Local dignitaries, staff, residents and elected officials gathered at Cedarbrook Senior Care and Rehabilitation Center May 14 for a celebration of the home’s 175th year of care.

Cedarbrook administrator Jason Cumello began the presentation explaining what a nursing home is and what it means for a community.

“These places are often a lot more than medical care,” Cumello said. “Living in a nursing home is another destination in the journey of life.

“It’s where you meet new friends. It’s where you rediscover old friends. It’s sometimes even where you reconnect with long-lost siblings.”

“It’s a place where you may even reconnect to your faith. And, most importantly, it’s a place where you also can have a lot of fun with games, entertainment and outings.”

He then described the rich history of nursing home residents, including the many veterans who now live at Cedarbrook.

Jean Larison, president of the Resident Council, is a former employee of Cedarbrook.

Larison, who read several poems, discussed the importance of the facility providing high quality care.

Lehigh County Commissioners Brad Osborne, Dan Hartzell, Amy Zanelli, Amanda Holt and Board Chairman Marty Nothstein presented a proclamation to Cedarbrook staff.

Osborne also discussed his experience with the home’s residents.

He spoke of a Fountain Hill resident who, upon learning of his love for ’70s music, offered to make him a music album of prominent songs.

“That gentleman is no longer with us today, but that memory will remain with me forever,” Osborne said.

Representatives from the offices of Sens. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Bob Casey, D-Pa., Congresswoman Susan Wild, D-7th, and state Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, presented proclamations and commendations.

Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong concluded the presentation saying the county is committed to keeping Cedarbrook open.

“Today Cedarbrook stands as more than just a senior care and rehabilitation center. It is our county safety net,” Armstrong said. “This is about human dignity.

“It’s about the lives we can change, families we can help and the difference we can make.

“Lehigh County will forever stand by its commitment to care for the vulnerable and protect the powerless. It is an obligation we will not fail to uphold.”

County commissioners recently approved a resolution calling for construction of a new E-wing.

The resolution provides for 473 beds at the South Whitehall facility and 197 beds at the Fountain Hill location.