Newton Presbyterian Manor
APRIL 2023
Gene Eshleman’s non-traditional ministry Gene Eshleman was taught how to use tools by his father, Howard, who was a wood pattern maker. In fact, Gene even remembers watching his dad at work as far back as grade school. Now, as a retired pastor, Gene uses the skills his father taught him to carve 3-D Bible stories out of wood. “When I retired, I was looking for different ministries,” said Gene. “Now, I get to do it in a nontraditional pulpit way.” Gene started carving Gene and Suanne Eshleman when he and his wife, Suanne, moved into Broadway Apartments in March of 2022 and admits he still finds it challenging to carve humans. “It’s very difficult around the nose/eyes, and the fingers break off sometimes,” said Gene. However, Gene hasn’t let that hold him back. In just a little over a year he has created 19 Biblical Crucifixion scenes that are all located in a cabinet in their living room. He has even entered two pieces into PMMA’s Art is Ageless® juried art competition. And there’s more to come. Gene spends most of the day carving, beginning one hour after lunch and continuing until around 9 or 10 at night. His mission is to bring people closer to God by looking at his Bible stories. He even includes a short recording of the story that goes along with the piece that can be played by pushing a button on a Empty Tomb – He is Risen! small device.u
New life enrichment director looking to ‘bring fun back’ In January, Newton Presbyterian Manor named Sarah Schmitt as its new life enrichment director. Sarah, who Sarah Schmitt first worked at the community as a certified nursing assistant from 2013 until 2018, has been back at NPM for three years—during which she has become a certified social service designee and activity director. The added experience Sarah gained from these courses allowed her to transition to the community’s social services staff and ultimately led to her latest position. “I made a lot of progress in three years this second time around,” said Sarah. While her new role has its share of new responsibilities, Sarah believes that her past experiences in health care provide her with a unique perspective that will allow her to have a positive impact on the community and the people she serves. “I’m really excited and feel I have a lot I can bring to the table having worked in the health care setting for 10 years,” said Sarah. “I have a lot of ideas.” One aspect of her previous job as a
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