Manor of the Plains
JULY 2022
Editor’s Note: In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we regularly feature a column from a PMMA® chaplain in our newsletter. This month’s column comes from Greg Schmidt, chaplain at Newton Presbyterian Manor®
Chaplain’s Corner By Greg Schmidt
When life gives you lemons …
July is here…and so is the heat! And what’s the best way to “beat the heat?” Look for a vacation spot that offers a cooler climate, right?!
Greg Schmidt
When I was a kid—and into my young adulthood—my favorite getaway trip was to church camp in the Rockies. Over the years, I progressed from camper to camp counselor to camp director, and in the latter position, I introduced the Mennonite Brethren church camp world to Noah’s Ark Whitewater Rafting Co.! That added a few “ice cold” stories to all the others!
Maureen Schlereth and Patty Lampe enjoying a refreshment in The Cozy
Maureen Schlereth has lived at Manor of the Plains for nearly two years — unfortunately much of that time has been dominated by a once-in-alifetime pandemic. So, what do you do when you are locked down in a new environment and craving some social interaction?
Lemons – continued on page 4
But what happens when you cannot “escape the heat” of life’s daily battles? How does one find ways to rest or relax in place? You may not like my answer. I believe every one of us desperately needs to allow our hearts and minds to find comfort by taking us away in our thoughts to a place where we’ve experienced the love, grace, forgiveness and peace from God and (Christian) friends
Escape the heat – continued on page 2
Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at ManorOfThePlains.org/covid-19.
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Escape the heat – continued from page 1 that have always been there for us. It is never good to stay forever pinned down to our inevitable problems. We must be able to escape. Mental respite is a must! I’m simply suggesting we ask God to let our minds take us to places we otherwise cannot go. I accomplish that by beginning where Jesus did—in prayer. When we ask God to help us recall those places, people, and moments when we perceived life as less troubled, less complicated, less corrupted by pain or disease or situations that caused us fear or panic, we discover peace. Our prayer should then shift to a state of productive meditation, staying in that personal place and allowing God to “heal” my body, spirit, and soul to the degree that my burden or worry is temporarily suspended. Just as our physical body needs at least four hours of deep sleep before it can even begin to be restored and re-energized, our hearts and souls need sustained rest as well. A break from being bombarded by the challenges of everyday life, especially when those challenges include dealing
with death and dying realities. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God.” The Psalmist is figuratively describing an internal need—a “thirsting after”—the One he believes will replenish his innermost needs. He doesn’t imagine a sip; he wants to drink We desperately need rest, especially deep. To do that will take time. It when we’re facing “life and death.” doesn’t happen on the fly or Why? So that we have the resources instantaneously. and strength to fight life’s battles. Why would he make that request? Each of our Manors and Because life is pinning him down. communities, as well as our Heart He’s needy. He’s stressed out. & Soul Hospices are about finding Because the pursuit of those people rest for our patients and their and situations that set out to do families. And we get that needed harm or destroy him are bearing rest when we choose to live and down on him. Because sustained enjoy every moment God gives us rest is the only thing that will rather than giving in to the pain, restore his life and vision. The frustration, and discouragement image of a deer so at peace with her that disease and discomfort surroundings that she can stop and naturally bring. without fear, lower her head to the stream to take a long, needed drink, So, right where you are, ask God to in complete peace, is inspirational allow your heart and mind to to the Psalmist. So, he sets in place travel to your vacation spot, your in a cave and meditates on what it resting place. Not only do you need it, you also deserve it! And unlike would be like if he too, like the making a booking with Noah’s Ark deer, could drink deep from the cool, refreshing resources of all that Whitewater Rafting Co., it won’t cost you a thing! u God has to offer.
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Community Matters 620-225-1928 ◆ Fax: 620-225-3982 200 Campus Dr. Dodge City, KS 67801-2760 ManorOfThePlains.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2022
is published monthly for residents and friends of Manor of the Plains by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: jwiggins@pmma.org Tammy Thompson, executive director Joy Wiggins, marketing counselor
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Why I love living at The Manor Sandra Schartz
It’s almost July 4th and before you gobble down a hotdog and take in some fireworks, we thought we would share some little-known Independence Day facts that you can use to amaze your family and friends.
Years at the Manor: Going on 6 In the almost six years of living at Manor of the Plains in Dodge City, I have found friends, safety and happiness. As I grow older, I have discovered these three things are very important. My family is close and have been welcomed as I have. I recommend Manor of the Plains to all elders.
A few things you probably didn’t know about Independence Day
First, the Declaration of Independence was not signed on July 4, 1776. Shocking, right? Sandra Schartz
Hope to see you soon!
Donna Imel Years at the Manor: 5 Donna Imel In 2017, my husband Bus’ health started to decline. We had lived in our home for over 50 years, but we knew it was time to move to the Manor.
Things just kind of fell into place and we moved into Independent Living. We enjoyed getting to know the residents and staff. Eighteen months later, Bus passed away. The residents and staff surrounded me with love and support. I was so thankful to have every one of them visit me. Then COVID hit and we relied on the staff to get us through it. It was a difficult time, but we found ways to stay positive and support one another. This year, I was hospitalized and had a fall. Again, another outpouring of love. I feel so blessed and thankful that I live at Manor of the Plains. If I had been at home, I would never have known such love. u
Actually, July 4 was the day that Congress approved the first draft of the Declaration of Independence, which was written by Thomas Jefferson and edited by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. It wasn’t until August 2, 1776 that the document was actually signed. Next, we all know about John Hancock’s famous, well … John Hancock. But did you know he was actually the first of the 56 delegates to sign the document? And how was the first anniversary of Independence Day celebrated? The Virginia Gazette described the celebration in Philadelphia this way: “The evening was closed with the ringing of bells, and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks, which began and concluded with thirteen rockets on the commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated. Everything was conducted with the greatest order and decorum, and the face of joy and gladness was universal.” Here are a few more little-known facts thanks to Almanac.com. • Congress officially declared July 4th a federal holiday in 1870, but it wasn’t until 1938 until federal employees could take the day off. • On the back of the Declaration of Independence, the words “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776” is written upside down. • Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson—signers of the Declaration of Independence who later went on to become president—died on its 50th anniversary. • According to the weather diary of Thomas Jefferson, the weather on July 4, 1776 was cloudy and 76 degrees. u Manor of the Plains | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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Lemons – continued from page 1 You get creative. “I had a lot of books coming in through the mail and after I’d read them, I’d put them out and then take the older books over to each department for them to share,” said Maureen. “People started talking about the books and visiting about them and eventually it moved over to the Cozy Corner to visit and we added treats.” Maureen’s spontaneous attempt to lift the spirits of others and keep them mentally stimulated suddenly morphed into something a little more structured. Soon a group of anywhere from five to 15 residents began gathering Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for some much-
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needed socialization and, of course, refreshments. Recently, those refreshments have begun to include lemonade, which happened to be yet another brainchild of Maureen’s. “So many of us don’t drink enough fluids. I’ve worked in nursing homes and was an LPN, so I knew it was important,” said Maureen. “So, with it being summer, I thought that if we could get something to drink and socialize it would be physically and emotionally good for us all.” But don’t worry, there’s plenty to eat too—thanks to a special member of the kitchen staff who has a particular knack for baking.
“He’ll make us cinnamon rolls, donuts, long johns, cookies—if he ever quits, we’re going to adopt him!” said Maureen. In addition to the regular meetups in the Cozy Corner, Maureen also continues to organize and manage the community’s growing library. “At the first of the month I put the new ones on a cabinet shelf and then move them to the bookshelf when we get new ones,” said Maureen. Asked why she puts in all of the effort that she does, Maureen’s answer was simple. “It just keeps us mentally stimulated so that we don’t get withdrawn and depressed,” said Maureen. u