Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor
May 2018
Winners announced in local competition Winners in the Newton Presbyterian Manor Art is Ageless® juried competition were: Sculpture/3D: Judges Choice, “Dolphin Tales” by Maurice Robinson; second place, “Road Grader” by Verne M. Goering; honorable mention, “Wire tree sculpture” by Lois Hamilton; “Breadbasket” by Hank Heidebrecht Drawing: Judges Choice, “Mother’s Hands” by Robetta Trapp Photography: Judges Choice, “18th Century Daily Life” by Mary Becker Smith. Honorable mention, “Spring has Sprung” by Mary Lee; “Down the Road” by Dick McCall Christmas: Judges Choice (amateur), “My Christmas Cardinals” by Rita Patterson; second place, “Shepherds by Night” by Marie Regehr; Judges Choice (professional), “Christmas Anticipation” by R. Allan Lister ART, continued on page 3
Diana Desmond, seated, center, touched thousands of people with her notes.
Diana Desmond honored for joyful notes 40 years strong It all started with the idea to bring a little joy to hospital patients in early 1978. Over the next 40 years, Diana Desmond, an assisted living resident at Newton Presbyterian Manor, would touch the lives of thousands of people when they needed it most. In 1978, after a cancer diagnosis and a stay in the hospital, Diana’s friend, Bernice Oswald, contacted Diana with the big idea. “She said, ‘Did you know what the Lord has laid upon my heart? To make Bible verse cards for patients in the hospital. Just a little something on their tray that could cheer them up. With your artistic ideas and craftiness, I could find a verse and we could work together,’” Diana recalled, adding that this simple idea would be an answer to some of her prayers, too. Bernice and Diana got to work with index cards, ribbon, old buttons and lace, and delivered their first 145 cards on Feb. 5, 1978, to Axtell and Bethel hospitals. “Everybody loved them—the nurses and the patients. It took off from there,” Diana said. NOTES, continued on page 2
NOTES, continued from page 1
Over the next four years, the handmade cards were delivered each week to local hospitals, nursing homes, a rescue mission and a jail. “It’s a joy. It’s the best therapy you can have, and it’s a way of reaching out to people with the gospel,” she said. “I always wanted to be a missionary, but because I had so many medical problems I couldn’t get out and go a lot of places. The Lord keeps blessing me with ideas and different ways to do it.” Before Bernice passed away from cancer in 1982, Diana promised her friend she would keep the tradition going. “I told her I would keep this
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 May 2018
going as long as the Lord can give me strength. She said that was the answer to her prayers.” To fulfill her promise, Diana reached out to Mennonite Press, which offered donations of scrap paper in various sizes and colors. She also enlisted her husband, John, to help make close to 100 cards a week. “It was a process of folding and trimming and writing the verse and sometimes clipping the ends with pinking shears—it was a long process,” she said. “My husband would help with the cutting. I would fold. I would try to have them all done by Friday and he would take them to the hospital after work. Then the hospital staff would take them back to the kitchen to put on meal trays every Sunday.” Over the years, the cards evolved from paper into more elaborate favors. “It just depended on how the Lord brought things to my mind as to what to use,” Diana said. “I’d get excited because ideas would come to me when I was in bed and I couldn’t wait until morning to try them.” Some of her creations included making chicks out of cotton balls, egg cartons and paper for Easter. She also used items such as communion cups, play dough, beads and Q-tips. And one Christmas favor used a pinecone for a Christmas tree decorated with yarn and beads. Diana and John continued making the cards together until John passed away on May 1, 2005, just shy of their 35th anniversary. But just like their friend, John’s wish was that Diana would continue the good work without him.
Diana Desmond, front, touched thousands of people with her notes.
“One day, when he delivered the cards to the hospital, he told the people at the front desk, ‘This will be the last time I can bring the cards to you because I have cancer. It is my prayer that my wife will carry this on after I’m gone,’” Diana said. Just as her cards have changed over the past 40 years, so has Diana’s life. In February 2016, she moved to Newton Presbyterian Manor. She also acquired some additional help to get the cards delivered each week. No matter what, she delivers 75 cards to Newton Medical Center every week. “I’ve had carpel tunnel surgery in both wrists and have arthritis very bad,” she said, “but the Lord gives strength when it’s done for Him. And with His strength, I can go on.” Newton Medical Center recognized Diana in late March to thank her for creating the cards and bringing joy to patients for four decades. “It was something I sure didn’t expect. There was a cake and beautiful cut flowers arranged so pretty,” she said. “They also took a collection and gave me a check to keep my ministry going. It was something very special.” Like us on Facebook
ART, continued from page 1
Fiber Arts: Judges Choice, “Latchhook Rug” by Dr. Colin Bailey Quilting: Judges Choice, “Jewel Box” by L. Deane Frey; honorable mention, “Batik Throw” by Mary Kessler; “Table Runner” by Wanda Harms Needlework: Judges Choice, “Swedish Weaving” by Ann Heidebrecht; second place, “Peacocks in Paradise” by Mary Eaton Painting: Judges Choice (amateur), “Storm is Coming” by Bob Grant; second place, “A Wannabe Place” by Rosella Goering; honorable mention, “Memories from the Rockies” by Hulda Schrag; “Colorado Aspens” by Rita Patterson; “Hay Days of Yesterday” by Rebecca Newman. Judges Choice (professional), “Floral Medley” by Velera Adams. Second place: “Running Wild” by Virgil Penner; honorable mention, “The Protester Joan Baez” by Dr. Gene Marsh; “Spring in the Tetons” by Clorene Smith; “Ol’ Firefighter’s Memories” by R. Allan Lister
Chaplain’s corner: Success By Jerroll Martens, chaplain Newton Presbyterian Manor
A brief news clip told of a survey in which people were asked what it would take for them to feel successful. Some major items included having a home twice the size, a vehicle twice as good, expensive vacations or pricey restaurant meals. This seems to show that we always Like us on Facebook
The People’s Choice Award was awarded to “Floral Medley” by Velera Adams
Participant Rita Patterson enjoys the reception with her daughter Laurie Dove and son-in-law Chad Dove.
The People’s Choice Award, determined by attendees’ votes, was awarded to “Floral Medley” by Velera Adams. It hung over the fireplace in the lobby for a month. Local competition winners will join winners from 16 other Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica communities to be judged at the masterpiece level. Winning entries at the masterpiece level are selected for publication in PMMA’s annual Art is Ageless calendar and note cards. need more to be content. Where is gratitude? We are reminded of the first two people in the Garden of Eden who were given a “yes” to everything around them, except for one “no.” The devil convinced them God was depriving them of something in that one “no,” and they became discontent, which led to disobedience.
Residents and guests enjoy the exhibit.
Contentment can make us rich in attitude and do far more than outward things. “Godliness” indicates a preparedness for the next life. The rich farmer in Luke prepared for this life, but had no plans for the next life. Indeed, a fool.
The apostle Paul stated he had “learned” to be content with little or much. Most of us probably need to learn the same.Yes, godliness with First Timothy 6:6 tells us, “Godliness contentment is great gain. That gain with contentment is great gain.” equals success. Newton Presbyterian Manor
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Upcoming events Wednesday, May 2, 2:30 p.m.: Community assembly for our Founder’s Day celebration. All residents are encouraged to attend this event in the main dining room. Thursday, May 3, 8:30 a.m.: Breakfast trip to DooDah Diner, Wichita Friday, May 4, 2:30 p.m.: Cinco de Mayo celebration, Haury Place courtyard Friday, May 10, 2:30 p.m.: Mothers Day celebration for independent living and Kalb Villa residents, main dining room Friday, May 11, 2:30 p.m.: Janice Good’s Retirement Reception, main dining room. Come celebrate Janice’s 34 years of service! Wednesday, May 23, 10:30 a.m.: Lunch at the Copper Oven and “Test Piloting” Senior Wednesday lecture at Exploration Place Thursday, May 24, 2:30 p.m.: Healthy Learning Lecture, “Legal decisions and documents” Friday, May 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Block party and barbecue in Haury Place courtyard for all residents
Fitness testing Fitness testing is available through the wellness center and helps set benchmarks for improving flexibility, strength and balance. Call Wellness Director Alex Ramos at 316-283-5400 with your questions.
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Community Matters May 2018
Thank you, Wayne Korean War veteran Wayne Krase was recognized for his service in the Navy by Heart and Soul Hospice’s We Honor Veterans program. Like us on Facebook
May’s Bravo of the Month Our Bravo of the Month for May goes to Jennifer Hein, Anderson Place nurse, for demonstrating teamwork, leadership and service. Laura Stewart writes, “We were notified late on a Friday afternoon that a resident needed transportation from Wichita to her residence at Newton Presbyterian Manor. Jennifer graciously agreed to transport this resident, even though
she was working a double shift and had to be back at work at 6 a.m. the next day. Thank you so much for your leadership and service to our residents. Our team is truly blessed to have you!” Family members, friends, residents and guests are invited to fill out Bravo forms, which are located in the main lobby and the McFarland Center lobby.
Jennifer Hein accepts her Bravo of the Month award.
Are you doing doctor appointments right? By Grace Birnstengel for Next Avenue
Navigating the medical system can be a daunting process. It’s challenging enough to find any doctor with openings, let alone a good doctor. And the internet isn’t always much help. What is helpful, however, is this guide to having a good doctor’s appointment written for The New York Times by Dr. Danielle Ofri. Finding the right doctor and clinic Danielle points out that it feels easier to select things like blenders than a doctor.You can find pages of reviews online for other service providers like hair stylists and mechanics, but reviews for medical professionals are harder to come by. How to prepare for a doctor’s appointment Once you’ve selected a doctor and nailed down an appointment, Like us on Facebook
set your goals. It’s important to be realistic about what you can accomplish at a single doctor’s appointment. Danielle suggests picking out the two or three most important issues to focus on. Bring relevant health records and test results, medications and insurance information. Getting the most out of the appointment Remember: Appointments are a two-way conversation, and communication is everything. Sometimes, people are frustrated with the lack of time doctors spend listening to them.
While Danielle asks patients to be patient with the multi-tasking a doctor faces with electronic medical records, if you’re feeling outright ignored, say something. Time to reflect Your experience with your doctor doesn’t end after your appointment. Follow through on the plan you set out with your doctor. If you have more questions, get in touch. And ultimately, if things don’t work out as planned, it is OK to close the door on one provider and go through this process again with another.
“Not only is this frustrating, it could potentially damage your health in the long term if you don’t get treatment or undergo an unsuitable treatment,” said Next Avenue’s Susan Johnston Taylor. “That’s why self-advocacy is an important skill for anyone navigating the medical system.” Newton Presbyterian Manor
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Newton Presbyterian Manor 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2862 Return Service Requested
A maintenance-free lifestyle Ready to let the lawn care go, but still have a green and beautiful space? Remodeled cottages will be ready in May. Call Noelle Dickinson at 316-283-5400 to see them for yourself! 6
Community Matters May 2018
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