22 minute read
A message from Cedar Valley UCCI
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!
Time, talents, and treasures: Resident’s creativity is endless
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Lucy Becker can turn any toilet paper roll into an amazing craft project. Really! It’s something she does often and with great skill and precision. Lucy works behind the scenes creating wonderful craft kits for assisted and skilled nursing residents at Cedar Community—from butter ies, Valentine’s Day people, and poinsettias for Christmas. She ne tunes each project, separating each step into individual bags, labeled, numbered, and with detailed instructions. Being “crafty” is something Lucy is known for at family gatherings.
Growing up, Lucy served as a Girl Scout leader for her cousins, and together they volunteered at a local hospital making tray favors. She also served as a candy striper, which piqued her interest in the medical eld. “People always thought I was going to be a doctor. Unfortunately, my father became ill and passed away at an early age and I needed to help my mom since I was an only child,” says Lucy. She did, however, become a medical assistant and worked many years in private practice. Part of her job included training students from Milwaukee Area Technical College. One student, Margaret, had a brother, Jim, who recently discharged from military service and called the o ce to talk with his sister, when Lucy answered the phone. Jim asked Margaret who the woman answering the phone was and if she was single. Margaret asked for Lucy’s phone number and Lucy said, “Students cannot have my phone number. But she nagged and nagged me. I nally gave in to Margaret and joked that if she gave that number to anybody she would be red,” laughs Lucy.
One Friday night Lucy and a friend went to the Golden Zither Restaurant in Milwaukee to listen to music. “My girlfriend liked a young man who frequented the place, so I abided and went along. I met a young man that night who wanted my telephone number. So, later that week I thought it was him calling me asking if I wanted to go dancing,” says Lucy. In the meantime, Margaret had given her brother Lucy’s number—even under threat of being red. Jim (Margaret’s brother) arrived the following weekend and Lucy said, “Who are you?” She thought she was meeting the gentleman she had given her phone number to the week prior. Jim nally just asked her if she wanted to dance or not. They were married a year later. Lucy had always lived with her mom and told Jim that caring for her mother she was part of the deal. They were married almost 45 years when Jim passed away in 2018.
In 2019, because she had never lived alone, Lucy’s younger son suggested that they visit Cedar Community’s independent living apartments. A tour during the Chili Social and Used Book Sale was the beginning of Lucy’s adventures at Cedar Community. “Since arriving at Cedar Community, Lucy has been such a generous giver of her time and talents—to the community at large and to her Cedar Community neighbors and friends. She makes every person around her feel important, respected, and included. She is a true gift,” says Sarah Malchow, chief administrative o cer.
When she moved to the independent apartments she noticed there were quite a few book clubs, so Lucy made bookmarks and gave them to members. During COVID, she kept busy by decorating a Christmas tree that remained in place well past Christmas as a novelty, with shamrocks and hearts. “I don’t like to be idle and always want to be doing something,” says Lucy, who also provides all the supplies for each craft project. “I believe you get what you give and just want to do for others.” Lucy also participates in a card-making group and makes beautiful cards to share with family and friends.
Moving to Cedar Community’s Cedar Ridge Campus was de nitely an adjustment. So was living alone for the rst time in her life, but family close by treats her like a queen. Lucy has also helped with the annual Butter y Release, led card-making classes for assisted living residents with one of her neighbors, and been a mentor helping residents sign up and navigate K4Connect—a technology Cedar Community uses to keep residents up to date on current happenings. She also participates in Bible study.
Thank you, Lucy, for keeping our residents engaged with the wonderful craft projects you continue to create!
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: Music Therapist Lisa Kelling and Payroll Manager Lori Stedl.
Lisa Kelling, life enrichment team member and music therapist, holds a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from UWOshkosh. She loves music and has always been involved either in band and choir or musicals in school. And while she knew she didn’t want to be a music teacher, she also knew she wanted to use music in some facet of her career. She has played clarinet since the fourth grade, and in college took voice lessons. Lisa also learned guitar in college and taught herself piano.
Lisa started working at Cedar Community in 1994 as a college intern. After just two months, she was hired full-time when a position opened as a music therapist assistant and completed the last four months of her six-month internship in this role. Upon graduation her title changed to music therapist. Lisa’s career at Cedar Community has spanned 28 years. She loves the residents and her job because no two days are ever the same. She enjoys planning a variety of activities from craft projects to scheduling outings, special events, and entertainment. “Residents are the heart of what I do. If I am having a bad day, they really lift you up, whether it be something as simple as a smile they give you or someone joins in a group activity who usually doesn’t participate. It’s a two-way street where we lift each other up,” says Lisa. “I have learned so much from our residents because they have lived through history—these are stories you can’t get through a textbook.”
Lisa also appreciates the team members she works with at each campus. Her team members recognize her for all she does for the residents. “Lisa has been an absolute blessing for our residents and team.” “She puts so much into making sure our residents receive a well-rounded activities program, introducing new games, and going above and beyond to provide them with fun socials and outings.” “She helps our residents maintain the vegetable garden, beauti es our campus with wonderful owers, and decorates for all the holidays.” “Lisa is willing to step in where help is needed and is an absolute joy to work with—bringing so many smiles to our residents and their families.”
Three to four days a week, Lisa can be found at the Elkhart Lake Campus providing music and activities. The remainder of her time she serves at Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center on the Cedar Lake Campus providing music therapy for skilled nursing care residents. These sensory-type visits and groups encourage residents to get involved in music however they are able—using the senses, whether it’s singing or playing an instrument she brings along. “Lisa is a very hard worker who puts her heart and soul into everything she does. She goes above and beyond to help the residents of Cedar Community in whatever way she can. Lisa is very talented and we are thankful for her contributions every day!” says Erin Faust, life enrichment director.
Lisa is thankful to be working at Cedar Community for the many tools that are available for her to access. “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.
In her spare time, Lisa likes to hunt, read, and enjoy nature. She also likes to do crafty things like crocheting, she is the worship and music chairperson for her church, and she volunteers with her family for the Silver Creek Fire Department and Auxiliary. Thank you, Lisa!
Lori Stedl didn’t earn Team Member of the Quarter just because she is everyone’s favorite person (she happens to be the payroll manager and makes sure every team member gets paid!). In fact, Lori’s teammates celebrated and nominated her because of her commitment, her willingness to help others, and her professionalism. “Lori is a great coach for the recruiting team, she is always patient with new hires and current team members, providing everyone with the information they need to make informed decisions.” “Lori has a willingness to help others when needed, even though her own plate is full.” “Our team is much stronger with her as one of our members.” “Lori is a team player and always has a smile on her face every day.”
Lori’s career at Cedar Community began in April of 2021. She was talking with her brother, a West Bend re ghter, who has experienced the exceptional care Cedar Community provides through interactions with his job. He mentioned to Lori that if their mother ever needed care, they would choose Cedar Community because of their high standards. Wanting to work in the community where she lived, when Lori came across an advertisement for the payroll manager position, she pursued it. And we are glad she did! “I have worked with Lori for a year and a half now and she is de nitely an asset to our human resources team. She embodies an outstanding work ethic, is truly reliable, and extremely dedicated to Cedar Community’s mission. After payroll is completed—not always an easy task with 350+ team members—Lori noti es the team and includes fun facts about payroll, memes, jokes, and payroll songs. She has a great sense of humor and we are sincerely grateful for all her hard work,” says Tracy Blaubach, vice president of human resources.
From start to nish, Lori manages and runs all aspects of payroll, from helping with timecards all the way to processing paychecks. She approves timecards, adjusts any discrepancies, and follows up with team members to ensure accuracy in payroll processing. “A lot of auditing and a lot of deadlines,” says Lori. She de nitely provides the “checks” and balances for human resources. As part of her role, Lori also manages Cedar Community’s bene t packages. She takes the time and meets with all new employees— welcoming them and explaining in detail all the perks they can receive—often o ering examples and informed suggestions. “During orientation, new team members get a lot of information. I want to make sure they understand what choices they have, and all the extra bene ts Cedar Community o ers like an onsite occupational health clinic,” says Lori. That one-on-one de nitely has its advantages when it comes time to lling out HR paperwork for new hires.
Lori is always willing to help out in her department wherever needed. “I enjoy the variety and di erent hats I am able to wear,” says Lori. “My job keeps me on my toes and learning.” A fun and surprising fact— when she’s not at her computer busy at work, Lori enjoys riding her Harley-Davidson. Ride on, Lori!
To learn more about the rewarding opportunities available at Cedar Community, visit our careers page at cedarcommunity.org.
Creativity and community abound at Cedar Valley! Explore painting with watercolors, oils, acrylics, and plein air. Some of our three-dimensional classes will include mosaic work, fabric memory journals, cookie decorating, and soap-making. Cedar Valley is especially excited to o er alcohol ink workshops.
Upcoming art classes:
Cost includes supplies. Full day and weekend classes include lunch.
Abstract Floral Bouquets with Alcohol Ink with Beth Kluth
February 4 or March 11 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m. | $75
Watercolor Excitement with Joyce Eesley
Workshop #1: February 10–12 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Workshop #2: March 3–5 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Overnight: $410; Commuter: $150
Plein Air Studio Intensive 1 with Lorin Willey
February 18–19 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | $TBD Contact Lorin at willeylorin@gmail.com for more information and to sign up.
Artisan Soap-Making with Ann Marie Craig
February 25 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | $TBD To sign up, contact Ann Marie at annmarie@centuryfarmhouse.com.
Icon Painting—St. Kateri Tekakwitha (the Patroness of Ecology)
with Katherine de Shazer
“Your Story Cu ” Fabric Charm Bracelet with Vanessa (KiKi) Johanning
April 8 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | $80
For more information and class descriptions, please visit us at ucci.org. Register online or call us at 262.629.9202. You can also email us with any questions at cedarvalley@ucci.org.
5349 County Road D West Bend, WI 53090
Cedar Valley Notes
Thank you to all who attended the Feed Your Soul Cedar Community resident lunches. It was a joy to see you. The lunch gatherings are taking a winter break, but watch for announcements on dates for spring!
Cedar Valley Retreat Center is open for day visitors and trail use. Please call ahead if you would like to visit. With proper snow conditions, we have snowshoes that are available for your adventure.
If you are planning a special event or celebration, consider one of the many lovely spaces at Cedar Valley. The team would love to work with you to plan and host your gathering in 2023.
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.
2022 | A YEAR IN REVIEW
Our north star: Guiding principles and priorities
In the fall edition of Live More, CEO Nicole Pretre outlined Cedar Community’s new Guiding Principles and Priorities. These are more than statements about Community, Team Members, Quality, and Responsibility—they represent a very public statement and commitment to how we will hold ourselves accountable in all facets of our operations. They are—in short—our north star. Guiding every decision and governing every interaction.
As we pause to re ect on the year gone by, I wanted to take a moment to re ect on the principle and priority of Community. Many times, we think of Cedar Community only in the context of our residents or our team members. But we are so much more than that. We are neighbors to those living near our campuses; we are partners with local and national businesses and nonpro ts; we are stewards of natural treasures; and we are a trusted healthcare organization for the friends, family, and loved ones of residents who call our campuses—home. And yet, in spite of all of the complexity of our business operations and the regulations that govern us, we are, at our very core—a community. We are a community that operates with respect for and accountability to one another.
So, as we close the chapter of 2022 and set course for 2023, our eyes remain xed on a north star that will help us become the very best Community that we can. Thank you for journeying along with us!
Take care. Take comfort. And take courage in the New Year!
Sarah J Malchow, CFRE
Chief Administrative O cer
WAYS TO HELP
Partners In Caring™
For over 40 years, Cedar Community’s Partners In Caring annual campaign has helped us provide digni ed and compassionate care for all of our residents—even if their nancial resources dwindle. Americans are enjoying a level of vitality and longevity never seen before, yet more and more seniors are nding that the funds they set aside for retirement and long-term care are not enough. When residents must rely on Medicaid or other government supports for their care, these long-term and skilled nursing care costs are not fully covered. In fact, Medicaid payments leave more than $105 per patient, per day, unreimbursed. But we are committed to our goal of providing best-in-class care to every resident, every day—even when their resources run short. Your support of our annual Partners In Caring campaign makes this possible.
Leaving a Legacy
Our roots have been planted deep in the generosity of our neighbors since our founding in 1953. Established with a single gift of land, thousands of volunteer hours, and an enduring vision to create “life-enhancing relationships, services, and environments” for seniors—the legacy of Cedar Community continues to thrive today. Individuals who have chosen to support Cedar Community with a gift through their will or estate plan are committed to making sure this legacy continues for years to come and generations to follow. We invite you to join these visionary members of our Legacy League by designating a gift to Cedar Community through your will or estate plan. If you’ve already included Cedar Community in your will or estate plan—please let us know so we can thank you! If you haven’t included Cedar Community in your will or estate plan, please consider doing so. Your gift today helps us care for others, tomorrow.
Assets
Cash and investments $38,694,216 Other current assets $2,345,621 Limited use assets $5,162,477 Property and equipment $63,862,842
Total assets $110,065,156
Liabilities and net assets
Current liabilities Entrance fees Long-term debt Total liabilities Total net assets
Total liabilities and net assets
*Fiscal year ending 6.30.22
$110,065,156 “Cedar Community continues to strategically and proactively navigate the new norms facing healthcare organizations across the U.S.—workforce shortages, lingering impacts of the pandemic, and external economic forces like in ation and underperformance in the investment market. These challenges aside, Cedar Community is well positioned to continue to serve our amazing residents and families while seizing opportunities to increase e ciencies, expand service o erings, and lean into our principles of good stewardship.” 3% 5% Nicole Pretre Chief Executive O cer Health and Rehabilitation Assisted Living
“During these challenging times marked by rising in ation and changing wage expectations within our workforce, the 28%0% continued support of our friends and neighbors is as impactful 5% as ever. We remain committed to providing best-in-class care 6% and service to all of our residents, even those who have outlived their resources. The generous nancial support provided through the Partners In Caring 21% ™ program makes this possible.” 21%
Joe Pichler
Vice President of Finance
-11%
Independent Living Ancillary and Other Home-based Services Grants and Other* Investment Income Entrance Fee Amortization Donations
Revenue: $32,950,012
Statement of operations
Expenses: $39,726,988
3% 5%
0% -11%
5%
6%
21% 28%
21%
Assisted Living
Health and Rehabilitation
Independent Living
Ancillary and Other
Home-based Services
Grants and Other*
Investment Income
Entrance Fee Amortization
Donations
14% 8%
16% 62%
Reimbursed Program Expenses
General and Administrative
Depreciation Expenses
Unreimbursed Program Expenses
* The negative investment income performance is driven largely by $6M+ of unrealized investment losses at the end of the 2022 scal year. This paper (non-cash) loss lends to the year’s signi cant gap between revenue and expenses and should not be considered indicative of poor operational performance.
8%
Other operational measures include: Days Cash on Hand and Debt Service Coverage Ratio
Reimbursed Program ExpensesDays Cash on Hand measures the number of days cash expenses could be paid from current cash and investments, assuming 14% General and Administrative no additional revenue. Cedar Community is required to hold 150 days cash on hand. In the 2022 scal year, our days cash on hand totaled 382. Debt Service Coverage Ratio Depreciation Expenses measures how many times annual principal and interest payments can be made with annual 62%16% Unreimbursed Program Expenses cash operating revenues and net entrance fees. Cedar Community is required to have a ratio of 1.2. In the 2022 scal year, our ratio was 1.38.
In 2022, Cedar Community identi ed our new guiding principles and priorities that will help us chart our work for years to come. Here is a look back at some of our accomplishments in these areas: Community: We are a community that operates with respect for and accountability to one another. See Sarah’s article for more!
Team Members: We nurture a culture of purpose, excellence, and belonging Team members continue to serve our mission, our residents, our cause, and one another in many ways, including: • Nicole Pretre was named to the LeadingAge Wisconsin Board of Directors.
LeadingAge Wisconsin works to advance the elds of long-term care, assisted living, and retirement living and is part of a larger network of 6,000 not-for-pro t organizations serving seniors across the U.S. • Cedar Community’s new Leadership Council addresses goals of fostering engagement, wellbeing, and growth among team members. Intentional leadership development includes: professional development opportunities, continuing education, and a higher level of management engagement in budget and operational functions. • Cedar Community Champions joined forces to support causes like Alzheimer’s research, the United Way of Washington County, Cedar Community’s Gifts of Joy team member e ort, and Partners In Caring™. Our team members also contribute their time and talents to other not-for-pro ts and educational entities in the greater
West Bend community.
Quality: We challenge ourselves to be exceptional in everything we do Cedar Community is proud to share some of the quality and performance-based recognitions our team received: • 2022 HealthStream Embracing Quality Award • 2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report—Best Senior Living • 2022 Customer Experience Award™ • 2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report—Best Nursing Homes • De ciency-Free Survey Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center • 2022 Gold and Silver Aster Awards for healthcare marketing excellence.
Responsibility: We steward our resources wisely Cedar Community is committed to operating with integrity, honor, and thoughtfulness in all facets of our work. • For generations Cedar Community has been caretaker of hundreds of acres of our area’s natural treasures. We are happy to share that we are exploring a conservancy agreement with the Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation. • In ongoing e orts to steward our nancial resources wisely, diversify revenue opportunities, and position Cedar Community for sustainability, the executive leadership team is taking stock of the aging services landscape and exploring new partnerships. • As we continue to emerge from the pandemic and its many challenging impacts on our stakeholders—residents, families, team members, community, and business partners—we are focusing on nurturing one another with intentional empathy, welcome, and the creation of a sense of safety and belonging for all.
5595 County Road Z | West Bend, WI 53095
Non-pro t Organization U.S. Postage PAID West Bend, WI Permit No. 24
CEDAR COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTORY
Independent Living
West Bend · Cedar Ridge Apartments · Cedar Ridge Homes · Cedar Lake Village Homes · The Lofts at Cedar Lake 262.338.4615 or 262.338.4617 · The Willows at Cedar Lake 262.306.4299 Elkhart Lake · Cedar Landing Homes 920.876.4050
Assisted Living
West Bend · 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
Outpatient 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
Volunteers
262.306.4218
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
