Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

• 2 • The Pinecone | January 2023 ON THE PINECONE COVER This January, we can celebrate not only the new calendar year 2023, but also the Chinese Lunar New Year 4720 - the Year of the Rabbit. Unlike western calendars, the Chinese calen- dar has names that are repeated every 60 years. 2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit. Beginning January 22nd (the Chinese New Year) the sign of the Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity in the Chinese culture. The year 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope, as Water can move around any obstacle, and in this case the Water Rabbit can “hop” over even the biggest of obstacles. The Rabbit is the fourth animal sign in the Chi- nese zodiac cycle, and each twelve-year cycle has a different characteristic element. In Chi- nese five element theory, each zodiac sign is associated with one of the five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire or Earth. A Water Rabbit comes once in a 60-year cycle. The Chinese theorized that a person’s charac- teristics are decided by their birth year’s zodiac animal sign and element. This means there are five types of Rabbit, each with different char- acteristics. According to Chinese astrology, Rabbits are predicted to be gentle, quiet, ele- gant and alert as well as quick, skillful, kind, patient, very responsible and always faithful to those around them. Additionally, a Water Rabbit is amicable and able to adjust readily to different conditions. If you were born in 1927, 1939 or 1951, you were born in the year of the Rabbit. The last Water Rabbit was 1963. It's the Year of the Rabbit at Kirby Pines Michael Escamilla, Executive Director, Kirby Pines It's a Brand New Year at Kirby Pines! Kirby Pines Retirement LifeCare is managed by: 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 Mike Kelly Vice President of Finance, RCA Stephanie Barrow Director of Sales & Marketing KIRBY PINES STAFF Michael Escamilla Executive Director, Kirby Pines Annette Marlar Director of Medical Services Mike Abutineh, M.D. Medical Director Anna Bradford Nursing Home/Assisted Living Administrator Trudy Schenkenberger Director of Human Resources Linda Huston Director of Accounting Jada Mullins Director of Environmental Services Chuck Neeley Director of Maintenance Allison Nolan Resident Programs Director Mike Rayder Director of Grounds & Landscaping Mark Simpson Director of Culinary Services Calvin Sims 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 It is January and a new year is upon us. It is a time for new beginnings and a reason to embrace new challenges. Take that walk, read that new book, take up painting, learn a new game, meet a new friend. The opportunities are plentiful at Kirby Pines to do one or all. There is a new ministry meeting on the 4th, the Travelers will have a presentation by Mary Hand about her trip to Tunisia, the resident association meets on the 12th, there is a Winter Ball o the 17th and you can get out to see a movie with the Travelers on the 25th. Our front cover features Pat and Bankie McCarty, who fared the cold temperatures to snuggle up on our beautiful campus to stay warm. Such a fun-loving, good-natured pair, who recently joined our community. Like so many of our amazing residents, they will be a perfect addition to Kirby Pines. This past year at Kirby has been filled with many accomplishments, our Market- ing team is on track to yet again bring in a record breaking number of deposits and move-ins, as prospects realize the value of life care and all that Kirby Pines offers to our residents. We realized the comple- tion of the balcony renovation project; many new LED lighting projects and of course we continue building hallway ren- ovations. New on the horizon is the reno- vation of our dining venues, lobby reno- vations and a new healthcare center. We can expect many new accomplish- ments in 2023. So please have the pa- tience of the Rabbit, as we remain faithful to you in completing the many projects to improve the overall community for your enjoyment and benefit. Wishing you happiness, prosperity, and a Happy New Year. The McCarty's on a chilly morning. Our back cover reflects on the past year and showcases more of the wonderful people who have made Kirby Pines their home. We look forward to things to come in 2023, including celebrating our 40th year!