Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor
March 2016
Art is Ageless® exhibit and reception features local senior artists Since the beginning of time, creative expression has brought joy to both its creators and those who experience their art. The Art is Ageless® program offers senior artists the opportunity to share and display their artwork and reaffirms the agelessness of human creativity. Some have resumed art after putting it aside for a career, others have been creating beautiful pieces throughout their lives, and others never picked up a brush until after they retired, but all are now expressing themselves through art. This month, their works are on display at Newton Presbyterian Manor. “It’s inspiring to see the beautiful pieces these artists have created,” said Noelle Dickinson, marketing director. “The joy it brings to them and others is wonderful, and that’s something we want to celebrate and share with the entire Newton community.” ART IS AGELESS continued on page 2
Arts and sciences Dr. Gene Marsh is equal parts physician and painter In college, Dr. Gene Marsh read “The Agony and the Ecstasy,” a biographical novel of the master artist Michelangelo. In the book, he discovered that Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists would dissect animals to learn their anatomy, and thus become better at drawing and painting their forms. He thought this was a pretty good idea. “I thought, well, I’ll give med school a try. And even if I don’t like it I’ll have had anatomy, at least,” said Dr. Marsh, a Halstead resident. He went on to get his medical degree at the University of Kansas and became a surgeon. However, about a decade later, Dr. Marsh took a detour. He left surgery to earn a bachelor of fine arts degree at Wichita State University, and he took some master’s level courses as well. You can see one of Dr. Marsh’s paintings in this year’s Art is Ageless calendar—a watercolor titled “Little Arkansas River.” He has entered the local competition at Newton Presbyterian Manor many times, but ARTS AND SCIENCES, continued on page 5
To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Noelle at ndickinson@pmma.org.
for more than 35 years, and is sponsored by Presbyterian Manors The Art is Ageless exhibit will of Mid-America (PMMA), which feature works from local artists is a nonprofit organization that who are 65 and older, including a owns and operates 18 senior living few Presbyterian Manor residents. communities in Missouri and Kansas. The public is welcome to visit the Each year the organization publishes community to view the exhibit an Art is Ageless calendar, featuring of acrylics, oils, photography and works by amateur senior artists. various other mediums, ranging from Proceeds from the sale of calendars amateur to professional levels. The are reinvested into new art programs exhibit is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and opportunities for PMMA March 10 through 25. residents. In addition to the exhibit, Presbyterian Manor will honor local senior artists during a reception at the community at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 10.
Telephone: 316-283-5400 Fax: 316-284-5900 Address: 1200 E. Seventh, Newton, KS 67114-2862
The Art is Ageless program has been encouraging creativity in seniors
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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
Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. NewtonPresbyterianManor.org
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Community Matters March 2016
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Barrick Wilson named Caregiver of the Year By Debbi Elmore
Barrick Wilson was a man of passion and tireless effort when it came to serving others. A retired health care marketing and community relations professional, Wilson spent his entire career serving nonprofit organizations in South Central Kansas. He took early retirement to care for his wife, Kristi, when she was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease several years ago. Barrick passed away in February. Barrick kept busy with his avocation, playing music at community events and in the Wichita Banjo Band, and his service on the boards of the Newton Kiwanis Club, Grand Central, Carriage House Art Gallery, the Active Age and several other nonprofits in Harvey County. He also served on the advisory boards for Newton Presbyterian Manor and KPTS, and advocated
for the Alzheimer’s Association as 4th District Ambassador. He served the Association as a speaker, peerto-peer Helpline volunteer and spokesperson at Town Hall events. “Barrick did not know the meaning of can’t or won’t,” said Jenny Shipman, youth education coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Association. “He did what he needed to do for the Alzheimer’s fight and did not stop. He was so dedicated in the fight against Alzheimer’s. His love for his wife was evident.” “He demonstrated more resilience, patience, dedication to the cause, and love for his wife than most any caregiver I’ve ever seen!” added Jenna Smith, family care coordinator. The Association recently honored Wilson by presenting him with the 2015 Caregiver of the Year Award. The award, named in honor of Duane Smith, the first recipient,
honors an outstanding caregiver and Alzheimer’s advocate each year. Wilson was the fourth person to be so honored. “I am humbled and honored,” Wilson said upon being notified of the honor in early 2016. “I know there are many outstanding caregivers, and I never expected to be singled out for such recognition. It is my privilege to accept this token of the Alzheimer’s Association’s esteem.”
Chaplain’s corner: Because everything comes from God breathe, our talents, our opportunities—these come from our God, too. Indeed “I know that the way of man is not in we are not masters of our fate! himself: it is not in man that walketh The Bible is clear. God is very to direct his steps,” Jeremiah 23:10. pleased when we acknowledge Him, trust Him, seek His The prophet reminds us that man guidance and honor Him for does not have the ability to direct his goodness to us. his own way. Looking at world affairs surely confirms the fact that There is also a side to this mankind can make a mess, and be assuring us that God is sovereign, very cruel and inhumane. On a not only in our lives but in all that is personal basis we must remember about us. that there really is no such thing as a “self-made man.” Our very He can and will control the evil life comes from God. The air we which may threaten us. He can By Jerroll Martens, Newton Presbyterian Manor chaplain
control the circumstances around us so that we are safe in Him. It is wonderful to rest ourselves in His care. Let’s look to the Lord for guidance, trusting in Him for our needs and rest in His care. Newton Presbyterian Manor
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Recent events Above: A 70-degree afternoon in January was the perfect opportunity to take a Kansas Day celebration out into the Kansas sunshine. Above right: Alex Ramos, wellness director, has started a Boot Camp for employees on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 4:30. Right: Florence Grunert turned 101 in January, and the whole campus celebrated with her.
Upcoming events March 23 – Kansas Star Casino, 10 a.m.
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March 4 – Art is Ageless entries are due.
March 15 – Moody Symphonic Band Concert at Emmaus Church, Whitewater, 7 p.m. The band has served around the world with music ministry.
March 25 – Easter Egg Hunt, 2:30 p.m. Children of employees and resident grandchildren are invited to this event in the Haury Courtyard.
March 10 – Art is Ageless reception, 2:30 p.m., dining room. Meet the artists at the awards announcements. Exhibit open through March 25.
March 17 – Just Ask: Understanding & Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior by the Alzheimer’s Association, 7 p.m., chapel.
March 31 – “Cooking for One or Two” by Jessica Hoskinson of the Kansas Learning Center for Health, 2 p.m., Broadway Apartments community room.
Community Matters March 2016
Campus options are available soon Not only is a Broadway duplex being remodeled, but a two-bedroom, two-bath Broadway apartment with a sunny southern view is movein ready! Other campus openings include a one-bedroom Broadway apartment and several Kalb Villa assisted living suites. Please contact Noelle Dickinson, marketing director for your personal tour at 316-283-5400, ndickinson@pmma.org.
ARTS AND SCIENCES, continued from page 1
this was the first time one of his pieces won at the masterpiece level, across all Presbyterian Manor communities. Dr. Marsh said he’s still trying to decide what to enter in this year’s Art is Ageless competition and exhibit. He’s also busy with a project commissioned by his own wife for their kitchen renovation: custompainting Masonite panels for the pantry door that can be switched out as desired. Art and science aren’t as different as you might think. Dr. Marsh said he saw parallels all the time in the operating room.
Caregiver seminar planned for March 17 Presbyterian Manor will host an Just Ask education event for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or related dementia on Thursday, March 17 at 7 p.m. in the Manor Chapel. Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior will be presented by the staff of the Alzheimer’s Association. Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage. Join us to learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease. The public is welcome. Call Noelle Dickinson at 316-283-5400 for more information.
“If you think surgery is a rote procedure, you’re wrong,” he said. “You have to be flexible and deal with things you haven’t read about. I think the creativity part of surgery particularly lapped over into art.” Even after getting his art degree, Dr. Marsh didn’t leave medicine behind. He switched to emergency medicine and practiced for many years at Halstead Hospital. About three years ago, he retired from Newton Medical Center. Before he left, Dr. Marsh found one more way to merge his two pursuits. He made the anatomical illustrations that are now used in the hospital’s new electronic medical records.
Dr. Gene Marsh’s winning artwork from last year’s AIA exhibit. Newton Presbyterian Manor
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Bravo of the Month This month’s bravo goes to Jodi Huntley, LPN. Sally Bender writes, “Jodi took the lead and restarted the Employee Committee. She coordinated every aspect of the startup from department approvals to selecting and inviting members. She even conducted the first meeting. She has energized and inspired the team members and other staff. She’s providing the spirit and direction and setting a wonderful example of leadership, service and teamwork to all staff. Bravo to you, Jodi!”
Everyone knows fitness is important How have you taken steps to be fit? What’s your regular fitness routine? If you’ve started a fitness routine late in life, what advice would you have for others? How do you think you benefit from regular exercise? If you’ve got a story to share about getting or staying fit, contact Marketing Director Noelle Dickinson, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
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Community Matters March 2016
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