We are very excited about attending the Secret Artworks program tonight  and seeing some of the amazing art from our Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program on display!  If you are unfamiliar with OMA, mark January 21 on your calendar.  That evening will mark the opening show and reception for our second session of OMA.  OMA is a program through our partnership with the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University.  It incorporates art activities with the principles of adult education and gerontology and it engages residents  with dementia to make choices, create and experience art.  It is not about the art per se, it is about helping individuals with dementia to express themselves and it is extraordinary.  We are starting to recruit volunteers for the spring session so if you have an interest in art, in helping seniors and learning something new, let us know.  Your commitment, after training, is just two hours one morning a week and we promise you that the benefits are far beyond that!

We had some great events this week at Cedar Village.  One particular highlight was Tuesday afternoon when Elvis was in the building!  Well, maybe he was not the "real king" but he sure did entertain our residents.  He sang and danced and crooned songs to many of the ladies. They loved every minute of it.  We also all enjoyed the New Horizons band on Thursday.  They brought a large ensemble and made some beautiful music together!  Of course, we also had our regular chair volleyball competition both in Health Care and assisted living.  We have quite a competitive group in both settings.

Another wonderful event was Thursday's National Philanthropy Day luncheon at the Hyatt.  We honored our wonderful Friends of Cedar Village at this event.  The Friends bring so much to us with generous donations and tremendous volunteer efforts.  We don't know what we would do without them-and we're glad we don't have to find out!

All the best,