Extra Mile Winners

Extra Mile Winner, July 2024 – Tina Hovers 

Tina Hovers was born and raised in Rome, Georgia. She graduated from Pepperell High School. She has been with her significant other for 16 years and has two children, Nikki and Dustin LeRoy, as well as six grandchildren. 

She has been a Housekeeping team member for 14 years. When asked if working in an aging community changed her life, she states it has taught her “To live life to the fullest and always treat people with respect. Also to know you can do anything you set your mind to do. I enjoy talking with my friends and helping the residents with whatever they need to make them happy.” 

Tina’s hobbies are watching her favorite game show, camping, and fishing. Her favorite memory was watching her children grow up. She shares, “My favorite role model was my dad. He used to work two or three jobs every day to provide for us and never complained. My favorite vacation was going to the Smoky Mountains when we were little. We’d have a picnic, and Mom would always cook the best fried chicken and potato salad. We would watch the water running over rocks.” When asked how do you encourage others, she responds, “I encourage everyone to look on the good side of others.” 

Faye Fricks nominated Tina writing, “Tina is a very thoughtful person. She has been such a help to all of us in Independent. Several times I have needed something from the store, and she goes to get it for me after she clocks out. She definitely goes the extra mile. When I came home from the hospital, she was working in another part of the building but when she finished her shift, she came to check on me and offered to stay and help me. Tina has been an employee here since I moved in 11 years ago. Please honor her with the Extra Mile Award.” 

Thank you, Tina, for all you do and for going the extra mile! 

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Extra Mile Winner, October 2024 – Lily Atkins 

Lily Atkins was nominated as our Extra Mile Winner by NeNe Moore, who wrote, “Lily went over and beyond to sit with a resident when she would not stop crying about her husband. Lily redirected the resident into coloring and writing her husband a love letter.”  

Lily Jane Atkins was born in Jacksonville, Alabama. She grew up in Cedartown, Georgia, graduating from Cedartown High School. She is single.  

Lily has been with Renaissance working in our Harbor for six months. When asked why she enjoys working at RM and if working in an aging community has changed her life, she responded, “I encourage others by keeping a positive attitude. Connecting and caring for residents brings me joy. Working in an aging community easily grows a person’s compassion and empathy. It has changed how I view life and aging for the better. Our residents have allowed me to reconsider aging in a positive light. I have found true happiness working in memory care. I hope to always work in long-term care in some capacity.” 

Her hobbies include reading, face painting, cooking, and gardening. She read over 200 books in high school alone! Her favorite memory is every Christmas Eve, growing up with just her mom and sister. When asked who her role model is, she shares, “My strong and resilient Mom.” Her favorite vacation happened when she and her sister went to New York City. She also shares, “My life’s passion has always been furthering women’s healthcare. I am going to go to Jacksonville State University for nursing. Eventually, I want to become a midwife.”  

While working in memory care requires redirecting residents, Lily was creative and compassionate in how she reached the resident on a personal level. Her heart for our residents shows. Thank you, Lily, for going the Extra Mile! 

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Extra Mile Winner September 2024 – Mauren Garland

Maureen was nominated by myself, Lori Lewis, Life Enrichment Coordinator. I had planned an outing one evening but did not have anyone to help chaperone. Maureen volunteered to go and assist me with the residents and rolaters, making the outing possible. I also felt she deserved this because we had a resident who was unable to get out and pick up necessary items and did not have family in the area. Maureen went on her own time to get what the resident needed.

Maureen Garland was born in Barnesville, Georgia, and grew up in Meansville, Georgia. She graduated from Pike County High School in Zebulon, Georgia. She is widowed and has four children, twelve grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and another on the way.

Her career included working as Controller/Office Manager at Marable-Pirkle, Inc. in Atlanta for 20 years. It was a third-generation business, and they decided to close, but she and the owners became close friends, and they still stay in touch regularly. Luckily for us, she then came to Renaissance Marquis as our Receptionist and has been here for close to two years now. When asked if she enjoys working at RM and why, she responds, “I love working at Renaissance Marqis because of the sweet residents. Working here has made me feel more loved, and being able to give that love back to the residents is such a wonderful feeling. It’s like I have another huge family to love on.”

Maureen’s hobbies include working in the flower garden and cooking. Her favorite memories are from being with her parents, grandparents, children, and especially grandchildren. Maureen says, “My role model is my parents. I was taught to always do the best that I can in every situation. I always try to do that to the best of my ability. I have always tried to encourage this in my children as well.” Her favorite vacation is going to Ireland. The beach is a favorite too, enjoying the ocean smell and sounds of the waves and birds. The beach feels like home to her. Maureen adds, “My life’s passion is to live like Jesus in all I do. I am in awe of the residents here, and they have shown me how to grow older in grace. It is so easy to love each and every one of them! “

Thank you, Maureen, for being the first friendly face we see at Renaissance and going the Extra Mile!

Maureen Garland
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