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Kirkwood’s NFL Claim to Fame!

By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date April 29, 2020

SPORTS! Something that is not COVID-19 related news! We are here for it. 

The NFL Draft happened last week and sports fans everywhere were ecstatic to have something to watch (finally)! We at Kirkwood have a special connection to this years NFL draft because our very own Festus Igbinoghene has a son who was eligible to be drafted. No surprise for fans of Noah Igbinoghene, he was drafted late in the first round to be a cornerback for the Miami Dolphins! I had the privilege of interviewing his father and one of our wonderful employees, Festus this week and he shared with us a bit about himself, his excitement for his son, and anticipations for the future. 

Festus is one of our RNs in Skilled Nursing and he has been working at Kirkwood for about 5 years and his favorite thing about working here is how our community has such a family-like atmosphere.  He is from Nigeria but now lives in Trussville with his wife and 3 children. It is not a shock that his oldest son, Noah, is now a professional football player because both Festus and his wife were olympic athletes and Festus trained Noah and is now training his 12-year-old son Michael. 

When I asked Festus how he felt when his son received the call from Miami, he said that honestly he was shocked they didn’t receive a call sooner but was very excited and thankful that his son was drafted by a team whose coaches love and value defense. Festus said he is proud of Noah and believes he earned this and all the wonderful things that come with being a professional football player. 

The Igbinoghene’s have two other children, Hope and Michael. Hope is a freshman track star at Auburn and Michael is 12 and currently on the football team at Trussville middle school. I cannot wait to see what is in store for the future of the Igbinoghene family and specifically their all star athlete children! Congratulations to Noah and thanks to Festus for all of the wonderful work you do for our residents here at Kirkwood. 

https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2020/04/best-player-on-the-board-why-the-dolphins-drafted-noah-igbinoghene-late-in-the-1st-round.html

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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