Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Carma Wall

Today is recycling day at The Cedars. On the fourth Wednesday of each month, the solid waste district brings a recycling trailer to the parking lot of the conference center, and two residents stand outside (in the cold, the rain, etc.) to help other residents sort and dispose of their recyclables into the proper bins. In addition to being good stewards of the environment, this helps to significantly lower the trash disposal costs here at The Cedars, and is one more way to help us be fiscally responsible. Thanks to all our residents and to MASWU for their efforts!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Carma Wall

What a joy it is to walk into work and find a box of doughnuts waiting in the coffee shop! We had a great Board meeting last night. It’s so refreshing to work with a group of 12 professionals who are glad to volunteer their time and expertise to ensure that The Cedars continues providing the level of care that the older adults of McPherson deserve. Just prior to the Board meeting, a member of our executive staff recorded an interview for the local radio station as well, and we’re so thankful for the opportunity to get our message out into the community. Thanks to all of you for your continued support!

Monday, January 23, 2012

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Carma Wall

At 3pm today, our residents will be enjoying their regular book club. What I love about this book club is that they don’t assign a particular book that everyone has to read and then discuss. Instead, they all bring a stack of books that they’ve enjoyed over the past month, and share with the group what they like about each one. So rather than the entire club only reading one book, they get to hear about a learn about three or four different books from each person in the group. Depending on how many attend that month, that may be a total of 30 books or more! And of course, our well-stocked library is a great place to then go and check out those books that they’ve just heard about.

If you’d like to contribute to these activities or help expand the library to add to the quality of life enjoyed here at The Cedars, please call the Director of Development at 620.755.2583.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Carma Wall

I feel terrible having to miss the Village luncheon today, but it’s all for a good cause. Our independent living residents gather once a month for fellowship and a great meal, and I always like to join them. But today, I’m having the latest in a series of lunches with leaders in McPherson’s industrial community to talk about an employee matching program that we’re trying to start. We’re hoping to get some companies on-board with matching gifts that their employees give to The Cedars. Maybe the employee has a parent or grandparent who lives here, or maybe you just need a tax deduction. Whatever your motivation, some companies match gifts to not-for-profits up to a certain percentage or dollar amount, and it’s a great way to maximize the impact of a gift to an organization in whose mission you believe. If any of you work for local industry, I hope you’ll talk to your HR department to see if that’s something that they do or might be willing to do.

Have a great Tuesday!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Carma Wall

It’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and I hope we’re all remembering this great man and the causes for which he died. As a pacifist, he advocated non-violent protests to further the cause of civil rights, bringing our nation much closer to racial equality. In the same vein, The Cedars roots in the Peace Churches (specifically, Church of the Brethren) make way for equality of denominations. The Cedars represents over 15 different denominations within our community, and continues to be ecumenical in our approach to the spiritual lives of our residents. If quality healthcare and housing options in a Christian environment are important to you or to your family members who are approaching retirement, give us a call. 620.241.0919

Friday, January 13, 2012

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Carma Wall

What better way to head into a much-needed weekend than to enjoy an afternoon movie with fellow residents while enjoying popcorn and other home-made snacks? This afternoon, The Cedars will be showing the movie “Courage” about a family facing a storm together in their small boat, armed with only each other and their faith. For those who feel like showing up a bit early, they can also take part in some Wii Golf or Bowling in the fitness center.

The men and women will also meet in The Courts Restaurant this morning to participate in their weekly coffee. I love never knowing quite what topics will arise that require the wisdom of our residents to solve.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Carma Wall

What a great game night yesterday evening! The residents were able to enjoy not only the company of their neighbors, but also several students from McPherson College! We had a couple tables of Dominos, one of Sequence, I was at the Rook table, and many other games available to be played. Of course, the chocolate and peanut butter rice krispies squares available to nibble while we played didn’t hurt any. It was a great way to spend an evening, surrounded by friends and fellowship.

Tuesday, January 10,2012

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Carma Wall

Today marks just the second day of a tradition being started here at The Cedars. Many of the people in the Village will gather tonight in the coffee shop and enjoy fellowship and refreshments over a monthly game night! Some bring their favorite games, while others bring themselves, and all look forward to a great social atmosphere. This is what quality of life is all about!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Carma Wall

Monday’s are days of Wellness! In addition to working on physical wellness with an exercise group at 9 and a Tai Chi group at 11:15, the Ready Writers also meet each Monday to write down memories and interesting events that they’ve been a part of over the years. Not only does this speak to emotional and mental wellness, but it records first-hand accounts of events that would otherwise be lost. How many of you know how your parents or grandparents felt on their first day of school? Or even the name of the school? Did they really have to walk 10 miles, up-hill both ways? LOL What did they do when they got home from school? Not plop down in front of the television, I’d bet. You might want to encourage all of your loved ones to write down these kinds of things. It’s a wisdom we can never get back once it’s gone.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Carma Wall

I love Fridays, because at 10:15 in the morning, I can always hear great peals of laughter from the Coffee Shop. Our residents gather to share funny stories, tell jokes, or read amusing anecdotes to one another, and you can always count on hearing a good one right along with a few old favorites. Have a wonderful Friday, and don’t forget to enjoy a few laughs yourself!