COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES GO INTO EFFECT AUGUST 9

Memorandum

To:               Cedar Lane Community Members

From:           Eric Golden, President/CEO

Subject:       COVID-19 Safety Measures

Date:           August 5, 2021

 

COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES GO INTO EFFECT AUGUST 9

 

Cedar Lane is committed to following all health protocols recommended by the CDC and St. Mary’s County Health Department. To help ensure the health of all community members, the following safety precautions will resume as of August 9, 2021:

 

  • Masks/face coverings are required for all staff members, visitors, caregivers and vendors in all public spaces at Cedar Lane.

 

  • Masks/face coverings are highly encouraged for all residents, even those who are vaccinated, when indoors among people who do not live with you.

 

  • Upon arrival, all visitors, caregivers and vendors must initially enter through the main entrance, sign in at the Front Desk, and receive a temperature screening.

 

  • Side and back entrances will remain open for residents/staff only.

 

  • Cedar Lane staff members must show proof of vaccination or submit to regular, ongoing testing for COVID-19.

 

The St. Mary’s County Health Department recommends that all community members who are not yet fully vaccinated get the vaccine. For more information or to make an appointment, call the Health Department at 301-475-4330. If you have questions or require help with arranging transportation, please call the Front Desk at 301-475-8966 and ask for Crystal or Kirk in Service Coordination.

 

Community Update – June 18, 2021

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Dear Cedar Lane community members,

Ready for some good news? This Sunday is both Father’s Day and the official start of summer. We also have plenty of exciting things happening here at Cedar Lane Senior Living Community.

The St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services lunch at Cedar Lane will return to in-person dining starting Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Did you know that Cedar Lane is a nutrition site for the county’s Congregate Meal Program? Starting July 6, 2021, Cedar Lane residents can enjoy fresh, hot meals Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Dining Room. To participate, you must sign up at the Front Desk before noon the day before the meal (before noon on Friday for Monday’s meal). Participation is limited to the first 60 people to sign up each day. Please note, this in-person dining program replaces the bagged lunches that were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exciting Facilities Improvements Are Underway

This week, contractors prepared and paved the gravel parking area in front of the building, and are in the process of adding enhanced lighting to Cedar Lane’s exterior. I hope you’re as happy to see these improvements as I am.

Social Events Have Been a Big Hit

Since our last update, Cedar Lane has relaunched complimentary morning coffee service in the Dining Room and reintroduced the Sunshine Club greeting committee for new residents. We also held a “Neighbors Meeting Neighbors” event to enable the tenants who have moved in since March of 2020 to meet some longtime residents and make new connections. Today, Tonya has planned a Father’s Day Car Show complete with hot rods and hot dogs.

Hot Weather Advisory – Remember to Hydrate

With the arrival of summer comes the arrival of hot weather. Staying hydrated is very important as water helps the body maintain a normal temperature. Older people have less water in their bodies and, therefore, need to drink plenty of water. Thirst can set in without you even realizing it. Seniors can try this guideline for daily water intake: your body weight in pounds divided by two. The result is the number of ounces of water to drink each day.

Pet Owners – Check For Hot Asphalt to Protect Your Dog’s Paws

On a 77-degree day, dark pavement can be HOT – as hot as 125 degrees. That’s too hot for your dog’s paws. A good test is to place your hand on the asphalt and if it feels hot to your touch, don’t walk your dog on it. During summer months, protect your dog’s paws by walking on dirt or grass and sticking to early morning or late evening walks.

Free Produce Stand – July 8

Mark your calendars: the Southern Maryland Food Bank team will treat Cedar Lane residents to more free vegetables and fruit this July. You can visit the produce stand out on the Cedar Lane Patio 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Garvey Senior Center is offering eligible seniors a total of $35 in checks to use at participating farmer’s markets. For more information about eligibility criteria, or about the distribution procedures, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1072.

To all of the fathers in our community, I want to wish you a very happy Father’s Day. To everyone else, I hope you have a great start to the summer season.

Sincerely, 

Eric Golden, President/CEO

Community Update – June 4, 2021

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Dear community members,

Announcing a REAC Inspection for the Burch Building on June 22

A HUD-certified inspector, accompanied by a Cedar Lane staff member, will perform a mandatory inspection of Building II beginning at 9 a.m. This will include all building exteriors, systems, all common areas and a random sampling of apartments. As a resident, it is your right to decline an inspection of your unit, but the inspector will be required to select another apartment in its place.

June Activity Calendar is Filled with Fun Things to Do

It’s a new month, which means new opportunities to have some laughs and make some memories. We’ve got live bands, sing-a-longs, a Father’s Day car show and the Olde Town Pub Wing Wagon coming your way this month. I encourage you to pick up an activity calendar and discover the excitement that’s waiting outside your door.

Visit the General Store for Cold Drinks and More

The store’s grand opening has been a success and I understand several residents won great door prizes. Come on in if you’re looking for a box of tissues, a little snack, or an ice cold beverage. We can fix you up!

Complimentary Coffee Service Resumes Monday, June 14

If you love coffee the way I love coffee, you’ll be glad to hear that morning coffee will return to the Dining Room from 8am-10am every Monday through Friday, starting June 14. To go with your coffee, the General Store will soon carry pre-wrapped morning pastries, cinnamon rolls and other baked goods.

Courtesy Carts

You asked. We listened! Cedar Lane has purchased three new grocery carts for residents. Feel free to use them to help transport your groceries to your apartment. The carts are kept at the Front Desk, and in the front stairwells in the Burch and Colton-Weinberg Buildings. Please return the carts when you are finished with them so your neighbors can enjoy them too.


Reminder About Cedar Lane’s Drug Policy

Cedar Lane is smoke-free and illicit-drug free. Illicit drug use or sale is not only against the law, but grounds for eviction from subsidized housing. As stated in the Resident Handbook, failure to comply with the drug-free policy is considered a lease violation and Cedar Lane will pursue termination of tenancy.

Sunshine Committee is Back in Action

Cedar Lane’s Sunshine Committee recently played “catch up” by welcoming all of the residents who have moved in since the start of the COVID-19 health crisis. We know this was not the easiest time to join a new community. Many of you had to quarantine when you moved in. Now, we want you to know how much we appreciate having you here.

Scam Alert

We have received reports of scammers sending fake Amazon emails and phone calls. As a reminder, if you receive an email or phone call like this, DO NOT click the link or give any information to the caller. If you have any questions please call the Front Desk and ask for Crystal or Kirk in Service Coordination.

Until next time, I will be working to make sure you know that Cedar Lane is a place where people matter. As always, I welcome your comments and feedback at [email protected] or 301-475-8966 extension 10.

Sincerely,
Eric Golden President & CEO

Community Update – May 21, 2021

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Dear Cedar Lane community members,

I’m happy to see you out enjoying the weather, talking with your neighbors, and participating in the social activities that you had to forego for so long. Here are this week’s top news items:

$2 Million Lottery Announced for Vaccinated Marylanders

Yesterday, Governor Larry Hogan announced a new partnership between the Maryland Lottery and Maryland Health Department to provide $2 million in prize money for Marylanders who receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Starting Tuesday, May 25th, through Saturday, July 3rd, the Maryland Lottery will randomly select and award a $40,000 prize every day to a vaccinated Marylander.

On the 4th of July, a final drawing will be held to award one lucky vaccinated Marylander a grand prize of $400,000. Individuals must be 18 or older, a Maryland resident, and have received a COVID vaccine in Maryland to be eligible. If you have been vaccinated, you are already automatically entered to win. That’s most of us here at Cedar Lane! All winners will be notified by the Maryland Health Department. If you are not vaccinated and want to get your “shot at winning,” call the Front Desk and ask for Crystal.

Cedar Lane’s Current Door Policy

Residents, I hope that opening up the doors to the Burch and Colton-Weinberg Buildings has made coming and going easier for you. As a reminder, the Burch entrance, Colton-Weinberg entrance, courtyard, patio, and side entrances are for residents and staff only. All visitors must continue to enter through the Main Entrance and have their temperatures taken at the Front Desk. I have received some reports of residents letting guests in through alternate doors. For everyone’s wellbeing, it’s important that we know who is entering our community and ensure they pass the health screening. For this reason, all entrances will lock at 9 p.m. each night. Residents wishing to enter after 9 p.m. can press the call button at any entrance so the Front Desk receptionist on duty can let you in. If there is no button at the entrance, you can phone the Front Desk for access. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Parking Lot Resurfacing

With good weather on our side, the second phase of our parking lot resurfacing project is taking place today and tomorrow. When parking, please avoid the coned-off areas. We apologize for the temporary inconvenience.

Free Produce Stand – June 10

Mark your calendars: the Southern Maryland Food Bank team will treat Cedar Lane residents to more free vegetables and fruit on June 10. You can visit the produce stand out on the Cedar Lane Patio during the following pickup times: Building I 10:30 a.m. – 11: a.m. Building II 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Building III 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Bags will be provided but you may want to bring your cart to carry everything home.

Thanks again for taking great care of yourselves — and each other.

Sincerely,

Eric Golden

President & CEO

Current Cedar Lane Policies During COVID-19 Health Emergency

Updated May 10, 2021

How we’re keeping our residents and team members safe.

At Cedar Lane Senior Living Community, the wellbeing of our residents and employees is our highest priority, and continues to guide our actions as we move through our reopening plan. At this time, the following protocol is being implemented in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. It includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Face coverings are required for visitors, vendors and caregivers.

  • We ask residents to limit their visitors to four at a time.

  • Visitors must sign in at the Front Desk and pass a temperature check.

  • Cedar Lane offices are closed to walk-in visitors. All business is being conducted by phone and email.

New residents have four options upon moving in:

  1. Show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination – If you have received the full dosing of any COVID-19 vaccine at least two weeks prior to your move-in day, and you are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, no quarantine period is required.
  2.  Show proof of a negative COVID-19 test – If you have been tested for COVID-19 and receive negative test results within three days of your move-in day, and you are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, no quarantine period is required.
  3. Move in and make an appointment to be tested – If you move in without being fully vaccinated or without a negative COVID-19 test, you will have to quarantine. You may leave quarantine to receive a COVID-19 test. You must immediately return to Cedar Lane after your test and wait for results. If your test results come back negative, your quarantine period is over. Testing is free and there are local testing sites where no doctor’s order is required. Visit http://www.smchd.org/covid-19-testing for locations and hours. If your test results are positive, follow Health Department guidance.
  4.  Quarantine for 10 days.

We recognize that this is a time of uncertainty and, now more than ever, it is important to have clear communications in place to ensure that information is shared in an effective and timely manner. To this end, we are committed to providing additional updates as further information is made available.

In the meantime, we will continue to do all that we can to support our residents, fellow team members, and the  community.

Sincerely,
Cedar Lane Management

Cedar Lane Eases Restrictions – Community Update

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Dear Cedar Lane community members,

I have several announcements for you this week, as Cedar Lane takes another step in our reopening process. Thanks to our community’s amazing vaccination rates, I am happy to announce the easing of several restrictions.

The following new policies echo the latest guidance from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and the CDC. They will take effect as of Friday, May 7, 2021.

We’re Eliminating Temperature Checks for Residents and Staff Members

While vendors, visitors and caregivers will still receive screenings at the Front Desk, Cedar Lane residents and staff members may forgo temperature checks as they come and go.

We’re Opening the Main Doors to the Burch and Colton-Weinberg Buildings

As of Friday, the main entrances to Building II and Building III will be open for residents’ use. Visitors must still enter through the Front Desk to sign in and receive a temperature check.

We’re Easing our Mask Policy

As per CDC guidelines, those who are vaccinated can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask or physical distancing, if they choose. You can also forgo your mask outdoors while on campus. This includes residents and staff. Please note that visitors, vendors and caregivers are still required to wear masks when inside Cedar Lane’s buildings.

Visitors Are Once Again Welcome Seven Days a Week

Visitors are still required to sign in and out at the Front Desk. Residents are asked to have visitors depart Cedar Lane by 11 p.m. each evening. Overnight visits are not permitted at this time.

Offsite Group Outings Are Back

I’ve given Tonya the permission to proceed with off-campus field trips and outings. Remember, you will still need to adhere to the current social distancing and masking policies at your destination.

Please Monitor Your Health

As restrictions are eased, it’s important for each of us to pay close attention to our health. If you are experiencing COVID symptoms, please isolate in your apartment for a minimum of 7 days.

Parking Lot Project Postponed Due to Weather

Due to rain in the forecast, the parking lot sealcoating project originally scheduled to begin this Friday and Saturday is postponed. Stay tuned for further details.

Meal in Celebration of Mother’s Day – May 7

Friends of Cedar Lane is treating residents to a meal of roasted chicken legs, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy, rolls, and mixed vegetables with Garlic Butter Sauce. The caterer for this meal is Flavaz. Today is the final day to RSVP to the Front Desk (301-475-8966) if you would like to reserve this meal. Door-to-door delivery will begin at 2pm on Friday.

Produce Stand Returns – May 13

The Southern Maryland Food Bank team will be back to hand out more free produce on the Cedar Lane patio. Pick-up times are as follows: Building I 10:30 a.m. – 11: a.m. Building II 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Building III 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Bags will be provided but you may want to bring your cart to carry your goodies home.

Thanks to the Tenants Who Attended a Resident Forum Session

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to those of you who came to one of the “Ask Eric” sessions this week. Your feedback is important to me, because no one knows Cedar Lane better than you. I am grateful for the opportunity to hear what’s on your mind and listen to your suggestions.

Thank you all for diligence in keeping our community safe. The care you have shown in protecting each other is the reason we can now safely ease some restrictions. I look forward celebrating the small and big milestones with you all.

Sincerely, 

Eric Golden, President/CEO

Community Update – April 23, 2021

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Dear Cedar Lane community members,

I am happy to share with you that Cedar Lane is now 82.7% vaccinated against COVID-19. While we are all chomping at the bit to get back to our favorite activities, it’s important to stay vigilant in our safety efforts so we keep moving in the right direction. Please keep wearing those masks and practicing social distancing. Let’s keep up the good work until we’re out of this thing! Here are this week’s news items:

“ASK ERIC” Tenant Forums

I’ve worked (and lived) at Cedar Lane for two months. Now that I am familiar with how things work around here, I want to meet with tenants and get to know you all as individuals. The week of May 3, 2021, I will be hosting a series of Tenant Forums in the Dining Room. During these informal chats, I will tell you my goals for Cedar Lane and ask for your feedback. Each resident is welcome to bring two questions for me to answer. There are different session options for each building’s tenants. Please stop by the Front Desk to sign up. I really want to hear what you think.

Senior “Snak Pak” Program Changes

For most of the pandemic, the Southern Maryland Food Bank delivered Senior “Snak Paks” to all Cedar Lane residents. The program now has set income limits to determine eligibility. If you are interested in signing up for nutritious snacks delivered to your door, please call the Front Desk and ask for Kirk in Service Coordination.

Bernie’s Back Next Week!

Bernie’s Hair Salon, located on the 4th Floor of the Church Building, will reopen Wednesdays and Fridays starting April 28, 2021. Stop by to make your appointment.

Parking Lot Sealcoating Project Starting April 30

Calvin in Facilities is arranging to give our parking lots a new protective barrier. This project will require everyone’s cooperation. Soon, we will provide you with directions on where to park on specific days/times.

$50 Stipend for Cedar General Store Clerks

I am anxious to reopen the General Store by June 1, 2021, but we need your help to do it. We are looking to hire three store clerks and give them each $50 per month to work a rotating shift of 5-10 hours per week. If you would like to be considered for one of these positions, call the Front Desk and ask for Kirk in Service Coordination.

Produce Stand Returns – May 13

The Southern Maryland Food Bank team will be back to hand out more free produce on the Cedar Lane patio from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Bags will be provided but you may want to bring your cart to carry your goodies home.

On this day in history:

  • 1931 — US gangster film “The Public Enemy” starring James Cagney and Jean Harlow premiered.
  • 1954 — Hammerin’ Hank Aaron hit the 1st of his 755 homers.
  • 1965 – The Four Tops released their hit single “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” which went on to become the Billboard Song of the Year.
  • 1985 – New Coke made its debut, as Coca-Cola announced it changed its secret flavor formula.

Thank you for your continued support, and as always, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 301-475-8966.  Until next time, be well and stay safe!

Sincerely,

Eric Golden

President & CEO

 

Community Update – April 9, 2021

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Dear Cedar Lane tenants, families and staff members,

Hi all. I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to write me a note or stop me in the hall with your best wishes over the past few weeks. Your thoughtfulness means a great deal to me. We’ve made steady progress on several of the things we’ve been working on here at Cedar Lane. We completed the door lock and hardware replacement project, brightened up the lighting in the parking lot, and successfully launched the first phase of our reopening plan. Here are the other news items I would like to share with you this week:

WELCOME DION BIJOU, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Dion Bijou officially joined the Cedar Lane team this Monday. She is an accounting professional with more than 20 years of financial management experience. She looks forward to getting to know the great people who live at Cedar Lane. Be sure to say hello if you see her around the halls.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN YOUR GENERAL STORE?

Look for the General Store Survey in the lobby of your building and let us know what items the store should carry when it reopens. Also, if you are an outgoing people person, have retail experience, and are interested in working the General Store when it reopens, please call the Front Desk and ask for Tonya.

ACTIVITY SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN

Thank you to the 66 tenants who filled out the Activity Survey. The activities that received the most votes were: Live Music (44 votes); Ice Cream Socials (43 votes); Donut Socials (40 votes), Bingo (37 votes) and Bus Trips (37 votes). The top five outings were Farmers Markets, Movies, Restaurants, Events on the Square in Leonardtown and Shopping. We’re sharing the results with the Friends of Cedar Lane board members to help them choose which activities to fund this year.

LARGE PRINT BOOKS ARE HERE

Thanks to Friends of the St. Mary’s County Library, who donated an entire collection of large print books to Cedar Lane, and Karen King, who picked up the donated books and delivered them to our library. We appreciate you!

THE PRODUCE STAND WAS A HIT – RETURNING AGAIN MAY 13

Last week, 54 tenants took advantage of the free fruits and vegetables offered by the Southern Maryland Food Bank on the Cedar Lane patio. If you missed this great event, don’t worry. The Food Bank team is coming back again on Thursday, May 13, 2021 with more free produce fresh from the farm. Mark your calendars – you can come and get your bag of produce any time between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.

MEET WITH THE LIBRARIAN – MAY 14

Tenants who wish to participate in Cedar Lane’s library service can meet with a librarian from the St. Mary’s County Library to exchange your library books and/or discuss the types of things you like to read. The librarian will be in the Cedar Lane library from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021. Safe social distancing will be in practice.

REMINDERS ABOUT CEDAR LANE’S PET POLICIES

We all know the value of having a furry friend. Beyond companionship, pets can also be great for your physical health and overall well-being. For the pet owners in our community, I do have a few reminders. You are responsible for keeping your pets closely leashed and under control at all times when outside your apartment, and you must prevent your pet from disturbing other tenants.

REMINDERS ABOUT QUIET HOURS – 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Hearing some noise from your neighbors is a common occurrence in every apartment renter’s life. However, loud noises after quiet hours can make it nearly impossible for neighbors to coexist. As a reminder, I ask that all tenants lower their voices, their music and their TVs during quiet hours. Please refrain from creating any other loud noises, out of respect for others who may be sleeping.

ALL HEALTH PRECAUTIONS STILL APPLY

The CDC currently lists the Level of Community Transmission for COVID-19 in St. Mary’s County as “substantial.” This is a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and taking precautions to limit the spread of the virus. This includes things we all know like washing our hands, staying home when we’re sick, maintaining a safe social distance of six feet or more from others, wearing our face mask, and avoiding large gatherings.

I hope I can count on each of you to do your part to ensure our community is a respectful, safe and COVID-free place to call home. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Sincerely, 

Eric Golden

President & CEO

Community Update – March 26, 2021

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Dear Cedar Lane tenants, families and staff members,

Spring is here and signs of a fresh start are all around us – from the new mulch in the planting beds to the colorful decorations in the common rooms. Are you ready to start filling 2021 with some great memories? You’re in the right place! Here are this week’s news items.

WE’RE READY TO SAFELY WELCOME BACK VISITORS

Beginning April 1, 2021, friends and family members are welcome to Cedar Lane during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please limit your visitors to two at a time.

WE’RE READY TO RESUME SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES

Starting Monday, Tonya will have sign-up sheets on the bulletin board by the Dining Room for some of Cedar Lane’s favorite games, clubs and activities. There is something for everyone, so I hope you’ll all get involved.

LET US KNOW WHAT ACTIVITIES YOU WANT TO SEE

Friends of Cedar Lane are asking for your thoughts and opinions on the outings, events and experiences you want most. Every resident is encouraged to pick up an activity survey in the lobby, fill it out and drop it off at the Front Desk no later than March 31. We want to know what you think.

VISIT THE PRODUCE STAND FOR FREE FRUITS & VEGGIES APRIL 1

Southern Maryland Foodbank will be setting up a produce stand on the patio from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on April 1. All tenants are invited to come outside to pick up some free produce. Bags will be provided, but feel free to bring your cart, if you like. There is no need to rush down at the start of the event – per person limits will apply to ensure there is enough for everyone. Don’t forget to wear your mask and practice social distancing. We’ll have a temperature check at the patio door so you can come back in the same way you went out.

 CEDAR LANE OFFICES CLOSED FRIDAY, APRIL 2

In observance of Good Friday, Cedar Lane offices will be closed on April 2 so please plan accordingly. Regular operations will resume at 8 a.m. on Monday, April 5.

NEED A RIDE TO GET THE VACCINE?

St. Mary’s County is providing free rides on the STS bus to vaccine sites. Call the Front Desk and ask for Crystal or Kirk to schedule your ride.

NEED INFORMATION ON MEDICARE PART D AND OTHER PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAMS?

Shopping for the most cost effective prescription plan can be overwhelming. Debbie Barker from the Department of Aging & Human Services will be on campus April 14 to help you find the best coverage at the right price. Walk-ins are welcome, starting 1 p.m. in the new meeting room on the third floor of the Church Building (formerly Tonya Tyer’s office).

THE GENERAL STORE AND BERNIE’S HAIR SALON WILL OPEN SOON

Stay tuned for updates!

CEDAR LANE IS A SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS

As a reminder, the only area where tenants are permitted to smoke is the outdoor gazebo area at the far end of the parking lot. Please note that Cedar Lane does not permit smoking in cars or on the surrounding roadways. I appreciate everyone’s cooperation with this policy.

As always, we appreciate your support as Cedar Lane takes these initial reopening steps. You can assist us by remaining vigilant but sensible in your approach to increased opportunities to visit with family and friends. I wish you all a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Eric Golden

President & CEO