The many ways we’re honoring our fallen heroes this Memorial Day

Cecilia Overton shows a photograph of her father, Cletis Overton, standing with the actor John Wayne on the set of “They Were Expendable,” a World War II movie made in 1945.

“My dad was invited to the movie set because he survived the Bataan Death March, three years in prison camp and the 1944 sinking of the Shinyo Maru in the Philippines,” recalls Cecilia, who serves as director of sales for the Forum at Park Lane, a Five Star Senior Living community in Dallas. “Dad was one of only 82 prisoners who survived.” Upon returning home from the war, Cletis married his grade school sweetheart, Catherine, Cecilia’s mother, who had served in the war as a lieutenant and nurse in the U.S. Army.

With such a rich heritage, Memorial Day carries great meaning for Cecilia, whose community will be commemorating the day with a Wall of Honor, a barbeque, music and guest speakers. “Working these last five years as director of sales at the Forum at Park Lane is an honor serving our residents and the greatest generation!” she says.

This Memorial Day, Five Star Senior Living Communities are honoring our fallen war heroes with events that both honor their sacrifice and celebrate what they fought to protect—our freedom to gather safely and enjoy life.

Here just some examples of how Five Star communities are honoring Memorial Day:

• Walls of Honor and Walls of Fame—photo displays of those being remembered as well as veterans being honored
• War memorials with floral decorations lovingly created by residents
• Introducing a Vietnam War Memorial (Somerford House & Place Hagerstown, MD)
• Flag ceremonies with playing of “Taps”
• Traditional barbeques—one community, Pueblo Norte of Scottsdale, AZ, will have an antique truck with a jukebox on the back playing old favorites
• Inviting the local high school color guard to present colors and join residents for lunch
• Live music, from local DJs spinning tunes to live concerts
• Field trips to local cemeteries holding Memorial Day salutes
• Field trips to local parks
• Cornhole tournaments and other games
• Handouts of Memorial Day historical facts at place settings

From moving ceremonies to concerts, Five Star communities are showing their pride and patriotism in ways big and small—all to honor those brave women and men who served our country so we could gather freely and safely. We hope you and your family get to celebrate Memorial Day in style as well. What a great way to honor those who put their lives on the line so we could live ours.

Where living is celebrated

Would you like to make new memories—times worth celebrating? Find out if there’s a Five Star Senior Living community near you. We’ll arrange a tour so you can see for yourself just how much you have to look forward to every day of the year.

Cecilia Overton with residents at The Forum at Park Lane

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If you are planning a Father’s Day gathering for a senior dad, chances are it includes several generations of the family. While celebrating with loved ones is often the best gift you can give to fathers and grandfathers, organizing such an event might feel challenging.

We have a few helpful ideas for organizing your intergenerational Father’s Day event this summer.

3 Tips for Planning an Intergenerational Father’s Day

1. Consider the location carefully.

June is usually a great month for outdoor activities. You might consider reserving the clubhouse or covered shelter at a local park. When younger children are part of the party, it gives them space to run and play. Another idea is a picnic at a local park or on the grounds of a senior loved one’s assisted living community. Everyone can bring a favorite dish or two.

If the dads in your family are baseball fans, plan a family outing to a nearby major or minor league baseball game. Ask the park about handicapped accessibility before buying tickets, if that’s an issue.

Whatever location you choose, make sure it has restrooms close by. Also provide plenty of hydrating beverages and sunscreen for everyone.

2. Plan intergenerational activities.

If an outdoor party isn’t an option, there are many other family-friendly activities several generations of the family can enjoy together. A few fun Father’s Day activities include:

• Games: Interactive games that get everyone up and laughing are a memorable way to spend Father’s Day. Charades, Pictionary, Taboo, Heads Up!, and Jumanji are a few to try.
• Crafts: Arts and crafts also offer opportunities for the generations to bond. If you aren’t able to come up with some on your own, purchase inexpensive kits at a local or online craft store. Consider making stepping stones with everyone’s handprints on them or paint birdhouses. Painting terra cotta pots and filling them with flowers is another fun idea.
• Karaoke: Purchase or rent a karaoke machine and it’s a party! Encourage everyone to participate on their own or in groups. Make sure you have music that spans the generations. Don’t forget to document the fun.

3. Include refreshments and beverages.

You don’t need to plan a fancy meal to celebrate Father’s Day. When multiple generations of the family are together, a potluck is often easier. Everyone can bring their favorites.

If your senior dad lives in an assisted living or retirement community, talk with the dining services staff. Most communities have catering options and private dining rooms available to families.

Every Day Is a Celebration at Five Star

At Five Star Senior Living communities, every day is special. From various life enrichment activities to opportunities for informal gatherings with fellow residents, your loved one can be as busy as they choose each day. Contact us online or by calling (853) 457-8271 to learn more!

On the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day, we honor all the moms out there. This holiday dates back to 1908 and a woman named Anna Jarvis. The West Virginian daughter started it as a day to honor her own activist mother. In the spirit of continuing her mother’s community activism, Anna sought to teach mothers how to properly care for their children.

This celebration has grown and evolved over the years. Today, grandmothers are an important part of this annual tradition. As life expectancy in the U.S. has grown, grandmothers have come to play increasingly essential roles in the day-to-day lives of their grandchildren.

If you are struggling to come up with a gift for your grandmother this year, we can help. We created this checklist of fun and unique gift ideas for grandmothers.

Mother’s Day Gifts for Grandmas

• Gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure
• Framed photos of the grandkids
• Cozy slippers with nonskid soles
• Basket of her favorite treats
• Family outing to a local zoo or art museum
• Month or two of a home delivery meal service
• Fruit or flower of the month subscription
• Donation to her favorite nonprofit organization
• New birdbath or birdhouse for feathered friends
• Maid for a Day service (even if it’s just family!)
• Makeover or facial at a local salon or spa
• Flat of annual flowers and help planting them
• Necklace personalized with grandkids’ names
• Afternoon of movies at home or a local theater
• Custom throw pillow with grandchildren’s names on it
• Photo shoot for the entire family
• Shawl or pretty sweater for chilly evenings
• Container herb garden for her window or porch
• Books to read with the grandkids (and great-grandkids!)
• Handwritten recipe plate printed with a favorite family recipe
• Plush robe or loungewear
• Essential oil diffusers and a few bottles of oil
• Basket of body oils, scented soaps, and lotion
• Custom watercolor painting of her dog or cat
• Personalized “coupon” book she can trade in for loved ones’ help around the house

Don’t overlook how precious the gift of time is to a grandparent. In lieu of a gift, consider establishing a regular visitation day to spend time together. If you live far away, visit via Skype or another video chat platform.

Five Star Senior Living Celebrates Mothers and Grandmothers

If your mother or grandmother calls a Five Star Senior Living community home, rest assured we have something fun planned on Mother’s Day. From brunches and dinners to family picnics, our communities celebrate the day in a variety of ways.

Should you be considering senior living for a loved one, we invite you to call the Five Star community nearest you. One of our team members will be happy to help you learn about our Lifestyle360 program and our daily events and activities.

Veteran’s Day is celebrated annually on November 11th. This special day is dedicated to honoring those who served their country.

Today, there are an estimated 19 million veterans in America. Seven million served in the Vietnam War, while 5.5 million served during the Gulf War era. The remaining vets served in World War II, the Korean War or during peacetime.

Sorting Out the Holidays: Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day

Let’s first clear up a few common misconceptions.

The Veteran’s Day tradition began with Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. This marked the end of World War I. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance. In 1938, Veteran’s Day became a national holiday to honor veterans who served in our nation’s branches of military.

Memorial Day, on the other hand, honors people who died during service to our country.

Finally, there is Labor Day. This national holiday honors American workers. Many are surprised to learn it has nothing to do with the veterans or the military.

Honoring Veterans on Veterans Day

What are some of the best ways to honor the veterans in your family on Veterans Day? Traditionally, we honor veterans on Veterans Day with parades and speeches. The Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia hosts a special ceremony.

But you can honor veterans closer to home in a number of ways.

Ideas to Honor Veterans

• Thank a veteran. Whether it’s a family member or an active-duty military member you pass on the street, take time to thank them for their service.
• Ask a loved one to share their stories. Some veterans may be hesitant to speak about their time in the military, especially if they took part in combat during the Vietnam or Gulf Wars. But if your loved one wants to speak, listen. You might even consider asking for permission to record their stories so you will have them to share with your children, grandchildren, and so on.
• Respect our nation’s flag. You can hang a flag in front of your home to celebrate Veterans Day and honor veterans. Be sure to follow appropriate flag etiquette.
• Visit a local historic military landmark. If you can’t make it to the National Cemetery in Arlington, it may be nice to visit a local historic landmark. Choose a military landmark from this list of national historic sites.
• Visit veterans in a local senior living community. A senior community near you may have special activities planned for veterans who live there. Ask if you can volunteer to help with the event or if you can spend time one-on-one time with a resident who is a veteran. You might want to ask if you can bring your children so they can learn more about our nation’s military branches and history.

To learn more about the Veterans Day activities taking place at Five Star Senior Living, find a community near you and ask about their events and activities.

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Retirement is a season of life most people look forward to for years. It usually brings more freedom and fewer responsibilities. That gives seniors time to socialize, travel, and pursue favorite pastimes.

One fun way to spend a rainy afternoon or snowy evening is an indoor movie marathon with friends. Weather permitting, you could also host an outdoor movie night.

An outdoor movie night doesn’t have to be complicated. You will need to rent or invest in a movie projector and possibly speakers. A simple white sheet hung on the side of the house or between two patio torches can act as a screen. Ask guests to bring their own lawn chair or blanket.

If the crowd will largely be made up of seniors, it could be fun to feature an oldie, like an Elvis Presley movie or other classic. Also consider showing a movie that stars older adults.

Movies to Show When Hosting a Gathering of Older Adults

We pulled together this list of movies to help you get started:

• Grumpy Old Men starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ann-Margret, and Burgess Meredith
• On Golden Pond, with a cast that includes Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, and Jane Fonda
• Singin’ in the Rain remains a popular classic featuring Debbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly
• Lincoln, released in 2012, highlights the dark days of our nation’s civil unrest
• Walk the Line tells the story of singer Johnny Cash
• Driving Miss Daisy is a beloved movie set in the late 40s
• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, released in 2011, is a drama/comedy starring Bill Nighy, Dame Judi Dench, and Tom Wilkinson
• The Bucket List is an adventure/comedy featuring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson
• Cocoon, released in 1985, is a comedy starring Don Ameche and Wilford Brimley
• Something’s Gotta Give is another entertaining comedy with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson

Don’t Forget the Snacks

What would a night at the movies be without snacks?

If you don’t want to ask guests to bring a favorite treat to share, make it easy. Stock up on a variety of candies and different flavors of bagged popcorn. A cooler of cold beverages can keep things simple and minimize cleanup.

An Abundance of Social Activities at Five Star Senior Living

At Five Star Senior Living communities, movie nights are a favorite with residents. They are just one of the many activities residents can enjoy every day. Others include Tai Chi, yoga, swimming, art workshops, daily devotionals, and card clubs.

We invite you to call the Five Star community nearest you to learn more about our Lifestyle360 program. This holistic approach to aging helps residents enjoy their best quality of life during retirement!

<!–[CDATA[This February, we’re sharing the love. Whether you need the perfect sweet gift, or you want to show your appreciation, Chef Adam Miller has compiled a list of his favorite Signature shareable treats. From seasonings to desserts and drink mixes, these recipes have been perfectly selected to say thank you. Pick your favorite treat to make and share with your local first responders, teachers, family, friends, or other community partners to share the love this season.

Meet the Chef

Chef Adam Miller
Executive Chef, The Palms of Mt. Pleasant

Chef Adam Miller began his career in the food and beverage industry working as a bartender and restaurant manager. These roles helped him discover his passion for cooking, and he enrolled at the Art Institute of Charleston where he led his team to a bronze medal at the regional ACF competition. He graduated in 2012 and worked in popular restaurants under the direction of several well-known chefs who mentored him and helped him work his way up to Executive Chef. His talent, experience, and education make him an exceptional part of the culinary team at The Palms of Mt. Pleasant.

“Right away I could feel the welcoming, family-like environment here at the Palms. I look forward to using my knowledge and skills to create some great food for our residents.”

Featured Recipes

• Eastern Carolina BBQ
• Carolina Gold BBQ
• Five Star Spiced Pecans
• Essence Salt-free Seasoning
• Pineapple Jam
• Almond Clusters
• Peach Fried Pies
• Cranberry Frangipane Tart
• Grandma Alma’s Scotcharoos 
• Truffles
• Holiday Cake Jars
• Coconut Macaroons
• Cocoa Mix
• Spiced Hot Drink

<!–[CDATA[The holiday season is a time of joy and excitement filled with events, activities and meals that are not a part of your normal routine. For an adult with Alzheimer’s disease, the sights and sounds of the season can be overwhelming. But there are ways that you can all enjoy the season together. Planning ahead is the key.

Helping an Indiana Senior with Alzheimer’s Enjoy the Holidays

While your Indiana senior loved one may not remember the meaning behind the holidays, he or she may still enjoy the familiarity of the songs, prayers and traditions.

1. Think back to holiday celebrations of the past and try to remember what made them special for your family:
   • What was your loved one’s favorite music or hymns?
   • Can you include some of the religious customs or your loved one’s childhood, or those that reflect their ethnicity?
   • Pull out those old photo albums, home movies or scrapbooks from holidays past. Your loved one may be able to share precious memories of days gone by.
2. What food was a favorite of your senior loved one? The smell and taste of old holiday favorites can be some of the longest lasting memories:
   • Let your aging loved one help you prepare a few of their favorite dishes or baked goods while you supervise and offer support.
   • Consider using essential oils or fragrance sprays in scents reminiscent of your loved one’s favorite holidays. (Just be sure they don’t aggravate allergies!)
3. Try to avoid environments or situations that may cause over-stimulation. It can often lead to behavioral challenges for a person living with Alzheimer’s disease:
   • Avoid crowded stores and shopping centers. These can be overwhelming, even to those of us that don’t have dementia.
   • Stick to your senior loved one’s normal routine as much as possible.
   • Keep holiday gatherings small.
   • Turn off music and background noises during the meal to avoid over stimulation.
4. Tone down the twinkle when you are decorating:
   • Many seniors living with dementia have trouble with blinking or twinkling lights. Stick with non-twinkling lights and less bling.
   • Avoid decorations that are easily breakable.
   • Be careful of decorations that look like food or candy. It can be tough for someone with Alzheimer’s to distinguish real from decoration.
   • Be especially wary of Menorah and advent wreath candles. An open flame around someone with dementia can be a real danger. Consider substituting battery operated candles for the real thing this year.
5. Ask your loved one to help with simple holiday preparations.
   • Perhaps they can help to wash the fruit or vegetables or lay out the cheese and crackers.
   • They may be able to help hold the tape while wrapping packages or hold their finger while you tie a bow.

   When the Indiana senior you love has Alzheimer’s, the holiday season may need to look a little different for a few years. Embrace the chance to spend time with them.

   Don’t aim for perfection. Try to be flexible and willing to change your expectations. With careful planning, the holidays can be a happy time for both the family and your loved one with Alzheimer’s.

   To learn more about keeping the holidays safe for an Indiana loved one with Alzheimer’s, visit Caring through the Holidays from the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Stay up in cloud nine as long as you can.  Keep that love and happiness you felt when you saw each other for the first time going as long as you can.”- Lil

“Learn to say YES MA’AM!” –Tom 

“Always be willing to give and not just take.” – Delphine

“Travel while you are able to and make memories that you can relive later in life.”  – Marcus 

“Truthfulness and faithfulness.” – Aline

“Love, patience and respect.” – Nan

“Give each other his/her own space to enjoy individual likes and hobbies.”

“Don’t die.” – LeeRoy 

“Be kind to each other and love each other.” – Rosey

“Every now and then someone has to give.  No one is right 100% of the time.” – Leonard

“I didn’t run away!” – Walt

“That’s between my husband and I.” – Wilma

“Keep each other laughing throughout the years. Couples that laugh together stay together.”  – Joyce

“Having a  lot in common.  Hugs and kisses every day to keep the fire burning.” – Bill

“Like each other. Always check up on each other to make sure the other is okay. Taking each other out.” – June

“Well, you got me on that one.” – Carla

“Having a patient wife.” – Frank 

“Never go the bed mad at each other.  Always make up, it’s more fun.” – Barney and Miriam

“Think before you speak, and have mutual respect.”- Ira 

“Always be open to discussing issues.”- Lucille 

“Don’t be bossy.”- Bonnie 

“ One word, forbearance.”- Jeanette 

“Show love to each other forever and ever.”- Mary Jane 

“Treat your partner as you would like to be treated.”- Teresa 

“Pick the right partner.”- Richard 

“Not getting caught!”- Fred 

“It takes two to make a happy home.”- Joanne 

“Sleep in separate beds.”- Boyd 

“Sit down, talk it over, and do whatever SHE says!”- Tipton 

“Good sense of humor, communication, and being supportive.”- Molly Powell

“You apologize when you are right, and you apologize when you are wrong.” – Rachel

“I am afraid of all women – and my answer to everything they say is… Yes Darling, you are absolutely right.” – Riley

“Make sure you be true to him, but watch him like a hawk!” – Catherine

“ Keep it simple. Always use common sense and love in everything you do.” – Linda

“Work together on meeting each of your goals. Love is about sharing and giving.” – Sally

“Honor your vows.” – Beatrice

“Don’t marry anyone that smokes!” – Elliott

“Separate bathrooms!” – Gina

“Happy homes, meeting other people, learning, and the ability to see the world.” Beverly and Bob

“We share the same heritage, religion, politics, values and strong family ties, so we were free of the many issues that contribute to marital problems, and we also enjoy the same kind of music, entertainment, literature and writing poetry. ” – Martha and Nick

“Having love, respect, honesty and encouragement for one another. Communicating with one another and supporting each other’s decisions, especially, when it came to raising the children.” – Pat 

“Loving one another and being kind to each other. Discussing your problems instead of hiding them.” – Hattie

“You have to be willing to take the good with the bad.” – Hazel 

“Always say, ‘Yes Dear’ and ‘What else Dear?'” – Robert 

“Always communicate with one another about any and everything.” – Mary

“Two T.V’s.” – Helen

“Declare your love to one another every night before bed.” – Tony and Joe

“A long and happy marriage results when each spouse feels that he/she made the best deal!” – Elvin

“I think being “good friends” is one secret to maintaining a good “love” relationship. Being tolerant is another.” – Bill

“We shared, we gave, we enjoyed, we worked, we gave to the children, we disagreed, and we always made up. We were in love!” – Gene

“Sense of humor was our secret and lots luck (I think).” – Joyce

“Be committed. Show your affection often by word and deed.” – Robert

“Never go to bed angry. Never get mad at the same time. Skip the small stuff.” – Jane

“No arguing….treat each other with respect.” – Dorothy

“Relationship is compromising and a mutual caring among each other.” – Ben

“Don’t fight for everything, they key word is knowing how to forgive each other.”

“Think of your partner first and everything will fall into place.” – Al

“Having respect and love for each other and being best friends with the person you are with.” – Gloria

“Staying with each other while going through difficult times, remember to always compliment each other and support each other with their own individual interests.” – Bob

“To give love and be loving.” – Faye

“Being patient and don’t look for something wrong with them at all times.” – Virginia

“Love the person with all your heart and respect each other’s wishes.” – Lorene

<!–[CDATA[Bird’s Eye View 

There are over 9,000 species of birds in the world, giving us so much to explore. Although our residents may not travel to exotic locations to view these many birds, we can still offer them a glimpse of these wonderful species via the Web. Residents may choose to download free apps to pursue bird watching or view the live feed via Cornell’s Bird Cam’s that are all over the country. But what about our own backyard where so many species of birds are available to see? Residents can explore local parks, forests and preserves as well as their own backyard. Through this program residents have opportunities to not only learn about birds in their area but also be an active participant in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) which contributes to a better understanding of the bird population. 

Ways to be involved in this Signature Program

 Learn about the birds in your area or explore the birds in various states via What Bird and Audubon’s Field Guide.

1. Participate in one or all of the following bird watching activities:
   • Hummingbird Watch – Residents can report on hummingbirds and their feeding behavior at any time of year.  Using the website or a free mobile app makes it easy to report sightings and learn more about these remarkable birds. 
   • Project Feeder Watch – Project Feeder Watch is a winter-long survey of birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America. Feeder Watchers periodically count the birds they see at their feeders from November through early April and send their counts to Project Feeder Watch. 
   • Watch Birds Live – Cornell Bird Cams – Great for residents to view on their own or a live feed in the main lobby/living room. Great way to bring residents together.
2. Bringing Birds to the community
   • Have the knitters in your community donate their tiny yarn scraps so birds can make their nests.
   • Using recyclable materials found at the community, create unique bird feeders. 
   • Make a Bird Seed Wreath – This suet bird seed wreath provides densely nutritious food for the birds that hang around in the winter. Cook one up and hang it outside and wait for your feathered fans to come snack. What birds should you expect? Suet is a particularly welcome feast for birds like wrens, chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers. 
   • Build a Birdhouse
   • Plant a Bird Friendly Garden
3. Do you knit/crochet?  Check out the Knests for the Kneedy Project.

Benefits to Residents

Bird watching is something that can be done in a chair, on a short/long hike, from a computer and reaches all people of any physical or cognitive function level. “The mental exercise of learning something new contributes to overall improved health of the brain, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Identifying bird species and committing them to memory, as well as their physical attributes, could create an intellectual challenge that serves your health well. Additionally, being outside creates opportunities for the body to get fresh air and vitamin D from the sun. Combined with the benefits of a birding walking tour, the physical effects of participating in this hobby are widespread.”  (No Author noted. February 9, 2012. The many benefits of bird watching. In Las Vegas Review – Journal. Retrieved December 22, 2015.) 

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At Five Star, every day is a chance to gather around the table and celebrate our shared love of food and our mission to add to the quality of life of the residents and family members we serve.  We are proud to share with you some tips and recipes to help make your Thanksgiving special, and Five Star. Enjoy.

Decorations

With all the preparations that go into hosting a Thanksgiving meal, there often isn’t much time left to consider decorations. Thankfully, there are fast and easy ways to create a festive scene and get everyone in the holiday spirit.

• Eye catching centerpieces inspired by the fall harvest.
• Creative place card settings.
• Napkin rings made out of cranberries.

Table Settings

The dinnerware you choose can help set the overall tone of the table, but that doesn’t mean you need fine china or even matching plates and serving dishes.

• Create a harmonious style with more simple, classic pieces.
• Arrange flatware in the order in which it will be used, starting with the outermost item, with forks on the left side of the plate and knives on the right.
• Make sure all the in-demand items – gravy, cranberry sauce, butter – are easily accessible at the center of the table.

Thanksgiving Wine

Given the variety of Thanksgiving foods and flavors, it might be difficult to choose just one or two wines to pair with your meal.

• Start off with a dry sparkling Prosecco as a refreshing accompaniment to snacks and appetizers.
• For the main course, opt for a lighter red like Pinot Noir that contrasts well with the heartiness of the feast.
• When it’s time for dessert, consider serving a sweet Port or chilled Riesling.

Recipes – Oven Roasted Turkey

See our video for Five Star Oven Roasted Turkey

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 Cup Celery
• ​1 Cup Onion
• ​1 Cup Carrots
• 1 Lemon, halved
• 1 Bunch Thyme
• 1 Bunch Sage

Cooking Instructions

1. Place your turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and stuff the turkey with all ingredients.
2. Using butcher’s twine, tie the wings and drumsticks close to the body, then tie the legs together tightly.
3. Season with salt and pepper, only if you didn’t brine the turkey.
4. If you brined the turkey, season only with pepper.
5. Place in a 500-degree oven for 30 minutes, uncovered.
6. Cover the turkey with foil, turn the oven down to 325 degrees and roast for 3 hours or until the internal temperature of the thigh reads 165 degrees.
7. Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes.