Commun ty Matters April 2016
Parsons Presbyterian Manor
Retired Professor, Engineer, Enjoys New Life at Manor “How many engineers does it take to change a lightbulb?”
As a retired engineer (and college professor), Gene Chambers has heard this joke a time or two during his lifetime. And Gene will be the first to tell you he loves a good joke.
COMING UP IN COMMUNITY MATTERS:
Everyone has a story to tell
Staying in touch with your children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren often means getting used to using some new technologies. How do you use technology to keep up with your family? How has technology made life easier? How has technology kept you close to family and friends who live far away?
If you’ve got a story to share about how you’re using technology, contact Sharla Hopper, marketing director, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
Gene Chambers enjoys his new home in the Independent Living duplexes at Parsons Presbyterian Manor.
“It’s kind of funny now that I’m living here at Presbyterian Manor, I can say none! Because I don’t have to change my own lightbulbs anymore!” said Gene. “I had one go out the other day, and they came and changed it in no time!”
No longer having to change lightbulbs or perform other home maintenance duties is just one of the many reasons Gene is enjoying his new home in the Independent Living duplexes here at Presbyterian Manor. “I’ve been here for a few months now. I have a two bedroom place, and it’s plenty big. I really like it!” said Gene. “I retired from teaching at Pittsburg State University 24 years ago, and also worked as an engineer both before and after that time. I had a home I lived in with my son
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here in town, but we decided it was best for me to take advantage of the amenities here.”
If you ask Gene how many children he has, he’ll tell you, “We had three, one of each kind!” He and his late wife Ruth had two sons and a daughter, and one grandson. He fondly recalls Ruth’s keen intelligence, which certainly must have paired well with Gene’s.
“Ruth had her master’s degree in library science. Most recently, she was librarian at Labette Community
College. She could run a library with one brain tied behind her back. I was what you’d call a happy hillbilly. I had a wife and car, and they both worked!” joked Gene. Gene certainly has a zest for life, and continues to enjoy social interaction and especially the meals here at Presbyterian Manor.
“I was pleased to learn I already knew some people here, like my neighbor. He and I worked together years ago,” said Gene. “I also like that I can continue doing what I did before, like going to the senior center every Friday to play bridge.
Those ladies put out the best buffet there! And speaking of food, I’m really enjoying the meal plan here at Presbyterian Manor. When I lived on my own, I just had corn flakes, coffee and juice every morning. Now, there are more options like sausage, eggs and biscuits and gravy! It’s great!”
We’re pleased Gene is enjoying his time here at Presbyterian Manor as much as we’re enjoying his company. His life experiences and sense of humor are a welcome addition to our Presbyterian Manor family, and we’re honored to change his lightbulbs while enjoying his jokes.
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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 Sharla Hopper, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact shopper@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
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Par sons Presbyterian Manor’s Post-Acute To Homee (P PA ATH®) program isn’t just about getting you home—it’s about getting you back to your liffee. Call 620-421620-421-1450 1450 toda daayy to schedule your per sonal appointment ment and tourr. ParsonsPresbyterianManor.org P arsonsPresbyterianManor.org
Pen pals form bond from Canada to Kansas
If you thought good, old-fashioned pen pals had gone out of style, you’d be mistaken. A group of residents from Parsons Presbyterian Manor has befriended a group from London, Ontario, and they've been writing back and forth with regularity. “We’ve bought some post cards with pictures of local things here in Parsons to send our letters on each time. We started off with simple things like learning about the size of their town, what the weather was like, etc. We also included the size of our community and told them we were Jayhawk fans
for the most part,” said Jaclyn Wertz, activity director. “We are hoping to grow our pen pal group into a large amount of communities so we can learn different things about places all over the country. One thing in common right now is no one can say no to a good ol’ game of BINGO, It is the popular favorite for everyone!” We’re delighted to see this crosscontinent connection, and hope to see more in the future. If you're interested in joining the pen pal group, contact Jaclyn at jwertz@pmma.org or 620421-1450.
Some Parsons Presbyterian Manor residents have pen pals in London, Ontario.
Residents Have “Slots” of Fun at Casino
Did residents have any luck at their recent Downstream Casino trip? It depends on how you define “luck.” If you’re wondering whether or not they brought home any good memories of tasty food, laughter and entertainment? Then yes, they were very lucky!
Everyone enjoyed their lunch at the Spring River Buffet and then some residents took a chance by playing some slot machines. Everyone had a great time, but Fern Walls was the big winner–bringing back the same amount of money that she took!
Jimmie Goodwin, Vivian Eichinger and Fern Walls enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes at Downstream Casino.
PARSONS PRESBYTERIAN MANOR 3
Everyone flips for pancakes!
Presbyterian Manor staff recently treated residents to a sweet breakfast treat: fresh-off-the-griddle pancakes.
Shannon Brown, assisted living director, left, and Sharla Hopper, marketing director, add the finishing touches.
Courtney Stangle, human resource director, left, and Michelle Lever, health services director, serve smiles with their pancakes.
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