Our Interview with Resident Paul “Sparky” Sparkman
Where did you grow up?
Little Rock and North Little Rock, Arkansas
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?
I remember going to see the Little Rock Travelers, a minor league baseball team, play. I played in the band at school and I loved performing for community clubs and organizations. I dated my first wife while we were in high school.
What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?
I lived in Alaska and loved everything about the state. I hated leaving there. I enjoyed playing in various bands. I played piano, base guitar, trombone, and drums. We played mostly for private groups such as, Lions Club, Elks, Moose, etc.
Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?
I was a music teacher at the School for the Blind where I served as a Junior Chorus Director and Assistant Orchestra Director. I taught private music lessons too.
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?
During the Vietnam War, I was teaching. I met a member of the Green Beret once. I never found out what happened to him.
Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud?
I was the President of the Florida Council of the Blind. I wrote a grant that established a lab for FSU for the visually handicapped students. The lab had special communications equipment, i.e., computers, reading machines. I received an award from the Council of the Blind.
For 20 years, I investigated employment, housing, and public accommodations for discriminations. I received a lifetime achievement award for my work.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?
Choose a career in something you want to do and don’t settle for just a job.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?
Communications between partners is the most important thing.
What brought you to assisted living at Dogwood Forest of Alpharetta, GA? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?
It came down to the fact that it was the easiest place for my son because it’s on the way to his work.
How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest as your new home?
It’s all right. I’d just as soon be here as any place else.
What is your favorite part of living here in assisted living at Dogwood Forest of Alpharetta, GA?
The socials on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Who is your best friend at Dogwood?
Bob
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Our Interview with Resident Betty Carringer
Where did you grow up?
Young Harris, GA.
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?
Going to my grandparents’ house. They lived in the middle of town and I’d walk to their house almost every day. I’d stop by on the way to school. Their home was a place that I loved. I would ask my grandmother 1000 questions a day and she’d answer every one. She was never impatient, but always loving. She was a great cook too.
After high school, I went to Emory University which was the door that opened for my life. It gave me a broader view of life.
What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?
I was a private nurse for an elderly couple for 4 years. After the husband died, I became very close friends with Gladys, his wife. I helped her as she aged. I really loved Gladys.
I loved to travel. Emory’s Alumni Association planned some great trips. I took advantage of the trips and saw Europe and the United States.
Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?
Nurse – I loved working in the hospitals taking care of patients. I was one of the first Registered Nurses in Union County, GA, where we lived for 4 years.
For 30 years my husband and I had a drug store in the Spaghetti Junction area when it was still country. I worked in the store too. After my husband died, I sold the store. It made me very sad because I knew I would miss my friends and the social life the store gave me.
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 – I was in the mountains of France on a day trip when the bus driver told us. We were scheduled to leave Europe the next Saturday, but all air travel had been stopped. We were wondering when we’d get back home. We were one of the first people to fly from Europe after 9/11. I was concerned, but I knew God would see us through it.
Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud of?
Being a mother of 3 daughters who grew up leading good, Christian lives.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?
Have a career of something you love and enjoy it. Then you will look at it not as a job, but a pleasure of having something to do that’s meaningful in your life.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?
The greatest gift you can give anyone is love. Love sprouts out a lot of things – like caring, compassion and other good traits.
What brought you to assisted living at Dogwood Forest’s Alpharetta, GA community? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?
I think it was a blessing from God. I knew about Dogwood before I moved here. Then I had surgery and couldn’t go back home. As soon as I came to Dogwood, I knew God had made a place for me.
How do you enjoy assisted living here at Dogwood Forest Alpharetta in GA as your new home?
The front porch is a great gift. That’s a great place to socialize. It reminds me of my granddaddy’s front porch where we would watch all the traffic go by.
What is your favorite part of living at Dogwood?
The good food and my very good friend.
Who is your best friend at Dogwood?
Pat Zuzick.
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The Music Affect and Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s can be a devastating disease. Often, those suffering with Alzheimer’s are seemingly lost mentally because of the affects of the disease on the brain. However, researchers are finding significant changes in the brain when individuals with Alzheimer’s disease participate in music therapy.
The video below went viral this week because what it shows is remarkable. The subject in the video is Henry. He is a resident at a nursing home who has Alzheimer’s disease. Henry seems to have mid stage Alzheimer’s. His communication with others is limited to unresponsive. His speech is mostly incoherent. Henry is unable to social. However, when Henry listens to his favorite musician Cab Calloway on an i Pod, he seems to “come to life.” His spirit is renewed, and cognitively, he is rejuvenated. Henry’s story is not unprecedented. There have been numerous studies over the last several years on the benefit of music to those with numerous cognitive diseases and disorders. The field has grown exponentially the last several years. Several universities are now offering this as a field of choice connecting both music departments and clinical psychology departments. What a unique opportunity for musicians to directly impact the lives of others!
We at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Alpharetta, Ga. have seen the great benefits of music on seniors. They are typically more engaged. It improves their mood and attitude towards life.
See the video below because it will certainly make you smile.
Benefits of Music Therapy
* Improved awareness and concentration
* Improved memory and recollection
* Happier outlook on life
* Increases mobility and coordination
* Diminishes pain and improves recovery time
* Promotes relaxation and reduces stress
* Enhances interest levels and social interaction
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Our Interview with Resident Jack Daley
Where did you grow up?
Easthampton, Massachusetts.
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?
I remember sitting and talking with my brother Dick who died at 7 years old. We had wonderful conversations or so we thought. I loved playing in the lake with my two sisters and their friends. I’d throw them over my shoulders into the water. I’d go rest and they’d come begging for more. When it was raining, I would sleep on the porch and listen to the sound of rain pounding on the roof. When the wind blew, I’d grab my “bed” and sleep on the living room floor.
What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?
My father gave me $100 to apply to medical schools, which cost $10 for each application. I sent out 9 and thought “What the heck. I’ll apply to Yale.” I was accepted to all, but decided I’d go to Rochester because my Dad was paying for it. My father said, “The hell you say. You’re going to Yale.” So I did. It touched me that my Dad was willing to sacrifice even more.
In those days, you had to take rotating internships – spending a month on each specialty. I re-enlisted in the Army to do my internship again to save money. There was a nurse, Patricia Cunningham, who worked in the nursery and I made every excuse to go to the nursery. Every night I wasn’t on call, we met in the Officers Club and talked. At the end of that year, I was going back to Yale for my residency. I asked her if there was any way she could go to Yale with me. She said, “Why don’t you marry me.” So on June 30, 1951 we married and it lasted for 51 years.
Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?
OB/GYN in the Air Force. I retired a Colonel and then went to the University of North Carolina to teach at the medical school.
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?
Pearl Harbor – My dad and I listened to the radio and read the newspaper every night. We heard it on the radio. I knew there would be a war. In March 1945 I was drafted, but the war was over before my orders came in.
Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud of?
I retired from the University of North Carolina, so on my last day I was in the hospital telling everyone goodbye. All of a sudden a resident came running out of the delivery room looking for help. I entered the delivery room and saw a leg and arm sticking out. So I taught the resident how to deliver that baby by converting it to a breech. That was the last baby I delivered.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?
Keep striving for completion of your goals. Find a way to reach them.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?
Learn to appreciate and trust your wife.
What brought you to assisted living here at Dogwood Forest in Alpharetta, GA? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?
My wife died in January and my younger son in February 2007. I’m living in a huge house by myself so my older son suggested that I move to Dogwood to be close to him. It was the best move I ever made because I’m closer to my son and his family, my mattress is comfortable and the food is delicious.
How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community here in Alpharetta, GA as your new home?
I enjoy being taken care of and the other residents. I sit at a table with 8 ladies which is the highlight of my day.
What is your favorite part of living at Dogwood?
The food.
Who is your best friend at Dogwood?
Louise West.
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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 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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