How can it be the end of April already?  We are looking forward to an action-packed month of May as we celebrate Older Americans Month with a variety of special programs and events.  We hope that you will join us for many of them!
 
We begin on May 2, of course, with 8 Over 80.  We are honoring eight special individuals over the age of 80, whose contributions to the Cincinnati Jewish community are long standing and continue.  We'll be at Adath Israel beginning at 6 p.m. to recognize:  Wilbur Cohen; Dave Jacobson; Bob Kanter; Florence Leiberman; Lou Nidich; Sue Ransohoff; Dick Weiland and Florence Zaret.  We're looking forward to a wonderful evening-hope you are too!
 
On May 6, at 7 p.m. we will host Fran Savard, Director, Regulatory Affairs for AOPHA (our state organization). Fran is extremely knowledgeable about health care policy and the new legislation on health care reform.  She'll be bringing us all up to speed on what these changes will mean for Medicare recipients.  This program is open to all-and we'll even be serving dessert.  Join us in the Wilbur and Mary Jean Cohen Religious and Cultural Center for an informative and enlightening evening.  No reservations required!
 
More on May events in future newsletters-but we don't want to ignore the special things that happened this past week.  On Tuesday afternoon Rabbi Sissy Coran of Rockdale Temple presented another in the series of "Thirteen Rabbis, Thirteen Principles of Faith, Thirteen Years at Cedar Village." The principle she discussed was Torah and it was an engaging and informative presentation.
 
On Tuesday evening, we had the opening of the newest OMA art exhibit.  The artists and their families enjoyed dinner in the Deli and then a look at the art that's now on display in the Art Gallery hall at Cedar Village.  OMA is a remarkable program that incorporates the principles of adult learning, gerontology and art to provide individuals with dementia a unique experience for self expression.  When you look at the OMA art, you will think that all of the participants are "artistic" are have that kind of background.  That is not at all the case.  OMA is about creativity as a tool to help us "unlock" someone who has dementia and the outcomes of that effort are extraordinary.
 
On Thursday, we celebrated our staff's achievements as eight of them were honored in the AOPHA Stars program.  This annual event recognizes non-management staff who go above and beyond for residents.  This year we honored:  Adu Opoku, Environmental Services; Brian Graham, Dining Services; George Zacharias, Dining Services; Tracy Hayes, Resident Life; Kerry Gilley, LPN; Lucy Tang, STNA; Kim Bennett, LPN; Nirvana Martin, Nursing.  Of course, we had more nominations than those honored.  That's what we call a good problem to have.  Nominations come from residents, families, other staff and managers and we wish we could make all of them AOPHA Stars.  We'll celebrate all of the nominees with a reception next week.
 
We also had great fun on Thursday with a Kentucky Derby party.  The various hats were a sight to behold, we drank mint juleps (alcohol-free) and had some delicious treats.  It was a capacity crowd and a good time for all.
 
Last but not least, don't forget the Friends of Cedar Village cookbook.  Submissions are due by the end of May and may be turned into the Cedar Village Gift Shop or emailed to sgoldy@cinci.rr.com or sandyw@cinci.rr.com.  Hope your great recipes will be shared with all!