Commun ty Matters Salina Presbyterian Manor
May 2016
Mary’s Musings In 1992, I was blessed to be part of a church exchange program. I went to the Middle East and lived in Ramallah for a month with a Palestinian family. They were members of Hope Lutheran Church, and through that church community, I had the unbelievable opportunity to live in a different culture. Upon returning home I was interviewed by a reporter from my hometown newspaper, and he kept asking me about the differences I experienced. My reply was, other than living in a war zone, the church, the families and the people I met had the same hopes and dreams as I did. We all wanted a better world for our children. Recently as I was cleaning out some old files, I found this article. MUSINGS, continued on page 4
Living ‘in community’ So often as we age we aren’t as able to be actively involved in all the ways we were previously. We may get out and about less frequently, visit others or be visited less often. Living or working ‘in community’ provides unlimited benefits that help fill the void. Cathy Boos, life enrichment director When I started my new job on Tuesday, March 8, I had no idea I would lose my dad the very next day. My dad had been the idol of my life growing up, and my world was shattered in an instant. Even though we all know the time will come when we lose our parents, no one is ever really prepared, as I found out. As I struggled back to my new job the next week, I found a sense of peace, love and comfort from all the staff and residents. They all have been so understanding and comforting at this time when my life seemed to have a void. The puzzle group was kind to complete the last puzzle I purchased for dad. We loved working puzzles together. It now hangs proudly in my office. My dad and I spent a lot of time watching the Royals and KU COMMUNITY, continued on page 2
COMMUNITY, continued from page 1
basketball and football games as we both were avid fans. I now have a whole group of residents to watch the games with during Lawrence Presbyterian Manor my Royals and KU watch parties Lawrence Presbyterian Manor Salina Presbyterian Manor Lawrence Presbyterian Manor at Presbyterian Manor! The whole ON Presbyterian Manor family has really ON ON begun to fill the void left from losing my dad. Thanks so much to all of you.
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Jake Mitchell, wellness in community
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 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 67401-3898 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. SalinaPresbyterianManor.org
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Community Matters May 2016
Jake Mitchell chuckles a bit when he thinks of his nickname at Salina Presbyterian Manor: “The Mystery Man.” Two years ago, after a stay in the PATH rehab unit, Jake came back and took a fourth-floor apartment at Presbyterian Manor, where he kept mostly to himself. Born with a hearing disability, he had lived most of his life with his parents. It’s tough for him to be in groups or crowded
rooms, because he relies on faces and lips to understand what people are saying. In short, living in community was a big change. “For a person like me, it’s hard to start a conversation,” Jake said. “I’m a friendly guy, but some people think I’m a little standoffish.” But there’s one place Jake spends hours a week surrounded by others. He works out faithfully at the YMCA, six early mornings a week. Fitness was always important to Jake, but even more so after the devastating car crash that led him to rehab. Today he’s fully recovered and active as ever. And he’s discovering that wellness is about more than walking and lifting weights. “Coming back here after PATH and interacting with people has been a big relief,” he said. “I’m looking forward to life; it’s a lot more fun now.” Jake also realized that he sees many other campus residents or staff at the Y. “One day I met my next-door neighbor at the Y. I see her more there on Saturdays, and we live side by side,” Jake said. “I’ve learned you don’t just say hi and goodbye; you’ve got to talk to people a little bit.” It was Jake’s conversation with Marketing Director Kim Fair that inspired our focus on living in COMMUNITY, continued on page 5
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How to be a writer at any age By Warren Adler
your writer’s journey.
I always wanted to be a writer. Ever since I was conscious, I felt that inexplicable pull to tell a story, to create a scene, to leave a reader wanting to know what would happen next. When life’s responsibilities came knocking, i.e. I had a family to support, my career as a published author was put on hold. However, I knew that nothing would block the path to my dream: to be a full-time writer in control of my career and destiny.
1. Do not overanalyze.
I had a late start as a published writer, at 46, and since then I’ve published more than 50 works, including The War of the Roses, which became the nomenclature of divorce worldwide and turned into a box-office hit. Having been in the creative ballgame for nearly half a century, I have seen the various reincarnations of the publishing industry.
You can think something to death and never get anything done. Keep moving and don’t look back too often. I find it boring to be constantly looking back. The future is much more exciting. 2. Never take rejection of your work to heart. Rejection is an inevitable part of any dream you pursue. I’ve been told “no” many times and never took it seriously. It may be impractical, unwise, foolish, pure madness, but if you truly believe in yourself, your talent, your ideas, your calling, your personal mission, why not, as Lewis Carroll wrote, “go on until the end, and then stop”?
My first novel wasn’t published until I was 46 years old. Ignore insults and negative, unproductive Self-publishing was my way of taking feedback. In today’s age, where back control of my own destiny. The everything is gone with the flicker truth is: I don’t know how to stop. I of a screen, be happy that your work work on novels, articles, blog posts is garnering attention. Make sure and maintain contact with fans from your name is spelled right. around the world every single day. 3. Mind your morning rituals I hope my insights below and my and stay informed. optimism inspire you to persevere through struggle and continue on I wake up every day at 5 a.m. and
Winning artworks from this year’s exhibit have been professionally photographed at the home office in Wichita and will enter the masterpiece level judging with winners from all 18 Presbyterian Manors. Beginning
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write until 10 a.m., after which I read the various news outlets. Read the news and the world’s happenings around you. Inspiration and enlightenment come from current events. Gaining a new perspective never hurt anyone. The truth is, most times, stranger than fiction. 4. Write at least 100 pages before you decide to scrap a novel. Don’t be so quick to toss work to the trash heap. Get to know your characters and story, but also know when to start anew. 5. Don’t be afraid of change. Embrace change while staying true to yourself. When digital publishing was in its infancy, few people believed in its power to revolutionize the way people read. I was thought of as crazy, but I was determined to achieve independence as an author and I made it happen.
with the June newsletter, we will feature a couple of the Salina winning artworks in each issue. Note and greeting cards and the 2017 calendar should be available in October or November.
Salina Presbyterian Manor
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MUSINGS, continued from page 1
“In 1998, because of the work of 23 Nobel Peace Laureates, including Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the United Nations General Assembly voted unanimously to proclaim the first decade of the 21st century the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World.” Then the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches designated the United States as the focus in 2004. Looking at our world today, the violence, the lack of respect for those who are different than we are, the hateful words spoken, not just by ordinary people, but by people who wish to be seen as our leaders, make me sad. I’m going to declare that first decade as an epic failure. How many times in your life have you wished for another chance? Another chance to take a test. Another chance at bat. Another chance to do a better job. Another chance to heal a hurt. Another chance to take back inappropriate words. Another chance to show your love. A person asks for another chance because he or she failed the first time.
Send a balloon. Show you care.
Support Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America with a gift to the Good Samaritan Program. We’ll add another balloon to the bouquet and residents will see how much you care. Donate online at: PresbyterianManors.org/How_To_Give or stop by the front desk to make a gift.
If you FAIL, never give up, because F.A.I.L. means: “First Attempt In Learning. END is not the end. In fact, E.N.D. means “Effort Never Dies.” If you get NO as an answer, remember N.O. means “Next Opportunity.” I challenge each of us to look for the positives. I had a friend who used to say “if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.” Let’s make this year a year in which we focus on the positives.
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Community Matters May 2016
Salina Presbyterian Manor’s Post-Acute To Home (PATH®) program isn’t just about getting you home— it’s about getting you back to your life. Call 785-825-1366 today to schedule your personal appointment and tour. SalinaPresbyterianManor.org Like us on Facebook
COMMUNITY, continued from page 2
community for this newsletter. Kim added that it’s easy to become more reclusive as we age, but it’s important not to pull into our shells too much. “When you’re here, all you have to do is walk out the door to see somebody. And if you don’t want to, you don’t have to,” Kim said. “It’s all under your control.”
Community living still allows Jake, and everyone, to express their independent spirit. After all, having choices for “the way you want to live” is the real source of freedom.
Kim Fair, marketing director and resident The past year has been a succession of transitions beginning with the short illness and death of my younger sister and only sibling on May 23, followed closely by the end of a 30-year marriage and relocation from the quiet serenity of the countryside to town. My decision to move to Presbyterian Manor was easy. Having worked here nine years, this is a place I felt comfortable, at peace and lifted up by co-workers and residents who cared for me so kindly during the tough times. Support came in all forms from hand-written notes to phone calls, text messages, offers to help as needed, small gifts or treats.
When I moved in last year, coworkers and residents said, “I hope people don’t bother you when you’re off duty.” One person has knocked on my door with a need— one egg. That happens anywhere one
lives and it’s called ‘neighboring.’ I like neighbors. If I want to see people I need only to step out my door. I’ve enjoyed invitations to sports watch parties, activities, dinners out, walks around the pond. Or I can just stay inside. This place, this community, is an exemplar of the benefits of ‘living in community’ yet living the way I want to live.
Health care happenings • Mother’s Day celebration. 3 p.m., Friday, May 6, with Ann Zimmerman performing. • Mike and Glenda Mann will perform their magic and ventriloquist act at 3 p.m. on May 13. • Education programs include the Holocaust, The Rest of the Story, learning about Like us on Facebook
and eating dandelions and a National Geographic bee. • We’ll enjoy float day and will cook with apples. • National Slider Day will include White Castle sliders. • Art Discovery exploration will be painting on bark paper as natives in the tropics used to do. Salina Presbyterian Manor
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Welcome to the old— and the new—in activities Becky Buggy rides will begin on Thursday, May 12, at 10:45 a.m. and every Thursday thereafter until September. Consider participation in new activities that will be starting, including Walking Club, Veteran’s Club and Pool Sharks. Watch for more information about the clubs and how to join in the fun.
Employee of the Month
Independence Day holds memories Independence Day marks the middle of summer and holds many fond and patriotic memories. Do you have a memorable Fourth of July story to tell? For seniors, maintaining independence is important to quality of life. How do you maintain your independence while living on a senior living campus? What did you gain by moving to the campus? What surprised you about campus life? If you’ve got a story to share about independence, contact Marketing Director Kim Fair, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters. 6
Community Matters May 2016
Pam Bolte was the Employee of the Month for April. Pam has worked in dining services as a cook for two-and-a-half years and has a special talent for luscious desserts. She and husband, Tim, have six adult children: Angie, Mandy, Chris, Matt, Nick and Megan plus seven grandchildren. Pam enjoys spending time with grandchildren and family as well as cross stitching and sewing in her spare time. She also likes to watch the antics of the birds and squirrels in her back yard. Congratulations Pam!
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