(MURFREESBORO) More than 70 friends and family members gathered recently at the Carriage Lane Inn in Murfreesboro to honor the achievements of Ernest Burgess. The event was sponsored by Mindful Care Adult Day Services.
Burgess served as Rutherford County mayor from 2006 to 2018.
Sen. Dawn White presented Burgess with a resolution from the State General Assembly, and Sen. Shane Reeves and Rep. Charlie Baum offered additional remarks. Family members, including Burgess' daughter, Lynn Foster, and daughter-in-law, Elena Burgess, offered tributes. Teb Batey shared memories and expressed deep affection for his longtime friend.
Mindful Care Adult Day Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the highest quality of life for individuals afflicted with early-onset Alzheimer's. Periodic surveys of Mindful Care caregivers reveal that being able to take a loved one to the program for a few hours or entire day creates less stress at home. The day-time service allows the family caregiver to run errands, shop, remain employed or, perhaps most importantly--rest.
Periodic testing of participants shows stabilization or slight improvement in strength, balance and recall. Additionally, testing shows that cognitive stimulation can slow down the deterioration process.
"Human beings deserve love, joy, comfort and safety. Mindful Care Adult Day Services can work small miracles in our own corner of Rutherford County, Tennessee," commented Tom Tozer, Mindful Care board president and emcee for the evening. "Ernest Burgess is an avid supporter of Mindful Care, and we are grateful."
Cindy Jones, Mindful Care board vice-president, presented Burgess with two books and a set of engraved crystal bookends. Burgess responded by saying he has been blessed with talents and opportunities that have enabled him to help others.
It is never too late to donate to the Mindful Care Spring Celebration. Please visit mindful-care.org and click on "Donate." Ongoing needs include program volunteers and committed board members.
Currently there are openings in the program. Please call Keneshia Sweet, program director, at 615-542-4371 or Tom Tozer at 615-653-6209. Mindful Care operates out of New Vision Baptist Church, 1750 Thompson Lane, in Murfreesboro.