Newton Community Matters April 2022

Newton Presbyterian Manor

APRIL 2022

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 73-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

Founder’s Day – continued on page 3

Chaplain’s Corner

Celebrate your life

By Greg Schmidt, chaplain

Last week, I did a little soil preparation in a small, kidneyshaped garden spot that I’m developing which will one day soon be filled with Canna rhizomes and Dahlia tubers. As I was working, I looked down and said, “Yes! I see you!” to about 15-20 tender 1” to 1.5” green Crocus and Tulip shoots just beginning to peek out from under their blanket of soil and snow!

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

“New life” is amazing, isn’t it?!

Anytime I see or experience something new coming from someplace empty, barren and dead, I’m in awe! And that reality is never more “real” than when I stand and look down at the bedside of someone who has just

Life – continued on page 2 Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at NewtonPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.

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Life – continued from page 1 passed away. Why? First, because my faith informs me that in death, the mortal gives way to the immortal. And second, my hope in the strength and resiliency of most people informs me that “survivors” must, in time, discover a way of “carrying on” and “living again” following death. Sooner or later … when the time is right … their life has to “peek out” … again.

One of the interesting phenomena currently occurring throughout our country happens when families decide to not hold services of any kind following the death of their loved ones. I cannot wrap my head around those decisions.

First, by not doing so, a life isn’t remembered, honored or celebrated. Second, family members aren’t gathering to tell their loved one’s story nor to receive the comfort that comes from personally and physically supporting one other.

I’ve told my wife, sons and friends that when I die, I want them to gather together … and tell stories! No “services.” I want

to be cremated, so they can just set the urn down in the grass in a place where they are surrounded by beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees! I want them to play three to four of my pre-selected favorites of worship music. Then, rather than have someone speak/preach, I want them to tell their stories about the things I said that drove them crazy or made them laugh … what I did that was worth remembering … what they’re afraid they will never be able to unsee or forget. I want to know if I made a difference in their lives.

If so, what was it? I want to know if there was anything I said or did that will carry on to the next generation. If so, how?

And then, I want them to seriously crank up the volume on my “Top 10” favorite 70s rock and roll tunes and dance! (Which probably won’t happen because too many of us grew up white and Mennonite! By the way, that’s one of my favorite jokes I tell on myself! LOL!) Why are my suggestions for what they do to remember me important to me? Because, figuratively speaking, I want

whatever I’ve done that is worth remembering and talking about to find a way to “peek out” from under the body that is dead and gone. Why? So that something new has a chance to take root and grow and bring joy and beauty to a seeking world! And so that I’m remembered. Celebrated. Honored.

And the next generation has a story to tell. And are comforted as they wait for their mourning to turn to dancing (Psalm 30:11a).

Jesus provided his disciples with a way to “remember” all He said and did. It’s called Communion. And that’s all I want for those who follow after me. I want them to discover a way to remember, honor and celebrate the life that is in our life in this life!

The first day of Spring is quickly approaching. So, I have a great suggestion. Go purchase some seeds, rhizomes, tubers or even root-cuttings … and prepare to plant them! Intentionally make plans to bring life and beauty from what appears to be dead! And then celebrate the new life! And while you’re at it … celebrate your life!

God is! u

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Community Matters 316-283-5400 u Fax: 316-284-5900 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2820 NewtonPresbyterianManor.org

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | April 2022

is published monthly for residents and friends of Newton Presbyterian Manor

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

To submit or suggest articles: ndickinson@PMMA.org Emily Trask, executive director Noelle Jost, marketing director

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

Bravo, Laura Buck!

In Brief: Opioids Opioids are pain medications that doctors prescribe for severe pain often after surgeries or dental procedures. This includes things like Vicodin, Percocet, OxyContin, codeine, and more. These are very powerful drugs that can be highly addictive and can cause overdose if not taken properly or if taken over a long period of time. If your doctor prescribes an Opioid, be sure to talk with them about alternative options for pain relief, as well as possibly taking a smaller dose over a shorter period of time. If you do take prescription opioids, make sure to follow the proper dosing instructions, keep them in a safe, locked place where they cannot be stolen, and make sure to properly dispose of them when they are no longer needed. The Newton Police Dept. has a drop box where expired or unused prescription medications can be dropped off for proper disposal.

Harvey County also does a Drug Take Back Day twice a year. The next one is on April 30. u

Jeanne Gerstenkorn at PMMA® writes: “Laura Buck did an excellent job managing a recent survey. Despite the stress of the situation, she handled things in a professional manner. She displayed excellent knowledge.

Great job!” u

Laura Buck, interim director of nursing

Founder’s Day – continued from page 1 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 would be very proud.”

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 development in Colorado Springs.

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

For more information about Newton Presbyterian Manor, contact Noelle Jost, marketing director, at 316-283-5400 or ndickinson@pmma.org. u

Newton Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2820 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Enjoying the outdoors Residents are enjoying our new dining patio and recently installed furniture, all thanks to the generous donations from the “Together We Thrive” campaign in 2021. u

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | April 2022