Terrace Talk

Notes for January

Inalienable Rights

Quoting from our Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men (and women) are created equal, that their Creator endows them with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

We celebrate a Patriot in our time, Martin Luther King, Jr, whose legacy stands as a testament to the rights of mankind. Dr. King was a civil rights activist who gave his life for that very pronouncement. Many of us remember him for his passionate speech, “I Have A Dream.”

His many recognitions include Time magazine’s Man of the Year in 1963, the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (Posthumously) in 1977.

One of his quotes to consider is: “Everyone must decide whether to walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” As we reflect on the leadership of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, may each of us be reminded that his life caused this world to be a better place.

-Tom Deimler

I Remember Group

A LOOK BACK AT OUR BEGINNINGS

By Pat Royalty

St. Anne’s Terrace is the result of an idea of former rector Frank Allan and was executed by Andy Smith and a dedicated group of parishioners who worked very hard to establish this retirement residence.  Frank knew we didn’t need all the land the church owned, and he had a well-qualified parishioner in the field of ageing, Dr. Anderson Smith of Georgia Tech, a cognitive psychologist. The effort began in 1985 to build what is now one of Atlanta’s premier retirement homes.  The decision to do this was a risk; it took bravery and was a giant step for St. Anne’s. Initially, Frank and Andy faced disbelief in the parish and the Vestry. In fact, Frank says the Vestry laughed when the idea was first presented in the early eighties.  After a great deal of work, especially in securing financing, the Terrace opened on January 1, 1987.

Dr. Smith was a leading voice in the field of cognitive aging and memory. Funded by the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of Mental Health for more than 25 years, Dr. Smith wrote/co-edited many articles and books on the organization of memory in older adults, and played a seminal role in the development of the study of aging by founding the biannual Cognitive Aging Conference, which has been hosted in Atlanta for over 30 years. Andy was a beloved figure at every conference, known for his warm, welcoming presence.

Dr. Smith’s invaluable expertise shows in the building’s interior details. Lighting had to be bright, knobs had to be on stove fronts, not backs, handles had to be levers, seating had to be scattered about, handrails had to be everywhere, and directions had to be posted clearly.  He made sure there were nine-foot ceilings to accommodate a resident’s furniture. Of course, emergency cords and intercoms to the front desk were essential. His principles of aging successfully are reflected in many facets of the Terrace today. They include provision for exercising the body, the soul, and the brain, as well as social interactions.

What has made The Terrace such a success?  The wooded setting and well-tended landscapes (even a fishpond) promote a sense of peace and safety.  The building is in Buckhead, yet it is not a high-rise; most residents live in the neighborhood in their own homes.  At the top of considerations are the staff, a group of people who get to know the residents, who build up trust and provide stability.  A transportation system takes residents to appointments within a 5-mile radius. A security system provides safety for the residents around the clock.

The administration provides opportunities for resident feedback and suggestions, and frequently implements those.  The Residents’ Association works through committees to help welcome new residents, oversee the individual gardens, communicate with the chef, and suggest activities. A library, movies three times a week, and history lectures add to the variety. Trips to grocery stores and restaurants are part of the weekly offerings.

 Regularly scheduled activities include exercise classes, chair yoga, and dancing to promote movement. A physical therapist is available for individual plans prescribed by a doctor. Games like bingo, bridge, canasta, dominoes, and mahjong encourage socialization and hone thinking skills.  Nightly dining brings residents together for well-planned meals and conversation.

Our well-qualified and creative chef plans the varied weekly menus that always have alternative options. The competent staff cooks and serves the food with skill and diligence in a well-appointed kitchen and lovely dining room. The monthly birthday dinners and frequent themed dinner parties are fun and delicious, and often have musical entertainment. The staff members also plan monthly outings to local attractions, restaurants, and seasonal events.

Since the Terrace is governed and supported by a Board of Directors from St. Anne’s, prayer groups meet here, and transportation is available on Sundays to St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and Trinity Church.  No religious affiliation is required for residency, however.  The chaplain arranges the weekly prayer group and Bible study for those who wish to participate.

When residents move in, they must be able to live without assistance.  But because the goal of the Terrace is that once you move in, you never have to move again if you don’t want to, there is special support available if eventually needed.  The Terrace has a relationship with two home health agencies, which support “aging in place.”  These agencies provide services by caregivers when arranged for by the family and the resident.

A Terrace resident, Sara Craig, wrote a thank-you note, which later became more of an essay, “On Saying ‘Hello’ again to my Own Generation”.

“…I found the pluses are not confined to those obvious ones listed in the brochures—the evening meal you don’t have to cook, the weekly cleaning, the transportation…the safety and security.  The biggest boon of all is getting to know my own generation…at first a jolt, it is a good, hard look into a mirror…but I have come to like what I see.

I have seen courage and grace in almost every face I see…I do know from the ache in my own heart that each of us has left behind a life we likely would have preferred to keep. Yet they look for, and find, joy.  If such a move is ahead for you soon, don’t dread it, or fear it, or fight it, or resent it. Embrace it.  It is our last crack at graduate school…”

By Pat Royalty, January 2005  (updated by Karen Waitz, 2026)

This information has been gathered from personal interviews, original documents, and the obituary of Dr. Anderson Smith from 2023.