Emporia Presbyterian Manor
MARCH 2020
Emporia Presbyterian Manor’s Art is Ageless® call for entries underway
Lorraine Morton at an art reception when she was our featured artist of the month.
Lorraine and Herb Morton discover more to life as residents While they had been putting off the idea of moving into Emporia Presbyterian Manor for years, a chain of events convinced Lorraine and Herb Morton that the time was right to move here two years ago this May.
“We had our name on the list for almost five years here. We thought we’d move into a villa. Every time they called us, we were into something and would say, ‘not now.’ Then we came here to attend a seminar about the expense of living in a house vs. Presbyterian Manor. The morning before that, our son’s father-in-law had passed away. MORTON - continued on page 2
Emporia Presbyterian Manor has issued a call for entries for the Art is Ageless® juried exhibit April 6 – 30, 2020. Entries of artistic works will be accepted from any area artist who is 65 years of age or older to exhibit and/or compete for an opportunity to be featured in the 40th anniversary Art is Ageless calendar in 2021. Artists may choose to enter the exhibit only. For the competition, works are to have been completed in the past five years (since January 2015). There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or professional. Works to be entered for judging need to be at Presbyterian Manor by April 3. The Art is Ageless® program encourages Presbyterian Manor AiA - continued on page 4
Emporia Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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came here to live,” said Herb.
After we attended the seminar, Crystal asked us if we were still interested in an apartment. We looked at it and got to thinking maybe it was time to make the move because we didn’t want the kids wondering what they’d do with one of us when the time comes,” said Herb.
And that’s just what they’re doing.
Lorraine added, “We both had grandparents live with us in our childhood. When both of our parents were ready to retire, they said they weren’t going to move in with us—been there, done that. They both moved into senior communities in Winfield like the Presbyterian Manor. We were used to the concept and after both our parents passed away, our kids moved out of town. Our youngest son lives in Emporia, that’s why we chose to live in Emporia. I’m so glad we have been proactive. We can be taken care of and our children don’t have to worry about it. We haven’t looked back at all since moving up here. We didn’t leave our home in Winfield, we left a house that we had lived in for 40 years, but we brought our home with us.” The couple, who has been married for 58 years, moved in the first of May in 2018. Before the boxes were even unpacked, the Mortons were making friends and getting involved in a variety of activities. “We didn’t come here to die, we
“We were here three days, and a lady came and asked Herb to be vice president of the residents’ council. He agreed to it, and now he’s president and I’m secretary,” said Lorraine. Every Sunday, Lorraine entertains residents by playing the piano in all three dining rooms on campus. She started piano lessons when she was four years old. “I enjoy playing, especially down in the memory care. They enjoy it so much,” said Lorraine. Herb enjoys working on puzzles with other residents around the community and is looking for a way to display his model railroad in their apartment. “I had a model railroad layout that I was working on for several years. I was able to bring about half of it up here, but I’m trying to think how I can run it above the doors in our office. I had a mountain railroad that would weave back and forth—about 14 feet long and 4 feet wide—with six different levels of track so it was constantly climbing,” said Herb. Perhaps even better than making new friends and enjoying various activities, Lorraine’s health has also benefited from their move to the Presbyterian Manor. “About the time we had decided to
Herb Morton working on a model train. move here, I had just been put on oxygen full time. Since I’ve been up here, I think I’ve regained my health. I think if we had stayed in Winfield, I would have been a housebound hermit. I’m feeling the best that I have in the past five years,” said Lorraine. To sum up what it’s like to live at the Presbyterian Manor, Herb says, “it’s kind of like being on an extended cruise, but I haven’t found the ice cream machine yet.” To learn more about living at Emporia Presbyterian Manor or to schedule a tour, contact Crystal Stock, marketing director, at 620343-2613 or cstock@pmma.org. ◆
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EMPORIA Presbyterian Manor 620-343-2613 ◆ Fax: 620-343-9195 2300 Industrial Rd. Emporia, KS 66801-6636 EmporiaPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | March 2020
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Emporia Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizaton.
To submit or suggest articles: cstock@PMMA.org Susan Siepelmeier, executive director Crystal Stock, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Maria Lane
Staff spotlight: Maria Lane, director of social services Maria Lane, director of social services at Emporia Presbyterian Manor, will celebrate her 11th year as an employee on our campus this May. She discovered her calling to help others early on in her education.
“I started out in college as a nursing major. It soon became apparent that I was not strong in the math and sciences. I switched to social work because I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Maria. Maria’s efforts affect our residents every day, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. “Maria is a compassionate, enthusiastic person with a heart of gold. She goes above and beyond to ensure our residents are heard. She takes time to truly get to know them while providing emotional support,” said Chrystal Chituck, director of nursing.
Susan Siepelmeier, executive director, adds, “Maria has the heart and passion for her career choice as a social worker. She takes the time to make sure residents are as comfortable as possible in their living environment as well as establishing good communication with the residents’ families. She keeps people apprised of any new developments as they happen. Resident and family surveys will often state their good experience in working with Maria during the admission process.”
The staff on campus consider Maria a valuable teammate, too. “She is extremely organized and efficient in carrying out her job responsibilities. Maria is also well known for handling situations with finesse and kindness,” said Susan. Chrystal adds, “Maria has fantastic communication skills with the interdisciplinary team! She does
not miss a beat making sure we are all aware of pertinent information. She is a very important link to our team!” And the staff and residents are important to Maria, too. “I enjoy getting to know the background of our residents as well as their families. I also enjoy the people I work with here. I feel like they are part of my extended family,” said Maria. When she’s not at work, Maria enjoys going for walks outdoors or on the treadmill, reading and helping her sons with their college projects. She has twin sons at ESU—one is a junior studying ceramics and painting and the other is a senior with a psychology major. Her daughter and son-in-law live in Lawrence. ◆
Emporia Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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EMPORIA Presbyterian Manor
2300 Industrial Rd. Emporia, KS 66801-6636 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Our Mission: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
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throughout the year.
residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions
Local competition winners will join winners from 15 other PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica) communities to be judged at the systemwide level. Entry forms and information
can be picked up at Emporia Presbyterian Manor or by contacting Crystal Stock at 620343-2613 or cstock@pmma.org. Or go online to ArtIsAgeless.org to view rules, download an entry form or enter online. ◆
Change to compliance hotline PMMA’s corporate compliance program provides a mechanism for the organization to guard against misconduct by employees, service partners, volunteers and others who are regularly in PMMA’s communities in compliance with federal and state laws governing providers of health care services. It is everyone’s responsibility to report suspected misconduct without fear of retaliation or retribution. PMMA uses a third party provider to manage the compliance hotline to ensure anonymity of those who report suspected misconduct. This company recently made upgrades to its system, which have changed the way people can report suspected misconduct, offering both telephone and online options. The new toll free number is 1-844-973-0049. A new web portal offers the ability to make a report via the internet at www.pmma.ethicspoint.com. ◆
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | March 2020
YOU MATTER A Special Insert Highlighting the Efforts of PMMA Donors and Volunteers
FAITHFUL Helen Kassens grew up in Emporia, but she envisioned so much more. After meeting the love of her life, she lived in Xxxxxxxxxx. Niece, Karen Carns, fondly recalls visiting aunt Helen in the summer, “her life seemed so exotic and chic. We had a special connection, which is why I had the privilege of helping carry out her final wishes.”
city life, she knew her roots. Thus, at her passing, Emporia Presbyterian Manor was named as a beneficiary. Karen says, “she always appreciated how the Presbyterian Manor cared for Xxxxxx and Xxxxxx.”
The family’s roots run deep in the story of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America. Helen was the daughter of Xxxxxx and Xxxxxx. Xxxxxx is the sister of George Wilbur Nelson, the first administrator of Newton Presbyterian Manor and many branches of the family tree have served the mission of what is now PMMA, spanning from Newton, to Clay Center, to Emporia. Helen’s life was colorful and while the rural town of Emporia did not offer a glamorous
EMPORIA FUNDRAISING DASHBOARD Gifts received in 2019 were restricted in the following program areas. Every gift will be used here in your community.
MARCH 2020
THE FAQS ON THE SECURE ACT The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was enacted Jan. 1, 2020. With it came many questions for those who are planning for retirement, retired or who are retiring in the near future. Passed as part of a spending bill, the SECURE Act brought with it the most significant changes to retirement plans since 2006. While some changes impact you, others will impact the people you name as a beneficiary. Changes to Know
1. You can contribute to your IRA longer. Previously, you could not contribute to your IRA after reaching the age of 70½. However, more and more people are working past that age. The SECURE Act repeals this age limitation, allowing you more time to save. 2. The required minimum distribution (RMD) age changed. The SECURE Act changed the age at which you must start taking RMDs from your retirement account from 70½ to 72 for those who were born July 1, 1949, or later. This change allows you additional time to grow the funds in your account before you have to start withdrawing from it. 3. IRA beneficiary rules have changed. Prior to the SECURE Act, beneficiaries could take distributions throughout their lives. This offered tax savings for the beneficiary. The SECURE Act preserved this option for beneficiaries who are spouses, but repeals it for non-spousal IRA beneficiaries. They will now have 10 years to withdraw the entire amount. What Stayed the Same
If you’re 70½ or older, you can still make a tax-free gift to a qualified charitable organization. You can transfer any amount up to $100,000 per year directly to a qualified charitable organization without paying income tax on the distribution. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions. Your gift will also be put to use today, allowing you to see the difference you’re making. Please contact Sarah Oenning at soenning@pmma.org to discuss your benefits. Review Your Plans If you have questions about the impact of the SECURE Act on your retirement plans, be sure to make an appointment with your financial advisor. They can review the plans you have in place (including your beneficiary designations) and help make sure you are still on the right track.
Learn all the ways friends and family make PMMA
better by visiting giving.
presbyterianmanors.org. Want to talk one on one? Call us at 316.685.1100.
Sarah Oenning Vice President, Department of Giving soenning@pmma.org Patti Christen Regional Director of Giving pchristen@pmma.org Regina Barger Stewardship Manager rbarger@pmma.org Fran Pack Donor Information Specialist fpack@pmma.org