Photos Andy Calvert
RENAISSANCE MARQUIS IS A WONDERFUL WORLD UNTO ITSELF.
The relaxed, homey atmosphere allows residents to enjoy the things they like best. For the dedicated people who work here, it’s as much a calling as it is a job. The residents can feel the love, are grateful for the compassionate care they receive from the staff, and like to sing the praises of their residence and their caregivers.
A Home Away From Home
For Inez Highfield, Renaissance Marquis is a chance to stay close to her roots and remain in her hometown. Her family, friends, and church are all here. Highfield’s daughter points out that her mother would be bored if not for the interaction with the residents and the compassionate, loving caregivers.
Keeping a Song in Her Heart
Jean Preston points to the logo on her shirt: Marquis Melodies. “That’s our choir,” she proudly says. “We love to sing together. I can’t wait for us to start up again.” For Preston, the community is paramount. “Their goal is to have a family atmosphere,” she says, “and they do maintain that here. They have lots of activities to make it feel like a community.”
A Place That’s Just Right
Six years ago, Elder Scoggins moved here with her husband, Bob. After 62 happy, busy years of marriage, Renaissance Marquis was the right place to help them slow down and let someone else take care of life’s many stressful details. Mrs. Scoggins especially likes her room: cozy, clean, and bright. She says, “It’s just the right size. I love the location, and it’s so quiet. And if I need help with anything, someone is always there to lend a hand. All the caregivers are so patient and kind.”
A Place to Rest
Jesse Blansit, wearing a bright red Rome Wolves golf shirt, sports a round badge with a picture of his grandson, Aidan Gaines, on it. Blansit is proud of the football player, now at West Point, staring out from the badge. As for Blansit, a Vietnam veteran who looks like he could be a football player himself, certainly doesn’t appear to be someone who needs anyone’s assistance.
Still, after taking care of his wife at home for three years, he says they have both fallen in love with this place. Blansit says, “My wife, Becky, never sits still. She’s like a volunteer caregiver, bringing people their newspapers and ice cream.”
Sisters in Residence
Two beautiful sisters have moved to Renaissance Marquis together. Betty Ferrell and Annette Woodard chose to live here because their large extended family is scattered all around this region.
Ferrell says, “The staff here are lovely people. All of the service we receive is so helpful and prompt, especially in the dining room; when we ask for something…” (she snaps her fingers) “…they hop right to it!”
The sisters share a musical heritage, having grown up in a house full of singing. Woodard, who studied music, sang solos in many productions, and was part of the Robert Shaw Chorale, clearly misses her days on the stage. She says, “I look forward to the Marquis Melodies starting up again.”
