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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 Morning,
Today is the day we take time to remember the men and women who lost their lives serving our country in the U.S. military.
In
1868 General John A. Logan directed the efforts to designated May 30 as the first national Decoration Day, an American holiday, allowing family and friends time to decorate the graves of their loved ones who died in battle. The American holiday’s name was changed to Memorial Day and became a federal holiday in 1971 and is now observed the last Monday in the month of May.
Memorial Day has changed somewhat over the years, and not only do we remember, and honor those who lost their lives serving our country in the military, but it is a time for families and friends to gather and remember their loved ones who have passed on. Until around five years ago I had never observed Memorial Day as it was intended. When I became a caregiver for my mother-in-law, Phyllis (mom), who was 89 at the time, I came to understand why Memorial Day was so important to her. As long as mom was capable of getting out of the house and had a ride she would go to the cemetery on Memorial Day and place flowers on her husband’s, parent’s and aunt’s graves located in Burlingame, Kansas about 16 miles from where she lived. This was a special time of remembrance, respect, and tradition for mom, and over the last four years of her life she would sometimes discuss who might put flowers on her grave, so I would assure her that someone would.
Until recently, I had never lived near any of my relative’s gravesites, so I didn't have the opportunity to participate in Memorial Day traditions. Perhaps there are more people now who don't live near the gravesites of their loved ones or don't have the opportunity to get out and travel, especially now. So, we observe, remember and honor those who died while in the military serving our country, as well as, our family members who have passed on in the best way that brings honor to them and comfort to us.
Memorial Day by many Americans is observed with a three-day weekend to gather with family for barbecue, picnics, or parades. That is how I spent Memorial Day for most of my life, but on Monday, I will remember those who have died in service for our country, and I will go with my husband to take flowers to the graves of his family members. As we place the flowers on mom's grave, I'd like to think that she is smiling down from heaven, knowing we have remembered her, as she had done for her family for many years.
Were you aware that all Americans and encouraged, by the National Moment of Remembrance, to pause whatever they are doing at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”
Click on this link for a short video on the history of Memorial Day
presented by History.com.
On May 19, 2020 Governor Laura Kelly's Ad Astra Reopening Plan reflects her decision to move the state into a m
odified
Phase Two on May 22
. Click on the following link to the Kansas Department of Health for Governor Kelly’s letter on Phase Two.
Governor Kelly Moves Kansas Into Modified Phase 2.
You can also scroll down this page for the Quick Glance View of the expectations.
I hope you have a wonderful day! Until next time, take care of yourself, spend time with your loved ones, but be safe.
Blessings,
Karen
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"The
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
is a 2-acre U.S. national
memorial
in Washington, D.C. It honors service members of the U.S. armed forces who fought in the
Vietnam
War, service members who died in service in
Vietnam
/South East Asia, and those service members who were unaccounted for during the war."
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Memorials - U.S. Military Men and Women
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The
Marine Corps War Memorial
in Virginia County, Virginia, is one of many memorials built to honor our U.S. military. There are two inscription, the front (west side) is inscribed "Uncommon Valor Was A Common Virtue" and the rear (east side) is inscribed "In Honor And Memory Of The Men Of The United States Marine Corps Who Have Given Their Lives To Their Country Since 10 November 1775". There is also a Marker with the inscription "Dedicated To The Marine Dead Of All Wars, And Their Comrades Of Other Services Who Fell Fighting Beside Them.
This photo is taken on the rear east side of the memorial, and was taken during a summer vacation trip by the SCT Travelers Group.
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Spiritual Book Group Meeting
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Spiritual Book Group
is meeting via Zoom. This is a great way to get together while social distancing and stay connected. The group is starting a new book "The Return of the Prodigal Son" by Henri J.M. Nouwen, and will meet on June 1 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, online via Zoom, for discussion. The reading assignment is Part 1 pages 1 through 58. Even if you have not previously participated in the Spiritual Book Group please feel free to join them in this leader-led discussion. Email me at
sherpherdstopeka@yahoo.com
if you would like to join this group, and Mike will email the zoom information to you just before the meeting. If you need help getting connected to Zoom please email or call me or Mike and we will help you get set up.
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Exercises for Everyone presented by SilverSneakers
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Here are some awesome sites for free classes! Yes, I did start doing "Bring Yoga to the Chair" while I was working on this email and it's great!
The links below are classes that are free to view on your computer or tablet. Many of you may know about SilverSneakers, but some have not accessed their website which has many wonderful exercise programs and great information.
You may be eligible for SilverSneakers through your insurance company or Medicare. Click on the SilverSneakers link below for more information and to check eligibility.
To access more live virtual classes and hundreds of on-demand videos, create your account in just 4 steps. Non-members can still access program details, tailored fitness content, and the vibrant SilverSneakers community.
Please consult your physician before starting a new exercise program.
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Kansas Reopen Phase 2 by Executive Order
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Governor Kelly Approves May 22 for Phase Two
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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.
Phase 1.5 May 18 Stay at home order is lifted. Mass gatherings still limited to 10 or less, unless able to retain 6 feet social distancing. Masks are strongly encouraged in public settings. Continue reading about the all phases by clicking on the links below. The links have been updated.
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Northeast Kansas Open for Business
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- Mass gatherings of more than 30 individuals are prohibited. Mass gatherings are defined as instances in which individuals are in one location and unable to maintain 6 feet of distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together) with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.
- Businesses or functions that are already in operation pursuant to KEFF may continue to function while, if possible, avoiding gatherings of more than 30 individuals where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
- Local governments retain authority to impose equal or more stringent restrictions during this phase is permitted to do so, except with regards to essential functions in KEFF.
- Any federal restrictions imposed and still in effect must be followed.
Please remember if you are a high-risk individual which includes those with underlying medical conditions, including, chronic lung disease, asthma, heart conditions, severe obesity, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or otherwise immunocompromised you are advised to continue to stay home except for
essential needs.
Click on the link below to see which business are open for business.
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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 - Meeting via Zoom
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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Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 40:28-31
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
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