Commun ty Matters Wichita Presbyterian Manor
February 2018
Q & A with Amy Get to know our life enrichment director and staff
Art is Ageless® call for entries underway Wichita Presbyterian Manor has issued a call for entries for the Art is Ageless® juried exhibit to be held March 15 to 30. Entries of artistic works will be accepted from any area artist who is 65 years of age or older to exhibit and/or compete for an opportunity to be featured in the 2019 Art is Ageless calendar. Artists may choose to enter the exhibit only. For the competition, works are to have been completed in the past five years (since January 2013). There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or professional. Works to be entered for judging need to be at Presbyterian Manor by March 15. The Art is Ageless Program encourages Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year. ART, continued on page 3
In recognition of Activity Professionals Month, we went in-depth with Life Enrichment Director Amy Watson to learn more about how she and the life enrichment team approach their work. How do you see the role of activities in a senior living community like Presbyterian Manor? What does the term “life enrichment” mean to you?
Amy Watson, life enrichment director
Activities are an extremely important part of a senior living community. Many of our residents are looking for things to do. Many are widowed or lonely. We want them to feel like they have a family here. We want to provide meaningful, memorable activities and experiences to residents’ lives so that these years can be both fun and fulfilling. I try to plan my activities around the idea.You are never too old to try something new. What sets your team apart? Everyone truly cares for the residents and has unique talents that add to the PMMA mission. We like to have fun and it shows. It is genuine. We truly look to support one another in all areas of the community. What activities are special or unique to Wichita Presbyterian Manor? Our Pastor Appreciation Breakfast, Oktoberfest Party, various community artist receptions and Friday Happy Hour in the Pub. What are some signature activities or recent additions that have been popular? ACTIVITIES, continued on page 2
ACTIVITIES, continued from page 1
Our sing-alongs are so amazing. Bringing a community together to lift up our voices is such a joyous experience. We always have a great turnout for our monthly communitywide movies — the fresh popcorn draws them in. Campus-wide Bingo Bash parties are a huge hit. Get to know your life enrichment team: 5 fun facts February is Activities Professionals Month, and we thought it was the perfect time to find out a little more about our life enrichment team. See how many of these five fun facts you know about them!
We are blessed to have these dedicated, creative professionals in our community, serving our residents and helping them to live every day the way they want to live. Thank you! Amy Watson, life enrichment director
• I am a California girl! I was born in Southern California. • I love to dance. • My favorite meal is a juicy steak and a baked potato with all the fixings. Pizza doesn’t even make the top 10.
• My first and only job is working for Presbyterian Manor (20 years). I started in Parsons, Kan., where I am from. • Self-proclaimed DIY-er on home improvements, etc. • I’ll go to any concert, no matter who is playing. I just like the experience. • Not a fan of sweets. • I don’t know a stranger. Angela Page
Community Matters
Angela Page, Westwinds independent living
is published monthly for residents and friends of Wichita Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.
• I enjoy interacting with residents and co-workers, and working at Wichita Presbyterian Manor!
Brad Radatz, interim executive director Melody Dodge, marketing director
• I love taking care of my grandson, and I am very close to all three of my children.
To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Amy Watson, life enrichment director, awatson@pmma.org. Telephone: 316-942-7456 Fax: 316-941-3806 Address: 4700 W. 13th St., Wichita, KS 67212-5575 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. WichitaPresbyterianManor.org
• I’m working on home improvement projects this year, such as flooring, painting, lawn and flower garden upkeep. Meggin Nicolas
Meggin Nicolas, Westerly independent living and events • I have a twin brother (I am 1 minute older than he is). • I love to craft, cook and camp.
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Community Matters February 2018
• I enjoy watching movies on Netflix and Cox Contour, and listening to music. • My favorite foods are Italian and Chinese. ACTIVITIES, continued on page 3 Like us on Facebook
ACTIVITIES, continued from page 2
• I’ve lived in Wichita for 17 years.
nutrition and fitness.
• I’m engaged.
• My husband is handy — great at fixing and building things. He completely finished the basement in our house and is currently restoring an old Volkswagen pickup truck.
• I have a furry son named Hercules. • I really enjoy working in my area.
• I enjoy getting to know people and doing all kind of different activities, so I love working in life enrichment at Presbyterian Manor. Julia Tritsch
Julia Tritsch, Cottonwoods assisted living • I am allergic to chocolate. • I majored in art therapy and sociology. • I enjoy baking, silversmithing and ceramics. • My dogs are my kids. • I was just married in January.
Helen Martinez
Helen Martinez, PATH/ Willows health care • I swoon over Barry Manilow. • I am the oldest of 10 children. • My son is my heart and my life. • I was born in Montana. • I won the ugly sweater contest this year. Kim Tuhro, PATH/Willows health care • I love animals, especially dogs, and I have a Labrador retriever that weighs as much as I do.
Cristal Almeda
Cristal Almeda, Cypress memory care • I plan to learn how to swim.
• I have a degree in biology and was once interested in becoming a veterinarian. • I used to work as a personal trainer, and I like learning about
Kim Tuhro ART, continued from page 1
Local competition winners will join winners from 16 other Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica communities to be judged at the systemwide level. Entry forms and information can be picked up at Wichita Presbyterian Manor, 4700 W. 13th St., Wichita, or by contacting Amy Watson at 316-942-7456 or awatson@ pmma.org. Or go online to ArtIsAgeless.org to view rules, download an entry form or enter online. Wichita Presbyterian Manor
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Thank you, donors Below is a list of individuals who gave generously during our annual Angel Appeal to support seniors at our campus who have outlived their financial resources through no fault of their own. Gifts are often made in the memory or honor of a loved one who has lived at our campus. We appreciate the generosity of our donors. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert J. Addison
Mrs. Nancy J. Ross in memory of Dr. and Mrs. Wilfred Jones Mrs. Dorothy J. Rowden in memory of Naymon Rowden
Mr. Dwight L. Freeman in memory of Myrna
Teresa Scoles in memory of Delmar Macy
Mrs. Carol S. Friess in memory of Lawrence and Edrie Katzer
Ms. Karen H. Smith in memory of Cathy
Ed and Jeanne Gerstenkorn in memory of Bea Gerstenkorn
Mrs. Cecil L. Stares
Mrs. Alice K. Barham Mr. James and Mrs. Nancy Beach
Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Haden
Mr. and Mrs. Don Bishop in memory of Robert R. Brandt
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Hall
Mr. and Mrs. W. Art Bloomer
Mr. Roy Howe in memory of May Belle Howe
Ms. Bonnie M. Creekmore in honor of Kathleen Bateson
Mr. John and Mrs. Ann Hunter in memory of their parents
Mr. Richard W. Cumberland Rev. and Mrs. John S. Decker
Mrs. Marjorie J. Kessler
Mr. Luchion E. Doshier
Mr. Mark and Mrs. Gay Ritchey
in memory of Jessie and Alfred Etherington
Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Greenway in memory of Gladys and Herman Gardenhire
Mrs. Freda V. Dilling in honor of Mindy Crossette
Mr. Walter Reineck
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Lipp, Sr. in memory of Mary K. Lipp Mr. and Mrs. David McGee in memory of Ruth Dillingham
Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Etherington
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Stewart in memory of Viola Stewart Mr. and Mrs. William M. Thompson in memory of Doris Thompson Mr. Kent and Mrs. Pam Walline in honor of Twila Gough Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Whitney, Jr. in memory of Isobel N. Whitney & Mary Ida Grubb Mrs. Dorothy C. Wunder in memory of William Wunder If you would like to support our seniors, you can make a gift online at http://www.presbyterianmanors.org/ give_now or by leaving a gift with the staff at the front desk.
Tell us your story We will celebrate our roots in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. If you have a connection to a milestone for your campus, or if you just want to tell the world what you love about living in your senior living community, we want to share the story. Contact Amy Watson, life enrichment director, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
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Community Matters February 2018
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