Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor
December 2015
Colds and flu are back in season As we near the peak months for cold and flu season, it’s a good time to review tips for prevention and treatment. Getting the flu vaccine is still one of the best things you can do for your health in wintertime. There is no truth to the myth that you can catch the illness from the vaccine. The injection contains only a killed version of the virus. People 65 years or older run a higher risk of complications from the flu, as do people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, emphysema, heart disease, and diabetes. It can, however, take up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect, so the earlier, the better. But they are usually available through February. Good hand-washing routines are another top defense against illness. Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds, or use alcohol-based sanitizer, whenever you have been out in public—especially in a community living environment. Viruses can live on hard surfaces for COLDS, continued on page 6
A look for every season
Dining room decorator motivated by residents Gloria Embry loves holidays, and she knows she’s not the only one. That’s why Gloria, a longtime dining services assistant, takes the time and effort to decorate the dining room for every season at Newton Presbyterian Manor. For most of her 25 years on the job, Gloria has filled the dining room entryway with decorations for Easter, Halloween, Christmas and all the other major holidays. “Knowing that the residents enjoy it makes me want to do it,” she said. Gloria has pieced together her collection of holiday decor over the years, adding a new piece now and then if she finds a bargain. For Christmas, she traditionally trims the Angel Tree in a Victorian theme, hangs snowflakes from the ceiling, and sets up a festive miniature village. Most of what she uses at Presbyterian Manor comes from her personal collection. “I love to decorate—not only here, but I change out at my house, too,” she said. These days, Gloria said her home displays are geared toward the items DECORATOR, continued on page 3
Donate your vehicle to help senior citizens The season of giving is here. Wouldn’t it be great to know that your vehicle donation helped seniors who have outlived their financial resources receive the care they need this year? Turn that unneeded vehicle into holiday cheer and receive a tax deduction!
Art for a cause
Mary Kessler, right, makes another sale at her art benefit sale in November. As of the sale date, $2,158 was raised for the Presbyterian Manor Scholarship Fund which more than doubled their goal for the event. A few pieces of artwork are still available by calling 316-283-5400.
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Newton Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org. Marc Kessinger, executive director Noelle Dickinson, marketing director Melinda Ebersole, activity director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Noelle at ndickinson@pmma.org. Telephone: 316-283-5400 Fax: 316-284-5900 Address: 1200 E. Seventh, Newton, KS 67114-2862 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. NewtonPresbyterianManor.org
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Community Matters December 2015
We accept many donations types including cars, RVs, boats, planes and more. Donating your vehicle will help seniors who have outlived their financial resources at a Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America campus in so many ways. Call us at 844-490-GIVE (4483) or visit NewtonPresbyterianManor.org/Vehicle_Donations, fill out the form, and we’ll take care of the rest. Each year, Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America provides more than $4 million in charitable care. Our seniors need your support; a donated vehicle can help in so many ways ‘Tis the season, give for a reason.
Gifts of the Wise Men and Christmas By Jerroll Martens, Newton Presbyterian Manor chaplain
Matthew relates that wise men from the East came to worship the young child. The song, “We Three Kings of Orient Are” refers to the specific gifts named in Matthew. These three names give us the key to their thoughts about the Savior as well as the elements of worship. The gold represents sovereignty. They had asked, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” We do not know how they believed Him to be the King, but they did. The gospel of Matthew has emphasis on the Messiah as King, very appropriate that this is recorded in this book. Real worship makes Jesus the king in our lives. The frankincense represents His priesthood. Only the priests of the Old Testament could offer the daily incense and sacrifices. Our Lord is our eternal sacrifice who makes us acceptable to God and who makes intercession for our sins. The myrrh speaks of death. It was often used to anoint the body after death, and our Lord was thus anointed. These wise men somehow knew that the King, the Priest, would die for them, becoming their Savior. Real worship is a Savior who died for us, one who is our Priest praying for us, and should be King in our lives.
- Bravo of the Month -
Emilie Harrison, CNA, McFarland Center, was awarded the Bravo of the Month for demonstrating leadership, teamwork and service. The nomination said, “Emilie helped put residents to bed without anyone asking her to do so. She was working in a different house, and noticed staff in ours were behind that evening.
Thank you so much for taking time to help us and to set a good example!” Emilie received gift cards to go out to dinner and a movie. To see any of the latest Bravos or to complete one for an employee who has served your family, stop by the Bravo boards in the McFarland Center lobby or the main hall near the dining room.
Donate at NewtonPresbyterianManor.org DECORATOR, continued from page 1
that delight her 11 grandchildren. However, for two decades she has chosen to spend every Thanksgiving and Christmas at Presbyterian Manor. Gloria says she has always wanted to make sure the holidays are special for residents. She decks out the dining room with extra touches on those days, from folding napkins artistically to setting tables with dishes from her home. But this year will be different. For the first time in many years, Gloria will spend Christmas with her family, so she can celebrate with her newly adopted grandson—a 7-year-old boy from Hong Kong. “Christmas is his favorite holiday, so I want to make everything special for him this year,” she said. It won’t be easy for her to be away from the residents, though. “I love to work those holidays because I want the residents to have the best,” Gloria said. “This is my second home. But sometimes it’s my first.” Newton Presbyterian Manor
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December
Fall events
special events
An unseasonably warm fall allowed for more impromptu barbecues in the courtyard and ease of travel for events like the Newton High School musical, a high school football game and a trip to the casino. Other events included the chili cook off, a visit by the Bug Lady and a trip to an awards banquet for our Wii bowling team. A large group of residents were able to go to dinner at Montana Mike’s followed by the movie, “The War Room” at the theater thanks to the volunteer efforts of Fort Hays State University’s student club called Tigers in Service. Students were there to help those who needed assistance in and out of the bus and sat with them at dinner and in the theater, generating warm conversation and fun.
Judges sampled 19 chili recipes at the fourth annual employee chili cook-off. The therapy team’s chili won first place. Judges were (clockwise, top) Wellness Director Alex Ramos; housekeeper Amy Barrier; LaVeta Jarrett, APRN; Director of Human Resources Sally Bender; and advisory council member Linda Hwa Davis.
Community Matters December 2015
Thurs., Dec 3, 10 a.m. – McFarland Center (Utz/Claassen/Haury) lunch at Rib Crib/Season of Lights Tour, Hutchinson Friday, Dec. 4, 2:30 p.m. – Art is Ageless Calendar Signing Reception Monday, Dec. 7, 2:30 p.m. – Della Mae Harr and granddaughters Christmas program Tuesday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m. – Circle 8 Square Dancers
Left: Salina Presbyterian Manor hosted a Wii bowling awards banquet after a 7-week virtual bowling tournament between Presbyterian Manors in Kansas. A team from Newton placed fourth in the tourney.
Those who live and work at Presbyterian Manor always look forward to pumpkin carving and the annual Apple-a-Day Preschool costume parades. All four classes parade through both buildings sharing fall songs, poems and treats.
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The December calendar of holiday events continues to grow. Please check bulletin boards or NewtonPresbyterianManor.org (under Experience us/Upcoming events) for the latest for each household on campus. Here are just a few of the outings and programs scheduled:
Wed., Dec. 9, 7 p.m. – McFarland Center Family Christmas Celebration (special invitation for all family members of Utz House, Claassen House & Haury Place neighbors) Thursday, Dec. 10, 3:30 p.m. – Nutcracker Ballet, Century II, Wichita Monday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m. – Sounds of the Heartland Chorus
DECEMBER continued on page 5
Residents work together to revive Manor Mart Sometimes it’s just nice to shop close to home. That’s why Newton Presbyterian Manor residents Judy Krell and Donna Willis decided to breathe new life into the Manor Mart.
For years, the Manor Mart was open daily during the week for residents to buy personal items or the occasional gift. When the gentleman who was the primary volunteer passed away, the hours dwindled to one morning a week. Activity Director Melinda Ebersole tried to keep it going, but it wasn’t easy. “Some of the products they need are things I don’t use every day, so sometimes it was hard for me to shop for that stuff,” Melinda said. Judy had never been in the original shop, but she had heard about it. Donna had not. Judy had been considering ways she could volunteer in the community. It occurred to her that she and Donna could serve their neighbors right here by returning the Manor Mart to full operations.
and Executive Director Marc Kessinger, who gave them the green light. “Our goal is what we can do for the residents to improve things for them,” Judy said.
The women set to Donna Willis, left, and Judy Krell share the newest work renovating Manor Mart merchandise with Eloise Beacham and the small space. They Clara Koehn. repainted the room with handmade greeting cards for all brighter colors and got occasions. help from the maintenance crew to remove cabinets and rearrange Judy and Donna also take special displays. requests. Recently, she said, some “They had a corner china closet that residents began asking for Scotch tape as they get ready to wrap had been donated to the Manor, Christmas presents. and they put that in,” Judy said. “It helped a lot to display stuff and “Everybody has been real excited make it not look so much like a little about it,” Judy said. “We’ve had pantry.” nothing but good comments.” The shop carries basics like personal hygiene items, laundry supplies, gum, candy, and also gift items. The women stock craft items they and other residents have made, such as door hangers and walker bags, and
They also have a small team of volunteers serving as store staff, and Judy said more would be welcome. Manor Mart is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 5 p.m. – Utz/ Claassen House dinner out and Christmas lights tour
Saturday, Dec. 19 – K-State vs. University of Colorado basketball game at Intrust Arena, Wichita
Thursday, Dec. 24, 11:30 – Christmas Eve Dinner.
Wed., Dec. 16, 2:30 p.m. – December Birthday Celebration with music by The Bergen Sisters (Don & Irene Isaac’s granddaughters)
Monday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – Charlie Nide Christmas program
They took their proposal to Melinda DECEMBER continued from page 4
Thursday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m. – Kalb Villa/ Anderson Place Family Christmas Celebration (special invitation to their family members)
Monday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m. – Cub Scout Troop #143 from St. Mary’s
So that residents may enjoy Christmas day with their families and not miss Presbyterian Manor’s special Christmas dinner, the dinner has been scheduled for each of our six dining rooms for 11:30 a.m. Christmas Eve.
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 5 p.m. – Haury Place dinner out and Christmas lights tour
Families are welcome to make reservations by calling 316-283-5400.
Newton Presbyterian Manor
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up to eight hours. If you do get ill, follow these recommendations: • Eat what you can. This will maintain your energy to help your body fight the virus. If you don’t have much appetite, at least try simple foods like white rice or soup. • Drink a lot of fluids, but avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and colas; they can dehydrate you further. • Rest, so your body and mind can recover. • Call the doctor if you have a fever that is not controlled by over-the-counter fever reducers, if you have a severe cough, or if you cannot keep any fluids or food down. • Stay home rather than coming to community meals and group activities. This will help contain the virus so you don’t spread it to others. All residents can request to have meals delivered to them, even in apartments.
What’s your secret artistic talent?
An upcoming edition of Community Matters will focus on Art is Ageless®. The Art is Ageless® program encourages residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through an annual art competition and exhibit, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions. What talent have you discovered? If you’ve got a story about what inspires you to create, contact Marketing Director Noelle Dickinson, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
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Community Matters December 2015
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