Page 1 - Fleet Landing

Transcription

FLEET BEAT
VOL. 24 No. 9
THE FLEET LANDING RESIDENTS’ NEWSPAPER
November 2014
Spinnaker Society Dinner
By Enith Vardaman; photos by Andrea Castleman, Rae Donnelly, and Ed Hollender
The cheering staff
Fletcher High School band members
The Wells Fargo Building
The bus trip to the River Club atop the Wells
nities occurring at Fleet Landing, Ashby acknowledged
Fargo Building in downtown Jacksonville for the third
previous important gifts: The Nancy House, supported
annual Spinnaker Society dinner got off to a rousing
by the late Jim Paulding and his family; Covin
start for the guests. They had a delightful surprise
Crossing and support of the health care project on the
awaiting them as they approached the Mayport gate:
part of Caroline Covin and the late Robert Covin; and
Cheering staff lined both sides of Fleet Landing
the new level of post acute care that will be made
Boulevard. Some sported “We’re #1” foam hands,
possible in the John and Marian Derfer Healthcare
others flourished pompoms, and still others waved
Pavilion.
signs saying “Thank you, Spinnaker Society” and “We
Ashby emphasized how much the new environment
love you, Spinnaker Society.” All of this was
in The Nancy House would improve the quality of life
accompanied by the sounds of Fletcher High School
of individuals with cognitive impairment. This
band drum and cymbal players. The idea came from
dignified environment will respect their privacy and
Executive Director Josh Ashby, and Director of
promote their autonomy while protecting their safety.
Charitable Gift Planning Olivia Bush and AdvanceThe positive impact will extend to a spouse or child
ment/Public Relations Coordinator Andrea Castleman
dealing with this situation. He said that he was proud
made it happen.
to be part of a community that had responded so
Having arrived at the River Club, the guests first
generously to a need. He thanked those present, saying
enjoyed a cocktail hour. Once they were seated at
that this new facility, soon to be showcased, would not
dinner, Bush welcomed everyone. After thanking The
have been possible without their support.
Kitchen & Flooring Design Center for underwriting the
Ashby concluded the festive evening by announcing
event and Kuhn Flowers for the lovely centerpieces on
the latest spaces named in honor of generous gifts:
each table, she introduced Board of Directors President
• Johnson Hall (Windward Commons auditorium),
Steve Jarecki. Speaking on behalf of the board, Jarecki
gift of John and Beverly Johnson
thanked those present for their superb financial
• Dinda Library (Coleman Center library), gift of
support of Fleet Landing that now exceeded $8.3
Bob Dinda in memory of Margit Dinda
million. After resident Helen Brown delivered the
• Preble Great Room in The Nancy House, gift of
invocation, everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner.
Bob
and Lidia Preble
Ashby addressed the guests after dinner. He too
• The Nancy House family rooms (two of three),
began by thanking the evening’s underwriters, noting
gift of Richard and Anne Conway and of an
that they provide the kitchens and flooring when
anonymous donor
independent living units are renovated at Fleet
Landing. He acknowledged the efforts of Bush and
• Library in The Nancy House, gift of Enith
Vardaman in memory of Vera Hendley and George
Castleman in planning the evening. He thanked
Plummer
Jarecki for encouraging and supporting the transition
of the charitable gift program to its current form.
• A covered patio in The Nancy House, gift of
Noting that the Spinnaker Society dinner had
Dottie Mann.
become the occasion for recognizing naming opportuFor more pictures from the event, see page 18.
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FLEET BEAT
October Residents’ Council Meeting
By Howard Burdick
After Residents’ Council President Steve Hammer
convened the October 21 meeting in Windward Hall,
council member Gil Chirinos introduced the Staff
Member of the Month, Christopher Spencer of Safety
and Security. Hammer called upon resident Bill Query,
who urged residents to volunteer for Fleet Landing’s
annual Salvation Army holiday bell ringing at the
Neptune Beach Publix. A signup book is in the mail
room. Next Hammer made a special presentation to
resident Enith Vardaman. (See article on next page.)
Management Summary.
Council member Dave Ritchie, reporting for
Controller Cynthia Hack, noted the following figures
as of September 30: total revenues and operating
income above budget and total expenses below budget,
with total net income exceeding budget by over $2
million; and debt service coverage ratio and days cash
on hand exceeding budget figures as well as
comparing very favorably with both benchmarks
required by lenders and benchmarks for comparable
retirement communities. Turning to marketing,
Ritchie reported the following: an average independent living occupancy rate of 94.7 percent versus
the budget figure of 93.4 percent; as of October 17,
eight reservations pending and thirty sales contracts
closed, yielding a sales volume of over $11 million;
and only nine apartments and one home available for
sale. His commendation of Marketing’s efforts was
met with a round of applause.
Director of Charitable Gift Planning Olivia Bush
enumerated various places in The Nancy House and
elsewhere on campus that are being named as a result of
generous donations by residents. (See article about the
Spinnaker Society dinner on page 1 for the list.)
Manager of Outpatient Services Raquel Miranda
reported that the process for Medicare accreditation of
Fleet Landing’s Home Health Department was about
half complete. She introduced the department’s new
director of nursing, Kenisha Gore, who spoke briefly.
(For more information, see the article about the October
session of “Health Care News” on page 27.)
Senior Director of Independent Living Services
Patricia Mack said that on-campus golf cart service
would be provided by Golf & Electric Vehicles, a
company with which Fleet Landing has had an excellent
business relationship. Golf cart owners would receive
information about this new service in their social boxes.
She also said the permit for removal of the osprey nest
was expected imminently. The gazebo will be cleaned up
and refurbished in time for the return of the osprey pair
next spring. She also announced the pending award of
the French Legion of Honor for service in WWII to
resident Colonel Tom Cross, USA (Ret.) on November 2.
(Look for coverage in the December issue of FLEET
BEAT.) Mack then presented a comprehensive overview
November 2014
of dining service issues which the Dining Committee
and management are reviewing in full. Informational
meetings scheduled for November 17 and 19 will provide
in-depth coverage.
Council Reports.
Resident Gift Fund for the Employees. Vice
President Anne Leyden reported that we are over half
way to our goal of $280,000. Hammer encouraged
residents to contribute as soon as possible.
Property management. John Hedge discussed the
completion of all twelve zone inspections, and he
commended Manager of Plant Operations Louis
Peterman, Manager of Remodeling Services James Hall,
and Manager of Housekeeping Services John Torres for
their thoroughness and dedication in conducting the
inspections.
Wellness. Jan Hilton announced the members of the
newly formed Movie Committee, a subcommittee of the
Wellness Committee: John Edwards, Carolyn Evans,
Wini Joseph, Marcia Peck, Marjorie Price, and Stan
Tenenbaum. A meeting of the Wellness Committee to
plan events for 2015 was scheduled for November 5.
Committee members are Hilton, Stephanie Kuhling,
Pattie Loveland, Dottie Mann, Ann Patton, Helen Rose,
Stan Tenenbaum, and Judy Thompson. Both committees welcome suggestions.
Human Resources. Gil Chirinos invited everyone to
Fleet Landing’s annual Veterans Day ceremony on
November 11. He announced that the Dining Service
With a Smile Award for September went to Merlita
Tablada. Lobster Tales citations for exceptional employee service numbered 41 in September.
In closing, Hammer noted that 2015 would be Fleet
Landing’s 25th anniversary. He said the council would be
making plans for a celebration and was seeking
volunteers.
FLEET BEAT STAFF
Production
Editor .........................................................................Enith Vardaman
Copy Editor ................................................................Adelle Williams
Copy Editor.........................................................................Tina Wolfe
Copy Editor/Reporter.......................................................Betsy Lewis
Photographer ..................................................................Ed Hollender
Phil Eckert
Pattie Loveland
Joan Carver
Judy Thompson
Diane Plame
Helen Craig
Reporters
Hunter Smith
Howard Burdick
Pat Payne
Karil Hammer
Jean Ludlow
Victoria Freeman
Chet Davis (Roving Reporter)
All the news that fits…
Contributions to FLEET BEAT are welcome. Please place copy or any
comments you may have in box 1107 at the Coleman Center. Neither
letters to the editor nor anonymous submissions are published but we
are, of course, mindful of your comments. Find the latest issue of
FLEET BEAT on the Web at www.fleetlanding.com. Click on “News/
Press Releases” under“You’re Invited.” Back issues can be found in
the library.
November 2014
FLEET BEAT
Resident Recognized
By Steve Hammer
Enith Vardaman receiving the picture from Residents’
Council President Steve Hammer
Enith Vardaman, editor of this publication, was
presented a surprise special “Thank You” memento from
all residents at the Residents’ Council meeting on
October 21. A framed color picture of the Coleman
Center, viewed lakeside at night, was given to her with
an inscription on bronze plates reading “To Enith
Vardaman With Deep Appreciation From All Residents
For Your Contributions To Fleet Beat And The Library.”
Vardaman became the editor of FLEET BEAT in
January of 2007, replacing Charlie Styer, who held
that position for 14 years. Her first issue contained 14
pages, and under her leadership, issues have grown to
as many as 28 pages. The broad coverage of activities
and residents is remarkable for a retirement center
newsletter.
Vardaman has also managed the library for many
years, succeeding Betsy Lewis, a library founder, and
again it has become an integral part of the lifestyle for
residents. As a longtime librarian at Harvard’s Widener
Library, she developed skills that have made our library
the envy of many nearby continuing care retirement
communities (CCRCs).
As a member of the state board of the Florida Life
Care Residents Association (FLiCRA), the lobbying
organization for CCRCs, Vardaman has helped gain
legislative actions that were favorable to Fleet Landing
residents.
Vardaman has performed all of these activities as a
volunteer. The Residents’ Council decided it was time to
let her know “officially” how much we all appreciate her
efforts. Computer Club Capers
By Howard Burdick
The October 1 Windward Hall meeting of the
recently dormant Computer Club complemented a
FLEET BEAT article by Anne Leyden titled “Windows 8—
Or Else?” (March 2014). Resident Bob Ballow, who
served many years as president of the club, conducted
Page 3
the meeting together with Bill Lewis of Extreme IT, Inc.
Ballow surveyed the approximately two dozen attendees
as to how they used their computers, tablets, smartphones, and phablets (smartphone/tablet hybrids). All or
most used them for email, word processing, shopping,
searching, and news. Fewer used these devices for
reading (e-books), photography, banking, movies, and TV.
Lewis expanded on these uses for both PCs and
Macs as well as on some aspects of interoperability
between the two. However, he focused mainly on the
trials and tribulations of upgrading from earlier
operating systems, such as the very popular Windows
XP, which Microsoft no longer supports. Computers still
running XP have increased vulnerability to malware
when used to access the Internet. In addition, updates to
software such as Quicken will not work on XP. Lewis
also discussed replacing a power supply and/or hard
drive versus buying a new computer.
A good deal of discussion focused on computer and
TV interoperability and the systems to consider for
different computers. Other discussion centered around
security when upgrading and how to recognize and
defeat spam and malware.
For those of you considering moving up to Windows
8, a review of Leyden’s article will be most useful.
Bridge News
By Dottie Mann
Bridge is a competitive game that requires memory,
thinking, planning, and communication.
All bidding including a pass, should tell your
partner something about your hand. Do not lie to your
partner about the number of points or length of the suit
in your hand. Bridge is a game that is based on skillful
play, not fooling your opponents.
Tip: A very important part of playing bridge is for
you and your partner to be in agreement. If you want to
bid a weak two signifying a six-card suit and less than
ten points, be sure you and your partner have discussed
this before you begin to play. Don’t wait until you are
ready to bid. Partnership agreement and communication
are an important part of the game.
At Fleet Landing, there are a number of ways to
participate in this wonderful game. There is duplicate
bridge on Monday and Thursday. There are sometimes
social bridge games on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday.
Most of these games are played in the Coleman Center
Club Room at about noon. In addition, many folks have
a foursome in their homes morning, noon, or night.
If you would like to play Tuesday, Wednesday, or
Friday, please show up and bring others who are
interested with you. If you are interested in the
duplicate games, please contact Dottie Mann (249-5216)
or Bea Walterman (249-5266) a few days in advance.
If you want to play at home, invite others to your
place.
Good luck with your games.
Page 4
FLEET BEAT
November 2014
Being in the Right Place at the Right Time:
A Dining Room Hero
How Does Fleet Landing Go About Hiring?
By Enith Vardaman
Fleet Landing resident Bob Gromoll owes his life to
the quick action of Server Wayne
Willard during the evening meal
on October 7.
When Willard saw that
Gromoll was coughing and had
turned purple, he asked another
server to call Security. Knowing
that something had to be done,
he approached the resident from
behind, lifted him from his chair,
and placed his hands in the
correct position to perform the
Heimlich Maneuver. The cause
Wayne Willard
of the choking was dislodged
when the maneuver was performed for the fourth time.
Willard remembers Gromoll’s first words as “Thank
you, thank you,” and the response of the other diners as
“What a hero!” Willard’s humble reply: “You are
welcome, and I’m glad he’s okay.” Willard notes that,
upon reflection, the incident made him realize how
fragile life is.
A very grateful Gromoll states that he has no doubt
he would have died if Willard had not taken action.
Many residents routinely review the Fleet Landing
website to check on menus, activities, council minutes,
and other matters. One area that is always of interest is
the “Careers” heading, where a listing of job openings
can be found. That list varies from a nominal ten to
fifteen openings to the current thirty-three. Fleet
Landing only interviews those candidates whose
résumés clearly meet the hiring need. Over 5,000
résumés are received each year.
This is what prompted your reporter to check in
with Senior Director of Human Resources Tamara
Schwarz to find out more about our hiring process. What
I learned was that Fleet Landing has an exhaustive
process to assure residents of a quality staff that meets
all requirements for competency, security, and an ability
to work with senior citizens.
Fleet Landing personnel turnover averages about
25 percent per year, mostly in the nursing assistant
and server categories. This is somewhat lower than
the national average of 26 percent, but national
figures are not comprehensive across all disciplines. When an employee decides to leave, there is an
interview process to elicit reasons for leaving and to
determine how Fleet Landing could have done better.
When a job is posted, even if it is to be filled by a
lateral transfer from within, the posting remains until
someone is actually on the job.
The website postings provide the capability for job
seekers to fill in basic information and to respond to a
specific questionnaire developed by the hiring department. This questionnaire is scored, and based on the
type of job, self screens out those who do not meet Fleet
Landing requirements. After a phone screen, the
applicant may be called in for a departmental interview.
Subsequent interviews take place with senior managers.
If a hire decision is made, a rigorous set of background
investigations meeting local and national standards
follows. Of note, health care staff background checks are
repeated every five years. There are also links to
national databases that report any criminal activity
once a health care staffer is hired. Such a report would
be grounds for immediate termination. For health care
staff, certifications and training are verified and
additional training provided as required.
From this review it is obvious that the process is
lengthy, but to the benefit of residents. Skill sets and
suitability to work with residents are verified as is the
fit within a department. Making sure that all requirements are met is time well spent. Schwarz is confident that current hiring methodologies lead to a better atmosphere for all concerned.
Her view is that Fleet Landing provides both compassionate management and opportunities for those
seeking employment. Chips & Putts
By John Hedge
On a beautiful “Indian summer” October 9, our 16
golfers stepped up to the tees, ready to compete and to
enjoy their team camaraderie.
The winning team was captained by Bob Mills and
included Jim Kolster, John Hedge, and Evelyn
Gardner. Their round of 71—one under par—was
uniquely “bogeyless,” with one birdie and 17 pars.
Second place went to the team of Bill Gardner, Billy
Williams, Howard Parks, and Ray Rigney. The third
place team was led by Larry Magner, with Nick Malie,
Howard Flock, and Ann Milligan. Later, at the dinner,
Magner and Milligan mused about the many birdie
“putts that got away”; no comments from their
teammates, Flock and Malie. Rigney thanked his
teammates for the on-site golf lessons, helping to aim
him in the right direction for hitting that little white
ball.
The “accuracy awards” went to Hedge—for closest
to the pin (6'4"), and to Magner and Milligan for their
closest to the line drives. Mills had the only “selfie
birdie” on hole #10, and he coined the expression of a
“victory lap putt” on Hedge’s one-foot par-save on hole
#17, that took a 360 degree trip before it fell into the
cup.
The next golf outing will be Thursday, November
13. Do sign up and enjoy!
By Chet Davis
November 2014
FLEET BEAT
Page 5
Mallets and Wickets
By Betsy Lewis
Excitement reigned at Fleet Landing
on the opening day of the October 6-8
croquet tournament sponsored by the
Forever Fit 50 & Beyond 2014 Jacksonville Senior Games. The Jacksonville
mayor’s office supplied good support in
the person of Beverly Coffey, who was
present all three days.
The name of the game on October 6:
golf croquet. Betty Simmons and Pat
McBride won gold medals, while Liz
Seymour and Chuck Waldon took the
silver. The ladies are from Cypress Village
and the gentleman, from the Northside.
The bronze for third place was captured by
Fleet Landing’s Shirley Putnam and John
Donahue.
In the six-wicket doubles played on
October 7, Marilyn Heberling and Helen
Hause took the gold. Second place went to
Helen Craig and Irene Markley and third
place to John Hedge and Jean Cashin.
Heberling called the finals “a squeaker.”
She said that Hause, who is new to the
game, “was fantastic.”
Six-wicket singles took us to October
8, the final day, when Heberling won
first place, though her “execution was poor
Top: The golf croquet competitors. Bottom left: Six-wicket doubles medalists,
l to r: Irene Markley, Marilyn Heberling, Helen Hause, Jean Cashin, Helen
Craig (not pictured: John Hedge). Bottom right: Six-wicket singles
medalists: Jean Cashin, Helen Craig, Marilyn Heberling, Lee Markley.
but strategy good.” She beat Helen Craig 13-12. Tied for third were Jean
Cashin and Lee Markley.
With Heberling having organized and managed the games, her
victory made a fine ending indeed.
Bill Query Goes for the Gold
By Enith Vardaman
Fleet Landing had a
contender in one of the
track and field events of
the Forever Fit 50 &
Beyond 2014 Jacksonville
Senior Games. Undeterred
by temperatures in the 90s
on October 10, Bill Query
placed first in his age
group in the 1500 meter
men’s race walk.
Congratulations are in
order!
Our supply of purchased ballpoint pens tends to
dwindle over time. Thanks to Anne Leyden for
replenishing our stock (for the second time), thus
delaying the point at which we have to buy more.
Gardening News
Text and photo by Victoria Freeman
Library Notes
By Enith Vardaman
We are grateful to our recent donors: George
Csehi, Rae and Frank Donnelly, Joy Flaschner, Lorie
Holmes, Charlene and Ron Kurth, Dottie Mann, Kay
Miefert, Dan and Anne Miller (prospective residents),
Joanne Ragans, Ruthwood Samek, estate of Sally
Thomas, and Bea Walterman.
Some produce from the Fleet Landing gardens:
eggplant and okra
Broccoli and root crops are taking the place of
summer’s bounty. Four different kinds of carrots have
been planted, one of which looks like an orange golf
ball.
Page 6
FLEET BEAT
Meet Wellness Department Program
Coordinator Karen Allen
By Chet Davis
Karen Allen comes to Fleet Landing from upstate
New York—Utica to be exact—by way of New Bedford,
MA, and Tampa, FL. While in
high school, she received a
Rotary Scholarship to study in
Brazil, where she became fluent
in Portuguese. Wishing to
retain that language ability and
to enhance it, she moved to New
Bedford, where approximately
67 percent of the population is
fluent in the language. Allen is
a licensed massage and skin
therapist. After working in the health care field, she
moved to the Whaling Museum in New Bedford
for 12 years.
Allen relocated to Tampa to be near her daughter.
When her daughter, a trainer for the Wounded Warrior
Project, moved to the Jacksonville area, Allen followed.
Allen is happy to be at Fleet Landing. She describes
being here as meant to be, fulfilling a legacy from her
parents who volunteered, helped others, and felt
strongly about giving back. Her position allows her to
focus and to utilize all her previous training and
experience as she works with residents and the
wonderful staff. Allen considers herself blessed to be
here.
Stop by and meet our new Program Coordinator.
Fleet Landing in the News
By Enith Vardaman
Both The Beaches Leader (October 2) and The
Florida Times-Union (“Shorelines,” October 4) took note
of Fleet Landing’s observance of Active Aging Week in
articles focusing principally on the “Be Kind to Your
Mind” talk by Dr. Len Lecci on September 23. (See
FLEET BEAT, Sept./Oct. 2014, pages 20-21.)
Baptist Medical Center Beaches Hospital President
and Fleet Landing Board of Directors member Joe
Mitrick figured in the caption of a photo that appeared
in The Beaches Leader on October 9 and in an item in the
“Rooney Bin” column in the “Shorelines” section of The
Florida Times-Union on October 17. He was quoted as
expressing his appreciation for a gift from the hospital’s
Auxiliary in the amount of $50,000, the proceeds of
various fundraising activities throughout the year.
Sheri Van Orden’s appointment as director of sales
and marketing was noted in the October 14 “Career
Track” column in the “Money” section of The Florida
Times-Union. The October 16 edition of The Beaches
Leader carried an article about her appointment and her
career before joining Fleet Landing.
Fleet Landing Board of Directors members have
many interests, and William Struck, the newest member,
November 2014
is no different. The “Rooney Bin” column in the
“Shorelines” section of The Florida Times-Union on
October 17 had an item with accompanying photo about
how he and his wife, Judith, teamed up with another
couple in encouraging his neighbors at Sawgrass to
plant milkweed to help save the monarch butterfly.
Monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed, and the
caterpillars that emerge ultimately become these
beautiful butterflies.
The “Area Golf Scorecard” column in the “Sports”
section of the October 26 edition of The Florida TimesUnion listed the names of the members of top four
teams at the October 23 Endowment Fund Golf Outing.
(See photos and article on pages 8-9.)
Recycling in Atlantic Beach
By Dottie Mann
Independent living residents who do not live in
apartments at Fleet Landing recently received new
recycling containers. The wheeled containers are easy
to push to the curb and allow for completely mixed
recycling. No need, for example, to separate the
papers from the plastic. Apartment dwellers do not
have to sort their recyclables, but they have the option
of doing so. Separate recycling receptacles continue to
be available because sorting lessens the likelihood of
creating malodor in confined spaces. All of the
containers used by Fleet Landing for takeout/delivery
meals are recyclable.
According to the Atlantic Beach Public Works
representative with whom I spoke, not all of the many
items that residents are encouraged to recycle are
listed on the top of the container. The full list includes
plastic food containers, beverage containers, detergent
bottles, cleaning containers, and all plastics labeled
1-7 in the small triangle. Labels do not need to be
removed. Plastic bags are also accepted.
Examples of recyclables:
• Styrofoam: Plastic category 6. If you have large
styrofoam items, break them up to fit into the cart.
• Glass bottles and jars: put lids or tops in the trash.
Labels do not need to be removed.
• Metal and aluminum cans, empty aerosol cans,
aluminum baking tins/sheets, steel food containers
• Newspapers and inserts, craft paper, paper towel
cores, magazines, catalogs, paperback books, telephone books, brown paper bags
• Corrugated cardboard (flattened; must be able
to free-fall from the cart)
• Paperboard cartons and boxes (includes milk,
juice, broth, soup, and other food and drink containers)
• Shredded paper (must be bagged)
A few items specifically not allowed are motor oil,
pesticide, or fertilizer containers.
Editor’s note: Thanks to Manager of Plant Operations Louis Peterman for his input in this article.
November 2014
FLEET BEAT
Sounds of Music
By Jean Ludlow
LtoR: Anna Genest, Aurelia Duca, Merryn Corsat,
Alexei Romanenko
Fleet Landing welcomed autumn with the sounds
of music on October 2 in Windward Hall, when an
appreciative audience was treated to a delightful mix
of music composed for strings and performed by
members of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
The concert was given as a thank you for our
community’s continuing support of the symphony.
The musicians were Anna Genest and Aurelia
Duca, violin; Merryn Corsat, viola, and Alexei
Romanenko, cello. They performed four pieces as a
quartet plus a violin and viola duet, and a cello solo.
The concert, which featured compositions by Mozart,
Johann Sebastian Bach, Franz Josef Haydn, and
Borodin, concluded with a tango by Carlos Gardel.
Scenes From the October 8 Farmers Market
FLEET BEAT Staff Photographer Ed Hollender
captured these shots of the colorful displays.
Pumpkins were a popular item as shown in these
photos by Advancement/Public Relations Coordinator
Andrea Castleman. Left: Kelly Carpenter, Chris
Gotschall, John Liucci. Center: Caroline Covin. Right:
Jane and Howard Burdick
Page 7
Baptist Beaches “Lunch and Learn”
By Pattie Loveland
Baptist Medical Center Beaches (commonly called
Baptist Beaches), a member hospital of Jacksonville’s
Baptist Health system, hosted its annual “Lunch and
Learn” for Fleet Landing residents on October 9. The
featured speakers were Hospital President and member
of Fleet Landing’s Board of Directors Joe Mitrick, Dr.
Irram Hamdani, and Physical Therapist Brian Cuda.
Mitrick informed attendees of some new and
improved services at the hospital:
• With two neurologists and two neurosurgeons
on call 24/7, the hospital now has the best team to
take care of stroke patients. (A presentation on the
topic is scheduled for Fleet Landing in January).
• Baptist Beaches will be a satellite hospital for the
Baptist AgeWell Center for Senior Health. When the
renovation of the emergency area is complete,
emergency rooms will be set aside for seniors, and a
dedicated area for seniors on one of the floors of the
hospital will have specially trained nurses to better
manage medications and other issues.
• In 2015, Baptist Health will enter into a partnership with the University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center in Houston and will have specially
trained doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to give the
same level of care as received at MD Anderson.
• All hospital staff now wear special scrubs that
have a repellent on the fabric that is germ resistant.
Mitrick was also very complimentary of Fleet
Landing’s facility and staff.
Hamdani, a new hospital staff member, is a
pulmonologist and a palliative care doctor. She will be
serving in the Critical Care unit. The goal of palliative
care is to help the patient with relief of pain and
distressing symptoms, both physical and mental, and
to take care of the whole person. The reason to have
palliative care in the hospital is to provide another
resource that will coordinate with all the patient’s
physicians and will go over all aspects of the chronic
illness with the patient and the family. Patients and
families should have the right to be informed and
then decide on a plan. The patient’s wishes should be
a focus, and the care plan should be individualized.
Cuda recommended regular exercise and was
surprised when most responded positively to his
question of whether they were exercising on a regular
basis. He reminded those present that proper
footwear is important when exercising, and that pain
is a sign that something is wrong, and the activity
should not be continued. Regular exercise will help
mind, body, and spirit.
The day ended with a lovely lunch and cute
pumpkin door prizes. Everyone left with a new coffee
mug. This was truly a worthwhile, very informative
event.
Page 8
FLEET BEAT
November 2014
2014 Endowment Fund Festivities in Pictures
Photos by Andrea Castleman and Betsy Teske
The participants in the golf outing
Sampling hors d’oeuvres during
the social hour
In the golf carts and ready to go
Surveying the silent auction
treasures
Seasonal decorations adorned the tables
Larry Magner with some of the
raffle items
Dan Kuchta and Betsy Teske
November 2014
FLEET BEAT
2014 Endowment Fund Festivities
By Chet Davis
On the picture-perfect day of October 23 here in
Northeast Florida, 44 golfers—Fleet Landing staff and
residents as well as local area residents—were swinging
away, while other Fleet Landing residents and staff
were preparing for the evening’s events in Windward
Commons. The efforts of many residents paid off with
an accumulation of an amazing array of items for the
silent auction. At the end of the evening, all but one
were claimed, thus raising a considerable amount for the
Scholarship and Endowment funds. There was also an
impressive number of door prizes. The Endowment
Fund revamped its methodology for contacting outside
vendors, which when combined with the silent auction,
netted over $15,000 for the Fund. The 44 golfers, enjoying a great day on the course
and playing for a good cause had results so close that
the top four teams were separated by a mere two
strokes. Jackets were off after a few holes. When the last putts were holed, the team that
came out on top consisted of Dr. Mark Messinese,
Josh Ashby, Mike Marchetti, and Ray Rigney with net
56. Second place went to the team of Bill Gardner,
Evelyn Gardner, Ed Gilpin, and Susie Van Nest, with
57 (in a tiebreaker); third place, Chris Haffly, Bob
Hunter, Jack Tetrick, and Bud Abelein with a 57; and
fourth place, John Hedge, Ann Milligan, Nick Malie,
and Jim Halstead with a 58.
The “accuracy” awards went to Ernie Bono for
closest to the pin on hole #5 (18'4") and to Larry Magner
and Helen Craig for straightest drives on hole #10.
There were rumors of “ball meets roof” sightings
during the day, but no damage was noted. It was
pointed out that one person hit more tree roots than
all others. Ashby got to claim that honor! The free golf
cart on the sixteenth hole was saved to roam another
day, as no one had a hole in one.
After a social hour with a wonderful array of
cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, and mini crab cakes,
Endowment Fund President Larry Magner expressed
thanks to all who made the evening possible. After an
invocation by resident Tom Hilton, the participants were
presented with a very appetizing array of main dishes.
Roast beef was done to perfection, the chicken tasty, and
the halibut amazing. Of note, the halibut which was
over four feet long was flown in that day and prepared
by Executive Chef Gotschall.
As festivities wound down, those gathered
applauded the efforts of both dining services and galley
staff. It was an evening well spent for a worthy cause. The committee that planned this year’s event was
made up of John Hedge, Carla Philcox, Magner, Bill
Gardner, Tom Hilton, Anne Leyden, Bill Rodriguez,
Nancy Maxson, Jean Welch, Carolyn Evans, Stephanie
Kuhling, Barbara Hosking, Jim Freeman, Mickey
Miefert, and Olivia Bush.
Page 9
Investment Club News
By Howard Burdick
Since our May report, we have welcomed new
resident Carla Paxton, and continued our bent to be
fully invested in these rather volatile times—and we
have had some relatively knockdown sessions in
assessing our holdings. Google, our largest holding, split
its shares into two distinct groupings (à la Berkshire
Hathaway), and both are more than holding their own.
We purchased a new stock, Quanta Services Inc (PWR),
a provider of specialized contracting services for the
electric power, natural gas, telecom, and TV industries,
designing, installing, and repairing mission critical
infrastructure. More recently, we sold off a third of our
holdings in LKQ (LKQX), an international auto
accessories company, and all of our holding in FEI
Company (FEIC), an international micro miniature
manufacturing company, and we bought stock in ITC
Holdings (ITC), an electric utilities company specializing
in power transmission lines and their maintenance in
the Midwest. The club continues to purchase and hold
stocks which promise 15 percent or better growth in five
years. Members are tracking our limited portfolio of 12
stocks very diligently with an eye to adding or divesting
as this shaky market moves along.
Guests are welcome at Investment Club meetings,
which take place on the second Wednesday of the month
at 7 pm in the Club Room.
Oktoberfest
The “Oktoberfest
Happy Hour & Birthday
Celebration” in Windward Hall on October 14
featured the One Step
Ahead of the Law Brass
Band. Instructors from
A Social Affair Dance
Studio were on hand for
the benefit of those
brave enough to want to
learn to polka. As seen
in these photos snapped
by F LEET B EAT photographer Ed Hollender,
staff and residents alike
had fun.
Top: Dolores and Joseph
Denaro. Middle: Briana
Bledsoe and Ray Rigney.
Bottom: Juvy Arellano
and Mark Rivenburg
Page 10
FLEET BEAT
November 2014
Exploring the St. Johns River
Text and photos by Helen Craig
In October, our adventurous reporter took two trips, each on a different section of the St. Johns.
I. St. Johns Riverkeeper Eco-Heritage Boat Trip
The St. Johns River warmly welcomed
the Thornton “gang of eight,” plus 40 other
nature lovers, as we joyfully sailed along
its shores on October 9 and 10 for a twoday Riverkeeper Eco-Heritage cruise.
Fleet Landing resident Scotty Thornton
was taking her fourth Riverkeeper trip.
The rest of her gang was made up of two
daughters, their husbands, two local
friends, and your grateful reporter. Our
starting point was the Crystal Cove
Resort in Palatka, FL, where we spent the
night of October 8 after enjoying a fresh
seafood dinner riverside. At sunrise, we
boarded a bus for Sanford, FL, on Lake
Monroe, then switched to the Blue Heron,
a 45-foot open-air cruising vessel, custombuilt for nature viewing and photography.
Our captain was Gary Randlett, a
graduate of the Florida Master Naturalist Top left: Scotty Thornton (l) and Helen Craig. Bottom left: Crystal Cove
sunrise. Right: Replica of Timucuan owl totem
Program, who also has an extensive
theater background. He amused and
enlightened us with his river stories,
while our cruise director, Shannon
Blankinship, Riverkeeper Out-reach
Director, kept us well-organized, fed,
watered, informed, and supremely happy.
Joining us as we travelled north, was
Bill Belleville, award-winning author of
River of Lakes: A Journey on Florida’s St.
Johns River, who has explored the entire
river—by kayak, canoe, small boat, and
scuba. Speaking with passion about the
history, delights, and problems of this
river, Belleville pointed to the native
spatterdock lilies and eelgrass along the
Left: Tile manatee statue. Right: Lake George “cattle gates”
shores, citing their value as food and habitat for the river’s wildlife and their danger from invasive
offered close-up views of great blue herons, anhingas,
hydrilla. The shoreline was a continuous wildlife
wood storks, a wily water moccasin, the 1872 Thursby
preserve, an unending forest of cypress, palms, and
House atop a pre-Columbian shell midden, and
oaks draped with Spanish moss—often dotted with
several large gar in the water. We picnicked here.
small white birds, immature little blue herons, wading
Then on to Hontoon Island State Park, where three
atop the spatterdock. Adult little blues, with reddish
Timucuan totems were discovered in 1955—the only
luster, flew by from time to time, and turtles posed on
aboriginal totems on the East Coast of the US. We
sunken logs. No human habitation for miles on end,
saw two replicas, one representing an owl, the other
just the tranquil interplay of sun-tipped leaves and
an otter holding a fish. Fascinating relics! Next was
deep shadow, cobalt blue skies, with puffy cumulous
historic Astor, FL, where we dined riverside at
clouds in harmonious shapes.
Blackwater Inn, spent the night in funky “Old
We docked at Blue Spring State Park, famous for
Florida” cottages, and breakfasted on an outdoor
the manatees flocking to its 72-degree water in midveranda cloaked in spooky fog. Off again on the river,
winter. As this was October, the only manatee we saw
a wooded bliss of increasingly hardwood forest turning
was a cute tile statue. The walk along a path, however,
(continued on next page)
November 2014
FLEET BEAT
(continued from preceding page)
red, yellow and orange with October color. Lunch in
Welaka was shrimp po’ boys or fish & chips on an
outdoor porch.
We entered the large and shallow Lake George
through wooden “cattle gates,” which kept us from running
aground. Here, we listened to the St. Johns Riverkeeper,
Lisa Rinaman, an articulate public voice for this beautiful
but endangered river. She discussed issues such as
escalating water withdrawals from the Florida aquifer, as
population and irrigation increase; elevated bacteria levels
from septic tanks; nutrient pollution, feeding algae blooms
that deplete oxygen in the water; and, of major concern
now, the proposed JaxPort deepening of the St. Johns
from 40' to 47' to allow Asian container ships entry from
the ocean—a special danger for the vital blue crab progeny,
who require St. Johns submerged vegetation for protection.
From Lake George, we passed the well-isolated
Drayton Island, home to one of the Kingsley plantations, then travelled a short way into the Cross Florida
Page 11
Barge Canal. This project started in 1964 to shorten
barge travel time from Florida’s east to west coast, using
the St. Johns and Ocklawaha rivers, plus much
dredging and building of locks and dams. Only the
Rodman dam was complete before the project was
cancelled in 1971, but that dam remains, blocking fish
and wildlife movement, ruining aquatic habitat, and
reducing the Ocklawaha to a mere trickle. Proposed
removal of this dam (which would restore 10,000
wetland acres), is a perpetual controversy. However, all
is not lost. Before returning to Palatka, we took a side
trip to Murphy’s Creek, a delightful meandering oxbow,
where we encountered three soaring eagles, two blue
herons, a great white egret and, as a parting blessing,
two belted kingfishers overhead. The kingfisher is the
Riverkeeper mascot because it is an indicator of good
water quality, promising new hope for our remarkable
St. Johns River.
To learn more about this river, these issues, and
how you might get involved, see the Riverkeeper
website at www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org.
II. St. Johns Riverkeeper Boat Trip
The “river-friendly” house
The Jacksonville skyline
Larry Slate (l) and Peter Barger
October 20 was a beautiful day for a boat trip, and
the sight of several bottlenose dolphins as they
30-plus Fleet Landing residents took advantage of the
cavorted near our boat, and also watching anhingas or
opportunity. Boarding two busses, we set out at 9 am
cormorants as they fished the waters nearby. Passing
for the St. Johns River and a tour narrated by St.
under the Hart Bridge (painted green) and Matthews
Johns Riverkeeper Outreach Director Shannon
Bridge (painted red), we then headed into the
Blankinship. We met Blankinship by the Friendship
Arlington River for a less congested tour and view. As
Fountain and boarded the Jacksonville Water Taxi.
we turned to starboard, Exchange Island was port side
The St. Johns flows north for 310 miles in Florida, and
—unique as a completely undeveloped island within an
we were now only 23 miles up-river from the ocean.
urban core, a haven for local kayakers. This island is
Blankinship talked about the three St. Johns
made up of the spoils from dredging that has increased
River basins. Starting with its headwaters, the upper
river depth here from 18' to 40'.
basin in the Everglades, the river is mostly a vast flat
Before all the bridges were built, the Arlington
marshland. It then flows through the middle basin, an
River was a natural destination for people settling in
area of small lakes with water pathways between
the Jacksonville area, and Blankinship pointed out
them, a “river of lakes,” like a pearl necklace, with
several key features of the homes, yards, and docks
dozens of springs where the Florida aquifer bubbles
along the river’s banks. First she showed us a prize
up and bursts to the surface. Then comes the lower
“river-friendly” example—a lovely house built right on
basin, where our ship now sails, much wider and
the river, using solar panels and native vegetation to
deeper, but with only a 27-foot drop from the river’s
enhance, not destroy, the habitat. She then pointed to
upper basin headwaters to its mouth at Mayport. This
several less friendly lush green lawns, all requiring
tabletop terrain creates a very slow river flow and
fertilizer that unfortunately will wash into the river,
multiple pollution problems. The lower basin is tidal,
nourishing algae blooms and creating havoc for the
mixing both fresh and salt water.
environment. An encouraging sign was the miles of
We passed the Jacksonville city riverfront, enjoying
Page 12
FLEET BEAT
uninhabited seagrass to one side of this tributary,
where fish and oysters and crabs can reproduce, hide,
and grow up in peace. Oyster shells also help filter the
water and reduce erosion. Around one river bend, we
saw a local fisherman, tossing out his big blue net to
pull in oysters so vital to the St Johns River life and
economy. Crab traps were set out all across the
waterway. The crab hatchlings depend on underwater
vegetation for protection and food and can be
destroyed by excessive dredging.
We headed back to Jacksonville proper and got a
beautiful view of the Jacksonville skyline—EverBank
Field, the Landing, the Times-Union Building, then
three more bridges—the Acosta, a railroad bridge, and
the Fuller Warren Bridge, with its high traffic load.
Time to dock, so we parted from our happy vessel, ate
lunch at the River City Brewing Company, and
headed for home. A delightful and informative trip!
Thanks to Karen Allen, our new Wellness Department
Program Coordinator, and to our bus drivers, Larry
Slate and Peter Barger, all of whom helped make this
venture a reality.
A Labyrinth Luminary
By Victoria Freeman; photo by Samuel Hall
Having Dr. Lauren Artress, former Grace Cathedral
Canon and founder of
the non-profit Veriditas,
speak about labyrinths
in Windward Hall on
October 18 is a little like
having Michelangelo
talk about painting.
Artress is the national
spokesperson for labyrinths. Time magazine
featured her on a 1990’s
Victoria Freeman (l) and
cover as the woman who
Lauren Artress
brought labyrinths to
America.
A smiling Artress says that is not quite true
because several large New York churches had labyrinths
as early as 1800. In a variety of forms, labyrinths have
been around for over 4,000 years and are found in every
major religious tradition. The best known Christian
labyrinth is in France’s Chartres Cathedral, which was
a pilgrimage cathedral. During the Crusades when it
was too dangerous to travel, Christians could walk
certain labyrinths and satisfy their baptismal requirement to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Sometimes
they traversed the entire labyrinth on their knees.
Artress stresses that labyrinths are not the same
as mazes which are designed with dead ends to trick
the walker. Labyrinths have no dead ends. They are
unicursal, which means there is only one path, and
November 2014
while it does twist and turn, the walker can’t get lost.
A parallel can be drawn between the labyrinth and
the spiritual journey. There are unexpected turns,
seeming setbacks, places where it seems no progress
occurs. If the seeker will persevere, he or she will find
life’s satisfying center.
Interest in labyrinths rises during times of acute
cultural anxiety. Why? Because non- verbal communal
activity that is focused and physical seems to reduce
anxiety. The practice of labyrinth walking integrates
the body with the mind and the mind with the spirit.
There are over 4,000 labyrinths in the US that are
being used for reflection, meditation, prayer, and
comfort. They can be found in medical centers, parks,
churches, schools, prisons, memorial parks, spas,
cathedrals, and retirement centers as well as in people’s
backyards.
Artress was in Jacksonville for the dedication of the
Omnisara Labyrinth in a Jacksonville Beach backyard.
She complimented resident Cynthia Graham for the
labyrinth education that had already taken place at
Fleet Landing. After Artress finished a question and
answer session, Graham encouraged members of the
audience to sign up for the Labyrinth Explorers, a
group that will visit nearby labyrinths and continue to
investigate the possibility of creating Fleet Landing’s
own labyrinth.
The audience for the labyrinth talk was made up of
40 residents as well as several individuals from related
areas. Among the non-residents were Nancy Splane
from the World Community of Christian Meditators,
and Jack Logue, head of St. Vincent’s Spirituality
Center, as well as Samuel Hall and Leah Hudson,
builders of the labyrinth at Omnisara.
Once again in Windward Hall, a strand was woven
into the fabric of mind-body wellness.
Eclipse of the Moon
Resident Ray Boyd captured these photos of the
October 8 total eclipse of the moon.
Top left: Early umbral phase. Top right: Mid-total
eclipse. Bottom left: Almost totality. Bottom right:
Totally eclipsed.
November 2014
FLEET BEAT
Page 13
Brush and Palette
By Helen Craig
Dian Felder’s “Pink Ibis”
Tod Kuchler’s “Ghost
Gums—Northern
Territory, Australia”
Barbara Zamparelli’s
“Koi-Pond Ala Moana”
Jan Rigby’s “Blossoming
Fungi”
Helen Craig’s “Burnet
Moths on Thistle”
Oils
Color indeed! Dian Felder’s stunning “Pink Ibis” spreads his brilliant pink and
white plumes, ready to swoop away from the dark green sedge. Felder’s Normandyinspired “Mont Saint Michel” is awash with color, golden fields rippling below a
lovely clouded sky, complemented by a picturesque windmill.
Also from France is Joseph Gaudio’s beautiful “Gaudio Home in Nice,” with its
red-tiled roofs and inviting balconies, overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea.
In Tod Kuchler’s “Ghost Gums—Northern Territory, Australia,” two eucalyptus
trees, with their distinctive pale bark and gyrating limbs, stand as ghostly sentinels
between the foreground of variegated shades of yellow ochre and the background of
bright blue skies and darkly striated hillsides.
Barbara Zamparelli’s “Koi-Pond Ala Moana” features a half-dozen koi in
crimson, white, and black, swimming amidst the water lilies in showy splendor. Her
second oil, “Flowers,” is more muted, but still striking, with lavender and gray
shadows highlighting an array of large white blossoms.
Watercolors and a Pastel
“Portugal Skyline,” painted from the hillside by Scotty Thornton, beautifully
captures the essence of this charming seaside village, tempting the viewer to visit
and enjoy.
Marjorie Price’s “Isola Ponza” offers a haunting spot to meditate, as we gaze
into the depths of the water, admire venturesome sailboats, and ponder the
contrasting values of sky and shore and sea.
Another lovely seascape, “St. George Island,” is offered by Sara Hurst, looking
out through the lush seagrass shallows, past small sailing vessels to the island
beyond. A second watercolor by Hurst is “Yellow Hibiscus,” painted with radiant
detail.
Traveling then to “The Glorious Southwest” by Jean Ludlow, we find reddishorange buttes and mesas, peaks, and spikes silhouetted against the pastel blue sky.
Great angles and shapes!
Now we can revel in the “Dance of the Fungi,” a whimsical creation by Carla
Paxton. Let your imagination soar!
Betsy Lewis follows her imagination to “Childhood Joys,” with a watercolor
collage of beloved memories—kites, wagons, skates, pets, trees to climb, and games
with friends. A jolly trip back!
Using pastels instead of watercolors, Jean Ballow paints the “Shoreline—Talbot
Island.” Here the ocean is aquamarine, the shoreline seagrasses are burnt almond,
and the undulations of the water, sand, and vegetation provide a special allure.
Acrylics
This seems to be the month of the fungi! Jan Rigby’s “Blossoming Fungi” curve
boldly across the paper in brilliant shades of lavender, blue, maroon, and chocolate.
Fun to behold.
Helen Craig is focusing on small flying creatures. First is “Burnet Moths on
Thistle,” where several of these iridescent blue moths, with tiny red spots, nestle on
magenta thistle blossoms. Next is “Big Bee and Wee Moth,” where a large
bumblebee settles on a blue blossom while a tiny burnet moth lands nearby. A bit
buggy!
Monotype/Cognate
Jim Miles’s “Self Portrait” is a very effective monotype—printmaking achieved
by drawing on a smooth metal plate with an oily crayon or paint, then transferring
from plate to paper with a printing press, resulting in a unique monoprint. In some
paintings, such as this, a second “ghost print” or “cognate” can be produced,
depending on the ink removed during the press. For this self-portrait, Miles drew
his likeness by looking into a men’s room mirror in the 1980’s. Perhaps a little
younger then—but he still looks remarkably the same!
Page 14
FLEET BEAT
November 2014
Military Ball 2014 in Pictures
Photos by Ed Hollender
Left: Elegantly set tables. Right: The crowded dance floor
Left: Josh Ashby and Stefani Altman. Center: Rick and Beth Cueroni. Right: Carolyn Evans and Jere Thompson
Left Betty Lou and Lew Connell. Center Bud and Joann Abelein. Right: Phil and Jo Martin
November 2014
FLEET BEAT
Military Ball 2014
By Howard Burdick
Fleet Landing’s sixth annual Military Ball was
held on October 10 in Windward Hall. Conceived by a
former resident, Vice Admiral Ed Cooke, the ball has
taken on a special status among all of our residents. It
is limited to approximately 150 because table seating
is constrained by the installation of a dance floor.
Residents outdid themselves in dressing up for this
affair: Many of our military members shoehorned
themselves into uniforms long since retired, and the
ladies, as always, were gracefully attired.
A cocktail period preceded the call to dinner, with
Military Ball Committee Chairman Colonel Frank
Donnelly, USMC (Ret.), welcoming all. His committee
was made up of Rear Admiral Rick Cueroni, USCG
(Ret.); Colonel Bud Grant, USAF (Ret.); Captain John
Donahue, USN (Ret.); and
lieutenant colonels Howard
Parks and Ed Joseph, USA
(Ret.). Special guests included our Medical Director
Dr. Mark Messinese and his
wife, Debbie, and Executive
Director Josh Ashby and his
fiancée, Dr. Stefani Altman.
The National Anthem and a
meaningful invocation delivered by Barbara Blair
preceded dinner and dancFrank Donnelly
ing. Music was provided by
the Steve Chapman Trio.
After dinner, Donnelly delivered remarks in which he
gave special recognition to residents who are veterans of
the Korean Conflict. The songs of each service, and the
singing of “God Bless America” followed. More dancing
brought this year’s spirited Military Ball to its
conclusion.
Special thanks are due those who were instrumental
in the success of the evening: Dining Room Manager
Christine Smith, Executive Chef Chris Gotschall, the
culinary and wait staff, Manager of Wellness Services
Briana Bledsoe, Transportation Supervisor Brandon
Levy, Wellness Department Program Coordinator Karen
Allen, Executive Assistant Betsy Teske, and MaryAnn
Devenny of Billing.
Woodworkers News
By Jim Lammie
The annual Woodworkers party was held on October
25 in the Annex. Thirty-eight Woodworkers and their
spouses enjoyed a pleasant evening and an excellent
buffet prepared by Dining Services. And special thanks
to Manager of Construction Jason Holder for the
sidewalk markings, lights, and paved parking areas at
the Annex. It was close—but done! Ed Joseph and Dave
Ritchie did the planning and arrangements. Entertain-
Page 15
tainment was by Ed Joseph, Roland Downing, Wini
Joseph, and Marge Bidwell.
The highlight of the evening was recognition for the
primary club activities during the year. The first item,
essentially completed during the year, was repair of the
old dining room chairs. It is hoped that this will not be
required again for 15 or more years. Terry Philcox led
the charge on putting slides on all the chair legs, and
Jim Freeman designed a support for the top of the chair
back which greatly reduced the torn braid and made
repairs easier. Other members of the Chair Repair Team
were Jim Lammie, Gene Crabtree, and Barney McGee.
The second major club activity was making toys for
distribution to the children’s nursery at Naval Station
Mayport. Led by Terry Philcox with help from Alan
Dempsey, the team included Ed Fenton, Dave Carstater,
Maureen Gall, Jo Martin, and Linda Reed. A good
package of wooden puzzles, pull toy grasshoppers, and
trucks is ready for early December distribution.
The final Woodworkers team is the Good Neighbors
Repair Group, headed by Philcox, which repairs/restores
damaged furniture for residents at no cost. The group
includes Fenton, Freeman, Dave Boyer, Jack Bidwell,
and Lammie. This repair group most directly benefits
Fleet Landing residents.
At the party, certificates of appreciation were given
to all of the members mentioned above. The certificates
were endorsed by Vice President and Shop Manager
Freeman, Secretary Fenton, Treasurer Carstater, and
President Lammie.
The Woodworkers, which currently has some 40
members, meets at 7:30 pm on the first Thursday of
each month in the Annex.
Appeal for Piano
By Ann Milligan
The Thirty Fingers Trio entertains the residents
of Leeward Manor once a month. Because Leeward’s
piano is in very bad condition, it is never easy to play
your best there. When we recently participated in
their Music Week, entertaining with a sing-along, and
classical selections, even the audience applauded the
idea of needing a better piano.
If you have an acoustical (not electric) piano in
good condition that you no longer play, would you be
willing to donate it to the Leeward residents? Your
donation would be tax-deductible. The residents would
enjoy listening to a good piano, and those who
entertain them would be so thankful to play on a better
instrument. If you would like to help in this way,
please call Senior Director of Independent Living
Services Patricia Mack. Fleet Landing will move the
piano for you and tune it.
If you choose to help out, we would love it if you
would follow up with a visit to hear your instrument
used to bring enjoyment to many of the residents on
the first Monday of the month at 5 pm.
We thank you for considering our appeal.
Page 16
FLEET BEAT
How did it happen that Andrea and Chet Davis
missed out on 45 days of activity at Fleet Landing? The
short answer: They traveled to Hatteras Village, NC, to
see family, next visited “with kids and Andrea’s sister”
in the Washington, DC, area, and then took the long
way home.
In Vancouver, British Columbia, they boarded the
Regent Seven Seas Navigator for back-to-back
repositioning cruises. Probably the top experience in
Alaska, a “loop” of seven stops, was watching the
Hubbard Glacier calve—huge masses of ice falling into
the sea on a picture perfect day.
Sailing along the West Coast, they thrilled to a
pod of whales “sounding and flapping their tails” off of
Mexico. Here they also experienced a hurricane,
which provided plenty of action on the sea.
In ports in our neighboring country as well as in
Costa Rica, and later in Colombia after they traversed
the Panama Canal, Chet could call on his Spanish,
which enhanced their overall experience, as did
superb lectures on board to stimulate curiosity and
excursions—all paid for per the cruise line’s policy.
Soon our coastline came into view. A US highlight
occurred during a Cape Canaveral tour when they
visited the Kennedy Space Center: luncheon with an
astronaut who had been up in a shuttle three times. At
Norfolk, VA, where they once had a home, the Davises
saw “sights they had never seen,” including the
outstanding Hermitage Museum and the Botanical
Garden.
They debarked in New York, flew to DC to meet
family, picked up their car, and headed for home.
They are “very glad” to be here.
Are you dry yet? A scene that might have made a
splash as a cartoon was Lew Connell’s ’59-’60
Volkswagen convertible, with its top down, parked
innocently at the Coleman Center. Suddenly a
torrential rain came out of the blue. The relic enjoyed a
good soaking before our hero was able to jump in and
drive home. Contacted later, Lew laughed, “It wasn’t
bad.”
A local Elderhostel can be just as enlightening as
one in a distant land. Fran and Pat Patterson opted for
a Fernandina Beach/Cumberland Island holiday. After
three days exploring and soaking up Fernandina’s
historic sites and charming aura, they boarded a private
ferry that took them to Greyfield Inn on Cumberland
Island, where they spent two days. Traveling with Elder-
November 2014
hostel brought the cost—several hundred dollars a night
on a private excursion—down a trifle.
The inn was beautifully staffed, with great food
and other amenities, save for one detail: they shared
the bath with three other people (shades of childhood
for many of us).
Thomas Carnegie’s “Dungeness, an enormous
mansion where privileged people met, is now gone, but
Greyfield Inn is one of five spacious homes Lucy
Carnegie built for her children so they could party when
they came down.” It is the only mansion surviving today.
Beyond learning of the island’s lore, they had a
bumpity-bump outing that consumed the better part of
the day. Ten passengers occupied facing seats (five and
five) with cries of “Duck” as palmettos swept overhead, a
mite too close for comfort. The sandy, rutted road
provided thus for some friendly conversation with stops
to study nature at its finest. Fran discovered upon
completion of the trip that she had lost her address
book. A prolonged search was unsuccessful, but several
days after their return home, it arrived in the mail,
which brought a great sense of relief to Fran.
Among other activities, Fran found a lovely pair of
earrings in Go-Go Jewelry Barn, a wee shop on the
island, returning home with a nice souvenir.
Jean Ludlow, who paints daily, found time on her
holiday in North Carolina to do some sketching and
ink drawing, despite a schedule that kept her and her
hostess on the move. The latter: Heide Coppotelli, a
clinical psychologist, who once had a private practice
in Jacksonville. Heide lives in Cedar Mountain, NC,
across the road from South Carolina.
The twosome traveled through the Pisgah Forest
to the Blue Ridge Parkway on the lookout for the
changing colors in the shrubbery and trees. They
found the best and brightest at the higher levels. One
day they had luncheon at the posh Madison Room,
Old Edwards Inn, in Highlands, and at the celebrated
Grove Park Inn in Asheville another day.
A tornado warning shortly after Jean’s arrival
wasn’t good news but all survived intact. At week’s
end they celebrated Heide’s birthday with a party
attended by visitors from both Florida and Illinois,
along with some of the local folk.
From John Cooney’s “memory bank” comes this
interesting tidbit: In 1979 he noted a sign on Ginger’s
Place in Jacksonville Beach—that is the bar where
silhouettes of women may be seen in the second floor
windows—that read, “Last cold beer before St.
Augustine.”
Thinking of getting married? If so, you might want
to call Bill Query, who recently officiated at a wedding in
Alabama, that of his granddaughter Dorothy Query to
November 2014
FLEET BEAT
Around and About
Justin Wood. As a deacon, Bill was eligible for the job
provided he took an oath and had some special training,
which he did with the Rev. Gabe Goodman, Community
Presbyterian Church.
Whoops! A word of warning is needed. You must not
opt for Bermuda or some foreign land as the locale, for
the license is good only in the US. You have the facts. Go
for it!
Hobnobbing with royalty? Richard Conway noted
in the Times-Union that the Duke and Duchess of
Cambridge (aka William and Kate) were looking
forward to a visit from Singapore’s president, Tony
Tan, father-in-law to Richard’s granddaughter,
Jennifer Tan. The item appeared in the “Buzz”
column, a regular feature of the daily newspaper.
The US Role in World Affairs:
An Ambassador’s View
By Joan Carver
Ambassador Frank G. Wisner, a career diplomat for
four decades and past ambassador to Zambia, Egypt, the
Philippines, and India, demonstrated his broad
knowledge of foreign policy in his presentation, “Global
Outlook: The US Role in the World,” at the Global
Issues program of the World Affairs Council on October
14 at the University of North Florida. The format for
the program was not the usual speech but rather a
conversation with Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, a
Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the University of
North Florida. Soderberg posed questions for Wisner
that he responded to in depth. It was an effective way to
cover a broad range of topics while maintaining the
attention of the audience.
Soderberg opened the discussion by describing the
foreign policy landscape as confusing and scary today.
Wisner responded that America’s role in the world goes
to the heart of who we are as a people. In his view we
have a responsibility to exercise leadership in this
complex and challenging world. We need to understand
the world enough to exercise leadership effectively,
however. Had President Obama not taken on the
challenge of ISIS, there would have been no collective
response.
Wisner’s observations as he and Soderberg covered a
wide range of key foreign policy issues included the
following:
Syria and Iraq. Wisner believes that we have vital
national interests in the Middle East. It is the cockpit of
civilization. No great power can survive while turning a
blind eye to the Middle East. Now it is posing a different
challenge. The Arab Spring is a revolutionary time and
the area is fracturing. To deal with the strain of radical
Page 17
Islam, the United States needs to rally nations to
counter that force.
It will take time to stabilize the situation in Iraq.
We set dreams for ourselves in Iraq and Afghanistan
that our armed forces could not achieve. We made
errors. In Iraq we should have been sure that there was
a political structure to undergird the military victory.
The question is whether we could have stayed longer
without Iraqi support.
The failure to see the ISIS threat was a big miss, but
neither did the Iranians or Arab states see the threat it
posed. The emergence of ISIS and its ability to exercise
control in parts of Syria and Iraq was missed by many.
Egypt: A transfer of power to a more stable structure and a more orderly transition would have been
preferable. Egypt is now under the leadership of a
former military commander. The Egyptians were fed up
with chaos; they wanted stability.
Israel: One of the toughest challenges in the region
is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Middle East will
not be stable until Israel is accepted as legitimate. We
need to maintain discussions with both Israel and the
Palestinians.
Russia: We have every reason to object to their
brazen takeover in Crimea and acts of aggression in the
Ukraine. They have upset international understandings
and violated borders. They broke the rules and that is a
threat. To counter this, we need to strengthen the NATO
alliance and energize our Western European allies. The
Ukraine needs to be maintained as a balance between
Russia and the West. For the Ukraine to move into an
alliance with the West would be seen as a threat by
Russia.
India: Indian-United States relations should improve under the new prime minister, Narendra Modi. He
won a majority in the recent election, and this will give
him the power to address India’s social and economic
issues. India is a democracy, but in the past its politics
and bureaucracy have held it back. It is an important
nation for the United States. Modi is a friend of the
United States, but he represents India’s interests first.
Wisner’s philosophy of foreign policy was summed
up in his closing remarks in which he contended that
we were in a new world of power sharing. Smart power
is building coalitions. It is not about unilateral action
unless you face a direct threat. It takes a lot of patience
to deal with world problems. Key ingredients of power
today are knowledge, commitment, patience, resources,
and attention.
There were a number of Fleet Landing residents
at the program, some coming in the Fleet Landing
buses and some by private car. They had reserved
seating because Fleet Landing is a platinum sponsor
of the World Affairs Council. The auditorium was full,
and many questions from the audience followed the
formal part of the session.
Page 18
FLEET BEAT
November 2014
Spinnaker Society Dinner: Guests
Photos by Dan Kuchta
LtoR: Josh Ashby, Olivia Bush, Helen Rose, Pattie Loveland, Ray Boyd, Patricia Mack
Walter and Cynthia Graham, Andrea and Chet Davis, Kathy and Barney McGee
Kay and Mickey Miefert, Helen Berle and Bill Daniel, Marly and Jim Kammert
November 2014
FLEET BEAT
Welcome Aboard
5603
Marilyn and John Carlson (September)
Leon, IA, is the classic middle-America town where
everyone probably knows everyone. However, Marilyn
and John didn’t meet until
their high school years. Upon
graduation, Marilyn went to
Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, earning a
degree in elementary education.
John spent one year at Iowa
State University in Ames. He
then entered the US Naval
Academy, graduating with the
class of 1960. He also holds a master’s degree in
computer science from the Naval Postgraduate School
in Monterey, CA.
The Carlsons married after John’s Annapolis
graduation and moved to his first posting in Athens, GA.
His Navy Supply Corps career took them to Hawaii, Rio
de Janeiro, London, and 12 other locations. Retiring
after 30 years, they settled back into their home in
Fairfax, VA.
Marilyn noted that “life can turn on a dime.” While
in Virginia earlier this year, her random comment
about checking out retirement possibilities prompted a
bridge partner to heartily recommend Fleet Landing.
Having then checked out this suggestion, all fell into
place . Two months later, the Carlsons moved to Fleet
Landing.
John and Marilyn have traveled extensively during
their 24 years of retirement. They particularly enjoy
ocean cruises. Locally, they play duplicate bridge at the
Jacksonville Bridge Center and also in St. Augustine.
Marilyn and John are Gold Life Masters in duplicate
bridge. They have a son living in Half Moon Bay, CA, a
daughter in Gainesville, FL, and two grandchildren.
We welcome them to Fleet Landing.
—Karil Hammer
5116
Mary and Tom Steinke
(October)
Mary and Tom Steinke moved to Fleet Landing
from just a few blocks away
in Atlantic Beach.
Tom grew up in Shawano,
WI. He attended Central State
College in Stevens Point, WI,
majoring in political science
and social science. His career
as a buyer for large department stores took him to Green
Bay, WI, Jacksonville, and Minneapolis, MN. Returning
to Jacksonville, he worked in the automobile business and
in real estate as a community association manager
Mary was born in Wisconsin and grew up in a
small town outside Green Bay. She attended the
University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh and the Wisconsin
Page 19
Technical Institute, where she got her certification as a
medical assistant and as an X-ray technician. Her first
job was in the mental health field. After marrying Tom
and moving to Jacksonville she worked in the field of
cardiology, principally with the Jacksonville Heart
Center, where she worked for over thirty years. Now
that she is retired she enjoys sleeping in a little until
her furry friend, Wendy, a Westie, wakes her.
Tom and Mary have one son in North Carolina who
is a glass blower. Beautiful samples of his work are to be
seen all over their home. Tom enjoys golf, and Mary
enjoys reading. Their varied shared interests include
beach walking, cooking, playing billiards, and visiting
Disney World, and they are looking forward to their next
cruise in November. They hope to utilize the fitness
facilities with the personal plan that Fitness Instructor
Mike Wilson developed for them. They will be checking
in with the Sailing Club and the Woodworkers.
Since moving here, they feel as though they are on a
perpetual cruise. They said they had met so many nice
people, as they often eat with someone new at dinner. It
sounds as though Tom and Mary will fit right in with
the busy lifestyle here at Fleet Landing. We welcome
them!
—Pattie Loveland
5216
Eathel and Bill Weimer
(July)
First, to answer the obvious questions: Eathel was
named after her grandmother. According to the
Internet, there are about
950 names that are more
common for a girl. Bill’s
legal name is Rae, as was
his father’s, but the family
and everyone else always
called him Bill.
Eathel, who was born in Leesburg, FL, has five
sisters and one brother. Her family moved to Anderson,
SC, where Eathel grew up. She graduated from the
University of Georgia with a degree in speech pathology.
Bill and his sister, were born in New York City. His
family moved to Gainesville, FL, where Bill attended the
University of Florida, getting a degree in journalism and
communications. He and Eathel met in Tennessee at a
summer training conference of the InterVarsity
Christian Fellowship, an interdenominational college
organization.
Bill had joined the Naval Reserve after high school.
Upon college graduation, he completed Navy OCS in
Newport, RI. He and Eathel were married one week
before he was commissioned an ensign. After Surface
Warfare Officer assignments in Italy and England, Bill
completed his active duty, and the Weimers were off to
a new life. Their two sons were born while Bill was
studying at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary near
Page 20
FLEET BEAT
Welcome Aboard
Boston, MA, Upon graduation, Bill was ordained a
Presbyterian minister, subsequently serving in North
Augusta, SC; Decatur, GA; and Oxford, MS.
Taking a slight turn in his career, Bill returned to
active duty, serving as a Navy chaplain. He had
shipboard and shore assignments with the Navy,
Marine Corps, and Coast Guard on the East Coast as
well as in Italy, Panama, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.
He finished his 30-year Navy career as regional
chaplain in Norfolk, VA. Through their seventeen
moves, Eathel, with Bill’s help, raised their boys. She
was employed as a civilian personnel assistant during
their stateside assignments, using her secretarial
skills.
Following retirement from the Navy in 2006, Bill
served congregations in Norfolk and in Stuart, FL.
Now in residence at Fleet Landing, they are excited
about becoming part of our community, and they look
forward to significant time throughout the year with
their five grandchildren.
—Karil Hammer
5602
Susan and John Edwards
(August)
As youngsters in Beloit, WI, Susan and John were
friends. However, after their secondary school years,
they traveled in different directions.
Susan studied at Swarthmore and Wellesley. After
college, she worked in the
fiction and poetry departments of The New Yorker
magazine. After marrying,
she wrote children’s book
reviews for The New York
Times and adult book
reviews for The Globe and
Mail (Toronto, Canada).
Much later, after earning a master’s degree and moving
to New England, she wrote occasional feature articles
for The Boston Globe and did freelance book editing and
part-time teaching at the University of New Hampshire.
John started his college studies at Northwestern
University in Chicago. He joined the army in 1947 and
was sent to mainland Japan with the Occupation
Forces. After one year overseas, he was able to return to
Northwestern and start on a Master’s in Theater
degree. But the army called again—the Korean War this
time—and John found himself testing artillery in
midwinter northern Wisconsin to improve equipment for
American soldiers. Finally, John was able to finish his
master’s degree at Northwestern. Now a married man,
he accepted a teaching position at Texas Wesleyan
College in Fort Worth. Three years later, he was back at
Northwestern to begin a Ph.D. in theater. He was a
member of the Northwestern faculty until 1961, when
he joined the University of New Hampshire as Director
November 2014
of Theater.
Time flies, and John and Susan learned from their
parents that both their marriages were over. John asked
her out to lunch in New York and all went well. After
they married, Susan joined John in New Hampshire.
Visiting professorships allowed them to spend full years
at London’s Regent’s College and Cambridge University
in the UK as well as Kobe University in Japan.
Formerly a sailor and a skier, in retirement John
enjoys writing, theater, and opera. Susan has joined a
poetry group at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library.
Between them they have five children and nine
grandchildren.
We extend to them a hearty welcome to Fleet
Landing.
—Karil Hammer
4107
Bill Haas
(September)
Bill came to us all the way from Jacksonville, via
Crescent Beach and Tallahassee in Florida, and via
Texas and Pennsylvania—originating
in Frankenmuth MI. A graduate of
Michigan State, with stints at Texas
Christian and Penn State universities,
he has a doctorate in hearing science/
audiology. Bill served in the US Army
Medical Service Corps along the way,
but most of his career was as an
administrator of academic and clinical
programs in communication and
audiology/speech pathology at Florida State University in Tallahassee. He and his late wife have a
daughter teaching in Jacksonville, and an electrical
engineer son in Orlando. His daughter’s hand can be
seen in the remodeling of his apartment overlooking
Lake Constellation. Bill is still getting adjusted to life
here, and plays a spinet piano when not assessing the
array of activities to pursue at Fleet Landing.
Welcome Bill! —Howard Burdick
5313
Joan and Norm Mattmuller (September)
You never know when a chance meeting of
someone while serving doughnuts and coffee at a
military dance will change
your life. Joan, President of
the Junior Red Cross, was
filling in that night. Norm
was paying close attention.
He waited until he had been
accepted at West Point to
invite Joan to the Plebe
Picnic. The rest is history.
Norm graduated from the
US Military Academy with the class of 1954. He
and Joan married on graduation day at the West Point
November 2014
FLEET BEAT
Welcome Aboard
Chapel. Norm was sent to the Infantry School at Fort
Benning, GA. Finally at age 40, Joan returned to college
and earned her library degree. Her final position was as
a media specialist in the Duval County School System.
In 1964 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in
Maryland, Norm trained to be an experimental test
pilot in fixed (props and jets) and rotary wing aircraft,
and later he was testing the now famous CH-47
Chinook helicopter. Norm retired in 1974 in St. Louis,
MO, which kept their three children in a familiar
school system. He worked for many years for
Mallinckrodt Pharmaceutical.
In 1987, Norm and Joan moved to Jacksonville to
be close to family. Norm has volunteered at Baptist
Medical Center South. He enjoys chess, and he has a
home weather station. Joan is an excellent quilter, and
she has volunteered with the Jacksonville library
system. After 60 years of marriage, they are still
traveling, while happy to be residents of Fleet Landing.
We welcome the Mattmullers.
—Karil Hammer
You Really Had To Be There!
By Libra Gysel
A covey of 31 Fleet Landers took flight on October
24 to watch the Raptors, Skyhawks and the Angels, blue
of course, take wing at Naval Air Station Jacksonville
(NAS Jax).
It was a rehearsal show enjoyed by an invited
audience of some 75,000 military friends, families, and
high-school NROTC members before the air show
opened to the public that weekend. Some 150,000 were
expected at that time, one of the many security folks told
us.
The famed US Navy Blue Angels, birthed at NAS
Jax in 1946, were making their first appearance since
their schedule was suspended last April because of
the automatic federal budget cuts known as
“sequestration.” Their usual schedule includes events
in 34 cities across the US, March through November.
On this perfect, bright blue, almost cloudless day we
learned that the six planes flown by the Blue Angels
today are the most modern part of a series of Navy F18s
that are now in their 28th year of performance.
After dumping out our pockets and passing through
metal detectors with a flock of many others of all ages,
we were handed little boxes with foamy things inside
(earplugs)—thoughtful! Yes, it was loud! We had several
Navy flight fellas with us, and Bud Abelein, USN (Ret.),
told me that the humongous dragon noise was the
afterburner.
The “great dragon,” the Air Force’s new, top tech
marvel, the F-22 Raptor, is big and spooky like a huge
flying dart, It can go very fast (about 1,000 mph or Mach
Page 21
1.5), very slow, straight up or down, and twist and turn
around. In a demonstration of its talents and to pay
homage to the heritage and history of flight, the Raptor
flew slowly alongside a small P-51 Mustang (the flying
horse), a 1944 World War II propeller plane. After the
sound of the orange afterburner the Raptor almost
whispered to a landing.
Settled in our chairs provided by our Wellness
Department Program Coordinator Karen Allen and
Drivers Peter Barger and Larry Slate, slathered with
sunblock, and sporting a colorful array of hats, we could
almost hear the loudspeaker commentary. Glancing first
skyward then quickly to left and right, we held our
breath and oohed and aahed. A lot.
A little bright-red biplane performed acrobatic
maneuvers as it laid a smoke trail tracing its climbs,
loops, barrel rolls, twists, tumbles—and more. This was
the Oracle Challenger 30, built to order for its pilot, a
“living legend of aviation.” All this as we watched the
fantastic aerial gymnastics and yet could see across the
field the picture-perfect backdrop of the assorted towers
of the Jacksonville skyline
There was more—much more—but of course the
real show was the fleet of Blue Angels who fly at 400
mph, wing tip to wing tip with only 18 inches between
them. It takes a team of 100, including volunteers, to
keep the six planes and pilots, including two lead/solo
pilots, and the planes themselves in the air. Fleet
Landing resident Jerrie Stumpf has a son who flew with
the Blue Angels and was a squadron commander. This
precision flying team performs coordinated basic
techniques taught to every Navy and Marine pilot—just
ask our pilots at Fleet Landing.
Resident Jerry Carey, USAF (Ret.), noted that it
was a spectacular demonstration of the full spectrum of
air power from World War II through the most modern,
third-generation developments of today, underlining the
capability of our military. He gives particular credit to
the Blue Angels top-rate performance demonstrating
perfect military teamwork.
The Blue Angels are especially famed for their Blue
Diamond and Mirror formations, their slow speed (180
mph) maneuver perfected to land on carriers, and their
flights up to 800 mph in opposing horizontal rolls.
Perhaps the favorite of those watching is the Fleur-deLis formation where the Angels approach each other
from six different directions, converge, and break out,
forming the fleur-de-lis pattern. Breathtaking!
After the last of the smoke cleared, we headed out
the security gates to wait for our own pilots. A good day
in the wild blue yonder, up close and personal, indeed.
In Memoriam
Charlie Brobst
1930-2014
Martin Schember
1928-2014
Page 22
FLEET BEAT
Executive Director’s Quarterly Briefing
By Enith Vardaman
As usual, Executive Director Josh Ashby’s
quarterly “Coffee and Conversation With Josh” drew a
large number of residents to Windward Hall. Treats of
some sort always precede Ashby’s presentation and on
October 10, residents enjoyed ice cream and all the
fixings to make sundaes.
Year-to-Date Financial/Occupancy Review
Ashby reported that the independent living 2014
average occupancy rate and the rate as of August 31
(94.8 and 93.5 percent respectively) exceeded the
budget figure (93.4 percent). The rates for assisted
living (96.5 and 94.6 percent) exceeded the budget
figure (93.2 percent). The 2014 average for skilled
nursing (84.8 percent) was below the budget figure
(88.5 percent), but an upsurge in admissions in the 60
days leading up to August 31 raised that figure above
budget (90.2 percent).
As of September 30, there were 38 closed or
reserved residency contracts, meeting the 2014 budget.
Exceeding the budget is anticipated. Ashby pointed out
that higher occupancy was accompanied by the
challenge of a supply problem because of fewer units to
sell.
Turning to revenue, expenses, and income, Ashby
cited three components accounting for 89 percent of
the resulting August 31 positive variance of
$1,754,609 in operating income: Contract settlement
fees, which occur upon a resident’s death, were the
largest single item above budget. Ashby explained
that Fleet Landing earns a portion of a resident’s
entrance fee monthly based upon the person’s
projected life. If a death occurs before the projection,
the unearned balance of the entrance fee immediately
becomes income called a contract settlement fee. The
other two components were above budget monthly
service fees and below budget interest expense.
Status of Florida CCRCs
Ashby displayed slides of charts showing data
about Florida continuing care retirement communities
(CCRCs) from 2006 to 2013, including the number of
CCRCs (there are three new ones) and of CCRC
residents as well as occupancy and sales statistics.
Charts comparing overall Florida median independent
living occupancy rates and average unit sales with
Fleet Landing data for 2006 to 2013 showed that Fleet
Landing’s occupancy rate exceeded the state median in
every year except 2007 while absorbing 34 new units,
and Fleet Landing had outperformed the Florida
average for unit sales since 2008. Ashby cited internal
factors giving Fleet Landing greater success during a
difficult economic period: It is a wonderful place to live
because of its residents, and it is a competitive product
that is fresh, appealing, and offers many options. This
community was impacted less by the recession and has
recovered more quickly.
November 2014
Impact of 5800 Expansion
For the benefit of the many newer residents, Ashby
reviewed the scope of this project, which was begun in
2006: construction of 34 independent living units,
Windward Commons, and a four-story apartment
building. He stated that while the last named
component was fully designed and engineered, he
doubted that it would ever be built.
Ashby displayed a series of slides showing that
although the occupancy rate had hovered at just above
90 percent for the past five years, there was actually
improving occupancy when viewed as the number of
units occupied (34 more in 2014 than in 2009), spurred
by 100 percent occupancy of the 5800 block.
Impact of expansion on Fleet Landing’s finances:
Ashby displayed charts showing that for the three key
metrics of total excess margin (profitability), debt
service coverage ratio (capability of paying principal
and interest), and days cash on hand (a measure of
liquidity), Fleet Landing is performing at or above the
75th percentile of the some 200 accredited CCRCs in
the US.
Impact of expansion on residents: Through charts,
Ashby showed that the average monthly fee increase
from 1991 to 2009 was 4.87 percent, while from 2010 to
2014, the increase was a significantly lower 2.5
percent.
Ashby stressed that the expansion had made the
community not just bigger but also stronger.
Office of Charitable Gift Planning
Ashby reported that the Spinnaker Society, a
recognition society for those making an immediate or
planned gift of $10,000 or more, now had 141 members
who had made over $8 million in gifts and gift
commitments. More news was to be announced at the
annual Spinnaker Society Dinner on October 15 at the
River Club in downtown Jacksonville. This year the
event was being underwritten by The Kitchen &
Flooring Design Center.
Ashby enumerated informational resources: the
“Ways of Giving” brochure available from the
concierge, talking to Director of Charitable Gift
Planning Olivia Bush, and attendance at a quarterly
seminar. Information available includes guidance
concerning philanthropic gifts to organizations other
than Fleet Landing. Information is also available from
members of the Gift Planning Committee, residents
Howard Burdick, Richard Conway, Jim Lammie, Dottie
Mann, Bob Preble, Peggy Steck, and Hugh Wilson.
Healthcare Repositioning Project
Ashby announced that the Grand Opening of The
Nancy House would be on November 18. Because a
licensure inspection by a state agency is required, the
actual move-in date is expected to be no earlier than
December. Eighteen of twenty-four rooms have been
reserved, with reservations accepted from the public
beginning on November 1. The four-phase renovation of
November 2014
Executive Director’s Quarterly Briefing
FLEET BEAT
the Derfer Healthcare Pavilion cannot begin until some
of the patients currently residing in skilled nursing have
moved to The Nancy House. If the project can begin in
December, it would be complete in the first quarter of
2016. It will be a challenge to renovate the building
while it is largely occupied.
Status of Dining Renovations
Ashby reported the results of the recent survey,
which had 230 respondents. The top three favorable
elements were décor and design, servers and service,
and quality of food, while the top three unfavorable
elements were wait times, menu variety, and food
temperature. The Dining Committee was to meet on
October 9 to discuss the survey, and by November 1,
staff were to develop an action plan that would be
shared with residents at a meeting in November.
October Board Social
Ashby encouraged residents to attend the board
social and budget presentation on October 29.
Miscellaneous
Wi-FI: The choice of a vendor to supply campus-wide
Wi-Fi was imminent. Installation would begin in the
first quarter of 2015 and was expected to take four to six
months to complete. Residents will have the option to
cancel their current internet service in favor of this
network. In 2016, the current independent living home
monitoring system that is dependent on a physical
phone line will be replaced with a system that will work
on the wireless network.
4000 Building design meeting: Residents of the
building were being consulted about the project, which
was expected to begin shortly after the holidays.
Annex renovations - focus group. Improvements to
the exterior of the Annex will include painting, a tower
feature, and a pullover to allow drop-offs and pickups.
Renovation of the interior, including removal of The
Nancy House mock room, is scheduled for 2015.
Residents will be invited to participate in focus groups to
suggest enhancements.
Resident picture directory. Management is working
with the Residents’ Council to change the picture
directory toward the end of this year so that it can be
maintained on an ongoing basis.
Home Health Accreditation. The process of getting
Medicare certification for Fleet Landing’s home health
agency is expected to be complete late spring or early
summer of next year. Accreditation will allow services
provided in independent living residences to be paid for
by Medicare.
Questions
Responses to questions elicited the following
information:
• Fleet Landing does plan for the greater maintenance costs of older buildings and infrastructure.
The maintenance staff has grown in recent years and
Page 23
will likely do so again in 2016.
• The speed of the campus-wide Wi-Fi will depend
upon the number of users and devices and the content
downloaded. The speed can be adjusted according to
utilization.
• A look at more acoustical artwork to help with
noise problems in the dining room is possible.
• An essentially decorative exterior feature of the
2000 Building that fell victim to water intrusion will
be reconstructed when design and permitting are
complete.
A copy of all the slides of the presentation is
available in the library.
The 2015 Budget Explained
By Enith Vardaman
Residents crowded Windward Hall on October 29
for the “Annual Budget Meeting and Board and
Resident Social.” After board members and residents
chatted over refreshments, Board President Steve
Jarecki led off the formal part of the program. In his
remarks, he stressed that it had been a very good
year, with Fleet Landing’s bond rating continuing to
rise and an excellent occupancy rate. He expressed
appreciation for the support, understanding, and
sound advice of residents, and he said that the board
could not be more pleased with Executive Director
Josh Ashby and his staff.
Each board member present spoke briefly about
his or her background and role on the board. Newer
residents may not know that these people serve
without financial compensation. Noting this fact,
board member Chuck Metzler said that board
members’ “pay” came in the form of resident smiles.
Former Chief Financial Officer Roger Palmer, who
serves on the board, briefly described the process of
some three months that goes into creating the final
budget, noting how thoroughly it was reviewed by the
board.
Ashby then did a comprehensive presentation on all
facets of the budget. He began by commending board
members for their dedication to maintaining Fleet
Landing as a successful, high quality organization.
Ashby cited four financial goals set by the board to
ensure the long-term financial health of Fleet Landing.
The first is to achieve net operating margin (a
profitability measure) at or above the 75th percentile for
accredited continuing care retirement communities
(CCRCs). The remaining three are to maintain days
cash on hand (a liquidity measure), debt service
coverage ratio (capital structure), and total excess
margin (also a profitability measure) at or above the 50th
percentile for accredited CCRCs. Since only about 10
percent of CCRCs nationwide are accredited, Fleet
Landing has set a high standard in choosing these
benchmarks to measure its performance.
Page 24
FLEET BEAT
The 2015 Budget Explained
(continued from preceding page
Ashby described the rigorous process that results in
the draft budget presented to the board’s Finance
Committee, which compares the budgeted results with
Fleet Landing’s financial goals. If the budget does not
produce results consistent with those goals, discussion of
changing fees to achieve the desired results follows.
Ashby reported projections for improved occupancy
rates for independent and assisted living. The occupancy
rate for skilled nursing is projected to increase slightly,
but there will be fewer units because of the renovation.
Memory care occupancy was not tracked in previous
years, but 20 of the 24 units in The Nancy House are
expected to be filled beginning in January. On average,
612 people living on campus and receiving services every
day are anticipated, up from 593 in 2014. Unit sales are
projected at 40.
Ashby displayed a series of slides with charts
showing projected dollar and percentage increases and
decreases in expenses impacting the 2015 budget by
comparison with 2014. He explained variances for a
variety of items. Consumables (food and beverage,
operating supplies and equipment, and medical
supplies and pharmacy), repairs and maintenance,
utilities, and employee wages, taxes, and benefits were
up overall. Property taxes and insurance as well as
interest and principal were down overall. The catchall
category of “Other Expenses,” which was up almost 20
percent, included two new items: observance of Fleet
Landing’s 25th anniversary, and Wi-FI (the significant
cost of installing the campus-wide system and operating
and maintaining it). Ashby noted that there would be
16.5 new staff members (Therapy Department, Dining
Services, Housekeeping, and Home Health, and as a
result of the Health Center repositioning).
Speaking of the 2.25 percent increase in the 2015
monthly service fee, Ashby noted that the 25-year
average increase was 4.3 percent, and that the increase
had been lower than 2.5 percent in only three years. He
also said that salary and wage adjustments accounted
for 63 percent of the overall increase.
Ashby displayed a slide showing that operating
expenses were being well controlled, having gone up
only about 1.5 percent annually for the past five years.
Again explaining variances, Ashby gave a detailed
presentation of projected increases and decreases in
2015 revenues by comparison with 2014. Revenue from
independent and assisted living was expected to rise.
Because the renovation will result in fewer rooms
available and fewer patients, skilled nursing is expected
to experience a revenue decrease of almost $1 million,
making 2015 an anomaly year. Revenue from The
Nancy House will come overwhelmingly from residents.
Other revenue sources included amortized entrance fees
and contract settlement fees, investment income, and
home health.
November 2014
In closing, Ashby noted that if achieved, the
budgeted results would be short of the four financial
goals mentioned above because of the Health Center
renovation. The board has paused pursuit of those
goals for 2015 and expects to resume pursuing them
in 2016 when there is once again a fully functioning
Health Center.
Attendees received a handout with key slides. A copy
of the slides of the entire presentation is available in the
library.
UNF Jazz Ensemble III Performs
By Chet Davis
On October 6 in Windward Hall, 21 University of
North Florida music students, under the direction of
Dr. Marc Dickman, kept an enthusiastic audience of
Fleet Landing residents entertained with lively and
enjoyable jazz music. Selections ranging from classics,
such as those by Count Basie and songs played by the
Woody Herman band, to modern, put the talent of the
group on display. The delighted audience followed the
jazz tradition of rewarding with applause instrumental
solos—including one by Dickman on the euphonium—
during the performance of each piece. Dickman
provided minimal direction and just let the band play.
He stepped in on occasion to increase or tone down
volume.
Dickman commented that while start-ing a jazz
band probably would not meet the scholarly desires of
the administration, a lab band would. Thus was created
an excellent jazz program. The bands are divided into
three categories, with this group being the level III
band. The lower numbers reflect a higher level of talent.
The quality of the performance of this group would make
one wonder how a band could be any better, but a
student explained that the lower numbers reflect the
ability of the musicians to improvise on a music
selection.
Of note, most of the members of the ensemble were
not music majors but just love the jazz idiom. This was
the normal rehearsal time for the band, just at a
different venue, and Dickman noted that they would be
back. I for one am looking forward to it. As a surprise, Fleet Landing rewarded the students
with hors d’oeuvres, cookies, and beverages after the
performance. Attendees could partake too, giving them
the opportunity to mingle with the musicians.
November 2014
FLEET BEAT
Page 25
The 2014 Fall Follies: The Cast
Photos by Ed Hollender
LtoR: Stan Tenenbaum, Howard
Burdick, Tod Kuchler, Bill Query
Jan Rigby, Barbara Zamparelli,
Betty Lou Connell, Janet Kuehn,
Charlene Kurth
Jan Hilton, Ann Milligan, Pat
Peterson, Charlene Kurth
John Johnson and Sonny, Karen
Sturtevant, Sheri Van Orden
Gene Alvarez, Dick Walker,
Randy Gilliam
Bryan Burleson, Pat Peterson,
Ray Boyd
Kathi Rose,
Mike Burns
George Ginsburg, Charlie Steck,
Howard Burdick, Cliff Rigsbee
Phil Martin,
Raquel Miranda
Gwen Cordes, Pat Peterson, Jonathon Whitman, Joshua
Carolyn Walker
Claycomb
Gwen Cordes, Grace Clark,
Ann Milligan, Charlene Kurth,
Stephanie Kuhling, Claudette Stokes
The finale
Howard Burdick, Tod Kuchler,
Terry Philcox, Bill Query
Page 26
FLEET BEAT
The 2014 Fall Follies
By Howard Burdick
Josh Ashby (l) and John Johnson with Sonny
The 2014 Fall Follies, dubbed “A Variety Show
Bonanza,” were staged by residents and staff and played
to packed houses on the afternoon of October 27 for
Health Center residents and staff, and on the eves of
October 28 and 29 for all other residents. Resident John
Johnson directed the show, ably assisted by residents
Karen Sturtevant, pianist and musical director, and Pat
Peterson, vocal director. Rehearsals were conducted
from early September in Johnson’s apartment, and in
Windward Hall.
The show got underway with a rousing piano
rendition of “Fiddle Faddle” by the Thirty Fingers Trio
of Sturtevant and residents Ann Milligan and Charlene
Kurth. Next, resident Carolyn Walker joined residents
Gwen Cordes and Peterson for a luncheon meeting
which degenerated into strained, but quite humorous
dialogue because of “A Slight Misunderstanding”
concerning an expected new baby and a new pet dog.
While the stage was being struck, Johnson and his
ventriloquist sidekick Sonny raked Executive Director
Josh Ashby gently over the coals—giving Ashby the
opportunity to announce the generous gift from John
and Beverly Johnson in naming our auditorium.
The Fleet Landing Line Dancers, comprising Janet
Kuehn, Kurth, Betty Lou Connell, Barbara Zamparelli,
and Jan Rigby strutted their stuff to “All That Jazz.”
Unfortunately, their choreographer Kay Miefert was
not able to be present. The mixed quartet of residents
Stephanie Kuhling, Terry Philcox, and Charlie Steck
and Director of Sales and Marketing Sheri Van Orden
singing “Lullaby of Broadway” came next. Resident
Gene Alvarez played an animated “Georgia on My
Mind” on his amplified harmonica, followed by dining
room servers Jonathon Whitman and Joshua Claycomb
playing guitar, while Whitman crooned “Love.” Resident
Randy Gilliam got the house laughing with his lively
“Mississippi Squirrel Revival,” which was followed by an
equally lively rendition of “Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly”
by residents Grace Clark, Cordes, Kuhling, Kurth, and
Milligan, and Home Health Aide Claudette Stokes—
with a cameo appearance by resident Cliff Rigsbee as
grandpa.
Peterson thrilled us with her rendition of “Almost
Like Being in Love.” This was followed by the hit from
November 2014
the musical Damn Yankees, “You Gotta Have Heart,”
sung by residents Howard Burdick, Tod Kuchler, Bill
Query, and Stan Tenenbaum. Resident Dick Walker
performed his hilarious “The Bricklayer,” and then
Manager of Outpatient Services Raquel Miranda had
all of us swaying with “Quien Sera” (Sway) sung in
Spanish, with resident Phil Martin accompanying on
the djembe drum. Residents Jan Hilton, Kurth,
Milligan, and Peterson performed a very energetic
“Bushel and a Peck,” after which Johnson and the line
dancers staged a comedic and vegetarian “Plant a
Radish.” Residents George Ginsburg, Burdick,
Rigsbee, and Steck kept things moving along with
“Brush Up Your Shakespeare” from the show Kiss Me
Kate, which lead into a smooth croon of “Fly Me to the
Moon” by Administrative Assistant of Health Care
Services Bryan Burleson.
Leeward Manor Activities Coordinator Kathi Rose
thrilled us with “Love Me,” accompanied by friend of
Fleet Landing Mike Burns on the guitar. Burns then
brought the house down with his rendition of “Sixteen
Tons.” Burdick, Philcox, Kuchler, and Query sang a
snappy “Bidin’ My Time,” leading in to a very sweet
rendition of “Getting To Know You” by Van Orden.
Johnson sang a lively “Sitting on Top of the World,” and
then the whole cast joined in with the audience in “Give
My Regards to Broadway” as a finale.
Orchestral kudos to Sturtevant, and to residents
Ray Boyd on the banjo, Martin on bass and djembe,
friend of Fleet Landing Mac McNamara on banjo.
Contributing significantly to the success of the show
were residents Libra Gysel, stage manager, and
assistant stage hands Andrea and Chet Davis, Sandy
and John Pawek, and Barbara Pieper, who kept an
efficient and orderly rotation of microphones and acts;
lighting director Rigsbee and John Pawek who handled
the spotlights; and Manager of Wellness Services Briana
Bledsoe and Program Coordinator Karen Allen, who
managed the sound and provided overall support.
Residents Rosemary Anthony, Marge Bidwell, and
Marie Bishop handled the programs. Photography and
video was by Ed Hollender and Dan Kuchta, and Kuchta
created a slide presentation that played as the audience
awaited the start of the show.
As the evening drew to a close, Bledsoe paid tribute
to each person involved in the production.She said that
about 450 people had seen the show. What a success!
Unusual Science—Jet Planes
By Richard Conway
This article is being written on the days of the
Naval Air Station Jacksonville Air Show that many
Fleet Landing residents attend. One fascinating
feature is tracing the course of the jets by their
trailing smoke. We do the same in the winter with
contrails from commercial jets, often leaving Miami and
November 2014
FLEET BEAT
Unusual Science—Jet Planes
flying over Jacksonville on the way to New York and
points beyond.
Resident John Donahue asked me to write about
“contrails,” short for condensation trails. Military
pilots do not like contrails as they can alert the enemy
during war time. Contrails are made up of billions of
liquid droplets or ice crystals condensed from the
water vapor that results from the burning of jet fuel.
Contrails can occur above 26,000 feet (five miles),
where the environmental air temperature is under 40
degrees below zero Fahrenheit, and the relative
humidity is over 60 percent. They can be avoided by
lowering the altitude or by finding dryer air. The
temperature in the lower atmosphere (troposphere,
five to ten miles thick) decreases as one goes higher
until a plane enters the stratosphere, where the
temperature rises. All is controlled by the heat due to
absorption of light by the surface of the earth.
How does the jet engine exhaust emitted from the
rear of the plane thrust the plane forward? Sir Isaac
Newton’s Third Law of Motion explains it. The
exhaust travels through a tapering nozzle in the rear
of the plane where it accelerates to 1,300 mph—faster
than the air that the front of the plane is pushing
through the atmosphere at 600 mph. The larger force
pushing backwards (action) under Newton’s Third
Law causes a reaction that pushes the jet forward.
Picture skateboards: the riders push backward with
their feet and the skateboards move forward!
Fleet Landing Outpatient Services
By Patricia Payne
Residents are fortunate to be able to take advantage
of an ever-developing suite of health care services here
at Fleet Landing. At the monthly “Health Care News”
session on October 13 in Windward Hall, Manager of
Outpatient Services Raquel Miranda presented “An
Overview of Outpatient Services.” She began by noting
that Outpatient Services encompasses three functions:
the Therapy and Home Health departments, and the
Primary Care Clinic.
Below is a summary of the information provided. A
copy of all the slides in the presentation is available
from the concierge.
Rehabilitation Services
Post joint replacement care, shoulder injuries, and
swallowing dysfunction are but a few of the diagnoses
treated. Residents need a written prescription from a
physician to receive therapy services.
Therapy Manager Shelly Johnson is head of the
Therapy Department’s rehabilitation services team, which
is made up of two physical therapists, three physical
therapy assistants, two occupational therapists, two
occupational therapy assistants, and one speech therapist.
Physical therapy addresses problems with gross
Page 27
motor skills such as balance and gait. “Falling is not a
normal part of aging,” explained recently hired physical
therapist Corina Liu. She urged residents to use
physical therapy services for preventative care instead
of waiting until after a fall or stroke. Physical therapists
can help with issues that lead to falls, such as balance
problems or difficulty getting out of a chair or in and out
of bed. The goal is “to help you get from Point A to Point
B safely.”
Occupational therapy addresses problems with
fine motor skills and coordination. Recently hired
occupational therapist April Lewis explained the
difference between physical and occupational therapy.
You might be a good candidate for occupational
therapy if you “can’t do it the way you used to do it” or
if you are having a problem with pain as you go about
your activities.
Speech therapy addresses problems with
breathing, swallowing, voice, and cognition. Johnson,
who is a speech therapist, does not usually see patients,
but is available to do so. She explained typical ways in
which speech therapy can help residents, including
regaining and improving speech following a stroke and
dealing with difficulties with breathing, coughing while
eating, and eating too slowly.
Therapy services are covered under Medicare Parts
A and B. Under Medicare A, patients who are admitted
for at least three consecutive midnights in a hospital are
entitled to 100 days of coverage as long as they make
progress. To use these benefits, patients must have been
admitted rather that having been “under observation.”
Medicare B is for outpatient therapy and for patients
who have not had a three-day hospital stay. Medicare B
benefits are limited to $1,920 for a period of one year for
physical and speech therapy combined, and to $1,920 for
occupational therapy. Services beyond these limits
require prior Medicare approval.
Primary Care Clinic
Primary care providers available at the on-campus
clinic include Dr. Mark Messinese, MD (Medical
Director and primary care; Dr. Jose Tamayo, MD
(primary care and hospitalist); Doug Fowler, PA (Health
Center rounds and acute/primary care); Cheryl Roche,
ARNP (primary care); and new addition Kenyetta
Douse, MA (medical assistant, check-in and triage).
They have regularly scheduled days and hours, but
these are subject to change.
Clinic appointments. For appointments at the
Fleet Landing clinic, call Messinese’s Jacksonville Beach
office at (904) 247-7778. If you want a specific provider,
specify that when making an appointment. Providers
typically treat the same patients on an ongoing basis.
Prescription refills (may require an appointment) are
also handled through that office, as are all insurance
and billing matters.
Transferring primary care to the clinic. A resident who wants to transfer primary care to Messinese’s
Page 28
FLEET BEAT
Fleet Landing Outpatient Services
practice needs to schedule a new patient appointment by
calling (904) 247-7778. New patient paperwork is
required prior to a visit for all new patients regardless of
the history with the previous physician.
Additional physician services. A visiting
audiologist offers hearing and balance testing. A visiting
podiatrist offers foot exams and toe nail care which is
covered by Medicare every 65 days. To schedule an
appointment, call extension 400.
Lab and x-ray services. The lab and x-ray
providers for the skilled nursing facility also serve the
independent living community. A technician will come to
your home to perform the lab or x-ray service. You do
not have to be a patient of the clinic practice to use these
services. Simply take your prescription to the clinic to
schedule the service. Results are sent to the prescribing
physician.
Emergencies and acute care. If the situation
requires urgent hospital services, call 911. If you need
immediate assistance from a nurse, call Security at ext
137 (24/7, including holidays). Security will page the oncall nurse who will then come to your home to assess
your situation. If the nurse determines that the resident
should go to a hospital, an emergency vehicle will
provide transportation to either Mayo or Baptist
Medical Center Beaches.
Treatment for acute care (problems that are not
emergencies but may require medical attention within
24 hours, such as cuts, fever, bites, or upper respiratory
infections) can be treated by a physician assistant on a
walk-in basis Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and by a
nurse at the Health Center nurse station on Saturday
and Sunday, 9 am to 12 pm.
Home Health Services
The Fleet Landing Home Health Department is
licensed through the Florida Agency for Health Care
Administration. Providers undergo extensive background checks and are supervised on-site.
Home Health Services include medication management, Home Health Aides, Personal Companions and
Handy Helpers. Long-term health insurance that covers
home health services might cover private pay services.
For assistance in verifying benefits, contact the Home
Health Coordinator Valerie Grant-Mallory at ext 437.
Kenisha Gore, RN, is the new Home Health Department
Director of Nursing.
Medication management. Help at home with
medication management is a new service at Fleet
Landing. It entails an initial assessment by a nurse to
review medications and identify problems that the
resident is having, communication with prescribing
physicians to verify information, and regular visits to fill
dispensers. Costs are $125 for the initial assessment
plus $75 for each subsequent visit.
November 2014
Home Health Aides are the most highly qualified
providers. They can help residents with mobility and
transfer assistance, bathing or showering, dressing and
grooming (including hair and oral care), meal
preparation and feeding, range-of-motion exercises,
monitoring of vital signs, and medication reminders.
These services are offered at a minimum of three
consecutive hours at $21.50 per hour. The initial
assessment by an RN is $45.
Personal Companions can assist with errands or
shopping, personal laundry, meal preparation, light
housekeeping, and correspondence. They can also escort
a resident to appointments and campus events and
provide companionship and conversation. These services
are offered at a minimum of three consecutive hours at
$18.50 per hour.
Handy Helpers can assist with pet care and
walking, ironing and laundry, spring cleaning,
organizing, packing or unpacking, hanging pictures,
rearranging furniture, light gardening, and holiday
decorating. These services are offered at a one-hour
minimum, with half-hour increments thereafter, at $14
per hour.
Really?
Photo by Ray Boyd

Page 1 - Fleet Landing

Transcription

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