What fun we had this week celebrating Purim!  On Sunday we joined together as a Cedar Village family to hear the megillah reading.  It was great fun and we heard lots of noisemakers every time Haman's name was read!  We had a number of folks in costumes, both young and old, and there was lots of fun for all!  On Monday, we had another annual tradition-our Purim shpiel.  We reprised the popular "Vashti was Right" and we all had a wonderful time, laughing and celebrating the holiday together.  Of course, we ended our celebrations the same way both times, with hamantaschen.  It is always a great treat and very well received.

We are busy with spring plans as well.  Passover is right around the corner and we are getting into full preparation mode.  Our community Seder will take place on Monday, April 18 at 4 p.m.  It is always a very special event and it is amazing to see close to 200 people come together in the Cohen Center and enjoy ceremony, food and family.  We're doing a special Health Care Seder on Wednesday, April 20 at lunchtime as well.  This will replace the second and third floor Seders we've had and create a single, community-focused event.  Of course, we also have traditional Seders on both Monday, April 18 and Tuesday, April 19.  There is something for everyone!

Eight over Eighty is right around the corner as well.  We will gather at Adath Israel Congregation on Thursday, May 19 to honor the contributions of some distinguished members of our Jewish community.  This year's honorees include two "pairs," Sue and Jerry Teller and sisters Freda and Pearl Schwartz.  Others being recognized are Dr. Larry Essig, Ben Gettler, Murray Guttman, Eric Hattenbach, Dr. Albert Miller and Barbara Rosenberg.  We hope you will be with us for this event-it will absolutely be one to remember.

This week we had a chance to celebrate some of our staff in an event called AOPHA Stars.  AOPHA is our state organization and the Stars program offers the opportunity for staff, residents, volunteers, visitors and family members to nominate employees who routinely go "above and beyond." This year we will honor:  Russell Jones, Environmental Services; Joyce Moore, Laundry; Angela Buffington, Nursing; Nina Layliev, Resident Life; Tom Van Hook, Resident Life; Linda Heine, Nursing; Kaye Herda, Assisted Living Nursing; Ella Durant, Nursing.  These are not all of the staff nominated as we are limited to how many can be honored.  Everyone nominated deserves recognition and we will celebrate all of our nominees at a festive luncheon to be held in April.

All the best,