April 2018 Schooner Flash Newsletter

Schooner Flash

April 2018
Issue 121

Writers:
Your Schooner Family
Editor-in-Chief:
Sue O’Brien
Designer/Co-Editor:
Linda Hildonen

In This Issue:

• Congratulations Bob!
• Welcome
• Our Favorite Pictures
• Word Search
• Mike Perry
• Afternoon Tea
• Easter Menu

Congratulations, Bob!

Schooner Estates is proud to announce that our own Bob Pacios has been recognized with a Remember Me Award from the Maine Health Care Association. The Remember Me Award is designed to recognize the life and achievements of those living in Senior Living Communities throughout our state. Previous winners from Schooner Estates have included Tonie Ramsey and both Irving and Judith Isaacson. Bob will be honored at a Ceremony in Augusta on April 10th, and his portrait will be printed in a commemorative book, along with the following essay:

If you ask Bob Pacios about his childhood, he’ll start by telling you that he was born “at an early age,” in Medford Massachusetts on August 24th, 1924. His mother, an immigrant from Belgium, and his father, a World War I veteran, worked hard to provide for their six children during the depression; his mother found work ironing shirts, and his father went through several layoffs before establishing a laundry business of his own.

A natural athlete, Bob received an athletic scholarship to Hennigan School for Boys, but received a draft letter before his graduation: he laughs as he recalls that the correspondence, signed by President Roosevelt, opened simply with the word “Greetings.”
He attended basic training in Fort McClellan in Alabama, and then married his wife, Sylvia, before going overseas. He was deployed in July of 1944 to France, and continued on to Belgium and Germany. The Third Armored Division, known as “Spearhead,” led the First Army as the first division to breach the Siegfried Line. Bob remembers, fondly, the celebrations in the towns that his company liberated, reflecting on wine and Belgium Waffles offered by the grateful civilians. “You can’t believe the ecstasy that they had after being under the rule of the Germans for four years.”

Bob’s quick mind and grace under pressure made him a natural leader: he recalls giving orders to a group of panicked soldiers under attack in a house in Echtz, Germany, despite having no authority over them at the time. “In combat, people were looking for someone to tell them what to do. And I was not hesitant in telling people what to do.” This decisive action likely played a part in his rising through the ranks, and at the age of twenty, he was promoted to the rank of Platoon Sergeant. In this role, he was in charge of forty-seven men, the majority of whom were his senior in age. His time in combat was cut short when he was injured in a mortar blast, while he was doing something “very brave,” he says: “I was sweeping the kitchen of a Belgium farmhouse.”

After the war, Bob attended Boston University on the GI Bill, and then went on to work with the internal revenue service. This job brought him to Lewiston-Auburn, where he and Sylvia raised their two children. It was not long before his good nature and quick wit helped him to establish himself in the community, and soon after he decided to study to take the CPA exam, so that he could start his own accounting firm. He and a partner opened the doors of Pacios & Gervais on January 2nd, 1955. The firm afforded Bob the chance to travel the state, and he grew to love the experience of helping businesses of all sizes. He continued working in the firm until the age of seventy-five. It remains open to this day, under the name Chasse & Company.

Former Governor James Longley, a friend of Bob’s, had a “special reason” to appoint him to the Turnpike Authority in 1975. “He never told me what that special reason was,” Bob explains. He served on the Turnpike Authority, even briefly filling in as the pro-temps executive director, until 1994, when the Robert K. Pacios Rest Stop on the northbound side in Kennebunk was dedicated in honor of his service. After his retirement and stepping down from the Turnpike Authority, Bob kept busy by acting as Editor-in-Chief for The Spearhead Doughboy, a newsletter for his former World War II company. In this role, he wrote his recollections of the battles and encounters experienced by him and the men who served with him, as well as conducting many interviews of his fellow soldiers. He was also involved in professional organizations such as the Lewiston-Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the Maine Society of CPAs, both of which he served as president of for a time.

Bob’s life has been characterized by a strong sense of duty, a grateful reverence for the past, and an indomitable spirit which has transformed the most harrowing of circumstances into strength, humor, and humanity. His sharp and versatile mind helped to shape and strengthen the business community of our state, as well as the fighting forces that defended our freedom. From his precocious birth, to his bravery in war, to the “special reasons” for everything he did, he lived a truly extraordinary life.

Michael Perry Slideshow

Join Freeport, Maine’s Michael Perry for a scenic slide show journey down the coast of southwestern Maine from Kittery to Portland.
Mr. Perry’s shows are always popular and a favorite here at Schooner. He is looking forward to seeing you all on Tuesday, April 3rd at 2:30 p.m. in our Tenants Harbor Room.

His presentation, “Exploring Maine’s Seaside Beauty: Kittery to Portland,” will explore along far-reaching sandy beaches, peak into secluded coves, and check out lobster eateries in Kittery Point, Perkins Cove, and Wells. Historic inns and homes dot the route including the Lady Pepperrell House in Kittery, the Colonial Inn in Ogunquit, the Wedding Cake House in Kennebunk, and Portland’s Victoria Mansion. The classic stone churches of St Peter’s By the Sea in Ogunquit and St Ann’s in Kennebunkport, and the historic Spurwink Church in Cape Elizabeth offer quiet reflection and beauty. From Fort McClary in Kittery, Nubble Light in York and Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse you will enjoy scenic vistas out over the ocean blue. Maine features 3500 miles of coastline; some of the most inspiring of those miles are right here in our own backyard!

Pretty pictures, fun sea stories, and fascinating local trivia all geared to bring back fond weekend getaway and vacation memories.

So let’s start out the month of April with a fine show by Michael Perry. Happy Spring to everyone!

Easter Menu

Take a look at our Easter menu. The day is Sunday, April 1st. Whether you are here at Schooner enjoying this delicious meal with your friends and neighbors or away with family, we wish everyone a wonderful day!

Starters:

• Black-Eyed Susan Deviled Eggs, or
• Spring Tomato Bisque

Main Course:

• Baked Pit Ham with Caramelized Pineapple Glaze
• Grilled Lamb Chop with Whole Grain Mustard Demi
• Baked Stuffed Sole with Sherry Wine and Fresh Chives

Accoutrements:

• Rice Florentine
• Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes
• Peas & Pearl Onions
• Dill-Buttered Carrots
• Fresh Vegetable Medley

Finishers:

• Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Chocolate Mousse with Fresh Raspberries
• Fresh Fruit Salad with Rainbow Sherbet

March 2018 Schooner Flash Newsletter – PDF Format

The Schooner Flash

March 2018
Issue 120

Writers:
Your Schooner Family
Editor-in-Chief:
Sue O’Brien
Designer/Co-Editor:
Linda Hildonen

In This Issue:

• Senior College
• Daylight Saving Time
• Welcome
• Our Favorite Pictures
• Word Search
• Mardi Gras Review
• Maintenance Crew
• Our New Bus
• Silent Auction
• St. Patrick’s Day

Spring Senior College at Schooner

Sharpen your pencils and get your notebooks ready! Our first (Schooner hosted) Spring Senior College class will begin on Thursday, March 29th! Running from 9:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m., the class will be held right here in our Tenants Harbor Room. Our residents have the privilege of “first choice” for class sign ups.

It will be taught by Charles W. Plummer, PH.D, instructor for both L/A and Mid-coast Senior College and will run for eight Thursdays. Starting March 29th through May 17th. The course: “History of Utopia and Terror in the 20th Century”, will examine the reasons why the 20th Century was a time of such unprecedented violence in history and leave with an understanding of how repressive utopian governments  and terrorists organizations are created, how they are organized, and how they use violence to achieve their goals.

The courses are peer taught, with no entrance requirements, grades or tests. Your experience and love of learning are what count. If you haven’t already, please check with our Resident Services Director, Mark Prevost at extension 132 for class availability and sign up.

Don’t Forget to Spring Forward!

For all of you who are just waiting for the first sign of Spring, cheer up, it’s getting closer! One sure sign is the arrival of Daylight Saving Time, which officially begins on Sunday, March 11th. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour on Saturday evening, March 10th.

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to our community!
Madeline Fournier, Residential Care

Mardi Gras Review

Another Schooner style Mardi Gras has come and gone. We all had a great time! As usual, the New Orleans style buffet lunch, prepared by Chef Seth Lyons and his amazing culinary crew, was wonderful.

And last but not least, the always popular Mardi Gras parade rounded out the day. Congratulations to our Resident Services department (see float picture, top left) – winners of the float contest! Thank you to everyone for all the hard work put in.

Our Maintenance Crew

As we all know, the seemingly unending line of blizzards, snow storms, ice, etc. that we experienced during the first part of winter made the removal of it a big job. A giant “Thank you” goes out to our Schooner maintenance crew for taking care of us all. They all provide a first class service by keeping resident cars cleared from snow and for keeping the grounds safe and clear.

Never fear though! With the temperature warming a bit, Spring is definitely in sight!

We’ve Been Waiting…

Our new Schooner transport bus has arrived! In case you have not already seen it, check it out. It is in our upper parking lot. Sign up for one (or more!) of our weekly outings and go for a ride! It’s easy to get in and out of and beautifully designed for your comfort and safety.

The Bidding Continues

A reminder for all new comers to Schooner! Make it a point to check out our “Silent Auction.” Have you been joining in and submitting a bid or two? We have been doing this for a few years and it has worked out well. Everyone seems to enjoy it! Items are posted weekly by the Camden coffee bar, Camden entry way and the front desk area in the Castine building. Items are on display in the Tenants Harbor Room.

Bids are chosen each Thursday at noon with new items posted the same day. It’s fun and easy to do! The bid box is located near the front desk right outside the Village Green.
Also, be sure you put the date and time of your bid on the bidding slip, as this becomes the tie-breaker, the earliest of a tie bid wins!

Why Green?

St. Patrick’s Day occurs annually on March 17 in observance of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. What began as a religious feast day in the 17th century has evolved into a variety of festivals across the globe celebrating Irish culture. On this proud Irish holiday, you’re likely to see every shade of green. Why? It’s an American tradition that harkens back to old Irish folklore. Revelers of St. Paddy’s Day believed that wearing green made you invisible to leprechauns  and therefore, impervious to their mischievous pinching.

Of course, green wasn’t always the iconic color of the holiday. Originally, it was blue! Green was thought to have flourished as a tribute to the Emerald Isles and inspired the color change from blue (back in the 17th century) in order to better match the Irish flag.

“Lifeline Screening”

If you haven’t already, be sure to call and sign up for our next Schooner hosted, Life Line Screening Event. Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, is pleased to offer a preventive health event at Schooner Senior Living Community on Thursday, March 15th, 2018.  Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to: blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs which is a strong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is closely tied to stroke risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount).  All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete.  There are three ways to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call toll-free 1-888-653-6441 or visit http://lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle or text the word circle to 797979.

Give them a call today, you’ll be glad you did!

February 2018 Schooner Flash Newsletter – PDF Format

The Schooner Flash

February 2018
Issue 119

Writers:
Your Schooner Family
Editor-in-Chief:
Sue O’Brien
Designer/Co-Editor:
Linda Hildonen

In This Issue

• Mardi Gras
• Welcome
• A Special Visitor
• Word Search
• Valentine’s Day
• Words of Wisdom
• Robin Dow
• Laughter
• Mardi Gras Menu
• Wear Red Day

Mardi Gras 2018

Here it is, the official announcement for this year’s Mardi Gras celebration, Schooner style! It arrives early this year, Tuesday, February 13th. This is a very popular event and we all look forward to it.
In case you are wondering why the date changes every year, it is because Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” is the last day of the Carnival season in New Orleans, as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. The date is connected to Easter, which can fall on any Sunday between March 23rd and April 25th. Mardi Gras is always scheduled to take place 47 days before Easter.

As always, friends and family are invited to share in the festivities. Please call at 784-2900 or stop by our front desk, sign them up and pick up a ticket for our buffet lunch. Our residents will be seated closest to their regular lunch times.

Don’t forget our fabulous parade, starting at 3:00 p.m. in the Village Green. Residents and staff are encouraged to dress up and have fun! So dust off your outfits and your stash of green, gold and purple beads! We’ll see you on the 13th!

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to our community!

Fern Dumoulin – Studio 105
Claudette Erlandson – Apartment 318

A Special Visit

On January 15th, Schooner Estates had the honor of a visit from Senator Susan Collins. She toured the community and spoke with each and every resident, waiting for her in our Village Green.

Residents and employees alike were thrilled to meet her.

The Origins of Valentine’s Day

It’s that time of year again: candy hearts, red roses, and declarations of love all mark the February 14th celebration of St. Valentine’s Day. But while many complain that the celebration of romantic love has become too commercial, few understand the origins of the holiday.

Valentine’s Day has its roots in a Lupercalia, an Ancient Roman Fertility Festival celebrated in mid-February. Involving the ritual sacrifice of a goat and many more salacious details, the practice was outlawed by the heads of the Christian Church in the fifth century, who quickly established a celebration of St. Valentine in its place. Oddly enough, there is some controversy and uncertainty over who exactly the church was honoring and why: there were multiple sainted men named Valentine in the Christian religion. The martyrdom being celebrated is also in question, though the most popular story is that of a man who was executed for performing secret marriages which had been outlawed by Roman Emperor Claudius II.

It wasn’t until the 14th century that the holiday became definitively associated with love, largely because of a poem written by Chaucer based on the belief that birds would mate on the sacred day. He wrote: “For this was on St. Valentine’s Day, When every fowl cometh there to choose his mate.” In the poem, Chaucer treats the birds as a symbol for lovers everywhere, and thus, the romantic tone of Valentine’s Day was cemented!

Words of Wisdom: Pauline Pare

It may not surprise you to hear that the always-smiling Pauline Pare offered the following words of wisdom when asked to relate the most important thing she had figured out in her lifetime: “Be happy daily – make others smile always.” When asked to name something she said that younger people today don’t understand, she said “Tomorrow will bring bigger and better things.” And, just in time for Valentine’s Day, here is her advice on love and marriage: “Love a very good friend and maybe marriage will follow.” Follow this advice, and maybe we’ll all start smiling as much as Pauline!

Robin Dow Announcement

Robin Dow Seniors will be meeting, in our Tenants Harbor Room at 10:30 a.m. They are here every 2nd & 4th Wednesday. Visitors are always welcome. Stop by and say hello.

Enjoy a cup of coffee and see what they are all about.

Laughter Really is the Best Medicine

I have heard that children laugh 400 times a day and adults laugh 15 times a day. If that is true, then somewhere along the way we lost 385 laughs a day. That’s very sad and not a laughing matter. We don’t need to lose our sense of fun, joy and humor as we age but many of us do.

We all want laughter in our lives because whenever you ask someone what’s important in a mate one of the first things that they always say is a good sense of humor.

Humor will get you very far in life- especially in times of trouble and despair. You have to look really deep to find the humor in some situations but if you can find it you will release chemicals in your body that will help to ease the pain. Even a simple smile releases stress by releasing endorphins. Once released these endorphins travel down the spine sending feel good messages throughout the rest of your body as they go.
Endorphins are strong and have the power to reduce symptoms of physical or emotional pain and they will blanket you with a feeling of well being.

What they say is true. Laughter really is the best medicine so try to get out there and surround yourself with the things and people that make you laugh and bring joy into your life every day.

What or who makes you laugh and or smile?

Speaking of Smiles…

Did you know that smiling actually improves your bodies immunity by lowering levels of the stress hormone known as cortisol?

Mardi Gras Menu

Tabled

• Corn and Andouille Hush Puppies
• Bayou Crab Dip with Baguettes

Salads

• Bourbon St. Seven Layer Salad
• Creole Potato Salad
• Red Cabbage and Orange Salad

Carving Station

• Cajun Roast Sirloin

Buffet

• Tasso Eggs Benedict
• Mardi Gras Pancakes
• Andouille Breakfast Casserole
• Creole Crab cakes with Remoulade Sauce
• Fried Oysters
• Shrimp Etouffee
• Corn and Okra Succotash
• Red Beans and Rice

Finale

• Kings Cakes/Bananas Foster Sundaes
• Peach Bourbon Fruit Cups

National Wear Red Day

On Friday, February 2nd, wear red to show your support for heart disease awareness. American Heart Association lapel pins, wrist bands and hearts are available at the front desk for $2.00.

One hundred percent of your donation goes to this cause.