It has been another busy week-hard to believe that February is passing so quickly!  I had the privilege of being a member of a small group who traveled to DC this week.  We had a meeting with six senior health policy leaders from the Obama administration, including representation from the Administration on Aging, HHS and The Office of Public Engagement.  There were seven presentations that took place during our 80 minutes, with representation from long term care providers in Ohio, Florida, California and Maryland. We also had physicians from the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals of Cleveland.  The theme for our presentations was innovation and many great programs were shared. They included efforts to reduce hospital readmission's, PACE initiatives, workforce development programs and elder abuse shelters.

I had the opportunity to represent elder abuse shelters, to discuss the need and explain why Cedar Village is taking a leadership position on this issue, as well as why the efforts to protect vulnerable older adults need to be broader and more defined in this country.  At the end of our presentations, we had questions and answers and then informal conversations as the meeting adjourned. Representatives from both HHS and AOA told me they were aware of the Shalom Center (thanks to USA Today) and expressed a desire to work with us and to visit Cedar Village.  It was a wonderful moment, seeing Cedar Village on the national stage and to know that our efforts are recognized as helping to make a difference in the lives of older adults.

Here at Cedar Village, we also had many great events take place.  On Tuesday, Rabbi Yudin conducted a Seder for Tu B'Shevat and on Thursday we had a great baking activity, also with a Tu B'Shevat them as residents and staff made their own "fig newtons" from scratch!  It was a delicious holiday all the way around!  Wednesday was another of our Wellness Month special days and the day begin with a rousing chair volleyball match, residents vs. staff.  The residents won handily and a rematch is in the offing!  In the afternoon, a balance class preceded a well attended health fair, with many activities including blood pressure screenings and balance assessments, and much information shared.

We're helping to support the Jewish and Israeli Film Festival at the Mayerson JCC this year.  We hope that you have seen some of the great films-and there are more to come!  On Monday night we will be there in force, as we'll have a chance to introduce the film, the original version of "The Debt" and say a few brief words about Cedar Village.  Love to have you join us!

All the best,