Rolla Community Matters - October 2022

Rolla Presbyterian Manor

OCTOBER 2022

Love connection:

Carmen and Jim Payne dedicated to serving Rolla Presbyterian Manor residents Carmen and Jim Payne both took jobs at Presbyterian Manor because they were looking for something different. In the process, they found their life’s work — and each other.

“She hadn’t been working here too long when we had a snowstorm,” Jim said. “There was a car in the lot with Tennessee plates, and I was trying to figure out who it belonged to.”

It turns out the vehicle belonged to the new certified nursing assistant Love connection – continued on page 3

New resident brings spirit of volunteerism to the Presbyterian Manor community When Frank Jurotich moved into a cottage at Rolla Presbyterian Manor, he began looking around for a way to be useful.

The independent living resident now spends part of his week visiting with residents in the assisted living and health care neighborhoods.

Frank moved to Presbyterian Manor last December after the death of his wife of 60 years, Judith.

“After a few months, I got to thinking I didn’t need all that space,” he said.

His volunteer work within the community is simply an extension of a lifelong commitment to community service. He even served as mayor of Dellwood, Missouri for one two-year term. At the age of 25, he was then the youngest elected mayor in the country.

Frank began working as a hospice volunteer in Chicago, where he worked as the manager of

Together Jim and Carmen have six children and 16 grandchildren.

Frank Jurotich – continued on page 2

Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at RollaPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.

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Frank Jurotich – continued from page 1

facilities engineering for an international corporation for 22 years.

After he retired, he and Judith wanted to return to Missouri. He was born and raised in St. Louis, but they decided to settle in the Rolla area because they liked this part of the state.

Frank continued volunteering for a hospice in Rolla for seven years.

A 60-year member of the Masonic order, he also continued to be active with the Order of the Amaranth and the Order of the Eastern Star. In 2015, he served as the head officer for the Missouri chapter of the latter organization.

After they moved to Rolla, the Jurotichs attended an informational session about the CASA program. The acronym stands for “court appointed special advocate,” a nationwide network of volunteers who help find permanent placement for children who are in the child welfare

Frank Jurotich came to Rolla Presbyterian Manor ready to volunteer.

system because of alleged or confirmed instances of abuse or neglect.

had also been touched by the juvenile justice system.

After the meeting, Judith told Frank it wasn’t something she thought she could do — but she knew he could.

“You just hope that you help put them on the right track,” said Frank, who had “more successes than failures” during his tenure with the program.

Frank volunteered with CASA for 14 years and discovered he had an affinity for working with teens, many of whom

“When you’re successful in helping a child transition into adulthood, it makes it all worth it,” Frank said. u

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Community Matters 573-364-7336 ◆ Fax: 573-364-7495 1200 Homelife Plaza Rolla, MO 65401-2595 RollaPresbyterianManor.org

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | October 2022

is published monthly for residents and friends of Rolla Presbyterian Manor

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

To submit or suggest articles: lwaldron@pmma.org Ann Caudill, executive director Lorri Waldron, marketing director

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

Love connection – continued from page 1 who had recently moved back to Missouri after her divorce.

They hadn’t met, but Jim’s gruff reputation preceded him, and Carmen was nervous to hear he was looking for her. But she needn’t have worried.

“It turns out he’s a big teddy bear,” she said.

That was almost 14 years ago.

Carmen went on to become an activities assistant and then the director of dining services, a position she has held for more than a decade. She oversees the community’s three dining rooms, manages some 20 members of the dining staff, writes menus, and works with the nursing team to ensure that each individual resident’s nutritional requirements are being met.

community, and he manages the maintenance, housekeeping and laundry staff members, which number about 10.

“What has kept me here is the type of work,” Jim said. “I like problem-solving, and there’s something new every day.”

The couple also values the opportunity to serve the residents of the community, who are “a wealth of information,” Jim said.

Jim and Carmen Payne met while working at Presbyterian Manor almost 14 years ago.

their daughters served as a surrogate for a sister who The Paynes live on a farm, so part couldn’t carry her own pregnancy. of their day includes caring for their animals.

When they’re able, the Paynes get “My favorite thing to do is play with the cows,” Carmen said. “It’s therapy for me.” They like having their ears nuzzled, and they’ll eat right out of her hand.

Together, they have six children and 16 grandchildren. One of

away to their cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks, where they enjoy boating and fishing.

The couple are also devout Christians who are active members of Phelps County Cowboy Church. u

“I was looking for something more rewarding than managing a fast-food restaurant,” her job before she began working at Presbyterian Manor, Carmen said. “This is a very rewarding place to be.”

Jim has worked in the Presbyterian Manor community for 32 years, with more than three decades in leadership as director of environmental services. He is responsible for overseeing maintenance of the

When Jim and Carmen they aren’t at work, they enjoy fishing and spending time with their family.

Rolla Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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1200 Homelife Plaza Rolla, MO 65401-2595 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Get Moving for Active Aging Week Get up and get around…and observe Active Aging Week from October 3 – 9.

It’s not too late to try something new

Active Aging Week started in 2003 by the International Council on Active Aging® and it’s meant to challenge society’s idea of life in our later years.

Instead, the week showcases the capabilities of older adults who can live full lives in all areas – physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational and environmental. It also promotes the benefits of active lifestyles.

If you want to observe this week – all you have to do is get moving and doing things.

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | October 2022

Find some friends and organize a walk around your community Participate in a fitness class or do a fitness video Play board games Take an art class or start a new hobby Sing or dance And much more…. u