Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

• 2 • The Pinecone | December 2024 ON THE PINECONE COVER How can we top that AMAZING Thanksgiv- ing that we just enjoyed? The entire Culinary Team truly out did themselves! I saw nothing but joy and happiness on that wonderful day. It was one for the “Memories.” I also wanted to thank all our fellow veterans who participated in our Veterans Day Celebra- tion. What a series of wonderful events! Shout- out to Kayla for making the 11th of November so special! I love this time of year! Fun and excitement fills the air. Decorating our community with Holiday Splendor. Planning our schedule of Christmas parties and events. I see nothing but smiling faces everywhere I turn. Today, I want to share the many blessings that have been bestowed on me this past year: 1) I have the opportunity to serve such an amaz- ing group of Residents! Our Residents are truly the most loving, friendly, and caring residents I have ever had the privilege of serving. The amazing thing is, their loving, caring nature at- tracts “like” new residents. Our population is not just growing. It’s growing with fun-loving, caring great people! 2) I am blessed with a team of highly motivat- ed, dedicated professionals who enjoy work- ing at Kirby Pines. How do I know they love We Are All Truly Blessed The Most Wonderful Time of Year at Kirby Pines! BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. James Latimer, Chairman Mr. Rudy Herzke, President Mr. Larry Braughton Mr. Jim Ethridge Ms. Linda Harrington Ms. Mary Ann Hodges Mr. Rusty Linkous Mr. Boyd Rhodes, Jr. RCA STAFF Charlie Trammell President, RCA Michélle Vincent Executive Vice President, RCA Tim Cox Senior Vice President of Finance, RCA Michael Kelly Vice President of Finance, RCA KIRBY PINES STAFF Michael Brown Executive Director, Kirby Pines Mike Abutineh, M.D. Medical Director Anna Bradford Healthcare Administrator Tammy Brimhall Director of Accounting Tania Fuqua Director of Caring In Place Harold Morris Director of Culinary Jada Mullins Director of Environmental Services Mike Rayder Director of Grounds & Landscaping Trudy Schenkenberger Director of Human Resources Chuck Neeley Director of Maintenance Rhonda Nelson Director of Nursing Kayla Holland Director of Resident Programs This magazine is produced by RCA 6465 N. Quail Hollow Rd., Suite 400 Memphis, TN 38120, 901-794-2598 Electronic version of The Pinecone is available at www.kirbypines.com It's December at Kirby Pines and the holiday season is in full swing. The temperatures are getting cooler, but the Christmas entertainment is heating up. We begin by stepping out to Germantown for the Sounds of the Season on the 1st, the Travelers head to see AChristmas Carol on the 4th and go check out the lights of Collierville on the 9th. We have loads of in-house holiday fun with local groups & residents sharing Christmas Cheer on the 5th, 8th, 14th & 15th. Our annual Christmas Party is on the 10th, and new this year, we will have a Christmas Parade on the 18th, so get those sweaters ready! There is a Holiday Jewelry Sale on the 11th and the Kirby Theater shares The Gift of Music on the 20th. Finally, ring in the New Year with a dance on the 31st with your favorite people. Speaking of favorite people, our front cover features the fun-loving and beautiful Paula Cwikiel. She always has a smile on her face and her energy makes you feel welcome and right at home, which is definitely the Kirby way. working here? It’s simple. It is proven by their longevity on the job! We have cur- rently 68 employees who have been with us over 5 years! Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the national average tenure is 4.1 years. This is truly a blessing to have such dedication from our staff. It should give us all a real peace of mind and comfort. 3) And lastly, we are blessed to have the leadership, guidance, and consistent vi- sion from the Psalms Board of Directors, as well as RCA. I personally count these and so many more blessings every day I enter our gorgeous campus. I have never been happier! Now, if we could just get a little snow on the 24th! Merry Christmas Everyone! Michael J. Brown, Jr. Executive Director, Kirby Pines Paula Cwikiel In Holiday Mode at Kirby Pines Our back cover was taken at the garden home of Bobby and Susie Thompson. Another pair of friendly fixtures at Kirby Pines, this joyful couple enjoys Christmas somuch, they keep their tree up year round, fully decorated with lights and all. It fits right in with their amazing collectibles and eclectic decor. Their home is a showplace. We thank all three of them for taking the time to let us take their pictures and get in the Christmas spirit! On that note, we hope everyone has fun-filled, fabulous month!