Springmoor Developer, Jud Ammons, Inducted into Raleigh Hall of Fame

 

Raleigh real estate developer and philanthropist Justus “Jud” Ammons was recently inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame.  From a childhood sharecropping in the North Carolina mountains, Ammons built a career as a visionary developer and land planner. He is a pioneer in planned urban development and senior living communities, notably Greystone Village and Springmoor, Raleigh’s first continuing care retirement community. As one of the most successful land developers in the Southeast, his efforts include providing affordable housing and championing Raleigh’s greenway system. Along with Ammons, the 2011 Raleigh Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner honored 10 additional individuals and two nonprofits.

“My motto since high school has always been: Don’t wish you had, be glad you did,” says Ammons. After graduating from NC State University, he served in the US Air Force and then worked as a department head with Carolina Power & Light. In 1968, he founded Ammons Construction Company. Since that time, he has built, owned, and operated major subdivisions, day care facilities, golf course communities, industrial parks, and shopping centers across North Carolina. Driven by a desire to create communities of the utmost quality, he is often heard to say: “Let it be pretty.”

Ammons’ service to the community includes leadership on the Wake County Planning Commission, Raleigh Greenway Commission, and Raleigh Bicentennial Commission. He is a founder of Greystone Baptist Church and has served on several legislative study commissions, as a member of the volunteer fire department, and as a trustee of Mars Hill College. Jud and his wife Jo Ellen are benefactors of Mars Hill College, Meredith College, NC State University, the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and numerous other charities.

Ammons has also contributed to the real estate and construction industry as president and board member of the Raleigh-Wake County Home Builders Association and director of the National Association of Home Builders. Awards received include Raleigh-Wake Homebuilder of the Year and Excellence in Design.

Springmoor Welcomes New Meredith College President

Springmoor residents with ties to Meredith College, either as alumnae or retired staff, and their invited guests recently welcomed the college's new president, Dr. Jo Allen.  A crowd of almost 100 flowed into the Springmoor lobby, greeting current friends, getting reacquainted with those of years past, and, of course, registering for door prizes. 

The crowd trickled upstairs to the Springmoor Auditorium, piling their plates high with fruit, pastries, mini quiches, and the most popular, ham biscuits, along the way.  Springmoor's food service staff even provided fruit smoothies with a burgundy tint, honoring one of Meredith College's official and most recognizable colors.  Long tables, where guests were seated, were peppered with the seal of the college and arrangements of the school's flower, the purple iris.

The guest of honor, Dr. Allen, then took to the podium, giving the crowd some background on her life, including how she got where she is today, as head of the Southeast's largest private women's college.

After a few words from members of the Springmoor community, the door prize winners were chosen, and a lucky few were presented with the beautiful purple iris table arrangements.  After brunch, everyone continued to catch up with one another, and took the time to individually greet Dr. Allen before contuining on with their days.  Guests left truly energized and inspired by Dr. Allen's love of the school, and her visions for its future. 

Armed Forces Appreciation

The most patriotic holiday of the year is fresh on everyone's minds, especially here at Springmoor.  Just recently our community gathered together to honor veterans, residents and staff, with a great daylong celebration.  

The day began with a scrumptious feast, prepared by our very own food service department and served by the administrative staff, with everyone decked out in their finest red, white, and blue.  The festivities then spilled out past the planted eagle sculpture

and under the shelter of an enormous tent in the front parking lot.  

Grateful for the tent, everyone was seated underneath, just as the torrential rain began.  Milbrook High School ROTC posted the colors

and our crowd joined together in the singing of the National Anthem.  Resident Lou Mallia recounted his very special and emotional visit to Washington, D.C. earlier in the year as part of the Triangle Flight of Honor,

no doubt echoing the sentiments of our other residents that were fortunate enough to make the trip as well.

Bagpipe music ushered in a patriotic medley, followed by a roll call of hundreds of resident and staff veterans.  Those present were recognized, in addition to those no longer with us.  Lieutenant General Charles Bagnal, USA Ret., and Chaplain Colonel Bill Bagnal, USA Ret., wrapped up the ceremony, followed by a moment of silence and singing of God Bless America.  

The rains didn't put a damper on anyone's spirits, as everyone headed under the shelter of the main entrance to enjoy ice cream and the music of Razzama Jazz.

3,332 years

That's the total number of years Springmoor staff has dedicated to our close knit community.  If that number sounds high to you, you're absolutely correct.  Turnover in the retirement industry is typically around 67%, whereas here at Springmoor, it's only 34%...half of the industry average. 

This kind of dedication deserves special recognition, and on Friday, February 4th Springmoor staff gathered in the Auditorium to honor 96 employees with three, five, ten, fifteen, twenty, and twenty five years of service & even the few that have been a part of our community from the very beginning, twenty six years ago. 



Jim Cox-25 years, Elnora Hall-20 years, Sam Massenburg-25 years, Milagros Rodillas-20 years, Lonnie Walk-25 years

 “The Springmoor Community is a great place to live and to work, as evidenced by the large percentage of associates with ten plus years of service in caring for and providing services to our residents. Springmoor associates are well trained and know their jobs. Experience does matter in service delivery and Springmoor associates do make a difference. We are so fortunate to have such caring people on our staff. “  Fred Conner, Executive Director