Magnolia Manor Magazine FALL 2023 by Billy Mcglone

Volume 44, No. 4

A Community of Life and Living! A Publication of Magnolia Manor Senior Living

Era. The Oxford English Dictionary defines an era as a “distinct period

of history.” I have recently made the very important personal decision to retire as the President and CEO of Magnolia Manor, effective October 1, 2024. To say this decision is the end of an era is an understatement. For 39 years, I have enjoyed serving the residents, family members, and staff at Magnolia Manor. Magnolia Manor, Inc.

OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2022

Active Trustees Mr. Pete Cates Mr. Ed Collier Mrs. Ann Harris Mr. Mark Johnson Mr. Will Peterson, IV Mr. Charles Pryor Mr. Chuck Reeves Mr. Charles Ray Sheffield Mr. Ty Turner Mrs. Edie Vinson Mr. Hal Weathers Mr. Rick Whaley Mrs. Jean Wheeler Mr. George Youmans, Jr. Executive Committee Chairman–Mr. Mark Johnson Vice Chairman–Mr. Chuck Reeves Secretary–Mrs. Jean Wheeler

I am very thankful for all the opportunities that I’ve enjoyed throughout my career at Magnolia Manor. From the first day that I came to work in December 1980 to my last day, I will have given everything I have to ensure the loved ones entrusted to our care and the staff members hired to render our services for that care were treated honorably, fairly, and consistently. Starting as a 21-year-old college student, I have tried to model the tenants of Servant Leadership every day of my time at Magnolia Manor. It amazes me that I will have served officially as only the third President/ CEO throughout the entire 61-year history of Magnolia Manor – from Gerald Bishop to Ray Edwards to me. It has been my honor and privilege to serve 29 years as President and CEO since July 17, 1995. I hope I have made a small contribution over this time. During my time here, I have seen the growth of Magnolia Manor go from the original buildings and services

Ex-Officio Members

on the Americus campus to a more widespread organization serving

Rev. Scott Hagan Coastal District Superintendent Northeast District Superintendent

more people in more places across South Georgia. We have grown from

Rev. Paula Lewis North Central District Superintendent South Central District Superintendent

We have accomplished a lot. Through it all, I have been fortunate to be

Rev. Doreen Smalls Northwest District Superintendent Southwest District Superintendent

one campus with three facilities to nine campuses with many facilities. supported by the many staff members, colleagues, leaders, residents, families, donors, and supporters who have contributed to our success at Magnolia Manor. Thank you for supporting me as I served in this role at Magnolia Manor. Please keep the Magnolia Manor Board of Trustees in your thoughts and prayers as they begin the process of identifying the next person to fill

Robert Weems, Editor Director of Communications rweems@magnoliamanor.com

this position.

229-349-6558

Christian Tyson, Editor Communications Coordinator ctyson@magnoliamanor.com 2001 South Lee Street Americus, GA 31709

Mark R. Todd President & CEO

229-352-8620

Cover – Magnolia Manor on the Coast Resident, Vera Hathaway

“Friendly at the Front” is a saying I heard a long time ago, and it made an impression on me. Friendly at the Front basically means making good first impressions, and that it doesn’t cost anything to be nice to people and try to make someone’s day just a little better. I have also heard it said that people will decide if they want to do business with someone in the first 1-2 minutes of meeting that person; so, body language, tone, attitude, and a warm smile are very important in the concept of being “Friendly at the Front” and making others feel special. I was diagnosed with throat cancer on August 23, 2023, and my doctor immediately scheduled my appointment with Emory Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta on Tuesday, August 29th. On my first trip to Atlanta, it was very quiet in the car with my wife, Laura, driving. We were mainly listening to Praise and Worship music with a little small talk between us. It was as if I was back on a school bus riding to coach a big game. All of the other coaches have been amazed at how I can relax and go to sleep as I road to coach a big game. As we got closer to Atlanta and the traffic started to back up with all the skyscrapers getting taller and taller as we approached, I started to realize and knew that I was in a game much bigger than I had ever coached before. But this time, I wasn’t the coach. Over the next seven weeks, I would meet with many doctors who would instruct me. But I knew my ultimate coach would be my Personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Soon after we had parked the car in one of those huge concrete parking garages, Laura could sense my uneasiness and prayed the most beautiful prayer that helped calm down some of my anxiousness. As I smiled at her and thanked her, we got out of the car and started walking to the elevator. I was still a little bit uneasy, but this was our first encounter with many “Godwinks” and people being “Friendly at the Front.” A man got out of the elevator holding his bag of oxygen and he was whistling an old gospel hymn. As I smiled and told him that I liked his song, he smiled back and with a big grin and said, “I am not a preacher, but I sure can tell you about Jesus.” Like all Godwinks, this one encouraged me and affirmed that God was with us. As we entered this massive building for the first time, we were instructed to stand in line where there was a row of 15-20 ladies waiting to check hundreds of patients in each day. I would start to refer to them as my “Angels’ Row.” They were always “Friendly at the Front” and made me and all other patients feel good. They had a calming influence whether or not it was your initial visit or your 35th treatment. You could see the smiles on their faces, hear the compassion in their voices, see the encouragement in their eyes, and feel the love in their hearts! As Laura and I left Winship around 6:00 that evening, Madelyn, one of the “angels,” said, “Good night, Mr. Kinslow.” God winked at us strongly as we left after our first visit. I want to thank you for the many “Godwinks” that all of our supporters have given our employees and residents during 2023. Not only is your support very much appreciated but it is also needed as we continue to navigate these trying times in the healthcare industry. Thank you for being our “Angels at the Front” and please consider giving to Magnolia Manor as we close the 2023 year. You just may be that Godwink that someone in our community needs.

Senior Management

Mark R. Todd President and CEO Hill V. Fort Sr. Vice President for Operations and COO

Dave Charter Sr. Vice President for Finance and CFO

Diane R. Harrison Sr. Vice President for Human Resources

Ty Kinslow Sr. Vice President for Communications

Billy McGlone, Layout & Design Art Director

bmcglone@magnoliamanor.com 2001 South Lee Street Americus, GA 31709

Ty Kinslow SVP for Communications

229-302-4360

Magnolia Manor of Americus Nursing Center - Certified Medical Assistant Training Class

MISSION and VISION We serve all through love and support for a lifetime Serving through love and

their exams through a live

support for a lifetime is the

stream video as a proctor

Magnolia Manor mission. To

monitors the process. We

achieve this, we must constantly

officially conducted an exam at

examine our systems, processes,

the Americus Nursing Center

and their results to identify

in July 2023. Each of the

areas for improvement. One

seven students successfully

area that we’ve taken significant

passed the skills evaluation and

measures to improve is staffing.

received their CNA credentials.

Organizations around the world

The virtual skills-testing

have experienced staffing shortages in the aftermath of the pandemic. Unfortunately, Magnolia Manor is no exception. Educational institutions, government agencies, and organizations at the local and state levels have partnered to resolve this issue. Our leadership team took the initiative to ensure that Magnolia Manor joined the conversation to further these efforts. We are pleased to announce that our Americus Nursing Center was selected as the first long-term care facility to offer virtual skills testing for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)!

program came to fruition after representatives from the University of Georgia’s Institute for Disaster Management (IDM) discovered a need for more emergency preparedness and disaster management training. Upon conducting Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Infection Control training, IDM faculty and staff became aware of the critical staffing shortage in long-term care, particularly in the CNA positions. In addition to CNA shortages, the 1135 Waiver that allowed Temporary Nurse Aides (TNAs) to work in long-term care throughout

Through the virtual skills

the pandemic expired. As a

testing program, students have

result, TNAs were required

the opportunity to complete

to obtain certification within Article continued on page 6

Article continued from page 5

Magnolia Manor of Americus Nursing Center - Certified Medical Assistant Training Class

four months. States received an extension

program in place, our goal is to expedite

from CMS for the four-month window. But

critical first steps in rebuilding and revitalizing

even with the extension, testing availability

our workforce – both today and for years to

remained a challenge.

come,” stated Susie, RNBC LNHA.

The leadership teams at IDM, the Georgia

IDM began a pilot project to test the

Department of Community Health (DCH),

concept in Spring 2023. Magnolia Manor

and the Georgia Healthcare Association

CNAs posed as nurse aide students and

(GHCA) began discussing ways to expedite

completed the skills test at the facility skills

the exam process through a virtual skills-

lab. Amy Owens was the onsite registered

testing program. With this option, finding

nurse (RN) who proctored the exam and

a qualified long-term care facility to launch

operated the camera so a virtual RN could

the program was imperative. The Americus

observe and evaluate mock students’

Nursing Center served as the pilot facility.

ability to perform the skills properly. The

Susie Fussell, Vice President for Resident

pilot project concluded in June 2023. After

Safety/Emergency Management at Magnolia

comparing the results to in-person exams,

Manor and IDM Expert Review Committee

DCH and IDM leadership determined that the

member, facilitated the project.

virtual testing process was successful. As a

“We appreciate the opportunity to

result, IDM held the first official virtual skills

collaborate with DCH, UGA’s IDM, and

test at Magnolia Manor in July 2023.

GHCA on this virtual initiative. With this new

“Many thanks to the leadership and staff

at Magnolia Manor for the very forward-

nurse aide students obtain certification.

thinking willingness to host IDM’s successful

Our leadership team expects the program

pilot project for virtual skills-testing of

to bring in more CNAs on staff, which will

Nurse Aide students. We believe that

improve overall care at Magnolia Manor

leveraging technology for this pilot has been an important step in growing the CNA workforce in Georgia and ultimately will result in improved patient care in the longterm care community,” stated Patrick O’Neal,

and long-term care in Georgia. Plans are underway to provide more virtual skills tests in the future. We are excited about this new program and the opportunities it offers

MD, Clinical Professor at the University of

aspiring nursing professionals. To receive

Georgia’s Institute for Disaster Management.

more information or updates about upcoming

We’re offering a virtual option to expand skills test accessibility and help more

exams, visit www.magnoliamanor.com. Thank you for your support!

Magnolia Manor of Americus Nursing Center - Certified Medical Assistant Training Class

Reverend Henry Bass, Vice President for Church Relations at Magnolia Manor, as Visiting Pastor

4 8

Dedicated staff at Magnolia Manor’s Nursing Center of Americus

VALUES

Commitment to Our Faith Tradition Magnolia Manor is a non-profit

As the Vice President for

senior living community with

Church Relations at Magnolia

ties to the Methodist Church. As

Manor, Reverend Henry spreads

a result, Magnolia Manor is more

the word about the Magnolia

than just an organization – it’s a

Manor mission. He travels all

ministry built on serving senior

over South Georgia sharing our

adults with compassion and

message in 50 to 60 churches

support. We provide care that

a year. Each visit presents an

goes beyond physical needs

opportunity for others to hear

to meet each resident’s mental

how they can support the

and spiritual needs. In addition

ministry of serving older adults

to scheduled social activities

at Magnolia Manor. Reverend

for mental stimulation, we

Henry has made great progress

offer spiritual services through

in reaching congregants all

our chaplaincy program. Our

across the conference, and he

benevolent fund, known as the

looks forward to expanding his

League of the Good Samaritan,

reach even further.

allows residents to live

“I hope to visit all the churches

peacefully, knowing that they

in our conference someday.

can continue to call Magnolia

I haven’t been to as many

Manor home, even if they run

churches in Macon, Columbus,

out of financial resources. Kind

Savannah, and Brunswick, so I

generosity from sponsors,

would like to visit those areas

donors, volunteers, advocates,

more,” stated Reverend Henry.

churches, and board members

“Connecting with churches

helps make it all possible. We

is not only spiritual but also

also have help from long-time

educational. I get to know

ministry leader, Reverend

members of the community as I

Henry Bass.

visit their churches. It reaffirms Article continued on page 10

9 5

Article continued from page 9

my faith to hear other people’s stories. It also

reach Reverend Henry directly at hbass@

allows me to make others aware of Magnolia

magnoliamanor.com or (229) 327-4055. Feel

Manor’s story and provide opportunities for

free to contact us or share this information

them to be a part of it.”

with churches in your community. Once

If you’re interested in hearing more about the Magnolia Manor ministry or you simply need someone to fill in for a service, we invite you to make a Pulpit Replacement

you make the request, Reverend Henry or someone from our Communications Team will schedule a visit. Whether we’re cultivating a friendship or laying the foundation for a new one, we look forward to partnering with you.

request. We send out Pulpit Replacement

With your help, we can continue delivering

postcards with our contact information to

the compassionate and supportive care that

local churches twice a year. You can also

residents at Magnolia Manor deserve.

Reverend Henry Bass, Vice President for Church Relations at Magnolia Manor, as Visiting Pastor

Magnolia Manor of St. Simons Administrator, May Stevens

VALUES

Dignity, Respect, Care, and Compassion for All The Magnolia Manor

the opportunity to continue

team comprises dedicated

building upon that impact

healthcare professionals who

as she settles into her new

are skilled at what they do. In

role at our St. Simons Island

addition to providing excellent

campus. May represents the

care, many of our employees

Magnolia Manor mission while

are selfless individuals who

demonstrating the epitome

put the residents first. Their

of serving others with dignity,

commitment to the Magnolia

respect, care, and compassion.

Manor mission, vision, and

She is particularly fond of

values allows us to continue

caring for seniors, a passion

delivering high-quality care

she developed as a child.

to seniors across South

“My parents were older when

Georgia. We are honored to

I was born, so I’ve always been

announce that we welcomed

around older people. Their

a new Administrator to our

social circle was comfortable

team in June 2023. Although

and warm,” May reminisced.

she’s new to Magnolia Manor in St. Simons Island, she’s no stranger to the organization. Allow us to introduce to some and re-introduce to others, May Stevens!

This experience cultivated her natural nurturing abilities and encouraged her to pursue a career in healthcare. At the age of 19, May began working as a certified nursing assistant

May originally joined the

(CNA). She then obtained her

Magnolia Manor team in

nursing degree and continued

2015. She served as the

her career at various hospitals.

Administrator at the St. Marys

Working in hospitals fulfilled

campus until 2019. Although

her aspirations to care for

May was at Magnolia Manor in

others, but May’s passion

St. Marys for only four years,

remained with the elderly

she made an unforgettable,

population. Caring for her

positive impact. She now has

parents in their later years Article continued on page 14

Article continued from page 13

Magnolia Manor of St. Simons Administrator, May Stevens, with Resident

further invoked her desire to work with

other task-oriented abilities with a wide

seniors and reassured her that long-term

range of intuitive people skills. These are

care was the right path for her. May returned

essential qualities found in long-term care

to school and received a bachelor’s degree

administrators. According to May, the ability

in Healthcare Administration.

to administer resident-focused care is the

“My goal was to be the best advocate for

most valuable skill anyone can have as a

the elderly, one of the most vulnerable and

long-term healthcare professional.

beautiful populations,” shared May.

“To be a successful administrator in senior

Several years later, May has fulfilled this

living care, I truly believe you must have

goal and continues to do so one resident at

a passion for seniors and prepare to wear

a time. With nearly ten years in healthcare

many hats. But most importantly, always

administration and over 20 years in

remember why you’re there – the residents,”

the medical field, May has developed

stated May.

inestimable insights and knowledge.

May has already implemented these

She blends clinical, administrative, and

principles while getting acquainted with her

new role. One of her recent improvements

continue throughout the day with a smile in

includes refreshing the paint in the Assisted

my heart and on my face,” May explained.

Living Cottage to create a more warm and inviting atmosphere. She has also designated a new space where residents can enjoy entertaining activities. Plans are underway to complete more updates to enhance the overall living experience for the

After a long day of serving the residents and staff at Magnolia Manor, May unwinds by listening to music and bike riding. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters. Now that she is a part

residents at Magnolia Manor in St. Simons

of the Magnolia Manor family again, we look

Island. It’s evident that working in long-

forward to a wonderful partnership built

term care is hard work, but it doesn’t come

on a shared mission to provide great care

without rewards.

to our residents. To receive updates on the

“No matter what kind of day I’m having,

latest news and progress at Magnolia Manor,

I can spend less than 15 minutes with a

visit www.magnoliamanor.com and follow us

resident and feel a weight lifted. Then I can

on social media.

Magnolia Manor of St. Simons Administrator, May Stevens

Magnolia Manor of Macon Receives Silver Quality Award

VALUES

Integrity Through Excellence Magnolia Manor in Macon Wins the 2023 Silver Achievement in Quality Award

Magnolia Manor of Midway Wins the 2023 Center of Excellence for Woundcare Management Award

Congratulations to Magnolia Manor of Macon for receiving the 2023 Silver - Achievement in Quality award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL)! The Silver award is the second level of three in the National Quality Award Program which consists of the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. This program recognizes long-term care providers across the nation who have delivered high-quality care to their staff and residents. Recipients of the Silver Quality Award have demonstrated success at the bronze level and have met the criteria to advance to the silver level. At the silver level, applicants must evaluate and improve processes while developing standardized approaches to all aspects of the organization that cultivate efficient results. Magnolia Manor of Macon was one of seven members of the Georgia Health Care Association to receive recognition as a 2023 Silver - Achievement in Quality award recipient.

Congratulations to Magnolia Manor in Midway for receiving the 2023 Center of Excellence for Woundcare Management Award from VOHRA Wound Physicians! The VOHRA organization collects data and reviews the successes of Wound Programs in healthcare facilities based on specific criteria. Magnolia Manor of Midway has had a number of successes in resolving difficult wounds. Among them is the resolution of osteomyelitis. “During our last webinar, the VOHRA organization informed us of our recognition and suggested that we submit the application. We applied and were granted the Excellence Award! Our team worked really hard to further improve our woundcare procedures. It’s such an honor to receive recognition for it,” shared Geraldine Campbell, Director of Nursing.

“We are so honored to receive the Silver Quality Award! The application process challenged us to evaluate areas for improvement and implement strategies to deliver better care to our residents. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without our dedicated staff at Magnolia Manor in Macon!” shared Ivy Bembry, Magnolia Manor of Macon Administrator.

Magnolia Manor of Midway also received the 2023 Best in Elderly Care Award from Coastal Courier. Recipients of this award have demonstrated the ability to deliver exceptional service to their local communities. As an organization that serves seniors with integrity through excellence, it is our objective to provide high-quality care to our residents and their families each day.

Congratulations to Magnolia Manor of Macon on reaching this great milestone in long-term care!

Congratulations to the team at Magnolia Manor in Midway for a job well done!

Magnolia Manor of Midway Receives Wound Care Excellence Award

Magnolia Manor on the Coast Resident, Vera Hathaway

VALUES

Healthy Mind, Body, and Spirit At Magnolia Manor, we take a holistic approach to care to make healthy living more attainable for senior adults. We offer services and resources that support physical, mental, and spiritual health. Subsequently, residents come to our communities from all walks of life and see immediate improvements in their health. Vera Hathaway, a resident at our Richmond Hill campus, has made great strides in all areas of wellness. She attributes her decision to move to Magnolia Manor as one of the reasons she can maintain healthy habits and create a vibrant life. Growing up in Savannah, GA, Vera loved being in the woods. At that time, the area was less developed, with many farms, dirt roads, corn fields, and forests to explore. Vera carried her love for the great outdoors even into adulthood. She and her husband, Thomas, were avid hikers. They trekked through nearly every state park in Georgia. They scoured the Appalachian Mountains, the Smoky Mountains, and various terrains in North Carolina, Virginia, and some parts of the West. In addition to indulging in the occasional adventure, the

two raised four children and enjoyed 35 years of marriage before Thomas passed away in 2021. It was a devastating loss to their family, and Vera needed a healthy way to cope. So, she turned to a hobby she has always appreciated – walking.

“After my husband passed away, my daughter encouraged me to get out, get busy, and do some walking. And that’s what I’ve done,” stated Vera. On a typical day, Vera walks the campus grounds for two hours from 6:00 to 8:00 AM. She returns to her apartment to get cleaned up and have breakfast. In the afternoon, Vera walks for an hour. Sometimes, she inserts sporadic 10-minute walks when she feels the need. She usually ends the day after achieving a whopping 10,000 steps! One of Vera’s favorite things about walking on the Richmond Hill campus is the view. The paved trail weaves through a scenic landscape with a pond and fountains. Vera rises early enough to spot deer, squirrels, birds, and other wildlife. In addition to taking in the beautiful sights of nature, Vera appreciates the health benefits of walking. Article continued on page 20

Article continued from page 19

“I have absolutely noticed an improvement in my health since starting. I’m more energetic. I sleep better and feel better when I wake up in the morning. I’ve lost 10 pounds, and my blood pressure has decreased. I’ve seen immediate results because I’ve been consistent,” Vera shared.

Here are some of Vera’s tips for those looking to build an exercise routine or win a medal in a 5K race:

To Vera, consistency means maintaining her exercise routine on sunny and rainy days. When bad weather is in the forecast, Vera modifies her outdoor routine for indoors. She does laps through the halls of the building. Instead of using the elevator, she incorporates stairs. Her dedication gave her the confidence and skill to compete in her first 5K this year. Her hard work must have paid off because she completed the race in under an hour and walked away with a Finisher Medal!

• Set realistic goals. Don’t try to overachieve because you could injure yourself and lose ground.

• Start slow or go at your own pace. Don’t try to overdo it the first week you’re starting. You don’t have to compete against anyone else but yourself.

• Vary your routine to keep it interesting. Exercise isn’t boring if you work at making it interesting. • Rest when you need to. Being intentional about your health can boost your overall quality of life. Moving into a senior living community can provide the

Magnolia Manor on the Coast Resident, Vera Hathaway

same benefits. Since moving to Magnolia Manor on the Coast in February 2022, Vera has discovered many reasons she enjoys living here. Her spacious apartment features a full kitchen and screened-in porch. Having friendly staff and residents, along with delicious food, has made for a smooth transition. She also enjoys the freedom of maintaining her independence while having resources available that cover all areas of care.

“We have a lot of activities here. You can participate as much or as little as you want to in the ongoing activities. I love that I can choose how I spend my day. I also love that we have a library and a chapel because we need more than just physical care. We need spiritual and mental care as well,” Vera explained.

She encourages individuals looking to transition into senior living to do their research. Thorough research entails touring campuses, meeting the staff, talking with the residents, and examining available amenities. With the proper research, you can determine the right senior living community for you or your loved one. This process can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re interested in making one of our locations your forever home or desire more information about senior living care, our team would gladly help you. Visit www.magnoliamanor. com or call 1-855-540-LIFE (5433) for more information. We are eager to share more information with you about Magnolia Manor and the wonderful people we serve!

VALUES

Creative Change and Constant Improvement At Magnolia Manor, one of our core values is to consistently incorporate creative changes with a focus on constant improvement in our everyday care. Our team has been busy at work, upholding this core value. Here are a few highlights of the progress we’ve made this year:

Maintenance Department Life Safety Training Our Maintenance Department held a campus-wide Life Safety Codes training led by Vice President for Physical Plant, Sammy Bledsoe. In this annual training, maintenance staff from each campus gathered at the Magnolia Manor Home Office to learn new codes and refresh old ones. As a long-term healthcare organization, it’s imperative that we remain in compliance with state, city, and industry regulations. We held a successful meeting this year that further equipped our team in their efforts to provide a safer environment for our residents.

Updated Front Lobby at the Americus Retirement Center The Americus Retirement Center front lobby received a makeover. Our team painted the walls with brighter colors and added updated furniture for comfortable seating. The residents selected the center table, lending their interior design skills to help bring the look altogether. The next set of updates will include more personalized touches to the building that will provide a visual representation of the Magnolia Manor story. We also have plans to renovate more common areas and revamp resident rooms.

Updates at the St. Simons Island Assisted Living Cottage Residents at our St. Simons Island Assisted Living Cottage were surprised with a newly renovated space for activities. This update allows for more storage space for books, puzzles, board games, and other entertainment items for the residents to enjoy. The maintenance team also added a fresh coat of paint to the hallways along with a beautiful mural of a beach scene in the dining room. The next step in this series of updates will include more cosmetic improvements to other interior and exterior areas on the campus. Support from our staff, donors, sponsors, volunteers, advocates, friends, and families has made these improvements possible. We appreciate all that you do! Visit www. magnoliamanor.com or follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on our progress at Magnolia Manor.

Magnolia Manor of St. Simons Resident, Barbara Meadows

CREATIVE CORNER Residents at Magnolia Manor are creative and love to share their artistic abilities. From painting and quilting to pottery and music, our residents boast a range of unique skills. These talented artists take great pleasure in using their art to enhance other people’s lives. If you visit the dining room at our St. Simons campus, you are likely to hear the cheerful tunes of Barbara Meadows as she plays the piano for everyone’s enjoyment. Barbara started taking piano lessons at a very young age. Inspired by her mother, a talented player, Barbara practiced daily on a family-owned upright piano. Barbara continued taking lessons from elementary school through college. As a budding pianist, she traveled around her hometown in Toombs County performing for local churches while her father sang along. Although her father passed away early in her life, Barbara fondly remembers his beautiful tenor voice and his love for music.

“Some of my fondest memories involve playing the piano during Friday Chapel at my high school. A friend and I would begin playing as the students filed into the auditorium,” shared Barbara. In 1950, Barbara graduated from Lyons High School. She enrolled in the pre-med program at Georgia State College for Women, which is currently Georgia College and State University. Even as she pursued her medical studies, she continued playing the piano. She remained dedicated to her

craft, walking across the campus to practice daily. Most days, she would play for approximately four hours in the college’s Music Department. During piano practice, Barbara would listen to the school choir rehearsals. She soon became interested in joining the choir and making music the focus of her career. After discussing this with her piano teacher and the head of the Music Department, Barbara decided to change her major from pre-med to music. The following year, she joined the school choir and became its president. Later, she obtained a master’s degree in fine arts with a concentration in music from Columbia University in New York. While at Columbia, she trained under an instructor who taught at Julliard, a world leader in performing arts education.

“I never regretted changing my major to music,” said Barbara. “I just love music.” After returning to Georgia, Barbara began teaching as the choral music instructor at Glynn Academy in Brunswick. She also joined the First Methodist Church, where she met her future husband. He sang in the choir, and soon they began to date. The two got married and raised two daughters and a son together. Barbara led the choir for 51 years before retiring. Some of her more exciting performances as the choir director occurred during annual sunrise services.

“During sunrise services, we would roll a piano down to the pier and set Article continued on page 26

Article continued from page 25

up chairs for the choir. People would gather to listen as we played songs like, ‘How Great Thou Art’ and ‘The Old Rugged Cross,’ which are some of my favorite songs to play,” Barbara reminisced. In addition to playing the piano at the Methodist Church services, Barbara volunteered regularly at her church and in the community. She directed the Community Messiah Chorus for 25 years. Singers and musicians within the community continue to perform Handel’s Messiah today with influences from Barbara’s leadership. Barbara volunteered at fundraisers for various projects at her church. She became a local favorite for managing the chicken dinner fundraisers. Barbara also won favor among the residents at Magnolia Manor in St. Simons Island. She played the piano for their church services at the campus. .

“They would have church services at the Assisted Living Cottage and the main dining room on Sunday afternoons,” Barbara remembered. “I always enjoyed that. I would bring other choir members and sing hymns for the residents. Church hymns are among some of their favorite songs to sing.”

Barbara was familiar with Magnolia Manor due to her volunteering. However, she had never thought of living at Magnolia Manor until she toured the campus with her daughter, a retired Methodist minister from Pierce Chapel in Columbus, GA. Barbara and her daughter agreed that Magnolia Manor would be a great fit for her. Now that she has moved in and become more acquainted with the community, Barbara has more time on her hands. When she isn’t playing beautiful tunes in the dining room, she’s socializing with new friends and attending campus events. Barbara especially enjoys spending time playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Magnolia Manor is a great place to live,” shared Barbara. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Everyone who works here is so lovely and pleasant. They all know your name, and the food could not be better. It’s a great place to live!” If you want to learn more about the creative people here at Magnolia Manor, please visit our website at www.magnoliamanor.com or follow us on social media.

Magnolia Manor of St. Simons Resident, Barbara Meadows

GIVING In action...

Have you ever thought about how much “holiday” we pack into the last couple months of the year? The year really ends with a bang! With all of the lights and sounds of the holiday season, it is easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of it all. So many gatherings and events vie for our attention during this time that we must work to be intentional, lest we lose sight of Jesus as the true reason for the Christmas season. Thinking back, what I remember most about past holidays is the quality time I spent with family and the traditions we kept together. To truly enjoy the Christmas season, we have to find ways to be intentional with our time— even our gift giving. I believe that we will find true joy in the holiday season when we realize that doing everything does not create a greater experience. Instead, let’s focus on the people that we hold dear. I have seen how our residents light up when they see their family members, especially during special occasions. This is the joy that I hope we all have this Christmas season. Time is our most precious gift, and I pray we all give it freely to those we love!

Your generous donations, this Christmas season, will demonstrate your intentional love to over 1,200 residents at Magnolia Manor. Through your donations to The League of the Good Samaritan, no resident will ever have to leave Magnolia Manor if they are no longer able to afford their care. League donations also make it possible to provide a chaplain on every campus to serve all of our residents through compassion and spiritual care. Help spread love this Christmas season by giving intentionally to The League of the Good Samaritan! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sincerely, Chealsea Cromer Director of Donor Relations

EVENTS

ACTIVITIES

St. Simons Mad Hatters Tea Party

Mattie H. Marshall Memory Care Center Decades Day

Macon Red Carpet Event

Americus Car Show