Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
Channel 13 News joined members at The Atrium at The Cedars, today to ask them about their memories of John F. Kennedy’s assassination on November 22, 1963. Four members gathered in the living room to share their recollections and the ‘loss of innocence’ that followed. Bob Ryan recalled living in New York and, once hearing the news, followed the television broadcasts and the insanity that followed. On the day of JFK’s funeral, he closed is office and production facilities for the day. “Everyone went to church,” he explained, ” and that was the first time I recall ever hearing the National Anthem played at Catholic mass.” Margaretmary McCann, a school teacher in Portland at the time, explained the challenge of relating the news to her fifth grade class. “We were called into the principal’s office and told the news, and upon returning to the classroom I explained that something awful...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
It really takes the fog out of the brain … just great mental exercise.” —HENRY GAGNON “STAY SHARP,” Henry Gagnon encourages everyone, and laughter and applause ripple through the room as someone solves another crossword clue. Henry and his friends at The Atrium are working together to solve a Never2Late puzzle after a brisk walk in the September sunshine, and the combination of physical and mental exercise is doing exactly that: sharpening their thinking. It’s a brand-new program at The Atrium called Train Your Brain, and it is already a big hit with members. “The Cedars is committed to a holistic approach to wellness, Lifestyle Coordinator Janine Fifield explains. “Making sure we are caring for our members’ bodies, minds and spirits. Train Your Brain strengthens hearts and minds, lifts moods … it’s fun.” “Medical research shows that cardiovascular exercise like walking or running improves our mental fitness, too,” Angela...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Atrium, Featured.
So, you’re thinking about retiring. You’ve likely considered the financial implications and planned accordingly to allow for a comfortable retirement experience. But have you planned beyond the dollar sign and considered how you’ll actually spend your time in retirement? Research shows that many retirees, and perhaps men more than women, underestimate the complex nature of the retirement transition and face the unpleasant realization that the absence of employment isn’t always the golden age they had anticipated. We often overlook the subtler aspects that our jobs provide: a sense of purpose, daily routine, unique social relationships with co-workers, and time away from our significant others, yet after entering retirement, the absence of these factors can contribute to a negative experience for retirees. By planning ahead for your retirement wellness you can improve your retirement satisfaction. Tips for a positive transition to retirement, from The Cedars: How do you plan to...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
In recognition of National Bone and Joint Awareness month, The Cedars is focusing on osetoporosis and how to improve your ‘bone health’. Osteoporosis is the most prevalent bone condition among Americans with nearly half of all women and one-quarter of men likely to suffer from its’ effects in their lifetime. Each year, approximately one and a half million Americans suffer a bone fracture related to osteoporosis. Fifty years ago, physicians believed that weak bones were a natural part of aging, but today we know that we can do something about it. It is important to remember that you are never too old to do something to improve your bone health. Osteoporosis is debilitating, reduces freedom of movement, and can cause a high incidence of hip and spinal fractures. Prevention of the condition and patient education is key to reducing the problems associated with osteoporosis. The goal is...
In addition to The Cedars Pet Therapy program, The Skilled Care Center at The Cedars has partnered with another wonderful animal assisted therapy group. Silent Sidekicks is a nonprofit organization located in Lincoln, Maine that provides animal assisted therapy/activities under the services of trained volunteers to communities throughout the State of Maine and the Canadian Province of New Brunswick. Their mission is to enrich people’s lives and promote health and happiness through positive experiences with animals. Silent Sidekicks accomplishes this by providing comfort, support, and companionship through animal assisted therapy and activities as well as by increasing public awareness of the benefits of the human-animal bond. While at The Cedars, the program will include the use of service dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. All of the volunteers with Silent Sidekicks consist of fully trained human and animal teams. As always the presence of animals enhances well-being and provides a very therapeutic relationship...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under News and Events.
Tom Bell and Carl Walsh of the Portland Press Herald joined us at yesterday’s service, here is what they had to say …. Forgiveness, atonement mark the Jewish calendar With the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah beginning Wednesday, Rabbi Carolyn Braun plays a Shofar, (a horn-like instrument made from a bovine horn) part of a 30-minute ceremony at The Cedars retirement community in Portland on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013 But like any new year celebration, Rosh Hashanah is also a time for rejoicing, feasting and festivities Jews after sundown on Wednesday filled synagogues to observe the start of Rosh Hashanah, a holiday that marks the Jewish new year and commemorates the creation of Adam and Eve 5,774 years ago. While the Hebrew calendar may not be scientifically accurate, the concept is a powerful one, said Rabbi Carolyn Braun of Temple Beth El in Portland. “We have the idea we are...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Latest News.
How to Serve a Quarter-Million Meals a Year and Savor Every Moment “A full plate tells me someone who needed nutrition didn’t get it and will have to make it up with supplements. That’s unacceptable to me. An empty plate tells me someone enjoyed a real meal, made from natural local ingredients with real care.” – David Kessler When Wendy Bush was admitted to The Cedars senior living community, she worried about maintaining her weight while recovering from a broken leg. “The food at The Cedars is wonderful!” she declares. “When I started looking forward to the next meal, I knew I might be in trouble. Thank goodness for the portion control.” She really means thank goodness for David Kessler, Director of Dining Services, and his team. When David arrived at The Cedars in 1994, he served 102 residents with a staff of 18. Today, David oversees the preparation, production...
As we age, our focus so often involves the physical aspects of our lives: getting a good night’s sleep, eating well, and treating what ails us. But our later years, like any other life-cycle, is a time to be celebrated and can be a time for deep fulfillment and inspiration. Janine Fifield, Volunteer Coordinator at The Cedars, recognizes this and has begun offering a discussion group for our residents called Angels on Earth. “We find a quiet area and have anywhere from six to 15 attendants. One Saturday I had several family members join in,” Janine explains. They begin the group by reading a real-life story where the author relates a challenging time or difficult situation in their lives that they were able to overcome, through the help of others or from an unexpected change in events. From there, the conversations flow. The residents offer their own stories about personal...
If you’re fortunate enough to live into your 90’s – life is looking better and better. Earlier today the Associated Press released a summary of findings from a Denmark study indicating that 95 year olds today are more mentally acute than those of ten years ago. Although they are not sure why, scientists are chalking it up to better nutrition earlier on in life, as well as more intellectual stimulation. At The Cedars Retirement Community, we’re strong believers in offering multiple opportunities for mental challenge and stimulation – both for ourselves and our residents. Members living in our independent living at The Atrium choose which types of programs they want to see. What’s on our recent calendars? Historical lectures by members and guest speakers Current Event Discussion Groups (this group often contacts local representatives) Blackjack, Mahjong Story writing and telling, “Legacy Letters” Trips to OLLI and SAGE classes,...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under News and Events.
Come join us for an afternoon of jazz with Maine pianist, performer and arranger, Tom Snow Monday February 25th, 2013 For more information or to reserve your seat, call...
So, you’re thinking about retiring. You’ve likely considered the financial implications and planned accordingly to allow for a comfortable retirement experience. But have you planned beyond the dollar sign and considered how you’ll actually spend your time in retirement? Research shows that many retirees, and perhaps men more than women, underestimate the complex nature of the retirement transition and face the unpleasant realization that the absence of employment isn’t always the golden age they had anticipated. We often overlook the subtler aspects that our jobs provide: a sense of purpose, daily routine, unique social relationships with co-workers, and time away from our significant others, yet after entering retirement, the absence of these factors can contribute to a negative experience for retirees. By planning ahead for your retirement wellness you can improve your retirement satisfaction. Tips for a positive transition to retirement, from The Cedars: How do you plan to...
In recognition of National Bone and Joint Awareness month, The Cedars is focusing on osetoporosis and how to improve your ‘bone health’. Osteoporosis is the most prevalent bone condition among Americans with nearly half of all women and one-quarter of men likely to suffer from its’ effects in their lifetime. Each year, approximately one and a half million Americans suffer a bone fracture related to osteoporosis. Fifty years ago, physicians believed that weak bones were a natural part of aging, but today we know that we can do something about it. It is important to remember that you are never too old to do something to improve your bone health. Osteoporosis is debilitating, reduces freedom of movement, and can cause a high incidence of hip and spinal fractures. Prevention of the condition and patient education is key to reducing the problems associated with osteoporosis. The goal is...
In addition to The Cedars Pet Therapy program, The Skilled Care Center at The Cedars has partnered with another wonderful animal assisted therapy group. Silent Sidekicks is a nonprofit organization located in Lincoln, Maine that provides animal assisted therapy/activities under the services of trained volunteers to communities throughout the State of Maine and the Canadian Province of New Brunswick. Their mission is to enrich people’s lives and promote health and happiness through positive experiences with animals. Silent Sidekicks accomplishes this by providing comfort, support, and companionship through animal assisted therapy and activities as well as by increasing public awareness of the benefits of the human-animal bond. While at The Cedars, the program will include the use of service dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. All of the volunteers with Silent Sidekicks consist of fully trained human and animal teams. As always the presence of animals enhances well-being and provides a very therapeutic relationship...
As we age, our focus so often involves the physical aspects of our lives: getting a good night’s sleep, eating well, and treating what ails us. But our later years, like any other life-cycle, is a time to be celebrated and can be a time for deep fulfillment and inspiration. Janine Fifield, Volunteer Coordinator at The Cedars, recognizes this and has begun offering a discussion group for our residents called Angels on Earth. “We find a quiet area and have anywhere from six to 15 attendants. One Saturday I had several family members join in,” Janine explains. They begin the group by reading a real-life story where the author relates a challenging time or difficult situation in their lives that they were able to overcome, through the help of others or from an unexpected change in events. From there, the conversations flow. The residents offer their own stories about personal...
If you’re fortunate enough to live into your 90’s – life is looking better and better. Earlier today the Associated Press released a summary of findings from a Denmark study indicating that 95 year olds today are more mentally acute than those of ten years ago. Although they are not sure why, scientists are chalking it up to better nutrition earlier on in life, as well as more intellectual stimulation. At The Cedars Retirement Community, we’re strong believers in offering multiple opportunities for mental challenge and stimulation – both for ourselves and our residents. Members living in our independent living at The Atrium choose which types of programs they want to see. What’s on our recent calendars? Historical lectures by members and guest speakers Current Event Discussion Groups (this group often contacts local representatives) Blackjack, Mahjong Story writing and telling, “Legacy Letters” Trips to OLLI and SAGE classes,...