Spring 2012
The Mayflower
A
1620 Mayflower Court
P U B L I C AT I O N
O F
T H E
Winter Park, Florida 32792
M A Y F L O W E R
RE T I REM ENT
(407) 672-1620
COM M UNIT Y
An Artful Approach
to Retirement Living
With an appreciation for culture and the finer things
in life – plus a commitment to offering the best in
continuing care – The Mayflower offers a plan for the
future that is truly inspired
A
t The Mayflower, you can
see it everywhere. From
vases of brightly colored fresh
flowers gracing the tastefully
appointed lobby … to artistic
garnishes accenting a savory,
thoughtfully prepared meal …
to the park-like, meticulously
landscaped grounds … to
creative, stimulating programs.
It’s clear: Life here is inspired.
Inside and out. From the finest
detail to the “big picture.”
Balancing an active lifestyle
and exceptional amenities with
high-quality continuing care, The
Mayflower has elevated retirement
living to an art form – creating a
culture that truly offers the “best
of both worlds.”
Culture, Character, Caring
Recent resident Aggie Koster
is well aware of the advantages.
Born in Connecticut and having
lived “all over,” this selfdescribed art lover was looking
for a home that offered culture,
character and friendly neighbors.
She got all this and more at
The Mayflower.
“Every day is filled with
variety – exercise, Bible studies,
lectures and trips,” says Aggie,
who’s looking forward to an
upcoming museum visit to see
an exhibit on Egyptian culture.
“There is always something
to do.”
But for Aggie, what really
makes The Mayflower feel
like home is the people. She
appreciates the way the staff
“dotes” on residents and even
remembers their favorite foods.
And after a recent shoulder
surgery, the helping hands
and thoughtfulness of fellow
residents amazed and comforted
her. “Everyone was so caring,”
she says. “I went right from
Winter Park Hospital into
the care of The Mayflower’s
physical therapists. Now I
simply go downstairs for my
therapy twice a week.”
Aggie loves this comprehensive
level of care and sense of
security. In fact, she feels so
good about choosing The
Mayflower that she’s persuaded
two friends to move into the
community. “Some folks have
qualms about selling their home
or losing their circle of friends,”
she says. “But there’s so much
to enjoy here … friendships, fun,
great care. Why wait?”
Aggie Koster says The Mayflower offers
culture, character and friendly neighbors.
Zest for Life
After deciding
to downsize, Steve
and Elaine Basch
searched for the
ideal CCRC with
the best location,
healthcare and
lifestyle. After
researching 16
communities
throughout Central
Florida, the couple
felt the choice was
obvious.
“With The Mayflower’s
excellent reputation and
Governor’s Gold Seal Award for
healthcare, we knew we were
getting the best,” says Steve,
who once traveled the world as
CFO of an international sewing
machine corporation. “The
bonus is that the residences are
lovely, the service is superb,
and the food is healthy and
delicious.”
“We love having the freedom
to do the things we like,”adds
Elaine. “We play bridge
twice a week, take part in Wii
bowling and enjoy group trips
to performances in downtown
Orlando. We have full calendars
and full lives.”
For this busy international
couple (she’s French Canadian
and he’s German), their
“joie de vivre” comes from a
lively lifestyle and diverse
interests. They believe that
through The Mayflower’s
wide range of cultural and
educational opportunities – from
the French conversational group
MAYFLOWER BOND RATING UPGRADED. DETAILS ON PAGE 4.
to memory classes to courses at
Rollins College – they can keep
their minds sharp and maintain
their zest for life. “There is so
much to do, so many new friends
and such beautiful surroundings,”
Steve says. “It’s as if we’re on a
cruise 365 days of the year.”
Avid travelers Steve and Elaine Basch say
living at The Mayflower is like being on a
cruise ship.
I n s ide P a s s a g e s
Artists’ Colony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Passionate Patrons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
A Heart for the Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Artists’ Colony …
At The Mayflower, creative expression is a vital part of a dynamic lifestyle
O
to The Mayflower last May, creativity is an
integral part of her individuality. “After more
than 40 years of being an artist, I paint to
please myself. If people like my work, that’s
great – but I’m really painting for me,” Betty
says. “I’m happiest when I’m painting … all
the more reason to ‘keep the brush wet!’”
n any given day at The Mayflower, you can find painters sharing ideas
among palettes and easels, performers discussing theater, or an artist
sketching outside by the koi pond. From accomplished pros to bold beginners,
creatively inclined Mayflower residents take advantage of a wide range of
opportunities for artistic expression and exploration. “We have a veritable artists’
colony here at The Mayflower,” says Community Services Director Betty Nelson.
“Creative expression is a vital part of our residents’ dynamic lifestyle.”
Learn and Grow
For painters of all levels, getting started
is often the hardest part. But according to
Wanda Peltzer Weber, a Captain’s Club
member who teaches The Mayflower’s
weekly watercolor class, the key is to simply
dip your brush into the paint and see where
it takes you. “No matter how long they’ve
been painting, most people are nervous at the
beginning of a project,” Wanda says. “But I
tell them that with each brushstroke, you are
learning and improving. Just roll up your
sleeves and get to work!”
A professional artist
who has been painting
for four decades,
Wanda enjoys both
teaching and learning
from residents with
all levels of painting
experience and skill.
Some class members
are novices and others
are practiced painters,
like former middle
school art teacher
Evelyn Tabas. “As
a young woman in
Philadelphia, art
was my life,” she
A professional artist,
recalls. “I carried
Wanda Peltzer Weber
teaches The Mayflower’s a sketchbook
everywhere, sold
watercolor class.
A Variety of Art Forms
some work at a local gallery and visited the
museums so often the guards all knew me.”
After marrying and having children, Evelyn
quit teaching to focus on her family. But she
still made time to work in her home studio
and sketch her children as they played and
watched television. “Now that I’m here at
The Mayflower, I’m carrying my sketchbook
again and have the time to paint often,” she
says. “There is so much problem solving
and thought involved in art … I love that
challenge!”
A Global Perspective
For Dot Cline, inspiration comes from
traveling the world in search of the ideal
landscape. Though she has painted scenes
from her voyages to China, France and many
other far-flung destinations, one of her most
striking pieces is a painting of a church bell
tower. Capturing the charm and tranquility
of a quiet Italian village, the painting was one
of many Dot completed during her two-week
workshop at the La Romita School of Art in
Italy’s Umbria region. “Every day we’d go
into the fields or village to sketch, and then
return to paint,” she says. “It was a dream
come true for me!”
Dot often shows her work at The Mayflower
and was the subject of a one-woman exhibit
at Winter Park’s University Club. “I was
painting like crazy for that one,” she laughs.
“But even without a ‘reason,’ I try to paint as
Evelyn Tabas loves the challenge of art.
often as I can. I love that calming feeling of
being absorbed … and the way that creating
scenes from past
trips stimulates
my memory.”
Dot isn’t alone
in advocating
the benefits of
art. Studies show
creative pursuits
boost brain health,
enhance memory
and even improve
self-esteem. For
Betty Powell,
who joined the
watercolor class
Dot Cline draws inspiration
when she moved
from her world travels.
PASSIONATE PATRONS
As an organization and through the contributions of its residents,
The Mayflower plays a key role in Central Florida’s art scene
E
lizabeth Brothers has always been
passionate about the arts. “When I
was growing up, I was dying to be an
opera singer,” she recalls. “But I just
didn’t have the vocal equipment. So I
decided to support those who did!”
A longtime trustee of Winter Park’s
renowned Bach Festival Society,
Elizabeth sponsors a visiting soprano
soloist each year. She also supports
the local ballet, Philharmonic and
other arts groups that provide cultural
experiences for schoolchildren. “For
a community to thrive, the arts must
be accessible to everyone – at all ages
and stages of life,” she says.
Mayflower residents Hedi Goldfarb (left), Elizabeth Brothers (right)
and Fran Hodes (standing) are long-time patrons of the arts.
In her 10 years at The Mayflower,
Elizabeth has helped ensure this
accessibility for fellow residents, too.
“I want to help my peers get out there
and support the cultural community,”
she says. “The arts have enriched my
life, and I want to share the joy with
others.”
Fellow resident Fran Hodes is also
a lifelong “arts fan.” She maintains an
ardent interest in cultural events and
activities … especially when it comes
to socializing with fellow residents.
“Moving to The Mayflower was the
best thing I ever did,” she explains.
In a course that combined psychology and
photography, she created a scrapbook
that “illustrates my roots and family, so
that anyone – even a stranger – could look
through this book and know me.”
A self-described “pack rat,” Helen
combines photos with mementos such as lace,
letters, sheet music, seashells and pictures
cut from vintage greeting cards. One page
incorporates images from an intricate cloth
collage she made decades ago that depicts the
Judaic tree of life. The tree’s limbs and leaves
are crafted with fabrics from her family’s
history, including the khaki army blanket
her husband took ashore at Normandy on
D-Day. “This scrapbook is a culmination of
many creative efforts and memorable events
throughout my life,” Helen says. “Here at The
Mayflower, there are so many opportunities
to tap into my artistic instincts … I soak it up!”
Of course, at The Mayflower, artistic
pursuits aren’t limited to brush and canvas.
Mary Zolkoski’s handiwork ranges from
spectacular needlepoint scenes to cozy knitted
blankets, many of which she sends to veterans
recovering in military hospitals. As a young
wife, she began knitting as a way to keep her
hands busy on long drives from New York
to South Florida.
Over the years,
she expanded
her focus to
Adventures and Opportunities
needlepoint and
created stunning
Like Helen, Virgil Hartsock has always felt
pieces of art in
the nudge toward creativity. As a young boy,
a spectrum of
he learned the fine art of calligraphy from
vibrant hues.
his father. Though his career as an Air Force
“I’m fascinated
logistician took him in a technical direction,
by a variety of
Virgil continued practicing his artistic
cultures and
handwriting as a way to relax and earn a little
interests, and
extra money.
this is reflected
“I enjoyed
in my work,”
scripting
Mary Zolkoski
Mary says,
things that
expresses her
showcasing her
were special
creativity through
needlepoint
to people, like
needlework.
masterpieces that
diplomas and
depict images such as a geisha, an
invitations,”
Asian landscape, harlequin clowns
Virgil says.
and a violin.
Fellow resident Helen Tetenbaum
took her lifelong love of art to a
new level through The Mayflower’s
partnership with Rollins College.
Virgil Hartsock learned the fine art
Scrapbooking is a form of expression for
Helen Tetenbaum.
“And later I taught calligraphy to others the way
my father taught me.”
His elegant writing proved useful as he
planned to propose to his wife, Winni. He
created a special card and, in his beautiful
script, wrote, “I love you more each day.
Will you marry me?”
Today, the couple is a creative team. Winni
joined The Mayflower’s watercolor class and
takes private art lessons, and Virgil continues
to share his gift for calligraphy. Together,
they created a scrapbook that chronicles their
relationship from courtship through their
move to the community two years ago. The
book ends with a photo of The Mayflower
and a caption, written in Virgil’s graceful
hand, which reads “Where exciting
adventures and opportunities await.”
of calligraphy from his father.
“Here I am surrounded by people who
share my love of attending musical
performances, going to the theater
and visiting museums.”
Hedi Goldfarb shares the same
sentiment. Growing up in Vienna, she
was captivated by the city’s legendary
opera performances – the drama,
spectacle of the costumes and the
soaring voices. She later moved
to England, married a playwright
and fell in love with the theater and
Shakespeare. After her husband
passed away, Hedi came to the States,
remarried and again immersed herself
in the arts with her second husband.
“As soon as I was able, I began
attending the theater, opera and
symphony,” she says. “It helped me feel
at home and a part of the community.”
Today, Hedi holds season tickets to
Central Florida’s spectrum of cultural
experiences: the ballet, Philharmonic,
opera, Orlando Shakespeare Theater
and the Mad Cow Theatre. “I am proud
that Winter Park has become a cultural
center,” she says. “It is a privilege and
responsibility to keep the arts alive and
flourishing in our community.”
As a patron of the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, The Mayflower has
bought artwork at the event since 2007, adding “local color” to its collection.
Above, Marketing Director Jana Ricci is pictured with her 2012 purchase:
blown-glass globes by artist Douglas Sigwarth.
“A Heart for the Arts”
Creative Expression Abounds at Mayflower Art Show
C
reativity is in full bloom at The Mayflower
this spring. In addition to enjoying the
season’s many art festivals and cultural events,
the community’s resident artists showed off
their own work at The Mayflower Art Show.
Held on March 22 in the Standish Center,
the show provided an opportunity for art
appreciation, fun and inspiration as nearly 20
Mayflower artists showcased their creations
for residents, visitors and community
members. From watercolors and pastels to
sculpture, embroidery and oil paintings,
Artist Betty Powell (right) displays her watercolors,
as Connie Marcan looks on.
the colorful collection of fine art, crafted by
innovative residents, dazzled the show’s
spectators. Some artists painted from memory,
and some were moved by images from their
travels, while others focused on particular
colors or the impulse to adorn their homes.
“The talent and dedication of these artists is
simply amazing,” says Wanda Peltzer Weber,
who teaches The Mayflower’s watercolor class.
“Many residents have backgrounds in art and
design, but others have only recently learned to
paint. It’s gratifying to see how much they’ve
accomplished.”
The Mayflower Art Show was scheduled to
coincide with the annual Winter Park Sidewalk
Art Festival, one of the nation’s largest and
most prestigious juried outdoor art events.
Held in the city’s picturesque Central Park, just
minutes away from The Mayflower, the festival
is integral to Winter Park’s reputation as a hub
for the arts.
“Here at The Mayflower, we are fortunate to
be a part of a community with a heart for the
arts,” says Betty Nelson, Community Services
Director at The Mayflower and organizer of the
art show. “This cultural connection is a source
of inspiration for our creative residents … and
a lot of fun, too!”
Mayflower resident Penny Wilson discusses her
artwork with Marilyn Barr.
Eleanor McKechnie and Nick DePasquale admire
his pastel work. The Mayflower’s pastel class is
taught by Billie Sue Giffin.
A LANDMARK DESIGNATION
Fitch Rating Underscores Mayflower’s Financial Stability
A
fter a comprehensive assessment, Fitch
Ratings has assigned a milestone ‘A-’
investment-grade rating to The Mayflower’s
bonds. The upgrade will enhance the
community’s short- and long-term
creditworthiness – enabling it to take advantage
of historically low interest rates for refinancing
and realize substantial savings on interest.
After reviewing The Mayflower’s overall
financial and operational structure, Fitch noted
that the new rating reflects the community’s
“consistently solid occupancy, good debt
service coverage, strong liquidity metrics and
consistent operating performance.”
“This is like getting the Good Housekeeping
seal of approval – and we are elated,”
explains Mayflower CEO David McGuffin.
“An A- rating for a stand-alone facility like
ours is rare in the CCRC industry. Only 10% of
facilities nationwide have ratings this high.”
According to McGuffin, the rating not only
establishes a financial framework for future
expansion and development, it also allows for
more flexibility in crafting the community’s
annual budgets.
“It positions us for the long haul, and it
speaks to the fiscal stability we’ve worked so
hard to attain,” he adds.
I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE MAYFLOWER!
p I’m interested in The Villas. p I’d like to schedule a tour. Please call me. p Please send me general information about The Mayflower.
p I’m particularly interested in the Health Center. Please call me. p Please contact me regarding The Mayflower Waiting List.
NAME­­­­­­­­­­­­
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
ZIP
E-MAIL
AREA CODE & PHONE NUMBER
Winter Park’s Distinctive Retirement Community
1620 Mayflower Court Winter Park, FL 32792
(407) 672-1620 www.themayflower.com
n
n
The Mayflower Retirement Center, Inc., a non-profit corporation, owns and operates The Mayflower (88141PRAD 04/2012)
LIMITED OPENINGS for Rehab or Long-Term Care in The Mayflower’s
Gold Seal Health Center. CALL TODAY: (407) 672-1620.
1620 Mayflower Court
Winter Park, FL 32792
Presorted
Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Zip Code 32824
Permit No. 1478