Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

words per minute (wpm). Learning to record and transcribe levels up to 280 wpm could be achieved through practice, continuing education, and further testing. Christine reached the second level with a speed of 240 wpm, earning accreditation as a Registered Merit Reporter. The special stenographic machine consists of three rows of keys which allow the transcriber to “short-hand” by hitting keys that produce beginning and ending sounds of words and vowels. It sounds easy, doesn’t it? To become licensed, one is required to pass tests which include a written test on punctuation, spelling, medical and technical terms, plus a 3-part speed test transcribed with 95% accuracy. In 1973, Christine moved to Jackson, Tennessee, when she was hired as a freelance reporter by a court reporting firm. However, she soon started her own firm. She eventually evolved into working as an official State of Tennessee reporter and in 1986 began employment as an official Federal Government court reporter until her retirement in 2011. “I never regretted the choice I made to become a court reporter,” declares Christine. “I learned a little bit about a lot of things during my career.” While in her early days of working freelance, Christine tells of being called to a motel to take a deposition involving an interstate auto theft ring. Guns were brandished by the individuals being deposed. She managed to escape after the proceedings but feared she was being followed on the long trip home. “That was the scariest thing I’ve experienced,” admits Christine. “I still shake when I think of it!” In 1980, Christine married Patrick Martin, an attorney she met in court. They had 42 plus years together before his death in 2022. Unfortunately, Patrick was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1996, so they both retired in 2011 to spend more time together. In 2019, Patrick and Christine moved to Kirby Pines so that either would be cared for in the event one could not take care of the other. During the COVID pandemic, Patrick’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed away soon after. “I’m sorry the people at Kirby didn’t have the opportunity to know the intelligent, funny and mischievous man I knew, and he never got to know the community I’ve come to cherish,” states Christine. Following a period of mourning, Christine became more involved in the activities available at Kirby. “I enjoy card games, Mah Jongg, word puzzles and ‘very much’ being the current Communication Advisor. I’ve always loved to travel, but Patrick refused to fly anywhere, so that limited visits tomostly the Gulf Coast in Florida, conferences and families. Now, my daughter and I are making plans to visit some of the places I have always wanted to visit,” declares Christine. “Look out, world, we’re coming!” According to Christine, “The decision, tomove to Kirby was primarily for my well-being. Thanks to God and to the wonderful, beautiful, supportive, and caring friends here at Kirby–being here is like living with love and laughter every day. Who wouldn’t want that?” Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines The Pinecone | July 2025 • 7 • The ability to communicate information accurately by the written word is a skill set that is not easily acquired. Most of Christine Martin’s professional life was spent using special skills to record and transcribe in judicial/legal settings. Now, as a resident of Kirby Pines, she has the role of transcribing and circulating minutes of theAdvisory Committee which meets weekly. These minutes have become one of the most important communication tools for Kirby residents! While adept at recording, Christine admits, “I’m not particularly ‘tech’ savvy. While it has been a challenge from that standpoint, I’ve learned more about computers than I ever dreamed I needed to know, and I’m thankful for that–as I love learning new things.” Christine Fisher began her life in 1947 in Quantico, Virginia. Her father was stationed there as a member of the Marine Corps. She had an older brother and was later joined by three more siblings. After moving several times, the family finally settled in Millington, Tennessee, when her father was assigned to the Naval Air Station. Although Christine was able to attend first grade in Millington, she was uprooted again when her father was sent to Korea in 1952. Christine and her family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to be near her mother’s family. “There were terrifying ‘things’ there like Gila monsters, scorpions and jumping cacti,” remembers Christine. “There is nothing there that would ever entice me to return!” In 1953, Christine’s father returned from Korea, and the family returned to Millington where Christine was able to continue her education, graduating from high school in 1965. Her favorite activity in high school was reporting for their newspaper and photography–even sporting events. Despite her academic excellence in school (Beta Club member), further education was delayed when she married soon after graduation and became the mother of son, Bill, and daughter, Becky. “I learned to appreciate my mother more for caring for five children when I had two,” states Christine. “Child rearing is rewarding but quite a challenge!” Christine now has six grandchildren (one deceased) and two great- grandchildren. In 1968, Christine’s marriage ended in a divorce. She began employment in an insurance agency and became the first woman desk adjuster in the agency. Two years later, she enrolled in the Memphis Court Reporting School where she learned the special skills required in using a stenographic shorthand machine, achieving the two-year graduation speed of 200 J US T FOR THE RECORD Resident Spotlight: Christine Martin A Younger Christine