We are thrilled to announce that the December Champions of the Month are the Security Department!
Under the exceptional leadership and guidance of our three Kirby superheroes, Carl Walker, Lonnie Scott, and Dondrianna Dixon, the Security Department continues to thrive and unite, ensuring the safety and security of our residents and employees.
We are incredibly grateful for our wonderful security team, who consistently take the initiative to look after us all while delivering outstanding customer service to everyone on campus.
Describe your family: Very close knit – loving and sports minded.
Describe yourself in five words: Caring, sincere and humorous at times.
What do you do for fun: Shopping, gardening in the summer & baking. Pets: 2 dogs, Max & Teddy.
Do you have any hobbies: I collect cookie jars, really enjoy baking & love the Pittsburgh Steelers!
What is your favorite thing about your job: Helping in different areas of the community & learning.
What is Your favorite food: love Italian.
What is your favorite song: Freebird by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
What is something you are proud of: My sons and step-children. All are college grads & doing well!
What would you like people to know about you:I enjoy being busy and helping others.
Aside from being the most dedicated and efficient Executive Assistant I have ever worked with, she has…Dedicated a huge amount of personal time and energy to updating and supplying the Gift Shop. Volunteers her personal time to volunteer for all special events. Acts as MOD. Her decision making skills are commensurate with a Director. She provides support to All Departments. She engages with Residents and families well. She has been able to defuse conflict between Residents. And she’s a great caring person!
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!”
Men’s health awareness is important because men often face unique health challenges and are less likely to seek medical help compared to women. Raising awareness can lead to early detection and prevention of serious health issues, ultimately improving quality of life and longevity.
Here are some key reasons why it matters:
Higher Risk of Certain Diseases Men are more likely to suffer from conditions such as heart disease, prostate cancer, and high blood pressure. Awareness encourages regular check-ups and early detection.
Mental Health Matters Men are less likely to talk about mental health struggles, leading to higher rates of untreated depression and suicide. Promoting awareness can break stigmas and encourage seeking help.
Preventative Care Saves Lives Routine screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and early intervention can prevent major illnesses. Many men avoid doctors until a condition is severe, which can be life-threatening.
Breaking Cultural Barriers In many cultures, masculinity is linked to toughness and self-reliance, discouraging men from prioritizing health. Awareness helps redefine strength as taking care of oneself.
Impact on Families & Communities When men take care of their health, they set positive examples for their families and reduce the burden on loved ones. A healthier male population benefits society.
Promoting men’s health awareness can encourage proactive health management, reduce premature deaths, and foster a culture of well-being.
How can I take charge of my health?
Schedule regular screenings and check-ups for both physical and mental health
When you sense there is a problem reach out to a healthcare professional
Make healthy lifestyle modifications
Eat a balanced diet and exercise for at least 150 min perweek.
Get adequate sleep of 7 to 9 hours per night.
Stay on top of and manage your chronic conditions.
How can therapy help? Therapist designed programs focused on
Hydration
Sleep hygiene
Fall prevention
Heart health
Medication management
Pain management
Management of chronic conditions
If you are looking to take charge of your health, please contact the Broad River Rehab Team for guidance.
Staying fit is a challenge at any age. Finding the right exercise routine for your body can be a challenge, too. Balance, strength, endurance, and flexibility are key components to a good exercise program. Dealing with balance issues, osteoarthritis and knee and hip issues can make exercising difficult. A solution may be right down the hall… Water Aerobics. Here are some good reasons to join the water aerobics classes:
Low impact: Water places an upward force on a person. This principle known as ‘buoyancy’ means that you can experience as much as 90 percent less weight when in the water. This makes water exercises an ideal activity for a low impact water workout. Water aerobics allows you to perform exercises while placing very little weight on the joints opening up a new opportunity for people of all ages, and varying levels of fitness.
Improves physical and mental health: The natural resistance of water increases strength while keeping you cool and comfortable. Just 150 minutes of a pool workout per week can help decrease your risk of chronic illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Water aerobics can improve your cardiovascular and respiratory system in the same ways as cycling or running. Water is about 800 times denser than air, so it provides about 12 times more resistance. That means the moves you do in the pool can work your entire body, particularly your arms, legs, shoulders, and core.
Boost confidence: Pool exercise can boost your confidence if you are intimidated by conventional exercise routines. In the water, you are mostly submerged, so no one can see if you get the moves wrong. If you are a beginner, you can build a level of fitness that you can then carry over to feel more confident when exercising on land.
Water is naturally supportive. If you lose your footing on land, gravity will take over and you will most likely fall and injure yourself. In water there is no need to worry about falling, water will not allow you to, and it will support you throughout all your exercises.
Increase calorie burn. Water also has greater resistance than air, which means walking in water requires more effort and ultimately burns more calories than walking on land. Expect to burn between 400 and 500 calories per hour in a water aerobics class, according to the Aquatic Exercise Association.
It’s a FUN way to exercise. Being in a pool is always splashy fun. Participating in a water aerobics class not only makes you happier and healthier, it is also a great social experience where new friends are made. The forgiving water environment is effective for exercising and enjoyable. You won’t get your hair or face wet. People are friendly.
Check our schedule for classes Monday through Friday and join us.
THANK YOU TO THE KIRBY PINES TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT!
The transportation team, led by Latanya Bailey, continues to shine day in and day out. More importantly, during our winter storm on January 10th, the team came together and worked around the clock to shuttle employees from both Kirby and the Farms to work and home.
Bailey’s leadership skills with coordinating and communicating with her transportation team make her an amazing leader!
THANK YOU TO BAILEY AND HER TEAM FOR A JOB WELL DONE!
Random thought, how many people remember how I started my article last month? ”It’s great to get the snow & cold behind us….SHOOT ME NOW!!
Today, I want to share with you one aspect of my job that gives me great satisfaction and keeps me in the “Know!” It’s meeting with the Resident Advisory Committee each week. Because this group meets weekly, we discuss the hottest topics on the minds of our Residents, as well as Management. This is one of my most productive meetings of the week! Let me take a moment to introduce our Advisory Committee Members: Chairman, Don Meiners; Communications, Christine Martin; Healthcare, Charlie Foster; Culinary, Carolyn Hladky; Resident Programs, Jody Sosh; Marketing, Linda Tittle; Move-Ins, Sydney Wagner.
Another one of the important aspects of this group is there is representation from the PSALMS Board, RCA, & Kirby leadership in every meeting. This allows direct communication which allows for quicker action or discussion.
The Resident Advisory Committee is designed to bring residents and administration together, fostering and supporting a living environment that promotes well-being, personal growth, and community engagement among residents. These residents work together to help shape the lifestyle and activities at the community. A simple way to explain the role of resident volunteers is….They put their life skills to work by serving others.
Our Wing Leaders are an extension of the Advisory Committee and are a valuable part of the Resident Advisory Committee. It is through the effort of every Wing Leader, member of the Advisory committee, and management that we keep up with the pulse of the community, respond to the needs of the community, and co-participate with keeping the at large community well informed.
Let’s give these people a well-deserved round of applause! Have a great March!
Michael J. Brown, Jr. ExecutiveDirector,Kirby Pines
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
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