Rev. David Ragan, Sr. VP of Resident Services, called the Town Hall to order at 2:15PM and welcomed residents. There were several residents who were attending Town Hall for the first time and David encouraged all residents to join us at Town Hall and catch up with what is happening here at the Beatitudes. The next Welcome Coffee will be held on Wednesday, August 22nd at 2:00PM in the Life Center. Come to meet and learn about our new friends on Campus. Residents watched a segment from The Gong Show featuring our own resident, Igor Glenn, performing as a “cowboy aviator”. Residents were also treated to a series of quotations by famous people. For example—“The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible” (George Burns) or “We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress” (Will Rogers).
David introduced Michelle Just, President and CEO, and congratulated her for being named as one of the Most Influential Women of 2018 by the Arizona Business Magazine. Michelle talked about an upcoming Power of Women panel to be held on Tuesday, September 25th from 5-7PM in the Life Center. The panel will include Kate Wells, CEO of Children's Museum of Phoenix, Chief Jerri Williams, Phoenix Chief of Police, and our own Michelle Just. The panel will be moderated by Letitia Frye, our Power of the Purse auctioneer. The Power of the Purse will be held on November 4th with a goal of $125,000. Sponsorships have already brought in $92,000 toward that goal. Title Sponsors are Weitz Construction and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. Michelle noted that there will be a special Campus-Wide Town Hall on Wednesday, August 29th from 2:00 to 3:00PM in the Life Center to provide residents and staff with the latest redevelopment update. There will be a question and answer session after the presentation. Last, but not least, Michelle congratulated David Ragan on being accepted to the eleventh class of the LeadingAge Leadership Academy. The Academy consists of 45 leaders across the nation coming together to learn and share ideas.
Barbara Carpenter, President of the Residents Council, reported on the June Council Meeting. David Ragan opened the meeting and reported that the patio home pre-sales are going well, reminding residents of the opportunity to earn money through successful referrals to Marketing. By-Laws and Elections Chair, Herb Komnick, said the committee is recommending two by-law changes, one concerning filling vacancies on the council and the other opening the choices for secretary. A vote will be taken at the August meeting. Dining Services Chair, Pat Dellisanti announced an upcoming Western theme lunch in August and halloween dinner on October 31st. Her committee looks at each and every comment card and works to improve the dining experience for all of us. The committee bid farewell to Chef Brian Rocco and a welcome back to Chef Cosmin Barbu. Bette Henriques, Employee Appreciation Chair, said the committee has been holding 50/50 raffles at theme dinners and will be promoting the fund from now until October 31st. Environment Committee Chair, Gerald Roseberry, said that a number of the Environment Committee toured the SRP marketing facility to learn ways we can conserve our water. He asked residents to look for “water tips” in the Roadrunner and on the community Channel. Facilities Committee Chair, Roger Benson, reported on many new campus improvements including the Administration building restrooms and new carpeting for the Central Park buildings. A new entrance sign is coming soon and will include lighting for the flag. Senior Area Representatives, Nils Larson of Plaza View, Kathleen Hall of Plaza South, and Hollister Newlin of Central Park South reported about the things happening in their buildings, activities they are doing and events coming up. Please support your building representatives and committees in their work by attending our meetings. The next Residents Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 12th at 2:00PM in the Life Center.
Andrew Moore, Associate Chaplain, discussed a retreat to be held on Saturday, September 15th from 10:00AM – 4:00PM in the Life Center. The retreat will allow residents to rest, recuperate, learn, grow, and come together in worship. Lunch and materials will be provided, therefore reservations are required. Please call Kimberly Bravo at 18465 by September 1st to reserve your place.
Success Matters Resource Navigator, Josephine Levy, told about a “Going Places?” session to be held on Tuesday, August 7th at 1:00PM in AG1. Josephine will be providing the basics on GoGo Grandparents and other off-Campus transportation options. She also will be providing a workshop on the ABC's (and D) of Medicare on Tuesday, August 21st at 10:00AM in Agelink Great Hall. Josephine said that Medicare is not as complicated as it might seem. She volunteers with the Area Agency on Aging answering telephone questions about Medicare, so bring your questions to the workshop.
Dining Services Director, Joe Kane, introduced our new Executive Chef, Cosmin Barbu. Chef Barbu started here at the Beatitudes in the Care Center, working up to Sous Chef before leaving for an Executive Chef position. Dining Services is very happy to welcome Chef Barbu back to the Beatitudes as Executive Chef. Joe also encouraged the use of the kiosks for commenting on dining services. Comments made on the kiosks go directly to Joe Kane via email. The Kitchen Tours continue through September and provide a great example of what is done each day. Residents were encouraged to sign up in the Bistro to take the tour on Saturdays at 2:00PM. Joe announced that Ben Ennis, Events Set-up Person, is now working for the Grounds Department, and he welcomed Asmir Smakovic who will be our new Events Set-up Person. Asmir has previously worked in the Bistro and as a Diet Aide in the Care Center.
David Ragan announced that DirecTV will be coming to the Beatitudes in September. Reasons for the change include—DirecTV is the highest ranked cable TV provider; their top tier service which includes all the movie channels will be provided at no extra cost; two drops per apartment and the DirecTV boxes will be provided at no extra cost; DVR's will be available for those who want them for approximately $10 per month; and the change should result in a significant monthly savings if you are using more services from our current provider. In addition, we will be transitioning to Wi-Fi at no cost to residents. A letter will be sent to residents with more information. A door-to-door survey will be taken to ascertain how you are set up and what services you currently have.
Life Enrichment Specialist, Monica De La Rosa, discussed the volunteer tutoring program at Maryland Elementary School, located at 24th Avenue and Maryland. Leroy Calbom, who has headed this program for several years, talked about how rewarding the work is for volunteers. Seeing young children learn and grow is exciting. Students at Maryland Elementary speak 28 different languages and come from a variety of backgrounds. You can tutor students individually or in a group on a subject of your choice. Fingerprint clearance is provided for free by the District and a Maryland School representative will call and connect you with a teacher and student(s). If you are interested in taking part in this program, Volunteer Applications are available in the Life Enrichment office. Monica introduced Sherwin Block, Interim Chairman of the Life Enrichment Committee, who discussed lunch outings to different restaurants in the Valley. They include Black Bear Diner, Bobby Q's, Kiss the Cook, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and others. On Friday, August 10th, the lunch outing will be to Macayo's Mexican Restaurant and on Tuesday, August 21st, we will be going to the Cracker Barrel. The kick-off at Chompies was a big success. Look for information in the Roadrunner and on the monthly calendar. Didi Cruz, Life Enrichment Specialist, said there is a Western theme Lunch planned for Saturday, August 11th in the Life Center. Doors open at 11 AM. Short and Sweet will be providing entertainment and the Employee Appreciation Committee will be hosting a 50/50 raffle. Tickets can be purchased at the Bistro for $11.50. Didi also discussed a new program which aims to aid single seniors in finding a good friend on campus. The kick-off for this “Let's Get Acquainted” program will be held in Elaine's on Monday, August 20th at 6:00PM. Come and share your feedback on how we can improve the program!
David noted that the Ceramics Studio has ceramics for sale and when purchased they can be taken to the Studio for firing in the kiln. The Studio is open Thursday mornings at 10:00AM and will be open more often if there are more residents interested in ceramics. The cost for ceramic sugar-style skulls for Halloween will be $16 each, or two for $30.
Lynn Leonard, Lifelong Learning Committee member, told residents about the Second Annual Film Festival to be held in the Life Center on August 23rd and 24th. There will be four movies, two on Thursday and two on Friday. Free popcorn will be provided, and, if you wish, you may buy a lunch ticket in the Bistro and enjoy a buffet lunch between the movies. A drawing will be held for a free Harkins movie pass. Watch for more information in the Roadrunner.
Michael Smallwood, Fitness Specialist, provided residents with a brainsavers and Workout Wellness Class update. He said that the classes are now switching to a new quarter and classes are structured so that new participants can get a fresh start in either class. Participants can choose a class that best fits their schedule. The third quarter class is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 to 11AM. The fourth quarter class is on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11AM to noon. The class is not too demanding with one-third of the class dealing with physical fitness. Some topics to be covered include hydration and the Brain; Maintaining Healthy Bones; Cultivating Gratitude; Nutritional Supplements; Sleep Research Update; Food for Thinking; and Connecting the Past, Present and Future. There is plenty of room in both classes so feel free to join anytime. The July and August B-Fit Winners are George Krekeler and Nils Larson. Mike asked if any of the residents were members of the Silver Sneakers Program. If so, please contact Mike at 18482 or [email protected]
Rod Bailey, Sr. Vice-President of Marketing and Sales, welcomed Jaime Sackrison as our Senior Community Outreach Ambassador. Jaime will be taking the message of what we do out and about in the community. Jaime is from Wisconsin and she has a great deal of experience in community and home care. Jonathan Gibbs is now a Residency Counselor.
David reminded residents to tune in to Channel 1960 to learn all about what is going on, and gain further information about the ceramics studio. Don't forget to go to the Hootenanny each and every Wednesday evening at 5:45PM in the Life Center. Bring your friends and enjoy the free musical entertainment. Our heartfelt thanks go to Gregory's Fresh Market for bringing their produce to us, and also for the volunteering that they do for seniors throughout the community. As always, Wednesday Sundaes with Dave will take place on Wednesday, September 19th from 2:00 to 4:00PM in the Plaza Bistro. Enjoy a free yogurt sundae and share your thoughts with David.
The next Town Hall will be held on September 5th at 2:00PM in the Life Center. We hope to see you there!!!
Rev. David Ragan, Sr. VP of Resident Services, called the Town Hall to order at 2:15PM and welcomed residents. There were several residents who were attending Town Hall for the first time and David encouraged all residents to join us at Town Hall and catch up with what is happening here at the Beatitudes. The next Welcome Coffee will be held on Wednesday, August 22nd at 2:00PM in the Life Center. Come to meet and learn about our new friends on Campus. Residents watched a segment from The Gong Show featuring our own resident, Igor Glenn, performing as a “cowboy aviator”. Residents were also treated to a series of quotations by famous people. For example—“The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible” (George Burns) or “We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress” (Will Rogers).
David introduced Michelle Just, President and CEO, and congratulated her for being named as one of the Most Influential Women of 2018 by the Arizona Business Magazine. Michelle talked about an upcoming Power of Women panel to be held on Tuesday, September 25th from 5-7PM in the Life Center. The panel will include Kate Wells, CEO of Children's Museum of Phoenix, Chief Jerri Williams, Phoenix Chief of Police, and our own Michelle Just. The panel will be moderated by Letitia Frye, our Power of the Purse auctioneer. The Power of the Purse will be held on November 4th with a goal of $125,000. Sponsorships have already brought in $92,000 toward that goal. Title Sponsors are Weitz Construction and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. Michelle noted that there will be a Special Campus-Wide Town Hall on Wednesday, August 29th from 2:00 to 3:00PM in the Life Center to provide residents and staff with the latest redevelopment update. There will be a question and answer session after the presentation. Last, but not least, Michelle congratulated David Ragan on being accepted to the eleventh class of the LeadingAge Leadership Academy. The Academy consists of 45 leaders across the nation coming together to learn and share ideas.
Barbara Carpenter, President of the Residents Council, reported on the June Council Meeting. David Ragan opened the meeting and reported that the patio home pre-sales are going well, reminding residents of the opportunity to earn money through successful referrals to Marketing. By-Laws and Elections Chair, Herb Komnick, said the committee is recommending two by-law changes, one concerning filling vacancies on the council and the other opening the choices for secretary. A vote will be taken at the August meeting. Dining Services Chair, Pat Dellisanti announced an upcoming Western theme lunch in August and Halloween dinner on October 31st. Her committee looks at each and every comment card and works to improve the dining experience for all of us. The committee bid farewell to Chef Brian Rocco and a welcome back to Chef Cosmin Barbu. Bette Henriques, Employee Appreciation Chair, said the committee has been holding 50/50 raffles at theme dinners and will be promoting the fund from now until October 31st. Environment Committee Chair, Gerald Roseberry, said that a number of the Environment Committee toured the SRP marketing facility to learn ways we can conserve our water. He asked residents to look for “water tips” in the Roadrunner and on the Community Channel. Facilities Committee Chair, Roger Benson, reported on many new campus improvements including the Administration building restrooms and new carpeting for the Central Park buildings. A new entrance sign is coming soon and will include lighting for the flag. Senior Area Representatives, Nils Larson of Plaza View, Kathleen Hall of Plaza South, and Hollister Newlin of Central Park South reported about the things happening in their buildings, activities they are doing and events coming up. Please support your building representatives and committees in their work by attending our meetings. The next Residents Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 12th at 2:00PM in the Life Center.
Andrew Moore, Associate Chaplain, discussed a retreat to be held on Saturday, September 15th from 10:00AM – 4:00PM in the Life Center. The retreat will allow residents to rest, recuperate, learn, grow, and come together in worship. Lunch and materials will be provided, therefore reservations are required. Please call Kimberly Bravo at 18465 by September 1st to reserve your place.
Success Matters Resource Navigator, Josephine Levy, told about a “Going Places?” session to be held on Tuesday, August 7th at 1:00PM in AG1. Josephine will be providing the basics on GoGo Grandparents and other off-Campus transportation options. She also will be providing a workshop on the ABC's (and D) of Medicare on Tuesday, August 21st at 10:00AM in Agelink Great Hall. Josephine said that Medicare is not as complicated as it might seem. She volunteers with the Area Agency on Aging answering telephone questions about Medicare, so bring your questions to the workshop.
Dining Services Director, Joe Kane, introduced our new Executive Chef, Cosmin Barbu. Chef Barbu started here at the Beatitudes in the Care Center, working up to Sous Chef before leaving for an Executive Chef position. Dining Services is very happy to welcome Chef Barbu back to the Beatitudes as Executive Chef. Joe also encouraged the use of the kiosks for commenting on dining services. Comments made on the kiosks go directly to Joe Kane via email. The Kitchen Tours continue through September and provide a great example of what is done each day. Residents were encouraged to sign up in the Bistro to take the tour on Saturdays at 2:00PM. Joe announced that Ben Ennis, Events Set-up Person, is now working for the Grounds Department, and he welcomed Asmir Smakovic who will be our new Events Set-up Person. Asmir has previously worked in the Bistro and as a Diet Aide in the Care Center.
David Ragan announced that DirecTV will be coming to the Beatitudes in September. Reasons for the change include—DirecTV is the highest ranked cable TV provider; their top tier service which includes all the movie channels will be provided at no extra cost; two drops per apartment and the DirecTV boxes will be provided at no extra cost; DVR's will be available for those who want them for approximately $10 per month; and the change should result in a significant monthly savings if you are using more services from our current provider. In addition, we will be transitioning to Wi-Fi at no cost to residents. A letter will be sent to residents with more information. A door-to-door survey will be taken to ascertain how you are set up and what services you currently have.
Life Enrichment Specialist, Monica De La Rosa, discussed the volunteer tutoring program at Maryland Elementary School, located at 24th Avenue and Maryland. Leroy Calbom, who has headed this program for several years, talked about how rewarding the work is for volunteers. Seeing young children learn and grow is exciting. Students at Maryland Elementary speak 28 different languages and come from a variety of backgrounds. You can tutor students individually or in a group on a subject of your choice. Fingerprint clearance is provided for free by the District and a Maryland School representative will call and connect you with a teacher and student(s). If you are interested in taking part in this program, Volunteer Applications are available in the Life Enrichment office. Monica introduced Sherwin Block, Interim Chairman of the Life Enrichment Committee, who discussed lunch outings to different restaurants in the Valley. They include Black Bear Diner, Bobby Q's, Kiss the Cook, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and others. On Friday, August 10th, the lunch outing will be to Macayo's Mexican Restaurant and on Tuesday, August 21st, we will be going to the Cracker Barrel. The kick-off at Chompies was a big success. Look for information in the Roadrunner and on the monthly calendar. Didi Cruz, Life Enrichment Specialist, said there is a Western theme Lunch planned for Saturday, August 11th in the Life Center. Doors open at 11 AM. Short and Sweet will be providing entertainment and the Employee Appreciation Committee will be hosting a 50/50 raffle. Tickets can be purchased at the Bistro for $11.50. Didi also discussed a new program which aims to aid single seniors in finding a good friend on campus. The kick-off for this “Let's Get Acquainted” program will be held in Elaine's on Monday, August 20th at 6:00PM. Come and share your feedback on how we can improve the program!
David noted that the Ceramics Studio has ceramics for sale and when purchased they can be taken to the Studio for firing in the kiln. The Studio is open Thursday mornings at 10:00AM and will be open more often if there are more residents interested in ceramics. The cost for ceramic sugar-style skulls for Halloween will be $16 each, or two for $30.
Lynn Leonard, Lifelong Learning Committee member, told residents about the Second Annual Film Festival to be held in the Life Center on August 23rd and 24th. There will be four movies, two on Thursday and two on Friday. Free popcorn will be provided, and, if you wish, you may buy a lunch ticket in the Bistro and enjoy a buffet lunch between the movies. A drawing will be held for a free Harkins movie pass. Watch for more information in the Roadrunner.
Michael Smallwood, Fitness Specialist, provided residents with a Brainsavers and Workout Wellness Class update. He said that the classes are now switching to a new quarter and classes are structured so that new participants can get a fresh start in either class. Participants can choose a class that best fits their schedule. The third quarter class is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 to 11AM. The fourth quarter class is on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11AM to noon. The class is not too demanding with one-third of the class dealing with physical fitness. Some topics to be covered include Hydration and the Brain; Maintaining Healthy Bones; Cultivating Gratitude; Nutritional Supplements; Sleep Research Update; Food for Thinking; and Connecting the Past, Present and Future. There is plenty of room in both classes so feel free to join anytime. The July and August B-Fit Winners are George Krekeler and Nils Larson. Mike asked if any of the residents were members of the Silver Sneakers Program. If so, please contact Mike at 18482 or [email protected]
Rod Bailey, Sr. Vice-President of Marketing and Sales, welcomed Jaime Sackrison as our Senior Community Outreach Ambassador. Jaime will be taking the message of what we do out and about in the community. Jaime is from Wisconsin and she has a great deal of experience in community and home care. Jonathan Gibbs is now a Residency Counselor.
David reminded residents to tune in to Channel 1960 to learn all about what is going on, and gain further information about the ceramics studio. Don't forget to go to the Hootenanny each and every Wednesday evening at 5:45PM in the Life Center. Bring your friends and enjoy the free musical entertainment. Our heartfelt thanks go to Gregory's Fresh Market for bringing their produce to us, and also for the volunteering that they do for seniors throughout the community. As always, Wednesday Sundaes with Dave will take place on Wednesday, September 19th from 2:00 to 4:00PM in the Plaza Bistro. Enjoy a free yogurt sundae and share your thoughts with David.
The next Town Hall will be held on September 5th at 2:00PM in the Life Center. We hope to see you there!!!
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