Fort Scott Community Matters February 2021

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village

FEBRUARY 2021

Vaccinations begin at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village After months of being on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19, Fort Scott Presbyterian Village Assisted Living staff began the process of receiving the vaccine on December 29 administered by Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas.

“There’s no doubt the senior population has been hit hard by the virus, along with the health care workers who’ve treated them,” said Ginger Nance, our executive director. “We couldn’t be happier to know there’s finally a bit of light at the end of such a difficult year.”

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is participating in the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program, a public-private partnership with CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens made possible in part by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. A clinic will be scheduled in the coming weeks to provide immunizations to residents and additional staff at the senior living community.

Approximately 2 weeks after residents receive their 2nd dose of the vaccine they are free to come and go from the campus. They can attend church, go to VACCINATIONS – continued on page 3

Vaccination time for Jennifer.

Help welcome Jennifer Wiggans, life enrichment and activities director Jennifer Wiggans, our new life enrichment and activities director, has lived in Bourbon County most of her life. Her great-grandparents had a farm outside of Bronson, and she spent every summer with them. Jennifer and her mother moved to Bronson just after her grandfather passed away to help take care of her greatgrandmother. Helping care for her is what sparked Jennifer’s love for taking care of people.

Jennifer has worked at Presbyterian Village for the past two and a half years and recently accepted the position of life enrichment and activities director.

She has four boys ages 12 to 20 and is happily married to “the most amazing man.” Her oldest son is married and has blessed them with a 2-year-old grandson.

In her free time, Jennifer and her husband both serve as volunteer firefighters for the county, and she also volunteers as an EMT. She loves to craft and create fun things to do. u

Jordan receives her vaccination.

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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Ready your entries for Art Is Ageless Ready your entries for Art Is Ageless Fort Scott Presbyterian Village will be accepting entries for the 2021 Art is Ageless® competition from March 15 – 19. Winners will have the opportunity to compete for a spot in the 2022 Art is Ageless calendar.

Exhibit dates will be March 22 – April 2.

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 is found online at www.ArtIsAgeless.org. Artists may choose to enter their works for exhibit only. For the competition, works are to have been completed in the past five years (since January 2016).

Due to the uncertainty created by COVID-19, Fort Scott Presbyterian Village plans to hold its event virtually for friends of the program on the community’s Facebook page, and to announce winners on Facebook following a residents-only reception March 31. Works will be on exhibit at the community for residents only.

Artists may choose to enter works for exhibit only. For the competition, works must be completed after the artists is age 65 and must be no more than 5 years old, completed since January 2016.

There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or professional. Works to be entered for judging may be dropped off beginning March 15. The entry deadline is March 19. Contact Megan Brillhart at 620-223-5550 or mbrillhart@pmma.org to make drop-off arrangements.

The Art is Ageless® program encourages Presbyterian Village 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.

Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica) communities to be judged at the systemwide level.

Entry forms and information can be obtained by contacting Megan

Brillhart at 620-223-5550 or mbrillhart@pmma.org, or accessed online at ArtIsAgeless.org.

The 2021 calendar features several local Fort Scott artists, including: John Bartlesmeyer with his piece “Druzy & Diamonds” in mixed media/crafts Jean Strader with “Star of Bethlehem Shawl” in fiber arts Carolyn Munsell with her painting “Gossip Honorable mentions include: Gerald Eliot with “G.E. Lives Here!” (sculpture/3D) Earlene Foster with “Cover Valley Quilting” Barbara Gibson, “Joy in Motion” (mixed media/crafts) Charlotte Kite, “Floral Bouquet Needlework” u

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

Community Matters 620-223-5550 u Fax: 620-223-7800 2401 S. Horton Fort Scott, KS 66701 FortScottPresbyterianVillage.org

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | February 2021

is published monthly for residents and friends of Fort Scott Presbyterian Village

by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

To submit or suggest articles: mbrillhart@pmma.org Ginger Nance, executive director Megan Brillhart, marketing coordinator

OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

Love for Fort Scott Presbyterian Village Now more than ever it is important to surround ourselves with people we love. This past year has been very difficult, but has also allowed us to reflect on how a community can truly come together to show true love to those around them.

Betty Barnes became a resident one month after the Presbyterian Village opened its doors in March 1994.

She was invested from the beginning and stood behind what PMMA could offer seniors in this area. Once she retired, she knew she didn’t want to live alone and maintain a house on her own.

However, she still wanted to be independent and have a place to get together with others and be involved with activities.

For several years, Betty volunteered her time as religious services coordinator. She lined up volunteers

to lead Bible study as well as pastors to lead Sunday church services. She also kept herself busy as a volunteer helper in the administration office.

She has devoted her life to helping others.

“I love the fact that living at Presbyterian Village offers a secure place where my welfare is truly a concern to the staff,” Betty said. “All aspects of health are taken care of, including outstanding dietary service! The building and grounds are truly something to be proud of.”

Betty has a true love for Presbyterian Village, and her time and dedication has made an impact on other residents who live here.

Resident Gerald Cox said, “I love that we can still get together, even if we have to socially distance ourselves at this time. It’s coming together that counts.”

COVID-19 updates continue Get the latest updates on visitation status, ongoing safety measures and PMMA’s response to COVID-19 on your community website or send an Art is Ageless® greeting to a resident or staff member by visiting FortScottPresbyterianVillage.org/covid-19.

Visitation status is updated weekly on Mondays and as needed as our COVID status changes.

Vaccine distribution has begun in our community. Every person who receives the vaccine will strengthen the protection for all residents, staff and the community at-large. PMMA strongly encourages our families, employees and residents to carefully consider obtaining a vaccine for themselves as well as their loved ones. u

Betty Barnes has a love of Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, and has put in the volunteer hours to prove it.

Clarice Russell said she appreciates the “don’t have to” effect.

“I could cook and clean, but I love that I don’t have to! It’s nice having the help to get things done,” she said.

“The residents just feel like this is home,” Betty said. “Everyone helps and cares for one another.” u

Vaccinations– continued from page 1

Staff and residents receive their vaccinations.

Angela rolled up her sleeve to receive her vaccination.

the grocery store, or go visit family and friends without having to quarantine when they return.

If you would like information about becoming a resident at Presbyterian Village, please contact Megan Brillhart at 620-644-4362 or mbrillhart@pmma.org. u

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2401 S. Horton Fort Scott, KS 66701 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Unlocking a passion for puzzles Jerry Elliott has a true love for the arts. Music, painting, crafting and more have always been activities he enjoys. But it wasn’t until Jerry moved into Fort Scott Presbyterian Village in late 2017 that he developed a passion for puzzling.

Walking down his hallway, one can’t help but stop and be amazed by all the beautiful puzzles he has completed. It commands admiration for the patience and dedication he’s put into completing these pieces. They aren’t just puzzles, but true works of art.

Jerry has always had an interest in castles and hot-air balloons. He has chosen to display several beautiful examples of each, including a 2,000-piece puzzle, “Castle Dream,” from a painting by Aimee Stewart.

“It took me just over a month to complete this.

It’s not always about finding the time, but finding the space,” he said.

Several of Jerry’s puzzles are very large and detailed. Once completed, he applies a glue so they will stay together after they’re framed. The Puzzle hallway residents and staff appreciate Jerry’s passion for puzzling and sharing his puzzles so everyone can enjoy them. u

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | February 2021

It took Jerry Elliott more than a month to finish this 2,000 piece puzzle from a painting by Aimee Steward called “Castle Dream.”