Lawrence Community Matters – February 2023

Love makes life richer for LPM residents

Life Enrichment Director Stacey Schimmel’s love of her work, and for the residents of Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, can be seen in everything she does.

Whether it’s the detailed planning of a holiday event, or a group craft project, Stacey does all she can to keep the residents at the core.

“One of my favorite activities is doing craft projects, because this both challenges the resident to do something they aren’t used to, as well as being able to put their own personality into whatever we are creating,” Stacey said. “Another favorite is trivia, because this usually brings up different memories, and this leads to discussion and hearing different stories from the residents about when they were growing up, or about their families.”

Aside from working with her team to plan a variety of fun and engaging events and parties, Stacey said her role as Life Enrichment Director gives her the chance to create healthy and meaningful opportunities for residents.

“We are continually developing and implementing different programs that promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being,” Stacey said. Residents seem to particularly enjoy live music performances, as well as games such as Bingo and Scrabble, Stacey said.

In her role, Stacey has been able to experience some special moments with the residents she serves - some moments that have been incredibly memorable.

“When I first started we hosted a beer tasting with our independent living residents. I got all beers from local vendors, and watching the residents try them was so entertaining, to say the least. This was a wonderful opportunity to meet some of the residents that don’t participate in the dayto-day activities,” Stacey said. “The other moment was when we had a

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Celebrating God’s love

By Chaplain Richard Russell

This month we think of Love. We give cards, candy and other gifts to the ones we love. We want to show how we feel about them in a special way. But one of the most powerful ways we can show love is God’s way.

In 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 in the Bible’s message we read about God’s love and the qualities of that love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others. It isn’t always me first, doesn’t fly off the handle. It doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, or revel when others grovel. It takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.

These are the qualities we should strive to develop in the love we share with others.

Legend has it that a wealthy merchant traveling through the Mediterranean world looking for the distinguished Pharisee Paul, encountered Timothy, who arranged a visit. Paul was, at the time, a prisoner in Rome. Stepping inside the cell, the merchant was surprised to find a rather old man, physically frail, but whose sincerity and magnetism challenged the visitor. They talked for several hours. Finally, the

Chaplain – continued on page 2

Lawrence Presbyterian Manor

Stacey Schimmel

Life enrichment– continued from page 1

group of 1st and 2nd graders come sing Christmas Carols to our Health Care and Assisted Living residents. Seeing the joy it brought to their faces, is a moment I will never forget.”

Though much of her work is oriented towards fun, the value of activities runs much deeperhelping residents maintain healthy habits and actions in their lives.

“Staying active as we age helps improve mental and physical health, as well as helping maintain a level of independence,” Stacey said. “There are a variety of ways to stay active, both physically and mentally. Doing these things helps prevent disease, improves mental health, decreases risk of fall, allows for social engagement and improves overall cognitive function.”

Now that the activities schedule is back in full swing, Stacey said the Life Enrichment Department is always looking for volunteers who want to share in the fun - and the reward of engaging opportunities for residents. She’s eagerly welcoming volunteers to help with a variety of tasks to help keep life rich for everyone at LPM. u

Spiritual Care Ministry shares faith and love for all

In a season so heavily focused on love, it’s a perfect time to remember Christ’s love that is embedded in the PMMA mission.

We strive everyday to live that mission, “to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.” Part of realizing that effort includes our Spiritual Care Ministry, carried out under the leadership of Chaplain Richard Russell.

“Your Chaplain is available for your

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merchant left with Paul’s blessing. Outside the prison, a concerned man inquired: What is the secret of this man’s power? I have never seen

spiritual and emotional needs in your life journey,” Richard said. Spiritual Care Ministry services offer Bible study groups to give residents the chance to enjoy an informal discussion time on many different topics in the Bible. There’s also a regular worship service on Friday, for Independent and Assisted Living residents, and a Sunday morning service for Healthcare residents.

Richard also makes one-on-one visits to residents each month, or more often as the need arises.

Whatever your spiritual or emotional needs might be, know that you’ll find love and patience with our Spiritual Care Ministry.

“Our goal is to be an active part of your healthcare team to help meet the many different needs you may have,” Richard said. u

anything like it before. Timothy replied, “Did you not guess it? Paul is in love.” The merchant looked bewildered. In love? Yes, said Timothy, Paul is in love with Jesus Christ. The merchant looked even

more bewildered. Is that all? Smiling Timothy replied, sir, that is everything.

Our love for others should come from God’s Love flowing through us to them. u

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

Desi Flerlage, executive director Christopher Phelps, marketing director OUR

Newly renovated independent living apartments unveiled at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor

Lawrence Presbyterian Manor celebrated the end of a nine-month long renovation of ten independent living apartments with a ribbon cutting and rededication ceremony on Tuesday, January 10.

The $2.1 million renovation of the apartments on the 4th and 5th floor of Sunflower Towers marked completion of the remodel of all independent living apartments at the community. Apartments on the 3rd floor were remodeled at an earlier date.

Updating the apartments is part of the community’s commitment to providing modern housing options for residents seeking senior living and services. The apartments

include luxury vinyl planking, updated bathrooms and kitchens with stainless steel appliances, widened doors and hallways for improved accessibility, as well as social rooms, storage areas, and modern laundry facilities.

“We’re really excited to have everything opened up to provide a nice, updated space for seniors in the area,” said Desi Flerlage, executive director. “What we had before was quite outdated, so this is really going to encourage people who are moving

from a larger living situation to make the transition much easier.”

Resident Susanne Shaw is already enjoying her new apartment.

“My mother lived her for a long time, and she had great care,” she said. “That’s why I moved when I did. I have a great two-bedroom and if I ever need it, the best healthcare in the area.”

If you’d like to tour the apartments email Chris Phelps, marketing and sales director at cphelps@pmma.org. u

The ribbon cutting

1429 Kasold Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049-3425

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Lawrence Presbyterian Manor issues Art is Ageless® call for entries

Calling all artists 65 and older!

Lawrence Presbyterian Manor is accepting entries for its annual Art is Ageless® juried exhibit and competition.

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 2024 Art is Ageless calendar. Artists may choose to enter works for exhibit only

For the competition, works must be completed after age 65 and have been completed in the past five years (since January 2018). There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or professional. The entry deadline is 4 p.m. on March 8.

Works will be on exhibit at the community from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. from March 13-20, 2023. Lawrence

Presbyterian Manor also plans to hold its event for friends of the program March 22 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., at The Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Dr., Lawrence, Kansas.

The Art is Ageless® program encourages 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.

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

Entry forms and information can be obtained by contacting Chris Phelps at 785-841-4262 or cphelps@pmma.org, or accessed online at ArtIsAgeless.org. u