April at Kirby Pines starts out with a little “fun” as we begin the month celebrating April Fool’s Day. While not everyone appreciates a good joke, laughter is a good way to get out of the winter blahs and certainly a good way to say goodbye to some of the restrictions we have all had to deal with these past twelve months. It is after all the first full month of Spring, and flowers, trees and wildlife are abundant on our sixty park like acres.
The first Sunday of the month is Easter Sunday and Mark Simpson is planning a delicious Easter Brunch for all to enjoy. Along with some traditional breakfast items there will specialized entrees and desserts.
If you’re anxious to get outside and enjoy the Spring weather, our grounds are a perfect place to enjoy a walk with all that is in bloom. Hopefully the end of the prior month provided enough dry days to complete the walking path around the lake; or to take a peek at the numerous raised beds that the Kirby Garden Club have started to cultivate.
Of course, you can also just sit on one of several park benches and enjoy the birds, or feed the fish from the bridge, or swing in the swing house.
April brings to us not only the rebirth of Christ, but also the opportunity to remind ourselves how fortunate we are all to see the light at the end these past twelve months; and to welcome back family group visits and hugs.
Happy Easter everyone!
Michael Escamilla, Executive Director, Kirby Pines
George Frederick Handel, a German composer who adopted the United Kingdom as his home, was well-known and loved, drawing large crowds everywhere. When his oratorio, Messiah, was premiered on April 13, 1742 in Dublin the audience was asked to leave their hoop skirts and swords at home to prevent overcrowding the music hall. Messiah has inspired millions since it was first presented 274 years ago. It ranks as one of the highest musical masterpieces of all time. Handel lived long enough to see his oratorio become a cherished tradition and popular work. He was especially pleased to see it performed to raise money for benevolent causes.
Amazingly Handel wrote the Messiah music and lyrics in only 24 days. It contains a quarter of a million notes. Miles Hoffman, NPR music commentator, observed that Handel working ten hours a day for the over three weeks would have written 15 notes per minute to create Messiah. Handel said the music came to him in rapid succession. This was at a time when he was struggling with his eyesight, was partially paralyzed on his right side and was facing the threat of a debtor’s prison due to large financial bills. May we always remember that great things can come out of difficult times.
Handel credits the completion of this work to one thing: JOY. He said his heart almost burst as he felt the joy of all he was hearing in his mind and heart. Weaving together unsurpassed music about Christ the Messiah he rose majestically to the masterpiece’s conclusion: “The Hallelujah Chorus.”
Legend says England’s King George II attended a performance of Messiah and when the final chorus was sung stood to his feet. Everyone else followed his example. Whether true or not the world still stands today when “The Hallelujah Chorus” is presented. Nothing is more appropriate. The masterpiece and all it stands for calls for such a response.
Nehemiah 8:10 declares, “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Hebrews 12:2 describes the Passion of crucifixion where the Lord “endured a cross and thought nothing of its shame because of the joy he knew would follow his suffering.” Psalm 16:11 shouts, “in your Presence is fullness of joy.” I Peter 1:8 proclaims “whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”
Many years ago a lady defined “Joy” for me with an acrostic. Using each letter to describe how joy could be found, her definition was “J” (Jesus), “O” (Others), “Y” (Yourself). If the letters are placed in any other order they will never spell “JOY.” The inspiration and enthusiasm Handel experienced can be ours today. As we look at Christ’s Birth, Death and Resurrection (the three divisions of Messiah) we can only be joyous, even exuberant? We may not have the gift and talent to create a masterpiece, but we can live with such depth and commitment that others will join us in a never ending “hallelujah chorus.”
Describe Your Family: Loyal, Caring and Too Honest.
Describe yourself in five words: Dependable, Ingenious, Flexible, Humorous, Truthful.
What is something you are proud of: My daughter.
What do you do for fun: Shoot pool, play Call of Duty and chill with my family.
What is your favorite thing about your job: Helping others when needed.
Do you have any hobbies or interests: Singing.
What is your favorite food: Pork Chops.
What would you like people to know about you: I am friendly and helpful.
During the pandemic, my department lost everyone except Michael. He was our only maintenance person to handle everything. He kept a positive and can-do attitude the entire time without missing a single day of work. Brian Forsman, his supervisor, says Michael is prompt, loyal, willing to help anybody and is always willing to learn new procedures to fix things. He has a great work ethic and we are happy to have him on our team.
Early in life, Dr. Warner Dickerson envisioned a “ladder” that would take him out of poverty to a level of comfort and fulfillment. From the life of a sharecropper to one that incorporated becoming a community leader and a top executive in the state of Tennessee, Warner Dickerson overcame many obstacles to achieve that goal.
Born in rural Haywood County, Tennessee in 1937, Warner Dickerson grew up in a family of sharecroppers. When he was just a toddler, he followed his mother into the cotton field, pulling the lowest cotton bolls and putting them in his mother’s sack. As he aged, he was given a pillowcase of his own to fill. Warner was the last of six children; the older five were girls. According to Warner, his sisters begged for a brother and when he came along, they smothered him with love. In fact, they were so overprotective that it interfered with him doing the things most boys want to do, like playing football.
When Warner was nine years old, the family moved to Memphis and the economic status of the family improved greatly when his father found employment helping to build railroads. Warner was able to attend better schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1956. He took vocational courses there and specialized in automotive mechanics. When he decided to enter Tennessee State University in Nashville, he declared his major in Mechanical Engineering. Much to his surprise, that major had nothing to do with automobiles! Eventually, he declared a different major and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1961.
Warner & Arcola
While living in Nashville, Warner met his future wife, Arcola Leavell, on a blind date. According to Warner, “Initially, Arcola had absolutely no romantic interest in me. I couldn’t understand this, since I thought I was ‘the cat’s meow’! Then, in trying to figure out why she wasn’t interested in me, I discovered that she had the character and qualities I wanted to be with for the rest of my life”. Warner evidently found the way to win her heart and they were married in 1960.
Warner made the decision to teach in schools. Education became the “ladder” to achieve his goals. He says that the philosophy of Marian Edelman on education mirrors his own. That is, “Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” He and Arcola moved to Memphis eventually, and while teaching, both continued their education. Arcola completed requirements for a B.S. in Home Economics and Warner earned a M.S. degree in Mathematics from University of Memphis in 1967 and an Ed.D from University of Sarasota, Florida in 1979.
Warner began his career teaching mathematics at Carver High School, then moving to LeMoyne College, and then to State Technical Institute of Memphis, eventually becoming Vice-President. While there, he developed several programs which were applied to prison reform. These programs attracted the interest of other states and countries. The Governor of Tennessee, Lamar Alexander, recognized the talent and experience of Warner and appointed him as Tennessee State Commissioner for Vocational Education. He remained in that position for four and one-half years, traveling the state and being responsible for one-fourth of the state budget. Once his political life was over, Warner and his family moved back to Oakland, Tennessee and he became Superintendent of Schools for Fayette County. He retired in 1990 and he and Arcola moved to Olive Branch, MS.
Warner’s professional career and family obligations were all encompassing, and he and Arcola had a son and a daughter to rear. Yet, Warner found time to become a community activist and volunteered many hours in helping to improve his community. His past political life and frequent speaking engagements gave him the opportunity to mingle with the power structure of Tennessee and Memphis. Also, as an active member of Greenwood CME Church, Warner became a Bible teacher and eventually Director of Education.
During their lives, Warner and Arcola had time and resources to travel. They have visited Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Jamaica, Bermuda, Canada, France, Puerto Rico and many other places. Warner developed a hobby of collecting rocks and driftwood. His love of motors was manifested in riding a motorcycle every day until he could no longer leave Arcola, who had begun to show signs of dementia. This was the determining factor for them to move to Kirby Pines in September, 2019. Arcola moved to Job’s Way and until the pandemic of COVID-19, Warner visited her twice a day. He says that the most difficult thing he has ever experienced, tapping on his heart, is the situation that now exists where he has had no personal contact with Arcola for a year. He is only able to see her on face-time and through a glass door.
Warner says, “I am pleased with the comprehensive nature of Kirby Pines in the matter of health care, safety, culture and family style”. He is involved with the men’s Bible and Alzheimer’s Groups and loves to read. He remains close with his son and daughter. “They have been a tremendous support system for me”, adds Warner.
Warner Dickerson’s persona reflects a gentle, soft-spoken and professional gentleman. When you hear the story of his life, one realizes the impact h has had on others. A true model of ambition and overcoming much adversity, Dr. Warner Dickerson will leave a legacy to those who follow. What a great addition he is to the Kirby family!
Research has shown that proper nutrition can extend your lifespan and improve a person’s quality of life. An optimal diet may lead to less heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Good eating habits throughout life can help to promote physical and mental well-being. For older adults, eating right can help to minimize the symptoms of age-related changes that may cause discomfort. Although the aging process affects some people differently than others, everyone can benefit from eating a well-planned nutritious diet.
Are Nutritional Needs Different for Older Adults?
Physiological changes occur slowly over time in all body systems and are influenced by life events, illnesses, genetic traits and socioeconomic factors.
Generally, older adults take in less calories, than younger people. This may be due, in part, to a natural decline in the rate of metabolism as people age. It may also reflect a decrease in physical activity. If calorie intake is too low, then intakes of necessary nutrients may also be low.
As people age, problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes become more common, necessitating certain dietary modifications.
As people age, digestive system problems become more common, and some people may have trouble chewing or swallowing.
For everyone, it is beneficial to eat well and understand some nutrition basics.
What is Malnutrition and how do I avoid it?
Malnutrition is a critical health issue among older adults caused by eating too little food, too few nutrients, and by digestive problems related to aging.
To prevent malnutrition as you age: Eat nutrient-packed food, have flavorful food available, snack between meals, eat with other people as much as possible, get help with food preparation.
What are Current Dietary Recommendations for Older Adults?
Fruit: Choose color-rich choices like berries or melons. Aim for 2-3 servings a day.
Veggies: Choose antioxidant-rich dark, leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and broccoli as well as colorful vegetables such as carrots and squash. Try for 2-3 cups every day.
Calcium: Maintaining bone health as you age depends on adequate calcium intake to prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures. Older adults need 1,200 mg of calcium a day through servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese. Non-dairy sources include broccoli, almonds, and kale.
Grains: Be smart with your carbs and choose whole grains over processed white flour for more nutrients and more fiber. Healthy fats: Because fat is so dense in calories, a little can go a long way in making you feel full and keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
Healthy fats include:
Monounsaturated fats are found in foods such as olive oil, avocados, nuts (like almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans), and seeds (such as pumpkin, sesame).
Polyunsaturated fats include Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, and sardines. Other sources include flaxseed and walnuts.
Avoid Trans fats which are found in commercially baked goods, packaged snack foods, fried food, and anything with “partially hydrogenated” oil in the ingredients.
Protein: Adults over 50 without kidney disease or diabetes need about 1 to 1.5 grams per kilogram (2.2lbs) of body weight (0.5 g of protein per lb. of body weight is close enough).
Water: Drinking water regularly may help us to avoid urinary tract infections, constipation, etc.
Vitamin B: After the age of 50, your stomach produces less gastric acid making it difficult to absorb vitamin B-12—needed to help keep blood and nerves healthy. Get the recommended daily intake (2.4 mcg) of B12 from fortified foods or a vitamin supplement.
Vitamin D: With age, our skin is less efficient at synthesizing vitamin D, so consult your doctor about supplementing your diet with fortified foods or a multivitamin, especially if you’re obese or have limited sun exposure.
Cut down on sugar and refined carbs: Unlike complex carbs that are rich in fiber, refined or simple carbs (such as white rice, white flour, refined sugar) can lead to a dramatic spike in blood sugar, followed by a rapid crash which leaves you feeling hungry and prone to overeating.
Eat more fiber: Women over 50 should aim to eat at least 21 grams of fiber per day, men over 50 at least 30 grams a day. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, wheat cereals, barley, oatmeal, beans, nuts, vegetables such as carrots, celery, and tomatoes, and fruit.
Cabin Fever has become a new source of stress. It is easy to sit around nibbling on your favorite treat, watching TV, and doing puzzles. But enough is enough; your body is craving some endorphins as well as chocolates. What is an endorphin? You can’t find it on the Candy Aisle at Kroger or at Dinstuhl’s. Endorphins are the “feel-good” chemicals released by the brain during physical activity that help improve mood, energy levels and even sleep. If you have been inactive since the start of the Covid lockdown, here are some ideas to help you get moving again:
Check with your doctor first.
Start monitoring from the start; Keep a journal, mark your calendar, or use an activity tracker on your phone or Fitbit. Every little step counts.
Start slow. Begin with a warm-up and gentle stretch. Practice sitting and standing using a sturdy chair. Keep your feet on the floor (no bouncing). This strengthens the quadriceps muscles which work together to help you stand, walk, and move around.
Choose the best exercises for you. A balanced exercise routine should include:
Aerobics: walking, or water aerobics or water walking if you have pain in joints
Strength Exercise: freehand weights and exercise equipment in the Oasis
Balance: Yoga and SitnStand classes on Channel 10.
Here are some tips to create the right routine:
Alternate days between aerobic and strength exercises.
Find activities you enjoy. For example: walking, bicycling, dancing or yoga or the pool. Try walking indoors for 10-15 minutes or outside when the weather is good. Gradually add time and increase intensity with a goal of 30 minutes a day for 5 days or 150 minutes weekly.
Exercise is more fun with a friend and helps you stay committed. When someone is counting on you to walk with them, you are motivated to make the extra effort. Often when left on our own, it’s easy to let our exercise plans slide.
Strength train using free weights or resistance bands, slowly add weight as you’re able to do more repetitions. Check with Mary in the Oasis for pointers.
Work on balance every day. Simply stand at your kitchen counter on one foot and then the other helps improve balance. Yoga is a good choice for people who want to improve balance and flexibility.
Check your progress to see if you are working out effectively. Can you carry a conversation when your heart rate is up without gasping for air? A little soreness in the first 24 hours is normal but if it lasts longer, you may have overdone it. This is your program, if you are having difficulty, don’t force it or cause yourself pain. Just do as much as you can comfortably.
Remember to hydrate by keeping a bottle of water nearby.
Finish your exercise time with a gentle stretch.
Whatever you plan, Remember the first step is always the hardest. Go ahead, take it. Exercise will break that cabin fever.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality.
Marked annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.
What’s the theme for International Women’s Day?
The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is ‘Choose To Challenge’. A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.
We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.
From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge.
What colors symbolize International Women’s Day?
Purple, green and white are the colors of International Women’s Day. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity.
What Kirby Pines is doing to celebrate?
The women of Kirby Pines are “Choosing to Challenge” by raising their hands and showing their support on the back pages of this month’s Pinecone. Cards were spread out for each to choose a word that not only empowers them, but empowers women all over the world.
The photos will be shared and posted on social media using #ChooseToChallenge#IWD2021 Together we can make a difference.
By showing our support and solidarity, we hope to show our strength and encourage others to commit to helping forge an inclusive world.
As we slowly move into Spring, now is an excellent time to start thinking about little things we can do to improve our overall health. While the Oasis easily comes to mind as the place to go to improve your health, there are many things that can be done in our own homes. I have listed a few tips below for you to consider.
Stay socially involved – research shows that people who have an active social life are less likely to experience a decline in the ability to reason and remember. The Pinecone lists many activities that you can enjoy and later discuss with fellow residents. For example, the numerous in-house movies.
Eat chocolate – an ounce a day is now determined to be as good as or better than, an apple a day. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids which help the body’s cells resist damage. In addition to their antioxidant properties, flavonoids also help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and raise good (HDL) cholesterol levels. Eating chocolate at Kirby is easy. All you need to do is stop by the Blossom Shop for a chocolate bar, or ask for chocolate ice cream with your meal.
If you drink coffee like I do, scientists have good news for us. Drinking coffee seems to lower the risk for heart disease and dying from chronic illnesses such as diabetes or pneumonia. Other research concludes that caffeinated coffee may protect against skin cancers, Parkinson’s and even delay the onset of Alzheimer’s. If caffeine doesn’t keep you up at night, enjoy a cup in the Bistro mid-afternoon.
Living a long and healthy life has a lot to do with living an enjoyable life and researchers have determined that music helps to make everyday living more enjoyable. Listening to your favorite music may be good for your heart, as emotions aroused by joyful music cause tissue in the inner lining of blood vessels to expand, increasing blood flow. Music also brings on sound sleep, boosts mood and reduces anxiety. While live performances remain limited during these challenging times, you can listen to many live performers on our in-house television station. So, take a close look at this months’ calendar and make plans now to improve your health.
Michael Escamilla, Executive Director, Kirby Pines
Describe Your Family: Hard working, dependable, strong family that sticks together. Just like me and my coworkers.
Describe yourself in five words: Strong, Independent, Intelligent, Caring, and Honest.
What is something you are proud of: Being a hard worker.
What do you do for fun: Watch TV.
What is your favorite thing about your job: Helping residents.
Do you have any hobbies or interests: Singing.
What is your favorite food: Pizza.
What is your favorite song: I have a lot.
What would you like people to know about you: That I am here to help and won’t let you down.
Marq has been on the security team since May of 2019. He has a very good positive attitude while dealing with the residents, guests and employees. There are a few incidents that I can recall with Marq assisting residents. He was making rounds one night, when he heard someone call for help! He found a resident lying in the stairwell. He contacted the front desk to call 911 and stayed there with her until the ambulance arrived. We are happy to have him on our team.
Marty and Janie Kocman grew up only three miles apart, but did not meet until they were seniors in high school. That is when “the arrow struck” and they dated while attending Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Following graduation, they married and recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. The affection Marty and Janie have for each other has grown deeper through the years because of the common bond they share in love of teaching, life goals and activities.
Marty and Janie were born in 1947 and lived in neighboring cities in Indiana. Janie (nee Dahlkamp) was the second of five children in the family. She says her escapades as a child would “fill a book”. “I have always maintained I am short because I was spanked so much! I was the original ‘Evel Knievel’ riding off the front porch on my tricycle, splitting my chin open, having to have stitches resulting in my continuing fear of needles.” One of Marty’s favorite childhood memories was hearing his mother speak of her early life and immigration, at age sixteen, to America from Czechoslovakia. She spoke no English, but had instructions pinned on her coat to get her to her aunt’s home in Gary, Indiana.
The high school Marty and Janie attended was in Hammond, Indiana. Each class year had over 500 students, so it was not until they shared a class as seniors that they met. According to Janie, “because I was so small the boys picked on me, and would move my chair to the front of the class before the teacher arrived”. One of those boys was Marty.
During summers in high school (and college) Marty worked in factories to help with his college plans. His love of music accelerated in high school with involvement in band and choir. In his senior year, Marty won the “Young Artist” competition on flute and soloed with the Chicago Heights Symphony Orchestra. Marty furthered his love of music earning a Bachelor in Music Education and a M.A. in Flute Performance. One of the highlights of Marty’s college career was marching with the Marching Hundred in the 1968 Rose Bowl Parade at half time of the IU-USC game.
Following graduation from college, Marty began his teaching career as a band director in Olympia, Illinois. His symphonic and jazz bands won festivals throughout the midwest. His love of music helped him encourage young musicians to achieve. His bands had opportunities to play with many famous professional musicians. Marty retired from high school teaching in 2003 and took a position as Director of Jazz Studies at Governor’s State University until he and Janie moved to Bartlett, Tennessee in 2006. Janie earned a B.S. in Education and later a M.S. in Communications. As a career educator, in Flossmoor, Illinois. Janie taught Home Economics to junior high students for thirty-four years, retiring in 2002.
The move to Bartlett was another chapter in the lives of the Kocman’s. Their love of gardening was manifested in their home being a “showplace” of beauty. Their love of travel took them many places. They traveled to Slovakia to visit Marty’s aunt and uncle, survived three earthquakes while in Costa Rica, experienced an insurrection in Guatemala and cruised with Orca whales on the coast of Alaska. A “dark experience” occurred when visiting Coober Pedy, Australia, a town carved entirely out of rock and underground because of the temperature there.
Marty became involved with the Bartlett Symphony, creating the Flute Choir which performed several times at Kirby. Because of their love of miniature objects, both Janie and Marty became involved in hobbies that nurtured that love. Marty builds and flies remote control airplanes. Janie belongs to Tri-M, a miniature group. She has several collections, including Santas, teddy bears and a lovely dollhouse with museum quality miniatures.
In contemplating their later years, the Kocmans decided to look at possible senior living facilities. When they toured the Garden Homes at Kirby, they fell in love with a home and the LifeCare Community concept. Since moving into their home in May of 2020, they have enjoyed planting and tending to the many plants and flowers they have added. Their Birman cat, Biscuit, is especially fond of their screened in porch where she watches for her dog friend, Josh Colditz.
Janie and Marty’s Wedding
Although happy to be at Kirby Pines, Marty and Janie agree, “It is unfortunate that we moved here in the middle of the pandemic because it has not allowed us to get acquainted with all of our neighbors or to participate in the activities. However, we have been most impressed by the welcoming people we have met here. One of our favorite things are the ‘yummy’ pancakes Cory makes each Tuesday morning in the Bistro”.
There is much to love about the Kocman’s. Despite the pandemic, Marty has participated in solo flute performances and both have participated in the mask and Halloween contests at Kirby. The talents, personalities and professionalism of both Janie and Marty Kocman are welcomed assets to the Kirby family, known for the LOVE we have for each other.
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 | 