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.

MEET THE SANDHAMS!

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Originally uploaded by Laurel Grove

When you meet Al and Marti Sandham, you may feel like you've known them all your life. The bubbly couple always sport a pair of approachable smiles and they have an uncanny way of remembering names --even those belonging to people they have yet to meet. Maybe it's their polished public relations skills, or maybe it stems from many years of experience in marketing. Whatever the case, it's obvious to staff and residents alike that both Al and Marti Sandham are natural "people" people.

It's no wonder then, that Al and Marti Sandham have been recently hired as floating co-managers. They will be temporarily co-managing various Holiday facilities nation-wide as needed. While it can be quite challenging to travel from one place to the next filling in for co-managers in a new facility, Al and Marti thrive on it. "We are both natural born gypsies," says Marti. "We can pick-up and go at the drop of a hat."

And boy, they can pick up quickly! If anyone can hit the ground running, it's Al and Marty Sandham. Residents of Gwinnett county for over 25 years, these newly-weds are no strangers to accommodating seniors. Before they even knew each other, they each owned competing senior-based travel agencies. Al Sandham is the past president of the Senior Golden Olympics the past state president of the Georgia Horseshoe Association. Marti owned her own marketing firm and also worked with non profit organizations. She says; "Long before I was a senior citizen myself, my soft spot has always been with Seniors."

Before getting involved with senior activities, Al and Marti have each held prestigious and successful careers. Al Sandham, originally from Canada, is retired from the Rockwell missiles division. He consulted on futuristic design of weapons for the Aerospace company. Marti Sandham, a social networking diva, worked in Real Estate. She is still in business selling homes, but today she works only part-time and by referral only. "She has more connections than the switch board for a NASA space shuttle," says April, Resident Enrichment Coordinator.

In addition to working for Holiday retirement, Al and Marti Sandham remain very involved in the senior community. They own and operate Travel Adventures, a senior travel agency. Together, they have traveled the world through the excursions they have organized. With energy to spare, you never know what project the Sandhams will be working on next. The residents of Laurel Grove look forward to seeing more of Al and Marti --whether it's here at home or an overnight trip with Travel Adventures to someplace new!

WHO ELSE WANTS TO PLAY SOFTBALL WITH CURTIS CALDWELL?

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Originally uploaded by Laurel Grove

If you ever thought about playing softball, Curtis Caldwell is our resident expert – with 23 years' experience!! He has played locally, and in traveling teams, which took him to the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Louisiana, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia.

"A lot of the guys can't run, but if you can get on base someone will run for you," says Curtis. He also adds; "We have a many senior softball players in their eighties."

The Gwinnett Senior Softball players have many trophies to brag about!

* 1996: The Georgia Peaches' sixty-five and older division wins the world championship in Phoenix Az.
* 1998: The Georgia Peaches' seventy-five and older division wins the SSWS (Senior Softball World Series) in Dalton, Ga.
* 2007: The Georgia Peaches' seventy-five and older division wins the SPA (Senior Players Association) in Dalton, Ga.

In addition to the softball trophies he has won over 23 years, Caldwell has a collection of varsity rings and a custom engraved Bulova watch to add to his softball souvenirs.

In 1996, his team won first place in the 65+ bracket in Phoenix, Arizona, which was a final world championship game. 1998 saw another first place win in the Senior Softball World Series game. Curtis has many handsome trophies from these games, including a watch and two rings, which are the portable trophies he will be happy to show you. For the year 2008, the Senior Players Association (SPA) will host tournament games in Marietta, Georgia. Curtis says they are always recruiting in the newspaper for all who would like to play (ladies, too!) and at present, the team will be practicing at Lucky Shoals Park while their usual playing field at Best Friend Park is being refurbished. The teams play and/or get ready for tournaments twice each year, from the first week in April through July, and the first week in August through October or weather permitting, into early November.

Curtis owned and operated a welding supply business in Lawrenceville from l979 until 1995. When his wife passed away he sold the business and after several years of living alone, moved to Laurel Grove. "It is good here, with all the activities offered and great people to talk to," according to Curtis, and if you want to have more information regarding softball, he will be happy to tell you all about it. He has four children, a son residing in Gainesville, a son and daughter in Lawrenceville, a daughter in Ellenwood, seven grandchildren, and four
great grandchildren.

"If anybody wants to come with me and see what it's like, I'd be glad to take them with me to practice" says Caldwell.

Caldwell practices at Best Friend park every Tuesday and Saturday at 11:00am all year round."As long as the tempurature is over fifty and it's not raining, we have practice," says Curtis.

~Written by resident writer Joan Kalkbrenner