Dear Residents and Families of The Cardinal,
Life at The Cardinal is finally beginning to resemble pre-pandemic normalcy and we are glad to report that all testing efforts at the community this week yielded negative results. We hope this trend of no new cases continues as we move forward into the summer months. Last week we vaccinated 8 new associates at our COVID-19 vaccine clinic. We will host another vaccine clinic on Tuesday, June 1st from 1:00pm – 3:00pm in the Family Room for associates and personal service providers. Caregivers who are interested in receiving the vaccine may sign up at the front desk.
Yesterday, the CDC released new recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals. Per the CDC, anyone who is fully vaccinated no longer needs to wear a mask indoors or outdoors. While we are elated to learn of this promising news on the effectiveness of the vaccine, this does not change current COVID-19 protocol at The Cardinal. We are considered a healthcare congregate living setting with an at-risk population and we will continue to require all residents, associates, and visitors to wear a face mask while indoors regardless of vaccination status. We will notify you immediately when we are able to make changes in this protocol.
The Cardinal continues to emerge from a year of sheltering in place and we are eager to begin refreshing our hallways and common areas as we slowly begin to welcome back family and friends. On Monday, May 17th, we will begin painting the hallways of the South Tower in Independent living. The painters will begin on the first floor and gradually work their way up each floor over the next several weeks. Once the South Tower is completed, the painters will move to the North Tower.
As we refresh the community common areas and hallways, we ask that Independent Living residents please remove any table or furniture that is located outside of their front door. Now that dining services has re-opened and we are no longer delivering all meals, tables are no longer needed for food containers. As a friendly reminder, furniture and door mats in the hallway are not permitted and we ask that they be removed in preparation for the painters.
We are excited to welcome two new team members to The Cardinal next week. Barbara Germiller joins the Wellness Team as a part time Wellness Assistant. Some of you may already know Barbara from the art classes she taught via zoom throughout 2020. Barbara grew up in upstate New York but considers herself a true southerner who loves to make biscuits and drink sweet iced tea. She is happily married and is the proud mother of a wonderful son. Barbara spent a majority of her career as a florist and owned her own flower shop before starting a small business teaching art, painting, and floral design to seniors. Barbara is excited for this new opportunity at The Cardinal.
Emma Omondi joins The Cardinal as the new Dining Room Manager. Emma has several years of management experience in the hospitality industry and was most recently the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at Prestonwood Country Club for over 7 years. Emma enjoys spending time with her family when she is not at work and she is looking forward to this new opportunity to serve our residents and provide them with the best possible dining experience. Please welcome Barbara and Emma when you see them next week!
As of last week, Delinda Eubanks, Learning and Development Director, is no longer employed by The Cardinal at North Hills. We are very appreciative of Delinda’s service to our associates and residents over the past 4 years and know she will be missed by many. We thank Delinda for her contributions to The Cardinal and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. Recruiting for this position has begun and we will update you once the position has been filled.
We would like to wish Jamie Myers and Ashleigh Hartung, two of our Wellness Assistants, a Happy Wedding Day this Saturday. Jamie and Ashleigh will both be tying the knot over the weekend and we couldn’t be happier for them. We wish them both a lifetime of happiness as they enter into this next chapter of their lives.
Traffic in our main, front courtyard has increased significantly over the past two months. With increased traffic, parking has become more challenging. Parking spaces in our main courtyard are reserved for short-term visits only that should not exceed one hour. We kindly ask all family and friends who are visiting loved ones for an extended period of time to park in the brick parking deck located off of Garden at North Hills Street by our Healthcare entrance. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Midtown North Hills will be kicking off its The Best of North Hills – Comeback Tour Spring concert series on Thursday, May 27th. This Spring concert series will take place every Thursday on the Midtown Green from 6:00pm – 9:00pm through July 22nd. Social distancing guidelines will be enforced, and anyone interested in attending any of these concerts will need to purchase tickets. Residents with Midtown Green facing balconies may enjoy the live music from the comfort of their own home. On August 13th, the Fall concert series will begin and run through October 8th. The concert line up is attached to this letter.
Next Friday, May 21st from 10:00am – 2:00pm we will be hosting a Spring Fling on the Midtown Green for National Senior Health and Fitness Day. Our Wellness Team has planned a day of fun-filled events featuring yoga, meditation, fitness classes, games, and health screenings. Neighborhood shops and vendors, restaurants, and food trucks have partnered with The Cardinal to make this an event you will not want to miss. Raffle prizes will be given away throughout the event. We hope to see you there!
Stephen Mullis, Maintenance Manager, is Manager on Duty this weekend. He will be available to assist you with any question or concern you may have. We hope you have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!
Sincerely,
Tom Ford, Executive Director
Mary Casey, Assistant Executive Director