Resident of the Month is always such a special event.  Each of the residents honored has been interviewed by a member of the staff.  That staff person shares not only the resident's personal history but also some of their words of wisdom, things that they would like to share.  Each month we learn so much from these stories, we hear of accomplishments and challenges, of families and memories.  And we gain some wonderful life lessons, about kindness and caring for others; about values and what really matters in life.  Family and friends are invited to celebrate with the honoree and they do, making the whole event truly festive.  This month we added another innovation-we've created a small backdrop that we have located just outside the Cohen Center in the aviary.  Each of our honorees, and their families, is offered the opportunity to take a photo together, creating a permanent memento of the evening.  It's just another way to make a wonderful night even more wonderful.  If you've missed past Resident of the Month programs, don't despair.  Just join us at 6:00 on the first Wednesday evening of every month and be prepared to be amazed and touched.

Our Chesed Corps was busy this week too.  The Chesed Corps is a group of residents and staff who do a monthly service project. This month's project was a meal for those staying in the Ronald McDonald House at Children's Hospital and it involved activities on both Wednesday and Thursday.  On Wednesday afternoon we had a small assembly line going in the Deli.  We made turkey and veggie wraps, carefully filling, rolling, slicing and wrapping the sandwiches to take to Ronald McDonald.  On Thursday, we loaded the bus with staff and residents along with our handmade wraps, delicious soup, fruit, chips, cookies, beverages and paper goods.  Once at the Ronald McDonald House, we took over their lovely kitchen and set up a buffet of goodies that families, volunteers and staff all enjoyed.  We had a chance to meet some of the families who are receiving care at Cincinnati Children's and heard some stories that touched us all.  It is a small thing to do but one that feels powerful,  as we try to lighten someone's heavy burden with some food that tells them that we care.

While the Chesed Corps was doing their part, we also had a wonderful event back at Cedar Village.  Sylvia Samis, who is a violinist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, made a special visit to Cedar Village. Rather than playing a concert for a group, she visited six Health Care residents in their rooms and filled their day with beautiful music.  One resident was so moved that she had tears of joy rolling down her face.  It was so meaningful and we are so grateful to Ms. Samis for sharing her talents with us.

There are other sounds besides violin that we've heard all week at Cedar Village.  Our construction project, expanding our therapy service and enhancing our skilled rehab rooms as well as upgrading the ambulance entrance, is kicking into full gear.  We are so anxious to have it completed but we know that everything is a process and this one will take the better part of a year.  We'll be opening it up a piece at a time so stay tuned for some of our "grand opening" news and events!

All the best,