To welcome Spring we invite you to attend the Second Annual Spring Garden Party to be held Saturday, March 4, 9:00am – noon. Come out and celebrate with us!
The next Town Hall will be at 2:00PM in the Life Center on Wednesday, March 4th. See you there!
Soon, you will also see announcements of a trial Scam Prevention Workshop. Korry Nelson and I are working together to create a LLL class for you with the goal of arming you with better tools to protect yourself against these criminals.
Need a great greeting card for 10 cents, a couple of wine glasses, maybe a change of linens or a designer dress for $8? How about a small end table or holiday decorations? You can find what you are looking for at the Backstreet Boutique. Located at the east end of the campus, the Boutique is open for business on Thursdays. The Boutique offers a great place to find very reasonably priced items and to donate what you no longer need. Think that the Boutique may a bit too far to walk? We have free transportation on Thursdays by just calling us at ext. 18463.
The Boutique was established by the Beatitudes Auxiliary soon after the campus opened, to assist residents in disposing of belongings as well as offering easy to obtain goods. As the major income producer for the Auxiliary, your shopping dollars go right back to the campus! Proceeds from the Boutique have been directed to very worthy programs – this year we helped fund 3 new vans for resident travel, employee appreciation fund and the Resident Assistance Fund.
Open to residents, staff, family, friends and campus visitors, the Boutique has become a great venue to visit with fellow shoppers. We do have “our regulars” who wouldn’t miss a week, but invite those first-timers to join us. As one shopper said last week, “I hate to miss a week since there are always new items for sale!”
We also carry small furniture items! We welcome small furniture pieces that can be lifted and transported by one person, such as small tables and chairs, TVs, storage units and small desks.
Donations are always welcomed. You can call or leave a message at x18463 for pickup requests. Messages are picked up Tuesdays and Thursdays. If we can’t use the item, we re-donate it to another charity. We don’t accept boxes of books, bed pillows and mattresses.
The Boutique is run totally by a dedicated team of volunteers. Consider joining our volunteer team. We are always looking for residents, family and friends with skills in staging, sorting, pricing, moving boxes and furniture. You also may want to drive our shuttle. You can work a couple hours or more and be a part of a great group of dedicated workers.
When you read this article, we will be nearing the end of our summer season, featuring 75% off on all merchandise! The Boutique will be closing July 19th for renovation and reopening Thursday, September 5th.
Unfortunately while we are closed, we cannot receive and donations. This fall we have great shopping experiences planned – September will mark Native American week with many western and native American items for sale. Of course the holidays feature decorations and gifts.
So welcome to the Boutique—we look forward to seeing you!
EARTH DAY OBSERVANCE…On Friday, April 26th, the residents and staff of Beatitudes Campus are participating in the 2019 Earth Day Observance with what has been termed a “Protect March”. The Marchers will gather outside The Bistro at 10:00AM Friday morning and then proceed to The Everett Luther Life Center. Join us!
Are you an Arizona State Retiree who gets health insurance through your retirement plan? This year the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) announced a change in one segment of its retiree health insurance.
ASRS has traditionally had two plans to choose from: they offered both an HMO Plan (Medicare Part C) and a Medicare Senior Supplement (Original Medicare with Part B Supplement, also called a Medigap plan). If you previously had Medicare coverage through the ASRS HMO Plan, these new changes do not affect you. If, however, you had Original Medicare with a Senior Supplement through ASRS, the 2019 changes will affect your coverage.
Both ASRS plans rely on “passive enrollment,” which is a convenient way for people to keep their current plan from year to year. This year, however, retirees who had the Senior Supplement Plan (not the HMO) were passively enrolled out of Original Medicare and into a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) through UnitedHealthcare (the same insurer who provides coverage for the HMO beneficiaries).
The “behind the scenes” problem with this change is that retirees were not informed that by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan, they would lose “guaranteed issue” to future Supplement / Medigap policies. Guaranteed issue means that you have the right to buy a policy without medical underwriting, which can lead to denials of coverage or inflated prices based on age and health conditions. Another concern is that the new lower premiums, while attractive, are due to a temporary rate adjustment, and future costs may not remain low.
How might this affect you? Both our contracted outpatient services through OASIS and our Campus Home Health program accept Original Medicare but not Advantage Plans (HMOs or PPOs), with the exception of Home Health accepting UHC Community and UHC Dual Complete (AHCCCS). For example, if you are a retired teacher previously on the ASRS Senior Supplement Plan, you are now on a PPO Plan. You may have had physical therapy on campus as an outpatient, or through the campus Home Health service. Now, however, you will not be covered and will need to seek outpatient services off campus, and Home Health from an outside agency.
SHIP Medicare Counselors believe individuals can get better coverage at a better price by remaining on Original Medicare with a Supplement and Part D coverage. The new deadline to change your Medicare coverage from the new PPO to Original Medicare with a supplement is March 3rd, 2019.
If you are affected by this change, and wish to speak to a Medicare counselor about making a change, please let Josephine know no later than February 15th at x16117.
Please be advised, Maintenance Technicians will be in all residential buildings—Central Park North, Central Park South, Central Park West, Plaza North & South, Plaza View and the Health Care Center. On Thursday, Jan 31st, between 8:00AM and 5:00PM, to change out the air filters in all resident homes. Due to the size of this task, Maintenance is unable to provide a specific time for the filter change. If you would like to be home when Maintenance changes your air filter, please adjust your schedule accordingly.
You’ve been asking—when is the new catalog coming out? When do classes start? I hope we’re having a short story class again. What’s Tom Denny teaching this time? Your questions are answered. You have your catalog. The schedule is set, and so are the registration dates—Jan. 14th and 15th. If you have questions, join us today (Jan. 7th) at the back of the Plaza Bistro from 10:00AM to 2:00PM.
A quick look at the schedule shows old favorites such as Poetry, American Art, Arizona History (that’s the Tom Denny offering), Spanish, French, TED Talks, Movies, Word Playing and American Short Story.
To pique your interest, we’re offering these new courses:
Jewish Short Story taught by Rabbi Elana Kanter
Beginning Spanish (often-requested)
Court Compendium, an outgrowth of Our Courts
Death and Dying, discussions to be facilitated by Success Matters interns
Supreme Court Decisions by our resident judge, Bill Schafer
Storytelling—If you attended the Christmas service where Rev. Doug Bland told about nativity figures and children, you met our Storytelling teacher.
In addition, Dosia has organized a three-parter called The Wonder of Birds, and Bill Chase will energize the subject of Construction, by explaining what’s going on all around us. Last, our faithful computer ladies have come up with a new topic—The Useful Internet.
And in between old and new are an expanded Enneagram, an updated Presidential Fiscal Policy, Recorder for both new and continuing students, Income Tax, PowerPoint, Word, and the popular Saturday phone/tablet courses.
We hope you’ll find something intriguing among the offerings – no grades, no credits, no tests! See you in class.*
Here is another letter that shows just how wonderful our employees are.
“Working the desk in Plaza South, I was told that someone’s cat may have accidentally gotten out of an apartment, but might just be under the sofa. No one nearby was able to get down on the floor to check for the cat. One of our maintenance men happened by (I didn’t get his name) and I asked if he would check under the sofa in the apartment for us. His response [was] ‘of course!’ The cat was there and all was well. Our wonderful maintenance man then went on about his job.”
Please show your appreciation to our employees for all the little and big things they do for us every day by contributing to the Employee Appreciation Fund if you haven’ t done that yet this year. You can make a check payable to Beatitudes Campus Foundation and put ” Em p loyee Appreciation Fund” on the note line; you can put an envelope with cash in it addressed to the Employee Appreciation Fund in the boxes in the Plaza Bistro and Buckwald’s, or you can have it added to your monthly statement by filling out a form that you can get from the billing department in Agelink. There is one additional way, if you have an IRA, you can have a portion of your RMD sent to the Beatitudes Campus Foundation and earmarked for the “Employee Appreciation Fund.” If you have any questions, please call Bette Henriques, Committee Chairman, at x18809.
Join us ONLINE at bcampus.org where you can read Roadrunner articles, learn who’s new to campus, view all the upcoming events for the month, before the Roadrunner newsletter even comes out and also browse/search the Resident Telephone and Email Directory which is now available online.
To get all the latest news and information about Beatitudes Campus, sign up for our FREE online community! This incredible resource is available to all residents, staff, family members and friends of Beatitudes. It even allows you to communicate with your neighbors in your building, or across campus—even family from around the world! Discuss building news and updates or simply post about your day— it’s a great way to stay connected with family, friends and campus staff. Join us today!
Sign up here: https://bcampus.org
Did you make it out to our 4th Annual Resident Art Show? If not, you missed a good one! Entertainment by Paul Sherman Thursday night had the mood set while folks walked through the show and Anthony Farias put icing on the cake with a live painting demo on Friday morning. Of course, we could not have done it without the fascinating artists we have here on campus. Marble printed pillows, scarfs and more on display, along with woodcarvings, oil, acrylic, pen and pencil pieces, handmade crafts/ cards, ceramics, quilts and much more were on display. With an estimated number of 200+ folks who walked through and purchased items, we would like to thank you for your support. I would also like to thank each of the artists who participated in the show and displayed their talent! We cannot wait to do it again next year!
Be on the lookout for the upcoming Dog Show on Thursday, April 12th. The show will begin at 10:30AM in the Dog Park. If you are interested in registering your dog for the show or being a judge for the show, please call me at x18473 to sign up. This show is all in good fun! Deadline to register your dog or to be a judge is Friday, March 23rd.
Be sure to stop by and enjoy presentations from Art All Around Us every Tuesday in the Boardrooms at 1PM. The upcoming chats include:
These chats are free and open to everyone on the campus.
Our Arizona Diamondbacks regular season is upon us as well! The games are as follows:
Help us meet our 9 person minimum by encouraging your friends to join you. If we do not meet our 9 person minimum, we will gladly offer help in setting up an Uber or Lyft with your small group at your expense. It is much more enjoyable to attend with a large group, so please invite away!*
As many of you are aware, Tara Bethell left Beatitudes back in November of 2017. At that time—we brought in an Interim Director of Human Resources until a replacement was hired. During our search, we had the opportunity to look at and evaluate our organizational structure and the decision was made not to replace the original Sr. VP of HR and Risk Management position and instead allow myself (with over ten years of Human Resources experience) to oversee the HR Team from an executive level (including the corporate risk management role) and hire a Director of Human Resources to oversee the day-to-day operations. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow and develop as a leader by taking on these responsibilities. Additionally, this change allows others to be part of our organization and provide new ideas and knowledge to ensure we continue progressing as a leader in the field of Aging Services.
Our new Director of Human Resources, Barb Williams, joined us in early February and was introduced at the February Town Hall. Barb has already hit the ground running in the month she’s been here—meeting with employees, department heads and learning her way around our community. She has worked in the field of Human Resources for 18 years and has the PHR (Certified Professional in Human Resources) and SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resources Certified Professional) certifications. She has spent most of her career in the healthcare field, gaining this experience by working at medical universities and homecare. Barb enjoys working with employees in the senior living and health services fields because she can help those who provide care and support to residents. When Barb isn’t working, she loves spending time with her family, reading and hiking. She’s been married for just shy of 30 years to her husband, Kevin, has a daughter—Brianna, and son—David, as well as a grandson—Damien. Barb is also a pet lover and has three dogs (Keena, Chessie and Nichole) and Ally, the cat.
Another management change will be taking place on March 19th when Priscilla Von Wilczur will be joining us as our new Health Care Center Director of Nursing. Priscilla comes to us with over 36 years of nursing experience and has specialized in long term care and rehab. Most recently, Priscilla was the Director of Quality Management for Sun Health La Loma Care Center. Priscilla helped lead the team to a deficiency free survey in 2017 and maintain a CMS (Center for Medicare Services) 5-star rating for several years. Priscilla has a great eye for detail, excellent follow-up and high quality expectations of her team.
You may now be wondering where our current Director of Nursing, Teresa Borton is going. After spending a couple of weeks transitioning Priscilla into her new role—I am very pleased to share that—Teresa will begin a state-approved Administrator in Training (AIT) program on April 2nd in our Health Care Center. Teresa will spend over 1,000 hours during the following six months learning and rotating through all of the departments within the Health Care Center, gaining the experience and understanding to take on the Administrator role. Don’t be surprised if you see her shadowing staff—which may involve cooking meals, serving meals, being a CNA, cleaning floors, helping maintenance, etc. Teresa will go through her program with oversight from myself as her preceptor. She will be assigned a site evaluator who will review her monthly progress reports, come on-site to ensure she is following her training program and provide any additional support she may need. When she finishes this program—she’ll take her state exam and then federal exam to become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA). Afterwhich she will take over as the Administrator of the Health Care Center and oversee day-to-day operations.
Teresa has done a great job as not only the Director of Nursing these last few years, but has also been my right-hand in operations. With this experience, plus the AIT program under her belt, I know she will make a positive impact as Administrator for our community.
While all these exciting changes happen, please know that our commitment to providing quality resident services and care as well as providing our employees with a positive and purposeful employment experience hasn’t changed; we hope you will see that this will just enhance it.
This week, we celebrate Long Term Care Administrator’s week, from March 11th through the 17th. In honor of this special week—we would like to thank and congratulate @cknupp, Sr. VP of HR & Health Services, for everything she does involving long term care at our community. If you see her around campus, be sure to congratulate her this week!
Rev. David W. Ragan, Sr. VP of Resident Services
David Ragan (@dragan), Sr. Vice President of Independent Living opened the meeting at 2:15PM with a forecast of truly melting weather. Close to 100 residents braved the heat to attend the meeting and find out “what’s new” at Beatitudes Campus. There were no new residents at the meeting, but David intends to corral all the new residents in September and bring them to the meeting.
First on the agenda was a heartwarming story of a grandmother who could not afford the birthday cake her little granddaughter had picked out at the grocery store. The young man in line behind them bought the cake and convinced the grandmother to accept it as he had been the recipient of a similar kindness when he was seven years old. When the little girl showed her grandfather the cake and a message that the young man had given her, it became apparent that the grandfather was the man who had bought the cake for the seven year old boy many years ago. The story summed up by saying that a simple act of care creates an endless circle.
Or as David put it—you never know what impact the little things you do today might have and the blessings that come back to you in so many ways.
Remember the Welcome Coffee coming up this month on Wednesday, June 28th at 2:00PM in the Life Center. Come and meet your new neighbors!
Michelle Just (@mjust), President and CEO, complimented Mim Hoover (@mimhoover) and Dosia Carlson (@dosiacarlaol-com) (pictured at right) on the wonderful job they did in their Lifelong Learning Program Workshop at the Annual Meeting of LeadingAge Arizona, an organization of not-for-profit senior living communities. They were the only resident presenters at the meeting, and their presentation generated interest in starting similar programs at other communities. Michelle also celebrated two awards that were presented to Beatitudes Campus by LeadingAge Arizona. The first was for Innovation in Environmental Design and it went to Patty’s Garden, the healing garden honoring and named for Harriet Ivy’s mother. Beatitudes Campus was fortunate to be chosen to receive funding for this garden. Tena Alonzo (@talonzo), Director of Comfort Matters, noted that the garden provides a sensory experience for residents who may not think like they once did, but retain their feelings. The garden has a positive impact on their quality of life. It was built using solar power, LED’s, low water usage, color that does not attract bees and overall low maintenance. The second award went to the Success Matters Program, led by Jessica Meyer (@jmeyer), Director, and Josephine Levy (@jlevy), Resource Navigator. There is nothing else like this program in our peer group here in the Valley. The program seeks to keep residents independent as long as possible and make the most of each resident’s individual potential. They strive to make each resident’s quality of life as great as possible, and perhaps make life greater than when the resident moved to our community. Mim Hoover said she was given the confidence to feel that she could still do things as well as feel that life is still good. Michelle asked that residents join her in celebrating the Success Matters and Comfort Matters teams. She is incredibly proud of these two Innovation Awards. Congratulations also go to Tara Bethell (@tbethell), Sr. Vice-President of Human Resources and Risk Management, who was named to the Class of 2017 Forty Under Forty by the Phoenix Business Journal. She finished in the top ten!!
Herb Komnick, Residents Council President
Herb Komnick (@hkomnick), President of the Residents Council, reported on the May Residents Council Meeting. David Ragan welcomed everyone to the meeting, congratulated the Lifelong Learning Program and announced that Mim Hoover and Dosia Carlson would be speaking at the Arizona LeadingAge Workshop, and Success Matters is receiving the Innovative Health and Wellness Program Award. The Security-focused Town Hall was a success with residents learning firsthand about emergency procedures here on campus. Holleran 2017 Resident Engagement Surveys should have been completed and turned in between May 12th and May 27th. The Community Channel is now available to all residents on channel 1966. Pat Dellisanti, Dining Services Committee Chairman, announced the Luau which was held on June 8th as part of the Marketing Program. New menus are being prepared for the Health Care Center, Plaza View and Buckwald’s. A Lifelong Learner’s class will be offered to include kitchen tours. Sunday Pizza will return when the football season arrives. Barbara Carpenter, Interim Chairman of the Employee Appreciation Committee, outlined several Committee activities including letters to new residents, all residents, groups who use campus facilities and friends of the campus; relocated Tip Boxes; possibly adding a statement on menus; and a dinner being planned for August 17th. Gerald Roseberry, Environment Committee Chairperson, reported that leak testing for all resident buildings except Plaza View and the Health Care Center has been completed with the information provided to Scott Mardian (@smardian). Roger Benson, Facilities Committee Chairman submitted a report stating that Mitch Bradshaw (@mbradshaw) had been informed of complaints about the area around the dumpster at the Northeast corner of the campus. Roger was advised that vehicle traffic between Central Park North and the Garden Apartments was necessary for resident moves and appliances stored in the Garden Apartments. Kim Shull, Grounds Manager and Color Coordinator, has resigned. Residents are requested to help keep the campus looking neat by straightening chairs, etc., that are disarranged and calling in work orders for any obvious problems they observe. There was no unfinished business. Under New Business, a motion to appoint Sue Lefebvre as Parliamentarian was approved; the Holleran Resident Engagement Survey forms were given to Council members for distribution; and Don Tamuty reported he had received a request to keep the 17th Drive gate open for a longer period of time during the summertime (Herb reported that since the meeting, he has been informed that because of Security concerns, this request was denied.) Bette Henriques, Senior Area Representative for Central Park North and Patio Homes; Don Tamuty, Senior Area Representative for Plaza South; and Sybil Eppinger, Senior Area Representative for Central Park South reported on the various activities that have taken place and those that are planned for their buildings. Residents asked questions concerning window washing, use of plastic bags in dining venues, recycling procedures, and locating recycling containers near dining venues. Jeremy was complimented on his excellent work in emptying the recycling bins. Residents were reminded not to feed the feral cats. The next Residents Council meeting will be on Wednesday, June 14th in the Luther Life Center at 2:00PM.
Rod Bailey,
SVP of Sales & Marketing
Rod Bailey (@rbaileybeatitudescampus-org), Sr. Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, reviewed the referral award program in which residents can earn up to $3,750 for bringing new residents to the campus—people who have not been in the system or contacted previously. He also unveiled a new summer program that will be available through September 30th. Residents who just fill out a referral card will receive a dinner for two at Buckwald’s. If the referral card results in a move-in, the resident will receive three different dinners for four at Elaine’s Fine Dining in addition to the monetary award.
Congratulations were extended to Michelle Just for being elected to the Board of Directors of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. The Beatitudes is the only senior living organization that has a presence at the Chamber.
Ruth Crowley, Residents Council Chairman of Health and Wellness Committee
Ruth Crowley, Chairman of the Health and Wellness Committee, noted that the response had been so positive in the spring that three additional workshops have been planned to expand on the topics presented earlier. The first workshop, “What’s in Plaza View” was held on Thursday, June 15th at 3:00PM in the Life Center. Cheryl Knupp, Sr. Vice-President of Health Services, and her team from Plaza View, focused on assisted living at Beatitudes. It was suggested that you review your contract with Beatitudes prior to the meeting so presenters can provide more specific information in answer to your questions. In July, a workshop on Dementia and Skilled Nursing is planned, and in August there will be a workshop about the services available in independent living to help residents stay in their apartments when health issues arise.
Jessica Meyer, Director of Success Matters at Beatitudes Campus
Jessica Meyer (@jmeyer) announced that the Success Matters team is hosting a farewell for Rich and Mitch. They will be finishing their clinical rotation on June 23rd and residents can thank them for their contribution to the Beatitudes and wish them well in the Bistro on June 22nd from 12:00 to 1:00PM. Free cake as well!
Jon Schilling, Director of Life Enrichment at Beatitudes Campus
Jon Schilling (@jschilling) advised that planning is underway for the 2017 Active Aging Week. Residents interested in helping plan for this event should contact Jon at x10333. Jon reported that Anthony Farias, formerly in Transportation, is now working as a Life Enrichment Specialist in the Health Care Center. Jon reminded residents to bring suggestions for activities on campus and off campus to the Life Enrichment Committee. The Life Enrichment Team does their best to make things happen for residents. Mike Smallwood (@msmallwood), Fitness Specialist, provided a fitness report on the BrainSavers Class which is in the 6th week of the 12 week Quarter. Mike has made some significant adjustments to the program and has received positive feedback from the residents. Angie Moore, Manager of the Program, observed the class last week and approved of the adjustments that were made to accommodate the needs of seniors. The second Quarter is scheduled to start the 1st week in August. Starting Monday, June 12th and continuing through October, there will be Indoor Morning Walks in the Life Center. Residents were reminded of the importance of staying hydrated during these hot summer days. Residents were also reminded of the many fitness classes available, including Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Zumba Gold, Zumba Exercises, Memory Maker Yoga as well as Fitness Foundations, Functional Fitness, Water Exercise and Sit and Be Fit. The June B-Fit Winner of a $50 gift card is Tom Denny. Winners have not been present at many of the Town Hall Meetings, and Mike suggested that you might have a better chance of winning if you don’t come to Town Hall!
Monica De La Rosa, Life Enrichment Specialist
Monica De La Rosa (@mdelarosa), Life Enrichment Specialist, reminded residents that there are suggestion boxes in the Life Center Lobby and the Information Station in the Plaza Bistro. Please use them to call attention to events, performers and off campus activities that are of interest to residents. Wednesday, July 5th is the last day to sign up for the Wednesday, July 26th baseball game between the Diamondbacks and the Braves.
New menus for Buckwald’s, Plaza View, and Elaine’s Fine Dining will be out in July. Look for the changes on the Community Channel, in the restaurants and in the Roadrunner. David assured residents that hot dogs and baked potatoes will not be taken off the menu. Apparently, keeping them available was a lesson learned the hard way.
David noted that the Beatitudes Auxiliary Backstreet Boutique is in need of volunteers who can help in the Furniture Annex, moving furniture, etc. The Annex plans to reopen in September. Talk to your children, grandchildren and friends about this rewarding volunteer activity.
The Community Channel #1960 is now available across the Campus. Make sure you tune in and see what is going on. Through this Channel, residents will receive updates on last minute changes as well as ongoing information in an emergency. If you have input to make the channel better, let David or Korry Nelson (@knelson) (x18493) know about it.
There will be a Hootenanny every Wednesday night, beginning at 5:45PM. Tell your neighbors and enjoy the enthusiastic music. It’s free! Wednesday, June 20th, from 2:00 to 4:00PM in the Bistro, enjoy another freebie, a frozen yogurt sundae. Just come for the treat or share your thoughts with Dave every third Community Wednesday.
David reminded residents to take staying hydrated seriously, and to have a great June. He looks forward to seeing residents at all of the events. There will be no Town Hall in July and the next Town Hall will be held at 2:00PM in the Luther Life Center on August 2nd.
Surveys have been delivered to your apartments and/or mailed to your responsible party’s home address. Surveys can be completed using the paper copies provided and dropped off at the Welcome Center, Rent Boxes, Plaza View Lobby, Piper Residences’ Sun Room, or Health Center’s Resident Library. There is also an option to complete the survey on the computer. Please visit the Resident Computer Lab on October 3rd, 5th, or 6th between 10:30AM and 1:30PM. Staff will be available to help you. Or you can complete the survey on your home or library computer using the following website: http://bit.ly/bcampus-survey. We are asking for your assistance by completing the survey by 5:00PM on Friday, October 7th so that staff can collate the results and present at several upcoming meetings as strategic plans for the next fiscal year are being firmed up. Thank you so much for taking time to share your thoughts about campus life!
There are a number of updates to the B-Card incentive program that I will explain to you. First, all convenience store items and boxes of Cerretta’s candy are excluded from the B-Card incentive. We will also limit the number of ice cream, quarts of milk and bottled beverages you may purchase at one time. There will be a letter delivered to each of you middle of the week with additional information.
What has not changed: You may still purchase meals at all of our venues, purchase grab and go sandwiches, salads and fruits, Corner Perk coffee drinks, guest meals, Farmer’s Market and catering. The Assisted Living dining incentive program has NOT changed.
The dining incentive is based on socialization and flexibility. Please use your dining incentive to enjoy more meals with us. Come for breakfast more often, enjoy lunch in any venue or come to Elaine’s more often. You may also buy a pizza or have a party. Why not? It’s included. Look for an informational letter this Wednesday or Thursday.
I can’t believe it’s already four and a half months since I came to Beatitudes Campus! It has been a great time of assessing where we have opportunities and tooling up for our future. What a pleasure it is in my many travels on behalf of the Campus to speak of our many unique characteristics and determination to serve as many seniors as possible in meaningful ways.
During these first few months, we have been able to kick off a number of projects and initiatives – a few that have been contemplated for some time and others that have been developed to distinguish Beatitudes in our rather active marketplace. The First Impressions project, funded by the Beatitudes Foundation, has begun in earnest and is already making an impact on the environment around the property.
As you might well imagine, on a campus with buildings that span from less than ten to over fifty years old, many opportunities for improvement in the look of furnishings, colors and floor coverings have presented themselves. So about three months ago, we took an entire inventory of where we were and how we could best tune up image and surroundings to benefit our valuable residents and those who are considering residency. It may not surprise you to learn that the tab was very, very high if we were actually able to do each and every item on the wish list, but undaunted, we went about breaking it down into phases and ways in which to achieve the best “bang for the buck.”
About $66,000 had previously been set aside for flooring in the Foundation and they generously granted an additional $271,000 for the project which includes not only carpeting and wood vinyl, but also replacement of a good deal of furniture, artwork and accessories in the Health Care Center, Plaza View Assisted Living, Plaza North and Plaza South as well as the Central Park buildings. To date, we have seen completion of new wood vinyl flooring in all of the Central Park lobbies and elevators, as well as new paint schemes in those lobbies and throughout the upper floors at the entrances of resident apartments. We have also completed the replacement of all upper floor lounge carpets in Plaza North and Plaza South. A two tone painting scheme in hallways separated by a chair rail is underway in those buildings. The big news is that the remodel of the first floor lobby begins the week of September 19th with the removal of the desk/counter as well as carpet. It is all going to be replaced with our new flooring selections as well as a great executive desk, credenza and hutch, which our volunteer staff will continue to staff as they do in other buildings on campus. We have also completed the installation of new flooring in Plaza View’s upper floor elevator vestibules and lounges and then the first floor dining room and activity room will see their new carpet installation start around the first of October. Last, but certainly not least, 200 new multi-purpose, colorful chairs for use throughout the campus are starting to hit the scene. As a result, we will be retiring a lot of the extraneous and dated seating that has survived through the years.
Major activity will begin on October 10th when we will begin to see the furniture, artwork and lamps delivered throughout the campus. We are also hosting the 2nd annual PASRS (Professional Association of Senior Referral Specialists) conference on October 13th when we will enjoy the company of about 300 visitors on campus who will be looking at us for potential placement of their clients. Of course, we are putting out the welcome mat, but also will be working feverishly to have our décor in place to present ourselves well, in addition to our mission and outstanding care services. Some of the items will not be delivered until November, but once all of this work is completed by Thanksgiving, Phase I will essentially be complete.
All of the remaining areas of need have been collected into a Phase II process which will occur through our upcoming fiscal year (October 1st, 2016 – September 30th, 2017), funded by both the Foundation as well as largely by our campus operations. Our board approved the plan this last week, but capital expense budgets are only possible by well executed operations, so we will also be working diligently to meet all of our occupancy and expense budget targets. The completion of the First Impressions plan is scheduled through quarters one through four this coming year and we are tremendously excited about the impact that all that we are doing is making on campus.
So that brings me to the new Friends and Family Referral Program that we have kicked off as of September 7th. For every qualified referral that you provide to the marketing department, that has not been previously identified to us or toured, we are anxious to pay you, our valued residents (or members of your family) $1000 for the first successful admission, $1250 for the second and $1500 for the third. That’s $3750 that you can earn per year! In addition to the prospects not having been previously in our marketing database, they must complete three months of residency and be current on their account. It’s that simple! Think about former neighbors, members of your church or members of your own family that you would recommend becoming a part of Beatitudes Campus and provide their names to the marketing department. The program runs all through next fiscal year to September 30, 2017 but I urge you to hurry. As I write this article, there are 23 apartments that are “sold” and not yet occupied between rentals and entry fee (Central Park). Even though we will experience some residents that will transition to higher levels of care, there are a few apartments to fill and enjoy this opportunity. I will say I honestly cannot wait to hand out that first check at a Residents Council or Town Hall meeting to someone who has referred a successful admission under this program! And, I want to keep handing them out…….again and again throughout this year. I love working together with you – simply the finest Life Plan Community I have ever known. Together, we are creating the community of choice in, not only the Phoenix metropolitan area, but the southwest U.S. – full of choices, opportunities for service and a place of love, acceptance and fellowship. Please be sure to get in touch with me if you have any questions…… call Marketing at x18487 or myself, at x16107.*
Welcome to the 2016 Beatitudes Campus Town Hall Informant Newsletter. Below is a summary of information and news discussed at the Town Hall meeting. We welcome all new residents for the month of July and August (since our last edition)! You may also view all new residents online at: https://bcampus.org/view/new-residents/
David Ragan, Senior VP of Resident Services, called the meeting to order at 2:15PM. Speaking to a full house of 200 or more residents, at least seven of whom were first time attendants at a Town Hall, David expressed his welcome and reminded residents of the Welcome Coffee which takes place on the 4th Wednesday of each month. The date in September will be Wednesday, the 28th.
Michelle Just was not able to attend this month’s Town Hall, but will be present for the next Town Hall on October 5th.
Employee Shout Out recipients of Certificates of Appreciation were Rod Bailey, Marketing and Sales; Jerry Amaya, Facilities Department; and Ronnie Dew, Dining Services. Radical Hospitality forms are available online at www.bcampus.org and also at the Welcome Center and the Information Station in Town Plaza. Residents are asked to please continue to Shout Out their appreciation of staff members in this way.
Jim Plaster, Residents Council President, presented his report. Issues discussed at the August meeting included the ever-broken yogurt machine, the new phone system and a bulletin board for patio home residents. The Community Relations Committee noted that the 19th Avenue North Association is moving forward. Jim Elliott is the liaison with this organization and Gene Lefebvre will serve on the Interfaith Council. The Recreation Committee reported that the Friday Happy Hour has been relocated from the Bistro to Bucky’s due to overflowing attendance. The Welcome Committee reported that June saw eleven new residents and July welcomed an additional six new residents. The Employee Appreciation Committee distributed annual letters to residents and friends of the Campus and the goal is to make this the best year ever for the Beatitudes staff.
Rev. Peggy Roberts, Senior VP of Spiritual Life, complimented residents on their generosity in the food collection drive for ICM. In this collection alone, the Campus has provided 73 families with food for three to four days. The 15th anniversary of the September 11th Observance will take place on Monday morning, September 12th, at the Peace Pole on Central Park Mall at 8:30AM. The Bell of Hope will ring at 8:46AM, followed by a prayer and reading honoring those who died, first responders, and rescue and recovery workers.
Ron Ingram, Director of Plaza View Assisted Living and Early Memory Support, discussed the plans that have been made for National Assisted Living Week, September 11th through September 17th. Ron invited both Plaza View and Independent Living residents to take part in the week’s activities and to wear the color designated for each day. Monday (blue) will honor our fallen heroes of the 9/11 tragedy. On Tuesday (yellow) the Paradise Valley Entertainers will be at Plaza View. Wednesday (black) will feature an Open House with a Treasures and Trinkets Showcase. On Thursday (green) Plaza View will be hosting a sing-a-long as well as Happy Hour with Karaoke. Friday (red) will bring a Men’s Breakfast in the morning and a close to the week with a Resident Appreciation Dinner.
Joe Kane, Director of Beatitudes Dining Services, announced that our Chef, Brian Rocco, is back on the Campus and he extended a thank you to Rick Melbourne, the Chef who filled in for Brian while he was recuperating. Joe discussed the Independent Living Dining Incentive B-Card changes that will be taking place on October 1st. Residents buying power has increased by $30, from $170 to $200 per month. This will allow residents the opportunity to enjoy more meals in the Bistro, more opportunity to eat at Buckwald’s, more opportunity to eat at Plaza View, and more opportunity to entertain friends/family or neighbors at any of the dining places. The $200 can be used toward purchasing meals in every restaurant, and includes grab and go items in the Bistro, catering from Campus Catering and guest meals. The B-Card cannot be used for things that you buy that are not part of the meal program, such as alcohol purchases, and now, C-store purchases, large tubs of ice cream and Cerretta’s candy. Items in the beverage case, ice cream bars, pastries, desserts, Farmer’s Market grab and go items and quarts of milk will have a quantity limit per transaction. There are meal plans in many communities that force you to eat everyday with them. The Beatitudes has built in flexibility so you can still go out to dinner and not feel tied to the on-campus restaurants. The renewed focus of these changes is on keeping residents eating socially and well during the month. These changes will be spelled out for residents in coming issues of the Roadrunner. In answer to a question, David said that the price of food will not go up at this time.
Jessica Meyer, Director of Success Matters, told residents about an upcoming A.T. Still Falls Prevention Workshop starting Friday, September 16th at 1:30PM in the Agelink Great Room. The workshop will last for eight weeks and is a great opportunity for anyone who has a fear of falling or has a history of falls. Call x16110 and leave your name and number to reserve a space.
Jessica provided an update on the recent CAREcorps Open House. Thirty-four volunteer groups were represented and well over 100 residents and staff members attended. Those attending were enthusiastic and provided a stimulus for new volunteerism. Similar events will take place in the future.
Ruth Crowley, Health and Wellness Committee, apprised residents of an upcoming Workshop, Getting Our Affairs in Order: Legal and Financial Issues of Aging. Nancy Splain, Attorney at Law and Interfaith Outreach Ambassador at Beatitudes Campus Spiritual Life Department, will address legal and financial planning questions residents may not have considered, including technological issues which have come to light in recent years. The Workshop will take place on Friday, September 23rd at 10AM in the Life Center.
Rod Bailey, Senior VP of Marketing and Sales, unveiled a new Friends and Family Referral Program and New Resident Tools. Residents received a door-hanger outlining the way to earn a check for up to $3750 for referring prospective residents. The program is open to current residents and family members of residents and applies to new referrals only. All residents and family members are eligible through 9/30/17. Rod explained that it is more cost effective to invest in the people who know about the Beatitudes than investing in any other resources. The New Resident Tools include a punch card for 12 meals (1 per week) to host a prospect and the opportunity to have a small open house in the new resident’s apartment for friends, family prospects, clergy, former neighbors or others. In answer to a question, Rod said that a program is being established to provide prospective residents comprehensive help in selling a home, downsizing and moving to the Beatitudes.
Rod also discussed opportunities for resident participation in activities of the 19 North Association. There will be a Grand Opening on October 7th. See Jim Elliot or Rod Bailey for details. There will also be an Arizona Night Out on October 22nd at the 17th Avenue Park. See Rod Bailey for details and he will get some sign-ups going for transportation to these events.
Chris Mason, Life Enrichment Specialist, reminded residents of the events of Active Aging Week last year. Sybil Eppinger and Barbara Glenn received $10 certificates acknowledging their ability to remember specifics of last year’s activities. This year’s Active Aging events explore activities in health,
Technology, Spirituality, Community and Fitness—The week begins on September 25th with a free kick off breakfast at 9:00 a.m. in the Life Center. Tuesday will be a chat with IT; Wednesday features a labyrinth with Spiritual Life; Thursday will be a Field Day with all the fitness instructors, and on Friday a Street Fair will be held in the Mall area and will include many free give-aways.
This month’s B-Fit winners were Lila Levy and Shirley White who each won $50 Visa gift cards.
Didi Cruz, Life Enrichment Specialist, offered congratulations to Monica for the birth of her daughter, Hosanna Rea De La Rosa, who arrived three weeks early and weighed just 5 lbs. 7 oz. Sign-ups for the Variety Show will be accepted until Friday, September 23rd. The show will take place on Friday, October 28th from 20 to 12 in the Life Center.
Lifelong Learners Fall Registration will take place in Agelink from 9AM to 1PM on Monday, September 12th and from 9AM to Noon on Tuesday, September 13th. Independent residents pay $25 total for unlimited classes and may pay with Beatitudes account, cash or check. Call Security if you need a ride. Late registration is available by contacting Neil at x14814.
David Ragan announced that bus transportation for groceries will continue to go to the Fry’s Marketplace on Glendale and 19th Avenue. There will be no change, but residents are asked to take charge and take complaints to the store management. Glen Ehland, Fry’s Store Manager, spoke to residents of his appreciation for their business and his efforts to make the shopping experience for residents safe. Joe Kopelic, Asst. Protection Manager, also spoke to residents and informed them that they have added a security guard from 7:15AM to close and have off duty policemen hired from 5PM to close. Residents are asked to be conscious of people around them and never ever leave their purses in an open cart. Residents were advised that four new scooter carts have recently been purchased for use. It was also advised that residents call 911 if they see something happening that needs to be reported. The new light rail line seems to be responsible for an increase in pan-handlers and trespassers in the area. Several suggestions from residents included keeping residents and grocery carts inside until the bus arrives and then leaving two at a time as well as having smaller grocery carts available for use by some residents and posting a security guard at the front door.
Michele Mully, Transportation Coordinator, was happy to report that the Free Zone for transportation will extend east to Highway 51, beginning October 1st. The extension will include rides to Cigna on 16th Street and Associated Retina Consultants on East Glendale.
Residents were reminded that with the new phone system, phones will ring 8 times before you can leave a message. Call 16135 for medical appointments and x12905 to reserve a seat on the bus for activities and shopping.
The last chance to register to vote will be Monday, September 12th in the Bistro from 11AM to 2PM.
David Ragan introduced Warren Myllion and Howard Sommers, DDS of Essential Oral Healthcare.
EOH is embedding its services here and is intent on helping residents maintain good oral health which is important in reducing the risk of pneumonia, fevers and the flu.
In closing, David reminded residents to check on their neighbors, join Facebook Beatitudes Social Media and look forward to having Gregory’s Market here for the next Town Hall on Wednesday, October 5th in the Life Center.
Editor’s Notes: Please thank Norma Dieffenabach when you see her next for taking such excellent notes from our Town Hall Meeting.
