In this season of giving thanks, it was wonderful to be able to recognize our volunteers at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon sponsored by the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. This annual event highlights the gifts that so many in our community give-gifts of their time, treasure and talent-to benefit so many worthwhile causes and important organizations.  The focus of the entire event is a salute to those who make a difference in our community and reach beyond themselves to enrich the lives of others. At Cedar Village, we are blessed to have a large corps of volunteers who play many different roles, from working in the Gift Shop and Deli to assisting with or offering activities and everything in between.  At the luncheon we had a group that represented the Friends of Cedar Village as well as residents who are active in our Chesed Corps.  Our gratitude, of course, is not just for those who joined us at the event but for all of our volunteers.  We could not do what we do without them! 

As a reminder, our Chesed Corps is a group of resident volunteers who, along with some staff, do weekly and monthly service projects. Weekly they prepare Shabbat baskets, including challah, fruit, juice and candy, for distribution to Jewish patients at a number of area hospitals.  Monthly projects include preparing and serving lunch at the Ronald McDonald House; baking cookies and sending them through Operation Thank You troops; events at the Center for Respite Care and Halom House and many more.  One of our newest Chesed projects is a partnership with the Warren County New Readers program.  We have had resident volunteers trained to help those in our community who struggle with their English skills, most of whom are adults learning English as a second language.  Our volunteers work one-to-one with their new reader partners, helping them to learn and practice both reading and verbal skills.  Chesed is a great example of our residents remaining vital and active in the community.  Many of them were leaders, in both professional and volunteer roles, and there is no reason for them to discontinue their community commitment just because their address is now Cedar Village.  We involve many residents, matching activities to their abilities and interests and it has been a true win/win for Cedar Village, the Chesed Corps participants and the community.

Speaking of volunteers, did you know that there are some great volunteer opportunities with Cedar Village Hospice?  We are actively recruiting volunteers for this new and important service and we hope you'll consider joining us.  Volunteers can play many different roles with hospice, depending on their interests and preferences.  Activities can include visiting with patients, reading to them or listening to music together.  They can also be less direct patient contact including things like flower arranging or "behind the scenes" office work such as help with mailings and other items.  If you have an interest in Cedar Village Hospice, we can find the right fit for you.  Call Jessica Carlson at 754-3100 or email jcarlson@cedarvillage.org for details. 

Our new Rehabilitation Center continues to grow and that's exciting.  We've been out "spreading the word" this week, visiting physician practices and hospitals to make sure they know that Cedar Village has the most state-of-the-art rehab service in the area.  We've had lots of interest and excitement and we are thrilled to be offering this new and vital program  to the community.  While the new gym has been in operation since July, we are still finishing up the rest of the project.  The renovations of 50 dedicated patient beds, on our Apple and Azalea units, will be complete by the end of the year and the new elevator, dedicated for admissions and rehab use, is just weeks away from being operational.  We will all be glad when the construction is over!  Today and Monday will mark the last major "noise days" here, as some walls have to be removed and it will involve some significant equipment use.  We had special activities to make this easier for our folks including opening a "hospitality suite" for the day with special snacks and activities and closing the dining room at lunchtime, offering a fun buffet in one of the lounge areas on the first floor. Everyone has been cooperative, patient and understanding which we so appreciate.  There is truly light at the end of the tunnel!