Lawrence Community Matters – April 2023

HR director finding lots to love about new role

In the short time that Lisa Shelton has taken on the role of Human Resources Director for Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, she’s seen the love and dedication of the PMMA mission lived out in real life.

“I’m amazed at how the staff, from LPM up to the home office, supports each other,” Lisa said. “Everyone is friendly and always willing to help. I really value working with a team like this, and feel fortunate to have landed here.”

Lisa stepped into the role of HR director in early December, and has already found the work to be fulfilling and rewarding.

“I’m responsible for recruiting and setting up interviews. I schedule orientations with new hires and assist and provide guidance to supervisors and directors with employee relations. I also assist with worker’s compensation and FMLA,” Lisa said about her duties. But there’s more to the job, and that’s what she enjoys the most. “I love interacting with residents and staff,” she said. “I also enjoy that no two days are the same.”

When Lisa isn’t enjoying her time at LPM, she’s often found spending time with family or engaging in one of her hobbies and past times.

“I’ve been married for 16 years to my husband Larry,” Lisa said. “I have two sons, one daughter, and a grandson who is seven. We have two dogs, two cats, so it’s always controlled chaos in the house! In my free time, I enjoy going to concerts, bird watching when the weather is nice, and taking nature pictures.

I’m a KU fan, and was lucky enough to attend most of the home football games of the 2022 season.”

Be sure to give a warm welcome to Lisa and welcome her to the LPM family. u

The Wonder of Spring

By Rev. Richard Russell, Chaplain

As we move into spring, I so enjoy seeing the wonder of God‘s handiwork. The beauty of new life in nature. Some of my favorites are the honeysuckle and dogwood. It causes me to think of walking afresh led by God’s loving care. I’m reminded of a beautiful poem written by Howard Thurman, called Give Me The Courage to Live.

Give me the courage to live!

Really live, not merely exist. Live dangerously, Scorning risk!

Live honestly,

Daring the truth-

Particularly the truth about myself! Live resiliently-

Ever changing, ever growing, ever adapting.

Enduring the pain of change

As though ‘twere the travail of birth. Give me the courage to live,

Give me the strength to be free

And endure the burden of freedom

And the loneliness of those without chains;

Let me not be trapped by success, Nor by failure, not pleasure, nor grief,

Rev. Russell

Lisa Shelton

PMMA celebrates history with Founder’s Day

PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) employees will observe the founding of the senior living system this month as the company celebrates its 74-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 is watching over us today knowing that we’re carrying on the legacy that she established more than seven decades ago.”

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 construction in Colorado Springs.

PMMA remains true to its core and mission: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. u

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To submit or suggest articles: cphelps@pmma.org.

Desi Flerlage, executive director Christopher Phelps, marketing director OUR

values.

Alice Kalb, the visionary who imagined a home for seniors.

Alice Kalb participated in the groundbreaking of the first Presbyterian Manor.

Chaplain

continued from page 1

Nor malice, nor praise, nor remorse! Give me the courage to go on!

Facing all that waits on the trail— Going eagerly, joyously on, And paying my way as I go, Without anger or fear or regret Taking what life gives, Spending myself to the full, Head high, spirit winged, like a god—

On… on… till the shadows draw close.

Then, even when darkness shuts down,

And I go out alone, as I came, Naked and blind, as I came, Even then, gracious God, hear my prayer:

Give me the courage to live. These are beautiful words that paint a picture of living life to its fullest, embracing the new and refreshing experiences, as well as those difficult times that come in life.

In Isaiah 40: 26-31, we see Isaiah, sharing about the wonder of God in nature and his power and strength and enduring love that brings true hope.

“Lift up your eyes, and look to the heavens, who created all these? He who brings out the story host, one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel? My way is hidden from the

“These are beautiful words that paint a picture of living life to its fullest, embracing the new and refreshing experiences, as well as those difficult times that come in life.”

Lord, my cause is discarded by my God? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and he is understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the week. Even youth grow tired and weary and young men, stumble and fall, but those

who hope in the lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings. Like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they won’t walk and not be faint.”

We can see within the beauty of a new spring, a renewed hope in our loving God. He will take care of us in his own loving way that reflects the wisdom that only he can share. u

Lawrence Presbyterian Manor Artist Wendy Rose continues to love Art is Ageless® competition

Lawrence Presbyterian Manor artist Wendy Rose had only entered one art show prior to entering her piece, “Baby Giraffe Dreams” in last year’s Art is Ageless® competition at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. The competition, which spans 15 Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America communities across two states, encourages artists aged 65 and older to submit works.

“The last contest I entered before Art is Ageless was 56 years ago!” Rose exclaimed.

As it turned out, “Baby Giraffe Dreams” ended up on the cover of this year’s Art is Ageless® calendar. Rose said the piece was inspired by her time abroad with her husband. “I lived in Africa for five years with its wild, free roaming giraffes. My husband and I would often go looking for them in the bush on weekends.”

As for the Art is Ageless® program itself, Rose said it’s been a game changer not just for her, but for other senior artists who might not otherwise have the opportunity to showcase their talents.

“After living and teaching in six different countries I retired, moved home to Lawrence, and joined the Tuesday Painters group for seniors at our local community center. How fortunate for us that we were introduced to the Art is Ageless project of the Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America.” u