GAZETTE – October 2022
Check out our Topping Out Ceremony on October 28th!
Love is in the air at JKV.
Twenty Years Ago: 9/11 Remembered by JKV Residents and Staff
There are some 700 recorded 9/11 memorials in the U.S. Remnants of the World Trade Center towers, typically steel girders, have been incorporated into many of the memorials. Some 1,100 pieces had been made available for that purpose. Pictured above is the 9/11 Memorial located at Fire Station 3 in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Marty Lee photo.
I remember the time, place and what I was doing that morning. I was watching the “Today” show on NBC, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw the video of a plane hitting the World Trade Center. I thought to myself, they must be playing a trailer for an upcoming thriller movie. But no, the voices coming from the “Today” show were sounds of disbelief and horror.
9/11 occurred just one month before I started working with John Knox Village in October 2001. Living in South Florida, I watched it live from more than 1,000 miles away. However, many folks living or working at JKV today were in New York City 20 years ago. On that day, at that time, they saw firsthand another “day that will live in infamy.”
Dr. Paul Rosen and his wife Sue were living in NYC on the 29th floor of an apartment building at 72nd Street and York Avenue (across the street from Sotheby’s). “We had a direct view toward the World Trade Center,” Dr. Rosen said.
“I was in my office at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Sue was at home. Shortly after the first plane hit a tower, someone walked into my office to tell me that a tower of the World Trade Center had been impacted by an airplane. I am old enough to have been living in New York City when the Empire State building was hit by a plane, so my first reaction was that this was another similar tragedy. When the second tower was hit, the reality of what might have happened set in. From our apartment we could see a large grey cloud where the World Trade Center had stood.”
For many, the shock of seeing what was happening, connected with thoughts of those trapped inside the Twin Towers. Village Towers apartment resident Donald Patriss was living in Manhattan on West 60th Street. He was relaxing at home on his day off from teaching at Mount St. Vincent College in the Bronx.
“When I heard the news, I turned on the TV and saw one of the Towers fall,” Donald said. “Soon people were fleeing the area of Downtown Manhattan. The people were covered in ash.
“I had former students who worked on the top floor and never made it down. One was on the phone to his wife who was pregnant, and he knew he wouldn’t make it but left a message for his unborn child. Years later I heard that message and wept.
“Before I left Manhattan to move to Florida, I went to the 9/11 Museum downtown, but after a few minutes inside, I left as the memories of that time in New York City streamed back and I was once again crying.”
Concerns For Family And Lost Friends
JKV’s Administrative Assistant of Plant Operations, Elizabeth Talatinian recalls that day and the tragedy of people close to her. “My older brother was supposed to be in the north tower that day,” Elizabeth told The Gazette. “He was working with Hewlett-Packard at the time, and his installation team went to do an install of a computer system.”
“My brother’s boss kept him back one day to finish up something at the office. He was okay, but he lost his whole team.”
Another current Cassels Tower resident Chris Aubanel was living on 17th Street in New York City, when he learned that a plane had hit the first tower.
“I remembered the guided tour [Chris had taken] of the tower observation deck two weeks before. It was explained that the towers had been designed to withstand the direct hit of a Boeing 707 taking off from Kennedy Airport, that might lose control and hit one of the towers,” Chris said.
Preparing For The Casualties
“When the towers collapsed – a few hours later as I remember well – the hospital on 12th Street, St. Vincent Hospital, was expecting hundreds of casualties and put hundreds of beds along the streets around the hospital to accommodate the wounded. However, none came. All the people in and around the towers were either killed outright or ended up walking home.”
There were tragedies also in Washington D.C. and Shanksville, PA that day. South Gardens villa resident Joyce DeJong’s hometown is Johnstown, PA located just 30 miles from Shanksville.
“We were in Shanksville, a month after the attack,” Joyce said. “We could see the big hole from the bridge, but nothing left of the plane – Flight 93. Next to it, in a field, Shanksville had put up crosses for everyone who was lost. People left memorabilia: Hats, shoes…personal items by the crosses. It gave family and friends an emotional attachment with those lost. It was a very moving site.”
According to Britannica.com, “Some 2,750 people were killed in New York, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 in Pennsylvania (where one of the hijacked planes crashed after the passengers attempted to retake the plane); all 19 terrorists died.
“Police and fire departments in New York were especially hard hit. Hundreds had rushed to the scene of the attacks, and more than 400 police officers and firefighters were killed.”
No Matter How Painful – We Remember
On Sept. 11 of this year, the skies above Manhattan will again be lit in memory of the 20th Anniversary of the World Trade Towers tragedy.
In all of our lives, there are those pivotal and consequential moments that we remember vividly even decades later. For some of The Gazette’s older readers, it might be the Pearl Harbor attack or D-Day. For those of us who grew up in the ‘60s, it might be the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. or Senator Robert F. Kennedy. For everyone reading The Gazette, the tragedy of 9/11 is indelibly imprinted on our memories. We recollect exactly where we were, who we were with, and what we were doing as the day’s events unfolded, even 20 years later.
An entire generation of young people have come into this world since 9/11. While we, the parents and grandparents remember well the events of that day, let us share our wisdom with our children and grandchildren. Let us resolve to do our best to prevent another 9/11. We are but one humanity, all connected to each other, living on one planet: Earth.
‘You Can Get Anything You Want’ at the JKV Resident Auxiliary Services Thrift Shop!
John Knox Village resident volunteers manage and operate the on-campus RAS Thrift Shop.
At John Knox Village, we love to share stories of residents who showcase a unique dedication to an activity or volunteer opportunity. A group of our residents supervise and operate the Resident Auxiliary Services (RAS) Thrift Shop. A visit to the shop is reminiscent of the 1967 song lyrics by Arlo Guthrie, “You can get anything you want,” but in this case, not at Alice’s Restaurant, but at the RAS Thrift Shop.
John Knox Village was founded the same year as Arlo’s famous song. Nine years later in 1976, RAS was formed by two residents Juana Hux and Sarah Large, as a resident-directed non-profit organization.
Marsha Ellington, RAS Publicity Chair, described RAS’s mission in 2019. “The purpose of RAS is to render volunteer services for the general welfare of the residents of John Knox Village, working in cooperation with the JKV administration.”
“Some of the volunteer opportunities involve working at the Large Print Library and stamp desk and at the Curiosity Shop (Thrift Store). The shop is the primary fundraiser for the organization. Donated items are sold at reasonable prices. The income derived provides funding for requested items and programs which first must be approved by the Board of the RAS.” The Board of Directors includes 10 members at large, officers and committee chairs.
RAS President Claire Dunn
“RAS has helped to purchase defibrillators, hospital beds, an EKG machine, a pool table, the putting green, security cameras, construction of a new fitness studio as well as The Woodlands,” Claire said. “We have also bought a van, popcorn machine, bingo machine and of course donated to the Employee Holiday Fund every year. And very importantly, we fund the purchase of books for the many Village libraries and music pro- grams for our various choral groups.”
Claire said that RAS is celebrating its 45th year and has donated close to $2 million to JKV. The team of resident volunteers makes it all work. “Because of the devotion of our volunteers, RAS has been, and is, a huge success,” Claire said.
RAS Store Manager Lyn Walk
Resident volunteers at RAS bring their enthusiasm and career experience to the job at RAS. Store Manager Lyn Walk has enjoyed a long, and varied career, includ- ing airline stewardess, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) train operator, and owner of a floral and gift shop in Alameda, CA.
“I must have inherited an entrepreneurial gene,” Lyn said. “I love merchandising, selling and especially interacting with the customers.”
Lyn shares that enthusiasm with a team of 25 volunteers, with 16 to 18 working on any given day. “We never know what inventory will be arriving. We have had Tiffany lamps, Waterford crystal, Persian rugs, fine art, miniature doll houses. Recently, we acquired a metal toy from the ‘30s, and volunteer Don Williams thought it might be worth quite a bit. It sold for $300.”
Don is another active volunteer who brings life experience to his job at RAS. He is an artist, a resident senator, a welcome ambassador for new residents and an experienced sales and store manager.
“I was formerly the general manager of Grand Fur- niture in Virginia Beach, VA,” Don told The Gazette. “Since I was in the furniture business, I am a worker in the furniture department.” However, Claire interrupted and said, “Don is indispensable.”
Working Together for Common Purposes
Volunteers Mary Busenburg and Nancy Custance showcase the latest fashions available at the RAS Thrift Shop.
Indispensable is a word that applies to all RAS volunteers. Lyn mentions Carol Woodburn, as another example of an indispensable volunteer. “She is a kind and caring person who knows virtually every customer by name. After eight years’ experience at the shop, she can answer almost any question that arises.”
Joyce DeJong, and her husband Don, have had a long association with RAS.
“I am a pricer,” Joyce said. “Our team checks everything when it comes in. We wash glassware, linens and anything that needs cleaning. Everything electrical or electronic is checked to make sure it all is in working condition. If it needs adjusting, we send it to the men’s workshop for further evaluation. We decide on the pricing to make everything very reasonable.”
The Thrift Shop is open Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons specifically for JKV residents and employees. For many, it is a regular stop twice a week to peruse the items for sale and renew friendships.
Longtime JKV resident and former RAS volunteer Edith Meinholtz visits every Tuesday and Thursday. “I love this place and the people in it,” Edith said. “I always pat the volunteers on the back and say, ‘we only shop the best places.’ I shop thrift stores and I know this is the best.”
Thanks to Every RAS Volunteer
Claire Dunn credits all who have made the organization a success. “We thank all those volunteers who have worked endless hours for years, not for payment but because of their generous hearts and the kindred spirits developed in the shop, the workshop and the campus itself.”
While the RAS Thrift Shop is not open to the general public, make some friends at John Knox Village and ask them to give you a tour and accompany you to the Thrift Shop. Learn more about JKV by calling (954) 871-2655 and make plans to visit the campus.
JKV CEO Gerry Stryker’s Reflections on Community’s Successes and Achieving 60 Years Young
As we celebrate Summer at JKV I’m excited to share my reflections within the achievements in our Master Vision Site Plan and the significance it has made in JKV’s brand awareness and elevated positioning in the markets we serve.
The formal ribbon-cutting openings of the Welcome and Innovation Center, Aquatic Complex and The Center For Healthy Living have truly showcased the importance of Innovation (Vision & Entrepreneurial Spirit), the power of partnerships and how discerning prospects evaluate their future lifestyle aspirations, quality and purposeful longevity.
JKV has served our greater communities for nearly 54 years. Lifestyle needs, wants and desires have certainly changed over these decades.
The hallmark of JKV’s success continues to be listening and learning from its current and future residents, staff and engagement with our greater community.
Our Master Vision Site Plan was created over five years ago. The contributions of our residents, staff, Board of Directors and various professionals and City of Pompano Beach officials have made it a reality.
Westlake apartment building project opening in 2024 will complete our Phase 2 transformation.
The original master plan identified nine phases of future redevelopment. We are currently in Phase 2. The opening of the Pavilion in the 1st Quarter of 2022 and the Westlake apartment building project—opening in 2024— will complete our Phase 2 transformation.
In a recent Long Range Planning meeting with residents, our Director of Operations, Thom Price, provided an overview of the infrastructure improvements that are also being updated. This includes new waterlines for increased residential capacity and fire protection, conservation and efficiency of utilities, sewer, drainage, lighting, and ultimately campus walkability to enjoy our lakes, gardens and the botanical nature of our 70 plus acre community.
This transformation has been realized through the power of partnerships. Our owner-architect William (Bill) Gallo, CEO of Gallo Herbert Architects, has been guiding JKV’s Master Vision Site Plan creation and execution since our planning stages for The Woodlands (the first Life Plan Community Green House® model of care, which opened in 2016).
Perkins Eastman Architects, EDSA Landscape Architects, Keith and Associates Civil Engineering, Moss Construction and many other professionals have contributed to our Master Vision Site Plan.
Our recent opening of the first CFHL to serve residents, staff and (hopefully soon) our greater community was achieved with Johns Hopkins Healthcare Solutions, Everside Health and our local Holy Cross Health System.
The support of our Broward County Commissioner Lamar Fisher, Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin, District 5 City Commissioner Cyndy Floyd have been extremely helpful in supporting our Master Vision Site Plan.
City Manager Greg Harrison, Zoning Director David Recor, Building Inspector Mike Ratta and Fire Marshall Pete McGinnis, along with the Economic Development Council and the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce have all made the plan a reality.
The expression, “It takes a Village to realize a Vision,” is certainly true at JKV.
As I reflect on my journey at JKV, I am grateful to have achieved almost nine years in leading this incredible organization. In May I celebrated my 60th Birthday!
Over the course of 36 years of my professional career I remember a resident comment early on in my first community…“You’re a little young to be having this administrative responsibility.“
While residents do not share this statement anymore, they do inspire me at 60 to: “Live each day, because tomorrow is not promised.”
They look me in the eyes, and often with an affectionate hug, then whisper, “Go for it Ger! Keep making it happen!”
The daily encouragement and prayers are greatly appreciated and a powerful testament to Why JKV is a Great Place to Work, Live and Play!
Gerald Stryker, President/CEO
JKV and GroovyTek’s Top Technology Travel Tips for Staying Connected and Organized
As more people look to get out on the road and travel again, we figured we would share a few technology tips to work into any pre-trip planning. All of these tips and ideas can be explained any time you stop by the JKV GroovyTek Bar for a complimentary consultation with a GroovyTek trainer.
Airline Tickets
No more waiting for a travel agent to offer you an itinerary. Use travel and booking websites to book the cheapest and shortest flights. Analyze flight reviews, sort by duration or value, or see the price difference for booking on different days of the week. Also, use airline apps to ensure mileage credits, easy access to boarding passes, in-flight entertainment, and more.
Transportation
Avoid taxi lines and rental cars by using Uber or Lyft once you reach your destination. Use maps and GPS on your phone to navigate narrow European streets. Share special places you discovered, including where you got that delicious croissant by dropping a pin and sharing it. Track how many miles you walk each day as well as how many flights of stairs you covered while touring.
Staying in Touch
While we advocate unplugging while away, there are times you would like to stay in touch or check-in. Use your smartphone to chat face to face with friends or family back home for free. Read the latest news from the NY Times from a news app. Text for free while on Wi-Fi. Use What’s App to connect with local drivers, tour guides, and more. Avoid roaming fees by disabling cellular service for certain apps. Explore a travel data plan from your cell phone provider.
Entertainment
Before you leave, download a TV series, movies from Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, and more. Watch shows anytime on your trip, even on the plane without Wi-Fi. Download books on your tablet or kindle to read on the train or while waiting in a long line (or queue, depending on where you find yourself): Save news stories on your phone to read anytime, even when not connected to Wi-Fi.
Cameras and Photos
Don’t worry anymore about bringing extra rolls of film or waiting to see how your pictures turn out. Use your smartphone camera as your one-stop for all of your photo needs. Set up albums for different days and destinations, share real-time updates to friends and family with text attachments or social media posts. Explore and understand how to use filters and edits so that you can crop, edit and alter any picture you take.
Accommodations
Due to new websites such as Airbnb, it has become more common for travelers to look outside hotels for their lodging options. Compare rates, rooms, features, and more before you book accommodations. Find the right fit for you. Having a washer and dryer can change the way you pack and travel. Having a kitchen to make breakfast or lunches can help save money and have you experience more of a destination like a local.
To learn more about GroovyTek visit their website. GroovyTek is a four-year-old company that takes a personalized approach— anchored in respect and patience—to help people become confident navigating personal technology independently and on their own terms.
JKV’s Most Exciting New Neighborhood Is Filling Up, See What the Buzz is All About!
Westlake, the vibrant new neighborhood coming to John Knox Village, is proving to be in high-demand for locals and out-of-towners alike.
The Vue and The Terrace at Westlake will overlook the reconfigured Lake Maggie.
The ambitious goal of reaching the 10 percent down payments by August 2021 is going strong. Westlake is part of the multi-phase $100+ million expansion project for the Village’s 70-acre campus and will include state-of-the-art, designer-finished apartment homes in two new towers, The Vue and The Terrace.
150 New Luxury Apartment Homes
Kim Ali, Director of Sales, says “In the 20 years of working in the senior living industry, I have never experienced this level of excitement by people near and far about a new expansion project, and as sales director at other communities, I have been personally involved in many. The JKV sales team is pumped and matching the excitement of our soon-to-be Westlake residents.”
When completed, Westlake will have 150 luxury apartment homes in two towers. A large component of the project is to enlarge and enhance JKV’s current dramatic water views. The Vue has 15 stories of light-filled rooms and enviable views with 1- and 2-bedroom floor plans from 1,231 to 2,259 square feet.
The Terrace is an 11-story boutique-style tower with a stunning rooftop terrace for all of John Knox Village residents and guests to enjoy. Floor plans at The Terrace offer 2 bedrooms up to 1,845 square feet.
The shared first floor of The Vue and The Terrace will be home to first-class amenities including high-tech projection theater, technology hub, business center, workspaces, art studio, a Sacred Space, library, The French Press Bakery, Coffee & Wine Bar and the Westlake Eatery.
Westlake Pavilion Features
Adjacent to the two apartment buildings will be the Westlake Pavilion, which features:
- A modern 350+ seat Performing Arts Center
- Two new restaurants, The Pearl and Seaglass, with indoor and lakeside dining
- Barton’s Nautilus Bar
- Pre/post event Gallery space
One of the dining venues planned at the new Westlake at JKV expansion.
John Knox Village is a Life-Plan Community, which means that all residents who move to the Village receive a Life-Care contract that secures whatever health care circumstances may arise, each resident enjoys peace of mind that their future health care needs are taken care of. That continuum of care includes assisted living at Gardens West and skilled nursing care at Seaside Cove or The Woodlands – all on campus, should those needs ever arise.
Be Part of the Action
Kim Ali, JKV Director of Sales, stands next to the chart indicat- ing sold residences in The Vue and The Terrace at Westlake.
A 10 percent Westlake deposit means automatic enrollment as a Platinum Level member of the Westlake Village Club with even more perks that include 12 dinners and 8 lunches at any of the three on-campus dining venues and more.
As a member, depositors receive many complimentary services that include access to the $6.2 million Aquatic Complex, with resort-style pool, lap pool, Jacuzzi, Pickleball and bocce ball courts, Glades Grill restaurant and Stryker’s Poolside Spots Pub. Members also receive access to Life Enrich- ment events, fitness classes, admission to JKV community partner venues such as the Bonnet House, the historic Sample McDougald House and the NSU Art Museum in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
To learn more visit www.johnknoxvillage.com or www.JKVGrows.com, or call (954) 871-2655 to speak with a Life-Plan Consultant.
Ceremonies Formally Open Three JKV Master Vision Plan Projects
Over a span of two days in May, three important projects were formally checked off the John Knox Village Master Vision Plan list.
With oversized gold-painted ceremonial scissors—courtesy of the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce— formal ribbon cuttings were held for JKV’s Welcome & Innovation Center, its Aquatic Complex and Center For Healthy Living.
JKV Administrative Staff, Board Members, Local Government and Business Leaders and Residents cut the ribbon, officially opening the new John Knox Village Aquatic Complex.
In respective order, the 7,200-square-foot Welcome & Innovation Center now houses the Sales and Marketing teams, along with Discovery Rooms where prospective residents learn more about life and lifestyle at JKV, a video production area, two large conference rooms, a demonstration kitchen and a 2,500-square-foot open air space for on-campus events and gatherings with the greater community.
JKV Aquatic Complex Opens
Not quite in the center of JKV’s 70-acre botanical campus, the new Aquatic Complex has in short order become the heart of the Village, with its resort-style and lap pools, the indoor and poolside dining venue The Glades Grill, bocce and Pickleball courts, fire pits and Stryker’s Poolside Sports Pub, with live entertainment space and high-definition TVs throughout.
Center for Healthy Living
In a market-disrupting partnership with Everside Health, Johns Hopkins Healthcare Solutions and Holy Cross Health, the Center For Healthy Living (CFHL) at JKV combines the Village’s excellence in managing healthcare with top-tier research, clinical discoveries and advancements in achieving mind and body health.
Conveniently located on campus, the CFHL offers sick- and well-care for JKV’s nearly 1,000 residents and 800-plus employees currently, with near-future plans to open the CFHL to the greater community.
“What an exciting time to be involved with John Knox Village and our invaluable partners,” JKV President & CEO Gerry Stryker told the crowd during the CFHL ribbon cutting. “We can check off these three big projects from our Master Vision Plan, but we’re not done—not by a long shot.”
Stryker was referring to Westlake, the most ambitious project in JKV’s 53-year history. This $100-million-plus plan begins with the currently under construction Westlake Pavilion, which remains right on schedule for its first quarter 2022 grand opening. The Pavilion will feature a 350-plus-seat performing arts center, casual and finer dining venues, a nautically themed bar and pre- and post-performance gallery and gathering spaces.
Two New Residential Towers
Next on the construction timeline will be work on two new apartment buildings—The Vue and The Terrace. At 15 stories high, The Vue will provide new Westlakers (as they are affectionately being called) light-filled rooms and enviable views of the campus. The one- and two-bedroom floorplans range from 1,231 to 2,259 square feet.
The first-floor common area of The Vue will boast many new amenities, including a high-tech projection theater, technology hub, business center, art studio, Sacred space, club room, library, the French
Press—a bakery, coffee and wine bar, and Westlake Eatery—a fast-casual restaurant serving freshly prepared food all day.
The Vue and The Terrace residential towers will soon rise above JKV’s Lake Maggie.
Standing at 11 stories with spacious two-bedroom designs, The Terrace will feature boutique-style living along with a stunning rooftop terrace and up to 1,845 square feet of luxury living.
Get In On The Ground Floor
The JKV Sales Team is currently accepting $1,500 priority deposits, as well as taking 10 percent down payments from people anxious to select their new apartment home, its location and a floorplan that best fits their desires.
Not only does a fully refundable $1,500 Priority Deposit get you in the queue for your new apartment home, but automatically enrolls you as a Gold Level JKV Westlake Village Club Member, affording you access to the Aquatic Complex, the Fitness Studio, Life Enrichment events, JKV Home Health services and much more.
An important consideration during planning of the Westlake project was to maintain the Village’s award-winning grounds, while enhancing JKV’s current dramatic water views.
“John Knox Village is embarking on this tremendous project to provide and enrich the lifestyles of its current and future residents,” Stryker told The Gazette. “A Master Vision and Site Plan of this magnitude and complexity, has taken a team of innovative professionals, guided by our residents, management team and Board of Directors to reach this point in our journey.”
To learn more about Westlake in particular, and JKV in general, call (954) 871-2655 or visit www.JKVGrows.com or www.JohnKnoxVillage.com.
If At First You Succeed, Tri Again: JKV Resident Competing in Second Triathlon
Dr. Paul Loree, a resident at John Knox Village, is in his eighties. He’s also training for his second triathlon. Excerpts of Paul’s story are reprinted with permission from the Winter 2021 Edition of LeadingAge® Florida Senior Living, as written by Nick Fortuna.
“It wasn’t quite as iconic as Rocky Balboa running through the streets of Philadelphia, but back in 2016, John Knox Village in Pompano Beach served as the training grounds for its own inspirational athlete: A longtime resident who’s still defying Father Time and redefining what it means to be active in retirement.
“To celebrate his 80th birthday, Paul Loree participated in the Summer Sizzler “sprint” triathlon in Grand Island, NY, a grueling contest featuring a quarter-mile swim in the Niagara River, a 10-mile bicycle race, and a 1.9-mile run. Organizers expect some competitors to wither in the oppressive August heat; during the final section, athletes run past a first-aid station not once but twice, getting access to water, electrolytes and, if need be, medical care.
Paul Loree bike training on the streets of John Knox Village.
“Loree was the oldest athlete in the field of 105, but he showed up primed for his best effort. Howard, his oldest son who had run in the Boston Marathon many times, had urged him to mark his milestone birthday by participating in his first triathlon. Howard would be there too, going in the “Formula I” triathlon, comprised of two sprint triathlons back to back.
“Orthopedic problems with Loree’s feet mean that he would have to race-walk instead of run, which obviously would hurt his final time. Nevertheless, he felt fit and spry on race day, having trained hard for many months at John Knox Village.
“Loree had calculated that 22 lengths of the community’s swimming pool equaled a quarter-mile, and he gradually worked his way up from one length a day to 30. He also spent each day touring the community’s 70-acre campus on bike or on foot. Leading up to the race, Loree and wife Sally visited their summer home in Franklinville, NY, where he completed his training, using the region’s rolling hills to build his stamina.
Sally and Paul Loree with their dog Pumpkin.
“In the end, Loree certainly held his own, hitting the wire in 1:36.38 and beating two younger competitors. His time of 44:41 for the bike race beat out 24 competitors.“My son gave me about nine months’ notice, so I went into training and did a lot of it right here at John Knox Village,” Loree said. “The triathlon was a good experience, but I was pooped at the end of it. It was pretty tiring.
“My wife said to me, ‘I don’t think you should do this anymore; I think it’ll kill you,’” he added with a laugh. “But I was really pleased that I succeeded in doing that with my son.” “Now 85, Loree is as busy as ever. A typical morning on the 70-acre life-plan retirement community campus includes several hours of tai chi, weight training, advanced aerobics, bicycling, walking or kayaking. Despite all that exercise, he’s rarely too tired to volunteer or be civically engaged.
“Loree represents his floor of Heritage Tower in his community’s Resident Senate, having previously served as the group’s president, and chairs its Health Care committee. He also serves on the board of the John Knox Village chapter of the Florida Life Care Residents Association, a nonprofit that advocates for residents of continuing-care retirement communities before the same legislature and regulatory agencies.”
Not satisfied to rest on his 2016 laurels, Paul is following his five-year plan. He is training for another triathlon and has circled the Cranberry Triathlon in Lakeville, MA on Saturday, Aug. 21. His quest will be the Sprint Triathlon consisting of: 1⁄2-mile swim, 14-mile bike and 3.1-mile run.
Paul’s son Howard, a biomedical engineer in the Boston area, will compete alongside dad as his “angel,”overseeing Paul’s progress along the route. Howard will compete again the next day in the
Olympic-length triathlon, while Paul cheers him on. When asked why he continues on his triathlon challenges, Paul said, “I did one at 80 to prove I could do it. It’s the same reason for doing it at 85. And I hope to be able to do it again at 90.”
Good luck Paul.
Stanford University Chooses John Knox Village as Nation’s First Site for Participation in Virtual Human Interaction Lab
John Knox Village of Florida, Inc. was selected to collaborate with The Virtual Human Interaction Lab at Stanford University, the pioneering lab focused on the psychological and behavioral effects of virtual reality, and MyndVR, the leading provider of VR solutions for older adults. The study will examine how older adults’ use of VR affects their psychological well-being and their attitudes toward new technologies.
JKV team members Nick Sconiers and Gloria Gantes help fit MyndVR headpieces on residents as part of a recent on-campus press conference and demonstration that provided country-wide and international media attention to JKV’s cutting-edge partnership in researching the effect of virtual reality with seniors. Participating residents (L-R) were: Hugh Root, Terry Colli, Mark Levey and Anne Selby.
A recent press conference in the John Knox Village Centre Auditorium featured keynote speakers Monica McAfee, Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer, Chris Brickler, MyndVR CEO and Scott Carter, AT&T Principal Architect for Extended Reality.
Residents who have started participating in the study were Anne Selby, Terry Colli, Mark Levey and Hugh Root. Reporters from the Associated Press, South Florida Sun-Sentinel and more, were eager to interview them, as well as other residents who attended the press conference.
Stanford University’s Influence
Researchers at Stanford’s VHIL have been building immersive VR content and testing its effects on people for nearly two decades. Members of the Lab have published hundreds of scientific articles detailing the psychological and behavioral impacts of VR experiences. The Lab’s founding director, Jeremy Bailenson, is considered one of the world’s leading experts on the topic.
“Virtual Reality adoption has been growing significantly, and we’re interested in both the immediate and lasting benefits it can provide,” said Bailenson. “Working with MyndVR gives us access to a crucial population of older adults that were hit particularly hard by the isolation of the past year.”
“Our goal since day one has always been to improve the quality of life for older adults,” Brickler, of MyndVR told The Gazette. “We are excited to be part of this study with such a prestigious team at Stanford and to provide this opportunity to the senior living communities within our network.”
The Power Of MyndVR
MyndVR has brought together a powerful consortium of industry collaborators to support this research, including AT&T and some of the world’s most innovative senior living communities. By combining the MyndVR platform with AT&T 5G technology, the resident experience is further enhanced.
“We are honored and thrilled to be one of the first senior communities to participate in the Virtual Human Interaction Lab at Stanford University with MyndVR, with whom we’ve experienced tremendous success with our residents for the past two years,” stated McAfee.
By participating in this research, communities and health care providers will help conduct one of the largest-scale studies to date of how VR affects this vitally important population and the role that technology could play in their overall health and wellness.
