NOVEMBER 2022
New residents didn’t waste time finding fun
Tim Allin, Executive Director “I am most grateful each day to work with a leadership team of really talented and devoted people who support one another.” Liz Miller, Social Worker “That I get to work with an incredible team of people and that I get to work with the best residents every day!
It didn’t take long for residents Ron and Carly Swenson to latch onto fun ways to fill their days at Aberdeen Village. “We jumped into a number of activities,” Carly said. “I did the water class, but my body complained. But I’ve been involved with the library, worked with plants, and we’re planning a fashion show.” The couple moved in on May 26, and soon after they found their way around - and into a world of activity - or found ways to create some fun of their own.
What aspect of your work makes you grateful?
New residents Carly and Ron Swenson
“We started a word of the day activity,” Carly said. “We post a word by the elevator on each floor, and see if people notice it and hopefully start using it.” Starting new things isn’t new for the couple. Ron and Carly met at Ottawa University 58 years ago, and have been together since. Along the way, they have jumped into numerous adventures. They started a celebration of culture festival in Lawrence, which celebrated all the culture and origin of KU students from around the world.
Swenson – continued on page 2
Luke Land, Director Business Office “I am grateful for the relationships that I have with both my colleagues and the residents here at Aberdeen Village. The residents have such wisdom to share and are a joy to speak with. My colleagues are very patient and will always go out of their way to help with resolving any challenge that comes our way. I am so happy to be a part of this community and be a part of a team that wants to provide the best possible care for our residents.” David Nelson, Concierge “I am most grateful for the love that I receive from the residents, and for the great people I work with who lift me up every day. “ Stephanie Oehlert, Sales & Marketing Director “I feel truly blessed to get to know our residents and their families as I
Grateful – continued on page 4
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Swenson– continued from page 1 “We featured food from their home countries, as well as music and dance,” Carly said. “It was very interesting - and also helpful for the Lawrence locals to get an image of where all the KU students came from and the cultures they lived with.” In their later years, the couple worked their way into managing estate and rummage sales. It began as a way to help friends who were looking to winnow down their possessions later in life - and later morphed into something a little more formal and involved.
lacked for ways to fill their days. They are avid readers, and have enjoyed the chance to join in with different game groups around the community. And if Carly can’t find Ron, she generally knows where to look.
‘When we were touring, every resident we met spoke to us, including Evelyn who waters the plants here,” Carly said. “We met Duane at the same time - everyone spoke to us. They make you feel at home almost immediately.”
“He’s probably out on the patio,” Carly said. “We don’t have any plants yet, but I’m laying plans since it’s our first year here. I’m talking to others who have flowers on the patio.”
Carly retired from teaching in 1993, and Ron is a retired computer programmer - who helped develop testing for special needs students through the Kansas Department of Education.
Even before making the move to Aberdeen Village, Carly was making friends with other residents.
They have seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Be sure to give a warm welcome to Ron and Carly! u
“That was interesting, to get to see the treasures people brought home from their travels,” Carly said. “Estate sales weren’t only interesting, it was interesting to hear people’s stories.” Ron and Carly also enjoyed the opportunity to travel throughout their lives - including a tour of England, Germany, France, and Switzerland while they visited a son stationed in England. Their two favorite locations in the U.S. were Hawaii and Sedona, Arizona. Since making the move to Aberdeen Village, the couple hasn’t Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
Community Matters 913-599-6100 u Fax: 913-599-3810 17500 W. 119th St. Olathe, KS 66061-9524 AberdeenVillage.com
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is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Village by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: soehlert@pmma.org Tim Allin, executive director Stephanie Oehlert, director of sales and marketing
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
COMMUNITY MATTERS | November 2022
Butterflies emerge to life in the wild Diane Stoakes, our "Butterfly Lady" kept busy in early September with releasing new butterflies into the world from the Aberdeen Village Monarch Waystation. We set nine butterflies off to see the world with the first release, followed by another five on the second release, with many more to come. One of our residents, Esther Minter, was sitting on her patio when she noticed a monarch fluttering by and sitting down on one of the flowers on her patio. The more she looked at it she could see that it had been tagged. She told her son, who was with her, "Who would have thought we would see one of our lovely monarchs we just tagged yesterday". Diane does a great job keeping everyone here informed about the monarchs and where they are in their flights. Thanks Diane for all you do. Keep up the good flight! u
A tagged butterfly. Photo credit: Esther Minter
A monarch waystation
Pictured from left to right: Kay Collins, June Hackathorn, Ruth Hill, Diane Stoakes (our “Butterfly Lady”), Pat Pelot and Jo Henderson Photo credit: Esther Minter Aberdeen Village | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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Grateful – continued from page 1 share the story of who Aberdeen Village is with them. I love walking with them along their path and helping to guide the way. I am so fortunate to work with a team of such fine people who live our mission every day. They make sharing the Aberdeen Village story something I am grateful for.” Linda Mwanzi, Assisted Living Director “Team work, great staff who are passionate with the residents, and the thought of a family-like environment rather than “Just a job”. David Meyer, Sales & Marketing Counselor “I am grateful for the opportunity to
make a difference by being a guide and navigator to future residents and their families in their senior living journey. Nothing is more satisfying knowing that we can help ease minds and get someone comfortable in their decision during big change in their life.” Sandy Barnes, Life Enrichment Director “I am most grateful for the residents that I have gotten to know through all my years of service to them. They keep me centered and wanting to come back the next day to be with them. They have become my second family and I have been blessed with many years of love from them in so many ways.”
17500 W. 119th St.
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | November 2022
Olathe, KS 66061-9524
Jeff Higgins, Dining Services Director “I am grateful for the residents and all the support that I receive from them, especially the Independent Living ones.” Christina Yang Her, Human Resources Assistant “I am grateful to work with team members who can be openminded and creatively collaborative” Rebecca Travelute, Dining Services Assistant Director “I am grateful for our residents, without them we wouldn’t have a job. u