Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

• 8 • The Pinecone | May 2023 Congratulations to our CHAMPION of the Month RACHELLE SMITH Baker for Culinary Services Rachelle Smith is the consummate team player. She is always willing to do what is necessary to help the Residents out no matter the circumstances. Between the amazing cakes, delicious pies and outstanding work ethic, Rachelle is a pleasure to have on our team. - Mark Simpson, Director of Culinary Services Describe Your Family: I have a lovely daughter & granddaughter and my parents are still living. Describe yourself in five words: Dependable, knowledgable, trustworthy, hardworking & kind. What do you do for fun: Travel and have cookouts with family. Hobbies: Collecting cookbooks. What is your favorite thing about your job: I love baking different and challenging desserts. What is your favorite food: Grilled meats & vegetables. Favorite Song: I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston. What is something you are proud of: I graduated from culinary school and doing something I love. What would you like people to know about you: I enjoy helping people if I can. MEET THE NEWCOMMANDER OF THE RIDGEWAY POLICE PRECINCT Colonel John D. Smith isn’t just the new Commander at the Ridgeway Station, where Kirby Pines is located, he used to be a member of the Kirby Pines family. During high school, Colonel Smith worked in dietary as a dishwasher. He attended and played football for Kirby High School and graduated in 1989. He is a veteran of the Navy and Navy Reserves, retiring after 25 years as a Lieutenant. He joined the Memphis Police Department in 1995 and was just appointed Commander of the Ridgeway precinct in March. Colonel Smith is pictured here with a custom 1999 Harley Davidson designed by Joe B. Reed. Joe was inspired by his love of motorcycles, airplanes and Memphis so he created this motorcycle version of “Memphis Belle”. Joe died in 2021 but as a tribute to both Joe and the Memphis Belle, it is now touring for display, photography and memorializing the Memphis Belle trivia around Memphis.