Category Archives: Newsletter

Love Thy Neighbor

Kevin Isakson
Posted on
By
Reply
“How do you thank one anonymous Member for their personal financial contribution which allowed the Park Springs Foundation to purchase a new bus for use by the Park Springs community?  Perhaps by intentionally increasing our love, admiration and respect for each of the Members of our Park Springs family,” Said Norman Harbaugh.  ” This would provide personal comfort and a sense of fulfillment to the donor knowing that their contribution was responsible for spiking such a universal feeling of appreciation among family Members already bound by a common bond.”
 

Today Park Springs Foundation Chairman Norman Harbaugh presented Park Springs Executive Director Michael Heselbarth with the keys to a brand new 17 passenger bus to be used for meeting personal transportation needs of our Park Springs family.  The Park Springs Foundation was able to purchase the new bus thanks to a special donation made by one anonymous Member.  The bus was built to the specifications of representatives of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Park Springs Administration and drivers.  It features, for example, an up-graded suspension system for an ultra smooth ride, comfortable high back seats, a flat floor with no wheel wells so everybody gets a good seat, increased leg room, a back up camera, triple inner insulation to reduce interior noise, a wheel chair lift with accommodations for two-wheel chairs on board, a special audio-visual package including a television and DVD player , as well as other features added to ensure the comfort and safety of older passengers.

This 17 passenger bus will add substantially to Park Springs’ ability to provide Members with transportation to metro area amenities, cultural and social events as well as away trips.  The new bus will certainly be the preferred choice among Members but Park Springs also has a 16 and 24 passenger bus as well as multiple Lexus sedans available to support Member transportation needs.  We are truly grateful for this newest addition toward our continued efforts in making Park Springs an enjoyable living experience for all of our Members.

Park Springs Members welcome their new bus.

Fitness Guru

Posted on
By
Reply

Fitness Guru  

By: Lenoria Mackey

Mr. George S. has always had a passion for physical fitness.  George has worked out for a long time. He swam laps daily, and utilized free weights into his workouts.  About nine years ago, George underwent a four-way heart by-pass surgery. This major complication didn’t stop him from achieving his fitness goals.  It was during rehab at DeKalb Wellness Center, where he started a structured fitness regimen, which consisted of utilizing treadmills, bikes and the Aerodine. George used to weigh 221 lbs. Today, he weighs a fit 165 lbs. He contributes this to not only a diet that consists of low sugar, low fat, low cholesterol and no salt; but to a chosen lifestyle of healthy eating.  George fondly remembers the days when he would dread changing from his work clothes into swim trunks, to get some exercise after a hard day at work. George said, “Once I was changed and ready, all of the mental anguish washed away.  I was physically tired, but it was a good tired feeling.  It rejuvenated me!” He recommends all members of Park Springs to visit the staff at the Fitness Center, so that they can point you in the right direction, to keep your body in tune, horned in, so that you don’t become flabby; don’t worry about proving anything to anyone.  We’re still alive, and physical fitness will keep you alive!”

Artist of the Month

Posted on
By
Reply

Artist of the Month 

By: Kitty Lotz

Painting is something I always wanted to do but just never got around to it.  A high-school teacher, Mrs. Mary M., in my hometown of Durham, NC, planted the seed for me many, many years ago. Somehow working, raising a family, and many other life events, kept painting in the “do it later” file.

“Do it later” finally came when I got to Park Springs. I heard about a group that was organized for anyone interested in art. They welcomed me into the group even though I had never painted. The group later became known as the Art Workshop.  Art Workshop has become my favorite activity. I treasure the friendships I’ve made and I’m so appreciative of the encouragement and help I’ve received from the group, my family and friends.

Rehab Corner

Posted on
By
Reply

Rehab Corner  

By: Coleen Jeter

Decreased visual acuity does not have to lead to the loss of independence. Often simple changes in the home combined with the use of low vision aids and proper organization can allow the person with visual impairment to live as they had been used to living. If your vision prevents you from performing a certain task, do not assume that it cannot be done.

The goal of low-vision rehabilitation is to help the client remain independent while performing their desired daily living tasks and hobbies.  Some strategies include:

  • Effective illumination
  • Use of visual aids and/or adaptive equipment
  • Modification of the approach to the task
  • Simple modifications to the home
  • Maximizing functional mobility through effective strategies in your home and in the
    community.

Occupational and Physical Therapists are trained to address the needs of individuals living with low vision. They can help to identify specific ways to maximize your independence when performing everyday tasks.  They can also help individuals to compensate for their visual loss by recommending and assisting an individual to practice with a variety of equipment used to compensate for vision loss.  If you or someone you know may benefit from these types of services, please contact the Therapy Department at extension 3870.

Honoring our Residents

Posted on
By
Reply

Honoring our Residents

By: Delysia McNair

Howard D. has lived in Atlanta most of his life, and was studying electrical engineering at Georgia Tech when the war interrupted his career plans. Joining the army in April 1942, he was selected for the radar program. He went to OCS, finished his degree at Georgia Tech, and then went through MITRadarSchool. In the army he specialized in the 90 millimeter anti-aircraft canon, and was sent to the islands of Leyte and Luzon in the Philippines. When the war ended, he went with the 25th infantry for six months in the occupation of Japan.

Meanwhile Rita lived in Manila with her three sisters and a brother. She went to parochial school through 7th grade, and then was in high school when the war broke out. Schools were closed during the Japanese occupation of four years, but Rita managed to learn secretarial skills at a business school. She worked as a receptionist for the Japanese, learning enough of the language to answer the phone; in addition, Rita spoke Spanish, Tagalog, and English. “It was very difficult during the last year of the occupation,” Rita remembered. “There were no supplies, so the Japanese went from house to house taking all the food that was left. There was a prisoner of war camp, where General Wainwright was, at the University of the Philippines, near the river. The Japanese blew up all the bridges so there was no escape. Later, all the civilians trapped with Japanese on the other side of the river were killed – the whole city was burning.” Liberation came in 1945, but there was still hardly any water. “My mother and I would line up every day for a pail of water that was our daily ration.” Rita said.

Howard was sent back to Manila in 1946, and they met. They married in 1947 and three days later Howard had to leave for Atlanta.

Three months later, Rita left as a war bride and travelled by ship for 21 days to land inCalifornia February 1948. “Then I had six days on a train, and arrived inAtlanta in the worst ice storm!” Rita remembered. The couple lived inAtlanta, and had two children, later giving them six grandchildren.

Howard was a field engineer with the civil aeronautics administration, and did research at Georgia Tech on radar projects. He later worked with Scientific Atlanta as a chief executive officer. They always enjoyed travelling all over Europe andAsia.

Rita and Howard moved to Park Springs in August 2004. Their favorite thing here is the people. Rita has been involved with the leisure committee and the employee appreciation functions, and helps at the store. Howard enjoys reading and keeping up with all sports on TV.