NEWSLETTER | MARCH 2020

Your Administrative Team

3126 Cedartown HwyRome, GA. 30161(706) 295-0014

Renita CarnesExecutive Director

Catie MasonResident Services

Director

Ben BakerMarketing Director

Britni FreemanResident Services

Tim BlankenshipMaintenance

Director

David DukeHarbor

Life Enrichment Coordinator

Mary WilbanksLife Enrichment

Coordinator

Renaissance Marquis

Leslie ReyesPersonal Care

Supervisor

Kelly BarkerBusiness Office

Manager

Hello Everyone,

I hope this letter finds each of you well and happy. It seems February gifted us a little (four letter word!) RAIN. I was tempted to start looking through the sale ads for a little rowboat,

a bit worried about transport, but don’t worry, we’re not looking to trade in the bus or van quite yet. But I do look forward to what March has in store.

First, I am certainly looking forward to March 8th when Daylight savings time begins! It always makes me feel I have more hours in my day, with plenty of time to work and play. Also, mid-month, spring will hopefully be peeking in on us – warmer weather is hopefully just around the corner.

One very fun day of celebration is St. Patty’s Day on March 17th, so while you might be enjoying some corned-beef, potatoes, rye bread or maybe some stew pie, don’t forget to wear your green! As you know, St. Patrick’s is an Irish Holiday. This

wearing green tradition is said to have begun back in the 1700’s. It was thought that wearing green made one invisible to those pesky, mischievous fairy creatures, the leprechauns. We love follow-ing tradition here at Renaissance but this year let’s celebrate St. Patty’s Day with a twist, while the regular tradition of someone not wearing green receive a little pinch from a leprechaun, Mary and I have come up with a fun way to substitute pinching to those who do not wear green. Don’t worry, we have encouraged all leprechaun’s, NO Pinching! Our main reason for doing this is…… IT REALLY HURTS! So, what we will have is a wall of Leprechauns, anyone called out for not wearing green will have their very own leprechauns photo added to the board for all to see. Mary lovingly referred to it as the board of shame, regardless, it will be a fun day and who knows, maybe even a little pot of gold could be found at the end of a rainbow! So, let’s think GREEN, put those happy caps on, and get ready for some fun.

Love,Renita

Message from your Executive Director

Tina HoversHousekeeping

Director

Mike EllisChaplain

Dr. Jay SchecterMedical Director

Jamie HibbertsDirector of

Dietary Services

NEWSLETTER | MARCH 2020Renaissance Marquis

Newsletter Delivery Format ChangesExtra Mile WinnerTeam Member

Birthdays

March 4Tammy Campbell

March 6Mike Baker

Keaton Trevino

March 18Briana Regla

March 23Skylan Cole

March 24Melissa Weeks

“Did You Know” Answer:

Connie Leithauser

Our March 2020 Ex-tra Mile Winner is Lori Lewis. Lori was born in Selma, Alabama and grew up in Rockmart, Georgia. She gradu-ated from Rockmart High School and later went to Coosa Valley

Technical School. She worked in Medical Transcription for 20 years before coming to Renaissance Marquis.

She is single and has two children – a daugh-ter, Lindsey, 31 years old, and a son, Connor, 29 years old. Lori’s favorite hobby is to ride her motorcycle. She also enjoys being out in nature, whether it be kayaking or just sitting by the peacefulness of the lake. She also, of course, enjoys spending time with her kids – both the actual ones and the furry ones!

Lori’s favorite vacations have been going to the beach on the Gulf because she finds the ocean mesmerizing. She also enjoyed riding her motorcycle to Mount Mitchell in North Carolina, the highest point east of the Mis-sissippi.

Lori has been with Renaissance since May of last year. Lori states, “At first I was con-cerned working with an aging community, afraid it would make me miss my mom and grandmother. Instead, the residents have given me so much joy and have brought back sweet memories of them. When I came to work here, I thought it would be me encour-aging the residents but instead it has been the other way around. I have grown close to

many of them and love to see their smiling faces.”

Lori loves to listen to Contemporary Chris-tian music. She says, “I like to encourage oth-ers by sharing a song hoping it will lift their spirits as it did mine. Two of my favorites are ‘Even If’ by Mercy Me and ‘Haven’t Seen It Yet’ by Danny Gokey. I believe whatever God blesses us with should be shared with others so he can bless them as well. I try to live my life like Jesus with skin on.”

Lori was nominated by a family member who says, “I called early one morning to ask someone in the kitchen to take breakfast to mom who was having a difficult day. I lat-er found out that there was a mix up, and the kitchen had not gotten my message. Mom had not gotten her breakfast. By this time Lori was at work, and after talking with her, Lori made sure that my mom received breakfast. Not only that but Lori also no-ticed that my Mom did not come down for lunch, she called to check on her, and de-cided that lunch and dinner to be delivered to her. Lori then called to inform me that all was taken care of. I thought it very sweet of her to show concern for my mother and to take action. She has always been helpful to me but this particular day she went above and beyond.”

Congratulations, Lori! Thank you for going the extra mile and taking such good care of our residents! We’re so proud of you and are so happy that you’re a part of our Renais-sance team!

Lori LewisStarting in April, we will send the newsletter by e-mail and will no longer send by US Mail. This is an eco-friendly way to send the newsletter, and families will receive the newsletter more quickly. Residents will continue to receive the newsletter delivered to the apartment and printed copies will be available at the front desk.

Please contact the business office to update e-mail address if needed.

Fun Times With the Dixie Stompers

NEWSLETTER | MARCH 2020Renaissance Marquis

Chaplain’s CornerValentine’s Day Celebration

Laugh your way to a better day!

There are several holidays on our calendars that we are all familiar with. We enjoyed Valentine’s day in February. Saint Patrick’s Day will be here on the

17th. I was amazed to discover there are lots of special events that are observed each month of the year. Here are a few of the over 70 special observances I found for the month of March: “Clap 4 Health Month,” “Employee Spirit Month,” “Mad for Plaid Month,” “National Kidney Month,” “National Kite Month,” “National Noodle Month,” “National On-Hold Month,” and “National Umbrella Month.”

I guess someone, somewhere is celebrating something! Here is a celebration that you can participate in this month: “International Mirth Month.” This is an observance that will prove to be good for you. There are numerous benefits of laughter, joy, mirth, and merry making! An article on HelpGuide.org reminds us that “Laughter is the Best Medicine.” Consider these great benefits:

Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins

promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Laughter burns calories. One study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.

Laughter lightens anger’s heavy load. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment.

Laughter may even help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.

All of this reminds me of the powerful, practical, simplicity of Scripture. The Bible tells us that “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22). So, watch a funny movie, share a humorous story with a friend, tell a good joke; just take some time to give and receive laughter each day. We will all be better for it!

Laughing my way to a better day,

Chaplain Mike

NEWSLETTER | MARCH 2020Renaissance Marquis

Valentine’s Day Celebration March Birthdays

RESIDENTS

March 5JIm McCubbin

March 6Thelma Williams

March 21Joyce CarruthJim Sturwold

March 24Sherry Townsell

March 25Dorothy Creel

March 31Paula McMurray

Jim McCubbin

Joyce CarruthThelma Williams

Sherry TownsellJim Sturwold

Paula McMurrayDorothy Creel

NEWSLETTER | MARCH 2020Renaissance Marquis

Did You Know?

Did you know we have a resident who was a member of the last class to graduate from the original Rome High School in 1957? She was born at Harbin Hospital in Floyd County and attended Elm Street School before Rome High. After high school she attended Auburn University, where she met her future husband. After they married, she finished her degree at Shorter College. She majored in Art and had two minors – Education and English. She was an only child, and she has always been very family oriented. She and her husband were married for 26 years. They had four children: one daughter and three sons, as well as six grandchildren: four granddaughters and two grandsons, ranging in age from 12 to 31 years.

She taught Art and English at East Rome Junior High School for nine years, and later she taught Art at Cass Middle School for 9 years. She is an accomplished artist and art teacher, and she has always been very creative and artistic. When she was around 12 years old, she collected matchbook covers and used them to cover a coffee table. It was very pretty, and it was a great conversation piece! Years later she made a full bed spread out of men’s ties.

Along with many other arts and crafts, she has always loved to sew, do needlepoint, and large and small weaving. Besides art, her favorite hobby is reading. She also loves movies and watching TV. Her favorite book is “Gone with the Wind,” and she the movie is her fa-vorite as well. She loves classical and jazz music, and Bob Dylan and The Beach Boys are also a couple of her favorites! She loves Italian food, and she enjoys eating out. She has traveled a great deal in Europe, going three trips each to England and Scotland. She has also traveled to Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Holland, Russia, France, and Italy.

She always enjoyed gardening and having house plants. She has always loved animals and had lots of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and possums! This resident loves antiques, and has a large collection of antique crystal and china shoes.

She has been a member of First Presbyterian Church for over 20 years. She worked with the church’s Tape Ministry for seven years and with their Soup Kitchen for eight years.

She is still very independent and active and has many friends outside of our community. She also has many friends at Renaissance, and she enjoys many of our activities. Some of her favorites are our music programs and arts and crafts. She has lived at Renaissance for eight years.

Do you know who she is? *Answer hidden in newsletter.

Resident of the Month

Allene Virginia Marchant Ragan was born in 1930 in Tift County, Georgia, the el-dest of three in a hard-working farming family. She graduated

from Tift County High school in Tifton in 1947, then attended Grady Hospital School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1952. After serving as head nurse of obstetrics at Grady, she worked as a nurse at Davidson’s department store in Atlanta before moving into the medical insurance industry, where she worked in management for the next 30 years. She retired in 1997.

Allene met and married Bill Ragan in 1952 and they remained together for 56 years. They raised their four children (Teresa, Su-

san, Richard, and Randy) in Atlanta, then they moved to Savannah in 1988, then to Macon in 2006. After Bill passed away in 2008, Allene moved to Rome.

She enjoys spending time with her family, which now includes seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Long appre-ciated by friends and family for her excel-lent cooking and green thumb, she doesn’t garden anymore but still loves to occasion-ally make her famous Brunswick stew and other favorite dishes. An avid fisherman, she was pictured not long ago in the Rome News-Tribune and Georgia Outdoor News with the 20-pound striped bass she caught. As a serious sports fan, she enjoys watch-ing her favorite teams and NASCAR. She has lived at Renaissance Marquis for nearly two years, where she enjoys lunch with her friends, Bingo and other activities.

Allene Ragan

Welcome New Residents

Prima Cochran Lynn Head

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1

2 3 4 5 6 7

8

Daylight Saving Time Begins

9

Purim Begins

10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17

St. Patrick’s Day

18 19

Spring Begins

20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 11:00 Checkers 1:30 Walk the Track 3:00 Church 6:00 Bridge Group 6:00 Puzzle Time

Banana Cream Pie Day 9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Hit the Gym (G) 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00 Bingo (AR) 3:00 Prom Committee Meeting (AR) 6:00 Scrabble

9:00 Coffee Talk (L)/ 10:30 Sittercise (AR) 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 10:30 Skip Bo 10:30 Cycle Across GA (G) 11;00 Easy Exercise (AR) 2:00-4:00 Coffee Shop is open (C 2:30 Wii Game Competition’s (AR)

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Hit the Gym (G) 10:30 Lunch outing 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00 Bingo (AR) 3:00 Board Games (AR) 4:00 Wed/ the Word w/ Mike Ellis (CH) 6:00 Card Games

Wear Purple Day Team Spirit Day 9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Sittercise & Devotional (AR) 10:00 MM Practice 10:30 Hit the Gym (G) 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Resident Meeting (DR) 3:00 Georgia Mountain Music (AR) 2:00-4:00 Coffee Shop is open (CS) 6:00 Board Games

National Employee Appreciation Day Wear Red Day 9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 9:30 Shop @ Walmart 11:00 Play Pool (2nd fl BB) 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Hit the Gym 2:00 Bingo (AR) 3:00 MM Choir Performance (AR) 2:00-4:00 Ice Cream Shop open 6:00 Game Night

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Uno 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00 Bingo (AR) 4:00 Card Games 6:00 Poker Night

Daylight Saving Time 9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 11:00 Checkers 1:30 Walk the Track 3:00 Church w/ Bishop Stanley (CH) 6:00 Bridge Group 6:00 Puzzle Time

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Hit the Gym (G) 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 2:00 Bingo (AR) 3:00 Prom Committee Meeting 3:30 Wii Game Competition’s (AR) 6:00 Scrabble

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Sittercise 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00-4:00 Coffee Shop is open (CS) Cooks Corner: Chocolate Chip Cookies (for national chocolate chip cookie week) 6:00 Rook

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Hit the Gym (G) 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00 Bingo (AR) 3:00 Board Games (AR) 4:00 Wed/ the Word w/ Mike Ellis (CH) 6:00 Card Games

National Plant a Flower Day Wear Purple Day Team Spirit Day 9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Sittercise (AR) 10:00 Plant Flower’s (Courtyard) 10:30 Hit the Gym (G) 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 2:00-4:00 Coffee Shop is open (CS) 6:00 Board Games

Wear Red Day 9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 9:30 Shop @ Walmart 11:00 Play Pool (2nd fl BB) 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Hit the Gym 2:00 Bingo (AR) 2:00-4:00 Ice Cream Shop open 6:00 Game Night

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Uno 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00 Bingo (AR) 4:00 Card Games 6:00 Poker Night

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 11:00 Checkers 1:00 Load bus for play Godspell RAD 1:30 Walk the Track 3:00 Church w/ Martin Foster (CH) 6:00 Bridge Group/ 6:00 Puzzle Time

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Hit the Gym (G) 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00 Bingo (AR) 3:30 Casino Games 6:00 Scrabble

St. Patrick’s Day 9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 9:00 Sittercise and Devotional (AR) 10:30 Skip Bo 10:30 Cycle Across GA (G) 11;00 Easy Exercise (AR) 11:30 – 12:30 St. Patrick’s Party (DR) 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00-4:00 Coffee Shop is open (CS) 2:00 Movie on the Big Screen 6:00 Rook

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Hit the Gym (G) 10:30 Lunch outing 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00 Bingo (AR) 3:00 Board Games (AR) 4:00 Wed/ the Word w/ Mike Ellis (CH) 6:00 Card Games

National Let’s laugh Day Wear Purple Day Team Spirit Day 9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:00 MM practice 10:30Sittercise (AR) 10:30 Hit the Gym (G) 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 2:00-4:00 Coffee Shop is open (CS) 2:00 Comedy shows (AR) 6:00 Board Games

First day of Spring Wear Red Day 9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 9:30 Shop @ Walmart 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Hit the Gym 2:00 Bingo (AR) 2:00-4:00 Ice Cream Shop open 6:00 Game Night

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Uno 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00 Bingo (AR) 4:00 Card Games 6:00 Poker Night

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 11:00 Checkers 1:30 Walk the Track 3:00 Church w/ Bishop Stanley (CH) 6:00 Bridge Group 6:00 Puzzle Time

National Puppy Day 9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Hit the Gym (G) 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Prom Committee Meeting (AR) 2:00 Bingo (AR) 3:00 Wii Bowling Championship 6:00 Scrabble

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 9:00 Sittercise & Devotional (AR) 10:30 Skip Bo 10:30 Cycle Across GA (G) 11;00 Easy Exercise (AR 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00 Arts and Crafts Prom Décor (AR) 2:00-4:00 Coffee Shop is open (CS) 6:00 Rook

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Hit the Gym (G) 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00 Bingo (AR) 3:00 Board Games (AR) 4:00 Wed/ the Word w/ Mike Ellis (CH) 6:00 Card Games

Wear Purple Day Team Spirit Day 9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Sittercise & Devotional (AR) 10:30 Hit the Gym (G) 10:30 Leon Smith (AR) 11:20 Easy Exercise (AR) 2:00-4:00 Coffee Shop is open (CS) 3:00 Butterbean Auction (AR) 6:00 Board Games

Wear Red Day 9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 9:30 Shop @ Walmart 11:00 Play Pool (2nd fl BB) 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) Lunch Resident Birthday Party (DR) 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00 Bingo (AR) 2:00-4:00 Ice Cream Shop open 3:30 Van Horn Bro. (AR)

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Uno 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00 Bingo (AR) 4:00 Card Games 6:00 Poker Night

9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 11:00 Checkers 1:30 Walk the Track 3:00 Church 6:00 Bridge Group 6:00 Puzzle Time National Vietnam War Veterans Day

9:00 Manicures & Pedicures w/ Eve Stanfield by appt. (Gym) 9:00 Coffee Talk (L) 10:30 Hit the Gym (G) 11:00 Easy Exercise (AR) 1:30 Walk the Track 2:00 Bingo (AR) 3:00 Arts and Crafts Prom Décor 6:00 Scrabble

National Prom Day 9:00 Coffee Talk (L)/ 9:00 Sittercise & Devotional (AR) 10:30 Skip Bo 10:30 Cycle Across GA (G) 11;00 Easy Exercise (A 2:00-4:00 Coffee Shop is open (CS) 6:00-8:00pm Renaissance Senior Prom (DR) Ω

Calendar Abbreviations Music Dancing Ω Activity Room (AR) – (2nd Floor Front Bldg.) Chapel (CH) – (2nd Floor Front Bldg.) Lobby (L) – (Front Bldg.) Dining Room (DR) Coffee Shop (CS) – (1st Floor Back Bldg.) Gym (Gym) – (Exercise Room - 2nd Floor Front Bldg.)