SCORE BOARD

SCORE
Originally uploaded by Laurel Grove

Set points are added up at the end of the game. The team with the most set points wins!

Scoring Volley Balloon

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Originally uploaded by Laurel Grove

There are three matches to a game. There are three sets in a match. Five points in a match creates a set. When a team is the first to score a "set point" you cross it out and move onto the next match.

ROTATE AFTER EVERY SET. The front row moves one chair to the right. The back row moves one to the left. The ones on the end move up or back.

I (First Game)

1 (First set)
2 (Second set)
3 (Third set)

II (Second Game)

1
2
3

II (third Game)

1
2
3

Volley Balloon Rules

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Originally uploaded by Laurel Grove

Volley Balloon is a competitive sport at Holiday Retirement Communities. The Laurel Grove's team is called The Lucky Laurels. They practice twice a week and participate in monthly tournaments with other communities. Here are the rules for Volley Balloon (also known as Balloon Volleyball.) They are much like the rules for regular volley ball.

* All Players must remain seated in their chairs. If this is rule is broken, the offending team loses the serve. If the other team served, they get a point.

* Points are awarded to the serving side.

* On the serve, the balloon must go over the net (by the server) and not touch the net. If the balloon touches the net, it is considered a "net ball" and the server has a chance to serve again. The server has two tries to clear the net. If this is not accomplished in two tries, the other team gets the serve.

* The front row serves starting with the person sitting closest to the score board then moving down the row. As long as the server is scoring points he keeps serving until the other team gets the ball.

* The balloon is served by holding or tossing it with one hand and hitting it with the other.

* A team cannot hit the ball more than three times to get it over the net. If this happens, the other team gets the serve or the point.

* A player cannot hit the ball twice in a row. If this happens, the other team gets the serve or the point.

* Spiking is allowed in play but NOT on the serve.

* If the balloon hits the floor in-bounds, the serve or the point goes to the other side.

*If the balloon hits the floor out-of bounds, the serve or the point goes againts the side that last hit the balloon.

Robert and Joan Russell

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Originally uploaded by Laurel Grove

Managers at Laurel Grove come from a variety of backgrounds. But as far as diversity goes, the Russells may take the cake. Together, Robert and Joan's professional resumes create a potpourri of jobs rivaled only by the famous fictional character, Forest Gump. From show business, to sales, to owning their own businesses, Robert and Joan Russell have an impressive array of experience. After spending some time with them you wonder if there is anything they can't do.

This is not the couple's first time working together. Nor is it the first time they have worked for a company called Holiday. The two met in Bismarck, ND rehearsing for Holiday on Ice. Robert took care of technical production and Joan performed as an ice skater. They got married in 1974 and lived on the road for seven years under the spotlights of entertainment.

When Joan got pregnant with their first son, they moved to Robert's hometown here in Lilburn, Ga. where Robert continued a career in show business. He worked behind the scenes of the Fox theatre, and was the production manager for the Atlanta Symphony for twenty years.

The two decided they missed working together, so in the mid nineties they opened a retail business in the mall. Their business, selling Metabalife herbal supplements was so successful; they eventually became the exclusive distributors for fifteen locations. Robert and Joan did really well (until Walmart started carrying the product and booted them out of their exclusive distributor contract.) Since then, each of them has held jobs in sales which include cars, insurance, and diamonds.

Making Laurel Grove both their home and profession is their latest endeavor. Its obvious Robert and Joan Russell work well as a team. Managing Laurel Grove is a perfect opportunity for this well-experienced and diverse couple.

Robert and Joan have three sons; Mathiew, 29 is recently married and lives in Alpharetta. Daniel, 25 recently graduated from Georgia State. Jimmy, 21 attends Jacksonville State University in Alabama. They also have an adorable, black and white dog named Oreo who is the newest canine resident here at Laurel Grove.

Greg and Laura Savell

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Originally uploaded by Laurel Grove

No matter where you are, you can probably hear her bellowing laugh from across the building. Laura Savell, with her cheerful, down-to-earth attitude makes managing a hundred and twenty seven rental units look like hosting a family picnic. Her managing partner and husband, Greg Savell has been described by the residents as "a big kid." But don't let his young-hearted personality fool you.

Greg's professional background in Operations prepared him for a variety of managerial responsibilities and challenges. Working for an international tire company, Greg has mastered the finesse of interacting with people from all over the world. From entertaining Japanese business men to Canadian VPs, Greg's prior work experience was very demanding and stressful. "Since I've been working here, my blood pressure has dropped down." says Greg.

Greg and Laura Savell met in South Korea when they were both service members in the army. They got married in 1987 then moved to Killeen, Texas where they lived for 3 years. They were also stationed in Alaska for three years. Although they have lived many different places, they both consider Georgia to be their home. They have lived in Stone Mountain for over fourteen years. Greg worked as a director of operations in the tire industry. Laura's professional experience is centered on accounting and human resources.

It's easy to see why Greg and Laura fit-in so naturally at Laurel Grove. The couple has a great respect for each other. When asked what it's like working together, Greg says; "It's great! Laura brings a lot to the table with her outgoing personality. She is very good with the administrative end of business and is a whiz with computer software." Laura says it's easier than she expected working with her spouse. "We both keep so busy around here. In fact, I can't tell you where my husband is right now." She says laughing.

Greg and Laura have one son and one daughter. Their daughter, Natalie lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She works for Sears. Their son, Charles lives in Daytona Beach where he attends Embry-Riddle University majoring in physics and engineering.

Greg and Laura Savell have been with Laurel Grove since Sept 24th. In her spare time, Laura enjoys reading. Greg likes to walk for exercise. They both enjoy preparing and eating Cajun food.

Seniors Serving Seniors

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Originally uploaded by Laurel Grove

Glen Hackler, one of the many appreciated volunteers in the Seniors Serving Seniors Program.

Join us in Recognizing Seniors Serving Seniors on Wednesday, January 23rd

Perhaps you have seen residents watering plants, fixing the daily menus, filling salt shakers, teaching card games, arranging the library, conducting singing groups, or starting movie nights. These are just a few of the many volunteer jobs that the residents of Laurel Grove do. Currently, there are over twenty volunteers. Residents volunteer for a variety of reasons. Some enjoy the feeling of responsibility and contribution. Others like collecting auction bucks and use their volunteer pay bucks as bargaining power for the quarterly auction.

Glen Hackler is one of the hardest working volunteers in the Seniors Serving Seniors program. He sorts mail. He finds recipients without apartment numbers left on the mail console, personally delivers all unclaimed packages, and has developed a consistent method for keeping impeccable track of all stray mail. "I like doing it because it gives me something to do." He says. "My daddy was a postman for 44 years." He adds. Glen, a social bug at heart, also mentions that he gets a chance to interact and meet many of the other residents doing the mail. "I like that the most." He says.

On Wednesday, January 23rd we will honor Glen Hackler and all the other volunteers at lunch. Following is a social happy hour in the activity room where we will unveil the Senior Serving Seniors wall with framed photos of all of our resident volunteers.

WHY BILL AND MARGARET HAWKINS GAVE UP THEIR BEACH HOME

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Originally uploaded by Laurel Grove

Bill and Margaret Hawkins don't need a job. Until recently, when they were hired as co-managers for Holiday Retirement, they themselves were retired educators --living what most people would consider the "American dream." They had a comfortable pension, occupied a large house on the beach, and had plenty of free time to do as they pleased.

In December, they had just one week and two days to pack their things and move into their apartment at Laurel Grove. This was the only job they had applied for mainly because of Margaret's growing desire to work with senior citizens. When asked if they would miss their roomy coastal home, they both agree that there is only so much you can do at the beach. "We've done it all," says Margaret. "We've rode bikes at the beach, walked the beach, we got the sand between our toes...there is only so much you can do on a beach."

Margaret Hawkins' buttery soft southern voice is easy on the ears. It's hard to envision her manning a high school science class --which was her profession for many years. But behind her gentle demeanor, she exudes such direct sincerity that it's hard not to pay attention to what she has to say. Margaret, even when she was a child, has always shared a special connection with senior citizens. Her compassion for seniors grew even deeper when her own parents needed assistance. After living through her own personal experience, Margaret made a vow to herself that she would find a way to help senior citizens any way she could. Her husband says; ""She is so sweet and so good with people. For her, this job is like landing in a field of diamonds."



While he prefers to consider his wife's benevolent ambitions, Bill Hawkins is rather modest about his own impressive list of achievements. A true educator at heart, he started his career as a popular high school teacher and coach. At a school's request, Bill earned his Masters Degree of administration from Appalachian University in the high mountains of North Carolina so he could take a role in administration. As a former high school principal, he is no stranger to managing a large staff of people as well as handling the needs of a very transient population: students. Experience in delegating, problem solving, and dealing with the public make Bill a valuable asset to Holiday Retirement. Working in education administration also taught Bill to be observant as well as a good listener. After a brief conversation with him anyone can see that interacting one on one with people is his specialty. With a mentor-like enthusiasm, Bill Hawkins truly enjoys people and it shows.
After being retired from education for only a year, both Bill and Margaret Hawkins grew bored. "We enjoy being around people. When you've been with kids and teachers for thirty two years, it's hard not meet and greet people on a daily basis," says Bill. It's obvious this couple is excited with their decision to become managers for Holiday retirement. The residents and staff of Laurel Grove are lucky to have Bill and Margaret Hawkins on their management team.