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Friends of Kirkwood: Founders Place

Founders Place, a ministry of Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, is an organization that seeks to end the isolation of dementia with an enlivening, joyful respite program (2 half days per week), a weekly caregiver support group, and community education events. Last week, Kirkwood representatives joined in conversation with local caregivers at a Lunch and Learn … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date March 23, 2023
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From the Kirkwood Kitchen: White Chocolate Blueberry Bread Pudding

The Executive Chefs at Kirkwood developed a decadent dessert to welcome in the spring season! This White Chocolate Blueberry Bread Pudding is drizzled with Bourbon Cream Sauce and topped with a sprig of mint. White Chocolate Blueberry Bread Pudding with Bourbon Cream Sauce Ingredients: Bread Pudding: 4 eggs 1 cup sugar 4 cups heavy cream … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date March 20, 2023
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Staff Spotlight: Melinda Wallace

Executive Assistant, Melinda Wallace, knew more than 27 years ago that Kirkwood was a special place. “I was working with Darryl, one of our Maintenance Technicians, at Golden Rule Bar-B-Q in Trussville,” Melinda said. “He told me they were looking for a Clerk at Kirkwood. I set up an appointment with the former Executive Assistant … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date February 15, 2023
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Resident Spotlight: Chuck and Kitty Edwards

Meet the Edwards! Chuck and Kitty Edwards moved to Kirkwood in July of 2022. Chuck was born in Birmingham but grew up in Auburn, AL. His father served as the Dean of Admissions for Auburn University for 40 years. One of four children, Chuck received a scholarship to attend Phillips Exeter Academy, a prestigious boarding school … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date February 15, 2023
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Celebrating American Heart Month with Heart-Healthy Habits

Each February, stores are flooded with heart-shaped candies, boxes, trinkets, prints, and embellishments in pink and in red as we prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day. February is also National Heart Month, and we turn our focus to heart health. On Friday, February 3, the American Heart Association of Alabama painted the town red as news … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date February 13, 2023
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A Message from Our President and CEO, Chad Carter

Dear friends and family, Phase Two of our expansion project has begun. Brasfield and Gorrie will be leading the construction of our Riverview wing in the main building on Kirkwood’s campus. The third floor, which previously housed Assisted Living, will contain offices, a new cultural arts center, a new wellness center, and a beauty shop. … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date February 08, 2023
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The Move to Hillside Residences

We are excited to share that Assisted Living and Memory Care residents have officially moved into our new Hillside Residences, a cutting-edge, thoughtful Assisted Living and Memory Care community in the heart of our campus. Many hands made light work during the move. We would like to thank A Wise Move, Inc. and Moving On … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date February 08, 2023
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Chapel Chimes: Reflections on the New Year

Reflection from The Rev. Richard Hanna, Kirkwood by the River Chaplain As we approach the end of January, I would like to share a few reflections on entering a brand new year. Some of you may know that the month of January is named after the Roman God, Janus. On some Roman coins of that … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date January 23, 2023
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Resident Spotlight: Meet the Ricketts

Rick and Jane Ricketts moved to Kirkwood’s Cedar Ridge Independent Living Cottage Neighborhood in Summer of 2022. Rick, born in Atlanta, Georgia, was a high-school athlete and lettered in football and basketball. He graduated from Georgia State University with a BBA in Marketing and was commissioned in the U.S. Army in 1968. Following military service, … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date January 23, 2023
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Hillside Residences, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Last week, we celebrated our brand-new Hillside Residences Assisted Living and Memory Support community with a ribbon cutting ceremony! What a joyful day we had as we recognized all who contributed to the project. Our Chaplains, The Rev. Richard Hanna and The Rev. Lucy Turner, blessed the new space. John Higgins, Chairman of the Kirkwood … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date December 15, 2022

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The Residents

Our residents come from different backgrounds and bring their unique qualities, talents, and life experiences to complete the Kirkwood community. Here are just a few reflections from some individuals who call Kirkwood their home.

My time at Kirkwood was spectacular; they taught me how to walk again. The staff was outstanding, and the care was beyond reproach. When I arrived, I had a long way to go. I was very sick. The first night, they had to lift me as I could not move by myself. When I left, they were chasing me down the hallway. They taught me how to perform the activities of daily living again. It was the best care I could have prayed for, and on top of that, the food was spectacular.

Eli Gold Past Resident

I fell in love with the cottage and the view from my back porch. I am excited to have a yard for Ginger, my poodle, to play in and my own garage, all within an established retirement community!

Charlotte Hamilton Current Resident

My husband and I looked at a number of places when deciding to move to a retirement community. For the most part, we found communities that said, ‘We’re going to take care of you.’ But Kirkwood was different. It wasn’t just about taking care of us. It was also about having fun, having friends, and living life to the fullest. The attitude at Kirkwood was positive and the atmosphere was comforting. We simply couldn’t resist. Without a doubt, the location was ideal. The Cahaba Room that overlooks the river, the mountains, the trails – there were just so many things about life. The community was lively. It was alive.

Alice Brooks Current Resident

We realized we were approaching an age where we might need more assistance than what just downsizing could provide. Knowing we have my sons nearby and the levels of care should we need it is comforting, and the beautiful hillside, river, and the woods makes it that much more appealing. We don’t know of any other community that has the woods, the various levels of care, and so many different amenities.

Phyllis and John Guschke Current Residents

We were moving my parents down from the Cleveland area to be near us. I looked at almost every retirement place in the Birmingham area. The second I turned into Kirkwood’s drive and drove up the hill, I knew that I’d found the perfect place for my parents to live in Alabama. In the six years that my parents have been at Kirkwood, I have always felt nothing but love and helpfulness from every staff member. Everyone is always helpful with a pleasant attitude. You can truly see and feel the family atmosphere. I’m happy that my parents can call Kirkwood their home.

Brenda Sheehan Kirkwood family member

When we learned that Cedar Ridge was being developed, that seemed to fit our needs very well. It is the ideal place for the next phase of our retirement.

Carol and Arthur Stephens Current Residents

One thing that we feel is very important here at Kirkwood by the River is the relationship that we have between the staff and the residents. They are dedicated to making our life here as safe and secure and pleasurable as possible. That goes a long way.

Fred Rogers Current Resident

The community's cottage living surrounded by a wooded, natural environment with access to future healthcare services is what attracted us to Kirkwood!

Rick and Jane Ricketts Current Residents