice Nutting.
"My mom lived at Wichita Presbyterian Manor for 13 years, before she passed away in 2019" Carol said. "The staff was so kind and compassionate. They treated her like family, and I wanted to find a way to give back."
Her mom’s favorite activity was the weekly Bingo games. Carol visited Beatrice every couple of days - and always made sure to include a Tuesday Bingo game in the rotation.
“Before, they had all these really nice prizes, and Mom liked to be a winner and win all those prizes,” Carol said.
Often, Carol’s granddaughters would join in the fun.
“They literally grew up there,” Carol said.“From toddlers, they came over there and played bingo with her and all the residents. That was another fun thing about Bingo. They knew the residents over there. It’s been kind of an important part of our family.”
When Carol thought of a way to help out, Bingo seemed like a natural choice.
"I usually help the residents" Carol said. "In healthcare, there are so many Volunteer – continued on page 2
Executive Director receives WBJ award
Congratulations to our Executive Director Jenna Beilman, chosen for the Wichita Business Journal’s Excellence in Health Care award!
Jenna Beilman was featured in the March 3 issue of the newspaper. Jenna told the paper that she chose her career during a temporary position in a nursing home right of out college. “I absolutely fell in love with the resident, the environment, and never looked back on my newfound career.” u
Volunteer – continued from page 1
who can’t hear the numbers, and some can’t see the card. So, I sit at the table and help the residents. I get them drinks and things like that, too.”
It’s been a fun and rewarding way for Carol to give back to a place, and people, who were kind and loving to Beatrice - even when she made it challenging.
“She was a character,” Carol said. “She had some health and emotional issues and she wasn’t
always nice. It’s hard to be nice to someone who isn’t being nice to you. She wasn’t nice to me all the time, and I used every ounce of my patience with her. But she was funny, and would say a lot of funny things and I think people got a kick out of her sometimes. The staff treated her with friendliness and kindness. I just felt gratitude for that.”
In Beatrice’s youth, she played for a professional softball team in Chicago.
“She was a pitcher,” Carol said.“She
PMMA celebrates history with Founder’s Day
PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) employees will observe the founding of the senior living system this month as the company celebrates its 74-year history of serving seniors in Kansas and Missouri.
PMMA’s roots go back to 1947. Alice Kalb, a widow from central Kansas, appealed to a Presbyterian Church organization to establish a home for seniors. Her vision laid the foundation for the first Presbyterian Manor community in Newton, Kan., and inspired others to do even more. Through the many decades, PMMA® remained true to the spirit of Alice’s vision, providing quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Each Founder’s Day, staff members re-commit to live our mission by signing the “WE PROMISE” board that lists the pillars of the mission: respecting that seniors retain their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; assisting residents with specific needs; providing compassionate service; serving as a trusted resource; and advocating for seniors.
“Our nearly 2,000 employees view what they do as a calling,” said Bruce Shogren, president and CEO. “Our dedicated employees make it possible for us to sustain PMMA’s mission, as well as its heritage. I believe Alice is watching over us today knowing that we’re carrying on the legacy that she
grew up in a small town in Kansas and played in a league. At 19, went to Chicago and tried out - and she’d never been to a big city”
That history of softball prompted staff at the Manor to arrange a field trip to watch the Wichita State University softball team play in 2015. “They announced her name and told her story,” Carol said.“She got her picture taken with the team and they all signed a softball for her. They didn’t have to do that for herbut she really enjoyed it quite a bit. It was one of the kindest things” u
established more than seven decades ago.”
Alice Kalb’s dream has turned into a network of 15 senior living communities and two hospices across Kansas and Missouri. A new senior living community is under construction in Colorado Springs. PMMA remains true to its core and mission: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. u
Art is Ageless® artist featured on the news
a chance to be featured in the 2024 Art is Ageless calendar.
“My mother taught me as a child,” Barbara told photojournalist George Taylor. She said the craft helps keep her hands busy.
One of our residents became a television star a few weeks ago, featured on KWCH 12 News.
Barbara Dravis is one of our Art is Ageless® artists. At 99 years old she continues to crochet regularly and enter her creations in the exhibit and competition for
The Finesse of Balance
TJ Jonsson from Aegis Therapies led the first event in our Wellness Series for 2023 talking about Balance for Everyday Living.
Everyone learned that even moving to fun music has a lasting effect on one's balance and movement! u
Looking to Easter’s origins
The holiday of Easter, much like Christmas, has roots in both Christianity and ancient pagan culture. Though it is mostly considered a religious holiday, many of our modern traditions hail from Easter's pagan roots.
The Origin of Easter
Easter originated as an ancient pagan celebration of the spring equinox. In Christianity, the day was dedicated to observing the resurrection of Jesus Christ, usually celebrated around the time of the Jewish Passover. Early Christians who did not participate in Jewish customs eventually assimilated their observances with the pagan spring festival, eventually coming to know Easter as "resurrection day".
“I don’t like to exercise and that’s what I should be doing, but I’m not so I sit and crochet.”
You can watch the story on the KWCH website, just search for Art is Ageless and you’ll find the headline “Art is Ageless spotlights artists over 65.” u
Modern Easter Traditions
The Easter traditions we enjoy today come from a blend of Christian themes and ancient pagan celebrations. Decorations such as eggs, bunnies, and sweets all originate from the pagans.
Easter Eggs
This symbol can be traced back to the Ancient Babylonians, who believed an egg fell from heaven into the Euphrates River, and "hatched" the goddess of fertility, Astarte (also known as Ashtur, Ishtar, and, yes, Easter).
The Easter Bunny Rabbits, much like eggs, have represented the spring season and fertility. The Easter Rabbit is a
tradition that originated in the pagan festival of Eostre, represented by a northern goddess who was associated with the rabbit and hare.
The White Lily
The flower is associated with purity and grace, giving it the sacred association with the story of Jesus as a symbol of life, joy, and hope.
Other Symbolism
Other symbols include crosses as a direct connection to religious teachings, chicks as a spring message of rebirth, and palm branches which carry significance for both spring and Christianity.
Easter is a great occasion for decorating and sharing a meal with friends and family. u
