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Shepherd's Center of Topeka
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Our mission is to support the aging population by providing spiritual, physical, social and intellectual programs that make a difference in the quality of their life.
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Monday Weekly News & Updates
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Good Monday Afternoon,
I hope all of you mothers had a blessed Mother's Day! As you can see by the picture to your left motherhood can take on a different perspective. Some of my son's friends call me mama Willard, I have a step-daughter, at times I have co-parented my granddaughter and now I have become a mother to a bunny. No, I would never want to take the place of someone's mother, but I can be nurturing and caring to them, and maybe that's what part of being a mom is all about. Love for humanity and God's creation can go a long way, and sometimes it only takes a brief time to positively impact someone’s life. A kind remark or just listening to someone with no condemnation can bring comfort, understanding and sometimes healing. A cup of tea, a few cookies and conversation with a teenager or young adult can mean a lot to them especially from the older generation. Dr. James Dobson, with Focus on the Family, once said that grandparents are extremely important in a child's life. Even if you are not a grandparent, you are unbelievably valuable to the future generations. Some might think that what we have to say doesn't mean much to the younger generation, but that is not true. I had a conversation with my son's 21-year-old friend about a month ago and he listened, and genuinely appreciated our conversation. It makes me feel good to know that I can pass on wisdom God has given me through my life experiences. Oh yes, they will have to face their own trials, but I will be here for them if they need me, and at this point in my life nothing will surprise me. :) Is there someone in your life who would love for you to listen to them with a caring heart and to share your words of wisdom? For now, we can send a card, a note or send a private message on Facebook or an email but let someone know you care, and you may see the fruit of your labor (God always will). If you want to learn more about how Mother's Day started click on the following link.
History of Mother's Day
or
Mother's Day by Wikipedia
As you can see by the photo Hopper is doing great. I understand now why God made dandelions, because yesterday Hopper ate 10 of them, it is bunny food! I never thought I would be outside looking for dandelions to feed a baby bunny. Yesterday, I asked my husband, Delaine, why he mowed all the dandelions down, because I need them for Hopper and he told me not to worry, there will be more tomorrow, and that is the reason why we don't like dandelions.
I received an email regarding the Motorcoach Industry and how Covid-19 is affecting their business. On March 27, the Cares Act was signed into law and did not provide support for this type of travel industry. I know that Dave and Oneta Ascraft with Great Adventures Tours had to cancel all their trips through June which I imagine would be a loss for their company. I think we all appreciate the motorcoach industry due to the planned activities we have throughout the year. Many of us would not visit, on our own, a lot of places our travel committee schedules for our Travel Program. I have included a link for a video discussing the issues the motorcoach industry is facing. Please click on this link for more information:
Motorcoaches Rolling for Awareness.
The planning committee is working on an abbreviated August
"Adventures in Learning”
with four speakers on Fridays in the two largest rooms instead of eight speakers in four rooms. This will allow for social distancing and help us ease into our largest group gathering. August AiL will also depend on if LUMC is open for use with large gatherings. I will post more information later. Our group activities are held at churches so the gathering of our group activities will depend on when the churches reopen.
Until next time, please stay home if at all possible, take care of yourself and be safe.
Blessings,
Karen
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Jane Fleeker
a dear long time member of SCT is in the hospital. Please pray for her quick recovery. Nancy has suggested that comments can be sent on Facebook over email, but cards and notes are best and can be sent to Jane at Stormont Vail ICU Rm 204, 1500 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604.
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It was at our New Years social where Dave was photographing the event when I first met and chatted with him. The next time I saw Dave it was at one of our Adventures in Learning in April. He was taking photos behind the scene not disturbing anyone as he went about his work. After getting to know Dave a little more, I discovered that we have something in common besides the love of photography, I am a country neighbor (within 3 miles) to someone Dave used to work with over 40 years ago in his commercial business, Richard Stowe, who is now a member.
The Shepherd’s Center is unique in its membership and service to others in that there are a lot of people who offer their time and many years of experience and talent to serve this organization. There are not many organizations who have someone like Dave, and in this article I would like you to get to know him a little better if you don’t already. What I see in Dave is a man who is kind, conscientious and unpretentious, and a great blessing to SCT as a member and volunteer. Dave, thank you for who you are and what you do for SCT you are very much appreciated.
Happy Birthday Dave!
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Dave’s Story
Dave Mathias has been a professional photographer for over 65 years. He came to Topeka as an Air Force photographer stationed at Forbes Air Force Base. For a time, Dave worked for Wolf’s in downtown Topeka, but later became a partner and owner of Photo-1 Commercial Photography. Dave has been doing aerial photography since 1960 and has provided some captivating views for private corporations and Topeka travel and tourism. Dave has photographed everything from architecture to food, and family reunions to weddings.
Dave learned about SCT in 2016 when Elaine Shutt and her husband Jack, who Dave knew, asked him to give a presentation at Adventures in Learning showing his aerial photos from his many years as a commercial photographer in Topeka. He had never heard of SCT up until Elaine and Jack asked if he would be a presenter. Dave liked the people at SCT right away, and since losing his wife in 2013, it was a chance for him to get out and be with people every once in a while. Dave then heard about Pickleball and was hooked. He was a racquetball player for 44 years, and Pickleball was just the right activity for him. He is looking forward to the Pickleball group getting back together.
Marilyn Grause, who also played Pickleball, was taking most of the photos at the time Dave joined SCT, including his photo for the directory. Dave was not trying to take Marilyn’s job, but when she found out he was a professional photographer, she asked him for help. Initially, Dave thought there was some concern when he offered to help out, and that he might just be looking for a new customer base but he assured everyone that it was not the case and at the age of 79 he was just trying to use his skills to help the organization. Over the last 4 years Dave has done a few paid photo jobs for members who he has gotten to know, like the Coopers who asked him to photograph their 40th anniversary. When asked to photograph anything for Shepherd’s Center he has never charge anything and has taken many group and individual photos. Dave has taken all the photos you see in the directory and takes photos at all our events.
Dave works from his home and unlike the old days he doesn’t have a price list, and his photo services are not of a specific nature. He has done more photographic jobs than he can remember of many different subject types in his 65 years. It is Dave’s love of photography that inspires him to continue working and using his photography skills along with just keeping busy at 84 years old. Dave said, what keeps him going is the appreciation that he receives from everyone at SCT for his work and that appreciation helps getting old a lot more palatable. Dave is thankful to everyone.
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A website has been set up dedicated to Kansas COVID-19 Response and Recovery. Below are links to the Kansas reopen plan. The first link is a quick glance which is nicely presented, and the second link is the full plan.
Phase 1 - May 4-May 18 (at earliest) Stay at home order is lifted. Mass gatherings still limited to 10 or less, unless able to retain 6 feet social distancing. Continue reading about the phases by clicking on the links below.
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Grocery and Restaurant Tips
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Grocery pick up
is a great way for social distancing. You can order online and pick up your groceries at the following stores:
Walmart – All Walmart Stores in Topeka are offering free grocery pick up.
Sam’s Club – Offers grocery pick up with no minimum order.
Dillons –
Pick up is now free
. Order groceries online. delivery $9.95.
Hy-Vee – Pick up is free with a minimum $30 purchase. Delivery is $9.95 with a minimum $30 purchase.
Please let us know if you need help with ordering online.
Medication pick up
– Check your pharmacy for drive through hours or delivery. Or check to see if your medication can be mail ordered.
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Lowman United Methodist Church is closed until further notice.
CANCELLATIONS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS
- ALL SCT GROUP ACTIVITIES BELOW HAVE BEEN CANCELLED THROUGH MAY OR UNTIL OTHERWISE ADVISED
Pickleball
Mondays, 3 – 5:00, Countryside UMC, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka
Wednesdays, 1 – 3:00, First Baptist, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka (New Players)
SMS Exercise Group
Tuesdays, 10:00, Countryside UMC, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka
Thursdays, 10:00, Grace UMC, 2627 SW Western Ave, Topeka
Hand and Foot Canasta
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 2 - 4:00 pm, St. David's Episcopal Church, 3916 SW 17th St, Topeka
Bridge
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 1 - 3:30 pm, Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2021 SW 29th St, Topeka
Line Dancing
2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 1:30 - 3:30 at First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka
MAP Group (Memoirs, Ancestry, Photos)
4th Wednesday of the Month, 10:00 – 11:30, First Presbyterian, 817 SW Harrison St, Topeka
Spiritual Book Club
1st Monday of the Month, 2:00 – 4:00, First Congregational, 1701 SW Collins Ave, Topeka
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Due to the current situation with the Coronavirus some travel has been cancelled. At this time, we are going to be optimistic and keep the following future trips on our schedule. The cost for these trips will be posted as soon as we receive the information.
Wednesday, September 9
– Spirit of Brownsville Riverboat Cruise with Lunch in Brownsville, Nebraska - SCT Members have until August 1st to secure seat on this trip.
Wednesday, December 9
— Quality Hill Playhouse Christmas Program with lunch in Kansas City.
Make checks payable to Great Adventure Tours and mail to P.O. Box 4126, Topeka, KS 66604. Make checks payable to Great Adventure Tours and mail to P.O. Box 4126, Topeka, KS 66604. Contact Oneta with GAT at 633-8761 with questions, enrollment, cancellations.
GAT does not accept credit cards.
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Prevention - Please Stay Safe
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Please CALL your Doctor if You have the Following Symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
Prevention:
- Stay home - the less people you are in contact with the less likely you are exposed to the virus.
- Quarantine, for at least 14 days, if you are sick.
- If you have to leave your home - distance yourself between people you are in contact with within about 6 feet.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues (throw tissue away).
- Cough/sneeze into elbow.
- Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water (Sing the Happy Birthday Song Twice).
- Use alcohol-based (60%) hand sanitizer.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- No touching.
We ask that everyone take appropriate precautions to stay safe. The link below has a lot of great information.
For the most up-to-date information regarding Covid-19, please see the following links:
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Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The Good News: The peace of God is just a simple prayer away; approach Him with an open heart and God will grant you peace.
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