Arkansas City Community Matters September 2021

Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor

SEPTEMBER 2021

Education Assistance Awarded to Arkansas City Staff Congratulations to Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor staff members Elizabeth (Libby) Hooley and Gabriela (Gabby) Ramos for receiving education assistance from PMMA for the 2021-22 school year.

Libby joined the Presbyterian Manor team in March 2018 as a PRN certified nurse assistant. In 2018, she became a full-time employee and obtained her medication aide certification.

“Libby is a very determined young woman, Elizabeth Hooley was awarded very vocal advocating for residents and co- education assistance from workers. She is focused on doing what is PMMA. best for the residents no matter what,” said Sarah Griggs, executive director at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor.

Libby is working to complete prerequisites for the nursing program at Cowley County Community College.

“I appreciate the opportunities through PMMA, and the educational assistance will continue moving me forward in the health care field. Thank you,” said Libby.

Gabby joined the Presbyterian Manor team as a certified nursing assistant in health care in May of 2016. She obtained her certified medication aide certification in August 2019.

Gabriela Ramos receives education assistance from PMMA for the upcoming school year.

“Gabby is dedicated, compassionate, reliable, genuine, caring, energetic, and a team player. I could go on and on. During this past

Assistance – continued on page 4

Mission Committee members Jan Spangler (left) and Margaret Wahlborg (right).

Mission Committee members answer calling, give back For Jan Spangler and Margaret Wahlborg, the Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor Mission Committee offers a unique opportunity to serve while paying gratitude to an organization that has played an important role in the lives of many within the community.

“I’ve been involved with the Manor ever since it was started—back when I was just an individual church member who supported its mission,” said Jan. “I was raised with a mother and a father who did quite a bit of volunteer work along with their job, so it is in my DNA, and I raised my daughter to be the same way.”

The Mission Committee focuses on enhancing the overall mission of PMMA through volunteer activity and philanthropy. The committee is comprised of volunteers who assist with community events and fundraising activities.

It is a wide set of responsibilities, but for members like Jan, that’s just how they like it.

Missions – continued on page 4

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

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Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor’s annual ball drop tradition continued, exceeds goal As Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor emerges from more than a year fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the campus hosted its annual Karl Faidley Memorial Golf Ball Drop on July 13 with a fun and successful event on the front lawn.

“For the second year we were unable to host our annual golf tournament, which benefits the Manor’s Good Samaritan Program; however, the need for support for residents at the community continues. As we did last year, we hosted the annual Karl Faidley Memorial Golf Ball Drop on the front lawn. We were excited to exceed our goal and sold over 500 golf balls,” said Sarah Griggs, executive director.

The 2021 event dropped 502 golf balls, secured 51 sponsors and raised $16,875 for the Good Samaritan Program, which supports residents who have outlived their financial resources through no fault of their own.

The Student Loans entertained at the annual ball drop.

Loans and sweet treats from Schwan’s under the community’s canopy.

“We couldn’t be happier with the turnout of this year’s event and are so grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, families, residents and the Arkansas City community,” said Sarah.

The Karl Faidley Memorial Golf Ball Drop is a tribute to Dorothy Faidley’s husband, who was a

Sarah Griggs, right, thanks those in attendance for supporting Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor. Evergy provided a bucket truck for the Karl Faidley Memorial Ball Drop.

longtime supporter of the Presbyterian Manor and volunteer of the annual golf classic. Dorothy attends the event each year to recognize her husband’s strong connection with the Presbyterian Manor’s mission. This year Dorothy helped Sarah Griggs present the prizes. u

Four prizes were given out at the event: first place and $500 went to Illeana Varela; second place and $300 went to Shannon Stowell; third place and $200 went to David Faidley; and fourth place and $100 went to Helen Johnson. Following the ball drop, residents and guests enjoyed entertainment from The Student

Residents and family members enjoyed sweet music and cool treats.

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Community Matters 620-442-8700 ◆ Fax: 620-442-8224 1711 N. Fourth St. Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 ArkansasCityPresbyterianManor.org

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | September 2021

is published monthly for residents and friends of Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor

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

To submit or suggest articles: wstokes@pmma.org.

Sarah Griggs, executive director Whitley Stokes, marketing director

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

Four local artists among Art is Ageless® masterpiece level winners Four winning artists in Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor’s annual Art is Ageless® juried competition will be featured in the 2022 Art is Ageless calendar produced by PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America).

Works by local winners are automatically entered into a masterpiece level competition with winning art from 14 other PMMA communities. More than 160 entries were received for this year’s masterpiece competition. The winners are featured in the Art is Ageless calendar with pull-out postcards and greeting cards.

“Indian Woman,” a drawing by Janice Hale, will appear in the calendar when it is released this fall.

“Shades of Color,” a quilt by Wilda Buffo, and “Resting,” a

“Resting,” a painting by Eldon Eastman will be featured on an Art is Ageless postcard.

painting by Eldon Eastman, will be featured on postcards included in the 2022 calendar. “Memories,” a quilt by Virginia Ball, will be featured on a greeting card.

“Indian Woman,” a drawing by Janice Hale will be featured in the 2022 Art is Ageless calendar.

“I am blown away at the talent we have here in our community and am honored that we get to share this exhibit of artwork by seniors,” said Whitley Stokes, marketing director at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor. “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.” u

by quilt d a ,” r Colo e feature es of d lb d. a h S “ fo wil ss postcar f u B Wilda rt is Agele A on an

“Memo ries,” a qu will be feature ilt by Virginia d on a g reeting Ball card.

Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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1711 N. Fourth St. Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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14 months, her character and strength were unending,” said Griggs.

Gabby has been accepted in the Licensed Practical Nurse program at Pioneer Technical College.

“Thank you PMMA! I can’t express my sincere gratitude to you for making me a 2021-2022 recipient of educational assistance. I am very thrilled to learn of my selection for this honor and I am deeply appreciative of all your support you have given me. By awarding me the PMMA scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden which allows me to focus more on the most important aspects of school, learning. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community and help support our mission here at PMMA,” said Gabby. u

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | September 2021

Missions – continued from page 1 “I’ve just always supported the Manor and have been available for whatever they needed,” said Jan. “It’s just something I enjoy doing, so I do it.”

As the retired marketing director for the community—and someone who has worked in PMMA’s corporate offices—Margaret Wahlborg’s motivation to be a part of the committee is a little more personal.

“For me, since I worked there, it’s a way to say thank you for everything the Manor has meant to me,” said Margaret.

In addition to serving on the committee, Margaret also contributes to PMMA’s Good Samaritan program which provides assistance to residents who have outlived their financial resources.

“I started donating when I started working there,” said Margaret. “A person can’t determine how long they’re going to live and what resources they’ll have to come by, so I think it’s just a great cause.”

While they don’t do it for the recognition, selfless contributions of people like Jan and Margaret do not go unnoticed by those within the community.

“These two ladies—as well as all of the mission committee members—are invaluable resources for our community,” said Executive Director Sarah Griggs. “They both show exemplary commitment to our mission and those that we serve.” u