- February 13, 2025
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Opis employees drew their markings in the sand (Courtesy photos).
Shannon Weston-Jossie went for a "beach run" with Louise Brojek.
Opis employees named their event "Memories in the Sand," and hope to be able to do it more often.
Judy West, Mildred Vanlanker, Nancy Becker and Shannon Weston-Jossie getting their feet wet.
Mildred Jordan, Ruth Haislet, Mildred Vanlancker, Louise Brojek, Mae Allen and Dianne Plants enjoying an afternoon of sunshine.
Mildred Vanlancker and Jerry Walworth try to reel in a few fish.
Jerry Walworth and Shannon Weston-Jossie
"I never thought I'd get to do this again," said Mildred Vanlancker as she looked over the ocean at Andy Romano Beachfront Park. "I used to live on the beach, and I'd go every day. A lot of good memories here."
Vanlancker was one of eight senior residents that the Opis Coquina Center took to the beach April 28 in an effort to help them enjoy life's simple pleasures, like they did when they were kids.
Residents fished, blew bubbles, played in the sand and tossed balls back and forth. Lisa Nelubovich, admissions director, said she many residents and employees — herself included — were wiping tears away under the sunglasses.
"One woman made sure we got pictures of her toes in the sand," Nelubovich smiled. "This makes such a huge difference in their lives, and we just want to give back.
Opis paired up with Beach Rental Wheelchairs to give residents a chance to get in the water. Something Louise Brojek will be bragging about for a while.
"I'm gonna tell my roommate, Bonnie," she said. "She's going to be jealous."
