Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor
May 2015
Older Americans Month 2015: ‘Get into the Act’ Older adults are a vital part of our society. Since 1963, communities across the country have shown their gratitude by celebrating Older Americans Month each May. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Get into the Act,” to focus on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. By promoting and engaging in activity, wellness, and inclusivity, more Americans than ever before can “Get into the Act.” While Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica campuses provides quality senior services guided by Christian values to older adults year-round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults can access the home- and community-based services they need to live independently in their communities. It is also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a difference in those communities. Throughout the month, Newton Presbyterian Manor will be conducting activities designed to highlight the contributions of seniors to the greater community.
Winning Team
Couple claims blue ribbons in first Art is Ageless competition
Scandinavian arts are a specialty for Hank and Ann Heidebrecht.You’d expect these techniques to have been handed down through generations of their own families, but the couple actually learned these traditional crafts from skilled friends willing to teach them. This winter, the Heidebrechts each earned first place in their categories at the annual Art is Ageless competition at Newton Presbyterian Manor. Hank won for his Eska box, a decorative Scandinavian bentwood box, and Ann was honored for her Swedish weaving using yarn and monk’s cloth. The couple – high school sweethearts from Inman, Kansas – moved to Springfield, Mo., after they retired to be near one of their daughters. That’s where Ann met a neighbor who did Swedish weaving. “I really admired it, and she says, ‘Oh you can do that.’ She had the material and yarn and got me started,” Ann said. Ann said she used 2 ½ yards of material to make her winning weaving. The technique also can be applied to lap quilts, placemats, runners and even curtains. WINNING, continued on page 2