The Mayflower Navigator Winter 2025

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MAYFLOWER

inside: ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD Something for Everyone A LIFELONG JOURNEY

Community in Every Sense of the Word

ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD...

With the first phase of its strategic master plan –the construction of the new Bristol Landing neighborhood – successfully completed, The Mayf lower continues to improve and evolve as it prepares to meet the needs of future residents.

In planning for the future, The Mayflower has always been both strategic and visionary – a combination that has successfully positioned the community as a leader in senior living. Most recently, that philosophy has manifested itself in the creation of Bristol Landing, a new on-campus neighborhood with Waterside Residences, a state-of-the-art Health Center, and a stand-alone restaurant and wine bar. It was a major and transformative accomplishment.

But it wasn’t the end of the initial Master Plan Expansion – not by far. Phase III is now underway, and the focus has turned

to making refurbishments to the original buildings, which have been renamed Bristol Pointe. As visitors enter the Mayflower campus, they’ll notice a stylish, contemporary “makeover” including freshly painted exteriors that family with the new Bristol Landing neighborhood and a new front entry/porte-cochère under construction. A gated entrance is also expected to be added in 2025.

ENHANCED ASSISTED LIVING

In addition, a major renovation of The Mayflower’s former Health Center is in progress, with the area being converted to enhanced Assisted Living residences.

“When we moved our skilled nursing residents to the new Health Center in our Bristol Landing neighborhood, we had more than 25,000 sq. ft. of available space in our main building,” says Mayflower president and CEO Steve Kramer. “As part of our Master Plan Expansion, we intend to use that space to build a brandnew Assisted Living area – primarily to accommodate increased demand for larger apartments, which will provide 30%-40% more space than our current units.”

The new Assisted Living area will also feature:

• A fresh, updated look with décor and finishes that make it feel more like an extension of independent living.

• 21 one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment, each with a small kitchenette, living space, and bedroom(s) with ensuite bath.

• Common space that includes a living room area for visiting with family and friends; separate service kitchen; dining area; physician’s suite with a doctor’s office and three exam rooms; wellness and support clinics; and a physical therapy area.

AND MORE TO COME

Even though all aspects of the original strategic plan are now either complete or in the works, no one at The Mayflower is putting away the drawing board. In fact, the strategic planning committee is already at work on what’s next.

“We’re not resting on our laurels,” says Kramer. “At The Mayflower, we continue to strive to be innovative, leading edge, and competitive – so we are beginning to start the next strategic planning process now.”

Bristol Pointe at The Mayf lower – which comprises two apartment residence buildings, as well as dining and amenities areas –has gotten an exterior “makeover” and also has a brand-new Assisted Living neighborhood under construction.

BRISTOL POINTE AT THE MAYFLOWER:

Stylish, Cozy Living with Amenities Just Steps from Your Door

When you’re choosing a senior living community, you shouldn’t have to compromise. And at The Mayflower, you don’t have to. Our stylish independent-living apartments provide the right comfort, amenities and easy care you’re looking for – along with desirable features like full kitchens, utility rooms with washer and dryer, walk-in closets, crown molding and your choice of flooring (to name just a few).

Many residences have stunning views of the pool, Fitness Center, and surrounding greenspace (see photo, opposite page). Plus, all residences, regardless of size, come with housekeeping and maintenance – and convenient access to all the advantages of our vibrant campus, from social events and seminars to the assurance of lifelong, high-quality healthcare. And here’s the best part: They’re surprisingly affordable, with entrance fees starting at less than $200K.

PERFECT FIT: Secure, Stress-Free and Living in Style

When Joanne “JJ” Judy started visiting senior living communities in search of the perfect fit, nothing seemed quite right. But all that changed when she found The Mayflower: an all-in-one solution for healthcare, security, amenities and maintenance-free living –plus her ideal apartment residence.

“When I first walked in, I was impressed by the floor-to-ceiling windows,” she recalls. “Living in Florida, you’ve got to have that sunshine. I love to open the windows in the morning, get all the fresh air in, and watch the birds outside.”

Life at The Mayflower comes with plenty of advantages: delicious dining, educational programs, entertainment, social events, and more. But what JJ values most is “plain old peace of mind,” she says. “All the healthcare you might need is right here, and it’s top of the line. You don’t have to worry about anything.”

That stress-free atmosphere has made it easy for JJ to enjoy life at her own pace, in a community where everything she needs is close to home. “It’s my cozy little place, and I have all I need and want – I just love it here,” she says.

Joanne “JJ” Judy describes The Mayf lower as a “bright and cheery” place with everything she needs close to home.

SOMETHING FOR

Choosing a senior living community is a major life decision – but those who do inevitably tell their friends not to wait too long to make the move. As Mayflower residents say: “With the combination of maintenancefree, independent living and the assurance of longterm healthcare, this is a

DIVING RIGHT IN

Bob and Barbara Anderson have always been ready to dive into new experiences – in Barbara’s case, literally. An experienced scuba diver, she’s been on more than 2,000 dives around the world, from week-long expeditions in the Caribbean to swimming with whale sharks in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

That adventurous spirit – coupled with a love for international travel – was part of the Andersons’ motivation for moving to Florida more than 40 years ago. But more recently, when the headaches of home ownership started to feel more like a burden than a benefit, they started thinking about where their next adventure would take them.

“We had a big house with a big yard, lots of big old oak trees and lots of maintenance – not to mention all the stuff we’d accumulated over the years,” recalls Bob. “We didn’t want our children to have to deal with any of that. And we weren’t getting any younger.”

That’s when the couple heard about Bristol Landing at The Mayflower. The new neighborhood checked every box: brandnew residences, maintenance-free living, and the freedom to explore new interests.

A linguist by training, Barbara – who is fluent in Polish, Spanish and English – has enrolled in French language class. Bob, who has played keyboard since childhood, has taken up electric piano – becoming a “one-man band” of sorts. Equally important, the Andersons are enjoying long walks around The Mayflower’s gorgeous outdoor campus with their sixyear-old Golden Retriever, Sadie.

In addition to all that, The Mayflower met another even more important “musthave” on the couple’s checklist: healthcare. Both Bob, a retired physician with a specialty in neuroradiology, and Barbara, who worked for many years as a grief counselor and therapist, understood that long-term care in later life was something that required careful planning. And they found the community’s assured healthcare and proactive approach to be an ideal match. “Making sure we’ll have

With a spacious new Bristol Landing apartment located near beautiful Bridges Lake, Bob and Barbara Anderson – and their Golden Retriever, Sadie – love life at The Mayf lower.

E VERYONE

Linda Hennig (pictured here in The Mayf lower’s newest Fitness Center) is a big believer in staying fit – and from strength training to ballroom dancing, she says you can find it all at The Mayf lower.

guaranteed care was always a priority,” says Barbara. “So, The Mayflower was a natural choice. Here, we have a friendly atmosphere with great neighbors. We can still be independent, but we have nice people to help if we need it. It’s the best of both worlds.”

SO MUCH TO DO

When Linda Hennig first began looking into the concept of a senior living community, she was already familiar with The Mayflower. “A longtime friend of mine was a resident, and I visited her often,” she says. “I even joined the Captain’s Club and participated in some of the activities. I was around so often, some of the residents thought I already lived here.”

A former Associate Dean of UCF’s College of Nursing, Linda holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in the field, as well as a doctorate in higher education – so she understood full well the importance of planning ahead for future healthcare needs. “I have no children and no family living nearby,” she says. “So I wanted to find a place that could provide some oversight in terms of support and help me transition

to other living accommodations if and when I needed it. Before making a final decision, I did my research and visited every senior community in the area.”

Not surprisingly, The Mayflower was at the top of the list. “There’s something for everybody here,” Linda says.

Impressed by the community’s fitness and educational programs, she also continues to pursue her passion of ballroom dancing, something she’s been doing for the past decade and counting. “My first experience was participating in a fundraising dance competition similar to Dancing with the Stars,” she recalls. “I hadn’t had any formal instruction –but I wanted to give it a try. From there, I just fell in love with it … and I’ve been dancing ever since. It’s a way for me to meet new people and socialize, keep my brain and body active, and learn new things.”

She encourages fellow residents to do the same. “What matters is getting out there to get active and have fun with other people,” she says. “At The Mayflower, there’s always so much to do. I’m so busy, I’ve hardly had time to unpack!”

A LIFELONG JOURNEY

If you ask Mayflower Wellness Coordinator

Sarah Burke, fitness is a lifelong journey. “I always tell people that it’s not about getting fired up to make a big leap forward to achieve your goals,” she says. “It’s about taking small steps every day to arrive at a healthier you.” And no matter where you begin that journey, The Mayflower is designed to help you get there. With two fully equipped, state-of-the-art Fitness Centers available for personal training and individual workouts … a heated outdoor pool … and a dedicated massage therapy studio, everything the community offers is geared toward whole-person health.

In addition to an ever-evolving schedule of fitness classes – spanning yoga, balance, water aerobics, cardio dance, mindful meditation and much more – Sarah has also hosted educational talks with visiting physicians from the Orlando area, wellness book clubs, and hands-on nutrition and cooking activities.

“Well-being takes many forms,” Sarah adds. “So why limit yourself to just one? Explore, experiment and find something you love to do – whether that’s dance, gardening, walking outside, or trying a new fitness class.”

Ballet barre is just one of the new classes offered through The Mayf lower’s fitness program.

COMMUNIT Y IN EVERY

Community is so much more than a place to live. It’s a ref lection of history and legacy … art and culture … civic responsibility and leadership. And over the years, it is shaped and enriched by the remarkable people who call it “home.” At the heart of T he Mayf lower are dynamic residents who are not only involved and engaged, but also welcoming, supportive and caring.

LEADERSHIP, ENGAGEMENT

There are plenty of highlights in Doug and Linda Metcalf’s highflying careers. He’s a retired Major General in the Air Force and former telecommunications professional; she was an HR executive at several Fortune 500 companies. But here in Winter Park, their impact has been felt most keenly through advocacy and leadership.

A former City Commissioner and outspoken advocate for fellow veterans, Doug spearheaded planning for the local VA hospital and raised funds for the Baldwin Park veteran’s memorial. Meanwhile, Linda has long been involved as a board member and volunteer with the Rollins Museum of Art, Crummer

Business School, and the Orlando Museum of Art.

“I think volunteering gives you a strong sense of giving back to the community and opening doors for other people,” says Linda. “At the same time, it enriches your life. In addition to giving others an opportunity, you’re giving yourself purpose.”

In fact, it was civic involvement that first introduced the Metcalfs to The Mayflower, long before they moved in. Doug had worked with the community on several City projects during his tenure as Commissioner. “Mayflower really has the reputation as the absolute best senior living community in Central Florida,” he says. “It has every level of care, from

independent living in beautiful, brand-new residences all the way through short-term and long-term healthcare.”

Linda, who was initially more hesitant to make the move, says she’s glad they didn’t wait. “I’m so grateful we made this decision,” she says. “Because you don’t know what’s around the corner. You just don’t know. Here, you have a full support system that’s in place, including the top health center in the area – right in your backyard.”

For a couple whose community involvement has helped define their lives, the Metcalfs have found The Mayflower an easy place to get engaged. “The people are extremely friendly, welcoming and embracing,” Doug says. “It truly feels like one of those old-fashioned neighborhoods. We could not be happier.”

STAYING CONNECTED

For lifelong volunteer, donor and educator Susan Hamilton, community has always come first. A Central Florida resident since 1965, she has spent decades volunteering with Junior League and participating in philanthropic events with local groups like the Rosalind Club and Sweet Charity. So, when she started thinking about her next move, she wanted to stay connected to the organizations and the city she loved.

For Susan, moving to The Mayflower –a Winter Park mainstay for more than three decades – was a natural choice. “It’s been great because I travel a lot, come and go as I please and still do all the things I always did with my friends in the outside community – plus I’m making new friends here,” she says. “I didn’t give anything up –

Longtime Winter Park leaders Doug and Linda Metcalf (pictured here at the Rollins Museum of Art) take pride in giving back to the community.

EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD

far from it! Instead, I’m getting more and more involved.”

A retired psychology teacher who loves art, music, reading and playing bridge, Susan knows how important a truly connected lifestyle can be – and at The Mayflower, she’s enjoyed learning, growing, and continuing to pursue new experiences. “Socializing and keeping mentally active is beneficial to your overall health and may stave off memory problems as you age,” she says. “It’s much better, in so many ways, than living at home by yourself.”

At The Mayflower, Susan has been able to explore everything the community has to offer at her own pace – and more important, it’s given her peace of mind for the years ahead. “I wanted to make my own decision about where I would be,” she says. “And at some point, I thought, ‘Well, why not now? Why wait until it’s too late?’ It takes that burden off your mind – because if something were to happen, you know you’re well taken care of.”

FEELS LIKE HOME

When Marcus and Kennerly Bennett first decided to tour The Mayflower, they didn’t know what to expect. But from the moment they arrived, they were charmed. “I was just overwhelmed by the courtesy,

In the backyard outside their Bristol Villa, Marcus and Kennerly Bennett added benches, stone garden beds and planters with colorful flowers.

the kindness, the friendliness – and how genuinely nice everyone was,” says Kennerly. “It felt like home.”

In a sense, it was. Marcus’s first job was in Orlando back in the 1960s, for a firm then called the Martin Company –now Lockheed Martin. But work, travel and family took them around the country for many years, and it wasn’t until fairly recently that they decided to settle on a more permanent “home base” for their future.

“We had a lovely house in Boca Grande, but it became overwhelming to look after everything,” Kennerly says. “Most of all, we didn’t want our children to worry about taking care of us … we wanted to make our own choices. So, we decided that this was the right time to choose a

A former psychology teacher, Susan Hamilton says life at The Mayf lower gives her more ways to stay mentally and socially active – plus peace of mind for the future.

retirement community that provided long-term healthcare.”

The Bennetts selected a single-family Bristol Villa, which they remodeled to accommodate their needs – removing a window in the living room to create more wall space for their art collection, designing an heirloom island with a walnut butcher block in the spacious kitchen, and adding benches and flowers to beautify the backyard.

“We love the location,” Marcus says. “We walk around the lake every morning and enjoy sitting on our porch and watching people go by.”

Even with all the benefits offered by The Mayflower, the Bennetts say it was the people – and the sense of community –that made their decision an easy one.

Adds Kennerly: “The staff is so helpful; they just couldn’t do enough for us – and our neighbors are kind and caring. There’s not a person we’ve met here that we haven’t liked. It’s really a happy campus!”

Make Your Next Move Your Best Move

A carefree, stress-free home base for your next adventure. A welcoming community of neighbors and friends-to-be. And the freedom to live life on your terms, knowing you’ve made the best decision for the years ahead. At The Mayflower, you’ll have everything you need to live life to the fullest, from assured healthcare and maintenance-free living … to a selection of stylish (and surprisingly affordable) apartment residences … to an engaging, vibrant lifestyle in a community like no other. All just minutes from the best-loved destinations of downtown Winter Park.

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