APRIL HARBOR LIGHT

HarboTrhe Light

a REPUTATION
ofREHAB

Plymouth harbor's rehab services
evolve with technology

APRIL 2022

APRIL

That time I was "The New Guy"

Residents, trustees and team members often ask In July of 2004, as the
me, “So how does it feel as you prepare for your Board of Trustees was
new chapter in life following your retirement getting ready to conduct
from Plymouth Harbor?” my final interview, Jack
Smith, former CEO of
My response is that I am much more focused Plymouth Harbor, asked
on my responsibilities here at Plymouth Harbor me to wait incognito in the Tower Lobby near
and don’t plan to ease up on the accelerator any the revolving doors. He said the he would get
time soon. me when the Board was ready. "No problem," I
replied.
I do have to admit, I have taken a bit more
time to reminisce than ever before. I find myself As I stood there quietly, a nice petite
sorting through correspondences from so many female resident walked up to me, smiled, and
residents, family members and team members proclaimed, “So, you are the new guy!” I replied,
that bring back such fond memories of my nearly “Excuse me?” She repeated her proclamation, and
18-year tenure here at Plymouth Harbor. I asked, “What makes you think that?” She stared
at me continuing to smile and replied, “Look at
As Nancy will tell you, I always seem to look for ya, you have a blue pinned striped suit, white
the 3-Es of every situation and it is extremely rare shirt and red tie on, and appear a bit nervous ...
when you can’t find all three. YOU’RE THE NEW GUY!” She nailed it and
within the hour, I became “The New Guy.”
My 3-Es include:
• Education: It seems that there is always I think you can figure out the 3-Es from my
something to learn from each situation. first resident encounter back in 2004.
• Emotion: I don’t have to tell you how
emotions also play into situations and this can I have so many stories to share, including
be good or not-so-good, but emotions are quite some leaving their imprints of love and lasting
often difficult to hide. cherished moments.
• Entertainment: For goodness sake, please
don’t miss the entertainment value of most Okay, I have to get my foot back on the
situations ... trust me it’s there. accelerator until my next update.
Over the next couple of months, I will try to
share with you some of my memories and, when Harry Hobson
appropriate, the 3-Es associated with many of President & CEO
them.
I will start this series with the day I was hired to
have the privilege of being your CEO:

2 —­ The Har bor Light

a REPUTATION of REHAB

By Emmalee Molay | Communications Manager

As technology expands, so do our services on campus. This is no
exception when it comes to our branch of rehabilitation services.

After nearly five years as our partner in Joe Devore, Senior Vice President

our rehab center, Select Rehabilitation of Health Services, said he knows

continues to offer the most advanced how useful the tool will be within

practices in the fields of physical, our community — so much so that

occupational and Plymouth Harbor

speech therapy. "Since we found out that was looking into
In April of 2021, it was going to be provided obtaining the product
before SelectRehab
SelectRehab to us while we were still announced its
announced it looking at purchasing it on
our own, it was really the
would partner with partnership with
VirtuSense, an perfect timing." VirtuSense.
artificial intelligence Joe Devore
(AI) company focused "Since we found out
on fall and injury that it was going to be
provided to us while

prevention. To further Senior Vice President we were still looking
its commitment of Health Services at purchasing it on our
to innovation, own, it was really the

SelectRehab perfect timing," Joe

implemented VirtuSense’s industry- said. "What I am most excited about is

leading product VSTBalance — which the fact residents will be able to get real-

uses AI to proactively identify fall-risks time feedback on what can actually help

in older adults. them with their balance."

a REPUTATION of REHAB The Har bor Light — 3

So far, the rehab team has used because they can get a little down on

VSTBalance to service a handful of themselves," she said. "This is such a

residents in all levels of care. With unique technology. With a tool like this,

an initial assessment, the system uses it takes a lot of the subjectiveness out

artificial intelligence and machine vision of it. The computer puts factual data in

to objectively identify deficits in balance, front of not only those using it, but in

gait and function — the three leading front of their doctors, as well.

indicators of fall-risk, without intra- or "It's also very interactive. The benefit

inter-rater reliability issues. is that the patient is able to see the

If continually used during therapy, the progression over time, while also having

system automatically generates reports fun with it. We like to make therapy as

after each assessment. Clinicians can engaging as possible."

use this objective data to create more SelectRehab offers a free initial

effective care plans and route residents screening with the VSTBalance machine

or patients to personalized home available for all residents. If you are

exercises, wellness, and/or therapy for willing to check it out, the rehab team

long-term fall prevention. will be available — for screenings and

April Kennedy, Director of Rehab additional rehabilitation information —

Services for SelectRehab, said with during Resident Wellness Week. Please

more data, comes more accurate and check the full schedule of events for the

specialized care. week on Page 12.

"As therapists, it can sometimes be Plymouth Harbor, which contracts

hard to convince patients that they are SelectRehab to operate full-time out of

actually our Smith Care Center,
making Want to see a demo of how VituSense joined forces with the
progress works? Check out an informational
company in October
video available on the Resident Portal. of 2017. Since then, Joe

said he couldn't be more

pleased with the therapy the

SelectRehab staff provides to our

residents.

"What makes the partnership

so strong is the stability of the

leadership and the relationships

that the therapists have with our

residents," he said. "Not only that,

but the bond was strengthened

even more during COVID-19. It was

really important to have a trusted

4 —­ The Har bor Light a REPUTATION of REHAB

partner like them during that time."

April said she couldn't agree more.

SelectRehab is the nation’s largest

provider of contract therapy services,

serving more than 2,300 post-acute

skilled nursing facilities, CCRCs,

senior living communities, schools

and home health locations in 43

states.

"There are so many things that we Brooke, a SelectRehab physical
are involved in, so we always have felt therapist, works with a resident.
like part of the team," April said. "And

since we are in-house and full-time,

it's been such a positive experience. SelectRehab are available to all

"Anytime anyone has a concern or Plymouth Harbor residents regardless of

a question, both sides are very quick their location on campus, as long as there

to respond with a very open line of is an order for a therapy prescription

communication. Everyone is so willing from your physician.

to get needs to be met." "We can help people with a lot of

SelectRehab, like many of us, has had needs, and it's helpful for everyone to

its challenges during the COVID-19 know that we are here," she said. "It's

pandemic, yet April said she is pleased to helpful for residents to let their doctors

feel like we are coming to the other side know we are here, too."

of that hurdle. Covering three areas of therapy —

On average, April said she has about physical, occupational and speech —

five therapists on campus each week day, April noted that while people are often

while one is typically available on the most familiar with physical therapy, the

weekends. other two types can provide a great deal

"We try really hard to keep the same of help, as well.

therapists coming to Plymouth Harbor Occupational therapy is focused on the

because we know how much it means to activities of daily living, such as dressing

the residents," she said. and bathing oneself, all while completing

Beyond the benefits VSTBalance can the tasks safely. Speech therapy works

provide during therapy, April stresses with language and speech, as well as

the importance of overall health as one things like swallowing and cognition.

ages in place. Her best tip, from her more "With all of these disciplines, there's

than 20-year career as an occupational quite a bit of crossover," she said.

therapist, is to keep the body moving. "Sometimes its just making small

Rehabilitation services through changes to someone's living environment

a REPUTATION of REHAB The Har bor Light — 5

to maintain independence or reduce fall she said, is a close relationship with our
risk. Wellness and Programming Department,
led by Director Summer Rentsch.
"The saying I always love to use is
the fact that we are all trying to be "Often times, patients continue with
proactive instead of reactive. We want ongoing support through the group
to tackle these deficits before something exercise classes or individualized
traumatic happens, and that's what we exercise plans," she said. "That way the
are here for." individual continues to stay on track
without the need of a clinician needing
No matter the type of therapy, to work hands-on with them."
the course of treatment is always
individualized and can vary in length. April encourages residents to contact
April said she typically sees programs the rehabilitation office at any time
lasting anywhere from four to eight by calling Ext. 166 with additional
weeks. The added benefit after that, questions.

CEO SEARCH

After Harry Hobson announced his retirement interview. Final or second candidates’ interviews
in late October, an Executive Search Committee will include the management team and a group
was appointed by the Plymouth Harbor, of residents, as well as the Executive Search
Inc. Board of Trustees, which included the Committee, before a final decision is made.
Board’s Chair and Vice Chair, three resident We anticipate interviewing to begin in April
representatives, including its past Association and candidate selection in May. Rebecca Levy-
President, as well the Chair of the Plymouth Sachs, Chair of the Executive Search Committee
Harbor Foundation Board. After conducting and Compensation Committee of the Board
due diligence, the Committee retained the Deffet of Trustees, observed that the entire Plymouth
Group, a well-respected executive search firm Harbor community has participated in meetings
specializing in placement of executives in Senior with Deffet and provided valuable assistance
communities. Dan Deffet and his staff initiated a and critical feedback during the process. The
nationwide search for the appropriate candidate Executive Search Committee is confident that
in January. Deffet has met on campus with the the new CEO/President will be both extremely
Board of Trustees, two groups of residents and qualified and ready to provide continuity of
senior staff. They are checking dozens of resumes leadership for the Plymouth Harbor community
and will recommend a handful of candidates for into the future.

6 —­ The Har bor Light AROUND CAMPUS

CONTINUING TO DEVELOP

Plymouth Harbor billing, as well as and Master's
congratulates Justin Leathers payroll and accounts in Business
on his recent promotion to payable. Administration
Director of Accounting. from Niagara
As he continues with University.
Justin was hired into the Plymouth Harbor, Justin is also a
Plymouth Harbor family in Justin said he is eager graduate of the
2017, in which he began as Staff to improve even more LeadingAge Florida's
Accountant. Since then, he systems and processes Leadership Academy.
has grown with the Accounting of the department, which Originally from western New
Department and has managed will aid the overall visibility York, Justin lives in Sarasota
the transition of several projects and decision making for the while his parents and other
including the conversion of organization. family members are close by.
payroll systems, administration “It's been really rewarding
of a paperless accounts payable “I'm excited to continue to to be able to have helped with
method and the restructure develop as a leader," Justin and be involved with so many
of the company's financial said. "The most fulfilling part aspects of accounting since
reporting. of this job is that I am making joining the team," he said. "I
a difference and I feel like my really think that has helped me
With a team of four others, ideas are valued." understand all the areas I am
Justin maintains the oversight now managing."
of all aspects within the Justin has gained valuable Congratulations, Justin!
department including resident experience in the accounting
billing, Medicare/insurance world after receiving his
Bachelor's in Accounting

AROUND CAMPUS NEW LIFE

Congratulations to the finches
in The Smith Care Center's
bird enclosure — which recently
welcomed babies into the world!
We can't wait to see them grow.

The Har bor Light — 7

The Spirit f Philanthropy

Plymouth Harbor Resident Philanthropists Honored

Two Plymouth Harbor residents carried
were recently honored by Aviva her artistic

Senior Living during their "Eight Over passion

80" fundraising breakfast held at as a buyer

Michael’s On East. Hundreds turned out for Bonwit

to support the honorees which included Teller in

Plymouth Harbor residents Warren New York

Coville and Ina Schnell. City, then

Warren and his devoted wife was a

Margot, who passed in 2020, were a volunteer

philanthropic force which began back in at New Ina Schnell & Warren Coville
Detroit when they decided to promise a York’s famed

free college education to an entire fifth Metropolitan Museum of Art. When

grade class. Thirty-five of these fifth she arrived in Sarasota, Ina then began

grade students graduated from high volunteering at the Ringling Museum.

school and went on to be recipients Over the years, she has supported the

of Warren and Margot’s exemplary Florida Studio Theatre, The Ringling

generosity. Warren is a former board Museum and the Hermitage Artist

member of Aviva, JFCS and the Asolo Retreat, the Library Foundation and

Repertory Theatre. An avid collector AJC.

of glass and photographs, Warren has Congratulations and thank you

donated his treasured pieces to the Warren, Margot and Ina for the

Ringling Museum for the world to enjoy. indelible philanthropic footprint

Ina Schnell’s passion for the arts began you have made in Sarasota and for

back in Connecticut and while spending artistically inspiring the lives of young

summers in Tanglewood, Mass. She and old in our community!

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.

8 —­ The Har bor Light The Spirit f Philanthropy

New in the Library

Fiction

Anthem by Noah Hawley New DVDs
Black Cake by Charma Wilkerson
Black Cloud Rising by David Falade Tomorrow Never Dies
Burntcoat by Sarah Hall A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Castle Shade by Laurie King* Inglourious Basterds
Criminal Mischief (LP) by Stuart Woods Six Days Seven Nights
Dark Hours by Michael Connelly* Bridge of Spies
Final Case by David Guterson Barbara
Horsewoman (LP) by James Patterson Out of Africa
Invisible (LP) by Danielle Steel Where Hope Grows
Maid by Nita Prose The Price of Everything
Never by Ken Follett* Collective
Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews* The Sopranos, Season 1
Paper Palace by Miranda C. Heller*
Quicksilver by Dean Koontz
Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews*
Silent Parade by Keigo Higashino
Sorority Murder by Allison Brennan
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult

Non-Fiction *donated The Har bor Light —9

Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba
Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
Chasing History by Carl Bernstein*
Facing the Mountain by Daniel J. Brown
Heiresses by Laura Thompson
Hitler’s American Gamble by Brendon Simms
Seven Games by Oliver Roeder
Shackleton by Ranulph Fiennes

New in the Library

Your Journey to a Healthy Lifestyle

Resident Spotlight: Roy Truby

Tell us about your wellness Bill Shaw and began training in
boxing. I discovered how much
journey and what you enjoy I really enjoyed it so I continued
and even got to spar with
about the Plymouth Harbor Muhammad Ali when we were
Wellness Center. "My wellness kids — he was 11 when I was 13.
journey began when I was a I also competed in Golden Gloves
young teenager. I grew up in a when I was 15 years old and won.
small town outside of Louisville, When I turned 16, I had to get a
Kentucky called Fairdale. About job so I hung my gloves up and
four miles away from my house started working.

there was a pro- During my time at the gym, I
boxing gym. One learned more than just technique
day when I was 11 and form, I learned about people.
years old, I decided When I was growing up there
that I wanted to were a lot of segregated facilities.
join the pro gym. However, the pro gym I trained at

I found a trainer
by the name of

Summer Rentsch has been the Director of Wellness and Programming at Plymouth Harbor since 2018. Her
department's page for The Harbor Light entitled VoyAges runs bimonthly, focusing specifically on residents
and their journey to a healthy lifestyle. Please feel free to call her with questions or comments at Ext. 377.

10 ­— The Har bor Light

was not segregated. I feel like I am
Being involved in back in shape. I
this gym affected have a consistent
my life in many workout regimen
ways. I was for the first time
working out with in my life. We
kids of different have such a great
races and this variety of classes.
helped me realize I personally enjoy
how similar we Total Fitness
were. It was a with Felipe. He
treasure that I does a great job
got to experience incorporating the
this at a young cardiovascular
age because work into our
it helped shape who I am as a workouts, which is extremely
person today. important to our health. I also
was convinced to try yoga and I
Throughout my life I stayed must say I wasn’t very good at it
active by running. I began to begin with but now I can tell
running when I was training that I’m a lot more limber than I
for boxing. It was the best once was."
thing to keep me in shape and
I continued this up until I was What advice do you have
in my 70s. I also did some cross
country skiing and hiking when for residents that may be
I lived out in Utah. At that time,
Golden, my wife, and I decided struggling to incorporate
to buy a boat and spend a few
years experiencing the world by physical activity and exercise
way of the water. That’s how we
discovered Sarasota. into their routine?
“The most important thing in
Now living at Plymouth Harbor,
working out is consistency and
focusing on your cardiovascular
health. Take advantage of what
the Wellness Center has to offer.”

The Har bor Light — 11

Monday, April 11

10 a.m. to Noon — Trip to the Classic Car Museum!
Take a tour at the second oldest, continuously operating antique car
museum in the nation! As you wander through the museum, travel back in
time and witness man’s greatest invention, the automobile! IMPORTANT:
RSVP is REQUIRED for this event due to limited seats for transportation.

There is an $11 cost associated with this event. Interested
residents should contact Anna Olsen at Ext. 350 or Clee
Elie at Ext. 241 by the deadline of Wednesday, April 6.

Tuesday, April 12

11 a.m. to Noon — Puppy Hugs with the Humane Society!
Sarasota County’s Humane Society will be on campus with their furry
four-legged friends! Did you know that spending a few minutes with a
dog can help reduce stress, anxiety, loneliness and depression, among
many other benefits? Come enjoy company outside in the
fenced-in dog run — far side of the Northwest Garden.

Wednesday, April 13

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. — Guided Bike Ride!
Join a guided bicycle ride around the beautiful Lido Key area. No
bike? No problem. If you would like to participate and do not own
a bike, please reach out to either Anna Olsen at Ext. 350 or Carl
Koenig at Ext. 370. IMPORTANT: RSVP is REQUIRED for this event.
Interested residents should contact Anna Olsen at Ext. 350 or Clee

Elie at Ext. 241 by the deadline of Wednesday, April 6.
2 p.m. — Nutritionist Presentation!

Plymouth Harbor welcomes Bonni London, Registered Dietitian
and Certified Nutritionist, as she discusses how individuals

can improve their quality of life through nutrition, exercise and
lifestyle changes. This presentation will be held in Pilgrim Hall.

12 —­ The Har bor Light

Thursday, April 14

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Skyline Stretching!
Enjoy a morning walk down to Bird Key to join yoga
instructor, Reena Malik, in a series of stretches while over
looking the city skyline. Bottled water will be provided.

4 p.m. — Bocce Match: Residents vs. Senior Staff!
Calling all Bocce players, cheerleaders and curious bystanders! A

“showdown” Bocce match will take place
between residents and Plymouth Harbor
Senior Staff members on the outdoor Bocce
court. Refreshments and light bites will be
provided. Interested in attending or playing?
RSVP required. Contact Anna Olsen at Ext.

350 no later than Wednesday, April 6.

Friday, April 15

10:30 a.m. to Noon — Expressive Arts Experience!
Join Plymouth Harbor’s very own Linda Odom in the Art Studio for an

Expressive Arts experience! We will explore various modalities
in this session such as music, writing, painting and gentle

movement. Come with curiosity and eagerness, leave energized
and inspired! IMPORTANT: RSVP is REQUIRED for this event.
Interested residents should contact Anna Olsen at Ext. 350 or

Clee Elie at Ext. 241 by the deadline of Wednesday, April 6.
3 to 4 p.m. — Ice Cream Social!
In celebration of the conclusion of this
week’s events, we invite you to indulge
in a refreshing scoop of Blue Bunny ice
cream with fresh fruit toppings while
mingling with friends and neighbors in

the Wellness Commons Area.
SelectRehab will offer complimentary balance assessments in the
Wellness Center all week long using VirtuSense Technology. Advanced
appointments required. Contact Anna Olsen at Ext. 350 to schedule!

The Har bor Light — 13

HARBOR FAITH

Spring Season of Service

Chaplain Sparrow will lead Maundy
Thursday service at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday,
April 14 in MacNeil Chapel. This service will
be combined with a Good Friday message.

RSVP In recognition of the Jewish observance
REQUIRED of Passover, the Plymouth Harbor Chapel
Committee invites you to attend a Passover
Seder at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 15 in the
Sunset Bistro.

The Bistro has limited seating. Please reserve
your place at the Seder table as soon as possible
by calling Chaplain Sparrow at Ext. 587 to
RSVP no later than Thursday, April 7.

A representative from St. Martha’s Catholic
Church will lead Easter Mass at 8 a.m. on
Sunday, April 17 in MacNeil Chapel.

Chaplain Sparrow with lead Easter service
at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 17 in MacNeil
Chapel.

Rev. Dick Sparrow has been the chaplain at Plymouth Harbor since 2016. His page for The Harbor Light
entitled Harbor Faith runs bimonthly, focusing on all non-denominational faith-based programs and
spiritual events at Plymouth Harbor. Please feel free to call him with questions or comments at Ext. 587.

14 — The Har bor Light HARBOR FAITH

WELCOME, NEW FRIENDS!

Introducing your newest neighbors

JAN & ROGER YOUNG

Apartment T-807; Ext. 586

How, you ask, did a girl from design consulting. For Harbor offered peace of mind by
Tulsa, OK meet a boy from a small years, she worked for never having to move again! They
town between Cleveland and companies that sent her are no strangers to our lifestyle, as
Akron, Ohio? See how opposites to developing countries their parents experienced upscale
attract… of Africa, then Nepal, CCRCs, or as Roger puts it, “soup
Thailand, and Indonesia to nuts living.”
Right-brained Jan first pursued to develop products that
a degree in secondary education. would be marketable in Since moving in, Jan is enjoying
Years later she moved to Houston the West. walking St. Armand’s, Lido Key,
to get a Masters in Educational and our trails daily, reading, and
Leadership before she attended When friends remaining an active volunteer
the Glassell School of Art, which introduced Jan and with Sarasota’s art community.
is affiliated with the Museum Roger, their opposite poles Roger has become a “gym rat”
of Fine Arts, Houston, to audit attracted like magnets, with a pull in our Wellness Center, and
courses in ceramics, which led to that lasted an entire day! They looks forward to walking our
her making her own pottery. met at breakfast, stayed through grounds, indulging in new
lunch, and finally bid adieu after activities here, and making new
Left-brained Roger received dinner, but not for long. friends. He also loves golf and
his BS in Economics from serving as a volunteer mentor at
Wharton at the University of Marriage was followed by more SCORE (Service Corps of Retired
Pennsylvania, then a BFT from transitions in 2001 — a move Executives). Welcome, Jan and
Thunderbird School of Global to Denver, where Roger became Roger!
Management, followed by an Director of Equities for Colorado
MBA in Finance from Michigan PERA (state pension plan). Jan
State. He first worked on Wall switched from making ceramics
Street at Smith Barney in equity to painting.
research. In 1978, Roger joined
Equitable Life in NYC to manage Ever on the go, it was off
equity portfolios. In 1982, Roger to Woodstock, NY in 2008.
landed in Houston with a private Roger became a partner in an
investment firm. investment advisory firm till
retirement in 2017, when they
Now the two were in the same became permanent Florida
city, but not yet together. Jan’s art residents, as well.
career had taken a detour into
To Jan and Roger, Plymouth

By Pam Baran — Biography Committee

The Har bor Light — 15

LYNNE WOODMAN

Apartment N-314; Ext. 239

Concert pianist and the chicken Julia dropped…. of AIDS. When a Pacific Bell
accompanist Lynne At least 10 or more birds and service employee refused to
Woodman’s first love and side dishes were prepared so enter an AIDS patient’s home,
first career was in music. She viewers could see the stages it sent shock waves through
also has some unique talents of the cooking. Julia then the corporate culture. Lynne,
including zeroing in on a crisis graciously fed everybody at the despite warnings from her
and getting to the solution, and TV station. boss that this could harm her
a charismatic speaking voice. career, proceeded to develop a
Lynne moved on in her training program to give Ohio
Born in Akron, Ohio, she second career as director Bell employees the full facts
earned her BA in music and of communications at the on AIDS. It was so successful
continued graduate studies Cleveland Museum of Natural that the training was delivered
with her first husband. Later History, then Ohio Bell/ to all the Bell or former Bell
she joined the piano faculty Ameritech, the Cleveland companies. Also, at Ameritech
of the Cleveland Institute of Foundation and finally Key Lynne created a training
Music and loved every minute Bank. She specialized in crisis program on navigating in the
of her 12 years as a studio management, analyzing a digital world and landed a
accompanist for Cleveland crisis, setting up and then scholarship to earn an MBA.
orchestra musicians. developing messages to
everyone affected via hotlines, Lynne smiles and says that
During her graduate student media and other channels. her most significant personal
years, her husband was killed. One of her most effective achievement was the 30 years
Lynne was widely interviewed crisis management projects she had with her second
about his death on TV and took place while at Ohio Bell/ husband Bill. Bill passed in
radio in Cincinnati. Spotted Ameritech. This was the era 2020. Lynne then decided
for her voice and charisma,
she became a to come to Plymouth
reporter for WLW- Harbor and is delighted
TV Cincinnati for to live in her old
several years and friend Judy Merrill’s
then moved on to apartment.
PBS to probe deeper
topics. Lynne continues to
be active in the First
One of her Congregational Church
most memorable as their pianist and a
experiences is member of the choir.
watching in Her interests include
person as Julia bird watching, chamber
Child recorded a music, reading and
cooking show on storytelling and of
the preparation of course playing the
chicken. No, not piano.

By Sandy Weis — Biography Committee

16 ­— The Har bor Light

MARY BETH & TOM MAGENAU

Apartment T-1708; Ext. 539

Water and boating have for over 50 residences were
played significant roles in the years, Tri always close to
Magenau’s lives from their State Marine their businesses
early years together. They met in Maryland. in Maryland,
on a blind date when Tom Before selling the lure of four-
was looking for someone who the business month winters
could drive the boat while he in 2020, they in Duck Key, FL
water skied — enter Mary received the became their
Beth! Landowner favorite time of
Stewardship year from 1993
Tom graduated from Award in to 2014. With the
Dartmouth College with a BA recognition benefit of long-
in Physics and was Phi Beta of their term employees
Kappa. He earned his Masters sustainable practices to to manage the businesses
in Physics from the University protect the Chesapeake Bay. in Maryland, these Florida
of Wisconsin. Mary Beth Keys winters were the best of
graduated from George Ten years after starting times. They also are fortunate
Washington University with their family, Mary Beth to spend summers on Cape
a degree in Spanish Literature opened an insurance Cod where Tom has family
and a minor in Russian. While agency specializing in boat roots with seafaring interests
in college, she spent a year insurance to complement that go back to the pilgrims
studying in Madrid, Spain. their boat dealership business. on the Mayflower.
Although they both worked Concurrently, they started Naples, Florida was their
briefly in their fields of study, acquiring and developing winter home before moving
neither one of them made a commercial real estate. Still to Plymouth Harbor. Though
career in those fields — other they found time to travel and they are still settling in, Tom
interests intervened. for Tom to pursue his passion and Mary Beth keep busy
for tennis. He was a ranked staying in touch long distance
When Mary Beth and Tom member of the U.S. Tennis with their two daughters
married, they spent their Association for 13 years. Some and their five grandchildren.
honeymoon cruising on one of their more memorable and They like to be active and
of two boats they had just adventurous trips include enjoy walking, swimming,
bought in Florida — why two hiking the mountainous exercising and reading. They
boats? Because they could get Nakasendo Trail linking Kyoto look forward to making many
a discount if they purchased to Tokyo, Japan in 2008 and new friends at Plymouth
two instead of one! That two recent trips to explore Harbor. Welcome Mary Beth
investment was the seed that Cuba. and Tom!
started the boat dealership
they founded and owned Although their primary

By Gretchen Dawson — Biography Committee

The Har bor Light — 17

Staying HEALTHY in Florida
Post-covid colors

By Elyse Rogers limited to a particular region. community organizations,
This makes the disease spread clubs and many others are
We’ve made it through the and rates predictable. Malaria, swiftly embracing the system
COVID pandemic into what’s for example, is considered and using it effectively. I’ve
now being called the COVID endemic in certain countries recently seen new color-
endemic. and regions. coded notices posted in hotel
lobbies, malls and urban
What is more interesting, or Epidemic: The CDC shopping street windows and
at least more colorful, is that describes an epidemic as an even here at Plymouth Harbor.
the CDC has now gone to a unexpected increase in the I’m sure that these signs will
color-coding system to inform number of disease cases in a soon be ubiquitous and just an
the public as to the degree of specific geographical area. accepted part of the landscape.
risk that COVID-19 poses to
the average citizen. Yellow fever, smallpox, Chart designs may vary, but
measles and polio are prime the main colors will remain
Regarding terminology, examples of epidemics. An the same — perhaps with
here’s a quick refresher for epidemic disease doesn't some shade variations. So,
the three terms being flung necessarily have to be remember — RED signifies
around lately — pandemic, contagious. West Nile fever the highest alert level, and
endemic and epidemic. and the rapid increase BLUE (or GREEN), the
in obesity rates are also lowest.
Pandemic: The World considered epidemics.
Health Organization Living with Endemic COVID
(WHO) declares a pandemic
when a disease’s growth is Now that we understand the
exponential. This means terminology, let’s concentrate
the growth rate skyrockets, on the current endemic
and each day cases grow COVID situation that we have
more than the day prior. In today.
being declared a pandemic,
the virus has nothing to do Since endemic means that
with virology, population the disease is with us and will
immunity or disease severity. be pretty much “with us” for a
It means a virus covers a while — like the season flu or
wide area, affecting several common cold — we must now
countries and populations. figure out how to recognize it
and live with it.
Endemic: A disease
outbreak is endemic when And that’s where the
it is consistently present but new color-coding system
comes into play. Businesses,

Elyse Rogers has been a Plymouth Harbor resident since 2019. Her column for The Harbor Light entitled Staying
Healthy in Florida runs bimonthly. 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

Status of COVID Vaccines we have several combined disappear anytime soon.
As most everyone knows, shots for the routine vaccines And, we are all learning
we’ve had the wonderful that children get typically how to co-exist with a very
good fortune to have COVID before entering kindergarten new set of medical/scientific
vaccines available not only in — think MMR (measles, circumstances.
the USA but for many, many mumps and rubella), or DTaP
parts of our globe. (diphtheria, tetanus and So, if you and/or your
Many of us have already pertussis). So, could someday family and friends are feeling
had the basic vaccine shot(s) there be a combined flu/ a bit uneasy or unsettled, not
and a booster shot. As I’ve COVID shot as well? to worry, as everyone is “in
pointed out many times, What Does the Future Hold? the same boat.”
having vaccines for COVID
available for so many, so Well, currently I think most And, believe it or not, I
quickly comes really close of the scientists in the field think we’re all doing a pretty
to being a miracle. We of epidemiology, are pretty good job of meeting the
really must applaud our convinced that COVID is “new normal” with gusto!
pharmaceutical industry for probably here to stay — Confronting, challenging,
their success in developing again, it’ll be endemic. puzzling out, without getting
and delivering quality depressed or defeated.
vaccines with unprecedented That’s the bad news. The
speed. And this impressive good news is that we’ve During my business
COVID-vaccine history proven we can live with career there was a local
will help pave the way for “epidemic flu” and are doing magician who was often
other more-rapid vaccine a pretty-good job of getting hired for business events,
developments and production accustomed to COVID’s and even large community
in the future. being with us. In other words, celebrations. Even when not
Again, we’re all (including we’re already “practiced” and performing he was a pleasant
the scientific experts) can only get more and more person and was a walking
learning as we go along. Just skillful at co-existing with billboard for his credo of
recently there’s been new new conditions that come our “Smile, even if you have to
speculation about just how way as time goes by. fake it.” He reasoned that if
long the COVID vaccine (or you “faked it”’ long enough, it
booster) will last. Moving Ahead would become second nature.
Some attentive experts I’ve written frequently
are already thinking that in the past about “Moving Well, why not? If the “new
maybe a yearly shot (like is on From Problem Medical normal” seems too unfamiliar
the current practice for the Situations,” or “Returning to and even a bit grim at times,
flu shot) will be the most the New Normal” as all of let’s just laugh it off and get
effective means of controlling you well know. on with life. Certainly, living
COVID. Along with that Today, the ongoing in a community of smiling
speculation — could there be recognition of, and concern people is a better option than
combination shots? Currently regarding COVID, certainly sharing space with a bunch of
reinforces that we are dealing sour-faces. So, let’s all paste
with a different problem (or on a grin and go out and face
set of problems) that won’t the world. And maybe you’ll
notice that many smile back!

Staying HEALTHY in Florida The Har bor Light — 19

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

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