We have had a wonderful Chanukah celebration at Cedar Village.  We began on Friday with a special musical program featuring the Bell Choir and the Cedar Village Choir, both led by our talented music therapist, Jude Jones.  On Sunday, the Cincinnati Klezmer Project entertained in lively fashion for a capacity crowd. And, on Tuesday, the Cedar Village Choir joined the students from the JCC Preschool for their annual Chanukah concert.  It has been very lively.

In addition to the musical events, we have also enjoyed having a number of community rabbis here to lead candle lighting.  We light candles on both floors of the Health Center as well as in the Garden Dining room and we've had great participation from the rabbis. The residents love seeing different faces and every day the candle lighting event is a little different. Some tell stories, other sing songs and still others reminisce with the residents. It is one of those very special moments that truly helps us remember the special place we have here at Cedar Village.

Speaking of special, we had two other special things this week.  We had some fun last week with staff and residents making (believe it or not) a music video!  We have a song that our dear friend Marc "The Marvelous Toy" Rossio customized for us (with the help of some great lyrics by Sally Korkin) and everyone got into the act, dancing and having fun.  Why did we do this?  Partly for fun but more to send a strong message that says "Don't count our elders out!"  As we look at the changes taking place in healthcare and long term care reimbursement, we worry that our seniors will get short shrift.  We want to make sure that folks understand that our elders are active, vital, growing, learning and contributing and this music video is one (fun!) way to send that message. Check it out on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/lifebeginsatcv and let us know what you think!

We also had our annual staff holiday party on Thursday.  We serve a holiday meal, and have some fun, with staff both during the day and in the middle of the night, so that we reach as many folks as possible.  It was, as always, a great time and a chance for us to thank this incredible staff for all that they do for Cedar Village every day.  They bring their hearts and souls and dedication to caring for our residents and really make it happen. Thank you just can't be said often enough!