Community Matters Aberdeen Village
August 2018
With help from PMMA, Felisha follows her dream When she began her journey at Aberdeen Village four years ago, Felisha Reed was in the dining services department. While she enjoyed serving people in that capacity, she dreamt of more. With the help of Presbyterian Manor of Mid-America’s education assistance program, Felisha was able to pursue her CNA and CMA (certified nursing assistant and certified medication aide) licensure. “I decided I wanted to pursue further education in health care and am now enrolled at Johnson County Community College. I will be attending the licensed practical nursing program in the fall,” said Felisha. “I enjoy serving others, DREAM, continued on page 3 CEO, continued on page 4
From left, Esther Minter and Kay Ruen are two of Aberdeen Village’s resident teachers—and heroes.
Singing praises for the unsung heroes “The mediocre teacher tells.The good teacher explains.The superior teacher demonstrates.The great teacher inspires.” —William ArthurWard Most of us have at least one teacher we remember fondly, if not many teachers. A good teacher’s influence on our lives is immeasurable, and the best teachers inspire their students to believe and achieve far beyond themselves. Two such teachers who were passionate about their chosen profession live at Aberdeen Village. Teachers are often unsung heroes, but here, we sing their praises. Born and raised in Kansas, Kay Ruen went to college in Oklahoma at the age of 20, then went on to teach in Nashville, and finally, became a teacher in Northeast Iowa. She taught for 37 years and said there’s one grade she considers the “perfect age” to teach. “First grade is perfect. I love to talk, and so do first graders! When they first get in, they’re learning their ABCs, and when they leave, they’re reading—sometimes even chapter books. It’s so rewarding to see that much progress in one year. They’re eager and willing to listen and learn,” said Kay. “I’ve always felt first grade was the most important grade because we’re teaching them everything they need to know for the rest of their lives.” HEROES, continued on page 2
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HEROES, continued from page 1
Kay made an impact on many young lives, and even had the opportunity to teach the children of her students. This full-circle experience helped Kay see the wonderful influence a teacher could have. “I really miss how delightful and open those little kids are. Although, their families may be mortified if they knew everything their children told me in class,” said Kay. “I have to say, the greatest satisfaction I got from teaching was when I would get graduation announcements in
A model replica of Kay Ruen’s classroom.
the mail. Knowing they reached that milestone meant the world to me.”
Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Village by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at: PresbyterianManors.org. Tim Allin, executive director Chrissie Ammann, director of sales and marketing To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Chrissie Ammann, director of sales and marketing, cammann@pmma.org. Telephone: 913-599-6100 Fax: 913-599-3810 Address: 17500 W. 119th St., Olathe, KS 66061-9524 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
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Community Matters August 2018
Kay and her husband Frank Gould have lived at Aberdeen Village for a year, and she enjoys all of the activities and amenities we offer, especially the water aerobics. Kay has two children and three grandchildren.
children. I walked to school every day, although I didn’t have to during the bad blizzard we had, and I was grateful for that,” said Esther. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the third grade on. I love kids.”
Esther went on to get her teaching degree from Emporia State University in 1959 and recalls a teacher who made an impact on her If there were any advice she’d give to there. families and teachers today, it would “My last year there, I had a teacher be this: I’d been trying to avoid, but actually, “I would like to see grandparents she ended up being my favorite. She be really involved with their had a fairness with her grading, and grandchildren. We don’t get that she wanted people in elementary much opportunity anymore, because education to be as important as the families get so scattered.” ball players. So, she’d put our scores up and give everyone kudos. It was Esther Minter also is a native more than just a paper handed back,” Kansan. Her teaching career began she said. in 1953 when she got her 60-hour teaching certification and went to After Esther got married to her work at a rural one-room school in husband Kenneth, they were Dickinson County. stationed in Key West, where she “I didn’t have any students in first or eighth grade, so that helped. They were all in the middle. I had about eight or nine students. I boarded with a family about a half-mile down the road who didn’t have any
taught for a year.
“There were coconut trees around the playground, and we had a black car. If you didn’t get your car parked HEROES, continued on page 3 Like us on Facebook
but that’s okay. The people here are really under the coconut tree, you’d have nice, and everyone to drive home with hot pads on your has a fantastic story. hands,” she said. “And I’ve always Somebody should loved art as well. When I wasn’t write a book about teaching, I was doing shellcraft on all of the interesting the side.” people here. And of Esther and Kenneth, who also was in course, the food is fantastic,” she said. education and taught at Northwest Missouri State University in While Esther is Maryville, have a son and daughter, enjoying her life at and have lived at Aberdeen Village Aberdeen Village, she for nearly five years. fondly recalls her time as a teacher.
surprised when they called me to sub for an auto body class.”
“We came after living on the farm for 50 years. We used to have to do everything for ourselves, so we feel like we’re kind of loafing here,
We’re grateful for wonderful teachers like Kay and Esther who dedicated their lives to educating and inspiring others.
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“I just enjoyed teaching, and I still enjoy kids. I even did some subbing after I retired. I helped out with all grade levels. I was probably the most
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and I think working in health care makes a huge impact on the lives of the people I care for. It is so truly rewarding when I see the residents’ health improving!” We’re grateful that Felisha has not only decided to pursue her dream of becoming an RN but that she’s serving the residents of Aberdeen Village along the way. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be chosen to pursue this dream of mine and so happy that Aberdeen Village continues to take pride in their employees and make positive impacts in our lives.”
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Aberdeen Village 17500 W. 119th St. Olathe, KS 66061 Return Service Requested
August 21 National senior citizens day
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Community Matters August 2018
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