Farmington Presbyterian Manor
JULY 2021
Jack Luffy, reluctant author Stuck inside for the past year and a half with nothing but time on your hands can motivate you to do things you never thought you’d do.
We are “AHA” people in the Lord!
For Jack Luffy, that meant writing a book. “Writing is the furthest thing from my life,” said Jack. “I was a construction worker. I spent four years in the Korean War … I’m a person who likes to do stuff.” The idea for the book, which is the story of Jack’s life, was initially conceived by Jack’s wife, Mary Miller, who felt that not only did he have a story to tell—but an obligation to tell it.
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.
By Dinah Dutta, Chaplain
Resident Jack Luffy signs a copy of his book.
“I believe when you have had an interesting life, then you should share it. You should share it with young people and give them some experience to view their own lives,” said Mary. “They think, ‘I wish I had done this or done that,’ and it could encourage people to do the same thing.” To give Jack both the space and the solitude he needed to write, Mary structured her own routine around Jack’s schedule. “At about two o’clock every afternoon he’d say he was going to write for a while, so I’d go down and sew for two or three or four hours. Then I’d come back up, and we’d go back to our routine,” said Mary. “So, in the process of him writing his book, I quilted. It benefitted both of us. It kept me doing something I enjoy doing, and he got his book written.” And within three months, the book was complete. In it, Jack chronicles his time working for the Westinghouse Elevator Corporation, where he spent two years working on the second tallest building in Houston—a 72-story skyscraper with 50 elevators—along with stops in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and four or five other destinations around the country. He also tells the stories of the three Mary’s in his life – his mom, his current wife and his first wife—who he was married to for 57 years LUFFY – continued on page 3
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. 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 their longevity.
AHA – continued on page 4
Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at FarmingtonPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
1
Stella Karl’s ‘mini’ obsession Dollhouses have always fascinated Stella Karl—like many women she had one as a child. But it wasn’t until adulthood that her interest in them grew to a whole new level. It all started with a few casual visits to a store called Aunt Heidi’s in St. Louis. “Every time I was in the vicinity, I would go in and just spend time looking,” said Stella. “I ended up falling in love with this one particular dollhouse—I think it was close to $500.” Thinking $500 was too much to spend on a dollhouse, Stella moved on. However, fate would intervene. One day Stella and her husband, John, were visiting family in St. Genevieve when they ran into a
man they knew who had taken up building dollhouses in retirement. Touring his basement workshop, they found seven completed dollhouses, one of which was the same Victorian Painted Lady Stella had originally seen at Aunt Heidi’s. “I asked how much he wanted for it and when he said $250, I said I’d take it,” said Stella. “I told my kids this was my Mother’s Day, my Christmas and my birthday present.” But getting the dollhouse was just the beginning. Stella soon began attending nearby miniature shows and subscribed to a trade magazine called “Nut Shell News” in search of the furnishings that would bring her dollhouse to life.
“It’s a real art form—anything you have in real life they can make in miniature,” said Stella. And what she couldn’t buy, she made. “I have an array of foods that I’ve made out of clay,” said Stella. “You bake them in your toaster oven and decorate them.” While Stella has made it clear that when it comes to miniatures, you’re never truly done collecting, she says that it ultimately took her about 15 years to get her entire dollhouse furnished. “I have every piece I need and then some,” said Stella. “I have tubs under my bed with every season in there, but I’m always looking.” One of Stella’s favorite things to do with her dollhouse is to decorate it— both inside and out—to reflect the various seasons and special holidays. “At Christmastime I have about six Christmas trees on the front lawn that are lit up and Santa Claus is at the chimney holding packages … oh, and Rudolph and the sleigh are also on top the house.” Stella even decorates the dollhouse to reflect current events. “When the virus started, I made masks and had them on all of the
Resident Stella Karl with her Victorian Painted Lady dollhouse.
DOLLHOUSE – continued on page 3 Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
Community Matters 573-756-6768 ◆ Fax: 573-756-6014 500 Cayce St. Farmington, MO 63640-2910 FarmingtonPresbyterianManor.org
2
COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2021
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.
DOLLHOUSE
to Stella and John’s home.
– continued from page 2
“I leave the door open so anyone coming by is welcome to visit and see it—a lot of the staff members
[miniature] family members who were socially distanced around the dollhouse,” said Stella.
even bring their kids and grandchildren up to see it,” said Stella. u
When Stella and John moved into the Farmington Presbyterian Manor community, Stella was initially concerned that they wouldn’t have room, but John insisted that they bring it. Today the dollhouse is a fixture of the community—one that attracts a lot of attention and brings regular visitors
Scenes from Stella’s dollhouse
LUFFY – continued from page 1 before she passed away 10 years ago. Together, Jack and Mary had four children: Denise, Dennis, Darryl and Dwayne. “If we would’ve had a fifth child I had the name picked out—it was going to be called ‘Dammit,’” said Jack.
book, and believe me, I did a lot of cussing in my life,” said Jack. As for a second book, Jack said it would probably be more of the same. “It would be just a continuation of some of the subjects I have in there,” said Jack. “And maybe I’d remember some things I don’t have in there.”
When it comes to the finished product, one of the things Jack is most proud of is his choice of words.
If you’re interested in reading Jack’s book, he says all you have to do is ask.
“There’s not one cuss word in the
“If I have one, I’ll let them have it,” said Jack. u
Jack Luffy with his wife and inspiration for the book, Mary Miller.
Farmington Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
3
500 Cayce St. Farmington, MO 63640-2910 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
AHA – continued from page 1 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.
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. “1. Thank the Lord daily for life itself. Thank the Lord for the open roads as well as the detours. “ 2. Remember our baptism. We are redeemed in Christ.
“ 3. Spend time with people. Talk to them. Listen to them. Share your life experiences. “4. Bring encouraging words to younger and older people every day. Be an encourager to all.” Dear ones, most importantly let us continue to stay alive in Christ! “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
4
COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2021