Thornton Oaks Residents Speak

Norman and Mary Seagrave

Norman and Mary Seagrave are charter residents of Thornton Oaks. A big selling point for Norm was access to the Bowdoin pool. Norm, a Bowdoin graduate, credits his love of swimming to his swim coach in college.

He has swum in every ocean except the Arctic and once swam from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, rounding the Cape of Good Hope. Norm and fellow Thornton Oaks resident, Ev Hanke, are FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation) world record holders in the 200 meter relay.

“Swimming is particularly important to me these days,” says Norm, “because I’m legally blind. “As I lost my eyesight, swimming became the only sport I could enjoy. It’s also easier on your bones and joints and, like riding a bike, you never forget how.” While Norm practices for his next race, Mary Seagrave takes the water aerobics class offered by Mid Coast Hospital’s Running Start.

In light of Norm’s vision, the Seagraves appreciate the transportation available at Thornton Oaks. “We take the shuttle to the pool and to other activities, including grocery shopping, three times a week.”

In addition to Bowdoin, Norm and Mary have another Maine connection, a house on Cliff Island, in Casco Bay, where they spend their summers.