Manor of the Plains
JULY 2021
Great-granddaughter of resident tries out for U.S. Olympic Team Lauren Barakey, the greatgranddaughter of independent living resident Wanda Culver, recently competed in the U.S. Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Neb. Lauren was one of 1,305 athletes vying for a spot on the team that will be heading to Japan at the end of July.
I led a Bible study using the book “Joyfully Aging” by Richard Bimler. He gave himself the title, Ambassador of Health, Hope, and Aging or AH-HA(sic). He wrote, “All believers in Christ are AHA people,” because the resurrection of Christ is the biggest “aha” of all.
“I am very proud of her,” said Wanda. Resident Wanda Culver is one proud great-grandmother. Here she holds a photo of her great-granddaughter Lauren, who tried out for the U.S. Olympic Swim Team.
to cheer her on in the past and says both Lauren and her brother, Lucas, have been swimming their entire lives. “I think she was brought up swimming,” said Wanda. “Her and her brother are both very good swimmers.”
Lauren Barakey at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials last month.
We are “AHA” people in the Lord! By Dinah Dutta, Chaplain
During the meet, Lauren swam a 1.13.89 in the 100m Breaststroke. While she didn’t make the final team, the outcome did little to diminish her great-grandmother’s support. While Wanda was unable to attend the meet in person, she has been able
Editor’s Note: This is a guest column from the chaplain at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we will be periodically sharing columns from our community chaplains in your Community Matters newsletter.
In the fall, Lauren will return to Virginia Tech, where she will be a sophomore on the swimming and diving team. u
We hear so much about how to care for our physical health, which is very important. Unfortunately, our society has convinced people that after a certain age, people lose their significance and purpose in life. However, when I think of spiritual or physical health these days, I think of my relationship not only with God but also the relationships we have with each other as a community of PMMA. Here at Presbyterian Manor, many of our residents have a long life. When I visit them, I learn that their faith in Christ is the key to their longevity. Recently, during a memorial service for one of our residents,
AHA – continued on page 2
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