Happy Valentine’s Day
February is the most romantic of months and in honor of Valentine’s Day we asked two of our couples-in-love to tell us their love story.
“He was quite a salesman.” Wichita Presbyterian Manor couple found love in the Arizona sun.
When Wichita Presbyterian Manor residents Shelia Pilger and Don Bohlken first met one another, beautiful music was playing nearby.
“We met at a lounge next to a very nice restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona,” explained Don. “I had made my way from the bar area closer to the piano to listen to the music. That’s when Shelia and her friend walked in.”
Shelia had never been married and Don was divorced with a daughter who had just finished up at Arizona State. He had moved to Arizona to escape the icy winters of Chicago, where he’d been living while enjoying a successful career with IBM. An Iowa native, he was enjoying a break from the harsh midwestern winters.
Shelia, a K-State grad who grew up in Western Kansas, had received a master’s degree from Arizona State and had remained in the southwest, working in a corporate job. She wasn’t necessarily looking for love when she met Don that day near the piano.
“He was quite a salesman,” Shelia laughed. “He put on the ultimate campaign.”
“I did whatever I could to win her over in the days and weeks that followed,” Don said. “That included a hot air balloon ride and some very fine dining.”
Don’s romantic efforts paid off and the couple was married 39 years ago this past December. Over the years, the pair has enjoyed traveling together. Shelia even found success in the field of real estate, thanks to another “sales pitch” from her husband.
Love – continued on page 2
New case manager Carla Schulz brings plenty of experience to new role
It isn’t every day that a former bench technician at an aircraft repair organization ends up working in senior living. That’s exactly what happened, however, in the case of Wichita Presbyterian Manor’s Carla Schulz.
“I’ve been a nurse for 15 years but before that I worked for a company my mother started,” Carla explained. “We repaired aircraft panel instruments on some of the World War II-era planes.”
Eventually, nursing school came calling and Schulz “cut her teeth” in senior living working at a home plus community for nearly a decade.
“I did a little bit of everything,” she said. “Case manager, nurse, social worker. You name it.”
Schulz said she loves her new role with Wichita Presbyterian Manor, and truly appreciates the continuum of care offering by the community.
“I’m a strong believer in aging in one place,” she said. “I think it provides such peace of mind for family members and for residents. If your care needs change, your home doesn’t change.”
Join us in welcoming Carla Schulz to the Wichita Presbyterian Manor team! u
Love – continued from page 1
“I never would have imagined myself in real estate,” she said. “I had spent many years in corporate America, but Don convinced me to give it a shot. I really enjoyed it!”
Here at Wichita Presbyterian Manor, they enjoy exercise classes, lunch outings and bus trips to the theatre. Don enjoys coffee and has benefited greatly from physical therapy.
A life grounded in faith has been well-spent for Ray and Ginny Eckman
Ray and Ginny Eckman moved to Wichita Presbyterian Manor in August of 2022, but their love story began in a church group for young adults in the early 1950’s.
“We just knew this was the right relationship for us,” Ginny Eckman explained.
A story that began in church has always been grounded in faith. Wherever they’ve lived, the pair has always been active in their faith life. They married in Lombard, Illinois at the Lombard Bible Church in 1954 and have maintained a strong relationship with the Lord.
“We’re thankful to the Lord for our marriage and that we’re still enjoying life together,” said Eckman.
Their marriage has blessed them with 4 children, 9 grandchildren and Love – continued on page 3
Ginny and Ray Eckman’s wedding picture in 1954.
5 great-grandchildren. One daughter is close by in Wichita, another is in Arkansas, while their two sons make their homes in Indiana and New York.
Here at the manor, Ray Eckman enjoys meeting new people at the Bistro.
“It’s a great place to meet folks,” he said. The pair also has a long history of enjoying time together on the golf course.
“He golfed before we met,” Ginny Eckman explained. “I learned afterwards, and we’ve played some wonderful courses together over the years.”
Overall, both Ray and Ginny say they’re thankful for everything they have. They enjoy doing puzzles together as well as reading. u
Wichita Presbyterian Manor issues Art is Ageless® call for entries
Wichita Presbyterian Manor is seeking artists aged 65 and older for the annual Art is Ageless® juried exhibit March 3-30, 2023. This year the exhibit will be here at Wichita Presbyterian Manor, 4700 W. 13th Street, in Wichita.
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 5 p.m. on March 2, 2023.
Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) communities to be judged at the systemwide level.
For Entry forms, other information, or to arrange to drop off artwork contacting Amy Watson at 316-9427456 or awatson@pmma.org. You can also find forms and information online at ArtIsAgeless.org. u