Life Style JANUARY 2026 PARK PLACE OF ST. JOHN
Life at Park Place of St. John
Happy New Year to our Park Place of St. John Family! Another year has ended and a new one has begun. Lamentations 3:22-23 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”. With this reassurance we can confidently look forward to each new day ahead. This month we are excited to be able to stream the Calvin University Lecture Series January 19 through the 30th. Detailed information on the speakers and their topics is available in our Main Lobby. We are also excited for our residents to invite a family member to join them in crafts on January 14. There will be opportunities throughout the month for residents to develop new friendships through special gatherings. Proverbs 11:25 tells us that “…those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” So, let’s embrace a fresh start and live our best days together here at Park Place A Message from Melissa
A Season of Renewal The beginning of a new year offers a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and look ahead with renewed hope. It is a time to appreciate how far we have come, to acknowledge the lessons learned along the way, and to embrace the promise of fresh beginnings. Each day invites us to discover new opportunities for growth, learning, and connection within our community. As we move forward together, our shared experiences continue to shape a place rooted in faith, kindness, and mutual care. Simple moments help strengthen the bonds that unite us. These moments remind us that community is built not only through events and activities, but through compassion, understanding, and support for one another. May the year ahead be filled with peace, purpose, and meaningful connections. As we live, learn, and grow together, may we remain open to joy, grateful for each new day, and committed to creating a welcoming, uplifting home for all at Park Place of St. John.
of St John in 2026! With Love in Christ, Melissa Augustson Life Enrichment Director
www.ParkPlaceStJohn.com (219) 351-5200 | ppsj@provlife.com | 10700 Park Place | St. John, IN 46373
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January Activity Highlights All activities are subject to change – watch the weekly calendar for changes to this newsletter. Some of the following Activities will require Sign Up and you will see that noted next to the Event.
Resident January Birthday Party Friday, January 9 12:30 p.m. — Main Dining Room
St. John Shopping 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Bus Departures Sign up required
Breakfast Outing: IHOP Tuesday, January 13 9:00 a.m. Bus Departure Sign Up Required
• Thursday, January 8 th • Thursday, January 15 th • Thursday, January 22 nd • Tuesday, January 29 th
Park Place of St John Assisted Living Visit Wednesday, January 14 9:15 a.m. — Assisted Living Building Sign Up Required Resident & Family Member Craft Wednesday, January 14 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Creation Studio Sign Up Required
Entertainment: Jakob Delich Friday, January 2 6:00 p.m. — Café
Shopping Trip: Walgreens Senior Discount and Rise ‘n Roll Bakery Tuesday, January 6 9:00 a.m. Bus Departure Sign Up Required Park Place of St John Assisted Living Visit Wednesday, January 7 9:15 a.m. — Assisted Living Building Sign Up Required
Entertainment: Andre Colbert Thursday, January 15 12:30 p.m. — Café
Margaritas & Nachos Friday, January 16 12:30 p.m. — Café
Entertainment: Men of a Chord Sunday, January 18 3:00 p.m. — Café
Resident Fellowship Thursday, January 8 1:00 p.m. — Café
www.ParkPlaceStJohn.com (219) 351-5200 | ppsj@provlife.com | 10700 Park Place | St. John, IN 46373
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Veteran Coffee Klatch Monday, January 19 9:30 a.m. — Community Room
Park Place Book Club The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon Wednesday, January 7 11:00 a.m. Creation Studio Books are available in the Creation Studio When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town's most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own. As the trial nears, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.
Men’s Breakfast with Pastor Mark Tuesday, January 20 9:00 a.m. — Main Dining Room Sign Up Required
Bus Outing: Phil's Friends Center of Hope Tuesday, January 20 1:00 p.m. Bus Departure Sign Up Required Park Place of St John Assisted Living Visit Wednesday, January 21 9:15 a.m. — Assisted Living Building Sign Up Required
National Pie Day Friday, January 23 11:30 a.m. — Café
Park Place of St John Assisted Living Visit Wednesday, January 28 9:15 a.m. — Assisted Living Building Sign Up Required
Incredible Eats Wednesday, January 28 11:00 a.m. — Creation Studio Sign Up Required Resident Lunch Friday, January 30 11:30 a.m. — Main Dining Room Sign Up Required
Inspired by the life of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th- century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into history.
www.ParkPlaceStJohn.com (219) 351-5200 | ppsj@provlife.com | 10700 Park Place | St. John, IN 46373
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PRESENTS
January 19 – 23 & 26-30 | 12:10 p.m. | Community Room
We will be livestreaming Calvin University’s January Lecture Series Monday through Friday January 19-23 and January 26-30 beginning at 12:10 p.m. in the Community Room. The scheduled speakers and topics will be as follows:
MONDAY, JANUARY 19 Our Shared Humanity: Creating Understanding Through the Principles of MLK with Naomi Tutu
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 Conflicted? The World of War with Samantha Nutt
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 Journeying with Story with Kaitlin Curtice
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 The Pipa: A Musical Bridge Between Cultures with Wu Man THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 America 250: How our National Parks Inspire a More Perfect Union with Tom Medema
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21 Developing Healthy, Equitable Cities for All with Majora Carter
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World with Vivek Murthy
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 Sports as a Laboratory for Virtue with Sabrina Little
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 Less is more. More or less with Harry Smith
You can pick up more detailed information on these speakers and their lectures in the Main Lobby.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26 The Path to Cultural Repair with David Brooks
www.ParkPlaceStJohn.com (219) 351-5200 | ppsj@provlife.com | 10700 Park Place | St. John, IN 46373
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Catered Living January Activities
Entertainment: Men of God Sunday, January 18th 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Café Josey and John Pet Visit Tuesday, January 20th 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — The Study
New Years Day Social Thursday, January 1st 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. — The Study Baking Club: Spinach Parmesan Cheese Rolls Thursday, January 8th 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. — The Study Peppermint Shakes Friday, January 9th 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. — The Study Memorial Services Tuesday, January 13th 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Main Dining Room
Baking Club: No Bake Cheese Cakes Thursday, January 22nd 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. — The Study
Show and Tell with Snacks Friday, January 23rd 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. — The Study Georgian Birthday Party Tuesday, January 27th 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. — The Study
Entertainment: Andre Colbert Thursday, January 15th 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Café
Arts and Crafts: Pine Cone Gnomes Thursday, January 29th 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. — The Study
Arts and Crafts: Saltshaker Snowmen Thursday, January 15th 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. — The Study
National Pie Day Friday, January 23rd 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. — The Study
National Bagel Day Thursday, January 15th 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — The Study
www.ParkPlaceStJohn.com (219) 351-5200 | ppsj@provlife.com | 10700 Park Place | St. John, IN 46373
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Chaplain’s Corner Arrested True story. She was
visits had also changed his life in wonderful ways. Everyone clapped and cheered for both the woman and their fellow officer. It was a very emotional, joyful event. Perhaps in this new year, the best thing that could happen to you is to get arrested. I know. It sounds crazy. But I’m referring to a different kind of arrest. In the Bible, a notorious violent man who served as a kind of religious “police officer” spent several years arresting and imprisoning Christians (yes, women and children too!), and eventually he was arrested himself. His name was Saul. On his way to hunt down more Christians, he was confronted by the resurrected Jesus. Jesus appeared to him in a glorious display of light and demanded why Saul was persecuting Jesus Himself. Blinded by Jesus’ glory, Saul asked who he was, and when Jesus identified Himself, Saul was shocked down to his soul. Saul learned that Jesus identified with His followers in a personal way. To persecute Christians was to persecute Jesus. Blind and humbled, Saul repented of his disbelief in Jesus as the promised Jewish Messiah (Christ) and committed his life to Him. Jesus sent a Christian leader who prayed for Saul, whose sight was restored. But the leader also had a message from Jesus. Saul was to be a new apostle and was now enlisted to take Jesus’ message of salvation throughout the Roman Empire. And that’s what Saul did. We know him as the apostle Paul. Paul would
arrested. And she said her arrest was the best thing that ever happened to her. You see, she was arrested for drunk driving. It was the second time in a short
period. Facing the severe consequences hit her hard. So she decided to make a shocking decision. She began to go to sobriety meetings and end her long history of alcoholism. One year later, she went to the police station to thank the arresting officer for arresting her. She stayed sober, and her life changed. She held down a job. Her family relationships improved immensely. And every year on the date of her arrest, she went back and thanked the police officer for arresting her. Ten years later, she was able to look back and see all the benefits of remaining sober and all that she would have lost had she remained enslaved by alcohol. But when she went back to thank that officer ten years later, she was in for another surprise. The police officer took her to a meeting. This meeting was an annual gathering of police officers from around the county. There were 170 police officers in attendance. The officer who arrested her had her come up to the stage, and there she was awarded a medal. Then the officer told his 170 police colleagues that this woman’s arrest and continued yearly gratitude
Continued
www.ParkPlaceStJohn.com (219) 351-5200 | ppsj@provlife.com | 10700 Park Place | St. John, IN 46373
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not only plant dozens of churches across the Roman Empire, but he would also pen nearly half of the New Testament in the Bible. Indeed, every person who has become a genuine lover and follower of Jesus owes a debt to Paul that can never be paid. The word “arrest” goes back to the old Latin and French word for “stop”, “remain standing”, or “to pay attention.” I like that last idea. When the alcoholic woman was arrested, it caused her to pay attention to her destructive lifestyle and to decide she wanted to become a different person. Saul’s “arrest” by Jesus changed his whole life, and he began to allow the Holy Spirit to transform him into a different person. It was a soul-transforming experience. You don’t have to be a non-Christian to be “arrested” by Jesus and experience a new and wonderful life. Christians need to be “arrested” too. There are things in our lives that desperately need to be changed to become more aligned with Jesus’ will. Personally, I’ve had to make a number of significant changes throughout the years to be more obedient to Jesus’ will for my life. I plan on making more changes this year. What about you? What areas of your life do you need to pay new attention to and make changes in 2026? Getting arrested by Jesus doesn’t lead to jail. It actually leads to a new freedom and a new life.
When Life Brings You to a Stop
There are moments in life when everything seems to pause—sometimes unexpectedly, sometimes uncomfortably. These moments can feel frustrating or even frightening, yet they often serve an important purpose. A forced stop has a way of clarifying what truly matters and revealing what needs to change. Growth rarely begins when life is easy. It usually starts when we’re confronted with something that asks us to pay closer attention—to our choices, our habits, and our hearts. These moments are not meant to condemn us, but to redirect us. They invite reflection, honesty, and courage. Faith calls us to remain open to transformation. Whether we’re just beginning our spiritual journey or have walked it for years, there are always areas where renewal is needed. Pausing long enough to listen—really listen—can open the door to healing, freedom, and a deeper sense of purpose. As a new year unfolds, consider what might need to stop in order for something better to begin. What is asking for your attention right now? Sometimes the greatest gift isn’t movement forward, but the wisdom to pause and choose a new direction.
www.ParkPlaceStJohn.com (219) 351-5200 | ppsj@provlife.com | 10700 Park Place | St. John, IN 46373
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Talking About Brain Health and Aging: The Basics Aging well depends on your genes, lifestyle choices, and environment. Even if you’re healthy, brain changes as you age may lead to increased challenges with multitasking, paying attention, and recalling words. However, most of us—at any age—can learn new things and improve skills, which can be important for maintaining our independence. Senior Fitness with Symbria
PROTECTING YOUR BRAIN HEALTH Good overall health may help to maintain good brain health. These tips may help you stay
active and healthy, physically and mentally. y Eat or drink less sugar, salt, and solid fat y Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains y Choose lean meats, fish, or poultry y Control portion sizes y Choose low- or non-fat dairy y Drink adequate fluids y Make physical activity a part of your routine y Seek exercise guidance from a health care provider
y Join programs that teach exercise safety y Volunteer or work y Join a social club or garden with friends y Try programs at local community centers y Get 7–8 hours of sleep every night
A healthy diet may promote brain health now, and in the years to come.
Content provided by Rehab Program Manager, Erin VanderHeyden. 219-287-2180
www.ParkPlaceStJohn.com (219) 351-5200 | ppsj@provlife.com | 10700 Park Place | St. John, IN 46373
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Sharing Life & Making Memories December was filled with festive fun, creativity, and time well spent together. Residents enjoyed hands-on holiday activities like making Christmas bark, decorating cookies, and creating cheerful Christmas crafts, along with a joyful Christmas party that brought everyone together to celebrate the season. We were also delighted to welcome Phil’s Friends with Barb, whose visit added a meaningful and heartwarming moment to the month. We invite you to enjoy these photos and revisit the smiles, laughter, and holiday spirit that made December so special.
www.ParkPlaceStJohn.com (219) 351-5200 | ppsj@provlife.com | 10700 Park Place | St. John, IN 46373
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Sharing Life & Making Memories December was filled with festive fun, creativity, and time well spent together. Residents enjoyed hands-on holiday activities like making delicious Christmas treats and creating cheerful crafts, along with a joyful Christmas party that brought everyone together to celebrate the season. We were also delighted to welcome Phil’s Friends with Barb, as well as a visit from one of our therapy dogs, which added a meaningful and heartwarming moment to the month.
www.ParkPlaceStJohn.com (219) 351-5200 | ppsj@provlife.com | 10700 Park Place | St. John, IN 46373
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Park Place Announcements
Arts & Crafts Wednesday, January 14
Happy
This month our monthly craft will be an extra special time as our crafters are encouraged to invite a family member to make a craft with them!
Birthday
Resident Fellowship Starting this month, we will be having a monthly “Resident Fellowship”. This will be a time for residents to learn more about one another and share mementos of their life highlights! We will have refreshment while expanding our friendships.
The Park Place family extends heartfelt January birthday greetings to all of our residents celebrating this month!
Message from Life Enrichment
Due to the unpredictable weather during winter, there may be times that it is in the best interest of our Residents to delay or cancel a scheduled trip. Should the need arise to do so, the Residents signed up will be contacted. This possibility emphasizes the importance of signing up for scheduled bus trips and not showing up when the bus is loading.
www.ParkPlaceStJohn.com (219) 351-5200 | ppsj@provlife.com | 10700 Park Place | St. John, IN 46373
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Great Harvest Bread Company Great Harvest Bread Company orders are due on the following dates:
New Year's Fun Facts 1. The first Times Square New Year's party was thrown for a newspaper. The annual tradition of gathering in Times Square for New Year's started as a party to celebrate the opening of the New York Times building in 1904. Over 200,000 people attended. 2. Though the parties raged on, there wasn't a ball drop until 1907. Fireworks were previously used to welcome the new year, but they were banned because burning embers were falling on the crowd. A ball being lowered on a flagpole was a safer bet. 3. It's been a spectacle every year since, except during World War II. Wartime restrictions put the tradition on pause in 1942 and 1943. Times Square revelers observed a moment of silence at midnight instead. 4. Waterford comes up with a new ball pattern every year. The sphere is made up of 2,688 crystal triangles and has over 32,000 lights. It also displays over 16 million color patterns. 5. The confetti dropped in Times Square is holding secret messages. People write their wishes for the new year and submit them to the Wish Wall in Times Square (or online) and those wishes are turned into the approximately 3,000 lbs. of confetti that falls over the crowd at midnight.
• Tuesday, January 13 th • Tuesday, January 27 th
WeCare Connect Survey Please watch for your WeCare Connect customer satisfaction survey via email, text, or phone. We are grateful that you chose Park Place of St. John and we need to hear from you so we can ensure your satisfaction. , In Memoriam Lord, shine down Your light on Si O. and Marjorie C. and embrace them in Your loving arms.
www.ParkPlaceStJohn.com (219) 351-5200 | ppsj@provlife.com | 10700 Park Place | St. John, IN 46373
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