When Bill moved into Cedarhurst with Ruth Ann, he found a warm, supportive community that soon felt like an extended family. After Ruth Ann’s passing, Bill decided to stay, recognizing the deep bond he had formed with fellow residents and staff. Wanting to give back to the place that had provided such comfort, he approached the Cedarhurst team with a simple question: could he make a cardinal for every new resident? It was an ambitious undertaking—Cedarhurst of Lebanon houses over fifty residents—but Bill embraced the challenge. Today, he has made more than 60 cardinals just for Cedarhurst residents, each one crafted with care. Bill’s process is meticulous: he cuts, shapes, and paints the wood, adding details like the beak and eyes before mounting each bird on a dowel. He ensures they are sturdy, so residents can enjoy them for years to come. “They last a good while,” he says with pride. “I put a lot of love into each bird.” Bill’s cardinals bring joy to all who receive them. When a new resident arrives, he personally visits their apartment, asking where they would like their cardinal placed so they can see it from their favorite chair or window. Even residents with windows instead of patios get to enjoy the birds, as Bill crafts special taller stakes to give each cardinal a proper view. The thoughtful placement ensures the cardinals are visible reminders of comfort and connection.
every community barbecue, his apron on and grill at the ready. As Executive Director Kim Shumate explains, Bill’s welcoming presence goes beyond his cardinals. “He meets and greets all of our residents, making them feel part of the community,” she says. “He’s always asking if there’s anything he can do to help.” Bill’s cardinals resonate deeply with residents and their families. As Kim notes, moving into senior living can be a challenging transition, but Bill’s cardinals provide a warm welcome and an instant sense of belonging. “They are touched by his gift,” she says, “and the meaning behind it.” This simple, heartfelt gesture is a reminder that Cedarhurst is more than a residence; it is a family, strengthened by acts of kindness like Bill’s. For Bill, each cardinal also serves as a tribute to Ruth Ann, a symbol of love and memory. He placed one at her gravesite and has one outside his own patio door, a personal reminder of the time they shared and the life they built together. The work helps him feel close to her and keeps her spirit alive within the community they both came to cherish. Bill has since stopped counting the cardinals he has made, estimating they are now in nine different states, including as far as Alaska. Yet, his mission remains the same: to bring joy and comfort to each new resident who walks through Cedarhurst’s doors. “Everyone here is truly family,” he says. “They look after each other and care about each other.” In every red cardinal’s wing, he spreads that love, leaving a legacy of warmth and belonging that will continue as Cedarhurst continues to grow.
For some, like a resident who asks the aides to open his blinds each morning to see his cardinal, the birds
become part of their daily routine. Bill has even installed cardinals in the memory care courtyard so all residents, regardless of where they live in the community, can enjoy their beauty.
Beyond his woodworking, Bill is a beloved fixture at
Cedarhurst. He offers rides to residents who can no longer drive, joins new residents for meals, and helps at
CEDARHURST SENIOR LIVING | WINTER FLOURISH 2025
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