The Villager | Summer 2022

GALERIE LIVING

SUMMER 2022

The Villager DISCOVER UNEXPECTED HAPPINESS

Celebration

Telling Our Stories

Giving Thanks

A toast to the future and commemorating those around us.

Exploring how chapters old and new connect and shape our community.

The talents, interests, innovation, and goals that inspire us all.

Contents Summer 2022

#2 FROM THE EDITOR

Media & Programs Manager, Kelsie Anderson, previews the stories you'll discover in the Summer edition of The Villager.

#3 VISION, MISSION, & VALUES Discover our 'why' and the importance of Happiness, Excellence, Innovation, and Dignity.

#4 HAPPENINGS Celebrate this season's birthdays & anniversaries, reflect on the joyous moments from our communities,

#13 FURRY FRIENDS Connect with local community members who are making a difference with animals.

#24 TELL YOUR STORY Hear the courageous story of scaping Ukranian oppression and creating a new life.

#32 PIONEERING THE FUTURE Fynn is pioneering the future of technology in the senior living industry.

#36

#46

HEALTH & WELLNESS

RESOURCES

Increase your awarness of summer health tips to keep safe in thr summer heat.

A quick guide and how you can stay in touch.

CONTENTS | 01

From the Editor It is truly an amazing feat to share with you the Summer edition of The Villager Magazine. This edition is filled with our favorite stories from across all Galerie Living communities. I have to thank all of our residents, team members, and community partners who graciously shared their stories with Gabrielle, Jack, and I. This edition has been my favorite to come.

Summers have always been synonymous with freedom. It is during this time of year families are able to connect, explore, relax, and truly enjoy each other’s company in the warm sunshine.

My most cherished memories are filled with summer adventures at my grandparents' home. There was always something so sweet about fishing with my grandpa or gardening with my grandma. Those moments are held very close to my heart.

However, I’m not the only one with amazing grandparents who filled my summers with complete joy. It is with great pleasure, we were able to meet with the distinguished seniors in our community who volunteer with Zoo Atlanta, created a sanctuary for stray cats, worked with the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses, or have given us the greatest advice about freedom.

We are so grateful for your incredible experiences and allowing us the opportunity to share them with your neighbors. Your stories matter. Your voice matters. You are an integral part of this magazine and our community. Thank you for letting us share your glory.

Cheers to the Summer!

Kelsie Anderson Kelsie Anderson Media & Programs Manager

FROM THE EDITOR | 02

Vision, Mission, And Values VISION

MISSION

To create unexpected happiness in life for seniors, families, and communities.

Elevating the senior living experience.

VALUES Happiness

Excellence

Innovation

Dignity

We believe happiness is a feeling of belonging, purpose, comfort, independence, and security. Our communities encourage connection, dignity, and joy for residents, families, and team members.

We are committed to quality in design, care, and service. Our team achieves excellence daily through demonstrating high intention, integrity, intelligent direction, and skillful execution.

We lead through vision to find new ways of elevating the senior living experience. Each day, we seek unique opportunities to achieve our vision of creating unexpected happiness in life.

Each member of our community honors and respects the independence, needs, and value of one another.

We are called to communicate openly, listen attentively, and care compassionately.

VISION, MISSION, & VALUES | 03

GALERIE LIVING

HAPPENINGS

Issue 27 | 234

REASONS TO CELEBRATE, 05 PAINTING THE TOWN, 08 TEAM MEMBER MVPS, 10

HAPPENINGS | 04

Reasons to Celebrate COMMUNITY BIRTHDAYS SUMMER 2022

Alimot Ademola

Alice Condo

Ebone Goins

Thomas Agnew

Natalie Crowley

Jean Gunter

Edosa Ajari

Carolyn Cunningham

Austyn Harris

Margaret Anderson

Robert Cunningham

Faith Hawes

Gladys Asemota

Hannah Dean

MaryLou Heastings

Octavia Badger

Cynthia Deininger

Barbara Hendricks

Lamonica Barnes

Suhrid Desai

Jennifer Hernandez

Eugene Bartolich

Yvanne Dorzena

Cobina Higgins

Patricia Barton

Margaret Doubt

Ann Hilke

Betty Bell

Fay Duff

Julie Hirsch

Selam Betyohanse

Marilyn Dumon

Shirley Howard

June Bobeng

Nakesha Edwards

Elizabeth Ivey

Kimberly Boudreaux

Paula English

Wanda Jackson

Barry Brown

Barbara Enlow

Gloria Johnson

Arthur Buescher

Judy Erhardt

Kalia Johnson

Ron Burbank

Riko Evans

Loresha Johnson

Andrew Burga-Talavera

Peter Evanuik

Lou Jones

Marlene Butteri,

Hadiya Ezekiel

Marius Jordan

Peggy Byram

Tafari Fitzgerald

Rebecca Kaikpo

Cary Carmichael

Barbara Flynn

Lila Kates

Susan Casey

Bob Forster

Sandra Kay Chesser

Joan Cecil

Bernie Friedman

Richard Kepner

Chukwuebuka

Brittney Galette

Krishna Khanna

Fabiola Colas

Maury Gerson

Jeanne Combs REASONS TO CELEBRATE | 05

Kimberly Newland

Janet "Fritz" Rohrer

John Watkins

Delos Knight

Katila Ron

Mathilda Weist

Margaret Knight

Dolores Ross

Sybil White

Dixie Kurtz

Phyllis Ryerse

Dorothy Wickersham

Eileen Laudadio

Rosemary Samuel

Eleanor Wilson

Melita Lawson

Sarah Henderson

Bobby Womble

Judith Leet

Rosalie Saxon

Charles Wysong

Dorothy Leone

Dorothy Schroeder

Betty Yarbrough

Ching Li Hsu

Jaquelyn Scott

Murray Yarbrough

Mary Lou Schenken

Karen Seymour-Flett

Nala Yates

Martha Lower

Jasmine Sherman

Mary Lund

Sydelle Silberman

Julia Matchett

Stanley Skokoski

Anita Mathews

Doris Small

Jean McGraw

Betty Smalley

Barbara Mcquiston

Alexander Smith

Lewis Medoff

Mary "Linda" Smith

Audrey Moncrieff

Patricia Smith

Donna Munson

Linda Sperber

Carunguli Natarajan

Alicia Stanton

Ann Noel

Carole Steffensen

Dorothy "Dot" Olver

Malika Stephens

Angie Pacetti

Pat Stephenson

Ralph Pelaia

Christa Stone

John Ramsay jr

Mary Tagler

Bob Rice

Nancy Terry

Annette Richards

Maryann Thomas

Melinda Richardson

Irene Tzianabos

Donald Rigot

Joyce Vance

Barbara Roberts

Miriam Vayle

REASONS TO CELEBRATE | 06

Reasons to Celebrate TEAM MEMBER WORK ANNIVERSARIES

Melita Lawson | 1 year John Stephens | 1 year Loresha Johnson | 1 year Cheryl Simpson | 1 year Rashedia Buford | 1 year Bridget Mosca | 1 year Andrea Frier | 1 year Nassor Mohamed | 1 year Malika Armstead| 1 year Alicia Rose | 1 year Znae Davisshah | 1 year Katie Christman | 1 year Jessie Somoza | 3 years

Thank you to our dedicated team members!

REASONS TO CELEBRATE | 07

Painting the Town Our very own artists took over the Alpharetta Arts Center to showcase their finest works.

PAINTING THE TOWN | 08

Summertime Classics A look back at some of our favorite friends, moments, and summertime adventures.

SUMMERTIME CLASSICS | 09

We rise by lifting others.

Most Valuable Players This summer, our residents and team members nominated our community MVPs. We're proud to showcase their stories and incredible contributions to our communities.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS | 10

THE BEST OF THE BEST

Most Valuable Players Lesley Brown is the first person people meet when walking into Village Park Milton. Her team members and community residents recognize her welcoming attitude, warm spirit, and positive mindset.

LESLEY BROWN

Cameron's been recognized by our residents and their families as one of Village Park Milton's best team members. His work in Flourish has turned the program into something our seniors are truly excited about each day.

CAMERON HAND

Aster's dedication to making dining at Corso Atlanta great has earned her recognition from FRANCIA & BRYAN

our residents. She knows all of our seniors by name, including their preferences. Our community wouldn't be the same without her

ASTER GEZAWE

"Wesley is incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and the most cheerful person I know. He always has a smile for everyone," one resident wrote about Wesley. Wesley welcomes everyone into Corso Atlanta, and his warmth is felt in the entire community MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS | 11

WESLEY HOUSTON

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

Laura's received countless nominations speaking on how attentive she is in the dining room and how delicious her treats are! Dining with Laura is another thing our seniors can look forward to every day.

LAURA TRIBOU

Rashedia’s kind heart has created a welcoming environment for residents and team members across all of Village Park Peachtree Corners. She also curates delicious food for everyone to enjoy.

RASHEDIA BUFORD

Tafari's kind heart and open attitude was recognized by his peers and those in his care. He's been a reliable member of our team, lending a helping hand wherever he can.

TAFARI FITZGERALD

Cheryl Simpson has received countless nominations touching on her kind attitude and love for her job. One nominator wrote, “Cheryl is very caring and goes the extra mile to serve us”

CHERYL SIMPSON

MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS | 12

CREATING CONNECTIONS

FURRY FRIENDS

FURRY FRIENDS | 13

HELPING HANDS (AND PAWS), 14 SAVING STRAYS, 17 UT VETS PULL WITH CLYDESDALES, 19

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT

HELPING HANDS (AND PAWS)

Zoo Atlanta volunteer and Corso Atlanta resident, Peggy Rogers is an inspiration to those around her. She

Resident and Zoo Atlanta Volunteer

of others to do the same.

enjoys giving back to her community, staying active and engaged wherever she can. Her years of volunteering shine through in her willingness to help her community and in her encouragement

HELPING HANDS (AND PAWS) | 14

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT

Peggy started volunteering at Zoo Atlanta in 2011. She explains that most volunteers are there for “wayfinding.”

Volunteers offer directions and assistance to guests, but don’t give tours or interpret the animals. Peggy started as a “wayfinder” however, her involvement with Zoo Atlanta grew over the years. Now, Peggy is a docent, which means she has the proper training to educate guests with fun facts and provide them insight into the animals in the zoo.

Most days at the zoo, Peggy works in the kitchen to take special care of the animals’ diets, primarily the primates.

Zoo Atlanta features 22 gorillas and 12 orangutans, and Peggy keeps herself busy making sure they receive the nutrition they need. For Peggy, her time in the kitchen is an opportunity to learn something new. She works alongside team members and other volunteers, who each have their own insights into animal diets and general information.

We had the opportunity to follow Peggy through the Zoo to see what a day in her shoes would look like. Every other Monday, Peggy is stationed at the red panda exhibit, Jackie. As a docent, she engages with guests and answers questions about the red panda. In as little as four minutes of following

HELPING HANDS (AND PAWS) | 15

Peggy, a group of kids walked up to her and asked for help. Their smiles were enough to make anybody’s day.

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT

You go in thinking, okay, I'll give back,” Peggy says. “But then you end up saying, actually, I'm getting back too” The zoo gives Peggy another sense of purpose and a way to engage with a community that values her effort.

Through her time with Zoo Atlanta, Peggy has gained knowledge, camaraderie , and countless memories of joyous guests and families. Peggy encourages everyone to get involved in volunteering and to take the opportunity to help out wherever they can.

“I would love to see more people find some way to volunteer and give back,” she adds. “Surely, somebody volunteered and helped them along the way somewhere.”

It's gratifying to know that you're doing something that they really need.

-Peggy Rogers

HELPING HANDS (AND PAWS) | 16

AROUND ALPHARETTA

SAVING STRAYS Alpharetta's kitty superhero is a best kept secret among locals.

As a self-described ‘Cat Lady’, Lynda Brinkley’s organization, Cats in the Cradle, has helped more than a thousand cats across the Alpharetta area and abroad. Lynda’s mission is to improve the quality of life for felines as the stray cat population greatly exceeds the amount of homes that are able to care for them. The Cats in the Cradle team assists in providing services that will help, heal, and control the cat population.

Lynda’s volunteering started with a few strays that she took care of in her barn. After seeing how much she could help, she realized she wanted to do more.

Lynda reorganized her garage and transformed it into a kittyproof safe haven for any strays that needed to be cared for.

Over the years, a team of volunteers came together to aid Lynda’s mission, and Cats in the Cradle was founded. Since then, she’s recovered more than 1000 cats.

SAVING STRAYS | 17

AROUND ALPHARETTA

In this last year, the Cats in the Cradle crew had almost 200 cats spayed or neutered.

As of June 2022, Lynda has 45 cats that she and her team take care of. Lynda wakes up at 7:00 a.m. daily to feed the cats and clean up after them. This process can take up to two hours. Lynda’s group of volunteers and team members from Cats in the Cradle are often available to lend a helping hand. Many of the volunteers at Cats in the Cradle assist in feeding the cats, cleaning out the litterboxes, and assist in helping the cats become social with humans and other felines. “It takes more than me,” Lynda adds. “It takes a whole bunch of us.”

Lynda reinforces that the most important thing Cats in the Cradle is doing for the community is helping cats and kittens get spayed and neutered.

The cat population is expanding too quickly for all the cats to find loving homes. Lynda explains that many stray cats and kittens are subject to being killed or seriously injured by other animals, automobiles, or other outside forces. By fixing stray cats, Cats in the Cradle ensures that the stray cat population can be limited in a humane manner.

In the case of finding a stray cat, Lynda says the best thing you can do is get them fixed! There are plenty of local vets and nonprofits that are willing to help including Cats in the Cradle. If you’d like to support Lynda and Cats in the Cradle, you can donate cat food, toys, scratching posts, or other donations in person and on her website at catsinthecradlerescue.org.

SAVING STRAYS | 18

FLASHBACK FAVORITE

UT VETS PULL WITH CLYDESDALES Originally published in the University of Tennessee: Tennessee Alumnus by Margot. L. Emory When Super Bowl 51 dominates TV ratings on Feb. 5, many viewers will be alert for the arrival of their favorite team of eight in addition to the two teams of 11 on the field. These eight stars, however, won't be in pads, helmets and cleats, but are recognized by their tossing manes, glossy coats, feathery feet and gentle faces. Fans will be watching for the beloved Clydesdale horses that stay front and center each year in the Bowl’s iconic Budweiser commercials.

And, as the gorgeous horses pass by on your screen, you might give a thought to the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, because behind each of those huge animal performers is top-notch care by the college's specialized veterinarians 35 years of it, in fact, that date back to Knoxville's 1982 World's Fair and a UT grad.

UT VETS PULL WITH CLYDESDALES | 19

Bob Brandon (Chattanooga '61) was there that year. He was director of beer brand marketing services for AnheuserBusch Companies. A year-and-a-half after arriving at the corporation in 1978, Brandon was surprised to find that his position included leadership of Anheuser-Busch's nationwide Clydesdales program.

His responsibilities included oversight and setting priorities for three eighthorse hitches stationed in the east, middle and western United States as well as a two-horse specialty wagon kept in St. Louis.

As Brandon seized up the opportunity that the World’s Fair offered to reach thousands of families - Bud’s target audience - that specialty wagon cake to his mind. Bringing a pair of the horses to attract attention to the Anheuser-Busch pavilion struck him as a can’t-miss. And, boy, did it prove to be a winner.

Twice a day, the pair of Clydesdales hitched to the specialty wagon circled the fair, evoking oohs and ahhs. The team then would lead its stream of admirers straight back to the AnheuserBusch pavilion where the horses were stabled. The Clydesdales were so successful in drawing visitors to the pavilion that the fair's official beer sponsor launched a legal effort to remove them, but to no avail. No one, besides the rival brewery, wanted to see the Clydesdales exit the fair.

While in Knoxville that year, it also occurred to Brandon that the horses needed a more systematic regimen of care than the patchwork oversight they received from local veterinarians across the nation. With that idea, he approached the dean of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine.

Negotiations for equipment and budget occurred, particularly the former necessary for such large patients, weighing 2,000 pounds or more. Anheuser-Busch agreed to UT's requests, and the partnership, known as the National Health and Preventative Medicine for Clydesdales, was born.

Now, twice yearly, veterinary faculty from the college travel to each of the Clydesdale stables in the U.S. to conduct thorough physical examinations on nearly 200 horses.

UT VETS PULL22 WITH | PARTNERS CLYDESDALES OF CORSO | 20 ATLANTA

Complete individual and herd health records are computerized by the UT veterinarians, providing access to nutritional information, health care statistics and other data to keep the animals in the best possible health.

UT faculty also conduct regular seminars for the Anheuser-Busch employees who provide the daily care for the Clydesdales. Last April, the company's eastern team of horses visited Knoxville for the Smoky Mountain Air Show, bedazzling fans and putting in impromptu appearances in the area. The Clydesdales' home base, naturally, was the college where they were cared for, exercised and examined.

When Brandon joined Anheuser-Busch, the marketing value of the horses was already immense. Their appearance in a local wholesaler's area would spike sales by 25 percent, and the increase would last for months. Anheuser-Busch receives some 4,000 requests for appearances each year, but the operations themselves had been conducted informally/aper the direction of August Busch Jr., who created the eight-horse hitch in 1933.

When his son, August Busch III, transferred the horse program to Brandon, expectations were high "It struck me that I would be the first person outside the Busch family to head up Clydesdale Operations, and I was both excited and proud," Brandon says.

The sizeable program consisted of a complement of 40 employees; 179 Clydesdales; 10 diesel tractor-trailers and four vans, three horse-drawn wagons, a training wagon and equipment; three stabling facilities on two coasts and in the middle of country; and an operations budget that, at the time, exceeded $3 million annually.

UT VETS PULL WITH CLYDESDALES | 21

“Early on, I realized that with the enormous potential of the Clydesdales as a marketing tool came an equally, if not greater, potentially political ‘hot potato,’ that I’d been handed,” Brandon recalls.

This relates to the loose system of scheduling the teams, in which members of the Busch family and many

"At the beginning, I could never have predicted that involvement with the horses would lead me onto movie sets with the likes of Jerry Lewis or into ballrooms with a Clydesdale in New York and Chicago with Lou Rawls," he says. "My seven years with AnheuserBusch and the horses, in particular, was an experience like no other."

“influentially powerful special friends,” were unblocked. “I saw that I was important but also very vulnerable to these often conflicting forces.”

Brandon responded to the situation he found himself in by developing a

Brandon was led to Anheuser-Busch by a headhunter, who recruited him from Coca-Cola, where he had risen to become national product promotion manager and then marketing manager in the Corporate New Products Department.

Clydesdale Brand Image Request matrix, one that is used to this day. His matrix used a hierarchical point system for the amount of exposure each event would provide. Differing points also were assigned to Anheuser-Busch officers and others who made requests for appearances.

With careful selling of the system's value

"He left Anheuser-Busch in 1984 to become president of an international marketing services division of Grey Advertising Worldwide in New York.

After establishing 17 international offices and recruiting many major clients, including Coca-Cola and Anheuser-Busch, he left the corporate world to settle back into the Atlanta area.

and even more careful implementation, the matrix system turned the Clydesdale Operation into a profitable, qualified marketing operation with quantifiable results.

Bringing a marketing professional's discipline to the operation was only part of Brandon's experiences.

UT VETS PULL WITH CLYDESDALES | 22

In retirement, he has been focusing on starting a major international licensing venture with his wife, Lanie, and a long-term marketing associate in New York. He also rechanneled his creative side to painting landscapes and writing his memoir.

Brandon's autobiography, titled "Effervescence," relating to his experiences with Coke and Bud, will be published in early 2017 by Amazon.

My career has been one of serendipity with all the related synonyms of that word," he says. "I have thoroughly enjoyed every part of it, including the joy of creating things that help to sell products that consumers enjoy."

Brandon recently returned to campus to give the college a replica eight-horse pewter and gold hitch to commemorate VM's three-plus decades of care. The hitch is displayed with a portrait he previously presented to the college of the Clydesdales, celebrating the 50th anniversary of their founding at Anheuser-Busch.

UT VETS PULL WITH CLYDESDALES | 23

A special thank you to Bob Brandon and the University of Tennessee for sharing this story with the Villager.

TELL YOUR

STORY

Issue 27 | 234

JACK RARER, 25 A NEW LENS, 26 MONUMENT OF FAITH, 29

TELL YOUR STORY | 24

GALERIE SPOTLIGHT

Jack Rarer Georgia Tech · Sophomore Multimedia Journalist Jack joined Galerie’s media team in May 2022. As a multimedia journalist intern, Jack is excited to uncover stories and connect to a community with rich histories from all over the world.

Jack is a sophomore at Georgia Tech and is working towards a Bachelors of Science degree in Computational Media.

His studies will assist him in telling stories in new, exciting ways.

When he’s not studying, he enjoys watching his favorite films and dozing off to classical music.

Born and raised in the greater Atlanta area, Jack’s always called Georgia home.

While he’s never left the country, he’s challenged himself to find new stories and experiences in his own city.

When he graduates, he hopes to use his knowledge of writing and publishing to give a voice to the members of his community.

Bet You Didn't Know...

Writing was actually Jack's least favorite subject through middle school. It was his ninth grade language arts teacher who inspired his change of heart, and he's loved it ever since.

JACK RARER | 25

“A society grows great when old men plant trees, the shade of which they know they'll never sit in."

- Greek Proverb

TELL YOUR STORY

A New Lens THE POWER OF FILMMAKING Oleg Karataiev is a documentary filmmaker who found refuge in the United States. Oleg flew to the U.S. on February 14, 2022, less than two weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He hopes to change lives through the lens of his camera. His upcoming documentary explores the inspiring story of Village Park Peachtree Corners resident, Jim Moye.

Growing up in Ukraine, Oleg spent much of his childhood watching Hollywood films.

Through this, he gained an appreciation for the medium and American culture. Today, he gives back to the artform that he grew up on through his own masterful films.

Oleg was born in Moldova, though he spent most of his early life in Crimea before moving to Kyiv. Having bounced between orphanages, Oleg saw many sides of his country and the people who grew up there.

“I grew up in that post Soviet Union country,” Oleg recounts. “I see people who’ve grown up there, and they have no hope” As a child, Oleg watched Hollywood films which offered him a glimpse into an America that looked like “Disneyland,” with its infectious optimism. When humanitarian aid from the West would bring food and treats to the orphanages, Oleg imagined coming to the United States to experience it firsthand.

A NEW LENS | 26

As his encounters with Western influence continued, Oleg was introduced to what would later become his life’s passion: filmmaking.

When an American filmmaker came into one of the orphanages, Oleg was fascinated by the medium. At the time, it was something he knew little of, but it sparked an interest in him nonetheless.

After discovering Windows Movie Maker on his orphanage’s only computer, a young Oleg began toying with his own videos.

There was a Windows computer that had Movie Maker, and then they had a small camera. I took it from the director of the orphanage to play with, and that's when I started.”

Over time, Oleg’s passion projects on the orphanage computer grew into something that had a genuine career path. At 18, he was given the choice to pursue a college degree or move directly into the workforce. He chose the latter, citing that the universities in Ukraine had no real film programs. He is self taught, but after honing his skills and reaching out to the best of the best in Ukraine, Oleg was in with the big leagues.

A NEW LENS | 27

As his skills improved and his portfolio expanded, he received attention from American companies.

Oleg used his talents in filmmaking to shoot documentaries in the States.

Through his work, the dream he had of exploring life in the West became a reality. He remembers when he first visited an American grocery store and saw fully stocked shelves, he thought it “looked like a movie set.”

Even when experiencing America firsthand, he was drawn back to the impression left on him by the films he grew up on. They shaped his view of the world, and, in many ways, his place in it. Oleg’s experience as someone who grew up on American media before moving here gives him a unique understanding of the impact filmmaking has. Today, he uses his talents to spread optimism and inspire people around the world and is acclaimed by his peers as an artist with a great eye for capturing the emotion and beauty of his surroundings.

Stay up to date with Oleg and his story with Jim Moye by visiting www.MoyeRest.org A NEW LENS | 28 26 | PARTNERS OF CORSO ATLANTA

TELL YOUR STORY

MONUMENT OF FAITH Jim Moye's inspiring story of religion, love, and giving back MONUMENT OF FAITH | 29

Village Park Peachtree Corners resident Jim Moye is an astounding business leader and philanthropist who used his resources and connections to spread support, wisdom, and his Christian faith around the world. Mr. Moye’s story is one of great triumph as he overcame his own workaholism and dissatisfaction, and in turn, led a better life for himself, his family, and all those he helped.

Jim was raised in the midst of World War II. Shortly after he lost his uncle to the war, his father joined the forces. The fear of losing his father weighed heavily on Jim’s mind.

Jim’s close friend, Barry Sutlive cites that the fear and trauma changed Jim and molded his lifestyle.

“He lived those years of his life, those formative years, really shutting himself down emotionally. He was just hardening himself, being tough.”

His childhood annual said 'always forward never backwards.'

That's his senior quote. He was just driven, driven, driven. Still is.

Long story short, it wounded his wife and kids pretty bad.

-Barry Sutlive

26 | PARTNERS OF CORSO ATLANTA

The walls Jim built for himself carried through into his adolescence. He avoided vulnerability as he strove for a life of success. He was the captain of his highschool football team, he took his basketball team to the championship, he was voted most intelligent, he was the class president, he attended Georgia Tech, and he went on to marry the homecoming queen. He checked all of the boxes of someone who could do no wrong.

Out of college, he grew an insurance business that became incredibly successful, hiring some of the best and brightest out of Georgia Tech. This marked the start of his long and incredibly successful career, but in spite of this, he still felt empty.

Jim was a workaholic, always pushing himself and those around him to achieve more.

Instead of embracing his vulnerability, he adopted a crippling drive for perfection which created tension with his family.

“It wounded his wife and kids pretty badly,” Barry explained. “They never felt like they were good enough.”

MONUMENT OF FAITH | 30

Over time, his wife developed depression.

Regardless of their success, his children grew distant. Jim became lonely, and eventually found himself in talks for a divorce.

It was at this time, in 1976, that Jim was challenged by a man to attend a Christian conference and accept a path that he wholeheartedly believed would turn Jim’s life around. Reluctantly, Jim attended and pledged himself to his newfound faith. He believed he had been called upon by God to reorient his life for the betterment of his wife, his family, and those around him.

Jim spent the following years with a different attitude. His interest in business wasn't monetary; instead, he wanted to help as many people as he could. It was at this time that he began buying land along the Appalachian trail. When the government claimed eminent domain on the property, Jim sold the land to the US Forest Service, but he stipulated that the land should offer a purpose to its visitors, beyond its beauty.

After negotiations with the government, an arrangement was made to have a monument placed on the trail for all to see. The monument, aptly named the Moye Rest, serves as a beacon of Jim’s faith, but more importantly to Jim, it serves as a guide for its visitors towards Christianity. He elaborates that many travelers on the Appalachian Trail are hiking the trail to find something. For many, it’s purpose. For other’s, it's clarity. For some, it’s faith. Jim hopes that the monument will be there to inspire people in the same way he was inspired, for decades and decades to come.

MONUMENT OF FAITH | 31 26 | PARTNERS OF CORSO ATLANTA

INNOVATION

PIONEERING THE FUTURE

INTRODUCING FYNN, 33

PIONEERING THE FUTURE | 32

PIONEERING THE FUTURE

INTRODUCING FYNN THE INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTIONIZING SENIOR LIVING Emerging from an experienced owner/operator’s decade-long search for an effective operating system, Fynn’s comprehensive solution is designed specifically for successful senior living. Our technology is user-informed, built, and tested to meet the unique needs of senior living stakeholders.

Fynn, envisioned and developed by Galerie Living, brings innovative technology solutions to support and promote health, offering data management and information sharing platforms for caregivers, community operators, residents and resident families. Driven by a focus on information and homogenous design, Fynn aims to revolutionize the application and benefits of technology in the senior living industry.

Galerie Living Founder and CEO, Tim Gary envisioned systems in place in the Village Park and Corso communities that talked to each other to support and streamline the work of staff and enhance the overall experience of residents within communities. There were technology platforms from third parties that offered support for patient well-being, community performance, daily activities and team member workloads - but each had their own specialty and the platforms often did not communicate with each other. With different systems, getting those tools and that information in the hands of community operators, caregivers, residents would be clunky and inconsistent. Tim and his team wanted those systems to work handin-hand. There was a need for a customized in-house solution: enter Fynn.

Fynn differentiates itself by being a “one-stop-shop.” The Fynn team took the various tools that existed in third parties and brought them into one platform.

Within a single, intuitive ecosystem, Fynn’s systems monitor asset performance for stakeholders, offer a portal for caregivers to monitor residents’ daily activities, manage team member workloads, and build an informative dialogue between caregivers, residents and their family members.

INTRODUCING FYNN | 33

PIONEERING THE FUTURE

For residents, Fynn provides a platform for collecting data on activities and general health throughout their communities.

One of the main goals is to develop systems that promote seniors’ activities of daily living (ADLs). For seniors who may need various levels of daily living support, to caregivers performing certain tasks, managing the “who, what, when, and where” can be difficult, especially as senior living communities are expanding. With the senior population growing faster than ever, creating efficiency in the monitoring and support of ADL’s is an important issue.

Fynn aims to achieve this through a process known as load balancing. Load balancing efficiently spreads out the work of caregivers and team members. One caregiver may work with a handful of residents, so making sure schedules don't overlap and that each caregiver’s workload is planned out is extremely important. Fynn’s focus on gathering and proactively using information to support all levels of care is key.

Galerie Living’s COO, Kari Samuelson, had this to say about Fynn’s place in Galerie’s communities: “If we can recognize the work that our employees are engaging in and the level of that effort and then help load balance that work, that makes a big difference for how happy caregivers are.”

This improves the wellbeing of team members who can then have workloads that are designed to be more efficient, and it improves the quality of care for residents because their schedules are optimally aligned.

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Fynn’s information systems work behind the scenes to inform the workloads of team members, but also acts to inform community members directly. With information consolidated into one ecosystem, everyone can stay in the loop. Caregivers can monitor how residents participate in social events, family members see how their loved ones are doing through the family portal, and residents have better insights into their schedules and daily activities.

“Really it's empowering them to have more access to their own information,” Kari says. “They know they’re scheduled for these things at these times, and that’s really important.”

Outside of blanketed data consolidation, Fynn also utilizes data analytics to promote proactive strategies. Creating strategies for senior living communities can be challenging, especially for communities looking to expand. Fynn’s emphasis on data analysis aims to support that important work. Systems that can see through the mass influx of information and provide useful takeaways for caregivers is pivotal.

Fynn’s technology represents a unique and powerful support platform in senior living innovation.

By 2030, over 71 million Americans will be over the age of 65. With the population aging and the need for senior living communities expanding, promoting proactive and innovative solutions in the senior living space is a critical need. Fynn shares Galerie Living’s emphasis on dignity, both for residents and caregivers. By informing stakeholders, supporting caregivers, and offering residents access to more meaningful information, Fynn seeks to set a new standard for senior living technology.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS SUMMER HEAT & KEEPING COOL, 37 // STAYING FIT IN OUR GOLDEN YEARS, 40 // GRACIOUS INTERDEPENDENCE, 43 // ADVICE FOR FATHERS, 46

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Summer Heat and Keeping Cool PREVENTATIVE TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

An Interview with Samantha Thomas, LPN Summers are bringing in the extra heat. Although warm weather can be a delight, it can also be dangerous. Village Park Milton’s Wellness Director, Samantha Thomas, LPN, is an expert on how to prevent heat exhaustion and other heat related illnesses. Here are her top five tips: Hydration: Your body loses water through sweat and evaporation, so proper hydration is vital. In the morning, drink a glass of water at room temperature and continue to drink water throughout the day.

Room temperature water is better than cold water because cold water can be known to tighten muscles.

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Health & Wellness

"SUMMER HEAT AND KEEPING COOL"

If you don’t enjoy drinking water, then dress it up! Samantha suggests infusing your water with various fruits and herbs such as lemons or mint. You can also add it to a fancy glass to give yourself an elevated experience. Herbal Tea and infused water is a good alternative to room temperature water.

Protecting Skin and Eyes: Our eyes are sensitive and the best way to protect them from the sun is with a cool pair of sunglasses. Protect your skin through sunblock, no matter your skin color. A lack of sunblock can lead to burns, peeling, and skin cancer.

Dermatologists recommend using sunblock with an SPF of at least 30.

Dress Appropriately: Dressing appropriately does not always mean a tank top and shorts, it means taking into account plans for the day, and dressing for success. When going out in direct sunlight wear lightweight long sleeve tops to cover upper limbs and wear linen pants to cover lower limbs. Completing the outfit with a hat is a great way to look fashionable while covering the eyes, nose, chin, and ears, which are most prone to sunburn on fragile skin.

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Health & Wellness

"SUMMER HEAT AND KEEPING COOL"

Know Your Medication: Before going outside, know what medications you're taking and how they impact your body. Some medications require people to avoid direct sunlight because it can increase the potency of the medication or hinder the efficacy of the medication.

Know Yourself Pay attention to your body because it will give you a sign if something is not right. If you begin to feel drowsy, go indoors and take time to rest, as this can be the first sign of a heatstroke.

Additional signs of heatstroke include lightheadedness, heavy limbs, difficulty comprehending, and difficulty speaking.

The best way to enjoy the sun and prevent heat stroke or other heat related illnesses is to take breaks when needed, remain hydrated and remember to always plan ahead.

Remember to consult your doctor for more information on how you can take care of your body.

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STAYING FIT

Staying Fit in Our Golden Years Bradford Bailey, Corso Atlanta's senior fitness expert, shares his tips for building and maintaining physical wellness well into our adulthood. Bradford's built a career in helping seniors better understand their health and how they can take care of their bodies. We interviewed him to see how seniors should engage in physical activity.

How did you get started in the fitness industry?

After obtaining an Exercise Physiology degree from Valdosta State University, I decided to move from rural South Georgia to Atlanta for better career opportunities. To “pay the bills”, I initially started out as a personal trainer in Buckhead.

What drew you to senior fitness specifically?

My exercise physiology program at Valdosta State was very clinical in nature.

Consequently, my internship was at a community health center that was affiliated with a senior center. It was there that I created my first fitness program for seniors.

After moving to Atlanta, I noticed that very few assisted & independent living communities had exercise physiologists or degreed fitness professionals conducting classes for seniors. I was and continue to be surprised by the number of senior living facilities that have “non fitness” professionals advising & instructing seniors about exercise. This was the beginning of SeniorFit Atlanta!

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Why should seniors exercise?

No population benefits more from exercise than seniors do. Exercise helps to prevent and treat all of the major killers (hypertension, diabetes, certain cancers etc.). Moreover, active seniors typically live a safer & higher quality life.

Are seniors exercising enough?

Currently, most seniors are not getting enough exercise. To begin with, seniors should start out walking at least 20 minutes a day on most days of the week, preferably every day.

What kinds of exercises do you recommend for seniors and why?

Lots of seniors 70 and up already have great hearts and diets, but we need to emphasize the importance of building and maintaining their muscular strength.

-Bradford Bailey

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As we age, we lose muscle mass and bone density. Doing resistance training helps to combat those two things. Out of all of the components of fitness, resistance training is the most important for seniors and should be conducted at least two times p/week and working all of the major muscle groups (chest, back, shoulders, abs and legs). I always recommend that seniors keep it simple and remember that exercise doesn’t have to be formal to be effective. Every step counts. Just get moving!

Are seniors ever too old to excercise?

The average age of my group fitness classes is about 90 yrs. Most of my personal training clients are 90-100 yrs of age. It’s never to late and the older your age, the more you reap the benefits! I currently have a client that’s 101. She still exercises daily and drinks whiskey regularly!!!!

For a senior who hasn't exercised recently, how do you recommend they get back into it?

The most accessible form of exercise is walking because you don’t need any equipment or a gym membership to walk. I would also suggest joining a senior group fitness class. Not only does this help fulfill fitness needs but also has positive social and mental health ramifications.

A word from Bradford: The senior citizens are the jewels of our society and deserve the utmost respect and treatment. Making professional fitness training accessible to all seniors is my goal and hope! This is one of the main reasons that I partnered with AIB Network and created SeniorFit By Bradford, a fitness show designed exclusively for seniors and is now available via YouTube.

Senior living communities must be more diligent in acquiring fitness professionals with degrees in exercise physiology that are competent and proficient in the arena of senior health and wellness!

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MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Gracious Interdependence WRITTEN BY CLARISSA RICE All of us are trying to become and to remain independent, which is the ability to control or govern ourselves to be self reliant. We often think that dependence, relying on others for support or aid, is a sign of weakness or not admirable. There is another way of relating and that is to become interdependent: the ability to depend on one another or mutual dependence.

Interdependence assumes that each person can stand alone but at times can lean on others when needed or desired. As seniors, we are aware that we are losing some of our independence, that we are having to rely or lean on others more often for help.

Clarissa's Corner Clarissa Rice has a Master's degree and EDS in school counseling. Prior to retiring, she was the Counselor at Snellville Middle School for 27 years.

Clarissa also taught English, Speech, and Drama.

Many times we feel angry or ashamed to be burdens on others, especially family. If we are fiercely independent, it is even worse. We have a very hard time accepting help graciously. We fight against this acceptance because it makes us feel too vulnerable or too weak. We are afraid of losing control. We are used to being the strong ones or very proud and don't want to be burdens on others. No matter your age, let us all work on the ability to be interdependent or mutually dependent.

There is strength in the ability to accept help or advice when needed and also to be able to stand alone as necessary. It is a given that most of us who are lucky enough to reach our 80s and 90s will eventually need to accept more help. We don't emphasize often enough how learning to trust others and seek assistance when needed are valuable life skills.

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It is also a sign of good mental health to realistically accept our place in life and make the necessary adaptations. Moving to a senior center is one step in the continuous adjustment we make in life along the way. Congratulations to us for seeking out a lifestyle where we can both remain as independent as possible and receive the assistance we eventually may need. Our goal must be to remain as independent as we can for as long as we can in as many areas as we can before becoming burdens to our families. Then, our hope should be that we can lean on others graciously and gratefully receiving the assistance we may need and most certainly deserve.

-Clarissa Rice

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Generational Interdependence EDITOR'S RESPONSE Interdependence goes beyond symbiotic assistance during seasons of physical decline. As a millennial, I've witnessed how my interdependent relationship with my grandparents has guided me through life's challenges. They have truly become a vital role in setting the foundation and the trajectory of my life's pursuits.

In a tactical sense, my grandfather taught me how to drive a car and my grandma taught me how to make the delicious dishes of our Polish heritage.

In a mental and spiritual sense, they remind me daily on countless ways to be compassionate, strong, comforting, and loving in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.

As they grow older, it is my mission to assist them in any way I can. I hope to give back to them in the many ways they've given to me.

It is important for generations, young and old, to recognize the value of our relationships. In so many ways, we have meaning and purpose in each other's lives.

-Kelsie Anderson

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THE BEST OF THE BEST

Advice for Fathers Ed’s fatherly advice is to treat your job as a father like your marriage oath, take whatever comes for better or for worse.

Take time to talk to your children and get to know them. Know what they’re doing, give them some good advice, and above all else, love them.

EDWARD W.

Chuck’s father day advice is to hang in there and be in a father when you’re in the right position to be one, personally and financially. If people do this, Chuck believes they can stack the deck in their favor.

CHUCK M.

Wayne urges new fathers to be themselves.

Parenting brings new challenges and changes to your life, and being true to yourself is the best way to navigate parenthood.

WAYNE D.

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GALERIE LIVING

RESOURCES

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Keeping in Touch Want to learn more about Galerie Living communities?

Give us a call, head to our website, or follow us on social media and stay in the loop!

Corso Atlanta (404) 891-9190 information@corsoatlanta.com

Village Park Alpharetta (678) 740-3499 info@vpsl.com

Village Park Milton (470) 509-4557 informationmilton@vpsl.com

Village Park Peachtree Corners (770) 416-0502 informationspalding@vpsl.com

Join our communities on Facebook & Instagram!

VILLAGE PARK SENIOR LIVING @villageparkseniorliving

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CORSO ATLANTA @corsoatlanta

Contribute to The Villager Do you want to feature a person or project in your community?

If you have any stories you would like to share, make sure to send them to mmj@galerieliving.com.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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