Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Carma Wall

Merry Christmas to you! Looks like it might be a quiet day here at The Cedars. The coffee shop is staff with a Service Guild volunteer as always, but she doesn’t have many customers. Seems to be a good day for many to sleep in, or make preparations for family gatherings yet to come, or for New Year’s celebrations. And of course, there are certainly many leftover Christmas goodies yet to eat.

For those that have recovered, or will by tomrrow, this week holds many activities yet to enjoy. Tomorrow mornign is our monthly recycling day for the community to bring in their newspaper, plastic, metal cans, etc. in the Wellness Center parking lot. China painting and Quilting groups are both meeting this week, several exercise groups will be held, and the regular Friday coffees. Social connections tend to suffer as people move through the aging process, and we do everything we can here to keep that from happening at The Cedars. To that end, thanks again to all those who have made donations toward our new van, as that will make a big difference in trasporting people to these activities. Have a great New Year!!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Carma Wall

I can’t believe today is the last day before Christmas Eve! This year has certainly flown by. I’ve made a lot of new friends, and have tremendously appreciated the financial support from our donors that has so significantly affected the quality of life that we’re able to offer here. Meeting budget is one thing. It means we can pay our staff, keep the utilities running, and buy the food and other day-to-day essentials that we need. But your financial gifts provide for fuel-efficient vehicles to take our residents to doctor’s appointments, activities to keep residents mentally and physically alert and social, and training that keeps our employees at the peak of their care-giving potential.

Every gift received is a true blessing for those 300 people who make their home here at The Cedars, and especially on this holiday season, we want to thank you for your generousity. From all of us at The Cedars, may God bless you and your family this Christmas and throughout the new year.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Carma Wall

The first official day of winter is certainly feelings like it today! But tonight’s Christmas music program is sure to warm things up. Organized by one of our residents who is an accomplished pianist, it will feature the musical talents of many in our community. Carol singing, harmonica playing, piano solos, and more. Not to mention a wide variety of refreshments for those in attendance!

I’ve also heard great things about last night’s Christmas lights tour through Salina and here in town. Just one of the many ways we try to help ensure active and enjoyable retirement years for the older adults in McPherson! If you haven’t stopped in to see what all we have to offer, feel free to do so any time.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Carma Wall

Our residents woke up this morning to the first real winter snowfall! As is fairly common for Kansas though, the snow hid some underlying ice, so we had quite the crew out there this morning shoveling and plowing. Hopefully we’ll be able to get the lots clear for the December Village luncheon today at noon. I’m told our resident hosts this month planned a traditional Christmas meal of Cumberland Gap ham and all the trimmings.

Christmas always seems to bring out the baker in people, and there has been no end of Christmas cookies, cakes, brownies, candy, etc. laying around in the coffee shop. A person without will-power could certainly gain a few pounds, but then isn’t that what the holiday season is all about?

Monday, December 19, 2011

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Carma Wall

Can you believe it’s the last week before Christmas already? Today is the last date to RSVP to join in the Christmas lights tour in Salina which is being led by our Activities Committee. It takes place on Wednesday the 21st and will include a stop for ice cream at Bogey’s before arriving back in McPherson to check the local lights as well.

Friday’s movie “The 12 Dogs of Christmas was also well attended, and the refreshments were a step above the norm! This season does tend to bring out the best in food offerings, doesn’t it?

Of course, this is also then the last week to get tax savings on your required retirement account distributions before they expire at year-end, so stop in the Development office to discuss your oll-over options soon!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Carma Wall

Well, I believe the women are finishing up with their china painting class. I have to confess that when I first started here, I didn’t know what that meant. I honestly thought they had like a giant map of China and were doing paint-by-number or something. But they invited me to a few of their classes, and they really turn out some stunning pieces. Plates, lamps, bowls, etc. One of them has even been featured in the newspaper for her talents, and so donated a few pieces to our Gala this past October.

At 1pm, we’ll take one of our shuttles to Wal-mart and transport whomever wants to go for some Christmas shopping. They should get back in time to enjoy a Christmas gathering that’s happening in the banquet center from 2 to 6. I’ll told there will be cookies, lots of socializing and fellowship, and a wassail bowl. Not sure what that is, but I guess we’ll find out!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Carma Wall

Cold and dreary outside, but warm and cheery in the coffee shop! Residents are baking cookies and leaving them out for any who walk by. Although this seems to defeat the purpose of the exercise group that meets every Wednesday morning. I’m sure there are also refreshments at the quilting group meeting this morning, and the Red Hatters always go to a restaurant. I’m detecting a theme…

The closer we get to the holidays, the more resident’s family members I see, which is always a welcome sight. The quality of life that we strive to provide every day still cannot compete with the importanace of seeing children and grandchildren who come to visit from around the country. For ways to stay involved all throughout the year, give us a call! Thanks for all that you do.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Carma Wall

Happy National Day of the Horse!! Today is both the men’s and women’s monthly coffee. The men typically meet in the chapel in the health care center and enjoy doughnuts, coffee and fellowship. The great thing about that is that you never know what the topic of conversation is going to be. I’ve been regailed with everything from lessons on the various types of wheat grown in Kansas, to stories of verbal gaffs from the pulpic by our many retired pastors who are now residents at The Cedars.

The woman will also have their monthly coffee today, but will enjoy it at the home of Kandee Scheider. The Cedars really values it’s relationship with McPherson College, and this coffee is a great example of the level of cooperation we enjoy. I’ve been honored in the past to have been made an honorary woman for the purpose of attending these coffees, and can tell you that the quality of the food and organization of the program offered at these monthly events is not to be beat!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Carma Wall

The start of another exciting week at The Cedars! Following an engagement party at our Conference Center on Saturday, we re-set the room to prepare for the wide array of Christmas banquets and company parties that always comes with a holiday season.

This morning has a great array of activities for our residents, with both the regular aerobics group meeting in the fitness center, as well as a Tai Chi group. Then at 10:15, one of our chaplains will be leading our weekly Ready Writers group, where residents meet to share and to write down memories of their lives. The stories are always interesting, and really point to the fact that there is so much history here! Maybe it will encourage you to write down stories from your own past as well for posterity.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Carma Wall

Looking forward to Holiday Open Houses in the Village this afternoon!! Each year, two or three couples open up their homes to the community so we can see how they’ve designed their living space. It’s always a nice time to fellowship with friends, and enjoy refreshments which fellow residents help prepare and serve. Just another hint that the end of the year is coming, so consider a year-end financial gift if you’re looking for a quick income tax deduction. Thanks for helping to make our resident’s holidays bright!