The Harbor Light - October 2021

HarboTrhe Light

WHAT WE KNOW

Ongoing questions persist as Plymouth
Harbor holds clinic for booster vaccines

OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER

It's OK to Be a Little Unsure

As I've ended many of my messages This pandemic has
during the past nearly two years of the also reminded us that
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is my the world has dealt with
sincerest wish that every individual in the so much. Whether or
Plymouth Harbor family does the following not it is related to the
— live cautiously and stay well. health and wellbeing
of humankind, it takes
That sentiment has shifted slightly over those people who think
the last several months as I now commonly outside the box to push the envelope and
end my messages with the phrase "stay make us better. We need to be unsure of
tuned." And while, of course, I continue things to be able to ask questions. That's
to wish members of our community to how we are able to educate our peers to be
stay the healthiest they can, the change in better than we were yesterday. I guess that's
phrasing was very much intentional. where they get the phrase, "There's no such
thing as a dumb question."
At the beginning of the pandemic, there
was so much we didn't know. We thought So, as we reflect on the conclusion of
that even the slightest cough could cause our clinic for the booster dose of the
us harm. We stayed away from getting COVID-19 vaccine, I want you to stay
too close to others because we feared the hopeful that whatever happens tomorrow is
unknown. It's much different now. We OK. And it truly is OK that we can't predict
know that if we protect ourselves with the it, too.
correct precautions, then we truly will
remain safe. There is a plaque on my wall that brings
all of this together and it reads,
However, there is still a great deal we
don't know. The reality is that there are “Today is the tomorrow that worried you
many questions that none of us know the yesterday — and all is well.”
answers to — and that actually is quite
alright. I hope you all continue to stay well and, of
course, stay tuned.
It's OK to be a little unsure of the future
because it keeps us on our toes. It reminds Harry Hobson
us to put trust in those who are experts in President & CEO
their given field. It gives us reassurance that
we can lean on each other for advice and
perspective.

2 —­ The Har bor Light

WHAT
WE
KNOW

By Emmalee Molay | Communications Manager

It's been nearly a year since Plymouth Harbor helped
administer its first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The
day was December 30, 2020 and we were all excited, yet
had lots of questions. Just recently on September 28, 2021,
booster vaccines were given, and the questions persisted.

Since the beginning of the for the possibility the Centers
COVID-19 pandemic, Plymouth for Disease Control would likely
Harbor's main goal has always recommend booster shots for the
been to follow the most credible COVID-19 vaccine, especially for
and factual-based evidence in those over the age of 65, Plymouth
everything we do. Each step and Harbor was quick to figure out
policy followed is thought out in what that meant for us.
terms of how it affects the entire
community. We have consistently With the success of our booster
reviewed plans on how to retain clinic now concluded, The Harbor
the safest environment possible for Light staff checked in with Karen
our residents and team members. Novak, Administrator of Strategic
Health Initiatives, on what the
That means when talk began future may still hold.

WHAT WE KNOW The Har bor Light — 3

The Harbor Light: What's been the biggest change you've At right,
seen with personal hygiene practices? CVS
pharmacists
Karen Novak: People are more aware of transmission. are busy
We wear our masks, wash our hands, carry sanitizing gel at work
everywhere, stand six feet from someone and are more tuned in preparing
when our neighbors are not feeling well. booster
vaccines
THL: How do you think people's perception of medicine has during
changed during the pandemic? our recent
clinic for
KN: This pandemic will end and eventually this crisis will be residents
over. I feel we have a whole new insight into the process of how and team
medications are brought from the evidence-based research stage members.
to a consumer-ready therapy. I’d like to think that this new
insight has also let us know that a global approach, using the
best scientists and cutting edge technology, works best.

THL: How did the booster clinic feel compared to the first
time we were doing this?
KN: This booster clinic was different than those when we first
started. There was a sense of ease and comfort. I remember our first clinic.
We were so unsure of many things. There was so much we did not know
about this virus. Today, we know much more than then. We know now
how to best manage it, treat it and prevent it from mutating. Through our
communication and education to both residents
and team members, there was a true sense of
security and a healthy respect of the virus.
THL: How has that trusting relationship we
have with our residents made you feel during this
time?
KN: Trust is a feeling shared between our
residents and our team members. We have
worked hard to maintain a high level of trust by
providing the latest evidence-based facts and then
incorporating them into practices to provide the
safest environment possible. This trust we have
will continue to be nurtured and cherished.
THL: What's been the most challenging
question you've had someone ask you since Karen Novak, right, speaks
the beginning of the pandemic? with resident Bill Brackett
during the booster clinic.
KN: Two questions come to mind, "What’s
next?" and "Will we need boosters each

4 —­ The Har bor Light WHAT WE KNOW

year?" This COVID time period
has shown us that working
together with the technology,
expertise, drugs, vaccines
and resources takes a global
approach. Education is important.
Additionally, it is challenging the
norm. What is it that we can do
better or differently? It is that
curiosity that drives research that
will give us those answers to hard questions.
THL: How has the uncertainty of tomorrow affected our desire to return to
yesterday?
KN: The return to yesterday negates what we have learned today. Yesterday
was our comfort zone and growing and moving forward is often hard. We
have grown and we have learned. It is time to move forward and take all that
knowledge and insight and grow even further.
THL: How long will it take to get rid of the negative stigma that surrounds
the COVID-19 virus?
KN: Public Health Emergencies are stressful for us all. It is important for us
to stay informed with facts and not rely on social media for information. We
are starting to see the word COVID not be so fearful
as it initially was. It is through that education and
more understanding of facts that has reduced fear and
we are starting to see that here at Plymouth Harbor.
THL: What do you think we will think about this
time when we look back in 10 years?
KN: COVID will probably be a seasonal virus
that will still be around. I’d like to think that it
will become more like the common cold and not
the Public Emergency it was. I’d like to think that
the second or third generations of vaccines will be
more focused and cause little-to-no side effects and
even possibly be incorporated into the childhood
immunization series. COVID will be a tamer disease,
but there will be other deadly viruses that we will
continue to face. In 10 years, we will be ready for that
challenge. Looking back at what we did 10 years from
now, we did well.

WHAT WE KNOW The Har bor Light — 5

FOR OUR FUTURE

For residents Connie And that concept, Tom “It
Sanders and Tom said, starts with being all kind of came together
Belcher, helping their fellow prepared. at one time,” Connie said.
residents has always been a “I think to a certain degree,
top priority. “[My wife] Marie had as well, this was all during
Both formerly serving as been after me for, I the pandemic and it brought
President of the Residents don’t know, months home the idea that any one of
Association, what started as a and she said, ‘What us could catch COVID and
casual conversation in early would I do if you pass away suddenly.
2020 quickly turned in a passed away?’” he said.
realization that the two had a “After getting bugged “What started out as just
shared idea; and what came a few times, I finally jotting down a few things
of the chat was more than sat down and wrote ended up turning into a
they ever imagined. some instructions that were whole book.”
After more than a year of specific to her in the event
research, writing and editing, that something was to happen “Next Steps” is presented
their collective concept is now to me.” in three sections; the first, Be
a campus-wide project which Prepared, gives important
serves as the instructional and Not long after that, the information and instructions.
informational publication earliest drafts of the project The third section, the
titled “Next Steps: For the were gifted to Alida DeJongh Appendices, provides
Future We All Face.” following the passing of her references, useful information
While death can be a husband, John. As Tom and and a set of forms that will
difficult topic to address, Marie guided Alida through help gather the vital details
Connie and Tom’s vision the material, the project and documents our loved
was to shift the focus toward began to take a more formal
comforting the survivor to format.
help make the transition of
losing a loved one as seamless Connie said she previously
as possible. “Next Steps” is had similar discussions with
a comprehensive guide that her husband, Carl, on the
walks through the logical topic of sharing important
progression of how to achieve documents between one
just that. another. There was a sudden
understanding of a theme and
soon enough, one thing led to
another.

6 —­ The Har bor Light AROUND CAMPUS

one or family will need at the encourage residents to to check out a special
time of one’s death. Having study the book and become introduction video, also
this information when needed familiar with the contents. available on the Resident
is key to a survivor’s ability to When you are feeling ready, Portal. If you need help
face both their grief and the it’s time to get prepared. accessing the Resident Portal,
many tasks ahead of them. please contact Emmalee
As published by generous Molay at Ext. 431.
The second section is the funding from the Residents
Survivor’s Guide, which is Association Fund Shop, “It really is a sense of
a step-by-step approach to binders with the complete security for your spouse,
managing the events that publication have been if that’s the case, or for
come immediately after the distributed to all independent your family,” Tom said.
passing of a loved one. It’s residents at the beginning of “They know that all of that
written in a way to pace the October in hopes it can assist information is compiled for
tasks with the most urgent as many of us as possible. them.
ones first, so the survivor is The publication is also
not overwhelmed and covers available on the Resident “We don’t want to see our
the most of the common Portal, and forms can be friends here, or anywhere
tasks. completed electronically. in that case, go through
Additionally, make sure this without some sort of
Both Tom and Connie preparation.”

RELAX!

The Wellness & Programming the mind, body and spirit. Massage
Department welcomed complimentary therapy has been shown to help
chair massages back to campus in decrease stress, improve muscle
late summer. Thanks to the financial fatigue, posture, carpal tunnel
assistance from The Plymouth symptoms and much more!
Harbor Foundation, licensed massage Massages are scheduled on a
therapist Ronda Tackett joined the first-come-first-serve basis that
team. Every Tuesday and Thursday residents are invited to personally
morning from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. you sign up for in the Wellness
can find her bringing relaxation and Center. Contact any Wellness &
a calming personal touch to those Programming team member for
seeking a bit of rejuvenation for more information today!

AROUND CAMPUS The Har bor Light — 7

TAKE A LOOK

Don’t miss “Inside us experienced during the
Outside,” a collection of last year and a half. “Inside
paintings done by local artist Outside” will be on display
Jill Krasner, created during in the Mezzanine Art Exhibit
the pandemic to dilute from October 5, 2021
the isolation so many of through the end of the year!

WELCOME!

Plymouth Harbor would to accept the job John is a
like to formally welcome John after experiencing veteran of the
Schale to the family as its the positive United States
Director of Safety Services. atmosphere on Marine Corps,
campus. in which his
John joins the team with duties included
an extensive background of “What stood presidential
more than 25 years in law out to me the
enforcement, concluding most were the and dignitary
with being Chief of Police first visits here,” security. Originally from
for a major agency. John also John said. “Everyone had Texas, he and his wife, Dorcas,
worked in private security as such a professionalism and have been married for 45
Senior Director of Physical friendliness about them.” years and live in Sarasota.
Security for Toyota Motor They have two sons and seven
Corp., as well as Senior John takes over all functions grandchildren — all girls!
Director of Investigations for a of the Safety Services
software company. Department, including “I’m really looking forward
Security, Transportation and to a positive future in which
His background included functions of the Tower Front we can help the residents with
training law enforcement all Desk, as well the Screeners. any duties related to Safety
over the world. He said he is most looking Services,” John said. “Anything
forward to enhancing the skills we can do, we will.”
While John had already of the personnel on his team.
retired, he said he was pleased Welcome, John!

8 —­ The Har bor Light AROUND CAMPUS

WARM WISHES

Plymouth Harbor welcomes wonderful to be able Ann Marie
Ann Marie Haggerty to the to visit residents began her
position of Director of Nursing in their own living career as a
for Home Care. environment. I nurses’ aide,
know that I would and moved
Ann is embraced into the want to remain in up the chain
family with vast experience my own home as of command
in healthcare, serving as a long as possible.” to a corporate
Registered Nurse for more administrative role.
than 30 years. She has Ann Marie and her husband, “Therefore, I feel I can really
held positions including Arthur, who have been relate to the roles and tasks of
the Director of Clinical married since 1984, are in all the nursing staff,” she said.
Operations for a large nursing the process of relocating from Here at Plymouth Harbor,
home chain, as well as a legal Massachusetts to Florida full- Ann Marie leads the Home
nurse consultant. Additionally, time. She found Plymouth Care Department, managing
Ann Marie owned her own Harbor online, and said she the skilled and non-skilled
business, specializing in legal was impressed by the beauty of services among residents
nurse consulting. our atmosphere. across the campus.
“I am most looking forward
Ann Marie then shifted her “What I love the most to being able to continue
career to Home Care, which about Plymouth Harbor is the my tenure here at Plymouth
she said is the area in which continuity of care within the Harbor until retirement,” Ann
she feels the happiest. community,” Ann Marie said. Marie said. “That’s my goal.”
“It was really fascinating to me, Welcome, Ann Marie!
“In Home Care, the and I felt such a connection as
residents still live at home,” soon as I was here.”
Ann Marie said. “It’s so

HEADS UP

Mark your on November 15 through November
calendars! 19. Stay tuned for all the details on
Resident Wellness upcoming activities provided by the
Week is coming Wellness and Programming Department!

AROUND CAMPUS The Har bor Light — 9

LET'S GET LIVE

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

Every Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall — Friday night movies in Pilgrim Hall! Check the
Weekly Flyer for movie titles each week and join friends to watch!

Every Monday at 7:30 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall — Monday mini-series shown in Pilgrim Hall!
Continuing with the series "Designated Survivor" — Who is in line of succession to be the
next President when the president and most of the Cabinet are wiped out?

Monday, October 4 at 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Mayflower Restaurant — Join us for acoustic
guitar or piano entertainment for Monday Melodies in the Mayflower. Music will also be
played on Monday, October 11, Monday, October 18 and Monday, October 25.

Tuesday, October 5 and October 19 at 2 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall — “Tuesday Tech at Two”
features computer and technology members from TUBE Tech to teach a technology
session. The class runs for one hour, but you may sign up ahead of time to meet with the
instructor after class to help you individually with specific issues. These appointments are
between 3 to 5 p.m. The team will be here every two weeks. Please call Anne with any
questions, to sign-up for the session and to sign-up for one-on-one with the team afterward.

Every Tuesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. — Join the group to play Bocce with friends on the
back terrace behind the outdoor pool through November 15.

Thursday, October 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall — Sign
up for an iPhone Photography Class taught by speaker, award-
winning documentary and fine arts photographer, Wayne
Eastep! If interested, there is a charge for the class; contact Anne
Casanova for details. Join also on October 14, 21 and 28!

Wednesday, October 13 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. (East Garden
Colony 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.

10 ­— The Har bor Light AROUND CAMPUS

Every Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. (Activity Alcove) — a Table Tennis League will be held
for residents to participate in. Anyone interested should contact Anita Pihl at Ext. 155 or email

[email protected] by 4 p.m. on Tuesdays to sign up!

Wednesday, October 13 at 4 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall — Grandaughter of
resident David Beliles, Emily Walsh, President of the Observer Media
Group, joins us for a presentation on "The Newspaper Industry Today" which
will focus on how the pandemic has affected the industry. The Observer
Media Group is a family-owned multimedia company that publishes 11
newspapers, four magazines, six web sites, has a mobile app and multiple
social channels in Florida.

Thursday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall —
International competition winning ensemble Duo Beaux Arts
was formed in 2008 by renowned husband and wife concert
pianists Dr. Catherine Lan and Steinway artist Tao Lin.
They visit Plymouth Harbor for a wonderful performance!!

Monday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. —
Suncoast Blood Centers will be on campus for all
residents to donate blood if they are able!

Monday, October 18 through Sunday, October 24 — October's week for "Destination Dining"
will take you on a trip to Germany! Keep an eye out for entertainment associated with
the theme throughout the week! Don't forget to bring your Destination Dining
Passports with you for your stamp. Dinner Reservations may be made by
calling Ext. 258.

Tuesday, October 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall — Join us for an
Octoberfest music and dance performance from dancer, singer and musician
Johanna, along with her illustrious emcee and dance partner Johann. Enjoy
lighthearted songs and fun-loving folkloric dances of Germany, Austria and

Switzerland.

Throughout the month of October — Stay tuned for details on how to
participate in our annual activities and festivities related to Halloween! It's
never too early to start planning your best costumes and decorations.

AROUND CAMPUS The Har bor Light — 11

CONSERVATION TIP

Americans love their urgent need strata. By 2050, the demand
hamburgers, and that includes to combat for beef is expected to have
the exceptional ones prepared the climate nearly doubled during the
by our own Dining Services, changes we previous 40 years, unless our
as well as the many other are having. current beef-eating population
hamburger restaurants found takes action to lessen their
everywhere. Hamburgers are Cows intake.
not, however, good for our produce a lot
planet. Agriculture contributes of methane Asking people to give
one-third of total methane as a result of up beef is likely not about
emissions worldwide, their unique to happen, but we can all
while in the United States digestive make an effort to reduce
cows alone contribute 27% system which can break down the amount of beef that we
of methane emissions. the cellulose, which comprises eat. A few less steaks and
Methane is a particularly the main component of grass, hamburgers will help. Even
destructive greenhouse gas with the resultant emission considering a meatless day
which, combined with other of methane. Efforts have at least once a week would
greenhouse gases, is key evolved over the years in an be an excellent step in the
to global warming and the attempt to reduce the amount right direction. In any case,
resultant climate changes that of methane produced by it is important to recognize
have been all too prevalent cows, including the addition methane as an important
this summer. of seaweed to feed and greenhouse gas and to help
changes in diet that allow mitigate its production.
Earlier this summer, the increased milk and meat
Intergovernmental Panel production from an individual
on Climate Change issued cow. In theory, the latter
a report which noted that should allow a reduction
methane in the atmosphere in the number of cows
is higher than it has been for required, but that has not
the past 800,000 years. As a happened as the demand for
result, the group considers beef has increased as people
the need to reduce methane worldwide have attained
in the atmosphere to be an higher levels in the economic

Submitted by Richard March — Conservation Committee

12 —­ The Har bor Light AROUND CAMPUS

New in the Library The Har bor Light — 13

Fiction

Choose Me by Tess Gerritsen
The Damage by Caitlin Wahrer LP
Family Trust by Kathy Wang*
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah LP
In the Shadow of Agatha Christie...Classic Crime Fiction by

Forgotten Female Writers 1850-1917, Leslie S. Klieger, Ed
The Maidens by Alex Mchaelides
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid*
Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian
Morningside Heights by Joshua Henkin
The President's Daughter by James Patterson LP
Sunflower Sisters by Martha Hall Kelly*
Target Acquired by Don C. Bentley LP
Tide Between Us by Olive Collins
Vixen by Francine Prose

Non-Fiction *donated

First Friends..The Powerful, Unsung (and unelected) People
Who Shaped Our Presidents by Gary Ginsberg

Irish Assassins...Conspiracy, Revenge, and the Phoenix Park
Murder That Stunned Victorian England by Julie Kavenugh

Madhouse at the End of the Earth...The Begica's Journey into
the Dark Antartica's Night by Julian Sancton

Side Country...Tales of Death and Life From the Back Roads
of Sports by John Branch

Supernavigators...Explaining the Wonders of How Animals
find Their Way by David Barrie*

New in the Library

WELCOME, NEW FRIENDS!

Introducing your newest neighbors

RAE SEIFE

Apartment N-301; Ext. 356

Rae Dinner grew up on the grandchildren with the same
North Shore in Swampscott, who are delighted trainer for more
Mass., where she graduated by Rae’s move to than 25 years.
from Lesley University in Plymouth Harbor.
Cambridge. She had two Her grandson Rae was thrilled
roommates at school with whom equates it with his to get a garden
she is still very close. One was beloved summer apartment so she
Joslyn Kirkegaard, now living in camp and her can be close to the
T-1714 — small world! You will granddaughter outdoors she so
often see Joslyn and Rae together feels as though Rae enjoys. She feels that
on campus. is living on a cruise her biggest challenge
ship. Rae says, will be deciding
After college, Rae taught fifth “Perhaps I have overplayed my which of Plymouth
grade in Maiden, Mass. She met journey…” Harbor’s many activities or
Irwin Seife on a blind date. As events to attend. Rae will take
Rae tells it, she was the third The Seife’s came to Longboat every opportunity she has to
girl on the list and the first two Key on vacation and bought a exercise in our Wellness Center.
were not home. She answered house “behind the gates.” Rae She is also a frequent visitor to
the phone and they made a date volunteered for many years as our library where she is now
which obviously went well. a counselor at The Women’s reading presidential biographies.
He was already a practicing Resource Center in Sarasota. Rae Rae has many friends and looks
Radiologist in Boston and they and Irwin, who sadly passed forward to making new ones in
soon married. away several years ago, traveled our midst. Our new neighbor
extensively during their nearly claims to be a “curious person by
They lived their lives in 50 years of marriage. nature.” Irwin lovingly dubbed
Binghamton, NY (14 years), her “Mrs. Tell Me…” because of
Denver (10 years) and later Rae has always had new and her ability to get people to open
in Beverly Hills, Calif. before interesting pursuits percolating up to her about themselves.
settling in Florida. in her head. She loves to read Give Rae Seife a warm
and enjoys theater, opera and welcome and you will have
After Jeffrey and Debbie were ballet. She has even studied a new, charming, inquisitive
born, Rae enjoyed being a stay- Buddhism and attended a and intelligent friend with a
at-home mother and involved silent retreat. Rae is an exercise marvelous sense of humor.
herself in community activities. enthusiast and has been working
She now has two wonderful

By Estelle Silbert — Biography Committee

14 —­ The Har bor Light

HARBOR FAITH

A Little Book by Bode

In the past month, I’ve become how the water and the wind calls
fascinated by a small book by out to them, how their father’s voice
Richard Bode, entitled First You and all his lessons remain in their
have to Row a Little Boat — the heads.
author’s reflections on life and
living, lessons learned on the water. As a child, Bode learned about the
I grew up on the waters of Cape wind, knowing that it might blow
Cod and many of Bode’s ‘truths’ from the east, west, north or south.
line up with my own learnings. It might gust, it might fall off to
If you’ve ever sailed a boat, I practically nothing. It might leave
encourage you to look up this book. him dead becalmed.
Bode wrote the book as an attempt
to make good on a promise never ‘I didn’t pick the wind; that was
kept. He had vowed when he was imposed by a power far greater than
younger to teach his two sons and myself. But I had to sail the wind
two daughters to sail, to help them — against it, with it, sideways to
understand that ‘to sail a boat is to it; I had to wait it out with patience
navigate a life.’ He never followed of Job when it didn’t blow — if I
through. wanted to move myself from where
‘I try to forgive myself, but I I was to where I wanted to go.
can’t,’ he wrote in Chapter One.
And yet, nearly 20 years after ‘The silent currents within my
the release of this profound and own life led me down to the sea in a
heart-stirring book it’s clear sailboat when I was still a boy. That
that he accomplished his goal was the course I chose for myself
in magnificent ways. His adult — and it has made all the difference
children now speak passionately in my life and memory.’
about how this book shaped them,
I have spent hours with this little
book — hours well spent. I suggest
it to you, for your consideration, as
well.

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 — 15

The Spirit f Philanthropy

Announcing HEART TO HEART: Circles of Friendship

Heart to Heart is a new program commit to all the sessions. The
for Independent Living residents Friendship Buddy program will
as part of Plymouth Harbor’s vision concentrate on creating supportive
to provide supportive engagement engagement by linking resident
opportunities for those experiencing volunteers who will buddy someone
loneliness or aloneness. who is less likely to be out and about
Heart to Heart will launch mid- and desiring companionship by
October with two themed Chat connecting by phone, in person, etc.
Circles and a resident led Friendship Due to the prolonged pandemic,
Buddy program. One Chat Circle will our normal ways of socializing and
be offered for those experiencing supporting each other have been
grief and loss, and another on the disrupted. While our fabulous
importance of self-care in caregiving. Wellness Program serves many
Both are limited to 10 residents per purposes both mentally and physically,
Chat Circle and will be held in the our Heart to Heart program will
North Garden Colony Room from 10 to help bring deeper connections and
11:30 a.m. at the dates listed on Page friendship, a loving hand, and a warm
17. Participants must register ahead of heart into the lives of others.
time and As Residential Engagement
Coordinator, Heart to Heart will be
led by Nancy Hobson, RN, NHA.
Nancy’s background in Senior
Living Services includes being a
Licensed Registered Nurse (RN)
and Licensed Nursing Home
Administrator (NHA). She has

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.

16 ­— The Har bor Light The Spirit f Philanthropy

at Plymouth Harbor’s Memory Care
training on topics such as Teamwork
Basics, Effective Dementia Support,
and Memory Enhancing Strategies.
Beth Watson, The Plymouth Harbor
Foundation’s Vice President of
Philanthropy, will be assisting in this
effort. In addition, residents interested
in participating in the buddy program
as a volunteer friend or to be visited,
assumed are to contact Nancy or Beth for more
senior leadership roles in Life information.
Plan Communities including being Nancy can be reached at NancyH@
Executive Director, Chief Operating plymouthharbor.org or by dropping
Officer and Director of Nursing. her a note at the Tower Front Desk.
Through the years, she has developed Beth can be reached at Ext. 398 or at
many courses involving caregivers and [email protected].
self-care. She has taught most recently Let’s come together and support
at the Senior Friendship Centers and each other. Don’t delay, sign up today.

To sign up for either Chat Circle, please contact
Nancy Hobson at [email protected].

Chat Circle: Grieving Hearts Chat Circle: Self-Care
Wednesday, October 13
Wednesday, October 27 — You are the Priority
Wednesday, November 10 Wednesday, October 20
Wednesday, November 17 Wednesday, November 3
Wednesday, December 1 Thursday, November 18
Wednesday, December 15 Thursday, December 2
Thursday, December 16

The Spirit f Philanthropy The Har bor Light — 17

Staying HEALTHY in Florida
Living WITH UNCERTAINTY

By Elyse Rogers But defining and arguing that can be difficult. And such
for or against ambiguity and an adjustment, even for those
For many people, uncertainty philosophy are not the goals of of us who can accomplish it
is worse than bad news. What this column, so let’s move on pretty smoothly, takes time and
I mean is that most of us can to the uncertain situation we’re patience.
be strong and steel ourselves all dealing with in today’s post
when we hear or experience COVID-19 world. So, how do we adjust to, live
bad news, and then we deal with, and stride into the future
with it. Any news, good or We’veCaellrgtarionwtyn iunpLfiefeeling with our current post-COVID
bad, is definitive enough to let that some things in life are situation?
us know what the problem is certain or at least pretty sure.
or the problems are that we’re For example, science has taught Being Open and Optimistic
confronting, and so we can us that the sun does “rise” in You guessed it, I’m sure.
work on handling them and the morning (even if it’s dark Flexibility or a willingness-
finding solutions. and rainy out on any particular to-change are key parts of
day.) Same for the moon and dealing with any of the many
Uncertainly is more “iffy.” stars. uncertainties of life. Dwelling
When we don’t really know or on the past and/or being
understand what we’re dealing Other things however, are dejected are easy reactions
with, it’s hard to find a solution not “certain” even though they but they’re not really actions
and/or learn to live with it. do usually take place. Things that will be helpful. Optimism
like waking up in the morning may be harder to embrace,
There are a lot of quips and going to work, or starting but it certainly is the better
and quotes to show us that the day with breakfast, etc. alternative. And, as in so many
“uncertainty” can be an Those actions are a big part of things in life, “putting on a
enigma. our world that we just assume happy face” and pretending
will continue. However, we’re to be more upbeat than we
I like this one from “Pliny still astute enough to remain may feel at the moment, are
the Elder”— a Roman-Empire aware that there are tragedies usually the best practices for
naturalist and philosopher. “In such as accidents or natural both handling the present and
these matters the only certainty disasters that could interrupt moving forward. Practicing
is that nothing is certain.” our “norms.” psychologists tell us that if
we keep pretending long and
It assures us that defining We’ve learned to live and be hard enough, we help make it
“uncertainty” is not a brand okay with those usual daily happen.
new problem, having existed in certainties and uncertainties. I’d like to share with you
the first century. In addition, an uplifting story that was
like many philosophical But if suddenly things change told to me by a famous
sayings, there’s lots of and we are suddenly forced to tennis pro whom I got to
ambiguity in Pliny’s statement. adjust to a “new normal” or a know. He confessed that
And yet, ambiguity is actually different set of daily routines,
part of uncertainty, is it not?

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

there had been a very dark serve, and it was an ace. Then Practice Healthy Habits
time in his career when he he just relaxed and kept playing It’s pretty hard to be upbeat
was a new professional and his game, and played some of when you’re not feeling well
was experiencing all sorts of his best tennis ever. As you’ve physically or when you’re lonely
problems in trying to improve probably guessed, he won that and depressed. Although there
his ranking on the tournament tie-breaker. are no “instant” fixes for aches
circuit. He was especially and pains or negative thoughts
jinxed when faced with tie- So, how can we work and feelings, there are certainly
breakers in tournaments. on being upbeat, even in things we can discipline our
And successfully dealing with uncertain times? minds and bodies to do that
tie-breakers as a pro can be can make a big difference.
extremely important. After Perhaps the most important Many of these measures
a particularly bad loosing- thing we can do for ourselves of “self-improvement” or
streak he became even more and our families is to remain “positive-thinking” are ones
disconsolate when forced to upbeat. If you need reminding, we’ve known and practiced,
face a tie-breaker. So, as you think of the dozens of clichés but it’s easy to get rusty
can imagine, with the way life that we grew up with: — especially when times
always seems to go, more and are uncertain or there’s a
more tie-breakers seemed to • Keep a stiff upper lip, widespread problem (think
be coming his way, and he was • A smile is worth a thousand “pandemic” and/or “travel
feeling more and more gloomy words, limitations,” etc.) For example,
about the outcomes. You get • Grin and bear it as we all know, it’s easier to
the picture. • Smile and the world smiles stay inside, sit in a comfortable
with you, cry and you cry alone chair and read or watch TV
He went to a psychologist • Laugh it off than to shoe-up, pocket the
who worked with him for Quotes from famous people: house-keys and take a walk
several visits and finally told • The best is yet to be — around the block or visit our
him to look in the mirror Robert Browning favorite work-out gym. But
several times a day and smile • Write it on your heart that we know equally well that
and say “I love tiebreakers; I every day is the best day in the becoming a couch potato is
love tiebreakers….” Being a year — Ralph Waldo Emerson neither physically or mentally
normal male jock he thought • Change your thoughts and healthy.
such a practice to be silly and you change your world — So, let’s all try to stay both
a bit sissified, but since he Norman Vincent Peale bodily and intellectually astute
was still having tie-breaker • Shoot for the moon. Even if despite this lingering COVID
problems and was forking over you miss, you’ll land among the cloud that is hanging over our
a hefty sum to the psychologist, stars — Norman Vincent Peale heads. The good news is that
he decided to give it a try. Songs: things are starting to open
• Accentuate the Positive, up, particularly for those of
His improvement wasn’t Eliminate the Negative, Latch us who are fully vaccinated,
swift, but he did start having onto the Affirmative are willing to wear masks, and
more wins, so he kept at • Smile While Your Heart is are prepared to boycott iffy
it. Later, in an important Breaking crowded, social situations,
tournament when he was • Let a Smile Be Your Because, we all do know, even
preparing to serve during an Umbrella if on any given day we feel tired
important tiebreaker, he found You get the picture. I want and discouraged, that “this too
himself smiling and muttering you to know I do practice what shall pass.”
“I love tiebreakers,” and really I preach — I was grinning away
meaning it. So he smashed his while typing the fun clichés
and song titles above.

Staying HEALTHY in Florida The Har bor Light — 19

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

Inc. Board of Trustees
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