Farmington Community Matters – February 2023

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Getting to know Barbara Branz

In October, Farmington Presbyterian Manor welcomed Barbara Branz to its Independent Living community. Barbara moved to Farmington from Collinsville, Illinois and found Presbyterian Manor through an internet search conducted by her daughter.

“My sister and I came and looked at it and it’s just perfect for what I need, I liked it right away,” said Barbara.

So far, Barbara has been especially impressed by her new home’s accessibility and overall size.

“It’s big enough that I had Christmas here—all of my kids came over,” said Barbara.

Barbara is also enjoying the social aspects of the community.

“I’m making friends already. I didn’t think that would happen so quickly. The people are really nice. I’m really happy here,” said Barbara.

She is also a regular at Bingo on Tuesdays and Thursdays and is interested in taking painting lessons.

In her spare time, Barbara loves to cook—and when she cooks, she likes to make big meals.

“I’m having trouble toning them down,” said Barbara. “I’m putting extras in the freezer.”

One dish Barbara is particularly famous for is her spinach casserole.

“It’s good, it has a lot of cheese and butter. If you’re on a limited carb diet it’s good because it doesn’t have any carbs,” said Barbara.

Welcome Barbara! u

February – Love

How quickly time goes and now we are into the New Year.

The stores have put away Christmas and New Year’s gifts and we’re already in February, the month of love.

The problem with holidays is if we aren’t careful we become “holiday people” and miss the reason for the celebration and its personal meaning to us. When I think of February, it’s the month of valentines, candy, flowers and all the reminders of those who are special in our lives. As the activities department is busy helping our residents to remind them of how special you are to all of us who work and love you, my thought of love is not one we have one time a year but something we all need to learn to cultivate each day of our life.

When I think of love I am reminded who it is that loves each of us so very much and shows us that love, not just once a year but day in and day out. That one is God who loves each one of us, no matter what goes on. Even when I forget Him He remembers me and loves me. God's Word tells us in First Corinthians Chapter 13 what true love is all about. For time wise I will not share it all, but I am instructed that love suffereth long, and is kind, love envieth not, love (or charity, as the word reads,) vaunteth not itself, is Chaplain – continued on page 2

Farmington
FEBRUARY 2023 Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at FarmingtonPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19. 1
Presbyterian Manor
Bob Webb Barbara Branz moved to our Independent Living Community in October.

Chaplain – continued from page 1 not puffed up. Then God closes this great chapter of what love is and what it is not, with these words; “And now abideth faith, hope and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity” (or as we know it, “love”).

I am thankful to be a part of an organization that has this for their foundation. As chaplain, I get to meet people and staff who through this love help so many others. Whether it's in the kitchen, housekeeping, nursing, or wherever, I see people who love others. As chaplain, I see the residents who show me love just in the kind visits we have or in a word of prayer. I see love is not something limited. Love is available for all to receive and to give. As I spend time with all our wonderful residents and all of our staff it is good to see love still abounds and, of course, the greatest love is the love of God in which He sets the example for us through his son Jesus Christ.

Folks, may love not be a holiday, but may love become an everyday part of our lives, every day of the year. See, I have learned a lot about life and the things of life, but as I tell the residents when life changes or the staff when their life is turned upside down, circumstances change but God never changes and His love is always the same whatever we may

face. I hope that this will help each of us to reconsider each day that there is something we all need, young and old, and it has no barrier and is something every one of us need, and that is love. As I realize love has no value or meaning until you learn to give that love to others. While we celebrate with the cards, candy and valentines, may each of us share this gift to each other as

God shared His gift of Christ to all of us, because His Word says, “He loved us before we loved him”. In closing, remember things change, circumstances change but God’s love is the key that never changes. I thank each of our great residents and all the great staff at PMMA for sharing something so special that will always be remembered and that is LOVE.

God bless you all. u

2 COMMUNITY MATTERS | February 2023 Community Matters 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. 573-756-6768 ◆ Fax: 573-756-6014 500 Cayce St. Farmington, MO 63640-2910 FarmingtonPresbyterianManor.org Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.

Farmington Presbyterian Manor’s Art is Ageless® call for entries underway

Senior artists in the Farmington area are invited to participate in Farmington Presbyterian Manor’s annual Art is Ageless® exhibit and juried art competition April 26 –28.

Entries of artistic works will be accepted from any area artist who is 65 years of age or older to exhibit and/or compete for an opportunity to be featured in the Art is Ageless calendar in 2024. Artists may choose to enter the exhibit only.

Artists compete in nine categories, including painting,

drawing, photography, quilting and sculpture and may be designated as amateur or professional. The complete rules and category listing are found online at www.ArtIsAgeless.org. Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other PMMA® communities to be judged at the systemwide level. For the competition, works are to have been completed in the past five years (since January 2018). There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or professional. Works to be entered for judging need to be at

Farmington Presbyterian Manor by 10 a.m. April 24.

The Art is Ageless® program encourages Farmington Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year.

Entry forms and information can be obtained by contacting Keely Jameson at 573-756-6768 or kjameson@pmma.org, or accessed online at ArtIsAgeless.org. u

Farmington Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY 3

500 Cayce St.

Farmington, MO 63640-2910

Remember your friends, with a card

If Valentine’s Day is too romantic for you, another day in February may be more to your taste.

“National Send a Card to a Friend” day is on February 7 and it’s meant to honor our dear friends, wherever they may be.

This simple gesture is enough to cheer up any friend – a greeting card or even a postcard would let them know that you’re thinking of them, even if you don’t have the time to write about all the details of your life. Of course, sending a card also

reminds that how popular physical mail once used to be. These days, much of our communication has become electronic, whether via email or text. But wouldn’t it be nice to find a beautiful card from a friend in your mailbox every once in a while? u

4 COMMUNITY MATTERS | February 2023

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