Lawrence Community Matters - July 2022

Lawrence Presbyterian Manor

JULY 2022

Instruments of PEACE

by Chaplain Dinah Dutta

Editor’s Note: Art is Ageless® artist Rick Prosser was recently featured in the Lawrence Journal World newspaper. Here at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor we’ve cherished Rick and his story for years and wanted to take this opportunity to re-introduce him to our community.

Lawrence artist’s battle with cancer launches him into superstar status for his needlepoint In Kansas, needlepoint used to be considered a woman’s domain, a kind of second cousin to knitting and crochet. It requires superb dexterity, and extreme attention to detail, all the while keeping the big picture of what you’re creating in mind. But that doesn’t keep Rick Prosser from being the “man to beat” at high-level needlepoint art competitions—and he’s got the awards to prove it.

Superstar – continued on page 2

Dinah Dutta, Lawrence Presbyterian Manor chaplain

I want to share many things with you this month, however, the shootings that happened in Uvalde, Texas a few weeks ago broke my heart once again. I hear blame and spread of more hate. I studied in private Catholic schools in India. Every morning before we began our day, the whole college gathered and recited the prayer of St. Francis. I have been saying that prayer over and over again these days.

When I feel I cannot do anything or change anything, the Holy Spirit reminds me that I can pray. I want to invite you to pray with me.

Peace – continued on page 2

Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at LawrencePresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.

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Superstar – continued from page 1 Rick’s become something of a celebrity among his fellow residents at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor since he first participated in the Art is Ageless® competition in 2015. His large work, “Universe in Motion,” won Best of Show that year, and he has continued to take home ribbons since.

Even though Rick was already a talented fine artist, with formal training at Drury University in Springfield and later KU’s Graduate School of Communications, he didn’t set out to become a needlepoint artisan. Ironically, that odyssey began when he faced a cancer diagnosis.

“I became ill with cancer and spent quite a bit of time waiting in doctor’s offices,” said Rick. “This was before cell phones, and I got tired of magazines and books, so I started doing some needlepoint.

And then I started exaggerating on them – enlarging them into my own designs. Even if I started with

something on the canvas, I eventually made it my own.”

Rick says he was initially embarrassed doing needlepoint in front of men, but then people started asking him about it. It seems that men appreciate the “finer points” of his craft too.

“I started making my own pictures – somewhat modern – I’d done pictures on pillows, foot stools, dining room chairs and Christmas stockings. I carried a briefcase with my needlepoint stuff in it everywhere I went,” said Rick. All of his work was received with avid interest.

“The people at the Manor have always been friendly and seem to really appreciate my work.

During the reception they had for me at the end of June, they had a lot of questions. Many of the ladies related to the needlepoint I had done. And in the past, the men have talked about the acrylics and where I

was coming from,” said Rick, who has created other types of art while living Lawrence for more than 50 years.

Rick has also won multiple awards for his work in acrylics as well as pen and ink. His work has built him quite a fan base with no greater fan than his wife Charlotte.

She can also be his most candid critic.

“She doesn’t say much, and she isn’t critical, but I can tell by her eyes if she likes something or not,” said Rick.

The couple have been married for more than 50 years and have three children and seven grandchildren.

Finding a late-life passion and excelling at it has added joy to both their lives as well as their fellow seniors at Presbyterian Manor.

Reaping the rewards of choosing to follow your own vision, despite conventionality, is perhaps the finest of many points to be learned from Rick’s needlepoint story. u

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Community Matters 785-841-4262 ◆ Fax: 785-841-0923 1429 Kasold Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049-3425 LawrencePresbyterianManor.org

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2022

is published monthly for residents and friends of Lawrence Presbyterian Manor

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

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

Desi Flerlage, executive director Christopher Phelps, marketing director

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

Ready to unveil renovations After nearly a year of construction, the renovation of 10 apartments in the independent living area is finally ready for residents.

The renovation began last summer, and all the residents have been very patient and understanding with the noise and disruption that such a project can create. But we know now that’s it’s over, these new

apartments will help make Lawrence Presbyterian Manor a better community as we continue to grow.

The 10 new apartments - seven twobedroom and three one-bedroom have a modern design and feel, including granite countertops, onyx walk-in showers, vinyl plank flooring and access to a huge laundry room on both floors.

The renovation provides better access to our fitness room.

Thanks to everyone for your patience as we’ve undertaken this big project. With your help, we have a great new space for our residents and another way to show that we’re committed to improving lives at Presbyterian Manor. u

Lawrence Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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1429 Kasold Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049-3425 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Pray with me – continued from page 1

Lord,

make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life (St. Francis of Assis).”

May the peace of God be with you all!

Enjoy the summer, stay hydrated. u

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2022