Newton Presbyterian Manor
MARCH 2023
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 Betty Eller with “Full Moon,” drawing called “Full Moon” which utilizes her a colored pencil drawing. 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 “In the Mood” collage
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 Debra Bilyeu 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
Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at NewtonPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
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