fall 2013 L ifestyle News, Personalities and Perspectives from

HEALTH CARE A masterpiece of Maine living for those 55 or better ISSUE

NEW ADULT PRIMARY CARE Location and Leadership PRACTICE Highland Green residents enjoy access to premium care while displaying Page 4 leadership in the field of health

SEEN AROUND As 2013 reaches the three- landscaping and home exteriors. HIGHLAND GREEN quarter mark with the promise of Highland Green owners are Page 6 extravagantly colorful fall foliage, especially proud of the financial there continues to be many reasons strength of the community why new friends who love Maine and the stability that is offered FEATURED CUSTOM and share interests have moved through the vitality of their BUILT HOMES to Highland Green in record reserve funds, which ensure Page 6 numbers. The end of the year that the community appearance will bring frequent move-ins to and value are maintained. existing resale homes and newly CONNECT & built homes alike. Construction An unprecedented incorporation EXPERIENCE will continue all winter for of natural beauty within Highland A view within the Cathance River Page 7 customers who will move in Green includes the 235 acre Nature Preserve at Highland Green the spring and summer of 2014. Cathance River Nature Preserve, UPCOMING the Heath Sanctuary, miles of Most of all, an indelible sense EVENTS Highland Green offers custom- maintained trails and the Ecology of community is bolstered by Back Cover built homes with a low- Center. This assimilation of dynamic social, educational maintenance lifestyle that lets permanently preserved space and volunteer activities based residents spend more time allows the chance to embrace around the Community Center. enjoying life. Cooperative an active outdoor lifestyle, housing, similar to condominium conservation, and nature An active lifestyle at Highland living, allows for operational within the security of Maine’s Green does not just mean walking, services such as snow removal premier planned development and collective maintenance of for those 55 or better. Continued on Page 2

HIGHLAND GREEN 7 Evergreen Circle, Topsham, Maine 1-866-854-1200 www.highlandgreenlifestyle.com Continued from Page 1 hiking, biking, swimming, tennis or golf. For the future. She learned the hard way that most those so inclined, it also means folks from 25 condominiums and cooperatives are not only states and counting being actively engaged underfunded in their reserves, but do not have with others of similar interests, whether a calculated actuarial plan to cover capital those interests are social or intellectual. expenses in the future. Having previously Important for many is the chance to use their paid numerous “special assessments” at her experiences and life skills to give back to condominium, Claire was eager to review Highland Green and to the greater community. Highland Green’s reserve. The results of that review were extraordinarily positive as Interesting inhabitants in their 50’s, she found that not only have Highland Green 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, from very diverse shareholders funded themselves well, there backgrounds and locations as close as three is a reserve study going out decades into the miles near and as far as California and future. Furthermore, some funds are being Oregon, have moved to Highland Green in conservatively and strategically invested to part because they do not want to live in a outpace inflation. Highland Green owners traditional “retirement” community. At the have set the tone regionally, if not nationally, same time, Highland Green residents tend to with the strength of their reserve plan. be planners who want a solid arrangement Claire Bowen at a gathering of new friends at the with security for the future. Whether moving Highland Green Community Center Alroy and Valerie Chow recently made their from right nearby or from across the country, decision to move to Highland Green from people want to know that there is access their home in Jacksonville, Florida. They to the highest level of quality health care. will be building a custom home in Highland Mid Coast Hospital, she found what she Green’s new Red Maple Lane neighborhood, Though Highland Green is a 635-acre calls “an impressive array of specialists” which is an eight lot cul-de-sac at the oasis of community and natural beauty, its with “top notch credentials.” Says Claire: highest elevation in the community, abuts strategic location in Topsham, Maine is the Heath Sanctuary, and is just across from just three miles from the college town of the entrance to the Cathance River Nature Brunswick, is proximate to the scenery of “Mid Coast Hospital Preserve. Another advantage for the Chows the Maine coast, and is very convenient to is an absolute gem!” is that they were able to lock in a design Portland. Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick and plan now and move in early 2015. is located just a few minutes away. Its Though she already owned a condominium affiliate through MaineHealth called Maine in Cape Elizabeth, Maine where she Originally from Trinidad, Dr. Chow was Medical Center, just down Interstate 295 had planned to live after retiring, Claire educated in Canada and has practiced in Portland, has a reputation as one of discovered Highland Green three years gastroenterology in numerous locations the top regional facilities in the nation. ago and continued to be drawn back “like around the country. More recently, he was a magnet.” The sense of community, the recruited to organize the department at Claire Bowen from Claremont, New people, the size and natural beauty of the Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, where Hampshire recently made the decision to development, the easy access to Portland he became very highly regarded by the move to Highland Green. After growing and so many chances to kayak were just general Brunswick-Topsham community up in Lewiston, Maine and eventually some of the attractions. She also will live as well by many residents of Highland attending graduate school at Xavier in a free-standing custom home with more Green. Having just retired from that position, University in Cincinnati, Ohio to study room inside and open space outside for her Alroy will always remain active in medicine Health Care Administration, Claire went Golden Retriever, Callaway (named after as well as with his true passion: owning, on to become a leader in the health care her golf clubs). Though she will not move training and watching his harness-racing field. She retired in 2013 as Chief Executive until November, she already has Highland horses compete throughout the Northeast. Officer of Valley Regional Hospital in Green friends named Betsy, Anne and New Hampshire, having previously held Susan and many more she shall soon meet. Valerie Chow grew up in Caribou in Northern the same position at Fairview Hospital Maine. During their latest temporary stay in in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Being familiar with condominium and Maine for Alroy’s work, the Chows started cooperative style ownership, Claire is to seriously consider moving to the state In considering her move to Highland keenly aware that the most important factor permanently. After looking at traditional real Green, Claire was clearly well-equipped when contributing to collective maintenance estate neighborhoods surrounding Portland, to evaluate access to high quality health of homes is the replacement reserve funds care. Through her research of nearby of the community and reserve plans for Continued on Page 3 2

Highland Green | 7 Evergreen Circle, Topsham, Maine 04086 | www.highlandgreenlifestyle.com | 1-866-854-1200 Continued from Page 2 the Chows discovered Highland Green and and to have a lifestyle in place when we began to look very closely. The location, the actually did retire…even down to having setting, and the ability to custom build their a first floor bedroom. Why wait?” he asks. home were all factors. “We have a lovely house in Jacksonville,” says Alroy, “but we Over the last ten years, the low-maintenance decided to move to a place where we could package at Highland Green has been be even happier.” Their interactions with convenient as the Woods do not have to Highland Green staff and especially with worry about their home when have had free current and future residents reinforced the time to visit their kids in Missouri, or to travel one-of-a-kind sense of community that is elsewhere. Their passion for scuba diving apparent. Valerie recently summed up her has brought them all over the world and as feelings by saying: of this year they have completed over 500 dives in the Caribbean, Papua-New Guinea, Australia, Thailand and many other places.

“This place Alroy and Valerie Chow on race day at Scarborough Like many other Highland Green residents, Downs Racetrack, Scarborough, Maine Peter will never be truly “retired.” He recently is magical.” received the 2013 Quality Improvement Leadership Award from Maine Quality As far as access to health care, Alroy likes Director, Peter was in charge of overseeing Counts for his innovations in health care to point out that there are only two “magnet” operations, developing a strategic plan, quality and cost improvement in Maine. hospitals in Maine. Mid Coast Hospital in and creating initiatives for cost reduction He has also become a consultant for care Brunswick and Maine Medical Center in and quality improvement. “The goal is to coordination projects around the nation, most Portland, both proximate to Highland Green, improve post-discharge quality and reduce recently in Alabama. Through these projects are the only two that share this title. the probability of readmission,” says Peter. he has realized that Maine is “way ahead of He adds: “The PHO helps with transition, the curve.” “This is a very progressive area in Claire Bowen confirms that the “magnet” ensures connection between patients’ terms of delivery of quality care,” says Peter. designation is rare. “This is an incredible primary care doctor and specialists, and “Not only does Maine have high quality achievement requiring very tough makes a concentrated effort to coordinate qualifications,” says Claire. She adds: “There care, and to foster accountability.” Continued on Page 4 is a particularly high bar set for staff. Every nursing professional must have at least a Peter and his wife Ellen are pioneers at Baccalaureate-level degree for the institution Highland Green, having moved from to qualify.” Yarmouth, Maine, in 2003, the first year homes were completed here. Originally from While Mid Coast Hospital, the “gem” of Cleveland, Ohio and Baltimore, Maryland coastal Maine, is just a few minutes down the respectively, the Woods moved to Yarmouth road from Highland Green, Maine Medical in 1995 from Rochester, New York when Center in Portland is less than 30 minutes Peter took the position with PHO. Ellen, away. It is one of only 173 out of 5,462 meanwhile, took a post as Web Coordinator evaluated by U.S. News and World Report to for the Maine State Library in the state be named one of America’s Best Hospitals. capital of Augusta, a position she holds until Mid Coast and Maine Med are affiliated with later this year. each other and with several other hospitals in Maine. MaineHealth, the parent organization, Highland Green’s location was perfect for the is a not-for-profit family of health care Woods, being equidistant from Peter’s work providers and other health care organizations. in Portland and Ellen’s in Augusta. More importantly, however, the Woods moved to Highland Green resident Peter Wood Highland Green a decade before retirement retired in the spring of 2013 as Executive for a sense of community. In 2003, their kids Director of the Maine Medical Center had grown and they had no unbreakable ties Physician-Hospital Organization. PHO is to the town of Yarmouth. “In our opinion, it an organization that affiliates over 1200 is important to be proactive,” says Peter. “It physicians and MaineHealth hospitals. As was important for us to form relationships, Peter and Ellen Wood with Josh 3

Highland Green | 7 Evergreen Circle, Topsham, Maine 04086 | www.highlandgreenlifestyle.com | 1-866-854-1200 Continued from Page 3

hospitals and doctors, through coordination it has an impressive continuum of care,” he says.

Highland Green Founder John Wasileski is the preeminent developer of retirement communities in Maine who prides himself on being ahead of trends. From developing two full scale retirement communities in Maine starting in the 1980’s to founding Highland Green, Maine’s first and finest 55-plus active lifestyle community, John has always been proud of the fact that his creations are “part of the greater community and not apart from it.” New Adult Primary Care practice to open across from Highland Green in 2016 Another advantage that Highland Green residents enjoy in terms of planning, health and wellness is the fact that Service Plus can provide assistance available to them otherwise,” says Will. they receive priority access to assisted- with the activities of daily living as care or respite-care in John’s sister needed. Whether it is tidying up a home, Now, in a continuing effort to stay on community nearby called the Highlands. house or pet sitting, meal preparation, the cutting edge, John Wasileski has The Highlands is a full service dressing, or mobility assistance, Service recently announced a partnership with retirement community with assisted Plus offers peace of mind at a lower- Mid Coast Hospital to build a new living, memory care, transportation, priced rate than that of outside agencies. Adult Primary Care practice on land he dining and wellness services right on its Plus, it falls under John Wasileski’s owns just across the Coastal Connector campus. For many at Highland Green, family of communities’ umbrella. from Highland Green. “Building this proximity to the Highlands is reassuring actually fulfills a dream to have a full in the event that things change in the “Service Plus has provided some service primary care facility nearby future. The Highlands’ wellness and potential back-up for Highland Green our campus,” says John. Soon-to-be case management staff is available to residents, even if they do not need it now, Highland Green resident Claire Bowen, Highland Green residents on an a la or might not for 30 years,” Will Honan for example, has already signed up with carte basis. says. “For those potential Highland a primary physician at this new location. Green customers who might use these Service Plus is a new Personal Care services sooner, Service Plus can give Joe and Caroline Feely from Oakland, Agency that was launched at the them the confidence that they can live Maine recently decided to move Highlands in the spring of 2013. Also in the Highland Green setting and available to Highland Green residents, potentially in a larger home than might be Continued on Page 5

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Highland Green | 7 Evergreen Circle, Topsham, Maine 04086 | www.highlandgreenlifestyle.com | 1-866-854-1200 Continued from Page 4 forward with their plans to build a home at Highland Green. Not only will living at Highland Green provide them a chance for less maintenance and what Caroline calls: “a beautifully laid out and imaginatively created community,” it will afford them the opportunity to be close to the ocean and the marina in Harpswell where they keep their sailboat.

Caroline was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area and moved to Maine in 1978 to Peaks Island in Casco Bay three miles from Portland. After graduating from the University of Southern Maine and the Boston University School of Social Work, she went on to be a clinical social worker in Portland, Augusta and Waterville. She now continues in the field Highland Green founder John Wasileski stops by to meet Joe and Caroline Feely on the performing per diem outpatient work site of their future home. for Maine General Health in Waterville.

Through the journey of discovery of management turnover endemic to Care and Hospice. Highland Green, Caroline finds the traditional developments. “Director role that Highland Green staff plays of Operations John Coughlin, Sales Dr. Richard and Dr. Claire Corbin comparable to social work. “A social Associate Amber Grant, Marketing and from Phippsburg, Maine have recently worker helps people adjust to an Operational Executive Assistant Brina made the decision to move to Highland environment and facilitates people’s Stairs and I are part of the community. Green. Claire is a retired pediatrician growth,” she says. In describing their This is all that we do and the goals are and Richard was just named the new interaction with Highland Green staff, transparency and ensuring that people Medical Director for Oasis Health Caroline sees similarities: “The process make good decisions, and are happy,” Network, a volunteer organization that is not just about making sales and says Will. serves uninsured people. building houses. It is about helping people and providing an environment Dr. Steve Loebs moved to Highland Anne Cole, who moved to Highland where they discover options they did not Green from Columbus, Ohio in 2012 Green from Fairfield, Connecticut know they have. It is about facilitating after spending over 40 years teaching in 2013, was Director of the Student people to make their own choices that Health Services at Fairfield University. and heading the graduate program for are the best for them. It is about creating The list goes on, but of course, not all Health Care Administration at The a community of people who have made Highland Green residents come from choices they are comfortable with.” Ohio State University. He is currently the field of healthcare. teaching a freshman seminar at Bowdoin Highland Green Director of Marketing College in Brunswick. While it is the community and the and Sales Will Honan agrees, pointing complete Highland Green package that out that founder John Wasileski Robert “Chip” Liversidge moved to has helped Joe and Caroline Feely to has a permanent management and Highland Green from Rangeley, Maine make comfortable lifestyle choices, marketing agreement with the with his wife Margaret in 2013. Chip the house itself is important as well. community. He emphasizes that was the first Executive Director of Joe, an architect, has been especially this arrangement helps to ensure CHANS, a home health care agency in drawn to the design process. Originally that the original vision of Highland Bath, Maine. He is the incoming Chair Green stays intact and prevents of the Board of Androscoggin Home Continued on Page 7 5

Highland Green | 7 Evergreen Circle, Topsham, Maine 04086 | www.highlandgreenlifestyle.com | 1-866-854-1200 Seen around Highland Green...

Pat Allen scored a hole-in-one on the Pub Trivia Nights at the Wild Duck Pub at Residents and friends gathered in front of Highland Green golf course in August Highland Green are always a hit the Ecology Center before a guided hike

Highland Green resident and certified Jack and Nancy Spinner’s house really Highland Green is famous for its countless fitness trainer Ruth Ann Specht has started to come together in September interesting rocks a big following for her classes at the Community Center Featured Custom Built Homes

16 SPARROW DRIVE 2 THRUSH DRIVE Yellow Sparrow Gardener’s Delight

Well-appointed with privacy, nature and light perched Elegant one floor living on a wooded corner lot with a on a wooded lot. A bonus sun room, separate office private screened porch next to its own perennial garden; retreat plus partially finished daylight lower level offers built-in bookshelves, stylish office plus a bonus retreat guest space and potential workshop area. $445,000 over the garage. $460,000

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Highland Green | 7 Evergreen Circle, Topsham, Maine 04086 | www.highlandgreenlifestyle.com | 1-866-854-1200 Continued from Page 5 Connect & from York, Pennsylvania, Joe graduated business. Some have been in the military; from Williams College and the St. others have concentrated on raising family. Experience Louis School of Architecture. He Some have been in banking; others have is a former principal in a Portland, been in social work. Some have been Maine architectural firm and most artists; others have been engineers. Some recently was staff architect at Colby have been a combination of many things; College in Waterville. He was keen on studying others rediscover themselves while living at Connect with us Highland Green’s building specifications, Highland Green. The possibilities are endless. being involved in the planning procedure, online at: and discovering how one of the Highland There are certain things that most Highland HighlandGreenLifestyle.com Green models could be customized to the Green residents have in common. They love specifics of their lifestyle. “Joe’s experience and attention to detail make it very easy Maine. They want to interact with others with similar interests. They want to be active. They Experience Highland to work with him,” says Highland Green Green on video. builder Dan White. “It is obvious that Dan’s want to spend less time on home maintenance knowledge is extensive and up to date,” says and more time enjoying themselves. They Click the YouTube icon at Joe. “It has been uncomplicated to figure out want easy access to culture, to shopping, the top of our home page. something that works perfectly for us,” he adds. to travel opportunities and to medical care. They want a solid plan for the future. Most Highland Green residents come from 25 of all they want to live in a beautiful, well- Visit and Like us states and many varied backgrounds. Some maintained place, with a strong, down-to-earth on Facebook. are retired; others are working. Some have sense of community. Highland Green has it been primary educators; others have been all. Whether you want to purchase an existing college professors. Some have been in the home or plan ahead and have Highland Green corporate world; others have been in small build for you…why wait?

Left (and cover): Changing leaves near the Cathance River Above: A pileated woodpecker Photos taken at Highland Green by resident Jim Wilkes

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Highland Green | 7 Evergreen Circle, Topsham, Maine 04086 | www.highlandgreenlifestyle.com | 1-866-854-1200 Upcoming Events at Highland Green

Please join Highland Green residents, friends, and guests at our themed events designed for interaction and a true taste of different aspects of the Highland Green lifestyle.

Highland Green Solar Exposition Saturday, September 28 | 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM • Learn about the benefits of solar-powered hot water and electricity from ReVision Energy expert Fortunat Mueller • Meet Highland Green residents Paul and Linda Wilson and learn how they were able to incorporate solar into their custom Highland Green home • Tour the solar-powered Cathance River Ecology Center on the 235-acre Cathance River Nature Preserve at Highland Green

Highland Green Kayaking Adventure Sunday, October 6 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM • Come to the Wild Duck Pub at Highland Green for a Meet and Greet and to fuel up on a light lunch before heading out on a kayaking trip up the Cathance River from the new Head of Tide Park nearby Highland Green • All equipment is provided. • Space is limited. Please RSVP only

Highland Green information and featured homes are available for viewing during and after events. Call today for more information and to RSVP, 1-866-854-1200 / 207-725-4549.

Explore Highland Green’s award-winning low-maintenance lifestyle combining custom homes, ecology, nature, neighborly ambiance, endless possibilities, strength and stability - all directly at the crossroads of Midcoast Maine. 7 Evergreen Circle, Topsham, Maine 04086 www.HighlandGreenLifestyle.com 1-866-854-1200 / 207-725-4549

Copy and photography by Will Honan, Graphic design by Brina Stairs