Commun ty Matters Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
June 2016
Dorothy Decker uses Facebook to connect with her family.
‘Their world is expanding’ Residents becoming more techsavvy with help sessions
Reflections on Father’s Day
Technology is becoming less and less foreign to older adults. A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 59 percent of Americans age 65 and older regularly go online, and three out of four own a mobile phone. At Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor, Lori Peters has been helping residents get better at using their computers, smartphones and other electronic devices. Peters, the activity director for assisted and independent living, offers help sessions once a month for any resident who needs help with things like email, Facebook, using Google or downloading e-books. “I was surprised that we have so many people who have embraced technology and are really trying to utilize it and have questions,” Peters said. TECH, continued on page 2
By Wayne Rector, Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor resident
Wayne Rector
I am often reminded of my earthly father. He was a quiet man, strong built and straight laced. A good family man. I recall that as a child and an adolescent, I gave him many occasions to have to correct and discipline me, but he always forgave me, and this was evident in the good things he would do for me.
He reminded me of the father that Jesus told about in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke ch. 15) who agreed to his son’s request for an early dispensing of his share of the father’s estate. Then in loving concern he kept a continual vigil, watching and hoping for his son’s return. In later years, my father was less critical and more approving. He died in the fall of 1971, and one evening in the following spring I was setting out flower plants in our back yard, moving them from the hotbed to the flower bed. After one such planting, I straightened up and glanced toward the driveway, and for the tiniest fraction of a second, I saw him standing at the picket fence watching me with a smile of approval on his face. I can’t explain it, but it was real to me. He was a wonderful dad. I’ll never forget him, and I thank God for him. May God bless fathers everywhere today. Good day!