Our Interview With Resident Marjorie Davis
Where did you grow up?
Washington, KS
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?
My dad was a water engineer. I loved going to the plant and was fascinated with the workings of the plant. It always smelled so clean and fresh.
My mother was a housewife, but volunteered with many groups. She worked diligently for women’s right to vote. She would do her housework in the morning and in the afternoon we’d call on women.
Our house was full of books. I always wondered where my mother bought the books because there wasn’t a book store in town.
What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?
One day I was sitting by a window at our church dedication thinking how wonderful it was to be there. I had such a calm, peaceful feeling.
After graduating from high school, I attended college for a year. I lived on the second floor of a beautiful hotel with a grand staircase. Because the family of a friend owned the hotel, I was supervised closely. Whenever we had a date, my friend and I jumped out of the window so her parents wouldn’t know about our dating.
Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?
I married after one year of college and raised my children. When I was 40, I finished my degree. I taught high school and college English.
Do you remember what was happening in your life during a significant event in US history such as WWII, Vietnam, Woodstock or any other historical events?
I was holding my daughter when I heard about the bombing at Pearl Harbor. When the war was over, the bells all over town rang out. That same daughter asked me why I was crying.
Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud?
I was chosen to be on the committee to revamp the curriculum for teaching English in schools. This curriculum was for the country, not just the state of Nebraska.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?
Don’t wait until you’re 40 to go to college, but don’t ever think that you can’t go.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?
Your family brings much more joy than heartache.
What brought you to Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community here in Alpharetta, GA? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?
I had fallen and got a bad infection. I was so sick and couldn’t go back to my home so my family brought me here.
How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest as your new home?
I love it! I wish I could get better food, but I love Dogwood.
What is your favorite part of living here in assisted living at Dogwood’s Alpharetta, GA Community?
I love my apartment. I’m completely content here.
Who is your best friend at Dogwood?
I don’t have a best friend, but I have many friends here.
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Our Interview with Resident Patrick J. Lennon (Pat)
Where did you grow up?
The Bronx in New York City.
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?
Playing sports – I ran track and played basketball in school. The kids in the neighborhood played stickball in the streets. We wrapped tape around a broom handle and used it as a bat. The police would come and take away our “bats” and then once a year we could go to the station and pick them up. We played baseball in a field near Yankee Stadium. We could hear the cheers from the stadium as we played.
I loved the New York Yankees. I never saw Babe Ruth play, but my brother and I went to his wake in Yankee Stadium. Mickey Mantle was my favorite player and I saw him play.
My first car was a 1937 Ford. I painted it myself with regular blue paint. It looked terrible, but I didn’t care.
What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?
My career in the FBI. I worked on the assassination of Martin Luther King and a little on the Atlanta Olympic bomber. The FBI had a policy that if we arrested someone in their home with children present, we wouldn’t handcuff the person until we were outside. We didn’t want that image for the children.
I loved watching my sons wrestle in high school and college. I enjoyed wrestling so much that I started referring, but never for a match where my sons competed.
Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?
An Agent for the FBI. I arrested fugitives, kidnappers, bank robbers, etc.
Do you remember what was happening in your life during a significant event in US history such as WWII, Vietnam, Woodstock or any other historical events?
When President Kennedy was assassinated, I was there working on the street. After he was shot, we immediately started working to find the assassin.
Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud?
My 25 years in the FBI.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?
Give everything a shot. Don’t settle for the first job that comes along.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?
Be honest and truthful at all times. If you say you’re going to do something, then do it.
What brought you to senior living at Dogwood Forest Alpharetta? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?
My daughter brought me here. We liked what we saw here and it’s close to her house.
How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest as your new home?
I have no complaints.
What is your favorite part of senior living at Dogwood Forest Alpharetta?
Getting to meet different people.
Who is your best friend at Dogwood?
I don’t really have a best friend here. I’m close to the people at my table in the dining room.
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Our Interview with Resident Mary Knapp
Mary Knapp was born and raised in Bridgeport Connecticut. She went to a private Catholic School throughout her childhood. Mary had a wonderful childhood. In speaking with her I have found out that her grandfather owned a winery and that she was a kind of wine taster at times for her grandfather’s business. Mary had a long time career as a traveling spokesperson for the Teamsters Union, which she enjoyed very much. Speaking out in front of crowd was one of her favorite things.
Mary was married to a wonderful man and had two lovely children. Mary’s son owns a bar in Key West, Florida and her daughter works for the government. She believes that whatever you learn in life you should give back to someone who might gain something from your knowledge. Her daughter brought her from Connecticut to to live at Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community in Marietta, GA so that she would be closer to her. She enjoys living at Dogwood Forest of Marietta very much. She says, “Dogwood Forest is very relaxing and they take good care of me.” She enjoys the entertainment here and loves to play bingo with her friends Hank and Alice. Her favorite part of living here at Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community of Marietta, GA is that she does not have to do anything as far as cooking, cleaning etc. and that everything is done for her. Mary Knapp has enjoyed every bit of her life and continues to do so in her home at Dogwood Forest of Marietta.
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Our Interview with Resident Bob Leventhal
Where did you grow up?
Attleboro, Mass.
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?
I grew up on a farm. Although it was hard work, it was fun.
What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?
I loved being in the Army. I was a paratrooper in the Army. Also, I was the youngest child so I received all the hand-me-down clothes. The Army gave me 5 uniforms which were the first new clothes I had.
Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?
I have a Masters Degree in Avian Microbiology. I developed new vaccines for turkeys and chickens.
Do you remember what was happening in your life during a significant event in US history such as WWII, Vietnam, Woodstock or any other historical events?
I was milking cows in the barn and turned on the radio when I heard the announcement of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I joined the Army in 1944 at the age of 19.
Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud of?
I developed a vaccine for cholera in turkeys. No one else had that vaccine.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?
Work harder than you’re paid. If you’re paid $10 an hour, give your employer $10.50 worth.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?
Get fresh air! If you feel a fight coming between you and your spouse, just go out for some fresh air.
What brought you to move to senior living in Alpharetta? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?
My son chose Dogwood of Alpharetta because of the care, activities and friendly staff.
How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest’s senior living community here in Alpharetta as your new home?
I’d rather be home, but since I can’t, I’m glad I’m here.
What is your favorite part of living at Dogwood?
The food and activities.
Who is your best friend at Dogwood?
My son.
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Our Interview with Resident Polly de Young
Where did you grow up?
Macon, Georgia – born and raised
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?
My childhood was almost complete happiness. I received security and love from my parents. My dad made a Jungle Jim, playhouse with furniture, swing set and see-saw so all the children in the neighborhood came to play at our house. One of my first memories was “Aint” Charlotte, our maid, rocking me in her lap.
What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood that you look back on from your home now, in assisted living in Alpharetta?
I lived in Europe for 40 years – 2 in Paris, 4 in West Berlin, and 34 in London. I, also, traveled the world.
Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?
I taught high school math to the children of military personnel serving in Europe. I also did some consulting.
Do you remember what was happening in your life during a significant event in US history such as WWII, Vietnam, Woodstock or any other historical events?
9/11 was my most graphic. I was living in London and teaching on the military base. After the attacks, they closed the military base, so no one could get on or off the base. There were 247 students stranded on the base, so 12 dorm counselors and 6 teachers, of which I was one, lived in the dorm for a week. The adults escorted the students everywhere. Because the base was closed, no one could come or go on base, so we did everything – taught all the classes, cooked all the meals. We tried to keep the students lives on a routine.
Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud of?
The impact that I had on the students I taught. I taught Bo Bice, American Idol winner. “I’m glad he could sing because he could not do math.”
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?
Make the most of every day. Every moment is important so make the most of every moment.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?
All parents should accept their children for who they are.
What brought you to assisted living in Alpharetta, specifically to Dogwood Forest? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?
I was very sick. My family selected Dogwood because they thought it was the best place they visited.
How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest as your new home?
Outstanding! In order to enjoy Dogwood, I accepted it as my home. In accepting my home, everyone became my family. I was involved in every activity in high school and I still am at Dogwood. I want to be an active participant in the life here. It was very special when Dogwood allowed my dog Phoebe to live with me.
What is your favorite part of living at Dogwood?
The people
Who is your best friend at Dogwood?
I have too many to count in both the residents and staff. I do want to acknowledge the Heritage Rehab team. They gave me the strength and confidence to regain my life when I was so very sick. I’ll always appreciate that.
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Start a New Life at Dogwood Forest
Dogwood Forest retirement and assisted living homes have enhanced the lives of hundreds men and women. We understand that seniors need a place to relax and enjoy every day stress-free. Here at Dogwood Forest we have created the perfect living environment. All of our homes and services have been designed to positively affect the health and lives of seniors.
It has been clinical proven that a person’s living environment can significantly improve health and leave him or her feeling refreshed and happy. Dogwood Forest caters to all needs in order to purify a loved one’s environment. Healthy meals, activities, relaxation, exercise and excellent service from the staff all contribute to a vigorous and stimulating post-retirement life.
Dogwood Forest extends its services to all living situations: retirement, assisted living, port-operative, rehabilitation and respite care. All of these different states of well-being receive the same level of service and treatment. These services include three nutritious meals and snacks a day, medicine management, wellness and exercise programs, life enrichment activities, socialization and more.
All of our Dogwood Forest locations provide environments filled with hope, security, happiness, independence and most importantly, quality of life. Be sure to check out all eight of the Dogwood Forest’s unique retirement and assisted living homes. Each Dogwood home promotes an active lifestyle for seniors, whether they choose to reside in an atmosphere of city living or in a more secluded, natural environment.
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Dogwood Forest Welcomes You!
Dogwood Forest retirement and assisted living community is proud to present our new blog! Visit us daily to get new and interesting stories about our residents and our community. We look forward to sharing our lives with you and hearing your thoughts and comments.
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