Reflections on Community Engagement


Everyone says time goes faster the older you get. If that’s the case, I’m getting older really fast. Actually, I prefer the alternative explanation which says, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Naturally, it’s easy to have more fun if you’re actively engaged in doing what you love. That’s how I’d describe this past year at Lenbrook — a year filled with enjoyment in our community as residents engage with life and pursue what’s meaningful to them.

Whether it was performing onstage at the Woodruff Art Center or delivering 300 hand-sewn, newborn blankets and caps to Grady Hospital, our residents are embracing life in so many ways. 

Everywhere I look, I see residents sharing their passion for life with others. They’re continuing to make an impact now, well beyond their days in the corporate world, as household executives, entrepreneurs, teachers, rabbis and more. 

The month of December always stands out, with events and activities celebrating a great year together. 

  • Our resident baritone and chorus director Frank Boggs brought his Georgia Festival Chorus of approximately 100 singers to Lenbrook for an annual holiday performance. He founded the chorus nearly 30 years ago, AFTER he retired from teaching at Westminster.  He asked the question:  What do I do after retirement?
  • Other residents led by Nancy Bedford and Joyce Jensen planned and served an amazing breakfast (and lunch, depending on the work shift) to all 270 associates this month as a special thank you for their dedication and service. 
  • Our Religion Committee gathered together a group of Lenbrook managers and board members to lead a special program called “Lessons and Carols,” sharing the history behind beloved holiday carols.
  • Our resident and retired Rabbi Irving Bloom offered a Hanukkah blessing at this month’s Residents Association Meeting, which took place on the last day of Hanukkah. 
  • Lenbrook’s “Sew What Club” has completed another 100 flannel blankets and 50 knitted caps to be delivered to Grady Hospital, making the total for the year well over 300. 

For the past month and heading into the new year, the opening question I’m posing to residents at our weekly “Community Chats” is: 

“What can Lenbrook do to help you find your passion,
facilitate your passion and support what you find most purposeful 
in your life, right now?”

This question stems directly from our mission at Lenbrook, which is: 

To enable our residents to enjoy the gifts of independence,
good health and personal fulfillment to the fullest extent possible
through Lenbrook’s many programs and services.

Their answers provide valuable input into shaping Lenbrook’s resident programs and services, now and in the future. We already know our residents have made an impact on those around them all their lives and they certainly don’t want to stop now. 

As you look back over 2017, I urge you to ask yourself a similar question:  

What have you been doing to fulfill your passion and further your purpose in life during 2017? I hope your response is filled with examples of being engaged in life. If it is, then you’ll know why time flies when you’re having fun. 

Chris Keysor is President and Chief Executive Officer of Lenbrook. His passion for the senior living industry began early in his career as a CPA with KPMG Peat Marwick. Chris progressed in executive responsibilities over the years, working for a senior healthcare provider, healthcare financing organizations and senior living consulting groups. Chris is also a nationally ranked Ironman triathlete, which he says comes in handy raising his two young children with his wife here in Atlanta.