Passages Newsletter - Spring 2009

Spring 2009
The Mayflower
A
1620 Mayflower Court
P U B L I C A T I O N
O F
T H E
Winter Park, Florida 32792
M AY F L O W E R
(407) 672-1620
R E T I R E M E N T
C O M M U N I T Y
Positively the Right Decision
New Mayflower Residents Remain Undeterred by
Challenging Economy and Real Estate Market
The Right Time
The economy may be in
recession, and the real estate
market may be sluggish. But,
neither stopped Billie Van Horn
from moving to The Mayflower
this past December. “I visited
other retirement communities,
but they didn’t feel right,” she
says. “I felt
comfortable here
instantly — so
when an apartment
became available,
I dropped
everything to
move in.”
Billie had been
living alone in her
mountain home
Billie Van Horn
in north Georgia
is enjoying the
since her husband
camaraderie of
friends at
passed away
The Mayflower.
four years ago.
“At The Mayflower, I have
companionship,” she says. “People
here share my predicament and
can understand what I’m going
through. It’s very comforting.”
In just five months at
The Mayflower, Billie has
befriended a host of delightful
neighbors and is thoroughly
enjoying the camaraderie. “I’m
meeting so many wonderful,
interesting people that I never
eat dinner with the same folks
two nights in a row,” she says.
facilities are second
to none. But, my
main motivation was
the health center. I
understand the
importance of longterm care.”
The Right Place
Why Wait?
When Buck Handy got a call
from The Mayflower alerting
him to an available apartment,
he jumped at the chance. “I
immediately put my house on
the market and moved right
in,” he says.
Even though Buck knew it
was a challenging time to sell
his home, he was willing to
take the chance. “My top
priority was moving to The
Mayflower — not selling my
house. I didn’t want to pass up
the opportunity,” he notes. “I
had been on waiting lists for
several retirement communities
for about two years, but this
was the best option. The
Longtime Winter
Dick Proctor says he should have moved in sooner.
Park resident and
business owner Dick Proctor
years ago,” he says with a smile.
first learned of The Mayflower
“Most people wait too long.”
when it opened in 1989. Almost
Originally from New York,
immediately, he knew the
Dick opened his store, Proctor
community would be the
Shop of Winter Park, on Park
perfect retirement option for
Avenue in 1948 with hopes the
him. But he didn’t move in
area would blossom. In 1951,
until this past January. “I
he expanded his business and
should have moved here five
bought the property across the
street, which he sold to
Jacobson’s in 1973.
At The Mayflower, the retired
businessman fits right in.
“People I’ve known for years
in Winter Park live here, and
I’m encouraging other friends
to come,” Dick says. “It’s a
delightful place. The people are
wonderful; the service is great.
Why wait?”
Buck Handy was drawn
to The Mayflower by the
guarantee of long-term care.
over — and the best way to sell your
“Remove personal photos and trinkets.
year in the real estate business has
house is to price it right. “Your home
Have as little furniture as possible so
been nerve-wracking. But, she’s
should be priced exactly where it’s
that the buyer can visualize themselves
seeing signs of improvement ahead.
valued — otherwise, you’ll lose more
there,” suggests MaryStuart. “Above all,
“Things are definitely looking up,” she
money,” she advises. “The old saying
make sure it’s clean.”
says. “Homes are moving. Buyers are
‘location, location, location’ has
more comfortable. Money is still
changed to ‘price, price, price.’”
MaryStuart Day admits that the past
POSITIVE
SIGNS
Housing Market
Is Looking Up,
Says Local Realtor
cheap. And interest rates are still low.
There are great deals out there.”
According to MaryStuart, the days
of windfall real estate profits are
In addition to price, other factors
that can help homes sell faster:
INSIDE
PASSAGES
updated features, new roofs and
Giving Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
appliances, and lack of clutter.
The Fabric of a Community . . . 4
Giving Back: It’s Good for Everyone
T
he American educator Booker T.
Washington once said, “If you want to
lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”
For today’s active seniors, lifting up
someone else delivers a host of benefits:
social, psychological, physical and
otherwise. While it’s known that
volunteers enjoy the social fulfillment
of helping others, it’s less obvious —
but no less important — that these
charitable efforts actually improve
the health of the volunteer.
Don’t Retire, Re-Fire!
According to a recent study conducted by
the Corporation for National and Community
Service in Washington, D.C., volunteering
increases longevity, reduces illnesses, and
lowers the risk of depression. The study, titled
“The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review
of Recent Research,” also indicates that while
volunteering may benefit people of all ages,
senior citizens are the most likely to reap the
overall health benefits. Yet another study
presented recently at the 2009 Annual Scientific
Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society in
Chicago found that retirees who volunteer
actually live longer than those who don’t.
“Don’t retire, re-fire,” is how Betty Nelson,
Community Services Director at The
Mayflower, puts it. “Volunteering is the perfect
avenue for us to enjoy ourselves while helping
others,” she says. “And I’m proud that so many
of our residents feel the same way.”
Kindness Across the Miles
IS
EMBrACED
BY
rESIDENTS AND STAFF
Eleanor ships the robes to Elizabeth, who
then delivers them to the volunteer coordinator
at the hospital. “The lap robes speak volumes
to the soldiers,” says Elizabeth, who has
received personal thank-you notes from the
hospital. “Each blanket is unique, and that
reminds the veterans that they, too, are special
in their own way. They feel appreciated and
loved . . . all out of the kindness of strangers.”
Mayflower residents have a long tradition
of supporting our men and women in
uniform — faithfully sending food, “care
packages,” telephone calling cards and more.
Today, Eleanor McKechnie is continuing that
legacy, making her contribution with knitting
needles and yarn.
She and a special group of volunteers at
The Mayflower knit specially designed
Pretty in Pink
afghan blankets and lap robes for injured
Every Monday morning, Jean Frederick
soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
dresses in pink. No, it’s not her favorite
To date, more than 100 blankets have made
color
— but it is the color of her volunteer
a 3,000-mile journey from The Mayflower to
uniform at Winter Park Memorial Hospital.
the San Diego VA hospital, where young
veterans in beds and
wheelchairs recover from
war . . . and transition back
into civilian life.
During this time of healing
and adjustment, the blankets
bring comfort and warmth
to the soldiers. But in a way,
they also serve another
purpose: bringing different
generations together in a
very special way. “Most of
these soldiers are young
enough to be our
grandchildren,” says Eleanor,
who started the knitting
group more than a year ago.
“This is just a small way we, Jean Frederick has been a Pink Lady at
Winter Park Hospital for 29 years, logging
‘The Greatest Generation,’
more than 4,000 volunteer hours.
can send a message of hope,
Jean is a Pink Lady —
support and gratitude to today’s heroes.”
one of 220 hospital auxiliary workers
Delivering the lap robes from Florida to
who donate their time to help hospital
California is a joint effort between Eleanor
patients and employees.
and her daughter, Elizabeth. A former Navy
For the past 29 years, this Mayflower
officer who lives in San Diego, Elizabeth is
resident has volunteered in the mailroom at
a member of Colonial Dames of the 17th
the hospital, sorting and delivering mail to
Century — a national women’s patriotic
patients and office staff. “I’ve always enjoyed
organization that provides clothing,
helping others,” Jean says. “I have the time to
household goods and volunteer services
do it, and I look forward to it every week.”
to veterans at the local VA hospital.
Winter Park Hospital auxiliary duties range
from staffing the information desk to working
in
the gift shop to conducting newborn
Eleanor McKechnie and other Mayflower
volunteers — including residents and staff —
hearing tests. “They do anything and
knit blankets and lap robes for soldiers
everything to help us out,” says Dotty
returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
McFarlane, volunteer manager at Winter Park
Memorial Hospital.
Since Jean came to Central Florida from
Michigan in 1980, she has logged more than
4,000 Pink Lady volunteer hours — the
equivalent of more than 100 40-hour
workweeks. She moved to The Mayflower
in 1999 and raves about her life here. “The
Mayflower is a great place to live,” she says.
“It’s well-run, there’s plenty to do . . . it’s
just outstanding.”
Jean is among several Mayflower residents
who volunteer as Pink Ladies.
So, why pink?
“our auxiliary women have worn that color
since the 1950s,” says Dotty, adding that the
male auxiliary workers wear blue. The
hospital recently considered converting their
volunteer uniforms to golf shirts, but Dotty
notes that everyone still seems to prefer the
traditional attire. “The Pink Lady look has
been around over 50 years, and it’ll probably
be around another 50,” she says.
The Art of Caring
It’s hard to keep up with Winnie Eis. Since
retiring in 1983 from an illustrious 35-year
career in the telephone industry, this energetic
Mayflower resident has volunteered her
time for a wide spectrum of worthy causes,
putting in unpaid hours nearly every day
of the week. “At one time, I was on seven
boards of directors,” she recalls.
For the past 26 years, Winnie has
volunteered at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum
at rollins College. She serves as a Board
Member Emeritus at the museum, where
she advises growth, development and
membership committees. “I’m helpful
where I can be helpful,” she says modestly.
Winnie also volunteers as a Eucharistic
Minister with her church, St. Margaret Mary
Catholic of Winter Park. She visits the sick
and takes communion to people who can’t get
to Sunday service. She participates in her
church’s “Friends, Family and Chicken Soup”
organization, visiting and taking members
of the community to the grocery store and
on other errands. “I often wonder if I should
scale back and take a rest,” says Winnie, 80.
“But then I remember how good it makes
me feel to help others. There’s no question
that my volunteer work benefits me as much
as it does them.”
Raymond Martinot ©2006
VoLuNTEErISM AT THE MAYFLoWEr
As if she doesn’t have enough to
do, Winnie is also active in the Life
Studies program at the university
of Central Florida, as well as Bible
Study and book discussion groups.
She and her husband John moved
to The Mayflower in 2008 and can’t
say enough about the community’s
wonderful people, outstanding
facilities, exceptional programs
and excellent dining options.
“When I walk down the hall to
get my morning coffee, I say good morning
to several residents and feel wonderful the
rest of the day,” she says. “It’s not the coffee.
It’s the people.”
Nutritional Value
Volunteerism at The Mayflower is not just
limited to residents. Staff members are
actively involved in the community, as well.
one example: Mayflower Director of Health
Services Ann Cameron. During her career as
a dietician, Ann, a former Meals on Wheels
consultant, has seen a lot. But nothing has
touched her quite like “Pathways to Care,”
where she has volunteered since the facility
opened in 2002.
Pathways to Care is an interfaith, not-forprofit assisted living facility dedicated to
providing health, housing and hope to
Central Florida’s homeless
in Casselberry. “It’s easy
to take basic home
healthcare for granted —
until you see people
without it,” says Ann.
Father John Bluett of St.
Stephen Catholic Church
in Winter Springs founded
Ann Cameron, Mayflower
Director of Health Services,
volunteers her expertise at
Pathways to Care, a facility
that helps the homeless. She
is pictured here with Garrett
Wright, the facility’s chef.
Winnie Eis, Board
Member Emeritus
at Cornell Fine Arts
Museum at Rollins
College, provides
advice to the growth,
development and
membership committees.
Pathways to
Care, soliciting
donations and
support from
his congregation and nearby churches. Ann
assisted Father Bluett by helping set up the
kitchen, writing the facility’s menus,
creating job descriptions, and drafting
policies and procedures.
Today, Ann advises the organization on
their menus and reviews them annually to
ensure nutritional value. “It’s a fascinating
place,” she says, pointing out that the 40-bed
respite center usually stays pretty full.
“Clearly these people need help, and it’s
fulfilling to be a part of their recoveries.”
After 18 years of serving The Mayflower as
a dietary consultant, Ann was appointed to
the position of Director of Health Services in
2008. “It’s been a great transition,” she says.
“I’m obviously very happy here. I have
worked a lot of different places, so I know a
good one when I see it!”
Fabric
The
of a
Community
F
rom baby blankets to stuffed animals
to hats for cancer patients, seamstresses
at The Mayflower bring “sew much love”
to those who need it most.
Ella Lake
Community Relations Director Betty
Nelson. “What began years ago with a
needle and thread and a couple women
who loved to sew has turned into a
significant outreach project.”
Susan Busche sews them. Virginia Rumpf
stuffs them. Eleanor McKechnie puts faces
on them. And children at Florida Hospital’s
emergency room hug them tightly as they
await treatment. The handmade stuffed
animals and dolls are just one example of
how Susan, Virginia and Eleanor — along
with nearly 40 other Mayflower women —
use their sewing, knitting and crocheting
skills to help others.
Under the guidance of sewing instructor
Anne Dunson, Mayflower seamstresses
have stitched up several thousand items
over the past 10 years — including 400-500
lap robes, over 1,000 stuffed animals,
100+ hats for cancer patients, 440 pairs of
boxer shorts, 43 pairs of long pants, 500
shirts and hundreds of children’s outfits.
The pieces are donated locally to Winter
Park Day Nursery, BETA and Florida
Hospital — as well as to a veteran’s hospital
in San Diego (see related story, page 3).
“When it comes to our sewing groups,
we have quite the operation going,” says
Making an Impact
For Mayflower residents, the
Sewing Clubs serve multiple
purposes. “Sewing is something
I’ve done just about all my life,”
says Elaine Smyth. “I love it —
▼
Goldie Greer has created more
than 200 children’s dresses.
I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE MAYFLOWER!
❐ Please send me general information about The Mayflower. ❐ I’d like to schedule a tour. Please call me.
❐ Please contact me regarding The Mayflower Waiting List.
NAME
CITY
AREA CODE & PHONE NUMBER
E-MAIL
Winter Park’s Distinctive Retirement Community
1620 Mayflower Court Winter Park, FL 32792
(407) 672-1620 www.themayflower.com
■
■
The Mayflower Retirement Center, Inc., a non-profit corporation, owns and operates The Mayflower (88141PRAD 05/2009)
STATE
ZIP
Mary Johnson
we all do — but I especially enjoy doing it
for others. It’s good for your mind, your
hands and your heart.”
Virginia Rumpf agrees. “I like to help
others and I’ve always liked to sew,” she
says. “So I got involved when I moved to
The Mayflower six years
ago. I help make the stuffed
animals for underprivileged
children — cats, rabbits,
bears, giraffes — all
different things. The ladies
in Assisted Living help out,
too. One of the women has
very poor eye sight. She
can’t see what she’s doing,
but she feels it. We all know
we’re helping little children, Mayflower resident
Midge Ruff looks on
and that makes us happy.”
as Rose Brown stiches
Mata Dennis from the Winter Park Day
Nursery appreciates the stuffed animals
and clothing her organization receives
from The Mayflower. “What they do is
really wonderful,” she says. “The ladies
make clothes for our preschoolers, which
is really helpful because we work with
low-income families, who might not be
able to afford these things otherwise.”
Heather Reasoner, Manager of Volunteer
Service at Florida Hospital, also
acknowledges that little stuffed animals can
make a big impact. “The stuffed bear had
the power to make a child stop
crying after having to get blood
drawn,” she says. “The kitty gave
a scared little girl something to
cling to while she had a cast put on
her broken arm in our emergency
1620 Mayflower Court
Winter Park, FL 32792
room. And the fish helped a
four-year-old stop crying while
he was being examined for an
earache. These are powerful gifts.”
Good for Your Mind,
Your Hands, Your Heart
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