Commun ty Matters Emporia Presbyterian Manor
Honoring veterans on Memorial Day Each year on the last Monday in May, we celebrate Memorial Day to honor the women and men who have died while serving in the United States military. The American holiday was originally known as Decoration Day because soldiers would decorate the graves of their fallen comrades with flags, wreaths and flowers. The holiday originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Today, we observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, participating in parades or hosting family gatherings. Emporia Presbyterian Manor plans to observe Memorial Day this year by offering a new program that will allow the community to celebrate our veterans all year long. Starting soon, families can purchase a tree that will be planted on our grounds with a plaque provided in honor of their loved one who lives, or lived, at Emporia Presbyterian Manor. Each year on Memorial Day, families can place a wreath or decorations on the tree, and community members, residents, families and staff can enjoy walking the path to view these trees. More information will be available soon.
May 2018
Decades of service
Deb Burris retires after 33 years Emporia Presbyterian Manor said goodbye to one of its first employees when Deb Burris retired on April 6. “I was hired in November 1985 before the building was finished,” said Deb. “I was instrumental in setting up and starting our home health agency, and assisted living on the third floor. When I started, the carpeting wasn’t down. I got to watch the kitchen being completed.” Deb was originally hired as a licensed practical nurse in health care. About 20 years ago, she became a registered nurse and moved into the role of assisted living and home health director. Deb Burris “At that time, the director was leaving, so I stepped right into the role,” she said. “It wasn’t new to me because I had been working on and off in that capacity.”
Over the years, Deb was responsible for screening residents for placement in independent living or assisted living. She also performed admissions and dismissals, interviewed new employees and took care of the payroll. “I like seeing the department run well. I like seeing the residents’ needs being met and making sure everything is running smoothly according to how it should,” said Deb. However, Deb recalls one particular day when things weren’t running smoothly. “One funny thing that happened early on occurred just as we got the kitchen finished. Ed Bell, the CEO at that time, had come to tour the building. RETIRE, continued on page 3