NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 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

With so much uncertain-ty, fear and anger in our world today, many of us are feeling a sense of gloom and doom. We see so much negativity and mean remarks on social media that sometimes I

question whether or not there is any good left in our world. But as I search my heart to seek God’s will, I realize that times like these certainly call for more kindness towards one another. I recall a quote I read long ago that helps remind me to be kind when I’m feeling frustrated and hopeless. “Be the thing you loved most about the people that are gone.” When I apply that to my own life, I think of my mom, and the pure kindness she carried in her heart. I re-member how she would always find a way to be kind, even when others treated her badly. She would always greet others with

a warm, genuine smile that made everyone see the love that was in her heart. She had this unique way of pointing out the good in people, regardless of how they treated her. She had a calm, quiet nature but her kindness was powerful and touched many people’s lives. Instead of judging others and trying to change them, she showed them love and compassion and prayed for them. That kind of kindness is what we need more of in this world today. Kindness doesn’t require grand acts. Show-ing someone you care doesn’t have to cost you anything. I hope you all will join me and “Be the thing you loved most about the people that are gone”. Let’s all practice these ideas and try to infuse more kindness into our days:

• Stop and think before you talk or act. Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? If not,

Message from your Executive Director

Candice McelweeHousekeeping

Director

Mike EllisChaplain

Dr. Jay SchecterMedical Director

Jamie HibbertsDirector of

Dietary Services

NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2020Renaissance Marquis

Letter From Your Executive Director Continued...Team Member

Birthdays

August 2ndKaitlyn Smith

August 3rdRenita Carnes

August 17thMolly Hall

August 18thTaylor Cato

August 28thJourdan Gore

August 30thCandice McElwee

“Did You Know” Answer:

Ruby Hargis

don’t say it.• Let’s all do our best to put an end to pet-

ty criticism. Try to keep things positive, even when those who disagree with you push your buttons. Be better than them.

• Recognize one another’s strengths. A pat on the back can go a long way.

• Listen without distractions. Do not inter-rupt people when they’re talking to you. Let them finish what they’re saying before you chime in. This simple practice signals that you value the person speaking.

• Smile more. One of the easiest ways to be kind is to give someone a real smile. You never know what people are going through. Your smile could be the kindest thing they see all day.

With love,

Renita CarnesExecutive Director

Fourth of July Celebrations

Welcome New Residents

Helen Clements Betty Ferrell Faye Ferrer Gordon Leighter

Theresa Whatley Annette WoodardJudith Reed

Please also welcome the residents who

chose not to include a photo:

Mary CarltonCharles Fowler

NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2020Renaissance Marquis

Chaplain’s Corner

Wow, the days in which we live continue to be challenging. I do not think any of us could have imag-ined six months ago what life would look like today. So much has changed so quickly and we wonder what “normal” will look

like in the coming days. How do we navigate through such tumultuous times?

Just as a tiny rudder helps the captain to guide the ship through rough waters; I believe we have access to a small but powerful “rudder” that will guide us into and through the unknown. This rudder has a name; it is “wisdom.” Yes, we need wisdom to chart our course for the days ahead.

The great news about wisdom is that it can be yours for the asking. The Bible tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5). Wisdom can be yours for the asking. Solomon would agree.

Solomon had the opportunity to ask God for anything. He asked, “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:9). True to His Word, God granted what Sol-omon asked for. In 1 Kings 4:29 we read. “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding be-yond measure and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.” Solomon asked for this wis-dom so that he could “discern between good and evil.” We need the same guidance today!Now, here is a KEY point. While “wisdom” can

be asked for; it must also be listened for and searched for. Proverbs 8 tells us that “wisdom” calls out to all who will listen. Wisdom says, “Hear for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right.” (Prov. 8:6). We can listen for God’s Wisdom as we read His Word. His wisdom can be seen in the beauty of cre-ation around us. Wisdom is present and speak-ing; we just need to “tune in” to what is being spoken. We also need to search for wisdom. In verse 11 of Proverbs 8, we read, “For wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire can-not compare with her.” Later in verse 19, we read, “My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver.” The last time I checked, silver and gold are valuable metals. They are valuable because they are not lying around ev-erywhere. You must search for or mine for gold. Likewise, to get wisdom you must ask for AND search for it.

If you have time, take a few minutes to read Proverbs 8. In verses 22-31, you will discover that wisdom was present for all of creation. Wisdom could quite literally say, “Been there; done that” about anything we encounter. No wonder there is a blessing associated with hav-ing wisdom. Verses 32 and 34 of Proverbs 8 de-clare, “blessed are those who keep my ways” and “Blessed is the one who listen to me.” A blessing awaits those who ask for, seek out, and live by wisdom.

It will take wisdom to live in the coming days. Do you want that wisdom? Ask for it and look for it. Wisdom will be a stable rudder to guide us through days to come.

Navigating with You,Chaplain Mike

Extra Mile Winner

Our Extra Mile Win-ner for August 2020 is Merna Lewis. Mer-na was born in the Philippines, and she has lived in Rome for 15 years. She and her husband have been together for 16 years. They have a German shepherd named Mi-

chelle, who Merna says is her best friend.

Her favorite thing to do when not working is doing charity work, cook and singing. She also enjoys hanging out with her friends and attend-ing Church. Merna never meets a stranger. No matter what, she always has a smile on her face! She tries to encourage others to be optimistic about any situation. Her life’s passion is to be the best she can be, and to make a difference in someone’s life.

Merna has worked at Renaissance since June of 2019. As a Dietary Aide, she enjoys working at Renaissance because the staff and residents al-

ways put a smile on her face, and the residents are so appreciative of the help they receive. Before joining our team at Renaissance, Merna worked for 12 years at Floyd Medical Center. She says that working in an aging community has changed her life in many ways. She says she is so grateful for the opportunity given to her.

Merna was nominated for this recognition by several staff members. Some of the remarks were, “Merna is so thoughtful of the Residents. Upon her arrival to work in the early mornings she takes it upon herself to check on each of the residents that are in isolation to make sure they are not in need of anything. Bringing them coffee and attending to their needs. Before de-livering their breakfast in the morning.” Also, “Merna has a great personality and great to work with, always singing and happy and has a great sense of humor.”

Thank you, for caring for our residents, and for caring about our residence. We appreciate you and are so happy that you are a part of the Re-naissance team! Congratulations!!

Merna Lewis A Rudder to Navigate Through the Day

Independence Day Treats

Charles Fowler

NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2020Renaissance Marquis

August Resident Birthdays

August 5thFaye Farrer

August 11thMary Jane Moody

August 13thPearl Wright

August 18thLilla Lou TateEvelyn Lester

August 24thEmma Pullen

August 28thCharles Wilson

August 29thMonty McGuire

Kathryn Rice

Evelyn LesterLilla Lou Tate Emma Pullen

Faye Ferrer Pearl WrightMary Jane Moody

Fourth f July Celebrations

Charles Wilson Kathryn RiceMonty MgGuire

NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2020Renaissance Marquis

Did You Know?

Did you know we have a resident who was in the Cadet Nurse Program created by the federal government during World War II? The war had created such a shortage of nurses, that the Cadet Nurse Program was started. It paid their tui-tion, board, books, uniforms, education, and an allowance of $15.00 per month.

She was born and raised in Atlanta and was an only child. She grew up in the Inman Park area and attended Girls High School. After she graduated, she worked for six months at AT&T. She says she was not suited for a desk job, and had always wanted to be a nurse, but her family could not afford her nursing education. The Cadet Nurse Program was a blessing for her! The war ended shortly before she graduated, and she was released from military service. She worked for five years with an ophthalmologist and loved working with eye patients.

She met her husband, who was a dental professor at the Atlanta Dental College, which later became Emory Dental School, during this time. She has two children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Years after her husband passed away, she met and remarried. They enjoyed travelling and visiting relatives. After his passing in 1992, she moved to Rome to be close to family.

For hobbies, she loved gardening, and she also used her love of travelling to organize a travel group for seniors. She loves Yorkies so much she has had three of them. She says that Rome has given her friends, inspiration and a zest for living and sharing with others. She has lived at Renais-sance going on three years.

Do you know who she is?

*Answer hidden in newsletter.*

Resident of the Month

Betty Montyne Brock was born in LaFayette, Georgia. She had two older siblings. After a fire destroyed the house in which they were living with relatives, Mon-tyne and her family moved to Rome, Georgia, where Mrs. Brock had gotten a job. They lived with Mrs. Brock’s

sister during that time.

At age 14, she saw a handsome older boy who later became her husband. Without telling her why, she convinced her mother to take her to Owens-King, where Marlin Payne, ( the young man) worked. They had their first double-date when Montyne was 15 and Marlin was 18.

Montyne’s dad passed away shortly before her 17th birthday. After her graduation from Rome Girls High School in 1944, Montyne attended Freed-Hardeman College in Tennessee. She was named “Most Beauti-ful” by her classmates her sophomore year and grad-uated with a degree in Home Economics in 1946. Afterwards, she returned to Rome where she taught school for a year.

She and Marlin were married by Montyne’s brother, gospel preacher Paul Brock, on June 22, 1947. She was 20 years old. Marlin had returned from World War ll and was finishing his degree at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. Montyne and Marlin’s first son, Jonathan Marlin, was born while they lived in Memphis.

After Marlin graduated, they moved back to Rome and stayed with relatives. Marlin began his optome-try practice in Summerville and commuted daily by bus. Two more children were born after the family moved to Summerville – Marla and Thomas David. In 1954, they moved into the home they had built on a hill in Summerville, where they lived until 2016. During that time, they enjoyed hosting friends and family get-togethers and parties. Five family wed-

dings were held there, including those of the three children, a niece, and a granddaughter.

Montyne was active in the Summerville Garden Club, as well as the Music Club. Montyne sat on the Chattooga County Library Board and was a member of the local Red Hats Society. She has been active in church all her life, and taught Bible classes to chil-dren and teenagers at Northside Church of Christ in Summerville. Montyne has also enjoyed sketching, painting, sewing, reading, gardening, and anything to do with fashion.

She volunteered for both the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, as well as the Brownies and Girl Scouts. She enjoyed being her children’s biggest cheerleader both on the field or on the court. After the children were in school, Montyne worked as a substitute teacher. She became Marlin’s office manager and part-time bookkeeper. She also obtained her real es-tate license and worked in that field for a time.

Montyne enjoyed traveling with her husband, and counts cruises to Alaska and the Panama Canal, as well as trips to The Netherlands, and London among her favorite experiences. When a family friend, John W. Davis, was elected to Congress, Montyne and Marlin were able to attend the inauguration of John F. Kennedy and a ball that followed. They traveled with their close friends, Violet and Albert Kirby. It remains one of Montyne’s fondest memories.

Montyne is a survivor of both ovarian cancer and heart disease. She and Marlin were both advocates for cancer care and were honored by the Harbin Clinic Cancer Care Center. Montyne credits her faith in God with helping her through her physical diseas-es and is thankful for the time she has been given to spend with her family. Her children feel blessed to have had such a wonderful mother.

Montyne and Marlin moved from their home of 62 years to Renaissance Marquis in September, 2016. Montyne still enjoys reading, painting, and sketch-ing, as well as spending time with her family.

Montyne Brock

Smiles From Our Residents

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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National Farmers Week

National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

Staff Birthday Kaitlyn Smith

National Watermelon Day

Family visits-by appointment

2:00 Bingo first floor back building

Happy Birthday Renita Carnes

National Chocolate Chip

Day Family visits-by appointment 2:00 Coffee Shop Open Mary Walmart shopping

Family visits-by appointment

2:00 Refreshments in Courtyard

Wear Purple Day National Root Beer

Float Day

Family visits-by appointment 2:00 Coffee Shop Open Mary’s Walmart shopping

Wear Red Day Family visits-by appointment 2:00 Ice Cream Parlor open

National Frozen

Custard day

National Rice Pudding Day

National Banana Split Day And National S’mores Day 2:00 Bingo first floor front

building Family visits-by appointment

National Raspberry

Tart Day Family visits-by appointment 2:00 Coffee Shop Open

Happy Birthday Mary Jane Moody

Vinyl Record Day Family visits-by appointment

2:00 Refreshments in Courtyard (banana splits)

Mary’s Walmart shopping

Wear Purple Day Bambi’s Birthday 1934 National Filet Mignon Day Family visits-by appointment 2:00 Coffee Shop Open

Happy Birthday Pearl Wright

Wear Red Day National Creamsicle Day Family visits-by appointment 2:00 Ice Cream Parlor open Mary’s Walmart shopping

Best Friends Day

National Lemon Meringue Pie Day

National Tell a Joke Day

National Vanilla

Custard Day Family visits-by appointment

2:00 Bingo 2nd floor first building

Staff Birthday Molly Smith

National Ice Cream Pie Day Family visits-by appointment 2:00 Coffee Shop Open Mary Walmart shopping

Happy Birthday Evelyn Lester & Lou Tate Staff Birthday Taylor Cato

National Soft Ice Cream Day Family visits-by appointment 2:00 Refreshments in Courtyard

Wear Purple Day Lemonade’s Birthday 1630 Family visits-by appointment 2:00 Coffee Shop Open Mary Walmart shopping

Wear Red Day Poets Day Family visits-by appointment 2:00 Ice Cream Parlor open

Be an Angel Day

National Sponge Cake Day

National Peach Pie Day Family visits-by appointment

2:00 Bingo 2nd floor front building

Happy Birthday

Emma Pullen

Anniversary of Wizard

Of Oz Film Family visits-by appointment 2:00 Coffee Shop Open Mary Walmart shopping

National Dog Day Family visits-by appointment 2:00 Refreshments in Courtyard

Wear Purple Day

National Banana Lovers Day

Family visits-by appointment 2:00 Coffee Shop Open

Wear Red Day Cherry Turnover Day

Family visits-by appointment 2:00 Ice Cream Parlor open Mary Walmart shopping

Happy Birthday Charles Wilson

Staff Birthday Jourdan Gore

Less Salt Day Happy Birthday to Kathryn

Rice & Monty McGuire

National Toasted Marshmallow Day

Staff Birthday

Candice McElwee

Eat Outside Day Family visits-by appointment

2:00 Bingo 1st floor back building

We are still not doing group activities, will keep you posted as things change