The Harbor Light - April 2020

HarboTrhe Light

H a r b o r H e ro e s

k e e p i n g s p i r i t s u P I N U N C E RTA I N T I M E S

APRIL 2020

APRIL

NITTY GRITTY Harry's Special Message
ABOUT COMMITTEES
As the Coronavirus
Library/Multimedia Library continues to upend
our country, it is important
— Page 7 — that we all remain positive,
calm, informed and
SWITCHING GEARS prepared to navigate this
unprecedented global
Introducing Karen Novak's pandemic.
new role on campus Our goal is to keep you
healthy and safe. As you
— Page 10 — know, we are taking every precaution possible
and are strictly adhering to the directives from
EARTH DAY the Florida Department of Health, the Centers
for Disease Control, Governor Ron DeSantis,
A look in the 50th LeadingAge, as well as our regulators Agency
anniversary of the event for Health Care Administration and Florida
Office of Insurance Regulations.
— Page 12 — I realize, and am grateful, that you continue
to adjust your sails, as we implement daily
2 ­— The Har bor Light disruptions to your lives here at Plymouth
Harbor. I continue to ask for your patience,
support and prayers for the entire Plymouth
Harbor community and their families. Thank
you for your continued trust in our Board of
Trustees, leadership and team members as we
navigate through this world health crisis.
We are here to support you and assure you
that we will get through this together.

Sincerely,

H a r b o r H e ro e s

Compiled by Beth Watson and Emmalee Molay
Yes, there has been a lot change recently at Plymouth Harbor, but that doesn't
mean we've stopped what we are doing to serve our residents and staff alike.

There have been a multitude of departments who have stepped up, many
residents who have used their creativity to spark joy and plenty of good
news to go around. We like to call these people who haven't skipped a

beat our Harbor Heroes. Here's a look into their stories!

F ro m o u t s i d e w i t h lov e

Plymouth Harbor’s Seaside Assisted Smith Care Center resident Frank
Living and Smith Care Center residents Robinson blows a kiss to his wife Emilie.
are now visiting loved ones through a
protective barrier that was set up by our
Maintenance team members. Residents
are brought to a special location in the
Northwest Garden allowing them to be
six feet apart from others, as well as see
their loved ones through a newly installed
plexiglass barrier. This idea came at an
early-morning COVID-19 Leadership Team
meeting and was in use the same day!

Dialing for dinners

Dining staff Franco, Corey and Chef René take care With communal dining temporarily
of incoming phone calls in the kitchen. suspended in the Mayflower Restaurant,

residents of Plymouth Harbor now
phone-in their lunch and dinner orders

to the kitchen. A phone bank was
established just inside the kitchen and

is staffed by waiters and managers.
Residents can either pick up their meals
or have them delivered for free to their

individual homes. Chef René says all
parties are reporting excellent results!

The Har bor Light — 3

Let's get Physical

Resident Jack Kidd follows When Plymouth Harbor made the difficult decision
along with a Wellness video. to shut down its Wellness Program and facilities, it knew

the incredible impact it would have on our residents'
physical well-being. So, our crackerjack Wellness

team members, including Director Summer Rentsch,
had the idea of inviting all fitness instructors to record
a work-out session on campus and to place it on the
in-house Channel 195 for all to enjoy. The videos were
recorded by our Programming and IT staff, edited by our
Communications staff and uploaded to Channel 195 and
our YouTube channel. Residents have applauded Plymouth

Harbor’s creative approach!

When life gives you lemons

When Plymouth Harbor had to cancel its private Karen Smith works on entering
transportation service to local grocery stores, the grocery orders for residents.
Programming team members launched into high-
gear and came up with the creative idea of helping
residents get groceries by using our online shopping
account. Plymouth Harbor uses SHIPT, a personal
shopping company that delivers direct to the resident's
door! Karen Smith is the genius behind getting all the
residents' orders online. Karen is often behind her
home computer at 6 a.m. trying to get a jump on the

ordering for same-day deliveries.

Balcony serenade

Resident Marita Marsh sings on the balcony Some residents of Plymouth Harbor were
of the West Garden during the sing-along. incredibly touched by seeing all the balcony
serenades happening throughout Italy. So
4 ­— The Har bor Light much so, Winnie Downes and Carl Denney

quickly organized a West Garden balcony
sing-along! They selected a handful of

songs, printed up song books for their fellow
courtyard residents and sang into the night.
Keeping along the lines of social distancing,
folks showed up with their glass of wine and

their patriotism!

bringing her best to the job

Amy, above, and her and Gustavo's Noemi “Amy” Arreola has been a part of the
children Ivette, Emily, Nadine and Axel. Plymouth Harbor Housekeeping family for just

more than two years now. She is married to
Gustavo, lives in Bradenton and together they
have four beautiful children; Ivette is 11, Emily
is 9, Nadine is 3 and Axel, her 1-year-old son.
On a normal day, she and her husband would

get the kids off to school and daycare, and
begin their commutes. She drives 30 minutes
to Plymouth Harbor, and he drives 40 minutes

in the opposite direction to St. Petersburg.
Since Coronavirus has overtaken the world,
their daily worries and concerns are much

more intense.
“With my children off from school, we leave
them sleeping under the care of my mother-
in-law and sister-in-law," Amy said. "Kids can
be exhausting and my mother-in-law is doing
the best she can, but I worry she can’t keep up

with them.”
She and Gustavo also worry about losing their

jobs and not being able to provide food for
their family. Amy is trying her best at home
schooling, and generally begins the process
at 8 p.m. when she returns home from her
second job. She and Gustavo own a small
landscaping and car-detailing company which

they go directly to after their day jobs.
“Before all their homework was done when
we got home,” Amy said. “And now they seem
a bit more tired and cranky about starting
their schoolwork. Their routines aren’t the
same and they can’t visit their friends. But,
we are all doing the best we can given the

circumstances.”
Amy's story speaks for a large group of team
members who continue to bring their best
every day for Plymouth Harbor residents, no

matter the situation.
“The residents and my coworkers are so
reassuring to me that all will work out in the
end,” Amy said. “And I have to believe that.”

The Har bor Light — 5

S e w i n g o n t h e h o m e f ro n t

Reminiscent of both WWI and WWII when Sewing helper Lubov Shah has been
women sewed for soldiers and victims of war, doing a great job making surgical masks.
that spirit is alive and well here at Plymouth
Harbor. Our own Bert Adams, just like Rosie

the Riveter, heeded the call by offering to
make surgical masks for our team members

and, if needed, residents. With supplies in
critical shortage across the nation, it was our
Administrator of Strategic Health Initiatives
Karen Novak’s creative thinking to order surgical

gowns, which are moisture and humidity
protected, to cut and transform into masks. Bert
has some helpers. Lubov Shah, a team member’s
mother-in-law, also volunteered to pitch in and

help. Together they can produce about 100
masks from one package of surgical gowns!

Can you hear me now

Resident Aase Eriksen wears the noise-canceling The Window Project has begun in the
headphones as she reads a magazine. West Garden, and resident Aase Eriksen

6 ­— The Har bor Light stated how impressed she is with the
whole process. “I am on day three with
construction around me and honestly
the noise is much less than what I had
anticipated,” said Aase. "The construction
crews have been extremely polite, overly
gracious and packed our belongings
with the most exceptional care.” Aase

gives Plymouth Harbor’s Facilities
Administrative Assistant Lisa Siroky much

of the credit as she helped organize
and prepare her for this enormous
undertaking. “The noise-canceling
headphones work like a charm. I read my
magazines right at the windows, and my
husband Frederick even took a nap right
in front of the bedroom window without
headphones!" Aase knows a thing or two
about construction, as she spent much of
her professional career wearing a hardhat
as an internationally renown architect.

The Nitty Gritty about Committees

Library Committee & Multimedia Library Committee

By Emmalee Molay By Emmalee Molay providing an extensive and
Communications Coordinator Communications well-maintained DVD library
Coordinator for their use. The collection
Library Committee chairperson includes movies dating back
Norma Schatz doesn’t have Closely related to the to the 1930s, as well as recent
professional librarian experience, yet Library Committee, Academy Award-winning
she learned quite a bit from the well- chairperson Catha Abrahams films. Also included in the
functioning committee since taking over has an equally important role collection are an extensive
the job a little more than two years ago. of managing the Multimedia selection of operas, ballet
“It’s a working committee of 22 people, Library Committee. performances, documentaries
and everyone has a task – some have The Multimedia Library is and television series.
more than one,” Norma said. “They are housed within the Library
just terrific. Everyone is so reliable, and and its role is to enhance the Catha has been managing
it runs smoothly.” entertainment and educational
The Library is designed to provide opportunities for residents by Please see
24/7 access for residents to fiction and
non-fiction books, regular and large- MEDIA, page 8
print. The comfortable sitting area in
the Library also provides three daily
newspapers – The Sarasota Herald-
Tribune, The New York Times and The
Wall Street Journal – as well as, an
assortment of magazines.
The Library also provides duplicate
books to three locations in the

Please see LIBRARY, page 8

At top, resident Don Fosselman reads a newspaper article in the Library.
Above right, Multimedia Library Chairperson Catha Abrahams examines a DVD to be sorted.

The Nitty Gritty about Committees The Har bor Light — 7

New in the Library Non-Fiction

Fiction The American Story — Conversations
with Master Historians by David M.
A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Rubenstein
Allende Author in Chief — The Untold Story of
Our Presidents and the Books They
The Cactus League by Emily Wrote by Craig Fehrman
Nemens
Large-print Non-Fiction
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano The Body by Bill Bryson
The Dark Corners of the Night by
*donated
Med Gardiner
Deep River by Karl Martlantes*
Golden in Death by J.D. Robb
House on Fire by Joseph Finder*
Hunter Killer by Brad Taylor*
The Museum of Desire by Jonathan

Kellerman*
Under Occupation by Alan Furst

MEDIA 15 volunteers, recommends Last year, it was recorded that
acquisitions to be purchased, more than 60 people were checking
Continued from page 7 catalogs new DVDs and manages out DVDs. One of Catha’s goals is to
the circulation and maintenance of increase that number by making the
the committee for only a few the collection. The collection lists list of the DVDs available to people
months, but gives great credit to its about 2,500 DVDs and is constantly online.
originator, John Markham. updated, thanks to an annual award
from The Resident Fund Shop. For any further questions or help,
“He’s really the one who created The Multimedia Library is always please leave a note for Catha in her
this incredibly rich resource,” Catha accepting donations. resident box; NW-307 or call her at
said. Ext. 234.

The committee, which has

LIBRARY is constantly updating its wide Stein in 2002.
selection of more than 2,000 books. “We recently found an old-school
Continued from page 7 The Library always appreciates
gifts of current fiction and non- notebook with circulation records
Northwest Garden. fiction books. from 1970,” Norma said. “We have
Using dedicated funding certainly inherited a remarkable
According to a plaque in the amenity. We hope residents
provided by The Resident Fund Library, the facility was remodeled continue to enjoy the offerings in our
Shop, the Committee acquires and as a gift from Donald and Mildred Library.”

8 —­ The Har bor Light

AMAZON SMILE

AmazonSmile is a way for Signing up is easy!
customers to support their 1. Visit smile.amazon.com
favorite charity every time they
shop with Amazon. Shoppers 2. Sign in with your
Amazon.com credentials
who start at 3. Search for Plymouth
smile.amazon.com will find
the same Amazon they know Harbor
and love, with the added 4. Select Plymouth Harbor
bonus that Amazon will
donate 0.05% of the price of 5. Start shopping!
6. Add a bookmark for
eligible purchases to smile.amazon.com to make
Plymouth Harbor. it even easier to return

If you need help getting started, just call Beth Watson in the Foundation at Ext. 398.

CARE MANAGEMENT

Heather Dawn As a reminder, management might
Plymouth Harbor now be the right option
for you. You have
offers its own Care difficulty navigating
Management program. insurance needs; your
family is not in the
With this service, a immediate area or
concierge Registered they are unable to
Nurse will be assigned assist you; to increase
to oversee all aspects
of your health care communication
between your primary
needs. Through care provider and your
comprehensive specialists; or to have
assessments, the an advocate during a
Registered Nurse
will utilize a holistic medical crisis.
approach to provide a For additional
full spectrum review information and a
of current and future schedule of fees,
please call Heather
needs. Dawn, Director, at
These following
reasons may help you Ext. 476.
decide whether care

The Har bor Light — 9

LEADING THE CHARGE

By Emmalee Molay
Communications Coordinator

Plymouth Harbor would Karen Novak “It’s all about the two-way
like to formally introduce our child in the Pediatric Intensive communication between us
Administrator of Strategic Care Unit in her early days as a and everyone else,” Karen said.
Health Initiatives, Karen nurse. “There are always going to be
Novak! different viruses; and there
“As much as I have heart, will be different methods to
Karen has been with there is an analytical side of me combat them. What excites
Plymouth Harbor since 2013, that loves figuring things out,” me is getting out there and
and she has served as the she said. “There’s something challenging the norm. It’s all
Director of Nursing in the about following the correct about the excitement of the
Smith Care Center since shortly steps and understanding what unknown.”
after coming on board. Her works and what doesn’t. It's very
new role will take a hands- exciting.” Karen says she thinks these
on approach into research, nursing positions related to
networking and communication During her career, Karen has infection control are going
in regards to infectious diseases. also been involved in research to become more and more
at the University of Florida. popular in the world, especially
Karen has had many roles She says it is one of her favorite in acute care. She said she
while at Plymouth Harbor, but parts of the job — hoping she wouldn't want to do it anywhere
most important to her, she says, can return to the initiative and else.
is her status as a Registered help Plymouth Harbor be the
Nurse —­ which she has held for best it can be. Karen is going "When I first came to
more than 40 years. to be present on local, state Plymouth Harbor, I knew it was
and national leadership boards home," she said.
“I’m so honored to receive involving infection control
this opportunity,” Karen said. and health care and says she is For any further questions,
“I’ve always wanted to be a excited to bring back ideas and please contact Karen at Ext.
nurse. I am the oldest of four strategies to Plymouth Harbor. 510.
kids, and it’s always been in
my blood. It’s a calling of the
heart and not anything you
can pretend. Sure enough I
followed my heart, and I don’t
mind the long days because
I get to do what I love. It just
makes me happy.”

Karen has a background
in infection control, holding
status as a Certified Infection
Control Practitioner for Long
Term Care and a Certified
Infection Control Practitioner
for Antibiotic Stewardship. She
says she first became interested
in the topic after caring for a

10 ­— The Har bor Light AROUND CAMPUS

CHANGE IN SCENERY

Jill Krasner Though there will not be a
reception this month, the art
exhibit on the Mezzanine is
still changing. Be sure to check

out the new exhibit, which
begins on April 28. The exhibit
features local artist Jill Krasner
and is called "Spring Bouquets."

On the topic of art, Jill says,
"Making art is my anchor. The
process of creating grounds me,

keeping me in the moment.
There is no past in my studio,
no future. There is just now
— and now is where I belong,

where I do my best work."
Be sure to check out Jill's
exhibit when it is available!

CONSERVATION TIP

Water conservation The Har bor Light — 11
is important
everywhere, but
particularly in Florida.
Rainfall this winter
has been sparse. For
the period of January
through March,
normal rainfall is 9.2
inches. Actual rainfall
this year has been only
2.84 though March 22.
Do your part to avoid
water usage restrictions.

AROUND CAMPUS

EARTH DAY

APRIL 22, 2020

The first Earth Day occurred improvements Plymouth Harbor then go on a three-day vacation?
on April 22, 1970. Twenty million has made and had planned to Do you not care because you
Americans, 10% of the population
at that time, participated at various conserve energy and water on our know you are not receiving a bill
locations to protest environmental campus —­ this speech is subject for this extravagance?
to cancelation. He will also talk
ignorance and demand a new about things residents can do to Guess what? You are paying for
way to forward our planet. April help. Look for other information it! Not only does your negligence
about activities that day and plan to contribute to a waste of resources,
22, 2020 will mark the 50th
anniversary of Earth Day, and participate. but your failure to conserve
the problems facing the Earth In the meantime, the following contributes to higher bills at
demand action from everyone. commentary is what you can do at Plymouth Harbor. When you
And, everyone can help by being Plymouth Harbor to help. look at a sizable increase in your
conscious of their actions that monthly fee for the coming year,
impact our environment on a daily Why should I care? remember your failure to conserve
I'm not pay for it! is resulting in higher utility bills
basis. — which include all residents,
In support of Earth Day, your Do you leave the lights on when
Conservation Committee will have you leave your apartment? Do you including you.
an informative display in the Lobby turn on the water in the sink and Your Conservation Committee
and an electric vehicle to examine then leave the room while the water at Plymouth Harbor wants to
by the entrance to the Tower. The remind everyone that we all have
Committee will be present from gets warm? Do you set the air a responsibility to save energy to
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, conditioner at a low temperature, keep our ongoing costs down.
April 22. At 2 p.m. in the Club Please remember to conserve
Room, George McGonagill, and energy and resources whenever
Vice President of
Facilities, will possible — the benefits
tell us accrue to all of
about us.
the Thank
you!

Submitted by the Conservation Committee AROUND CAMPUS

12 —­ The Har bor Light

The Spirit of Philanthropy

Introducing a new Trustee

The Plymouth entities advising on Levin College of the top student in
Harbor entity formation, Law. During law each course.
Foundation is organizational school, she received
pleased to welcome structure, mergers, four Book Awards, Andrea loves to
Andrea Ackley acquisitions, which recognizes travel and enjoys
Suarez to its Board of divestitures and doing any outdoor
Trustees. equity owner activity, including
Andrea is a lawyer agreements. running and fishing.
at Shumaker, Loop A native Floridian,
& Kendrick and is Andrea also works she grew up fishing
an Associate in the with individuals in and her greatest
Trusts and Estates, estate planning. catch to date has
Corporate and been a blue marlin.
Taxation practice Andrea received Andrea lives with
groups, working with both her J.D. (cum her husband in Saint
business owners and laude) and LL.M. in Petersburg.
Taxation from the
University of Florida Welcome Andrea!

New Scholarship

The Plymouth Harbor their educational goals and practicing in New Jersey.
Foundation is pleased feel grateful they are in the Marita has her Masters in
to announce a new position to help them. Music Education, taught
scholarship! music at local schools in
“Now that our youngest the New York suburbs and
We were delighted when granddaughter is almost performed throughout New
Dr. Albert and Marita out of college, we’d like York City and Europe. She
Marsh stopped by the to keep the ball rolling by loves mentoring up-and-
Foundation’s office to helping someone here at coming musicians and still
inquire about establishing Plymouth Harbor,” said Dr. sings at her church in Siesta
a scholarship for our Marsh. Key.
team members and their
children. Dr. Marsh attended Albert and Marita met
medical school and when he moved next door
Dr. and Mrs. Marsh have became a radiologist to her, marrying in 2012
very strong convictions and moving to Plymouth
about having the Harbor in 2017. Their
opportunity of a good scholarship is a general
education and have education scholarship for
committed to donating those seeking vocational
$5,000 to the Plymouth or post-secondary degrees,
Harbor Foundation certifications or specialty
scholarship program while training in any field.
they are able to do so.
Thank you Dr. and Mrs.
They both are supporting Marsh!
their grandchildren through

Articles by Beth Watson, Vice President of Philanthropy

The Spirit of Philanthropy The Har bor Light — 13

WELCOME, NEW FRIENDS!

Introducing your newest neighbors

NORRIS & HEATHER CARROLL

Apartment E-206; Ext. 220

By Sallie VanArsdale Children's Centre Leagues of Toronto and on Eagles Point Circle
Biography Committee (Holland Bloorview Kids Chicago. On spring and in The Landings in
Rehabilitation Hospital). fall weekends, Norris Sarasota. Over the
Heather and Norris The two met and held Easter Seal clinics years the Carrolls have
Carroll, originally from married in Toronto. in northern Canada. enjoyed sailing, skiing,
Canada, have moved into In January 1989, fly fishing, travel and
Plymouth Harbor. Fred In 1986, Norris was Norris was selected as a entertaining. Norris is a
Moffat recommended offered the position as member of the George member of the Sarasota
our bayside community Chief of Orthopedics H. Bush Mission to Soviet Camera Club.
and took them on a at Children's Memorial Armenia to help triage
tour. The Carrolls were Hospital (Lurie and treat the children Heather and Norris are
convinced. Children's Hospital) and who had been injured excited with their new
Professor of Orthopedics in the devastating home and look forward
Norris was raised in at Northwestern earthquake. to taking advantage of
the Miramichi River University, Chicago. the many activities at
Valley in the province Heather was sad to leave In 2000, Norris Plymouth Harbor.
of New Brunswick. He Toronto but soon came retired and the Carrolls
enrolled in pre-med at to enjoy all that Chicago purchased a condo Welcome Heather and
the University of New offered. They purchased Norris!
Brunswick, studied a home in Lincoln Park,
medicine at Dalhousie and in 1996, became
University and attended U.S. Citizens.
the University of
Toronto for his residency Heather and Norris
and fellowship.He was have four children and
recruited to work in the three grandchildren, all
orthopedic department residing in Canada.
at The Hospital for Sick
Children (SickKids). Living in Toronto or
Chicago, both Carrolls
Heather grew up in volunteered to help their
Toronto. She worked communities. Heather
as the Outpatient served on the Provincial
Administrator at the Government Advisory
Ontario Crippled Council for the Disabled
and joined the Junior

14 ­— The Har bor Light WELCOME, NEW FRIENDS!

ROBERT & GRETCHEN DAWSON

Apartment T-705; Ext. 456

By Sue Elliot Management. After 34 years, of Venice and lived there until
he retired from the company 2019.
Biography Committee as a Project Manager for U.S.
government contracts. Bob and Gretchen have no
Plymouth Harbor is pleased to children and have survived
welcome new residents, Gretchen Bob enjoys bridge, wines, all their relatives. They have
and Bob Dawson. They come to us traveling, reading in science, traveled extensively and have
from Venice, Florida, and many bicycling, tennis and inventing. visited every continent. They
other places! Gretchen has awarded Bob are partial to France, Italy and
over 17 patents for household Spain where they like to rent
Gretchen was born in San Juan, inventions he has created apartments or homes and stay
Puerto Rico, to Italian and Spanish exclusively for her! for several months, living like the
parents. Bob says this makes local population. They also have
for a fiery combination! She is Gretchen moved from Paris enjoyed world cruises.
a graduate of the University of to Denver in 1971. There she
Puerto Rico, Magna Cum Laude, met Bob at the tennis courts in They were initially attracted
and is fluent in Spanish, French 1984. It was a love match made to this area, not just because of
and "gets by" in Italian. Perhaps in heaven! They "eloped" and got the weather and the beautiful
what has helped these language married in San Francisco in 1985. coastline, but because of the
talents is her love of travel, cultural opportunities Sarasota
beginning with a summer abroad Gretchen's employer at the County offers. They are dedicated
while in college. She has worked time was Husky Oil, which was theater attendees and you can
with the Department of State purchased by Marathon Oil. find them at the Asolo, Florida
and lived in Paris for three years This entailed a move to Houston, Studio Theater and Van Wezel
as part of the U.S. Delegation Texas. Early retirement came in regularly. They love movies and
to the Vietnam peace talks as 1999. After an exhaustive search are avid bridge players. You will
U.S. press liaison. Although it of coastal communities along the find Gretchen at the mahjong
was a marvelous Gulf, they discovered the charms
professional and table as often as time
personal experience, it allows. They enjoy
became clear that she good food and wine
did not want to be a and sharing those
nomad for her entire good things with
professional career. friends.

Bob was born They are also
in Chicago and Alumni of the 3rd
worked more than Colony as they resided
20 different jobs in there for a short time.
Midwestern cities. He They are invited to all
was drafted in 1969, social events of the
and after the service Colony as Alumni.
went to work for IBM
and then completed You will certainly
his B.S. in Business enjoy meeting our
new residents, the
Dawsons!

WELCOME, NEW FRIENDS! The Har bor Light — 15

JEAN & DAVID LANGHAUG

Apartment T-2105; Ext. 589

By Kathy Hendricks the Midwest. His education was of the symphony and a mutual
completed in the Midwest as friend facilitated "a blind date
Biography Committee well, earning graduate degrees of sorts." After a four-year
from the University of Michigan. courtship which included many
Jean's interest in the performing Participating in work camps more performances and travel,
arts began at an early age. overseas, he then passed an they merged their residences
When she was just 12 years old, exam qualifying him as a foreign and, subsequently, their lives.
she was admitted to the ballet service officer. He served in five Friends suggested a vacation on
program at Interlochen and different countries, married and Long Boat Key, and a one month
attended for the next three years. fathered two daughters along the stay increased by a month each
"Those were the best summers of way. After 25 years Dave retired, year until they bought a condo
my life!" then worked another 23 years in 2009 and eventually made
as a financial advisor, settling in Florida their permanent home.
At the University of Michigan, Arlington, Virginia, where his As time passed, they realized
she earned her degree in wife of 37 years passed away in that, lovely as life was on the
literature, science and the arts. 2000. Key, neither would want to
Marriage followed graduation, live there alone. In 2016, after
and two sons, two advanced The Langhaugs met beneath the visiting several other life plan
degrees and a demanding bust of JFK at the Kennedy Center communities, they joined the
career in education occupied in Washington, D.C. David had waiting list of "the one that had
her time — but not all of her season tickets, Jean had a love
energy. A mixed-media artist, the best water views!"
she participated in Both Jean and David
annual art shows.
Eventually, sons grown are interested in physical
and marriage ended, fitness and delighted with
Jean took a position the many opportunities
teaching art at a private offered in our Wellness
school in Manhattan. Center and the variety of
After 30 years in NYC, programming presented
she retired, packed in Pilgrim Hall. They
up her life and moved welcome meeting
to Washington, D.C., fellow residents, and
to begin a fresh new anyone extending a
chapter. dinner invitation will
be rewarded with their
David's love of warm and complimentary
travel developed in senses of humor!
childhood, following
his father's various Welcome Jean and
assignments throughout David!

All biographies organized by the Residents Association of Plymouth
Harbor, Inc. Biography Committee and Chairperson Judy Stanford

16 ­— The Har bor Light WELCOME, NEW FRIENDS!

HARBOR FAITH

Plymouth Harbor and Chaplain Dick Sparrow are committed to bringing residents
upcoming religious services, even if we are not able to meet in person. The
following services will be taped and shown on Channel 195 for anyone to follow along!

Passover Seder Good Friday Easter Mass Easter Sunday
April 9, 5:30 p.m. April 10, 10 a.m. April 12, 9 a.m. April 12, 10:30 a.m.

All are invited One of the most Father Jan Rykala Celebrate the
to share in this sacred times of from St. Martha's Resurrection with
traditional Jewish the Christian year, Catholic Church word, song, prayer,
observance of their commemorating will lead mass for praise and scripture!
ancestors being the day Jesus was all Catholics
delivered from crucified. A symbolic at Plymouth Dick Sparrow has been
slavery in Egypt into service with the Good Harbor. the Chaplain at Plymouth
freedom under the Friday scriptures, Harbor since 2016.
leadership of Moses. prayers and hymns.

By Beth Watson executive health Groen, a familiar depression due to
Vice President coaching and face around our fears and isolation.
of Philanthropy conflict disposition. hallways, also
Dr. B will be joining joined to assist and With Dick,
Concerned with Chaplain Dick with will be focusing Francis and Paul
the potential the video series on personal here to help us
mental health toll "Setting Sail" which visitations, offering all, Plymouth
of the Coronavirus, offers recorded emotional support Harbor remains
Plymouth Harbor inspirational to residents in strongly committed
reached out to two moments daily to hopes of lessening to meeting the
longtime friends residents and staff. their anxiety and new needs of its
and colleagues in His workshops community!
the field of aging to have been offered
offer their expertise throughout the
and assistance to United States,
Chaplain Dick Europe, Canada and
Sparrow. the Caribbean.
Francis Battisti,
Ph.D., or "Dr. B," Dr. B offers
currently residing participants a
the winter in panoramic pathway
Florida, has a to live with passion
national reputation and spontaneity, as
in the field of well as to trust their
healthy aging, intuition.
health enhancement,
Plymouth Harbor
resident Dr. Paul

HARBOR FAITH The Har bor Light — 17

Staying HEALTHY in Florida
tackling Osteoarthritis

By Elyse Rogers The good news is that researchers possible” is still the best advice for
When a healthy friend complains are still working on the curative- any pain-reliever that is prescribed
that “my arthritis is kicking up” drug issue, and some new funding or taken on an as-needed basis.
he/she is usually referring to both from private sources and
osteoarthritis (OA), the most the government could bring new I’ve covered the NSAIDs before
common type of arthritis that breakthroughs. Let’s hope. (over the counter drugs such
affects most of us, particularly as we as aspirin and ibuprofen) and
grow older. What Exactly IS Osteoarthritis? they are a major part of the “old
Believe it or not, there are over OA is a condition that damages standbys” I referred to above.
100 different types of arthritis, joints in the body—particularly They are definitely helpful, and
some more well-known that the joints of hands, knees, hips and for most with minor discomfort
others. The most common spines. It occurs when the protective from osteoarthritis they are all
ones are osteoarthritis (OA), cartilage at the ends of bones that’s needed. The stronger drugs,
rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic wears down over time, and usually such as the opiates, do a good job
arthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout. causes pain and stiffness. OA is not of relieving the pain, but as we all
I’ll be concentrating today on curable, but often can be managed know they have side effects—some
osteoarthritis (OA) which affects pretty well, particularly with the of which can be very serious. Not
over 32.5 million Americans and milder cases or in people who are only can the opioids drugs become
mega-millions world-wide. in the earlier stages of the disease. addicting, but they are strong drugs
Unfortunately, the problem is not You won’t be surprised when I share with significant side effects such as
going away. The CDC estimates with you that the experts suggest tiredness, mental confusion, and (in
that “By the year 2040, an estimated the best way to pro-actively ward- older individuals) unsteadiness or
78.4 million (25.9% of the projected off or handle mild OA is by staying loss of balance. Again, there are no
total adult population) adults aged active, maintaining a healthy weight perfect, harmless drugs out there.
18 years and older will have doctor- and following a basic healthy life-
diagnosed arthritis…” style. If you think you (or someone you
Sobering statistics. love) needs more than the NSAIDs,
Since many people have OA and Medications to Ease the you should be in touch with a
the prognosis is for an even larger Symptoms of OA medical professional for further
number in the future, you might guidance.
imagine that top researchers are Today, we continue to rely on and
working hard to find a cure for use the old standbys to at least ease Supplements for arthritis
OA (or at least a very good way the troublesome symptoms of OA. There are many supplements that
to manage the aches and pains And, of course, we should use them claim to reduce pain or improve
that accompany this widespread judiciously. Everyone knows now symptoms of inflammation that
condition). And you’d be right. (or should know) that every drug, occur in OA. Most of us with the
Unfortunately, there is no cure-all even the common ones, can have mild-ongoing aches and pains of
drug for OA today or even a drug side effects, and that each individual OA will want to use routinely (or
that can safely mitigate all the pains is different in how they react to a at least try for a suitable duration)
and aches that OA can produce. drug. The old adage to “take as low one or more on the following list.
a dose as possible as infrequently as
Please see
HEALTHY, page 13

Elyse Rogers has been a Plymouth Harbor resident since 2019. Her column for The Harbor Light entitled Staying
Healthy in Florida runs monthly. Elyse is a Registered Nurse with advanced degrees in nursing, education and
medical communications. Please feel free to email her with questions or comments at [email protected].

18 ­— The Har bor Light Staying HEALTHY in Florida

HEALTHY aches of OA. Ginger contains general health as we age.
chemicals that work in the same Types of Exercise for
Continued from page 12 way as some anti-inflammatory Osteoarthritis
medicines. Pills are easy to take, of
Fortunately, natural supplements course, but it’s also available fresh Most routine exercise plans
(when used correctly, of course) are at the supermarket and can be part work well for those with mild OA,
pretty safe with very few side effects. of a good healthy-eating program particularly those plans that involve
Any new user, however, should try by being grated or shredded into walking or low-impact aerobic
low dosages of any supplement for casseroles or used to make muffins. activities. So, as you might expect,
a “watchful duration” before using Ginger tea is also popular and can the following exercises are listed as
them on a daily basis. Most good be bought in tea-bag form. suitable for those with OA.
physicians are happy nowadays to
discuss supplements and dosage 4) Fish oils (mainly omega-3 fatty • Neck and back exercises
with their patients either on the acids) for their anti-inflammatory • Low impact aerobic activities
phone or during an office visit, so properties. Since most fish oils are • Range of motion exercises
check with your personal medical pretty strong, they are rarely used • Swimming and water therapy
professional if you have specific in routine cooking and are more • Resistance exercise
questions. popular as a capsule supplement. • Golf
• Yoga
1) Glucosamine and chondroitin. Non-pharmaceutical Measures Again, for any specific questions,
Probably the most commonly to Mitigate OA Symptoms I’d ask your own family physician or
used and touted supplement is an exercise professional.
glucosamine and chondroitin In the absence of any In conclusion, The NIH
sulfate. And recently new studies pharmaceutical cure for OA, and (National Institutes of Health)
have given more scientific really no good comprehensive plan tells us: “By 2030, an estimated
support to the effectiveness of this to either prevent or attenuate the 20 percent of Americans—about
compound. And the good news condition, many professionals and 70 million people—will be over
is these non-prescription pills or lay people are looking for more 65 and be at an increased risk for
capsules are readily available at answers in life-style. The biggest osteoarthritis. Over the next two
drugstores that sell vitamins and recommendations I run across decades, however, advances from
nutritional products as well as on- when talking with professionals NIH-funded research may enable
line and in health stores. Certainly or researching online, are 1) lose many of these individuals to be
worth a try—many people with weight if you are obese, 2) exercise spared the pain and disability that
OA swear by them, and I’ve known routinely and 3) eat a good diet— osteoarthritis causes today.”
physicians and even medical go heavy on the veggies and fruits Let’s hope!
specialists who suggest them to etc. These suggestions are, as we
their patients. Since side-effects all know, common ones for good
appear to be rare with glucosamine
and chondroitin supplements, I’d
sure give them a try if you’re having
OA-type aches and pains.

There are a plethora of other
popular supplements:

2) Turmeric/curcumin (the yellow
spice found in Asian curry) for
its anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric pills are usually easy-to
take capsules and are inexpensive.

3) Ginger (ginger root—a cousin
to Turmeric) is available in pill
form. Popular for aiding digestion,
but also used for the pain and

Staying HEALTHY in Florida The Har bor Light — 19

facebook.com/PlymouthHarbor Harry Hobson
@PlymouthHarbor President/CEO
John M. Cranor III
Chair, Plymouth Harbor,
Inc. Board of Trustees

HARBOR LIGHT STAFF
Liz Clark

Administrator of Home Care
Joe Devore

Senior Vice President of Health Services
Emmalee Molay

Communications Coordinator
Gordon Okawa

Vice President of Marketing &
Community Affairs
Maryanne Shorin

Director of Resident Programming
Beth Watson

Vice President of Philanthropy
Tena Wilson

Vice President of Resident & Employee Relations

HARBOR LIGHT BIOGRAPHERS
Judy Stanford — Chair
Catha Abrahams
Ann Anderson
Sue Elliott
Lorna Hard
Kathy Hendricks
Beverly Koski
Cerita Purmort
Estelle Silbert
Wendy Underwood
Sallie VanArsdale