Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
JULY 2021 Editor’s Note: This is a guest column from the chaplain at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we will be periodically sharing columns from our community chaplains in your Community Matters newsletter.
Residents hooked on Chickenfoot Every day, residents Harley Wood, Zora Weir, Gil Estep and Dorothy Decker gather to play “Chickenfoot,” a variation of dominoes that stipulates that every time a double is played, three tiles must be played off of it before any other moves can be made.
We are “AHA” people in the Lord!
“It’s addictive,” said Harley.
I led a Bible study using the book “Joyfully Aging” by Richard Bimler. He gave himself the title, Ambassador of Health, Hope, and Aging or AH-HA(sic). He wrote, “All believers in Christ are AHA people,” because the resurrection of Christ is the biggest “aha” of all.
Dorothy enjoys the game so much that she taught her grandson how to play and, in return, he surprised her with a shirt that reads, “Chickenfoot Friends Rule the Roost.” For Gil, the game has benefits beyond just having a goodtime with friends. “It’s enjoyable and keeps your mind working,” said Gil. u
Residents from left to right: Harley Wood, Dorothy Decker, Zora Weir and Gil Estep gather to play “Chickenfoot.”
By Dinah Dutta, Chaplain
We hear so much about how to care for our physical health, which is very important. Unfortunately, our society has convinced people that after a certain age, people lose their significance and purpose in life. However, when I think of spiritual or physical health these days, I think of my relationship not only with God but also the relationships we have with each other as a community of PMMA. Here at Presbyterian Manor, many of our residents have a long life. When I visit them, I learn that their faith in Christ is the key to their longevity. Recently, during a memorial service for one of our residents, Rev. Henry shared how strong roots are
AHA – continued on page 2 Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at ArkansasCityPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
1
AHA – continued from page 1 important for a plant to grow. He shared that being rooted in faith is as important as the roots of the plant for us to live and grow as well. His message stuck in my head. Yes, when we are rooted in Christ, trusting Him and His promises, our physical and spiritual health remains strong. My dear PMMA family, as we focus on our wellness without being anxious about growing old or aging, I want to invite you to join me to focus on these simple things Bilmer shared in his book and age JOYFULLY. “1. Thank the Lord daily for life itself. Thank the Lord for the open roads as well as the detours. “ 2. Remember our baptism. We are redeemed in Christ.
We respect the privacy of residents and ask that you respect their privacy, too. Posting this?
Check the background. If your photograph, video or Snap includes residents who are not a relative, don’t post it to social media.
“ 3. Spend time with people. Talk to them. Listen to them. Share your life experiences. “4. Bring encouraging words to younger and older people every day. Be an encourager to all.” ®
Dear ones, most importantly let us continue to stay alive in Christ!
PMMA Presbyterian Manors Of Mid-America
®
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). u
Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
Community Matters 620-442-8700 ◆ Fax: 620-442-8224 1711 N. Fourth St. Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 ArkansasCityPresbyterianManor.org
2
COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2021
is published monthly for residents and friends of Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: wstokes@pmma.org. Sarah Griggs, executive director Whitley Stokes, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
New title, familiar face The community’s new director of social services and life enrichment needs no introduction. A fixture at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor for the past 17 years, Brandi Barrett is known and loved by residents and staff members alike. Prior to being named to her new position, Brandi had served as activities assistant and during her time at the community she has become a social services designee and earned both her nursing aide and activities director certification. With the COVID-19 vaccine offering protection for those both inside and outside of the community, Brandi becomes director of social services and life enrichment at an exciting time. “As our numbers [COVID positives]
continue to drop in the [Cowley County] community, we are getting back to our ‘normal’ activities of trips outside of Presbyterian Manor to enjoy the sunshine,” said Brandi. Brandi, Janelly Ambriz and Tresia Streeter are currently busy planning numerous activities that they hope will alleviate any sense of isolation some may have felt over the past year and a half. “Social health is extremely important to our residents. They enjoy being able to have fun with one another; it brings happiness and excitement in not just their lives but ours as well,” said Brandi. “Being able to make wonderful memories with our residents and their families brings us joy and helps fulfill our mission of providing quality senior care.”
Brandi Barrett
To learn more about what Brandi and her team have planned, be sure to check out the community’s activity calendar. u
This is where the fun comes from! Tresia Streeter has worked in the activities department for three years and loves being able to put smiles on the faces of residents. With COVID restrictions beginning to lift, Tresia looks forward to being able to get residents outside of the community for trips to places like the museum and the farmer’s market.
Janelly Ambriz has been an activities assistant at Presbyterian Manor for four years and is excited about all of the upcoming activities planned for the upcoming year, especially those away from the community. Tresia Streeter
“Trips around town are one of my favorites,” said Janelly. “Myself and our residents like getting outside Janelly Ambriz as much as we can now that it is summer; however, we still love our indoor activities such as devotional time, movie nights, manicures and pedicures.” u Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
3
1711 N. Fourth St. Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
4
COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2021