Newton Community Matters February 2018

Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor

February 2018

Chaplains Corner: Run away and hide

By Jerroll Martens, chaplain Newton Presbyterian Manor

“In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, flee as a bird to your mountain?” Psalm 11:1 These are the words of a youthful David as he serves in the court of wicked King Saul. David’s music quieted the heart of the king when he was overcome with depression and agitated in mind. The court had many who apparently were jealous of David and hated his presence.

They lied about David and plotted to take his life. A few people were David’s friends, and had come to the conclusion that Saul’s governing had become so corrupt that a righteous man such as David could do no good. He needed to run for his life!

David reminds his friends that God has placed him there, and he will trust God rather than run. He also reminds his friends that God is in His Temple and things look very different from that vantage point. Let us, too, learn to trust God when things seem difficult and hopeless. There may be voices within and without that tell us to run away from God, but that is the very time we need to run to Him and be close to Him. It is always right to trust the promises of God.

Life enrichment team members, from left, are Gladys Conner, Haury Place; Tim Clark, Utz House; Riley Rodriguez, Claassen House; Melinda Ebersole, Director of Life Enrichment, and Alex Ramos, wellness director. We are in the process of hiring a new assistant for Anderson Place.

Life enriched through activities Residents have the choice of activities, outings and events This month we’re celebrating the dedication and hard work of our life enrichment staff at Newton Presbyterian Manor. Nationwide, Activity Professionals Month is observed as a way to appreciate the people who plan and provide activities within senior living communities. Their work is key to helping our residents stay healthy. They help residents keep doing what they enjoy and encourage residents to try new things. Our life enrichment staff also helps residents cultivate relationships new and old.

Melinda Ebersole, director of life enrichment, said her staff’s mission goes well beyond planning parties or performances.

“My staff is great. I can’t say enough good about them,” Melinda said.

“They’re compassionate, they’re caring. It’s really hard to explain just ENRICHED, continued on page 2

ENRICHED, continued from page 1

how caring they are. They become part of the resident’s family.”

According to the National Association of Activity Professionals, this is a job that emerged in health care centers about 50 years ago.

According to the NAAP website, “It was during these early years that the activity professional became known as the bingo, Bible study and birthday ladies. As the profession grew ... the activity professional discovered quickly there was more to activities than the three Bs.”

to transport residents to special events and outings. There are trips and restaurant visits planned every month in all levels of care.

Melinda said she and her staff rely on residents to suggest destinations, and they happily oblige.

“They’ll cut out articles and bring them to me. It’s really helpful,” she said.

Life enrichment staff also realizes that each individual has different tastes and desires. Some people prefer activities they can do alone or with an activities staff member At Newton Presbyterian Manor, we one on one. The goal is make sure still love the “three Bs,” and we enjoy residents are free to engage in as much, or as little, as they like, while so much more. We have two buses also ensuring no one is isolated.

Community Matters

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. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.

Marc Kessinger, executive director Noelle Dickinson, marketing director Melinda Ebersole, activity director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Noelle at ndickinson@pmma.org.

Telephone: 316-283-5400 Fax: 316-284-5900 Address: 1200 E. Seventh, Newton, KS 67114-2862 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

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Community Matters February 2018

Melinda recalls a few times she was able to treat residents to something special while they were out and about for other reasons. Once she picked up a resident from a hospital stay, and they spotted a car show on the way back, so they pulled over to watch for a while. Another gentleman who doesn’t join many of the group outings, had a doctor’s appointment one day. On the way back he told Melinda he was in the mood for a shake.

responders show off our community to the people of Newton, and help residents make vital connections.

The same is true for our Apple-aDay Preschool, Melinda said.

“These special events give our staff a chance to get to know families, too,” Melinda said. “We have a lot of family members who will go on our outings. Sometimes they’ll tell me, ‘I never thought I would be able to go to a movie again with Mom,’ because transportation can be a challenge.”

Executive Director Marc Kessinger tipped his hat to our life enrichment staff for their dedication and creativity.

“We recognize how important it is for our neighbors to connect and enjoy so much of what our community has to offer, from dining to exercise to the arts,” he said.

“I’m also proud of how our staff incorporates physical, mental and spiritual wellness into a great variety of our programming.”

“I said, ‘OK, let’s go to Sonic,’ she said. “That just made his day. I told him anytime we can make that happen, we will. We really try to hit those one-on-one experiences in different ways.”

Newton Presbyterian Manor also focuses on connecting residents with the community at large through many events on campus. Events like the Apple Blossom Festival and a Flag Day ice cream social for first

The Newton Animal Hospital collected pet food and supplies during the holidays and the life enrichment staff helped distribute these gifts to residents with dogs, cats and birds. Some will also be shared with visiting pets.

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Employee Milestone Awards Presbyterian Manor presented six employees with milestone awards and recognition gifts at the annual employee Christmas party.

“The heartfelt service these employees give, and the care and compassion they show every single day, is nothing less than extraordinary. They are so deserving of our recognition and appreciation,” said Executive Director Marc Kessinger. “By celebrating the employee service anniversaries at the party, we are showing all of our staff that they really are the most important resource we have.”

Tammy Hall, right.

Employees who celebrated fiveyear anniversaries are Allison Wegerer, assisted living nurse; Tanya Roland, health care nurse; Melissa Tennyson, health care CNA, and Gladys Conner, Haury Place life enrichment assistant. Jenny Driscoll celebrated 10 years in housekeeping, and Tammy Hall was recognized for 15 years as a CMA Gladys Conner, left. in assisted living.

Melissa Tennyson, left.

Jenny Driscoll, right.

Allison Wegerer, left.

Tanya Roland, left.

Generous donation Newton Presbyterian Manor received a treasured gift in December. Conversations in our front lobby have centered around this beautiful Dickens Christmas Village, donated by Mary Collier of Newton. It was her mother-inlaw’s collection. We are thankful to the Collier family for this generous gift, which will be a part of our Christmas celebrations for many years to come.

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Upcoming events Wednesday, Feb. 14, 10:45 a.m. – A Valentine Lunch at Genova Italian Restaurant. This is not just for valentines but for ALL campus neighbors.

Thursday, Feb. 22, 2:30 p.m. – Healthy Learning Lecture: Maintaining an Active Lifestyle by Wellness Director Alex Ramos. Come for an orientation to the wellness center and learn how we can help energize your fitness routine.

Thursday, March 15, 2:30 p.m. – Art is Ageless Reception and Exhibit opening in the main dining room. Entries are due March 9 so tell your creative friends and neighbors!

Exercise class calendar Monday/Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – Adaptive Exercise (chairs available!), Wellness Center Monday/Wednesday/Fridays, 1:30 p.m. – Group Exercise, Broadway Apts. Community Room Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. – Bal-a-Vis-X, Alex is restarting this fun class for balance and concentration in the Wellness Center.

Friday, April 27, 5-8 p.m. – Apple Blossom Festival!!

It’s never too early to get this special date on the calendar for ALL generations of your family!

Art is Ageless call for entries underway ®

Newton Presbyterian Manor has issued a call for entries for the Art is Ageless® juried exhibit to be held March 15-30, 2018.

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 2019 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 2013).

There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or professional. Works to be

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Community Matters February 2018

entered for judging need to be at Presbyterian Manor by March 9.

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, educational 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 Newton Presbyterian Manor, 1200 E. Seventh, Newton, or by contacting Noelle Dickinson at 316-283-5400 or ndickinson@ pmma.org. Or go online to ArtIsAgeless.org to view rules, download an entry form or enter online.

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Welcome back, Alex We’re so pleased to have Alex Ramos return to Newton Presbyterian Manor as wellness director.

Alex first joined us in 2015 to help both our residents and staff members improve and maintain good health. Last year, he went to work for a fitness company, then returned to Presbyterian Manor in January.

At Presbyterian Manor, Alex serves as a personal trainer for our fitness center, organizes special health and wellness events, and also arranges special events and outings for residents in independent living.

He was originally drawn to work with us for the chance to have more one-on-one interaction with people, allowing him to guide individuals toward their

fitness goals and personalize their workouts.

“I just enjoyed the variety of dayto-day activities that my position entails and of course working with our residents and my co-workers at the manor,” Alex said.

Fitness challenges are one of Alex’s favorite ways to make wellness fun, for staff and residents.

He used to lead an exercise class for employees at the end of the work day, and in his first couple of days back, people were already asking him to start it again.

Not all Presbyterian Manor communities have wellness directors, said Marketing Director Noelle Dickinson, so campus leadership feels fortunate not only to have a staff member in that role, but to have someone with

Alex’s knowledge and enthusiasm.

“I take that as a big responsibility that we’re one of only campuses that has an actual wellness director,” Alex said. “I hope I can help spread what we’re doing at Newton to other communities.”

Bravo of the Month The maintenance department recognized Tammy Hall, assisted living CMA, for service and teamwork, and she was selected for the Bravo of the Month.

Tammy called the tech back and reported that she had not only looked at the toilet but she fixed it and he did not need to come in.

Tammy stepped up, took care of the needs of the resident and was a team “On Saturday, a resident needed player with assessing the problem help right away with a toilet that was and fixing it. Thanks, Tammy. We running water and would not shut appreciate all you do!” off. Tammy called the maintenance tech on call who was in Wichita, at Stop by either lobby to fill out a the time. He asked Tammy if she Bravo for employees who have gone would shut off the water for him above and beyond for you! until he got back to town. Later, Like us on Facebook

Tammy Hall accepting her Bravo of the Month award.

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Newton Presbyterian Manor 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2862 Return Service Requested

Tell us your story We will celebrate our roots in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. If you have a connection to the beginnings of or a milestone for your campus, or if you just want to tell the world what you love about living in your senior living community, we want to share the story.

Contact Noelle Dickinson, marketing director, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.

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Community Matters February 2018

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