May 2018 Schooner Flash Newsletter

The Schooner Flash

May 2018 Issue 122

Writers:
Your Schooner Family

Editor-in-Chief:
Sue O’Brien

Designer/Co-Editor:
Linda Hildonen

In This Issue:

• A Day for the Ladies
• Memorial Day
• Knitting Group
• Welcome
• Our Favorite Pictures
• Word Search
• Sawyer Programs
• Power of the Mind
• Spot the Difference
• Lindsey Maletto
• Ponderisms
• Senior Prom!

A Day for the Ladies

Mother’s Day arrives on Sunday, May 13th. Here at Schooner we will be taking our annual ladies photo to celebrate this special day. All who reside here are welcome to be in the picture.

The photos will be taken on Thursday, May 3rd. See your monthly calendar for locations and times.

Everyone in the photo will receive a copy. We hope to see you all there!

“Motherhood: It takes patience, a sense of humor… and a lot of moist towelettes.”

Memorial Day

Celebrate Memorial Day: Monday, May 28, 2018. In Honor of the brave men and women who have given their lives.

And join us the day after Memorial Day for our World War II panel discussion, featuring Schooner Residents talking about their experiences during the war. Open to the Public! Tuesday, May 29th from 6-7:00 p.m. in the Tenant’s Harbor Room.

Share Your Creativity!

Bring your project and come join the ladies at our Schooner knitting group. We look forward to having you there for an hour of fun conversation and relaxation! Whether you enjoy knitting, quilting or any other type of craft, all are welcome to attend. Held every Monday at 2:15 p.m. in the 2nd floor Study.

The crocheted items on the right were made and will be donated to children with illnesses.

Welcome!

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to our community!
* Rose Derocher, Residential Care
* Bob & Nancy Hurd, apartment 414
* Rachel Morin, apartment 413

Sawyer Programs

Spring has arrived and that means the start of a popular event we all enjoy, the shows at Sawyer Memorial in Greene. Sign up for a shuttle ride for an “afternoon out” to one or all of these fabulous shows. Their 2018 Spring season has started and Schooner is happy to provide transport on selected Fridays. All are free to the public and presented from April through October. Programs include narrated travel films, wildlife films, lectures, musical shows and more. Our shuttle leaves at 1:15 p.m. for the 2:00 p.m. show.

Please call the receptionist at 784-2900, ext. 100 to reserve a seat. Check out your activity calendars for all monthly show information.

The Power of the Mind!

Read this quickly (or at least try to!) and you will be amazed:

“I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulacity uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mind! Aoccdrnig to rseearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taolt mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcusaese the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

Amzanig huh? Yaeh, and I awlyas tuohhgt slpeling was ipmorantt!”

Thanks to Louise Austin for submitting this!

Employee Spotlight: Lindsey Maletto

If you don’t recognize a resident in the Searsport, Camden or Castine Dining Room, just ask Lindsey. Chances are, she’ll not only know exactly who they are, but also how they take their coffee, how cooked they like their meat, all of their food allergies, and more! That’s because Lindsey, our dining room coordinator, is the lady in charge of making sure our residents get their food just the way they like it!

Lindsey has been working here at Schooner Estates for ten years, but was officially promoted to Dining Room Coordinator in just the last year. “I strive to make the Dining Room a pleasant place for everyone.” says Lindsey. “From pretty linens to ‘just hot enough’ coffee to drink!” The great job she does never goes unnoticed. “My favorite thing about Lindsey is her natural ability to care for all of our tenants like they’re her own family,” says Seth Lyons, Director of Food Services. “She remembers all their appointments, likes and dislikes, friends and families all off the top of her head, it’s quite impressive.” Residents rave about Lindsey’s great service, as well. “I love her, I think she’s great!” says Bud Lewis. “She does her job better than anybody else possibly could.”

In addition to her promotion, Lindsey has had some recent excitement in her life outside of Schooner: just last September, she married Matt, a man who grew up in the same town as Lindsey, but who only met her briefly in that time. “Fourteen years later, we reconnected, and we were married a few months later!” Lindsey and her adorable Arianna now live with Matt and his children, and things are going great for the big family!

Lindsey says that her favorite thing about working at Schooner Estates is “the sweet faces of the residents.” She is grateful for the chance to hear our residents reminisce about their lives, and she looks up to them.

Next time you see Lindsey, don’t forget to tell her “Thank You” for being a valued part of the Schooner Family!

Ponderisms…

Why is it that people say they “slept like a baby” when babies wake up like very two hours.”

Why are you IN a movie, but you’re ON TV?

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes.

Thanks to Dick Dyer for submitting these!

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!