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OCTOBEROCTOBER-NOVEMBER, 2009
VOLUME 2,
ISSUE 5
Episcopal Place I Renovation
Gives Community A New Look
Refrigerators no longer fill Johnston Commons, the metal storage trailers have been removed from the front yard, and the last of
the 30-year-old cabinets are gone from apartment kitchens. The six
-month renovation project in EP I is nearly complete and residents
and staff are enjoying the new aesthetics downstairs and their remodeled kitchens upstairs.
All that is left to finish are the touch-ups and the problems
identified during inspections, according to Tim Blanton, executive
director. Those repairs will occur in early October.
Jean Rikard enjoys her new
The $1.1 million renovation project, which started in March,
kitchen cabinets, countertops,
provided updated kitchens in EPI apartments, including new cabi- appliances and flooring.
nets, appliances, countertops and flooring. Common areas in the
building have been repainted and recarpeted and a new roof, cooling tower and boiler have been
installed on top of the building. Funding for the project came from the refinancing of the debt on
Episcopal Place I.
Despite the disruption that renovation brings, residents are pleased with the final results.
“It’s absolutely beautiful,” said Melinda Kendrick. “ I love the carpeting all throughout. It makes a
world of difference.”
“Extending the carpet over the bridge on the second floor was a good idea,” said Margaret Klock. “It
looks more coordinated. And I love the way Tim did the furniture in the elevator lobby.”
Nedra Holder loves the colors and she says she is cooking more now that she has an updated kitchen
and appliances.
“Everything is clean and fresh and looks so good,” said Rufus Dalton. “I think it makes people have
better attitudes.”
Activities Coordinator Joins EP
Welcome to Tracy Podraza, who has joined
Episcopal Place as the part-time Activities
and Volunteer Coordinator.
Born in Akron, Ohio, Tracy attended Ohio
University, where she met her husband Paul.
She attended graduate school at UAB , earning a master’s degree in Health Administration and Business.
Tracy started in long-term care by calling Bingo on Saturdays at
St. Martin’s-in-the-Pines. After completing her graduate degree, she became the Assistant Administrator in the nursing
home, working there until her son was born in 2003. Tracy
comes to EP from Rocky Ridge Retirement Community where
she was Enrichment Coordinator.
(See Page 4)
Housekeeping Inspections
Floors 5 and 6, EP I & II
Mon. Oct. 26, 9 am-2 pm
Floors 3 and 4, EP I & II
Mon., Nov. 23, 9am-2pm
Please help us complete
inspections in 5 minutes. If
you know of problems,
make a list to give us when
we arrive. Residents DO
NOT have to be home.
Names of housekeeping
services are located in the
EPI Laundry Room (2nd FL)
Mission
Statement
Page 2
The Mission
of Episcopal
Place is to
provide to
senior and
disabled
adults with
restricted
income, safe
and
affordable
housing and
access to
related
EP UPDATE
by Tim Blanton, Executive Director
Episcopal Place Has Free Wi-Fi
Th e word “wi-fi” has been added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary within the past ten years. It refers to wireless internet access. Areas with Wi-Fi access, also known as hotspots, have become common in many public places
such as airports, hotels, bookstores, and
coffee shops. By offering Wi-Fi access,
anyone with a laptop computer or other
wireless device can connect to the internet without being plugged in with cables or cords. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available on most of the first
floor of EP I. We have several residents and family members that
use this on a regular basis. The Southside Shepherd’s Center offers
free computer classes. If you have been thinking about “getting
connected” to the internet or need assistance with our wi-fi access,
please see me.
services in a
(Insert photo)
Melinda Kendrick
frequently uses
EP’s wireless
internet in the
“Bird Room”
From the R/A Executive Council
homehome-like
environment.
In September, we
said goodbye to
Edith Gilchrist
(605), the last
original resident
of Episcopal
Place. We extend
our sympathy to
her family.
Welcome To..
Anna Collins (215)
Ellen Phillips (406)
Hannah Burns
(transfer to 415)
Nancy Sharp (804)
Joy Johnson (605)
First, we would like to thank all of our residents for their patience
during the two months of transition. It may have seemed like we were in an
endless meeting cycle, but the good news is that we are back on schedule.
Our next meeting will be in November before the Thanksgiving holiday.
In between, we will have a party on October 30. Wearing costumes is encouraged! The cost will be $5 for hotdogs and accompaniments, and $0 for all the
fun (yea!!).
Second, there have been so many helpful volunteers we would like to
thank them for the hard work which has contributed to our many successes—the ice cream social, the table sale, and more to come.
Last, our residents association thanks all of those who have been participating by attending our meetings and expressing ideas in them. Please remember that all of the R/A meetings are open so keep on coming and bring a
neighbor.
GOD BLESS,
R/A EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Local candidates
visited EP in August prior to Birmingham elections. (Pictured
above ) Councilwoman Valerie
Abbott talks with EP Resident Amelia
Bryan. (Bottom picture) EP Resident
Margaret Klock meets Birmingham
School Board candidate Brian Giatta.
Residents traveled on the EP van the
following day to vote.
Page 3
VOLUME 2,
ISSUE 5
Members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church were at EP in August
to host their annual birthday luncheon for EP residents. Pictured with our August birthday honorees are (far left) The Rev.
Charles Youngson with his son and (far right) Carol Patterson,
President of the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Women.
The September Birthday Party was hosted by the
ECW from Cathedral Church of the Advent. Pictured at the event at (left to right) Elizabeth Sharman of ECW, Deann Tyler, Marian Dale and Flo Pfeil
of EP, Melanie Williams of ECW, Annie Peck of EP,
Fontaine Pope and Katherine Kilpatrick of ECW.
October Birthdays
Residents at Episcopal Place observed National Disaster Preparedness
Month with an informative program led by representatives from agencies that provide assistance during community emergencies. Leading the
discussion were (seated, left to right) LTC Ben Jones of the National
Guard, Captain Chris Thomas of the Birmingham Fire Department,
Horace Walker from the Emergency Management Association, and Ray
Russell from Irondale Baptist Church, which is a Red Cross shelter site.
James Spann,
Chief Meteorologist with ABC
33/40, was a
guest speaker at
EP in September. James is
pictured with EP
residents Ellis
Hyche and Barb
Sparkes during
his visit.
505
407
412
314
615
319
520
624
316
Dorothy Bishop 10/5
Anna Carroll 10/7
Hattie Hicks 10/11
Ethel Powell 10/12
Idamae Mason 10/15
Iris Hardwick 10/18
Earlene Morgan 10/19
Evadene Manning 10/24
Dolly Simpson 10/25
November Birthdays
212
714
423
613
309
803
617
801
Ramona Bozeman 11/2
Judy Fleck 11/2
Claro Navarette 11/4
Betty Mahon 11/6
Paul Ward 11/15
Emily Ingram 11/17
Glenda Sisson 11/24
Nolena McBrayer 11/26
1112 26th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35205
Telephone: 205-939-0085
Fax: 205-939-0101
Episcopal Place is a faith-based not-for-profit housing community. We are federally subsidized
operating under the regulations of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). We serve individuals or couples that are 62 years or older who meet annual income guidelines set by HUD and individuals or couples that are 19 years or older if mobility impaired, blind or deaf and that meet annual income guidelines set by HUD. Serving Birmingham since 1980.
ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION
INITIAL NOTICE
The following residents with February move-in anniversaries are asked to gather their income, asset, and
medical information for the recertification interview.
Linda will schedule appointments for October.
209
210
315
421
Patricia Burns
Shawana Mack
Merritt Keith
Addie Chandler
509
613
616
808
Betty Murray
Betty Mahon
Omonell Ray
Agnes Malone
The following residents with March move-in anniversaries are asked to gather their income, asset, and medical information for the recertification interview. Linda
will schedule appointments for November.
307 Gladys Crittenden
317 Rose Monella
415 Hannah Burns
420 Barbara Bledsoe
518 Louise Hunter
520 Earlene Morgan
Fire Drill
And Training
Scheduled
601 Rufus Dalton
709 Kathryn David
710 Margie Panty
713 Jack Zweifel
807 Bob Aldridge
815 Pat Boswell
The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
and raiseth up all those that be
bowed down.
Psalm 145:14
“Ever is the Lord faithful to strengthen those of His
who are wounded and bolster His children who are
weighed down. His might is become our might. His
sovereignty lifts our head in troubling times. Look
to Him for your rest and comfort and ever shall you
find it!”1
1
Blue Letter Bible Daily Promise
TRACY PODRAZA
(continued from Page 1)
She loves spending time with her my family,
Paul and 6-year–old Jon, and her church family at
Mountaintop. Her family loves spending time together outside and serving others.
“I am very excited and blessed to be working at
Episcopal Place! “ Tracy says. “I have already met
some wonderful people and look forward to getting to know each of you! Thanks for welcoming
me into your family!”
A Fire Drill for Floors 5-8 of EPI and II
will be held Thursday, Nov. 19 at 3:30 pm.
This is a required safety event for all residents on Floors 5-8. Written excuses are
required if you cannot attend and must be in
the office by Noon on Thursday, Nov. 19.
Fire Captains and Assistants will meet in the
New Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 3:30 pm for
review and updates before the Nov. 19 fire drill.
If you cannot attend, please leave a written excuse
at the front desk by Noon on Tuesday, Nov. 17.
Op e rat e d by Epi sc op a l H ous in g F oun dat ion, Inc . & Epi sc op a l H ous ing of B ir ming ha m, In c.