Aberdeen Heights
JULY 2021 Editor’s Note: This is a guest column from the chaplain at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we will be periodically sharing columns from our community chaplains in your Community Matters newsletter.
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo Residents and staff joined together in celebrating Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla.
We are “AHA” people in the Lord!
We enjoyed Mexican-themed fiestas in the health care and assisted living centers. During the parties, residents worked to beat and burst open a piñata full of candy.
I led a Bible study using the book “Joyfully Aging” by Richard Bimler. He gave himself the title, Ambassador of Health, Hope, and Aging or AH-HA(sic). He wrote, “All believers in Christ are AHA people,” because the resurrection of Christ is the biggest “aha” of all.
By Dinah Dutta, Chaplain
Marian Senger whacks the piñata.
Health care residents Joan Beck, Marian Senger and Mary Jo Davis
Thanks to everyone who helped make this special day so much fun, including all those who joined in the festivities.u
Assisted living residents Loy Corder, Joann Clay and Barbara Hollenbeck enjoying the Cinco de Mayo fiesta.
We hear so much about how to care for our physical health, which is very important. Unfortunately, our society has convinced people that after a certain age, people lose their significance and purpose in life. However, when I think of spiritual or physical health these days, I think of my relationship not only with God but also the relationships we have with each other as a community of PMMA. Here at Presbyterian Manor, many of our residents have a long life. When I visit them, I learn that their faith in Christ is the key to their longevity. Recently, during a memorial service for one of our residents, Rev. Henry shared how strong roots are important for a plant to grow. He
AHA continued on page 2
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AHA – continued from page 1 shared that being rooted in faith is as important as the roots of the plant for us to live and grow as well. His message stuck in my head. Yes, when we are rooted in Christ, trusting Him and His promises, our physical and spiritual health remains strong. My dear PMMA family, as we focus on our wellness without being anxious about growing old or aging, I want to invite you to join me to focus on these simple things Bilmer shared in his book and age JOYFULLY. “1. Thank the Lord daily for life itself. Thank the Lord for the open roads as well as the detours. “ 2. Remember our baptism. We are redeemed in Christ. “ 3. Spend time with people. Talk to them. Listen to them. Share your life experiences. “4. Bring encouraging words to younger and older people every day. Be an encourager to all.”
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Dear ones, most importantly let us continue to stay alive in Christ! ®
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving”
PMMA Presbyterian Manors Of Mid-America
®
(Colossians 2:6-7).
Dinah Dutta is chaplain at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas. u
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Community Matters 314-909-6010 ◆ Fax: 913-599-3810 505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122-5536 AberdeenSeniorLiving.com
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2021
is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Heights by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: lliefer@pmma.org Christie Wolff, executive director Lily Landy, health care administrator
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Skilled nursing week loaded with fun Each year, the important role of skilled nursing communities in caring for our nation’s elderly is celebrated in the second week of May. At Aberdeen Heights, we threw parties throughout the week, capping off with a special treat for our directors. Each day of the week brought a different theme party: Monday was Safari Day, and Tuesday was Disney Day. On Wednesday we got all gussied up for Western Day, Thursday we took a stroll back through the “Decades,” and Friday we celebrated with USA Day. Every day featured live music from local entertainers, the chance to dress up to match the day’s theme, as well as games tailored to the day’s events. On Wednesday, we hosted a cookout for all residents and staff.
Life enrichment staff dress up in costumes for Disney Day
Thursday, staff from all the departments participated in a game of Minute to Win It, and residents got to toss pies in the faces of two directors who were selected by resident votes. The American Health Care Association established skilled nursing week in 1967 as a way to recognize the role of skilled nursing centers in caring for aging Americans. The celebration occurs annually, beginning on Mother’s Day. u
Health care residents enjoying live musical entertainment on Western Day.
Life Enrichment Director Laney Liefer, Admissions Coordinator Michele Santel, Social Services Director Kristine Pancer and MDS Coordinator Dana Jacobs compete in a game called “mummy me.”
Social Services Director Kristine Pancer and Dietary Manager Tony Ralphs go head-to-head in an apple stacking competition. Aberdeen Heights | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Spring is time for planting
Doris Thomas and Charles Clayton enjoy the sunshine near the garden. We started a garden club in May. We planted tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and herbs. u
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2021