Filed on February 4, 2010

Snow, Snow, Snow

When severe weather or emergencies occur, where would you rather be? In your current home or in a place where someone else worries about what to do?

If you’re like most people, you have dealt with enough bad weather and now would like for someone else to deal with it. At The Cedars, our staff has a written severe weather and disaster plan prepared based on the overriding mission of doing whatever needs to be done to assist our Members and provide for their comfort and safety. On the weekend of January 30, we had 6 inches of snow (first significant snowfall in many years) that ground everything to a halt…but not at The Cedars. Our Executive Director and department heads stayed at The Cedars the entire weekend so they could prepare and deliver hot meals and be available to handle whatever needs our Members might have – sleeping in their offices or in our ballroom the few hours necessary to keep their smiles and good humor. Our landscape contractor had his staff here at 5:00 Saturday morning clearing the roads and sidewalks, even though we did not want our Members out in the weather.

On Sunday, a notice was put on our internal TV channel that a staff snowball fight would occur on the Great Lawn for those who might want to venture out to watch (or participate). Needless to say, fun was had by all!

The accolades from our Members are still coming in and are too numerous to include here. However, here are a few of the emails we received.

From Rod and Ruth:

“Is this a great place to live – or what? We were kept up to date by email and our Cedars TV channel. Our streets and walks were cleaned up in plenty of time to avoid a freeze and are clear and dry. We were met at our door by smiling faces with meals to keep us going. We were warm all of the time and then were met again by more food and smiling faces.

No one wants an emergency, but when it comes, it is heartwarming to know that someone has a plan and the younger generation on your staff steps right up and takes the required action, and even more.

This emergency was no inconvenience to us. It was even a bit exciting and fun.”

From Phil and Tally:

“Sara, you and your directors and staff are to be commended for your superb handling of the myriad of problems arising from the snow. Outstanding! The Members have been well taken care of under difficult circumstances and we are grateful and proud of you all. Today’s hot meal service was incredible. When you and Jaime showed up at our door with a choice of entrees, Tally and I were bowled over – and the meal was delicious. Please express our thanks and appreciation to everyone who performed so well.”

From Don:

“My hat’s off to Sara for the manner in which she handled a very difficult situation these past two days. I think she and her team anticipated and reacted in a very timely manner. Her communications to the Cedars Members were direct and concise. And Davis Landscaping did an excellent job as well in snow clearing. The streets and sidewalks are clear and dry. When she came to my door Sunday afternoon with a flyer, she said she had not been home since Friday. She is totally dedicated to her job here at the Cedars. Kudos to her and her staff……”

If you want someone else to worry about severe weather, emergencies or “whatever,” come talk with us about all the benefits of living at The Cedars. We’ll also be glad to arrange for you to have lunch or dinner with our Members so they can tell you themselves what it means to them to live at The Cedars.

Call Lynne or Linda at 259-7929 for an appointment.

Now is the time to begin a lifestyle where you leave the hassles to other people; people who serve you with a smile.