Emporia Community Matters – February 2023

Charles and Jan Bradbury: Valentines for 55 years and counting

Even though they both grew up not far from each other in small towns in northeast Kansas, Charles and Jan Bradbury’s paths didn’t cross until after they both had graduated from college and were introduced by a mutual friend.

However, from that point on, things escalated quickly with the two dating for around a year—most of which they spent being engaged— before tying the knot.

“It was a hot August day with no air conditioning,” said Charles. “It was simple, but very nice.”

55 years later, Charles says one of the keys to their longevity is that their relationship has been based on more than love.

“We’ve not only been married but we’ve been best friends for our entire marriage,” said Charles.

Beyond that, Charles says that common values and strong beliefs have also helped keep their relationship strong.

The Bradbury’s – continued on page 2

Remember your friends, with a card

If Valentine’s Day is too romantic for you, another day in February may be more to your taste.

“National Send a Card to a Friend” day is on February 7 and it’s meant to honor our dear friends, wherever they may be. This simple gesture is enough to cheer up any friend – a greeting card or even a postcard would let them know that you’re thinking of them, even if you don’t have the time to write about all the details of your life.

Of course, sending a card also reminds that how popular physical mail once used to be. These days, much of our communication has become electronic, whether via email or text. But wouldn’t it be nice to find a beautiful card from a friend in your mailbox every once in a while? u

TUESDAY

FEBRUARY 14, 2023

Jan and Charles Bradbury

The Bradbury’s –continued from page 1

We both have a strong faith and try—particularly here in the later years—to model our lives a little bit in that faith (love your neighbor, love everyone and forgive) and we try to do that to each other,” said Charles.

A year or so ago, the couple started a new chapter in their lives by making the move to Emporia Presbyterian Manor.

And like everything else, they did it together.

“I think the fact we were able to live in an apartment at EPM and get the assisted living services has really helped us,” said Charles. “By being able to continue living together it’s been a much easier and enjoyable life. You have 24/7 someone to talk to share your ideas and we like being around each other.”

Now, not only has their love for each other continued to grow, so has their love of their surroundings and the people around them.

“We love the staff at the Presbyterian Manor and they’ve been so good to us—so friendly and helpful—and we love the residents,” said Charles.

As for Valentine’s Day, Charles said

the couple will keep it pretty simple. “When we were somewhat younger Valentine’s Day always revolved around family – kids and grandkids. But now that they don’t live close to us, Valentine’s Day is more about doing something special like going out to eat some place we wouldn’t normally eat because it’s too

expensive or too nice and just telling each other that Valentine’s Day we have love,” said Charles.

When asked what his secret is to a good marriage, Charles had this to say.

“I try not to go a day without telling my wife that I love her and without kissing her goodnight,” said Charles. u

Dining Services staff put a little love into every dish

For the members of the Dining Services staff at Emporia Presbyterian Manor, preparing meals for the residents is more than just a job, it’s a passion.

Dining Services Director Jess Goodwin, who has been at the community for 11 years, credits her own longevity to her love of the residents who she calls “the best part of my day” and to the community’s leadership team.

“(Executive Director Susan Siepelmeier) and the other directors are a blast to work with and I have learned a lot from them,” said Jess.

Jess’ seniority among the Dining Services staff also means that she is able to pass on her skills and love for the community to newer members.

“Being here for so many years, I now get to teach and help others grow like I was able to,” said Jess.

Among those benefiting from Jess’ experience and exuberance is Jasmine Walker.

“I absolutely love and adore all of our residents—I have talked to and learned many things from each one of them,” said Jasmine. “I love the fact that I get to cook their food and serve it to them. They have lived their busy lives already, so I am more than happy to help serve them as they live out the rest of their lives.

These residents fill my days with joy and happiness—I would never want that to change.”

Currently, Jess, Jasmine and the rest of the Dining Services team are cooking up some new recipes they hope to add to the community’s menu this spring.

“I can't give away too much, as it is still in the works, but we are working on adding more high-end entrees and adding more healthier choices to the menu,” said Jess.

For those wondering if any of those

menu items will utilize Jess’s talent for baking, you’ll just have to wait and see. Either way, it sounds like she won’t be turning off her oven anytime soon.

“Baking has always been my happy place and a creative outlet for me,” said Jess. “I think making and sharing my desserts is a way to spread joy to people. A recipe is only a recipe until someone comes along and puts their passion and love into, then you have something special— people can taste that it's made that way!” u

Jessica

Jasmine

2300 Industrial Rd.

Emporia, KS 66801-6636

Annual Art is Ageless® call for entries underway

at Emporia Presbyterian Manor

Emporia Presbyterian Manor is calling all artists age 65 and older for its annual Art is Ageless® juried exhibit and competition at the campus at 2300 Industrial Road, in Emporia. The exhibit is scheduled for April 12 – May 10, 2023.

Entries of artistic works will be accepted from any area artist who is 65 years of age or older to exhibit and/or compete for an opportunity to be featured in the 2024 Art is Ageless calendar. Artists may choose to enter works for exhibit only.

For the competition, the artist must have been 65 at the time of creation and have completed the work in the past five years (since January 2018). There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or

professional. The deadline to enter is 4 p.m. on April 6.

The Art is Ageless® program encourages Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year.

Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) communities to be judged at the systemwide level.

Entry forms and information can be obtained by contacting Andraya Taber at 620-343-2613 or ataber@pmma.org, or accessed online at ArtIsAgeless.org. u