Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor
July 2018
Chaplain’s corner By Jerroll Martens, chaplain Newton Presbyterian Manor
The Bible tells us of people like Abraham who made a commitment and did not look back (Hebrews 11:15). The following is a story about a woman who made a commitment. In taking a pastorate some 50 years ago, I met this elderly member of the church. She was poor but her relationship with God was vital and joyous. As a teenager, circumstances were such that she was without parents and a place to live. A family took her in and provided the basic necessities of life but expected a good deal of work from her. Then she met a teenage boy who was in the same situation. He suggested they get married and they would make a life for themselves. She agreed and they went to a minister. When the minister asked if she loved this boy, she replied that she really did not love him but would be a faithful wife. Now in her final years, she so looked forward to seeing Jesus and her deceased husband. In this, we see the lesson of commitment even when our feelings and emotions may be otherwise. We also see that love can grow where there was none before.
So far this year, Francine has traveled to Hawaii to see her sister, and has gone to Aruba with her daughter, Karen, and son-in-law, Steve.
Whippen family vacations have an emphasis on ‘family’ “You name it, we’ve done it,” said resident Francine Whippen when discussing the world travels she’s experienced with her family. It all started 30 years ago when she and her husband, John, went on a cruise to Aruba. After spending the day swimming in the ocean, they purchased a time-share before getting back on the ship. “We saw a timeshare being built and my husband said, ‘We ought to buy one,’ and I said, ‘sounds good.’” Today, Francine and her sisters, cousins, a few friends, many nieces and nephews, and one of her sister’s friends have a time-share in Aruba, too. “Family and friends would visit, stay two days and then buy their own time shares. We’d all go down together, eat together and have a WHIPPEN, continued on page 2
“I miss him terribly, but we did have a good life. We worked and saved our money so we could travel.”
WHIPPEN, continued from page 1
wonderful trip. We went every year.” Some of her favorite things about Aruba are the people (“they’re so nice”), the food (“it’s not too expensive”) and the ocean (“it’s beautiful”). “Mom and dad have been to all the Caribbean islands many, many times and have been on 37 cruises, mostly in the Caribbean,” said Karen Osborn, Francine’s daughter. “They love the warm weather and sun and little umbrella drinks. They would often be invited to join the captain of the ship for dinner and share their many travels around the globe.” On a visit to the island in
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 July 2018
Over the years, Francine, John and their two children earned frequent flier miles traveling to California, Hawaii, Canada, Michigan, Europe and Italy, where they met the Pope. “My kids have learned so much from traveling. They were only 10 years old when they first went to Aruba. We always made sure the kids came with us.” Francine and her godchild, Brayden, share a very special bond and enjoy playing Bingo together.
2004, Francine’s husband died unexpectedly. “I had known John since we were nine-and-a-half years old. He lived around the corner and used to do work for my mother and grandmother. We stayed together all those years and then got married on June 14, 1959.” They were married for 45 years.
In recent years, Francine travels with her daughter, Karen, and Karen’s family—husband, Steve, and children Meagan, Clay and Bailey. While she doesn’t have any trips currently planned, she hopes to go to Arizona to visit a friend and go back to Honolulu to visit her sister. She’d eventually like to make it to Australia, too. Francine moved to Newton Presbyterian Manor from her hometown of Boston in 2016.
Friends make good neighbors Steve and Wanda Schmidt greeted a couple in the lobby of their church and learned that they were here from California visiting their children, and were looking into options for retiring in Newton. “Have you looked into Presbyterian Manor?” was their question to the couple, and the rest is now history. From that initial conversation and encouragement to check us
out last November, Arlee and JoAnn Johnson of Fresno, Calif., became campus residents in May. The resident referral program is really that easy. Sharing your story of finding Presbyterian Manor as home is all it takes. Complete a referral form and share it with Noelle, or have your friends put your name on their application as their referral source, and you both will enjoy a $500 credit on monthly fees! Like us on Facebook
JOIN the WELCOME
PROJECT It starts with you... Life is better when you’re surrounded by friends. If you know of friends who are interested in the independent living or assisted living lifestyle you enjoy here, providing their names could lead to rewards— for both of you.
Refer a friend and watch The Welcome Project grow! When you fill out this referral form, we’ll send your friend or acquaintance information about Presbyterian Manor—and you could both reap the rewards.
For every move-in from your referral, you could receive $500, and your friend will receive $500 off the first month’s fee.
Referral Name(s) ______________________________________
To join The Welcome Project, simply fill out this form and submit it to the Marketing Office.
E-mail _______________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________ City _________________________ State _____ Zip _________ Phone ______________________________________________
Your Name ___________________________________________ Residence # __________________________________________ *Certain restrictions apply. For more information, contact Noelle Dickinson, marketing director, at 316-283-5400.
OFFER EXPIRES 06/30/2019
Block party Early morning thunderstorms did not dampen the spirits of anyone enjoying our annual all-campus neighborhood block party in the Haury Place courtyard. Neighbors from all six dining rooms and across the campus joined together in the beautiful courtyard to celebrate the arrival of summertime.
Our treat To celebrate National Skilled Nursing Care Week, our departments each took a day to treat their coworkers. From handmade cherry limeades to apple pie and ice cream, we celebrated well. Thanks to the assisted living team, one day’s treats were a nod to our work as medical caregivers.
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Community Matters July 2018
Azteca dancers For our Cinco de Mayo celebration, we had the Azteca Dance Troupe from Newton High School perform. The Life Enrichment staff served chips, salsa, cheese dip and guacamole as we enjoyed a fun and festive afternoon.
Open house We had a fun afternoon hosting the neighbors at two freshly remodeled cottages. One is still available — call Noelle Dickinson at 316-283-5400 for your personal tour. Like us on Facebook
Valerie Robbins promoted to accounting assistant Valerie Robbins has been promoted to accounting assistant for Newton Presbyterian Manor. “Valerie has proven Valerie Robbins herself to be a strong team member with a passion, not only for her work, but
also the well-being of our residents,” said Marc Kessinger, executive director. Prior to her promotion in May, Valerie was an administrative assistant at Presbyterian Manor from December 2016 to May 2018. She is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in accounting. “As a young child, and throughout my teen years, I always had a dream
of working in a field that dealt with accounting. This position has helped my dream become a reality. This position also will help me with developing myself professionally, as well as enabling me to make an impact on the lives of current and future residents within our community,” said Robbins. Valerie enjoys taking walks with her husband and their three children, shopping, playing board games and doing puzzles.
INVITE A FRIEND TO LUNCH! This event is Friday, July 20 at 11:45 a.m. Fitz’s hand-rubbed, slow-cooked ribs are a Presbyterian Manor favorite, but the parmesan basil cod is a close second. Add a fresh salad bar, all the barbecue fixin’s and warm apple crisp and it’s a meal you don’t want to miss! After lunch we’ll have homes and apartments open to tour. Come see what’s happenin’ this summer at Presbyterian Manor! We have room for 20 guests, so RSVP to Noelle Dickinson today at ndickinson@pmma.org or 316-283-5400.
Bravo of the Month This month’s employee award goes to Clarice McCartney. Her kindness and attention were recognized by a resident’s son: “I wanted to let you know how much l appreciate one of your employees. Clarice, the person who transports residents, has left a great impression on many people. I, for one, am more comfortable having my mother taken to her appointments by Clarice than by my mother’s friends or by taxi. I don’t have to worry about the difficulty she now has getting in and out of vehicles or falling down. Nor do I worry that a taxi that will drop her off at the sidewalk and drive off with her walker, which has occurred. Like us on Facebook
I have heard from each of Mom’s doctors and their staff how wonderful Clarice is at my mother’s appointments. Not only from my personal interactions with Clarice have I felt my mother was in good hands, but the doctors and staff have mentioned to me how Clarice gets her to her appointments safely, waits with my mother in the waiting room and assists her getting to the room when called. She also will ask the questions my mother doesn’t think to ask and will clarify any instructions for her. Clarice is a great advocate for your residents as well as being a kind and considerate person. I feel much better knowing that Clarice is taking
Executive Director Marc Kessinger and Clarice McCartney
such good care of my mother when she needs transportation, and I wanted to express my gratitude.” Congratulations, Clarice, for this recognition of your above and beyond care and service! Newton Presbyterian Manor
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Newton Presbyterian Manor 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2862
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Community Matters July 2018
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