The Mayflower
A
1620 Mayflower Court
P U B L I CA T 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
Leading
the Way...
After nearly three decades,
The Mayflower continues to
set the standard for excellence
in continuing care retirement
communities, with a track
record that proves there is
no substitute for experience.
S
ince it first opened its doors in
1989, The Mayflower has been
synonymous with leadership.
Over the years, a number of
factors have set the community
apart and continue to distinguish
it locally, statewide and nationally.
Among them: an impressive
roster of residents; an experienced
staff that boasts one of the highest
retention rates in the nation; a
dedicated, visionary board of
directors; a longstanding track
record of fiscal responsibility;
a nationally award-winning
lifelong learning program; and
a 5-Star rated, Gold Seal Health
Center. The list goes on.
“Our goal is to consistently
surpass expectations at all
levels,” says Steven Kramer,
The Mayflower’s President and
CEO. “We want to provide the
best possible experience for our
residents and ensure a great
future for our community.”
And that starts at the top.
At the helm, Kramer brings
to The Mayflower a depth of
knowledge and management
expertise – most recently
serving as president and CEO
of a six-site, nonprofit health
center system in Pennsylvania.
He is board-certified as a Fellow
of the American College of
Healthcare Executives.
“Steve is a compassionate
and dynamic leader,” says
Robin Roberts, chair of The
Mayflower board of directors.
“His combined experience in
both healthcare and hospitality
will bring a unique perspective
to our community.”
A Legacy of Success
Mayflower leaders: President and CEO Steven Kramer (left); board member and
pastor of First Congregational Church of Winter Park, the Rev. Shawn Garvey;
and Eleanor McKechnie, one of the community’s first residents.
Fellow board member Rev.
Shawn Garvey agrees. The
pastor of First Congregational
Church of Winter Park, which
founded The Mayflower, Rev.
Garvey says he’s “profoundly
impressed” with the leadership
he’s seen in both staff and
residents. “When the church
decided to go forward with The
Mayflower project back in 1989,
it made sure that the legacy of
exemplary leadership was in
solid hands – and as a result,
The Mayflower blossomed into
what is now considered one of
the best examples of a continuing
care retirement community
(CCRC) – not just locally, but also
in Florida and nationwide.”
Few have better perspective
on The Mayflower’s legacy
than Eleanor McKechnie. And
although she doesn’t consider
herself a trailblazer, she’ll always
hold “first-place” status in the
community’s history – because
when the doors first opened,
she led the way as one of its
charter residents.
A lot has changed since this
“ship set sail,” so to speak, but
The Mayflower’s commitment
to award-winning leadership in
quality care remains as strong as
ever. “I can’t say enough about
living here,” Eleanor says. “The
staff is kind and cheerful, the
Health Center is outstanding, the
programs are stimulating, and the
neighbors are warm and friendly.
At The Mayflower, life just keeps
getting better and better.”
INSIDE PASSAGES
Profiles in Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Learning Is a Lifelong Pursuit. . . . . . . . 2
Broadcasting a Positive Message. . . . . 3
Business Center Promotes Online,
Social Interaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Art for Generations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Profiles in Leadership
Home to many community and corporate leaders,
The Mayflower has a resident roster that includes
pioneers in education, business, medicine,
science and more. By creating an intellectually
stimulating environment, we attract a group of
older adults who not only want to stay active
and involved – but who also understand the
importance of planning ahead.
Former Rollins President Now
Calls Mayflower Home
Central Florida’s Woman of the Year.
Winter Park’s Citizen of the Decade. A
Lifetime Achievement Award from the
Council for Advancement and Support of
Education. When it comes to leadership
on campus and in the community, Dr. Rita
Bornstein is at the top of the class.
In 1990, shortly after The Mayflower
opened, Rita started a highly successful
14-year presidency at nearby Rollins College.
Today, she’s one of The Mayflower’s newest
arrivals, recently moving into a bright, sixthfloor apartment filled with contemporary
art and mementos from faculty and friends.
“Once I got here and put everything in place,
I fell in love with my apartment,” Rita says.
“I keep bringing a steady stream of friends
to see it.”
During Rita’s tenure at Rollins, the college
established a partnership with The Mayflower
that continues to this day. Students regularly
volunteer at the facility, professors engage
residents in several lifelong learning courses,
and both institutions often work together on
issues of importance to the greater community.
With Rita’s strong connections to the Rollins
faculty, she’s exploring new ways to move
the relationship forward – from hosting open
dialogues between
professors and
residents to having the
college librarian discuss
the future of printed
vs. digital books.
“Rollins and The
Mayflower are two
important resources for
the community in very
different ways,” Rita
says. “But everyone
One of Central Florida’s most respected citizens, Dr. Rita Bornstein, president of
benefits most when
Rollins College from 1990 to 2004, moved to The Mayflower in September. The
we work together. The two institutions are partners in matters of senior health and community engagement.
role of a college is to
assemble people to engage in conversation
to work out on every machine in the Fitness
that promotes ideas and action. I’m proud
Center – from weight stations to the treadmill –
that The Mayflower has been a part of that
and also enjoys participating in chair yoga
process for quite some time.”
and other group classes. “I’m committed to
Rita has served on numerous business,
physical exercise as a route to better health,”
government and nonprofit boards across
she says. “So I appreciate that The Mayflower
Central Florida. She is currently active with
offers plenty of activities that are congruent
the Dr. P. Phillips Center for the Performing
with my lifestyle.”
Arts, the Parkinson’s Association of
The author of a number of books and
Central Florida and the Winter Park Health
more than 60 published articles, Rita plans
Foundation, where she helps fellow board
to continue writing and consulting. “I still
members formulate strategies on seniorlove to teach,” she adds. “In fact, teaching
related issues.
is the most important gift I believe an
As a fitness buff, it hasn’t taken long for
individual can give to society. It is a gift
Rita to settle into a daily exercise routine
to educate the future generation. I was
at The Mayflower. She makes it a priority
called to it.”
For Renowned Radiologist,
LEARNING IS A LIFELONG PURSUIT
A
mong radiologists, Dr. Galdino
Valvassori is a legend – the father
of computerized techniques to detect
tumors and other lesions of the ear
and brain.
Born in Milan, Italy, and trained
at Sloan Kettering in New York,
Galdino earned global acclaim for
his innovations in ear surgery –
becoming known as “the radiologist
for otolaryngologists.” He co-founded
the American Society of Head and
Neck Radiology, organized the first-
ever conference on radiology of the
head and neck, presented lectures
throughout the world, published
hundreds of journal articles, authored
more than 10 books and pioneered
medical advancements still used today.
Now 89 – and only one year into
retirement – the longtime Chicago
resident and professor of radiology
at the University of Illinois/Chicago
moved to The Mayflower in May
with his wife, Eleanor. They looked
at dozens of similar facilities across
the United States, but The Mayflower
won out for its outstanding healthcare
options and commitment to providing
residents with high-quality, ongoing
educational opportunities.
“We wanted to go to a place where
we could continue to engage in a high
level of intellectual activity,” Galdino
says. “The connection with Rollins
College allows us to choose from a
variety of lifelong learning courses.
I’m looking forward to attending
classes on literature and art.”
A pioneer in his field, Dr. Galdino Valvassori and his wife, Eleanor, relocated to
The Mayflower from Chicago and are impressed with the warm welcome they received.
Broadcasting a Positive Message
“New Tech” Helps
Residents Connect
The Mayflower Television Network
is being called a national model for
how retirement communities can give
residents the opportunity to
create local programming.
Lights. Camera. Action. The Mayflower
is headed for prime time.
In partnership with Growing Bolder –
a nationally syndicated producer of seniorfocused health content – The Mayflower is
enhancing its in-house television Channel
732 to include programming that will
be generated and produced by residents
themselves. Now, in addition to providing
event calendars, dining room menus
and syndicated programs, Channel 732
will broadcast a wide range of healthy
lifestyle information geared to older adults.
Eventually, content could expand to include
movies, weekly newscasts and arts-andlifestyles features.
To make this concept a reality, The
Mayflower recently built an on-site TV
studio that houses camera, sound and editing
equipment. Growing Bolder consulted on
purchases, placement and installation.
“The Mayflower is on the cutting edge
when it comes to creating inspirational,
healthy content for its residents,” says Marc
Middleton, former anchor at WESH-2 and
founder of Growing Bolder. “So much is
With Marilyn Molen filming, Tom Savino (left) is interviewed by Growing Bolder’s
Bill Shafer in The Mayflower Television Network’s newly built studio.
changing so rapidly in terms of what we
know about aging and what’s possible.
Seniors are looking for resources to enhance
their lives and the lives of others – and The
Mayflower totally embraces that ethos.”
Resident Tom Savino chairs the operating
committee overseeing Channel 732. He
estimates that about 30 residents have
expressed interest in volunteering in various
capacities. Interns from area colleges will
likely assist with behind-the-scenes work, too.
“So many people at The Mayflower have
achieved great things and have fascinating
stories to tell,” says Tom, a longtime
executive with AT&T. “We want to put
that on film and
let our fellow
residents really get
to know their neighbors. From a production
standpoint, there’s a wealth of experience
and talent to make the network a success.”
Even though this initiative primarily
serves older adults, it will benefit all ages
by addressing stereotypes associated with
seniors. The network is designed to keep
residents involved, engaged and informed
while being inspired to participate, motivated
to improve and encouraged to give back to
the community.
“We think Channel 732 is going to
be a national model for a new way of
communicating with seniors,” Marc says.
“The Mayflower is a very progressive,
visionary group that puts tremendous value
on residents’ health and well-being.”
Business Center Promotes
Online, Social Interaction
A
Resident Jack Williamson, who teaches computer-related classes at The Mayflower,
says the business center is a wonderful addition.
s technology continues to play a
larger role in everyday life, The
Mayflower is providing the means
for more residents to take advantage
of it.
This fall, a new business center
opened just down the hall from the
lobby. In addition to a Wi-Fi-enabled
computer and printer, the spacious
room comes equipped with a cable
TV and comfortable chairs that
promote social interaction.
“The business center is a wonderful
addition to The Mayflower,” says
Jack Williamson, who teaches
classes on how to navigate computer
software and mobile devices like
the iPad and iPhone. “It’s a great
benefit for many residents, especially
those who need quick access to
the Internet.”
Whether printing a boarding pass,
checking social media or sending an
email, residents have the resources
to accomplish a number of tasks. The
multi-purpose space is also designed
to accommodate special gatherings
such as watching movies and sports.
Art for Generations
Mayflower art show spotlights creativity
of local artists 55 and over.
A
ccording to the Journal of Aging
Studies, creative activities
facilitate successful aging by
fostering a sense of competence,
purpose and growth. Artistic
expression, for instance, encourages
the development of problemsolving skills and provides a wide
range of mental, physical and
emotional benefits. The Mayflower
offers a number of outlets for
creative expression and exploration –
and for many residents, engaging
in art is a favorite pastime. It also
happens to be a hallmark of life
in Winter Park, which is home to
prestigious museums, galleries and
seasonal festivals.
So when it comes to the intersection of seniors and the arts, it
should come as no surprise that The
Mayflower is at the forefront of the
community’s cultural conversation.
Resident Joyce Gargano spends quality time with her daughter
Ann Marie and granddaughter Lauren at the Art for Generations
event, held in the Standish Center.
The recently held “Art for Generations”
senior art show drew about 450 attendees and
included nearly 150 entries from local adults
55 and over. The event included works in
four categories:
• Paintings (watercolor, oil, acrylic)
• Drawings (pencil, pastel and charcoal)
• 3 -D mixed media (wood, sculpture,
ceramics, jewelry, basket-weaving,
needlework, clay)
• Photography.
Judges awarded $100 cash prizes in each
category and selected a best-of-show winner,
who received $200.
“At The Mayflower, we have so many
talented artists who enjoy sharing their
beautiful creations,” says Janelle Renda,
community services director. “Art is a
joyful pursuit at any age, but it’s especially
rewarding for seniors.”
1620 Mayflower Court
Winter Park, FL 32792
THE ONLY 5-STAR RATED, GOLD SEAL HEALTH CENTER IN WINTER PARK!
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration gives The Mayflower a 5-Star rating because it scores in the highest overall category
(top 20 percent) of senior care facilities in the four-county region of Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Brevard. For more information,
including state rankings for each facility, visit www.FloridaHealthFinder.gov.
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NAME­­­­­­­­­­­­
ADDRESS
CITY
AREA CODE & PHONE NUMBER
STATE
ZIP
EMAIL
Winter Park’s Distinctive Retirement Community
1620 Mayflower Court Winter Park, FL 32792
(407) 672-1620 www.themayflower.com
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The Mayflower Retirement Center, Inc., a non-profit corporation, owns and operates The Mayflower (88141PRAD FNL 12/2015)
LIMITED OPENINGS for Rehab or Long-Term Care in The Mayflower’s
Health Center. CALL TODAY: (407) 672-1620.