Topeka Community Matters – April 2023

A resident since 2014, Marian Seymour loves staying ‘in the know’ about Topeka, surrounding area

Marian Seymour moved to Topeka Presbyterian Manor in 2014, but it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that she took the advice of friends and began going to events put on by the Shepherd’s Center. The organization describes itself as a volunteer-run, faith-based, nonprofit providing opportunities for adults

55 and older to participate in educational, physical, spiritual, and social activities and events to help enrich their lives.

“They bring in speakers from around the Topeka area,” Marian explained. “They talk about things like the library, civic theatre and more. It’s a great way to learn what’s happening and what opportunities are out there.”

Marian Seymour

Aside from her activities at the Shepherd’s Center, Marian loves playing cards, going to Bible study and chapel and going out to eat with friends.

As for Shepherd’s Center, Topeka Presbyterian Manor is providing treats twice each year for their Adventures in Learning series. We bring snacks for 100-120 seniors that sign up to attend this quarterly offering by The Shepherd’s Center. We also give away door prizes during snack time and are able to educate participants about our offerings. We are working on ways to expand our partnership with the Shepherd’s Center. Stay tuned for more to come! u

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 Robert “Bob” Griffin, chaplain at Topeka Presbyterian Manor®.

APRIL FOOLS’No Foolin’!

By Robert Giffin, Chaplain

What is it about the first day of April that brings out the “prankster” in people? You know, things like putting a rubber snake on the bathroom floor; taping open the handle on the kitchen sink sprayer; being sent on an errand to retrieve a left-handed pipe wrench; or with a straight face, telling a co-worker there is an IRS agent in the lobby asking for them (that time of year you know!). You’ve probably been the victim, the perpetrator, or both, of pranks on April Fool’s Day!

I know I have been. My dear wife loves garage sales. So, when I saw my neighbor doing some “spring cleaning” in his garage on April 1st, I told her that that our neighbor was having a garage sale. She went right over to the neighbors’ home and started looking at the items from his garage sitting out on the driveway. In a few minutes, our sweet neighbor let her know he was simply cleaning out his garage!

I love popcorn. Being honest, I don’t think anyone makes a better perfect batch than me. Seizing an opportunity to even the score, my

April Fool’s -continued on page 3

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 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

Patrick, executive director Danica Loftin, marketing director

guided

Alice Kalb, the visionary who imagined a home for seniors.

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

April Fool’s – continued from page 1 same sweet wife added vinegar to my special popcorn cooking oil and, boy oh boy, did I regret sending her to my neighbors’ house!

According to “History.com”, April Fools’ Day dates back to 1582 in France when some people were slow to convert to a new calendar system. So, instead of celebrating New Year’s Day on January 1, they celebrated it on April 1. They became the butt of jokes and hoaxes and were called “April fools.” Over time, the fun, the pranks, and the jokes spread throughout Europe and eventually to America where there is apparently no end, or limit, to the April Fools’ Day pranks. They happen in baseball, politics, and fast food! History.com records:

“In 1985, Sports Illustrated writer George Plimpton tricked many readers when he ran a made-up

article about a rookie pitcher named Sidd Finch who could throw a fastball over 168 miles per hour.

In 1992, National Public Radio ran a spot with former President Richard Nixon saying he was running for president again…only it was an actor, not Nixon, and the segment was all an April Fools’ Day prank that caught the country by surprise.

In 1996, Taco Bell, the fast-food restaurant chain, duped people when it announced it had agreed to purchase Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell and intended to rename it the Taco Liberty Bell.” Those are fun and innocent pranks that make people look foolish. On April 1st, make sure you are not the fool by the way you talk about others. In the Bible, Proverbs 10:18 (NIV) says:

“Whoever…spreads slander is a fool”. If you talk bad about others, the joke will be on you! u

Resources: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/april-fools-day

4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284

Spring is here…Take a tour!

Newly renovated and newly available units are up for grabs this spring in our independent living neighborhood.

If you’ve been holding off for the weather to warm up, now is as good as any to find out what makes Topeka Presbyterian Manor special!

Enjoy a life with plenty of activities and amenities for a maintenancefree lifestyle, along with a continuum of care so you always have peace of mind.

Contact Danica Loftin at (785) 422-9443 or DLoftin@PMMA.org

to learn more and schedule your tour! u