Topeka Community Matters - June 2022

Topeka Presbyterian Manor

JUNE 2022

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 Greg Schmidt, chaplain at Newton Presbyterian Manor®.

Chaplain’s Corner

Art is Ageless® quilter & Presbyterian Manor resident featured on TV KTWU, Topeka’s PBS affiliate, recently put together a segment about Peggy Shrewsbury and her award-winning quilts. She was interviewed in her apartment at Topeka Presbyterian Manor, surrounded by a few of the quilts she has made over the years.

Peggy’s latest entry, “Nick’s Music Journey,” won first place in the Mixed Media/Crafts amateur category in the 2022 Art Is Ageless® competition. This is the fourth competition in a row in which Peggy has won blue ribbons for her quilts.

“Creativity doesn’t stop when we get older, and senior artists have so much to contribute," said Danica Loftin, marketing director at Presbyterian Manor.

"Peggy is a great example of this and the perfect ambassador for Art is Ageless. I’m glad her work is getting the attention it deserves.” u

I have an almost 2-year-old grandson named Zander. And while all of my grandchildren are just as sweet as they can Greg Schmidt possibly be, his little life tugs at Papa’s heart in a uniquely different way. Why? Because he’s had to face way too many challenges in his short-lived life.

First, we thought we might lose him to birthing-related complications. As he has grown older, he has had to go to orthopedic doctors and neurologists far too frequently.

Then six weeks ago he fell and broke his left femur. Ugh! In the past couple of weeks, I’ve been reminded again and again of two things. First, ours is an ever-present Father that loves us, lives in us and walks beside us no matter what challenges we face.

And second, life is precious, fragile, and vulnerable … all at the same time! So, while I’m not

Surrender – continued on page 2 Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at TopekaPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.

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Surrender – continued from page 1 sure how Zander’s life will turn out, I do believe God will lead, guide and instruct him as he chooses to yield the will and way of his heart and style of life to the Lord.

discover that our world view is somewhat blinded or blurred for a myriad of reasons.

At some point in time every one of us needs spiritual, mental or emotional help. It’s really only a Perhaps the single greatest two questions all of us are challenged matter of when. We need people we can trust with our “inner” self, with are “Will I give my life to people who will guide, help and God?” and if so, “What will that enable us to make wise decisions surrender look like?” about how to walk and talk and give It strikes me that Zander’s challenge ourselves away to the world at our is all of our challenge. The older doorstep. You know, the stuff Jesus ones of us are generally convinced would do! And that’s when every we have faced way too many one of us must say, “I, as broken challenges. Life is difficult. And and needy as I might be, need to seldom do the challenges decrease. help others. Invest in their struggles.

They only change over time.

Burdens. Go to my prayer closet Sometimes we either get lost or lose and pour my heart out for my friend(s).” our vision. Be honest and answer this question: How often has your Why? For the other? Perhaps. But “vision for the future” been blurry mostly for me! I need to humble or out of focus? If I said we myself before Almighty God and sometimes suffer from “spiritual ask how He might be able to use macular degeneration,” would that me to help others, because I want make sense? I think that is a to fight fiercely against becoming painfully accurate metaphor to use self-centered! The best thing for my in those moments when we life is to stop navel-gazing (what

happens when I stare at my own belly button instead of looking at yours!)

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13; NIV) “This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you.” (John 15:3; Message) Most of us are the opposite of Zander in terms of age, but we’re exactly the same when it comes to having seen too many doctors and heard too many diagnoses. Our lives are frail too. We’re all vulnerable.

The difference is that we can make choices and direct our own lives! So, today, we need to choose to surrender to God’s vision for our lives! We, like Jesus, are present today to serve the world at our doorstep. And it’s in serving others that we discover inner peace and joy.

Choose it. Put your life on the line for your “friends.” Follow God’s commands. And smile! Because you can! u

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Community Matters 785-272-6510 ◆ Fax: 785-272-0496 4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 TopekaPresbyterianManor.org

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | June 2022

is published monthly for residents and friends of Topeka Presbyterian Manor

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

To submit or suggest articles: dloftin@pmma.org Christie Patrick, executive director Danica Loftin, marketing director

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

Topeka Presbyterian Manor announces Art is Ageless® winners Topeka Presbyterian Manor recently announced the 2022 winners of the annual Art is Ageless® juried competition on the community Facebook page.

“We are honored to exhibit artwork by seniors,” said Danica Loftin, marketing director. “Art is Ageless is unique in featuring only the works of artists age 65 and older. Our artists prove that art, in any form, is an ageless ambition.”

Winners in the Topeka Presbyterian Manor Art is Ageless juried competition were: Mixed Media/Crafts amateur: Frances Wood, “Bluebird of Happiness” Quilting amateur: Peggy Shrewsbury, “Nick’s Music Journey” Sculpture/3-D amateur: Jae Luscombe, “Seashell Wreath” Mixed Media/Crafts professional: Dorothy Jeffries, “When Tears Flow Angels Show” Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) senior living communities to be judged at the masterpiece level. Winning entries at the masterpiece level are selected for publication in PMMA’s annual Art is Ageless calendar and note cards.

extension of PMMA’s wellness programs, which focus on mental, physical, social and spiritual health.

PMMA’s Art is Ageless program encourages Topeka 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.

For more information about Topeka Presbyterian Manor, contact Danica Loftin at 785-272-6510, or dloftin@pmma.org. u

“When Tears Flow Angels Show” a stained glass piece by Dorthy Jeffries

Art is Ageless is a copyrighted program of PMMA®.

For the competition, works must have been completed in the past five years. Started in 1980, Art is Ageless is an

“Seashell Wreath,” a crafts entry by Jae Luscombe

“Bluebird of Happiness,” a paper-quilled piece by Frances Wood

“Nick’s Music Journey,” a quilt by Peggy Shrewsbury Topeka Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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

Topeka Presbyterian Manor shares customer service survey responses Topeka Presbyterian Manor continues to seek customer feedback through monthly telephone surveys.

Each month, residents and their representatives are randomly selected to participate in telephone satisfaction surveys conducted by Pinnacle Quality Insight.

The graphic highlights some of the survey results. All scores are given on a 5-point scale, with 5 being the highest score and 1 the lowest score.

Between March 2021 and February 2022, Topeka Presbyterian Manor residents and their families gave the

Source: Pinnacle Quality Insight (12 month ave. Mar 2021 -Feb. 2022)

5 4

4.73

4.85

5.00

5.00

Move-in Process

Dignity & Respect

Safety & Security

Transportation Needs

ASSISTED LIVING

HEALTH CARE

PATH

INDEPENDENT LIVING

3 2 1

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | June 2022

community high scores for demonstrating dignity and respect, for addressing transportation needs, and providing safety and security.

“We are very glad we moved here,” said one resident adding that they would recommend the community to others. “I would tell them that I like that there’s no yard work, or mowing, and it is a happy retirement.”

We greatly value the opinions of our residents and their representatives about the care and services we provide, and we encourage them to participate honestly when contacted

by Pinnacle Quality Insight. All state and federal confidentiality laws are met in Pinnacle’s service. u