Richard and Lillian Goldman relax in the foyer of the Carlisle. Photos by Libby Volgyes/The Coastal Star
By Libby Volgyes
Ruth Knox is still glowing a bit from the morning political discussion. A lively, animated group had gathered to discuss the previous evening’s vice-presidential debate. Peppered among talk of Hillary Rodham Clinton and the environment, the group broke down the age-old question: Do you want experience or youth?
Knox, 87, loves those weekly political discussions, relishes good conversations filled with peppery zingers and a chance to think, discuss and get her brain working overtime. In the three years she’s lived at the Carlisle Palm Beach in Lantana, they’re one of the highlights.
“There comes a time when you have to look in the mirror and realize you cannot do what you want to do, and the Carlisle provides location and services and all that comes with living in retirement,” Knox said.
So, lured by location, among other things — the ocean breeze wafts lazily across A1A to Carlisle residents — she packed up her condo at the Rapallo along the Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach and moved 9 miles down the street.
For residents of the spacious establishment across from the Ritz-Carlton Manalapan, their future just got a little easier with the Carlisle’s expansion plans.
Currently, the Carlisle has 60 assisted-living apartments and 250 independent-living apartments. In about four months, it will start the process of transitioning to 80 assisted-living apartments, 146 independent-living apartments and 54 “memory care” — Alzheimer’s- and dementia-specific housing for seniors.
“It’s going to be awesome for our residents because it means they never have to move. This is their last move,” said Natasha Deonath, director of sales and marketing. “It’s huge. As our residents age, we’re trying to find ways to accommodate their needs.”
Myrtle Singer gets a kiss from Sammy, her Chinese-crested powderpuff. Singer’s needlepoints grace the Carlisle’s hallways.
You first become introduced to Myrtle Singer, 91, as you walk the halls of the Carlisle: Her elegant needlepoint hangs in the hallways with other talented residents’ artwork.
Singer moved in 11 years ago with her husband, Eddie, and Sammy, their Chinese-crested powderpuff. Sammy was the first dog at the Carlisle and only a puppy when they moved in, and while he attracted a fair amount of attention from the dog lovers (the Carlisle accepts all sorts of pets), all Myrtle was concerned about was being there with Eddie, the love of her life.
“I was happy that I had my husband with me. That’s all I really cared about,” she said. They had moved from their custom-built home in Manalapan on A1A close by.
Eddie helped make the transition easier, and though he has since passed away, she has her daily routine down pat.
Every morning, she rises early to walk Sammy and then sets him down by the pool while she does laps. A lifelong swimmer, she traded in the lakes of Maine and Atlantic Ocean swims — where she was always afraid of the sharks — for the more sedate tempo of the Carlisle’s swimming pool.
“They have a gorgeous pool. I’m in there every morning,” she said.
Myrtle attends discussions on current events and is learning canasta. She has performed in the Drama Club’s Steel Magnolias and loves theater, musicals and dinner outings — and everywhere she goes, she brings Sammy.
Out in the foyer is a younger couple who moved in a few months ago. Richard Goldman is reading the newspaper as his wife, Lillian, is knitting an afghan. (Both declined to give their ages.)
They’ve been married more than 60 years and are inseparable.
“We always go to their movies, whether we like ’em or not,” Richard said.
“Their movie theater is beautiful; it’s very comfortable too,” Lillian adds.
The state-of-the-art movie theater features special headphones for people who have difficulties hearing.
“People that can’t hear say ‘I’m not going to go (to the movies) because I wouldn’t hear it and enjoy it,’ ” Deonath said. “It gets them out and enjoying it.”
So far, the Goldmans are still figuring out which activities to participate in, but they already know one thing they do like.
“The people are nice. The help is lovely,” Lillian said, to which Richard added, “We’re crazy about them.”
About the Carlisle Palm Beach
Date opened: 1988
Address: 450 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana
Price range: Independent living ranges from $2,395 to $6,995 per month, and assisted-living suites range from $1,995 to $6,995 per month. There also is a one-time community fee that starts at $5,000. A range of fees is based on size of apartment and services provided.
Staff size: More than 100 employees.
Special features: State-of-the-art movie theater featuring headphones for people with hearing difficulties, dining room, two card rooms, mini putting green, dog park, resort-style pool, café that serves lunch, library, beauty salon, gym, Internet lounge, wellness center that provides physical therapy, occupational therapy and a doctor’s office with an on-site physician, restaurant with private dining.
Restrictions, qualifications: None.
Average age: 79-84
Residents: 325
Information: 533-9440 or SeniorLifestyle.com
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