Salina Community Matters July 2015

Commun ty Matters Salina Presbyterian Manor

July 2015

New giving option now available Your old vehicle could help “drive” the Good Samaritan Program at a Presbyterian Manor senior living community of your choice.

You can donate your car, truck, boat or other unneeded vehicle through PMMA’s new vehicle donation program. When you call the toll-free number, we’ll arrange to pick up the vehicle, even if it’s not running.You will need to provide your vehicle’s title with the vehicle. Its sale price is then tax deductible.You can consult IRS Publication 526 to help you figure its current value.

To make your vehicle donation or for more information, call toll free, seven days a week, at 844-490-GIVE (4483), or go to SalinaPresbManorCarDonations.org and choose “Donate Now” to access the online form.

Vehicles need to be intact and in towable condition. Exceptions to the program are vehicles whose value would not offset the cost of towing.

The PMMA Good Samaritan Program provides financial assistance to residents at any of the 18 communities, who exhaust their CARS, continued on page 2

The walled city of Vannes, France, is still a vibrant community.

Vacationing in France

By Kim Fair, marketing director

For several years, my husband and I hosted Rotary business exchange visitors during their stays in Salina. Laurent Louedec of Brittany, France, was one of the most memorable. He invited us to visit him — several times over several years — and we finally made the trip in 2001.

We started with three days in Paris to see the usual tourist sites. Then we made our way via high-speed train to his traditional French cottage in the village of Quimper, near the west coast of France. Laurent used his motorcycle to get to the marina, where his family had a business, and gave us his car keys to go exploring. He took one day off to join us and teach us the history of Brittany and France. We visited walled cities, village squares and many other special places.

One morning Laurent woke us at 3 a.m. to watch the fishing boats come in at Concarneau. We saw boats unload their catch, watched them FRANCE continued on page 2

CARS, continued from page 1

funds through no fault of their own.

Thank you for considering a gift to help our residents who have a financial need.

gone down. The man in the bar car told his wife to keep him updated stack and ice the fish for the sales because “there’s an American chap warehouse, and then stayed for the auction. Laurent’s mother was there on the train who needs to know.” buying fresh seafood, and she invited We were trying to fly home on Sept.

11, 2001. us to dinner with friends.

We started at 8 p.m., and we rose from the table at 12:15 a.m. after multiple courses, ending with coffee followed by cognac swirled in the warmed coffee cup.

FRANCE continued from page 1

Many things about France amazed me--street vendors in Paris, outdoor cafes, the age and beauty Seafood feast at the home of Roland and Denice of buildings still fully Louedec, parents of our friend, Laurent. occupied and used. The most wonderful thing about France We spent three unplanned days in was how gracious and helpful people Paris in a fog, unable to comprehend were. The best indication of that was what had happened at home. The on the train back to Paris to catch French would tell us, “We are so our flight home. sorry about what is happening in

Community Matters

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

Bradley Radatz, executive director Kim Fair, marketing director

On our return to Paris to fly home, my husband went to the bar car because “there’s always someone in there who speaks English.” He returned and said a plane had flown into the World Trade Center. We thought that was a strange way for a small aircraft pilot to commit suicide. Later we learned it was a passenger plane, and two others had

your country.” A department store made their computers available to Americans so they could contact family back home.

We were lucky to be on the first flight to America from Paris on Sept.

14. We didn’t care where in the States it was going — it was enough just to be able to go home.

To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Kim Fair, kfair@pmma.org.

Telephone: 785-825-1366 Fax: 785-825-6554 Address: 2601 E. Crawford, Salina, KS 65401-2595 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

SalinaPresbyterianManor.org

View from the Eifel Tower of Seine bridges, Pont Noeff and the large carousel.

2

Community Matters July 2015

Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America

Resident Survey Across all levels of living, residents report positive relationships with staff and would recommend Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America (PMMA) to a friend.

The PMMA resident survey is a proud 11-year tradition that shows our commitment to resident input from PMMA communities in Kansas and Missouri. As we examine the survey results, it is important to thank YOU — our residents — for giving your opinions.

Because of you, our mission is an important part of every day.

Quality of life: challenge accepted Assisted living resident responses about lifestyle and care:

4.15 4.37 4.38 4.34

staff provides opportunities to try new activities staff communicates with me about my care staff respects my privacy staff understands me

out of 5

Quality care: mission possible Health care resident responses about nursing staff:

4.32 4.23 4.21 4.15

staff is caring and courteous to me staff is responsive to health concerns staff caring for me is competent staff follows my personalized care plan

out of 5

Salina Presbyterian Manor

3

New resident surveys campus + apartment Independent living residents across the board report the overall appearance of their home and campus is pleasing.

say hospitality is important. The new residents participating gave PMMA a 4.49 out of 5 on “I felt welcomed upon entrance to the community.”

I am able to maintain the lifestyle of my choice. » 4.34 out of 5

I am satisfied with the variety of activities available. » 4.25 out of 5

I have a sense of belonging in my community. » 4.29 out of 5

I know environmental services meets my needs. » 4.37 out of 5

I feel safe and secure. » 4.59 out of 5

4

Community Matters July 2015

Safety Matters Throughout all communities,

PMMA residents feel safe and secure.

It was one of the highest rated questions.

Summer time and family vacations

By Karen Larsen, activities director

During the almost eight years I have worked at Presbyterian Manor, I have had one prevailing piece of advice given to me by our residents.

“Do what you want to do and enjoy life while you can.” And yes, I have taken that to heart and run with it.

Vacations seem to be a time when I can relax and enjoy those close to me and explore new parts of this wonderful world. I’ve been blessed to have taken many vacations with my husband, my children and other extended family members over the years — most recently a cruise with my daughter Whitney and my niece from Texas. What a wonderful time we had just being together, playing in the sun and eating too much.

One of my fondest vacations was a gift from the Make a Wish Foundation to my 13-yearold daughter, Haley, who had brain cancer. She died at the age of 15. That trip included our immediate family on an all-inclusive trip to Disneyworld via Give Kids the World.

It was a truly magical time in which we left the real world and enjoyed everything Mickey and friends had to offer. Sadly, the photos were lost in a house fire, but the memories from that vacation are etched so fondly into my mind that I’ll never forget the experience.

As I get older I’m finding my fondest memories are of family vacations, traveling and summertime. In the movie “Meet Joe Black,” a Jamaican woman says life is all about the pictures you take with your mind. She says, “If we’re lucky, maybe, we got some nice pictures to take with us.”

That is my goal, I’ve decided. To have so many of those fabulous pictures in my mind that they all won’t fit.

I’ll get to cherish each one now and

later. My prayer for every one of you is that you have your own wonderful mind pictures to visit over and over again.

Salina Presbyterian Manor

5

Summer events Top: Emily Strom, former Miss Kansas, presents a musical program in the Ivory Keys Café.

Left: Marie Scott, center, visits with guests Earlene Zimmerman, left, and Ivy Marsh at her 90th birthday celebration.

Coming up in Community Matters In an upcoming Community Matters, we’ll be focusing on senior safety, fall prevention and Grandparents’ Day. How do you keep your balance? What have you found to be most helpful in aging strong and avoiding injuries as you age? What’s your favorite thing about being a grandparent or great-grandparent? What wisdom do you want to pass along to the next generation?

If you’d like to share your thoughts or memories, contact Marketing Director Kim Fair and your story may be selected for inclusion in an upcoming Community Matters newsletter.

6

Community Matters July 2015

Sign up to receive our newsletter by email. Visit SalinaPresbyterianManor.org and enter your email address in the subscription box.

It’s that easy!