SCHOONER ESTATES ~ EST. 1989 OUR COMMUNITY IS YOUR COMMUNITY
Writers: Your Schooner Family | Editor: Theresa Nardone
🗓️ In This Issue:
- Ross’ 70th Anniversary
- Pet Profile
- Word Search
- New Arrivals
- “What I’m Reading” by Jackie LaPlante
- Fitness Tips
- Art Scavenger Hunt
- Favorite Pictures
💗 Bonnie and Gil Ross Celebrate Their 70th Anniversary!
Bonnie was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. In June of 1955, her girlfriends planned a road trip to Philadelphia to visit their Army boyfriends. When Bonnie decided to join them on this adventure, she had no idea it would change her life.
During this visit, Bonnie and Gil met, beginning a long-distance, letter-writing relationship. In September, Gil flew to Denver to visit Bonnie and meet her family. At Christmas, Bonnie flew to visit Gil, where they became engaged. For the next 4 months, they continued their daily letters. In April, Gil was discharged from the Army. He returned to Denver, and on May 12, 1956, Bonnie and Gil were married.
Over the years, their journey took them to several cities; along the way, their family grew with the arrival of their three daughters—Audrey, Pam, and Glenda.
In 1965, Gil’s career as an engineer led them to Burlington, VT, where he joined IBM and remained until his retirement more than 30 years later.
They moved to Auburn, Maine, in 2020 to be closer to their family during their retirement years. They have been blessed with six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
In addition to a strong devotion to family, Gil and Bonnie always pursued their own interests. Bonnie builds community wherever she goes—through church groups, the Auburn Art Club, and her volunteer work with the Ronald McDonald House, hospice, and the local hospital. She also remained active in her weekly walking group for 16 years.
Gil, meanwhile, has focused on his interests of woodworking, gardening, and watercolor painting.
Together, Bonnie and Gil have built a life defined by family, community, and adventure—one that began with a simple road trip and a chance meeting in the summer of 1955.
🐱 Pet Profile
Dot Bowyer failed at fostering 2 kittens, Maxine and Victoria! The sisters are adjusting to life at Schooner smoothly.
🧩 Word Search
Words go every way!
Word List: ARMED FORCES, BLOSSOMS, BULL, CATERPILLAR, CINCO DE MAYO, EMERALD, FLOWER MOON, GEMINI, KENTUCKY DERBY, LAWN, LILY OF THE VALLEY, MAY DAY, MEMORIAL, MOTHER’S, SHAVUOT, TAURUS, TWINS, VICTORIA.
(A table grid of letters follows this list in the original newsletter.)
🙂 Schooner Tenant Profiles
- Please welcome our newest neighbor, Joan Pedersen! After retiring from a 25-year career in Congress, Joan became the Saturday librarian at the Turner Public Library—her dream job for the next 20 years. She is now looking forward to her new life here at Schooner Estates.
- Welcome, Richard, “Dick,” Rosenberg! A longtime Sabattus resident, Dick is thrilled to be part of our community. He is looking forward to enjoying good food and social activities.
📖 What I’m Reading
The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts
In 1954, Annie, a 63-year-old farmer, lost her farm, her fortune, and her health. Her doctor told her that she had 2 years left to live. Her dying wish being to see the Pacific Ocean, Annie buys an old racehorse named Tarzan and sets out on horseback along with her faithful mutt. Leaving Minot, Maine, behind her, Annie’s journey takes nearly 2 years on horseback to complete.
Review by Schooner Resident Jackie LaPlante:
“An incredible true story about Annie Wilkins of Minot, Maine. I loved this book! In her cross-country ride, Annie meets many kind and famous people and many others who were neither, while sleeping outdoors, in stables, and in a jail! Every day is a new adventure with a few dollars, no maps, and no TV. Annie was an amazing woman. Her story has been verified with postcards, personal diaries, letters, and newspaper stories from those who helped her.”
💪 Fitness Tips
Speak with your doctor about how existing health issues may affect your ability to do regular physical activity.
- Start Slowly and Progress Gradually
Begin with low-intensity activities. - Listen to Your Body
Minor soreness is normal, but pain is a signal to modify or stop an exercise. - Consistency Over Intensity
Regular, moderate exercise is more beneficial than occasional, intense workouts.
🖼️ Art Scavenger Hunt
Can you locate the larger artworks in our halls that these small images come from? Write down the number of the nearest apartment!
(Answers next month.)
📷 A Few of Our Favorite Photos
A compilation of photos taken from the Red Sox’s Opening Day Celebration at Schooner Estates.