Commun ty Matters Topeka Presbyterian Manor
‘Believe’
By Bruce Shogren, Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America president and CEO
As I look forward to the holiday season, one word is key to this season: “believe.” I truly believe in three key people: Jesus Christ, Santa Bruce Shogren Claus and the employees of the Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America system. What could be more important than Christmas Day, the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ? I grew up in a church in which every Sunday we would state our belief by reciting the Apostles’ Creed. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of theVirgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of CEO, continued on page 2
December 2014
Ruth Wilkin Resident recalls time as state representative If you’re running for a public office, there are challenges you will face that once weren’t a concern, but you’ll also have advantages that once weren’t available. Resident Ruth Wilkin served as a state representative from 1972 to 1982, and has fond memories of her first campaign and her time in office. “I didn’t know anyone who’d run before. I’d never run before,” Ruth said. “I got a committee together of friends and gave Former Kansas State them each a job. One handled the money, Representative Ruth Wilkin with a picture bearing former one the publicity and so on. We had a carefully crafted plan to go knocking door President Jimmy Carter’s to door. We knocked on every door in the signature. district. At that time, there weren’t even books available to tell us how to organize a campaign. Nowadays, there are so many resources available. “We were just a group of six or seven women who really had to make our own way. We did what we thought we should do. There were no guidelines, and the party was no help. At those times, the parties were difficult, as they had their own problems. But at least it didn’t cost much to run in those days, like it does now,” Ruth said. “I only spent a couple of thousand dollars or so when I ran. I remember the first person who spent $10,000. I thought that was terrible! Of course now, that’s not much at all! Anyway, we did it, and it worked out. I thoroughly enjoyed it.” Ruth has 96 years of experience under her belt, and her time in office is only a brief part of her life’s experience. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Kansas and worked in business offices. Her husband’s career brought them to Topeka, and she became involved in a variety of organizations, including the PTA, Girl Scouts and her church. She was involved in all of her three daughter’s activities, and sadly, lost one daughter to cancer at the age of 35. All of her volunteer work meant she was well-acquainted with many in the community. WILKIN, continued on page 4