First Friday: MC @ The Cedars

Began the refurbishment of apartments on The Courts 3^rd floor apartments in Assisted Living. Through this we are upgrading flooring, lighting, paint, and counter tops.
Increased transportation support by purchasing 2 high quality handicap accessible vans. Providing more transport options for residents.
We had zero deficiencies from the State Fire Marshal and Health Department for The Courts. When you’re at the Cedars, you’re safe.
Constructed a new Village Duplex.
The Cedars Café, which is now open to the public as a lunch time destination.
Hosted a United Way Lunch, proceeds of over $500.00 went to the local charity.
Started hosting breakfast which is open to the public from 8am till 9am on the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of each month. The meal includes a breakfast buffet and omelet bar.
Nursing has had excellent employee participation from all Nurses and CNA’s, completing a whole year w/o Nurse Agency help.
The Cedars have also maintained nearly a full census on its beds and available rooms, this shows the quality of care provided to residents, is appreciated.

We’ve seen a great amount of support from the community and our residents. This year has been one of our best in regards to campus improvement projects and donations!

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!

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!

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.

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!!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Carma Wall

Great Board meeting last night! Even after being a part of this organization for a year, I remain amazed at what an involved, engaged, devoted and thoughful group of Directors The Cedars has. And, of course, the meal was outstanding too. Thanks Creative Dining!

Looking forward to a great cooking seminar this afternoon at 3, and then dropping off a birthday card and visiting with one of our wonderful residents.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Carma Wall

Been a busy week for everyone here! It’s great to be back though, and enjoy spending a quality day with our wonderful residents. Enjoyed Friday morning coffee and afternoon golf on the Wii with a few people. To whatever extent sitting on a chair and swinging the controller helps to burn off Thanksgiving calories, it was good to do that. Many folks at The Cedars went to the free community Thanksgiving downtown, although several stayed around home and invited their friends and neighbors for a meal and time of fellowship. As long as we all got a full tummy, I don’t hear anyone complaining! LOL

Well, I’m heading to chapel to see who is bringing the message this morning. It’s always so nice to see residents there, knowing that their spiritual life is being tended as well as their physical end emotional. Have a great day!!