Topeka Presbyterian Manor
AUGUST 2019
Making a real difference
Special dinner honors the donors and volunteers that help further Topeka Presbyterian Manor’s mission
The Teaching Kitchen New cooking program sparks engagement in residents, staff
The Teaching Kitchen was so popular with residents that it was opened up to staff as well for their own session. Food has a way of bringing people together.
Volunteers and donors enjoyed an appreciation event at Topeka Presbyterian Manor in June. Topeka Presbyterian Manor relies on donors and volunteers to help support and improve the quality of life of the community’s current and future residents. -Difference, continued on page 2
That’s why Topeka Presbyterian Manor started a new program in January called “Teaching Kitchen,” where residents are taught how to create delicious dishes and the health benefits of the ingredients. “It’s a new concept,” said Atul Karki, dining services director. “The idea is to increase engagement -Cooking, continued on page 3
Topeka Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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-Difference, continued on page 2
Many donations support The Manor’s Good Samaritan Fund, which allows residents to continue receiving care if their financial resources are depleted through no fault of their own. Financial gifts also support the employee scholarship fund and help pay for special projects, memorials and other community programs and improvements. “Donors and volunteers are important to Presbyterian Manor because without them, we would not be able to reach and serve as many as we do through our mission,” said Chelsea Watgen, sales and marketing director. To show appreciation for donors and volunteers, Presbyterian Manor hosted a special dinner in June, treating guests to a delicious dinner, program and even parting gifts. “We showed a thank you video,” Chelsea said, “and each person who attended got to take home a flower and bag of specialty popcorn.”
the community.
Heather Pilkinton, executive director, and Chelsea also spoke at the dinner to thank donors and volunteers, and explain how donations are used and the difference they can make in residents’ lives.
To make a donation, please visit topekapresbyterianmanor. org and click the button at the top righthand corner that says Contribute Now, or simply contact the front desk or business office staff for information. Donations of time are also welcome in the form of volunteer hours.
Chelsea said it’s easy to donate to Topeka Presbyterian Manor and improve the lives of seniors in
“We are appreciative of all donations, no matter how big or small,” Chelsea said. ◆ Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
TOPEKA Presbyterian Manor
785-272-6510 ◆ Fax: 785-272-0496 4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 TopekaPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | August 2019
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Topeka Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizaton.
To submit or suggest articles: cwatgen@PMMA.org Heather Pilkinton, executive director Chelsea Watgen, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
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in residents through a fun, educational program.” Each month Atul and his staff come up with a tasty, healthy recipe that’s easy for residents to put together. Each participant in the “Teaching Kitchen” has their own work space and ingredients are portioned out precisely. Atul said they go all out to make residents feel like they’re taking a professional cooking class.
recreated in their own apartments, they also learn about the health benefits of the ingredients used in the dish. “Our dietitian goes through all the health advantages of each recipe,” Atul said.
“It’s a nice setup with a big kitchen backdrop,” he said.
The program has been popular with residents, so it was extended to staff in May. Employees had a great time working together and learning a new recipe.
While residents are taught how to make recipes that can be easily
“It was a team-building exercise,” Atul said. “The employees loved it.”
A staff member enjoys the Teaching Kitchen. He said they plan to continue “Teaching Kitchen” as a monthly program and involve associates at times. “It’s educational, engaging and it’s something very fun,” Atul said. Here’s a recent recipe from the “Teaching Kitchen:” Avocado Fruit Salad Ingredients: 3 Slices of Avocado ½ medium mango cubed ¼ cup raspberries ¼ cup Blackberries 1 Tablespoon Mint 1 Tablespoon toasted almonds -Cooking, continued on page 4 Topeka Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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TOPEKA Presbyterian Manor
4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Our Mission: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
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Dressing: ¼ cup olive oil ½ teaspoon orange peel 1 ounce orange juice 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Mix salad ingredients together. Mix dressing ingredients together. Pour dressing over salad, chill and serve! ◆ Right: Ingredients for each recipe are measured out precisely, and every participant has their own work space for the Teaching Kitchen.
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | August 2019