JUNE HARBOR LIGHT

HarboTrhe Light

&FUGNAMES

PLYMOUTH HARBOR RESIDENTS THRIVING
ON INDOOR & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

JUNE 2021

JUNE

Life Just Isn't What It Used To Be

How many of you can recall several is in order.
decades ago when we were impressed In the lead story of
when an elderly person (defined as this month’s edition of
between 60 to 65 years of age) could The Harbor Light, you
walk, see and even drive on their own? will learn how active
Really, during my college studies in many of our residents
gerontology the are, regardless of their
word "elderly" age.
was formally You will be introduced to the bikers
defined as age of Plymouth Harbor, our kayakers —
60 and older. some of whom have been accused of
By contrast, creating white caps on the waves in
how old do you the Bay — the cheering of the Bocce
think Whistler’s ballers, and, of course, the many table
Whistler's Mother Mother and games being played throughout the
actress Helen campus.
Mirren each So remember, when you are looking
were in these for an activity or game to engage, be
paintings? assured you will never be asked your
Hint: The age, because it just isn’t as relevant
answer is at today.
the end of my And, oh yes, both ladies pictured were
column. 65. What I meant by contrast referred
Well, we have to the use of a rocking chair.
come a long
Helen Mirren way, baby.

It is so
impressive to observe many of our
residents who clearly make the case that Harry Hobson
a new definition for the word "elderly" President & CEO

2 —­ The Har bor Light

FUGNA&MES

By Jenny Serafino | Communications Assistant
& Emmalee Molay | Communications Manager

As home to a few hundred residents, Plymouth Harbor thrives on
its warm and inviting sense of community. Nonetheless, it’s that
friendly group atmosphere that lends itself to many of our residents
gathering together while also finding adventure in the Sarasota area.

As summer begins to draw near, Bikes
there are plenty of activities that When resident Bob Dawson moved
residents are delighted to be into Plymouth Harbor in late 2019,
participating in outdoors, such as he brought his love of cycling with
our active bike and kayak groups, him. While he stills belongs to an
as well as our bocce group just active bike club in Venice, Bob took
outside on our back terrace. Inside his passion for the activity and began
our doors, common interests can be speaking with other residents about
found around tables playing bridge, the sport.
mahjong and dominoes. Whatever it “I had met Carl [Koenig] and he
may be — fun and games are at the had mentioned he would like to
heart of how we live. And as COVID participate,” Bob said. “Around the
restrictions continue to ease, never same time Summer [Rentsch, Director
have we been as thankful for the of Wellness] had put up a bike board
opportunity to have such sincere near the Wellness Center to generate
company around us. interest. That certainly helped a

The Har bor Light — 3

Gretchen Dawson, Carolyn Montgomery, Carl Koenig,
Dick Cooley, Gary Olson, Carlotta Cooley & Bob Dawson

bunch. best to adjust their pace, so everyone
“Gradually, we got others involved is comfortable, and assures riders
and I convinced Gretchen [my wife] that the route is the safest and most
to get a bike, too.” efficient way to enjoy the beauty of
The group meets three days a week the surrounding area.
— Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Not only is it great exercise, but Bob
— and currently, during the summer also said it’s a perfect way to get some
months meets at 8:30 a.m. at the socialization in with fellow residents.
entrance to the East Garden Garage. “We are always looking for more
The route, Bob says, is approximately people,” he said. “It gives us a chance
nine to 10 miles, and on Saturday to meet each other with some fresh
mornings the group stops just a few air.”
miles in to have brunch at The Old Those who have any questions are
Salty Dog restaurant to relax and welcomed to contact Bob at Ext. 456
enjoy a bite to eat. or email him at bobdawsonvenice@
“On any given day we could have comcast.net. Bob keeps interested
about six to seven riders, but we riders informed via email with
usually have others come join us for weather conditions and to confirm
brunch even if they are not riders,” rides will take place.
Bob said. “We always eat outside, so “It doesn’t cost anything to
it was something we could continue be added, so I hope people are
during COVID which has been encouraged to try,” he said.
something to really look forward to. Kayaks
It’s becoming a little bit of a regular Resident Jack Kidd has kayaked
thing!” countless times in his life, but he
Bob says the group always does its believes even the most novice of

4 —­ The Har bor Light

participants can still get tons of Chair for a Kayak Sub-Committee
gratification out of some quality time who then worked with Plymouth
on the water. Harbor management and several
With Plymouth Harbor’s own kayak other residents to create a safe and
lift to allow for easy entry to and visually appealing area to fully take
from a kayak, Jack encourages anyone advantage of our location on the
interested in learning something new water. The lift itself was revealed in
to give kayaking a shot. early 2020, and the racks are now
“You really don’t have to be an full of kayaks — those who belong to
athlete,” he said. “If you enjoy the residents as well as multiple loaners
water, it is worth a try because it for anyone to use.
really is very relaxing.” “I feel very proud that we have
Jack leads a group of several provided this whole working system
residents who love to explore the for everyone,” Jack said. “Even for
waters surrounding Coon and Lido beginners — we have everything
keys once a week — at 9 a.m. on available and provide it all to them
Thursdays — depending on weather — paddles, life jackets. Everything is
and wind conditions. so enhanced now. It’s so organized
The group has come a long way, too. and even the planting outside is
“I remember about three years beautiful.”
ago, all we had were just a bunch With obvious health benefits, Jack
of wooden racks,” Jack said. “I just also said the kayaking has given him
had a burning desire to improve the and fellow residents something to
conditions because what we could do keep them focused on during the
was very limited. isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We thought to ourselves that we “It’s something so easily accessible
had to do something about it.” because we have the water right
Jack assumed the position of here,” he said. “And where we are
located, the water can be
really calm — which is
great.
“It really is good
entertainment since we
go in a group. For those
who may have any
slight difficulty, that
means there is always
help around, too.”
For any questions,

Tom Goddard, Jack Kidd, Jane Kidd, Laurie
Goddard, Sandy Weis & Janette Albrecht

The Har bor Light — 5

Jack is welcoming contact at Ext. creates is
243. He keeps interested attendees something
informed via email with weather resident
conditions. Maggie
Brenner
To loan a kayak at any time, especially
residents are encouraged to check looks
with the Tower Front Desk to get forward to.
set up with a waiver and specific Maggie,
instructions. who plays
Mahjong
Table Games once a
Mahjong, dominoes and bridge week and
are well known around Plymouth began
Harbor, and despite the pandemic playing the
separating our gaming community Chinese-
while it wasn’t safe to get together, based
it’s not uncommon to now see these tile game
groups back sitting around a table on when Carlotta Cooley
the Mezzanine or in colony rooms.
The socialization that it she was in college,
safely continued to play during the
Maggie Brenner pandemic — often times sporting her
custom Mahjong mask. The purpose
of the game — which is played by
four people — is to collect winning
sets of tiles, but offers much more
than that, she said. For instance, she
has had the chance to interact with
resident Susan Eckert since they are
partners.
“If you sit at a table for a few hours
playing Mahjong, then you can really
get to know someone better that
way,” Maggie said.
Maggie added she enjoys Mahjong
because it is a game for all ages and
can be played throughout life. She
loves the game so much that she
ordered custom tiles with her name
on them.
Similarly, resident Carlotta Cooley
has a gaming identity of her own —

6 —­ The Har bor Light

Domino Lady. Longboat Key. We would go to bridge
She received this nickname as word clubs and play against other people,
spread around campus that she could and it was our social life. We would
teach anyone how to play the game of play three times a week and built a
Mexican Train Dominoes — which lot of friendships. There is a big social
she has played for 25 years. aspect to bridge.”
Carlotta said when she was a little Since the Tracys are new to
girl, her mother would often play Plymouth Harbor and because the
dominoes with her friends during pandemic separated people from
the evening at home. Her mother let social gatherings, they have been
her play one night and she became substituting in-person bridge games
hooked, especially on the planning for online games.
and strategy aspect. The object of the Sherry said she thinks online is not
game is to build trains — a string of quite the same but is an interesting
dominoes. The person with the low alternative since you can play against
score is the winner. people all over the world.
Since moving to Plymouth Harbor in “The thing that is special about
March 2019, Carlotta has taught five bridge is you can play against the top
to six residents how to play dominoes. dogs,” she said. “We’ve been having a
Those who have learned how to play good time with it online because it’s
the game pass it on to their friends. really convenient, too. We didn’t want
Carlotta added the game is good for to drop the game all together because
your mental health as a great social it is such a fun challenge. We also love
event for the evenings. It can be played to play together — it’s special to have
in small or big groups. During the a partnership with the two of us.
pandemic she played safely in small “We might try playing in-person
groups of four or five, which she said again soon, but the [online] bridge
helped her stay engaged with friends.
“It’s light, and it’s casual,”
Carlotta said. “It is just a Sherry Tracy
chance to spend time with new
and old friends.”
That’s the same for bridge,
too — a strategic card game.
For residents Peter and Sherry
Tracy, it’s been something they
have played since they were in
their youth.
“The whole bridge world
has really changed since the
pandemic,” Peter said. “Before
we lived here, we lived on

The Har bor Light — 7

definitely kept and handle other
us happy as we tasks.
adapted to staying A trip to Publix
at home all the is scheduled
time.” at 10 a.m. on
Bocce Wednesday
Bocce ball mornings.
encourages residents Additionally,
to come together and the department
is known as one of Julie Magenheim on is making

our great amenities her way to Publix every effort to

on campus. Resident accommodate
Bill Brackett oversees the bocce group your individual transportation needs.
which plays twice a week at 4 p.m. on Services are available from 6:30 a.m. to
Tuesdays and Thursdays on the back 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday —
terrace behind the outdoor pool. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas
Bill was introduced to the game and New Year’s Day. We kindly ask
eight years ago by another resident that you give 24 hours’ notice as
and believes it is an opportunity for it is a requirement to reserve your
residents to use their upper and lower transportation. All requests can be
body muscles as a great way to stay made at the Tower Front Desk or by
active. calling Ext. 399.
While wearing masks and social For a transportation request for
distancing, the group was able to travel after 4 p.m., on the weekends
continue playing during COVID-19. and for same day requests, the Front
“I play bocce because it’s something Desk will arrange transportation for
where I can be with my brothers you through Lyft or via third-party
and sisters [in other words — fellow transportation service.
residents] to have fun,” Bill said. “It Some of us have begun taking small
is easy to play. It’s also neat to know trips outside of campus, as well.
that this game is a part of history since Recently, residents Susan Eckert and
it was invented by the Italians 2,000 Esther and JJ Jensen recently took a
years ago. For anyone who doesn’t trip to visit Elling Eide Center — a
know the rules, we will teach you!” private research library and nature
If you would like to discuss bocce preserve overlooking Little Sarasota
with Bill, feel free to give him a call at Bay which is dedicated to the study of
Ext. 319. classical Chinese literature and art.
Mini trips Feel free to send any photos of your
Safety Services has recently resumed adventures to Emmalee Molay at
its transportation operations, allowing [email protected] —
our residents the chance to go out in for any assistance needed, call her at
the community to shop for groceries Ext. 431!

8 —­ The Har bor Light

LET'S GET LIVE

Check out some featured live programming for the month of June! For any questions,
please contact Anne Casanova at Ext. 252 or [email protected].

Thursday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall — Peter Soloman, pianist and singer,
entertains with many tunes you will remember and love.

Monday, June 7 & Monday, June 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. — Monday Melodies in the
Mayflower with pianist Kris Soderman continues.

Monday, June 7 at 2 p.m. in the Club Room — Resident Bernie Phillips begins
his interactive seminar titled "Creating Life Before Death." The split presentation
and discussion format will be held on Mondays. Reservations are required by
contacting Anne Casanova at Ext. 252 or [email protected]. If you
would like to purchase the book, “Creating Life Before Death” to use as a tool
for the discussion, you may do so through Anne, as well.

Wednesday, June 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Mezzanine Conference Room
— Residents should call Anne Casanova at Ext. 252 to schedule appointment
for a FREE Hearing Spa Clinic. Please specify if appointment is for wax
removal, cleaning screening or hearing screening.

Thursday, June 10 at 7:15 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall — Duet performance by violinist, Margot
Zarzycka, and pianist, Lee Dougherty Ross. Margot has been an award-winning violinist
since the age of 6. Besides her current role with The Sarasota Orchestra, she has performed
in numerous orchestras and serves as the assistant Concertmaster and The Principal Violinist
of the Strauss Vienna Orchestras of America and is an active soloist and chamber musician
with numerous string chamber ensembles in the US and Europe, along with being a leading
violinist for Cirque des Vois in Sarasota, and more!

Lee Dougherty Ross debuted at age 12 as a piano soloist with the Norfolk Virginia
Symphony Orchestra, and later performed with the Eastman Rochester Symphony. After
relocating to Sarasota, she founded the Artist Series of Sarasota. She still performs with
many of the area’s well-
known musicians. Lee
wears the piano like a
hand wears a glove, and
makes it look effortless,
providing the finest
performances.

AROUND CAMPUS The Har bor Light — 9

Friday, June 11 at 2 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall — One Book Program presents a performance
book review of the award-winning book "Suncoast Empire; Bertha Honore Palmer, Her
Family, and the Rise of Sarasota" with local author and historian, Frank A. Cassell. Live
speech by the author and performance of Bertha Palmer by Kathryn Chesley — local actress
& historian — was prerecorded and will be shown.

Tuesday, June 15 at noon in the Bistro — L.A.L.A. (Lunch and
Learn Art) with Debra Lambert, local artist of woven art and
spun artyarn, as well as owner of Picasso’s Moon. Her mantra is
“Let Fiber be Your Joy.” Her workshops center on how to use
yarns and fibers in a creative, organic, freeform way. A $25 fee
includes art lecture and catered lunch of chicken Caesar salad.

Contact Anne Casanova to reserve your spot.

Tuesday, June 15 at 4 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall — Resident and
sculptor Robert Wilk will be providing a lecture on his modern
sculptures titled "How A Sculptor Thinks ... Or Not." Take a
look into how a big, three-dimensional work of art gets there.
Through thinking? Inspiration? Observation? All of these?
None of these? ... and about how much fun it is!

Monday, June 21 through Sunday, June 27 — June's week for "Destination
Dining" will feature African fare added to the menu in the Mayflower Restaurant.
Keep an eye out for several lectures, movies and entertainment associated with
Africa throughout the week! Don't forget to bring your Destination Dining

Passports with you for your stamp. If have not received one, get yours at the
hostess stand! Dinner Reservations may be made by calling Ext. 258.

Tuesday, June 22 at 2 p.m. in the Club Room — “Tuesday Tech at Two” features
computer and technology instructor, Claire Emanuel to teach a technology class. The class
runs for one hour, but you may sign up ahead of time to meet with her after class to help
you individually with specific issues. These appointments are between 3 to 5 p.m. Claire will
be here every two weeks. Please call Anne with any questions, to sign-up for the class and to
sign-up for one-on-one with Claire after class.

Wednesday, June 23 at 7:15 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall — Enjoy a fabulous African performance
by the group, Kuumba. A fun evening of African music, dance and storytelling!

Monday June 28 at 7:15 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall — Introducing Monday Movie Night in
Pilgrim Hall. Stay tuned for the chosen movie to be posted outside Pilgrim Hall.

10 ­— The Har bor Light AROUND CAMPUS

SPIN MASTERS

What a huge treat it was for The Sarasota Ballet
to bring students from their Margaret Barbieri
Conservatory to perform for our residents for
our recent two-night "Ballet on the Bay" event!

AROUND CAMPUS The Har bor Light — 11

CONSERVATION TIP

On April 22 we recognized or nuclear during
Earth Day here at Plymouth energy. We are the winter storm that disabled
Harbor with a table in the fortunate here a good part of their grid.
Lobby where we passed out in Florida in that The current administration
pertinent literature, cloth our local utility, recognizes this problem and
shopping bags and kitchen Florida Power wants to upgrade the national
sponges made of plant and Light, is the grid as part of its infrastructure
materials. There was also the leading utility program. It is a vital part if EVs
opportunity to drive or ride in the country are to fulfill their promise to
in a Tesla Model Y Electric in developing reduce greenhouse gases.
Vehicle (EV). Those who “green” energy.
took advantage of doing so The dependability Your support is vital for the
were enthusiastic about the of that energy is a major infrastructure program that
capability of the vehicle. More concern, however, because of addresses this problem. Your
importantly, it represents the the aging transmission lines potential interest in replacing
future in road transportation. that make up our electrical your gasoline powered vehicle
While Tesla may be the best grid. There is a program in with an electric vehicle would
known, all of the major vehicle Florida to harden the grid over be a bonus. Consider doing so
manufacturers have EVs several years, but how about if you are thinking about a new
available or plan to do so in the the rest of the country. vehicle. There is presently only
near future. one EV on our campus. We
The national grid is aging can do more.
The EVs are an important with a good part of the grid
part of the way forward system dating back to the
in reducing carbon-based middle of the last century.
emissions which are the And while we here in Florida
cause of global warming. are close to the “green” energy
Vehicles like the Tesla have source, a great deal of country
zero emissions but are only is not. Most of this energy is or
fully effective if the source will be generated in the west
of electricity also has no and must be sent east over the
emissions, that is, “green” aging grid. Most are familiar
energy from solar, wind, hydro with what happened in Texas

Submitted by Richard March — Conservation Committee

12 ­— The Har bor Light AROUND CAMPUS

HARBOR FAITH

An Extended Thank You

During 2020, resident Celia
Catlett wrote a book of
haiku, “Outside our Windows/
Inside our Doors,” focused on life
here at Plymouth Harbor and
wonderfully illustrated by Lou
Newman’s nature photography.
The Harbor Light recently
featured one “chapter” each
month. Celia’s collection of verse ends
with an apt coda: Bread the staff of
life/Our workers are a strong staff,/
supporting all of us.
Celia has asked us to share her
thanks, not only for the appreciations
and congratulations for the haiku,
but for the many good wishes she
received for her health and well-being.
Celia and her family are so grateful
to the Plymouth Harbor staff for all
the support and care they provided
to her, particularly over the last
few months. Celia noted, “It would
take an epic poem to fully thank
and praise Plymouth Harbor and its
extraordinary team members.”
Celia passed peacefully on May 12,
2021.

Dick Sparrow has been the chaplain at Plymouth Harbor since 2016. His page for The Harbor Light
entitled Harbor Faith runs monthly. Please feel free to call him with questions or comments at Ext. 587.

HARBOR FAITH The Har bor Light — 13

The Spirit f Philanthropy

SAVE THE DATE!

The Plymouth Harbor Foundation
Cordially invites all residents to celebrate

Independence Day
with a Poolside Cocktail Party

Thursday, July 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Outdoor Poolside

Featuring Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres & Live Music

What a year it has been! Come drop in and
reconnect with your neighbors for some long

overdue unmasked conversations!

— Invitations forthcoming —

*The party will provide cocktails and hors d’ouevres only. The
Mayflower Restaurant will stop dinner delivery and pick-up
service at 5 p.m. that evening so please plan accordingly.

SEE YOU AT THE PARTY!

Beth Watson has been the Vice President of Philanthropy of The Plymouth Harbor
Foundation since 2019. Please feel free to call her with questions or comments at Ext. 398.

14 —­ The Har bor Light The Spirit f Philanthropy

New in the Library

Did you know that there (we just received an offer of a engrossing historical tale;
is a remarkable treasure collection focusing on military Wag the Dog, starring Robert
in the small room inside of history), travel and art and DeNiro in a very political
the Plymouth Harbor Library? architecture. New movies film; the UP Series, a set of six
It’s a collection of more than are added to the collection documentaries about growing
2,000 DVDs available to often, thanks to the generosity up in Great Britain; popular
borrow at any time just by of The Fund Shop, so you TV show Game of Thrones;
signing your name, apartment can sometimes see movies and News of the World, with
number and the title of the fairly soon after they open in Tom Hanks as a curmudgeon
film you chose. theaters. who saves a young girl who
The collection, developed had been an Indian captive.
by resident John Markham, The list of films is available
now living in Seaside Assisted in the Resources section of the If you are a film buff, we
Living, includes many movies Resident Portal, and for those would love for you to join
that you likely remember who prefer a hard copy, a our Multi-Media Committee!
fondly, as well as both newer newly printed catalogue of We choose films to buy,
and older TV series. There’s our collection is located in sometimes choose films to
a wonderful collection of a loose-leaf binder on the cull to make room for the
operas, ballets and other counter in the Library. new, and do all the tasks that
performing arts. There is also keep our Library running. Call
a section for documentaries, Some of the movies we Catha Abrahams at Ext. 234
have added in 2021are for more information.
First Cow, a charming and

Fiction Non-Fiction *donated

The Affair by Danielle Steel The Agitators by Dorothy Eickenden
Agatha Christie’s Poirot: The Greatest Born Standing Up by Steve Martin
Elizabeth and Margaret by Andrew Morton
Detective in the World by Mark Aldridge Green Light by Matthew McConaughy*
Dark Sky by D. J. Box Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz*
Double Jeopardy by Stuart Woods New York, New York, New York,..Four
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah*
The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward* Decades of Success, Excess, and
Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia Transformation by Thomas Deja
The Red Book by James Patterson Triumph of Nancy Reagan by Karen Tumulty
Transient Desires: A Commissario Guido

Brunetti Mystery by Donna Leon
The History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey
Too Good To Be True by Carol Lovering*
Vera by Carol Edgarian
You Belong Here Now by Dianna Rostad

New in the Library The Har bor Light — 15

WELCOME, NEW FRIENDS!

Introducing your newest neighbors

ALEX ARMSTRONG & JERRY MCCOY

Apartment N-309; Ext. 192

You might lived most of Club of Sarasota and DeSoto
not think her life. She is counties and the Foundation
that discussions a graduate of for Financial Planning National
about charitable Newton College Board. One of her favorite
trusts would of the Sacred quotes is from Winston
be “romantic,” Heart (later Churchill: “We make a living by
but after a merged with what we get, but we make a life
few meetings Boston College). by what we give.”
to discuss this She rose from
otherwise an entry level Jerry and Alex were
serious topic, a position in a introduced to Florida by
romantic spark regional NYSE Bradenton friends. They soon
was lit between firm to become purchased a second home
Alex and an NYSE there. A desire to be closer to
Jerry and they have now been registered representative. In restaurants, the performing
married 26 years. 1977, she became a Certified arts and city resources brought
Jerry was born in Pittsburgh, Financial Planner, one of the them to downtown Sarasota.
Penn., is a graduate of Duke first women in the country to Although they recently sold
Law School and received his achieve this status. Alex founded their properties in Washington,
Master's in Taxation from NYU. her own financial planning DC and Sarasota, they
He was a nationally known firm in 1983. At that time she maintain the summer home
expert on non-profits and was often “the only female they’ve enjoyed for 25 years
co-authored a book on family in the room.” She remains in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware,
foundations. He has three Chairman Emeritus of the firm. and plan to visit there at the
children by his first marriage Her mission has been to help end of this summer. London
and three grandchildren. Jerry women control their financial and Honolulu, where they have
is an avid reader, particularly futures. Alex has co-written two family, are other favorite travel
of British mysteries and plans to published books on financial destinations.
peruse the extensive Plymouth advice for widows and for
Harbor library. women about to retire. She is Jerry and Alex are looking
Alex is a native of still active on several boards, forward to making many new
Washington, DC where she including the Boys and Girls friends at Plymouth Harbor and
to enjoying all the amenities our
community offers.

By Gretchen Dawson — Biography Committee

16 ­— The Har bor Light

LINDA & DAVE SIGNORI

Apartment T-1414; Ext. 364

Afirst date can go in many skiing, things she never operations. His first marriage
different directions. thought she would attempt, did not survive the demands
Linda’s and Dave’s went let alone enjoy. Though she of his professional life, but
nowhere, and that was just considers herself not very happily, positive relationships
fine. An invitation to go sailing adventurous, her experience with all of the family
on an almost windless day belies that notion. It was at a members were eventually
gave them the opportunity to Sailing Club of Washington, forged, and Linda was quickly
really get to know each other DC function that she met welcomed into Dave’s large
—while floating in dead calm Dave. (She asked HIM out for Italian family which now
waters! a sail!) She also claims to be includes four children and
Born and raised in afraid of heights but found five grandchildren, and more
Washington, DC, Linda spent herself crawling on her belly than 50 relatives!
most of her professional life across ladders suspended
in corporate communications above stairwells, as the owner A short vacation to a friend’s
for Honeywell Federal Systems and artist of a Faux Wall- home in Lakewood Ranch
in Northern Virginia. It Painting business following her brought them to Florida
was there that she wrote retirement from Honeywell. where they discovered
and published newsletters charming Anna Maria Island
for employees, as well as After earning his Master of and the nearby historic
government customers and Science and PhD in Electrical fishing village of Cortez,
made fast friendships with Engineering from Michigan which eventually became
coworkers who introduced State, Dave fulfilled his two- their winter home. They
her to sailing and downhill year ROTC commitment to finally assumed residency at
the Army with a posting to Plymouth Harbor after a five-
year journey that included a
the Department of fourth-floor “placeholder,”
Defense (DOD) in the renovation of T-1414 and
Washington DC area, further delays due to COVID
where he relocated his concerns.
family. This was the
beginning of a 40-year When asked what they
career that included were most pleased with here
senior executive Dave responded: “Of course
positions in DOD and we had some initial concern,
supporting think tanks; however, everyone we’ve
all the while focusing met has been so friendly and
on the application of welcoming. We are finding
information technology that very comforting and
to transform military already calling it home.”

By Kathy Hendricks — Biography Committee

The Har bor Light — 17

Staying HEALTHY in Florida
Living in our post-covid World

By Elyse Rogers Healthy Practices daily living to promote our own
We’ve started our journey Are Timeless health and wellbeing.
into the post-COVID world,
but how do we live in it when Through the ages we may Most of you know my
we get there? Or, as some have changed some patterns penchant for lists and
have asked me, “Will we even of exercise or eating — think numbering, so here goes:
recognize it when we truly back to the “meat and potatoes” 10 Healthy Habits for Thriving
do get there?” Both good rules for dinner, and the fact
questions, and, as with most that “aerobic classes” didn’t in the Post-Covid World
things in life that are future- exist —our forefathers didn’t 1) Exercising
related, the answer is usually approve of obesity or condone Getting and/or staying active
a bit (or a lot) cloudy. I think alcoholism, or believe in made it to the top of every list
with all things COVID-related, embracing a totally unhealthy I’ve seen for coping in the post-
the future is indeed not totally lifestyle. Some of the keeping-fit COVID world. And, as we’ve all
predictable. But that doesn’t part was built into the realities known, it’s been a “list-topper”
mean it is or will be an awful of everyday living. They didn’t in every health-related advice
future or indeed, very different have megastores like Publix or article in the last decade (and
one from today or even Walmart, along with fleets of longer!) Experts agree that
yesterday. roomy autos to facilitate the the proverbial 150 minutes of
It’s also important to remind easy toting of purchased items exercise per week, still goes.
ourselves that we tend to look to our garages or carports. The good news is you can do
back with a fondness that is Walking to the store and it walking or running, but all
often not really warranted by struggling back with full, heavy types of exercise can count,
the facts. The “good old days” bags was a way of life. including Yoga and Tai Chi
are often painted with the classes — like the ones in our
patina of our agile minds that, And even though there Wellness Center — sports such
tend to remember the positive certainly has been stress in as tennis, and even bocce ball.
rather than the negative. And, every era, some of it was also Group sports also have the plus
lest you rue that last statement, mitigated by daily living. If it of containing the socialization
also remember that it’s actually was a time-consuming-chore aspect (our No. 5) as well.
a very healthy mental process. just to perform the routine 2) Eating and Drinking
Wouldn’t it be awful if all that matters of daily existence, there A varied daily diet (with lots
popped into our minds when were not hours for the luxury of fruits and veggies) remains
we thought about “years ago” of ruing the meaning of life or paramount as does proper
were the personal and/or global deploring the fact that “life was hydration. Sports drinks are
misfortunes and injustices in passing us by.” fine, but just slugging down
the world. Yuk! some water several times a day
So let’s truly move on. Believe me, I’m not suggesting works well, and is inexpensive
we all sell our SUVs, become and readily available.
vegans or flee to a monastery, 3) Stressing Less
but there’s lots we can do within Unfortunately, no one can
the ordinary bounds of modern

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

give any of us a sure-cure way at Plymouth Harbor since 8) Getting Physical
to conquer needless stress. But easy, frequent socialization Get into, or planning some
there’s plenty of expert advice is as close as the Chapel, the physical, feel-good experiences.
(in articles, books, on YouTube, Wellness Center or even the Some possible suggestions:
etc.) to help anyone who wants indispensable elevator. And, a foot bath or a long tub
to work at de-stressing his/her since it’s good for us, and it soak, rubbing some scented
life. One of the simple, quick might brighten someone’s day, lotion onto your arm and
de-stress options is just to stand let’s sport a smile whenever we legs, massaging your scalp or
still and take some good, long, meet others. just putting your feet up and
deep breathes and breathe out reading a book. Hugging a
totally. Not only does this easy 6) Thinking Positive friend or spouse works fine, too.
trick work, but we can do it There’s certainly no shortage 9) Enjoying Outdoors
almost anywhere and at any of problems in this post- Many of us spent much of
time. COVID world (or in any world our “lockdown time” with
that’s ever existed) which is COVID-19 indoors. And even
4) Sleeping well why we have to make an effort if one is fortunate enough
Ahhh — good sleep. Bedtime to look for all the good things to have a spacious indoor
is, for most of us, a very out there. But a grouch is no environment, it’s not the same
welcome respite and we look fun to anyone — even himself. as the great outdoors. Just
forward to it. But for some, I’ve already confessed to being getting out into the front or
insomnia is a chronic problem, a list-maker, but anyone can backyard, seeing trees and
and even for the most-relaxed benefit by ending the day with sky and inhaling the open-air
there can be occasional times a “good things that happened around us is a welcome change.
when it’s not easy to drift off. today” list. It’s a fun discipline And if there’s time for a stroll
Complex or long-standing any night, but if you’re having around the block, so much the
insomnia problems will trouble falling asleep, it could better!
probably need professional be a snooze-maker, too. And 10) Giving Back
help, but for the occasional don’t dismiss adding small Volunteering, whether it’s in a
sleep difficulty, routine methods items to your list, either. formal situation or with friends
are usually sufficient. We Smiling at a new visitor in in your own neighborhood,
all know the drill — have a church, calling a friend who’s is a terrific way to “give back”
routine bedtime, keep close-to- been under-the-weather or just and feel good about yourself.
bedtime actions calming ones, ignoring another’s rudeness — I’m sure you’ve heard the oft-
such as light reading or doing all are good behaviors to laud. repeated claim of volunteers
crossword puzzles. 7) Going (a bit) Crazy who say they “receive more
5) Socializing with friends One suggestion I read than they give.” It’s wonderfully
and family regarding strategies for living fulfilling to see happiness and
Human beings are social in the post-COVID era, was gratitude on the faces of those
creatures, even if many of us “just let it all hang out.” What you help, and to know that
are OK with some solitude. the author meant was to go find you’ve made a difference.
Interestingly, even for those a good spot (outside or inside) So, in conclusion — if we’ve
who insist they don’t need to where you could scream or learned anything in the last
socialize or prefer to be alone, shout at the top of your lungs. COVID-era months, it’s to
experts tell us that it’s very Hmmm. I’d prefer to suggest appreciate the everyday good-
important for everyone to have that when you find that good things in life. So, let’s all take
a good, daily dose of human spot, to just go ahead and recite a deep breath, relax and enjoy
face-to-face interaction. No a poem, sing a song or just our post-COVID world!
question that we’re lucky here think and talk out loud.

Staying HEALTHY in Florida The Har bor Light — 19

facebook.com/PlymouthHarbor Dr. Bruce Berg
@PlymouthHarbor Chair, Plymouth Harbor,

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Harry Hobson
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