Parsons Presbyterian Manor
AUGUST 2021
Parsons retiree discovered a passion for woodworking
Dealing with challenges and choices By Allen Teal, chaplain at Rolla Presbyterian Manor
Hugh Charles inherited a table saw from his father, but it didn’t see much action.
Editor’s Note: The following devotion
Hugh worked long hours as a pharmacist, a career he loved and continued in until the age of 76, when he retired from his job at the hospital.
Rolla Presbyterian Manor this
For years, that table saw collected dust in his garage. It was too cold to work in the winter and a hassle to get to, besides — Hugh would have to back the car out to use it. But he was drawn to the machine and its promise. So, after he retired, Hugh built himself a wood shop on his property and outfitted it with the tools he needed for the next chapter in his life.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God” (Acts 5:39, NIV).
Hugh’s efforts have been rewarded with recognition in Parsons Presbyterian Manor’s annual Art Is Ageless® exhibition and competition. He won a second-place ribbon in the amateur sculpture category this year for his birch “Birdfeeder.” “I don’t know that woodworking keeps me young — nothing will do that — but it certainly keeps me involved,” said Hugh, who is now 86. He’s inspired in part by his wife Jonna, a former editor and publisher of their local newspaper, who stays active in their community. Plus, he says “making things in his shop is much more fun than yard work.” Hugh got started using the sort of woodworking kits that come with precut pieces, but after a couple of those, he figured he could work from scratch. Usually drawn to making furniture, Hugh often finds inspiration in the pages of the magazine Fine Woodworking. He earned his first Art Is Ageless win for a walnut table. It went on to be featured in one of the annual Art Is Ageless calendars — Hugh jokes he was “Mr. October.” “I still have that table and I love it,” he said. It was one of the first times when Hugh’s ambition and his skill aligned closely enough to satisfy him.
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comes from Allen Teal, who is retiring as chaplain at our sister community summer.
A battleship cruised along on a dark, foggy night. In the distance, the lights of a second ship pierced the gloom. As the moments passed, it became evident that the two ships were on a collision course. The battleship captain had a message flashed to the other ship to turn out of his path. Immediately, a reply returned instructing the battleship should be the one to turn. Believing that his vessel held a higher rank, the captain had the message repeated and added that he was a battleship. Once again, the message flashed back instructing the battleship to turn. This message also carried an extra tag telling the captain that the light in the distance was a lighthouse.
Devotion – continued on page 4
Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at ParsonsPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
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Parsons Presbyterian Manor shares satisfaction survey results
Parsons 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 above 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 June 2020 and
May 2021, Parsons Presbyterian Manor residents and their families gave the community high scores in laundry service, quality of food and overall satisfaction. In addition, residents and their families indicated a high willingness to recommend the senior living community to others. “I appreciate that my [family member] really loves it there. [My family member] likes the food and the people. They keep me informed
of what’s going on,” one respondent said. “Most important to me is that [my family member] is happy. They accommodate all [my family member’s] needs.” 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
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Community Matters 620-421-1450 u Fax: 620-421-1897 3501 Dirr Ave. Parsons, KS 67357-2220 ParsonsPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | August 2021
is published monthly for residents and friends of Parsons Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: vwhite@pmma.org Maegen Pegues, executive director Victoria White, marketing and admissions counselor
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
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from page 1
His winning entry in the 2021 Art Is Ageless competition was inspired by a friend who couldn’t find a similar replacement for his birdhouse. Originally purchased from the National Geographic catalog, it had seen better days. He gave Hugh the worn-out feeder and asked him to construct a shiny new one. Hugh started by taking apart the old structure to learn how the original designer joined together the deceptively simple house with its distinctive bowed roof. “If you look at it closely, each of the shingles is layered,” Hugh said. “It was a challenge for me as a woodworker.” He has made three versions of the feeder so far, each one carefully assembled in the wood shop on his property. Learn more about the Art Is Ageless program by visiting ArtIsAgeless.org. u
Parsons resident Hugh Charles, a retired pharmacist, has dedicated himself to woodworking in his retirement. His “Birdfeeder” won first place in the amateur sculpture/3D category in the 2021 Art Is Ageless competition at Parsons Presbyterian Manor.
Enjoy your
summer!
Parsons Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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3501 Dirr Ave. Parsons, KS 67357-2220 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Devotion – continued from page 1
Big challenges can seem daunting. We all face obstacles that seem too large to overcome. Sometimes, it may feel like fighting against God himself. Like the lighthouse in the opening paragraph, it may be God’s attempt to get us to change our course. In the role of the battleship captain, humans lack the capacity to see through the fog. Tomorrow is a mystery to us, but not to God. At these times, we must lean on the arms of God. Trust that if he led you to the trial, he will also lead you through the trial. Sometimes situations may offer too many choices. Not all choices fall into the category
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | August 2021
of good and bad. You may have two positive options. Unfortunately, it can also feel like you face multiple bad options. Occasionally, God presents you with such choices to allow you to exercise your free will. Be aware that even two similar paths may lead to diverse outcomes. You must determine the direction that will leave you closest to your ultimate goals— personally, financially and relationally. God will give you guidance if you listen for his voice in your heart. An old hymn reminds us: I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end. —M. R. Stead (1850-1917) u