Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

• 2 • The Pinecone | February 2024 ON THE PINECONE COVER Do you remember back on December 23rd when we all were wishing for that “White Christmas just like the one we used to know….” Well, it wasn’t on Christmas, but on January 14th & 15th we got our snow! And it was so beautiful! It turned Kirby Pines into our own Winter Wonderland. Then came sub-zero tem- peratures and the ice. Everything in Memphis came to a halt. That is, everything except for Kirby Pines! Let me take a few minutes and brag. Once we realized there was no doubt the storm was coming (Wednesday, January 10) we started our planning. By Friday, January 12 our plan was in place. Our staffing was set. Manage- ment moved into the community on Sunday. Food and water was in stock and transportation started picking up staff at 3:30 a.m.! All of this couldn’t have happened without the total ded- ication of the Leadership Team. They worked side by side with their teams. The Leadership Team communicated well and set an example for all to follow. They were the first to be on the job and the last to leave. No problems were left unaddressed regardless of the issue, the time, or the effort necessary. Our line staff were troopers! Some staff stayed in the building. Some drove themselves to work defying dangerous temperatures and road con- ditions, but many of our staff took advantage of our transportation services. Our drivers were the real “Hero’s” during this emergency! They Managing the Ice & Snow at Kirby Pines It's All About the Love at Kirby Pines BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. James Latimer, Chairman Mr. Rudy Herzke, President Mr. Berry Terry, Secretary/Treasurer 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 Nursing Home/Assisted Living Administrator Trudy Schenkenberger Director of Human Resources Linda Strickland Director of Accounting Mark Simpson Director of Culinary Services Jada Mullins Director of Environmental Services Mike Rayder Director of Grounds & Landscaping Chuck Neeley Director of Maintenance Rhonda Nelson Director of Nursing John Kerr Director of Security 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 February has arrived, and though it's cold outside, the warmth at Kirby Pines has never been greater. The residents and the staff share a love that can only be described as one big, happy family. Through good times and bad, everyone steps up and looks out for one another, and never asks for a thing in return. It truly is a beautiful relationship to see each and every day. It's a busy month as well, starting out with our Art Wall Reception on the 2nd. For our sports fans, the Superbowl lands on the 11th and those just looking for fun can hit up the Mardi Gras Dance on the 14th. With February being Heart Month, there is a Go Red Health Expo on the 17th and everyone's favorite Charlie Day (breakfast for lunch and dinner), is on the 20th. For those more interested in their brain, the Travelers go to the Morton Museum in Collierville on the 21st and a local historian will discuss Liveries of Shelby County on the 28th. Our cover features new residents, John and Ginger Blount. These two embody the heart and soul of Kirby Pines with their spirit, kindness and passion. Our back cover has sisters Cheryl Johnson and Diane Talarico sharing a laugh, poking fun at one another like sisters do. They are absolutely adorable. To top off our love fest, we are recognizing Dennis Renick, one of our most giving and caring residents with notes of gratitude for all he does for everyone. (see page 8) Happy Valentine's Day to all! began picking up Culinary & Care Staff at 3:30 a.m. and working until midnight to return staff to their homes. Everyday through the emergency, until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19. The fact is, we could not have cared for you, fed you, and kept this community operating without our transportation team. They are “true he- roes.” There are literally 100’s of stories of staff dedication, commitment and sac- rifice during the storm. It’s important to acknowledge and be grateful for the staff that we have put together here. We have the greatest residents and the best staff in all the Greater Memphis area! I’m so very happy to be a part of this amazing bunch of people! So, one last thing…..When is Spring in Memphis??? See you around the campus! Groundskeeping clearing a path Michael J. Brown, Jr. Executive Director, Kirby Pines