2022 Autumn Live More

Live MoreLive More

WEST BEND INDEPENDENT LIVING PLUS

Cedar Community is pleased to o er a new senior living option on West Bend’s Cedar Lake Campus. Independent living plus o ers an active and engaged community, while providing the security and peace of mind that comes with the ability to get a little extra help when needed.

This new lifestyle option includes amenities like weekly housekeeping and linen service, restaurant-quality meal service, on-site pharmacy, and on-site sta 24 hours a day.

Enjoy a variety of activities and programs designed to engage your mind, body, and spirit. Nestled on our beautiful 245-acre Cedar Lake Campus, you are invited to enjoy the outdoors in a variety of ways, including walking trails, bird watching, and conservation activities. You can also participate in exercise activities, play cards, or just enjoy your neighbors’ company. Or, nd your niche and volunteer to make a di erence in the lives of others. There are endless opportunities!

Balancing freedom, comfort, and security, our independent living plus lifestyle allows you to actively and safely age in place—adding extra support only when you need it.

WHY?

Executive

I am a fan of the author and speaker Simon Sinek—especially his book, Start with Why. As the Cedar Community executive team and board of directors began revisiting the strategic plan for our future as an organization, we considered Sinek’s work and thought deeply about our organizational “WHY.”

We didn’t originally set out to develop a whole new structure for our “WHY,” but that is what became of our deeply thoughtful conversations—advocating for the residents, team members, volunteers, donors, and our many community and business partners as part of our process. What emerged was a new set of guiding principles and priorities that will be the foundation of our corporate strategic plan, and will inform our organizational goals. It will be how we articulate our “WHY” for Cedar Community.

Since our founding we have worked with a purposeful mission to care for older adults. Throughout the years we have grown—in size and available services— and have adapted to the changing environments around us.

Today, we continue to provide unparalleled settings and amenities for our residents and their families, we are industry leaders in the memory care sector, we consistently provide ve-star quality healthcare, and we work to balance our mission with our nancial responsibilities.

“Very few people or companies can clearly articulate WHY they do WHAT they do. By WHY I mean your purpose, cause, or belief—WHY does your company exist? WHY do you get out of bed every morning? And WHY should anyone care?”

Simon Sinek

Nicole Pretre

MISSION

To model Jesus’ love by creating life-enhancing relationships, services, and environments.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND PRIORITIES

COMMUNITY TEAM QUALITY RESPONSIBILITY

We create a sense of community where residents, families, and partners can thrive with purpose, dignity, and joy.

We nurture a culture of purpose, excellence, and belonging.

We challenge ourselves to be exceptional in everything we do.

We steward our resources wisely.

We do this by building respectful relationships, creating welcoming environments, and fostering wellbeing of body, mind, and spirit.

We do this by respecting, appreciating, and valuing every team member while fostering engagement, wellbeing, and growth.

We do this by delivering compassionate healthcare, life-enhancing programs, and best-in-class services.

We do this by honoring our commitments to our stakeholders, ful lling our duciary obligations, and respecting our environment.

Looking forward, we are in an extraordinary time as an organization—facing a workforce crisis, historic in ation, constantly evolving technology, regulatory and reimbursement challenges, and shifts in the delivery of aging services.

As an organization, we must be bold, strategic, and responsible, but we must always keep our “WHY” and our compassionate mission in the forefront of how we adapt and grow. We are not creating a new organizational ethos—we are naming it, enhancing it, and working to always improve it.

I am proud to share Cedar Community’s guiding principles and priorities with you. But— as we practice these as the basis for our planning and goals—we must always remember it is not enough just to write them down we must live them authentically through everything we do here at Cedar Community.

Mission drives culture

For nearly 70 years, Cedar Community has built a reputation for providing warm, friendly, reliable, and compassionate services for people in our community— built not in small part on the support provided to one another by residents, team members, and neighbors. We have worked hard to establish a culture in which every resident feels welcome and each team member feels like a valued and respected member of our workforce. We believe we have been reasonably successful in these endeavors. But, assuming this is true is not the same as asking if it is.

To that end, we retained outside consultants to gather feedback and guide conversations among team members, residents, and families to help us understand if we are, indeed, creating the culture that we think we are. And if not—to determine ways we can improve.

We have appreciated the honest and open feedback thus far. And we look forward to sharing the results of these candid conversations, shaping next steps, and working together to enhance our culture of inclusion and belonging.

Shared mission

Cedar Community’s Executive Team and Board of Directors recently developed new guiding principles and priorities and identi ed corporate strategic objectives to inform organizational goals and operations for the next several years. As these principles and priorities emerged and our strategic objectives were re ned, we also considered how they aligned with the mission statement and whether the mission statement accurately re ected our overarching purpose.

At the time these deliberations were taking place, Cedar Community’s mission statement read: To model Christ’s love for humanity by creating life-enhancing relationships, services, and environments. It was clear that our four focus areas community, team, quality, and responsibility and the principles articulated in support of them both contributed to and resulted from our commitment to “creating life-enhancing relationships, services, and environments.”

Opportunity for further re ection came when we considered what we meant by “modeling Christ’s love for humanity.” Although “Christ” and “Jesus” might be used interchangeably, the word “Christ” is a title given to Jesus by those who regarded him as “the Christ” (meaning “the Messiah,” or “one anointed by God”). Jesus, the historical gure, is recognized, not just by Christians, but also by adherents of other faith traditions, as pivotal in the trajectory of religious evolution and spiritual practice. And, the historical Jesus, through his life and teachings, provided an example for how we might live together and treat each other.

Julie Jennings Vice President of Spiritual Care and Wellbeing

This Jesus practiced compassion and empathy, grace and kindness, hospitality and justice, empowerment, and engagement. This Jesus sought to bring healing and wholeness in places of illness and brokenness. This Jesus worked to restore connection between the disenfranchised and marginalized and the people and communities around them. This Jesus recognized the kinship and responsibility we have with and for neighbors outside our boundaries of identity, belief, class, or nationality. And, this Jesus inspired ordinary people to do extraordinary things by calling, teaching, and entrusting colleagues with the work of love.

This Jesus informs the work we do at Cedar Community:

∙ The community we create for older adults, who can be unseen or disregarded by the communities around them (compassion).

∙ The care we demonstrate when supporting residents and clients in vulnerable places of illness, loneliness, and loss (empathy).

∙

Our commitment to continue caring for people beyond their capacity to pay (grace).

∙ The dignity and respect we o er, and the little things we do to honor and celebrate individuals (kindness).

∙

Our openness to people of all faiths and no faith (hospitality).

∙ Our work to become more intentional and supportive of diversity, equity, and inclusion (justice).

∙

Our e orts to attract, develop, and support passionate and committed team members (empowerment and engagement).

It is the love of this historical Jesus we strive to model. And so, we now live out our guiding principles and priorities and pursue our corporate strategic objectives, through our concrete daily e orts, under the banner of our shared mission:

To model Jesus’ love by creating life-enhancing relationships, services, and environments.

Resident pro le: Esther Peck

BY: Gladys Sachse Resident, Cedar Community Independent Living

Born and raised an only child in Crawfordsville, Indiana, Esther Peck was blessed with many friends and loved ones in her life. She fondly remembers her neighbor Charlie, who was six years older, and who was like a big brother to her. He took her under his wing—teaching her to play catch, baseball, and basketball. She recalls always feeling loved and cared for. Her aunt doted on her and her mother even made many of her pretty clothes.

Esther’s family raised produce and sold it to local grocery stores. She remembers helping with the gardening, loading her red wagon to sell vegetables in the neighborhood. It was during the Depression, Esther recalls, when her grandparents came from Bloomington, Indiana, and brought two chickens. One became dinner and the other, she named Mary—a pet she kept in the basement that eventually became very domesticated (housebroken even!). When she heard footsteps, Mary would come up the stairs and wait by the basement door. She had free reign of the house and yard along with the dogs.

Esther was a senior in high school when Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941. Following graduation and as World War II raged on, she attended college at Indiana University. As many items like food and fuel were rationed in support of the war e ort, she rode a fuel-e cient Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Esther graduated with a teaching degree and she went on to teach high school and serve as the school librarian. She received her master’s degree when she was in her 50s in an area of study that focused on continuing education for senior citizens—intended to help them stay mentally active.

Esther’s father—also a teacher—taught shop and industrial arts in high school. He in uenced many people’s lives and recognized when students needed extra help. Always willing to give an extra boost or help, he wanted the boys to learn a skill that would allow them a good job for life. He was very kind and cared about all creatures (and people) great and small. Esther’s son, Jim, says that his mother is kind and caring—just like her father. And her Cedar Community neighbors say the same!

Just like her father, Esther loves all creatures great and small—particularly horses. Her father’s best friend and college roommate had a horse ranch where the family boarded Esther’s horse, Patches. When she went away to college, Patches was moved to a stable near the university and Esther led trail rides in Brown County State Park in her free time.

Esther’s parents were best friends with the parents of her husband-to-be, Loren Peck. Esther and Loren—who was six months older than she— grew up as friends. With their family connections, they spent a lot of time together. Loren served in the U.S. Army, stationed in the Philippines during World War II, and in Japan following the war. It wasn’t until after his discharge from the Army that they began dating, and less than a year later were married. Loren worked in sales management for a magazine publishing business that included publications like The Saturday Evening Post and Reader’s Digest. Together, they had two children; Nancy, who passed away in 2013, and Jim.

During their marriage, Loren and Esther moved often because of his career. And over the span of their marriage they lived in 23 di erent homes! They liked moving around and seeing di erent parts of the country, so even after they retired

they lived in several places. Eventually they sold their home, put the furniture in storage, and bought a motor home. They traveled for three years all over North America—visiting every state. They spent two summers in Alaska, and also traveled to Hawaii, Europe, China, and Hong Kong. Esther’s favorite destinations were the West Coast and southern Canada. After they hung up the keys, they spent winters in Florida and summers in Rhinelander.

As they aged, Loren and Esther’s needs changed and they researched several retirement communities. Esther decided Cedar Community was the best and they moved to Cedar Community’s independent living apartments in 2014. Loren passed away in 2016 after 69 years of marriage, and in April of 2022, Esther moved to Cedar Community’s assisted living for a little extra help. Esther’s son, Jim, and his wife, Julie, feel Cedar Community has been a wonderful place for their parents to live out their retirement years. Jim was also happy his mom made the decision to move to assisted living when the time was right for her. “She’s thriving! Help is available 24 hours a day and they take great care of her. We have peace of mind knowing she is safe and we don’t have to worry.”

Esther feels very content, safe, and secure at Cedar Community. She doesn’t feel isolated and she never feels alone. “It feels like home. There’s a lot of socializing. The sta has been most welcoming— and they really care. They make me feel like I’m their grandmother,” says Esther. Staying active and involved is important to Esther, who participates in regular exercise classes and other activities. She enjoys the peacefulness and beautiful view while she sits out in the courtyard, as well as watching the birds and owers outside her window. “Life is beautiful here!” says Esther.

gifts that keep on giving DONORS AT WORK...

Generosity is de ned as the spirit and action of giving to others.

Generosity comes in many forms, including gifts of time, talents, and treasures.

Generosity can also refer to an overall spirit of kindness, of giving good things to others freely and abundantly—this de nition of generosity is woven throughout Cedar Community.

What motivates someone to be generous to others?

Studies show that people give of their time and money because they believe in a mission or cause, they believe their gift can make a di erence, and they experience personal satisfaction or ful llment. Cedar Community has been and continues to be blessed with residents, friends, and donors who are inspired to support our mission of creating a vibrant and welcoming community for seniors at all phases of life. In fact, Cedar Community was founded with just such a gift—one man’s gift of land, one man’s vision, and thousands of volunteer hours. Today, our donors continue to provide for current and future generations of seniors who will call Cedar Community home. Our donors support various building improvements and remodeling projects across campuses, wellbeing programs and activities, and our annual Partners In Caring™ benevolent fund that allows us to serve all seniors with dignity, respect, and compassionate best-in-class care—even when their nancial resources run short.

Our team members, residents and their families, volunteers, corporate and community friends and donors. Each and every one has made a tremendou impact yesterday, today, and for generations to come.

Thank you to all who support Cedar Community in all forms:

Joy Garden/ Butter y Release:

Cedar Community celebrated its annual Butter y Release and Celebration of Life with residents, volunteers, and team members across all of our campuses. The release held at the Cedar Ridge Campus in West Bend also marked the unveiling of the Joy Garden—an accessible strolling garden that includes conversation areas, a water feature, and a monarch waystation. The Joy Garden was made possible by the thoughtful estate gift of Henry and Helen Reinke, who wanted their gift to “enhance the lives of their neighbors at Cedar Ridge who had made their retirement years so joyful.”

Thank you, Henry and Helen!

Visit cedarcommunity.org to view the 2022 Butter y Release!

Presenting Sponsor

BSG Maintenance, Inc.

Wetterau Homestead, Inc.

Troy and Laurie Wetterau Family

Corporate Volunteer Sponsor

Moore Construction Services, LLC Sponsors

Joan Adler Anonymous

Joe and Diane Carlson

Rosemary Frank

Lois Held Home Instead

Liberty Financial Group, Inc.

National Exchange Bank and Trust

Phillip Funeral Home

Jack and Paula Pretre

George and Joyce Schowalter

Doug and Pamela Sholund

Taylor-Made Floors

Mike and Heidi Wisnefske

Walt and Ann Zube

Thank you to our 2022 sponsors and donors who helped make this wonderful celebration of life possible:

Cedar Ridge Wellbeing

Within Our Walls:

Cedar Community’s independent living apartments received a garden-level facelift that included improvements to public spaces as well as updates to wellbeing spaces. Phase one of the project included new ooring, drywall, updated hallway lighting, and updates to the wellbeing center and massage therapy spaces—including new tables with enhanced safety features as well as other spa-like updates. Gifts from the Henry and Helen Reinke estate as well as a generous grant from the Stone Family Foundation made this possible. Thank you for this incredible support!

Beach House:

The Beach House on Cedar Community’s Cedar Lake Campus received a much-needed “freshening up” that included a new roof, siding, ooring and cabinets, and bathroom updates to improve accessibility. These updates were made possible by a generous challenge grant donation and the matching donations of Cedar Community residents and friends. Challenge accepted. Thank you!

Team Member Appreciation:

Cedar Community team members enjoyed a break from the workday with good food and great fellowship as a result of a bequest from the Henry and Helen Reinke estate. The gift was speci cally directed to “throw a party” for the team members who had made Henry and Helen’s “retirement years so joyful.” Cheers to you, Henry and Helen. Thank you!

SEASONS OF LIFE…ENJOYING AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

A brain tumor diagnosis can change your perspective. Alice Horton will tell you so. Her diagnosis launched many adventures, including travels to 44 countries, 42 states, and a move to Cedar Community’s independent living apartments.

Alice grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin, and attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Initially her eld of study was chemistry, but she eventually altered her course of study to major in French. “I took to it like a frog takes to water,” laughs Alice, ultimately graduating with a major in French and a minor in chemistry. She met her husband, Harry, in college and they married after graduation. They were married nearly 20 years when Harry passed away. Together, they had one daughter.

Although Alice’s dream was to be an interpreter for the United Nations, she settled into a teaching job in Kansas following graduation for one year. “Harry and I were not good in the Great Plains,” she says. “We missed the trees and greenery so we headed back to Iowa.” Unable to nd a full-time teaching position, Alice worked part time until she eventually took a job at Hach Chemical Company in Ames, Iowa. The company made environmental test kits for the global market. Her boss focused on the European markets, while Alice dealt mostly with African, French-speaking countries. It was a wonderful opportunity to rely on both her French and chemistry background. “It was a great t, using all the skills I had learned in college,” says Alice.

After one year in Kansas, Harry felt the calling to enroll in seminary so they moved to Dubuque, Iowa. One of the required courses was Greek, and as Harry was not a great language student, Alice audited the class to help him. During his rst year, Harry became ill and eventually returned to manufacturing. Alice continued auditing courses at the seminary, taking a few Bible study classes in hopes that she would write educational materials for Sunday school. “I had the theological understanding, the teaching background, and the desire,” says Alice. To her surprise, she received a letter from seminary about an internship assignment—the seminary had mistakenly enrolled her as a regular student. “I thought, ‘I can’t do this; I haven’t even learned how to preach,’” laughs Alice.

After prayer and re ection she agreed to serve the internship. During that time, she became pregnant and, upon completing her internship in Minnesota, she took a leave of absence from school.

Alice, now a mother, contemplated the path before her. Did she want to nish her ministry degree and enter the professional world, or focus on being a mother? She chose to focus on being a wife and mother, but soon a nearby church asked her to assist them while they searched for a new pastor. She worked part time until they found someone, and subsequently, returned to seminary to complete her studies. Because her family still lived in Minnesota and the seminary was in Iowa, she made a 600-mile weekly commute for a year to complete her Master of Divinity degree in 1980.

To be ordained after graduation, one must immediately enter the church ministry. As Alice was not ready to do so just yet, she committed to working part time as an interim pastor— lling in at various churches. She was o cially ordained to interim ministry in 1982, and worked part time until her daughter was in high school. Eventually she went on to have a church of her own, serving for ve years in Saint Peter, Minnesota, and then moved closer to her aging mother who lived in Appleton. She served Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington for seven years, returning to serve as a part-time interim pastor until her retirement in 2012.

During her retirement years she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. “Like most people who get serious health news, I thought, ‘I am going to die,’ so I decided to go on one more trip,” says Alice. She chose the Galapagos Islands because of her love for animals. She lived with the brain tumor for three and a half years until it began to a ect her optic nerve. After successful surgery to remove the tumor, Alice decided she was not going to live her life with any regrets. She began traveling every three to four months on “splendid adventures.” Her adventurous travels have included climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise $9,000 for a Tanzanian hospital, a 220-mile excursion through the Grand Canyon on foot and by white-water raft, descending one thousand feet into the ocean in a deep-water submersible in Grand Cayman, rappelling in slot canyons in Utah,

hiking in New Zealand and Australia, and scuba diving in Mexico. A lifelong learner, Alice has also visited Easter Island to see the ancient moai, toured Canada to see polar bears and Alaska to see grizzly bears, travelled to Antarctica to see penguins, to Africa for safari, and to Spain to go caving. Other travels have also included Chile, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Morocco, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, Italy, Great Britain, Ireland, the Falkland Islands, Costa Rica, Brazil, several island nations, and most of the United States. Alice encourages others to set out on explorations: “You have no idea what your retirement holds for you. Go out and explore while you are still able,” suggests Alice. Last year, she visited Iceland for three weeks and broke her ankle while hiking on a glacier. “Those are the risks you take when you lead my life,” jokes Alice.

Alice was familiar with Cedar Community from our Live More magazine. Because she had visited many parishioners who were in senior care environments—assisted living, nursing homes, and rehab centers—she recognized the bene ts that Cedar Community could bring to one’s retirement. “At Cedar Community I am nourished by the surrounding wilderness. I know of no other retirement community that o ers so many acres of land and trees, a pond, lake, wildlife, and peace and quiet,” notes Alice.

When re ecting, Alice says, “It’s been an interesting life. I am glad to be able to say that, at this stage of my life, I do not miss working. I do not miss home ownership with all the maintenance that goes along with it. I don’t miss any of that!” Today, Alice enjoys walks with the Cedar Community hiking group, shu eboard, and exercising in the tness center. She also has time for other hobbies including reading, stamp collecting, cooking, puzzles, some crafting, and bird watching.

Alice also hopes to join many of the other activities/adventures that Cedar Community o ers while continually enjoying, exploring, and embracing her best life. Cedar Community can’t wait for an opportunity for Alice to share her travel adventures with residents through her video re ections. It will de nitely be exciting to see where Alice’s travels continue to lead her. Bon voyage, friend!

Machu Picchu, Peru

Mount Sunday, South Island, New Zealand

Cedar Community receives quality award for skilled nursing

Cedar Community was awarded its rst HealthStream Embracing Quality Award for 2022, based on excellence in the De ciency-free Survey category for skilled nursing care. HealthStream, Inc., is a leading source of workforce and provider solutions for the healthcare industry. They improve patient outcomes by helping organizations keep abreast of regulatory requirements and determining causes of de ciencies, while providing steps for improving quality of care.

“HealthStream’s philosophy of Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) is integral to the Embracing Quality Awards. Only organizations that have achieved HealthStream’s QAPI Distinction are eligible for an award, ensuring that systems are in place to continue providing the same caliber of care. Given how few organizations were able to meet the Embracing Quality Award criteria, there is no question that as award winners they are an elite group,” stated Robert A. Frist, Jr., chief executive o cer, HealthStream.

QAPI focuses on two aspects: Quality Assurance (QA) and Performance Improvement (PI). QA is based on the comprehensive and data-driven approaches for improving safety and quality in nursing homes, while involving team members in the systematic approach to problem solving. PI examines organizational processes—identifying areas for improvement.

“Cedar Community continually focuses on quality of care—providing best-in-class services for the residents and families we serve. I am proud of our team who goes above and beyond each and every day to provide the best outcomes for our residents,” says Kelli DeRuyter, RN, BSN, NHA, administrator/vice president of clinical services.

Hospice receives top scores

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Breaking news

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Financial planning e-newsletter

For those who are interested in signing up, Cedar Community o ers a twice monthly e-newsletter featuring news from the Social Security Administration and legislators in Washington, D.C., the publication Savvy Living, donor stories, nance news, and timely articles. You may receive these regular updates at no cost or obligation simply by visiting cedarcommunitylegacy.org and providing your name and email address.

Free estate planning guide

Are you considering your will and estate plans? If you are thinking about how your generosity today can impact your legacy tomorrow, we would like to give you a FREE estate planning guide. This helpful guide o ers practical tips, information, and strategies to help maximize the impact of your gifts to family, loved ones, and philanthropic causes you care about. This helpful guide will assist you in recording your family information, communicating plans for distributing any assets, and ensuring that any other nal wishes regarding your estate are clearly outlined. To learn more, visit cedarcommunitylegacy.org and click on the Estate Planning and Legacy Giving tab.

Cedar Community’s Hospice received several top scores in the latest Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey. The surveys are designed to assess the experience of patients using standardized questions, which are publicly reported providing a source of information for patients and caregivers to select a hospice program or healthcare setting that best ts their needs. Cedar Community received a score of 94 percent in treating patients with respect, 96 percent in emotional and spiritual support, and 92 percent in willing to recommend Cedar Community Hospice. Several of the scores reported were higher than the United States national average among hospice providers.

We are here to help you navigate

complex healthcare system, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions that are right for you and your family. Our team provides a holistic approach—focusing on mind, body, and spirit while providing compassionate and best-in-class care.

Home health

home health & hospice

Nursing, therapy, and other specialized services in the privacy and comfort of your home help you manage a chronic illness or recover from surgery or an accident. Our goal is to help you meet your recovery goals, improve your quality of life, and help you stay safely in your home.

services include:

Health assessments

Patient and family education

Treatment solutions

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

us today at 262.306.2691 and together we can

the best care that meets your personal needs.

Road

recovery leads to Cedar

It was a rainy day in August of 2021, when Barb Bednarski had to give the door to her store, Grafton Yarn Store, a little more “hip action” than usual. It took her 15 minutes to get the door to budge as the building was a bit older and the rain seemed to cause a little expansion. The next day, one of her employees couldn’t get the door locked, which required a little more force and “hip action,” leading to two torn ligaments, a torn tendon, and other problems. Barb pursued nonsurgical options for relief, but the injuries caused her gait to be strained, which—eventually—also destroyed the cartilage in her hip. Barb su ered in pain and was on crutches for months as she was unable to bear weight on her damaged hip. Her only relief was constant icing of the area.

Barb’s team of doctors tried a variety of therapies until it was determined surgery was the only x. Her rst surgery was a fusion in her SI joint in the hopes that it would help alleviate the hip pain—but it did not. Two months later she had a hip replacement—and the doctor discovered the tendon was still torn. “A tendon repair is a painful and rough recovery period. Prior to surgery the doctor thought I would be going home the next day. With the extensive damage, rehab was necessary,” says Barb. When asked where she wanted to go for inpatient rehabilitation therapy, Barb immediately said Cedar Community. “I knew of Cedar Community’s great reputation, and it was de nitely my rst choice,” says Barb. A husband of one of Barb’s employees also had a recent stay at Cedar Community’s rehab. Her coworker could not say enough about the care her husband received.

Following her surgery, Barb was transported from the hospital to Cedar Community’s rehab. The following day, she was already working with the rehab team. Speech, occupational, and physical therapy were all ordered. “I thought it was odd I needed speech therapy, but soon learned it was more about cognitive and memory exercises. I did a lot of logic puzzles, which I love,” says Barb. Next was wheelchair training—which she says she failed. “I could make the chair go straight, but turning was a challenge!” When Barb’s daughter had visited her in the hospital following surgery, she quickly called her brother because she didn’t think her mom was going to make it. After arriving at Cedar Community, Barb was quickly doing therapy ve days a week, and exercising on her own on the weekends. The change was drastic!

“I knew after the rst day at Cedar Community that I was going to be okay. Judy walked into my room and within two minutes she had me up and dressed. She was like a drill sergeant—but in a good way,” laughs Barb. “Judy gave me the con dence and encouragement I needed.” Barb has nothing but praise and gratitude for the team that took care of her. “I have such an appreciation for what the sta does on a daily basis. It is very humbling because they are taking care of everything for you because you can’t do anything.” She was amazed by the certi ed nursing assistants and how they seem to love what they do. “Cedar Community has a wonderful team and I don’t have enough words to describe the outstanding organization and the care I received.”

Barb left Cedar Community’s rehab with her husband waiting at home to help her with the day-to-day tasks and Cedar Community Home Health Care providing occupational and physical therapy. Home Health Care was limited because Barb was doing so well that she only needed a few visits, and home exercises would keep her on the right path to recovery. She was back to work in no time, moving about her store freely with no assistive devices. Barb’s determination and the care she received from Cedar Community have her walking pain free and as busy as ever!

A life of service: An interview with Douglas S. Christensen

BY: Tom Blumenberg Resident, Cedar Community Independent Living

Extensive training

Doug quickly found himself on his rst ight, from San Francisco to Pensacola, Florida. Academic and military coursework ensued and his initial ight training took place at Sau ey Field. Doug felt very fortunate as most Marines were sent to helicopter ight training after graduating basic ight training.

A handful of Marines from each class were sent to Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi, for jet training, and a week before his graduation Doug was chosen to join them. There he received basic jet training and then returned to Pensacola for carrier quali cation. Advanced jet training took place at Beeville, Texas, and while there he was assigned to an F-8 Crusader squadron in El Toro, California. Doug described the Crusader as the last of the daylight ghters and characterized it as “see them and shoot them.”

The early years

Doug was born to Steve and Freda Berg Christensen in Reedley, California, in 1942, after his grandfather was lured to California from Denmark by the real estate market. Grandfather Christensen purchased a 20-acre vineyard and raised grapes that were destined to become raisins. Doug recalls helping with the eld drying operations and is proud that his grandfather was such a pillar in the community.

When Doug was seven years old, his father deserted the family. He praised his mother for doing a good job of raising and supporting the family of three boys on her own. At the time, it was considered a disgrace to accept welfare, so she worked as a secretary in the insurance industry, until she retired in her mid 70s.

Doug attended primary school in a three-room schoolhouse in rural Fresno, California, eventually attending Fresno State College for two years. His studies at Fresno were not going very well, and he didn’t have a plan for what was next until he walked by a campus recruiter one day who asked him, “How would you like to y airplanes?”

Doug signed up for the Marine Aviation Cadet Program (MarCad), knowing he had a three-year service commitment to the United States Marines after completing his ight training. After taking a series of tests, he went to San Francisco to begin training.

Doug gave a vivid description of an incident during an F-9 carrier quali cation ight. His Landing Signal O cer (LSO) ordered him to continue with a landing despite the fact a twin-engine aircraft was taking o ahead of him. The landing was aborted at the last second, but the prop wash caused Doug’s jet to ip over. Rather than trying to correct the ip, Doug chose to literally roll with it and ended upright just above the water where he was able to power out and y back to his home base.

After 18 months in the squadron, Doug was destined to nish his service commitment as a forward air controller. Knowing he did not want to serve in that capacity, he plotted a plan to get himself reassigned to C-130 training while he was having a couple of beers in the “O” club.

His new squadron was based in Okinawa, Japan, with a subunit in Da Nang, (South) Vietnam. Doug detailed his ight schedule and the support his squadron provided to the infantry corps in the northern part of Vietnam. He characterized the transport aircraft duty as “taking ammo in and bodies out,” but he also mentioned moving machinery and troops. “The airplane I was piloting was hit on eight di erent occasions by ground re and on one occasion my plane had eight bullet holes in it. So, I gure if I play the lottery eight has got to be in there somewhere,” he chuckled.

Thank you for your service!

Discharged

Doug’s 13 months of C-130 deployment brought his service commitment to a close. He ew back to El Toro, honorably discharged, and was happy to have completed his service. Re ecting, Doug said the military life taught him how to grow up and equipped him with a skill that he turned into a career. He learned how to deal with and manage people— and had no qualms about serving.

Life goes on

Doug eventually met his wife, Judy, on a blind date while in California. Now a civilian, Doug was hired by Pan Am, where his rst ights took him back to Vietnam where they shuttled troops to Hawaii and Australia for rest and relaxation. During a furlough period, Doug and Judy purchased the Fin-nFeather restaurant in New Prospect, Wisconsin, just east of Campbellsport, where Judy grew up. They operated the restaurant for three years until Doug was recalled by Pan Am. He was based in Berlin, Germany, for six years, during which time the Berlin Wall was nally removed.

Doug continued his ying career with Delta while he and Judy lived in Florida, and in 2001 he retired and they moved back to Wisconsin to be close to their son and grandchildren.

Cedar Community

Doug and his wife, Judy, moved to Cedar Community’s independent living apartments in 2014 from Campbellsport. At the time of their move they owned a large house and 10 acres—with a lot of grass to mow and were becoming more hesitant about leaving their home each winter to escape to warmer weather. Doug and Judy were familiar with Cedar Community and were ready to make the move, but they didn’t expect to sell their home in one day! Luckily for them, an apartment was available right away. Today, Doug and Judy enjoy their worry-and-maintenance-free apartment, the freedom to come and go, and the sense of security—closing the door to your home to venture out. They also enjoy the people who live at Cedar Community and the lack of worry knowing someone is always looking out for you.

Volunteer highlight: Dave Donnelly and Rondi Weber

CONTACT US!

sharing, and making a di erence

“We get more in return than we feel like we give,” say Cedar Ridge residents Dave Donnelly and Rondi Weber, expressing a common sentiment of Cedar Community volunteers. After living in South Carolina most of their married life, the couple moved to Rockford, Illinois, to be near family, and where Rondi was able to escape the extreme heat and humidity. When they no longer wanted the responsibility of home ownership, they started thinking about the next step in their journey of life. Discussions with their children a rmed their thinking and they began researching senior living options in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Illinois, and Wisconsin. They were touring options in Illinois and Wisconsin when Rondi remembered friends of her parents had lived at Cedar Community for many years. After two visits with Abby Jonasson, independent living sales manager, their decision was made. They moved into an apartment at the Cedar Ridge Campus in October 2021.

Dave and Rondi couldn’t be happier with their decision. “We made the choice of where we wanted to live, how we wanted to live, and we are not leaving the burden to our children.” The lifestyle Cedar Community o ers allows residents to be active and busy, or to relax and enjoy a schedule-free retirement—or a combination of both depending on the day! Additionally, Cedar Community’s location and vast array of amenities is a win/win. Dave, who has built most of the furniture in their apartment, knew it was the best choice when he saw the woodworking shop and the community garden space. With their love of travel, they feel comfortable being able to leave their home and know things will be ne when they return. “Twice when we were living in Rockford, we traveled and came back to a cold house. Here we can leave for six weeks or six months, it doesn’t matter—we don’t have to worry,” says Dave.

While Dave has enjoyed full retirement from American Airlines since 2012, Rondi, a registered nurse, still enjoys

working outside the home. After settling into their apartment, Rondi began to explore options and is currently working one day a week at Froedtert Hospital in West Bend as an operating room scheduler. It o ers her the exibility to travel and also to continue her volunteering. She volunteers driving the pontoon boat, lls in as a van driver, and helps with special events and Bingo at Cedar Community’s assisted living. Dave can be found at the woodshop working on projects for Cedar Community, driving the pontoon boat, and helping with Bingo and special events. They both assisted with the maple syrup production this past spring. Dave has also personally prepared lunch for team members at the Cedar Ridge Campus—thanking them for all they do.

If you decide to make the move to Cedar Community’s independent apartments, you may have the good fortune of meeting Rondi, who also helps with Welcome Friends— a program introducing new residents to the community. “I wanted to share my enthusiasm for everything Cedar Community has to o er and what a wonderful place it is to live.”

“The rst time I met Dave and Rondi they were so warm and friendly and ready to help. The residents enjoy how much they embrace volunteering. One resident even commented, ‘If you meet them just once you know you will have a friend for life.’ We value Dave and Rondi and all they do—making a di erence in the lives of our residents. I look forward to working with them on many new volunteer adventures,” says Bonnie Amerling, volunteer coordinator.

Volunteering for both Dave and Rondi is a new venture and something they didn’t have much time for while they were raising a family and working. “We get so many thanks and appreciation from the residents for helping. It’s so rewarding. The interaction is amazing and it’s great connecting and sharing moments with residents.” We appreciate YOU, Dave and Rondi!

A recent classic car show is just one of the many opportunities available for volunteers to enjoy with our residents, lending a hand as needed.

Working in a restaurant—especially during the pandemic—de nitely had its challenges. Working 45 to 50 hours a week, sometimes more; working during times when everyone else was o doing fun things; and working with no bene ts like a 401k or health insurance is what led Matt Phillips to Cedar Community. Encouraged by Top of the Ridge Restaurant chef, Tristan Twitty—also a former coworker of Matt’s—he applied and was hired shortly after as a line chef.

Matt began his career at Cedar Community in December of 2021— and in less than a year was awarded Team Member of the Quarter by his peers. “Matt assisted Cedar Community through our cook shortage by his willingness to transition and cook where he was needed. By all reports, he rocked it!” “Matt’s culinary skills have elevated the level of food.” Tom Anderson, senior director of corporate dining, also appreciates Matt’s willingness and enthusiasm, “Matt has helped us get through some very challenging times, going above and beyond as a team player, even assisting in the dining room serving residents when needed. We are very lucky to have him and appreciate his dedication and culinary talent.”

Matt’s previous experience includes ve years at Spaulding Clinical in West Bend, and two years working with Precinct Tap and Table, managing their sister restaurant Barley Pop Pub in Germantown. He was responsible for cooking, weekly ordering, menu changes, scheduling, and day-today operations. As line chef at Cedar Community, Matt is in the kitchen preparing and cooking for the residents. “I feel the most comfortable in the kitchen and I don’t want to be anywhere else. I am not one who can sit in front of a computer all day,” laughs Matt. He has met some amazing chefs in the industry—having worked with chefs from Sweden and London. And while Matt does not have any formal culinary training, he has excelled in the kitchen, learning from his mentors and team members as he goes.

Cedar Community interested Matt when he was looking for a job because of the more regular “daytime”hours, insurance bene ts, vacation time, and most of all, a 401k—so he could start investing in his future. “Working 10- to 12-hour days, four to ve days a week, is stressful and life consuming—not leaving much free time. Now I have time for myself in the evenings to do what I want,” says Matt.

Providing meals for Cedar Community residents has been very ful lling for Matt. He likes to see them happy and enjoying food he prepared from scratch. “The residents are so grateful here and it’s a much di erent experience than what I am used to.” Matt believes in helping out where he is needed and truly embraces the line on his job description that says “other duties as assigned” with a joyful heart. When skilled nursing and assisted living needed extra help, Matt was a little nervous because he was working with a new group of team members. “Everyone was so friendly, which made the transition much easier. We are all here to do a job and if we work together as a team we are going to be much more e cient and successful,” says Matt.

“I don’t really think about the future and what my plans might be. It would be nice to own my own brick and mortar restaurant, but for right now I live day-to-day and am happy to be working at Cedar Community where I know I am making a di erence,” says Matt.

To learn more about the rewarding opportunities available at Cedar Community, visit our careers page at cedarcommunity.org.

Time, talents, and treasures: Resident shares “Neighborhood News”

Residents and team members at Cedar Community can enjoy, explore, and embrace their best life through many life-enriching opportunities. In addition to the many amenities we o er, there are also a variety of ways to use your time, talents, and treasures to help others and enrich your own life. We hope they inspire you to Live More!

During early construction of Cedar Community’s Elkhart Lake Campus, Carol Wise and her husband, Earl, drove through the site and always thought house number 40 was the best spot if the time ever came for them to move to independent living. That time came in 2010. Having joined the wait list, “just in case,” they received the call that three homes were available, and number 40 happened to be one of them. They made the selection and completed some cosmetic changes like painting and nishing out the basement. Earl and Carol moved into their new home in April of 2011. In June 2012, Earl passed away from complications related to Alzheimer’s. “It’s a wonderful place and I feel so lucky to live here,” says Carol. “This campus is such a blessing to the people of Elkhart Lake. Friends who live on the lake and weren’t able to stay in their homes only had the option of senior housing in Sheboygan. Oftentimes, they would be cut o from their friends because they didn’t drive and the distance was just too far. This is nice and close and a beautiful setting.”

Carol appreciates the opportunity to meet new friends at Cedar Landing. In fact, she thought everyone should get to know each other and began writing a monthly resident newsletter. She has not missed one edition since she started in May of 2017—even when she winters in Florida for two months. The newsletter includes a “mystery resident” feature that challenges other residents to guess the identity

of the mystery person, event information, photos from events, favorite childhood memories, a fun quote, and local community information. “I thought we needed news relevant to our neighbors, a fun way to get to know each other better, and the latest happenings within Cedar Community and the Elkhart Lake community,” says Carol.

The newsletter is a natural t for Carol—an English major and former librarian. She also served as a reporter and copy editor for two condo and homeowner’s associations where she lived prior. Carol still owns a condo in Elkhart Lake and enjoys spending time there with her close-knit family—including ve biological children and two stepchildren. She also has 11 grandkids, one great-grandchild, and one on the way. When she is not writing or enjoying the views from her home, she likes to read, do crossword puzzles, and walk her 16-year-old Pomeranian Yorkie mix, Holly.

Physical

onmental

lanoitomE

lautiri

When talking about wellbeing, there is more to the topic than just physical activity and healthy eating. At Cedar Community, we strive to support the seven core areas of wellbeing: emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual, and vocational. We will explore these seven areas through education, programs, and resources.

Vocational wellbeing and you

Vocational wellbeing can be achieved by aligning your interests, hobbies, employment, or volunteer work. It is the ability to achieve personal ful llment from any kind of job or activity, while still maintaining balance in our lives. Most people engage in a variety of vocations throughout their lives.

Why is it important?

∙ Fosters work/life balance.

∙ Brings a sense of satisfaction and stimulation.

∙ Opens doors to new opportunities.

∙ Helps you discover new skills and interests.

∙ Brings a feeling of self-worth and value. Tips to enhance your vocational wellbeing: Stay curious

An easy way to disengage from vocational wellbeing is to grow stagnant—doing the same thing day after day. Curiosity and engaging in lifelong learning invigorates your mind and ignites new interests. Challenge yourself by:

∙ Seeking opportunities for growth and learning.

∙ Identifying subject matters you want to learn more about or strengths you want to build upon.

∙ Identifying new technologies or skills training opportunities.

Set goals for the future

The rst step in improving your vocational wellbeing is identifying your wants, needs, and goals. Take time to re ect about what you aspire to in the short- and long-term. Be both optimistic and realistic when creating these goals. It’s better to make consistent progress to an achievable goal than to set lofty goals and feel discouraged when you don’t achieve them. You are more likely to continue to work towards a long-term goal when you are achieving short-term successes.

Make connections

Use your vocational gifts to bene t both yourself and others. If you are a creator, create something beautiful for others to see. If you are a leader, lead others to a healthier life. If you are a teacher, teach your friends something new. If you are a compassionate friend, support others when they are in need.

Volunteer

One of the most powerful activities that bene ts both you and others is volunteer work. Volunteer work is a great way to stay active and keep the mind, body, and spirit engaged—all while helping others. Volunteerism can help you demonstrate your values and priorities through involvement in activities that are gratifying for you. Whatever your passion or purpose is, keeping up with the vocational dimension of wellbeing is very important. Find something you enjoy and build on it!

For more information on volunteering at Cedar Community, contact the volunteer coordinator at 262.306.4218.

Source: friendshiphaven.org/keeping-up-with-the-wellness-dimensionsvocational-wellness/

Wishing you all more vocational wellbeing this fall!

Feed your soul at Cedar Valley

what

individual

most people

blue skies,

a change of scenery

food,

body and soul.

that spirit,

a great time to visit Cedar Valley. The Cedar Valley hospitality team is excited to invite you to a new event series.

Cedar Community residents

invited to Cedar Valley Retreat Center for lunch

socializing. We will enjoy a delicious, seasonal meal of soup and sandwiches with dessert and beverages. After lunch, guests are invited to stay and enjoy the Cedar Valley property, play cards and other games, re ect in the Spirit Chapel, visit and make new friends, and explore the gardens and trails. The cost of lunch is $15 and may be paid at the door. Reservations are needed.

Cedar Valley, a property owned by Cedar Community, is managed by United Church Camps, Inc. (UCCI).

UCCI hosts camps, retreats, and events at three sites: Cedar Valley, Daycholah Center (on Green Lake), and Moon Beach (near St. Germain).

Browse events and register online at ucci.org. These sacred places are for your enjoyment and spiritual renewal.

Partners In Caring™ Annual Campaign

2023

WHAT IS YOUR WHY?

This edition of Live More started with some thoughts from our CEO as to Cedar Community’s Guiding Principles and Priorities—our organizational “WHY.” So it seems tting—that as we prepare for the 2023 Partners In Caring™ annual campaign—we should end with “WHY” as well.

Sarah J. Malchow, CFRE Vice President of Development

In the course of my work, I am privileged to talk with Cedar Community’s many friends, neighbors, donors, and benefactors. These conversations are always enjoyable, usually lively and lled with laughter, and—more often than not—incredibly inspiring to me! I marvel at the sel ess generosity and the commitment to helping others exhibited by my friends. The “WHY” behind their support of friends and neighbors whose nancial resources no longer cover the cost of long-term nursing care speaks volumes.

∙ “I give to Partners In Caring because it’s the right thing to do. We live in a community where I wake up every morning and give thanks that I am here and I want to make sure that others can do the same. This is what we are all about—we are a community of caring people.”

support Partners In Caring to pay it forward for all that God has blessed me with. It re ects our mission to share what we have with those in need. And what if someday I would need help, it would be comforting and reassuring that others are reaching out to help me.

∙”I cannot say thanks enough to Cedar Community for the blessings of many years of living here. Giving to Partners In Caring is one of my most important ways of expressing my gratitude by helping others to live their best lives in this wonderful place. “

∙ “We participate in the Partners In Caring program because it brings us joy to be able to share this beautiful campus with those who otherwise would not be able to nancially reside here.”

“Partners In Caring is a worthwhile philanthropic e ort. It helps others who are less fortunate than myself and who may be facing increasing economic and social challenges.”

“As donors, we are blessed to support Partners In Caring—which allows people to live their lives with dignity regardless of their nancial means.”

So...WHY support Partners In Caring? My friends told you their WHY. And I couldn’t have said it better myself!

CEDAR COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTORY

Independent Living West Bend

Cedar Ridge Apartments

Cedar Ridge Homes

Cedar Lake Village Homes 262.338.4615 or 262.338.4617

Independent Living Plus 262.306.4299

Elkhart Lake

Cedar Landing Homes 920.876.4050

Assisted Living West Bend

Cedar Bay East

Cedar Bay West

The Cottages (memory care) 262.306.4299

Lake

Cedar Bay Elkhart Lake 920.876.4050

Short-term Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing

Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center 262.306.4240

Rehabilitation 262.306.2150

Home Health & Hospice 262.306.2691

Restaurant and Catering

·Top of the Ridge Restaurant and Catering 262.338.2812

Cafés

·Market Café (Cedar Ridge Campus) 262.338.4614

·Cedar Lake Café (Cedar Lake Campus) 262.306.2100, ext. 4128

Resale Shops

· Cedar Treasures (Cedar Ridge Campus) 262.338.8377

·Cedar Closet (Cedar Lake Campus) 262.306.2100, ext. 4119

262.306.4218

Live

Cedar Community

Salon & Spa Services

·Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center 262.306.4281

·Cedar Ridge Apartments 262.338.2813

· Cedar Bay West 262.306.2130, ext. 4429

·The Cottages 262.365.6500, ext. 5405

Cedar Community Main Number 262.306.2100

Cedar Lake Pharmacy 262.306.4289

Philanthropy 262.338.2819

Careers cedarcommunity.org