The Glen at Aberdeen Heights Community Matters – May 2023

Resident Tom Mitchell explains decision to give back to Aberdeen Heights

Tom and Cindy Mitchell have a generous spirit rooted in faith. That’s why when they learned about the PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica®) Good Samaritan program set up to assist residents who outlive their savings, donating was a no-brainer.

“This is a case for this particular fund that we don’t normally think about,” Tom Mitchell explained. “Most people here at Aberdeen Heights and other PMMA communities have been prosperous, so you don’t think about running out of money, but it happens.”

Mitchell explained that as a retired actuary, he knows the ins and outs of retirement planning.

“No matter how well you plan, things do happen. It would wrench my heart out if someone had to leave because they lived longer than they ever could have imagined.”

As for life at Aberdeen Heights, the Mitchells say they couldn’t be happier.

“It’s become my home and we have a nest of friends that even exceeds what I had in college,” Tom said.

The continuum of care, he said, was also essential to their decision to move in more than seven years ago.

“We did not have long-term care insurance so this sort of polishes off the financial planning for the end of life by having the health benefit here,” he explained. “It was a deficit in the other places where we looked.”

To learn more about the PMMA Department of Giving, visit https://giving.presbyterianmanors.org/ u

Memorial Day –More than just the unofficial start of summer

For many of us, Memorial Day means a fun three-day weekend to celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer. But at heart, Memorial Day is a somber day to honor and remember those who died fighting for their country.

Memorial Day used to be known as Decoration Day – it was established in 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War, with the purpose of having people place flowers on the graves of family members and friends who died during the war. Decoration Day gradually became Memorial Day. At first, it only recognized fallen solders of the Civil

declared May 30, 1868 as Decoration Day which eventually became Memorial Day. The first national celebration took place at Arlington National Cemetery where both Confederate and Union soldiers were buried.

Memorial Day – continued on page 2

“It’s all about loving my neighbors”

Tom and Cindy Mitchell

John A. Logan - Major John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic

Memorial Day

– continued on page 2

War until World War I when the holiday evolved to honor Americans who died in all wars, now including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Originally observed on May 30th, it wasn’t until 1968 when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, establishing Memorial Day as the last Monday in May, giving federal employees a threeday weekend.

Nowadays, cities and towns across America hold Memorial Day parades and the tradition to decorate cemeteries with flowers and wreaths continues. Because of the long weekend, it’s also become a more fun day with road trips, barbecues, and other celebrations for the summer ahead.

Sources: www.history.com The Library of Congress u

1942 Washington D.C. Memorial Day parade –photographer: Dixon, Royden.

Memorial Day Poster on May 30th, from 1936 or 1937 honoring veterans.

Bunny Brunch marks new tradition

A new tradition is born at The Glen at Aberdeen Heights – a Bunny Brunch.

In April, we invited residents and their families to join us for a fun morning of food, a petting zoo and the Easter Bunny.

All the grandchildren and great grandchildren of our residents received an Easter basket of their own. It was a chilly morning, but we made the most of it. Thanks to everyone who attended and made this day so much fun! u

Barb J. checking out the Donkey in the front yard.

Ardeen and Phyllis warm up inside during the Bunny Brunch.

Carol and Loy get a laugh out of the animals in the petting zoo.

Ellen gets to see Wilbur up close.

Fern and Ellen both loved the Bunny.

Katie and Sylvia brave the cold to see the animals.

The residents get a good look at Wilbur the 9 week old miniature pig.

Lynn and Rosalie socialize during the Bunny Brunch with friends and family.

Tony with the donkey.

MinapettingthedonkeywithRita's grandchildren.

While warming up Carol gets a closer look at Wilbur.

The happiest of happy hours

Memory care residents recently had the best time during their Happy Hour on March 31st, 2023. These residents showed how you can really get those feet moving and grooving! Keep it up guys and gals! u

505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122

MAY 2023

PHILANTHROPY UPDATE

PMMA Department of Giving

Donor Spotlight - Tom and Cindy Mitchell

Tom and Cindy Mitchell have a generous spirit rooted in faith. That’s why when they learned about the Good Samaritan Program donating was a no-brainer. “Most people here at Aberdeen Heights and other PMMA communities have been prosperous, so you don’t think about running out of money, but it happens. No matter how well you plan, things do happen," said Tom.

"It would wrench my heart out if someone had to leave because they lived longer than they ever could have imagined. It’s all about loving my neighbors,” said Tom.

A Legacy of Education

Charles and Susan Koehn

At PMMA, we value our employees and we know you do too. Many years ago, in an effort to celebrate and retain the best talent in our communities, the late Charles and Susan Koehn

established an endowment to assist employees seeking to gain certification, licensure or a degree from an accredited educational program. Today, 17 years later, more than 700 PMMA employees have received scholarships to help them achieve their education goals and dreams.

You too can show your appreciation and support to staff with a gift to the Employee Scholarship Program. To learn more, and make a gift, visit the front desk today.

2022 by the #s:

Total Raised: $8,753

Total Donors: 39

Total Volunteers: 68

Total Raised in All PMMA Communities: $274,872

346 lives changed

Esther Njuguna, center, a 2022 scholarship recipient with Aberdeen Village leadership

PMMA at a Glance

Aberdeen Ridge - Colorado Springs, CO

We’re excited to bring a new retirement community choice to Colorado Springs. With construction scheduled to be completed in 2023, Aberdeen Ridge offers amenity-rich independent living and assisted living, and a warm and comfortable neighborhood supported by memory care.

KDOT Grant Update

Eligible PMMA communities participate in the Section 5310 Specialized Transportation program through KDOT.

Grants are awarded annually for transit vehicles and equipment such as wheelchair lifts, ramps, operating expenses, and maintenance. In 2022, nine communities received grants totaling $53,000. These communities were Arkansas City, Topeka, Emporia, Clay Center, Newton, Salina, Parsons, Lawrence, and Manor of the Plains.

Board of Trustees Spotlight - Mrs. Pat Cook

"I'm new to the board this year. I am a registered nurse, now retired, but I spent a number of years working in the field of gerontology. Working in this field can be a very rewarding experience. Thank you for all you do for the residents. I wish you well, and I look forward to meeting you." ~ Pat Cook

"Changing Dementia Care, One Mind At A Time."

As dementia and Alzheimer's continues to impact more senior baby boomers, PMMA is pleased to announce that we will be implementing the Positive Approach to Care (PAC) method to assist our residents with dementia. The PAC program focuses on building awareness, knowledge and skill with our staff and resident family members on how to communicate with residents with dementia.

The PAC program also referred to as the Teepa Snow method is a common sense approach in care for residents with dementia. For more information, visit their website at www.teepasnow.com.

PMMA will be providing staff training at all of our communities over the next few months. In addition, PMMA will also be providing classes on the PAC program for interested family members. Watch for available dates and times in your community.

Robert S. Bonney, Kansas City, MO

Gary D. Brennecke, Parsons, KS

Pat Cook, Wildwood, MO

Nancy Duling, Wichita, KS

Dan Harris, Dodge City, KS

Aaron Morrison, Salina, KS

PMMA Board of Trustees