Rev. David Ragan, Senior VP of resident Services, called the meeting to order at 2:15PM and recognized our new residents. He called on all residents to attend the February Welcome Coffee in the Life Center at 2:00PM on February 26th. Don't miss this opportunity to meet your new neighbors and learn about their lives and interests.
Gene Lefebvre reported on the scholarships for Washington High School students. He noted that for many years we have proudly awarded these scholarships and the Community Outreach Committee invites everyone to be a part of the 2020 project to make a difference in the lives of students. Gene had an opportunity to talk with some of the scholarship recipients at a recent luncheon. Leroy Calbom discussed our long-term relationship with the school and talked about some of the problems overcome by some of the students.
Josephine Levy, Resource Navigator for Success Matters, discussed several programs that are taking place this month. The launching of “Lost Our Home Pet Foundation” which is for placement of your pet after you are no longer able to take care of them and have no one able to take on the responsibility of loving and caring for your pet.
Coming up in March is a “Dimensions of wellness” fair and residents will be able to browse more than 30 wellness services and organizations that serve our community. That will be on Friday, March 13th from 9:00AM to Noon in the Life Center.
Gabi Holberg, Assistant Director of Independent Living, said that AARP does tax preparation for residents at no charge. They will present a workshop with “Questions and Answers” on February 28th at 9:00AM in the Life Center. The tax preparation will take place from 9:00AM to 3:00PM on March 9th and March 23rd. Sign-up sheets will be available at the front desk starting Monday, February 17th. For details on where and when to sign up, watch your Community Channel, read your roadrunner and look for fliers.
Jon Schilling, Director of Life Enrichment, pointed out that we have 80+ Off Campus Trips, 30+ Fitness Classes and there has been a 40% increase in medical transports amounting to 1,100+ added yearly medical trips. To help with all this transportation, a new big bus will be on campus within the next month. In addition to an abundance of seats, the bus can accommodate two wheelchairs. Didi Cruz, CAREcorps Lead, announced that volunteer hours have increased from 13,982 hours in 2018 to 16,324 hours in 2019. If you are interested in CAREcorps volunteering, contact Didi at x18526. Anthony Farias, Life Enrichment Lead, outlined the upcoming activities: Southwest Diamond Duo on February 28th; a trip to the Kerr Cultural Center and “ASU Saxophone Studio” on Tuesday, February 18th, leaving at 9:30AM; Girl Scout Cookie Sale on Saturday, February 22nd from 10:00AM to 2:00PM in front of the Bistro ($5.00 per box); a trip to Butterfly Wonderland on Tuesday, February 25th, leaving at 10:00AM (pick up your ticket at the Welcome Center for $25.); a trip to the Arizona Capital and Holocaust Museum on Friday, February28th, leaving at 10:30AM. For all of the off-campus trips, don't forget to call x12905 to reserve your spot on the bus.
Mollie Heiden, Life Enrichment Specialist, told residents about a live storytelling opportunity which will give the voices of the Beatitudes a stage in the wider community. This program will use the strengths of our existing groups, build the program as a campus-wide team, story Slams on campus once a month, opportunities to work with storytelling coaches, and an event off campus at the end of the year. If you would like to be involved or want more information, contact Mollie Heiden at x16180 or email her at [email protected].
Michael Smallwood, Fitness Specialist, noted that the second Nustep Machine has arrived in the Fitness Center! Michael said that the theme for Black history Month February 2020 is “The Story of Resilience”. There will be Black History Month related advertising on the Beatitudes Community Channel throughout this month. Every Wednesday of this month from 11:30AM to 1:00PM, we will have a Black History related display table set up in the Bistro with information that you may find interesting. There will be special events held in the Life Center one day each week. Dates and times will be posted in the Roadrunner. Week four features a soul food cooking show on Monday, February 24th from 2:00 to 3:30PM. The Seventh Annual Black History Month will wrap up with a celebration on Thursday, February 27th from 2:00 to 3:30PM in the Life Center!!! The February 27th Event Soul Food Menu will include southern fried chicken, fried catfish, collard greens with ham hocks, black eyed peas with smoked neck bones and cornbread banana pudding with vanilla!! There are black history month crossword puzzles available in the Bistro. Bring your completed crossword puzzle to the February 27th event and you will be eligible for the $25 gift card drawing. Residents are encouraged to participate in the celebration(s) and attend these events. The B-fit winners for January and February are Beverly Patterson and Ruth Buck.
Joe Kane, Beatitudes Dining Services Director, said that the Morrison Puree Training has been a success. Joe said that, periodically, dining venues are reviewed for efficiencies and Plaza View Independent Dining has recently undergone this review. The $7.00 charge for a complete dinner at Plaza View has been in place for the last ten years. Rising food and labor costs necessitate raising this charge to $8.95, beginning March 1st. It is still a very good deal for what you get!
Assistant Director of Independent Living, Gabi Holberg, said that since the article in the Roadrunner about picking up after your pets, pickup has been much better. One of the jingles on this subject that runs true goes like this: We don't mind if your dog slobbers and drools, but we do expect you to uphold the rules! Grab a bag and pick up his waste, dog poop on campus is not in good taste.
David reported for Michelle Just, President and CEO, about the 2019 Holleran Choice Community Award that the Beatitudes received as a result of the Holleran Resident Engagement Survey. The Beatitudes ranked in the top 15% of 700 communities nationwide and our engagement continues to rise. Michelle will be discussing the award in an upcoming Roadrunner.
The next Town Hall will be at 2:00PM in the Life Center on Wednesday, March 4th. See you there!
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