Resident’s artwork showcased in 2023 Art is Ageless® materials
For the past three years, Betty Eller has entered PMMA’s Art is Ageless® juried art competition and each time her work has been selected as one of the best of the best.
In 2021, Betty had one of her pieces featured on a notecard. Last year she had a piece in the calendar. This year she’s not only in the calendar but has another one of her works of art printed on a postcard.
The piece in the calendar is a colored pencil drawing called “Full Moon” which utilizes her medium of choice.
“I prefer drawing – any kind of pencil, colored pencil or black and white –because I feel like I have more control over it,” said Betty. While she may be relatively new to Art is Ageless, Betty has been involved with art for most of her life.
“I taught grade school for 12 years and then I went back and finished my art degree at Fort Hays. Then I taught art for 12 years,” said Betty.
Outside of Art is Ageless, Betty has also exhibited her work as part of the Kansas exhibit at the Carriage Factory Arts Center in Newton where she has sold several pieces to local collectors.
“It’s rewarding to think someone would want something I’ve made,” said Betty. “I just enjoy having people enjoy my work.”
But more important than that, Betty just loves creating.
“I enjoy just the fun of sitting down and doing something—feeling like I have something to show for my time,” said Betty. “It’s relaxing and fun to create different subjects and different media—I just lose myself in my art.” u
New social service director focused on building connections
Since becoming the community’s new social service director back in October, Debra Bilyeu has become a regular presence in the hallways around Newton Presbyterian Manor. That’s because, for Debra, getting to know—and building strong, lasting relationships with—the people she serves is a critical part of her job.
“For me, it’s always about the connection with the residents,” said Debra.
But while Debra definitely enjoys the chance to get to know the residents on a personal level, these visits aren’t purely social.
“A lot of what I’m doing is visiting with residents and doing assessments—problem solving. It’s very task oriented so you have to separate your task from your person,” said Debra.
As a result of these one-on-one visits, Debra is then able to look at each resident as an individual and develop a unique, personalized care plan specifically for them.
Bilyeu – continued on page 2
Bilyeu– continued from page 1
And beyond the rewards provided by her work, Debra is also really enjoying being a part of the community.
“It’s just a really nice community,” said Debra. “The therapy’s fantastic, the nurses are fantastic … it’s really cool.”
When she’s not at work, Debra is an avid reader—usually with more than one book going at a time—and loves spending time with her family which includes a daughter, bonus daughter, a grandson and two bonus grandchildren. u
A note of thanks from Independent Living resident Eleanor Abplanalp
“I would like to thank the nurses, the cooks and all the servers who were so wonderful to me during my illness. They took the time to bring my lunch to me every day when they were so short handed in the kitchen and dining room. They always step in and help out wherever they are needed. I also want to thank the maintenance department for always taking care of issues so quickly. We are very lucky to have such wonderful people working here at the Manor. They are so appreciated. Thank you all again!”
Thank you Eleanor for your kind words!
In honor of World Poetry Day, March 21st, we’re pleased to present the following poem from Assisted Living resident Bonnie Ziesenis.
Our Valley Center Christian Church
There was once a cross on a hill far away Where our Savior died our debts to pay
There was also a hill on the outskirts of town
You could look down the valley and see all around.
Oh the visions we had a few years ago
Have lighted our path and made our hearts glow!
God never promised a Rose Garden that’s true But we’ve got a beautiful church with a garden lake view
With a loving church family giving their best, We thank you God we are truly blessed
- Bonnie Ziesenis executive director Toni Gibson, marketing and sales
