All Info Pertaining to The Highlands

All Info Pertaining to The Highlands
Jean and I moved to The Highlands in the Fall of 2007 from our home on Cousins Island in Yarmouth where we had lived for 30 wonderful years. I often think that I'd like to share a thought or an experience about our life here at The Highlands with other folks . . . and by this "blog" I am going to do so. One other thought. The Highlands is not in any way responsible for this website. This is wholly the personal responsibility of Stan Sylvester. Jean Sylvester has her own site at http://www.catcarewithlove.blogspot.com/ mostly devoted to her writings, her poetry and her experience as a professional cat care person in Yarmouth. SPECIAL NOTE TO VISITORS: In addition to scrolling down to view contents of my blog, when you reach the bottom you can click on "older posts" to review all the topics I've posted.

Friday, March 16, 2012

We had an informative tour of Portland with Jim Millinger

On March 6, 2012, twenty knowledge seekers from The Highlands went on the van to visit Portland and learn about this very historic seaport and commercial city.




As a preface, Jim gave us a half-hour introduction about the history of Portland and how maps of the city had changed over the years, particularly the filling in the waterfront and the development of Commercial Street.

Here is the vanload of "Happy Campers" en route to Portland.

After touring State Street, Congress Street, the Eastern Promenade, Fort Allen Park and some of Fore Street, we had lunch at Gilbert's Chowder House on Commercial Street.

Don't go to Gilbert's for a steak dinner, but if you want a lovely seafood meal, try this restaurant.

Tummies full, we reboarded the van to continue our exploration of the Old Port area, more of Fore Street, the western part of Commercial Street, the Western Promenade, Deering Avenue, Park Avenue, Deering's Oaks and then back to Topsham.

And this is Jim Millinger, teacher and historian, who pointed out in this photograph that Gilbert's Chowder House is located at the site of Lundgren's Market, near the former waiting room and ticket counter of the Casco Bay Lines.  We were all very appreciative of Jim's sharing his knowledge and research with us on March 6th.

Friday, January 27, 2012

An Evening in Tuscany

About once a month, there is a "theme night" in the dining room of the Maine Lodge. On January 26, 2012, we celebrated an Italian night, "An Evening in Tuscany."


Helene Linenthal & Louise Cornman with a poster of Lake Como

Marketing expert Jay Pappas sharing fellowship with Karen Jensen


Lonnie Norton adding her knowledge of Tuscany

Patty and Stephanie kept us supplied with wine and appetizers

Jo Atlass & Mike Trenholm enjoyiong the event

Heidi Krahn enjoying the red wine


Chef Jason is so skilled that he can make a Caesar salad with his eves closed


Chef Craig came to the table to make an individual Caesar salad


So many residents and guests attended that this is a photo of the persons
still waiting to be seated at 6:15 PM
Jean and I shared in the good fellowship


Saturday, January 7, 2012

New Year's Eve 2011 at The Highlands

New Year's Eve at The Highlands is fun. This year, after wine and drinks and appetizers in the Activity Room, we had a candlelight dinner in the Dining Room. The waitstaff really dressed up for the occasion, looking very professional in their white shirts and black bow ties. Below is the smiling group.

Here is our Dining Staff on December 31, 2011

Helene Linenthal in a fancy dress

Norma & Ron Wise all dolled up

Pegita & Frank Campagna

Jo Atlass

Lois Wilcox having fun
Jean & Stan Sylvester


Saturday, December 31, 2011

More Christmas 2011 at The Highlands, the "Christmas Party"

With lots of music and food and merriment, all residents of The Highlands community gathered in the Maine Lodge Living Room and in the Media Room for good fellowship and good cheer.


Kristen Mellott, a member of the housekeeping staff, covered the front desk on Christmas Day.

Joe Goldstein enjoyed the copious shrimps as well as the ice sculpture.

Helene Linenthal sat in Santa's lap.

Muriel Gosselin & Bob Waterman found a tray of "goodies."

Dot Livingston chatting with Ted Thieme.

Joanne Adams & Frank Campagna joined in the fun.

We wonder what Santa was whispering in Elaine Kurtz's ear.

Jo Atlass shared in the great food.

Marcus Nordberg did, too.

And here's a closeup of the ice sculpture done by our dining staff.

The Highlands Residents Executive Board. 2011-2012

Members of Board, 2011-2012:  Front Row: Belle Traver (secretary), Deane Lanphear (chairman), Marilyn Crandlemire, Dorothy Simonson. Back Row:  Bob Waterman (treasurer), Barbara Goodwin, Jane Collins, Jean Jangraw, Katharine Bell. 
Absent from photo: David Kilpatrick, Jeanne Whitten.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Trimming the Christmas Tree at The Highlands

With lovely music on the harp, we had fun at the decoration of the Christmas tree in the Maine Lodge Living Room on December 8, 2011


Lonnie Norton had to reach high
The harpist played many Christmas tunes

Kathy Pelta added her decoration

Ginny Simonsen contributed hers

Irma Russell looking for the right spot

Louise Corman is always happy and smiling

Jeannette Wootton can reach the very top

Bill Bellows was clowning around with the decorations

Joanne Adams & Jim Nolan having fun with a stuffed animal

Crystal Toothaker added the tip top decoration

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Thanksgiving at The Highlands -- 2011

Thanksgiving is special at The Highlands because many of our residents entertain their family and friends for the special Thanksgiving Dinner. In addition to holiday beverages and tasteful appetizers in the Activities Room, the menu this year consisted of a full course turkey dinner, a baked ham with raisin sauce dinner or a ginger glazed salmon entree. Apple, mincemeat and pumpkin pies, with or without ice cream or whipped cream, rounded out the special meal.

Here are some of the family groups:


Ruth Grand with daughter Lorna and son-in-law

Bill Bond with daughter Kate and her family

Gloria Cown entertaining Bill Bond's kinfolk

Fran Fossett was happy to entertain a large family group