Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor
November 2016
Chaplain’s corner: Thanksgiving By Jerroll Martens, Newton Presbyterian Manor chaplain
Luke 17 records for us the healing of ten lepers, one of which was a Samaritan. As they cried out for mercy, Jesus told them to show themselves to the priest who could verify their healing, allowing them back in society. By doing so, they were healed, with one returning to give thanks. Jesus was so pleased with the one, but where were the nine? Why was this Samaritan giving thanks when they were considered as outcasts by the Jews? Experience indicates that often, THANKSGIVING, continued on page 2
Behind Ellen Koehn’s bed is a Quilt of Valor that her daughter Gerry pieced for her. It includes Ellen and John’s wedding picture, in uniform, on the right.
A veteran’s story By Ellen Koehn, resident
In honor of Veterans Day in November, we asked residents who had served in the military to tell us stories from their service. We got a unique response from Ellen Koehn, who joined the U.S. Army inWorldWar II. Clara Ellen Hill and her twin sister, Myrtle Helen, were born in 1924.Their mother died from complications two hours after she gave birth to the twins.With six other children at home, their father was overwhelmed, and he gave the girls to their friends and neighbors,Tom and Laura Carter, who raised the twins for the next 14 years.When Ellen and her sister were 12, they met their five brothers VETERAN, continued on page 2
THANKSGIVING, continued from page 1
perhaps most often, those who have the least for which to be thankful are the most thankful. The widow with a very meager existence or the incapacitated can be very thankful, while those with more favorable circumstances even grumble and complain. Success can blind one to the need of depending on Almighty God and being thankful. It is so easy to forget that one’s opportunities, the air we breathe, our very life comes from God. Let’s cultivate a thankful heart and most of all thank God that he gave His son to do for us what we can never do ourselves, take away our sin.
Part D plan appointments available The Harvey County Extension Office will offer one-hour appointments in the sun room on Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1 from 10-5 p.m. for those who would like assistance in reviewing their Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Please contact Laura Stewart, social services, at 316-283-5400 to set up your appointment. You’ll need to bring a list of current medications and your current Part D plan information.
VETERAN, continued from page 1
and one sister all together for the first time. Her sister died about three years ago; Ellen is now 92. Ellen tells us in her own words how she came to join the Army.
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 2016
When we reached 19 years and finished high school, we thought it was time to get a job and take care of ourselves. We ended up in Oklahoma City. I had a roommate, and one weekend she went back home. Early in the morning a man took the screen off of the window and crawled in. The man made a dive for me and had his hand around my neck. I wasn’t afraid. The Lord would take care of me. I looked up and said, “Jesus, Jesus.” The man couldn’t get out fast enough. After that I went back to Mother and Daddy’s farm. That was when the Army wanted women to enlist, so the men could go to war. I went back to Oklahoma City and joined. I was sent to Fort Oglesthorpe, Georgia, for my basic training. I took clerical training instead of nursing
and was stationed at Chickasha, Okla. That is where I met John Koehn. Our captain had a party, and one other soldier there gave me a bad time. John came to my rescue. After that we dated a few times. We decided to get married, but then all of a sudden, they decided to send me to Nebraska for nurse’s training. I went to the captain since we wanted to get married soon and John would be getting out on points. If I was married, I would get out as well, and I didn’t want the expense of sending me to Nebraska to be wasted. He agreed. We married on Sept. 1, 1945, in my pastor’s parsonage.We stayed there one year while John was a civil service worker, then moved to Kansas, John’s home state.We lived in and around Newton for 65 years until God took him home on Feb 23, 2011. Ellen and John had five children, three of whom also served in the military – along with three of their grandchildren. For Veterans Day this month, we honor and thank the veterans of the Koehn family and all U.S. servicemen and women. Like us on Facebook
Dumplings Advisory council members and volunteers sold more than 700 hot apple dumplings and ice cream at the annual downtown Taste of Newton.
Ventriloquist Greg Claassen and his “dummies” shared a rare behind-the-scenes look at ventriloquism.
Upcoming Events
Monday, Nov. 7, 2 p.m.– AuthorTalk with Cheryl D. Clay about her new book Immigrant in Peril; Carl Tangeman’s Heroic journey across America, 1847-1848. Cheryl is the daughter of long-time Newton neighbors Fred & Hazel Dudte. Main dining room. Friday, Nov. 11, 7-10 a.m. – Veterans Breakfast, main dining room. 4-7 p.m. – Browse & Shop, Broadway Apts. Community Room Wednesday, Nov. 30 – Garden Apartment Christmas decorating party, library. Like us on Facebook
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‘Farmers’ Group ministry has been making music for nearly 50 years Every third Sunday of the month, Newton Presbyterian Manor residents look forward to chapel services by Orlando and Mabel Penner and their multigenerational group of singers. What some residents may not realize is that the “Farmers’ Group” has been performing here for nearly five decades. And they’ve only missed two Sundays in that time. “We didn’t ever expect the Lord would keep us there that long, but it’s been wonderful,” Mabel Penner said. Mabel and Orlando were newlyweds in late 1967, looking for a ministry they could do together. So were a few other families they knew at Emmaus Mennonite Church near Whitewater. At the same time, housekeeper Lulu Dyck was looking for volunteers to lead services so the Presbyterian Manor chapel would not stand empty on Sundays. “That first time, after we’d gone, the people said, ‘Let’s have them come again,’” Mabel recalled. The Farmers’ Group became regulars on the third Sunday. Other groups came on the other weeks, including
Orlando’s distant cousin Rudy Penner on the months that had a fifth Sunday. Mabel plays piano, Orlando gives the morning message, and the rest of the group sings. Originally the Penners were accompanied by twins Delbert and Delmer Wiebe and their families, and the Berg family. Delmer and Eleanor Wiebe are still involved today. There are 19 members altogether, including one family with nine children. From the beginning, the families’ children have sung alongside the adults. “Our children grew up singing and being in front of people so they were never afraid of speaking in public,” Mabel said. About 10 years ago, Rudy asked Orlando and Mabel to take over the fifth Sunday as well. Mabel said sometimes they miss being with their own church family, but the fellowship of the Farmers’ Group is something they enjoy so much as well. “It’s a ministry,” Mabel said. “Though
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Community Matters November 2016
there’s sacrifice in ministry, it’s never been a burden.” In 1978, an article in the Newton Kansan marveled at how dedicated the group had been for 10 years: “Members of the group have no plans for quitting. Says Delbert Wiebe about the programs at the manor: ‘We’ll keep coming as long as we’re able.’” Clearly, they meant it. “We enjoy sharing the love of Jesus, we enjoy singing together, and we enjoy the people,” Mabel said. “We’ve never thought of not doing it. We’ll do it as long as we can – we’re not going to give it up now!”
Make a gift in their honor while making a difference in the mission of Presbyterian Manors. We’ll hang an ornament on the tree with their name on it. Make your gift by visiting www.PresbyterianManors.org/GoodSam or see the reception desk
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Leave a Legacy (Above right) Presbyterian Manor was a Gold Sponsor for the annual Leave a Legacy luncheon at the Meridian Center this fall. Leave a Legacy is a public awareness program designed to inspire people to think beyond their lifespan when doing good works. Guests were encouraged by the panel of local speakers to consider the charities they love most when establishing or reviewing their estate plans. Sunflowers (Above left) Painting the scenes of the season are a favorite at Presbyterian Manor’s biweekly watercolor class. Classes are free and FUN! Join us by calling Alex Ramos at 283-5400.
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Newton Presbyterian Manor 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2862 Return Service Requested
Accolades for assistant dining services director Bravo of the month goes to Tammy Chastain, assistant dining services director. Shelby Crain writes, “Tammy does an amazing job collaborating with assisted living to make sure we have what we need. She heard from another staff member that we needed supplies for an activity and came up to talk to us about what we needed and made sure that we got it. This was not part of her job, but she was more than willing to help out. The AL staff appreciate everything that you do!” Eleanore Myers says, “Wow! The silver pieces in the main dining room shine! That was a beautiful job you did on those pieces and we all thank you! We women who have polished silver know this is a big job and we appreciate how beautiful it looks. Thank you!”
New beginnings in 2017
We will focus on new beginnings in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. As we approach the new year, what resolutions are you making? Have you ever made a resolution that changed your life? What are your hopes for 2017? If you’ve got a story to share, contact Marketing Director Noelle Dickinson, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
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Community Matters November 2016
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