Commun ty Matters Fulton Presbyterian Manor
May 2015
Judy and Harvey Morts are Older “Get into the Act” Americans Getting Into the Act Older Americans Month 2015:
Older adults are a vital part of our society. Since 1963, communities across the country have shown their gratitude by celebrating Older Americans Month each May. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Get into the Act,” to focus on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. By promoting and engaging in activity, wellness, and inclusivity, more Americans than ever before can “Get into the Act.” While Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America campuses provides quality senior services guided by Christian values to older adults year-round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults can access the homeand community-based services they need to live independently in their communities. It is also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a difference in those communities.
Throughout the month, Fulton Presbyterian Manor will be conducting activities designed to highlight the contributions of seniors to the greater community.
Both Harvey Gene and Judy “Sunflower” Morts discovered their calling as musicians in grade school. Back then, Judy would dance and sing on a stage she created with her mother’s cedar chest and a mirror at the age of four. Harvey Gene started pounding on everything in the house in fourth grade. His mother put him in band, and he was first chair in drums from then all the way through high school. Today, the married couple of 22 years Judy “Sunflower” and Harvey Morts enjoy shares their musical talents together as making people feel good. a way to have fun and provide an entertaining experience for others. “We do everything we can to make people feel good. Harvey and I are both people persons. We like to help others and make them happy,” said Judy, who has been going by “Sunflower” since she started performing in 1979. One way the musicians make people happy is by performing for them. From county fairs to the VFW and communities such as Fulton Presbyterian Manor, Harvey and Judy take turns singing songs and telling jokes. “Harvey throws in a lot of blonde jokes” at Judy’s expense. When they’re not performing in front of others, Harvey and Judy work to help others in their full-time jobs. Judy works at the Busy Corner Café and Harvey works at Westake Ace Hardware. “To me that’s how you can serve a lot of people in the community – you can help them, make them feel good. That’s what we try to do. It’s just the way we are,” said Judy. At one point in their relationship, Judy and Harvey lived in Florida where they owned the radio station WBAR for nine years. The two won a number of awards while there. They also have a CD out called “Reflections.” “People like music, like to be entertained and have company,” said Judy. Look for the duo to entertain residents at again in the future.
Happy retirement
Staff held a small reception with coffee and doughnuts to celebrate with Lawrence Bookins (LB) as he prepares for his retirement after 10 years with the Fulton Presbyterian Manor community. Staff sent him well wishes and shared fond memories with him. His supervisor, Lowe Cannell, presented LB with a departing gift of two T-bone steaks. Lowe said he knew LB wouldn’t use a gift card to the steakhouse so he brought the steaks to him. LB’s subtle and sharp-wit will be missed around the halls of the Manor. Farewell and good luck, LB.
Above: LB and executive director Dawn Smith. Left: DES Lowe Cannell presents LB with a retirement gift of T-bone steaks.
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Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Fulton Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.
Dawn Smith, executive director Keri Edwards, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact kedwards 2@pmma.org. Telephone: 573-642-6646 Fax: 573-642-2202 Address: 811 Center St., Fulton, MO 65251-1922
Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. FultonPresbyterianManor.org
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Layne Brooks
One rainy, gray day in early March, Layne Brooks came by to brighten our spirits and lift our mood with some good old-fashioned singalong country and gospel music. Layne entertained us with stories and quips and some of the best foot tapping, hand clapping music we’ve heard in a good long time. Here’s hoping Layne will drop in again soon.
Declutter Challenge: What works best for you? By Liza Kaufman Hogan for Next Avenue
My 30-Day Declutter Challenge ended in a flurry as I scrambled to complete the last three days of clutter collection.
The goal of the challenge, started on Aug. 1, was to collect one item on Day 1, two on Day 2 and so forth for 30 days. By the end, on Aug. 30, I had culled more than the requisite 465 items, really closer to 500.
My declutter pile is big but not as big as I imagined when I started the challenge — maybe because I didn't have large items like furniture to shed. Instead, I have amassed a large pile of small items like books, toys and electronic flotsam and jetsam.
The challenge was well suited to a declutter procrastinator like me. Having rules to guide (and force) me to collect a certain number of items per day was really helpful. It occurred to me that you might also do the challenge backwards starting with 30 items when you are most fired up and work down to one item for Day 30. However you get there, you'll be glad you did.
When you can't (or don't want to) go it alone
Sometimes you just need a professional if you don't know where to start or don't have time to do it on your own. Adams says there are five common reasons people turn to professionals for help organizing: 1.They feel overwhelmed. 2. They don’t know how to get organized. 3. They are afraid they don't know how to do it right. 4. They want it to go quickly. 5. They need help staying focused. If you are looking for a professional to help declutter or organize, check the
directory of the National Association of Professional Organizers.You can search by ZIP code and expertise, such as help for families with children or hoarders or particular needs or home office setup. When I did a general search for residential services, I came up with 33 organizers within five miles of my home. She says it's important to keep in mind that the person or couple moving may If you are helping a parent move or be OK with a living room crowded with preparing yourself for a move to a furniture if it means keeping things they retirement community or a smaller home, you can find tips and someone to love, even if that's not how you would help through the National Association of arrange your house. Senior Move Managers. Whether you are decluttering on your Adams sometimes works with clients own, working with a professional, downsizing the family home or helping a parent downsize or move. These situations call for special patience repurposing a room as an empty nester, Adams has this advice: and empathy.You have to “remember that it’s their space and their home. "Be kind to yourself. Something about Respecting their wishes is really clutter makes people beat themselves important,” she says. up. They ask: 'Why haven’t I gotten to Generally, Adams does not recommend this?'" As Adams knows, we all have people rent storage space — what she clutter to a greater or lesser degree. calls "paying rent on your stuff." But, However you approach the challenge, it's difficult. But trust me, it feels great she adds, “if they want to keep to let go of it. everything, plan to move stuff into Copyright© 2014 Next Avenue, a division of Twin storage if affordable.” Cities Public Television, Inc.
Coming up in Community Matters: In a future issue of Community Matters, we will be focusing on summer travel. Were you a summer traveler? Do you have a great vacation story or travel story to tell? Contact Keri Edwards to share your idea.Your story may be selected for the next issue of your community newsletter.
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Tulips help to ‘grow’ Good Samaritan Program
Colorful paper tulips – each representing a gift to the Good Samaritan Program for Benevolent Care – are adding to the spring decorations at PMMA’s senior living communities. Prior donors received a mailing in April, inviting a gift in honor or tribute to a special woman in their lives. A paper tulip was included. The tulip may be returned with the gift to the PMMA campus of the donor’s choice. Tulips will be displayed through May. The Good Samaritan Program assists PMMA residents who have run out of funds through no fault of their own. To make a gift and hang a tulip, contact your local PMMA campus.
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Fulton Presbyterian Manor 811 Center St. Fulton, MO 65251-1922
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Campus website gets a facelift
We are proud to announce the release of our newly redesigned website for Fulton Presbyterian Manor at FultonPresbyterianManor.org. It has been crafted to reflect the wants and needs of our site visitors. You will immediately notice the streamlined menus, simple navigation and access to the information you need, 24 hours a day. 4 COMMUNITY MATTERS MAY 2015
Three things you'll LOVE about our new website:
• Homepage - at a glance, you’ll find contact information and direct access to information about our care levels and living options. • Floor plans - you can now view floor plans for independent and assisted living residences online. • Resources - you’ll find a variety of resources to assist you with researching and deciding on a senior living community.Youill even discover your next steps to becoming a Fulton Presbyterian Manor resident! We will be continually expanding our online content to bring you updated and relevant information, so we encourage you to bookmark it and check back often.
Start exploring:
• Learn about upcoming events and activities on campus. • Discover tools to help you evaluate senior living communities. • Read about our residents. Thank you for your continued interest in and support of Fulton Presbyterian Manor.