See all new move-ins online here – or see the printed Informant attached at the end of this newsletter.
David Ragan, Senior VP of Resident Services, called the first meeting of the New Year to order at 2:15PM. He noted that the campus continues to be one where residents reach out and care for each other. For the New Year, David had some new definitions which served to start the year off with a laugh. For example, the word balderdash is defined as a rapidly receding hairline, coffee is the person upon whom you cough, and abdicated is when you have lost all hope of a flat stomach.
Residents were treated to pictures of the dancing and enjoyed by all at the recent New Year's Eve Party. Thanks go to the Auxiliary for another successful event.
There were at least four residents who were attending the Town Hall for the first time and David informed residents that for January only, the Welcome Coffee would be held on Wednesday, January 25th at 10AM, rather than the usual 2:00 PM. All residents are urged to come and welcome the newcomers to our Campus.
Tara Bethell, Senior VP of Human resources and Risk Management, announced the Employee Shout Outs. The first Shout Out went to David Ragan for his willingness to always jump in and help those in need. In this instance, he jumped into the back of a car to assist the driver (a guest to the campus) in getting off the Central Park Mall and into a more safe parking area. Kudos then went to Anthony Farias from transportation for his going the extra mile in taking a resident on a special shopping tour. And last, but not least, Jennifer Perkins was Shouted Out for the excellent service and fun spirit she brings to her work of cleaning and preparing rooms in the Health Care Center for new persons moving into the Center. As always, residents are asked to fill out the radical hospitality forms which are available at the Welcome Center and Information Station as well as online at www.bcampus.org. Tara announced that the Employee Appreciation Fund for 2016 had a goal of reaching $125,000 and actually reached $135,000. She thanked all of the residents who donated so generously, served on a committee, or helped set up and host an amazing Employee Christmas Party. Any resident who is interested in joining the Employee Appreciation Committee of the Residents Council and would like more information can call Kevin Morrison at x16118. The Committee logo was created by Kevin.
David announced the members of the Executive Board of the Residents Council:
Herb Komnick, President
Barbara Carpenter, Vice-President
Lois Pfau, Secretary
Mary Shenefield, Parliamentarian
Herb Komnick presented the minutes of the last meeting. David Ragan thanked Jim Plaster for his outstanding work last year. He asked residents to be aware that this time of year can be stressful for people who may be feeling alone and blue. By-Laws and Election Committee Chairperson, Jim Soudriette, noted that approximately 60% of residents voted in the building representative election. Communications Committee Chairperson, Marc Adelman, informed council members that Wi-Fi is now available in multiple areas on campus and several Community channels will become available with different programming on each one. Community Relations Chairperson, Gene Lefebvre, reported that Phoenix is working toward a longer-term solution to the needs of homeless people. Jim Elliott reported that the 19 North improvement group is planning a 19th Avenue cleanup day on Saturday, February 11th, with a picnic to follow. Employee Appreciation Committee Interim Chairperson, Barbara Carpenter, announced that the $135,000 raised this year was the largest amount ever, and this year's Employee Appreciation Fund was dedicated to the memory of Lucy Nelson, former Chairperson of this committee. Environment Committee Chairperson, Gerald Roseberry, reported that he is hoping to have the toilet leak-testing program completed with a final report on the results at the February meeting. Welcome Committee Chairperson, Char Telleen, submitted a report noting the large number of new residents moving in during the past few months. Campus volunteers are asked to record and report the number of volunteer hours they spend working on campus activities. The Foundation Office has forms for recording hours and it is important to do so as the number of volunteer hours is important when applying for grants. Senior Area Representative, Marc Adelman, is teaching multiple Mahjong classes in the Plaza View 3rd floor lounge. There is a game day on alternating Saturdays and soon Marc will begin teaching games in the Rec. Center on Wednesdays. Nora Townsend reported on CP West activities and the upcoming Christmas Party. New Business consisted of having the newly elected Junior Representatives come forward to take the seats vacated by the retiring Senior Representatives. The election of officers took place with a unanimous vote for those named previously. Betty Greathouse was seated as the CP West Junior Representative.
David introduced Leroy Calbom who called attention to the Beatitudes English Language Assistance program that seeks to affirm the dignity and self-worth of refugees and provide them with survival skills and coping skills through English Language training. Volunteers are needed, especially for the morning program on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 11AM. Please contact Leroy if you would be willing to volunteer your time to this valuable program. Jessica Meyer, Director of Success Matters, noted that her office is near the classroom and she is able to hear and witness the joy and gratitude of the English learners.
Jessica was pleased to introduce a new member to the Success Matters staff, Josephine Levy. Josephine will be the Resource Navigator doing social work and bringing additional resources to residents. When she gets to know more about residents, she will be carving out her own niche and developing programs in her own right. Josephine feels that she is very fortunate to be beginning this work. Her experience includes high school teacher, guidance counselor, volunteer with Hospice of the Valley and working with a non-profit in Tempe, Neighbors helping Neighbors.
Jessica said there would be an A.T. Still University Communication Strategies Training Workshop for residents who have questions about hearing or who struggle with communicating with friends and family. The workshop is for individuals and couples. The audiologist pairs residents with students in training and they provide one-on-one assistance. The Workshop consists of four sessions, each one 3 to 4:00PM, on January 23rd, January 30th, February 6th and February 20th. Call Jessica at x16110 to reserve your place in the class.
Mike Smallwood, Fitness Specialist, discussed the Fitness Goals for 2017, designed to address the needs of the residents on campus. They include: Exercise Routines designed to significantly reduce Dementia Symptoms, more Balance Exercises to reduce the number of falls, more availability to residents overall, and finding the right balance between group fitness training and one-on-one fitness training. The B-Fit winner was Lois Jensen who will receive two $25 gift certificates.
Monica De La Rosa, Life Enrichment Specialist, announced that Happy Hour will remain at Buckwald's this Friday, January 6th, but it will return to the Plaza Bistro sometime in the future. Monica announced that residents who are interested in playing darts may now do so on Tuesdays at 2PM and on Saturdays at 1PM in the Motion Studio. Call George Hudon at x15117 if you have any questions. The Buzy Bees are now known as Crafts for All and they would love to have new members. They meet every Wednesday at 1PM in the Recreation Center. The Broadway Babies are presenting Stardust Memories Music of the Movies on Saturday, January 7th at 1PM in the Life Center. They are regulars on campus and the members range in age from the fifties to the eighties. Also coming up is the new session of Lifelong Learners classes. Registration for classes will take place the following Monday, January 16th from 9AM to 1PM and on Tuesday, January 17th from 9AM to 12PM, in the Life Center. Monica also announced that there will be an Open Lab every Tuesday from 2 to 4PM in the Computer Lab. Residents, Jim Elliott and Dan Mangelsdorf, will be available to work with you on problems you may have encountered using computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point and Facebook. Registration is not required. Just call Dan Mangelsdorf at x18449 to schedule a time to come in during the Open Lab. Christmas decorations need to be packed up and labeled with the Building designation and the Floor number, and number of boxes per floor. Decorations will be picked up during the day on Thursday, January 12th. David added that a list of broken or missing ornaments would also be very helpful to staff. Monica said that the only off-campus trip this month would be the Coffee Classics trip on Friday, January 20th. Call Transportation to reserve a seat and it is advisable to purchase your ticket when you arrive as the trip may be canceled if there is not enough participation.
David announced that Vision Care, a Blue Cross/Blue Shield organization, is offering a good deal for residents and staff. They have a new program that is different from any in the past. All residents are members of the program regardless of whether they have Blue Cross coverage. Vision Care has a state-of-the-art machine that performs a comprehensive eye examination. The eyes are not dilated and the machine takes a picture of the back of the eye. It can detect eye diseases and it looks at the overall health of the eye. The machine also detects other problems such as high blood pressure or pre-cancer conditions. David has experienced this exam and is quite amazed by the results this high-tech machine can provide a person. The process takes about 10 seconds for each eye. There is no monthly premium and residents should make an appointment if they wish to take advantage of this program. Angel Singer, from Vision Care, spoke about the program and all of the other services available such as a wide assortment of frames and lenses at a reduced cost. She will be available for questions and she will have information sheets in the back of the room after the meeting.
David discussed the bus issue, mentioning that this bus has had more than its share of breakdowns and was probably a lemon when purchased. Currently, transportation does not trust it's reliability and has concerns about leaving residents stranded. When transportation deems the current bus dependable, or if it becomes necessary to purchase a new bus, residents will be informed promptly. Call Ken Fomby, Manager of Transportation, at x16135 if you have any questions.
Remember the Hootenanny tonight and every Wednesday at 6PM in the Life Center. Igor and Jim Plaster provided a peek at tonight's railroad theme by singing “Working on the Railroad” just before the Town Hall Meeting.
Gregory's Market will be here at the next Town Hall meeting in February.
David again asked that residents refrain from feeding the feral cats on campus. When they are fed, they proliferate rapidly and cause concerns. They are being fed at the edges of the campus.
Don't forget Sundaes with Dave on January 18th from 2 to 4PM in the Bistro. Come share your thoughts or just enjoy a free yogurt sundae.
The next Town Hall will be held on February 1, 2017 at 2:00 PM in the Life Center.
The meeting adjourned at 3:10 PM. Download the printable version of the Informant-2017.01 here.
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