Rolla Community Matters – February 2023

Taking the cake! Rolla Presbyterian Manor’s Kris Weaver brings her flair for decorating to any occasion

February – Love

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.

As with many of life’s endeavors, Kris Weaver’s love for cake decorating began by chance.

“I was working at Walmart, and they needed extra help with the cakes during graduation season,” she recalled. “I learned on the fly and quickly fell in love with it.”

After many years as a professional cake decorator, Weaver brought her talents to Rolla Presbyterian Manor, first working in the dining room and eventually in the kitchen. Now, she’s the Manor’s “go-to” person for parties, holidays, celebrations and more.

Cakes – continued on page 3

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

Chaplain – continued on page 2

Rolla Presbyterian Manor

Bob Webb

A beautiful cake that Kris Weaver created for Earth Day.

Chaplain – continued from page 1 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, 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

Cakes – continued from page 1

“I’ve decorated cakes for just about everything,” Weaver said. “From baby showers for my fellow team members to all sorts of occasions for residents and resident-led events, I guess I’ve done a bit of it all.” What brings her joy, she said, is using her talent in the kitchen to bring a smile to the faces of the residents she loves so dearly.

“I really felt called to be here when I

took the position,” she explained. “I love coming up with something creative that pleases whichever resident or residents I’m decorating for.”

Weaver did a ton of decorating for the holidays as 2022 ended and she’s excited for all the cake projects on tap in 2023.

“It makes me feel good and allows me to be creative in a way that brings joy to others,” she said. “What’s not to love?” u

TUESDAY

FEBRUARY 14, 2023

Remember your friends, with a card

If Valentine’s Day is too romantic for you, another day in February may be more to your taste.

“National Send a Card to a Friend” day is on February 7 and it’s meant to honor our dear friends, wherever they may be.

This simple gesture is enough to cheer up any friend – a greeting card or even a postcard would let them know

that you’re thinking of them, even if you don’t have the time to write about all the details of your life.

Of course, sending a card also reminds that how popular physical mail once used to be. These days, much of our communication has become electronic, whether via email or text. But wouldn’t it be nice to find a beautiful card from a friend in your mailbox every once in a while? u

Kris Weaver

Rolla Presbyterian Manor issues Art is Ageless® call for entries

Rolla Presbyterian Manor is seeking artists aged 65 and older for the annual Art is Ageless® juried exhibit March 20-30, 2023. This year the exhibit will be at The Centre, 1200 N. Holloway, Rolla, MO.

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. Works to be entered for judging need to be at The Centre by 5 p.m. March 20.

The Art is Ageless® program encourages 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.

Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) communities to be judged at the system wide level.

Entry forms and information can be obtained by contacting Lorri Waldron at 573-364-7336 or lwaldron@pmma.org, or accessed online at ArtIsAgeless.org. u