Taste of the Good Life

Posted on November 28, 2011
By Park Springs

Our Food and Beverage Department put on the first ever “Taste of Park Springs” early in October. The event was a showcase for our foodservice vendors. Some of the delicious creations were returning favorites and some were new original ideas. There were some true works of culinary art by Park Spring’s very own Food and Beverage Department. It was a treat for everyone in attendance. On hand we had Buckhead Beef, Inland Seafood, Performance Food Group, Empire Distributers, Kraft Foods and Phoenix Produce. Special tables were devoted to our Dining Venues (Springhouse Grill, Main Dining Room, Le Cordon Bleu Externs). Our Registered Dietician also had a table and answered any questions the members had about diets or the any of the foods presented. The event was truly a tasty experience!

A Busy Month for Food Service

Posted on April 5, 2011
By Nils Stein

The Park Springs Food Service Department was very busy in the month of March as 24,418 meals were served. This is an average of 788 each day. We had 1,131 guests enjoy one of our many dining venues and they were also seen enjoying meals with their family members in Cobblestone. March proved to be a month where many Members and their guests were seen taking full advantage of the variety of dining options available. Catering was also a big part of the month as Park Springs hosted a New Member Brunch where the many new Members to our premiere Atlanta retirement community had the opportunity to visit with the Department Directors and find out different information for each area of the Community.

We Love Making Soap!

Posted on March 24, 2011
By Lisa Kiely

A Blog written by Latawyna:

I was introduced to soap making when I was a little girl.
My grandmother made all kinds of soap from lard ~ so when
I became an adult I started to make my own soap from
Organic oils such as Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Olive Oil, and Shea Butter.

I also use Essential oils to blend in the mixture to make that perfect bar of soap. I love to create my own beauty Homemade soap bar and it makes me feel good.

(Latawyna is sharing her love of soap making with the members of Cobblestone! Cobblestone is a huge part of our Atlanta continuing care retirement community)

Park Springs to Partner with Emory Lifelong learning!

Posted on March 21, 2011
By Lisa Kiely

On Wednesday, March 16th, 2011 King Mengert, Program Manager for Emory’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) spoke with our Atlanta active adult community Members about an opportunity to have an on-site partnership with Emory.

Our Members were extremely interested and welcomed the opportunity to complete a survey to determine which classes to begin with as well as what days and times would be best for them.

Here are the results from the survey (27 Members completed the survey).

Most Members would like to have Computer classes (highest ranked) and art/humanities & travel classes, the 9-12 and 12-4 time slots were ranted highest, and our Members showed greatest interest in 1.5 hours per class set in 6 week courses.

We expect to begin classes in the fall!

Below you will find the actual survey results:

Art	8
Music	9
Literature	9
Religion	9
Math/Science	2
Psychology	3
Physics	2
Astronomy	1
Travel	12
Foreign Cultures	12
History	13
Politics/Current Events	11
Languages
French	1
Spanish	2
Computer	14
Class times	0
Morning Classes 9-12	13
Afternoon Classes 12-4	12
Evening Classes 5-8	7
Class Length
1 Hour	8
1.5 Hour	9
2 Hours	8
Other	0
Course Length	0
4 weeks	3
6 weeks	13
8 weeks	8
Other

Other workshops?
weekend classes	3
Creative Writing	3
Poetry	2
Storytelling	1
Humor	1

Caregiver Stress…Take Control Before it Takes Control of You

Posted on March 16, 2011
By Shona Alexander

Caregiver stress is the emotional and physical strain of providing care to a loved one. This type of stress can be very challenging and can take multiple forms. Some people get frustrated with a loved one who has dementia that constantly wanders away, others are exhausted from the mental and physical strain of caregiving, and some feel guilty, despite giving their all, they feel they are never giving enough. Is there a caregiver out there that can tell me what they do to prevent caregiver stress? Here at Park Springs, Atlanta area retirement community, we have caregiver support groups to help spouses during difficult times with loved ones. The caregiver support group is a powerful method of coping and provides the opportunity to improve coping skills. These groups also provide people with common experiences the chance to learn from one another, share with one another, and most importantly provide emotional support. If you are a caregiver looking for a family (like Park Springs) to support you during a difficult time, I challenge you to make the first step and contact Park Springs Atlanta Continuing Care Retirement Community where differences are made.

Healthfully Yours,

Shona Alexander

New Homes are Available at Park Springs

Posted on March 11, 2011
By Kevin Isakson

“New homes” is not a phrase often read the past couple years but as the economic environment improves, Park Springs is offering 15 new residences. Ranging in size from 954 square feet to 1904 square feet with entry fees as low as $197,000, these homes offer one- and two-bedroom plans, each graced with our signature traditional architecture and interiors, fully equipped kitchens and safety/accessibility features.

Most important these homes are part of a Atlanta retirement community offering services, amenities and on site care. Lock-and-leave as you wish – we’ll take care of the maintenance, repairs and housekeeping, with 24-hour security in place. From arranging transportation to the airport to delivering dinner upon request, we make every part of your independent living lifestyle here more convenient – including moving in. If health services are ever needed, Park Springs offers on site assisted living in Atlanta, Medicare certified skilled nursing and memory care.

Park Springs invites you to attend our Spring Open House March 20th from 2:00 – 4:00pm. Five model homes will be available to tour as will the clubhouse, fitness center and Cobblestone our on site health center. Members and staff will be on hand to answer any questions. Come when you wish and stay as long as you like. I hope to see you next Sunday.

1st Friday Party, 9200 Building

Posted on March 10, 2011
By megps

The 1st Friday Party in 9200 for March was hosted by the Marketing and Sales group who have recently moved their office into 9200, so are now a part of “our family”. The party was in the new office so all the residents could see how the unit had been transformed into office space. Almost every resident attended (as is normal for our parties) with the exception of two couples who were out of town.Also we had a prospective member attending. Marketing provided wonderful Mexican dishes, and residents, as we always do, brought various dishes and beverages. These parties are a great time to visit and have fun as a group. After the party here, we, and another couple, took our guest to dinner in the dining room. Excellent meal!! After dinner we went to a Mardi Gras Party for all Park Springs members in the Community hall. It was decorated for the party and had King Cakes, beads, hats, drinks, etc. Also music for dancing. Quite a full Friday afternoon and evening.

Chaplain Intern at Cobblestone

Posted on February 14, 2011
By Kara Johnson

Did you know that our Atlanta continuing care retirement community has a chaplain intern right now? We do! Susan Ferdon is a divinity student at McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University.

Susan makes rounds at Cobblestone on Wednesdays, facilitates the Park Springs Bereavement Group and has also been gracious enough to assist with our annual Service of Remembrance and with various other speaking engagements around Park Springs.

We have certainly enjoyed having Susan here and benefiting from her special gifts. Look for her on Wednesday afternoons at Cobblestone!

Celebrating Years of Service

Posted on February 3, 2011
By Shona Alexander

Shona Alexander, Director of Clinical & Home Care Services

Since 2005 Park Springs began hosting award luncheons to celebrate employees for their years of service and dedication to the community. Last week we honored employees for five years of service at Park Springs and what a great time we had! The food, hosted by our very own food and beverage department, was phenomenal as usual and the thoughtful remarks given by each director to their staff was truly heartfelt. Park Springs management team recognizes the value in maintaining a high quality workplace for our employees and this awards ceremony was a wonderful way to show our appreciation for their outstanding dedication and service. The employee luncheon was a great success and we look forward to others in the years to come!

Snow Storm 2011

Posted on January 12, 2011
By Ginger Hansborough

“Baby, it’s cold outside!” Everyone has felt the chill during this Snow Storm 2011 and Park Springs, a premiere Atlanta Retirement Community, members are keeping their cool and staying warm. Throughout the community, members are taking the weather in stride by enjoying their neighbor’s company, the outstanding service provided by department directors and staff members, and tasty meals available for pick up and home delivery. With many thanks to our security staff, even the AJC made it to everyone’s front door as usual.

The members enjoyed a break to the ongoing TV weather broadcasting by listening to a history lecture, watching the movie marathon in the theater or in the comfort of their homes, and planning impromptu pot luck dinner parties with their neighbors.

A tip of the snow shovel to all the department directors who had a campus camp out providing much-needed services and security to all the members. Mike Heselbarth, Executive Director, an Indiana native, said he was very grateful for the willingness and enthusiasm of all staff members who put their families on hold, safely got to work, and spent several nights on campus to ensure the well-being of our entire member’s.

The Park Springs members are the very best! Many volunteered to deliver meals to those who were ill, offering a nourishing meal and conversation. The entire staff is grateful for the members words of support and appreciation. “I am so glad I live here” has been heard many times throughout the week and the staff is glad that the members are here too.

Within our Atlanta continuing care retirement community, Cobblestone health care members didn’t miss a beat. The staff all took turns wearing many different hats offering care, entertainment, and full service meals in the dining room. Everyone had a great time together. Independent living members helped out by playing card games and bingo. The staff rotated shifts to give everyone a chance for some “shut eye.” Twenty staff members made up quite a slumber party.

Right now, I can smell BBQ chicken and roasted potatoes wafting through the kitchen. Time for lunch! I’ll check in later after I wash the sauce off my hands. I want to be ready for tomorrow’s lunch. Choices, choices, choices….……roasted pork loin, snapper with lentils or beef brisket with veggies galore!