During this season of wrapping up one year and launching into a new year, I love to set aside time to reflect. What was accomplished during the prior year that I am grateful for and proud to have been part of? What am I looking forward to and am excited to get started on in the new year?
Let’s start with some accomplishments. At our recent State of the Campus address, Meth-Wick’s Board Chair Jim Koch highlighted several things that occurred in 2025 that made us proud.
First, Meth-Wick was recognized by the Corridor Business Journal for being voted the Best Senior Living Community in the corridor for the 7th year in a row. We have a lot of competition so are very proud of this recognition.
Next, Meth-Wick’s Health Center earned a deficiency free survey from the Department of Inspections and Appeals for the 2nd year in a row. When a team of five surveyors show up unannounced and spend four days doing a thorough review and find no concerns – for the second year in a row – it’s a great testament to the quality of care being provided.
And while we are talking about the Woodlands, they also were recognized by the American Heart Association’s Lifeline Stroke Initiative for developing a stroke specific rehab program. The Woodlands continues to maintain its 5 Star Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) and also was the only local facility to be rated as 5 Stars in all three categories that comprise the overall rating. As the Woodlands celebrated their 25th year, they certainly gave us all a lot for which to be proud.
During the past year we also implemented a new Wellness Model and are about to roll out new Successful Aging software, reinforcing Meth-Wick’s commitment to being a dynamic, active aging community. Finding ways to advance our use of technology was also a focus in 2025 and will continue into the new year.
Another focus that began in 2025 that will continue is finding ways to be more environmentally friendly. With a campus as large as Meth-Wick, even small changes can really make a difference.
And finally, during 2025 we dedicated significant time and energy into supporting Arbor Place, Meth-Wick’s Assisted Living Memory Care. Programming and environmental changes were made as well as additional training and support for the staff team. We are very proud of the great care provided at Arbor Place and were happy to invest in this wonderful service.
There is so much more that I could highlight. Meth-Wick is truly an amazing place to live and work and collectively we are all very proud of our campus and our services.
So what’s on the horizon for 2026? We’ll continue to focus on advancing our use of technology, growing and supporting our staff team, enhancing our communication, and most importantly, keeping our focus squarely on our residents, the reason Meth-Wick exists. 
One very exciting project we are looking forward to in the new year is the rebuilding of Brendel Pond. Originally constructed in the late 80’s, it is an important part of what makes Meth-Wick’s campus so beautiful. Through the generosity of residents, board members, staff and friends, over $250,000 was raised to support a complete rebuild of the pond. We are excited to get started on this project in the Spring and are extremely grateful for the wonderful support this project received.
And finally, we are investing time and energy into future planning. In 2026, Meth-Wick will celebrate its 65th anniversary. I think it is safe to say that when the founders of Meth-Wick started this organization all those years ago, they never imagined what we now enjoy on this beautiful campus with five different styles of living. As we look to the future, our opportunity, and indeed our responsibility, is to make sure that Meth-Wick is positioned well for the next 65 years.
As we begin the new year, I am grateful for Meth-Wick’s dedicated staff team, our wonderful residents, and the support of our Board and community. I look forward to the year ahead and making 2026 an exciting year where together we create new opportunities to celebrate.