Lawrence Community Matters March 2021

Lawrence Presbyterian Manor

MARCH 2021

Library work brings stories to residents’ lives COVID-19 updates continue Get the latest updates on visitation status, ongoing safety measures and PMMA’s response to COVID19 on your community website at LawrencePresbyterianManor.org /covid-19. Visitation status is updated weekly on Mondays and as needed as our COVID status changes. You can also send a message to any resident with the Art is Ageless® e-greeting cards. Find a link on the COVID-19 update page.

Mary Burchill oversees our community library.

In her work on the library committee and as de facto community librarian, Mary Burchill has learned a thing or two about the reading habits of her neighbors.

“A lot of the ladies like books with happy endings,” Mary said. “Probably by this time in life you’ve had enough traumatic experiences, so we have a lot of light reading. Male residents, a lot of them have been in the service, and they like to read historical books about the Navy, Army and Air Force.

They read them, plus they donate a lot to us.”

Mary and her husband Brower moved to Lawrence Presbyterian Manor in 2001, and Mary took on the work of community librarian almost immediately.

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

Librarian – continued on page 2

Lawrence Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

1

Librarian – continued from page 2 “When we moved in, I was 65.

He wasn’t old enough, so he had to come with me,” Mary, now 85, said of her husband who is now 82. “I’ve been the chair of the library committee for almost that entire time. It’s still fun to do, and I enjoy doing it.”

Mary’s work as librarian at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor is an extension of her career. She worked as a librarian for the University of Kansas School of Law, retiring as associate director. Brower also worked at KU as a professor of cell biology before retiring as assistant chancellor.

The library is home to roughly 1,000 books, and the committee has a policy that they only purchase books published in large print editions. Thanks to the library’s relationship with the Lawrence Public Library, a number of additional books make their way to the Manor’s library shelves.

“We have a fine public library,” Mary said. “Once a week, they bring a collection of large and regular print books. People can choose which books they want to read and bring them back, and they can place books on hold if you want. There are no fines at our public library, so you can keep it until you’ve finished

reading it. That service is used a lot, and we’ve missed it in COVID times.”

Mary said in her personal reading, she varies between fiction and history. Her favorite author is Canadian mystery writer Louise Penny. She suggests beginning with the author’s first book, “Still Life,” because the characters live on in subsequent novels. To satisfy her craving for history, Mary said she often turns to David McCullough, who is well known for writing about American and presidential history.

“I just finished ‘The Zealot and the Emancipator,’ about John Brown and Abraham Lincoln. His books are just magnificent,” Mary said. “If you put some of those things from history books in a work of fiction, you’d say ‘that can’t be true.’”

But Mary isn’t just a reader — she’s an author, too.

After retirement, Mary and Brower worked as park rangers at Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico and later at the Grand Canyon. While investigating the park’s library, Mary discovered the story of Evelyn Frey, who ran a primitive lodge with her husband before the area was declared a national

treasure. The book, titled Lady of the Canyon, focuses on Frey’s extraordinary life in the American southwest.

Mary is also working on another book about Lawrence legend Elizabeth Watkins. After Watkins’ husband died, she wanted to use her wealth to advance Lawrence and its children. She established the Watkins Museum, built the town’s first hospital, and helped finance two scholarship halls at KU, as well as a number of other institutional buildings in Lawrence. Mary is working with a co-author and hopes to have the manuscript completed this year.

Mary said she’s happy to keep the community stocked with reading material, and she enjoys the opportunity to visit with residents.

The library has a pretty easygoing checkout system: Borrowers write down their names and the title of the book they’ve checked out, then they cross it out when the book is returned.

“Some of the workers in the Manor read and bring us books,” she said.

“Everyone seems to get involved.”

Before COVID struck, Mary and her husband enjoyed taking cruises to faraway places, as well as visiting with their three children, three grandchildren and greatgrandchild. u

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

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

2

COMMUNITY MATTERS | March 2021

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: cachavez@PMMA.org.

Christie Patrick, executive director Cheryl Chavez, marketing director

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

PEOPLE GIVING TO PEOPLE

An update on how gifts are changing lives in PMMA communities

IN HER LIFETIME A donor's story

Recently, a longtime friend of PMMA, we’ll call her Agnes, was concerned about burdening her sister with financial decisions and responsibilities when she passes. In order to eliminate the burden for her sister, Agnes wanted to get all of her affairs in order now, but also wanted to accomplish her wishes of helping others. After sharing her thoughts with her advisor and visiting with PMMA’s regional development director, Patti Christen, Agnes was able to spare her sister the task and put her gift to work now.

Agnes made a gift from her donor advised fund for the benefit of the Good Samaritan Program - a program she has supported and appreciated for more than 30 years. She wanted to see the gift in action while she was living. Thanks to Agnes, so many residents have the assurance of the PMMA mission of quality senior services guided by Christian values.

“I’m so thankful for the blessings I have received in my lifetime. It’s my obligation to share it with others. And, I’m so glad my sister doesn’t have to worry about this when I die,” said Agnes, 84. (not her real name to ensure her anonymity)

Spring 2021

(continued)

BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE

by Barbara J. Braa, CTFA, MBA

“It is better to give than to receive.” Why does this old saying still ring true? Isn’t it because the gift giver takes pleasure in seeing their gift in action? That pleasure may cause a donor to give too much.

Sometimes donors give too little, cheating themselves out of the pleasure of giving because they fear running out of money and don’t know their true capacity to give or their giving options.

In the old days, frugal folks made gifts from items at hand, like a quilt from fabric scraps or a dress from flour sacks. Today, a knowledgeable, trusted advisor can help you develop a gift giving budget and help you explore alternative methods for your charitable giving. You may find your ability to give during life may be more than you think!

Barbara J. Braa, CTFA, MBA

If you were taught to never touch your invested assets you may be surprised to learn there are strategies to help maximize your donations by using those investments. For example, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a tax-advantaged way for those over 70

½ to

donate IRA dollars directly to charity and avoid taxation on the IRA withdrawal. Or, you might benefit from donating appreciated non-retirement assets, like stocks and mutual funds and when you transfer those assets directly to a charity, neither you nor the charity pay capital gains taxes on the appreciation.

Seeking advice on a charitable budget and/or utilizing one of the strategies above may help you increase your gift giving ability and your pleasure in seeing your donations in action. Plus, if you budget your donations correctly, you won’t need to revert to giving or wearing a flour sack dress or shirt!

The information in this article is not presented as personal financial or legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for obtaining advice specific to your situation.

Please seek advice from a trusted financial, tax or legal advisor.

Barbara J. Braa, CTFA, MBA is a Vice President & Relationship Officer with Central Trust Company in Lawrence, Kansas. Contact Barbara at 785-865-1065 or Barbara.Braa@centralbank.net.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 316-685-1100

|

DEVELOPMENT@PMMA.ORG

Life (enrichment) goes on, or you can teach an old dog new tricks

By Linda Fyler, Life Enrichment Director

If nothing else, these months of COVID restrictions have forced all of us out of our comfort zones. Our daily routines have changed out of necessity, and residents and staff alike have had to take a look at what is possible. We have done many “doorway activities” in the assisted living and health care neighborhoods.

These include impromptu singalongs, remote control car races, and “flamingo Olympics,” — you name it, we have tried it.

We have coordinated FaceTime calls for many residents and their families, and those continue to go very well. In the warmer months, we arranged in-person outdoor visits with residents and families.

We were also able to do indoor visits before the county COVID rate began to rise again. Due to recent cold weather, we are doing window visits in the air-lock entry. Outdoor visits will resume when the weather cooperates.

Right now, the dining rooms are open for one meal a day, which has raised the spirits of residents. We have also started small group activities.

The Manor Book Club will begin soon. We will find out if we can manage virtual book discussions.

We will continue to adapt to the restrictions that are in place to keep us safe, and we look forward to the day when we can play together. u

Compassion, love create a community of family

By Dinah Dutta, Chaplain

I joined the Presbyterian Manor team during very unusual circumstances (COVID-19).

apartment is my home now, and I am happy. My answer gave them much joy and peace.”

My role as a chaplain allows me to connect with the residents and staff in a unique way. People trust me to share their concerns, and I actively listen to them. Starting with the executive director, I have witnessed many staff members work together as a team to help each other. Most importantly, I observe a sense of commitment to the people for whom we care.

Most of the residents share that though it is hard not to see family, they are happy to be protected from COVID. I myself feel like I am at home with a large family of my own.

Our activities director is amazing and always cheerful. Along with the team, she invents new activities every week to engage the residents. I am grateful for everyone who works with compassion and commitment, because compassion is a characteristic of God.

Dinah Dutta, Chaplain

When I asked a long-term resident how they feel living here, the resident said, “I told my children one day when they called and asked where I was, ‘I am at home.’ They were surprised and asked what I meant by home. I explained my

I look forward to coming to work to provide spiritual support and pastoral care, and I feel enriched by my ministry. When I leave each day, I leave with gratitude and thankfulness for everyone who works at the manor and especially

our resident family. If you are looking for a place for the elders in your families, do not hesitate to tour and check our Presbyterian Manor — a home that provides love, care and community. u

Lawrence Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

3

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

Presbyterian Manor Art is Ageless® exhibit and reception features senior artists Local senior artists will be celebrated March 15 through April 4 at Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire Street, as the community continues to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Art is Ageless® program with the annual exhibit and reception.

The Art is Ageless exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday – Sunday and feature works from local artists. The public is welcome to visit Lawrence Arts Center to view the exhibit of acrylics, oils, photography and various other mediums, ranging from amateur to professional levels.

Art is Ageless is a trademarked program of PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America). The

4

COMMUNITY MATTERS | March 2021

program offers senior artists the opportunity to share and display their artwork and reaffirms the agelessness of human creativity.

“It’s inspiring to see the beautiful pieces these seniors have created,” said Cheryl Chavez, marketing director. “The joy it brings to them and others is wonderful, and that’s something we want to celebrate and share with the entire Lawrence community.”

The first Art is Ageless calendar was published in 1981, featuring art from Presbyterian Manor community residents. Since then, the program has expanded to include a juried art competition open to all seniors age 65 and older.

Winning pieces at the community level move on to a masterpiece level judging to determine which pieces are featured in the annual calendar and note cards.

In addition to the exhibit, Lawrence Presbyterian Manor will honor the local senior artists who entered artwork in the exhibit during a private reception from 5 – 6:30 p.m.

March 24.

For more information about Art is Ageless, visit ArtIsAgeless.org. For more about Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, visit LawrencePresbyterianManor.org or contact Cheryl Chavez at 785-8414262 or cachavez@pmma.org. u