Lawrence Presbyterian Manor
AUGUST 2020
Showing our support for recent graduates Back in May, our community had the opportunity to show their support to this year’s college and high school graduates.
When she moved into our community in June, resident Mary Lou Wright and her furniture were quarantined the first two weeks on campus.
Mary Lou Wright’s experiment in adaptivity
When Mary Lou Wright put her house on the market last September, it seemed like the hardest part about her move to Lawrence Presbyterian Manor was going to be finding a place for all of her books. Little did she know that when her house eventually sold—eight months later—it would come in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. With the state of Kansas just beginning to emerge from a mandatory stayat-home order, Mary Lou was not only venturing out into a whole new world, she was set to become Presbyterian Manor’s first new resident in WRIGHT – continued on page 2
“I was thinking that there are so many stories of people (friends and family of senior living residents) trying to communicate with the people living in the communities,” said Curtis Jones, sales and marketing director at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. “But there aren’t any stories of people living in senior living communities communicating to people outside of the campus. Our residents may just have something they want to say to the world.” And they did! “We sent out a flier that explained what we were doing, and we asked for volunteers to appear in the video. They felt sorry for the graduating seniors who might have gotten short-changed on their graduation year, so they were eager to help and appear in the video. They wanted to send a message and wish the graduates good luck,” said Curtis. SUPPORT - continued on page 2
Lawrence Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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WRIGHT – continued from page 1
the Coronavirus era. “Curtis Jones (LPM marketing and sales director) told me I was an experiment,” said Mary Lou. As the community tried to determine what was the safest way to move Mary Lou in, it was initially thought that she and her furniture were going to be quarantined separately. However, it was later decided that since her furniture hadn’t left her house they could be quarantined together. “People ask if I’m going crazy, but quite frankly it’s no different than how I was living before,” said Mary Lou.” “At my house I was packing for two weeks and now I’m unpacking and just trying to find places to put everything.” The move itself was a bit of an adventure as well, with it being
SUPPORT - continued from page 1
Putting the video together was a team effort. Employees in activities and dining staff made posters for the residents to show on the video. Angela Fonseca, administrative manager, and Curtis shot the video. Then the footage was given to Curtis Jones’ 15-year-old daughter, Olivia, who made it into a video.
determined that the safest way to get all of Mary Lou’s belongings into her new apartment was to carry them up three flights of stairs—avoiding the community’s elevators. However, despite all of the extra steps, Mary Lou was extremely happy with how the move went.
the restrictions come with their own advantages. “What’s not to like? They bring my food to the door, they slip my newspaper under the door … anything I don’t like is my problem,” said Mary Lou.
And as for all of those books? Prior to retirement, Mary Lou was “Lawrence Presbyterian Manor bent partners with Pat Kahed in owning over backwards,” said Mary Lou. and operating The Raven Bookstore in downtown Lawrence. Now completely moved in, Mary Lou is not only getting used to “I did the business stuff and her new surroundings, but an Patty did the ordering—she’s the entire new way of living due to intellectual of the pair,” said Mary the restrictions surrounding the Lou. “It was a great division of Coronavirus. labor. We had very separate skills “There are adaptations, but you just that worked well together and we had a great time.” go with the flow,” said Mary Lou. “What else are you going to do? In addition to the bookstore, Mary You want to be safe and for your Lou served on the Lawrence School friends, colleagues and neighbors to Board for 12 years and enjoyed be safe.” gardening … and of course, But Mary Lou has found that even
reading. ◆
Congratulations to all graduates! Be sure to check out the video on the Lawrence Presbyterian Manor Facebook page that was posted May 24 to show support. ◆ Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
LAWRENCE Presbyterian Manor 785-841-4262 ◆ Fax: 785-841-0923 1429 Kasold Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049-3425 LawrencePresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | August 2020
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Lawrence Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: cjones@PMMA.org. Christie Patrick, executive director Curtis Jones, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Lawrence Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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LAWRENCE Presbyterian Manor
1429 Kasold Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049-3425 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Our Mission: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
COVID-19 updates continue
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, you can count on regular communication from your PMMA community and PMMA leadership. PMMA’s President and CEO Bruce Shogren’s latest letter to residents and families is posted to your community website, LawrencePresbyterianManor.org/covid-19. In this issue of Community Matters, you’ll find an explanation of the phases of reopening and a flow chart showing all the entities contributing to our reopening plans. ◆
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | August 2020