Commun ty Matters Emporia Presbyterian Manor
April 2015
PMMA observes its Founders Day Employees of Emporia Presbyterian Manor will observe the founding of Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica this month as the company celebrates 66 years of providing quality senior services guided by Christian values in Kansas and Missouri. Each Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America campus will have its own celebration with residents and employees during April, acknowledging the importance of making life “the way you want to live.” “Many of our employees view what they do as a calling, not just a job,” said Bruce Shogren, president and CEO. “Our dedicated employees make it possible for us to sustain PMMA’s mission, which directly impacts the wonderful care our 2,400 residents receive every day.” Emporia will observe Founder’s Day from noon to 2 p.m. on April 20. Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica’s roots go back to 1947. Alice Kalb, a widow from central Kansas, appealed to a Presbyterian Church organization to establish a home for seniors. Her vision became the first Presbyterian Manor community in Newton, Kan., and inspired others to do even more. FOUNDERS, continued on page 2
Mission of mercy
Health services director participates in event About 1,400 Kansans received free dental care at the Kansas Mission of Mercy dental clinic in Salina this February. They were served by more than 600 volunteers, including Debra Thornton, health services director at Emporia Presbyterian Manor. It was the fifth time Thornton volunteered for the mission, which is sponsored by the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation. She was recruited several years ago by her sister and brother-in-law. Mildred Bergstrom, a dental hygienist, is the foundation’s treasurer, and Bruce Bergstrom is the former executive director of the America’s Dentists Care Foundation. “They just dragged me along on vacation one year to one in New Mexico,” Thornton said. “It was so much fun meeting all these people and hearing their stories. They are so grateful.” About $120,000 was donated for the 2015 mission, which takes place in a different Kansas town each year. A dozen Salina-area dentists organized the two-day event, and 133 dentists participated. There also were 103 dental hygienists, 187 dental assistants and 676 volunteers involved. According to the dental foundation, they performed $1.2 million worth of cleanings, fillings and extractions for both adults and children. MISSION, continued on page 2
MISSION, continued from page 1
Thornton said patients began lining up more than two days before the clinic opened at the Salina Bicentennial Center on Friday, Feb. 13. “The people who come aren’t all homeless,” she said. “They’re people who are working and trying.” Thornton serves in the medical triage area. She takes vital signs, patient histories and medication information. And she listens. “I met one gentleman who had been to four of these as patient,” Thornton said. “He volunteered this year because he wanted to give back.” Another patient came because he needed one tooth capped and another one pulled, but he could only afford one procedure on his own.
Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Emporia Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org. Susan Siepelmeier, executive director Ken Hanson, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Ken Hanson, marketing director, khanson@pmma.org.
Telephone: 620-343-2613 Fax: 620-343-9195 Address: 2300 Industrial Rd., Emporia, KS 66801-6636 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. EmporiaPresbyterianManor.org
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Community Matters APRIL 2015
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2012 nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults and 18 percent of children hadn’t seen a dentist in the past year.
states, providing $45 million worth of care every year. Thornton said some patients ask if they can make even a small donation out of gratitude.
The Mission of Mercy has served more than 25,000 patients since 2003. Today the mission extends to 26
“They are so appreciative,” she said. “It’s so rewarding to meet each one of them.”
Bravo
of the
Month
Independent Living apartment available We have a beautiful 574 sq. ft. independent living apartment available. If you are interested in taking a look at it, please call Ken Hanson at 620-343-2613. Ask about our spring move-in incentives.
Maintenance Staff Thank you for getting me moved into my new room. Everything is placed perfectly and nothing was broken. The placement of pictures, crosses and wall arrangements looks great and placed with care. I really appreciate it. Thank you so much and God Bless each one of you.
FOUNDERS, continued from page 1
Today PMMA remains true to the spirit of Alice’s vision, providing quality senior services guided by Christian values. For more information about Founders Day, contact Ken Hanson, marketing director, at khanson@ pmma.org.
Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce’s Dialogue draws sizeable crowd
More than 85 people attended the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce’s Dialogue with area legislators hosted by Emporia Presbyterian Manor. The event was Saturday, Feb. 21, in Presbyterian Manor’s main dining room. State Representatives Don Hill and Peggy Mast along with State Senator Jeff Longbine were there to answer questions about what was going on in the legislative session in Topeka.
Exhibit: April 16-19, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Reception: April 16, 4 to 6 p.m.
Emporia Presbyterian Manor
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Emporia Presbyterian Manor 2300 Industrial Rd. Emporia, KS 66801-6636 Return Service Requested
Coming Up in Community Matters Community Matters will focus on gardening and outdoor life in an upcoming issue. Are you an avid gardener, or were you when you were more physically able? What did you love about gardening? What did you grow? Does your campus have a raised bed garden that you help with now? What do you enjoy about being outdoors? If you have a story to tell, contact Marketing Director Ken Hanson to share your idea.Your story may be selected for the next issue of your community newsletter.
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Community Matters APRIL 2015
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