Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
APRIL 2022
PMMA celebrates history with Founder’s Day
Volunteer spotlight:
Dennis Voth Since relocating to the area more than 10 years ago to become a pastor at Central Christian Church, Dennis Voth has been a regular face around Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor where he volunteers his time visiting residents and leading Bible study. “I really got involved with the Manor as soon as I got here,” said Dennis. “I started visiting folks at the Manor because I had parishioners there and when we were able to, before COVID-19, our elders would take communion there on Sundays.”
Alice Kalb’s inquiry sparked a twoyear study and the eventual opening of the very first Presbyterian Manor on April 19, 1949. Dennis Voth
In addition to leading Bible study, Dennis also assists with the community’s annual “Celebration of Life.” “It’s kind of a memorial service for all the families to come and recognize the ones who have died at the Manor,” said Dennis. “I provide a scripture and prayer and the Manor provides candles or lanterns—it’s a pretty neat event. I enjoy that and appreciate the Manor putting that on.” When asked what he enjoys most about volunteering here, Dennis is quick to respond, “the people.” “Some of the residents have some really neat stories—how they’ve lived their lives, what they’ve done,” said Dennis, “I grew up in agriculture, so talking with some of the folks who have been on farms and learning how they established connections, how they worked on the farm—just to hear their stories about how they grew up and the times they lived in. It’s just interesting to me—that history of their lives.” During his time at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor, Dennis says he’s been impressed with the quality of the living spaces at the community— especially in its memory care neighborhood.
Volunteer – continued on page 2
PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica®) employees will observe the founding of the senior living system this month as the company celebrates its 73-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.
Founder’s Day – continued on page 4
Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at ArkansasCityPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
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Volunteer – continued from page 1 “I came from Illinois and my dad was in a memory care unit there. Basically, he was in there with eight other guys in one room,” said Dennis. “When I got to the Manor and saw they had single, individual rooms, I was blown away. I wish I would’ve brought my dad here— it’s just so much nicer.”
Dennis also has high praise for the help. Just good people out there, real community’s staff, who he has found good.” to be both caring and trustworthy. For more information about how “They’ve always been open, honest you can become a volunteer at and transparent with everything Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor, that’s going on,” said Dennis. “They contact Whitley Stokes have a good staff out there—all the at wstokes@pmma.org, way down to the nurse’s aides that 620-442-8224. u
Can you find the words in this Easter themed word search? Find all these Easter words in the grid - they run in straight lines, in any direction. The leftover letters spell out an Australian Easter-time event. u
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Community Matters 620-442-8700 ◆ Fax: 620-442-8224 1711 N. Fourth St. Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 ArkansasCityPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | April 2022
is published monthly for residents and friends of Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: wstokes@pmma.org. Sarah Griggs, executive director Whitley Stokes, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor announces return of annual golf tournament After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 concerns, the Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor annual golf tournament will return on May 7, 2022, with a new look and a new name, but the same commitment to helping seniors in need. The event’s new name, “Golfin’ for Good Sam,” is a reference to the tournament’s ongoing support of PMMA’s Good Samaritan Program—a program that provides financial support for local seniors who have, at no fault of their own, outlived their financial resources. In addition to the new name, this year’s tournament will also feature a new course thanks to first-year host
Winfield Country Club. Despite the new name and location, tournament organizers see this year’s event as a continuation of a long-standing community tradition. “This tournament has such a rich history and tradition. We aim to continue that tradition for many more years knowing that so many residents’ lives are helped from one day on the course,” said Sarah Griggs, executive director of Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor. One of the traditions that will continue as part of this year’s event will be the Karl Faidley Golf Ball Drop. Taking place on the front lawn of the Arkansas City Presbyterian
Manor campus, participants purchase golf balls that will be dropped from a bucket truck above in the hope that theirs lands closest to the hole to win a prize. The fundraiser is named in honor of Karl Faidley, the husband of Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor resident Dorothy Faidley, and a long-time volunteer and supporter of the golf tournament. To learn more about the Golfin’ for Good Sam golf tournament or the Karl Faidley Golf Ball Drop, and how you can get involved, contact Stacy Pike at 620-442-8700 or spike@pmma.org. u
Saturday, May 7 Winfield Country Club All proceeds benefit the Good Samaritan Program which depends solely on donations from people like you.
BECOME A SPONSOR OR REGISTER TO PLAY TODAY. Seniors in our community are depending on you.
Registration Details coming soon!
Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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1711 N. Fourth St. Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Founder’s Day – continued from page 1 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 would be very proud.” 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 development in Colorado Springs. PMMA remains true to its core and mission: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. For more information about Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor, contact Whitley Stokes, marketing director, at 620-442-8700 or wstokes@pmma.org. u
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | April 2022
Wishing you a very
“Hoppy” Easter!