Community celebrates PMMA history with Founder’s Day activities
Salina Presbyterian Manor celebrated Founder’s Day with a party for residents and staff.
"This party has been in the makings for a couple years, as we were all waiting for COVID to subside so we could celebrate with one another,” said Cathy Boos, director of sales and marketing.
Founder’s Day honors the vision of those who established senior living communities guided by Christian values. In the 1940s, Alice Kalb, a widow from central Kansas, appealed to a Presbyterian Church organization to establish a home for seniors. Her vision laid the foundation for the first Presbyterian Manor community in Newton, Kan. Today, 15 senior living communities operate under the umbrella of PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America).
Although Founder’s Day is an annual tradition, the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on festivities for the past couple of years. That’s why this year’s party was so special, Cathy said.
Attendees at the outdoor celebration enjoyed funnel cakes and Shirley Temples. Staff and residents played games and won prizes. Local band Randy Baldwin and the Residents provided live music, and many residents took to the dance floor.
Celebrants even had the chance to get tattooed — temporarily, of course!
“Getting back to normal is the mission at Presbyterian Manor these days,” Cathy said. “Activities within the community have begun again and volunteers are welcome in the building.”