Farmington Presbyterian Manor
APRIL 2022
Local artist finds renewed inspiration in retirement Chaplain’s Corner
Celebrate your life By Greg Schmidt, chaplain, Newton Presbyterian Manor
Editor’s Note: We continue to share chaplain messages from sister PMMA® communities in a nod to our roots in the Presbyterian Church. This month, we feature Greg Schmidt, chaplain at Newton Presbyterian Manor. Dean with some of his First Place winners.
Back in the 1960s, Farmington resident Dean Burns was what you might call an aspiring artist. However, like many of us, life got in the way. “For years I was buried in my work,” said Dean. He was a school administrator and teacher in public education for 33 years and then worked for Central Methodist University for 11 years before retiring in 2006. Thanks to a traveling art exhibit brought to Area Mineral College by the school’s librarian—and Dean’s wife—the newly retired, former artist suddenly found his creative fire rekindled. The exhibit, sponsored by the Smithsonian and titled Barn Again!, traced the history of farming in the United States and made both Dean and his wife
Dean Burns – continued on page 4
Last week, I did a little soil preparation in a small, kidneyshaped garden spot that I’m developing which will one day soon be filled with Canna rhizomes and Dahlia tubers. As I was working, I looked down and said, “Yes! I see you!” to about 15-20 tender 1” to 1.5” green Crocus and Tulip shoots just beginning to peek out from under their blanket of soil and snow! “New life” is amazing, isn’t it?!
New life – continued on page 2
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New life – continued from page 1 Anytime I see or experience something new coming from someplace empty, barren and dead, I’m in awe! And that reality is never more “real” than when I stand and look down at the bedside of someone who has just passed away. Why? First, because my faith informs me that in death, the mortal gives way to the immortal. And second, my hope in the strength and resiliency of most people informs me that “survivors” must, in time, discover a way of “carrying on” and “living again” following death. Sooner or later … when the time is right … their life has to “peek out” … again. One of the interesting phenomena currently occurring throughout our country happens when families decide to not hold services of any kind following the death of their loved ones. I cannot wrap my head around those decisions. First, by not doing so, a life isn’t remembered, honored or celebrated. Second, family members aren’t gathering to tell their loved one’s story nor to receive the comfort that comes from personally and physically supporting one other.
I’ve told my wife, sons and friends that when I die, I want them to gather together … and tell stories! No “services.” I want to be cremated, so they can just set the urn down in the grass in a place where they are surrounded by beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees! I want them to play three to four of my pre-selected favorites of worship music. Then, rather than have someone speak/preach, I want them to tell their stories about the things I said that drove them crazy or made them laugh … what I did that was worth remembering … what they’re afraid they will never be able to unsee or forget. I want to know if I made a difference in their lives. If so, what was it? I want to know if there was anything I said or did that will carry on to the next generation. If so, how? And then, I want them to seriously crank up the volume on my “Top 10” favorite 70s rock and roll tunes and dance! (Which probably won’t happen because too many of us grew up Mennonite! By the way, that’s one of my favorite jokes I tell on myself!) Why are my suggestions for what they do to remember me important to me? Because,
figuratively speaking, I want whatever I’ve done that is worth remembering and talking about to find a way to “peek out” from under the body that is dead and gone. Why? So that something new has a chance to take root and grow and bring joy and beauty to a seeking world! And so that I’m remembered. Celebrated. Honored. And the next generation has a story to tell. And are comforted as they wait for their mourning to turn to dancing (Psalm 30:11a). Jesus provided his disciples with a way to “remember” all He said and did. It’s called Communion. And that’s all I want for those who follow after me. I want them to discover a way to remember, honor and celebrate the life that is in our life in this life! The first day of Spring is quickly approaching. So, I have a great suggestion. Go purchase some seeds, rhizomes, tubers or even rootcuttings … and prepare to plant them! Intentionally make plans to bring life and beauty from what appears to be dead! And then celebrate the new life! And while you’re at it … celebrate your life! God is! u
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | April 2022
is published monthly for residents and friends of Farmington Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: kjameson@PMMA.org Jane Hull, executive director Keely Jameson, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
PMMA celebrates history with Founder’s Day
Alice Kalb participated in the groundbreaking for the first Presbyterian Manor.
PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) 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. 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 Farmington Presbyterian Manor, contact Keely Jameson, sales and marketing director, at 573-756-6768 or kjameson@pmma.org. u
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Dean Burns – continued from page 1 take a fresh look at their rural surroundings. “She and I went around the area taking pictures of old barns and, I got so enthused about it, I decided to take some of the barns—icons that are no longer being built—and do watercolor and oil paintings of them,” said Dean. And that’s all it took. From there, Dean started another series of paintings depicting the churches around nearby Ste. Genevieve followed by an exploration into landscapes and sculpture. “I’ve stayed very busy in retirement,” said Dean. Eventually Dean immersed himself
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into the local art scene by joining the Ste. Genevieve Art Guild. It was there, through his fellow artists, that Dean first learned about Presbyterian Manor’s Art is Ageless® juried art competition. “Hearing them talk about the competition—that’s the reason I decided to enter,” said Dean. “I’m kind of getting old, too, and I saw something that people 65 and older can still do things and compete.” Not only did Dean enter, he won. In fact, over the years, Dean says he has won 11 ribbons through the competition—including four or five first-place, blue ribbons. “It has blown my mind in a way,” said Dean. “Never did I expect or consider that I would receive these
types of honors—I’m overwhelmed about it.” For this year’s competition, Dean is entering three pieces—two sculptures and one painting. And don’t count on this being the last year that Dean will be entering the competition. “I’m now 82 years old and am thinking, ‘I’m an old man,’ but I know I can compete with others,” said Dean. The entry deadline for this year’s Art is Ageless competition is April 25. To learn more, or to find out how you can enter, contact Keely Jameson, sales and marketing director, at 573756-6768 or kjameson@pmma.org. or visit ArtIsAgeless.org. u