Aberdeen Village Community Matters April 2018

Community Matters Aberdeen Village

April 2018

Sharing words of wisdom and humor

Is there a happiness pill?

By Chrissie Ammann, marketing director, Aberdeen Village

By Diane Gunsolley, chaplain, Aberdeen Village

One of our newest residents, Carl Erwin, recently shared “Book #1,” a compilation of his funny one-liners, words of wisdom and tidbits of humor.

If there is one thing that most of us want, it is to feel better emotionally. We want to be happy.

His face lit up as he remembered the situations from which he collected the content for his book. “It is important to always be positive and uplifting, and if words can do that, then I feel accomplished,” he said.

As I read the book, I couldn’t help but smile at the entries. I had to admit, I did feel positive and uplifted, and decided to share his words in our newsletter to bring a smile to others.

If I told you there was a new medicine on the market that could make you happy, would you be interested? What if I told you it was legal and had no harmful side effects? What if I added that it doesn’t cost a dime?

Volunteer Joan Varner

I’m guessing that I have your attention now. Unfortunately, a miracle medicine for happiness does not exist. However, research has shown that serving as a volunteer does increase happiness and well-being.

In fact, the more people volunteer, the happier they are, according to “Simple Changes, Big Rewards: A Practical, Easy Guide for Healthy, Happy Living,” published by Harvard Health Publications.

“Compared with people who never volunteered, the odds of being ‘very happy’ rose 7 percent among those who volunteered monthly and 12 Please enjoy the following passage, percent for people who volunteered every two to four weeks. Among excepted from “Book #1.” weekly volunteers, 16 percent felt very happy—a hike in happiness Memory comparable to having an income of $75,000 to $100,000 versus It is so great to have memories, those $20,000,” according to the report. things we have stored in our heart and Why not experience a 16 percent increase in happiness, and volunteer mind. weekly? Tell me your interests, and I will try to connect you with an The song says: activity at Aberdeen Village. Or you can help me start a new activity for residents to enjoy.

“Precious memories, how they linger, how they ever flood my soul.”

“Caring for our own” is a big part of life at Aberdeen Village. In each WORDS, continued on page 3 CEO, continued on page 4

HAPPINESS, continued on page 2

A proud member of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America

HAPPINESS, continued from page 1

neighborhood, people reach out to help each other. Sometimes, this means visiting the person who lives next door. Other times, it means delivering crossword puzzles to assisted living residents, dropping off church bulletins for health care residents or delivering packages to independent living residents.

I asked a few of our volunteers how they got started and why they continue to volunteer.

Evelyn Bergman told me she attended an all-floor meeting for

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

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.

residents shortly after moving to Aberdeen Village four years ago.

In the meeting, she learned that a volunteer was needed to water house plants.

Evelyn’s experience was with the outdoor variety of plants, but she was willing to learn a new skill. She bought an instructional book and took on the challenge. Today, Evelyn finds it rewarding to see thriving plants beautifying the space.

Mary Jo Dillon loves people.

After she moved to Aberdeen Village 16 years ago, she began to deliver mail to residents in our health care neighborhood. At the time, she used an electric wheelchair and was able to manage alone. Today, she gets help from her sister and other residents, but she still enjoys her volunteer activities. Through her faithful service, Mary Jo has made many friends in each neighborhood at Aberdeen Village.

For 10 years of her childhood, Mary Lou Niebling took piano lessons. Then the busyness of young adult life prompted her to put piano playing on the back burner, and there it remained—until she moved into Aberdeen Village.

Mary Lou rekindled her passion.

She invested in repairs for her piano, began taking lessons again and volunteered to play for Vespers services. She knew volunteering would help her be more disciplined with practicing. Today, Mary Lou still plays for Vespers, and also for memorial services and all-Aberdeen hymn sings. She blesses us with her gift of music.

Joan Varner has volunteered in assisted living for 8 to 10 years.

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Community Matters April 2018

Volunteer Mary Jo Dillon

She leads an exercise class three mornings a week. Joan says that sometimes she has to really push herself to get to class, but it’s always worth it when she sees her friends faces.

Joan says she has made many good friends over the years by volunteering, and she knows the consistent exercise has been good for her, too.

Are you interested in a happiness lift?

If you enjoy playing cards or board games, reading, exercising, engaging in crafts or planning parties, we want to hear from you. Even if your hobby is enjoying a cup of coffee with a neighbor, you can help.

If you would like to volunteer at Aberdeen Village, join our Ambassadors Group. The group addresses the needs of residents at ever stage of their life journey at Aberdeen Village.

Contact Marketing Director Chrissie Ammann at cammann@ pmma.org or Chaplain Diane Gunsolley at dgunsolley@pmma. org for more information. Discover how you can help others, and improve your health and happiness in the process.

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Elden Beebe honored for long-time membership Aberdeen Village resident Elden Beebe was recently honored with an article in the Kansas Certified Elden Beebe Public Accountant (KSCPA) newsletter. The article highlighted Elden’s career as a CPA in Dodge City, Kan., and also called attention to Jan. 29, his shared birthday with our great state.

Elden is a lifetime member of KSCPA, and has been certified since 1949. He is one of the longestserving members in the state.

“I would have started my career sooner after graduating from the University of Kansas and taking my CPA exam, but I was called to serve in World War II,” said Elden.

Elden and his wife, Enid, settled in Dodge City, not far from Elden’s childhood home in Bucklin, Kan. They had three children, and Elden

worked as a CPA until his retirement Elden certainly has packed a lot of life into his 97 years, and fondly in 1979. recalls the many travels he and his “While I enjoyed my work as a wife enjoyed during retirement.

CPA, it was difficult to really “We had an RV, and went to every leave it behind while still living in continental state, and also nearly Dodge City. Folks would call me every province in Canada. We also up and want me to still do their went on several cruises, and have bookkeeping,” said Elden. “I tell even visited northern Africa and people now, ‘If you want to retire, South America. I never regretted get out of town!’” retiring, and am glad I retired when This is exactly what Elden and Enid I did,” said Elden. did. They moved to a home they Although Elden was fulfilled by purchased in Port Aransas, Texas. his career, he realizes today’s “We lived there for 12 years, and professionals may not be able to then when she started having health retire as early as he did, or enjoy the problems, we moved back to Kansas. luxury of travel.

One child was in Hutchinson, so that’s where we settled. We spent 23 “I tell people to start saving early, years there in an independent living and always plan for inflation,” said Elden. “So much has changed about community,” said Elden. the accounting field. In fact, I didn’t After Enid passed away, Elden even learn to use a computer until decided to move to Aberdeen Village after I retired. I enjoy technology to be closer to family in this area. now, though, and use a tablet for most things.”

“I’ve been here nearly four years, and I like it. The food is good, and Elden’s life of careful planning and it’s nice to have the option of social grand adventure is inspirational, and activities, even if I choose not to go,” we’re glad he is enjoying this chapter said Elden. of life at Aberdeen Village.

WORDS, continued from page 1

Sometimes when we feel low and depressed, memories revive us and once again we have great hope for the future.

We see where we have come from and where we are today. We can count our blessings and remember those who have been a blessing to us.

Most of the time, it is good to remember the good times, but maybe the bad times, too, as they taught us lessons.

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Carl Erwin

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Aberdeen Village

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Aberdeen Village 17500 W. 119th St. Olathe, KS 66061 Return Service Requested

Aberdeen Village partners with national foundation to host Parkinson’s Support Group meetings Join us on the first Thursday of each month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for a Parkinson’s Support Group.

The group will meet in the Brandt Chapel at Aberdeen Village. The Rev. Harold Dwight of Ascend Hospice and Chaplain Diane Gunsolley of Aberdeen Village will lead

the sessions. The group is a partnership between Aberdeen Village and the National Parkinson Foundation, Heartland Chapter.

Please call 913-599-6100, ext. 2510, if you have questions or need more information.

Gilkisons celebrate 70 years of marriage Paul and Betty Jo Gilkison have enjoyed years of harmony in their sevendecade marriage.

“You have to be a friend and love each other. Talk things out and always be truthful,” she said.

“We’ve never really had too many troubles,” said Betty.

Paul and Betty Jo met at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, where Paul played baseball and Betty was a music major. They were engaged after three months together, and married two months after their engagement.

Of course, Betty has good advice for any couple, whether they’re going through hard times or not.

“Paul was a college professor, and I taught music lessons. We lived many places, including Kansas State

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Paul and Betty Jo Gilkison

Community Matters April 2018

University in Manhattan; Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois; The University of Southern Colorado; and Washburn University in Topeka.”

Paul and Betty Jo have two sons, two grandsons and five greatgrandchildren.

“We’ve enjoyed many things in life, and are now enjoying our time at Aberdeen Village,” Betty said.

“We’ve lived here five-and-a-half years, and enjoy the convenience and the people.”

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