IMAGINATION IS KEY TO LINDA FYLER’S JOB

From flamingo Olympics to chair volleyball and other spontaneous projects and parties in between, Activities Director Linda Fyler has been dreaming up a variety of creative activities for Lawrence Presbyterian Manor residents for the past 25 years.

“I have kind of a vivid imagination, so I have opportunities to challenge myself and the residents to try different things. What I’ve learned is you need to keep it simple. Most of the time, it’s the things you’re not sure are going to work, but you throw them out there, and you never know what’s going to click. It’s just keeping them fresh,” said Linda.

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Linda also has a good philosophy about crafts.

“Some people like to do crafts, some don’t. A lot of times the things I come up with don’t turn out the way I envision, but we have so much fun doing it. It’s the process that’s important, it’s not the product. If you have a product that you love, that’s icing on the cake. But it’s the process of doing these things – working with your hands, using your imagination or just being around other people,” said Linda.

And the people are what makes Linda enjoy her job so much.

“The thing I enjoy most about working at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor is the people. Obviously, we have such a variety of individuals, not only residents but employees. It’s just fun to be around a lot of different people,” said Linda.

One of the fun activities Linda has dreamed up for our community includes chair volleyball. “I had to find a net and a beach ball. How hard is that? The hardest part was talking them (residents) into coming and trying it,” said Linda. And they came. The event grew slowly but today, it’s a big part of the weekly activities.

Another hit was flamingo Olympics. A couple of years ago, Linda’s love for flamingos had her creating a flamingo ring toss and flamingo croquet. “We painted everything pink,” added Linda.

In many ways, Linda has the job she’s always wanted.

“I told a friend of mine once that the best job I could ever have would be to sit around all day, drink coffee and talk to people. Now, I don’t do that, but part of my job is talking and learning from people, and it’s great. I love to come to work!” said Linda.

When she’s not at Presbyterian Manor, Linda enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren and going to the gym for spinning class. She and her husband of 42 years, Randy, have two children.