Fulton Community Matters February 2017

Commun ty Matters Fulton Presbyterian Manor

February 2017

COMING UP IN COMMUNITY MATTERS:

Have you volunteered?

We will focus on volunteerism in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. Where have you volunteered your time? Why do you volunteer?

What are the benefits for you?

If you’ve got a story to share, contact Keri Edwards and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.

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Beyond Art is Ageless®

Sandy Goff shares pottery painting with a group of Fulton Presbyterian Manor residents.

In addition to promoting creativity through Art is Ageless®, Fulton Presbyterian Manor encourages residents to engage with the arts throughout the year. Beth Boyd, activity director, appreciates the value of how art can be used to enhance quality of life.

“We have Art 2 Go come in once a month for ceramic painting, and we also do adult coloring. Myrna Backer, one of our resident’s daughters, comes in a few times a year for an art activity, and I try to schedule some type of craft activity on a regular basis for residents,” said Beth. “They enjoy spending time together doing an art project or just being with those who do. They often say ‘I can’t paint’ or ‘I don’t do this very well’ but often end up participating. The camaraderie they show to each other is wonderful. They lift each other’s spirit and confidence. I think what they enjoy the best is when they are together, creating and sharing their works with each other, even when they do not realize that they have created art.”

For more information on upcoming art activities, or to submit ideas of your own, contact Beth Boyd at mboyd@pmma.org.

Learning to swim at 80

By Louise Jackson for Next Avenue

Every Thursday night, I drive to the gym, wriggle into a swimsuit that does nothing to hide my bulging belly or my wrinkled, sagging underarms, put on swim goggles that make me look a bit like someone from outer space, grab my cane to help keep my balance while walking from the dressing room into the pool area and slowly ease down the steps into water smelling of chlorine.

I’m 80 years old and taking a swim class for the first time in my life.

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Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Fulton Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of

How do you go eight decades without learning to swim?

You’d think, given the description of my general appearance in one of today’s swimsuits, I’d be embarrassed to be seen at the pool. And I did think about that beforehand, but I looked around the women’s dressing room one day and realized I was in good company. People’s bodies come in all sizes and shapes and using my appearance as an excuse for opting out

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of an activity I really wanted to try seemed self-defeating. So, in spite of my misgivings, I paid the class fee.

If you grew up near a lake or a town with a swimming pool, or your parents swam, it may surprise you to learn I’ve never taken swimming lessons. But I grew up on a small ranch in Central Texas during an extreme, extended drought and all the swimming holes became wading pools.

Swimming

continued on page 3

501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.

Dawn Smith, executive director Keri Edwards, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact kedwards 2@pmma.org.

Telephone: 573-642-6646 Fax: 573-642-2202 Address: 811 Center St., Fulton, MO 65251-1922

Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

FultonPresbyterianManor.org

Fultonn Presbyterian Manor’s Post-A ost Acute Ac A te To Home (P PATH H®) program isn’t just about getting you home— it’s abo out getting you back to your liffee.

Call 5573-642-6646 73-642-6646 to odaayy to schedule your per sonal appointment and tourr.

FultonPresbyterianManorr.orrg FultonPresbyterianManor.org

2 COMMUNITY MATTERS FEBRUARY 2017

Swimming continued from page 1

Further, the cause of polio was yet unknown. We looked with fear at Life magazine photos showing long rows of children in iron lungs, unable to breathe on their own. The media warned parents about exposing their children to large groups in strange situations. Driving 20 miles each way, just so a child could learn to swim, was never even considered.

Better late than never

After I became an adult, I watched with envy as others swam. I eventually taught myself to float and even to swim, after a fashion, but always wanted to do more, to be better.

Finally, when my gym decided to offer adult swim lessons, I reminded myself of the old adage, “Better late than never,” and have just completed half the eight-week course.

To my surprise, even though I’m the oldest person in the class, I haven’t felt the least bit awkward and I’m doing pretty well in spite of some breathlessness due to A-fib.

Everyone else has to struggle, too. We’re there because we want to learn to swim or swim more skillfully. It’s a new and demanding experience for each of us.

I’ve made friends with all sorts of people — young men who grew up in deserts, moms who want to swim with their children and a few younger seniors who, like me, hope to stay healthy as long as possible. One young woman even told me, “I want to be like you when I grow up!” (I think several bulges may have shrunk a bit on hearing those words!)

Feeling sore — but it’s worth it

One caveat if you’re thinking of following my lead:You may feel stiff and sore after the first several classes. That could be true even if, like me, you’re no stranger to gentle exercising like walking or Tai chi. Swimming demands the use of muscles in totally different ways.

Still, take heart. The aches don’t last and each session feels less demanding, as you build endurance.

For me, the water is no longer an awkward environment.

My balance, slightly impaired by a small stroke, isn’t a problem in the pool. I look forward to learning new skills and getting better at the ones I’ve already learned.

Last week, we began the breast stroke. It used my leg muscles in different ways than the freestyle, and I’m stiff again. But that’s OK. It feels good to think I’m getting stronger and more supple with each new activity.

I figure, if you’re lucky, you get older. But aging doesn’t mean you should stop learning and staying in shape.

Swimming is fun!

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CALL FOR ENTRIES

Fulton Presbyterian Manor has issued a call for entries

for the Art is Ageless® juried exhibit to be held February

22-24. 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

2018 Art is Ageless calendar.

Artists may choose to enter the exhibit only. For the

competition, works are to have been completed in the past five years (since January 2012). There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or

professional. Works to be entered for judging need to be at Presbyterian Manor by February 17.

The exhibit will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 22-24 in

the Assisted Living Wellness Room. A reception with

the artists is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the Assisted Living Dining Room.

The Art is Ageless® Program encourages Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to express

their creativity through its annual competition, as well

as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educa-

tional opportunities and current events discussions

throughout the year.

Local competition winners will join winners from 16

other Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America communities to be judged at the systemwide level.

Entry forms and information can be picked up at

Fulton Presbyterian Manor, 811 Center Street,

Fulton, or by contacting Keri Edwards at 573-642-

6646 or kedwards2@pmma.org. Or go online to

ArtIsAgeless.org to view rules, download an entry

form or enter online.

FULTON PRESBYTERIAN MANOR 3

Get to know: Lowe Cannell

As Director of Environmental Services for just over two years, Lowe Cannell has seen his share of situations arise at Fulton Presbyterian Manor. But thanks to his extensive work background, he’s well prepared to handle nearly any issue staff or residents may have.

“Most recently, I worked for the State of Missouri as facility maintenance supervisor. Prior to that I owned and operated a small HVAC business for

many years. I’ve always been in the business of fixing and managing things. I think all of the years of running a business and having to make a profit have translated well to being able to manage the budget here at the manor,” said Lowe.

Certainly, Lowe’s technical knowledge combined with his business acumen make for a beneficial combination, and he’s a vital part of our community.

Lowe Cannell continued below

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Fulton Presbyterian Manor 811 Center St. Fulton, MO 65251-1922

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MAKE THE MOVE Take advantage of Presbyterian Manor’s maintenance-free lifestyle–and find more time for what you enjoy.

Call 573-642-6646 for more information

Lowe Cannell continued from above

“I like knowing that every day when I get to work, I’ll be able to make a difference in the lives of the people around me. Whether it’s fixing something for a resident or helping our staff, I always feel like my work is appreciated. Each day seems to present a different challenge, and I enjoy learning new things, so it’s a great fit for me,” said Lowe.

Of course, as with any profession, there are challenges as well.

COMMUNITY MATTERS FEBRUARY 2017

“The hardest thing is when we have to tell a resident not to do something, either because of safety regulations or money constraints. It’s very tough I think as a mature adult to go from independence and freedom to having to be taken care of. We all try to give our residents everything they want, but there are guidelines and regulations that make it tough at times,” said Lowe.

When Lowe isn’t problem-solving at Fulton Presbyterian Manor, you’ll

find him spending time with friends and family and serving his community.

“I have a wife and son who get a lot of my time. In the summers we like to go camping and swimming.When possible, I enjoy a round of golf with friends.You can also catch me every other Tuesday at our city council meetings here in Fulton, as I’ve been a council member for many years. I enjoy the process of small town politics and am proud to be able to serve my fellow citizens.”