Commun ty Matters Lawrence Presbyterian Manor
July 2015
New giving option now available Your old vehicle could help “drive” the Good Samaritan Program at a Presbyterian Manor senior living community of your choice. You can donate your car, truck, boat or other unneeded vehicle through PMMA’s new vehicle donation program. When you call the toll-free number, we’ll arrange to pick up the vehicle, even if it’s not running.You will need to provide your vehicle’s title with the vehicle. Its sale price is then tax deductible.You can consult IRS Publication 526 to help you figure its current value. To make your vehicle donation or for more information, call toll free, seven days a week, at 844-490-GIVE (4483), or go to LawrencePresbManorCarDonations.org and choose “Donate Now” to access the online form. Vehicles need to be intact and in towable condition. Exceptions to the program are vehicles whose value would not offset the cost of towing. The PMMA Good Samaritan Program provides financial assistance to residents at any of the 18 communities, who exhaust their CARS, continued on page 2
Traveling in our Airstream
Couple recalls fond memories of home-away-from-home By Henry and Kerstin Roberts
We had no plans of buying an Airstream trailer as we approached our retirement years. Henry saw one in a yard in the country with a “For Sale” sign, stopped to ask about it, and then asked me to go and look at it with him. We thought it might be an adventure to go off and see places in the United States and take a “home” right along behind us. In our home-away-from-home, we have a refrigerator/freezer, 3 burner stove top, microwave/convection oven, double sink, water heater, air conditioning and heating, queen size bed, TV and living/dining area, and bathroom with shower. Our own pillows! Kerstin enjoys the economy of seeing the USA without the cost of motels. We do eat some meals out, but also Henry always loves grilling outdoors and does lots of our cooking. Henry writes, “We purchased our first Airstream trailer in 1998, and are now in our third trailer. I pull it with a half-ton Chevy pickup truck that has a towing 6-speed transmission and a 6.2 liter engine. TRAVEL, continued on page 2
CARS, continued from page 1
funds through no fault of their own. Thank you for considering a gift to help our residents who have a financial need.
Community Matters
5,500 miles to see homes where we used to live in several states, schools We belong to the Airstream from childhood and college, friends Camping Club called WBCCI, and relatives in the South, the East named after the inventor of the and New England in autumn. We Airstream trailer, Wally Byam. visited Acadia National Park. We’ve Currently there are more than 6,000 enjoyed trips to Texas and Florida. members divided up in local and We’ve been part of caravans to regional units throughout the USA Kentucky, Oklahoma, Oregon and and Canada. We enjoy weekend Indiana. rallies at various campgrounds in Kansas and Missouri. It’s fun joining Henry does most of the driving a caravan, which is a trip lasting two while we’re towing the trailer. Kerstin takes the wheel on weeks to two months, planned and led by fellow Airstream volunteers. occasion, when it’s a 4 lane road and there’s no problem with a need Some of the places we’ve visited to pass someone, or with vehicles are: Zion, Bryce and Capital encroaching from behind, wishing Reef National Parks in Utah, the they could pass us. Wisconsin Dells region and Upper We are fortunate to still enjoy Peninsula of Michigan, including Mackinaw Island. We drove the Blue camping and visiting many wonderful places. This summer Ridge Parkway, and followed much of the route of the Oregon Trail and we will camp in the Adirondack Mountains in New York State and the Louis and Clark Expedition. visit Revolutionary War Forts. We’ll We made a long circle of travel into Canada, visiting Quebec reminiscence, covering more than City and possibly Montreal.
TRAVEL, continued from page 1
is published monthly for residents and friends of Lawrence Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org. Rhonda Parks, executive director Angela Fonseca, marketing and administrative services director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact afonseca@ pmma.org. Telephone: 785-841-4262 Fax: 785-841-0923 Address: 1429 Kasold Dr., Lawrence, KS 66049-3425 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. LawrencePresbyterianManor.org
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Community Matters July 2015
Picnic time
Above left: It was a full house for the Annual Friends and Family Picnic. Above: The silent auction at the Friends and Family Picnic. Left: Junkyard Jazz plays for the Annual Friends and Family Picnic held June 6.
Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America
Resident Survey Across all levels of living, residents report positive relationships with staff and would recommend Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America (PMMA) to a friend. The PMMA resident survey is a proud 11-year tradition that shows our commitment to resident input from PMMA communities in Kansas and Missouri. As we examine the survey results, it is important to thank YOU — our residents — for giving your opinions. Because of you, our mission is an important part of every day.
Quality of life: challenge accepted Assisted living resident responses about lifestyle and care:
4.15 4.37 4.38 4.34
staff provides opportunities to try new activities staff communicates with me about my care staff respects my privacy staff understands me
out of 5
Quality care: mission possible Health care resident responses about nursing staff:
4.32 4.23 4.21 4.15
staff is caring and courteous to me staff is responsive to health concerns staff caring for me is competent staff follows my personalized care plan
out of 5
Lawrence Presbyterian Manor
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New resident surveys campus + apartment Independent living residents across the board report the overall appearance of their home and campus is pleasing.
say hospitality is important. The new residents participating gave PMMA a 4.49 out of 5 on “I felt welcomed upon entrance to the community.”
I am able to maintain the lifestyle of my choice. » 4.34 out of 5
I am satisfied with the variety of activities available. » 4.25 out of 5
I have a sense of belonging in my community. » 4.29 out of 5
I know environmental services meets my needs. » 4.37 out of 5
I feel safe and secure. » 4.59 out of 5 4
Community Matters July 2015
Safety Matters Throughout all communities,
PMMA residents feel safe and secure. It was one of the highest rated questions.
Residents share summer reading list Residents had an opportunity to share their favorite books and suggestions for a summer reading list: Jean Stokes: Favorite Book: “Unbroken” by Hillenbrand | Recommend: “Nightengale” by Kristin Hannah Mike Neuner: Favorite Book: “Dune” by Frank Herbert | Recommend: “Still Life with Crows” by Preston & Child Mary Burchill: Favorite Book: “Path Between the Seas” by David McCullough | Recommend: Anything by Louise Penny Brower Burchill: Favorite Book: Tony Hillerman’s books | Recommend: Anything by Louise Penny Nita Grier: Favorite Book: “Cold Comfort Farm” Betty Jo Miller: Favorite Book: “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” by Mitch Albom | Recommend: “Behind the Scenes” by Elizabeth Keckley Norman Wycoff: Recommend: “The Story” by Brandi Carlile Dorothy Maxwell: Favorite Book: “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott | Recommend: “The Milford Series” by Jan Karon Effie Simmons: Favorite Book: “Little Colonel” by David Butler David Dinneen: Favorite Books: “The Quiet American” by Graham Greene | Recommend: Any of the mystery novels of Louise Penn
Sharing favorite Fourth of July memories Whether it’s the smell of burgers on the grill, the sounds of a family picnic or the sights of colorful fireworks, we all have our favorite memories of the 4th of July. Here are some memories of your friends and neighbors around LPM.
Beverly Burrows — 85 years ago, 4th of July was celebrated with fireworks at the Ottawa Country Club and Golf Course. My grandpa had a touring car which had a fold-back roof ideal for watching fireworks. But I hated the noise and would hide under a blanket or stay home with grandma! Mary Burchill — Fireworks in the KU Stadium. Brower Burchill — Through my teens I worked at a neighborhood firework stand.
Frieda Bechtel — In 1953, my husband was stationed at the air base in Great Falls, Montana. On the Fourth of July, we went with some friends to Browning, Montana, to an all Indian Rodeo (Blackfeet Indians). We had heavy coats and a blanket, but by mid-afternoon, it was so cold we left before the rodeo was over. Betty Jo Miller — When I was young, the town band (small farm town) would play as it was getting darker. We’d buy some popcorn and have fun with friends. Then when it got dark, the fireworks would start and we’d light some fireworks or wave the lighted sticks. We would usually have a picnic in the afternoon or evening too.
Effie Simmons — On a farm, in the dry thirties, we were not allowed to have fireworks. Our whole community always had a picnic in the woods on a neighbor’s farm. As a special treat we had watermelon. The young men had a baseball game in the afternoon. We talked and visited. It was a nice “vacation” from chores on a farm. Dorothy Maxwell — After moving back to Topeka from Phoenix, our family enjoyed fireworks at the KU Stadium. Lawrence Presbyterian Manor
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Lawrence Presbyterian Manor 1429 Kasold Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049-3425 Return Service Requested
Coming up in Community Matters In an upcoming Community Matters, we’ll be focusing on senior safety, fall prevention and Grandparents’ Day. How do you keep your balance? What have you found to be most helpful in aging strong and avoiding injuries as you age? What’s your favorite thing about being a grandparent or great-grandparent? What wisdom do you want to pass along to the next generation? If you’d like to share your thoughts or memories, contact marketing director Angela Fonseca and your story may be selected for inclusion in an upcoming Community Matters newsletter.
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Community Matters July 2015
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