LIFE

By Emily Williams-RoBERtshaW

On May 15, three members of a dynamic foursome met to celebrate turning 90 this year.

Jean Dunlap Preston, Lena Wells Crouch, Julia Gardner Wickwire and Jean Underwood Kloess grew up in the same neighborhood, nearly all on the same street in East Lake.

The group lost their friend Jean Underwood several years ago, and Julia suffers from advancing dementia.

Their combined story began in the early 1930s, when Jean Preston, who now lives at Town Village in Vestavia Hills, moved into town. It’s a story of mischief, love, loss and, above all, the persevering love they have for each other.

Jean Preston’s first friend upon arriving in East Lake as a toddler was Julia, who lived right next door.

“My first remembrance was the day we moved in,” Jean said. Her mother had hired a sitter who had Jean outside on the porch when along came a toddler who had a bright blonde bowl cut and was ringing a cow bell.

As the blonde neighbor rang that cowbell, Jean said their eyes met, and from then on they were friends. The same can be said about her first encounters with Lena and Jean Underwood.

All of the girls lived in the same block and were within six months of each others’ ages.

According to an account written by Julia in 2008, their East Lake neighborhood had everything they needed within walking distance, and it was rare for people to move in or out.

There was their church, Ruhama Baptist; their elementary school, Barrett School; as well as two grocery stores, a drug store, a movie theater, a department store and any other shop you could need. In addition, it was at that time home to Howard College, now Samford University, where three of the women attended college.

“There were children and girls and boys all

around, but the four of us just seemed to gel together,” Jean said.

Throughout their elementary school days, the girls went to church together, became Brownie Scouts together and were hardly separated.

What one did, all did, according to Julia.

Photos courtesy Jean Preston

Throughout their elementary school days, the girls went to church together, became Brownie Scouts together and were hardly separated. What one did, all did ...

Making Trouble

When the group arrived at Sunday School one day and were told they would be split into groups of two in two different classes, it just wouldn’t do.

“We got up and walked down the hall,” Jean said. When she told her mother this story years later, Jean’s mother simply looked aghast and said, “Jean, you didn’t.”

Luckily, the department head who tried to split them followed them down the hall and allowed them to be in the same class. Why they were being split up remains a mystery.

“I’m sure we were misbehaving,” Jean said. “Four can think of a whole lot more to do than one.”

And they thought of much risky behavior to brighten their days together. They would ride their bikes to Roebuck to a property that Julia’s father owned and would be gone for hours. They would also walk through the sewers in East Lake.

As an adult, Jean couldn’t believe they had done that. What if a big rain had come through and washed them through the pipes, she now wonders.

The girls would play in the empty Ruhama Church until the handyman, John, would find them and politely shoo them away.

When the church administration fired John, the girls took on a light political demonstration – traipsing up and down the lawn beneath the open windows of the church conference room during a meeting shouting “Don’t fire John.” “Well, they fired John,” Jean laughed. Lena’s adoptive parents had a family farm that made for a favorite retreat in the summer. Jean recalls more fun spent at that farm on the Cahaba River than even in the neighborhood. “(Lena’s father) was a sportsman,” Jean said. “He taught us how to shoot a rifle … and he took us frog gigging at night.” When the weather was warm, the girls would paddle up the river in a rowboat.

“We would get in that little rowboat, go as far up the Cahaba as we could,” Jean said. “Then we had planks and we would lay down on them to take a sun bath and drift down.

On Christmases, Julia recalled, the four girls always got the same gifts.

“One year it was all skates, next year our bikes, next our desks, next our record players, etc. Santa didn’t dare not bring us the same thing,” she wrote.

On Halloween, there was no treating, but there were plenty of tricks.

Jean said they would go around the neighborhood soaping people’s windows or letting the air out of tires.

“If boys were with us, we would take the porch furniture and put it up on the top of the house,” she said.

Once the girls started getting older and entered Woodlawn High School, many of the memories shifted to dating. Still, they were all together in their neighborhood.

While Jean Underwood attended Montevallo Girls College on a scholarship, Jean, Lena and Julia attended Howard College and became members of the Phi Mu sorority.

According to Jean, their Spanish teacher would refer to them as “los tres mariposas” or “the three butterflies.”

Friends since the early 1930s, from left, Lena Wells Crouch, Jean Dunlap Preston and Julia Gardner Wickwire along with Jean Underwood Kloess who passed away several years ago, their story is one of mischief, love, loss and, above all, the persevering love they have for each other. Below, all four girls pose for a photo in East Lake where they grew up on the same block.

The Family You Find

Four Women Kept Friendship Alive for Decades, the Three Who Remain United to Celebrate Their 90th Birthdays

Enduring Friendship

While life drew the women to different sides of the country and even globe, Jean said they always put in the effort to remain connected.

During her first marriage, Jean lived in California for a time during the Korean War.

Julia married a Navy man and lived all over the country, even spending time in the Philippines. Still, she would always take time to write a letter to her friends, whether she was weaving tales about their encounters with the Filipino people or just something short and simple.

“Getting married and having children, I believe that is the biggest disruption,” Jean said. “Your time is consumed.”

After five years of marriage and three children, Jean got divorced and entered the workforce. Lena was a stay-at-home mother. Julia was a military wife. Jean Underwood went back to work after her second child.

Jean Underwood even helped Jean get a higher-paying job at U.S. Pipe after her divorce.

Over the years, the women would get together, whether for a class reunion or a child’s wedding.

“Though I didn’t have a husband and maybe didn’t have a date, I was never left out,” Jean said. “I was the seventh wheel for quite a long time.

“We were very fortunate when I married again that all of our husbands understood this friendship.”

They have all been there to support each other, even when apart.

Lasting Memories

Nowadays, Jean tries to support Julia in any ways she can, and she has found that what remains the longest might just be those childhood memories made decades ago.

Julia’s children have told Jean that whenever they talk about the East Lake days, it brings their mother’s mind back.

“I decided that as long as Julia knew who I was, I was going to continue to call her,” Jean said. She’s still calling.

When Lena, Julia and Jean gathered in May, Jean noted that it was in some ways difficult to see the toll dimentia has taken.

“(Julia) was much more feeble, when before she was the strong one of the group,” she said.

Yet when she saw the nature that surrounded the lake house and began listening to stories of her childhood, Jean watched Julia light up and even quietly provide her own commentary.

Danberry at Inverness

The Unique Choice in Senior Living

In the past, seniors seeking a retirement community Comprehensive health and wellness services for had few options. Often, it was either an uninspiring independent living, assisted living and memory care urban high-rise with few outside amenities or an lifestyles are available at Danberry at Inverness, and upscale development built around a golf-course or they are offered in meticulously designed environwaterfront with few personal services. ments that invite nature indoors. For example, through-

But today’s retirees and tomorrow’s retiring baby out the Danberry at Inverness Clubhouse, nature seamboomers increasingly demand an environment that not lessly blends both indoors and out with fireplaces, the only is carefree, but also offers them ample opportuni- atrium lobby, English tea gardens and waterfalls. Here, ties to remain mentally and physically active in a residents can take care of everyday details and enjoy a soothing natural setting. range of first-class amenities (movie theater, creative

In other words, they want an address that redefines art studio, bridge and card rooms) and services (library, retirement. mail/communications room). Dining is available in the

Danberry at Inverness senior living community, formal dining room and al fresco on the garden terrace. located at 235 Inverness Center Drive in Hoover, just OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAl life off US 280 and Valleydale Road, is an example of an inspiring approach to retirement living that feels A Dynamic Approach to WellnessDanberry at unique from the moment one enters its atrium lobby. Stained-glass windows and a cascading waterfall set The advantages of living in one of today’s wellnessoriented retirement communities are many: ample Inverness the mood for a retirement lifestyle that emphasizes nat- opportunities to stay as strong and independent as Danberry at Inverness retirement community has been chosen as ural beauty, vitality and personal fulfillment. Residents possible, staying in the mainstream of activities and one of the nation’s top communities in 2013 on SeniorAdvisor.com, the can choose from comfortable one-, two- or three-bed- events and keeping a healthy outlook on life. Danberry premier online ratings and reviews site for senior living communities nationwide. room luxury apartment homes which are appointed at Inverness offers exceptional fitness opportunities all The SeniorAdvisor 2013 Excellence Award recognizes senior living with upscale features such as ceramic tile floors, gran- under one roof, such as “senior-friendly” spa services, communities that receive consistently high ratings and positive reviews from residents, families, and visitors. “Receiving this des ignation ite countertops and stainless steel appliances. English a fully equipped fitness center, classes including Tai places Danberry in the top one percent of all retirement communities gardens and flowering landscapes complete these pic- Chi, aerobics, water yoga and Pilates, a private senior-nationwide,” said Danberry at Inverness marketing director, Lori Krueger. “We are so proud that so many—especially our residents—ture-perfect residences. The award-winning Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture and natural surroundings only add to the peaceful, stress-reducing environment. “We believe that Danberry at Inverness offers people friendly heated indoor, resort-style saltwater pool and a wellness clinic. “We make sure our residents have every opportunity to learn, explore and savor life in a whole new way,” said Krueger. “In other words, we help them consider us to be one of the best of the best.” Located in Inverness on Lake Heather, Danberry at Inverness is a senior living community for adults 55 and older with every convenience “Our residents will tell you that they wish they’d moved here sooner. They love the carefree, fun-filled and rewarding retireover 55 independent living unlike anywhere else - one design a future filled with fun!”and amenity imaginable, ment lifestyle they find that encourages growth, learning and discovery of new This community really must be seen to be believed, including a clubhouse with card rooms, a ballroom, at Danberry. And we love things about yourself and your environment,” said so stop by Danberry at Inverness today, visit indoor swimming pool, serving them!” Danberry at Inverness Marketing Director Lori Krueger. DanberryAtInverness.com or call 443-9500.creative art studio, salon/ lori Krueger, marketing director, spa, theater, fitness studio, Danberry at Inverness. innovative wellness programs and much more. Residents enjoy chef-prepared menus and dining

Get more out of life at with friends in the casual bistro or more formal dining room. Services include scheduled transportation, concierge and weekly housekeeping. For those in need of a helping hand, 24-hour licensed professional nursing is available on-site in Assisted Living at Danberry, which

Danberry at Inverness offers a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere. On-site physical and occupational therapy also are available. “Our residents will tell you that they wish they’d moved here sooner. They love the carefree, fun-filled and rewarding retirement lifestyle they find at Danberry,” said Krueger. “And we love serving them!” Danberry is the flagship senior housing development for the Daniel Corporation and is managed by CRSA®, an LCS® company.

Even more than larger floor plans, Residents enjoy: Danberry at Inverness is located on Lake Heather just off U.S. 280 and Valleydale Road in Hoover, 443-9500. gorgeous architecture, and •Flexible dining options outstanding amenities—Danberry at Inverness frees you to create •Transportation •Housekeeping •Fitness Center a lifestyle all your own, with Independent Living, Assisted •Wellness Clinic •24-hour nursing Congress is in session –

Living, and Memory Care all •Indoor resort-style pool ARE YOUR VETERANS BENEFITS SAFE? right here. More peace of mind. •Full-service salon & spa •Card & billiard rooms

And a lot more fun! •Creative arts studio •Movie theater Our speaker is William G. Nolan, an accredited attorney with the VA and a local Elder Law attorney with the firm Nolan Stewart, PC. Mr. Nolan has written articles about and is a frequent speaker on

Call (205) 443-9500. •And much more!the subject of Veterans benefits. You will also learn more about services provided to qualified Veterans exclusively by Always Best Care.

Thursday, March 20, 2014 • 13

ABOVE: Residents spending time together at Danberry at Inverness. LEFT: The atrium at Danberry at Inverness is the center of the clubhouse. It connects the common areas and provides a place where residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail with friends before dinner.

Top: The atrium at Danberry is the center of the clubhouse that connects the common areas, providing a place residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail with friends before dinner. lefT: Waterfall at the entrance to Danberry. Above: lori Krueger, left, marketing director and Jaclyn Gardner, executive director of Danberry at Inverness.

Veterans benefits have been available since WWII...

yet there are some in Congress who want to significantly curtail your benefits. If you are a Veteran or the widow of a Veteran, or if you might become a caregiver for a Veteran, please join us for an informative and timely (and free!) presentation on “The Future of Your VA Benefits”.

235 Inverness Center Drive The Future of Your VA Benefits Hoover, AL 35242 DanberryAtInverness.com Limited Availability! Tuesday, April 8 OR Thursday, April 10, 2014 • 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Refreshments and Door Prizes 235 Inverness Center Drive • Hoover, AL Distinctively Different Retirement Living

The changes that Congress proposes are not yet law but their intent is clear – they want to make it much harder for Veterans and widows to obtain their pensions. Consider applying for your pension now, before it becomes more difficult! 235 Inverness Center Drive Hoover, AL 35242

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Town Village Vestavia Hills

A Place Where You Belong Town Village Vestavia Hills is much more than senior housing—it's a way of life. We strive to provide a distinctive lifestyle filled with friendships, life enrichment activities and attention to every detail. Come sit by the stone fireplace, catch up over a cup of coffee, or take a dip in the heated indoor pool. The opportunities for exceptional living are endless here.

TOWN VILLAGE VESTAVIA HILLS

A GRACE MGMT COMMUNITY

2385 Dolly Ridge Road, Vestavia, AL 35243 205-979-2702

www.TownVillageVestaviaHills.com

“Town Village is an independent living community,” said Desiree Soriano, director of sales and marketing at Town Village.

“We offer full-size apartments with full-size kitchens and washers/dryers. We do offer additional care services onsite for residents who need additional help with their activities of daily living. We also have an indoor heated pool (Water Aerobics is a favorite among many of the residents), walking trail, fenced-in dog park, gardening boxes, fresh Farmer’s market, Bistro, and all-day restaurant style dining. We have many valued longterm associates and directors who have Anne Martin adapted to our community’s culture. They have a strong understanding of our mission and philosophy and do so with love and compassion for our residents,” Desiree said.

“I visited seven retirement communities, spent the night in two of them before deciding Town Village was the place for me. In real estate and retirement locations, location is everything. Little Shades Creek is in our side yard – walking along the creek going North, in a half a block you have many restaurants and stores to go to. We are not a lot of marble and glitz but we are friendly and fun. Laughter and loving friendships are all around. My story is continuing here,” said resident Anne Martin.

Tours are available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment on weekends.

Town Village is located at 2385 Dolly Ridge Road, Birmingham (behind the CVS off of Rocky Ridge Road), 205-979-2702.

Kirkwood by the River, a life plan community for active seniors, is launching an ambitious campuswide expansion with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, June 3 at 10 a.m. Several local community and civic leaders will be participating.

Established by the Independent Presbyterian Church more than 70 years ago, Kirkwood’s initial vision established a comprehensive community where seniors could live in secure and beautiful surroundings with quality housing, care and support services. That concept still defines Kirkwood and provides a strong foundation for its strategic repositioning and expansion plan.

“As new generations of seniors consider retirement options, they are interested in more choices and flexibility,” said Kirkwood CEO Chad Carter. “Kirkwood already provides our residents with a secure and peaceful retreat-like setting and the full continuum of health services. This new vision builds on our current strengths plus adds in the new things that older active adults look for in a community, such as wellness programs, social gathering spaces, outdoor living spaces, walkability and excellent dining.

The first phase of this expansion includes the new independent living neighborhood, Cedar Ridge at Kirkwood, featuring cottage-style homes situated in the heart of the 120-acre campus. This natural, wooded setting along the Cahaba River will offer “modern mountain living” with two-bedroom homes with open floor plans, natural light, a porch or patio for enjoying the wooded campus, and the option of adding a fireplace.

Other plans for the campus include new dining options with outdoor spaces providing beautiful views of the Cahaba River, a billiards room and a renovated dining room. As a life plan community with the full continuum of care, Kirkwood’s Health Services will see improvements and upgrades that include more private rooms, a new therapy gym, activities spaces and more.

“We are honoring our past and looking forward to the future,” Carter said. “We aim to create a ‘destination’ retirement community that fosters a comfortable, friendly, carefree lifestyle.”

Kirkwood by the River to Launch New Expansion Kirkwood’s Cedar Ridge is now taking priority reservations at 205-956-2184. If you would like more information on this expansion or the June 3 Groundbreaking Ceremony, contact Sandi Hall at 205-956-2184 or shall@kirkwoodbytheriver.com.

To: Town Village From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: March This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the March 21, 2019 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, Including address and phone number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. Thank you for your prompt attention.

For years, October through May has been known as flu season, because that is the time of year when cases are the highest. But this year, another disease is out in full force as well: COVID-19. While there are some similarities between these two viruses, there are also some notable differences.

Seniors may be at higher risk for developing more serious cases of COVID-19 or experiencing complications from the virus. Since these diseases are caused by two different viruses – the influenza virus and the coronavirus – it is possible to be infected by both at once. It is important for seniors to be aware of potential symptoms and let their doctor know if they believe they may have either disease. range from asymptomatic to mild to severe cases. However, it appears that COVID-19 is associated with more severe illness than the flu, though this can vary from one person to the next. COVID-19 currently has a higher rate of mortality than the flu, and seems to cause more significant lung damage.

Treatment: There are a few antivirals that may be used to treat the flu and reduce symptoms, but currently only one antiviral – remdesivir – has been approved to treat COVID-19, and its effectiveness is still being studied.

Vaccinations: The flu vaccine has been around for decades. It changes every year based on what strain of the disease scientists believe will be most prevalent. The COVID-19 vaccine was just released in December 2020, and received an emergency use authorization. There are currently two vaccines being administered with more in development. Much like the flu vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine could prevent you from getting the virus or reduce the severity of the illness.

Similarities Between the Flu and COVID-19

surfaces with an approved disinfectant. • Stay at least six feet away from others when possible. • Wear a mask when social distancing is not possible. • Avoid mass gatherings and poorly ventilated areas. • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. • Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose as much as possible.

If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting tested. The tests for influenza and COVID-19 are different, so you may be tested for both if your doctor is unsure. Continue practicing good hygiene and safety to reduce your risk of becoming ill.

• Sore throat (and it’s not just because of nasal • Runny or stuffy nose congestion), or foods taste differently • Muscle pains or body aches than they normally do, you may want to • Headache let your doctor know so that you can be • Vomiting or diarrhea (more tested for COVID-19. common in children) It can be difficult to differentiate between these two viruses because the Centers for Disease Control and Differences Between the Incubation time: Another difference is that you typically begin developing symptoms of the flu within one to four Preventing the Flu and COVID-19 Prevention (CDC) have identified Flu and COVID-19 days of exposure. With COVID-19, it numerous overlapping symptoms can take anywhere from two to 14 days To reduce your risk of contracting including: Loss of taste/smell: One major for symptoms to develop. In addition, either of these viruses, the following • Fever/chills difference in symptoms is that COVID- COVID-19 appears to spread more safety precautions are recommended: This article was provided by Jennifer • Cough 19 can cause a loss of taste or smell, quickly than the flu. • Wash your hands regularly for at Mancuso, owner, Always Best Care. • Shortness of breath or difficulty and this not common with the flu. If you least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if For more information on our services Giving Our Best To Your Loved Onesbreathing • Fatigue notice that you suddenly have trouble smelling your morning cup of coffee Presence of symptoms: With both the flu and COVID-19, individuals can soap and water are not available. • Wipe down commonly touched contact us at 205-874-9730 or email us at jmancuso@abc-seniors.com

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