Our Interview with Resident Happy Kirkpatrick
Where did you grow up?
Green St. Gainesville, GA.
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?
We use to play in the middle of Green St when we were little. You can’t do that now!! There were so many children that lived in those big houses on that street. We would ride our bikes down the sidewalks and in the street. I also was in ballet from the age 3 to college, I love to dance.
What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?
Thousands!! I’m a very spoiled girl! My husband and I had a farm, I raised donkeys. They are so precious.
Did you have a profession?
If so what industry were you in and what did you do. I a MED in psychology and used it to help with special needs children. This was during a time when there really wasn’t a program in place for them, the Junior league of Gainesville had a few members that had a need for this so they put a program in place. I also was a counselor at Brenau University.
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?
YES! My father was a Dr. and he joined the Armt and was sent to Cape Landing, Fla. We all went to Florida with him until he was sent to Korea then we returned back to Gainesville.
Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud?
Being able to be my happy self!
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?
To be kind and happy.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?
Be fair and be kind and to Love, love, love! My mother demanded respect and manners from us and that is a good thing to teach.
What brought you to Dogwood Forest’s senior living community in Gainesville, GA? Or why did you choose Dogwood Forest?
Because my mother lived here and Dogwood has a good reputation.
How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest as your new home?
It’s a remarkable place for those (me) who have a need for it. It’s a special place.
What is your favorite part of senior living in Gainesville, GA, specifically at Dogwood?
The kindness of friends, the people that have entered into my life by being here (residents and employees).
Who is your best friend at Dogwood?
I have lots of new best friends! We love each other, we appreciate each other, and we need each other!
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Our Interview with Resident Mary Yancy Pittard
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Monticello, Ga. And Jasper Co. 1917.
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?
My father was a doctor and I can remember my mother and siblings going along in the car with my father as he tended to his patients at their homes. Mother loved riding in the car and going for rides even if it was going with father as he worked!!
What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?
My friend Martha and and I use to go to her parents home on the Bayou for fishing trips, we loved to fish!!
Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?
I worked for the Dept of Family and Children Services. I started when it first began, I remember filling the application out and taking the tests in the basement of the courthouse.
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 remember my Uncle coming home from the war and had what they called,“shell shock”. We had to recycle everything back then and had to ration just about everything!!
Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud?
(Very humbling she said) All the children and families I was able to help.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?
To be interested in service organizations, for work or just to help
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?
How am I supposed to know!!! Mary never married or had children, but she says she has seen good families and families that failed, but as children don’t let your past dictate your future!!
What brought you to assisted living here at Dogwood Forest’s Gainesville, GA community? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?
I chose Dogwood Forest because it is close to my church! That gives me comfort.
How do you enjoy assisted living here at Dogwood Forest in Gainesville GA as your new home?
Yes I like it, it is my home away from home!
What is your favorite part of living at Dogwood?
Kathy and our outings, cultural outings and friends! I love the Devotions and the church services.
Who is your best friend at Dogwood?
Irene (my care giver) has kept me going, and I love Kathy!
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Our Interview with Resident Charlotte Haste
Where did you grow up?
New Jersey, the city was named Garfield.
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?
Ice skating on ponds, sled riding, roller skating, swimming even in the ice cold! Getting ice cream was a real treat back then.
What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?
Getting married and traveling, also we liked to camp (in a motor home). We had 2 tents one for my mom and one for the dog!
Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?
I worked in the garment industry. I was a Model in New York, I did runway modeling and I also did private showings for buyers buying from certain companies. The buyers came from all over the world.
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?
My family was from Germany and we spoke it and English but during WWll the town people called us Nazi’s, which was very painful during that time of my life.
Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud?
Working in New York as a Model and meeting very interesting people. I also learned to sew at that time so I made some of my clothes and hats.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?
Pursue your career and be persistent in what you do. Keep going forward and have confidence in yourself.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?
Love your children dearly, but don’t spoil them. Give them little jobs!
What brought you to Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community here in Gainesville, GA? Or, why did you choose Dogwood Forest?
The need for myself to have more care than I could do. I looked into other places and the others couldn’t provide for my need. Dogwood won out!
How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest as your new home?
I love not having to cook or to clean!!
What is your favorite part of living in assisted living here at Dogwood Forest in Gainesville, GA?
Kathy and our outings, cultural outings and friends!
Who is your best friend at Dogwood?
I have a lot of different friends, but we do need more men!
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Our Interview with Resident John (Jake) Kenimer
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Gainesville, GA.
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?
Working at Piedmont Drugstore as a child. I used to ride my bicycle to deliver medicine for people that needed it. We laughed and said he was like George in the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life! They also had an Ice Cream Counter in the drug store.
What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?
Meeting my wife in Lula at a friend’s house. A friend sent Nell outside to my car to meet me and I asked her to marry me! I wanted to get married before I left for the Marines!
Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?
I was a cook! I was a cook in the Marines for 22yrs. I used to bake all the birthday cakes and I even made the roses on them! I had 2 restaurants in Gainesville called, “Jake’s” and I made the best SOS and that was what everyone wanted! We fed everyone in Gainesville, even our now Governor.
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 serving in the Marines in Vietnam during the war. Nell’s brother was in Vietnam with me.
Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud of when you look back on your life from your home in assisted living here in Gainesville, GA?
I am proud of everything I have done! No regrets! I have enjoyed every minute of life!
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?
Be good to everyone and treat them right. Love everyone, and trust in the Good Lord and He will see you through!
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?
Love them. I love my wife, my children and grandchildren. You can’t go wrong!!
What brought you to assisted living in Gainesville, GA? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?
Our daughter chose the Holbrook where we lived for a while, but we needed more help so we moved to Dogwood.
How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest as your new home?
We really enjoy it, we get lots of help and we love going on the bus to lunch and other places.
What is your favorite part of living at Dogwood?
Our friends! We make friends everywhere we go.
Who is your best friend at Dogwood?
Kathy!!
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Our Interview with Resident Bill Broome
Where did you grow up?
DeKalb County in Atlanta, Georgia.
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?
School activities and summer play time with friends. Also writing about things that happened during those times.
What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?
Serving in WWII was very important to me. I got out in 1944 and had to adjust to civilian life in 1945.
Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?
Yes! I was a professional local Chamber of Commerce Manager in 3 states, Ga., S.C., and Fla., I would recruit employers to come to these states to add to the economics of these places.
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?
Yes, I was in the Philippines awaiting the invasion of Japan during WWII which was aborted by President Truman because of the dropping of the A-Bomb.
Of which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud?
Helping to build a family with my wife and children, who have all loved each other all our lives. I was married in 1942, the day after payday(HA) . My wife’s name was Etrulia but I always called her Trulie.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?
Yes, be prepared to work hard for what you hope to gain! There are no short cuts for living a successful and enjoyable life. Absolutely none!
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?
Yes, learn that giving discipline will determine what type of child you rear if you remember it is the child’s life and not yours. There will be problems for parents that can’t say no.
What brought you to assisted living here in Gainesville, GA? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?
An Ambulance!! (Ha) The climax of living in another assisted living facility where they were good but could not meet my needs.
How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest as your new home?
I enjoy the friendship of the staff, the good food, and the ability of Dogwood Forest Gainesville to be able to deliver all my needs. They do a beautiful job! Myself and the other 2 gentlemen at my dining table believe that Dogwood Forest Gainesville is the most fortunate thing to happen to us at this time in our life.
What is your favorite part of living at Dogwood?
The variety available in eating, sleeping, and socializing with those of my age!
Who is your best friend at Dogwood’s assisted living facility in Gainesville, GA?
The well trained and caring staff!
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