The Glen at Aberdeen Heights Community Matters – April 2023

Deadline approaching for Aberdeen Heights’ Art is Ageless® exhibit and competition

Last call for all artists 65 and older who would like to enter the annual Art is Ageless® juried art exhibit and competition at Aberdeen heights.

Any area artist in this age group can enter to exhibit and/or compete for an opportunity to be featured in the 2024 Art is Ageless calendar.

For the competition, works must have been completed in the past five years (since January 2018). There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or professional. Artists may choose to enter works for exhibit only. The deadline to turn in your works of art is April 20.

Aberdeen Heights plans to have the exhibit open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., April 27 and honor artists with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m., April 27. The Art is Ageless program encourages Aberdeen Heights’ residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year.

Aberdeen Heights is a PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) senior living community. Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other PMMA® communities to be judged at the systemwide level. You can get entry forms and information or set up a time to drop off your art work by contacting Joel Hackbarth at 314-909-6083 or jwhackbarth@pmma.org, or by going to ArtIsAgeless.org. u

Editor’s Note: In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we regularly feature a column from a PMMA® chaplain in our newsletter. This month’s column comes from Richard Russell, chaplain at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor®.

The Wonder of Spring

By Richard Russell, Chaplain

As we move into spring, I so enjoy seeing the wonder of God‘s handiwork. The beauty of new life in nature. Some of my favorites are the honeysuckle and dogwood. It causes me to think of walking afresh led by God’s loving care. I’m reminded of a beautiful poem written by Howard Thurman, called Give Me The Courage to Live. Give me the courage to live!

Really live, not merely exist. Live dangerously, Scorning risk!

Live honestly, Daring the truthParticularly the truth about myself! Live resiliently-

Ever changing, ever growing, ever adapting.

Enduring the pain of change

As though ‘twere the travail of birth. Give me the courage to live, Give me the strength to be free

Richard Russell

PMMA celebrates history with Founder’s Day

PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) employees will observe the founding of the senior living system this month as the company celebrates its 74-year history of serving seniors in Kansas and Missouri.

PMMA’s roots go back to 1947. Alice Kalb, a widow from central Kansas, appealed to a Presbyterian Church organization to establish a home for seniors. Her vision laid the foundation for the first Presbyterian Manor community in Newton, Kan., and inspired others to do even more. Through the many decades, PMMA® remained true to the spirit of Alice’s vision, providing quality senior services guided by Christian values.

Each Founder’s Day, staff members re-commit to live our mission by signing the “WE PROMISE” board that lists the pillars of the mission: respecting that seniors retain their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; assisting residents with specific needs; providing compassionate service; serving as a trusted resource; and advocating for seniors.

“Our nearly 2,000 employees view

what they do as a calling,” said Bruce Shogren, president and CEO. “Our dedicated employees make it possible for us to sustain PMMA’s mission, as well as its heritage. I believe Alice is watching over us today knowing that we’re carrying on the legacy that she established more than seven decades ago.”

Alice Kalb’s dream has turned into a network of 15 senior living communities and two hospices across Kansas and Missouri. A new senior living community is under construction in Colorado Springs.

PMMA remains true to its core and mission: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. u

Alice Kalb, the visionary who imagined a home for seniors.

Alice Kalb participated in the groundbreaking of the first Presbyterian Manor.

Dave

Love is in the air at Aberdeen Heights!

Our residents were really spreading the love on Valentine’s Day a couple of months ago!

The gifts ran the gamut - from Elmer handing out roses, to Dave bringing a special box of sweets to his wife Jane. Love was certainly in the air - and Cupid’s arrow found a few hearts.

It all added up to a wonderful, and loving Valentine’s Day here at Aberdeen Heights. u

And endure the burden of freedom

And the loneliness of those without chains; Let me not be trapped by success, Nor by failure, not pleasure, nor grief, Nor malice, nor praise, nor remorse!

Give me the courage to go on!

Facing all that waits on the trail— Going eagerly, joyously on, And paying my way as I go, Without anger or fear or regret

Taking what life gives, Spending myself to the full, Head high, spirit winged, like a god— On… on… till the shadows draw close.

Then, even when darkness shuts down, And I go out alone, as I came, Naked and blind, as I came, Even then, gracious God, hear my prayer: Give me the courage to live.

These are beautiful words that paint a picture of living life to its fullest, embracing the new and refreshing experiences, as well as those difficult times that come in life.

In Isaiah 40: 26-31, we see Isaiah, sharing about the wonder of God in nature and his power and strength and enduring love that brings true hope.

“Lift up your eyes, and look to the heavens, who created all these? He who brings out the story host, one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel? My way is hidden from the Lord, my cause is discarded by my God? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and he is understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the week. Even youth grow tired and weary and young men, stumble and fall, but those who hope in the lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings. Like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they won’t walk and not be faint.”

We can see within the beauty of a new spring, a renewed hope in our loving God. He will take care of us in his own loving way that reflects the wisdom that only he can share. u

Elmer is having a ball handing out roses to the ladies.

suprises his wife with some sweets!

Chaplain – continued from page 1

First Watch Excursion

A few of our Assisted Living Residents took time to enjoy a great brunch at First Watch here in a Kirkwood. First Watch is a local favorite breakfast and brunch spot. Four of our residents made the trip: Dave B., Jane B., Loy C. and Rosalie T. along with Life Enrichment Assistant, Elizabeth.

They all enjoyed a wonderful meal on a windy day. u

Assisted Living residents have brunch at First Watch.

505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122