Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor
February 2017
Chaplain’s corner: In the end, empty By Jerroll Martens, Newton Presbyterian Manor chaplain
“I worked so hard but came up empty,” Solomon seems to say in Ecclesiastes 2:11. The word “labor” occurs 24 times and the word “vanity” (empty) appears 37 times in this short book, more than any other book in the Bible. The picture is that of hard work and wisdom accomplishing great things, yet leaving one empty. The writer, now in later life, seems to give his own testimony. Wealthy, he could have all. Enjoyments of all kinds left him empty. He noted that a poor daily working man sleeps better at night than the wealthy. Now reality hits. He will die and take nothing more CHAPLAIN, continued on page 6
Goerings prove love at first sight a real possibility Love at first sight may be a myth. But for Delores and Leonard Goering – better known as Dee and Len – it didn’t take long to realize they were meant to be. Dee had the good fortune to be sitting in front of Len’s brother and his girlfriend at a Bethel College basketball game versus McPherson College when Len came over to visit. There was no room next to his brother, so Len sat in the empty spot on the bleachers next to Dee, who played trombone in the Bethel pep band. “It seemed like there was something there. We just connected right then; it was funny,” Dee said. “We both had to admit later on, we both felt that way. He had such an outgoing personality, and he was so friendly and nice.” GOERINGS, continued on page 2
GOERINGS, continued from page 1
me a bit.”
Len’s feelings were similar, “I was drawn to her smile and fun personality.”
After that, the two couples doubledated every time Len came to Newton. “We had so much fun; the four of us just really clicked,” Dee said. They dated for about two years and were married in September 1955.
With regret, Dee assumed she would never see the young man from McPherson again. Then, at Christmas break, she got a letter from the brother’s girlfriend asking if she would like to double date with them and Len for New Year’s Eve. The boys’ parents were having a party. “We just had a grand time at their house,” she said. “He has 15 brothers and sisters, so he was kind of worried I’d be overwhelmed with all these people. But it didn’t bother
Len became an elementary school teacher, and the couple had four children – three sons and one daughter, the youngest. They have lived in Newton for most of their marriage. They moved to Newton Presbyterian Manor about a year ago. “We just love it here. It’s been a really good place to be,” Dee said.
The Goerings celebrated their 60th anniversary with an open house in the fall of 2015. They now have eight grandchildren, and their third greatgrandchild was just born on New Year’s Day. Dee said their relationship has succeeded in part because she and Len shared many of the same values as Mennonites. “It was always important to give and take. Really we just had a very happy marriage,” she said. “Our kids always say we gave them a good home.” Who knows? Maybe love at first sight is real after all.
Meet new Administrative Services Assistant 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 February 2017
Join us in welcoming Valerie Robbins to the Presbyterian Manor team! As the administrative services assistant, with an office in the front lobby, she’s most likely the first person you will meet when you come in the front doors, or the first one you will visit with when you call Newton Presbyterian Manor. Feel free to ask her anything — she’s quickly finding her way around the building and will gladly help in any way she can. As you can see, you’ll be greeted with a smile. Just call her the director of first impressions. Like us on Facebook
Annual anniversaries celebrated at Christmas gathering Many of our employees celebrated service anniversaries in 2016 and all were recognized at the annual employee Christmas party. Supervisors recognized the individual accomplishments of the following employees: Five years – Sheryl Beckham, Sally Bender, Jason Berger, Julie Hunter, Victor Karaja, Micki Kimble, Carlton Rose, Melinda Ebersole, Michelle Wood Ten years – Jeanne Douglass, Marilyn Koehn, Elen Nesser, Ashley Sassi, Rachel Sprunger Thirty years – Alice Monarez Forty years – Sophia Martinez
Stewart named director of social services Laura Stewart, LBSW, has been named Director of Social Services as of January 2017, replacing Helen Brown in this management team role. Helen says, “After much thought, reflection, and prayer, I have made the decision to step down as director of social services. This position has been a positive experience and one for which I am deeply grateful. Due to my belief that the director position — with its numerous responsibilities — requires and deserves a person who can work full time, I feel that I am no longer able to fulfill those obligations while working part time. I will retain my parttime position as a licensed social worker here.” Laura began her career at Presbyterian Manor in the activities department. She has been a social worker for Haury Place and our PATH guests for the past 15 months. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Bethel College.
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Independent Living Party A lunch outing to The Barn in Burrton was the perfect stop for a Christmas celebration for our cottage and duplex neighbors. A light snowfall set a beautiful backdrop for lunch, great conversation and a white elephant gift exchange. Our life enrichment team helps organize trips like this for all of our residents, providing the bus and driver as well as schedule planning as needed.
Senior artists invited to enter Art is AgelessÂŽ exhibit reaffirms the agelessness of human creativity. Newton Presbyterian Manor is accepting entries for the 2017 Art is Ageless competition and exhibit now through March 3.
The Art is AgelessÂŽ program offers senior artists the opportunity to share and display their artwork and
Artwork will be on display March 9 through 24. A reception with the artists will take place March 9. The Art is Ageless program
has been encouraging creativity in seniors for more than 35 years, and is sponsored by Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica. It is open exclusively to artists who are 65 and older. Artists may enter as amateurs or professionals in many categories. For information, contact Noelle Dickinson, 316-283-5400, ext. 1054, or ndickinson@ pmma.org. Chapel performers Local musicians Della Mae Harr, piano; Velma Busenitz, organ; Dahna Regier, accordion; Merle Zuehl, accordion; and Jan Schroeder, auto harp, performed a Christmas musical for the campus. Scripture was read by Presbyterian Manor neighbors, and Chaplain Jerroll Martens shared the story of several favorite Christmas hymns.
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Community Matters February 2017
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KEEP in TOUCH! Don’t forget about two great ways to stay in touch with Presbyterian Manor events and activities. The first is to like “Newton Presbyterian Manor” on Facebook. With multiple posts a week, you’ll find out all the latest news as it happens.
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Bike rack Newton Presbyterian Manor is the proud owner of an awesome new six-bike rack! Last summer, Alex Ramos and the PMMA wellness committee hosted a two-day WorkWell Kansas wellness conference at the corporate office. In December, Alex represented us at the WorkWell Kansas Champions conference and was awarded the bike rack for the high attendance at our conference. Even though the rack was installed in December, Janelle Nickel of environmental services is already enjoying this safe, off-street spot to lock up her bike, as she rides it to work rain or shine. Only icy streets will keep her from this form of daily exercise!
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The second reminder is to sign up for our e-newsletter, saving us the printing and postage. Go to NewtonPresbyterianManor.org.
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Upcoming Events
Feb. 1, 2:30 p.m. — Community Assembly with special music by the Remington Singers Feb. 8, 10:30 a.m. — Olive Garden and Nifty Nut House Outing Feb 22, 10:30 a.m. — Lunch at Jason’s Deli followed by a presentation at Exploration Place over Vietnamese Wedding Customs. Explore Vietnam’s rich wedding customs through video, clothing, artifacts and live interactions.
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Newton Presbyterian Manor 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2862 Return Service Requested
Bravo of the Month Bravo of the Month goes to Linda Loyles for this very special note from Evelyn Gardner: “When I called the emergency number Dec. 3rd at about 10 p.m., in just minutes Linda was at my door, checked my vitals, called my daughter and the ambulance, and called for someone to stay with me while she met EMS to let them in the door. She alerted them to my problem so they knew what needed to be done when they came in my door. Linda’s quick and professional care, along with EMT’s, saved my life.
CHAPLAIN, continued from page 1
than he had at birth. He will leave all to someone else who has not worked for it as he has. Will he be wise or foolish with it? A theme in the book is that a man may work hard and accomplish much, but if God is left out, life will come up empty—both now and in the next life. Having God’s perspective can help us enjoy the fruit of our labor. Let us serve God and not come up empty.
Linda’s husband Chad was the person who came to be with me while Linda opened the door for EMS. I have been praying for Linda, Chad and their family for a long time, and when I needed help, they were here for me.”
Volunteerism and you
We will focus on volunteerism in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. Where have you volunteered your time? Why do you volunteer? What are the benefits for you? If you’ve got a story to share, contact Marketing Director Noelle Dickinson and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
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Community Matters February 2017
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