Celebrating Kathryn Callnan at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

 

“We look forward to a bright future because of Kathy.” – Richard Borts, Chair, Board of Trustees

In late August, The Cedars Board of Trustees and senior management gathered at a Portland restaurant to toast a tremendous achievement: Kathryn Callnan, President and CEO at The Cedars, was celebrating 40 years of service.

Kathryn shared both memories of The Cedars’ rich past and a bold vision for its future around long tables filled with longtime friends. She began her career at The Cedars in 1976, when it was still The Jewish Home for Aged on Munjoy Hill, right after graduating from nursing school at the University of Southern Maine. She worked her way tirelessly from the night shift to the Director of Nursing office and played a key role in the move from Munjoy Hill to Ocean Avenue. Today, she is guiding The Cedars as we step up to support our rapidly aging population.

Kathryn combines the compassion and hands-on experience of her years as a registered nurse with extraordinary executive leadership. A passionate advocate for Maine seniors, she has been honored by Leading Age Maine and New Hampshire and received the Dr. Herbert Shore Young Executive Award for her accomplishments in long term healthcare.

“In an era where individual commitment to an organization is all too brief, Kathy’s dedication is remarkable,” explains Richard Borts, Chair of The Cedars Board of Trustees. “The Board is honored to be working with someone who is a tireless advocate for our mission. We look forward to a bright future because of Kathy.”

Earlier in the year, Kathryn climbed Mount Katahdin on a winter camping trip with her brother. As dessert plates were cleared, the guests presented Kathryn with a painting of Maine’s tallest mountain by local artist David Little—an acknowledgement of her drive to reach her goals, among family and friends, no matter how great the challenge.

 

The Cedars Featured in Leading Age Webinar

Posted by Katharine

Wednesday September 28, Leading Age Maine and New Hampshire is featuring a teleconference on The Cedars’ Opening Minds through Art program. Nick Viti, OTR/L, Director of Life Enrichment will present a program overview and it’s benefits. FMI here.

Senior Living Options

Posted by Katharine

Thursday September 22, enjoy lunch and
learn about retirement lifestyle options and get your
questions answered at this engaging presentation
Space is Limited – RSVP to 207-221-7100

Creating a Climate of Learning at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

The Steering Committee at The Cedars gathered for the first step in a two year journey towards Culture Change and the implementation of the Household Model in our long term care and assisted living.  Megan Hannon, culture change specialist with our partner, Action Pact, led the committee of 15 staff, management, volunteers from all departments – an additional 10 individuals will rotate through future sessions. Here is a recap of what we learned:

  • We heard about how adults learn, how we need time to talk with each other, to communicate safely, to process and apply new ideas, and to process more.
  • We discovered that through this learning, we will grow our skills AND our attitudes.
  • We explored the Team Leadership Model, and practiced the new roles in this shared leadership approach.
  • We found that each member of the group has a role in leading – we are all group leaders.

We delved into Culture Change and the essential elements of the Household Model, through –

  • the 3 R’s of Culture Change –  Renewal of Spirit, Renovation into Home, Reframing the Organization
  • the importance of Storytelling and Daily Pleasures
  • the significance of Homelessness, as it applies to our residents in a traditional long term care setting

After our learning sessions, we talked and shared – our thoughts, feelings, fears and hopes. Each one was honored and embraced, all in this safe, open forum of discussion.By the end of the day, we could feel the growth within our group, clarity in our purpose, and a sense of the renewal of spirit for the transformational journey ahead.

The Steering Committee will meet again with Action Pact in late September. Stay tuned for further updates.

Grow bold with us.

Employee Wellness Fair

Posted by Katharine

Thursday August 11, 9-3PM
The Cedars celebrates our employees with wellness activities to improve their health and well-being. Our staff can visit our booths, and enter to win a Fitbit and other raffle items!

The Cedars Volunteer Receives Award

Posted by Katharine

High school senior, Michael Michaelson, has been volunteering at The Cedars since he was a freshman at Waynflete. His grandmother used to drive him in to teach our residents how to use their ipads and computers. “When I first interviewed him to volunteer, he was delightful, but I never thought someone starting out so young would volunteer for so long,” shares Janine Fifield, Volunteer Services Coordinator. “And I never imagined he’d make such huge contributions to our community!”

Janine submitted Michael’s name and story to the President’s Volunteer Service Award and was thrilled to find that he was chosen. Over the years, Michael has helped countless residents at The Atrium and The Osher Inn with their simple and not so simple computer challenges. The residents have come to rely on his expertise and gentle approaches. While showing up every week, Michael has also volunteered with Equality Maine, managed three campaigns for city candidates, and kept his grades in good enough shape to be going onto Yale in the fall. Many thanks and best wishes to you, Michael. The residents at The Cedars are very proud of you!

Nursing Assistant Skills Fair

Posted by Katharine

Certified Nursing Assistants Skills Fair
Thursday June 9 from 8AM-3PM
The Hoffman Center at The Cedars
Join us for an opportunity to brush up on your skills,
have some fun and learn about our community.
FMI call 221-7000

Benefits of Tango: Research at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

TANGOThe Atrium, independent living at The Cedars, has partnered with Maine Medical Center in a research program under the direction of Dr. Christina Holt, MD called TANGO-Gold: Therapeutic Activity Negates Gait Obstacles: Older Adults Opportunity Learning Dance.

TANGO-Gold is a program that uses the Argentinian Tango’s smooth movement, gentle connection and musicality to strengthen for better balance and fitness.  Studies have shown dancing tango is good for balance, coordination, feelings of well-being, and connection and many communities have found that the learners want to keep dancing into their nineties. The purpose of the study is to show that tango dance lessons help improve physical and well-being and coordination function in older adults.

At The Atrium, experienced dancers and teachers, Emma Holder and Laura Balladur, gave weekly class for our members earlier this spring.  Emma and Laura have been teaching together for years, and have developed a great style of bringing out the grace, and enjoyment for all their students. They presented the information at a fun and safe pace, and covered the basic concepts of Argentine Tango, an improvised dance. Class topics included musicality, pivots, turns, cruzada, leading and following, footwork, and codes. The class also introduced three styles of dance: tango, vals, and milonga.

The members were asked to complete a short survey at beginning of their tango dance lesson course and at the end.  In addition, they each completed a baseline fitness assessment at the start and again at the end. Members enjoyed the classes and several appreciated benefits to strengthening their ‘core’ and balance. The Atrium, with our concentration on wellness and fitness, was thrilled at the opportunity to work with Dr. Holt and to participate in this study. Interested in learning more about life at The Atrium? Contact us today.