The Harbor Light - October 2020

HarboTrhe Light

HELLO
WORLD

Plymouth Harbor residents reminisce travel experiences
OCTOBER 2020

OCTOBER

TOGETHER AT LAST Taking the Next Step

Residents reunited with loved In difficult times like these,
ones with visitation plan it's easy to lose sight of the big
picture.
— Page 7 —
Plymouth Harbor has been
FULL PLATE doing its best to celebrate the
small victories throughout the
Plymouth Harbor welcomes COVID-19 pandemic, including
Director of Dining Services each day we are able to say we
have no positive cases on campus.
— Page 8 —
We've also been thrilled to
SPOOKY STUFF see the joy in residents and
team members when the larger
Get involved among residents and victories come along.
team members for Halloween
One of those long-awaited victories is the re-opening of
— Page 10 — The Mayflower Restaurant.

Our Dining Services team has already done an outstanding
job in the planning of how to make this happen in the most
effective and safest way possible, and we are pleased to say
that October 1 marks the first lunch and dinner service we've
seen in the dining room in quite some time.

We hope you enjoy the specialties Chef Carlos and the
kitchen staff have created for this special event — and most
of all, we hope you enjoy the chance to gather with your
peers while remaining mindful of physical distancing.

I urge you to please be respectful of all residents and the
chance to return to the Mayflower — our continued success
is based on your cooperation and the longevity of your
patience and understanding.

As always, you are in my thoughts.
Live cautiously and stay well.

Harry Hobson
President & CEO

2 ­— The Har bor Light

HELLO
WORLD
By Emmalee Molay | Communications Coordinator

While we continue to brave these difficult times, it's
sometimes hard to remember there is a grand and
beautiful world somewhere out there. And while some Plymouth
Harbor residents have traveled here and there during COVID-19,

the majority have been keeping themselves close to home.

In lieu of the stories to share some of their All three attest to
residents would likely
be sharing on their best stories from around having a different view
return to campus from
a summer away, The the globe. of the world having
Harbor Light staff
thought it would be Between Dr. Gloria done so much traveling
fun to do a little bit of
reminiscing and found Shranz, Alida deJongh in their lives — and
three residents willing
and Sandy Weis, all hope their experiences

three ladies total dozens can remind you that

of countries visited, as these times close to

well as each having seen home will not last

all seven continents. forever.

And after it all, there are still a few places on each of their bucket
lists, but the trio also stands by their love for Plymouth Harbor —

each relishing their view of retirement on Sarasota Bay.

On the cover — top left, Sandy and Al Weis kayaking in Tierra Del Fuego, South America;
top right, Alida and John deJongh posing in Europe; bottom left, Dr. Gloria Schranz's giraffe
sightings in Africa. Page 4 — Gloria points to photographs and souvenirs in her apartment.
Page 5 — Alida smiles at photographs. Page 6 — Sandy and Al pose on their sea kayaking trip.

The Har bor Light — 3

Though she once could

recite every hotel stay,

Dr. Schranz has been on

so many trips it's hard

for her to remember

specific details now. She

and her late husband

Bill loved each and every

place they visited, and

she said her favorite part

was the unique view of

daily life she was able

enjoy.

"People are different, care about — but what souvenirs that line the
buildings are different," we did find out is that walls and shelves of her
Gloria said. "All around people are very nice apartment.
the world there is She said her love of
everywhere we went." travel was mutual
so much variety. It's between her and Bill,
While absorbing the and was marked by
unbelievable. their first trip together
culture, Gloria and her to Hawaii.
"It's fun to just absorb husband frequented She still would like to
it all. There ends up visit Siberia, if she ever
museums, much of gets the chance.
being things you like, which is represented Out of all the places she
things you don't really in the trinkets and has been, one trip that
surprised Gloria, she
said, was how much fun
she had on safari tours
in Africa.
"My husband really
wanted to go, and I

4 —­ The Har bor Light

didn't really know if I until I saw all of those other and just said, 'I'm

wanted to," she said. "I animals — it was kind ready.'"

guess I just said I wasn't of silly of me. We went Alida said she and John

going to stay home if we back to Africa quite a few felt it was always very

decided to go somewhere, times after that." important to immerse

so I went. Similarly for Alida, she themselves in the culture

"The first time, we went and her late husband of the country as much as

to Uganda, Kenya and John always collaborated possible.

Tanzania. We saw quite on deciding where to take "We wanted to see as

a few animals and it was a trip. much as we could," she

fine, but I was thinking "We were both born in said. "There are some

to myself 'Oh my God, Holland, but he knew people who have to have

we have two and a half more of Europe than I the best hotel and it had

weeks of this same thing.' did because I came [to to be the most elaborate,

I really thought I was the U.S.] earlier than but that was never us."

going to be bored stiff." he did," Alida said. "We One of their most

Gloria, however, always just kind of memorable experiences

was wrong about her talked about places that was the duo's prolonged

assumption. interested us both, but tour of India, Africa and

"If you like animals, he would always plan it Europe.

there's no way you can be around a holiday or a long "We started off on the

bored," she said. "I didn't weekend. Most of the East coast of Africa, and

know how I would feel time we looked at each then we just ended up

all over the place," Alida

said. "It was wonderful."

In the midst of the

pandemic, Alida said

she isn't sure she would

take a trip now, noting

how different the process

would be with added

The Har bor Light — 5

health precautions. making everything work She and her husband
"But, it's not unusual to
have conversations about on their excursions. Al have always been
travel with residents
here," she added. "A lot of "John especially loved fascinated by the physical
people still have houses
here and there, so it's not the planning the most," activities that traveling
a big deal."
She said, however, John she said. "He took has to offer.
was the brains behind
everything in stride." One of her favorites was

Sandy, too, said she loves their trip for sea kayaking

figuring out logistics of a in Tierra Del Fuego on

trip, but looking back is the tip of southern Chile

great fun, as well. in South America.

"It was something

totally new, and it was

extraordinary," she said.

"We were really out

there. It was complete

wilderness and we didn't

see anybody.

"We were kayaking in

the slush of the glaciers

and I loved everything

about it."

While Sandy said she

is eager to get back to

traveling, she noted the

pandemic has surprised

her a bit.

"I've been pleasantly

surprised at the staying

in," she said. "I'm not

particularly bored — just

keeping busy with all

sorts of things."

6 —­ The Har bor Light

TOGETHER AT LAST

Plymouth Harbor has been the schedule for all visits, in reuniting loved ones after six
busy accommodating in- which he said he has been months of absence, to some
room visits to residents in filled with emotions after frustration at the beginning
Seaside Assisted Living, Starr seeing loved ones being with the process — we've seen
Memory Care and Smith reunited — as pictured above. a lessening of that with each
Care Center, as well as visits visit thereafter.
to its Care Partner Resources At left, Ike Eisenfeld visits
Center since Governor his wife Ada in Memory "To the laughter of
DeSantis lifted visitation Care; at right, Cheryl Mooney reminiscing good times past
restrictions for long-term care visits her husband Tim in the and sharing experiences
facilities in early September. Smith Care Center. and photographs — all these
touching moments of families
"It's going really well," "These first few weeks connecting once again and
Activities Assistant Jason in the Visitation Station more has been a priceless
Redmon said. have been a whirlwind experience and one that I will
of emotions," Jason said. cherish forever.”
Jason has been facilitating "From witnessing the joy of

AROUND CAMPUS The Har bor Light — 7

FULL PLATE

Plymouth Harbor In addition to banquet "Also, I was so in finance from the
would like to welcome operations, Curtis amazed at all the University of Central
once again its new was responsible for incredible views we can Florida and an MBA
Director of Dining the hotel’s financial enjoy here at Plymouth from the Crummer
Services, Curtis performance. Harbor. From the Graduate School of
Corneal. landscaping, to the Business, Rollins
Curtis said he has panoramic views of College, where he
Curtis joined the enjoyed his first few Sarasota Bay — it is graduated with honors.
team this past month weeks at Plymouth truly a privilege to be Curtis has also received
from a long career Harbor, aiding in the working here." training at the Court of
in food service, preparation to re- Master Sommeliers.
highlighted by his open the Mayflower Curtis has a bachelor
experience with Senior Restaurant. of science degree Welcome, Curtis!
Vice President of
Food and Beverage of "The most exciting
Walt Disney World thing I have found
Resorts®, Dieter out is how passionate
Hannig. the entire team is and
how eager they are to
In June 2018, Curtis learn," Curtis said. "I
was recruited to serve am excited to see how
as Assistant General everyone will work
Manager of the together to take Dining
Spartanburg Marriott. Services to new levels.

CONSERVATION TIP

A record number of named storms are help to mitigate these problems.
expected in the Atlantic Ocean this hurricane Turn off lights and appliances you are not
season, and the connection to global warming
is seen as a major factor in these events. A using, reduce your use of hot water and drive
reduction in everyone’s carbon footprint will less. Think about the energy you use and do not
be wasteful. Your grandchildren will thank you.

8 —­ The Har bor Light AROUND CAMPUS

AMAZON SMILE

AmazonSmile is a way for customers to support their favorite charity every
time they shop with Amazon. Shoppers who start at smile.amazon.com will
find the same Amazon they know and love, with the added bonus that Amazon
will donate 0.05% of the price of eligible purchases to Plymouth Harbor.

Signing up is easy!
1. Visit smile.amazon.com

2. Sign in with your
Amazon.com credentials
3. Search for Plymouth Harbor
4. Select Plymouth Harbor

5. Start shopping!
6. Add a bookmark for
smile.amazon.com to make
it even easier to return to the page.

If you need help getting started,
just call Beth Watson in the

Foundation at Ext. 398.

ABSENTEE VOTING

For those interested in voting center. After the form is filled
by mail this year, absentee out, return it to the Tower
ballots can be requested two Front Desk to be faxed to
ways. The first option is to call SarasotaVotes.
941-861-8618. The second
option is to pick up the request The deadline for both request
form located in the business options is October 24, but
please do it as soon as possible.

AROUND CAMPUS The Har bor Light — 9

SPOOKY STUFF

In the spirit of Halloween, Plymouth Harbor is welcoming residents to participate in two
spooky contests for the duration of October.

Pet Costume Contest! Mask Decorating Contest!

Dress up your furry friend in Decorate a plain face mask and submit a
a Halloween costume — get creative! photo of you wearing it. After submitting, we
encourage you to wear your decorated mask
The pet with the most votes
wins a PETCO gift card! throughout the month of October!
The mask with the most votes
wins a special gift basket!

To be eligible for the contest, submissions are due to Emmalee Molay (Ext. 431 and
[email protected]) no later than Thursday, October 29 but are welcome
throughout the month.

In-person voting for the two categories will be in the Wellness Center on Friday, October
30 through Wednesday, November 4 in which the resident with the most votes in each
category will receive a prize.

LOOKING FOR VETERANS

Plymouth Harbor is looking to recognize know if you are a veteran.
its veterans to honor Veteran's Day on Please call or email the following
November 11.
information to Maryanne Shorin at Ext. 252
Help us make this happen by letting us or [email protected].

1. What war era did you serve? (Korean, Vietnam, etc.)
2. What branch of service did you serve?
3. What were your active years of duty?

10 ­— The Har bor Light AROUND CAMPUS

New in the Library

Fiction

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate
Death in Her Hands by Ottessa Moshfegh
The Exiles by Christine Baler Kline
First Case by James Patterson and Chris Tebbets
Love by Roddy Doyle
The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante
Hamnet, A Novel of the Plague by Maggie O'Farrell
The Margot Affair by Sanae Lemoine
Near Dark by Brad Thor
The Order by Daniel Silva
The Persuasion by Iris Johansen*
The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjelian
Smoke Screen by Iris Johansen*
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber*

Non-Fiction

Begin Again — James Baldwin's America and *donated
Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie E. Glaude Jr.*
Let Them Eat Pancakes — One Man's Personal
Revolution in the City of Light by Craig Carlson
Iron Empires — Robber Barons, Railroads and the
Making of Modern America by Michael Hiltzik
Thinking Inside the Box — Adventures with Crosswords
and the Puzzling People Who Can't Live Without Them
by Adrienne Raphel
The Final and Only Book of Sack — 36 years of Cartoons
for the Star Tribune by Steve Sack*

New in the Library The Har bor Light — 11

HARBOR FAITH

Outside Our Windows/Inside Our Doors
A Haiku Portrait of Sarasota’s Plymouth Harbor by Celia Catlett
Dedicated to the MacNeil family and to Chaplain Dick Sparrow

Chapter Three
ON THE WATER

Le Barge at 11:15 A.M. Young Sailors
Sparkling mermaids, palms Hopeful clean white sails
and passengers sweeping follow their squadron leader,

past my windows' view. come about and tack.
Bliss Catamaran

My silver-keeled canoe Furrowing water,
glides as easily fast and strong before the wind,

as a skater's blade. tall-sailed and steady.
Apparition A Happy Couple

Giant sea turtle On most afternoons
neutral as eternity, two kayakers stroke as one
slow swims past my bow. in their sleek white shell.

In A Hurry Marina Jack II
A jet ski spits flumes, Swanlike, the dinner boat
fumes, and noise scares small fish smooths its way across the bay,
and scars the bay's calm.
seeking the sunset.
Meanwhile Why I Am Not Rich
Wind driven, silent, aTlwhaeybs rliagnhdtsraacinrobsoswt'hseenbady
a small sail glides peacefully,
nature its sole fuel. on a wealthy roof.
Why I Am Rich
Hibiscus, orchids,
purple qmueyetnerarnadrpaainssbioown.flowers,

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.

12 —­ The Har bor Light HARBOR FAITH

The Spirit f Philanthropy

The uncertainty favor by making
of the donations to
COVID-19 crisis our Employee
resulted in the Hardship Fund.
single most This fund has
defining moment meant so very
in Plymouth much to many
Harbor’s history. of our team
Plymouth members who
Harbor’s resilient faced and continue
leadership became to face financial
laser-focused on hardship. To date,
its top priority, just less than
the safety of our $110,000 has been Employee
residents and received with Hardship Fund
team members. more than $47,000
Leaders emerged distributed to 40 $200,000
from every of these heroes.
corner of the With no end $180,000
organization. At date in sight for $160,000
the beginning of COVID-19, we $140,000
the pandemic, will continue to $120,000
when obtaining distribute funds
PPE was in to team members $100,000
extreme need, throughout 2021.
our everyday To ensure this, $80,000
heroes searched our year-end $60,000
high and low for goal is to raise $40,000
every mask, gown, $200,000. The $20,000
test kit and roll Foundation thanks
of toilet paper to you for your many $0
adequately protect contributions
and care for our and hope you Current Total:
residents. To show will consider $108,000
their appreciation, supporting our
residents came team members
together and throughout this
returned the pandemic.

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.

The Spirit f Philanthropy The Har bor Light — 13

Staying HEALTHY in Florida
COVID-19; Part 2 — anxiety

By Elyse Rogers question indeed. People who volunteer often say
I wish I could give you a list of they get more benefit than they
COVID-19, unfortunately, is give when they help others. So
still in full swing as a certified “cures” guaranteed to eliminate personal service gives the giver
pandemic with the WHO all of today’s anxiety issues; a nice sense of accomplishment
(World Health Organization) unfortunately I can’t. But there and a warm feeling of caring for
officially labelling it as such on are some steps we can all take others. Remember, too, that it’s
March 11, 2020. So, let’s take a to mitigate the problem and hard to be worried about your
look at this pandemic and focus to handle it in ways that can personal or family concerns
today on the anxiety that can promote daily happiness for when you’re busy delivering
occur from all the uncertainly ourselves and for those we love. Meals on Wheels or ladling
about “where–we-are-and stew in a soup kitchen. Even
when-will-COVID-19-end?” Ideas for Staying Healthy less physically-active pursuits
during COVID-19 such as calling shut-ins for
Anxiety is not a new feeling for your church or helping stuff
most of us. Whenever things are I1)kSntoawy aycotuiv’vee heard it before, envelopes for your community
unpredictable or uncertain they but it bears repeating that an center are worthy contributions.
can cause anxiety. Think back active lifestyle is one of the best
to your growing-up years when ways to stay healthy and fit — A4)sSaelerkeasdoycimabeilnittyioned, humans
you were facing a new situation. both physically and mentally. are social animals, so don’t
And daily activity is one of the forget neighbors, extended
The body’s well known “fight premier ways to insure good family or others that you have
or flight” response is its reaction mental health. Even if you can’t kept in touch with (or even wish
to a perceived stressful situation. get out and walk down “green to reach out to now after a long
It’s why the heart beat speeds pathways,” at least walk around time).
up and the breathing becomes your apartment, your house or
rapid, etc. And, although your neighborhood whenever I have a friend who made a
being anxious is not the same possible. list at the beginning of the year
real threat as an oncoming of old friends she wanted to
locomotive or a rabid dog in Fortunately your body doesn’t re-connect with. Actually, she
our path, it is certainly enough care if you exercise on a boring made a spreadsheet! Then she
to stir the body’s defenses. treadmill or march in place on worked to find the addresses,
Unfortunately, it can become an your kitchen floor. The most phone numbers or emails, and
ongoing condition that lasts far important thing is to do it — began contacting one person per
longer than a physical danger. (whatever your exercise program week.
is) — and do it regularly.
So, the question regarding She told me everyone she
anxiety and COVID-19 is how A2)gEaiant,athgiosoids,ovladrdieadtadi(eytour got to talk to was delighted
do we teach ourselves to live mom probably preached it to to hear from her and she had
with the uncertainties and you when you were a young’un) many never-to-be-forgotten
dangers of COVID-19 without but eating those veggies and conversations. What a nice
being so anxious that it affects going easy on the French fries gesture and a nice legacy.
our ability to not only survive, and cookies is still good advice.
but to enjoy daily life? A big 5) Get enough sleep
3) Be involved

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].

14 —­ The Har bor Light Staying HEALTHY in Florida

Never underestimate the news, but turn off those hourly can lead to more problems.
importance of sleep. Get the (or half-hourly) updates on your Most of us have known a person
prescribed seven to nine hours iPhone or computer. who has tried using alcohol as a
per night. It’s important both for cure-all and has not done well.
your body and your mind. A8)gCairna,cwk ea asmreiwlehat we do and I’ve talked to many of them who
say. So smiling at strangers or have worked their way back
I’ve never been a daytime saying “thank you” to those who thanks to AA or other support
snoozer although I have many serve us is simply a nice, easy groups.
friends who love naps. So — go and pleasant thing to do. I don’t
for it, if that works for you and know anyone who works in one In the same way, chocolate
you have the opportunity to of the service industries who candies and caramel sundaes
schedule daytime naps. doesn’t appreciate a smile or a have also not improved the lives
nod of thanks. of those who fight obesity.
6) Think happy thoughts, be
opWtime aisltliuc,nadnedrepsrtaimctaictee gwrahtaittude Works for families, too. A I was taught early on by my
disciplined thought can do. smiling father is a winner. parents that “Moderation is the
Still, I think most of us know I remember reading in a key.” And when you think about
a person who is considered magazine a section labeled it, that’s not a bad motto. Not
the “neighborhood grouch” “Comments from children going overboard or underboard
or one who always seem to be aged 5-8.” One boy said, “I (is that a word?) is a pretty good
unpleasant or complaining. was walking out of school and guideline for most things in life.
Not that life is all “moonlight kind of scared because no one
and roses” but, hey, it doesn’t was around, and then I saw my WhetherCwoenhclauvseioannxiety as
improve if all one does is cry father smiling and waving at me, a result of COVID-19, or other
and wail about his/her state and I knew everything was all factors, it’s not really pleasant
of affairs. And, I can almost right!” or productive. So learning
guarantee that the weepers and some counter-measures that
wailers will have a lot harder S9t)eGppetinogutosuidteside for a walk will help us defend ourselves
time with the No. 4 item in this or just to take deep breaths and and our loved-ones from toxic
list (Seek Sociability) than those march in place is good for the anxiety is a worthy goal. Even
who work at being cheerful and mind and body. Even the nicest if some of the “cures” might
optimistic. apartment or condo is limited seem too simple to be effective,
by four walls. sometimes simple works best.
7) Don’t read or listen to bad And I’ve been very surprised
neWwshenever we turn on the In the Sarasota area we are and pleased when people have
radio, watch TV or read blessed with parks, walkways told me that they really could
the daily newspaper, we get and many nice neighborhoods alter their attitude by simple
mostly bad news. We learn that are good for both walking tricks like refusing to think bad
all about the problems in our and bike-riding. Many others thoughts or to repeat mantras
neighborhoods, our cities, our of us are fortunate to have that seemed silly but were
country, our world, and at times opportunities for boating, actually effective.
even the woes of our planet. paddle boarding or kayaking
Not that we should all bury our fairly close by. So, let’s repeat together
heads in the sand (although now, “We’ll all come out of
we’re lucky enough to have Lido Remember, a change of scene COVID-19 both stronger and
Beach close by and that wouldn’t is always good for our mental more resilient than ever before.”
be a hardship — just kidding…), health, even if it’s brief.
but focusing only on the ills “We’ll all come out of
of the world is not healthy or 10) Don’t overindulge in COVID-19 both stronger
helpful. alTcohhinolk,isnwgetehtsa,tsamnoxkieintyg oetrca. blue and……..”
mood can be cured or dulled
So, keep current with the by alcohol or a chocolate fudge “We’ll all come out of
sundae is a false premise that COVID-19 both stronger
and……..”

Amen!

Staying HEALTHY in Florida The Har bor Light — 15

facebook.com/PlymouthHarbor John M. Cranor III
@PlymouthHarbor Chair, Plymouth Harbor,

Inc. Board of Trustees
Harry Hobson
President/CEO

HARBOR LIGHT STAFF
Liz Clark

Administrator of Home Care
Joe Devore

Senior Vice President of Health Services
Emmalee Molay

Communications Coordinator
Gordon Okawa

Vice President of Marketing &
Community Affairs
Maryanne Shorin

Director of Resident Programming
Beth Watson

Vice President of Philanthropy
Tena Wilson

Vice President of Resident & Employee Relations

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