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Commun ty Matters Parsons Presbyterian Manor

Parsons Presbyterian Manor’s Art is Ageless® exhibit and reception features senior artists

Since the beginning of time, creative expression has brought joy to both its creators and those who experience their art.The Art is Ageless® program offers senior artists the opportunity to share and display their artwork and reaffirms the agelessness of human creativity.

This month, their works are on display at Parsons Presbyterian Manor.

“It’s inspiring to see the beautiful pieces these seniors have created,” said Sloan Dwyer, sales and marketing director. “The joy it brings to them and others is wonderful, and that’s something we want to celebrate and share with the entire Parsons community”

The Art is Ageless exhibit will feature works from local artists who are 65 and older, including a few Parsons residents.The public is welcome to visit the community to view the exhibit of acrylics, oils, photography and various other mediums, ranging from amateur to professional levels.The exhibit is open April 8–11, 2019, from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

In addition to the exhibit, Parsons will honor local senior artists during a reception at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 in the Jesse Gehman Chapel.

April 2019

Presbyterian Manor of Mid-America system to celebrate 70 years On April 19, Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America (PMMA) will celebrate its 70th anniversary. Our first very first community opened in Newton, Kansas, on April 19, 1949, nearly two years after ninetyyear-old Alice Kalb of El Dorado, Kansas, asked the United Presbyterian Synod if it would consider opening a home for the aged. A small exploratory committee looked at the idea and determined it had merit.

Presbyterian Synod to open a home for the To raise funds for the Newton aged. effort, a dedicated offering throughout the synod took place on Mother’s Day in 1948. The practice of raising funds for Presbyterian Manors on Mother’s Day continues today. The first resident, Mrs. Frances Belle Townsend of Smith Center, Kansas, moved into the first Presbyterian home for the aged on April 19. Alice Kalb moved in on April 21, and lived there until her death in 1951.

Alice Kalb, at the age of 90, asked the United

When it came time to name this new establishment, the committee did not choose to name it the Presbyterian Home for the Aged. Instead, based on the separate suggestions of two women—Mrs. Mary Page of Topeka and Grace Derby of Manhattan, it was named Newton Presbyterian Manor. Grace later lived at Presbyterian Manor in Newton until her death in 1966. Alice’s dream has turned into a network of 17 senior living communities across Kansas and Missouri with more than 2,400 residents, and the mission of the organization remains true to its core: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. PMMA has plans to extend its mission into Colorado with the proposed development of Aberdeen Ridge in Colorado Springs.

We love our volunteers! April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and while we have many wonderful volunteers to thank, this month we’re highlighting a special group of volunteers who makes life a little brighter for Presbyterian Manor residents by hosting a birthday party every month.

“I’m not sure how long we’ve been doing it. As long as I can remember. Rosie Welch has been the one in charge. She makes sure the Presbyterian Manor residents get their birthday party,” said Janie Barcus, community volunteer. “I’m

president of the Disciple Women group at the Christian Church, and there’s about 15 of us who are active in doing things for the community. Barb Mosher makes sure the cakes are made every month. They’re always homemade.” The Disciple Women group puts a lot of thought and attention into the party each month, even providing angel food cake, which is most friendly for diabetics. “Rosie plays some songs that are related to that month’s theme and tells stories that help residents reminisce about times gone by.

All residents are invited to the parties, though residents with birthdays during the month are treated to a special carnation arrangement.

“We’d been ordering the flowers from A-Blossom for Every Occasion, and we kept waiting for our bill. It never came! We finally spoke with the owner, and realized they were donating the flower arrangements in appreciation of us donating our time for the seniors.”

Janie and the Disciple Women group, who are often accompanied by their minister Laurie Lewis, get just as much out of the parties as the residents do.

“We have such a good feeling when we go home from the parties. It fulfills us, makes us lighter, and we feel good about things. They are so appreciative; they say thank you so often. We make them feel good, but we get a good feeling, too.”

Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Parsons Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of

501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org. Maegen Pegues, executive director Sloan Dwyer, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact sdwyer@pmma.org. Telephone: 620-421-1450 Fax: 620-421-1897 Address: 3501 Dirr Ave., Parsons, KS 67357-2220 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. ParsonsPresbyterianManor.org

Volunteers throw the birthday party every month at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor.

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Donor and volunteer luncheon We celebrated our donors and volunteers with good food and entertainment. Our staff and residents truly appreciate all they do for us here at Presbyterian Manor. We thank you all for giving so generously to those in need, as well as every day. “It’s always so nice to have community members give back and help us make it all happen throughout the year,” said Sloan Dwyer, marketing director.

Volunteers and donors enjoyed an appreciation luncheon at Parsons Presbyterian Manor.

Volunteers and donors were entertained by a barbershop quartet.

PARSONS PRESBYTERIAN MANOR 3

Presbyterian Manor 3501 Dirr Ave. Parsons, KS 67357-2220

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Sloan’s Spot

Spring cleaning – Isn’t that what everyone thinks of when they hear the word spring? It is definitely a good time of the year to get rid of Sloan Dwyer some of those items that tend to clutter up our homes or lives. Isn’t it always so hard letting go of some things? I always enjoy the idea of spring cleaning and decluttering, but I always forget how hard it is to let 4 COMMUNITY MATTERS APRIL 2019

go of those tennis shoes that clearly need to go in the trash. I might wear them sometimes, you know, even though I haven’t worn them in two years. Why is it we hold onto things? Often, I think it is the memories some items hold, or maybe it is the fear of moving on. Downsizing and decluttering can be a scary thing to tackle sometimes. My parents recently decluttered some of their belongings in the basement, which were really my old school day items. It took me on a trip down memory lane; however, I realized there was no need to hold onto my basketball certificate stating I won a free throw contest when I was 14. Part of me wanted to not

toss it just because it made me smile, another part of me felt really old. Ha! It sparked something in me that I hadn’t thought of before. The memories will always be there with us, and we aren’t bad for getting rid of things. It always will open our homes and lives for new things and change! Change is always unpredictable but it’s something we must not be afraid of. I hope you take this spring with a new, fresh outlook. Whether you only declutter a few things or you dive in and really clean stuff out, go you! Letting go of things in any way is opening the door for something new to come along and bring you joy. Happy spring!