Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor
February 2019
The heart By Jerroll Martens, chaplain Newton Presbyterian Manor
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” —Matt. 5:8 February is Heart Month, a time when the medical community encourages good cardiovascular health. The month also includes Valentine’s Day. The Bible has nearly 900 references to the heart, and usually it speaks to a person’s mind, will and emotions. King David asked God for a clean heart after sinning. Jesus told his disciples not to be troubled in their hearts because he was going away. We also are told that the heart is deceitful above all, and desperately wicked. Out of the heart comes evil thoughts, words and actions. Hearts can be described as hard, stony, evil, foolish and darkened. The Bible speaks of a heart that can be broken, heavy or discouraged. Surely God is pleased when we have a humble, tender and compassionate heart. Words such as willing, perfect, soft, wise and merry also describe the heart. Our greatest need is to have a pure heart, without which one will HEART, continued on page 2
Resident Evelyn Gardner is a volunteer in our library, reshelving returned books to our collection.
Looking for a good book? The Newton Public Library delivers There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a good book on a cold winter’s day, and thanks to a program through the Newton Public Library, a great read is always within reach regardless of an individual’s ability get to the library themselves. ENLITE is a book delivery program that provides Newton and North Newton seniors with access to a wide array of Newton Public Library materials including its extensive large-print collection, featuring everything from westerns and romance novels to Christian fiction and biographies. For more than 10 years, Renee Lewis has been involved in the program, first as a volunteer and now as a part-time employee. Renee, along with ENLITE volunteer Karen Monroe, visits Newton Presbyterian Manor on the second Monday of every month with bags of books—some specifically requested by residents and others that are hand-chosen by Renee based on a resident’s individual tastes. While the selections vary in BOOK, continued on page 2
BOOK, continued from page 1
HEART, continued from page 1
never dwell in God’s presence. Thankfully, Jesus came as a sacrifice to give us that pure heart. We are told that with the heart, we believe on Christ. He gives us his righteousness and a heart inclined to love and serve God. May we give attention to our heart, now and always.
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 2019
nature, Renee does notice trends within the reading habits of those she serves.
Regardless of physical toll and the time expenditure involved in the job, Renee says it’s all worthwhile.
“The majority of my patrons like Christian fiction and light fiction,” said Renee. “They like things that don’t take a lot of concentration or have a complicated plot—something to keep ahold of the storyline.”
“I’m happy to do the job and want people to be excited about reading because I’m excited about reading,” said Renee. “It’s also an easy way to engage people—talking about what they’re reading leads to stories about their life.”
Keeping books in the hands of our residents is no small task. In 2018, Renee and five volunteers from the Newton Public Library checked out 1,669 books to 50 Newton Presbyterian Manor residents! While she’s at our community, Renee has the help of several dedicated volunteers including Sylvia Epp, Marilyn and Howard Schmidt and her own sister, Pat Ryan. Between all of them, they keep our library stocked with an eclectic collection of fiction and nonfiction books that can be checked out on the honor system— simply borrow a book and place it in the return basket when you’re through.
In addition to visiting the area’s senior living communities, Renee will also deliver books to an individual’s home. To be eligible, a person has to be at least 60 years old, live in Newton or North Newton and have difficulty reaching the Newton Public Library. To learn more, or to sign up for the program, contact the library at 316-283-2890 or online at newtonplks.org/contact. If you have books you’d like to donate to our library on campus, contact Noelle Dickinson at 316283-5400.
Bravo of the Month: Tim Clark Our Bravo of the Month goes to Tim Clark, life enrichment assistant for Utz House. Brittney Jaso writes, “Tim has been seen by many different staff members helping the aides in health care with many different things, from washing faces to doing hair and spending a little extra time with residents. All of your extra help and TLC is appreciated by all of us. The residents adore you!” Like us on Facebook
Employee Milestone Awards given for 2018 Fifteen employees were recognized with milestone awards and recognition gifts at the annual employee Christmas party Dec. 14.
Michaela Burke, CMA
20 years
Riley Rodriguez, life enrichment assistant
Noelle Dickinson, marketing director
10 years
25 years
Emily Busenitz, dining services assistant
Carrie Supernois, laundry
Alvin Savage, maintenance supervisor
Laura Stewart, social services director
Olga Vela, cook
30 years
Tara Stewart, MDS coordinator
Karen King, floor technician
Renee Ott, restorative aide
15 years
Steve Seidl, environmental services director
Gina Entz, preschool teacher
Deanna Woodfield, cook
Thomas Allen, maintenance technician
Janelle Nickel, housekeeping
5 years
Holiday events and outings
Above and below: Having family in town made holiday meals special for those who live and work at Presbyterian Manor.
Independent living residents enjoyed a holiday lights tour, followed by dinner out at Belle Vita. The meal was a treat, and so was the conversation around the table.
We always enjoy our younger guests. Slate Creek Elementary fourth grade students came for bingo and snacks over the holidays. Like us on Facebook
Newton Presbyterian Manor
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Newton Presbyterian Manor 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2862 Return Service Requested
Art is Ageless® call for entries Newton Presbyterian Manor has issued a call for entries for the Art is Ageless® juried exhibit to be held March 21-April 5, 2019. Entries of artistic works will be accepted from any area artist who is 65 years of age or older to exhibit and/or compete for an opportunity to be featured in the 2020 Art is Ageless calendar. Artists may choose to enter the exhibit only. For the competition, works are to have been completed in the past five years (since January 2014). There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or professional. Works to be entered for judging need to be at Presbyterian Manor by March 15. The Art is Ageless® Program encourages Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year. Local competition winners will join winners from 16 other Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America communities to be judged at the systemwide level. Poinsettias that were donated by Dillon’s at the end of December are still providing color and cheer in the links.
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Community Matters February 2019
Entry forms and information can be picked up at Newton Presbyterian Manor, 1200 E. 7th, Newton, or by contacting Noelle Dickinson at 316283-5400 or ndickinson@pmma.org. Or go online to ArtIsAgeless. org to view rules, download an entry form or enter online. Like us on Facebook