Live More
SUMMER 2020
FOR THERESIDENTS LOVE OF RECEIVE THE OUTDOORS LOCAL AWARD
Enjoy, explore, and embrace your best life!
Cedar Community’s life-enriching programs and services give you the opportunity to live a fulfilled life among family and friends, through the Four Cornerstones of our Live More™ Lifestyle:
Community Making personal and meaningful
Purpose
connections among your peers in an atmosphere of friendship, warmth, and hospitality. Finding opportunities to enhance, enjoy, and explore hobbies and interests, while serving others through your gifts of talent, time, and resources.
Faith
Wellness
Developing inner peace and fellowship through the blessings of faith traditions, opportunities for spiritual growth, worship and prayer, or thoughtful reflection. Staying physically, emotionally, and mentally active and engaged for successful aging.
Start enjoying life and all the wonderful things waiting for you in an independent living home or apartment. Retirement living should be everything you envisioned! . Full-sized pool and whirlpool, state-of-the-art fitness center, natural prairie, scenic walking trails, lake access . Woodworking shop . Greenhouse and gardens . Wellness programs . Social, recreational, and educational activities . Volunteer opportunities . Maintenance-free lifestyle
“Moving to Cedar Community, we have friends who share our interests and values, we have a place we can call home, and we have a sense of security because we know all the levels of care are here if we ever need them. We are just enjoying living and being very active; probably more here than we have been in the past.”
Steve and Carol Davidson, independent living residents
Live More
featuring...
Editor’s note Our response to COVID-19 | 4 A walk on the trails helps clear the mind A vision comes alive | 5 We are one community connected together Importance of community engagement | 6 Resident profile Meet Dennis and Nancy Raeder | 8–9
Enjoy, explore, and embrace your best life! Live More is published for the neighbors of Cedar Community. If you would like to add a neighbor’s name to our mailing list, please contact us at 262.338.2819. To view Live More online, visit cedarcommunity.org/ news-events/publications.
Celebrating outstanding team members Meet Laurie Erdmann and Holly Konrath | 10–11
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Nicole Pretre
A Great Place to Work Cedar Community officially certified | 11
MANAGING EDITOR Carrie Sturn
Cedar Community receives three Aster Awards Marketing team is nationally recognized | 12–13 For the love of the outdoors Many help turn a vision into reality | 14–17 Campuses certified as wildlife habitats Acreage creates natural environment | 17 Volunteer highlight Meet Ken and Karen Liepert | 18–19 Cedar Community wins Top Choice Award Cedar Community finishes as a finalist | 19 Beyond Bingo Meet our life enrichment team | 20–24 Updates to events Butterfly Release and Summer Concert Series | 25 Every Step Leaving your legacy | 26 Certainty in uncertain times Supporting our mission | 27
ART DIRECTOR Cyndi Frohmader
ON THE COVER Dave Braby (r) and Keith Ruesch (l) have volunteered over 1,700 hours from June 2018 to June 2020 on Cedar Community’s trail system. OUR MISSION To model Christ’s love for humanity by creating life-enhancing relationships, services, and environments.
Editor’s note
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As we go to press with this latest edition of Live More, we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic. We have also been witnessing and experiencing the protests and anger after the tragic deaths of people of color in our country. The events are widespread, but the impact of the virus and the violence has also been local—impacting our families, residents, and local community.
Nicole Pretre Vice President of Development
Here at Cedar Community, the virus continues to impact our visitation guidelines in our healthcare settings. Even as businesses and events slowly begin to open around us, we continue to follow the orders and guidance of federal, state, and local health officials. Visitors to our skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, except in critical end-of-life circumstances, remain restricted. Our team members are screened before each shift, and we check the vitals of our residents three times a day. We test any resident or team member who shows symptoms of COVID-19, and thankfully to date, we have had only one positive resident and one positive team member, both of whom are fully recovered. We want to thank all of our team members, residents, families, and the greater community, for your support. Cedar Community continues to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of this pandemic with steadfast dedication, patience, and perseverance. At this writing, I am pleased to share a glimmer of good news—the health department has allowed us to implement plans for socially-distanced activities and dining for residents. We are also working to develop a phased plan to eventually allow for visits and events. We all look forward to the time when we can welcome back our families, friends, and volunteers. Team members and residents alike are eager to see our buildings once again full of the vibrant sights and sounds of activities, laughter and music, chapel services, shared meals, and fellowship. Like any family, members of our Cedar Community family may have had differing opinions from time to time during these stressful past weeks and months. In the words of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.â€?Â
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Together, we are a caring, compassionate, and thoughtful community of residents, team members, family members, volunteers, and donors. We will get through this pandemic; we will listen to and learn from one another in patience; we pray for healing, justice, and understanding; and we have faith that we will persist to emerge an even stronger Cedar Community family. In faith and hope,
Nicole Pretre Executive Editor, Live More
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A WALK ON THE TRAILS HELPS CLEAR THE MIND After a stressful spring, filled with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, summer weather has finally arrived, giving me the opportunity to hike the many trails on our Big Cedar Lake Campus. Taking a walk during lunch hour among the trees, birds, deer, and turkey is a great antidote for workrelated stress. Invariably, I will run into residents and/or team members who are also enjoying the trails. We have approximately 100 acres of wooded areas that are criss-crossed by our trail system. I have to confess that on more than one occasion I have taken a wrong turn and ended up lost for a while. In discussing my “dis-directia” with some residents one day, I mentioned it would be nice to have a mapping and directional system to know where you are on our Cedar Lake Campus. Say no more. Within a few weeks, residents got together and accepted the challenge. In a matter of months, the team had developed a trail system to rival many state parks.
Lynn W. Olson CEO, “Coach of an Excellent Organization”
It has been a goal of ours for the past three years to make the outdoor areas on all of our campuses more accessible, especially for those who might have mobility issues. Last year, we completed access to the lakefront for residents with mobility issues. The trails team began researching road/ pathway materials that could accommodate people of all ability levels, while still blending in with our natural setting. Last fall, we completed our first section of trail with the new material. The new trail is wider, more environmentally friendly, and helps shed water more naturally and effectively. You can read more about how the trails committee worked to develop our improved system later in this issue of Live More. I had one of our independent living residents, who uses a powered wheelchair to get around the campus test the new trail for accessibility. He gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up! Time and budget permitting, we hope to make all of the major trails on our Big Cedar Lake Campus accessible over the next three years. A lake neighbor, Mike Voss, also took a special interest in our trail system and worked on the project. Mike has worked with us on developing a campus-wide landscaping plan to accentuate the natural beauty of the landscape, and he also donated generously to the project. It is a pleasure and a privilege to work with such dedicated individuals to improve our campus for the benefit of our residents, their families, team members, and neighbors.
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As you read this, we will have recently celebrated Independence Day. Perhaps you fired up your barbecue grills and marked the day of national pride with a few friends or family members in your backyard. Maybe there was some sort of parade to go to. There might have even been fireworks, or at the very least, sparklers. But, as I write this, our country is in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic and cities all over the land are erupting in protest over the taking of another black life.
Julie Jennings Vice President of Ministry
Both present-day tragedies reflect an eternal truth: while we might strive for autonomy in our lives, in our locales and in our legislatures, while we might pride ourselves on our self-sufficiency, and while we might think we live only unto ourselves, none of us are ever fully independent. We live in a web of global connections. We exist in a network of cause and effect. We participate in a cosmic environment of interdependent influence and need. We blind ourselves to this reality at our own peril. But, perhaps more importantly, when we blind ourselves to this reality, we blind ourselves to the inflicted peril of those who are forced to live with the hardships of this reality every day.
WE ARE ONE COMMUNITY CONNECTED
r e h t e g o t
At Cedar Community, we serve adults 55 and better who are navigating the spectrum of living “independently” and living with an increasing need for assistance and care. But our residents are not the only ones with needs. Our network of supportive care depends on sound medical knowledge and advice from other practitioners and coordinated care with medical facilities. We rely on legislative bodies to set sound and just policies and reimbursement rates for the care we provide. Our unreimbursed care requires the generosity of donors, past, present, and future. Our internal ecosystem runs on the coordination of departments and disciplines, the trust and faithfulness of team members on incoming and outgoing shifts, and the respect and relationship between external partners and stakeholders. During our recent rebranding process, the focus on “Cedar Community” was chosen deliberately to signify that we are not a loose collaboration of distinct locations and settings; rather, we are one community, connected and together. But we are not just a community unto ourselves. We are part of a wider community that we help to build and strengthen with the work we do and the care we provide. We are clear that what we do impacts the world around us and the people who live in it. We work hard to ensure that impact is a positive one. Because in our interconnected global reality, what we choose to do with our independence and autonomy and how we engage in community matters.
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Introducing an exciting, new choice coming to Cedar Community!
Cedar Ridge Homes 113 Cedar Ridge Drive | West Bend
Learn more about the new Cedar Ridge Homes being constructed on Cedar Community’s Cedar Ridge Campus. The nearly 1,700 square foot homes feature two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, den, two-car garages, basements, and upgraded finishes. Home reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reserve your new home and maintenance-free lifestyle today! You can even pick out your new home finishes including cabinets, flooring, paint, and more!
To schedule a personal appointment, call Cathy, 262.338.4615, or Abby, 262.338.4617!
RESIDENT PROFILE Dennis and Nancy Raeder
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Dennis and Nancy Raeder have always lived in the Elkhart Lake area. They knew when the time came to retire, they would move to Cedar Community’s Independent Living in Elkhart Lake. They watched it being built and knew all it had to offer. They made the two-mile move in November of 2017. They love the beauty, quiet, spaciousness, and secure living. Dennis says he always wanted to be number one, and now they are—house number one on campus! They both grew up on dairy farms within a few miles of Elkhart Lake, and say that farming was a simple way of life then, but a lot of work. Dennis grew up with a younger sister on a 120-acre farm where they milked 30 cows. Dennis was drafted into the U.S. Army, which included a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. Nancy is the second youngest of four children and has a bachelor of science degree in secondary education, majoring in mathematics. She learned to play the clarinet while in middle school and continued to play for two years in college. They both graduated from Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah High School where they met. Sadly, Dennis’ dad died just six weeks before their wedding. They married on November 24, 1972, and have been blessed with three daughters, and seven grandchildren. They kept a few acres when the farm was sold, and built their home there. Their daughters and families live in Elkhart Lake and DePere, Wisconsin, and Brownsburg, Indiana. Dennis worked for Sheboygan County in the highway maintenance department until his retirement in 2005. Nancy worked as a teller at the then Bank of Elkhart Lake, which is now National Exchange Bank. She then took time to raise their family. She began teaching math in 1990 at the Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah High School until she retired in 2012.
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noteworthy & adventuresome!
They continue to keep busy in the Elkhart Lake community and Cedar Community. Dennis was a Town of Rhine supervisor for 36 years. He is an active member of the Elkhart Lake Lions Club. Nancy has served as secretary for the Elkhart Lake Cemetery Association for 33 years. She also serves on many committees at Community UCC Church in Elkhart Lake. At Cedar Community Elkhart Lake, Nancy organized a Sheepshead group. They enjoy getting together with family and friends to play cards and board games. Among other volunteer tasks, Nancy takes registrations and collects money for the holiday dinner parties at the clubhouse. Dennis helps with the decorating, and they both help with clean up. Dennis serves on the Cedar Community at Elkhart Lake Resident Council. They like to get away each weekend in the summer to their place near Wisconsin Dells. Their favorite vacations were to Graceland in Memphis, and the San Diego Zoo. Since Nancy collects giraffes, she particularly enjoyed the zoo’s large exhibit of giraffes. Dennis said she could have spent many hours watching them! They visited Washington D.C. when their youngest daughter served as a page during her junior year of high school in the U.S. House of Representatives for Congressman Tom Petrie. She attended classes each morning above the Library of Congress—a great opportunity for her. During their time in Washington D.C. they visited the historical sites, with several VIP tours. Dennis talked about their adventure climbing to the very top of the U.S. Capitol building (not open to the public). What a view! Dennis tells Nancy that being married to her for 47 and a half years is both “noteworthy and adventuresome.” Her reply is: “That goes both ways!” Gladys Sachse Resident, Cedar Community Independent Living
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Celebrating
outstanding team members Every quarter, Cedar Community recognizes team members who go above and beyond their everyday tasks for our residents, families, volunteers, and their fellow team members. Cedar Community is proud to announce our team members of the quarter award winners: Laurie Erdmann, RN, and Holly Konrath, Med Tech/CNA
Laurie Erdmann wanted to be a nurse since she was in kindergarten. Recently, while cleaning out her mom’s home, she found a picture she drew of herself as a nurse and a mom with two girls and one boy. “That’s exactly what I am and what I have,” laughs Laurie. Laurie is an RN and MDS Coordinator at Cedar Community. She began her journey at MATC in Madison, earning a licensed practical nurse degree, a job she did for many years in a variety of settings including clinics, hospitals, long-term care, and rehabilitation. In 2000, she applied to work at Cedar Community and started working the Baylor (weekend) shift for many years, until she decided it wasn’t the right fit for her family. She moved to working full time on the day shift, and was encouraged by Cedar Community nursing leadership to consider earning her registered nurse degree. With the help of the organization’s tuition reimbursement program, she graduated in 2010. “They really do reward team members who work hard,” says Laurie. After receiving her degree, Laurie worked as a nurse manager in short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and most recently as the MDS Coordinator. MDS is a Minimum Data Set, which means she coordinates and assesses the functional capabilities of patients and residents in Cedar Community’s short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. While she plays a huge role in assisting with the patient’s plan of care, she also focuses on the financial reimbursement, working through pages and pages of paperwork for Medicare and Medicaid. “I love it. I never thought I would be doing paperwork. It’s rewarding to find ways for Cedar Community to be reimbursed for the care we are providing,” says Laurie. Her knowledge of the MDS payment system is something she has honed through hundreds of hours of learning and researching. Laurie often stays in touch with residents and patients after her initial assessment, and checks in from time to time to see how they are doing. She enjoys the person-to-person contact, and is thankful to be able to maintain that relationship. Laurie has no plans to retire anytime soon and says, “I can see myself working here forever. I am grateful for all the opportunities Cedar Community has provided me, the many times I have been challenged in a new role, and the support given by coworkers and administration,” says Laurie. Laurie was nominated by her fellow team members who said she is a prime example of all that Cedar Community stands for: she is compassionate, has strong ethics, and does her job to beyond the best of her ability; and she is consistently raising the bar with insurance companies by fighting to get the best reimbursement for our residents and patients by diligently interviewing team members, reading charts, and attending meetings.
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Holly Konrath has been working at Cedar Community for nine years, but has a much longer history with the organization. Her great aunt started the medical records department and was later joined by her grandmother. Holly’s grandfather, mother, and sister, as well as aunts and cousins also followed suit, working in resident care. Holly saw an employment ad for Cedar Community and applied. She was hired, and took a nursing assistant training class at Moraine Park Technical College, where she earned her certification. Shortly after, the nursing leadership at Cedar Community encouraged her to be trained as a medical technician, or “med tech,” which involves similar responsibilities as a CNA, with the added responsibility of distributing medication to residents. While growing up, Holly knew she wanted to work in the medical field. “I wanted to do something like my mom, who was a medical assistant, because I saw what a difference she made in people’s lives and I wanted to feel that same accomplishment,” says Holly. Holly enjoys coming to work and spending time with the residents and her work family. The recent restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have been an adjustment for both residents and team members, but Holly makes sure to spend extra time with residents socializing and making sure they have what they need. In her spare time, Holly enjoys attending Brewers and Packers games, and spending time with family. Holly was nominated by her fellow team members who say she is dependable, willing to teach others, communicates well, is respectful to coworkers, is friendly to everyone, has a great sense of humor, and is truly an asset to Cedar Community. Her teammates say we are lucky to have her as part of our Cedar Community family.
To learn more about the rewarding opportunities available at Cedar Community, visit our careers page at cedarcommunity.org. cedarcommunity.org
Cedar Community is now officially a Great Place to Work certified company by Activated Insights, an independent research and consulting firm. The certification process evaluated more than 60 elements of team members’ experience on the job, including employee pride in the organization’s community impact, belief that their work makes a difference, and feeling their work has special meaning. Rankings are based on team members’ experiences throughout Cedar Community’s many divisions and campus locations. “Cedar Community is proud of our workplace and team members who take pride in our mission and carry it out each day they come to work. We have been in business for over 65 years, providing compassionate care for our residents and their families. By participating in the survey, we were able to learn how our team members feel about the organization and how we can improve to make it even better,” says Lynn Olson, Chief Executive Officer. The survey was completely optional and confidential. The results of the survey also allow Cedar Community to compare themselves to other similar organizations. The results speak for themselves: • 67% team participation in the survey • 70% said it’s a great place to work, compared to 59% of employees at a typical US-based company • 87% feel they make a difference • 86% said their work has special meaning and it’s not just a job • 84% feel a sense of pride “We applaud Cedar Community for seeking certification and releasing its employees’ feedback,” says Dr. Jacquelyn Kung, of Activated Insights. “These ratings measure its capacity to earn its own employees’ trust and create a great workplace for high performance.”
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CEDAR COMMUNITY’S MARKETING TEAM WINS THREE 2020 NATIONAL ASTER AWARDS Cedar Community is pleased to announce that its marketing team members are the recipients of three national Aster Awards for healthcare marketing and advertising for 2020. Winning an Aster Gold Award for e-newsletter series, is Cedar Community’s “Cedar Branches” monthly ministry e-newsletter. The publication shares the mission and stories of the ministry team through the spiritual needs of Cedar Community’s residents, and is an outreach to our greater faith community. “As a faith-based long-term healthcare organization, Cedar Community’s mission is shared in this monthly e-newsletter series through the reflections of our residents and the lens of our notfor-profit mission, and we are honored to receive this award on behalf of both our ministry team, and our marketing team,” says Nicole Pretre, Vice President of Development.
A Working Professional’s Transition into Retirement Are you contemplating retirement? Do you have questions and concerns? Are you retired and bored? Retirement is just as much an emotional, as it is physical, readjustment for lifelong career professionals. Mary is ready to pass along her 25+ year wisdom about the physical, emotional, and psychological transitions that working professionals encounter after they retire. She has also written acclaimed books that counsel emotional peace, cultivating hobbies, and identity rediscovery for fostering a healthy retirement.
Mary Paul, Mary Paul LLC
Tours of Cedar Community’s independent living apartments will be available after the seminar. Schedule hard hat tours of Cedar Ridge Homes. Available by appointment only. Enjoy refreshments and raffle drawing.
Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 4-6 p.m. Cedar Community, Cedar Ridge Campus | Grand Hall 113 Cedar Ridge Drive, West Bend Please RSVP by calling 262.306.7685 or at RSVP@cedarcommunity.org.
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This year’s awards announcement also marks the third consecutive Aster Award for Cedar Community’s Live More magazine. The 2020 Silver award recognized the publication in the magazine series category, and Live More is the only magazine that was awarded nationally in the long-term healthcare category. Cedar Community was also the only national winner of an award in the professional recruitment category, bringing home a Silver award for a Cedar Community human resources advertising campaign. “Being recognized nationally in marketing and advertising among our long-term healthcare peers is a testament to the exceptional talent and expertise of Cedar Community’s marketing team,” says Lynn W. Olson, Chief Executive Officer. The Aster Awards, one of the largest and most respected national competitions of its kind, is hosted by Creative Images, Inc. This elite program has recognized outstanding healthcare professionals for excellence in their advertising/marketing efforts for over 19 years. “The quality and creativity of the entries submitted in the 2020 Aster Awards competition exceeded all expectations for healthcare advertising. All winning entries represent the best of the best on a national level,” said Melinda Lucas, Aster Awards Program Coordinator. The 2020 Aster Awards received entries from across the entire United States. All entries are reviewed by a panel of industry experts and are scored on multiple criteria with a possibility of 100 percent. Participant’s entries compete against similar-sized organizations in their specific groups and categories. Cedar Community’s marketing team has won a total of six national Aster Awards for marketing and advertising over the past three years.
Cedar Community Hospice team members will support you and your family, ensuring comfort, dignity, and the highest quality of care. “The team was on top of my dad’s priorities and was excellent with him. I called in a crisis and asked for the best. Your team has delivered. I have wept tears of relief today. Thank you. Thank you.” - Diana (family member of a Cedar Community Hospice patient)
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home health & hospice
For more information, call 262.306.2691.
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FOR THE LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS
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Independent living residents Dave Braby and Keith Ruesch both enjoy the many activities and opportunities available to them living at Cedar Community, especially when it comes to being outdoors. Keith moved to Cedar Community in 2016, and Dave shortly after in 2017. They met because of their love for the outdoors, which is shared by Scott Risse, Cedar Community Grounds Crew Manager. Shortly after Dave moved in, Keith was in his driveway introducing himself and saying, “no pressure, but if you want to come out and help out on the grounds, I am ready.” With over 245 acres on Cedar Community’s main campus, there were plenty of opportunities for both Keith and Dave to continue their joy of working outside. Keith and Dave both joined the Cedar Community Trails Committee, a group of residents who help with the grounds, working with Scott, maintaining the walking trails around campus and eradicating invasive species. Residents each take a trail to monitor, making sure they are safe, and relay information on fallen limbs and branches to staff. Scott was interested in updating the trail system by mapping each trail with easy-to-follow signs, paths, and mileage information. Keith and Dave gladly accepted the challenge, which turned into a two-year project. They looked at the current trail maps and decided which current trails could become part of a trail system, with both primary and secondary routes. “Upgrading our trails system is part of a larger strategy of making all of Cedar Community’s campuses as accessible as possible, so that all residents can enjoy the natural beauty of our surroundings,” says Lynn W. Olson, Chief Executive Officer. The first thing was to get accurate measurements for trail distances since there had been several discrepancies over the years. By driving the company all-terrain vehicle along each existing Cedar Community trail, one driving while the other held the measuring wheel, each time double checking their work, they could get an accurate distance. “We did so much measuring, we almost wore out the wheel,” laughs Keith. The trails were not well marked, so people didn’t have a real sense of where or how far they were going. They wanted to mark the trails similar to that of state parks, and did a lot of research. To learn more about trail design, Dave and Scott met with the park superintendent and forest ranger at Pike Lake State Park on sustainable trail development and the best way to create or modify a trail to avoid wash out. “We learned about how to build a trail following the slope of the hill so the water rolls off the trail and doesn’t create a rushing gully,” says Dave. They also learned about using a combination of natural and manmade types of materials such as putting in large rock called rip rap, filter cloth, smaller stone, and traffic bond to create a packed down path which is more resilient than using a culvert system. “Using a combination of natural and manmade materials keeps the natural environment and the aesthetics of our campus, which is important to Cedar Community,” says Lynn.
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Another undertaking was to create trailheads and figure out where to logically put them. A trailhead marker identifies where a trail begins and ends, along with some type of legend. “Besides identifying the trailheads, we also needed to create trail loops that came back to the trailhead,” says Dave. Three trailheads were created—Lake Drive, Dandelion Patch Park, and Cedar Lodge—each consisting of both primary and secondary trails. Primary trails generally have a smoother terrain and are golf cart, wheelchair, and walker accessible. Secondary trails have uneven terrain and can be used by more advanced hikers. Each of the four independent village home neighborhoods also have their own individual walking loop. All trails begin and end at a specific trailhead; however, any trail can be started and ended from any given point along the trail. The trail system totals over 10 miles, when including all the trail loops. The task of mapping out all of those trails and loops, and designing a color-coordinated map and sign system fell to the expertise of Cedar Community Art Director, Cyndi Frohmader. Cyndi met with Dave, Keith, and Scott multiple times to help develop the trail map, and make sure the signage was easy to understand. All of the primary trails have colored arrows marking their path, and the secondary trails are marked with entrance and exit signs with marking stakes, showing the way. Every intersection has a marker. “For a novice, the markers and arrows come in handy with the many miles of trails,” says Keith. “The way it is marked, it’s easy to find your way back to where you came from,” says Dave.
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Setting the over 50 trail posts was a major project. Along with Scott, Dave, and Keith, residents Jim Lorch, Rich Miller, and Rick Scholl became part of the “post-setting crew.” Resident Pete Biletzky designed the structure and assisted in setting the large trail map signs. During the trail project, Keith and Dave learned of an observation tower in the prairie. A crew of residents cleared out the overgrown area and created a wood chip path to the tower. The tower overlooks the wetland area of the prairie and now provides residents and visitors with a great view of the property. “Working on the trail project has definitely been a rewarding experience. It’s great to hear from people how much they are enjoying the trails. I love seeing people walking around campus with trail maps in their hands,” says Dave. “I like seeing all the trail markings we installed and knowing where the trails go,” says Keith. “We had such a great committee planning and designing our new trails, and Keith and Dave were such a big part of that committee. Everyone was energetic, focused, and excited about the project. There were many great ideas shared and the most rewarding was how much fun we had doing the work and the laughs we enjoyed together,” says Scott. “Keith and Dave have been an integral part of our grounds crew team, helping wherever they can to maintain the natural beauty of our 245-acre campus. We are so appreciative of the time and talent they contribute, often many hours each week, volunteering doing something they both enjoy.” Dave and Keith both enjoy being active and helping the grounds crew with a variety of campus projects. With the trail project planning complete, Keith and Dave could recently be found modifying blue bird houses on campus, by adding “skylights” to keep out the sparrows, the nemesis of blue birds. “We drilled holes in the roof of the bird houses and covered it with plexiglass because sparrows don’t like light,” says Keith.
CAMPUSES CERTIFIED AS WILDLIFE HABITATS Three of Cedar Community’s West Bend campuses have recently become certified wildlife habitats through the National Wildlife Federation. Certified wildlife habitats must offer food; water; cover for animals to hide from the elements and predators; and places for animals to raise their young. Cedar Community also follows sustainable practices as much as possible, controlling invasive species and the use of chemicals. Cedar Community has several gardens, prairie areas, trails, and natural surroundings for butterflies, birds, and other wildlife on the combined 455 acres of land on the Cedar Lake, Cedar Run, and Cedar Ridge Campuses.
Both Dave and Keith say they continue to volunteer on the grounds because they enjoy it and they are still able. “Part of it is the camaraderie and being able to be outside doing physical work. If it weren’t for the beautiful grounds and the ability to garden and landscape, not only around campus, but in my own independent living home yard, I would never have been ready to move to a retirement campus,” says Dave. Keith agrees, “I enjoy helping around campus with the landscaping, as well as working in my own yard. I also like seeing the finished projects we have been able to help with. It’s very rewarding.”
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volunteer highlight
Making a difference at Cedar Community Ken and Karen Liepert
Karen Liepert’s father moved into Cedar Community’s Memory Care at the Cottages in 2015. Everyday Karen would visit on her way home from work. She also visited every weekend, often bringing her dog. Each time Karen and her husband Ken visited, they helped with Bingo and other activities. After Karen’s father passed away in 2017 she continued to show up for Bingo each week. That’s when Erin Faust, Cedar Community’s Resident Experience Director of Life Enrichment, suggested Karen sign up as a volunteer at the Cottages since she was familiar with the residents and enjoyed spending time with them. Karen retired from Kohl’s Corporate in 2019 after 36 years and her husband, Ken, retired from Mercury Marine in 2015 after 42 years. In 2017, they both “officially” signed up to volunteer at the Cottages. Every Wednesday and Thursday they help
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with Bingo, games, and clean up–often four to five hours each week. They also enjoy volunteering for special outings. During cookouts, Ken can be found outside grilling and chatting with several of the guys who keep an eye on him to make sure he has everything under control. “It’s like your typical family cookout where all the guys come out to chat around the grill,” says Karen. Around the holidays and with a little convincing from the life enrichment team, Ken puts on the old jolly red suit and plays Santa Claus for the family/ resident Christmas parties. It probably helps that he has the white hair and beard to match that he grows out for the special occasion. “Some residents have even caught on saying they recognize that voice,” laughs Ken. Karen enjoys the event as well, “It provides a connection to old traditions,” says Karen.
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Both Ken and Karen have enjoyed getting to know the residents. “You get to find out so much about each resident’s past and where they came from. It’s so much fun and I just enjoy being able to let them talk,” says Karen. Ken also enjoys the conversations and being able to brighten their day. The residents look forward to Ken and Karen visiting, and they have all developed a relationship of appreciation and gratitude. “We have such a repertoire with them. The team members are also so appreciative of our help. It’s just amazing,” says Karen. “Ken and Karen are a true blessing to the Cottages. They help us in so many ways and we can always count on them. They are patient and kind and have a wonderful way of interacting with the residents. I can’t say enough wonderful things about them,” says Erin.
CEDAR COMMUNITY WINS TOP CHOICE AWARD
On several occasions, Ken and Karen have enjoyed a meal at the Top of the Ridge Restaurant at Cedar Community’s Independent Living Apartments and run into spouses who have loved ones at the Cottages. “Often they invite us back to their apartments. We have had the great fortune of meeting so many nice people,” says Karen. When they are not volunteering, Ken and Karen are busy helping their own family members, especially during recent times, shopping and checking in to make sure everyone is doing well. Karen also enjoys picking up Bingo gifts for residents when she is out and about. Ken can often be found fishing, gardening, and cruising in his Corvette. Both enjoy traveling. They have also attended several seminars and open houses at Cedar Community. “We have been so busy in retirement, I don’t know how we would have time to work,” laughs Ken and Karen.
To learn more about the many volunteer opportunities available at Cedar Community, contact Bonnie Amerling, Volunteer Coordinator, 262.306.4218.
cedarcommunity.org
The Top Choice Awards is an annual contest hosted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, in which the pubic nominates and votes for their favorite restaurants, shops, services, and more, from throughout Southeast Wisconsin. Voting took place from March 8 to April 8, 2020, with winners announced on June 28. One winner and two finalists were chosen in each category based on total votes cast. In the senior living category, there were more than 35 nominees, and Cedar Community is pleased to announce we were named among the top three, and chosen as a finalist in senior living.
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BEYOND BINGO Fostering important social connections and enhancing lives At a time when senior living is experiencing visitor restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, robust life enrichment programming is more important than ever before. At Cedar Community, our life enrichment team members design many of our programs and activities around the needs and interests of residents. It’s more than Bingo and movies—it’s identifying what activities appeal to residents by actively engaging them in creating the program. The activities that best reflect what they want to do, and not what the organization thinks they should do, help to create a resident-driven activity program that is based on resident feedback. “When we are engaging the residents, their mood is lifted and they feel a sense of purpose and belonging,” says Lisa Kelling, Life Enrichment Music Therapist. “The residents meet monthly to decide the activities they want to see offered; it is a great way to provide variety and enhance participation. When residents are engaged, it decreases depression, anxiety, and other behaviors. Keeping residents active keeps their minds going and helps slow physical decline.” Cedar Community’s highly skilled, fulltime life enrichment team members not only have many years of professional experience and on-the-job training, many have academic degrees in therapy. All of our life enrichment team members have found incredibly creative ways to keep the residents connected and engaged through the past few months.
Meet the team cedarcommunity.org
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Cedar Community’s Life Enrichment Team Erin Faust, Director of Life Enrichment, earned her bachelor degree in therapeutic recreation from UW-LaCrosse. She has worked at Cedar Community for 12 years and oversees the life enrichment team members. With each level of care requiring a number of activities, Erin coordinates team member coverage at each building. From her early beginnings of working with children, to discovering the joy of working with seniors, Erin appreciates that moment of connection with a resident who enjoyed an activity, no matter how hard it can be sometimes to organize. “I love the fact that we can do so much outdoors at Cedar Community. The place I worked in Milwaukee out of college had a slab of concrete and no green space. Here we offer boat rides and golf cart rides through the trails, and even just sitting among the trees and being in tune with nature makes a world of difference,” says Erin.
Darci Heberer, Life Enrichment Therapist, has an occupational therapy assistant degree from Fox Valley Technical College. After completing her degree, Darcie worked in both activities and therapy, but when a full-time life enrichment position became available, she grabbed the opportunity. “I had more interest in the activity side of things because I like the variety, and could use my occupational therapy skills to adapt activities to the needs of residents, but in a creative way,” says Darcie. She has worked at Cedar Community for 28 years. Oftentimes, residents will mention a past interest or hobby, and the team members will adapt that activity to meet the residents’ ability levels. “There is always a way to adapt an activity to make it work for the resident. I had a resident who enjoyed quilting, so I got a sewing machine from one of our other campuses, and together we worked on a pattern,” says Darcie. “The resident worked the foot pedal and pieced the blocks of fabric together for me to sew,” says Darcie. The quilt was almost complete when the resident’s health suddenly declined. Darcie finished the quilt at her bedside and when the sewing machine started, she opened her eyes and turned toward the sound. The resident passed a few days later, with the quilt on her bed. “I notice something they enjoy and try to incorporate it into an activity the residents can do,” says Darcie. She says she feels like a consistent presence in their lives, and doesn’t see herself going anywhere. Jennifer Muckerheide, Life Enrichment Coordinator, attended Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac and graduated with an associate degree in restaurant and hotel management. Once she had children it became difficult working in the hospitality business with many nights and weekends. At 36 years old, Jennifer went back to school and earned her Bachelor’s degree in art therapy from Marian College. After graduating, she was hired at Cedar Community, and she has been on the team for 12 years. “I enjoy working with residents doing arts and crafts projects, working with their strengths so they can produce something without fail,” says Jennifer. She chooses her medium based on the level of the group from skilled nursing to memory care. “I love the residents. Sometimes I see them more often than my own family, so they have become my extended family,” says Jennifer. Each day she encourages residents to participate, which can be tough for those who feel they may not be good at something. “Residents will say, ‘I can’t even draw a stick person,’ and I let them know that’s good because that’s not what we are drawing today,” laughs Jennifer.
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Cedar Community’s Life Enrichment Team Kayla Schoofs, Life Enrichment Specialist, has only worked at Cedar Community for six months, but considers it her dream job. She has a Bachelor’s degree in expressive and therapeutic arts and psychology from Marian University. Kayla has a vast variety of experience through past internships and previous employers, working with young children, teens, and seniors. After graduation, she had three different part-time jobs, working with children and adults with behavioral health, including obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, mental health, and mood, and eating disorders. Kayla left those jobs, due to the long commute, and started working in a long-term care environment, something she realized she missed from her internship days. In October of 2019, she was excited to see a position available at Cedar Community and jumped at the chance. “I walked out of the interview, realizing this was my dream job. I work with an amazing team who all have different backgrounds and skills and are genuinely kind, empathetic, understanding, patient, and good at their jobs. I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to have a job I love, especially my team and the residents,” says Kayla. Karen Darga, Life Enrichment Music Therapist, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in music therapy from UW-Eau Claire. She has over 35 years of experience working with a variety of ages, but mostly with the geriatric population. Karen has been working at Cedar Community for four years. She has played piano since the age of five, learned flute in sixth grade and played all through college, and is self-taught on the guitar. She is a board-certified music therapist and holds a music therapy license with the State of Wisconsin. At Cedar Community she provides music therapy, music in movement (exercise to music), music appreciation which provides educational and reminiscing opportunities, and leads the vocal and chimes choir in assisted living. She enjoys working with seniors and making a connection. “Music is the universal language. I had a memory care resident who wasn’t connecting with anyone. When I had an opportunity to try out a new drum, she came over and started playing. She played for five minutes, which was the longest I ever had her attention. We had drum conversations where she would repeat my drum movements. It was her way of communicating,” says Karen. As a board-certified music therapist, Karen and Cedar Community have the opportunity of hosting music therapy interns, a 1,040-hour program required for a music therapy degree. Lisa Kelling, Life Enrichment Music Therapist, holds a Bachelor’s degree in music therapy from UW-Oshkosh. She loves music and didn’t want to be a music teacher, but wanted to use it in some facet of her career. She has played clarinet since the fourth grade. In college, voice was her major instrument, and she took voice lessons to perfect her talent. Lisa also learned guitar in college and taught herself piano. Her college internship was at Cedar Community, and after just two months, she was hired when a position opened. She was able to finish her internship while being paid, and has been at Cedar Community ever since–26 years. Lisa loves the residents and the job. She is also thankful for the many tools available at Cedar Community. “We are so much more advanced than other similar organizations when it comes to available resources including technology, the quantity of instruments, and the educational opportunities. We also have a strong backing from our administration. When we need something, they always come through,” says Lisa.
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Cedar Community’s Life Enrichment Team Jane Meyer, Life Enrichment Specialist, worked for the family business right out of high school. Her parents owned a bus company and she worked there for 31 years, until her parents passed away, and the family sold the business. Jane always wanted to do something more creative with her life, when a neighbor who worked at Cedar Community, suggested she would be perfect for an activity job. Jane started as a volunteer, playing piano on the rehabilitation floors to get a feel for the organization. She was a natural, having played organ for 43 years at church. Jane started a job in housekeeping on the memory care household, and played piano during the residents’ lunch. She was thrilled when a position became available in life enrichment, and she was hired. She has a passion for working with seniors, something she was familiar with since helping care for her paralyzed grandfather who lived across the street from her when she was a child. Jane has worked at Cedar Community for seven years and enjoys being able to do a little bit of everything, especially when it comes to being creative and coming up with new games and crafts. “I enjoy coming to work and being able to use my skills on a daily basis. I enjoy working with people and helping wherever I can,” says Jane. She especially enjoys listening to resident stories and making them laugh.
Jodi Nadelhoffer, Life Enrichment Specialist, earned her nursing assistant certification through Cedar Community 16 years ago. She started on third shift in memory care, working as a CNA for eight years and then transitioned to life enrichment for the past eight years. Jodi has been an integral part of the life enrichment team working previously with memory care residents and currently in assisted living and skilled nursing care. “I love working closely with the residents, getting to know them and their families. The joy I can bring to them when we go on outings, boat rides, golf cart rides, and seeing a movie is a feeling you can’t take away,” says Jodi.
Sherry McElhatton, Life Enrichment Music Therapist, graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a Bachelor’s degree in music therapy. After graduation, she worked for one year at a long-term care facility in Milwaukee. Sherry has worked at Cedar Community for 34 years, not including four years during high school and college, when she worked part time in the dining services department. Sherry is board certified in music therapy and is a licensed music therapist with the State of Wisconsin. She learned piano when she was seven years old and it was her major in college. Sherry also took voice lessons and learned guitar. Three years ago, she learned how to play Ukulele. Sherry leads independent living residents in several Cedar Community music opportunities including Music Listening, The Bells of Cedar Community Hand Bell Choir, Cedar Community Choristers, Village Choir, and the Ukulele Ensemble. These groups are also open to the general public and anyone interested in joining should contact Sherry for more information, 262.306.4554. She also provides music therapy opportunities for the Threshold in West Bend each month. Outside of Cedar Community, Sherry works at a church as organist, youth choir director, and choir accompanist. She has been involved in community theater for over 35 years, volunteering with Spotlight Productions, both as music director and acting roles.
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2020 BUTTERFLY RELEASE The 2020 Cedar Community Butterfly Release will look a bit different this year, as we take this year’s “Celebration of Life” virtual. On Saturday, August 8, 2020, we will present a virtual version of our Butterfly Release on Cedar Community’s Facebook page and on our website. All proceeds from the virtual event will benefit Cedar Community’s Partners In Caring™ annual fund campaign. Please like our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/cedarcommunity or visit our Butterfly Release web page at: cedarcommunity.org/butterfly-release for details on the virtual event.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2020 Generations Patio | 1500 Douglas Drive, Plymouth 6–8 p.m. Featuring: Pic a Deli Grill Dancing Plymouth Brewing Company 50/50 Raffle
Polka · 50s and 60s Hits · Jazz · Classic Acoustic sponsored by:
Elkhart Lake
cedarcommunity.org
Presenting Sponsor: BSG Maintenance Inc Supporting Sponsors: Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Horicon Bank Moore Construction Services Phillip Funeral Homes Taylor Made Floors The Braising Pan Wetterau Homestead
FREE! ALL AGES! RAIN OR SHINE! July 21 BELLA MUSIK Donation to Generations of reams of paper August 4 CARL LAACK BAND Donation to Family Resource Center of colorful duct tape August 18 PAUL SUCHERMAN AND ALL THAT JAZZ Donation to Growing Generations of little pom poms, googly eyes, sequins, pipe cleaners September 15 II COOL Donation to Safe Harbor of sandwich and freezer bags
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Every Step
with Cedar Community
LEAVING YOUR LEGACY Planning for your financial and family legacy can seem overwhelming, especially when talking about money can sometimes be awkward. But as we’ve learned in recent months, uncertainty is uncomfortable. Having a plan that is based on your values and your goals for your family is incredibly important. Join retired attorney Elaine Shanebrook and other content experts for our Every Step with Cedar Community seminar series on estate planning. The free, six session educational series, Leaving Your Legacy, will equip you with tools and options for values-based estate planning. Attendees will receive educational materials at each seminar that will help you get organized, get thinking, and get started with your planning.*
Thursday, Sept. 17
Thursday, Nov. 19
Your Healthcare Power of Attorney and Funeral Preplanning
Financial Conversations and Values-based Planning
This session will explore the preplanning that one can do to avoid the potential of a court-ordered guardianship, with the use of a power of attorney for healthcare. Attendees will also learn about living wills, and how and when “Do Not Resuscitate” orders can be in effect. The funeral preplanning process will also be presented by a local funeral professional.
Did your parents discuss money or financial matters when you were young? Do you talk to your children about your estate or what is important to you when planning your legacy? This session will touch on how to start a conversation with your family about your values and what is important to you when leaving your legacy.
Thursday, Oct. 15
Future seminar topics include: · Should you use a will or a trust · Tax consequences in your estate · Charitable giving and ethical wills
Your Financial Power of Attorney and Important Considerations Who you choose to become your financial power of attorney can become a source of conflict in many families. What should you take into consideration when choosing who should take care of your finances? What options are there outside of your family?
*Sessions are for informational and educational purposes only, no legal advice will be offered. There will be no solicitation of financial gifts or sales of professional services.
10 a.m. Cedar Community, Cedar Ridge Campus | Grand Hall 113 Cedar Ridge Drive, West Bend Please RSVP for each seminar, 262.306.7685 or at RSVP@cedarcommunity.org. 26
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CERTAINTY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES Let’s be honest, the events of recent months have not been easy for anyone. And it is my heart’s sincerest wish that this edition of Live More finds you healthy and hopeful as we persevere, together. Here at Cedar Community, we are soldiering bravely and joyfully on. We are all faced with uncertainty in these unprecedented times. But you can be certain that we continue to fiercely and diligently guard the health and safety of our treasured residents. It is a privilege to care for the most vulnerable and most at-risk of our friends and neighbors.
Sarah J. Malchow Director of Philanthropy
Cedar Community’s front-line healthcare and support professionals are working around the clock to ensure the highest levels of precautions and care for our assisted living, memory care, and long-term care residents. And we haven’t been doing it alone— you’ve been right there with us.
Perhaps you are one of the dozens of volunteers who have made masks for our residents and team members, or you and your family have dropped off cards to cheer us on. Maybe you are the donor of delicious Easter treats or you were one of the mystery chalk artists adorning the sidewalks around our campuses. If you have helped out in any way, we cannot thank you enough. You can be certain we are in this together. But as the pandemic continues, we are facing new and ongoing challenges. Continuing lock down orders from the health department places incredible demands on our front-line healthcare professionals and on our supplies of personal protective equipment. This is a monumental challenge. But even worse are the adverse impacts on individuals who are already vulnerable. One of the unintended consequences of “social distancing,” lockdowns, and the suspension of group therapies is increased isolation and loneliness. The risk of negative mental health impact is greatly increased for residents suffering the ravages of Alzheimer’s and related dementia—they cannot understand why they are being “isolated.” And for long-term and skilled-nursing care patients who are further separated from loved ones—it’s not much easier. To meet these growing challenges, we are making every effort to protect and support our front-line healthcare team so they can increase one-on-one interactions and therapies. In short, you can be certain that we are doing all we can to safely bring even more care, compassion, and joy to the lives of those in our care. Our most vulnerable residents need us now more than ever. And your gift will make sure we are there for them. To be sure, there are unique and mounting challenges for many businesses and individuals. And you may be impacted in ways that I cannot even imagine. But if your circumstance allows you to do so, I am asking you to support our front-line healthcare team with a special COVID-19 gift today. You can be certain your gift will make a difference. If you have already made a gift supporting our COVID-19 Response, thank you! We are humbled and grateful for your support in these tumultuous times. If you have not yet given a gift, I greatly appreciate any consideration you can give to this special request. Thank you for your time, your prayers, and your consideration. Take comfort and stay well. Together, we are Cedar Community Strong.
If you would like to make your gift online, please visit
cedarcommunity.org/give
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Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID West Bend, WI Permit No. 24 5595 County Road Z | West Bend, WI 53095
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 Elkhart Lake · Elkhart Lake Village Homes 920.876.4050
Assisted Living West Bend · Cedar Bay East · Cedar Bay West · The Cottages (memory care) 262.306.4299 Elkhart Lake · Cedar Bay Elkhart Lake 920.876.4050
Short-term Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing · Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center 262.306.4240
Outpatient Rehabilitation
Philanthropy
Home Health & Hospice
Cedar Community Salon & Spa Services
262.306.2150
· Home Health · Hospice 262.306.2691
Restaurant and Catering · Top of the Ridge Restaurant and Catering 262.338.2812
Resale Shops · Cedar Treasures (Cedar Ridge Campus) 262.338.8377 · Cedar Closet (Cedar Lake Campus) 262.306.2100, ext. 4119
Volunteers
262.306.4218
262.338.2819
· Cedar Lake Campus 262.306.4281 · Cedar Ridge Campus 262.338.2813 · Cedar Bay West Campus 262.306.2130, ext. 4429 · Cedar Run Campus 262.365.6500, ext. 5405
Cedar Community Main Number 262.306.2100
Careers
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