Newton Presbyterian Manor
OCTOBER 2022
Bravo of the Month Goes to Cody Dunnahoo
Newton Presbyterian Manor welcomes April Chaffin as the new director of nursing for assisted living and assisted living Memory Care A registered nurse for 21 years, April has extensive experience in home health and hospice services, holding titles ranging from field case manager to regional director of clinical services. Prior to that, April was medical manager at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita where, in addition to serving as a clinical case manager, she was base director for the Air Force’s Wounded Warrior program. April accepted the position at Newton April Chaffin Presbyterian Manor because it offered an opportunity to continue to grow in her field. Ever since she’s been at the community, she’s also gained a special affinity for its people.
Bravo to Cody Dunnahoo
“I really enjoy the residents I work for and the staff I work with every day,” said April. “I enjoy being able to meet their needs and help them think outside the box so the residents can receive the best care and the staff feels supported.”
Cody Dunnahoo, from Housekeeping was selected as this month’s Bravo recipient.
In addition to her work activities, April is a member of First Pentecostal Church in Wichita where she has been a Sunday school teacher, youth leader and member of the choir.
Cody has gone above and beyond by helping with extra areas and clean up created by ongoing construction.
Beyond that, April said she likes to keep her life pretty simple.
Eleanore Myers says “Cody was willing to help with that clean-up with a spring in his step and eager to see [the chapel] ready for use again – a beautiful spirit.”
“I’m an introvert outside of work, so usually I spend my free time at home hanging out with my family,” said April. That family includes her husband, an adult son, a daughter who recently graduated from high school and four cats who she affectionately called her “fur babies.”
Congratulations Cody! u
“I have no idea what I would do without my family,” said April. u Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at NewtonPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
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Chaplain’s Corner By Greg Schmidt
Greg Schmidt, Newton Chaplain
Have you ever noticed how nature has this amazing way of informing you that you are not as disciplined as you would like to be? A few months ago, an assisted living resident and I planted several varieties of healthy, strong, beautiful plants in brand new containers that had been placed on a brand-new deck. More than 40 plants! It was fun, exciting and gloriously dirty work. We loved
every minute of it. Once everything was planted, we generously watered our new arrangements with lots of water with liquid fertilizer in it – just like the pros do – so that the end result would be an AMAZING sight to behold. And it was! Seemingly everyone noticed and talked about the stunning array of ever-growing and ever-expanding display of floral beauty. And then came late July and early August. And tucked in there was my vacation and an almost simultaneous hospital stay for the resident. And, here’s the kicker…a lack of communication on my part with any number of people who would have gladly continued the every-other-day watering…had I asked. When I returned around 10 days later, a full 50% of the once luscious plants were in such severe stress, they withered and died. My compadre and I felt devastated. Defeated. For me, I knew it wasn’t anyone’s fault but my own. And what happened became (yet another) series of lessons in life. Namely, one cannot live without
water. It is life-giving. And one must have plans and effectively communicate those plans to those around them who share their passion and commitment. Here’s what hurts: I already knew that. I came up short. Again. Jesus had a wonderful interaction with a woman who was drawing water from a well. He talked to her, not about the physical water itself, but about a spiritual, life-giving “water” that could forever change her life. If she “drank” from the water He was offering, her life would shift from being preoccupied with daily needs to understanding and pursuing never-ending life. With Jesus, she could discover life in this life because of His life. My point? So often we get caught up in the details of day-to-day living – including things like beginning a project and pursuing what we believe will bring success to a venture – that we fail to stay connected to the source of our living. I’m not sure that’s “ironic.” Sometimes the most “obvious” is the very thing we neglect or overlook.
Chaplain – continued on page 3
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316-283-5400 u Fax: 316-284-5900 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2820 NewtonPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | October 2022
Community Matters
To submit or suggest articles:
is published monthly for residents and friends of Newton Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Emily Trask, executive director Melinda Ebersole, life enrichment director and volunteer coordinator, mebersole@pmma.org
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Chaplain– continued from page 2 And that is exactly where an ever-present Heavenly Father comes in! He is always at the well. Ready to listen. To respond. To share. All we have to do is receive what Jesus offers and respond with our styles of life (our actions) to His generous offer. We also have to open the door of communication! We
have to think hard about the outcome and/or consequences of our words and actions … or the lack thereof. And then we need desperately to share what visions we are dreaming with fellow, like-minded believers. Will you join me in trying/learning to trust God and
His people more? We’ve already learned it is the right thing to do! Right?! So, let’s step forward – arm-in-arm in faith – so the world at our doorstep might enjoy richer, fuller, more abundant lives. And May God receive the glory for the evergrowing, ever-expanding display of his growing kingdom.u
Our beautiful May garden.
Newton Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2820
Get Moving for Active Aging Week Get up and get around…and observe Active Aging Week from October 3 – 9.
It’s not too late to try something new
Active Aging Week started in 2003 by the International Council on Active Aging® and it’s meant to challenge society’s idea of life in our later years. Instead, the week showcases the capabilities of older adults who can live full lives in all areas – physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational and environmental. It also promotes the benefits of active lifestyles. If you want to observe this week – all you have to do is get moving and doing things.
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | October 2022
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Find some friends and organize a walk around your community Participate in a fitness class or do a fitness video Play board games Take an art class or start a new hobby Sing or dance And much more…. u