Describe your family: I come from a big family of 16; 11 girls and 5 boys.
Describe yourself in five words: Motivated, creative, leader, loyal, team player.
What do you do for fun: Plan a movie outing with my grandkids.
Do you have any hobbies: Playing volleyball.
What is your favorite thing about your job: The people here are my second family.
What is Your favorite food: Steak.
What is your favorite song: Look at God by Koryn Hawthorne.
What is something you are proud of: Completing some of my goals
What would you like people to know about you:I have selective memory, but can be very forgetful.
We are extremely happy to announce Lavonica Brown, affectionately known as “L.B.”, as our April Champion of the Month! L.B. has been nominated for her unwavering commitment to ensuring the EVS department is well-staffed and running smoothly, no matter the challenges that arise. Since joining Kirby Pines in 2015, L.B. has consistently demonstrated a “can-do” attitude, dedication, and a strong commitment to excellence. Her efforts and positive spirit truly embody what it means to be a Kirby Pines Champion.
– Trudy Schenkenberger, Director of Human Resources
Have you heard the BIG news?! Trolls are at the Memphis Botanic Garden to help save the humans. At the great “Trolliefolkyfest” in a secret place, six young trolls made a pact to band together and help save the humans by rediscovering nature and teaching us how to live in harmony with the earth. They recognized the hope within each of us to take action and make positive changes toward a greater future. Lean into the lore that this larger-than-life fairytale brings to the Garden as art, nature, and messages of sustainability intertwine in this unique outdoor exhibition.
Ronja Redeye Communicator
Kamma Can Creator
Ibbi Pip Optimist
Rosa Sunfinger Introvert
Sofus Lotus Listener
Basse Buller Rebel
About Thomas Dambo – Thomas Dambo is considered the world’s leading recycle artist, having been taught from a young age the value of recycling, sustainability, and unlimited imagination. Before embarking on the path of building larger-than-life sculptures, Thomas led a multifaceted life that allowed him to express his creativity via music, street art, and scenic design. After graduating from the Kolding Design School with a master’s degree in interactive design, Thomas began his current journey of using recycled materials to create colorful art installations, building the foundation for his artwork today.
Thomas’ vision is to create art that inspires people to go explore, have adventures in nature, and demonstrates that trash can be turned into something beautiful. Today, Thomas is known internationally for his larger-than-life Troll sculptures made from recycled wood. With 87 sculptures all over the world, these Trolls have begun to have a life of their own. Popping up in Denmark, USA, France, Germany, China, South Korea, Chile, and many more on the way, the message of sustainability and unlimited imagination have reached millions through in person visits, shared photos, and international media coverage.
Join the Travelers as they head to the Memphis Botanic Gardens for this unique exhibition on Monday, April 14th at 10:15 am – see calendar for details.
There is a truism that states, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person to do!” There isn’t anyone at Kirby Pines who is busier than Carolyn Hladky. She is involved in a myriad of activities and volunteers her time in various ways.
Carolyn moved to Kirby Pines from New Jersey. However, she spent her first 18 years in Memphis. Born in 1941 as Carolyn Welch, she and her family lived in a small apartment in the back of a “Mom and Pop” store in East Memphis, which her father bought when he returned from serving in the Army. He would own the store for 30 years, but the family moved to the White Station area when Carolyn was seven years old.
Carolyn remembers her childhood as a happy time, playing with children in the neighborhood and her older brother, Jimmie. For school, she attended East Elementary, White Station and Memphis Christian. When the Memphis Christian School became Harding Academy, Carolyn was among their first graduates in 1959. Her family attended the Church of Christ regularly, and Carolyn loved all the activities provided. In fact, her faith became so strong that she became involved, at an early age, as a volunteer in church ministry– working with young people in VBS. In high school, during summer vacations, she was involved in Camp Wyldewood near Searcy, Arkansas, first as a camper, and then on staff.
Following graduation, Carolyn enrolled in Harding College in Searcy, majoring in Elementary Education. In 1961, following her sophomore year, she volunteered to work at Camp Shiloh, a Christian camp in Mendham, New Jersey. She met another staff member, Roger Hladky, who was a student from Abilene Christian College. There was a mutual attraction for each other, so they began dating. Carolyn returned to Harding for her remaining two years of college; Roger transferred to Harding. They were married six months after they met in a beautiful December wedding. They lived in student housing until Carolyn graduated in 1963. Carolyn relates this story, “Before Roger and I married, I introduced him to my grandfather. When I spelled his last name, my grandfather replied, ‘Aw, that don’t spell nuthin!’ So, for our married life of 61 years, we often used that phrase when people questioned the spelling or pronunciation of our last name.”
Following graduation from Harding, Carolyn and Roger made the decision to move to Tabernacle, New Jersey. They already had friends there, so it made the transition easier. Carolyn began teaching in an elementary school while Roger continued his education. Later, Roger began teaching in middle school. They welcomed Holly, their only child, and would make Tabernacle their home for 60 years. Roger would eventually become principal of his school. Carolyn has this to say about Tabernacle, “It was a wonderfully nurturing place to live, work and attend church. Roger was an elder in the Church of Christ, and I taught the Ladies Class. We also served in Youth Ministry for over 50 years. What a rewarding experience! We have ‘kids’ all over the United States and regularly keep in touch with them.” For many years, Carolyn and Roger also directed a camping session each summer for high school students at Camp Manatawny in Pennsylvania. They also took their “teens” on two mission trips to Scotland.
Carolyn retired from teaching after 32 years but continued her involvement with church. Retirement allowed her time to enjoy reading, gardening and travel. She and Roger visited many well-known tourist sites in the U.S. and Europe.
Carolyn and Roger knew they needed to be close to Holly when Roger began to have multiple health issues. Holly lives in Collierville with her husband, Steve Pruitt; they have two daughters. Madison is a teacher, and Savannah is a nurse. Carolyn says, “Holly and I are ‘best friends’ and talk almost every day.” She continues, “With the wonderful assistance of Holly and Kirby staff, Roger and I moved to Kirby Pines in December 2022.” Sadly, Roger died unexpectedly a short time after they moved in.
Carolyn & Jimmie
Carolyn stays busy. She is involved in almost every activity available at Kirby Pines! She is in the Bookbaggers, Entertainers Chorus, Trivia Group, and “thrilled” that she was selected to be in the Rhythm Band. “I play a mean washboard,” she admits. She has learned to play Mahjong and Mexican Train, and she volunteers for the “Gift Shop.” She loves to cook and is always leaving “goodies” at resident’s doors–especially her neighbors. Carolyn says one of her most enjoyable activities is the time she spends reading and sharing with the residents in the Villa, and she finds serving on the Memorial and Advisory Committees very rewarding. She attends Bible classes and is a member of Germantown Church of Christ where she is involved with the Diaper Ministry. This group supplies diapers for a number of families, prays for them and assists them as needed.
As such a positive and active member of our Kirby community, Carolyn has endeared herself to all. It is no secret that Carolyn loves to whistle! She says, “If you hear some ‘chirping’ in the hallways, it is probably me.”
Carolyn says, “Moving to Kirby was like ‘coming home.’ I was so grateful to be among friends when Roger passed away. Everyone was so kind and supportive. I love my apartment and neighbors. I am enjoying this new chapter in my life and feel so truly blessed!”
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement control. It occurs due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine is a chemical that helps transmit signals for smooth and coordinated muscle movements.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Tremors (shaking) in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or face
Muscle stiffness
Slowed movements (bradykinesia)
Balance and coordination difficulties
Speech and writing changes
Reduced facial expression
Important Facts
Approximately 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease.
The disease typically affects individuals over 60, but early-onset Parkinson’s can occur in younger people.
While the exact cause is unknown, genetic and environmental factors are believed to contribute.
There is currently no cure, but treatment can help manage symptoms.
How Therapy Can Help:
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapy helps individuals maintain independence in daily activities by:
Teaching strategies to enhance fine motor skills
Recommending adaptive equipment for dressing, writing and eating
Improving hand-eye coordination
Simplifying tasks to conserve energy
Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical therapy focuses on improving movement and balance by:
Designing exercise programs to enhance mobility, strength, and flexibility
Teaching techniques to reduce fall risk and improve gait
Promoting cardiovascular fitness
Speech Therapy (ST)
Speech therapy addresses communication and swallowing challenges by:
Improving voice volume and clarity
Strengthening muscles involved in speech and swallowing
Teaching techniques for safe swallowing
Enhancing non-verbal communication skills
A multidisciplinary approach involving occupational, physical, and speech therapy can greatly enhance the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Early intervention and consistent management can help maintain independence and reduce the impact of symptoms.
Celebrate Occupational Therapy Month!
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession focused on helping individuals of all ages engage in meaningful activities, or “occupations,” that enhance their ability to participate fully in daily life. Occupational therapists work with patients to improve their ability to perform tasks at home, school, work, and in the community.
Who Do Occupational Therapists Help?
People recovering from injuries, surgeries, or illnesses
Individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities
Older adults facing age-related challenges
Children with sensory processing or motor skill difficulties
People living with chronic conditions like Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, or stroke
How Occupational Therapy Helps
Promotes Independence: Helping patients regain skills necessary for daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and driving.
Adapts Environments: Recommending adaptive equipment and home modifications to improve safety and accessibility.
Enhances Well-Being: Teaching stress management, energy conservation, and relaxation techniques.
Improves Quality of Life: Focusing on personalized goals that matter most to each individual.
Join the Celebration! Spread the word about the incredible benefits of occupational therapy. Whether you are an OT professional, a patient, or simply someone who appreciates the importance of meaningful activities, let’s recognize the impact of OT during Occupational Therapy Month!
Do you routinely follow an exercise program? — Great! If not, you may want to start. Some of the benefits of regularly exercising include:
Delaying or preventing the onset of disabilities or diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and osteoporosis.
Reducing pain from arthritis.
Helping with anxiety and depression through better sleep and feelings of well-being
Reducing the risk of falls, the most common cause of nonfatal injuries in adults over age 65.
Getting Started:
Choose an activity that you’ll enjoy and can do regularly and gives the most benefit.
Take into consideration your interests, health and physical limitations, as well as the ease of accessing the activity. Kirby Pines offers a wide range of classes and a variety of equipment in the Oasis. Schedule time for your new activities: 30 minutes for 5 days quickly add up for the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Incorporate four different types of activities into an exercise regimen, as they provide different health benefits:
Endurance Activities increase the heart rate and breathing. Including walking, jogging or dancing, they help improve the cardiovascular system. Try the NuStep or Bike in the Oasis.
Strength Exercise such as weight training can help build up muscles and reduce age-related muscle loss. The Oasis is fully equipped to build muscle strength, or check out Kim Roberts’ Strength classes.
Stretching Exercises help keep the body flexible and able to move easily. Yoga Stretch and Chair Yoga can make a difference.
Balance Exercises help improve balance, reducing the risk of falls. Water Aerobics and Yoga classes practice balance moves each class.
As each person has different health issues and medications, checking in with a health care provider before beginning is key to preventing injuries.
If you have any questions about the classes we offer or using the equipment, check with Kim Roberts, you will see where to find her on the schedule to the right.
SUPPORT THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION
Friday, April 11th – Arthritis Foundation Bake Sale
We will be having a bake sale for the benefit of the Arthritis Foundation from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Lobby on Friday, April 11th. Please deliver your baked goods to the Resident Programs office the day before unless you plan to bring something delicious straight out of the oven the day of.
Tuesday, April 22nd – Arthritis Foundation Walk
Join us for the Kirby Pines annual walk for the Arthritis Foundation. We will meet in the Lobby at 10:30 am and will begin the walk around the Kirby Pines grounds at 10:40 am. Drink plenty of water and join in on the fun.
Freshly mowed grass, flowers blooming and trees budding…warmer weather…longer days & BASEBALL!!
Spring brings new, fresh ideas and thoughts. Our fresh idea is the “Kirby Pines Chop House!” We are putting Exquisite Cuisine on the shelf for awhile and trying something fresh.
On April 17th, we will transform our Bistro into the “The Chop House.” For that evening, we will be offering beautiful Lamb Chops or an 8-oz. filet, a beautifully marbled 14-oz. bone-in ribeye, or fresh caught Alaskan salmon cooked over flame with a mango chutney. Market Pricing for this menu.
The Chop House service will be offered from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Reservations are required and limited to a total of 28 reservations with the last available reservation at 6:45 p.m. This evening will also offer featured wines and desserts. Our idea is to cater to each individual table as they are seated.
We are looking forward to bringing a real “steakhouse experience” right here on campus a couple of times monthly!! I cannot wait!!
Bon Appetit!!
Michael J. Brown, Jr. ExecutiveDirector,Kirby Pines
Maxie Dunnam is just another old man, turning 90, seeking to make a redemptive difference in a needy world.
As I write that, it is difficult not to suspect that some people might sometimes be saying it.
These are tough, trying days. I believe we have a reached a crucial moment in human civilization. The institutions upon which we have become dependent, around which our lives have been ordered—education, business, medical services, the penal system, organized religion, government — have each in some ways been revealed as inadequate, a few of them perhaps beyond renewal and repair. In any case, they have not been equal to their promise.
We are dissatisfied with things as they are. And while dissatisfaction is as old as the human race, I believe we have reached a crucial moment in human civilization. Atomic bombs are not just more powerful weaponry. Electronic computers are not just more complex adding machines. Neil Armstrong was more than a latter-day Columbus setting foot on the moon.
At the deepest level of our beings there is a gnawing yearning. The institutions upon which we have become dependent, around which our lives have been ordered – have each in some way been gradually revealed as inadequate. They have not been equal to their promise; they cannot fill the need and longing in us. We are dissatisfied with things as they are, we have reached a crucial moment in human civilization.
Dare I even think it? Maxie Dunnam is not just another old man turning 90, seeking to make a redemptive difference in a needy world. What can I do? What must I do? What will I do?
Describe your family: 2 sons, Tyrome, 30 (accounting/math) and Channing, 22 (welding program).
Describe yourself in five words: Hardworking, dependable, trustworthy, strong, team player.
What do you do for fun: Spending time with family, cooking with Mom, watching movies.
Do you have any hobbies: Listening to jazz.
What is your favorite thing about your job: The residents and have a great managment team.
What is Your favorite food: Stuffed Bell Peppers.
What is your favorite song: Sometimes It Snows In April by Prince.
What is something you are proud of: Both of my sons are polite and respectful young men.
What would you like people to know about you:I am loyal to my loved ones.
Kim Wiley is a team player and does what it takes to offer our residents the best possible care. She gets the job done and believes in getting it done quickly and efficiently. You can tell how much she loves and appreciates her residents in the quality of her care. Congratulations to Kim!
St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the life of Saint Patrick—the patron saint of Ireland. This influential missionary has been credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day takes place on March 17 each year because St. Patrick’s death is believed to have been on March 17, 461. The Church began observing a special feast to honor him on this day starting in 1631. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage. Sláinte!
Question: What’s another name for St. Patrick’s Day? Answer: The Feast of Saint Patrick.
Question: Where was Saint Patrick actually born? Answer: Roman Britain (What is now either England, Scotland or Wales).
Question: What color was originally associated with St. Patrick? Answer: Blue. It wasn’t until 1798 (the year of the Irish Rebellion), it changed
Question: How many pounds of green vegetable dye are now used to turn the Chicago River green? Answer: 40 pounds.
Question: What do some historians believe was St. Patrick’s real name? Answer: Maewyn Succat.
Question: According to legend, what happened during one of St. Patrick’s sermons on the Irish hillside? Answer: Legend has it that while he was speaking, all of the snakes were driven out into the sea.
Question: According to legend, what did St. Patrick use to describe the Holy Trinity? Answer: The shamrock.
“I’m 50 percent Irish,” proudly proclaims Terry Burke. Like many European Americans, Terry’s ancestry is rooted in Ireland; his father and paternal grandparents were 100% Irish. Also, according to genealogy research, the name Burke is associated with nobility in 12th century Ireland, so Terry has reason to be proud.
Terry was born in 1928 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at the beginning of the Great Depression. His brother joined the family six years later. Terry started kindergarten at age four and remembers a happy childhood, spending a great deal of time on his grandparent’s farm. This farm also provided a good food source for the family during the Depression years. The one hardship Terry recalls is that between his first and eighth grades of school, his parents moved to eight different cities in Iowa due to his father’s employment in the hotel business. However, for his high school years, Terry attended Immaculate Conception in Cedar Rapids. During high school, Terry did not get involved with many school activities. Rather, he concentrated on being a good student and working as a caddy on the golf course, having learned this job at age 12! He “felt” rich earning 65 cents each time he caddied. Terry admits, “I finally found a game I could play.”
Terry completed high school requirements early by attending classes in the summer. He immediately joined the Army and spent the next 18 months (1946-47) in El Paso, Texas. Three months into his service, the war ended. Terry says he was able to play and improve his golf game during this time – enough that he played for the base championship, but he lost to the Colonel!
Leaving the Army, Terry enrolled in Loras College, a Catholic private school in Dubuque, Iowa, majoring in Accounting. On week-ends he would hitch-hike to home and then “hitch” back to school on Sunday afternoon. After two years, Terry transferred to the University of Iowa in Iowa City and completed requirements for a B.S. in Business Administration, graduating in 1951.
Terry’s first employment was with Neilson Marketing Service. He spent six months in Chicago in orientation, followed by another six months in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was assigned to the Drug and Food Division and chose Memphis, Tennessee, as his home base, a position he held for 22 years. The job involved a lot of travel as he gathered statistical data for the Neilson reports. This was great for his bachelor lifestyle.
That bachelor lifestyle would come to an end when he began to pay special attention to a beautiful red-headed widow he kept seeing at various social gatherings. Her name was Barbara Espy, and she had two children– Donna, age 11 and Michael, age 4. Terry and Barbara began a courtship and married in 1968. Together, they would have a son, Patrick. Terry says his life-style changed dramatically, but the relationship between him and his step-children was great. “They both were very loving and accepting of me,” admits Terry. Unfortunately, both Donna and Michael died prematurely of heart disease.
However, in the early years, because of financial need, Terry thought he needed to find a way to increase the family income. He first tried a restaurant, but it was a failure. He then started a dry cleaning business, Kirby Parkway Cleaners, which offered many challenges and was near failure when a friend advised Terry and encouraged him with suggestions. Fortunately, with adjustments, and with family members as staff, the business succeeded and provided a good income for the next 40 years! Terry retired from the business in 2017.
The Burke’s were able to travel extensively, even prior to retirement. “Since it was a family business, Barbara and I felt comfortable taking time away; leaving everything in competent hands,” remembers Terry. One of their more memorable trips included a submarine ride that took them down 100 feet. “It was unbelievably beautiful to see the creatures of the deep,” states Terry. However, their most memorable trip was being in New York City and, on their last night there, dining in a restaurant under the Brooklyn Bridge. That was on September 10, 2001. The next day, not knowing about the events that occurred earlier that day, they packed to leave but were, of course, unable to leave New York. Terry and Barbara walked to 42nd and 5th streets and witnessed the destruction of the twin towers amid the smoke and dust. They happened to stand next to a gentleman who was very distraught. “My father was on the 32nd floor of that building,” cried the man. “I was at a loss for words,” admits Terry. “And, it was certainly something I will never forget.”
Barbara & Terry
When Barbara began to have falls and memory problems, Terry realized he would need to find a suitable place for her care. With their son’s suggestion, they investigated Kirby Pines and made the decision to move here in 2021. A short time later, it was necessary to move Barbara to the Manor. Sadly, she died in 2023. Terry says, “She had good care there.”
Terry loves to read and enjoys the weekly visits with son, Patrick. He has three grandchildren who are also close by. He is a member of St. Louis Catholic Church and attends the weekly Catholic service at Kirby Pines. He also takes advantage of the exercise and yoga classes offered here. “We made the right choice to move here,” states Terry. “I am happy!”
Kirby Pines, a sister community of The Farms at Bailey Station, is part of the family of LifeCare Communities of Retirement Companies of America. For more information, visit retirementcompanies.com
© 2025 Kirby Pines LifeCare Community. All Rights Reserved | 