Open House at The Atrium at The Cedars

Thursday June 6, 2013 from 2-4 PM

FMI call 207-221-7100

This year we recognized Mary Goff a volunteer whom is originally from Green Bay Wisconsin and has followed us throughout history, volunteering for many years at the Jewish home and now present day here at The Cedars. Currently she visits daily with multiple residents, assists the Life Enrichment department with activities and transport, assists residents from the Osher Inn on Regional Transportation Program (RTP) trips and even accompanies residents to their medical appointments.

Her ... Read more here.]]>

Volunteer of the Year Mary Goff with staff Angie Hunt, Janine Fifield, and Sharon Leddy-Smart

Each year at The Cedars Retirement Community, we have the difficult task of choosing one person to represent The Cedars as the volunteer of the year. It presents a challenge, because everyone here has remarkable talents and gifts that they share with our residents.

This year we recognized Mary Goff a volunteer whom is originally from Green Bay Wisconsin and has followed us throughout history, volunteering for many years at the Jewish home and now present day here at The Cedars. Currently she visits daily with multiple residents, assists the Life Enrichment department with activities and transport, assists residents from the Osher Inn on Regional Transportation Program (RTP) trips and even accompanies residents to their medical appointments.

Her overall volunteer experience spans 30 years and includes, Big Brother Big Sister, Habitat for Humanity, Ingraham Volunteers and she has even helped to establish the Portland Chapter of Pine Tree Epilepsy.

She is compassionate, enthusiastic and caring upon whom ever she encounters. In her spare time Mary enjoys reading and crafting. She lives in Falmouth with her husband Ernie and her daughter Mandy. 

When asked “why does she volunteer?” She replied that “we all get more than we give in regards to those we help!”

The Cedars gives thanks to all women who have

nurtured, inspired and loved.

“This is another way for me to educate our members,” Sharon shares.  While teaching various exercise classes at The Atrium such as water aerobics, resistance training, and cardiovascular fitness, Sharon believes that Living Well for Better Health will provide an enhancement to our members’ overall ... Read more here.]]> Sharon Leddy-Smart, Lifestyles Coordinator and Wellness expert at The Atrium at The Cedars Retirement Community, recently added to her credentials a certification to teach Living Well for Better Health.  This nationally recognized, award-winning program was designed to empower people to become more active in managing their health, particularly those with long-term health issues.  Sharon attended an extensive workshop through the Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging (SMAAA) to complete the certification.

“This is another way for me to educate our members,” Sharon shares.  While teaching various exercise classes at The Atrium such as water aerobics, resistance training, and cardiovascular fitness, Sharon believes that Living Well for Better Health will provide an enhancement to our members’ overall wellness.  “It encourages people to take ownership for their health – to advocate and take responsibility for themselves – with our support, of course.”  All too often society encourages us to rely on physicians and healthcare practitioners to manage our health, when there are so many simple actions we can take to better live with our health issues.  Some of these long-term health concerns include cancer, arthritis, COPD, diabetes, depression, fibromyalgia, heart disease, Parkinson’s and other concerns that may be getting in the way of feeling our best.

As a certified instructor, Sharon will be offering Living Well for Better Health at The Cedars through SMAAA – and it will be open to the Portland community.  For more information, please contact Sharon at sleddy-smart@thecedarsportland.org or 207-221-7100.

It’s the Creation story, the reincarnation of all of nature.

The snow has cleansed and purified the earth,

Trees shrug off their snowy limbs like heavy overcoats.

Spring blossoms, almost anemic in their hunger for the sunlight,

poke through the snow to the rhythm of their own internal clocks.

Velvety pussy willows put out their silvery light visible a long way downthe road.

Hard wood trees sprout new leaves. Blades of wilted grass turn green.

Small animals who’ve been hibernating all winter rise out of the groundand search for a mate.

The Spring birds will soon be arriving to ... Read more here.]]> “A Spring Poem” by Mary Lou Martindell, member of The Atrium at The Cedars

It’s the Creation story, the reincarnation of all of nature.

The snow has cleansed and purified the earth,

Trees shrug off their snowy limbs like heavy overcoats.

Spring blossoms, almost anemic in their hunger for the sunlight,

poke through the snow to the rhythm of their own internal clocks.

Velvety pussy willows put out their silvery light visible a long way down
the road.

Hard wood trees sprout new leaves. Blades of wilted grass turn green.

Small animals who’ve been hibernating all winter rise out of the ground
and search for a mate.

The Spring birds will soon be arriving to seek out their new homes.

The silence of nature thick with the aroma of bark and humus, rotting
pine needles and the perfume of fresh air.

It is a new beginning, a rebirth of Nature.

presents at The Atrium on May 14, 2013

Seating is limited.  To reserve your space call

207-221-7100

Longtime employee at The Cedars, Everett Winslow, passed away earlier this week.  Perennially loyal and hardworking, Everett had been a stable force in the Environmental Services Department at The Cedars for over 15 years.  “He would show up early for every shift – never wanting to be late.  Truly one of the most dedicated employees I’ve ever seen,” Director Ben Ellis recalls.  “We will miss his understated, friendly manner.”  Everett was known for keeping a low profile, but managed to interact with everyone.

Kathy Callnan, President and CEO, recalls a challenging situation several years ago during construction when the electrical power to ... Read more here.]]>

Longtime employee at The Cedars, Everett Winslow, passed away earlier this week.  Perennially loyal and hardworking, Everett had been a stable force in the Environmental Services Department at The Cedars for over 15 years.  “He would show up early for every shift – never wanting to be late.  Truly one of the most dedicated employees I’ve ever seen,” Director Ben Ellis recalls.  “We will miss his understated, friendly manner.”  Everett was known for keeping a low profile, but managed to interact with everyone.

Kathy Callnan, President and CEO, recalls a challenging situation several years ago during construction when the electrical power to the freezers failed.  Neighbors began complaining about the din from the generator, and senior staff was huddled in attempts to come up with an alternative.  “When Everett came to work that afternoon, he immediately suggested using dry ice.  We all looked at each other and said, ‘Why didn’t we think of that!”

Executive Secretary, Holly Nicholson remembers Everett checking in every afternoon to make sure there that he had everything covered.  “He didn’t forget a thing!  And always left each room spotless – no shortcuts – ever.” David Kessler, Director of Dining sums up his experience with Everett: “He’d give you the shirt off of his back, that’s just the kind of guy he was.” 

We thank you Everett for making The Cedars part of your life.  We will miss you.

The mood is as bright as the winter sun streaming through the windows as instructor Fred Brancato greets each member of his weekly Tai Chi class at The Cedars.  Gathered in a circle, they begin by sharing with each other and letting go of the preoccupations of the day.  As they rise to begin their exercises, they are already lighter.

Fred has practiced Tai Chi for the past 21 years, and he guides this class with a voice ... Read more here.]]> “Minus the pre-conceived notions and judgments engendered by our culture about growing old, aging is simply change.”  FRED BRANCATO, TAI CHI INSTRUCTOR

The mood is as bright as the winter sun streaming through the windows as instructor Fred Brancato greets each member of his weekly Tai Chi class at The Cedars.  Gathered in a circle, they begin by sharing with each other and letting go of the preoccupations of the day.  As they rise to begin their exercises, they are already lighter.

Fred has practiced Tai Chi for the past 21 years, and he guides this class with a voice of quiet assurance.  Movements are graceful, yet precise.  Breathing is slower, but deeper.  Each sequence includes gentle reminders to stay centered, to smile.  Everything is in balance.

At 71, Fred has the look and bearing of a much younger man, and Tai Chi clearly informs his outlook on aging.  And as he shares the philosophy behind this ancient art with the class during the discussion breaks, you can see how the concepts of birth and rebirth and of harmony with change also resonate with his students.  “I love the people at The Cedars,” Fred says.  “So quick to laugh, wide open, ready for anything.  I get so much from them.”

And they get so much from this class.  “There are so many health benefits for seniors,” he says.  “the meditative nature of Tai Chi as well as the exercises.  Preserving strength and balance are so beneficial as we age.  Tai Chi has been credited with lowering blood pressure and blood sugars, easing fibromyalgia – every study shows something new.”

At the beginning of class, Fred cracked a window to the bracing winter breeze.  By the time he closes it, minds are clearer and walks are brisker.  Tai Chi with Fred has refreshed and renewed this class, like a breath of fresh air.

A Ph.D. and scholar of world religious traditions now retired from academia, Fred teaches Tai Chi and courses about Eastern philosophy and Native American world views, and is the author of Ancient Wisdom and the Measure of Our Days: The spiritual Dimensions of Retirement, Aging and Loss.

“Behind the Scenes at Portland Stage Company”

Executive and Artistic Director Anita Stewart

will share what it really takes to produce professional theater.

To reserve your seat, call 207-221-7100