Commun ty Matters Topeka Presbyterian Manor
February 2016
Art is Ageless® exhibit and reception features senior and local artists Since the beginning of time, creative expression has brought joy to both its creators and those who experience their art. The Art is Ageless® program offers senior artists the opportunity to share and display their artwork and reaffirms the agelessness of human creativity. Some have resumed art after putting it aside for a career, others have been creating beautiful pieces throughout their lives, and others never picked up a brush until after they retired, but all are now expressing themselves through art. In March, their works will be on display at Topeka Presbyterian Manor. “It’s inspiring to see the beautiful pieces these seniors have created,” said Jami Colson, marketing director. “The joy it brings to them and others is wonderful, and that’s something we want to celebrate and share with ART IS AGELESS, continued on page 3
Heather Pilkinton pursues professional passion As a student at KU, Heather Pilkinton was perhaps unlike most of her social work classmates, not only because she was considered nontraditional in her mid-twenties, but also because she had a laser focus on her career after graduating. “I was an intern at Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, and I went straight to the HR director’s office and told her she needed to ‘find a way’ for me to stay on there full time. I loved it so much, and knew it was exactly where I wanted to be,” said Heather. “Sure enough, a positioned opened up, and HEATHER, continued on page 2
HEATHER, continued from page 1
“Recently, I was part of the hiring process for the new marketing within a few months, I was the director, Jami Colson. That was social services director.” a great learning opportunity, and Although she began her career as a after she’s trained, my goal is to cosmetologist, Heather knew she have my AIT complete in six to Lawrence Presbyterian Manor Lawrence PresbyterianManor Manor wanted to take her care of others Topeka Presbyterian nine months. After completion, Lawrence Presbyterian Manor beyond the beauty shop chair. I’ll serve in my new role as health ON ON care administrator at the Manor.” ON “I knew I wanted to work with the senior population since I was in Although Heather is very busy high school. I had a great fondness with work and coursework, it and interest in that population. doesn’t prevent her from doing Being a cosmetologist suited my what she loves most—spending life well, but after I got married time with her family. and had kids, I wanted to pursue “One thing I’ve come to realize my original passion, which was social work to work with seniors,” working in the senior care industry is that we’re only on this said Heather. earth for a blip. Our lives go by so Heather came to Topeka quickly, so it’s important to really Presbyterian Manor in October enjoy our loved ones. My husband 2015 as the interim marketing and I have two children, ages director, but is pursuing her six and eight, and many friends administrator’s license through and family with whom we enjoy the Administrator in Training spending our time. And we’re (AIT) program with Johnson known to be very goofy, even County Community College. singing and dancing in the car,” said Heather. “It’s the next step in my career, and I’m thrilled to be completing We’re thrilled Heather is my coursework here at the completing her AIT at Topeka Topeka Manor. I’m required to Presbyterian Manor, and are eager complete so many clock hours to welcome her in her new role in the field, and work with a as health care administrator once preceptor, which is someone who she’s finished. supervises my work. Tom, the “I look forward to being with executive director, has been my PMMA for a very long time. I preceptor, and he’s wonderful To submit or suggest articles for have nothing but a thankful heart this publication, contact Jami Colson, to learn from,” said Heather. to be a part of this marketing director, at jcolson@pmma.org. organization. We’re bridge building always and making every process as collaborative as possible. Every member of the team is bringing something to the whole that matters. I’m right where I want to be,” said Heather.
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Community Matters February 2016
ART IS AGELESS, continued from page 1
the entire Topeka community.�
The exhibit is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 17.
The Art is Ageless exhibit will feature works from local artists who are 65 and older, including a few Presbyterian Manor residents.
In addition to the exhibit, Presbyterian Manor will honor local senior artists during a reception at the community at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 17.
The public is welcome to visit the community to view the exhibit of acrylics, oils, photography and various other mediums, ranging from amateur to professional levels.
The Art is Ageless program has been encouraging creativity in seniors for more than 35 years, and is sponsored by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America (PMMA), which
is a nonprofit organization that owns and operates 18 senior living communities in Missouri and Kansas. Each year the organization publishes an Art is Ageless calendar, featuring works by amateur senior artists. Proceeds from the sale of calendars are reinvested into new art programs and opportunities for PMMA residents. Learn more at ArtIsAgeless.org.
Topeka Presbyterian Manor
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Topeka Presbyterian Manor 4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 Return Service Requested
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Community Matters February 2016
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