Commun ty Matters January 2016
Parsons Presbyterian Manor
COMING UP IN COMMUNITY MATTERS:
Everyone has a story to tell
You can hardly turn on the television without being reminded that we are in a presidential election year. We’re looking for residents with a story to tell about a memorable election or voting experience. What motivates you to go to the polls? Did you ever hold public office? What was that like? Did you work on a famous politician’s campaign or meet a famous politician? Tell us your story. If you’ve got a story to share about living out your civic responsibility, contact Sharla Hopper, marketing director, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
From farm girl to famous artist Pat Ringle signs copies of the 2016 Art is Ageless® calendar
If you only knew Pat Ringle from her background, you’d be shocked to learn she was recently named as one of the top artists in the Art is Ageless® competition, a juried art show for those 65 and older, hosted by Presbyterian Manors of Mid America (PMMA). Her watercolor of Emmett Kelly, “The Tramp,” is in the 2016 Art is Ageless calendar, which is distributed across PMMA communities in Kansas and Missouri. As it turns out, Pat was shocked as well.
“You could have knocked me over with a feather. I was so shocked. It’s the first time I’ve done anything like this. I was thrilled to death when I first found out I got a blue ribbon. And then come to find out I was going to be in the calendar! In the first month, January! It just escalated. My, gosh, I was happy with a little ribbon! But this? I was thrilled beyond belief! It was mind blowing,” said Pat. You see, not only had Pat only recently started art classes, but she’s had no prior experience with painting. Growing up on a farm, her career
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The blessing of a breather W. Wayne Mason, Chaplain, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair,…” CHARLES DICKENS, A TALE OF TWO CITIES
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Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Parsons Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of
501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org. Maegen Pegues, executive director Sharla Hopper, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact shopper@pmma.org. Telephone: 620-421-1450 Fax: 620-421-1897 Address: 3501 Dirr Ave., Parsons, KS 67357-2220 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. ParsonsPresbyterianManor.org
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I find these words being rehearsed within my mind almost daily. My question when considering my life situation, “How do I find peace in the midst of chaos?”
find rest and take a break even when trouble is lurking: “(God) you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” It’s like God telling me to: “Sit down, take a load off your feet. Breathe a minute. Enjoy some food. We will My world has so much of the very best going on within it – I have people who take on the problems together.” love me and whom I love. I have a job I When I am feeling overwhelmed by enjoy. I have a faith that gives me chaos, I feel very alone. I feel like the hope. But there is the other side of life whole weight of the problem is on my which tries to dominate my thinking – shoulders. God reminds that He is with my retirement funds aren’t where I me – I am not alone. want them to be. Health issues make The journey seems longest when we try me wonder about the future. to travel it alone – God wants to be our Sometimes I wish God was a little companion. Invite Him to join you. more direct in His guidance. Maybe Prayer:“God, remind me that my journey in there is someone out there who life is not meant to be taken alone. Help me doesn’t like me, and my country seems to remember thatYou are the one I am to be out of control. supposed to follow and trust. This year, give Psalm 23 says that God wants me to me a deeper trust of You.”
Brenda Heins a team player
In the workplace, “In our community, if especially one as busy potential residents drop by as Parsons Presbyterian on evenings or weekends, Manor, it would be they inquire at the Assisted easy for a staff person Living nurses’ station. to say, “It’s not my job” During a weekend shift, when confronted with two possible leads a task outside of their requested information for wheelhouse. For CNA our assisted living and Brenda Heins, though, independent living those words are not in openings. Brenda promptly Brenda Heins her vocabulary. Her called me, I was able to set positive attitude and up tours and appointments recent efforts to help two new immediately with each. Both ended up residents find a home here are to be moving in, one in assisted living and commended. Hein continued on page 4
Parsons Presbyterian Manor honored for achievements Parsons Presbyterian Manor received a certificate of recognition from Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America for reaching goals in fiscal year 2015, July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015.
The recognition came through PMMA’s new Emerald Awards Program, designed to encourage its 18 locations to achieve high levels of resident and employee satisfaction, meet financial goals, build philanthropic support for the organization’s mission and meet marketing goals. There are 11 areas measured for the Emerald Awards.
To receive an emerald, a community has to meet its goals in all 11 areas. Certificates of recognition were given out to communities that reached their goals in one or more category. Parsons was recognized for outstanding skilled nursing resident satisfaction survey results and meeting marketing and occupancy goals. “This recognition is a visible sign of
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background includes 30-plus years in the cattle industry, working as a clerk at auctions.
“I signed up for an art class at Labette Community College, taught by Joan Allen. I’d never done anything like it before. Our theme for the month was clowns, so I chose Emmett Kelly. Everyone encouraged me to take my finished piece to the Manor for the Art is Ageless show,” said Pat. “The Art is Ageless program is just wonderful. It really encourages
Maegen Pegues, executive director, center, accepts an Emerald Certificate from Bruce Shogren, chief executive officer, left, and Bill Taylor, chief operations officer, right, of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America. Parsons Presbyterian Manor was recognized for outstanding skilled nursing resident satisfaction survey results and meeting marketing and occupancy goals.
Parsons Presbyterian Manor’s commitment to the mission of PMMA of providing quality senior services
guided by Christian values,” said Bruce Shogren, chief executive officer for PMMA
people our age to explore talents maybe they didn’t know they had.”
“He has kind eyes. Those are the hardest to capture.”
Perhaps Pat didn’t know she had that talent, but she certainly does now, even though her humble nature prevents her from taking too much credit. “Joan is a wonderful art teacher. She really encourages us. And of course I have to give Emmett Kelly credit, too. Everyone loves him. My granddaughter doesn’t even like clowns, but she likes him!” said Pat.
Pat certainly did a wonderful job of capturing them, as is evident by her success. Her family, while surprised by her hidden talent, is very proud of her accomplishments.
“It’s been a whirlwind and I loved it. You’re never too old to try something new and you never know what you can do until you try. I guarantee if Emmett Kelly and I can win, you can too!” said Pat.
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one in independent living,” said Sharla Hopper, admissions and marketing director.
Brenda has long been helping those in the long-term care and assisted living environment, starting out as a housekeeper at a community in Independence before obtaining her CNA.
“In 1994, I was a housekeeper, and they offered CNA classes to the staff. So I went for it. I got my license in
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1996, and then got my restorative certificate after that. I came to Parsons Presbyterian Manor in 2007, when flooding closed the location I was at in Independence. After coming here, I got my med aid license,” said Brenda. Brenda, through her continual education and longtime commitment to caring for others, has touched many lives.
“My favorite thing about my job is helping the residents. I’ve especially
liked seeing how great the physical therapy department is here at the Manor. They do an awesome job. I’ve seen more people be restored and go home than I thought I ever would. It’s so thrilling to help give them their independence back,” said Brenda. “I was happy to help those potential residents when their families came in on the weekend seeking care. Even though it’s not technically my job, I try to help people as much as I can.”