Commun ty Matters Salina 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, Salina Presbyterian Manor will be conducting activities designed to highlight the contributions of seniors to the greater community.
Don Smischny made these suncatchers and other stained glass items. Although these lamps are a work of art, they also are fully functional.
Featured Artist
Don Smischny’s preferred canvas isn’t canvas — it’s glass
Don Smischny was celebrated as the Featured Artist at this year’s Art is Ageless exhibit. Visitors were treated to a gallery of Smischny’s stainedglass work in the form of lampshades, suncatchers and even a bird feeder. It’s a craft he developed only since retiring as an elementary school principal in Ellsworth. But Smischny said art has been a lifelong pastime. He also has crafted ornaments for the family Christmas tree, using glass balls injected with paint. He’s done rope coil weaving for a number of years. And he’s a fan of Chinese dragon boats – these colorful, traditional ornaments are made of crochet thread or yarn woven into six-pointed, three-dimensional shapes with a tassle at the bottom. SMISCHNY continued on page 2