Commun ty Matters Sterling Presbyterian Manor
COMING UP IN COMMUNITY MATTERS:
Art. How does it affect you?
We will focus on art and how it’s used on our campuses to enrich life in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. How do the arts help you stay sharp? How do you exercise creativity? How does your campus support your exploration of the arts? If you’ve got a story to share, contact Cindy Moore and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
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December 2016
Grown-up Christmas lists Each year, Nov. 7 marks National “Dear Santa” day, which is the day you are supposed to write your letter to Santa so that he has time to fulfill all of your wishes before Christmas. Activity Director Donna Grizzle went room to room to fill out the top three wishes on Sterling Presbyterian Manor’s residents’ Grown-Up Christmas Lists. The items requested ranged from a bottle of soda pop to a bottle of Estee Lauder’s Estee perfume. Naturally, the anticipation of Christmas brought forth fond Christmas memories from the residents. One resident’s favorite food for the holidays was her mom’s homemade Mexican tamales. Another resident said her favorite thing about Christmas was that was the day her parents would give her and her siblings new shoes and clothes. Favorite songs include “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
Resident George Lickteig said his favorite thing about Christmas was snow on the ground and being able to get presents. Getting presents was a common comment from these seniors who grew up in a time when gifts were limited to special holidays like birthdays and Christmas. It also was a common wish from our residents that everyone receives good health for the NewYear, overall wellness and a wonderful time together with their families this Christmas. Christmas lists continued on page 4
New van helps residents, community members
A transportation van isn’t something new to Presbyterian Manor, but there is a new feature of the one that was purchased in late September.
“With our new van, we’re able to give people in the community a ride if they need one,” said Genny Gillespie,
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Community Matters 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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transportation assistant. “I had to go through special K-DOT training to make this possible, and we’re excited for the possibilities.”
If you’ve ever been without your own set of wheels, you know how frustrating it can be. Whether it’s due to bad weather, vehicle malfunctions, or simply the lack of a vehicle, not being able to go about your dayto-day business inhibits your independence. That’s where Presbyterian Manor hopes to help people in the Sterling community.
“We were able to purchase this new van through a Resident Ron Wilson enjoys a ride in the new transport van, which is also available for the public to use. grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation. We’ve given probably take them to do things they normally don’t get to do,” said Genny. “If we less than 20 rides to community have some extra time after an members so far, but word is catching appointment, I ask if there’s someplace on. We expect to be very busy during special they’d like to go. Some days we the Christmas shopping season,” said go to the mall, others to Pizza Hut, Genny. “On most days, I spend half Long John Silver’s, or just to Braum’s to three-fourths of my day out giving to get a cherry limeade. They love it, rides, and some days, that’s all I do. and so do I.” We take people to doctor appointments, shopping, out to eat, Genny has a long history of helping or to meet their families — others, including her four children and wherever they like to go.” two grandchildren. She loves to cook, While Genny may be a new face to people in the community, she’s a familiar face at Sterling Presbyterian Manor. She’s worked in transportation for three and a half years and was a CNA/CMA for seven years before that.
“My favorite part of my job is having time to talk with people. I talk with them about their families as we’re driving along. I also enjoy getting to
and likes to help other people in the community.
To schedule a ride, contact Genny at 620-278-3651, ext. 3144, and leave a message if she’s not able to answer. She likes to schedules rides about a week in advance, so call now to schedule any Christmas shopping you might need to get done. Rides are free, but a donation for van upkeep and maintenance is greatly appreciated.
Intern Insights
by Lesly Salazar, Sterling College
My name is Lesly Salazar, and I am a senior at Sterling College. I’m also a psychology major minoring in criminal justice. I’m originally fromYuma, Arizona.You’re asking, “Why Kansas?” Well, long story short, I used to play soccer. I got offered an athletic and academic scholarship, so that is why I’m here.
I began volunteering at Presbyterian Manor in October, and my experience here so far has been so joyful and very fulfilling. First, I want to thank Donna for letting me and my fellow classmates volunteer here; without her help this wouldn’t be possible. I love how she has everything structured as the residents request. I’ve met several very outgoing residents who make this experience so much more interesting. They love card
Lesly enjoys spending time with the residents, like playing Kings Corner with George Lickteig.
games, dominoes and bingo. Bingo on Thursdays can get competitive. We usually pamper the lady residents. My fellow classmates help them with their nails. I’m not too great with nails, so I just help dry them. I’m glad I decided to volunteer here. The staff and residents are so
Fall back in love with music!
This fall, we at Sterling Presbyterian Manor have fallen under the musical spell of our all-time favorite tunes! We have diligently worked to expand our
welcoming, it feels like I have been volunteering here longer than I mentioned. I hope to keep volunteering as long as the residents and staff would like me to. If someone would need somewhere to volunteer, I would definitely recommend Presbyterian Manor.
Music and Memory program by providing residents with iPod Shuffles filled with songs that promote pleasant memories of their lives. Our goal is to have each resident with their very own iPod and lineup of favorite music. We currently fall short of enough players and are accepting donations of gently used iPods and speakers, but we will not fall to pieces over minor details. Around here, we all still enjoy listening to cassette tapes, compact discs and the live piano playing by our Sterling College Work Study student Angela. We also enjoy musical performances from outside groups, like our most recent
appearance by the Wrinkle Box Players, a crowd-pleasing favorite of accordion-playing ladies from Hutchinson. Having multiple avenues of providing music helps us reach the maximum level of residents and helps us all to spend time falling back in love with music. STERLING PRESBYTERIAN MANOR 3
Christmas lists continued from page 1
Our only male centenarian, Gerald Proffitt, said his favorite Christmas present ever was his baby sister, Betty Jean. His dad woke the five boys up at 3 a.m. Christmas morning and said “Get up boys! It’s time to go eat breakfast.” But instead of breakfast, they arrived to find a baby girl. He and his brothers did not even know their mom was expecting. He said he will never forget the Christmas day that his youngest sibling and only sister was born and the joy she brought to him and his four unsuspecting brothers.
Centenarian Gerald Proffitt shared that his favorite Christmas present was his baby sister Betty Jean.
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