Topeka Community Matters April 2019

Commun ty Matters Topeka Presbyterian Manor

April 2019

Presbyterian Manor system Volunteer voices to celebrate 70 years Ellen Evans

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and while we have many wonderful volunteers to thank, this month we’re highlighting a special volunteer who makes life a little brighter for Presbyterian Manor residents.

On April 19, Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America (PMMA) will celebrate its 70th anniversary. Our first very first community opened in Newton, Kan., on April 19, 1949, nearly two years after 90-year-old Alice Kalb of El Dorado, Kan., asked the United Presbyterian Synod if it would consider opening a home for the aged. A small exploratory committee formed to look at the idea and determined it had merit.

When it came time for Ellen Evans to retire, she didn’t go very far.

That’s because she retired from work at Topeka Presbyterian Manor in 2012, and quickly returned to volunteer in the store.

To raise funds for the Newton effort, a dedicated offering throughout the synod took place on Mother’s Day in 1948. The practice of raising funds for Presbyterian Manors on Mother’s Day continues today. The first resident, Mrs. Frances Belle Townsend of Smith Center, Kan., moved into the first Presbyterian home for the aged on April 19. Alice Kalb moved in on April 21, and lived there until her death in 1951.

“I used to do Wii bowling as well,

When it came time to name this new establishment, the committee

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Topeka Presbyterian Manor 4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 Return Service Requested

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

Heather Pilkinton, executive director Chelsea Watgen, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Chelsea Watgen, marketing director, cwatgen@pmma.org.

Telephone: 785-272-6510 Fax: 785-272-0496 Address: 4712 S.W. Sixth Ave., Topeka, KS 66606-2284 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

TopekaPresbyterianManor.org

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Community Matters April 2019

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did not choose to name it the Presbyterian Home for the Aged.

Instead, based on the separate suggestions of two women—Mrs. Mary Page of Topeka and Grace Derby of Manhattan, it was named Newton Presbyterian Manor. Grace later lived at Presbyterian Manor in Newton until her death in 1966.

but interest in that waned, so I stayed helping in the store on Mondays,” said Ellen. “The store is volunteer run and is an important thing for resident quality of life.

They can purchase snack items, greeting cards, dishwashing soap, Kleenex, toothpaste, etc. They can maintain their independence and not have to get out in the elements just for basic necessities.”

Alice’s dream has turned into a network of 17 senior living communities across Kansas and Missouri with more than 2,400 residents, and the mission of the organization remains true to its core: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

PMMA has plans to extend its mission into Colorado with the proposed development of Aberdeen Ridge in Colorado Springs.

And as much as Ellen enjoys helping the residents, she recognizes the benefits she receives as well.

“I just enjoy the people. I’ve made some great friends here. I think that anyone who is retired should get out and volunteer. Don’t just sit at home. That was a goal for my retirement, to get out and volunteer,” she said.

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