Topeka Presbyterian Manor
JUNE 2021
Topeka Presbyterian Manor announces Art is Ageless® winners
Topeka Presbyterian Manor recently announced the 2021 winners of the annual Art is Ageless® juried competition on the community Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/ TopekaPresbyterianManor.
Debra Akins
Interest in relationships brought nurse back to Presbyterian Manor
Debra Akins joined the nursing staff at Topeka Presbyterian Manor in 2014, but she was already familiar with the community. The evening shift supervisor worked here while attending Washburn University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1983. “I really enjoyed working here when I was going to school,” Debra said. “The opportunity to work as a CNA and CMA enriched my overall education in nursing. “In the hospital, people come and go. Here, you have the ability to develop deeper connections. At this point in my career, I wanted a setting where I could develop longer-term relationships with residents and their families.” A calling to care for others is one of the reasons Debra decided to be a AKINS - continued on page 2
“We are honored to exhibit artwork by seniors,” said Danica Loftin, marketing director. “Art is Ageless is unique in featuring only the works of artists age 65 and older. Our artists prove that art, in any form, is an ageless ambition.” Winners in the Topeka Presbyterian Manor Art is Ageless juried competition were: Judge’s Choice amateur: Lori Weir, “Flower Bouquet” Judge’s Choice professional: Dorothy Jeffries, “You Light Up My Life” Mixed Media/Crafts professional: Deborah Taylor, “Orchids and Cats Book” Needlework professional: Deborah Taylor, “Spring Table Mat” AiA - continued on page 3
Topeka Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
1
AKINS - continued from page 1
nurse. She also enjoyed science, and a mentor who was a nurse encouraged her to consider the profession. After college, Debra went on to work at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka. She also lived and worked in Denver for four years while studying for her master’s degree in counseling with an emphasis in testing, evaluations and assessments. She loves learning so much that Debra considered pursuing a doctorate, but by that time she had started a family and felt it wasn’t the right time. But she has continued to grow and learn in her career, and some
of her best teachers have been the residents of Topeka Presbyterian Manor. “They are invaluable,” Debra said. “They are wise, kind, generous, and ready to share their stories. I learn so much from them.” She also values the community she is a part of as a staff member at Presbyterian Manor. “Heather [Pilkinton], the executive director, and Jody [Broxterman], the director of nursing, create an environment of support, appreciation, and focus on personcentered care,” Debra said. “People truly care about each other. It makes Topeka Presbyterian Manor a special place to work and be a part of.”
Strong administration has shepherded the community through the challenges of the past 15 months. “They’ve done a fantastic job guiding us through the pandemic,” Debra said. “I’m so appreciative of their leadership.” When Debra isn’t working, she spends as much time as possible with her daughters, ages 30 and 25. Both are graduated from college and living in Topeka, but that won’t last forever. Her youngest will be moving away to attend law school in the near future. “I am just soaking up all the moments I have with them,” Debra said. ◆
COVID-19 updates continue Send an Art is Ageless® e-card for Father’s Day using the link on the COVID-19 Updates page, TopekaPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19. Get the latest updates on visitation, ongoing safety measures and PMMA’s response to COVID-19 on your community website. Visitation status is updated weekly on Mondays and as needed as our COVID status changes. ◆
Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
Community Matters 785-272-6510 ◆ Fax: 785-272-0496 4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 TopekaPresbyterianManor.org
2
COMMUNITY MATTERS | June 2021
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) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: dloftin@pmma.org Heather Pilkinton, executive director Danica Loftin, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
AiA - continued from page 1
Painting amateur: Lori Weir, “Mountain Serenity” Painting professional: Deborah Taylor, “Spring 2018 at Butte Falls, Oregon” Quilting amateur: Peggy Shrewsbury, “Friends” Sculpture/3-D professional: Dorothy Jeffries, “You Light Up My Life” Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica communities to be judged
Deborah Taylor, “Spring 2018 at Butte Falls, Oregon”
at the masterpiece level. Winning entries at the masterpiece level are selected for publication 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 MidAmerica’s wellness programs, which focus on mental, physical, social and spiritual health. Presbyterian Manors of Mid-
Peggy Shrewsbury, “Friends”
Two paintings by Lori Weir won awards: “Mountain Serenity” (on left) and “Flower Bouquet.”
America’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. We would like to thank all the artists who shared their work with us this year. It truly lifted our spirits to see the beautiful, creative work of senior artists in our community. Art is truly ageless! ◆
Deborah Taylor, “Spring Table Mat”
From Deborah Taylor, “Orchids and Cats Book,” and Dorothy Jeffries, “You Light Up My Life” Topeka Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
3
4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Changes are coming
Starting in July 2021, the Community Matters newsletter will transition to a fully electronic newsletter. To receive the newsletter by email, visit TopekaPresbyterianManor.org and use the sign-up form on the lower portion of the homepage to sign up for regular monthly delivery of the newsletter in your inbox. Residents may still receive a hard copy upon request through the Administrative office. ◆
4
COMMUNITY MATTERS | June 2021