Newton Presbyterian Manor
NOVEMBER 2021
Bravo of the month Bravo of the month goes to Michaela Burke, CMA. Assisted Living coworker Nathan Licata writes, “Michaela is always a treat to work with. Polite, level-headed, and likely the hardest worker I’ve met here at Presbyterian Manor. On top of that, ever since I worked in Health Care, I’ve been impressed by Michaela’s compassion and understanding of our residents. She’s always willing to go above and beyond to October’s bravo of the month goes to Michaela Burke, make sure residents CMA are cared for and comfortable. You’re an inspiration to me, and I’m so happy to have the privilege of working with you!” Bravos may be submitted by any family member, neighbor or fellow coworker at the front desk. Each month, the previous 12 Bravo winners and members of the management team vote for the next bravo winner, and in addition to special recognition, they receive gift cards for a night out with a guest. u
At 100 years young, resident Harold Reid has stayed active over the years serving in the military, working for the postal service, playing golf and spending time with family.
Resident spotlight: Harold Reid Harold Reid has done a lot in his 100 years of life. A resident of Newton Presbyterian Manor since 2014, Harold grew up in northwest Kansas during the height of the Dust Bowl before going out on his own to enter the “real world.” “I didn’t go to college, I just sort of evolved,” said Harold. Harold’s first stop was actually here, in Newton, in 1946 when he began work as a mail clerk. For the next 10 years he worked the line from Newton all of the way to Amarillo, Texas, until he was eventually transferred to the Wichita post office
Reid – continued on page 2
Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at NewtonPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
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Executive director announces retirement Marc Kessinger is retiring from PMMA as the executive director of Newton Presbyterian Manor on December 10. Marc has made the corner stone of his leadership all about building and nurturing relationships.
been an incredible experience that I will always fondly remember and cherish,” Marc said. While we are sorry to see Marc leave, we are deeply appreciative of the contribution he has made as the executive director at Newton Presbyterian Manor. Please join us in sincerely wishing Marc a happy and dreamfulfilling retirement with his family and friends. u
“Coming from banking to the senior living industry was one of the best choices I made in my life. In the 10 years I have spent at Newton Presbyterian Manor, I have learned so much from the residents and my team. It has
Marc Kessinger
Reid – continued from page 1 in 1956. While there, Harold served as the supervisor of outgoing mail – a job that kept him plenty busy at various times throughout the year. “We moved quite a little mail through the post office, especially during Christmas—it was interesting,” said Harold. In addition to his service to the post office, Harold also spent two and a half years serving in the military during WWII, an experience he described as a “vacation in the Philippines on
Uncle Sam’s expense.” One thing Harold had yet to experience in his lifetime was a pandemic—but that all changed in 2020. As a result, Harold ended up being the first resident at Newton Presbyterian Manor to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. When asked what made him step up and be the first one to roll up his sleeve, Harold’s response was simple. “It would’ve been stupid not to,” said Harold. As for what has led to his longevity, Harold said he really doesn’t have a
secret—he just did his best to stay active. And he was successful. Harold was an avid golfer from the age of 11 or 12 all the way into his 90s and also played baseball and bowled for more than 50 years. He continues to stay busy with his family living close by. Now, looking back over everything he has done in his life, Harold says that there are two accomplishments that rise to the top. “I’m most proud of my two kids,” said Harold. “I couldn’t be any more proud of them.” u
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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 | November 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.
Volunteer donates time to preserve PMMA history As the first administrator of Presbyterian Manors, Dr. George W. Nelson had a front-row seat to the origins and early history of PMMA—a history he committed to paper in 1972. However, in the 49 years that have passed, Dr. Nelson’s hand-typed manuscript has been the only copy of the document that has been in existence. In order to preserve this important piece of PMMA history, and allow it to be shared with others throughout the organization, Tracy Yenor recently volunteered her time to create an electronic version of the document. “Dr. Nelson provided a highly detailed account of Presbyterian Manors’ early years,” said Lisa Diehl, PMMA’s corporate communications director. “As the first administrator for the Presbyterian Manor system, his account provides a unique perspective on how Presbyterian Manor was founded, how new locations were identified and how critical the Presbyterian church’s involvement was in those early years. We’re so grateful that Tracy agreed to help us preserve that history by retyping that original manuscript.”
Tracy read about our need for a volunteer in a past issue of Community Matters. She quickly answered our request for assistance. Thank you, Tracy! Volunteers are beginning to come back into the building for visits and programs, though we know the guidelines may fluctuate. For more information, contact Melinda Ebersole, director of life enrichment, at 316‐283‐5400 or mebersole@pmma.org.
In order to recreate the document, Tracy dedicated countless hours inputting information and checking—and then rechecking—its accuracy. “The process took approximately 45 minutes per page front to back. This included typing, spelling and grammar check—it took about 25 minutes just for that,” said Tracy. “Then I printed, read and proofed every single word, edited and reran spelling and grammar.”
Tracy Yenor, volunteer, has created an electronic version of an original manuscript by Dr. George W. Nelson of the origins and early history of PMMA.
However, throughout the editing process, Tracy was committed to not altering the original manuscript in any way. “Every word is from Dr. Nelson,” said Tracy. “To assume that I could change his words would be disrespectful and would take away from his personality.” From a personal standpoint, Tracy says that her involvement in the project was one of pure joy. “I have thoroughly enjoyed this project,” said Tracy. “I am deeply humbled by the men and women who took on this labor of love to ensure the health and happiness of so many. Dr. George W. Nelson had so much pride in his team and took the time to write the history of how the Manors came to life and still live on to this day. It’s a very interesting read and I’m happy to have had the chance to be a small part of his work.” u Newton Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2820 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Remodeling progress Our campus continues to get more beautiful as a result of the estate gift of Christena Bowen, an investment from PMMA, and generous donors for updates and remodeled spaces. Here’s a look at the new window The newly refreshed dining room offers a treatments, furniture, wall décor and variety of seating options. accessories in the dining room, lobby and sunroom. We are looking forward to many years of special memories made in these important spaces! Construction continues on the west link to the garden apartments and chapel and the north Kalb Villa hallway, and the deck is being assembled outside of the dining room. Crews will then move on to the Kalb Villa central hall, east link, east hall and the major renovation of the salon. The new deck and salon are The lobby is lighter and brighter funded through the Together, We Thrive capital than before with new furniture campaign. and built-in bookcases on either We are excited to share this progress! u
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | November 2021
side of the fireplace.
The sunroom
A cozy sitting area created during the remodeling project.