Redmond honors standout nurses of quarter
Sunny skies and perfect morning temperatures made for an enjoyable setting for the Cave Spring Outdoor Recreation Day on Saturday.
Throughout the morning and into the afternoon, outdoor enthusiasts were treated to opportunities to engage in hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, shopping and exploring.
The Atlanta-based Southern Bicycle League hosted bike rides of 30 and 60 miles that went into the Alabama countryside, crossing Lake Weiss twice. Over 60 cyclists participated.
Hikers were able to take advantage of a shuttle that brought them to the Dead Goat Gate south of Cave Spring. From there, they traversed a portion of the famed Pinhoti Trail.
Those more inclined to the water side of recreation found free kayak and canoe test rides provided by Cedar Creek RV & Outdoor Center, who partnered with Old Town Kayaks and Canoes. Pedal-driven, motor-driven and recreational kayaks were available to paddle around sparkling Rolater Lake.
Sandra Lindsey, executive director of the city’s Downtown Development Authority, sees a promising future in outdoor recreation events.
“The big thing is events like this bring in people who have never been here before. They get to see how much Cave Spring has to offer, what a wonderful little town it is, and so hopefully they come back,” she said.
Tours of the cave in Rolater Park were also a popular attraction. Families strolled across bridges to feed ducks and explore the stalagmite formations of the cave.
Assorted vendors selling coffee and shirts were set up near the entrance to the park. Additionally, lunch was provided to hikers and bikers by Local Joe’s BBQ.
Lindsey said that it was partnerships like the event had with Local Joe’s that are evidence of a bigger emphasis on having visiting outdoor adventurers become enamored with Cave Spring merchants.
Lindsey and the DDA have another bike ride scheduled for the Saturday before Halloween, and are hopeful that will bring yet another wave of eager Craig and Callie Thornton (from left) of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society talk with Larry Hestely in front of their booth at Rolater Park during Saturday’s Outdoor Recreation Day. Nathan Thompson, 7, tries out a kayak on Rolater Lake during Outdoor Recreation Day. Angel Cargle of Kingston came out Saturday for the ride organized by the Southern Bicycle League. Fallon and Bobby Hesters peer up at stalagmite formations in the cave at Rolater Park.
Photos by Noah Syverson, consumers to Cave Spring.
“These things grow by word-of-mouth. That’s what we’re counting on — that today is just a stepping
Rome News-Tribune stone,” she said.
For a full calendar of upcoming events in Cave Spring, visit the city’s website.
Redmond Regional Medical Center recently announced that John Wagner, a registered nurse, is the fourth quarter recipient of The DAISY Award.
Wagner was recognized by The DAISY Foundation for exemplifying extraordinary care.
A registered nurse in the Sidney A. Bell Joint Center at Redmond, Wagner received multiple nominations from both patients and families.
Wagner’s dedication to patient care is demonstrated in the following excerpts from his nomination:
“He came in each day bubbly and happy.”
“He listened attentively to my mother’s needs. He explained in detail the medications that he was giving her and why.”
“He moved with a sense of urgency.”
“Each day it seemed that he had a trainee or student with him, and his patience in teaching was awesome to witness. So was his skill set.”
“Whatever we asked for, whatever the need, he took care of us. Thank you for all that you did for us.”
In recognition of the volume of outstanding nominations, Redmond’s DAISY Award committee also named 14 Honorable Mention Awards. They include registered nurses Rhonda Banks, Jimmy Benefield, Dana Ellis, Briar Evans, Gina Gaines, Erika Gentry, April Hearn, Palmer Maglanowski, Whitney Mills, Robin Rice, Caroline Smith, Katie Beth Whacker, Bonnie Kathleen Wingate and Rose Zehr.