Page 7 - Jupiter West - August '21

Jupiter West, Page 7
Jupiter Senior Softball News Loggerhead Marinelife from page 1

Members of the Jupiter Senior Softball It’s a fantastic sport.” All in all, this sea
Association (JSSA) paid tribute in an And he said he’s lost 13 turtle’s recovery is
Independence Day holiday observance to pounds since he started. unique in every way.
the men and women of the armed forces who Okolichany, a lifelong Topsy is the first to
died in defense of their country. sports enthusiast, said receive an Inconel
More than 50 senior softball playing senior softball implant to correct its
players gathered around the keeps him active and buoyancy disorder.
American flag for the in shape, and added: Although the
pregame ceremony at Jupiter “Playing with guys older innovative procedure
Community Park to hear than me really inspires was not a total
remarks by Everett Barber me.” As an example, success, it provided
who praised the flag as “a he cited a 75-year-old LMC’s rehabilitation
symbol of freedom that men and women of the armed teammate whose play team with unique
forces have fought for, and many have died for, to keep “is awesome to see.” insight to treat other
us a free nation.” Barber called out for recognition all The senior softball patients with similar
veterans and first responders in the audience who were games are every conditions and to
applauded by the crowd. Monday, Wednesday strengthen chances
The ceremony concluded with a sing-along of the and Friday morning at of more successful
National Anthem. Then it was “play ball” as players took Jupiter Community Park releases. Topsy also
to the fields for pickup games. The year-round slow-pitch beginning at 8:30 a.m. received advanced CT imaging thanks to the medical
softball program, which is open to persons 55 and older, However, because of New Jupiter Senior Softball staff at Jupiter Medical Center, providing a greater
gained 51 new players last year despite a six-month renovation of Jupiter’s players Tim Brown 63, left, and understanding of the pathology of diseases in sea turtles.
suspension because of the coronavirus pandemic. Total softball fields games Chris Okolichany, 60 Moreover, the sea turtle offered new antimicrobial
membership as of mid-July was 221. were shifted to PGA approaches to infection, tissue healing and understanding
More players are needed however, to fill pickup teams National Park July 19. Games are anticipated to return about chronic stress in sea turtles.
the remainder of the year and team rosters in the 2022 to Jupiter Aug. 23. “While two years is a considerable stay, Topsy’s
Winter League that opens next January and runs through To register online or for more information go to www. clinical course offered unique insights into the medical
March, said JSSA President Tom Cosentino. And players leaguelineup.com/jssa or call Tom Cosentino at (412) management of a complicated case,” said LMC
of all skill levels are welcome. 721-0173. Director of Rehabilitation, Dr. Max Polyak. “What
New players recently include Tim Brown, 63, who we’ve learned from Topsy’s health journey will add
retired after a 42-year career significantly to our approach in treating similar injuries
as a lineman/cable splicer and diseases in future patients.”
for Florida Power and Light In its recovery, Topsy’s buoyancy disorder was
Co., and firefighter Chris temporarily alleviated with a lead weight attached to its
Okolichany, 60, who retired carapace, which was regularly assessed and refined. After
in May after 28½ years over two years of time, the turtle was finally able to swim
with Palm Beach County without additional weight. In that same time frame, the
Fire Rescue Department patient’s other conditions were successfully treated and
as a driver operator. Both the turtle was medically cleared for release.
men are neighbors in Palm Topsy has been released behind the center on Juno
Beach Country Estates. Beach, Fla. The hospital staff and its partners are keeping
Brown, who has played a watchful eye to ensure that the sea turtle continues to
ball many years in adult successfully assimilate into its ocean home.
leagues and on FPL teams, Wish Topsy well! For more information on current or
said he couldn’t wait to join previous patients, please visit marinelife.org.
the senior softball program. About Loggerhead Marinelife Center
“I retired April 30 and was Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) is a nonprofit sea
playing ball the next week. Everett Barber, left, leads senior softball players in singing the National Anthem. turtle research, rehabilitation and educational institution
that promotes conservation of ocean ecosystems with
a focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. The
center features an on-site hospital, research laboratory,
educational exhibits and aquariums, and also operates
the Juno Beach Pier, which hosts world-class angling and
sightseeing. Situated on one of the world’s most important
sea turtle nesting beaches, Loggerhead Marinelife Center
is open daily and hosts over 350,000 guests free of charge
each year. The center’s conservation team works with
90 local and international organizations across six
continents to form partnerships and share conservation
initiatives and best practices that are core to its mission
of ocean conservation. The center is expanding and
has launched its Waves of Progress capital expansion
campaign, designed to accelerate and amplify LMC’s
conservation and education impact. When complete, the
facility will offer one of the world’s most advanced and
unique experiences for guests and scientific partners.
For more information, visit www.marinelife.org or call
(561) 627-8280.
“Service is our number one priority” Photos by Loggerhead Marinelife Center
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