Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

• 2 • The Pinecone | October 2023 ON THE PINECONE COVER On September 29th, we say farewell to Mi- chael Escamilla as Executive Director of Kir- by Pines. Having only known Michael a few short weeks, I am not the proper Historian to recant the accomplishments of Michael or what impact he has made in forging the success and reputation of Kirby Pines. What I thought I would share is the impact Michael has made on me, as we have both prepared for this transition of leadership. I have never entered a situation where I was replacing an Executive Director still on the job. That in itself was extremely unique. So, for two months, we were putting two self-confident, powerful personalities together, one to learn all he can in a fleeting period of time, and one who was attempting to impart 20 plus years of experience into a few short weeks. Operating a CCRC within the current climate of our econ- omy is challenging but has some consisten- cies across our Great Nation. But what makes Kirby Pines unique is its rich history and the exceptional group of Residents who call Kirby Pines their home! Kirby Pines is not just driv- en by RCA and an exceptional and committed Board of Directors, but a community of Resi- dents who are passionate in their faith, loving towards their fellow residents, and clear in their vision of what Kirby Pines should be! The End of a Chapter, but the Novel Continues.... at Kirby Pines Celebrating Our Past and Moving Forward 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 John McElderry Vice President of Operations, RCA Tim Cox Senior Vice President of Finance, RCA Michael Kelly Vice President of Finance, RCA Stephanie Barrow Director of Sales & Marketing KIRBY PINES STAFF Michael Brown 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 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 Maegan Hurwitz Director of Resident Programs 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 October has come, the weather is nice, and any day now, our campus will be full of fall colors. It's the perfect time to get outside and explore the beautiful grounds before winter. With that being said, we have several outdoor activities this month, starting with a free day at the Memphis Zoo on the 4th. Head to the polls to vote on the 5th, the Travelers journey to Green Frog Village on the 12th and the Lunch Bunch go to the very popular Bog & Barley on the 17th. The Entertainers are back to perform on the 6th and if you need to do some fall cleaning, we have a rummage sale on the 11th. Our annual Fall Festival is on the 24th and we show our support for the Alzheimer's Association with a bake sale on the 26th and a walk on the 27th. We round out the month with our costume contest on the 31st, which keeps gaining popularity. Our front cover features Sam and Ellie Bates, beautifully representing our 40th Anniversary color on the back patio of their garden home. They were chosen to represent the year 2012, which is the year they moved to Kirby Pines. Michael has been a terrific host and men- tor. He has shared so much personal in- formation on residents, staff and the cre- ation of this unique, terrific utopia called Kirby Pines. As I listen to Michael, it’s hard to believe it’s true. He narrates the Kirby Pines story like a wonderful Novel of Life. I have seen it. I have felt it. And now I have become part of it! As we turn the last page of this Chapter with a tear, let us all remember as we begin the next chapter, there is a lot of love, anticipation, and excitement left in this novel called “Kirby Pines.” Myself, Stephanie, and McCoy are thrilled to be a part of it! See you around Campus, RCA Executive Vice President, Michelle Vincent withMichael Escamilla. Our back covers show the celebration in pictures, reflecting why Kirby Pines is still thriving at 40. Through song, laughter, prayer and fellowship, we are one. And finally throughout this issue you will find photos of Michael Escamilla, who is retiring after 20 years as Executive Director. We love you, Michael! Michael Brown, Executive Director, Kirby Pines Photo by Mary Ann Thurmond