Flourish®: A Senior Living Magazine | Winter 2025 Issue

Bill Hash’s Heartfelt Tradition at Cedarhurst of Lebanon Welcome Wings of

I n a quiet workshop nestled within Cedarhurst of Lebanon, resident Bill Hash is hard at work, sanding, buffing, and painting wooden cardinal windmills. These handcrafted birds, their vivid red wings catching the light, are his personal welcome gifts to every new resident, a heartfelt gesture to make them feel part of the Cedarhurst family. For Bill, each cardinal carries meaning and love, honoring not only his creativity but also the memory of his late wife, Ruth Ann. Bill’s journey of creating these unique cardinals began unexpectedly. Years ago, after a fishing trip, he admired a cardinal windmill in his friend’s yard. To his surprise, his friend gave him one, sparking Bill’s interest in making his own. Not long after, a neighbor who had been helping care for Ruth Ann requested a cardinal, and when Bill presented it to her, she became emotional, explaining that the bird symbolized the spirit of lost loved ones. This touching revelation transformed Bill’s simple hobby into a cherished way to honor memories and bring comfort to others. He began giving cardinals to family and friends, sharing their symbolic warmth. Story Idea Submitted by Kim Shumate, Executive Director at Cedarhurst of Lebanon

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