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Another Successful Year for Power of the Purse

Mon, October 19, 2015 Published by

On Sunday, October 11, almost 400 people from the community came to Beatitudes Campus for our fifth annual Power of the Purse, our signature fundraising event.

Our guests had a marvelous time meeting our residents, visiting with each other, participating in the auctions of purses and sports memorabilia, and playing with “funny money” at our casino corner. The campus was festive, with plenty of food, wine and purses! This was a day where we demonstrated the radical hospitality for which the campus is known.

For those of you that don’t know, Power of the Purse is a cocktail party (on a grand scale) where gently used designer purses of every stripe and color are auctioned off and the proceeds used to benefit residents and special causes near and dear to our hearts. Although the final count of money raised isn’t completed yet, this year, we raised over $105,000 in sponsorships and donations alone.

Whenever an event of this magnitude takes place, there are so many people to thank. We especially want to thank all of our sponsors for their incredible support of this event. Year after year, these companies and individuals step up to the plate and we are forever grateful for their love and support of the campus and our residents. Our Steering Committee spent many hours planning this event—they are an awesome group of women and we are indebted to their unwavering support of the campus. Months of preparation go into planning Power of the Purse, and we are blessed with a marvelous staff who pulled out all the stops to help create this day of community.

We are so inspired by our residents, who were so present on Sunday and the days leading up to it. Your goodwill and warm welcome to all our guests was so evident. You all are marvelous ambassadors for the campus and for what we do.

So many wonderful people contributed to the amazing success of Power of the Purse. We thank you for your generous and continued support. You are truly the foundation for so many great and daring endeavors! When we come together like we did on Sunday for such an incredible cause, we have shown the world that anything is possible! We joined hands and made history. We are the Beatitudes Community.

My Mid-Term Reflection as Scholar in Residence at Beatitudes

Mon, September 21, 2015 Published by

The Scholar in Residence Program is designed to bring individuals to  Campus who will help  enhance the quality of life through both presence and education and is funded by a special grant from the Beatitudes Foundation  

The month of September marks the mid-point of my tenure as Scholar in Residence at Beatitudes Campus. This past year has been one of the most satisfying of my life and one full of blessings here at Beatitudes. I have felt embraced by the community for which I am most grateful. I have also been provided the opportunity to engage in a number of teaching activities as a member of the Lifelong Learners Committee including serving on its Executive Committee. My teaching activities included the following:

  • Presented a course introducing the Psychology of C.G. Jung to 12 residents in 2014. Participants have continued to meet weekly to deepen their knowledge and fellowship with each other.
  • Facilitated a weekly evening seminar being presented by Barbara Marx Hubbard on Conscious Evolution. Participants continue to meet weekly every Monday evening as a support group.
  • Facilitated three sections of a course based on six TED Talks in the first Lifelong Learners term of 2015. The course involved 45 residents in the three sections.
  • Repeated the TED Talks course for 45 residents in the Spring/Summer term of 2015.
  • Designed a course for the Fall term that will present six TED Talks focused on ecology.
  • Designed a new course on the Psychology of C.G. Jung that will be taught in collaboration with a new resident, Dr. Scott Haasarud, during the Fall term.
  • Designed a course to inform residents about the 350 refugees living in our neighborhood, and our plans to provide ELA instruction. The course will be presented in the Lifelong Learners Fall term.
  • Brought a new course on SoulCollage to the Campus for the Fall Term.

In addition to teaching I have been involved in these organizational initiatives:

  • Organized monthly coaching sessions involving volunteer teens and adults from Hands On Greater Phoenix, to increase the skills of residents on iPhones, iPads and Android Tablets.
  • Founding member of the Senior Roundtable with the Tanner Community Development Corporation.
  • Engaged the Department of Human Services from the City of Phoenix in providing assistance in the initiation of Our Neighborhood Project.
  • Led the start of Our Neighborhood Project in collaboration with Leroy Calbom.
  • Led the effort to organize an English Language Assistance (ELA) Program for the 350 refugees living in walking distance of the Campus. 17 residents have volunteered to assist in this Program.
  • Managed the relationship with Refugee Focus in relation to the ELA project and initiated observations of ELA classes at the Refugee Focus headquarters for Campus residents participating in the Program.
  • Coordinated the interface with the Area Agency on Aging to offer ELA instruction to elder refugees being supported by the Agency.

I am looking forward to the coming year and the additional opportunities it will provide to serve this very special community as its first Scholar in Residence.

A Gift To Come

Mon, July 6, 2015 Published by

The campus was blessed a year ago, when the Nina Mason Pulliam Foundation awarded the campus with a generous grant to create a sensory garden outside the entrance to the Health Care Center for residents to enjoy with their families and caregivers. After months of planning and design, the garden will become a reality soon, when construction begins this week. The garden will be named in memory of the mother of Harriet Ivey, the founding CEO and president of the Pulliam Foundation who is now retired. Harriet’s mother died many years ago from Alzheimer’s disease and Harriet recalls having no place to visit with her mother other than in the facility where she lived. That situation was distressing to Harriet, her mother and her family. From this, the idea was born to create a sensory garden at Beatitudes Campus.

A sensory garden is a garden environment that is designed with the purpose of stimulating the senses

Sensory-Garden-overallA sensory garden is a garden environment that is designed with the purpose of stimulating the senses, courtesy of plants and the use of materials that engage the senses of sight, smell, touch, taste and sound. The majority of the garden will be completed in the next three weeks. A water feature for the garden is scheduled for completion in the fall. A formal dedication of the garden, which will be named for Harriet’s mother, will take place in the Fall.

The Phoenix-based Parsons Design Studio, a landscape architecture and urban design studio that specializes on urban infill and adaptive reuse projects, designed the garden. EnviroScape, a landscape construction and installation company in Glendale, is the constructing the garden.

Start date: July 6, 2015
Completion: TBA

The garden will be open for the enjoyment of all residents, visitors, and staff. The garden will feature two water features, an arbor, seating areas, an infinity walkway, potting benches, and plants designed to attract butterflies and birds.

The main entrances to Buckwald’s and the Health Care Center will remain open. The resident smoking area will be relocated within the porte-cochere that is south of the large fountain.

Be Still…

Mon, July 6, 2015 Published by

We all have a history and a story

I hope you all enjoyed the 4th of July celebrations? Commemorative and celebratory events like those which so many people have taken part in during the last few days are a wonderful way of reminding ourselves of our past, and they also help us to consider how we are living our lives now. The celebrations around Independence Day, with the words of the founding fathers echoing down to us through the centuries, provide a fixed point in the life of the nation to stop for a moment, to remember the virtues upon which its foundation is based, and in considering this, to reflect upon how well we are living up to that heritage in our own time.

Reflecting-Beauty-teddybear64-20015615-400-276The same can be said in our own lives as well, where there are certain days of the year which cause us to pause for a moment and re-evaluate ourselves. Perhaps for you that day might be your birthday or wedding anniversary. Perhaps it is Christmas, Easter or New Year’s. Whatever the day, and whatever that day’s significance to you, it is a good thing every now and again to pause and reflect.

We all have a history and a story. One of the most interesting aspects of my role here at the Campus is being able to listen as people tell me how the roads they have taken in their life have lead them, often in a very interesting way, to this place which they now call home. Just as our nation has done this weekend, it is good for each of each of us to reflect upon our own lives. Sometimes we can lose track of what is truly important to us as we get caught up in the bustle of our daily lives. Psalm 46 gives us some good advice- ‘be still’. Be still and know who you are. Be still and know that God loves you. Be still and reflect. Be still and remember all that you have accomplished. Be still and consider what makes you happy, and then think about whether you are doing that in your life today. Be still and pray for those you love, and those who love you. Be still and pray for yourself and your own needs.

The wonderful truth about our nation and our Campus is that each of our stories is so very different, with them all blending together to make for a vibrant and varied community. Sometimes in the midst of that we would all benefit from taking a moment of rest and reflection. Be still.
It is almost a year since I began working here at the Campus, and so I myself have been looking back and reflecting over the past year. I consider myself so privileged to walk alongside this community in its life and look forward to doing so in the years to come.

The Longest Day

Mon, July 6, 2015 Published by

I have some exciting news to share with you! To begin, on June 21st a small, yet powerfully motivated group of volunteer community leaders focused on dementia and Alzheimer’s awareness, had a successful event called The Longest Day. The Longest Day is a team event held annually by the Alzheimer’s Association on the summer solstice which is the longest day of the year. Through the duration of the sunrise to sunset event it symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia’s as well as their caregivers. The group decided that for their event they would have a day of yoga. And can you believe it ended up falling on the same day as International Day of Yoga! A perfect fit.
Longest Day15.7 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia’s in the United States alone. You may not know this, but Alzheimer’s Disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only one in the top 10 that has no way to prevent, slow down or stop it. I am sure we all understand why awareness and support are so important for this cause. Unfortunately, many of us know that dementia does not care about your gender, race or political views (whether blue or red). I find it very interesting that the Alzheimer’s color for awareness is purple. As a constituent, I believe part of my job is to make sure the leaders within our State and Nation know that, just like the disease, it doesn’t matter which side of the fence they are on. This is a national crisis that we all need to come together to end.

Now to OUR big news—the group came to the campus with an amazing opportunity to take awareness to another level. They had a vision that, not only on June 21st should we honor those caregivers but for a month thereafter. Their thought was to turn our State Capitol purple for the cause! Beatitudes Campus graciously accepted this amazing partnership, and since June 21st until July 20th our State Capitol is lit a beautiful deep purple. I am proud to know that, I work for an organization that not only provides great care and awareness within our own walls, but also cares a great deal about the community and state we reside in. Over the next few weeks, we are planning some great ways to let the rest of our state know of this feat we have accomplished and why. We hope that you can help us in sharing our news.

It’s a proud day to be a part of this campus!

Pets Keep Us Happy and Healthy

Mon, June 15, 2015 Published by

Pets can play an important role in our lives. As we grow older, knowing that you’re loved, or that someone cares about you, isn’t necessarily enough, and that need to feel needed-and appreciated for what you do-increases. Pets fulfill this need because they depend on their owners for care and attention. In return, the pets offer love and unqualified approval.

Studies have documented that petting a dog or cat lowers blood pressure in hypertensive patients and that older people show improved alertness when caring for a pet. Pets often seem to be especially valuable for some people experiencing major life changes, such as illness or the loss of a loved one.

Depression can often be avoided. Pets also encourage their owners to be more physically active by playing with them or taking them on a walk. Pets amuse us, make us laugh and improve our overall morale.

Pet owners tend to remain more interested in events in their community and in their surroundings. They are not as lonely as perhaps they once were. They prevent or reduce absent-mindedness or bewilderment by communicating the sense of time and by maintaining a rhythm of the day. They help us to “Forget oneself and one’s problems” and to “live one’s free time in a meaningful and interesting way”. Animals are wonderful, courageous little souls, and with that being said, I invite all of you to our first Resident Dog Show where residents will be showcasing their dogs to everyone. You will hear a little about each pet, how they ended up with them and what makes them special. We will have 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners who will be judged by 3 residents. We hope to see you at the Dog Run/Park on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 10AM to see some of the amazing pets that fulfill the lives of their owners. *

Taizè Worship

Mon, June 15, 2015 Published by

Though we are many, we are of one body in the one Lord.

As war was raging across Europe, Roger Schütz crossed over the border from Switzerland to France and settled in the small community of Taizè, nestled in the hills of Burgundy.

Sixty years later I also travelled to Taizè, but rather than finding a sleepy village, I was following in the footsteps of many others who had been drawn to what this place had become in the intervening years.

Gradually over time, from its founding in 1940, an ecumenical Christian community begun by Br. Roger has blossomed in that place, now comprising more than one hundred brothers from both Protestant and Catholic traditions, who originate from about thirty countries across the world. This community has become one of the world’s most important sites of Christian pilgrimage. Each year over 100,000 young people from around the world make pilgrimages to Taizè for prayer, Bible study, sharing, and communal work. Through the community’s ecumenical outlook, they are encouraged to live in the spirit of kindness, simplicity and reconciliation. Unity and diversity have become synonymous in this remarkable place, which truly exemplifies that ‘though we are many, we are of one body in the one Lord’.

Some of my most abiding memories of Taizè are of its distinct style of worship. Since its beginnings, the Taizè community has been known for its reflective and contemplative style of worship, allowing for people of any faith background to dwell within the presence God. The simple Taizè practice of prayerful silence accompanied by music with words taken from scripture doesn’t belong to any one denomination or group, and so the distinctions and differences of history are left at the door of the church. The differences between those worshiping is not what is important, for that place shows that there is far more that unifies rather than divides us.

Here on this campus, we live amongst a colorful spectrum of faith. We have residents and staff who worship in communities and denominations across the Valley, as well as residents who worship alongside each other here on the campus. So wouldn’t it be a wonderful expression of our faith and love for one another to gather all of that diversity into a special act of worship! For that reason, the campus will be hosting a Taizè style prayer service on Saturday, August 1st, at 6PM in the Life Center. We are inviting members of our surrounding faith communities as well as all of our residents and staff to join together for this act of worship, where each and every person will be ‘at home’ in the presence of God. For many it will be something new, but for all, there will be an opportunity to abide in the love of God together as one family. I look forward to seeing you there.

Celebrations, Celebrations, Celebrations!

Mon, June 15, 2015 Published by

The month of May saw three separate but equally beautiful candlelit celebrations in honor of our Golden Anniversary year.

The first gala, on May 15, the campus hosted 140 friends, board members, and business partners as we honored our past, present and future, and heard words of inspiration from our legacy leaders, Rev. Dr. Ken Buckwald and Peggy Mullan. That evening we also launched the Culver H. Nelson Founders award. This award will be given annually to a community leader or organization who is making a difference in the lives of seniors or is contributing significantly to the advancement of aging services. The inaugural award fittingly went to our sponsoring church, Church of the Beatitudes, for its visionary founders and 50 years of mission support through time, talent and treasure.

The second event hosted by our marketing team welcomed many people interested in calling the Campus home. Each table was hosted by our resident ambassadors who shared stories of campus life while Dr. Buckwald and I had the opportunity to speak to our 50-year journey and future. The last of the galas was the Blue and Gold theme dinner and dance. Over 200 of you, our residents, celebrated with your friends, family and staff as we highlighted innovative programs, Auxiliary and volunteers, and the many, many amazing resident-driven groups and initiatives.

One such group was recently acknowledged by LeadingAge Arizona, our state association of non-profit aging services providers. The Back-to-School Sewing and Knitting Group won the 2015 Volunteer of the Year Award at this year’s awards banquet for their dedication to providing new school clothes to children in the Phoenix area who desperately need them. The group makes dresses, skirts and tops, purses, hats, scarves and pillowcases toBeatitudes Campus Peace Pole hold treasures. Then, the group matches accessories to go with the clothing – things like hair scrunchies, bracelets, toys in every pocket, flower pins, scarves and headbands. Last year alone they made over 1,070 hand-made items! Every July, the group sends their clothing and accessories to the “Back to School Clothing Drive” distribution center so that high-need children throughout Arizona can start the school year off with a new outfit.

I am so incredibly proud of the work, initiatives, support, and passion that is shared throughout our campus community, and I am delighted that the celebrations of our 50 years of service will continue throughout this year! In September, the Beatitudes Campus Peace Pole, which was unveiled last month outside the Town Plaza, will be officially dedicated during the International Day of Peace program. And, in September, we will celebrate Beatitudes Campus Auxiliary’s Golden Anniversary too. You will read more details about that celebration, but, knowing this group of highly devoted and passionate people, it will be an event you won’t want to miss!

Australia’s oldest man likes to knit mini sweaters for injured penguins

Thu, May 21, 2015 Published by

Australia’s oldest man has spent a lot of his days knitting sweaters for penguins.

Alfred ‘Alfie’ Date spoke to 9 Stories about how his inability to say ‘no’ to favors got him into making the miniature animal clothes. Mashable touches on this inspirational story of Alfie, who, at age 109 (!), is still making an amazing impact on the world.

For the full story, read on…

Source: Australia’s oldest man likes to knit mini sweaters for injured penguins

Arizona Science Center IMAX D’Day

Sat, May 16, 2015 Published by

June 6, 1944: The largest Allied operation of World War II began in Normandy, France.

Yet, few know in detail exactly why and how, from the end of 1943 through August 1944, this region became the most important location in the world. Blending multiple cinematographic techniques, including animation, CGI and stunning live action images, D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944 brings this monumental event to the world’s largest screens for the first time ever. Audiences of all ages, including new generations, will discover from a new perspective in breathtaking IMAX® 3D how this landing changed the world. Exploring history, military strategy, science, technology and human values, the film will educate and appeal to all. Narrated by Tom Brokaw, D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944 pays tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom. A duty of memory, a duty of gratitude. Not rated. Runtime: 45 min.

The Unique Benefit of Group Social Activity for Older Adults | InvestigAge

Thu, April 30, 2015 Published by

A new study indicates that group social activity offers unique cognitive benefits to older adults, more so than one-on-one social activity.

This new study indicates that group social activity offers unique cognitive benefits to older adults. Therefore, we suggest getting involved! Beatitudes Campus offers many group events for you to explore interests, or to learn something new. Be sure to visit our calendar for a look at all available options today!

Source: The Unique Benefit of Group Social Activity for Older Adults | InvestigAge

Physical activity may protect older people from brain damage – Medical News Today

Tue, April 28, 2015 Published by

A new study has demonstrated that older people who remain physically active could be protecting themselves from brain damage associated with movement difficulties.

Source: Physical activity may protect older people from brain damage Medical News Today

As part of our Success Matters program, we find interesting articles across the web, which demonstrate how active older adults may continue to be successful and live longer, healthy lives.

The Garment of Jesus

Mon, March 16, 2015 Published by

In the ancient Roman world, when a man had been found guilty and was condemned to die, the centurion assigned four soldiers to carry out the execution. One of the benefits for the soldiers who were appointed to such a task was that they were given the clothes of the victim once he had been crucified.

The Jews normally wore five articles of clothing: sandals, a belt, a head covering, an undergarment, and an outer robe. Because there were four soldiers and five articles of clothing when our Lord was crucified, each soldier chose one article, leaving a final article to be divided: Jesus’ undergarment. The undergarment was woven in one piece, which meant that it was of some value, but not if it were torn into four pieces and evenly divided among the execution squad. Therefore, lots were cast to see who would get it. As John 19:23-23 says, “The garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. [Let’s not tear it, they said to one another. Let’s decide by lot who will get it.]”

In the early church, Origen taught that the seamless garment was a reference to the wholeness of Christ’s teaching. Cyprian thought it symbolized the unity of the church. Cyril believed it explained the virgin birth. In more recent times it has been understood as pointing to Christ’s perfect righteousness. While Christians can agree on the wholeness of Christ’s teaching, the unity of the church, the virgin birth, and Christ’s perfect righteousness, nevertheless, I believe John is teaching us something else in his gospel account. John wants to show how the prophecies of God were coming true and that scripture was being fulfilled in Jesus. John 19:23-24 quotes directly from Psalm 22:18: “This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, [They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.]”

John wants us to understand that all scripture is pointing to Jesus Christ. The Bible is much more than just a record of true historical events – it’s about salvation! It’s announcing to the hurting world that victory was accomplished for us at Calvary, for salvation is found in none other than the one who hung on that cross and whose victory over death we celebrate at Easter!

Join Me!

Mon, March 16, 2015 Published by

It has bubbled up in more than just a few places as a great idea. First, from residents reflecting upon their first days at the campus and remembering feelings of awkwardness or not knowing how to fit in, especially when hoping to enjoy our many dining opportunities. “How do you get to know people?” “If you are single, everybody seems to be sitting together and you have no option but to sit alone.” All consistently expressed. And, then, it is often heard, and I mean often, from seasoned residents, “How do we get the new folk to join us at our tables, we would love to meet them.” Now I know some are extraverts and will plop themselves down anywhere knowing they are family already – and they are. And others enjoy people, but a tad more introverted and prefer a quiet meal alone or while reading a book. So is there anything for the one’s in the middle?

Your resident Communications Committee has developed a perfect way to help all of us make the most connections possible for anyone looking for a dining conversation. You do not need to be new, you can be here 20 years, and you do not need to be single, couples like company too. It is so simple. As you place an order in the Bistro, or are being seated in Buckwald’s, the excellent staff will ask if you would like to have someone join you or if you would like to join someone yourself. If you would like to have someone join you, then you will be given a “Join Me” card to place on the condiment stand and everyone knows they are welcome at your table. If you would be open to joining someone else who has an open table waiting for you, then all you need to do is pull back a chair at the table and get ready for a perfect dining experience getting to know another of our finest. If you prefer to dine privately that is perfect anytime everywhere.

Our campus is all about radical hospitality to one another and to all. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to help breakdown some unintentional barriers that may be out there. As we do so, one thing is for certain, our community is going to be closer and stronger than ever.

Mindset – What’s Yours?

Fri, March 13, 2015 Published by

Back by popular demand from residents who participated in her previous three workshops on Joy, Wendy White, M.C., will present “Mindset – What’s Yours?” Wendy has asked Jan Whohlers, our wonderful Yoga instructor, to assist her in presenting this informative and fun workshop, which is bound to increase your joy and positive outlook on aging. The workshop will follow our Chair Yoga class on March 19th in the Motion Studio at 2:00PM. This presentation will be limited to 20 people. Please sign up at the desk in the Motion Studio.