Cheers to 50 years

Concordia has finally done it! We have reached our 50th year, and what an adventure it has been! What I am most proud of is that we are still here. We have thrived year after year, always providing the best for our residents. Throughout the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s we have remained a vibrant, attractive, fun-loving place for seniors to live.

To what does Concordia attribute their success in the midst of all the bright and shiny new pennies opening up all around us? For one, our surroundings are stunningly beautiful. Our rolling Ozark landscape, with the tall trees and deep roots make it a desired place for all to call home. Everywhere you look is sheer beauty with nature at its best. Come take a stroll through our courtyard, and you will hear so many different melodies floating up to the sky from all varieties of birds. Couple that with our gardens, courtyard, and pergola, all making life worth living. Concordia embodies peace, tranquility, and well-being.

Picturesque surroundings are not the sole factor of success, however. There needs to be substance within our walls. Our leadership and employees make up that element. I have never seen or worked with people who are more dedicated. This is not just a job; it is a calling. Ask any of us why we love what we do. We LOVE seniors! We have a great array of folks in management, housekeeping, dining, maintenance, and human resources who have been here for 20 some years! That means they love what they do. You can feel it when you walk in the doors. There is a warmth, a welcome like none other. People sense that love. It is a most needed, contagious energy that fills a person looking to make one of the most important moves of their lives.

Oh, and did I mention that we are a totally “happening” place? Check out our Facebook page and see what we are up to. Our residents love it here, and they have fun! We meet everyone right where they are at – focusing on personal hobbies and activities. Our activity calendar is jam packed - full of everything from Bible study, Dime Bingo, exercise class, painting class and outings to the latest greatest restaurant, to a mystery ride, where our Lynetta plans a great secret escape. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

And then there’s the food. All I can say is yum, yum, but you must come try it for yourself. Joe is an excellent cook. We endeavor to please all palates! That’s not an easy feat, but Joe’s heart is big, and he wants to please everyone.

So just how are we planning to celebrate? We are going to celebrate BIG!!! Our theme is “Diamonds are Forever: Reinventing the Golden Years in Senior Living.” Our colors will be black, white, gold, and diamonds (think James Bond!) The celebrations will begin the second week of November, the 14th-18th. We will kick it off Monday with Concordia: 50 years and Beyond: a historical perspective of senior living and what the future will hold. We will meet at the Bella Vista Historical Museum at 1:00 pm. We will then move into Tuesday with our Open House: Catered (assisted) Experience, with a Tiki Lounge party. (time TBA) Wednesday will come with excitement as we host a ballroom dance class. Get your dancin’ shoes on as this is open to the public, Free admission, with RSVP (time TBA.) Thursday’s agenda will be a “For your Eyes Only: Passport Party.” Enjoy an open house and mystery tours with prizes. Finally on Friday, the grand finale will be our “Diamonds are Forever Gala.” This will be a black tie, invitation only event, celebrating 50 years of Concordia with dancing, live music, cocktails, and a Casino Royale Fair.

It’s a milestone to have been in this industry for 50 years and still be one of the best on the block. Integrity in caring for our seniors comes first, and we are so proud to have a full house with a waiting list.

You are always welcome to tour and have lunch on us. We welcome groups, businesses, and of course, individuals. Come see what the buzz is all about. Call 479-855-3714 for more information and to book your tour. I hope you will come celebrate with us in November!