David Ragan, Sr. Vice-President of Resident Services, called the meeting to order at 2:15PM, welcoming the residents in attendance and congratulating two residents who were at Town Hall for the first time. David said that he had always had a fascination for Dick Van Dyke and he showed a video of Dick, at age 90, enjoying a dance routine. The active, spry Dick Van Dyke is an inspiration to us all.
Barbara Carpenter, Residents Council President, reported on the May Council Meeting. David Ragan urged residents to stay hydrated during the summer; asked that problems or issues in a building be reported to the building representatives; noted that 17 patio homes are under contract; and asked residents to be respectful of our staff people. Community Relations Chairman, Gene Lefebvre, reported that 5 students from Washington High School were awarded $500 scholarships thanks to the great support of residents. Marc Adelman, Chairman of the Communications Committee, said his committee continues to evaluate a better hearing system and will be discussing mailbox options for the independent living buildings. health and Wellness Chairperson, Ruth Crowley, said that the second spring seminar was well attended and important issues were addressed. Life Enrichment Interim Chairperson, Sherwin Block, urged residents to check the Community Channel and the Roadrunner for the many activities coming up this month, and he outlined a plan for expanded transportation services for residents through the transportation subcommittee. Paul Kelley, spiritual Life Chairman, presented heartfelt thanks from our resident theologians, Michael Down and Connie Barlow, for a wonderful month with us. Welcome Committee Chair, Char Telleen, explained how her volunteers make new residents welcome by partnering for lunch, tours and information, and she encouraged residents to attend the monthly Welcome Coffee. Senior Area Representatives, Lois Pfau of Plaza North, Robert Berry of Central Park West, and Martha Trout of Central Park North/Patio Homes, reported on their current building activities. Residents asked about logos for our buses which are coming, and were advised that the Life Center is available for walking from 6:00 to 8:00AM daily. Dogs on leashes are permitted. Please see Barbara Carpenter or any of the committee chairs for more information or join a committee and make a difference in the Beatitudes community. The next Residents Council Meeting will be on Wednesday, August 8th, at 2:00PM in the Life Center.
Rod Bailey, Sr. Vice-President of Sales & Marketing, said that as of today, 20 out of the 34 patio homes have been sold. He noted that the atmosphere of camaraderie here at Beatitudes Campus is important to prospective new residents and sets us apart from some of the other communities. Beatitudes Campus Resident Referral Program is back in business with the opportunity for residents and family members to earn $1,000 for a first referral, $1,250 for a second referral, and $1,500 for a third referral. Call marketing at x18467 about any prospective residents and be sure to fill out a referral form.
Josephine Levy, Resource Navigator for Success Matters, talked about the seminars being held every Tuesday through July 3rd, at 2:00PM in AGR. The seminars cover Policies and Resources, Levels of Care, and a Q and A panel of assisted living and health care team members to address questions that may not have been answered in previous sessions. Josephine advised that residents should not be concerned about the need for a new AZ Travel ID Card as these cards will not be required until October 1st of 2020, 28 months away. Residents and family members who would like to receive the Success Matters email Newsletter each month should call Josephine at x16117 or email her at [email protected].
Joe Kane, Dining Services Director, said that Executive Chef, Brian Rocco has left the campus and we welcome back as our new Executive Chef, Cosmin Barbu. Chef Barbu worked here for 15 years, left to become a Sous Chef and now returns as our Executive Chef. He will be introduced to residents at the August Town Hall meeting. Joe reported that more feedback is being received from the Kiosks. They are mostly self-explanatory, but instructions on their use are available on the in-house video. Residents were urged to type in comments on the feedback to help dining staff understand why a thumbs down was given. Kitchen tours are still being given every Saturday at 2:00PM through October. Sign up for a tour in the Bistro and have a good look behind the scenes.
David reported that after careful research of all the providers, DirecTV has been chosen, and the transition will be coming in August. Beatitudes Campus will provide DirecTV's top tier service level, including all of the movie channels like HBO, STARZ, TMC, and SHOWTIME. We will provide for two hookups per apartment and the DirecTV boxes. This will all be included with your monthly service fee at no additional cost to you. DVR's will also be available for those who want them for approximately $10 per month. It should result in a significant monthly savings if you are currently using more services from our current provider.
Speaking for the Life Enrichment Committee, Sherwin Block, said the Life Enrichment Committee meets for an hour each month to plan events. Let Didi or Monica know if you would be interested in working with this committee.
David reminded residents of the opportunities for service available through the Beatitudes CAREcorps. Volunteers can walk dogs, feed pets, change cat litter, hand out flyers, host events, help neighbors, etc. There are many opportunities for service that encourage inclusivity and inspire purposeful aging. Call Didi or Monica to join CAREcorp and start volunteering. David also reminded residents of the opportunity to be VIP Guides or to be a guided person. Volunteers can take residents to and from campus activities, giving their regular caretakers a needed break to run errands or just take a nap. To sign up, call Monica at x18526 or stop by the office to fill out a form.
Tena Alonzo, Director of Comfort Matters, introduced Evelyn Sowell, LeadingAge Arizona Volunteer of the Year. Evelyn has contributed more than 6,000 hours of service to the Comfort Matters Dementia Care Education program and has served as a mentor to the Comfort Matters team. Tena said that Evelyn has helped to create wonderful curriculum that is used across the nation and throughout the world. She has spent much of her career guiding teachers on the best ways to teach others. Evelyn told residents that the Comfort Matters staff was easy to work with and her advice for everyone is to find something to love and do it. David noted that the campus would not be where it is today without volunteers.
Bob Telleen, LifeLong Learning Committee member, said that there would be a LifeLong Learners Film Festival on August 23rd and 24th in the Life Center. Movies will show at 9:30AM and 1:00PM. Cost of the movies is free, but residents will soon be able to purchase buffet lunch tickets for each day if they wish to. More publicity will be coming soon.
Mike Smallwood, Fitness Specialist, reported that the LeadingAge Arizona Fitness Challenge for Seniors would be Wednesday, November 7th this year. Mike hopes to add the corn hole toss and darts to the list of challenges which include basketball bounce, competitive walking, obstacle course, and Wii bowling. More specific details will be available at future Town Hall meetings. The Tai Chi Class meets with Jack Mathews every Wednesday at 4:00PM in the Recreation Room. The Life Center is open from 6:00 to 8:00AM daily through October for morning walks. The B-Fit winner for June is Nils Larson. Residents were treated to an inspiring video of Ida Keeling, a 102-year-old runner who defies age to set world records. She is the 2018 Fitness Award recipient. Her advice is for everyone to be active and get up and do something!
Keep watching the Community Channel 1960. All the latest information is posted there, so be in-the-know!! Also, our free WiFi is now accessible by using the password—“bcsummer” and will change on the first day of each new season to the season itself—bcfall, bcwinter and bcspring.
David thanked Gregory's Market for bringing nutritious produce for residents and staff to purchase. We are grateful to them for their service.
There will be no Town Hall in July. We will take a little breather and come back rejuvenated on August 1st.
Get involved!
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