Local Kisco Senior Living communities have donated food for an estimated 2,000 meals to a relief project in an effort to provide hot meals to children and families in need while Wake County schools are closed. The meals will be prepared by local volunteer chefs. Local Chefs 4 Kids, in coordination through Bridge The Gap Mission and Carolina Cares, has been in contact with Wake County schools to target those most in need and bridge the gap for families who cannot reach the school food access sites. Recent estimates show the project is now serving over 1,200 meals a day. 

With school systems closed and people urged to stay indoors, a challenge is placed on some families to provide for their children without the usual assistance such as school lunches. An opportunity was presented to Bridge The Gap Mission, an organization serving disadvantaged families, by local food trucks in Wake County. “Local Chefs 4 Kids” would serve hot meals curbside in neighborhoods if the Mission could identify those most in need and manage donations. Current projections include 150 families of 4-8 family members to be provided with food and supplies once per week thanks to food donations from companies like Kisco Senior Living.

Bridge The Gap Mission, Carolina Cares, local chefs from restaurants, bakeries, and food trucks, Wake County schools, and Kisco Senior Living are working in tandem to draw in urgent food donations for hot meals and pantry-stocking kits. In less than a week, their efforts have resulted in the ability to start mobile serving on Tuesday, March 17, bridging the gap for families who cannot reach the school food access sites. A donation from local Kisco Senior Living communities provided enough food to serve an estimated 2,000 children in the coming days. Kisco’s Raleigh-area communities – Magnolia Glen, Abbotswood at Stonehenge, and The Cardinal at North Hills – feel that this partnership is more than necessary. “During this unprecedented time, we are doing our part to help our local community. We couldn’t think of a better way than having the most vulnerable population protecting the future generation,” says David Sexton, executive director of Abbotswood at Stonehenge.

These community partners are continuing to accept both in-kind and monetary donations for food, pantry supplies, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. For more information on in-kind donations of food and supplies, contact the Bridge The Gap Mission (@bridgethegapmissionNC) by calling 919-322-0014. Current needs include: nonperishable and dry foods, diapers and baby wipes, and more. Find information on pick-up locations and times for able families on the Wake County Public School System website here. Local families and individuals can apply to receive meals or supplies by submitting this Google Form. Those who want to volunteer with food security can submit this Google Form.

Parkinson’s Awareness Month is observed in April, and The Cardinal at North Hills, a premier Kisco Senior Living community, is giving the disease a one-two punch, literally. Rock Steady Boxing is a unique exercise program based on training used by boxing pros and adapted for people with living with Parkinson’s disease. The program starts this month and is open to residents and their families. Rock Steady Boxing involves regular exercises such as stretching, bicycling, running, jumping rope, push-ups, balancing and non-contact boxing. Each class is led by experienced trainers, all of whom are officially certified by Rock Steady Boxing.

“We are proud to be the first senior living community in Raleigh to offer this valuable program,” said Susan Drury-Rohner, wellness director at The Cardinal of North Hills. “Studies show that boxing has a positive impact on those living with Parkinson’s disease. I was able to experience some of the benefits myself when I had the privilege of attending training for the Rock Steady Program. I have never laughed and cried so much over the course of three days. It’s clear this cutting-edge program centers on comradery, friendship and tough love. I’m thrilled this program will enhance our residents’ quality of life and make our wellness program more inclusive.”

The Cardinal at North Hills became a Rock Steady Boxing affiliate thanks in part to resident Harold Huberfeld. Previously, the community drove Huberfeld to a class at a gym in Cary three times a week.

“Huberfeld shared the positive impact it was having on him, and after some research, it became a “no-brainer” to bring it to The Cardinal at North Hills,” said Drury-Rohner.

“This program has been a game changer for me when it comes to combating this disease,” said Huberfeld. “Staying active has allowed me to fight back while doctors search for a cure. I’m looking forward to sharing this amazing class with my neighbors and having fun doing it.”

The Rock Steady Boxing method was developed by Vince Perez and Scott Newman in Indianapolis over the course of seven years. The two created the program after Newman was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s at the age of 40. Perez used his experience as a Golden Gloves boxer to create a program that attacks Parkinson’s at its most vulnerable neurological points. A recent study by the Cleveland Clinic found the intense “forced” exercise may be neuro-protective, meaning it is effective at slowing down Parkinson’s progression. Rock Steady Boxing clients and academic institutions, such as the University of Indianapolis and Butler University, are documenting the improved quality of life among boxers.

“We have always believed in the Rock Steady Boxing Method,” said Joyce Johnson, executive director of Rock Steady Boxing Inc. “When evidence began to emerge that our program had a very positive impact on the ‘boxers,’ our mission became clear – to share our knowledge and experience with all people with Parkinson’s.”

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, more than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s, and more than 60,000 Americans are diagnosed each year. With the number of diagnoses continuing to grow, the community wants to be resource for patients and the community.

“We’re pleased to offer innovative programming at The Cardinal at North Hills and provide a variety of exercise options,” said Tom Ford, executive director of The Cardinal at North Hills. “Our goal is to cater to the needs of current and future residents. This class is just one example of the culture of wellness The Cardinal promotes. Our award-winning program, The Art of Living Well®, focuses on the whole-person. Throughout the year we are delighted to offer activities that engage residents’ emotional, physical, social and spiritual health.”

The Cardinal at North Hills, a premier senior living community in The Triangle, was pleased to host Kim Campbell, Alzheimer’s caregiver and wife of country music legend Glen Campbell, who passed away last year. The winner of a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Glen Campbell was the first country music star to cross over to the pop charts, creating new musical opportunities for future country musicians. When he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2011, he and his family decided to go public with their battle against the disease in hopes of raising awareness. Now, Kim travels the country to shed light on their experience, provide tips and inspire hope.

“Being a caregiver for someone you love is unpredictable, challenging and deeply emotional,” said Tom Ford, executive director of The Cardinal at North Hills. “Wanting to raise awareness about the difficulties that caregivers face daily, we decided to welcome Kim to our community. She is a compelling advocate for Alzheimer’s care. She shared details of her experience, answered questions, and offered insight into the realities of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. We were honored to have her as a guest speaker and believe everyone left feeling enlightened.”

Kim Campbell is the Founder of CareLiving.org. She is a member of the Patient/Caregiver Advisory Council for the Alzheimer's and Dementia Patient/Caregiver Powered Research Network (AD-PCPRN), and sits on the board of Abe’s Garden, a memory care community dedicated to providing and elevating the quality of the full spectrum of memory care for those with Alzheimer’s in association with the Vanderbilt Center for Quality Aging (ACQA). She was married to country and pop star Glen Campbell for 34 years until his passing in August of 2017. Battling Alzheimer’s was the most challenging thing Kim and her family faced during the course of Glen’s life. Once the news went public, the family produced an Academy Award-nominated documentary called “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me,” which spotlighted the family’s story.

The Cardinal at North Hills, a Kisco Senior Living community, is the first senior living community in the nation to partner with Forbes Travel Guide to provide its associates with access to the Luxury Hospitality Standards Training Program. The training is part of an ongoing partnership to sustain a culture of service excellence for years to come. In July, Forbes Travel Guide presented The Cardinal team with a plaque acknowledging the partnership and integration of the world-class training designed to enhance service skills and inspire staff to elevate the resident and guest experience.

“We feel privileged to be the first community in the country to partner with Forbes Travel Guide and undergo this hospitality training,” said Tom Ford, executive director of The Cardinal at North Hills. “Our residents and their guests have lived in the finest places, traveled the world, dined in the most luxurious establishments and held significant positions of influence, so they expect the best. Our goal is to provide a Five-Star level of service for our residents. In my 30 years of experience in the senior living industry, I have never seen a senior living company take hospitality to this level. It is exciting to take part in such a meaningful initiative.”

Understanding the importance of investing in associates and management to provide proven and consistent methods of delivering quality service, Kisco Senior Living found the ideal partner in Forbes Travel Guide. The Cardinal attracts and develops top talent through systemic onboarding and training that supports Kisco’s distinctive principles, values and beliefs.

“While Kisco has maintained an excellent reputation for providing quality service to seniors for more than 25 years, as we look to the future we recognize the need to align with an organization that is known for building a world-class system of service excellence to build on our already strong foundation,” said Brian Grandbouche, senior vice president of operations for Kisco Senior Living.

“By taking our service standards to the next level, we empower our associates to anticipate the needs of residents and guests without approval or guidance from the upper management team,” said Ford. “Associates acknowledge that the training has elevated their awareness levels in their personal lives and that they are using the tools outside of work when interacting with people. Residents and guests have both commented on the heightened level of service, and it is an honor to make a positive difference in so many lives.”

New associates of The Cardinal at North Hills receive a two-and-a-half-hour orientation on the training and service standards.

“We’re delighted to collaborate with Kisco, the first senior living company to partner with Forbes Travel Guide to boost service levels," said Gerard J. Inzerillo, chief executive officer for Forbes Travel Guide. "Kisco demonstrates that delivering service excellence to its residents is a priority, and it is setting an example for the rest of the industry.”

The Cardinal at North Hills, is pleased to announce plans for an expansion project which will include the addition of a 15-story high-rise designed for an active lifestyle. Located in the heart of Midtown Raleigh, this expansion will add approximately 160 new residences, many with more than 2,000 square feet of living space featuring large balconies and expansive views of the vibrant North Hills area. Plans for the expansion came about in response to the growing demand for living in a rental Continuing Care Retirement Community. The Cardinal is working with THW Design, an Atlanta-based architectural firm, to design the expansion. The entire campus is a joint-venture with Welltower, a company that specializes in funding the real estate infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve people's wellness and overall health care experience.

“We are having outstanding success with The Cardinal campus and already have an extensive wait list. Many residents expressed a desire for a community that provides a wonderful urban location with convenient access to high-quality amenities, five-star hospitality, underground parking and a full continuum of health care services if the need arises,” said Andy Kohlberg, President and CEO of Kisco Senior Living. “Once we complete our ongoing approval process with state and local agencies, the design will be finalized, and construction is expected to begin in 2019.”

The tower will be a distinctive addition to The Cardinal community, complete with its own unique amenities which complement those on the existing campus. From pre-function dinner spaces to outdoor entertainment areas to additional dining venues, the expansion caters to people who desire an active lifestyle in an urban setting, conveniently surrounded by an abundance of shopping, restaurant and entertainment options. Residents will have the luxury of choosing between several one- and two-bedroom independent living and assisted living floor plans, including penthouse options. The penthouse apartments range from 2,200 to 3,100 square feet and cater to those who wish to forgo the maintenance associated with home ownership but still desire spacious accommodations.

“Sometimes, one spouse needs care services and the other can still live independently,” said Brian Grandbouche, operations team leader of The Cardinal at North Hills. “Both spouses can live comfortably in a generously-sized residence that serves each of their needs.”

Residents across the community will share the amenities in both the new tower and existing apartments. These include healthy chef-prepared meals available in multiple dining venues, a state-of-the-art fitness center and award-winning wellness program, full-service health and beauty salon, blooming gardens, courtyards with walking paths, outdoor entertaining areas and terraces, and a full list of daily programs to choose from. Residents are also provided with housekeeping and linen services, concierge services, scheduled transportation, intellectually stimulating events, as well as opportunities in social and recreational programs.

“The North Hills master-planned community really sets this apart,” said Kohlberg. “Residents are just steps away from a variety of retail shops, restaurants, theaters, concerts, medical services, parks and walking trails, entertainment venues, bars and much more. The North Hills area attracts people from all generations.”