Emporia Community Matters August 2020

Emporia Presbyterian Manor

AUGUST 2020

Scholarship program helps PMMA employees realize dreams

Bret Hurlburt, our new director of dining services.

New director of dining services happy to be close to home Bret Hurlburt’s career in the culinary arts has included many exciting stops across the country, but nothing can compare to his current position as the director of dining services at Emporia Presbyterian Manor and the opportunity it provides to be closer to family and friends.

Growing up just a little more than an hour away in El Dorado, Bret began cooking at the age of 12. However, what initially started out as a hobby soon turned into a passion—one that would take him first to study at Le Cordon Blue in Las Vegas, then to California, and eventually back to Kansas.

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Each year the Employee Scholarship Program provides 30 to 40 PMMA employees with the funding they need to further their education and realize their professional goals. The program, which was established by a group of private donors and is supported through PMMA payroll deductions and other donations, is available to assist employees who are seeking to gain certification, licensure or a degree from an accredited educational program.

One recent beneficiary of the program is certified medical assistant Gabrielle Moore, who PROGRAM - continued on page 2

Emporia Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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It was while working as executive chef at Saint Mary’s College in Leavenworth, Kan. that Bret had his first experience with Emporia Presbyterian Manor.

“I had been coming down to Emporia for a few years, helping out with caterings—working with the previous chef and director— and I enjoyed it,” said Bret.

Bret initially joined the community as interim director on March 25 and was named to the permanent position on May 31—during the height of the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent statewide stay-athome order. However, while most in the community have had to adjust to a new way of operating

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prior to learning about the program, believed furthering her education was beyond her reach.

“The director of nursing at the time told me that I would make a good CMA and when I told her that I couldn’t really afford it, she mentioned applying for the scholarship program,” said Gabrielle.

Not only did the program help her become a CMA, it opened up a whole new career path that

as a result of the pandemic, Bret points out that the challenges have actually affected him less because he simply hasn’t known anything different.

“I haven’t worked within the community when it’s been business as usual, so I’m kind of curious to see how it goes and then we can make adjustments from there,” said Bret. “None of the challenges have been too hard, but there are lots of changes. We figure it out, make the changes, stick with it if it works and try something else if not.”

When he’s not at work, Bret enjoys fishing, going to concerts, and

previously she never thought possible.

“Getting my CMA really inspired me to continue on and get my LPN,” said Gabrielle. “It made me fall even further in love with nursing.”

To be eligible for the program, individuals must be employed at PMMA for at least one year, be regularly scheduled to work at least eight hours a week during each payroll cycle, show relevance of education to the services provided

by PMMA and be employed in

conveniently, playing Frisbee golf.

“It’s kind of interesting being in Emporia—the self-proclaimed disc golf capital of the world,” said Bret. “We have the biggest Frisbee golf tournament in the world, a dynamic disc manufacturing facility and nine courses in the city, so for a smaller town that’s fun.” ◆

good standing at the conclusion of the educational program. If accepted, funds are paid after the successful completion (at least a “C” grade or higher) of the approved course and can be used to cover tuition, fees and books.

If you would like to make a contribution to the program, please visit giving.presbyterianmanors. org/donate/donate-emporia/ and select “Employee Education Assistance Program” from the drop-down menu. ◆

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EMPORIA Presbyterian Manor 620-343-2613 ◆ Fax: 620-343-9195 2300 Industrial Rd. Emporia, KS 66801-6635 EmporiaPresbyterianManor.org

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | August 2020

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.

To submit or suggest articles: cstock@PMMA.org Susan Siepelmeier, executive director Crystal Stock, marketing director

OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

Words of encouragement for surviving tough times After living through the Covid-19 pandemic the past few months, residents offer advice for surviving hard times like these.

“Maxine Clark is a breath of fresh air,” said Crystal Stock, marketing director. “In the beginning of Covid-19, Maxine shared with me something that has helped me get through this: If we have to be apart for a little while and this is how things have to be a for a few months, she is okay with it because she knows when it is over she will have many more months and years to come with her family. The thought of life after Covid replaces the thought of restrictions and social distancing now.”

How does she stay so positive in a crisis?

“Another thing Maxine shared was if she had her ice cream, she could get through anything,” added Crystal.

While ice cream certainly makes life sweeter, Maxine goes about life as usual, as much as she can.

“I’m watching television, keeping up on the news every day. I’m wearing out my chair sitting in it. I read a little bit. The nurses and staff come in quite often, and I visit with them. You just do what you got to do when things like this happen.

I sure don’t want to catch the bug going around, so I will stay put,” said Maxine.

Galen Barret is another resident keeping a positive outlook on life.

“Galen is the epitome of what a truly pure-hearted person is, only ever thinking about others and how to share his gratitude and radiate positivity. He is very humble, as

well. He leaves notes for our staff to encourage them as they walk by his place,” said Crystal.

The idea to encourage staff came from a banner Galen received from his church around Easter that read, “You Are Loved.”

Parishioners were then encouraged Resident Maxine Clark “can get through anything” as long as to hang the she has ice cream! banners in their homes as a daily reminder.

“With that came the idea of all the people around here and the things they do every day. I thought they needed to be recognized, not just verbally, but they need to see that each day,” said Galen.

He hung a sign on his door listing everyone on staff, hoping they would see his appreciation for them.

“I can’t imagine the extra effort that is exerted when you really think of what they’re doing at this time.

They need to know we’re not taking them for granted,” he said. “I’ve always tried to look on the plus side of everything and work from there.

The thing I’ve done is try to avoid anything that’s negative. To me, being positive is the only way to survive.” ◆

Resident Galen Barrett shows his appreciation to staff with this sign hanging on his door.

Emporia Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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EMPORIA Presbyterian Manor

2300 Industrial Rd. Emporia, KS 66801-6636 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Our Mission: to provide quality senior services guided

by Christian values Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.

COVID-19 updates continue

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, you can count on regular communication from your PMMA community and PMMA leadership. PMMA’s President and CEO Bruce Shogren’s latest letter to residents and families is posted to your community website, EmporiaPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19. In this issue of Community Matters, you’ll find an explanation of the phases of reopening and a flow chart showing all the entities contributing to our reopening plans. ◆

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | August 2020