Grove Life | Winter 2021

Howard Schnoll 85 Years Old Boca Grove Members since 1993 How did you celebrate your 85th birthday? Howard: We had a small party at Chippers in Boca Grove. It was just after they had reopened. They served us hors d’oeuvre, drinks, and my birthday cake. We looked at pictures and reminisced. It was a nice small group of my closest friends. What historical events have you lived through? Howard: I remember the bombing of Pear Harbor. I was six years old. I was sitting on the floor in the living room of my grandparent’s house. We heard it on the radio and radios back then were a big piece of furniture. Everybody was hushed gathered around it.

“No one else can live the life you live” ~ Mister Rogers

I remember when the Polio vaccine came out. I was 14 years old. It was a big deal. Kids couldn’t go anywhere before it came out. It was similar to today except with kids. My cub scout friend survived it, but it crippled him severely. For 9/11, I remember being in the car driving to the office. I was living in Wisconsin then. The women working in the office were crying and devasted. We sent everyone home that day. The Civil Rights movement in the 60’s was just as bad if not worse as now. In Milwaukee, the riots were very bad. I grew up and lived in the inner city. I remember when African Americans moved into the area. There were police everywhere and curfews. I feel like they haven’t accomplished much over there since the 1960s. In 1997, my son and I were at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans and we got to see the Packers win the Super Bowl. It was an incredible game! What is one of your favorite memories?

Howard: When I was a managing partner in an accounting firm, which we built from 4 staff to 100, I had a friend who had a son with muscular dys- trophy. In those days, people with muscular dystrophy had a small lifespan. One of our employees, a former priest, worked to receive a state grant to get a special desk built for the young man with muscular dystrophy. Even though he was severely paralyzed, he would work by putting a stick in his mouth to do things on the computer. He eventually rose to manager; he was one of the success stories for that disease in those days. I am so happy that I was a part of how successful he was. One of the highlights of all the things I’ve done is when I impact someone’s life; it makes me smile. Another life highlight that I share with my wife is being able to go to the college graduation of our 7 of our 15 grandchildren!

What advice can you give on how to lead a happy life? Howard: In whatever work you have to do, really enjoy what you’re do- ing. Find a job that you like to do. Don’t be afraid to make changes. I’ve found they’ve always made your life better. Have confidence in your ability. Never be afraid of change. Go out and do something else. You spend so much time at work to not be happy. Also, surround yourself with nice people and have good friends. Get involved in the community and charitable organi- zations because they are always satisfying. Don’t forget that experience is making mistakes and not doing it again.

Mission To deliver a boutique lifestyle set in an oasis of uncompromising beauty with facilities and activities that encourage healthy mind, body experiences, a strong sense of community and lasting friendships.

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