Commun ty Matters Fulton Presbyterian Manor
“Believe”
By President and CEO Bruce Shogren As I look forward to the holiday season, one word is key to this season: “believe.” I truly believe in three key people: Jesus Christ, Santa Claus and the employees of the Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America system. What could be more important than Christmas Day, the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ? I grew up in a church in which every Sunday we would state our belief by reciting the Apostles’ Creed. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
This belief statement says it all for me and has been the guiding statement throughout my life. It has given me the ability to believe in the power of prayer, which has really been needed daily as BELIEVE continued on page 2
December 2014
Santa’s coming to breakfast By Jeff Young, Activity Director
Every few years or so, Santa likes to shake things up. People's schedules change, and interests change. This year, instead of an afternoon party with Santa, we are starting a new tradition that brings everyone together as one community to share love and joy and gifts and treasured memories with each other. The Rev. James Williams and Santa share a heartfelt moment last year. We all remember the excitement of waking up Christmas morning and running to find out what was under the tree and having a big breakfast before setting off for church or to visit relatives. That is the magic we hope to capture with Breakfast with Santa. Come one, come all, bring the whole family to celebrate this new tradition with us. Breakfast festivities begin at 6 a.m. on Dec. 19.
Seeking ‘angels’ for Good Samaritan Program
Christmas angel ornaments – each representing a gift to the Good Samaritan Program for Benevolent Care – are adding to the holiday decorations at Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s senior living communities. Donors responding to the annual Christmas Angel Appeal letter mailed in November include paper angel ornaments with their gifts. Each ornament will then be displayed at the PMMA community designated by the donor. During the past two years, angel donors have given more than $94,000 to the Good Samaritan Program, which assists PMMA residents who have run out of funds through no fault of their own.
BELIEVE continued from page 1
my wife was healing in the hospital and at home. This Christmas season, I pray you reflect on that night long ago when Jesus was born and you continue to realize the impact his birth has had on all our lives. My second key belief is in the spirit of Santa Claus. Santa has always been a big part of my family’s Christmas celebrations, dating back to when I was a little one. Santa has always come out of the fireplace in the house I grew up in in Lindsborg, Kansas. It is quite the spectacle to see the Jolly Old Elf come out of PaPa Har’s (my dad’s) fireplace to deliver gifts to all the good girls and boys of the Shogren family after losing his pants once again. “Har, when are you going to fix your chimney,” Santa states every year to the delight of all in the room.You have to be there to really experience it and believe it. But the actual thrill in believing in the spirit of Santa Claus is to be a “Santa Helper.” To see the joy in the eyes of a child when he or she sits on Santa’s lap, to experience a surprise appearance by Santa is unforgettable whether it is to children or adults, to give an unexpected and thoughtful gift
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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 Alonzo, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact kalonzo@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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which says “I know you” is pure happiness for the giver, the receiver and those watching, and the best is when someone will ask with a wink and whisper in Santa’s ear, “Who are you, really?” and Santa gets to tell them the truth:You are really Santa Claus. Priceless! Finally, my third and final belief is in the employees of the PMMA system in providing the care and services to you. Being on the side of receiving care in the past year by a caring hospital nursing and health care staff, I appreciate even more the PMMA staff throughout our system that daily provide the health care, friendship, caring and a whole lot more to you, our residents. Please join me in thanking your community’s staff for their commitment to our mission, providing quality senior services guided by Christian values. As I close my letter, let me wish that you know the blessing of being a child of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, the joy of caring for others, and that you still hear the bell ring and truly believe. Merry Christmas and Happy NewYear!
Residents share memories and the meaning of Christmas
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One Christmas we were at a neighbor’s for Christmas. It snowed so hard we had to walk home because my sister and I knew we had presents there. I got a necklace about the size of a dime. I was so proud. I wish children nowadays would realize Christmas isn’t just about gifts, but we forget the main reason is Jesus. We should not want gifts for ourselves as much as we do. We should want to give since we received the greatest gift of all in Jesus.” –Abbie One Christmas was an unhappy one because I lost my father. But we knew God took him home. On Jesus’ birthday mother made candy and we gave thanks for that.” –Clarissa The day began early. We wanted to see what Santa had left for us under the tree. My father cut down a cedar tree for our Christmas tree. We popped popcorn and strung it on the tree. We had apples and oranges, and every child received one toy. We didn’t have much money but we had lots of love for each other. At night we were tired and excited in anticipation of another day that we could play with toys.” –Evelyn (Christmas is) realizing God's grace for sending a Savior. It means a 12-year-old girl with no one to love her entering our home and staying three years. Much love, companionship and giving my sons a sister. That was 1952. She died at 56 leaving three grown girls and one grandson. They still spend Christmas with us, and it is a family reunion every Christmas. Love, life and fun.” –Opal Our family getting together. We all remember Jesus’ birthday. We bless our food and all the love we have for one another.” –Floyd
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Needs drive expansion plans
This month, we continue to look back at our history as Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America celebrates 65 years of the art of life.
The desire for more independent living drove expansion for Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America in the late 1980s. Duplex or apartment projects were approved for the campuses in Sterling, Wichita, Topeka, Parsons, Arkansas City and Lawrence. Existing spaces were renovated in Sterling, Arkansas City, Kansas City and Newton, and a new health care center was constructed in Newton. Wichita received funds for and constructed a chapel. Community interest and persistence led to the development of a campus in Emporia. Ground was broken on May 22, 1984, and Emporia Presbyterian Manor campus opened in 1986.
Construction started on a new campus
in Dodge City in a joint venture with the CSJ Health System of Wichita, Kan. The new campus, adjacent to St. Mary of the Plains College, was named Manor of the Plains. In conjunction with the closing of St. Mary of the Plains campus in 1992, Presbyterian Manors Inc. acquired CSJ Health System’s joint venture interest in Manor of the Plains and became the sole owner.
PMMA’s dream of providing services for severely physically handicapped adults became a reality when Hutchinson Heights opened in 1986. The 1980s also brought serious conversations about the relationship between Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America and the synods of the Presbyterian Church as well as increased competition in the senior
Costume contest fun
care market. Board minutes from 1986 demonstrate PMMA’s desire to keep the ties with the Synod of MidAmerica and individual Presbyterian churches strong.
In 1989, the original United Presbyterian Foundation of Kansas Inc. (Newton), and the other separate Kansas Manor corporations, (Arkansas City, Clay Center, Emporia, Kansas City, Lawrence, Manor of the Plains, Parsons, Salina, Sterling, Topeka and Wichita) and Presbyterian Manors of Missouri Inc. (Farmington, Fulton and Rolla) were merged to form Presbyterian Manors Inc. In 1990, an office building was constructed in northeast Wichita and the headquarters of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc. moved from Newton to Wichita.
Employees had a grand time dressing up for the Halloween costume contest. Winners were:
1.Dorothy Gale from “The Wizard of Oz,” Katy Flowers 2.Wicked Witch of the West from “The Wizard of Oz,” Tish Mansfield 3.Black Cat, Briana Kemp
A big thanks to all participants for helping spread some seasonal cheer!
Employees went “somewhere over the rainbow” to show their Halloween spirit. From left, Robin Leonard (Tin Man), Audrey Ray (Glenda the Good Witch), Tish Mansfield (Wicked Witch of the West), Amanda Ward (Scarecrow), Debra Bates (Wizard of Oz), Katy Flowers (Dorothy Gale) and Stephanie Arney (Cowardly Lion). COMMUNITY MATTERS DECEMBER 2014 3
Cool ways to beat the winter blues: Keep your energy high and mood lifted
With less daylight and chilly temperatures keeping us inside, even the most optimistic person can get a little down during winter. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to beat the winter blues. Try these suggestions from our Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America experts. Eat a healthy diet What you eat impacts your mood and energy. Avoid refined and processed foods, such as white breads, rice and sugar. They have no nutrients, zap your energy and can lead to lack of
concentration and mood swings. Eat more complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat breads, brown rice, vegetables and fruit, and drink eight cups of water a day.
Try to spend a few minutes each day “doing nothing.” Read a book or magazine, listen to music, try meditation or take a yoga class. Relaxation can alleviate stress and leave you with a calm energy.
Relax
Beat the winter blues continued below
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Beat the winter blues continued
Laugh Watch more of your favorite funny movies! Reach out Maintaining relationships is an
important part of successful aging. Don’t be afraid to ask for encouragement when you need it. Making a phone call or sending an e-mail can brighten your mood. Get enough sleep Aim for seven to eight hours a night, and try to keep your bedtime consistent. A short afternoon nap of 10 to 30 minutes may energize your day. Make a plan Having something to look forward to can help keep you motivated. If you plan something stimulating, your mood improves when you’re 4 COMMUNITY MATTERS DECEMBER 2014
anticipating it and when the event rolls around. Plan something that’s exciting to you – a weekend trip, a day at the spa, or attending a concert or sporting event. Exercise Exercise doesn’t just help you stay healthy, it’s great for relieving stress by releasing “feel-good chemicals.” The effects of a good workout can last for several hours.You’ll have more energy and your metabolism with stay elevated. Get some sun Lack of sunlight can cause some people to become depressed without knowing why. Similar to exercise, sunlight exposure releases neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood. Try to spend more time outdoors, and wear sunscreen every time you go out. Keep your shades up during the day to let more light in. Sit near windows, and turn on more lamps.