This September, Kirby Pines Estates celebrates its thirty-eighth anniversary. And as with any anniversary, a lot of planning will go into making this anniversary one that will be enjoyable and memorable. Each year, a theme and color is selected and this year the color is Crimson and the theme is Courage.
Crimson has long been associated with courage, divinity, power, strength and importance. In Elizabethan era England, crimson clothing signified an individual’s status and was only allowed to be worn by royalty, noble persons and members of the Council. The Biblical meaning of crimson is strongly associated with humility and atonement. Kirby Pines certainly is respected in its market place as a strong leader in senior living, and is recognized for the importance it places in providing a great place to live and a great place to work.
Strong, vivid and powerful are words used to describe crimson which is one reason the color is associated with courage. This past year all of us have had to be courageous. As residents you had difficult decisions to make and as employees we have faced all that the year has put before us. The strength that Kirby brings with its thirty-eight years of tradition, has given all of us the courage to do what is necessary each and every day.
This year is turning out to be one of our country’s most difficult years, and yet it has been with courage that the country has moved forward with a commitment for change, in resolution to find new ways to do the daily tasks necessary to survive and come out stronger once this pandemic is tamed.
Thus, our thirty-eighth anniversary will celebrate the hard work that has brought Kirby Pines to where we are today, and where we will together, move forward to in the years ahead.
Michael Escamilla, Executive Director, Kirby Pines
Describe Your Family: I am a mother of four, grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of five.
Describe yourself in five words: Friendly, helpful, funny, compassionate, spiritual.
What is something you are proud of: To have worked at Kirby Pines for 14 years.
Do you have a pet: A cat, Pantaliamon (Pan).
Do you have any hobbies or interests: Reading, listening to gospel music, gardening, and collecting angels.
What is your favorite thing about your job: The gratitude of our residents, telling me they love me and bringing smiles to their faces.
What is your favorite food: Catfish.
What is your favorite song: Broken But I’m Healed by Byron Cage.
What would you like people to know about you: That I pray for us all each and every day and I try to help anyone I can.
Crystal Shoemaker always goes above and beyond to make sure things flow smoothly on the unit. She is a team player and is very observant of the residents and immediately notifies the charge nurse if any change is noticed. She is flexible and willing to go to any area she is needed. Crystal is happy to take on a special project to enhance the quality of care she gives her residents. We are so glad to have her as part of our team.
Andy Saunders has given much of his life to the local theater community and people are taking notice.
The performer, designer, director, and teacher has been part of the scene since coming to the then-Memphis State University as a graduate student in the 1960s. That half-century-plus of devotion will be recognized at the upcoming Memphis Ostrander Awards when he will be given the 2021 Eugart Yerian Award for Lifetime Achievement.
The Ostranders primarily recognize a year’s worth of excellence in local theater productions and this year’s winners will be announced on Sunday, August 29th, at the Halloran Centre. The exception to next month’s big reveal is the lifetime achievement honor named for the director of the Memphis Little Theatre (now Theatre Memphis) from 1929 to 1961.
The announcement from the Ostranders organization said Saunders has been “an indispensable presence in the Memphis theater community. … Onstage, Saunders is celebrated not only for his nuanced and charismatic acting style but also for his beautiful, operatic singing voice.”
Saunders has directed shows around town and was at Memphis University School where he taught science, speech, religion, astronomy, photography, mechanical writing, and theater production. He also produced more than 135 shows at the school during his 38-year career before retiring in 2010.
Since his retirement, he’s designed and built dozens of shows at Germantown Community Theatre. GCT executive director Brian Everson says Saunders is the “ultimate volunteer, professional, artist, and friend. GCT, in so many ways, would not be possible without Andy.”
Andy and his wife, Jean, moved to Kirby Pines in March of 2019.
In “As You Like It”, Shakespeare declares that “the world is a stage”. His various “stages” of life could also be interpreted as occurring in ACT I, II, & III. While most of Diane Mullins’ life revolved around family and community, her entry into the acting world was unique, interesting and fascinating. It seems appropriate to view her life in those terms. She shares her story:
ACT I: Dorothy Diane DeWess entered the first stage of her life in Chicago, Illinois on September 3, 1932. Due to her father’s work, the family lived in several cities but eventually moved to Memphis where they remained. She had a happy childhood but always felt in the shadow of her older brother, David. “He was very popular while I was a wallflower”, says Diane. When she was six years old, she survived a freak accident after falling one and one-half stories down an elevator shaft. She fortunately was dressed in a rabbit fur coat, muff and tam, so that her fall was not fatal due to being wrapped in a “pillow of fur”. However, she did sustain a broken wrist and a concussion. Diane attended Memphis public schools and while attending Messick High School, met her future husband, Billy (Curly) Mullins. They married in 1951, a year following graduation.
Billy and Diane in Hawaii
ACT II: Diane’s husband Billy served in the Army during the Korean War. During this time, Diane worked in secretarial jobs. On Billy’s return from the Army, he began work in insurance, eventually starting his own business, A-Z Insurance Agency. Diane and Billy had three boys, Tim, Pat, and Mike (deceased). Diane became “Girl Friday” to her husband’s business. Billy was so successful that he was awarded thirty-five vacation trips. These included many U.S. cities and three trips to Hawaii and England. The Mullins were active in Colonial Baptist Church before transferring to Ridgeway Baptist.
The acting bug struck by accident. Although Diane had done some acting in high school, she never considered this as an option in her life. However, a friend encouraged her to try out for a part in a Christmas play at Germantown Community Theatre. She got the part and the “acting bug bit”, says Diane. From theatre, she saw an opportunity in the independent film industry and performed in many independent movies. These are movies usually only fifteen to twenty minutes in length, are entered into a film festival and, never seen by the public. She hired an agent and was able to make commercials for businesses and products, including: Accent Jewelry, Fed Ex, Kroger, Arkansas Lottery and one for Doritos which was entered in the Superbowl commercial contest. She has been an extra in all of the Memphis made movies, including: The Firm, The Client, Blueberry Nights, and Nothing But The Truth.
During this time, another form of acting was providing one of the most unique and fulfilling roles for Diane. She was hired to be a “standardized patient” for all of the Medical Units of University of Tennessee. In this role she was given a script to memorize and perform as a “sick” patient for the students to analyze and diagnose. A big part of the evaluation was determining the bedside manner and appropriate reactions of the students. One example was of a hysterical woman who had to cry for one and one-half minutes. Faculty watched on camera and Diane had the opportunity to evaluate as well. “What fun it was acting ‘sick’ for the students. I really felt like I was contributing in a worthwhile way”, says Diane.
Acting for UT Students
In the late 70’s or early 80’s, Diane began singing with The Sweet Adelines, a barbershop harmony singing group for women. They performed in many venues including contests.
ACT III: The singing with The Sweet Adelines continued for twenty-five years. The acting for U.T. students ended in 2016. However, acting continues. According to Diane, “I am really enjoying my acting career and there must not be too many ‘old white-haired ladies’ that are in the acting business. I get called often when an old gal is needed. I am ready to go and the ham in me loves it!” In fact, she has just finished a role in an independent film called “Dear Lady Joan”.
Sadly, in 2019, Billy passed away following a two-year illness. Diane made the decision to move to Kirby Pines in 2020. Her two sons, and all but two of her six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren live nearby. “My family means everything to me and I’m so grateful that they are near me”, says Diane. Diane also likes going out to lunch or dinner with old friends, playing bridge, reading and just socializing with people. “Although I have only been at Kirby Pines a short time, I have made so many new friends and I am enjoying all the activities and programs offered. I feel very blessed and very much at home here”, says Diane.
Fortunately good health allows Diane to continue many activities. Her story reminds us that productivity, happiness and a satisfying life does not necessarily occur in one particular stage of life. The ability to have a satisfying last “scene” in our life depends on being willing to remain open to others and taking advantage of the opportunities that are available to be productive and serve others.
Are you over the age of 65 and have been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes? If yes, you should implement modifications to your diet daily to decrease its effect on your body. Even minor dietary changes can help in reducing your diabetes risk.
The first step in the prevention is to understand how today’s food choices can impact your blood sugar and metabolism. Foods should not be classified as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ but on the types and amount of food you are consuming. Sometimes we take in certain foods in excess, foods that should only be thought of as “sometimes” foods. “Sometimes” foods and beverages are highly processed, refined, and sugary. You should limit these types of foods and only consume them for occasional enjoyment. Eating foods such as vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins with the occasional splurge of “sometimes” foods can help you understand how foods affect blood sugar levels
The Facts
Almost 1/3 of adults over the age of 65 in the U.S. have diabetes, with 50% of that 1/3 being undiagnosed.
An additional 1/3 of adults have pre-diabetes.
Aging adults are especially at risk for poor nutrition caused by bad eating habits, loss of appetite, and decreased access to healthy foods because of time, money, or limited mobility.
The best way to manage diabetes is to self-manage.
Diabetes To Do List
Start by having a conversation with your physician to learn everything you can about diabetes and preparing a diet that will control your blood sugar.
Talk with your community Dietitian to review your current dietary choices and set-up a meal planning process.
Plan every meal the day or two before.
Ensure that your planned meal fits into your nutritional goals.
Try not to make last-minute meal choices that do not include the goals you have set for yourself.
Make one or two dietary modifications and set obtainable goals for yourself. An example might be to stop eating cookies or cake unless it’s a special occasion.
Review your goals regularly with your physician and community Dietitian and add new goals as you attain the ones you have set.
Ensure you are taking care of your feet and skin:
Inspect your feet every day. Look for cuts, blisters, calluses, red spots, swelling, or any other abnormal issues. Use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet. If you have difficulty seeing all areas of your feet, ask for assistance from staff or family.
Protect your feet by washing them every day. Use a mild soap with warm water and thoroughly dry. Use lotion instead of powder to keep the skin smooth and moisturized to prevent cracks or fissures. Avoid the use of lotions between toes; It can create a moist breeding ground for bacteria and lead to wounds that are difficult to heal.
Prevent elevated blood sugars, which can lead to a loss of sensation to your feet, leading to uncared for wounds. Report any findings of abnormalities immediately to your health care provider.
Olympian, Derek Redmond being helped across the finish line by his father, Jim
July 23 – August 8 the 2021 Summer Olympics will be held in Tokyo, Japan, with over 11,200 athletes worldwide expected to participate. As in any sports endeavor the focus will be on those who win.
Let’s think back to the 1992 Olympic Summer Games in Barcelona, Spain, and consider an athlete who didn’t win but will be remembered in one of the greatest sports stories of all time.
Derek Redmond, a British runner, had shattered his country’s 400-meter record when only 19. In the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea, Derek suffered an Achilles tendon injury just 10 minutes before the 400-meter race and went through numerous surgeries the next year. Now, in Barcelona, it was Derek’s time. He desperately wanted to win…not just the gold medal but any medal he could get.
In the semifinal 400-meter race, if Derek was among the top four runners to finish, it would qualify him for the Olympic final. He broke from the pack to seize the lead. Surely he would make the final race. Down the backstretch only 175 yards from the finish line Derek’s hamstring snapped. He could no longer run but began hopping on one leg, slowly and painfully. He then fell to the ground. As tears streamed from his eyes he said to himself, “I’m out of the Olympics—again.” A medical team reached Derek with a stretcher but he replied, “There’s no way I’m getting on that stretcher. I’m going to finish my race.”
In a stadium filled with 65,000, from Section 131, Row 22, Seat 25, Derek’s father, Jim, who always attended the sports events with him, was crying, “Oh, no.” He began to run down the stadium steps, jumping over the guard rail and pushing aside security guards who were trying to stop him. Jim and his son had agreed, that no matter what happened, Derek must finish the race.
Derek had stood up and was again hobbling forward. Jim reached him, put his arm around his son, placed Derek’s arm around his shoulders as Derek said, “Get me to lane five, Dad, I want to finish the race.”
The stadium crowd, and millions watching worldwide by television, stood to its feet in thunderous applause as everyone watched a father and his son struggle toward the finish line. The race was already over, but with loving support and challenging commitment the two pushed ahead. Just a short distance from the finish line, the father released Derek to cross on his own.
Derek didn’t win….or did he? Such deep love and focus are seldom seen.
What can be learned from the Derek and Jim Redmond saga?
So often our goals seem shattered! Our obstacles are too great! Our pain is insurmountable and our focus blurred! Who cares if we finish the race?
That’s when the Father, who is always with us in every circumstance of life, steps in. He places his strong arms around us and gives us His shoulders to lean on. He walks with us through the pain and tears. He gives us the support and strength to continue and He enables us to finish the race.
We cannot continue to lay down in our failure! We cannot let others carry us off the track! We cannot just run the race; we must finish it!
What a love story. Let’s strive to be like Paul as expressed in II Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.”
Till next time, -Don Johnson, Kirby Pines Chaplain
Retired persons may leave their jobs, but they don’t have to leave the things they loved about their work. One thing I love about working is having a routine to get out of the house for a job I love where I feel welcomed and encouraged. Our exercise programs can become a wonderful routine with benefits that improve strength, balance, and endurance. In our classes you are always learning a new skill and experiencing new challenges, some physically demanding and even some mental. It is an opportunity to put out your best effort (whatever that may be). When you finish, you get that feeling of satisfaction that you accomplished something that day. Several residents have picked up new skills learning to use free weights properly and developing routines on the Nu-Step machine and the other weight bearing resistance equipment. In our group classes, you will gain not only strength and improved balance, but also encouragement and a team spirit as you work out together. Put us on your schedule and come to work out with us. The benefits will profit your health and well-being.
Exercise is a key to a strong and healthy lifestyle boosting energy levels, lifting spirits, improving balance, enhancing immune system and aiding weight loss programs.
It’s Time to Join the Walk About Australia Part 2 Program
Participants may register in the Oasis or online with Mhand@nullkirbypines.com. The program will run from September 1 through October 31. Every week, we will track how many miles each participant walks, or completes on the Nu-Step, or treadmill. Get credit for 1 mile for each exercise class you participate in. Everyone’s mileage will be kept up individually and as a group total to see how far we can walk; pointing out interesting landmarks along Australia’s coastline which runs for 9395 miles. We have already traveled 3400 miles; that’s over 8 million steps. We’ll send postcards along the way and follow our progress on a map with helpful tips, awards and surprises for everyone along the way. Weekly door prizes and a Grand Prize at the end will be awarded for the most miles. We are dedicating this walk in memory of Gene Wainscott who was one of our biggest supporters. Make plans to join our Walk About Australia Program this fall.
The thirty-eighth anniversary of Kirby Pines is just a month away. Whether you have been a resident for five years or just five days, you are enjoying first hand the numerous improvements and upgrades to the community over the past years. These improvements and our consistency in delivering services to you, has resulted in Kirby Pines being voted the Best Retirement Community by the Memphis Commercial Appeal for 14 consecutive years. These are just a few reasons why we have earned this citywide recognition.
The Performing Arts Center is now nineteen years old and has hosted artists from our own Kirby Pines Ham-ateurs, to the acapella group from Yale University and the New Orleans Jazz Ensemble. The Bistro was opened just five years ago to offer residents and guests another dining venue, and is now being copied by other local retirement communities; and our in-house movie theater continues to be a very popular spot to meet for some of the latest movie releases. Equally popular is the Four Seasons Garden with numerous sitting areas and the newly rebuilt lake sitting area complete with shelter from the hot August sun. Of course, our grand lobby continues to be busy place for residents to gather near the fireplace, around the concert Steinway piano, in the bright and cheery sunroom, or at cozy niches by the grand staircase.
Regardless of how long you have been a resident, or have been contemplating a move to Kirby Pines, our thirty-eighth anniversary is possible because of the trust you and so many in the Memphis community have in us. On behalf of all employees, thank you for your cooperative spirits throughout the years, and may I suggest you make some time to relax in August, as our thirty-eighth celebrations are just a month away.
Michael Escamilla, Executive Director, Kirby Pines
They were the same age and had known each other since elementary school. How could Richard make Arrena really notice him? The story unfolds:
Arrena Andrews was born in Columbia, Tennessee, the middle of three girls known as “The Andrews Sisters”. They actually sang on a local radio program! Her father was a physician and her mother was “into everything”. She was in the fourth grade when Richard moved with his family from a 96 acre farm in Pottsville, Tennessee, to Columbia mid-way his fifth grade. In Richard’s previous school, the decision was made for him to omit first grade because his mother, a teacher, had taught him at home. This decision was not ideal for Richard socially or physically as he remained the smallest boy in his class. In high school, the popular Arrena caught the eye of Richard and he asked her for a date. “After our one date, she ignored me”, says Richard. He adds, “As a senior in high school, I was five feet, two inches tall and weighed only 98 pounds”. Then, Richard went away to college and during his freshman year, grew twelve inches in height and gained to 135 pounds. When he returned to Columbia and Arrena spotted him at church, she asked, “is that the Cheek boy”? The rest is history.
Arrena had a very happy childhood and was known as a “tomboy” who loved to play “Roy Rogers and Dale Evans”. She and her family were active in the Presbyterian Church. She was a cheerleader in elementary school but chose to play saxophone in the band in high school. Following high school, Arrena entered Vanderbilt University and earned a B.A in Business. She was active in Chi Omega Sorority and continues in the Memphis Alumnae Chapter.
Richard obtained a B.S. in Chemical Engineering at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville as part of the Co-Op program with Monsanto Chemical Company in Columbia. During their college years, Richard often visited Arrena at Vanderbilt and romance was born. However, Richard decided to give up engineering, applied to University of Tennessee Medical School, and enrolled in September, 1961. Arrena was not pleased that Richard chose medicine over engineering. “I had always said that I would never marry a doctor. My family life had always centered around hospital visits and sick people.” Nevertheless, after five years of dating, their love for each other was secure. They were married in June, 1962, and made Memphis their home. While Richard was in medical school, Arrena taught school. They have two children, a son John, deceased, and a daughter Lucy who lives in Arizona. They have three grandchildren.
Sigma Chi Ball 1958
Graduating from medical school in 1964, Richard was first in his class and was inducted into AOA Honorary Society. He chose John Gaston Hospital for his internship and declared a residency in general surgery. He achieved the rank of Chief Resident and completed his residency in 1970. He also served in the 330th General Hospital Unit of the Army Reserves, achieving rank of Captain.
When Richard finished his residency, he joined the staff of the UT Department of Surgery and taught there until 1980. During this time he was part of the team that performed the first kidney transplant in Memphis. He also published several articles in medical journals, authored chapters in two surgical textbooks and authored a monograph of carcinoid tumors. In 1980, he left teaching to enter private practice. At Baptist Hospital, he performed the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy. He closed his private practice in 1997 but took a part-time teaching position at the Memphis VA Hospital until his complete retirement in 2005.
For Richard, his skill at surgery was possibly due to his ability to work with his hands. He is an accomplished wood master, having made many things, such as violins. His other hobbies include fishing, reading, and playing pool. He loves to sing in choral groups and has been a member of the Entertainers Chorus, and, a frequent soloist since moving to Kirby.
Arrena loves cooking, gardening, photography and reading. She has devoted much of her time to community activities such as Woman’s Exchange. She served as a core leader of the non-denominational Bible study group, Community Bible Study. “This was my priority” says Arrena. “I dearly loved studying with such knowledgeable ladies”. Both Arrena and Richard have been members of Christ Methodist Church since 1985. “We both love the church”, says Arrena. “We try to never miss a Sunday and we are committed to the Lamplighters Sunday School Class and the 11:00 service”, adds Richard.
The Cheeks moved to Kirby Pines in 2017. They were familiar with several people who lived here and were anxious to downsize. “The people here are very special. They care for one another and step up when someone is in need. It is a great place to spend the last chapter of our lives and God has blessed us with this beautiful place”, agree both Arrena and Richard.
Having a couple like the Cheeks, who are so talented, compassionate and friendly is what makes Kirby Pines the special place it is. Both Arrena and Richard agree that the following recipe is the foundation for their life:
Recipe For Happiness – First: Serve God; Second: Remember decisions, not circumstances, determine the flavor of your lives; Third: Live each day so you’ll never be afraid of tomorrow, nor, ashamed of yesterday.
Describe yourself in five words: Loving, caring, respectful, honest and helpful.
What is something you are proud of: I have the best parents in the world – all three of them.
What do you do for fun: Perform on stage with my band.
Do you have any hobbies or interests: Playing guitar.
Do you have a pet: A snake. It’s name is Gucci.
What is your favorite thing about your job: I get along with everybody.
What is your favorite food: Chicken.
What is your favorite song: The Thrill Is Gone by B.B. King.
What would you like people to know about you: That I am very kind and easy to get along with.
Rudy Selmon goes above and beyond the call of duty to support the department as well as our residents. He is thoughtful, precise and always a team player. He understands the importance of what we do for the residents of Kirby Pines. He is always willing to help another shift when staff is short and is happy to train or assist others as needed.
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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