Another snowy week but it didn't stop so many great events at Cedar Village! We had a lot of fun with a visit from an always popular guest, Elvis! Our Elvis tribute performance, in honor of "the King's" birthday was a huge hit. The first time we had Elvis visit we were absolutely amazed by the response. The residents loved it! We have a couple of folks who have Elvis memorabilia and posters in their rooms. So, Elvis's visit is always a huge hit, drawing a large and engaged crowd.

While the snowy day kept some visitors and volunteers at home, we had a great time in Bubbe's Kitchen on Tuesday morning. Our ever innovative Resident Life staff did not let a weather-related change in plans throw them, they quickly improvised and banana parfaits were on the menu. Let me tell you, while I did not sample them, they sure did look delicious!

If you haven't had the opportunity, when you visit Cedar Village you should make a point of strolling down the Art Gallery hallway, just past the aviary and outside the Wilbur and Mary Jean Cohen Religious and Cultural Center. A new semester of art from our Opening Minds through Art program is on display. The art, the photos of the participants and volunteers and the quotes from both residents and volunteers are truly spectacular.

Another thing you may notice when you're here is that there are some signs going up that provide directions and distances for walking in the building. It may be cold outside but we can all walk for health inside. A team of our management staff has measured out mileage in 1/10 of a mile increments and posted them. Residents, families and staff can participate in our twice-weekly Walking Club or they can walk on their own. We all know how important it is to keep active and moving, this is one way to help encourage it. Look for some friendly competition to begin soon!

Starting next week, we'll also be adding some new opportunities for residents to gather and talk about food, dining or whatever else is on their minds. We'll be doing "Fireside Chats" in the Garden Dining Room for our apartment tenants and "Culinary Corner" in the Cedar Center for Health Care folks. The Dining Services management staff will attend these sessions, bring samples of new menu items and share food stories, memories and ideas. Stay tuned for more on that topic as well-

Renovation progress continues and we are excited to see some of the new satellite offices nearing completion. These offices will house some of the folks displaced either by the rehab expansion or by the new elevator that will be installed for admissions. We're dealing with some temporary moves and some displaced meeting spaces but we all are confident that this is going to be a wonderful addition to Cedar Village and critical to our future.

While we make physical plant changes, we know that care is not about the building, it is about the people. We've embarked on an ambitious training program for every single member of our staff. We're taking part in training to become Dementia Care Specialist certified. It's a four level training program and we've had a small group complete Level I and move to Level II. Now we are rolling out Level I to everyone with a goal of having every staff member certified for Level I Dementia Care Specialist by June 1. It is a big step and will require a lot of work and commitment but our management team is dedicated to making this happen and is confident that it will. What does this mean to residents? It is another way in which we continue to focus on being resident-centered and to ensuring that we meet each individual's needs, compassionately, thoughtfully and holistically!

All the best,