Rolla Community Matters February 2018

Commun ty Matters Rolla Presbyterian Manor

February 2018

Why a personal lent makes sense

By Allen Teal, chaplain Rolla Presbyterian Manor

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

After fasting 40 days and 40 nights, he was hungry.The tempter came to him…

(Matthew 4:1-3a, NIV) Lent begins on Valentine’s Day. For many Christians, this will mark the start of major piece of the annual religious calendar. For the next 40 days (not counting Sundays), a time of sacrifice and service will take place. The period will end on March 31. This is just before Easter Sunday on April 1.

Christians need a mindset of service.

Residents recently donated dog food for a local animal shelter. Joy Parker, activities director and volunteer coordinator, shows off the collection with Alfie the dog.

Active seniors pose a challenge – in the best way

Having an extended time when your wants and needs are moved to the back and the needs of others are brought forward is important. The Apostle Paul says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.

Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

(Philippians 2:3-4, NIV).

The era of the “front porch folks” in senior living has virtually faded away.

In their place are the active seniors, people who don’t stop doing their favorite hobbies or visiting their favorite places after they move into a senior living community.

We need a time to rethink what we value.

This month, we’re celebrating the hard work and dedication of our activities staff in recognition of Activity Professionals Month. Supporting

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It has changed the way places like Rolla Presbyterian Manor approach activities — often for the better, said Joy Parker, director of activities.

Today, residents have much more say in the programming provided.

“Every person is different,” Joy said. “When someone moves in, we see what they like to do, what fits with what we already offer, or what we can add they might like. That’s our number one priority.”

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Joy are activities assistant Megan Jones, transportation aide Denise Maciel, and a small platoon of volunteers.

Activities are closely tied to wellness, Joy said, so her staff focuses on experiences that address residents’ physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs. That includes encouraging people to try something new on occasion. She said it’s usually more successful when a fellow resident recommends an activity, rather than a staff member.

Gone are the days when residents were expected to attend every party or performance.

Community Matters

is published monthly for residents and friends of Rolla Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org

“It can be kind of a challenge now to the activity department, to fit many more needs. But we never, ever push anybody to do something they don’t want to do. We treat them with respect,” Joy said.

The ever-more independent residents are often happy in their solitary pursuits. However, our staff and volunteers try not to let solitude turn into isolation. That’s why they reevaluate their offerings at least once a quarter. Joy searches constantly for speakers, musicians and other performers. She found that a great number of residents enjoy jazz, so she’s scouting for a live band to play.

The activities calendar includes plenty of outings as well, such as enjoying local restaurants and live theater, and going fishing.

Joy said having the university in town is a great resource for programming and for volunteers.

Students from sororities, fraternities and service organizations visit often to do everything from playing games

We hope you’ll take a moment to show your appreciation to all of our activities staff and volunteers this month.

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day party at 2 p.m. with live music by local singer Bob Kraus

Telephone: 573-364-7336 Fax: 573-364-7336 Address: 1200 Homelife Plaza, Rolla, MO 65401-2595

Feb. 27: To celebrate National Floral Design Day, a local florist will show us some tips for arrangements. We’ll have a drawing to give away the arrangement she creates.

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

Community Matters February 2018

Presbyterian Manor has teamed with the local senior companion program for several years, which recently increased the number of volunteers coming here from three to five.

Here are a few highlights from our February activities calendar.

To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Joelle Freeland at lfreeland@pmma.org.

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to gardening to the annual Spring Fling dance. That’s when the swing dance club comes to perform and dance with residents.

Coming up this month

Ann Caudill, executive director Joelle Freeland, marketing director

RollaPresbyterianManor.org

Students from Missouri S&T often come to participate in group activities at Rolla Presbyterian Manor. Here, Phyllis Hutchison gets to know some of the volunteers.

Activities assistant Megan Jones accompanied residents, including Maggie Nelson, to a local Veterans Day celebration.

All month long: It’s the Winter Olympics, and we’ll have our own version of the games. More details to come!

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How to beat the winter blues

By Emily Gurnon for Next Avenue

The official beginning of winter that arrived on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2017, marked the darkest day of the year.

Around this time, some of us feel a familiar pall as the gloom outside seems to creep into our psyches.

Symptoms of depression that occur during the late fall and winter are known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. People who live in places with long winter nights are at particularly high risk for this malady.

But there are ways to combat the suffering.

“I know it’s coming, that dark period,” said Lee, 60, who asked to be identified only by his first name to avoid the stigma associated with depression. He uses the lamp for about a half-hour each morning, while reading the paper and eating breakfast.

“If I don’t use it for two, three, four days, I begin to notice it,” Lee said.

“My spouse notices a big difference in terms of energy level and concentration and mood.”

Light therapy should not be used if Bright light therapy you are taking antibiotics or certain drugs for psoriasis or psychosis, Therapy with a special high-intensity however. lamp has been proven to make a difference in brain chemistry, Vitamin D though scientists don’t know exactly Winter is not the time to skimp on why that happens, according to the your vitamins, especially Vitamin D. American Psychiatric Association A Vitamin D deficiency is likely to (APA). be a contributing factor in seasonal “There’s been plenty of research to depression, according to research back that up,” said Sue Abderholden, by the University of Georgia, executive director of the Minnesota the University of Pittsburgh and branch of the National Alliance on the Queensland University of Mental Illness.

Technology in Australia.

For bright light therapy to work, you will need between 30 and 90 minutes of exposure to it each day, according to the APA.Your doctor can give you instructions. One method is to sit about two feet from the light with your eyes open, but without looking directly at the lamp.

Early mornings, when the therapy can simulate sunrise, may be best.

A Minneapolis man said he takes his light therapy lamp out of the basement each year in early- to midOctober.

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“We believe there are several reasons for this, including that Vitamin D levels fluctuate in the body seasonally, in direct relation to seasonally available sunlight,” said Alan Stewart of the University of Georgia College of Education.

The researchers said there is also evidence that Vitamin D is involved in the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, chemicals whose imbalance is linked to depression.

The three universities published their research in the November 2014 issue of the journal, Medical Hypotheses.

Other ways to cope Abderholden sees individuals in her work who clearly struggle with SAD. “I know people who have anxiety and depression that is pretty much controlled by medication, but they’re still impacted by the dark days,” she said.Meditation and mindfulness training, a sort of “mini” cognitive behavior therapy, can help, Abderholden noted.

Do you have SAD? Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include: • Fatigue or low energy • Hopelessness • Irritability • Lack of interest in everyday activities • Craving carbohydrate-rich foods • Social withdrawal • Weight gain Talk to a doctor about your symptoms; you may think you have SAD. And if you are severely depressed or suicidal, go to a hospital emergency room or call 911.

Rolla Presbyterian Manor

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Art is Ageless® call for entries underway Rolla Presbyterian Manor has issued a call for entries for the Art is Ageless® juried exhibit to be held March 19 to 22. 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,

Artist work on display at the 2017 Art is Ageless reception.

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good things to influence your thinking. This is valuable to a sense of wellbeing.

Consider Lent as a time of achievement and growth.

“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:1b-2a, NIV).

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Community Matters February 2018

Local competition winners will join winners from 16 other Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America communities to be judged at the systemwide level.

Artist work on display at the 2017 Art is Ageless reception.

as well as designations of amateur or professional. Works to be entered for judging need to be at Presbyterian Manor by March 14.

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.

Entry forms can be picked up at Rolla Presbyterian Manor, 1200 Homelife Plaza or by contacting Joelle Freeland at 573-364-7336 or lfreeland@pmma.org. Or go online to ArtIsAgeless.org to view rules, download an entry form or enter online.

A visitor looks at artist work on display at the 2017 Art is Ageless reception.

Adjusting the rhythms and patterns of your life will bring positive change.

Bad habits, poor friend choices, and improper lifestyles can be purged and left behind. This should result in a better outlook and may bring better health.

Plan a definite period for personal evaluation.

It will be more effective if you time this event with a calendar and not

a clock. Use a journal to record your goals and progress. Seek God to help you improve yourself and become a blessing to those around you.

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Thank you, donors

Below is a list of individuals who gave generously during our annual Angel Appeal to support seniors at our campus who have outlived their financial resources through no fault of their own.

Gifts are often made in the memory or honor of a loved one who has lived at our campus. We appreciate the generosity of our donors.

Mrs. Winifred A. Holm in memory of Elizabeth and Butch Holm

Mr. and Mrs. Max Anderson

Mrs. Nancy D. Marlow in memory of Gertrude Roemer

Mr. John Huddleson Mr. Keith Huskey Dr. and Mrs. Jeffery Kerr in honor of the staff at Rolla Presbyterian Manor

Mr. and Mrs. Karl Brown in memory of Lois Jean Lamar

Mr. Thomas Monroe

Ms. Ann Caudill

Mr. and Mrs. Jack F. Morris

First Presbyterian Church of Rolla

Ms. Jeanine Moss

Dr. and Mrs. Oliver R. Grawe in memory of Sarah C. Grawe Ms. Cynthia K. Hobart in memory of Dorothy Lewis Like us on Facebook

Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Schmidt in honor of Illa Bell Mr. and Mrs. Paul D. Stigall in honor of Colleen and Claire Mr. and Mrs. Leland B. Womack in honor of Judy Dean If you would like to support our seniors, you can make a gift online at http://www. presbyterianmanors.org/give_ now or by leaving a gift with the staff at the front desk.

Ms. Margaret Navickis

Mrs. Peggy Risbeck Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Sandquist Rolla Presbyterian Manor

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Rolla Presbyterian Manor 1200 Homelife Plaza Rolla, MO 65401-2595 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 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 Joelle Freeland, 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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