pring Haven retirement facility was built in 1986 in Winter Haven with forethought and planning. The structure has required no add-ons and it will accommodate needs as originally planned well into the future. Spring Haven is currently owned and managed by T.J.M. Properties with a sister property called Southern Gardens operating in Lake Alfred. Spring Haven is an Independent and Assisted living accommodation. Southern Gardens is a total assisted living facility.

Executive Director Hank Sosnowski says, “I want Spring Haven to be the best place to live and work.” He goes on to say that his workers stay. “I’m proud of my employees. We have longtime employees and they make me look good.” The success of a facility such as this depends greatly upon the staff that runs it. There is genuine enthusiasm for the comfort and needs provided for residents at Spring Haven.

Jubert Kerlew has been at Spring Haven since it began. He oversees yard landscaping and grounds-keeping. The yard is manicured and accented with small, ever-changing, area gardens. Due to his efforts, Spring Haven won the Beautification Award given by Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce in March 2005.

Activity Director Alisa Kelley is devoted to arranging monthly activities, entertainment and oversees transportation for residents. Her enthusiasm for this job is a jewel for residents. Activities are planned to be diverse in style, fitting in with the time of year and holidays. Shopping trips are varied to accommodate many shopping areas in Auburndale, Winter Haven, Lake Wales and Lakeland. Mystery trips are planned. A regular schedule of inhouse entertainment is on the calendar, such as movies, various card games, and bingo. Live musical entertainment is scheduled often. A unique specialty is ownership of a twenty-four foot pontoon boat that provides boat trips among the Chain of Lakes often ending at Harborside Restaurant for lunch or the boat viewing area of the Cypress Gardens Ski Show.

Several centers within the complex where one can independently devise their own entertainment include: A one mile paved walking trail, a library for the avid reader, the fishing pier at the edge of Lake Hartridge, or relaxation in the heated outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi. A coffee shop off the main lobby is open twenty-four/seven where one can enjoy an assortment of beverages. One day a week this is the locale for a special dessert party pie and ice cream, root beer floats or cider and cookies, etc. “These positions (activity directors) are the hardest because we have so many residents to please, but it is the most rewarding as we get to know everyone,” says Kelley.

Spring Haven is a community within itself and yet it allows its residents to live independently and participate in outside community activities as well. One can have their own car for transportation. The facility also owns a twenty-five passenger bus and two cars to provide transportation for doctors visits, shopping, banking and a number of entertaining activities.

David Abner oversees food and dining services. Meals are available three times a day, although many residents do lunch on their own. The menu has a variety of choices and special needs diets are accommodated.

Apartment styles provide choices from studio apartments to two-bedroom, two-bath arrangements. A full kitchen with dish-washer and garbage disposal is available. One can bring their own furniture and treasures. Independent living apartments receive full service cleaning once a week. One can do their own laundry at complimentary washers and dryers or can contract to have laundry done. Assisted living arrangements provide daily light housekeeping and full service once a week. Frank Ochoa, Director of Environmental Services, oversees the housekeeping.

Community Relations Director, Donna Golliher, is proud to share this facility with the community. The public is invited to attend many functions. Dinner can be arranged for a nominal fee. The facilities and amenities available at Spring Haven offer luxury, style, security and ease. Information is available by calling (863) 293-0072 or toll free (800) 661-6459, or on the internet www.springhavenretirement.com.