Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor
November 2015
Sending ‘Angels’ to the Good Samaritan Program
Artist at work
Special angels will soon be adorning Christmas trees and holiday displays at every Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica (PMMA) senior living community.
Ever since taking up watercolor painting at the age of 89, Mary Kessler has been a prolific artist. The walls of her apartment became her gallery, showcasing her vibrant landscapes, florals and more—many of which have been honored in the annual Art is Ageless® competition.
The “angels” are paper ornaments that will arrive throughout the holiday season along with gifts to the annual Christmas Angel Appeal, which raises funds for the Good Samaritan Program for Benevolent Care. Donors who make gifts are asked to return paper Angel ornaments along with their gifts. The ornaments pay tribute to donors’ family members or friends and are displayed at PMMA communities designated by the donors. During the past two years, donors to the angel appeals have given more than $90,000 to the Good Samaritan Program. The program assists PMMA residents who have out-lived their financial resources through no fault of their own. Since PMMA began 66 years ago, no residents have been asked to leave because they exhausted their financial resources. If you would like to participate in the Angel Appeal, please email development@pmma.org or call 800-336-8511.
Resident’s art to benefit Presbyterian Manor scholarship fund
Now, you can take home one of Mary’s paintings and contribute to a good cause at the same time. On Nov. 13, more than 35 paintings will go on sale to benefit the Newton Presbyterian Manor Scholarship Fund Mary Kessler for employees. The sale, which will be from 2 to 7 p.m., also will include notecards with reprints of selected paintings. Requested donations are $40 for a matted and framed painting, $30 for an unframed piece, and $5 for a package of cards. When Mary moved from her two-bedroom apartment to her two-room suite, she lost a lot of gallery space. Her two children and their families claimed the paintings they liked, and many of the rest will be in the sale. Mary, a retired teacher, is pleased that her work can be used to help others to complete their education. Her daughter, Arlys Kessler Nilles, is helping her prepare for the sale. “I think she felt bad charging money for them, but she doesn’t if it’s going to a good cause,” Arlys said. The family hopes to raise at least $1,000 for scholarships. Mary, who will celebrate her 100th birthday next year, is a woman of many talents. She learned woodworking and quilting later in life, and her quilts also have won ribbons in Art is Ageless. She helped start the Manor Senior Players reader’s theater, and three of her stories were published in a 2001 compilation of creative writing by Presbyterian Manors residents. “I’ve always been interested in doing something new and different,” Mary said. ART, continued on page 2
— Browse & Shop Holiday Event — Friday, November 13 4-7 p.m. Broadway Apartments Community Room Presbyterian Manor employees also will be having a bake sale to raise money for their Christmas fund. Guests are welcome!
Start your holiday shopping early, or find a treasure for yourself, at the annual Browse & Shop event from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, at the Broadway Apartments.
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 November 2015
Melinda Ebersole, activity director, said about a dozen vendors will offer a selection of clothing, jewelry, cosmetics and home goods for sale. “We bring the shopping to the residents,” Ebersole said. There will be a few first-time retailers including Young Living essential oils and Paparazzi Jewelry. Returning vendors include Pampered Chef, ThirtyOne Gifts, and Bon Worth clothing store. Ebersole said she usually plans a resident trip to Bon Worth at Chisholm Trail Shopping Center a few weeks after Browse & Shop. During the sale, buses will run from the main building to the Broadway Apartments. The sale is open to anyone in the Newton community.
ART, continued from page 1
In 2007 she received the Spirit of Art is Ageless award, which recognizes a senior artist who captures the essence of the program. Arlys said her mother’s lifelong love of learning has been a constant inspiration, especially now that she is preparing to retire herself. “I’ve always been amazed at the way she keeps learning and how she’s always interested in new things,” Arlys said. “I think she’s an excellent role model for me as well as several friends whose mothers are no longer with them. My mom is a role model for graceful aging.”
Everyone has a story to tell others Chaplain’s message: Little may be better By Jerroll Martens, Newton Presbyterian Manor chaplain
Wise Solomon observed that it is better to have a simple meal of vegetables where love is than the best beef meal in the midst of hatred (Prov. 15:17 & 17:1). The picture is one of contrasts. First, a family with the bare necessities of life sits down to a very simple meal. There are vegetables from the garden, home-baked bread and a little meat that has been stretched into a large casserole. There’s no dessert, but on special occassions, there may be part of an apple or a small cookie. Though the meal is simple, they visit and have love for each other. On the other side is a family with a beautiful, sumptuous meal. Each family member has the latest of all gadgets, and enjoys a beautiful home, pool, boats and vacations. But in spite of the luxuries, they argue, are disrespectful and there is no peace. It is not a matter of one or the other, but a reminder of the value of love and peace in a family. Indeed, riches are not always connected with a bank account. In this month of Thanksgiving, let us remember to thank our Lord for his love for us as well as those precious things money cannot provide.
The January issue of Community Matters will focus on new beginnings. Do you have a story about a time you decided to start anew? What happened? How did that alter the course of your life? Contact Marketing Director Noelle Dickinson, and your story may be selected to appear in an upcoming Community Matters.
Newton Presbyterian Manor
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Newton Presbyterian Manor 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2862 Return Service Requested
Fall events at Presbyterian Manor Above: We think the employees of Presbyterian Manor are superheroes in providing quality care and services, so this year’s Founders Day T-shirt took on the superhero theme. Right: Jason Marsh, physical therapy assistant, and Alex Ramos, wellness director, pulled out their tool boxes for the annual RehabCare Tune-up Clinic. Right: Presbyterian Manor’s annual State Fair celebration would not be complete without the fun of a pie in the face contest. Director of Health Services Julie Stewart had the privilege of sharing a pie with Executive Director Marc Kessinger.
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Community Matters November 2015
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