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Year: 2018

GET YOUR VACCINES!

Sun, November 18, 2018 Published by

The second flu shot + clinic will be held:
Friday, December 7th from 9 to 11AM
Agelink Great Room (AGR)

By popular demand, besides Flushots, you will also be able to receive vaccines for Pneumonia, Shingles(finally available in less limited quantities) and Tetanus.  You must pick up a consent form at the Welcome Desk in the Administration building. To receive the Tetanus shot, check mark “other” and indicate Tetanus. 

Please refer to the November 12th Roadrunner issue for more specifics on each vaccine.

It is important you list your Medicare and other insurance numbers on the consent form for billing purposes.  Please also bring your insurance cards to the clinic in case there are any questions. Not all shots are covered by Medicare and you may incur charges for different vaccines!

Sign up early! Completed consent forms must be returned to the Welcome Desk by no later than November 30.  For any questions,please contact Gabi Holberg at ext. 18490. *

Busy Bees Bazaar Recap & Thank You

Sun, November 18, 2018 Published by

Congratulations to our raffle drawing winners!

Roslyn Schulz—winner of the Clown Picture
Fleurette Gauthier—winner of the Ceramic Basket
Lucille Goodwin—winner of a Artistic toothpick design. 

Thank you to our many contributors to this year’s sale—some of which include: Patty Shaw (off campus volunteer), Peggy Simon (resident),Altene Goodwin (seamstress), Katie Nelson (resident, baked goods), Donna Dowd(resident), Pat Dellisanti. If we’ve missed anyone, we truly appreciate all those who have donated items and goodies and taken time to help us. We raised $1,621.19! Thank you again to all!

They will be taking some time off after buzzing around all year in preparation for their annual sale.  The group will resume meeting in January. For any questions call Didi at x18473.

The Power of Blessings

Sun, November 18, 2018 Published by

The tent has come down and the red carpet is rolled up, but we are basking in the afterglow of Power of the Purse 2018. It was a phenomenal success in every way possible! As the signature fund-raising and friends-raising event forth campus, Power of the Purse transformed the campus into a fun and festive atmosphere on Sunday afternoon. A community of nearly 400 passionate and highly engaged guests created connections with residents and staff and supported the campus with the power of their donations. Everywhere I looked, people were having fun. There was abundant laughter. Residents, staff and volunteers made our guests feel at home and extended such gracious hospitality. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Even though we are still counting the donations, we raised more than $222,000. This year is our eighth year of producing this event, and we have raised nearly one million dollars for the campus over these eight years. Why do we do it every year? We do it for you, our residents! All the proceeds we raise from Power of the Purse support initiatives and programs for the campus, such as our commitment to assist residents who may be in need of financial help because they have outlived their own personal assets. Proceeds also help advance our resident programs, to help ensure that you have the greatest opportunity for living life at the highest potential.

Power of the Purse is a premier example of the campus at its best! It was a joy to see so many of our residents attending and participating on Sunday! Special thanks goes to our resident storytellers—Eileen Bell, Dosia Carlson, Barbara Glenn and Margaret Stewart. Did you enjoy our residents and staff modeling our purses? It may be that Joannie Bailey, Rita Calbom, Michelle Just, Chef Cosmin and Ray Gonzales are  all headed for new careers!

I’d like to thank my talented and dedicated staff, Ray Gonzales and Linda Travis, who dreamed, designed and orchestrated a spectacular day for us. Cheers to every department on campus who also played an integral role in making the day a success. Team Beatitudes never ceases to amaze me by going the extra mile for Power of the Purse.

I am extremely grateful to our event guests and to the 31 sponsors who provided such generous support to the campus.  I am honored that our Title Sponsors, Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona and The Weitz Company, and our Red Carpet and Partner Sponsors, Angell Marketing, Morrison Community Living, Orcutt|Winslow and JP Griffin Group, have faithfully supported the campus in a multitude of ways.

Hats off to the Power of the Purse Steering Committee, co-chaired by Monique Bontrager and Jennifer McKee. This dedicated group worked all year to secure donations of designer purses and other auction items to make this day a great success. A special thanks goes to Nancy Stouffer, our purse guru, who has championed the campus for years.

This week is Thanksgiving week, where we reflect on the blessings we have been given. I have so many blessings, but it is you – the residents of Beatitudes Campus – that provide me with inspiration every day to make a difference. Thank you for your support in so many ways, but most of all, thank you for lighting our passion to continue to do the work we love and the work that matters. On behalf of the Beatitudes Campus leadership and staff, we give you our thanks for being part of Beatitudes Campus and for helping us live out our mission and values. Indeed, we are all blessed.*

Veterans Week Recap & November Upcoming Events

Sun, November 18, 2018 Published by

Veteran’s week started as an annual event on campus three years ago. We knew as staff that one day of honoring our Veterans was not enough and we wanted to do more. A special day within the week is our Veterans Ball. The ball includes a 12-piece band, three course meal and lots of dancing.It is admirable to see our Veterans gather in one place on a special occasion and hear them converse about their time in the service. Two gentleman from mutable came to realize that they had been on the same ship with one another while doing two different jobs and in two different branches. Hearing them walkabout the ship, their surroundings and how they prayed day in and day out for those around them, I could only imagine myself in the scene they were portraying. Every year I watch our Veterans stand up proudly for the sacrifices they have made for our country and that image will forever stay fresh in my mind. You never know ones story until you sit down with one another and listen. Some stories are less intense than others but each one of these brave men and women played a vital role in the freedoms that we have today. Thank you doesn’t seem to be a strong enough statement for what you Veterans have done but I have a grateful heart for everything you have put on the line for myself and those who live freely in America. With a grateful heart, I cannot wait to celebrate Veterans week again next year with you.

Herbert Lunchtime theater will be presenting Snow Queen.During this trip, you will bring your lunch to eat while in the theater before the show begins. Ticket price for the show is $7.00. You can purchase your boarding pass at the Welcome Center. Deadline to sign up is Monday, December 3rd. For any questions call Didi at x18473.

We will be heading to Barleen’s Arizona Opry for their Home for the Holidays show! Ticket prices range from $37-$42. Your ticket includes full meal including a HUGE piece of chocolate cake and the show. Barleen’s is family-owned and each member of the family is either entertaining, cooking or working the lights, videos etc. You will not want to miss their amazing Christmas show and great food! If you are interested in attending the show,call Didi at x18473 to put your name on the list. Deadline to sign up is Tuesday,December 4th.

Our annual Holiday Light Tour will take place on Monday,December 17th and Wednesday, December 19th at 6PM. Call x12905 to put your nameon the list for either day until the bus is full. For questions, call Transportation at x16135. Our annual Holiday Light Tour will take place on Monday, December 17th and Wednesday,December 19th at 6PM. Call x12905 to put your name on the list for either day until the bus is full. For questions, call Transportation at x16135.

If you are interested in taking part in our first ever craft sale, call Didi at x18473. The sale will be taking place on Monday,December 10 from 10AM -2PM outdoors. Therefore, you will want to plan accordingly for chilly weather. There will be a $20/table fee. For any questions, call Didi at x18473.*

The Quiet Place

Sun, November 18, 2018 Published by

The Spiritual Life Department invites you to come and discover our new room that is dedicated to meditation and reflection.  As resident Irene Cool shares, “It is for those who need a few minutes to be alone with whomever they believe to be their Supreme Being…..or to just be alone for that matter.  It is for the ones who take care of others until sometimes they feel tired and overwhelmed.  It is for you and me to simply have a placebo reflect on the presence of the Holy Spirit with quiet concentration. It is for those who ask for divine inspiration and guidance on how to provide for others in their different stages of need and only have a few minutes to do that.  It is a praying place.”  It is a place which will engage your senses or allow you time to enjoy the silence. It is a place to escape from or escape to.

You ask, “Where is this place?”  It may take a little intention to find it but once you find the Life Center you are very close.  You can get to it from within the Life Center and there is also an outside entrance. Once you are in the Life Center you will see double doors up front on the left and the Quiet Place is through those doors.  For now it will be open 8:30AM to 2:30PM but we are working on making it available for more hours.  Come find Chaplain Andrew, me, or our Admin.Assistant, Kimberly, whose office is across from The Quiet Place and we will be happy to help you find it.  Resident shave been asking for this kind of space for quiet and reflection for a longtime and we are happy to have it available now. *

GET YOUR VACCINES!

Sun, November 11, 2018 Published by

The long awaited news has arrived and we are able to host not only a second flu-shot clinic but also – FINALLY – offer shingle shots. The pharmacy is receiving more vaccines now and we should be able to accommodate a fair amount of requests at this point. We all know flu shots are important, but they are not the only one that matter. At this coming clinic you will be able to receive any of these vaccines:

Tetanus Shot – The tetanus shot, known as Adacel, should be given every ten years. This shot has an added benefit of not only protecting against tetanus, but also diphtheria and pertussis. Pertussis is also known as Whooping Cough, and is an important vaccination to have for those who spend time with grandchildren to protect them from this illness. When filling out the vaccination form for the pharmacy, you may simply write in “tetanus” next to desired vaccines if you wish to receive this shot.

The pneumonia shot is very important, and should be considered just as necessary as the flu shot. Pneumonia can not only result in hospitalization, but can also be acquired in the hospital when visiting for other health issues. It is wise to protect against this illness not only as we age, but especially in those with other long term health or breathing conditions, such as COPD, bronchitis, and asthma. There are two pneumonia shots available, and the appropriate shot is determined by both the date and version of the last pneumonia shot received. Please be sure to indicate your doctor’s name when requesting the pneumonia shot so that the pharmacy can contact your doctor and find out which version of the shot you need.

The new shingles shot should be given even if you have had a shingles shot any time prior to 2018. While the old vaccine was thought to protect for life, time has shown that it is not as effective as once thought. The new vaccine is much more effective, and should protect you for life. It is given in two parts – one shot now and one shot later in two to six months. While the tetanus, flu, and pneumonia shots are often covered by insurance without a co-pay, the shingles shot will sometimes require a co-payment depending on your insurance and how much you have paid into your deductible for the year. The end of the year is a good time to get this shot because you may have paid through your deductible by this time. If you want to get this shot, be sure to include your phone number on the form so the pharmacy can contact you if a co-payment is required.

Everybody knows how important the flu shot is. This should be given every year as soon as possible. Like others, the pharmacy offers the high dose or “senior” flu shot, which is designed to get the best immune system response from patients over 65. This shot can be given the same day as the shingles, pneumonia, or tetanus shot.

It is important to request every shot you wish to receive on the pharmacy form, even if you’ve previously turned in a separate request. The forms are once again available at the Welcome desk in the Administration lobby. You must also provide your Medicare number and any additional Insurance information you may have. It helps if you bring your cards to the clinic in case the team has any questions. All completed forms must be turned in at the Welcome desk by no later than Friday November 30, 2018.

The 2nd clinic will be held Friday, December 7th from 9—11AM (AGR).

Please check in at the intake table. Vaccines will be administered by the pharmacist and two of his team mates.

We are looking forward to serving you. For any questions until then, please call Gabi Holberg at x18490.*

Dream Lofty Dreams

Sun, November 11, 2018 Published by

There was a prophetic ring to Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s final article, written before his murder and published two weeks later.

His death has sparked global condemnation and a conversation over the importance of a free press and the right to free speech, and so it was particularly apt that his final comments referred to another journalist, currently imprisoned for making comments which displeased his nation’s government.

“Such actions,” Khashoggi wrote, “no longer carry the consequence of a backlash from the international community. Instead, they may trigger condemnation quickly followed by silence.” There has certainly been justifiable condemnation over Khashoggi’s death, but how quickly that condemnation is indeed followed by silence as the news media moves on to the next story.

Prophetic voices, those people who are called to draw into sharp focus the injustices and wrongs of their times are rarely welcomed. “They tell the prophets to keep quiet. They say, ‘Tell us what we want to hear. Let us keep our illusions’”, wrote Isaiah in the Old Testament.

Martin Luther King’s observation can continue to haunt us with its poignancy: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends.” Dr King leads us to ask of ourselves; what value is our initial indignation at a wrong if our concern wains as the wind?

In our defense, we may often feel that the concerns of the world and the desire for us to keep a focus on those in need is simply overwhelming. Perhaps we would do well then to also keep in mind the thoughts of Methodist preacher and broadcaster Colin Morris; “being finite and fitfully loving humans, we can only really feel for a few…Only God can love them all. The most we can do is to take hold of the near edge of one of these great issues and seek to act at some cost to ourselves.”

May we be prophetic voices for the great issues and causes of our hearts, calling others to hear words of truth and to advance the causes of justice and joy. May we all yearn to advance the dreams of hope and peace as the philosopher James Allen once remarked;

“dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil”.*

November Town Hall Recap

Sun, November 11, 2018 Published by

Michelle Just, President and CEO, kicked off the Town Hall meeting at 2:15PM by showing video of the Executive Team participating in “Kar Karaoke” with a Halloween theme and to the tune of “Monster Mash”. The video was enjoyed by all! Assisted Living and Early Memory Support have been challenged to provide the next video. Many staff members and residents were wearing their orange Beatitudes shirts as they participated in the Arizona Leading Age Senior Fitness Challenge. Michelle and Rev. David W. Ragan, Sr. VP of Resident Services, also took part and residents were privileged to see a video of Michelle performing several fitness tests with flair and finesse. Michelle also announced that the Power of the Purse raised approximately $222,000 for the Resident Assistance Fund and for resident programming. The money raised was a record amount and the number of sponsors was also a record. Over 700 purses were donated and over 350 people attended. The Power of the Purse event is quite different from the general type of fundraisers and provides another opportunity to introduce the campus to others. Michelle thanked residents for their participation and also offered a big thank you to Dining Services and other staff members who worked very hard to make the day so memorable. Michelle asked residents to participate in the Holleran 2018 Resident Engagement Study. Surveys should be out on Friday, the 9th and results from the survey are shared with the Board, Executive Team and  Program Managers. It is very important that the surveys are filled out and returned. Michelle offered a thank you to all the veterans for their service and concluded with “God Bless Everyone”.

David Ragan welcomed residents and asked them to invite their new neighbors to come and participate also. There were three or four residents at the meeting for the first time. He noted that the Welcome Coffee is held the fourth Wednesday of each month at 2:00PM in the Life Center (Nov. 28th this month). It is inspiring to attend and to hear new residents tell why they have chosen this community.

Residents Council President, Barbara Carpenter, reported on the October Council Meeting. David Ragan announced that groundbreaking for the new Patio Homes should be some time in Nov., and he thanked those who attended a meeting with our new neighbors. The neighbors seemed positive and happy about the expansion. Community Chairperson, Gene Lefebvre, reported that a number of local churches are supporting Maryland School with tutors and supplies. Communications Committee Chairman, Bill Chase, reported that DirecTV is being installed throughout campus and Cox will not be available after October 31st. Other campus communications projects include a “yellow pages” directory of services and support of the HUB project. Health and Wellness Chairperson, Ruth Crowley, promoted a workshop on blood pressure and announced there would be a seminar on Pain Management in Nov.. Marge O’Horo, Life Enrichment Chairperson, reported on the many activities for residents. She urged everyone to CHECK their Roadrunner carefully so as not to miss any events. Spiritual Life Chairman, Paul Kelly, said that more than 40 residents attended the first annual retreat in September. Welcome Committee Chairwoman, Char Telleen, said that 13 new residents have been welcomed this month. Senior Area Representative Karen Shannon of CPW and Martha Trout of CPN reported about the things happening in their buildings and events coming up. New folders have been placed in each lobby containing minutes and reports from the last Residents Council meeting—please take out and read, replace, and do not remove from your lobby. New building representatives will be seated at the December Council meeting. The next Residents Council meeting will be on Wednesday, Nov. 14th at 2:00PM in the Life Center. Good ideas are those that are shared! The 2019 Residents Council Area Representatives are: Plaza North—Harry Oakes, Senior Rep and Elaine Kinnerk, Junior Rep; Plaza South—Janet Shaw, Senior Rep and Bonny Hoffman, Junior Rep; CPN and Patio Homes—Jan Upson, Senior Rep and Phil Adelman, Junior Rep; CPS—Palmer Ruschke, Senior Rep and Lois Elliott, Junior Rep; CPW—Karen Shannon, Senior Rep and Gary Gross, Junior Rep.

David announced a SOURCES AND USES (income and outgo) meeting for those interested in the financials of Beatitudes Campus is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 28th at 10:00AM in the Life Center. Michelle Just and Allen Bloch, Sr. VP and Chief Financial Officer, in the interest of transparency, will talk about where Beatitudes is financially at this time. Watch your Roadrunner for more about it!

Rev. Peggy Roberts, Sr. VP of Spiritual Life, announced that we now have a quiet place that residents can come to for meditation, to engage the senses, prayer, respite, or just for quiet. It is located off the front (closest to Glendale Avenue) of the Life Center. There will be reading materials and prayer shawls available. The hours that the room will be open are being worked out, but it certainly will be open whenever Spiritual Life staff are on campus.

Jessica Meyer, Director of Success Matters, said that there are a few spaces available for the AARP Driver Safety Course being held Nov. 8th from 9AM to 1:30PM in Agelink Great Room. Jessica also said that there are spots available for the Diabetes Self-Management classes which begin on Nov. 8th and continue for six weeks on Thursdays in Agelink 1 from 9—11AM, excepting Thanksgiving Day. Family and friends from off campus are welcome to attend the classes. Call Jessica at x16110 to sign up.

Ruth Crowley, Health and Wellness Committee Chairwoman, invited residents to attend a seminar on Pain Management Alternative to Opioids to be held on Tuesday, Nov. 13th at 2:00PM in the Life Center. Ruth noted that we are fortunate to have Dr. Cheri Dersam, MD and Courtney Ramos, OTS here to discuss pain management alternatives such as acupuncture, medical marijuana, therapies, exercise and other interventions. Dr. Dersam is the daughter of campus resident, Bill McGrue.

Mr. Variety, Dining Services Director, Joe Kane, discussed the variety in the dining menus. He said residents should look for the NEW logo on the menu to discover new items. The full menu is in the Roadrunner each week. Dining Services tries to focus on what residents want to eat and trends in the industry. The Creative Station will have cooked Sushi [this] week so give it a try! Elaine’s Fine Dining will be the next to introduce the new menu and Buckwald’s will be coming soon. Joe mentioned that servers are asking residents if their food is hot when served, in an effort to eliminate cold food. If the food is not hot, send it back!

Didi Cruz, Life Enrichment Specialist, was surprised to see a picture on the overhead of her and her husband, J.C. Cruz, taken at his graduation from basic training in Fort Benning, GA. J.C. is a former Security employee at the Beatitudes. Didi mentioned lunch trips planned to Spinato’s Pizzeria on Friday, Nov. 16th, Olive Garden on Tuesday, Nov. 20th, a trip to Harkins Theatres with lunch at Ono Hawaiian BBQ on Tuesday, Nov. 27th and a Tovrea Castle Tour on Friday, Nov. 30th at 7:45 a.m. Boarding passes for this trip are available at the Welcome Center for $15, and be aware that there is a lot of walking involved. A campus Craft Sale will be held in the Life Center on December 10th. This is an opportunity for folks who create handmade items to sell them to residents and staff in time for the Holiday Season. Residents keep all profits aside from a $20 table fee which will be donated to the Busy Bee Fund. Didi also said that a group of students from Camelback High School are coming to campus to do interviews with our residents on Monday, Nov. 26th from 10 to 11AM in the Life Center. If you are available and interested in being interviewed , please let Didi know at x18526.

Monica De La Rosa, Life Enrichment Specialist, noted that there will be a volunteer orientation session on Monday, Nov. 12th at 11:15 a.m. in the Administration Conference Room. If you are interesting in volunteering for CareCorps, give Monica a call at x18526. Monica also detailed the many things that are going on to celebrate Veterans Week. Monday was a Sunnyslope Card Presentation and the movie, “Maya Lin: A strong clear vision”; Tuesday was a trip to the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Base; Wednesday residents had an opportunity to lunch with Airmen from Luke Air Force Base; Thursday was the Veterans Ball with dinner and a 12 piece band and open dancing; Friday, Veterans were invited to attend the Veterans service held at Maryland School as well as patriotic favorites played at Happy Hour; Saturday featured the Sunnyslope Choir; and Sunday a worship service honoring our Veterans.

Mike Smallwood, Fitness Specialist, said that while the Beatitudes Senior Challenge participants did not win any of the events, everyone had a fun time. Mike thanked Gregory’s Fresh Food for donating beautiful red apples to the event. The swimming pool will be open on Nov. 8th, for swim classes on the 9th and thereafter. He offered a quick reminder that Tai Chi Class with Carol Ann is held every Tuesday at 11AM and on Thursday at 11:45AM in Agelink 1. The B-Fit winner for October is Robert Berry.

David said that Direct TV has now been installed throughout the Campus. Some DVR’s do still need to be installed. Residents should have canceled any personal accounts that they may have had with Cox. If Cox tries to charge residents for the little white boxes, they are in error. Do not pay them as the Beatitudes will be returning all the little white boxes on Nov. 15th. If you have any problems with your Direct TV or Wi-Fi, put in a work order to Information Technology as the Campus Direct TV account is a commercial one and you will not be able to obtain any information by calling Direct TV. The Community Channel is still not available but Direct TV is working on getting that problem solved and it should be active by Nov. 30th. A few copies of the Arizona Republic are available for purchase in the Bistro. More will be added if there is a need for them. Remember the Hootenany takes place each Wednesday evening in the Life Center beginning at 5:45PM It is a wonderful free event to invite your new neighbors to attend with you. Also, the third Community Wednesday is Sundaes with Dave and will be on Wednesday, Nov. 21st from 2 to 4PM in the Bistro. Come enjoy a free sundae and bring your concerns or joys to Dave. As always, a heartfelt thank you is given to Gregory’s Fresh Market for bringing fresh produce for our residents to purchase and enjoy.

The next Town Hall will be held on Wednesday, December 7th at 2:00PM in the Life Center. A HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL.*

We Are Here For You

Sun, November 4, 2018 Published by

Beatitudes Home Health has a wonderful new program that allows 1:1 Speech Therapy in your home, for those experiencing memory or communication problems. The Cognitive Communication Program is designed to detect possible cognition and or communication problems and offer retraining, strengthening and helpful strategies to improve skills and overall cognitive communication abilities. The skills include: speech/articulation skills, word finding skills, swallowing issues, memory skills for immediate, short term and long term memory; and cognitive skills that can include retraining and strengthening for organization, problem solving, decision making, reasoning, sequencing and attention. This program may also assist with function skills such as; self-awareness, self-motivation, initiation, goal setting, planning and mental flexibility.
Those clients that would likely benefit from this program have a medical diagnosis of any of the following; dementia, aphasia, dysarthria, dysphasia, stroke, apraxia, TIA, hard of hearing, Parkinson’s, cardiac arrest, COPD, hypoxia, aneurysm, hypertension, poor eating and drinking habits and cerebral hemorrhage. This program is covered under your Medicare benefit as well as United HealthCare. This can also be provided on a private pay basis. If you think you may be a candidate for this program, please call us at 602-544-5000 for more information.
As a reminder, Beatitudes at Home also offers a case management program. The wellness nurse case manager would be available to you, on a private pay basis (unfortunately it is not covered under your medical insurance), either monthly or weekly to discuss upcoming procedures, managing a new diagnosis, assessments, crisis intervention, medication management, care coordination and so much more.
You will be gain an advocate, as well as emotional support, with the knowledge and clinical skills of the nurse. All too often, we see residents/clients that have a primary care physician, along with multiple specialty doctors, and few if any of those physicians are communicating with one another. This unfortunately, may lead to medical errors. Having someone assist in coordinating your care can ensure that new medications, or any other concerns are being relayed across the continuum as needed. If you would like to discuss becoming a client, please call us at 602-544-8527. We would love to assist you.*

Prayers for Pittsburgh

Sun, November 4, 2018 Published by

Last Sunday, as the afternoon sun shone through the Tree of Life stained glass window in the Life Center, we who had gathered for worship remembered those who had also gathered for worship at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and we mourned for the eleven who were gunned down in their holy house. Our hearts reach out to our Jewish brothers and sisters and all of those who are grieving, who are scared, or angry, and we are called to rise up and resist evil with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.  We are called to confront the hate within and without that is overtaking our land.  We pray for an outpouring of compassion and love to overwhelm the violence and hate which festers, destroys, and kills. There were many remembrances and vigils which took place locally as wells around the world.  Nancy Splain, our Interfaith Outreach Ambassador, who attended the vigil at Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center Tuesday night shared that there were several hundred in attendance and over thirty clergy as well. It was a powerful call to civility, respect and speaking up whenever any are marginalized whether Jew, Sikh, migrant, immigrant, refugee, Black, LGBTQ,regardless of religious faith or ethnicity. An attack on one faith community is an attack on all faith communities.We stand together.  We are stronger than hate.  Here at the campus we recommitted to live out Our Promise: to welcome all people including outreach to Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and others faiths, as well as those with no connection to a faith community.  We value the diversity of all regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin,disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.  Recognizing that we have work to do we have formed a Diversity and Inclusion Action Council made of residents and staff committed to this work and we welcome your thoughts, your prayers, and your participation.  This community will continue to be a voice of love and inclusion and our deeply divided and troubled world needs that now more than ever until the day when there are no more Pittsburgh’s, or Orlando’s, or Ferguson’s, Las Vegas’s, or Sandy Hook’s.*Last Sunday, as the afternoon sun shone through the Tree of Life stained glass window in the Life Center, we who had gathered for worship remembered those who had also gathered for worship at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and we mourned for the eleven who were gunned down in their holy house. Our hearts reach out to our Jewish brothers and sisters and all of those who are grieving, who are scared, or angry, and we are called to rise up and resist evil with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. We are called to confront the hate within and without that is overtaking our land. We pray for an outpouring of compassion and love to overwhelm the violence and hate which festers, destroys, and kills. There were many remembrances and vigils which took place locally as well as around the world. Nancy Splain, our Interfaith Outreach Ambassador, who attended the vigil at Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center Tuesday nite shared that there were several hundred in attendance and over thirty clergy as well. It was a powerful call to civility, respect and speaking up whenever any are marginalized whether Jew, Sikh, migrant, immigrant, refugee, Black, LGBTQ, regardless of religious faith or ethnicity. An attack on one faith community is an attack on all faith communities. We stand together. We are stronger than hate. Here at the campus we are committed to live out Our Promise: to welcome all people including outreach to Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and others faiths, as well as those with no connection to a faith community. We value the diversity of all regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. Recognizing that we have work to do we have formed a Diversity and Inclusion Action Council made of residents and staff committed to this work and we welcome your thoughts, your prayers, and your participation. This community will continue to be a voice of love and inclusion and our deeply divided and troubled world needs that now more than ever until the day when there are no more Pittsburgh’s, or Orlando’s, or Ferguson’s, Las Vegas’s, or Sandy Hook’s.*

Veteran’s Week

Sun, November 4, 2018 Published by

Monday, November 5, 2018 11:45AM- Sunnyslope Card Presentation- Asking for veterans to meet in the Welcome Center to be presented with a card from Sunnyslope High School and take a picture.

10AM- Faith In Living Movies (LC)-“ Maya Lin: A strong clear vision” – All are welcome to attend this Faith in Living Movie.

Tuesday, November 6, 2018 10AM-Trip to Arizona Commemorative Air Force Base.

During this time, we will be heading over to the Arizona Commemorative Air Force base to take a tour of all the old warplanes.

To join this trip, call x12905 to reserve your seat on the bus.  Disabled Veterans are free and senior rate is $12.00.  After the tour, we will be heading to lunch at Milano’s Pizzeria, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.  Bring cash for the tour and lunch.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018- 11AM- Lunch with Active Military-Grab your lunch and join us in the back of the Bistro for lunch with Active Military personal.  Enjoy conversation, great company and chat about what has changed in the military since you served.

Thursday, November 8, 2018- 6PM- Our Veterans Ball is exclusively for our Veterans and one guest.  During the ball, you will enjoy a 3-course meal, 12 piece band and room for open dancing as we encourage you to dance the night away.  Tickets to the ball are $12 each and available for purchase at the Bistro. 

Friday, November 9, 2018

7:30AM- Veterans are invited to attend the Veterans service held at Maryland School. Transportation will be provided. Call Monica, x18526, if interested in attending.

4PM- Join us in the Bistro for Happy Hour with Valerie and Anthony as they entertain us with some Patriotic favorites. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Saturday, November 10, 2018- 9:30AM-Sunnyslope Choir (PB)

Sunday, November 11, 2018- 3PM- Join us for Worship Service as we honoring our Veterans.  All are welcome to attend.

For questions about any of the events listed, please contact Didi at 18473 or Monica at 18526.  We look forward to honoring our Veterans throughout the week and showing our appreciation as a community.*

Veteran’s Week is Coming!

Sun, October 28, 2018 Published by

Be sure to join in the events next week to be a part of our Veteran’s Week celebration.

Monday, November 5, 2018

9:30AM- Sunny Slope Card Presentation- Asking for veterans to meet in the Welcome Center to be presented with a card from Sunny Slope High School and take a picture.

10AM- Faith In Living Movies (LC)- “Maya Lin: A strong clear vision” – All are welcome to attend this Faith in Living Movie.

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

10AM-Trip to Arizona Commemorative Air Force Base. During this time, we will be heading over to the Arizona Commemorative Air Force base to take a tour of all the old warplanes.  To join this trip, call x12905 to reserve your seat on the bus.  Disabled Veterans are free and senior rate is $12.00.  After the tour, we will be heading to lunch at Milano’s Pizzeria, Italian and Mediterranean Cuisine.  Bring cash for the tour and lunch.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend. 

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

11AM- Lunch with Active Military-Grab your lunch and join us in the back of the Bistro for lunch with Active Military personal.  Enjoy conversation, great company and chat about what has changed in the military since you served.

Thursday, November 8, 2018

6PM- Our Veterans Ball is exclusively for our Veterans and one guest.  During the ball, you will enjoy a 3-course meal, 12 piece band and room for open dancing as we encourage you to dance the night away.  Tickets to the ball are $12 each and available for purchase at the Bistro. 

Friday, November 9, 2018

7:30AM- Veterans are invited to attend the Veterans service held at Maryland School. Transportation will be provided. Call Monica, x18526, if interested in attending.

4PM- Join us in the Bistro for Happy Hour with Valerie and Anthony as they entertain us with some Patriotic favorites. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Saturday, November 10, 2018

9:30AM-Sunnyslope Choir (PB)

Sunday, November 11, 2018

3PM- Join us for Worship Service as we honor our Veterans.  All are welcome to attend.

For questions about any of the events listed, please contact Didi at x18473 or Monica at x18526.  We look forward to honoring our Veterans throughout the week and showing our appreciation as a community.*

Moving Offices

Sun, October 28, 2018 Published by

In a letter written in 1789, Benjamin Franklin wrote that “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Franklin popularized that idiom, which has oft been used ever since, but recently I have been aware of another inescapable aspect of life – moving house. Some of us have moved internationally. Perhaps others have been deployed at a moments notice to a place hitherto unknown. Some will have lived in places for many years, others have moved around more frequently. Whatever our individual experiences, we all know something of the experience of packing up, sorting out, moving boxes filled with our treasures; and then doing it all again in reverse. In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes… and moving. All of the moves that I have made have been times of excitement amidst change, and that is certainly true of this latest one, which has been taking place this week.

The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that there have been some changes in where you can now find the members of the Spiritual Life Department.

Chaplain Peggy has moved into her new office on the ground floor of Plaza View (Assisted Living), Chaplain Andrew will be moving from his current office (next to the Life Center) into Peggy’s old office (just East of the Boardrooms), and Kimberly (our Spiritual Life Department Administrative Assistant) will be moving into Andrew’s old office. Following the feedback which we have heard from residents, desiring a space for quiet contemplation and prayer, Kimberly’s office will become our new Meditation Space. Our telephone numbers and extensions will be remaining the same. We are all excited about these moves, and particularly about having a more permanent presence among our Assisted Living residents and staff.

We look forward to continuing to serve you in whatever ways we can from our new locations, as well as seeing familiar and new faces at our doors. Come and visit us!*

Flu and Pneumonia

Sun, October 28, 2018 Published by

I So far this flu season, Arizona has seen “sporadic” activity since the flu season began on September 30, 2018.  There were 41 cases confirmed during the week of 10/14/18 through 10/20/18 for a total of 91 so far according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.  This is up from 26 confirmed cases the week before.  You may track the flu season activity at website:  https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/flu/index.php#surveillance-home

Each year we want to make sure that you have flu and pneumonia prevention tips readily available.

Below are excerpts from an article published on the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) website about flu and pneumonia prevention last updated November 6, 2017. 

Pneumonia Can Be Prevented—Vaccines Can Help

“Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs, needlessly affects millions of people worldwide each year. Pneumonia can often be prevented and can usually be treated. Lower your risk of pneumonia with vaccines and other healthy living practices.

Globally, pneumonia kills nearly 1 million children younger than 5 years of age each year. This is greater than the number of deaths from any infectious disease, such as HIV infection, malaria, or tuberculosis.

Pneumonia isn’t just a public health issue in developing countries though. Each year in the United States, about 1 million people have to seek care in a hospital due to pneumonia. Unfortunately, about 50,000 people die from the disease each year in the United States. Most of the people affected by pneumonia in the United States are adults.

Vaccines and appropriate treatment (like antibiotics and antivirals) could prevent many of these deaths—globally and in the United States.

Pneumococcal Recommendations for Older Adults:

CDC recommends 2 pneumococcal vaccines for adults 65 years or older.

Get a dose of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) first. Then get a dose of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) at least 1 year later.

If you’ve already received PPSV23, get PCV13 at least 1 year after receipt of the most recent PPSV23 dose.

If you’ve already received a dose of PCV13 at a younger age, CDC does not recommend another dose.

Lower Your Risk with Vaccines

In the United States, vaccines can help prevent infection by some of the bacteria and viruses that can cause pneumonia:

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Influenza (flu)

Measles

Pertussis (whooping cough)

Pneumococcal

Varicella (chickenpox)

These vaccines are safe, but side effects can occur. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own within a few days. See the vaccine information statements for each vaccine to learn more about the most common side effects.

Protect Your Health with These Healthy Living Practices

Try to stay away from sick people. If you are sick, stay away from others as much as possible to keep from getting them sick. You can also help prevent respiratory infections by:

Washing your hands regularly

Cleaning surfaces that are touched a lot

Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve

Limiting contact with cigarette smoke

Managing and preventing conditions like diabetes

Pneumonia Affects the Young and Old

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. Common signs of pneumonia can include cough, fever, and trouble breathing.

Some People Are More Likely to Get Pneumonia:

Adults 65 years or older

Children younger than 5 years old

People who have chronic medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)

People who smoke cigarettes

Encourage friends and loved ones with certain health conditions, like diabetes and asthma, to get vaccinated.

Causes and Types of Pneumonia

Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause pneumonia. In the United States, common causes of viral pneumonia are influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcus). However, clinicians are not always able to find out which germ caused someone to get sick with pneumonia.

Community-acquired pneumonia is when someone develops pneumonia in the community (not in a hospital). Healthcare-associated pneumonia is when someone develops pneumonia during or following a stay in a healthcare facility. Healthcare facilities include hospitals, long-term care facilities, and dialysis centers. Ventilator-associated pneumonia is when someone gets pneumonia after being on a ventilator, a machine that supports breathing. The bacteria and viruses that most commonly cause pneumonia in the community are different from those in healthcare settings.”

It is important to remember that keeping your hands clean through hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and water. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean hands. Also, if you are experiencing flu like symptoms, please contact your physician and try to stay away from others to stop the spread.  If you have not yet received your flu or pneumovax shot, please contact your physician to see if one may be a good idea for you.*

Driver’s Ed

Sun, October 21, 2018 Published by

Car ownership is less tied to independence than it used to be. The rideshare economy, which makes transportation available around the clock at a moment’s notice, has changed this relationship, even in the car-dependent Southwest that we call home. Although older adults are among the least excited about giving up private car ownership, it may be there are some factors that could influence this decision. One consideration that is too often overlooked is the financial cost of owning your own vehicle. If the price of Uber, Lyft, or GoGoGrandparent seems like an unwelcome budget item, consider the costs you may save by not owning a car. Even if you have already paid for the car itself, you are still incurring costs for insurance, maintenance, repairs, gas, and tires.

If you added up what it costs to drive your car for a year, how much would it be? Depending on driving patterns, estimates average out to between 56 cents per mile to up to 75 cents per mile. If you are interested in learning more about many factors that may drive (sorry) your decisions about owning and operating your own car, as well as realistic alternatives available to you for transportation, please join Success Matters on Tuesday, Oct. 23rd, at 1:00PM in the Agelink Great Room.*

Naps of the Bible

Sun, October 21, 2018 Published by

Recently I found myself saying to Chaplain Andrew that “I would sleep on it and give him the decision in the morning.” Something was still unsettled in my mind and I knew that I needed time and the renewal of sleep to make the best decision.  It is amazing and often disconcerting how the mind keeps working when it is supposed to be resting.  Sometimes my most creative sermon writing comes when I’m napping or sleeping.  It’s taken awhile for me to learn the advantages of napping.  Taking a power nap is tricky though, it can’t be too long because then I feel groggy for the rest of the day, an hour or so usually seems about right.  I remember times when I laid down to take a quick cat nap and woke up hours later.  Studies have shown that power naps can boost your memory, cognitive skills, creativity, mood and energy level!

Rev. Maren Tirabassi is a U.C.C. pastor in New Hampshire and she has written a delightful piece on naps in the Bible. She says, “Jacob ran, scared to death of his brother Esau who was … huge. Exhausted in the wilderness, he put his head on a rock and dreamed a legislature of angels. Jacob woke knowing God was in every scary place or runaway journey, but only because sleep gave the dreaming a chance. Joseph of Nazareth planned to send away his beloved Mary, because that’s how being hurt and angry works. Then he decided to sleep on it, and the rest was … well, Christmas! Jesus was taking a power nap in the boat between healings and teachings when a storm blew up. They had to shake him awake before he could say “peace, be still.” Only later he complained, “O you of little naps …”  And that’s not mentioning Nebuchadnezzar’s nightmare of conscience, Jonah’s snooze below decks before taking responsibility for his actions, the warning to the magi that there is always another way home, or the raising of Eutychus, the teenager who fell out the window reminding us that long sermons can be a form of melatonin.

Long ago and this week, the chance to actually experience a dream of hope, the pause that shifts an emotion-driven decision, the renewal of strength and faith to face any storm—they all come from sleep. Sleep gives energy, focus, creativity. Sleep weaves the frayed memory, improves the unreliable temper, and always makes working with the ragtag, clueless, practically disciple-esque folks in our resistance possible.”

When all else fails sometimes it’s best to just take a nap.*

Power of the Purse—Changing Lives, One Purse at a Time

Sun, October 21, 2018 Published by

One of the events we look forward to every year at Beatitudes Campus is Power of the Purse. This signature fundraising event, now in its eighth year, transforms the campus into a festive atmosphere for an afternoon of fun, fashion, friends – and of course purses! We enjoy great food prepared and served by our own Dining Services, drink champagne, visit with old and new friends, and of course, shop for lots of gently loved designer purses! This year, Power of the Purse will be held on Sunday, November 4, from 2-5 PM, and we invite you to join us! For our residents, we have special pricing for tickets—$45 (normally $95).

For those of you who are new to the campus, Power of the Purse (POP) is a party (on a grand scale), where gently loved designer purses of every stripe and color are auctioned. Why do we do this fundraising event every year? We do it for you, our residents. You inspire us every day and you give us purpose. All proceeds from this event support our residents and campus programming. Funds that are raised benefit the Resident Assistance Fund, our scholarship program that helps our residents who have outlived their personal assets. Funds also support programs that engage us and exercise our minds as well as our bodies.

Last year, Power of the Purse raised more than $200,000 to directly benefit our campus. This year we expect to raise even more – a testament to the power of the purse – and to the power of you, our residents! We have raised more than $1 million in the past seven years, thanks to you!

On the day of the event, the areas around Town Plaza and the Rose Garden are transformed for a day into celebratory areas – complete with a giant tent and red carpet! The Bistro becomes a room full of purses, where we have a silent auction of beautiful purses. We also offer “Purses with Prizes”, where every purse has a gift card or coupon worth at least $25. But, it’s not all about purses – we will have a “wine and fine spirits pull” where you can secure a bottle of wine or fine spirits that are favorites of the Beatitudes Campus Board of Directors and the campus leadership team.  If purses are not your thing, we will also auction off sports packages, spa treatments, arts packages, firefighter ride-alongs and other fun items.

Once you have placed your bid on your favorite purse, you can wander toward the Rose Garden where you can enjoy a casino area, Scotch and Tequila tasting and more food and fun.

Near the end of the event, the big white tent in the Promenade Mall becomes alive auction and fashion show of purses, where our awesome auctioneer, Letitia Frye, will demonstrate how much passion she has for Beatitudes Campus. Many of you will remember Letitia from years past – she puts on a show you won’t want to miss!

Power of the Purse is also about Power of Community. It’s so heartwarming to see about 400 community and corporate leaders, campus friends, residents and family visit with each other, enjoy the beautiful and bountiful food prepared by our own campus chefs, buy purses and experience the power of Beatitudes Campus. The generosity and fun that we experience on this day cannot be matched!

Of course, an event of this magnitude would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. This year, The Weitz Company and Blue Cross Blue Shield are the Title Sponsors for the event, Morrison Community Living and Angell Marketing are Red Carpet sponsors, and Orcutt|Winslow and JP Griffin Group are our Partner Sponsors. The Beatitudes Campus Auxiliary, as well as board members, vendors and staff have also stepped up to the plate to become sponsors. We are so thankful for the enduring support of our sponsors—they have such a passion for the residents and campus. With two weeks to go before the event, we have raised $139,927 in sponsorships!

An event of this size requires lots of planning and helping hands to make Power of the Purse successful! The Fund Development team manages the event, and nearly 30 staff volunteers from most of the departments across campus help on the day of the event. About 20 Washington High School Honor Society students help us set up and act as greeters during the event. We are so grateful to our Power of the Purse Steering Committee made up of community leaders and campus friends. This dedicated group has been securing donations – designer purses and other auction items – to make this day a great success. But mostly, it is you, our residents, who give us inspiration and encouragement to put on Power of the Purse every year. You are the power!

I invite you to join the party and buy your ticket from the Foundation Office (in Agelink). You can join your friends and neighbors and celebrate the Power of the Purse! Please call Barbara Wood (ext. 16136) if you have any questions.*

WHAT INSPIRES ME TO STAY WELL IS…

Sun, October 14, 2018 Published by

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Every sentiment in the various lines submitted by our residents during Active Aging Week 2018 is represented in some way in the following poem.  However, it should be noted that in order to establish unity and harmony in form and content,  it was often necessary to rephrase, combine, or reorder the submitted items.  And this year, because most of the submissions were very short phrases with little description or elaboration (likely because of the way the prompt line was phrased), the items were grouped under introductory phrases, with some verbal nudging provided by the editor.  As always, it is hoped that the result manages to capture and celebrate the collective spirit of our special community.

WHAT INSPIRES ME TO STAY WELL IS…

The love of those dearest to me…
               my family
                                 my wife
                                 my husband
                                my children
                                my grandchildren
                my friends
                                my daily companions
                                my special friend
                my dog, my cat
Loving life and the blessings of each day
                Living in this wonderful world
                                with those dearest to me
                Being with so many friends

Experiencing…
               joy
               creativity 
               success
Feeling the satisfaction of taking good care of myself
                Keeping busy with things I love to do
                                Staying mobile by…
                                                exercising
                                                walking a lot
                                Working in my garden
                                Playing golf
                                Going to Lifelong Learning classes
Hoping to live long enough to…
                hike in the Grand Canyon one more time
                see the re-development of our campus
                see my grandkids make their way in life

Taking delight in…   
               good food
                looking good in my clothes
                good-looking young men
Serving others
                Pleasing those closest to me
Spreading happiness
Sharing my talents
Enjoying a renewed sense of vocation
                                Nursing
                                Teaching
                                Making music
Another chance each day to get it right
Hope for a better tomorrow
                                                                All the above
                                                                and LOVE
Gratitude for
what I bring with me…my nursing background
                                     teaching background
lack of bad health -avoiding serious conditions
living in this wonderful world with Wimpy
my life with Norma
to please Lee
howdy partner