Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor
People’s Choice Awards competition ends in tie Two pieces from the March Art is Ageless exhibit were awarded yellow Peoples’ Choice ribbons for being voted the favorites of the exhibit. “Flowers from the Garden,” a large oil painting by Peggy M. Wambold tied with “Front End Loader,” a piece from the sculpture/3-D category, by Verne M. Goering.
May 2016
CMA celebrates 40-year milestone Sometimes, taking care of residents takes no words at all. It can be as simple as knowing a resident likes to have a box of tissues next to him when he takes his medication – and putting it there before he even asks. That’s the kind of understanding Sophi Martinez has developed in 40 years of working as a CMA at Newton Presbyterian Manor. In March, Sophi was recognized for her career milestone, in a field where turnover is traditionally quite high. “The residents know me, and I know them, and that is comforting to me,” Sophi said. “I was glad to know what to do for them; that’s what made me stay.”
Both were submitted along with Judges’ Choice winners to the calendar and card competition at the corporate office.
But it’s not what she expected. When Sophi first applied to be a nurse’s aide in 1976, she thought it would be a temporary job, long enough to pay off some bills. She took the night shift so that she could be home with her children during the day. Her youngest child was still in diapers.
Masterpiece level winners, which will be featured in the 2017 calendar and cards, will be named in summer.
“They said, ‘Mommy, don’t go.’ And I said, ‘Kids, I’m just going to work CMA, continued on page 2
Chaplain’s corner: Our Great God By Jerroll Martens, Newton Presbyterian Manor chaplain
In Job 38:31, God asks Job if he can change the constellations of Pleiades or Orion. Or course neither Job, nor any human being, can do so. Through the book of Job, his friends have concluded that the tragedies of losing his family, his wealth and his health have come as a form of God’s judgment on his wickedness. Job’s strong faith has resisted their answers, yet he, too, has questioned God. Now in these last pages of Job, God is speaking to Job and to his friends. God asks Job to look at the greatness of creation. Did God need to consult man before He created?
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
Does man have any ability to change His creation? The believer must confess his own smallness and the greatness of a caring God. One of the lessons for Job, and for us, is that of trusting a great and loving God even when we do not understand events around us. God has created and controls the universe. He is able care for us.
Residences available now The suites in Kalb Villa are the perfect choice for privacy and independence while receiving assisted living services. Meals, housekeeping, laundry services and the assistance of nursing personnel are available. One suite is available. Call or email Noelle Dickinson at 316-283-5400 or ndickinson@pmma.org for information. CMA, continued from page 1
for a couple months,’” Sophi said. “Well, the kids are all gone and married, my dog has passed away, and I’m still at the manor.” A lot has changed at Presbyterian Manor since Sophi’s early years. When she started, the nursing staff was required to dress entirely in white. If she wore a watch, that had to be white, too. The charge nurse wore a hat. The floors were tile. In short, it was like a hospital. At mealtimes, residents had to line up outside the dining room and wait for the big doors to swing open. Health care residents didn’t get to choose from a menu; everyone received the same tray of food. Today, Sophi said, she’s especially pleased with how much more
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Community Matters May 2016
As the book closes, God tells Job’s friends they have been wrong in condemning Job. Though Job’s faith is strong, it has room to grow. He humbles himself and submits to God. In the end, God greatly blesses Job. Active trust in the greatness of God’s power and care for us, even when we do not understand, is always pleasing to Him.
homelike Presbyterian Manor has become. The main entrance is far more welcoming than the small foyer Sophi recalls, with the offices hidden behind closed doors and a tiny window where the secretary sat. Residents today also have so many more choices for activities and outings. Back then, Sophi said, there was bingo and not much else. What hasn’t changed is the way Sophi takes care of residents. Some of her favorite memories are the times she is able to sit and just listen to stories of their families, their military service, and their childhoods. “Each one that comes into the nurse’s station every morning, I try to put my arm around them and make sure they feel loved,” she said. Like us on Facebook
Signs of spring
Top left: The Apple a Day preschoolers had a few tricks up their sleeve for April Fools Day, singing “We Wish you a Merry Christmas” as they left the building. What a hoot! Top right: Rich Duerksen of McPherson shared his talent of bird calling recently, asking the audience to guess the birds that he portrayed. Above left: Marc Kessinger, executive director, and Marc Fitzroy, director of dining services, were pulled into service to frost dozens of Easter cookies. Above middle right: The gazebo in the Haury Place courtyard got a new red roof, just in time for all spring outdoor activities. Above right: The Red Hat Society of McFarland Center enjoyed a luncheon at Charlie’s Restaurant. Left: Many guests filled four dining rooms as Utz, Classen, Anderson and Haury households all hosted family soup suppers. Like us on Facebook
Newton Presbyterian Manor
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Newton Presbyterian Manor 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2862 Return Service Requested
Bravo of the Month This month’s Bravo goes to Dannica Woeppel, LPN. Coworkers Chey Vannest & Opal Miller say, “Dannica is always willing to help. She’s very efficient in her work and always makes sure everything gets done. We appreciate her!
Upcoming Events Thursday May 5, 2 p.m. - Cinco de Mayo celebration with special guests, Azteca Dancers, Haury Place Courtyard Friday, May 6, 2:30 p.m. - Mother’s Day reception for independent and assisted living. All ladies are invited to bring a guest. Monday, May 9, 2:30 p.m. Mother’s
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Community Matters May 2016
Day reception for McFarland Center. All Utz/Claassen/Haury ladies are invited to bring a guest. May 9-13 - National Nursing Home Week. Look for all the fun events going on around the campus. All staff and residents are welcome. Friday, May 27, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Neighborhood Block Party to cap off
Older Americans Month. All staff and residents are invited to the barbecue in the Haury Place Courtyard. Trips are still being arranged for May. Watch your calendars for a trip to the Sod Shop with lunch at Cracker Barrel, and a trip to the Tanganyika Zoo! Like us on Facebook