Aberdeen Village Community Matters December 2016

Community Matters Aberdeen Village

December 2016

Barbara Mick and her Christmas painting.

Residents reminisce about holiday festivities Joyce Norris, a resident of Whispering Meadows, enjoyed a large family gathering at her home in Jefferson City every Christmas. It was expected that the entire family would come together, and she would usually host 25 to 30 people. They had a huge Christmas dinner, followed by one of Joyce’s grandmother’s favorite recipes.

Joyce’s grandmother was English, and she always prepared English plum pudding at her home for Christmas CHRISTMAS continued on page 2 CEO, continued on page 4

New resident Carolyn Simmons is relishing her move to Aberdeen Village.

Carolyn Simmons Finding freedom at Aberdeen Village When retired school teacher Carolyn Simmons mentioned to her son that she was ready to make the transition from her home to a senior living community, he was hesitant.

“He lived in New Jersey and just didn’t see the day-to-day challenges I was having in my home. He thought I wasn’t ready,” said Carolyn.

But Carolyn was ready. She no longer wanted to deal with the upkeep and headaches of maintaining a household.

FREEDOM, continued on page 4

A proud member of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America

CHRISTMAS continued from page 1

dinner. That stuck with Joyce, so she decided to make that part of her family tradition as well. After a day of fun and festivities, the whole family would go to Christmas midnight service at the Presbyterian Church in Jefferson City, where Joyce grew up.

Barbara Mick always had really large family gatherings for the holidays. Her dad was one of 11 children, and they tried to make sure to get everyone together at Christmas time. Barbara and her family all got along really well and liked each other’s company. However, some years were tougher than others,

and they didn’t always have as much money for gifts.

Because money could be tight, Barbara started the tradition of painting portraits of people for their gift. She would let them pick out the style that they liked, and she would paint their portrait for them. She said everyone seemed to enjoy having their portrait painted. Barbara would paint other things as well to include birds and landscapes. Her family looked forward to the precious piece of art they would get from Barbara.

Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Village by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at: PresbyterianManors.org.

Tim Allin, executive director Chrissie Ammann, marketing and sales director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Chrissie Ammann, marketing and sales director, cammann@pmma.org.

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Telephone: 913-599-6100 Fax: 913-599-3810 Address: 17500 W. 119th St., Olathe, KS 66061-9524 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

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Community Matters December 2016

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I know it’s December when…

I know it’s December when...

mumbling, “Feliz Navidad, Próspero Año y Felicidad” from the gazillion times I heard José Feliciano sing it Visions of sugarplums on the radio. dance through my head, tasting like I know it’s Christmas when I Diane Gunsolley Momma’s fudge and experience each of these, plus chaplain Grandma’s divinity. many more. One of my most meaningful holiday traditions is I sigh contently at the end of “It’s a Wonderful Life” as Clarence gets his listening to the beautiful music of George Frideric Handel. He called wings. his oratorio “Messiah.” Handel’s I join the crowd at the Columbia Inn “Messiah” musically tells the story in Pine Tree, Vermont, singing, “I’m of Jesus from the prophecies about Dreaming of a White Christmas” as his coming birth to the appearance Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney of the angels with the shepherds, smooch behind the Christmas tree.

“For unto Us a Child is Born.” The oratorio continues reminding us of I know it’s December when…

Christ’s death on the cross and His A miniature Mary and a half-pint victory over sin and death.

Joseph head to Bethlehem wearing This Christmas time, I encourage pillow-cased head gear to protect themselves during the long journey you to remember and celebrate faith. There are three special events from the back of the church to the that you can join here at Aberdeen altar.

Village.

I agonize for weeks over the First, please come to the weekly absolutely perfect Christmas presents for the grandchildren then Bible study groups this month as we listen to Handel’s “Messiah” and end up sitting in the living room amidst a sea of torn wrapping paper unwrap the most precious gift we will ever receive. feeling vaguely let down.

I wake up in the middle of the night

Second, plan to join us for our

Vespers Service on Dec. 11 for a special treat. The children of Aldersgate United Methodist Church will present their Christmas pageant just for us.

Third, did you realize that Christmas falls on a Sunday this year? We invite you to join us on Christmas Day for our services. We will turn the lights low and sing about a special silent night so long ago. Service times are 2 p.m. in Whispering Meadows, 3 p.m. in the living room of assisted living in healthcare, and 5 p.m. for the Vespers Service in the Brandt Chapel.

However you celebrate the season, I pray that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith. May you truly experience the love that surpasses knowledge as you draw near to God. Merry Christmas from your chaplain, Diane

Enriching lives with art We will focus on art and how it’s used on our campuses to enrich life in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. How do the arts help you stay sharp? How do you exercise creativity? How does your campus support your exploration of the arts?

If you’ve got a story to share, contact Director of Sales and Marketing Chrissie Ammann, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.

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FREEDOM, continued from page 1

“I also found that it was becoming a challenge to entertain in my home.

My friends were aging just like I was, and many of them struggled with driving so we couldn’t get together as easily. I just felt that it was time to make a change where I could meet new people and have a plan for my future.”

Carolyn found her new home at Aberdeen Village 18 months ago

and is thrilled with her decision.

While some may perceive senior living communities as a loss of independence, Carolyn has found just the opposite.

Carolyn is active in community life here at Aberdeen Village, and enjoys the Tech Talk group. She also is on the library committee and is in the process of rearranging the history collection that we have in our “One of the things I have found and library. She’s also seen a real benefit I think is just delightful is that you from using the pool and fitness don’t need a backyard fence to enjoy center. Carolyn has particularly your neighbors.You just walk out enjoyed the art shows and roving art of your apartment, and it is so easy gallery that Aberdeen Village hosts to meet someone new. Aberdeen regularly.

Village has certainly brought me to a new circle of friends.”

“I’m not an artist, but I sure appreciate good art, and we always have great art pieces showcased here at Aberdeen Village.”

Carolyn continues to enjoy some of her friendship ties outside of Aberdeen Village. She likes that she continues to decide how to spend her day.

Who are you going to be an

angel

“If I want to go out then I go out; if I want to be a part of an activity here at Aberdeen then I do that. I have more freedom now than I have had in a long time,” said Carolyn. “Just this August, my son was here visiting for a week, and he shared with me that he could really see that I was adjusting well and looked better than he has seen me look in a while, proving to me what I knew all along.

This was a great decision for me.”

for this holiday season?

Give your gift today.

Make a difference in the lives of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America seniors who no longer have the resources to care for themselves. Every gift to the Good Samaritan Program remains local and helps residents who are living right here in our campus. To make your gift, visit the front desk, go online to PresbyterianManors.org/GoodSam or call us at 316-685-1100.

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Community Matters December 2016

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