Arkansas City Community Matters - November 2022

Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor

NOVEMBER 2022

Thank you volunteers and donors In September, the Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor resumed its tradition of an annual Donor & Volunteer Recognition event. The purpose of the event is to celebrate those individuals and businesses who help support the Manor’s mission and thank them for making a difference in the lives of our seniors. We are blessed with so many wonderful supporters and the evening was a wonderful success.

Thank you, Veterans!

We are especially thankful for our Veteran residents for their service: David Baxter National Guard William Mueller and Executive Director Sarah Griggs

As part of the evening, we chose a few of our outstanding donors and volunteers to recognize specifically for their contributions and commitment to our mission.

Each of these individuals greatly impact our seniors, their families and the employees of the Manor.

Jennabelle Crow Army Ed Gilliland Marines Marsha Hephner Army Joseph Thomson Army Nolan Wineinger Air Force

This year we recognized the following individuals or couples: • Mother Kathy Swaim with the Rising Star Award as one of our newer volunteers to the community.

Gene Brinkman Army

Mother Kathy Swaim and Executive Director Sarah Griggs

• William and Belinda Mueller with the Community Impact Award. Bill and Belinda have helped fulfill multiple items on the Manor’s wish list, which have made a tremendous impact on the lives of our residents and staff

Volunteers and donors – continued on page 2 Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at ArkansasCityPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.

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Talking turkey Eldon Eastman’s painting on wood, titled Tom, is featured on the Art is Ageless® 2023 Calendar on the month of November. Eldon shares his inspiration behind this latest painting: “I grew up in a farm and am still somewhat involved with its operation. From the time I was old enough until now I have never ceased to be in the wonder of nature.

Being involved in farming and ranching, watching the seasons change, seeing the crops grow and mature along with the increase and growth of all kinds of animals has been an inspiration to me. My lifelong enjoyment of building and creating with my hands has also led me to creating in art what I see all around me almost daily.

As off and on times permitted through the years I have painted different subjects. The last few years I have focused on wildlife. My last effort was “Tom” turkey. A fellow like this one was observed strutting in our farm yard.”

Art is Ageless® is an art competition open to area artists 65 and older, amateurs or professionals. For more information, contact Whitley Stokes at 620-442-8700 or visit artisageless.org.u

Eldon Eastman’s painting on wood, titled Tom.

Volunteers and donors – continued from page 1 improving their quality of life.

• James and Pam Pool with the Community Impact Award for their generous donations to our Good Samaritan Program at our community.

On behalf of our residents and staff, we want to thank our donors and

volunteers for support of our mission which is to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. We are truly grateful for each one of our donors and volunteers for their trust and belief in our mission. It is because of their generosity that our seniors and their

families have peace of mind and security in knowing they will be cared for even beyond financial hardship.

Thank you for the difference you are making. You are making lives better here at the Presbyterian Manor. u

Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.

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 | November 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.

Fidget aprons benefit residents

Wilda Buffo, Kathleen Walker and Betty Johnson with the fidget aprons they created for residents who have dementia in our community.

A project designed to help residents with dementia ended up benefiting residents throughout Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor.

In 2016, a small group of residents were approached by staff to create items called fidget aprons for residents with dementia. The final products created by our seamstresses exceeded our expectations and last for several years. They attached all kinds of familiar items in fun ways, like empty thread spools or beads that slide up and down a ribbon, textured fabrics, zippers, buttons, key chains, patches, etc. The fidget ideas are endless.

According to alzheimers.net, “Sensory stimulation has been shown to not only bring enjoyment and fun to people living with Alzheimer’s but also to fight anxiety and depression while increasing social interaction. Sensory

stimulation can also help people stay independent for longer, promote understanding and a sense of belonging as well as help people express how they are feeling.”

It was not until recent that we needed to create more and so Sarah Griggs, executive director, sent out a request to staff, residents and families to volunteer to make aprons or lap mats and donations of material and fidget items for the aprons and mats. The response was tremendous.

Sarah also approached one of the original seamstresses from 2016, independent living resident Wilda Buffo, to see if she was willing to create more and if she knew anyone to recruit to help. Sarah also recruited her mother’s quilt group to help as well. Again, a small group of ladies put their talents to work and created new aprons and mats

for our residents in health care and memory care that have challenges with dementia.

Sarah loves how the project has integrated so many people within the Presbyterian Manor community as well as the surrounding community to help those in need.

“It is meaningful to be able to create a form of peace and comfort for our residents battling with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We want our residents to live their lives to the fullest and this is one way to make them happy and comfortable,” says Anna Robinson, director of assisted living and home health.

Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor wants to thank volunteers and donors that gave supplies and or created fidget aprons and lap mats for our residents who have Alzheimer’s or dementia. u

Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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1711 N. Fourth St. Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Fall Back

Daylight Saving Time ends November 6, 2022 at 2 a.m.

Set your clocks back one hour and enjoy some extra sleep

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | November 2022