What began as a means of cheering up an old friend turned into a ministry for Betty Hanson. Now, Parsons Presbyterian Manor is wishing a fond, if bittersweet, farewell to their favorite ‘singalong’ gal.
“It doesn’t seem like 17 years, but I guess that’s how long it’s been,” said Hanson, 94, who has volunteered her time at Parsons Presbyterian Manor through a unique music ministry that started with an act of friendship.
“A friend moved to an assisted living community and was having a hard time adjusting,” Hanson recalled. “She missed her piano, which she couldn’t bring with her when she moved, so I suggested we play the community’s grand piano and sing some songs. It cheered her up and I thought, this could be a great opportunity.”
Born from there was a beautiful ministry that’s brought smiles to the faces of countless Presbyterian Manor residents. The second Thursday of every month has been sing-along time with Betty, and residents and staff members alike have loved every minute. Now, she’s moving to Girard, Kansas to be closer to family, bringing an end to a very special tenure.
“Once I get settled, I may try to pick up the ministry at a community in Girard,” Hanson said. “We’ll see what happens.”
Farewell – continued on page 3
Editor’s Note: In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we regularly feature a column from a PMMA® chaplain in our newsletter. This month’s column comes from Rev. Bob Webb, chaplain at Farmington Presbyterian Manor®. How quickly time goes and now we are into the New Year.
The stores have put away Christmas and New Year’s gifts and we’re already in February, the month of love.
The problem with holidays is if we aren’t careful we become “holiday people” and miss the reason for the celebration and its personal meaning to us. When I think of February, it’s the month of valentines, candy, flowers and all the reminders of those who are special in our lives. As the activities department is busy helping our residents to remind them of how special you are to all of us who work and love you, my thought of love is not one we have one time a year but something we all need to learn to cultivate each day of our life.
When I think of love I am reminded who it is that loves each of us so very much and shows us that love, not just once a year but day in and day out. That one is God who loves each one of us, no matter what goes on. Even when I forget Him He remembers me and loves me. God's Word tells us in First Corinthians Chapter 13 what true love is all about. For time wise I will not share it all, but I am instructed that love suffereth long,
Chaplain–continued on page 2
For 17 years Betty Hanson has brought joy through song to Presbyterian
CHAPLAIN – continued from page 1
and is kind, love envieth not, love (or charity, as the word reads,) vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. Then God closes this great chapter of what love is and what it is not, with these words; “And now abideth faith, hope and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity” (or as we know it, “love”).
I am thankful to be a part of an organization that has this for their foundation. As chaplain, I get to meet people and staff who through this love help so many others. Whether it's in the kitchen, housekeeping, nursing, or wherever, I see people who love others. As chaplain, I see the residents who show me love just in the kind visits we have or in a word of prayer. I see love is not something limited. Love is available for all to receive and to give. As I spend time with all our wonderful residents and all of our staff it is good to see love still abounds and, of course, the greatest love is the love of God in which He sets the example for us through his son Jesus Christ. Folks, may love not be a holiday, but may love become an everyday part of our lives, every day of the year. See, I have learned a lot about life and the things of life,
but as I tell the residents when life changes or the staff when their life is turned upside down, circumstances change but God never changes and His love is always the same whatever we may face. I hope that this will help each of us to reconsider each day that there is something we all need, young and old, and it has no barrier and is something every one of us need, and that is love. As I realize love has no value or meaning until you learn to give that love to others.
While we celebrate with the cards, candy and valentines, may each of us share this gift to each other as God shared His gift of Christ to all of us, because His Word says, “He loved us before we loved him”. In closing, remember things change, circumstances change but God’s love is the key that never changes. I thank each of our great residents and all the great staff at PMMA for sharing something so special that will always be remembered and that is LOVE.
God bless you all. u
Meant to be - Parsons Presbyterian Manor couples share stories of falling in love
Ed and Bernie Kuffler went to high school together right here in Parsons, but it was years later when they fell in love. Neal and Pat Wilkerson first met when she was working at Montgomery Ward, and he was a firefighter installing air conditioners.
Every love story has a beginning. As Valentine’s Day approaches, here are two such stories of Presbyterian Manor couples whose romance is still going strong.
The Kufflers reconnected after Ed returned from serving America in the Air Force. The two former schoolmates quickly hit it off, fell in love and were married. They now have three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren between them.
Ed taught school for 20 years while Bernie worked as a dental assistant.
The Wilkersons met when firefighter Neal had to stop by the credit department at Montgomery Ward to sign out an air conditioner he was installing. Pat worked in that department and Neal soon learned that he knew her cousin. They began dating and were married after about 5 years of courtship.
Neal eventually rose to the ranks of Chief of Police in Parsons, while Pat worked for Southwestern Bell.
Whether it’s old friends reconnecting and sparking a flame or a chance meeting at a department store, our community is filled with love stories. We look forward to celebrating all of them as Valentine’s Day approaches! u
For our part, Parsons Presbyterian Manor wishes Betty Hanson all the best on the next leg of her musical journey. We’ll never be able to thank her enough for the joy, the song and the love she gave to each one of us over 17 incredible years. u
Art is Ageless® call for entries underway at Parsons Presbyterian Manor
Parsons Presbyterian Manor is looking for artists age 65 and older for is annual juried art exhibit and competition April 3 – 6, 2023.
Entries of artistic works will be accepted from any area artist who is 65 years of age or older to exhibit and/or compete for an opportunity to be featured in the 2024 Art is Ageless® calendar. Artists may choose to enter works for exhibit only.
For the competition, the artist must have been 65 at the time of creation and have completed the work in the past five years (since January 2018). There are nine categories, as well as
designations of amateur or professional. The deadline to enter is March 31.
The Art is Ageless program encourages Parsons Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art
classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year. Parsons Presbyterian Manor is a PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) community.
Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other PMMA® communities to be judged at the systemwide level.
Entry forms and information can be obtained by contacting Natae Nash at 620-421-1450 or
nnash@pmma.org, or accessed at ArtIsAgeless.org. u