Topeka Presbyterian Manor
JUNE 2019
Topeka Presbyterian Manor announces Art is Ageless® winners Topeka Presbyterian Manor recently hosted a reception for the winning artists in the annual Art is Ageless® juried competition. “We are so lucky to have so many talented artists in our Topeka community,” said Chelsea Watgen, marketing director. “Art is Ageless features artwork from artists age 65 “Girls Night Out,” Sculpture/3-D and older. Our sampling shows that art can be created at any age. We are proud by Dorothy Jeffries to show-off these fabulous works!” Winners in the Topeka Presbyterian Manor Art is Ageless juried competition were: Best in Show: “A Fuchsia Spring,” Painting by Pauline Knittle People’s Choice: “Audri,” Painting by JoAn Brown Professional Category, First Place Awards: “Red Sunflower,” Photography by Ann Palmer “Jasper the Peacock,” Sculpture/3-D by Dorothy Jeffries Amateur Category, First Place Awards: “Arizona Retirement Adventures,” Quilting, Hand-stitched by Peggy Shrewsbury “Stormy Sky,” Painting by Ron Persing “Card Collection,” Mixed Media/Crafts by Susan Mayer “Girls Night Out,” Sculpture/3-D by Dorothy Jeffries Local competition winners will join winners from 16 other Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America communities to be judged at the masterpiece level. Winning entries at the masterpiece level are selected for publication -AiA, continued on page 2
Constructing a life 102-year-old has spent his life building up businesses and other people
John Goodin, left John Goodin doesn’t seem to have wasted a minute of his 102 years of life. On top of helping to raise a family and build several businesses, he found time to serve others and the community. He even had a hand in the construction of Topeka Presbyterian Manor, which he now calls home. The fifth of 10 children, John was born on Dec. 27, 1917, in Clay Center, Kan., and spent most of his life building things. He started by building a family - marrying his high school sweetheart, Betty Marie Christensen, in 1938, and having two daughters, Charlotte and Sue. After serving in the Army during the World War II era, he returned home to begin building -Goodin, continued on page 3
Topeka Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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-AiA, continued from page 1
in PMMA’s annual Art is Ageless calendar and note cards. Art is Ageless is a copyrighted program of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America. For the competition, works must have been completed in the past five years. Started in 1980, Art is Ageless is an extension of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s wellness programs, which focus on mental, physical, social and spiritual health. Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica’s Art is Ageless program encourages Topeka Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year. ◆
“Jasper the Peacock,” Sculpture/3-D by Dorothy Jeffries
“Arizona Retirement Adventures,” Quilting, Hand-stitched by Peggy Shrewsbury
Honor the people who make our community great. Make a gift to the Employee Scholarship Program today. Stop by the front desk today for more information. “Card Collection,” Mixed Media/ Crafts by Susan Mayer
PMMA
Presbyterian Manors Of Mid-America
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TOPEKA Presbyterian Manor
785-272-6510 ◆ Fax: 785-272-0496 4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 TopekaPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | June 2019
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Topeka Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizaton.
To submit or suggest articles: cwatgen@PMMA.org Heather Pilkinton, executive director Chelsea Watgen, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
-Goodin, continued from page 1
his life. In 1947, the Goodin family moved from Clay Center to Topeka, where John and Betty bought and renovated a floral business. Goodin’s Floral and Nursery included more than 25,000 sq. ft. of greenhouses. It was a family business, and John said Charlotte and Sue grew up “under the benches” at the nursery. The couple went on to open the first Kansas flower shop located in a shopping center in 1961. Charlotte returned home to manage “Char’s Flower Shop” in Holliday Square Shopping Center. And the building continued … In 1967, John and Betty constructed a new facility for the flower shop and brought the A to Z Rental Franchise in Topeka. After attempting to retire in 1978, they
started The Asset Builder, a home maintenance business, and built a duplex with steam heat in the basement floor. Amidst that, the couple served as part of the Menninger Families providing transitional support for young patients leaving the local mental health treatment center. Among other accomplishments, John is a 75-year member of Masonic Lodge 225 and a 74-year member of Scottish rite and Arab Temple International. He served as a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church and helped with the planning to build Presbyterian Manor. He also served five years as secretary/treasurer for the Kansas State Florist Association, and two terms as the Commissioner of Parks and Public Property for the city of Topeka.
John Goodin with two friends. One of John’s most cherished memories is the large dinner and reception his daughters put together for his and Betty’s 75th wedding anniversary. The toughest part of his life has been having to say goodbye to Betty and his siblings. But John remains a builder and has some advice for those in the process of constructing their lives. “You only have one body,” he said, “so take care of it.” And … “Continue to educate yourself.” ◆
A life well-lived Lenice Massey looks back on a century of experience In early April, Lenice Massey’s family gathered to help her celebrate 100 years of life. “I got to see a lot of people and family I haven’t seen for a long time,” the Topeka Presbyterian Manor resident said. “I had a wonderful time.” Lenice was born April 8, 1919, near Kansas City, and, like everyone else, she’s experienced a life of ups and downs. World War II had a significant impact on those who lived through that period of history, and it was no different for Lenice. Her husband was killed in battle,
leaving her to raise and provide for two sons. “I didn’t have a choice,” she said. “I had to work to make a living.” The family struggled to get by for many years until Lenice’s friend—a Kansas legislator —invited her to Topeka and introduced her to key people at the capitol. She was soon employed by the state and spent her career working as the business manager for the Department of Health and Environment. She earned her college degree at age 51. Lenice counts raising her two sons
as one of the blessings in her life. “I had lots of good moments,” she said. “I watched them grow up and marry and have children. I’ve had lots of good friends and family.” - Massey, continued on page 4
Topeka Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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TOPEKA Presbyterian Manor
4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Our Mission: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
- Massey, continued from page 3
Another blessing is Lenice’s gift of creativity and design— which resulted in her overseeing construction of three homes.
Happy Father’s Day!
“I always loved to draw,” she said, “and I was always designing something.”
Whether you are a father or have played a fatherlike role in the life of another, we celebrate you!
She became interested in home architecture—seeking knowledge and advice from professionals and reading floor plans. It became a hobby, and then it became more than that. Lenice designed her homes, had the plans drawn up, and managed construction. For health reasons, she recently had to move out of her last house—eventually finding a new home at Presbyterian Manor. But she sees this as another blessing. “It is so nice and so clean, and they’re so good to you here,” Lenice said. “They care about you.” The key to a long life, Lenice said, is to stay engaged and involved. “I believe in God and was active in church,” she said. “I enjoy people. I enjoy life. Take each day as it comes, and just enjoy the moments.” And also … “Be sure and help other people out when you can.” ◆
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | June 2019