By: Judy Sarnowski
“Smith’s Best” is a recognition that began in 2013 to honor Smith Care Center’s (SCC) staff role models. We consider these honorees to be our “Hall of Fame” — staff who have performed at a very high level over a long period of time. This is not a monthly recognition; in fact, since 2013, only 11 people have received the Smith’s Best honor.
On November 3rd, SCC staff, along with residents and Plymouth Harbor administration, recognized the 10th and 11th Smith’s Best recipients and first resident honorees. It should be no surprise that this tribute went to George and Florence Heitler!
George is Plymouth Harbor’s very own “Music Man.” His love of theater and music prompted him to share his talents and become a volunteer in SCC in the year 2000. After a decade-and-a-half and almost 200 performances leading sing-alongs at monthly birthday parties and holiday programs, George and his contingent of talented vocalists and musicians are now the longest-running entertainment production in Plymouth Harbor history.
George was no stranger to volunteer work prior to his move to Plymouth Harbor. He had served on the boards of the Chicago Public Library, the Henry Booth Settlement House, and the Longboat Key Democratic Club, and donated countless hours working with Meals on Wheels. Even at a young age, he wanted to be a man of the people and follow in the footsteps of his idol Abraham Lincoln. To that end, he received his law degree from Columbia Law School and served as legal counsel for the Army during World War II, and for National Blue Cross and Blue Shield, setting up health benefits for federal employees until he retired in 1981. Florence can also be proud of her volunteer work, which includes serving with the League of Women Voters and the Citizen Information Service, providing voter assistance to Smith Care Center residents, working with Meals on Wheels, and recording books for the blind.
SCC residents and staff consider themselves lucky to reap the benefits of such a multi-talented couple who had the determination and fortitude to make a positive difference in the lives of others. It is with great humbleness and gratitude that we bestow the honor of being the first non-staff members to receive the Smith Care Center’s “Smith’s Best” Award.
There is no doubt that Plymouth Harbor’s residents and employees are dedicated to helping many charities in the Sarasota community. In an effort to organize and combine our efforts, we are installing a brand new, custom collection bin “cabinet” on the Ground Floor of the Tower, located on the open wall across from the doors to the Wellness Center. The cabinet holds openings for four separate bins, which will each be dedicated to a different organization (a rendering is pictured right).
It is no secret that our workforce is shrinking and our need for workers is growing. To that end, Plymouth Harbor is participating in initiatives in Sarasota to address this shortage and explore how we can help create awareness of career paths in our industry.
Originally from Peru, Lucy Guzman came to the United States in 2008. In Peru, Lucy was both a nurse technician and massage therapist; however, her credentials did not transfer along with her move.
Perky and petite is the best way to describe the Eisenfelds. They recently moved here from Lido Surf and Sand because of their friends the Gainsboros and the Biros. They have only been here a few weeks but their apartment looks as if they have been here for years!
Aptly named, Jewell Emswiller is one of the newest Plymouth Harbor residents. Jewell chose Plymouth Harbor after much research into Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) here and in Virginia.
The Selby Public Library serves the Sarasota community, offering programs and resources to all ages. The library works with Friends of the Selby Public Library (Friends) — a sister organization whose mission is to partner in developing services, providing programs, raising funds, and advocating for resources. Friends achieves this by raising funds through the Friends Bookstore and annual fundraisers.
This year, on October 5, 2016, Plymouth Harbor held its first-ever Blessing of the Assistance Animals. Lead by Chaplain Sparrow, the event drew several residents and assistance dogs who call Plymouth Harbor home.
Originally from Mexico, Manny Flores came to the United States in 1991, at the age of 13. He has been an employee with Plymouth Harbor for more than 12 years now. Initially starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Manny became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) one month after joining the nursing team in the Smith Care Center (SCC).
Edith Schwartz was born in Karlsruhe, Germany. In 1940 her family fled Germany, ending up in New York where her father established a medical practice. Edith earned her B.A. at Barnard, her M.A. at Columbia, and her Ph.D. at Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences. Her long and very distinguished career was in biotechnology. She began in academia teaching and doing research.