Commun ty Matters Rolla Presbyterian Manor
February 2016
Chaplain: Winning the battle over winter By Allen Teal, Rolla Presbyterian Manor chaplain
“Do thy diligence to come before winter.” 2 Timothy 4:21a (KJV) February brings Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, and a hope for winter’s end. For many of us, by midFebruary, we are ready for winter to head back north. We long for the longer days, warmer temperature and colors of spring. Whether or not the groundhog sees its shadow, winter will fade, and spring will emerge in a few weeks. One man’s take on February goes like this: “February is merely as long as is needed to pass the time until March.” (J.R. Stockton) Surviving winter requires preparation and fortitude. Even the Apostle Paul asked his helpers to try and come before winter. He knew that winter would prevent their travel and make it much less safe. Things have not changed much in two millennium since that time. Paul needed encouragement, companionship, and a winter coat as he wrote these words near the end of his life. The discomfort of the winter chill can make season seem long. WINTER, continued on page 3
A love story: The quarterback and the homecoming queen In honor of Valentine’s Day, we spoke to a pair of sweethearts at Rolla Presbyterian Manor about their courtship and many years together: In the summer of 1946, visits to the Rolla swimming pool set the future in motion for Jean and Jack McFarland. They both attended Rolla High School, but they were a year apart, so they weren’t well acquainted. That all changed in the summer, when Jean really noticed Jack, a lifeguard, for the first time. It was love at first sight—at least for Jean. “I thought, I want to snatch him up,” she said. Jack was more focused on keeping up with his two jobs—in addition to the pool, he also worked at Tucker’s Soda Shop. But Jean kept up the pursuit. Finally, they agreed to meet up at the Lions Club carnival, where they watched the fireworks together. Soon after, they began dating. “I flirted with him until I caught him,” Jean said. Jean and Jack went on to become high school royalty: he was the first quarterback for the school’s new football team, and she was the first homecoming queen at Rolla High. They married in 1950, and last year marked their 65th anniversary. SWEETHEARTS, continued on page 2
SWEETHEARTS, continued from page 1
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Rolla Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org Ann Caudill, executive director Joelle Freeland, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Joelle Freeland at lfreeland@pmma.org. Telephone: 573-364-7336 Fax: 573-364-7336 Address: 1200 Homelife Plaza, Rolla, MO 65401-2595 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. RollaPresbyterianManor.org
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Community Matters February 2016
The McFarlands have always lived in Rolla, raising three children: Mary, Don, and Vicki. Jack worked for the U.S. Geological Survey as a cartographer. Jean had many jobs, but her favorites were working as an assistant to a local doctor and as an aide at the elementary school. They have lived at Presbyterian Manor for about five years. Jean said she knew that summer at the pool that Jack was the man for her, and it’s still true today. “Anybody that has put up with me all these years must be a dandy,” she said.
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WINTER, continued from page 1
One unknown philosopher opined, “Every mile is two in winter.” Anyone traveling on snow covered highways can attest to this idea. It is not just traveling that can seem difficult and long. The cold temperature and lack of color that accompanies winter often saps your energy and drive. This can be a good time to live life at a slightly slower pace and take advantage of a quieter time to build up your relationship with God. “To shorten winter, borrow some money due in spring.” (W.J. Vogel) This may not be great advice, but it is a humorous way to suggest that things can be done to hurry winter along. Days pass quicker when they are filled with doing. Use winter as an opportunity to create occasions to bless others. Notes of encouragement, a phone call to
someone facing a tough time, or a bit of homemade food dropped off with someone who is ill can change their darkness into light. An old Japanese proverb says, “One kind word can warm three winter months.” Work to keep your attitude positive through the winter.
as it was in the summer, when they complained about the heat.” (Author Unknown) Maintaining a warm heart can be more difficult than keeping a warm house. Staying connected with family, friends, and God will go a long way to heating up the chill of a long winter.
Remember that in February, the “Winter is the season in which battle is almost won, and winter will people try to keep the house as warm soon be gone.
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Christmas at Presbyterian Manor
Middle: Mrs. Claus with Maryl’s Sinnott. Above left: Velma Williams and Muriel Hodge pose with Santa. Left: Jack and Jean McFarland enjoy a visit with Santa Claus during the employee children’s Christmas party. Rolla Presbyterian Manor
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Rolla Presbyterian Manor 1200 Homelife Plaza Rolla, MO 65401-2595 Return Service Requested
Deluge impacts Manor campus The rain began on Christmas Day evening and kept on for days. The creek that runs by Rolla Presbyterian Manor shut down roads at 18th Street and Pinetree Road. For a while, even the road into Presbyterian Manor was not passable. Our fabulous environmental services staff were out moving debris to keep the parking lot clear. Local emergency services personnel ensured our staff could get through the water to care for our residents as the flooding continued.
Time to celebrate volunteerism! How have you answered the call to be a volunteer? How have volunteers helped you in a time of need? Why do you think volunteers are so important? How have you benefited from being a volunteer? If you’ve got a story to share about volunteering, contact Marketing Director Joelle Freeland and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
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Community Matters February 2016
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