Commun ty Matters Salina Presbyterian Manor
April 2017
Mary’s musings In May I will celebrate an anniversary. In 2002, I was certified as a Parish Ministry Associate, or a PMA, as we are called by the Central States Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. At that time I didn’t have any idea what I would be doing. My husband had been diagnosed with cancer of the vocal cords in 1999, and as is always the case with cancer, there is no way to predict the outcome. So I enrolled in the PMA program just to give me some more skills in the event I might be needing to become a primary breadwinner. I truly had no idea what the future held. MUSINGS, continued on page 6
Founders Day honors past, renews promises Salina Presbyterian Manor will celebrate Presbyterian Manor’s 68 years of providing quality senior services guided by Christian values at our annual Founder’s Day celebration this month. Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America all started with Alice Kalb’s vision. Alice, a widow from central Kansas, appealed to a Presbyterian Church organization to establish a home for seniors. Thanks to her efforts, the first Presbyterian Manor community in Newton, Kan., opened in 1949. All employees and residents are invited to celebrate Founder’s Day on Thursday, April 20, with pizza and cookies for lunch and root beer floats served from 2 to 4 p.m. Think you resemble Alice? Enter our look-alike contest and you could win a cash prize! We will also have a fun trivia contest. Each year, we also recommit to the Presbyterian Manors mission by signing Promise Boards to uphold the values upon which our company FOUNDERS, continued on page 2
FOUNDERS, continued from page 1
was founded. Kelly Wellbrock, director of human resources, noted that we have many new hires this year. For 49 of our 140 staff members, it will be their first Promise Board signing. “It’s kind of a fun opportunity to educate about our history and celebrate our mission,” Kelly said. The signing will be at 2 p.m. in the lower level. We invite you to join us as we celebrate 68 years of providing quality service, respect for our residents and support of our surrounding communities.
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Salina Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org. Bradley Radatz, executive director Jenni Jones, marketing director
We asked our employees to share some of their reflections on Founder’s Day and the promises we renew every year. Here are some of their responses. Pam Meehan, employee for more than 25 years What does Founders’ Day mean to you? It reminds me how our organization has benefited the lives of our residents with the highest possible lifestyle. Are there any specific memories that come to mind of people upholding our mission to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values? I have seen employees come in on their off days to share with a resident, bring them a homebaked goodie, or let their children bring smiles to them. How do the promises on the Promise Board guide you? They remind me why we are here and continue the great care. Ruth Werling, employee for 27 years What does Founders’ Day mean to you? It is my job to give good, consistent care to people in need. Memories of people upholding our mission: There are too many memories for me to pin down after 27 years of service. But I do think the most special memories are at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The staff makes a large, homemade meal for the residents. Then we all sit down together to enjoy the good food and fellowship. How many Promise Boards have you signed? Five. How do the promises guide you? It inspires me to always give the best of myself to the residents. I consider all of them family. Jodi Gawith, employee for 24 years What does Founders’ Day mean to you? Memories of people upholding our mission: Respecting the elderly. Having a safe, homelike environment.
To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Jenni Jones, jjones@pmma.org.
How many Promise Boards have you signed? Two or three.
Telephone: 785-825-1366 Fax: 785-825-6554 Address: 2601 E. Crawford, Salina, KS 67401-3898
How do the promises guide you? Continuing to take pride of the elderly. Do your best to fulfill the happiness of all. Enjoying working with the elderly. “The founder wanted to change the world.”
Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. SalinaPresbyterianManor.org
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Community Matters April 2017
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Appreciating our volunteers Every April we honor our wonderful volunteers at Salina Presbyterian Manor with a dinner by invitation. According to Janet Smith, our volunteer coordinator, we have 25 regular volunteers from the Salina community, and 20 more among our own residents. Together, they provide us with an average of 150 hours of service a month. Wow! Our volunteers help with virtually
helps with art classes. Doris Dusseau is a great health care activity assistant, and Ken Clements visits our health care men every Thursday. Carolyn Johannes clerks our country store and helps with some potlucks. Sharron Hamilton helps with our ladies breakfast and potlucks. Karen Allison also helps with the ladies breakfast and leads our afternoon bingo once a month. Lynn Taylor comes every Friday to lead trivia and two Mondays a month to lead Pitch. Sid Bieber brings his granddog Naty to visit every Tuesday.
Kansas Wesleyan University football players helped serve Valentine’s dinner.
every department and need we can imagine. Here is a quick look as just how many ways we benefit from their generosity. Community volunteers Beth Miller was on our office staff years ago. She now does manicures every Wednesday. Jill Ellwood is a new volunteer who helps with manicures also. Ruth Drown worked in our dietary department, retired, and is now a great dining services volunteer in dietary. Bob Salem drives our residents on errand runs and other trips in our bus. Kenny Bridges also drives and Like us on Facebook
Many local clergy lead our chapel services, including Rev. Martha Murchison of Sunrise Presbyterian Church, Rev. Charlie Smith of First Presbyterian Church, Rev. Ken Trickle, Rev. Eric Rook of First United Methodist Church, Pastor Ed Foster of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Rev. Tara Thompson of Belmont Blvd. Church, Pastor Kent Happel of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Don Schroeder, Vivian Cassel, Rev. Basil Price of Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, and Rev. David Strommen of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Jenny Keeler and Betty Yockers with Sacred Heart Cathedral lead Catholic services every Thursday. George Easter leads devotions in memory care. Marty Ryan plays piano for chapel when needed, and Lan Nelson plays piano for several evening events. Dea Oellien, Ruth Coleman and Traci Peterson are Stitch and Pray volunteers. The Kansas Wesleyan football players
Leo Lake, library volunteer
served our Valentine’s dinner, and the St. John’s Military cadets helped serve our Christmas Dinner. Resident volunteers Lobby Greeters: Carolyn Eland, Jean Hamilton, Peg and Fred Schroth, Jean Ann Jones, Pauline Eaton, Joy
Jan and John Miller, Country Store volunteers
Mansfield, Nadine Griffin, Mabel Mase, Mary Havel, and Sue Vince. Piano Players: Jean Hamilton, Dorothy Carmichael and Bev Olson. Library Curator and Wine and Cheese: Leo Lake Food Bank: Julie Ottley VOLUNTEERS, continued on page 4 Salina Presbyterian Manor
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Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Ashley Boor, our employee of the month for March. Ashley is a CMA and has worked for the Salina Presbyterian Manor for two years. She has two children – Conner (5), and Tatum (6 months). Ashley enjoys hanging out with her kids, helping her nephew with baseball and working out. One thing we might not know about Ashley is that she did an internship at a funeral home and was able to assist with an embalming and a cremation. She plans to start classes this summer to become a mortician. Please congratulate Ashley when you see her!
Health care happenings April’s theme will be will be “Everything is Coming Up Green” for spring. We will try some of the new healthy green drinks, green eggs and ham sandwiches, and pistachio and honey ice cream. We will observe the Jewish Passover with a traditional dish. We will play a green trivia game, plant some new seed balls in the window box, and celebrate National Garlic Day. We will have a pie day and a Cozy Burger day.
April activities By Cathy Boos, life enrichment director Spring has sprung and Salina Presbyterian Manor is gearing up for an eventful April. Entertainment for the month will include Taylor’s Twirlers, Big Joe Eddy One Man Band, Silvertones, and the Sunshine Singers. Cruisin’ with Cathy will take a trip to the Oz museum in Wamego. We will also visit the Columbian Theater, Oz Winery, and the Beecher Bible & Rifle Church. Royals baseball opening day will be celebrated with special food and drink. Travel & Taste will be heading to the Swedish Crown in Lindsborg, and the Coffee Club will travel to Ad Astra in downtown Salina. The potluck theme will be “Easter Eggstravaganza.” April 1: Taylor’s Twirlers April 8: Big Joe Eddy April 10: Royals opening day celebration April 11: Easter Eggstravaganza April 13: Trip to Oz Museum April 14: Silvertone Singers April 18: Taste & Travel to Swedish Crown
Jan Miller, Country Store volunteer, helps two residents locate items. VOLUNTEERS, continued from page 3
April 22: Sunshine Singers April 25: Coffee Club to Ad Astra
Potluck Helpers: Jane Ghan, Julie Ottley, Lewis and Gladys Reid Country Store: Elsie and Romaine Swanson, Leo Lake, John and Jan Miller and Pete Peterson. Thank you to all of our generous volunteers!
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Community Matters April 2017
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Salina Presbyterian Manor announces Art is Ageless® winners Salina Presbyterian Manor recently hosted a reception for the winning artists in the annual Art is Ageless® juried competition. “We are honored to exhibit artwork by seniors,” said Jenni Jones, director of sales and marketing. “Art is Ageless is unique in featuring only the works of artists age 65 and older. Our artists prove that art, in any form, is an ageless ambition.” Salina Presbyterian Manor Art is Ageless competition winners are: Best of Show: Mary Ann Tanking, “Sunflowers” People’s Choice: Ruby McBee, “Red,White and Blue” Judges Choice: Velda Becker “Grandma’s Kitchen”
Quilting/Hand(amateur): Ruth Drown, “Hearts” Quilting/Machine (amateur): Nadine Griffin “Dresden Plate;” (professional) Velda Becker “Grandma’s Kitchen” Sculpture/3-D (amateur): Jeff Hart, “Canary Wood/Mahogany Pool Cue Case;” (professional) Connie Burket “Gratitude Journal” Local competition winners will join winners from 16 other Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America communities to be judged at the masterpiece level. Winning entries at the masterpiece level may be selected for publication in PMMA’s annual Art is Ageless calendar and note cards.
Art is Ageless is a copyrighted program of Presbyterian Manors of Christmas (amateur): Kay Mid-America. For the competition, Leckband, “Here We Are!” works must have been completed Drawing (amateur): Jeanette Peroli in the past five years. Started in Eklund, “Iris” 1980, Art is Ageless is an extension of Presbyterian Manors of MidFiber Arts (amateur): Joy Hart, America’s wellness programs, which “Woven Generation” and Donald focus on mental, physical, social and Smischny “Indian” spiritual health. Fiber Arts (professional):Velda Presbyterian Manors of MidBecker “Grandpa Gus” America’s Art is Ageless program Mixed Media/Crafts (amateur): encourages Salina Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to Jeanette Peroli Eklund, “Crystal Decanter with Orchids & Grapes” express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art Needlework (amateur): Kitty classes, musical and dramatic events, Dalton, “LV2Knit” educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year. Painting (amateur): Sue Vince, “Tulips in Pitcher;” (professional) For more information about Salina Mary Ann Tanking “Sunflowers” Presbyterian Manor, 2601 E. Crawford St. Salina Ks, contact Jenni Photography (professional): Jones 785-825-1366 or jjones@ Gerald Karnes, “Monarchs and Sunflowers” pmma.org. Like us on Facebook
Best of show by Mary Ann Tanking, “Sunflowers.”
People’s Choice Award winner, Ruby McBee’s “Red, White and Blue.”
Jenni Jones with Sue Vince, who took home an award for her painting, “Tulips in Pitcher.”
Jenni Jones with Velda Becker, who won First Place in the professional category for “Grandma’s Kitchen,” Salina Presbyterian Manor
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MUSINGS continued from page 1
The program is spread over three years with mandatory and elective classes. I loved the opportunity to learn and grow. With a group of diverse classmates, we had many thoughtful discussions, and most of all they had many suggestions for new (to me) books. Father Edward Hays, author of more than 30 books on contemporary spirituality, a gifted storyteller and an imaginative Kansas artist — became a favorite of mine. I have two of his books and recently was given more of his books, a treasure trove. The first one I picked up was “Holy Fools and Mad Hatters.” Here are some excerpts from one of
my favorite exercises, “Creating the Miraculous”: If you wish to do the kind of works that Christ promised his disciples would do, how should you begin? One way to start might be to take an object that is found in every home, car and most purses: a mirror.The mother word of both miracle and mirror is the Latin mirari,“to wonder at.” In days long ago, to see an image of oneself in a piece of polished metal did indeed cause wonder. Mirrors were wonder-full things for ancient peoples, who could see their reflections only in pools of still water. Who among us today is ever caught up in wonder when looking into a mirror? Mirrors have become practical necessities for those who wish to be well-groomed and
neat. However, your mirror can also become a source of inspiration for learning how to perform miraculous deeds. Remember the famous scene with the evil queen in the fairy tale SnowWhite? She would stand in front of her mirror and ask,“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” Here is an exercise similar to those words. Daily, after you have finished with the practical use of your mirror, stand for a moment in silence.Then, looking directly into your mirror, say:“Mirror, mirror on the wall, may I look with love on all.” We are all created to be unique individuals with different beliefs, values and opinions. By learning to respect our individual humanity, I believe we can begin to make a positive difference in our world. Who may you believe this day?
Father’s Day We will be featuring summertime and Father’s Day in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. If you have a story to tell about a memorable Father’s Day or how your father influenced you, we want to share it. If summertime is your favorite time of year and you’ve got great memories to share, let us know. If you’ve got a story to share, contact Marketing Director Jenni Jones and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
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Community Matters April 2017
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