Sisters honor ‘parachute packers’ for years of service

SCROLL DOWN FOR A SLIDESHOW FROM THIS EVENING’S EVENT

Nine employees of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia were honored this evening (Tuesday, Feb. 7) at the 2017 Employee Appreciation Banquet at the Nazareth Motherhouse.

The annual event drew a crowd of nearly 150 employees, their guests and Sisters of St. Joseph. The theme of the evening was “Who Packs Your Parachute?” The theme comes from the story of Charles Plumb, a Vietnam-era Navy pilot who had to eject from his airplane and parachute behind enemy lines. Years later he had the opportunity to meet, and thank, the sailor who had packed his life-saving parachute that day. Today he uses the story in his talks to remind listeners to thank the people who do vital work between the scenes but who might not otherwise he recognized.

Each table was decorated with a miniature person landing with a parachute aloft, designed by Sister Ramona Medina and handcrafted by the women at Neighbor to Neighbor in downtown Concordia. The evening included a welcome by congregational president Sister Jean Rosemarynoski, slideshow with photos of all the employees, numerous door prizes and a meal catered by Marla’s Joy Teahouse in Concordia.

The employees honored, listed with their jobs and length of service, are:

	PAULA TATUM environmental services coordinator 35 years		CURTIS MANSFIELD maintenance 30 years		DOUG HERMAN treasurer/chief financial officer 25 years
	PENNY ARNOLD administrative services manager 15 years		LARRY METRO food services manager/dietician 15 years		MARY BIEKER charge nurse 5 years
	JESICA COLLINS dietary aide 5 years		FATHER JAMES HOOVER chaplain 5 years		KEITH SELLS maintenance 5 years

The Sisters of St. Joseph have about 70 employees in Concordia, working at the Nazareth Motherhouse, Manna House of Prayer and the CSJ Administrative Center at 215 Court St.