Clay Center Presbyterian Manor
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.
We are “AHA” people in the Lord! By Dinah Dutta, Chaplain
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.
Birthday girls Marilyn Thomas received an extra special visitor recently. Meet her 5-month-old great-granddaughter, Mika Marilyn. Mika was born on Marilyn’s 92nd birthday. How fitting that these lovely ladies share a birthday and a name. Welcome Mika, and happy birthday to Mika and Marilyn! u
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
AHA continued on page 4 Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at ClayCenterPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
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4th of July fun facts According to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council (NHDSC), Americans are expected to eat 150 million hot dogs over the July 4th holiday. This is part of an estimated 7 billion that are expected to be eaten during the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
celebrating days before the 4th with two fireworks shows before the “big one” on July 4.
Fireworks were an Independence Day tradition as early as the first anniversary in 1777. John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, that he wanted Independence Day to be celebrated with pomp, parade, shows, and “Illuminations.” According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans spend $1 billion on fireworks each July. The APA estimates that represents about 268 million pounds of fireworks sold each year.
6. Go Fourth on the River, New Orleans
Apple pie is considered the most American dessert. When the colonists first came to America, they looked for ways to distance themselves from Britain. That meant no more traditional scones and cakes. They learned how to make a flaky pastry that would become a crust, and since apples were easy to come by, they filled the pastry with apple slices. The apple pie was born. The Lakes Realty Group posted a list of “most impressive” fireworks displays across the country. Here they are:
3. Fireworks at the National Mall, Washington, D.C. 4. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, Boston 5. Fair St. Louis, Saint Louis
7. Addison Kaboom Town, Dallas 8. Amerifest, Pasadena, California 9. Las Vegas — multiple fourth of July shows at different casinos 10. Big Bay Boom, San Diego * When asking staff at Clay Center Presbyterian Manor about their favorite fireworks here is the list we composed: Roman candles Artillery shells Sparklers Fountains Parachutes Multi-Shot cakes Snakes Bottle rockets Bees M-80s Snaps u
1. Macy’s 4th of July fireworks in New York City 2. WAWA Welcome America July 4th Fireworks and Concert, Philadelphia. Living up to its claim to the “birthplace of America,” Philadelphians start Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
Community Matters 785-632-5646 u Fax: 785-632-5874 924 Eighth St. Clay Center, KS 67432-2620 ClayCenterPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2021
is published monthly for residents and friends of Clay Center Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: dpounds@PMMA.org Morgan Burton, executive director Dani Kuhlman, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Employee Spotlight: Shannon Kimbrough This month’s employee spotlight is on Shannon Kimbrough, who is part of our laundry services team. Shannon has been with Clay Center Presbyterian Manor for five years and recently received her second Employee of the Month award. Shannon was nominated by another team member who witnessed Shannon stopping what she was doing to sit, listen and talk with a resident who was experiencing emotional distress. The team member said, “Shannon demonstrated a special set of skills, providing comfort and friendship, making our resident feel even more at home in our community.” When Shannon is not making a difference at work, she and her husband of 17 years, their five children and several cats enjoy the outdoors including boating, camping and watching demolition derbies. Shannon said her favorite part of her work is the family atmosphere and getting to care for our residents as if they’re her own parents or grandparents. Thank you, Shannon, for your continued commitment to Clay Center Presbyterian Manor and our residents. u
Shannon Kimbrough is presented her Employee of the Month certificate from Morgan Burton, Clay Center Presbyterian Manor executive director.
Clay Center Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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924 Eighth St. Clay Center, KS 67432-2620 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
AHA – continued from page 1 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 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.
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2021
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.
“ 3. Spend time with people. Talk to them. Listen to them. Share your life experiences.
“1. Thank the Lord daily for life itself. Thank the Lord for the open roads as well as the detours.
Dear ones, most importantly let us continue to stay alive in Christ!
“ 2. Remember our baptism. We are redeemed in Christ.
“4. Bring encouraging words to younger and older people every day. Be an encourager to all.”
“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” (Colossians 2:6-7). u