Newton Community Matters – April 2023

Gene Eshleman’s non-traditional ministry

Gene Eshleman was taught how to use tools by his father, Howard, who was a wood pattern maker. In fact, Gene even remembers watching his dad at work as far back as grade school. Now, as a retired pastor, Gene uses the skills his father taught him to carve 3-D Bible stories out of wood.

“When I retired, I was looking for different ministries,” said Gene. “Now, I get to do it in a nontraditional pulpit way.”

Gene started carving when he and his wife, Suanne, moved into Broadway Apartments in March of 2022 and admits he still finds it challenging to carve humans.

“It’s very difficult around the nose/eyes, and the fingers break off sometimes,” said Gene. However, Gene hasn’t let that hold him back. In just a little over a year he has created 19 Biblical scenes that are all located in a cabinet in their living room. He has even entered two pieces into PMMA’s Art is Ageless® juried art competition. And there’s more to come.

Gene spends most of the day carving, beginning one hour after lunch and continuing until around 9 or 10 at night. His mission is to bring people closer to God by looking at his Bible stories. He even includes a short recording of the story that goes along with the piece that can be played by pushing a button on a small device.u

New life enrichment director looking to ‘bring fun back’

In January, Newton Presbyterian Manor named Sarah Schmitt as its new life enrichment director.

Sarah, who first worked at the

community as a certified nursing assistant from 2013 until 2018, has been back at NPM for three years—during which she has become a certified social service designee and activity director. The added experience Sarah gained from these courses allowed her to transition to the community’s social services staff and ultimately led to her latest position.

“I made a lot of progress in three years this second time around,” said Sarah.

While her new role has its share of new responsibilities, Sarah believes that her past experiences in health care provide her with a unique perspective that will allow her to have a positive impact on the community and the people she serves.

“I’m really excited and feel I have a lot I can bring to the table having worked in the health care setting for 10 years,” said Sarah. “I have a lot of ideas.”

One aspect of her previous job as a

Sarah Schmitt

Gene and Suanne Eshleman

Crucifixion

Empty Tomb – He is Risen! Schmitt – continued on page 2

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 74-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 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 is watching over us today knowing that we’re carrying on the legacy that she established more than seven decades ago.”

Alice Kalb’s dream has turned into a network of 15 senior living

Schmitt– continued from page 1

communities and two hospices across Kansas and Missouri. A new senior living community is under construction in Colorado Springs. PMMA remains true to its core and mission: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. u

CNA that directly translates to her new position is Sarah’s steadfast dedication to ensuring that each resident is living their best possible life.

“Their quality of life is very important to me. I was always a really strong advocate for residents when I was a CNA,” said Sarah. “When you get to a certain point, quality of life is what you have left.”

And, after having to deal with COVID-19 for the past several years, Sarah has one clear objective in mind.

“I want to bring fun back,” said Sarah.

Away from work, Sarah’s personal life involves spending time with her husband of 14 years and their two daughters. When they’re not involved in school activities, the four of them—along with their 11-year-old dog— love spending time at the lake, boating, fishing and jet skiing.

“You only get to live this life once—making it count with people who matter is important,” said Sarah. u

director

marketing and sales

Alice Kalb at the groundbreaking of the first Presbyterian Manor.

Newton Presbyterian Manor provides fresh start for new Independent Living resident

When Melody Leavitt and her husband decided to separate at the beginning of the year, it signified two major life changes—the end of her marriage and the end of her time on the family farm she had called home for the past 41 years.

Untethered to a specific location for the first time in decades, Melody found herself exploring new parts of the state before eventually deciding on Newton.

“I looked at several places, but Newton had a strong pull because my sister lives here,” said Melody. The next challenge was finding a place to live that would meet her needs and feel like home. Luckily, she found both at Newton Presbyterian Manor.

“I knew I’d miss the farm and nature, but as soon as I walked down the hallways of the garden rooms and saw all of the plants, I knew I was in a good place,” said Melody. And now, three months in, Melody says her transition to her new home has been made easier thanks to the people she has found herself surrounded by.

“Wonderful staff, wonderful people—just a very welcoming environment,” said Melody. That said, she says she’s still in the process of getting settled in.

“I’m a crafter—I make jewelry, do macrame, scrapbook and do some quilting—so I brought my craft supplies with me and I’m setting up a craft room,” said Melody.

Once she does, Melody would like to share her love of art with others at the community.

“I’m hoping to teach some craft classes here,” said Melody. Those who have already gotten to know Melody have probably picked up on another fact about her—she loves her family.

“I like to brag on my kids,” said Melody. “My oldest daughter is an aerospace engineer and recently led a team that built a weather satellite for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. My other daughter is an environmentalist working for the Nature Conservancy and works with international teams on forest preservation. My son is a hotel manager in Topeka.”

Some other things to know about

Melody is that she was a mental health clinician, a college professor, created social services organizations and is passionate about the environment and does what she can to ensure a sustainable future. u

Bravo of the Month: Nathan Licata

Let’s hear it for Nathan Licata, who received two Bravos from staff.

From Jenny Driscoll: “Thank you so much for going above and beyond and helping out with ironing the wrinkled laundry. It really helped out a lot, not only for the resident but the staff. Way to Go!!!”

From Jeanne Douglass: “I asked Nathan if he could iron a resident’s clothing that was extremely wrinkled. Nathan welcomed the task with a good attitude.”

Melody Leavitt

1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2820

Apricot Almond Scones

To celebrate National Bake Week, April 3-9, here’s a favorite recipe from Independent Living resident Carolyn Adams.

1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour

½ cup sugar plus 2 t. sugar divided

1 t. baking powder

½ t. baking soda

½ t. salt

2 T. softened butter or margarine

1 1/4 t. almond extract

½ c. plus 2 T. sour cream

1/3 c. dried or fresh apricots

1/4 c. chopped sliced almonds

1 t. milk

In a bowl, combine the flour, ½ c. sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse cumbs. Add sour cream, apricots, almond extract and chopped almonds. Stir until moistened. Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead gently four-five times. (dough will be sticky)

Divide dough in half, gently pat each portion into an eight-inch circle on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut each into four wedges. Separate wedges slightly. Brush tops with milk, sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Yields eight scones. u