August 2023 Harbor Light The Investing in Our Future Giving from the heart comes naturally Page 6 August 2023 AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 1 8/3/2023 3:02:54 PM
2 - The Harbor Light We Are Inspired By Our Giving Community W hen you get to know our residents, the one thing that truly stands out is their generosity and commitment to philanthropy and giving back. We witness charitable, selfless acts daily at Plymouth Harbor, and it's humbling and inspiring. This philosophy is engrained in the culture of our community, and it makes me proud to be a part of such an involved, caring and inspiring group of people! This month, we recognize philanthropy, with a particular focus on education – the funding of scholarships that assists many of our team members achieve higher levels of learning, and greater opportunities for personal and professional growth. The end of summer means a return to school for many of our families. From children to grandchildren (even great-grandchildren), many of us shift our focus to preparing a better future for generations to come. Adult education is also part of this process, and many of our Team Members are continuing their education every year, often with the help of our residents through the Plymouth Harbor Foundation's Scholarship Program (See P. 6 for this year's recipients) . One perfect example of our scholarship program in action is the special relationship between Jack and Lenora Jost and their primary caregiver, Ryan Thompson. Ryan received a Resident Association Scholarship, a Foundation Scholarship and the Alida deJongh Scholarship in 2022. A Care Partner in the Seaside Assisted Living Residences, Ryan is on a path to become an LPN and is studying at Suncoast Technical College. His friendship with Jack brings the entire philanthropic process into focus. The cycle is a constant process of "paying it forward" as you help fund the cost of continuing education through generous contributions. We are truly helping prepare the generations to come in a variety of fields – many of which directly benefit Plymouth Harbor as we strive to ensure our residents receive excellent health care in their golden years. Many CNAs among our Team Members received financial assistance through our scholarship program and have brought those enhanced skills and knowledge to our workplace. This of course provides our residents with the best care possible as some transition to assisted living, or require medical attention at the Smith Care Center. This year, we've also assisted several Team Members with summer camp scholarships for their children, something we plan to continue in future years. The giving spirit continues in an inspiring way at Plymouth Harbor! Jeff Weatherhead President & CEO AUGUST AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 2 8/3/2023 3:02:54 PM
The Harbor Light - 3 Random Camera There's always something happening at Plymouth Harbor, and every issue we'll be featuring a page of photos taken by the Random Camera! If you have captured some fun or interesting activity on your smartphones, or old fashioned digital cameras, please submit to Ray Porter, Communications Manager, at RayP@PlymouthHarbor.org Top photo: Therapy goats visited our campus in May, attracting a crowd of interested residents. Above, NASA's Frank Sulzman describes advances in the space program. And at right, Anthony Baffo teaches a course on corporate values. Top photo: Residents gather on the porch area for refreshments and conversation; and at left, Gretchen Dawson takes a look at the Grab 'N Go breakfast offerings in the Mayflower Lounge area – a new concept from Monste Ladron and her Dining Services team. AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 3 8/3/2023 3:02:55 PM
4 –The Harbor Light What's Cookin'? Montse Ladron, our Director of Dining Services, led an informative and fun tour of the various Plymouth Harbor kitchen facilities on July 25. The behind-the-scenes event proved an eye-opener for many residents, who may not have realized the special care Team Members take with the procurement, preparation, handling and presentation of the hundreds of meals served here annually. Bon Appetit! AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 4 8/3/2023 3:02:57 PM
The Harbor Light — 5 E ducation is the key that unlocks important doors which lead to future success and achievement. At Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay, opportunities to support education always bring new discoveries or connections, reaching the passion, emotion, and enthusiasm within each of our residents. The great Greek philosopher Plato, born in 428 B.C., once said, "The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life." And Benjamin Franklin, an American founding father, noted in the mid-17th century, "If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." Since the inception of The Plymouth Harbor Foundation scholarship program in 2013, more than $330,000 in scholarships have been awarded to more than 135 team members and their children! All thanks to YOU, our residents – from team members, board members, and the families you have helped! In recent years, in spite of a pandemic and a hurricane, we have continued to set records. This year, the incoming class of scholarship winners totaled 35 individuals — the most ever — receiving more than $80,000. And of course, none of this would be possible without our residents and other contributors who generously made donations to the Foundation’s Employee Assistance Scholarship Fund. The request for funds was so great, in fact, many of our named scholarships were once again split among multiple scholars. We remain very appreciative to all the residents who established named annual scholarships and of course the residents who established endowed scholarships. Together they enable us to help elevate our team members. A large number of this year's scholarship recipients are working full-time while attending school to pursue the next steps in their careers. This isn't easy, and reflects on their personal commitment to improving their lives and the lives of others. The majority of scholars are studying for careers in the health sciences field, and to be able to assist Plymouth Harbor's deserving team members and their children is a tremendous endeavor. This next generation of scholars will accomplish incredible things and become the leaders of tomorrow, and our residents are playing a big part in their journies. We wish them all the best with their studies and offer our sincere congratulations on all their achievements so far! One final quote - Aristotle, born in 384 B.C., is quoted as saying, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." The health care field truly involves a commitment of the heart, and is centered on selfless acts of helping others in need. The great Greek philosopher would have been proud! Education is the key to future success Pamela Olin, former Apple "Genius", teaches a course on Apple products as part of our ongoing education offerings. AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 5 8/3/2023 3:02:58 PM
6 — The Harbor Light The Spirit ♥♥f Philanthropy Congratulations to Our 2023 Scholarship Recipients! By Beth Watson, Vice President of Philanthropy My favorite time of the year has come once again! The time to celebrate the amazing scholarship opportunities for team members and their children from the Plymouth Harbor Foundation! Thank you again to all of our resident contributors that allow our scholarship funds to grow and our educational assistance to flourish! This year, we were able to provide a record 35 scholarship awards for college, summer camp, and CNA training! Here are our 2023 Scholarship Recipients! The Spirit f Philanthropy Karline Zehr — Recipient of the Marita and Albert Marsh Scholarship: Karline is a Care Partner in Memory Care. She is seeking her Associates Degree in Nursing from the State College of Florida. Gilande "Gigi" Rousseau — Recipient of a Residents Association Scholarship; the Darlene J. and Richard P. Carroll M.D. Scholarship; and the Ruth Kreindler Scholarship: Gigi is an RN Day Supervisor in SCC, and is seeking her Bachelors Degree in Nursing from American Sentinel College. Gloria Rouchon — Recipient of the Gaylord Family Nursing Scholarship and the Thomas W. and Marcia F. Ward Scholarship: Gloria is the child of Charle Rouchon, Care Partner. She is seeking her Associates Degree in Nursing from the State College of Florida. Kim Pestana — Recipient of a Foundation Scholarship and the Ruth Kreindler Scholarship: Kim is the Accounts Receivable Coordinator in Accounting and working towards a certification in graphic design at the State College of Florida. Montse Ladron — Recipient of the Nancy and Harry Hobson Leadership Development Grant: Montse is the Director of Dining and attended LeadingAge Florida's 2023 Leadership Academy. AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 6 8/3/2023 3:03:01 PM
The Harbor Light — 7 c The Spirit f Philanthropy Kyle Meyer — Recipient of a Foundation Scholarship, and the James Arnsby Culinary and Hospitality Scholarship: Kyle is the son of Joy Meyer, Administrative Assistant in Concierge Care Management. Kyle is in his third year of law school at Florida State College of Law. Emilee Shepard — Recipient of the Victoria Holak Barton Scholarship: Emilee is the daughter of Trisha Roman, Housekeeping Supervisor, and also works in Dining Services. Emilee plans to pursue a degree in Business and Cosmetology at the State College of Florida. Prudny Bonnaire Fils — Recipient of the Dr. Herb and Maija Kaufman Scholarship: Prudny is the son of Fhadia Bonnaire Fils, a CNA in Home Care. Prudny is studying microbiology at the University of Florida, with a goal of obtaining a Master of Science in Public Health, after which he hopes for a career in epidemiology. Igorthor Bezhenar— Recipient of the Ruth Kreindler Scholarship and the Melun and Thompson Scholarship: Igor works in Dining Services and anticipates furthering his education in Interpreter Training - he speaks four languages! Nadia Fianko — Recipient of the Collinsworth Scholarship and the Tom and Sallie Luebbe Scholarship: Nadia is the daughter of Ivy Widgins, an LPN in the Seaside Assisted Living Residences. Nadia his studying International Affairs at Florida State University. Ariah Tach Crook — Recipient of the Jeannette Gehrie Music Scholarship: Ariah is a Team Member in Safety Services and plans to study piano at Sam Ash Music. Kimberly Corea Ibarra — Recipient of a Resident Association Scholarship and the Esther and Jorgen Jensen Scholarship: Kimberly is the daughter of Osmara Corea, a Server in Dining Services. Kimberly just joined Plymouth Harbor as an LPN in the Smith Care Center. She is also at the State College of Florida working towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 7 8/3/2023 3:03:02 PM
8 — The Harbor Light The Spirit f Philanthropy Merry Hill — Recipient of the Margot and Jack Robinson Scholarship and a Foundation Scholarship: Merry is the child of Sandra Etayo in Accounting. She is seeking her degree in Speech Pathology/Therapy from the University of Florida. Samantha Huffman — Recipient of a Residents Association Scholarship; the Margot and Jack Robinson STEM Scholarship; and the Elsa Price Memorial Nursing Scholarship: Samantha is studying for a degree in Nursing at Suncoast Technical College. Paul Steven Maltaghati — Recipient of the Roger and Eleanor Weiss Scholarship: Paul is the child of Louis Maltaghati, Director of Home Care and Community-Based Services. Paul is working on a Masters and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech. Lily Elseser — Recipient of the Charlene Sessions Scholarship and the Esther and Jorgen Jensen Scholarship: Lily is the child of Mary Van Sant, SCC Admissions Coordinator. She is seeking a degree in film studies from the University of Tampa. Tyree Lamothe — Recipient of the Elaine and Arthur Sandler Scholarship: Tyree is the child of Jacqueline Guerrier, Care Partner. Tyree is working towards a degree in Pharmacy medicine at Hillsborough Commuity College. Sandra Esparza — Recipient of a Foundation Scholarship: Sandra is our Housekeeping Supervisor and is seeking her IHEA Certification. Macarena "Macky" Acosta Bustos — Recipient of a Maceikonis Family Foundation Scholarship and the Resident Association Scholarship: Macky works in Safety Services and is studying to become a CNA. Charity Mendez — Recipient of a Maceikonis Family Foundation Scholarship and the Resident Association Scholarship: Charity works in Safety Services and is studying to become a CNA. AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 8 8/3/2023 3:03:04 PM
The Spirit f Philanthropy The Harbor Light — 9 Yevheniia Ilchuk — Recipient of a Maceikonis Family Foundation Scholarship and the Resident Association Scholarship: Yevheniia works as a Housekeeper and took the CNA classes and just passed the Florida Certified Nurses Aide Exam! Congratulations Yevheniia! Katy Osmara Corea — Recipient of a Maceikonis Family Foundation Scholarship and the Resident Association Scholarship: Katy currently works in SCC Dining Services but is studying to become a CNA. Amanda Draper — Recipient of a Maceikonis Family Foundation Scholarship and the Resident Association Scholarship: Amanda currently works in Housekeeping and is studying to become a CNA. Nataliya Susha— Recipient of a Maceikonis Family Foundation Scholarship and the Resident Association Scholarship: Nataliya, our Accounts Payable Coordinator, is studying to become a CNA so she can work as needed at Plymouth Harbor. Amy Arreola— Recipient of a Maceikonis Family Foundation Scholarship and the Resident Association Scholarship: Amy works as a Housekeeper and is studying to become a CNA. Seven of our Team Members received a free Summer Camp Scholarship. Having a blast at camp are (top left, clockwise): Jennifer Heckler's daughter Viviana; Cora Cruz's son Isaiah; Matt Slattery's daughter Skylar; Franco Valencia's daughter Nora; Brian Bly's daughter Ember (Lexi also got scholarship); Steven Parsons' daughter Lee (Joanne also got scholarship). Not pictured - Charity Mendez' son Levi, who also received a scholarship. AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 9 8/3/2023 3:03:06 PM
10 — The Harbor Light As we are in the middle of summer here at Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay, we are coping with the sweltering heat. Many have traveled to the cooler North, and many have taken vacations to relax, rejuvenate, get out of the heat, and spend valuable time with loved ones. Summer is also a great time to slow down, enjoy a nice glass of iced tea or lemonade, and think about and appreciate more of our own lives. If our glass is full, then no more water can be added. It is only when we start emptying our glass then we can receive more water to refill our glass. This process of renewal and refilling is all important to our lives. This month, as we recognize the recipients of the scholarships offered to team members and their children through the Plymouth Harbor Foundation and many private contributions made by our residents, let's reflect upon the ways you pour into the lives of our team members. Your gifts have been generously offered so that our team members and their children may have opportunities to improve themselves and their lives that they may otherwise not have ... to fill their glasses. These gifts bring hope and renew the spirit of the recipients. Here at Plymouth Harbor, we have the opportunity to get a glimpse of the results of our generosity. May we be grateful for the opportunity we have in living in such a generous community. And may we continually fill the cups of others, and in so doing have our own cups filled to the brim. Generosity creates opportunities for the future By Thomas Matthews, Interim Chaplain Thomas Matthews started as our interim Chaplain at Plymouth Harbor in December 2022. His column for The Harbor Light entitled Beacon of Hope runs bi-monthly, focusing on all nondenominational faith-based programs and spiritual events at Plymouth Harbor. Please feel free to call him with questions or comments at Ext. 587. AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 10 8/3/2023 3:03:08 PM
Rules for Healthy Living Here’s a short list of good health practices from our Country’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) that most of us have known from childhood. But a reminder is always prudent. Daily physical activity • Proper diet is essential • Don’t skip meals • Be sure to eat breakfast • Physical check-ups routinely scheduled • Socialization with others • Get enough sleep • Eliminate or moderate alcohol consumption Other good ideas • Learn Something New Scientists tell us that we stimulate our brain (sort of “get rid of the cobwebs”)As many of you know, I should be the happiest person alive because I’m always vowing to learn/relearn/improve/expand my Japanese language ability! Alas, although it’s certainly a worthy, lifelong project, please don’t try coming up to me and speaking fluent Japanese… BUT—truly leaning something new, or trying to, is supposedly very good for the brain! • Help Others “Do unto Others…” We’ve been taught since childhood that “giving” is good: “better to give than to receive,” and now we’ve learned that it’s actually “good for the giver” as well. Who doesn’t have a bit of a lighter step and a brighter smile, after they’ve done a good deed? So send a get-well card to that shut-in neighbor, or wrap up a few of those justbaked cookies and drop them off with your helpful church secretary, or - you get the picture! • Make Daily Lists of Things for Which You’re Grateful Making an actual list of good things that happen—a mental list can work, but it’s better to actually write the good things down on paper. We all tend to get busy in our routines, and it’s easy to concentrate on the negatives: “The mail was late,” “I got caught in a thunderstorm on my trip to the grocer.” And on it goes. There’s no end to life’s little problems and discomforts, especially if we dwell on them. (And some people do tend to dwell on all the negatives.) Physically writing down on paper some positive things that happen – at least two or three every day—can make us more aware of those constructive and/or very pleasant things that we often ignore. Basically—use whatever type of reminder works for you — and Good Luck! The Harbor Light — 11 Accentuate the Positive for a Longer, Healthier Life! By Elyse M. Rogers, R.N., B.S., M.A. AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 11 8/3/2023 3:03:08 PM
12 — The Harbor Light To age gracefully, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize our health and well-being. One exercise that has captured the hearts of many seniors around the world (and has been offered here at Plymouth Harbor for more than two decades) is Tai Chi. Originating from ancient China, Tai Chi is a gentle and meditative form of exercise that offers numerous benefits to senior health, making it an ideal practice for promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being in our golden years. One of the most significant concerns for seniors is maintaining balance and preventing falls, which can lead to severe injuries. Tai Investing in Your Health: The Healing Harmony of Tai Chi By Summer Rentsch, Director of Wellness & Programming Tai Chi instructor Michael Stults leads a recent Tuesday morning class in the Wellness Center studio. The class involves all of the basic Tai Chi movements to spur physical, mental and emotional well-being. AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 12 8/3/2023 3:03:09 PM
The Harbor Light — 13 Chi’s slow and controlled movements focus on shifting body weight, enhancing stability, and improving coordination. Regular practice of Tai Chi has been found in studies to reduce the risk of falls and provide a sense of confidence in maintaining steadiness during daily activities. Tai Chi’s flowing motions and gentle stretches promote flexibility and help maintain joint health. Regular practice can alleviate joint pain, increase range of motion, and support overall joint function, allowing seniors to stay active and mobile. The practice also engages numerous muscle groups throughout the body. The slow, controlled movements promote strength and endurance and contribute to improved bone density, therefore reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Stress and anxiety is also something that can be managed with the help of Tai Chi. The practice incorporates deep breathing and mindfulness, providing a calming and meditative experience. This ancient practice has been shown to reduce stress hormones, promote relaxation, and enhance overall emotional well-being. Participating in Tai Chi classes also offers the opportunity to connect with likeminded individuals, fostering a greater sense of community and social interaction. The supportive environment can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, promoting mental well-being and a positive outlook on life. Additional studies have shown links between Tai Chi and a positive impact on cognitive function in seniors. The mind-body connection involved in Tai Chi exercises stimulates brain activity, improving memory, concentration and mental clarity Recently, Plymouth Harbor welcomed a long-term Tai Chi substitute, Authentic Master of Chi, Sifu Michael Stults. With over 30 years experience in all forms of Tai Chi and martial arts, his teaching style has grown class participation by leaps and bounds! His masterful ability to convey teachings in a deeply embodied manner, with a friendly and respectful communication style, sets him apart from most teachers of the Asian energy arts. Our Tai Chi classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. in the Wellness Center. Namaste. AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 13 8/3/2023 3:03:09 PM
14 –The Harbor Light Fiction All That’s Left Unsaid, by Tracey Lien (LP) Blaze me a Sun, by Christopher Carlsson * Central Park West, by Peter Cozzens Death of a Traitor, by M.C. Beaton* Homecoming, by Late Morton Killing of Innocence,by Deborah Crombie * Killing Moon by Jo Nesbo Our Best Intentions, by Vibhuti Jain Postcard, by Anne Berest Resemblance, by Lauren Nossett * Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld Simple Lies, by Favid Baldacci* Still Life, by Sarah Winman * White Lady, by Jacuquelin Windspear* Bleeding Heart Yard, by Elly Griffiths * The Cloisters, by Katy Hays* Exiles, by Jane Harper* Non-Fiction A Brutal Reckoning, by Peter Cossens The 2020s, Book 1 & Book 2, by David Houle * Biography An Ordinary Man, (bio of Gerald R. Ford) by Richard Norton Smith * Donated Book LP = Large Print Five Star Weekend, by Elin Hilderbrand* Kingdom of Savannah, by George Dawes Green* So Shall You Reap, by Donna Leon* Standing in the Shadows by Peter Robinson* Sweet Spot, by Amy Poeppel* Investing in Knowledge What's New in the Library? Speaking of books, there are many important resources for our residents now available on Life.WellZesta.com, including the 2023 Hurricane Season Handbook. We are still in the early stages of hurricane season, so don't become complacent due to the current state of the tropics. As we learned all too well from Hurricane Ian in 2022, it only takes one major storm to disrupt lives and communities. Numerous other written resources, including many Resident Association documents, are also available. This is a prime spot to learn so much about Plymouth Harbor. So visit the new digital information portal, and under Resources, then Documents, and then Emergency Preparedness, look for the Hurricane Handbook for important information! Valuable Reading Available on Wellzesta Life AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 14 8/3/2023 3:03:10 PM
Peninsula Project restarts in September Get ready for the restart of the Peninsula Revitalization Project restart next month. Work has been on hold during the height of the rookery bird nesting season this summer, but will begin anew in the fall, with hopes of completion by early next year. Project consultant KimleyHorn has been involved in numerous other successful and beautiful local projects, including The Bay Park and Celery Fields. Part of the peninsula project includes removal of the invasive Australian Pines in phases, which will allow the native mangroves to expand and provide additional protection for the rookery. Dr. Lou Newman, Plymouth Harbor's own resident bird expert, anticipates the project will enhance the environmental jewel of the rookery, and result in an even more attractive spot for the birds to migrate to each year. Stay tuned! The Harbor Light – 15 AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 15 8/3/2023 3:03:10 PM
16 —T he Harbor Light On June 30, we said a tearful but also joyous goodbye filled with gratitude and good wishes for Tena Wilson after more than 30 years of outstanding service to Plymouth Harbor. Shown here at left with Gary and Kathy Hendricks (and with several other residents and Team Members in other photos) at her farewell reception, Tena has been an integral part of this community for over three decades, ultimately forming and leading our Team Member Relations Department. On Aug. 7th, Anthony Baffo will assume Tena's previous role. Once again, Tena, thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and enjoy your retirement years! Thank You, Tena, for 30 Amazing Years! AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT.indd 7 7/27/2023 10:00:25 AM AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 16 8/3/2023 3:03:10 PM
The Harbor Light – 17 Britney Freas, the daughter of Caryn Freas, Plymouth Harbor’s Programming & Events Coordinator, has won The Doyle Scholarship from our organization! Britney will be attending Montclair University in New Jersey, studying dance and business. From left are: Lee DeLieto, Sr. (Plymouth Harbor Foundation Chair); Kathy Hendricks (President, Residents Association); Caryn Freas; and Britney Freas. Congratulations, Britney! New United States Citizens We are especially pleased this month to recognize two Plymouth Harbor Team Members who have recently become citizens of the United States – Macarena Acosta "Macky" Bustos, and Patricia Nisbet. Macky, born in Argentina, and Patricia, born in Peru, were recognized at the CEO Forum on July 27 as new citizens, a rigorous process which they each navigated flawlessly. Congratulatuions, and welcome! LeadingAge Florida Conference Several Plymouth Harbor Team Members, led by CEO/President Jeff Weatherhead, attended the annual summer conference of LeadingAge in Orlando during the month of July. The team was excited to spend several days exploring the theme "Evolve" with leaders from other communities like ours from across the state. At the conference, Franco Valencia, Operations Manager for Dining Services, presented his Action Learning Project to finalize his year long Leadership Academy experience. Also, congratulations are due for Montse Ladron, our Dining Services Director, as she begins her Academy experience. These two were joined by Summer Rentsch, Director of Wellness & Programming, and Justin Leathers, Director of Accounting, who have also completed the Leadership Academy. This commitment to leadership development benefits the individual, the community, and our aging services field. 16 —T he Harbor Light On June 30, we said a tearful but also joyous goodbye filled with gratitude and good wishes for Tena Wilson after more than 30 years of outstanding service to Plymouth Harbor. Shown here at left with Gary and Kathy Hendricks (and with several other residents and Team Members in other photos) at her farewell reception, Tena has been an integral part of this community for over three decades, ultimately forming and leading our Team Member Relations Department. On Aug. 7th, Anthony Baffo will assume Tena's previous role. Once again, Tena, thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and enjoy your retirement years! Thank You, Tena, for 30 Amazing Years! AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT.indd 7 7/27/2023 10:00:25 AMAUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 17 8/3/2023 3:03:12 PM
18 – The Harbor Light Friends and Neighbors Ask a recent arrival, “What brought you to Sarasota?” and the answer is most often some version of, “My parents wintered here.” Leone Modestino, who moved into Plymouth Harbor in March 2023, flips that with “My daughter lives here.” That would be Lee Ann Modestino who has lived on Longboat Key with her husband David Darrin for the last five years. Leone is Canadian by birth. She lived in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia until she was 12 years old and met her husband, James Modestino, in Braintree, MA when she was just 15. They wed in 1962 and they lived in Braintree and Hingham, MA while he was studying and then teaching electrical engineering at Northeastern University. James got his undergraduate degree there and his first Master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The couple relocated to Princeton University where James earned his second Master’s degree and his PhD. The Modestinos enjoyed weekends and summers at Lake George for some 40 years and winters in Florida for 20+ years, first in Miami and then in Naples. They selected Plymouth Harbor for their retirement residence but sadly, James passed away shortly before their move-in date. Wherever she lived, Leone was an active volunteer for Women’s Clubs, Girl Scouts and University activities. She was involved with her Homeowners’ Associations in Lake George and Naples, and a volunteer at Fairchild Botanical Gardens in Miami. Other interests include boating, painting, walking, hiking, reading and cooking. In the kitchen, she favors Italian cuisine and her own Scottish heritage. In addition to Lee Ann, an attorney, Leone’s family includes son-in-law Greg Redington, a second daughter Michele, an architect, and three spectacular grandchildren. Both daughters kept their maiden name when they married. The name “Modestino” is Italian for “little modest.” “Leone” means lion. Put ‘em together and you have a name uniquely well-suited to our new resident who is, well, a little modest. Leone answered our question about her personal history with “stay at home wife and mother.” Daughter Lee Ann notes that her mom is a “People person who really cares about people” and has a “unique talent for decorating,” which is fully evident in her 10th floor Tower apartment here. Leone says “I have much to learn now that I am outside my comfort zone. Every time I have experienced something new, I have enjoyed it.” There is every reason to believe that Leone will enjoy much of what Plymouth Harbor has to offer, and that the Plymouth Harbor community will very much enjoy her. Leone Modestino A p t . T- 1 0 0 7 , E x t . 3 1 8 By Molly Schecter — Biography Committee WELCOME, NEW FRIENDS! AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 18 8/3/2023 3:03:13 PM
The Harbor Light – 19 Jim Bennett A p t . T- 1 5 1 2 , E x t . 3 7 6 Jim Bennett was on the Plymouth Harbor waitlist since 2016 and finally moved into his new residence on June 7, 2023. Each day around 7:00 a.m., he engages in exercise as a form of meditation. Depending on the day, he embarks on a predetermined 6-mile cycling route or takes a refreshing swim. Jim has plans to become involved in various activities, including mentoring for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Currently, he serves on the board of the WEDU public television station located in Tampa. Jim's educational journey includes an undergraduate degree from Princeton University and a subsequent law degree from Stanford University. For the next three decades, he specialized in international corporate law, which led to three notable career accomplishments. Firstly, Jim successfully negotiated the groundbreaking joint venture and cross-technology exchange involving monoclonal antibodies for HIV between a renowned U.S. medical equipment manufacturer and a Chinese university. Secondly, he played a pivotal role in preparing and concluding a major revision of a Research and Development exchange agreement which benefited a medical technology company and a teaching hospital in New York City. Lastly, Jim effectively managed the development of a manufacturing facility in a third-world country, surpassing fourth-year objectives within only two years. Jim experienced two marriages. With his first wife Mary, he had two children. Steve, his oldest son, attained a Ph.D. and currently designs laser technology satellites. Their family, which includes a son and daughter, resides in Colorado. Jim's daughter, Kristy, is married and lives outside Philadelphia. She has made significant contributions by establishing several charter/non-profit schools supporting homeschooling, which all of her three daughters attended. Jim's second wife, Lynnette, entered his life through a party hosted by her brother, one of his Princeton classmates. Their union lasted 38 years, during which she served as a Fulbright Scholar Program manager at the Institute for International Education in New York City. She passed away in 2017. Jim and Lynnette adopted two children from Korea. First, their daughter Margot was adopted at four months and went on to graduate from Middlebury College. Subsequently, she pursued a graduate degree at UC Davis in Textiles. She is married to a video game artist, Blake, and they have one son, Wilder. The second child, John, arrived from Korea at the age of 5 after being abandoned on a park bench near Seoul. He graduated from the University of Connecticut and resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife, Stephanie, and two children, Hadley and Winifred. He is employed in the field of insurance annuities. In a few weeks, Jim anticipates a family reunion on Cape Cod. For the past 45 years, Jim's entire family has convened on the same property, cherishing their time together in three cottages as a beloved tradition. Enjoy your time together, Jim, and welcome to your new Plymouth Harbor family! By Kay Perrin — Biography Committee WELCOME, NEW FRIENDS! AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 19 8/3/2023 3:03:13 PM
Harbor Light Staff Ray Porter Communications Manager Liz Sparr Director of Marketing & Community Affairs Beth Watson Vice President of Philanthropy Issue Contributors Jeff Weatherhead Beth Watson Summer Rentsch Chaplain Thomas Matthews Ray Porter Margaret Melun Kay Perrin Molly Schechter Elyse M. Rogers September Renewal Jeff Charlotte Chair, Plymouth Harbor, Inc. Board of Trustees Jeff Weatherhead President & CEO, Plymouth Harbor @PlymouthHarbor facebook.com/PlymouthHarbor life.wellzesta.com/plymouth-harbor/ Peninsula Project Restarting – The renovation of our beloved peninsula and bird sanctuary will restart within the next few weeks following the summer nesting season. Get ready for some amazing changes! See Page 15 for more details. AUGUST 2023 HARBOR LIGHT-rev-7-31-cover3.indd 20 8/3/2023 3:03:14 PM