Newton Presbyterian Manor
Chaplain’s Corner
Surprise! DECEMBER 2021
John Spielman named director of environmental services On Sept. 20 Newton Presbyterian Manor welcomed John Spielman to the community as its new director of environmental services. Prior to joining the staff, John was the manager of the environmental services department at Newton Medical Center for seven years. In his new position, John says his job responsibilities are partly to keep the community looking good while also protecting the safety of everyone who lives and works here.
John Spielman, director of environmental services
“I want to make sure everything looks good so that people get a great first impression and things are maintained, but I’m also helping to maintain an environment that people can’t see—one that’s protecting them from the virus.” As to his last point, John believes that the current COVID-19 pandemic has placed a much-needed spotlight on the work of all those in the field of environmental services. “If it wasn’t for the field of environmental services, we wouldn’t have the type of infection control that we do. That wasn’t pronounced until COVID came along and then it became super important—it’s what is protecting our hospitals and our co-workers,” said John.
Spielman – continued on page 3
By Greg Schmidt, Chaplain Did you know that when you carefully separate the two halves of a peanut there’s a surprise waiting for you inside? It’s a miniature “Santa Claus!” Some people say it’s a bunny. Silly, misguided people. When will they ever learn? One of the great mysteries of life is that it is filled with surprises! Start to believe you have some one person, place or thing figured out … and boom! … something coming from either deep within or far beyond you suddenly shocks you or catches you off guard and/or forces you to rethink virtually everything that you previously believed about any given topic. Take the birth of Jesus, for instance. We all know He was born “… in a manger because there was no room for Him in the inn.” We’ve been told a “manger” is cattle feeder. Not a difficult word picture to grasp. However, the inn, Hollywood led to believe, was kind of like a Motel 6. You know, the innkeeper opens the peephole to his door and yells “There’s no room in the inn!” Here’s the problem. Tom Bodett and Co. have only been leaving the light on since 1962. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure “inns” like Tom’s didn’t exist 2,000 years ago. Individual families hosted and were hospitable to travelers, including strangers, which Joseph and Mary were not. Did you know the word “inn” in the
Surprise! – continued on page 4
Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at NewtonPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
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October’s Bravo goes to Brandyn Barnes Brandyn Barnes, dining services, received the following bravo from Brittany Jaso: “Every time I am working, you have always made sure that I have EVERYTHING I need for dinner and room trays. You completely set us up for success. If we don’t have something, you make sure we get it. Working with you makes my nights on the floor go so smooth. Thank you so much for taking time
to set us up for success with our residents!” We were able to interrupt a Friday morning hymn sing for Marc Kessinger to present Brandyn’s bravo. With residents and employees from across the building in attendance, it was quite the celebration to recognize Brandyn. Congratulations, Brandyn! u Brandyn Barnes, dining services, receives October Bravo
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Community Matters 316-283-5400 u Fax: 316-284-5900 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2820 NewtonPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | December 2021
is published monthly for residents and friends of Newton Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: ndickinson@PMMA.org Marc Kessinger, executive director Noelle Dickinson, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Assignment form makes wishes clear With the end of the year rapidly approaching, it’s a great time to check one more thing off your list — make sure your wishes are respected and your family is protected by completing our Assignment of Amounts Due Resident Form (or reviewing your current Assignment form to make sure it is still correct). If you pass away while a resident of a PMMA® Community, this form will permit you to assign all refunds due to you to the persons specified in your form. Completing the Assignment form is simple, and if you pass away while a resident of the Community, it can save your family significant time, money and frustration when receiving a refund of any amounts due to you from your PMMA Community. In other words, it can simplify the refund process and avoid the time and cost of estate administration. This form works like a “beneficiary designation” in that it is effective upon your passing and permits you to designate who will receive all amounts due to you from your PMMA Community (for example, any refunds of your entrance fee deposit or monthly fees). Your Assignment form is revocable and can be changed at any time, so you are not locked if your circumstances change. Your beneficiaries may include individuals, charities, or others (including a will or trust so that your refund passes pursuant to your estate plan). You may designate the
portion of your refund payable to each of them. Some things to think about: • Who should receive my refund — certain named individuals, charities, or my will or trust? • If I have more than one beneficiary, should they receive equal shares of my refund or should I designate different amounts/percentages among them? • Do I want to designate a successor beneficiary to receive the amount originally allocated to a beneficiary who predeceases me? Absent a valid Assignment form, the payment of your refund may be delayed until an estate is opened or other legal proceedings are
completed designating who is legally entitled to request the refund and receive payment. Unfortunately, that happens all-to-frequently and we want to help our residents and their families avoid that unpleasant (and sometimes expensive and time consuming) experience. This is just a summary of how this important document works. We’ll be glad to provide you with the Assignment form to review and complete, and of course we encourage you to get any input you may desire from your family or other advisors. To obtain an Assignment form or talk with someone about an Assignment form, please contact the Marketing Director or Accounting Assistant at your community. u
Spielman – continued from page 1 And while John has only been a member of the community for a few short months, he has already built a strong affinity to both his surroundings and those he serves. “I have a lot of passion about my staff, my building, my clients and my residents,” said John. “I take a lot of ownership of what I do and who I do it for.” As a self-proclaimed “cracker box ordained minister” and someone who volunteers his time at several local churches, John has also appreciated the faith-based approach to the Newton Presbyterian Manor community. “I’ve been surrounded by so many people who are faith-filled, and that’s important to me,” said John. John was born and raised in Newton. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his two dogs, and being outside gardening, camping, hunting and fishing. u Newton Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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Surprise! – continued from page 1 Book of Luke can also be translated “guest room” or “living room?” Which makes me wonder … perhaps when Mary and Joseph finally completed their walk to Bethlehem, Joseph’s dad’s living room was already occupied by uncles and aunts and cousins who had arrived earlier than the slow-moving, child-bearing couple. So, dad said, “I’m so sorry, Joe! The living room is full. There’s just no room in the inn/living room. Everyone else in the clan beat you to town! But your mother says you two need to be somewhere close so she can help with the birth. So, I wonder if you and Mary would mind sleeping in the barn? You know it’s just right there on the other side of this living room wall. It should be warm. And I’ll make sure to lay down some fresh hay in the ‘manger’ for your special little baby. You know, your Aunt
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Elizabeth says it’s a boy and that he’s going to be a very special little guy!” Can you live with that version of the story? Did you know some archeologists believe barns in Joseph and Mary’s day were constructed on the North end of one’s house? That way the barn served as a kind of “wind-stop” to protect the home. I know my German ancestors did the same thing. I can easily imagine that when Joseph grabbed Jesus from Mary’s womb and coaxed him to take his first breath, the “first cry” that announced his birth was heard by all of Joseph’s relatives. They were listening and waiting just on the other side of the shared living room/barn wall! And if the scenario as I see it in my mind’s eye is accurate, that means Jesus was born into a waiting and watching and loving family! Now that’s what I call a “hidden
COMMUNITY MATTERS | December 2021
surprise!” The power and presence of baby Jesus … the gift of heaven … burst onto the scene in the center of a caring, providing, expectant family! A glorious surprise indeed! I know animated Christmas cartoons didn’t paint that picture for you, but I do believe God’s Word does! And don’t miss another surprise. Namely, on Christmas Day – and every other day of the year for that matter – God has placed His surprising love at the very center of your life. All you have to do is see it for what it really is. So do exactly that. Don’t miss it! And don’t let other silly, misguided people tell you it’s not there just because they don’t choose to see the miracles of life the way you do. If you’ve chosen to follow Jesus, let your life – today – be filled with the awe and wonder and sight of the surprise of Heaven already living inside of you! u