Commun ty Matters Manor of the Plains
December 2017
‘Secret’ Santa and helpful, happy elf Santa and his helper have been at Manor of the Plains for several years. Santa, Doug Schaapveld, maintenance, and Elf, Jacque Soltero, activity director in health care, are always in the Christmas Spirit helping our residents have the best Christmas possible. Together they make Christmas at Manor of the Plains very enjoyable. Thank you, Doug and Jacque! Alverna Cantrell gives local middle school students some pointers on decorating a Christmas tree. “I enjoyed the kids, I really do. When I had my flower shop, I usually had students from the vo-tech school’s floral design program work for me.”
Making spirits bright Former florist help decorate for holiday season Even before Alverna Cantrell moved to Manor of the Plains, residents have been enjoying her expert touch with our celebrated Christmas decorations. Alverna owned Humble Flowers in Dodge City for many years. The store helped many local organizations decorate for open houses, from the annual Carnegie home tour to Christmas at Manor of the Plains. Alverna is good friends with our former marketing director Patty McGee. Santa (Doug Schaapveld) and his Elf (Jacque Soltero) showing their Christmas spirit.
Since the manor traditionally fills the halls with all kinds of Christmas trees for our holiday open house, it was easy to feature many different types of decorations. Alverna said she’s always enjoyed creating a specific SPIRITS, continued on page 2
SPIRITS, continued from page 1
theme for trees, but she is partial to Victorian and traditional designs. She also likes to use floral elements like poinsettias, as well as ribbons and bows. “We all have different tastes. Like Patty and I — we laughed so much when we worked together. I was more traditional, and sometimes she was more…” Alverna paused, searching for the right words. Then: “Far out.” She laughed. She’s quick to add that there’s no wrong way to decorate, and it’s easy to start over if you’re not happy with the results. “Anything can be redone, that’s no big deal. Play with
it and get creative — do what you like.”
lights. And remember to put on your lights before anything else.
Since Alverna moved to Manor of the Plains about seven years ago, she has continued as one of our volunteer decorators. And not just at Christmas — Alverna has also created lovely silk and dried arrangements and wreaths for many of her friends and neighbors. She hopes everyone enjoys the holiday cheer she helps bring to the manor again this year.
Start small: Put your smaller ornaments near the top, and add larger ones as you go toward the floor.
Alverna’s tree tips
now and then to judge whether things look evenly placed. “I like to eyeball it, to step back and look at it, and stagger items — that’s the florist in me. But there’s no wrong way to do it.”
Fill the gaps: You don’t have to cover every inch of the tree, but if you have a problematic hole, Alverna suggests filling it with a nice bow. She likes to dress up bows with a flower or an ornament in the “As long as I can put an ornament on middle. a tree, I’ll keep doing it,” she said. Balance it out: Take a moment We asked Alverna for her top treetrimming tips: Safety first: Never overload your outlets with too many strings of
Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Manor of the Plains by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.
Jerry Korbe, executive director Kurt Lampe, marketing director Lisa Montoya, activity director Jacque Soltero, health care activity director
Tell about your activities We will feature our activity professionals in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. If you know an activity professional with a story to tell, or if you want to share how participating in activities at your campus keeps your mind sharp and your body well, or if you just want to tell the world what you love about living in your senior living community, we want to share the story. Contact Kurt Lampe, marketing director, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Kurt at klampe@pmma.org. Telephone: 620-225-1928 Fax: 620-225-3982 Address: 200 Campus Dr., Dodge City, KS 67801-2760
Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. ManorofthePlains.org
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Community Matters December 2017
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Celebrating Veterans Day
Manor of the Plains’ residents and staff celebrate Veterans Day with a hearty meal.
Manor of the Plains’ residents and staff celebrate Veterans Day surrounded by family and friends.
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Community Matters December 2017
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