People, Places & Events

Cedarview House offers home, not just bed, Kiwanis hear
Monitor Staff Reports
GUN BARREL CITY–There’s a world of difference between an assisted living center and a nursing home, Cedar Creek Lake Kiwanis members heard Wednesday.
“You walk through, and there are no cubicles,” Cedarview House residence sales manager Caren Anthony told club members at their weekly luncheon. “We have apartments.”
Cedarview House, located on State Highway 334 (Main Street) east of State Highway 198, has studio (similar to an efficiency apartment) and one-bedroom apartments.
All have kitchenettes with microwave ovens (no stoves), and walk-in showers, Anthony said.
“You don’t have to step into a tub,” she pointed out. “For many older people, stepping into a tub is a hardship.”

Monitor Photos/Kerry Yancey Cedarview House wellness director Russell Caldwell (left) and residence sales manager Caren Anthony speak to Cedar Creek Lake Kiwanis members at Wednesday’s weekly luncheon.

Anthony and wellness director Russell Caldwell said Cedarview House offers its residents a home – not just a hospital bed – with companionship, three excellent meals each day, and for those who are able, freedom to come and go as they please.
“We’ll be going out to Purtis Creek (state park) June 9,” Caldwell said.
“We offer personalized care,” Caldwell added. “You (Kiwanis members) are in business to help kids; we’re in business to help seniors.”
While the Cedarview House staff aren’t licensed to do everything (such as intravenous feeding), “there’s not a lot we can’t do there,” Caldwell, a registered nurse, pointed out.
One resident came to Cedarview House when it opened 14 years ago. “She says she got here before the carpet,” Caldwell said.
That resident has Alzheimer’s Disease, and has progressed through each typical stage, he added.
“We live with them,” Caldwell said. “They’re part of our family.”
“My mother lives there,” Anthony said. “It’s like walking in with your grandparents every day.”
For most residents, the main attraction is the food, Caldwell said, adding he puts on a hairnet and serves food every day.
“I would invite you to come and have your meeting with us one day,” he said. “You’ll see how we eat.”
Each resident can customize their apartment, bringing their own furniture, painting the walls and decorating as they wish, Anthony said.
“We have 40 apartments, and every apartment is different,” she said.
Every resident gets housekeeping service and laundry service, and there’s a beauty shop on-site
While many residents have medical issues that make it necessary for them to have aid near at hand, some have found assisted living enables them to enjoy a more active life-style.
“We have a man who’s 75, and he lost his wife,” Anthony said. “He could live alone, but he wants to be around people. He can go wherever he wants, he can drive anywhere, and he has fun.”
The oldest resident is 98, and Anthony said they have a recent photograph of her returning a volleyball serve during a game.
Cedarview House has a close relationship with Mabank schools, and high school students in the band and basketball team both visited the facility this past school year.
Residents returned the visit, attending a Mabank High School varsity boys district basketball contest. Even though they stayed out pretty late, all of the residents were thrilled to watch the game, Anthony said.
Residents are allowed to keep small pets, if they are friendly, she added.
Cedarview House is one of 220 Houses in 20 states (41 in Texas), operated by the Assisted Living Concepts corporation.
Kiwanis members agreed to set up a meeting at the Cedarview House soon.
In club news, members:
• agreed to establish a “legacy” scholarship for students who would ordinarily be considered for a scholarship because of their personal contacts or service with the club.
That way, students who apply for the regular scholarships awarded by the club will not directly compete with a student who may be the son or daughter of a club member and very involved with club activities.
• discussed the May 22 death of former member and president Dub McCarty, who attended a club meeting just three weeks earlier.
• were reminded club members were expected to attend and participate in the Texas-Oklahoma District convention in Rockwall this summer.
 

Tri-County Library begins summer fun
Special to The Monitor
MABANK–Thursday, June 4, starts the fun at Tri-County Library’s Summer Reading Program.
“Trains Galore,” where the trains will be set up and operated by Mr. Russ Rau and stories will be illustrated by Ms. Linda Rau, promises to be exciting fun!
Next Thursday, June 11, there will be “Cool School,” with Ms. Maria, deep from the heart of Texas.
Ms Maria will rock your kids with music and more as she teaches memorably fun lessons.
Let your kids ride to Texas with Ms. Maria! Yee Haw! Music, dancing and fun!
Every child will whoopee “ti yi yo,” as she entertains with music, puppets and more.
Don’t forget there is game time on Mondays.
Wednesdays are with Ms. Crowden and Friends with the Approved Reading List.
They will have some really fun prizes.
Ms. Linda Rau’s Story Time for the little ones, age 3 through first grade, are Fridays.
All activities begin at 10 a.m. at 132 E. Market St., Mabank, (903) 887-9622.
“Whisper,” the Tri-County Library cat, says that she loves the boys and girls and will be present for all the activities, but may have to hide if it gets too noisey.
You have heard the saying, “as nervous as a cat.” That is true of “Whisper,” unless you approach her quietly and gently.