Aberdeen Village
MARCH 2021
Art is Ageless® exhibit and reception features senior artists
Local senior artists will be celebrated March 26 through April 30 at Aberdeen Village, 17500 W. 119th Street, Olathe, as the community hosts its annual Art is Ageless® exhibit and continues to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Art is Ageless® program.
Artist Sharon Nelson is the current Art is Ageless® Best of Show recipient. She is pictured here with one of her oil paintings.
Former Best of Show winner finds a winsome path back to painting
For artist Sharon Nelson, the road to art began in the small Kansas town of Burdett.
“I grew up in a western Kansas small farming community,” Sharon said. “A town nearby offered oil painting lessons, and a group of us decided to do it. That opened up a whole new world to me. They didn’t have art in school or anything like this. I fell in love with it.” From there, Sharon began attending various art events in the area and eventually she joined the Society of Decorative Painters. Over the years, she had the opportunity to attend large artist conventions, study with teachers across the country and attend classes to augment her skills. BEST - continued on page 2
Works will be on exhibit at the community for residents only. The Art is Ageless exhibit will be held virtually for friends of the program on the community’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/ AberdeenVillage. Winners will be announced on Facebook. Art is Ageless is a trademarked program of Aberdeen Village’s parent company, PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica). The program offers senior artists the opportunity to AiA - continued on page 6
Aberdeen Village | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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“Then, as things will sometimes happen, circumstances changed, and I put my paints away,” Sharon said. In 2016, she moved to Aberdeen Village with her husband Franklin, whom everyone knew as Lynn. Right away, she learned about the weekly pencil art class. Although she was excited about the class, she wasn’t able to join until 2018. “When I did (join), I realized how much I had missed it,” Sharon said. “For me, it’s a way to relax, and if I have spare time it’s a good way to fill it. It’s calming. During COVID, things were stressful. I’m not used to staying in my room so much. Painting was a time filler, plus I could just get lost in it.” The product of her passion and spare time was recently on display for all of us to enjoy. The collection included several still life paintings and drawings, featuring a selection of flowers, animals, and everyday household objects. “I like still life paintings,” Sharon said. “When I was doing oil paintings, I liked flowers. In pencil art, I am drawn more to animals.” After spending her early artist years working with oils, Sharon came to appreciate the differences between the two mediums. “Pencil art is totally reversed of the
Sharon Nelson started with oil paints, which she employed in the creation of these paintings, but since moving to Aberdeen Village, has started working with colored pencils in the weekly art class. oil,” Sharon said. “In oil, you do the highlights last, but in pencil art you have to plan ahead and not fill in that space. It’s hard to highlight with pencil. Also, oil has an odor, and if it gets on your clothes it’s a permanent thing.” For inspiration, Sharon often relies on pictures of nature, or any image that catches her attention and challenges her skills. Once she’s finished a piece, it’s not uncommon for friends and relatives to lay claim to the painting. “The ground squirrel my grandson has spoken for,” Sharon said. “There’s also a copper coffee pot and candle setting on some books. I just liked it. That one my husband claimed as soon as he saw it.” Despite her years away from the oils, they still remain tucked away
For many years, Sharon was a member of the Society of Decorative Painters and attended art conventions. in their box in a closet. “Since I started on pencils, I have not returned to the oils,” Sharon said. “I would hate to bother the neighbors on either side of me with the odor.” ◆
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Community Matters 913-599-6100 ◆ Fax: 913-599-3810 17500 W. 119th St. Olathe, KS 66061-9524 AberdeenVillage.com
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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.
To submit or suggest articles: soehlert@pmma.org Tim Allin, executive director Stephanie Oehlert, director of sales and marketing
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Corned beef and cabbage casserole with potato crust Are you ready to try—or revisit— an old favorite in honor of St. Patrick’s Day? Try this updated twist on a traditional corned beef and cabbage dish. It’s sure to be a hit in casserole form, especially with a potato crust. Ingredients • 1/2 head cabbage, shredded • 2 cups cooked corned beef, cut into bite-sized pieces • 2 carrots, thinly sliced • 2 green onions, thinly sliced • 1 cup leftover drippings from the corned beef • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 3 cups shredded hash browns, cubed potatoes or mashed potatoes • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1 teaspoon onion powder • 1 tablespoon parsley • 1/8 teaspoon pepper Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Place the shredded cabbage in a casserole dish. Add corned beef, carrots, and onions. 3. Combine corned beef drippings and cornstarch in a small saucepan and whisk them together. 4. Cook over a medium flame until the mixture reaches a boil. Continue boiling while stirring until the gravy thickens, approximately 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour the gravy over the corned beef and vegetables. 6. In a medium bowl, combine potatoes and spices. Stir to thoroughly coat. 7. Spoon the hash browns or potatoes over the top of the corned beef and vegetables. Top with a few extra sliced onions. 8. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until hash browns begin to brown. ◆ Aberdeen Village | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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Bill Walter never tires of his friend, ‘O Weary Tree’ On a trip to southeastern Colorado, on a dusty road miles from La Junta, an unusual tree caught Bill Walter’s eye. “I saw this strange looking tree,” Bill said. “Most people wouldn’t notice it, but I stopped to take a photo. That was in 2002, and I didn’t see it again until July 2012. All its leaves were gone, and most of its branches. Something attracted me to it; I don’t know why.” From that first chance encounter, Bill began crafting a poem to capture his thoughts about the forlorn tree: O Weary Tree by the side of the road, If only you could tell us what you are thinking As your time here on this earth comes toward its end. How long has it been, O Tree, Since your beginning from a small little seed, Since you first lifted your tiny limbs toward the sky? Bill entered the photo and the poem in the first Art is Ageless competition held at Aberdeen Village. “I didn’t get first prize,” Bill said. “I got second.” In the years between that first encounter and now, Bill has entered the annual art contest many times, and he served as the head of the art committee for many years. “It’s one of those things I got involved with in the very beginning,” Bill said. “I came in at an age where I could still do a lot of things, so I just got involved. Now
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my vision is almost gone, so I can’t do hardly any of those things. Up until last year, I exhibited something every year in Art is Ageless.” Walter thought of his weary friend often during the years in between visits. His wife, AnnaBelle, passed away in 2009. When he returned to La Junta in 2012 to visit his nephew’s ranch, Walter made it a point to pay his friend another visit. “I think the weird shape of the thing drew me in,” Bill said. “Some branches had broken off, or down. Others were going up, or out.” Again, the lonely, mangled Cottonwood inspired Bill to put pen to paper: O Weary Tree by the side of the road, Ten years have passed since last I saw you, Standing alone, a lonely watchman of the decades past. My thoughts reached out to you from afar, old friend. Were you still there? Were your feeble arms Still stretching up and down and out to the side? In the years since that first encounter, Bill has thought often of the tree, and wondered about the parallel tracks of the lives of both
artist and subject: I know what lies ahead for you, O Weary Tree. Piece by piece, you will be torn apart. Your resting place will be the soil around you. Slowly, you become like the dust that is your bed. No longer can I greet you or stop by to say hello; My time is short, and the distance much too far. Yet I will remember you as I have throughout these years; You spoke to me in ways no one else could hear. That voice is silent now. Goodbye, old friend. Goodbye. ◆
Variety is spice of life for in-house librarian For resident librarian Zoe Moore, reading is an exercise in indulging different flavors.
“I’m one of those people who likes a variety of things,” Zoe said. “I like to read non-fiction, biographies, books about historical times. I like all kinds of fiction, including mysteries, but most of what I like in fiction is based on a historical period.” Luckily, in her role as librarian, Zoe has access to a number of books that meet her varied interests — as well as those of other Aberdeen Village residents. The library features a wide selection of reading material, including paperbacks and large-print editions. “The paperbacks are on the third floor, and I do not take care of that,” Zoe said. “I’m one of the ones who needs the large-print books.” Zoe said that the library committee usually meets regularly to make decisions about managing the resource, but due to concerns about COVID, the meetings have been curtailed. Nowadays, she tidies up the library on her daily trips through the hallways.
“Right at the moment, I usually go down and check it and put away books that have been returned,” Zoe said. “If there’s something else that requires more time, I ask one of the other committee members to help me. I go by every day on the way to the front desk. Usually there’s not more than three or four books at the most.”
The library is regularly used, Zoe said, but she doesn’t have a frame of reference to know if the COVID-19 pandemic has more people reading more books. “I haven’t been in charge of it for much longer than COVID hit,” she said. The library largely depends on the generosity of others who are willing to donate their gently read titles to share. They also take care to not to not shelve duplicate copies of any one book. Zoe isn’t a librarian by trade, but she was a teacher for a number of years and volunteered at other libraries. “I was a teacher, and in connection with that I taught students the use
of the library,” Zoe said. “For years and years, I took care of the library where I attended church.” When she’s not caring for the books in the library, Zoe enjoys reading, playing bridge and socializing with friends — when she can. She’s also been involved with teaching GED students and volunteers to help others. “I hope people will continue to use the library more,” Zoe said. “We’re always interested in any suggestions they have to make it better for them.” ◆
COVID-19 updates continue
Get the latest updates on visitation status, ongoing safety measures and PMMA’s response to COVID-19 on your community website at AberdeenVillage.com/ covid-19. Visitation status is updated weekly on Mondays and as needed as our COVID status changes. You can also send a message to any resident with the Art is Ageless® e-greeting cards. Find a link on the COVID-19 update page. Vaccine distribution has begun in our community. Every person who receives the vaccine will strengthen the protection for all residents, staff and the community at-large. PMMA strongly encourages our families, employees and residents to carefully consider obtaining a vaccine for themselves as well as their loved ones. ◆ Aberdeen Village | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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17500 W. 119th St. Olathe, KS 66061-9524 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
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share and display their artwork and reaffirms the agelessness of human creativity. “It’s inspiring to see the beautiful pieces these seniors have created,” said Stephanie Oehlert, marketing director at Aberdeen Village. “The joy it brings to them and others is wonderful, and that’s something we want to celebrate and share with the entire Olathe community.” The first Art is Ageless calendar was published in 1981, featuring art from Presbyterian Manor community residents. Since then, the program has expanded to include a juried art competition open to all seniors age 65 and older. Winning pieces at the community
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level move on to a masterpiece level judging to determine which pieces are featured in the annual calendar and note cards. The deadline for exhibit submissions is March 19. Artists should arrange drop off of their artwork by contacting Stephanie Oehlert at 913-599-6100. In addition to the exhibit, Aberdeen Village will honor local senior artists during a reception at the community at 3 p.m. May 3. The reception date remains flexible due to COVID-19. For more information about Art is Ageless, visit ArtIsAgeless.org. For more about Aberdeen Village, visit AberdeenVillage.com or contact Stephanie Oehlert at soehlert@ pmma.org or 913-599-6100. ◆
PEOPLE GIVING TO PEOPLE
An update on how gifts are changing lives in PMMA communities
IN HER LIFETIME A donor's story
Recently, a longtime friend of PMMA, we’ll call her Agnes, was concerned about burdening her sister with financial decisions and responsibilities when she passes. In order to eliminate the burden for her sister, Agnes wanted to get all of her affairs in order now, but also wanted to accomplish her wishes of helping others. After sharing her thoughts with her advisor and visiting with PMMA’s regional development director, Patti Christen, Agnes was able to spare her sister the task and put her gift to work now.
Agnes made a gift from her donor advised fund for the benefit of the Good Samaritan Program - a program she has supported and appreciated for more than 30 years. She wanted to see the gift in action while she was living. Thanks to Agnes, so many residents have the assurance of the PMMA mission of quality senior services guided by Christian values.
“I’m so thankful for the blessings I have received in my lifetime. It’s my obligation to share it with others. And, I’m so glad my sister doesn’t have to worry about this when I die,” said Agnes, 84. (not her real name to ensure her anonymity)
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BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE by Barbara J. Braa, CTFA, MBA
“It is better to give than to receive.” Why does this old saying still ring true? Isn’t it because the gift giver takes pleasure in seeing their gift in action? That pleasure may cause a donor to give too much. Sometimes donors give too little, cheating themselves out of the pleasure of giving because they fear running out of money and don’t know their true capacity to give or their giving options.
In the old days, frugal folks made gifts from items at hand, like a quilt from fabric scraps or a dress from flour sacks. Today, a knowledgeable, trusted advisor can help you develop a gift giving budget and help you explore alternative methods for your charitable giving. You may find your ability to give during life may be more than you think! Barbara J. Braa, CTFA, MBA
If you were taught to never touch your invested assets you may be surprised to learn there are strategies to help maximize your donations by using those investments. For example, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a tax-advantaged way for those over 70
½ to
donate IRA dollars directly to charity and avoid taxation on the IRA withdrawal. Or, you might benefit from donating appreciated non-retirement assets, like stocks and mutual funds and when you transfer those assets directly to a charity, neither you nor the charity pay capital gains taxes on the appreciation.
Seeking advice on a charitable budget and/or utilizing one of the strategies above may help you increase your gift giving ability and your pleasure in seeing your donations in action. Plus, if you budget your donations correctly, you won’t need to revert to giving or wearing a flour sack dress or shirt!
The information in this article is not presented as personal financial or legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for obtaining advice specific to your situation. Please seek advice from a trusted financial, tax or legal advisor. Barbara J. Braa, CTFA, MBA is a Vice President & Relationship Officer with Central Trust Company in Lawrence, Kansas. Contact Barbara at 785-865-1065 or Barbara.Braa@centralbank.net.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: 316-685-1100
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DEVELOPMENT@PMMA.ORG