Commun ty Matters Sterling Presbyterian Manor
Former farmer leaves green thumbprint at Sterling campus
Executive Director Michael (Mike) Rajewski’s father James was a farmer, and when he became a resident at Presbyterian Manor, he wanted an opportunity to dig his hands in the dirt once more. James, along with the help of Mike and Maintenance Supervisor Roger Riggs, was instrumental in building a new garden out front, complete with raised beds which made it easier for residents to plant, weed and harvest. Unfortunately, James passed in March before his hard work came full circle, with a bountiful crop appearing over the summer. “My father loved gardening,” said Mike. “He took great care of the plants, especially the lettuce. He even wrapped plastic over it every night if necessary. It’s no wonder we have a bumper crop of lettuce this year.” GREEN THUMBPRINT continued on page 2
Helen evans
August 2015
ReSident SPotliGHt
August is a time when the roads are filled with yellow school buses as area youth head back to school. One Sterling Presbyterian Manor resident has fond memories of her years in the education system.
Helen Evans grew up in Kingman, Kan., but eventually found her way to and settled in Sterling, Kan. When her four kids were in school, she decided it was foolish of her not to take advantage of living in a town with a college, so Helen began taking classes at Sterling College. She completed her teaching degree at the age of 40. Helen recalls student teaching in rural schools around Sterling and noted that the teachers were always excited because it gave them a break. Helen would eventually take a position as a fourth-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary in Great Bend, Kan.
“One day I was told that I no longer worked in the building, and I was to report to the superintendent the next day,” Helen remarked. “Great, what did I do now?” she thought. Little did she know that she was being promoted. Helen had accrued library hours during her education at Sterling College. The school district decided to create centralized libraries in each of the seven Great Bend elementary schools, and Helen was the person to do it. “The other teachers were not pleased when I would ask them to give me the books they had in their classroom, I had to kindly remind them the books were bought with taxpayer money,” she recalled. Once the libraries were established Helen would be at a different school each day of the week to run the library.“I would read the children stories, or help them pick out their own books to read.” Between teaching and running the libraries Helen spent nearly 30 years in the education system.
Coming up in Community Matters: Hostas make a lovely addition to the new Memorial Garden, planted in honor of James Rajewski.
How has music been important to you? In an upcoming issue of Community Matters we will be focusing on music and its role in making our lives better. If you’ve got a story about what music has meant to you, contact Cindy Moore to share your idea.Your story may be selected for the next issue of your community newsletter.
GREEN THUMBPRINT continued on from page 1 In addition to lettuce, the garden has produced okra, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, yellow squash, cucumbers, radishes and tomatoes. While residents have very much enjoyed eating the vegetables, Roger notes how the garden has provided a different kind of benefit. “We have several residents who gardened as a hobby, and several farmers as well. It’s a real treat for them to check on the plants daily,” said Roger.
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Sterling Presbyterian Manor 204 W. Washington Sterling, KS 67579-1614
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Not only does James’ legacy live on in the delicious bounty from the garden he helped plant, but also through a new memorial garden installed under the awning of the circle drive. “This was always a difficult area to plant things,” said Mike. “When my father passed, it was the desire of the family to use memorial funds to finally give this area a face lift. There are hostas and other shade-loving plants, as well as a fountain, wind mill
and wind chimes. It’s now a restful area. Our hope is for other resident families to be inspired to plant different varieties of flowers and shrubs here when their loved ones pass as a way to remember them.” While James’ presence is missed, we’re grateful for the positive ways he influenced Presbyterian Manor and will continue to enjoy the fruits of his labor and legacy for years to come.
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is published monthly for residents and friends of Sterling Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org. Mike Rajewski, executive director Cindy Moore, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact cmoore@pmma.org. Telephone: 620-278-3651 Fax: 620-278-3581 Address: 204 W. Washington, Sterling, KS 67579-1614 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. SterlingPresbyterianManor.org
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2 COMMUNITY MATTERS JULY 2015