Parsons Community Matters February 2017

Commun ty Matters Parsons Presbyterian Manor

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 Sharla Hopper, marketing director, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.

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A Beautiful blend:

February 2017

Art and intergenerational relationships

It’s been proven how beneficial the arts are to seniors, and it’s also been proven how interacting with those in different generations can benefit both young and old. So when the two are combined, beautiful things are bound to happen.

“My class last year wrote poems in several different styles that were inspired/based on the barn quilt watercolors created in Joan Allen’s class.

The idea had its nexus in the fact that Sharla and I share a commitment to creating The sweet heart of Kansas opportunities for interactions between

By Tara Kelsey generations,” said Barney Back in the meadow with the spring weather Pontious, fourth grade And the family back in the house teacher at Parsons Elementary. “She is a strong A beautiful time out in the valley believer in the benefits of A time to read a fairy tale this and approached me In the sweet heart of Kansas about this project. I Lies this old family immediately accepted this In the barn all day chance because poetry is a Kids playing in the meadow large element of the fourth What an amazing sight grade curriculum here in So magical and majestic Parsons, and it ties in well with my style of writing Could this be a fairy tale in the sweet heart instruction.” of Kansas?

The project was a huge success, and students embraced the opportunity with passion.

“My students quickly grabbed on to this chance for them to be ‘professional poets.’ Each student chose a picture to use as inspiration for their poetry. Luckily we had already written numerous styles of poetry, and I allowed the students to choose any style that they felt comfortable with. Some chose free verse. Some chose to use rigid rhyming schemes.

Art continued on page 3

Surprise

W. Wayne Mason, Chaplain, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice

“Surprise!” The shout from the crowd of well-wishers startles the new arrival and makes him wonder – do I come in and be embraced or turn around and run?

I am a person who likes to plan ahead and see things coming. I come close to dreading that word that seems to thrill others: “Surprise!” I like the security of knowing who is around the corner, what situation I am walking into, and what will be expected of me. Surprises can make you feel alone, isolated, in the spotlight. I like knowing someone is on my side, that there is someone I can ®

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

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

depend upon, and that there will be someone standing next to me and watching my back.

I am not naïve. I know that surprises come to all of us whether we want them or not. They can be joyous occasions (like a birthday party), or a more frightening time (like a change of health). What I have learned is that we can prepare for the surprises of life by recognizing the supportive resources we have all around us.

I start with faith in God. I know this moment in time, with its joys and its sorrows, will not change my eternal future. My faith in God has already settled my future – I know where I’m going when I leave this life (John 14:1-6).

I add in good friends who will stand beside me no matter what the surprises in life might be. Whether the surprises are joy-filled or lifethreatening, I have people who care and will stand with me to listen and support.

Sometimes suprises can be quite startling.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-toback and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

Prayer:“Lord, we thank you for the security you provide us in the surprises of life. Keep us firmly aware that you will never leave our side and will carry us to our ultimate destination. Amen.”

Maegen Pegues, executive director Sharla Hopper, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact shopper@pmma.org.

Telephone: 620-421-1450 Fax: 620-421-1897 Address: 3501 Dirr Ave., Parsons, KS 67357-2220 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

ParsonsPresbyterianManor.org

Par sonns Presbyterian Manorr’s Post-Acute ost Acute T To o ® Homee (PATH ) program isn’t juust about getting you home – it’s about getting you baack to your life.

Call 620-717-4030 to oday to schedule your per sonal appointment ment and tour.

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2 COMMUNITY MATTERS FEBRUARY 2017

Parsons Presbyterian Manor’s Art is Ageless® call for entries underway

Parsons Presbyterian Manor has issued a call for entries for the Art is Ageless juried exhibit to be held March 13-14. 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 March 10.

The Art is Ageless program encourages Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through the 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 Parsons Presbyterian Manor or by contacting Sharla Hopper at 620-421-1450 or shopper@pmma.org. Or go online to ArtIsAgeless.org to view rules, download an entry form or enter online.

Art continued from page 1

Some even chose to use shape poems along with many other styles,” said Barney. “In short, the students really embraced this and took a chance to develop some pride in their writing.

Many of them invited their families and friends to see their poetry displayed at the exhibit. This gave them a chance to see their work displayed and really inspired some to continue writing poetry.”

While it was obvious that the students were excited about the project, there were some surprising reactions.

“The students who excelled and embraced this project were probably the most surprising part to me. Many tough little boys really reached out to another part of their personalities to work on this project. I saw a side to a number of young men that I hadn’t seen much previously. I was also impressed how the self-efficacy of my students increased

with respect to writing on this project.

Some students who had considered themselves to be less-able writers really did well on this project. The feeling that they got seeing their writing in a frame and talking to the other artists at the AIA fair was fun to watch.”

This year, the project has been expanded to include Sami Pontious’ third-grade class (Sami is Barney’s wife) and Hope Smith’s sixth-grade class.

They will be exhibiting poems and stories describing “colorful selfies” painted by Joan Allen’s watercolor class.

“I am happy that my wife has been selected to do this project this year. She is a strong writing teacher and really has a good heart for collaboration with the outside community in her classroom. I anticipate a wonderful finished product from her kids as well,” said Barney.

Who knows? Perhaps this combination

of art and intergenerational relationships will spark a nationwide movement. It’s certainly a powerful project.

“One main point that I made to my students with this idea is that art can bridge the generations. We talked about how many things actually make up ‘art.’ During this project we saw many examples of how art can speak to people of all ages and how it can be a lifelong pursuit as well.

Watching my students interact with the artists, the community and other residents at the manor showed that some of the major objectives of my teaching were being met. Aside from the poems the students were effective communicators and good 21st century citizens during this project. They embraced the chance to speak with the public about their poems and, in sharing them with the public, made connections that they will always remember.”

PARSONS PRESBYTERIAN MANOR 3

Bravo!

When our team members go above and beyond, they deserve a Bravo! This month, we celebrate Deante Kelley, whose service was recognized by Patricia Smith:

“During our Christmas dinner, I had the pleasure of working side by side with this young man. He was awesome! He assisted residents and family members with drinks. He took pitchers to the table and kept drinks full. He did this the entire party without one complaint, no harsh words, and a happy face. I would be happy to work with him at any function. Deante was really great!”

Thank you, Deante, for your relentless commitment to Parsons Presbyterian Manor residents. ®

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Presbyterian Manor 3501 Dirr Ave. Parsons, KS 67357-2220

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4 COMMUNITY MATTERS FEBRUARY 2017

Deante Kelley, taking care of residents.