This New Year will be filled with great opportunities. It may also confront us ith even greater problems. The uncertainty of our coming days can be hard to conceive. Perhaps even harder to embrace. There is the probability the unexpected can at times overwhelm us. Is there anywhere we can find hope and encouragement? I have found such in the following lyrics of one of the songs I feature on my Afterglow radio program.
In this house we’ve built of make-believe Loved ones go long before seems it’s time to leave But we will learn how to grieve, to forgive and receive ‘Til we see them there in that city
Span of stars overhead as we walk the road While this darkness remains I will bear your load And together we will tend the seed He’s sown As we walk along the road to that city
Though my mind can’t conceive all that He’s prepared There the blind will see the sun What was old will be young And the lame, they will run all over the streets of that city
On that day we will sing “Holy, Holy” On that day we’ll bow down in the light And then we’ll rise and turn our eyes To the One who’s the light, the light of that city
We must never lose sight of all that’s ahead. We must always focus on what ultimately awaits. We must be assured we are going to “that city”. Being with those who have left us, suddenly and unexpectedly is a wonderful future to claim, but most important of all is bowing before the throne in worship, then lifiting our eyes to the One Who will receive our adoring and loving commitment.
“See then that you live carefully, not as fools but walk as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” – Ephesians 5:15-17
Til next time, Don Johnson, Producer/Host/Afterglow
Describe yourself in five words: Hardworking, Funny, Cool, Laidback and Outgoing.
What is something you are proud of: The person I’ve become.
What do you do for fun: Play the game or play basketball.
What is your favorite thing about your job:Hearing about coworker’s and resident’s backstories.
Do you have any hobbies or interests: Playing the game and shopping.
What is your favorite food: Chicken Wings.
What is your favorite song: Letter From Houston by Rod Wave.
What would you like people to know about you: That I’m very laid back and I try to have fun every day.
Cory does a great job in The Bistro and is a very hard worker. He is extremely dedicated to his job and goes the extra mile. I have seen Cory working every task and cover every position we have with a smile on his face.
Was she “heaven sent” or our good fortune when Genenne Wilson chose to make Kirby Pines her forever home? Her enthusiasm and willingness to help others are the hallmarks which indicate her love and concern for others. Genenne believes that growing up on a farm and the influence of her parents have given her a moral standard, a strong work ethic as well as an understanding of working together. Her love for animals and others, Genenne further believes, comes from her early influences.
Genenne’s family lived on a dairy farm in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina near the small town of Bakersville which is at the foot of Roan Mountain. She joined two brothers to complete the family on September 17, 1952. As anyone who has lived on a farm knows, an enormous amount of work is necessary to keep everything productive. Genenne’s life was no exception. “I not only had farm jobs, I had to help with the gardening, food preservation and housework. My favorite job was taking care of the calves”, says Genenne. Her favorite pastime was pretending she was a cowgirl while riding her horse or hiking the beautiful mountains.
Following her sophomore year in high school, the farm was sold and the family moved to Asheville, NC. Moving from a high school which had a total enrollment under 500 to a school where there were over 500 in her class was overwhelming for Genenne. She missed her farm life! Despite this, she graduated as Valedictorian of her class in 1970 and was accepted to North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina. However, she chose to attend Berea College in Kentucky because it was smaller and a family tradition. She graduated in 1973 with a B.S. in Counseling.
Genenne then began her career in the mental health field. She first worked in a psychiatric hospital in Asheville but was soon offered a job with the State of Tennessee. So, in 1975, Genenne moved to Memphis and began work with the Child Protection Agency then transferring to Mid-town Mental Health Center where she was a consultant with psychiatric referrals. She held this position until 1988. During this time, she earned a Masters Degree in Social Work at University of Tennessee, Memphis as well as developing two mental health programs for Memphis/Shelby County. This work was adopted by other cities and states.
Taking a break from mental health, Genenne bought a farm in Hernando, Mississippi. “I have always loved animals and people. I just had to add animals back in my life!” She had every kind of farm animal but her focus for some time was raising over 250 pedigreed racing pigeons which were used at military and wedding events. She also raised and showed Shar Pei dogs in confirmation and obedience competitions. Because of her “animal knowledge” she was convinced to work part-time for her Veterinarian. For several years she was the only person providing water fowl rehabilitation in the tri-state area. Genenne became a member of Baker’s Chapel United Methodist Church when she moved to Hernando.
In 1998, at age 46, Genenne married “Captain” Phil McGee. According to Genenne, “Phil was a wonderful musician and played several instruments. He gave solo as well as band performances”. In 2001, Genenne’s parents moved to Hernando to live with them. Unfortunately, she lost all of her significant others during a short period of time. Her father died in 2011, her mother in 2012. In 2014, her husband Phil died of complications from diabetes. Despite the losses and a treatable period of depression, Genenne says that being a caregiver to her parents was the most rewarding thing that she has ever done.
In August of 2019, Genenne moved to Kirby Pines. She admits, “friends questioned my move because they thought I was too young to move here. I had no family left and I knew that at Kirby Pines I could enjoy retirement with all the activities and friendships that make Kirby Pines such a special place. I can no longer say I have no family because the residents here have become my family—this is my heaven on earth!”
In moving to Kirby Pines, Genenne selected a two-bedroom apartment. It is not a rumor-one bedroom was for her two Boston Terriers, Colonel Pete and Mazie Grace. One closet contains their outfits and the floor space is a regular playground with a tee-pee and assortment of toys. The dogs are dressed in appropriate attire for every special occasion, even making an appearance on a Ham’ateur program. Sadly, Colonel Pete passed away in Genenne in First Grade November, 2020. According to Genenne, “it was so heartwarming and comforting to have the love and understanding shown to me at this time-this truly is my family!”
Soon after her move to Kirby, Genenne involved herself in the activities here. She has been Mrs. Santa Claus on several occasions. She volunteered to restart the Rhythm Band but that has been delayed. Anyone who knows Genenne knows that she is always glad to care for dogs when needed by owners. She is also known for her compassion in caring for her neighbors who are experiencing a health crisis, even moving them into her apartment until recovery. “I am happiest when I can help others, spend time with animals and make people laugh.”
Thank you Genenne, you have brought a special gift to Kirby Pines!
When people hear “wellness”, physical activity and exercise is what usually comes to mind first. Wellness is much more than that. Wellness has four main components- exercise, nutrition, spiritual practice, and rest and relaxation. Wellness is about making lifestyle choices that can minimize the risks for chronic disease and maximize the quality of life. Keeping wellness in your daily routine can get tough. Sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to get what you want done. Wellness should be a top priority for everyone. There are some simple tips to keep wellness in your daily routine and to keep you motivated in doing so.
When introducing wellness into your daily routine you want to start with little bits. You don’t want to start with too much and get overwhelmed. The little bits add up, and that’s what’s most important and most sustainable. You want to actually identify your wellness goals and priorities. It’s hard to work towards something that is undefined, so you want to set a goal. The key is to make your goals become real, rather than theoretical. When making your goals keep “starting with little bits” in mind. Track what you are doing and acknowledge your results. The act of tracking your wellness goals and efforts, and seeing the work pay off, does improve your chances of being successful. With a tracking system you will be able to see what the results are, and affirm the benefit of your efforts. Schedule it- scheduling your wellness time for the week helps reserve the time so you can turn your intention into action. If you know that a block of time is set aside for wellness, you won’t be as inclined to fill it will something else. Having a support system is important to have. Surrounding yourself with people and environments that are health-promoting is important for making wellness an accessible part of your life. You need to be able to understand your inspiration. In order to prioritize wellness you must see the value in it. Have your reasons for wanting to achieve your wellness goals visible to you. This will remind you of why you value wellness, what you want out of it, and what you are willing to do for it.
It is important to keep all four components of wellness in your daily routine. With these helpful motivation tips it should be easier for you to do so. Remember your goals should be something that is achievable. Exercise should not be a huge obstacle for someone, try to find something that you enjoy doing. Nutrition does not mean that you need to be on a diet. The most important thing about nutrition is moderation, so do not try to cut something out completely. You want to slowly work in healthier options as you shift your diet into one that is more nutritious and life giving. Spiritual practice is something that can be different for everyone. You do not have to be a spiritual person to take part in this. Spiritual practice can be anything from prayer, meditation, journaling, singing, drawing, etc. These activities can lead one to have more peace of mind and a greater ability to handle life’s challenges. One’s spiritual practice can be very relaxing which brings us to our last component, rest and relaxation. Sleep deprivation has been linked to many problems, for example, stress and depression. Everyone needs their rest to have a better quality of life.
Wellness does not need to be a chore for anyone. Incorporate what you enjoy into the four components and it will become much easier. Once you have a steady routine of wellness and continue to be motivated, you will notice a difference in your quality of life.
Remember to sign up in the Oasis for the Walk Around Australia Program we will be offering this month. Last year we walked across Canada and this year we will walk around the continent of Australia…
Participants may begin registering January 4th. The program will run from January 11 through March 7 for 8 weeks. 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). If you use your pedometer, on average, 2000 steps equals one mile. 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’ll send postcards along the way and follow our progress on a map.
Helpful tips, awards and surprises for everyone will be handed out along the Route. Weekly door prizes and a Grand Prize at the end will be awarded for the most miles.
Make plans to join our Walk around Australia Program in 2021.
Check out worldwalking.org and search team “kirby pines“ for more details about our walk.
The Oasis is a great place to begin your new year’s resolution to feel better. Diet, rest, and exercise are keys to better health. Kirby Pines offers many opportunities to improve strength, endurance, balance and cardio-vascular health. We have exercise classes supported by the Arthritis Foundation include Arthritis Exercise (Stand and Sit) on Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 on Channel 10 and Water Aerobics. These classes are tailored to your needs and having arthritis is not a requirement to take a class. Yoga Stretch is on Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:45 on Channel 10 and a resident-led class meets three times a week. (See class schedule in The Pinecone)
If group exercise is not to your preference, the Oasis room at Kirby Pines has an amazing variety of equipment for a small gym to exercise and strengthen upper body, lower body and improve cardiovascular functions. The equipment is disinfected daily and facemasks are required in the gym area. The Oasis is open 7 days a week.
Happy New Year! We can finally say goodbye to a year filled with so many challenges and losses; and say hello to a year filled with hope and optimism. I remember thinking on Valentine’s Day how loving my siblings and their children are to me, and that Spring would soon surround us all with the beauty of nature that God sends to us each year. That feeling of new growth and beauty quickly diminished as the world came face to face with a challenge bigger than many had ever faced before. However, with faith in hand and love in our hearts, we found our own way of staring the challenge down.
Resident artists, eager to show their talents, went from an art opening with wine and cheese to an art program brought to everyone on our live in-house television station. Truly giving more the opportunity to learn about the works they had created as they listened to resident artist being interviewed and describing their inner passion for creating each piece, which then was hung for all to stop by and see every six weeks.
Resident sewers began making masks almost immediately. Giving some away and selling others in the Blossom Shop. Sharing their creativity and concern for a healthy community for us all. Our house Chaplin, Don Johnson, began using our Shortel telephone system to give a morning devotional to all employees. His words of encouragement and prayer, then and now, continue to help staff push through when the odds sometimes feel heavily stacked against them.
Residents volunteered to deliver mail and packages to those self-isolating; to call on local religious leaders to serve as guest speakers for Vespers, now attended by so many more again utilizing our in-house television station; and others secured local artist to perform on stage in the performing arts center, to a mostly virtual audience. These acts of kindness resulted in Kirby Pines once again being voted the Best Retirement Community by the readers of the Commercial Appeal. Making this our 14th consecutive year to receive this honor.
This holiday season has been the perfect time to pause and remember the best that Kirby has to offer, and to remember those in our hearts, but no longer among us. As I begin my 19th year of service to you and the employees of Kirby Pines, I wish everyone a better and Happy New Year. Remember, Spring and its beauty is just around the corner.
Michael Escamilla, Executive Director, Kirby Pines
Facing a Christmas Eve Service in 1818 Father Joseph Mohr, assistant priest of the Church of Saint Nicholas in the Austrian village of Obendorf, was very discouraged. The church organ was broken and the plans for the coming Christmas celebration could not be used. In this frustrating situation Father Mohr brought out a poem he had written’. He asked his church organist, Franz Gruber, to compose music for it. Gruber composed the tune for two voices and a guitar, and that’s the way it was presented at the Christmas Eve service in 1818.
This popular carol of the season would likely have remained unknown had not organ maker Karl Mauracher arrived after the holidays to repair the Saint Nicholas Church organ. When his repair was finished he asked organist Gruber to check it out. Gruber played the melody of the new song “Silent Night.” Mauracher was so impressed that he secured a copy of the carol. Over the next few years he was responsible for spreading it throughout that part of Europe.
The Strausser family, well known glove makers and folk singers, added “Silent Night” to their Christmas program. When they sang at the famous Leipzig Fair they included it in their presentation. One national leader who heard the Straussers sing the song was King Frederick William IV of Prussia. Deeply moved by “Silent Night” he ordered his cathedral Choir to sing this song every Christmas Eve in all the years to come.
“Silent Night” spread over Europe and ultimately reached around the world. Three decades later a search for the writers of this carol began. It was discovered this was the work of Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber. They had not known that the song they composed together and presented on Christmas Eve, 1818, was not only a blessing in their lives but in the lives of thousands of others all over the world.
“Silent Night” presents lyrics that talk about the birth of Emmanuel ,.”God with us.” – Matthew 1:23. It refers to the singing by angels of “a Savior born.” And it sweetly but powerfully presents the Diety and Lordship of Christ.
In reading of that first Christmas two thousand years ago we see it was a “silent night.” Mary and Joseph, traveling their long, tiring journey to Bethlehem. The crowded inn that had no room for them except with the animals. A rough feeding container for a crib. Straw for the usual blankets and coverings. Nighttime. A sleeping town.
But in that quiet time everything changed.
The stars were outshined by an angel appearance. The quietness was shattered by the remarkable heaven-sent announcement and heavenly singing. The coming of the shepherds to see what was really happening. All this brought this silent night into amazing aliveness.
Christmas brings us the much needed calm and quietness for our chaotic world. We are challenged that such a birth changed history. The superb message that “unto you is born in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord” – Luke 2:11 – offers hope to all. Let’s remember the story of the Christmas child moving from the manger to the cross and beyond. Let’s choose the shepherds commitment to go and tell everyone what Christmas really is.
Til next time, Don Johnson, Producer/Host/Afterglow
Kirby Pines residents and Retirement Companies of America, LLC have contributed a total of $9,050.00 to Samaritan’s Purse for “Operation Christmas Child.” This money will be used to purchase shoeboxes filled with Christmas gifts which will be distributed to children around the world in over 150 different countries. For many children, this will be the first Christmas gift they have ever received. Samaritan’s Purse is a part of the Rev. Franklin Graham ministry located in Boone, North Carolina. This is the 6th consecutive year that Kirby Pines residents have participated. In October, a challenge was presented to our residents that we raise $8,750 to purchase 350 shoeboxes. Our residents gave so generously that we exceeded our goal by $300. With the amount raised this year, we will be able to purchase a total of 362 shoeboxes. Thank you Kirby Pines Residents and RCA for making this happen!
Don Johnson, Berry Terry and Charlie Trammell proudly display our donation.
The Christmas season is a special time for John and Sally Coleman. Their families always celebrated Christmas but in different ways. John’s grandparents hosted their family on Christmas Eve, and with eighteen grandchildren, the group eventually grew to 65-70! Sally’s family, however, believed that Thanksgiving was for eating and Christmas was for rejoicing. “There was always plenty of food for friends and family to ‘graze’ on, says Sally, “but Mother stayed out of the kitchen. I have followed her example!”
Several important events have taken place in John and Sally’s lives during the Christmas season: they met after a Christmas party, became engaged during the Christmas season and moved to Kirby Pines on December 28, 2018.
John’s life began on August 12, 1936 in Memphis, Whitehaven area. “At that time”, according to John, “Whitehaven was country. I lived among lakes and farmland.” John raised calves and slept with them at the Mid-South Fair. He had a worm farm, selling to fishermen. Not only was John industrious, he was a good student. He won science awards, ran track and worked as a “runner” for Mid-South Title Company. “I had to be good”, says John, “my mother was secretary of the school”.
Following high school, John received a five-year scholarship to Rice University, graduating with a B.A. and B.S. in Engineering. He also received a Navy ROTC scholarship. During college summers, John served as Midshipman on Navy ships and enjoyed the travel. He continued with the Navy for three years, ranking as Lieutenant, Jr. Grade at discharge in 1962.
Sally (nee Cross) was also born in Memphis and “into a wonderful family” on March 22, 1939. Sally says, “I had a great time at Messick and St. Luke’s Methodist Church. I loved math and debating. I became a ‘talker’ at an early age!” Involved in many school activities such as Student Council and Honor Society, her greatest award was being selected the first “Teenager of the Year” by The Press Scimiter, a Memphis newspaper. She won a trip to New York and Washington which ‘whetted’ her appetite for travel!
Following high school, Sally attended Southwestern College (now Rhodes). “It was a fun time with studying thrown in” says Sally. She was active in many organizations, including AOPi, graduating with a major in English and a minor in Mathematics. She finished school in time to marry John after his first year of active duty in the Navy.
Sally first met John in 1957 when he came to pick up his sister at Whitehaven Methodist Church Parsonage. John was home for Christmas during his fourth year at Rice. Sally had been at a slumber party there and was waiting for a ride home. John offered to drive her home and Sally accepted.
The next summer, John called Sally for a date and after dating for some time, John asked Sally to his family’s Christmas gathering. When it came time to have a group picture made, Sally first declined. Then, one of John’s uncles said, “Sally, you need to be in the picture because you are going to marry John and be in our family”. So, she did and they were married on August 26, 1960. They have two sons, Jack and Tommy and one granddaughter, Lilly.
While in the service, John was stationed in California and Washington State. Sally taught school and they traveled extensively along the West Coast. Also, away from family, Sally says “that it was a great opportunity for them to bond”. They decided to spend their first Christmas alone with Sally cooking. According to John, “Sally went to the grocery store but came home crying”. It seems that the turkeys weighed 20 lbs. and were frozen! So, John saved the day by taking them to Disneyland for dinner.
Following discharge from the Navy, the couple “happily” returned to Memphis. John started his thirty-year career with Dupont. After seven years, John was transferred to the corporate office in Wilmington, Delaware. The years there were “truly great”, according to Sally. “We had wonderful friends, a spiritually strong church and many wonderful experiences. We played golf and bridge and traveled with friends and family. We benefited from being so close to historical sites.” Sally continued to teach math in an independent school for thirteen years.
Both John and Sally retired in 1994, John retiring as Corporate Environmental Manager. At that time, Dupont had a Safety and Environmental Consulting Service and John continued part time as a Senior Consultant for six more years. John and Sally became very involved in volunteer work with several community agencies, especially the Pink Palace and their crafts fair. Sally was treasurer and board member for Woman’s Exchange. John became a board member for the Durham Foundation and Alzheimer’s Day Service. He served both along with volunteering for the FedEx-St. Jude Gold tournament for twenty years. He also held membership in the Optimist and Engineer’s Clubs. Both became active in Emmanuel Methodist Church, Sally teaching Bible study for fifteen years. During these years, they traveled extensively, France and Egypt being their favorites.
John and Sally, along with their beloved rescue dog Louie, moved to Kirby Pines as a “Christmas gift to their children”. They love water aerobics, dancing, trivia and the movies. John reads mystery novels and plays golf, having made three holes in one! Sally assists with Vespers and volunteers in The Blossom shop. According to both, “Kirby Pines is the place to be!”
This Christmas for John and Sally will be different but they will be with some of their family. They wish for all staff and residents of Kirby Pines a “MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPIER NEW YEAR”!
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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