(May 7th, 2026)
Q. Good morning, Kari. Welcome to The Preserve Family. We are incredibly excited to have you here. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
A. I am from Kansas, have 3 wonderful (grown) children who I love spending time with. I had a 15-year-old Javanese (Sammy) who passed last May and I still miss him!
Q. When planning activities, what do you think makes an event truly successful?
A. Preparation, communication and enthusiasm.
Q. What is one activity or event you are especially looking forward to hosting at The Preserve?
A. I’ve added a few new activities and am looking forward to all of them so I can get to know the residents. The sign-up sheets are filling up, which is great to see!
Q. If you could plan your “perfect day” here at the community, what would it look like?
A. Planning is the key word to have a perfect day. Preparation is key, because if I’m prepared, that means the residents are engaged with the community and having fun doing things they’re interested in.
Q. What kind of events get you the most excited about planning parties, small gatherings, or something in between?
A. I like them all for different reasons. The smaller groups are usually shy people that don’t require much attention and fanfare but still want to feel included and part of the community. The big activities are fun (a lot of work, but worth it). I love the parties where the whole community connects to celebrate the big holidays. I look forward to the activities as much as the residents do; I’m not sure who’s having more fun.
Q. Finish this sentence: “At The Preserve, I hope residents feel…”
A. valued, respected and heard.
Q. What’s one thing residents might be surprised to learn about you?
A. I don’t have a TV and wish I didn’t have a cell phone. I’ve been social-media free for about 2 years now! I also used to have a fear of heights until I went parasailing in Mexico when I was in my late 30’s.
Q. What’s your message to residents as you get started?
A. My door is always open for suggestions. I’m here for them!
Q. When you’re not planning activities, what are a few things you enjoy doing in your free time?
A. My hobbies include nature/landscape photography, healthy cooking, writing, kayaking (in Kansas, not Florida yet!) and snorkeling.
Q. Favorite television show, favorite cuisine, favorite music, and favorite sports team? This counts as one question.
A. I love chips and salsa! And Thai food. Indian food. Mediterranean food. Mexican (if it’s authentic) food. I love to eat! I have a very wide spectrum of musical taste; any good music.
BONUS QUESTION: What question did I not ask you that I should have?
Personally, we have 2 dogs and one is a tripod. I’ve been back and forth from KS to FL to help my mom but moved here for good a little over 2 years ago.
Professionally, I’ve been an Activity Director for 3-4 years, but working with seniors for almost 5 years; time flies! I’m motivated to do well by my own personal standards.
(August 12th, 2024)
Jeannette Calo on left.
Q: Good morning, Jeannette. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
A: Good morning, a little bit about myself… I was born and raised in beautiful South Florida. Cuban and Spaniard descent. I speak three languages, English, Spanish and Spanglish (lol). I am a proud mother of three amazing kids, and I am a blessed grandmother of 7 beautiful, fun-loving grandchildren. I love being outdoors and consider myself adventurous. Being from Florida, I have always enjoyed the beaches, fishing, and boating. Growing up near the Speedway, we were always at the track watching the races, so I also enjoy Nascar racing. I have also been into motorcycles and love riding.
Q: You’ve worked at several different communities as a park manager. How does The Preserve differ from the other communities you’ve managed?
A: The Preserve is in such a peaceful location and close to everything! We have amenities for everyone to enjoy both indoor and outdoor. Scenic views and beautiful wildlife. We are close to so many beautiful beaches and just a short drive to all the Florida amusements Parks and other great places to visit in any part of Florida.
Q: I am so impressed by the packed calendar you have for our residents. The community engagement has been terrific. Tell us about some of your favorite events that you have hosted at The Preserve.
A: Every event has been a success and the result of a good time. Bringing the residents together so they can meet their neighbors and just enjoy a few hours of entertainment is important, we always have a laugh and create a memory to share, which is the objective. I couldn’t do it without my Team, Kathy and Mike. At times we also have volunteers help, and we make it all come together.
Q: What kind of response are you getting from the residents?
A: We have many residents that take their time to compliment us and most importantly participate in the activities/events. They understand that we are here to make each moment count, and to have a good time. They also love the idea that they do not have to go far from home to enjoy themselves.
Q: Any events on the calendar that you are looking forward to in particular?
A: I look forward to every event as they all have their own meaning and special details. I enjoy seeing the residents have a good time and getting to know one another. Every event is a step in building a community and bringing people together. We try to create different activities/events for all to enjoy and have also added a schedule with later hours for those who still work or have other obligations during the day. There’s always something to do!
Q: Name a few things that you love to do in our neighborhood when you’re not working.
A: I enjoy going to all the different beaches, watching sunsets, and riding my motorcycle through all the back roads while learning about all the different places around here. There are plenty of attractions and secret spots to discover.
Q: Favorite television show? Favorite cuisine? Favorite band? Favorite sports team(s). (This counts as just one question.)
A: I’m not much into TV, but when I watch TV, I find myself watching The Big Bang Theory and of course game shows. I enjoy comedy most.
Lebanese cuisine is my absolute favorite!
I enjoy and love all music, but a few of my top favs are, AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Led Zepplin, Frank Sinatra, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Sade, Basia, Donna Summer, Patti La Belle, Barbra Streisand, Everything but The Girl, Billie Eilish, I can go on…
My Favorite football team was always Pittsburgh Steelers, but I admit Patrick Mahomes has won me over and I have been cheering for Kansas City ever since he’s been playing for them. Being from Miami, I do have hope for the Dolphins because of Mike McDaniel, the coach. In Basketball, Miami Heat and Golden State because of Stephen Curry & The Miami Marlins baseball Team.
Q: What is your favorite amenity at The Preserve?
A: Being that the weather makes a huge impact on determining what to do, having the Clubhouse with so much to do in it makes it my favorite, rain or shine you can always play games, shoot pool, play ping pong, throw darts, read, work out in the fitness room, listen to music, or even meet for socializing and making it a good time. It’s always nice to see the residents create their own activities and enjoy themselves.
Q: How do you handle feedback, both positive and negative, from residents?
A: Understanding that we cannot please everyone, and working with different personalities can become difficult at times, but I listen, and ask for their suggestions. If it’s something we can manage, we take care of the matter as soon as possible. Otherwise, I will share it with upper management and take their direction.
Q: What one question did I not ask that I should’ve asked you and answer it of course.
A: Can’t think of anything at the moment.
The Preserve • 12116 SW County Road 769, Lake Suzy, FL 34269 • (844) 935-0264
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