Emporia Presbyterian Manor
MARCH 2021
Annual Art is Ageless® call for entries underway at Emporia Presbyterian Manor
Nina Gragg, right, enjoys a pre-COVID trip with company. She now enjoys exercising her green thumb closer to home.
Nina Gragg’s green thumb grows and nutures, naturally No matter where she has lived, Nina Gragg has always done her part to bring a little beauty into the world. At 90, the lifelong gardener attributes her green thumb and overall passion for flowers to her mom and her rural upbringing.
“I think a lot of my love of flowers came from being raised on a farm and seeing all of the wildflowers,” said Nina. “ My mother always had flowers and gave me a little circular spot out in the yard where I could have my own. That taught me what would grow and when—something you have to develop over several years.” While Nina has grown and nurtured countless species of flowers over the years, she is able to identify a few of her favorites. NINA - continued on page 2
Emporia Presbyterian Manor is calling all artists age 65 and older to enter or exhibit in the annual Art is Ageless® juried exhibit and competition at the campus. The exhibit is scheduled for April 16, 2021. 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 2022 Art is Ageless calendar. The exhibit will continue the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America) program, celebrated with the 2021 Art is Ageless calendar. Due to the uncertainty created by COVID-19, Emporia Presbyterian Manor plans to hold its event AiA - continued on page 3
Emporia Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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“I really love pansies and their little smiling faces,” said Nina. “I also like my amaryllis plant because it’s beautiful and actually easy to grow. I bought it in Florida with my granddaughter and it has bloomed for 25 to 30 years.” When Nina sees others struggling to keep their plants alive, she is usually able to identify one common problem. “Most people overwater. If a plant starts looking a little sad, people think it needs water and that’s not always the case,” said Nina. “I just find things kind of thrive when you leave them alone.” After living in the Villa for more than 10 years, Nina moved into Independent Living last year and, as usual, couldn’t wait to get her hands into the soil—however Mother Nature had other plans. “I found a nice place outside to put in three tomato plants but I had to wait because I had a goose make a nest right where I wanted to put them,” said Nina. As a long-term resident of the community Nina has grown to appreciate both the care she has received and friends she has made over the years. “It’s a good place to be,” said Nina. “You have good attention and people are concerned about your health and that’s the main thing.”
Above, Nina Gragg’s daylilies are thriving at Presbyterian Manor. Below, a double-bloom peony makes a cheerful spring appearance. Over the past year, the staff ’s main concern about health has revolved around combating COVID-19. However, with vaccines now distributed, Nina is eager to get back out into the world. “I am really looking forward to going on some bus trips so we can go someplace else to eat—our food is good, but being able to get out and do some bus trips and eat something different will be nice,” said Nina. ◆ Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
Community Matters 620-343-2613 ◆ Fax: 620-343-9195 2300 Industrial Rd. Emporia, KS 66801-6635 EmporiaPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | March 2021
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) organization.
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.
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virtually for friends of the program on the community’s Facebook page, and to announce winners on Facebook after the event. Works will be on exhibit at the community for residents only. Artists may choose to enter works for exhibit only. For the competition, the artist must have been 65 at the time of creation and have completed the work in the past five years (since January 2016). 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 4 p.m. April 6. To arrange drop-off of artwork, contact Crystal Stock at 620-3432613 or cstock@pmma.org. The Art is Ageless® program encourages Presbyterian Manor 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 throughout the year. Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America) communities to be judged at the systemwide level. Entry forms and information can be obtained by contacting Crystal Stock at 620-343-2613 or cstock@pmma.org, or accessed online at ArtIsAgeless.org. ◆
New dietitian serving daily nutrition, joy Dietitian Cammy Tucker knows that her primary job at the community is to ensure that residents receive the nutrition they need to live a healthy, active life. However, in her mind, there is another—equally important Cammy Tucker —component to the work she does. “I like to look at the food we serve not only as a source of health and nutrition but of enjoyment and pleasure,” said Cammy. Cammy came to Emporia Presbyterian Manor just a little over two months ago after working at a long-term care community in Kansas City. She was prompted to take the position at Presbyterian Manor due to the fact that it checked off two important personal and professional requirements. “I was looking to move to Emporia and my heart is with long-term care and the elderly. I thought this would be a really good fit,” said Cammy. While starting a new job during a pandemic hasn’t been ideal, Cammy views her work on our campus as an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those she serves. “COVID has been rough on our residents and this population has been hit so hard,” said Cammy. “The best part of my job is to give somebody a little bit of joy and something to look forward to during these hard times.” When she’s not at work Cammy enjoys going to the dog park with her senior Chihuahua, Ernestine, reading and traveling. She also has a twin sister who lives in Alaska. ◆
COVID-19 updates continue Get the latest updates on visitation status, ongoing safety measures and PMMA’s response to COVID-19 on your community website at EmporiaPresbyterianManor.org/ covid-19. Visitation status is updated weekly on Mondays and as needed as our COVID status changes. You can also send a message to any resident with the Art is Ageless® e-greeting cards. Find a link on the COVID-19 update page.
Vaccine distribution has begun in our community. Every person who receives the vaccine will strengthen the protection for all residents, staff and the community at-large. PMMA strongly encourages our families, employees and residents to carefully consider obtaining a vaccine for themselves as well as their loved ones. ◆ Emporia Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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2300 Industrial Rd. Emporia, KS 66801-6636 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
You’re invited: information session about container and raised bed gardening Spring is just around the corner and it’s the ideal time to start planning the garden for summer.
Where do you start? What tools do you really need? How can you create a beautiful space that’s easy to maintain? Emporia Presbyterian Manor will answer those questions and more during a virtual presentation at 10 a.m. Monday, March 15. Horticulture and Community Development Extension Agent Travis Carmichael with the K-State Research and Extension–Lyon County will share insights and answer questions about container and raised bed gardening in this live, interactive online presentation. This informational session is part
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | March 2021
Just Ask event: Information about senior living levels
Ever wondered what the differences are between different levels of living at a senior living campus?
of Presbyterian Manor’s Just Ask lifelong learning series of events focused on topics of interest to seniors and their adult children. Register online at www. EmporiaPresbyterianManor.org/ Events-Activities by March 12 to reserve your spot and receive the link to this virtual event. For questions about registration or for more information about Emporia Presbyterian Manor, contact Crystal Stock at 620-3432613 or cstock@pmma.org. ◆
Emporia Presbyterian Manor will answer those questions and more during Senior Living 101, a Just Ask virtual presentation at 10 a.m. Friday, April 2, presented by Crystal Stock, marketing director. Register online at www. EmporiaPresbyterianManor.org/ Events-Activities by March 31 and receive the link to this virtual event. For questions about registration or for more information about Emporia Presbyterian Manor, contact Crystal Stock at 620-3432613 or cstock@pmma.org.
PEOPLE GIVING TO PEOPLE
An update on how gifts are changing lives in PMMA communities
IN HER LIFETIME A donor's story
Recently, a longtime friend of PMMA, we’ll call her Agnes, was concerned about burdening her sister with financial decisions and responsibilities when she passes. In order to eliminate the burden for her sister, Agnes wanted to get all of her affairs in order now, but also wanted to accomplish her wishes of helping others. After sharing her thoughts with her advisor and visiting with PMMA’s regional development director, Patti Christen, Agnes was able to spare her sister the task and put her gift to work now.
Agnes made a gift from her donor advised fund for the benefit of the Good Samaritan Program - a program she has supported and appreciated for more than 30 years. She wanted to see the gift in action while she was living. Thanks to Agnes, so many residents have the assurance of the PMMA mission of quality senior services guided by Christian values.
“I’m so thankful for the blessings I have received in my lifetime. It’s my obligation to share it with others. And, I’m so glad my sister doesn’t have to worry about this when I die,” said Agnes, 84. (not her real name to ensure her anonymity)
Spring 2021
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BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE by Barbara J. Braa, CTFA, MBA
“It is better to give than to receive.” Why does this old saying still ring true? Isn’t it because the gift giver takes pleasure in seeing their gift in action? That pleasure may cause a donor to give too much. Sometimes donors give too little, cheating themselves out of the pleasure of giving because they fear running out of money and don’t know their true capacity to give or their giving options.
In the old days, frugal folks made gifts from items at hand, like a quilt from fabric scraps or a dress from flour sacks. Today, a knowledgeable, trusted advisor can help you develop a gift giving budget and help you explore alternative methods for your charitable giving. You may find your ability to give during life may be more than you think! Barbara J. Braa, CTFA, MBA
If you were taught to never touch your invested assets you may be surprised to learn there are strategies to help maximize your donations by using those investments. For example, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a tax-advantaged way for those over 70
½ to
donate IRA dollars directly to charity and avoid taxation on the IRA withdrawal. Or, you might benefit from donating appreciated non-retirement assets, like stocks and mutual funds and when you transfer those assets directly to a charity, neither you nor the charity pay capital gains taxes on the appreciation.
Seeking advice on a charitable budget and/or utilizing one of the strategies above may help you increase your gift giving ability and your pleasure in seeing your donations in action. Plus, if you budget your donations correctly, you won’t need to revert to giving or wearing a flour sack dress or shirt!
The information in this article is not presented as personal financial or legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for obtaining advice specific to your situation. Please seek advice from a trusted financial, tax or legal advisor. Barbara J. Braa, CTFA, MBA is a Vice President & Relationship Officer with Central Trust Company in Lawrence, Kansas. Contact Barbara at 785-865-1065 or Barbara.Braa@centralbank.net.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: 316-685-1100
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DEVELOPMENT@PMMA.ORG