Resident News – Page 2 – Beatitudes Community

Town Hall Informant – June 2016

Mon, July 18, 2016 Published by Beatitudes Campus

Rev. David Ragan, Senior VP of Resident Services, called the meeting to order at 2:15PM.

He welcomed a full house of over 150 residents, several of whom were attending their first Town Hall. David noted that there would be no Town Hall in July, and urged all residents to attend and welcome our new residents at the Welcome Coffee on Wednesday, July 27th.

Michelle Just, President and CEO of Beatitudes Campus, gave a brief update on the campus. Work continues to be done on the Master Plan, including going through the right mix of living arrangements. Rest assured, there is a great deal of work going on behind the scenes.

Employee Shout Outs this month provided Certificates of Appreciation to Adrielle Johnson, Assisted Living; Andreus Caldwell, The Bistro; and Christine Monroe, Assisted Living. Michelle asked residents to continue to fill out the Radical Hospitality forms that are available on www.bcampus.org, at the Welcome Center and the Information Station in Town Plaza. They can be filled out online or filled out and returned to the Welcome Center or the Human Resources Office.

Michelle discussed the recent Leading Age conference, noting that Leading Age is an association of homes and services for not-for-profit organizations. The annual meeting emphasized teamwork and inspiring leadership in others. The talent show featured Chris and Didi and an Excellence in Service award was presented to Kevin Morrison, who goes the extra mile for residents and lives out the Beatitudes core values.

Tara Bethell, VP of Human Resources and Risk Management, announced that Kevin has been promoted to Human Resources as a result of his outstanding service and potential. She presented Kevin with a lucky bamboo plant.

Jim Plaster, Residents Council President, reported on both the May and June meetings. At the May meeting, Michelle Just presented a state of the campus and new construction update. Bulletin Boards are being installed in all elevators. World War II Veterans are meeting monthly. 140 residents attended the Cinqo de Mayo celebration, and 92 participated in the Seder Meal. There was no voting, as a quorum was not in attendance. At the June 8th meeting, Rod Bailey, Sr. VP of Sales and Marketing, presented an explanation of the upcoming event taking place in Central Park West, designed to give prospective residents a great “first impression”. Dining Services report mentioned a discussion on lack of participation on Monday Sports Night. More advertising was suggested. The following motion was proposed and passed: “Given that most activities involving transporting residents are planned, coordinated and conducted under the supervision of the Recreation Committee, I move that the responsibility for the coordination of all off campus transportation for purposes such as shopping, church attendance, medical services, etc., be consolidated under the Recreation Committee and that the Transportation Committee be dissolved.” Jim Plaster will forward a letter to the Administration concerning the need for more complete archiving of the history of the Beatitudes Campus. A layman’s version of the Beatitudes Bylaws is in the works. Central Park North, Plaza South, and Central Park South made reports to the Council.

Rod Bailey, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing, thanked all of the residents of Central Park West for their cooperation in making the Block Party a success, and gave a special thanks to all of the hosts and ambassadors. There was entertainment on each floor with a Western Theme, Dixieland Theme, and Wine Down with Jazz Theme. The new color in the lobby and the doorways is Administration Green. The goal of three to five new residents was met through the Block Party.

Joe Kane, Director of Dining Services, discussed the results of the 2016 Resident Dining Satisfaction survey. There were 323 respondents. This was 70 less respondents than 2014. The demographics of the residents were very similar to that in 2014. A Morrison survey was not conducted in 2015 as the Holleran survey was conducted at the same time. Overall, with just the excellent and very good responses counted, dining services scored a 61%. This is down 4% from 2014. Adding in the goods brings the overall rating to 86%. Variety, temperature and quality meaning consistency are our opportunities moving forward. Joe discussed asking for what residents want on the menus and making substitutions. He also reported that the Dining Service Committee is researching variety and will be reporting at Food Committee Meeting Friday July 1st. Visits in all dining venues by managers and chefs will be happening more often with the emphasis on feel-ing out variety issues among the residents. Joe reminded residents that—If You Want It, Just Ask. He asked that residents talk to their restaurant supervisor, Executive Chef, Assistant Director, David Ragan or himself. They will be available to speak with you! The Dining Committee has been canvassing the community to get real details from residents. The information will be incorporated into plans going forward.

Jessica Meyer, Director of Success Matters, and Jon Schilling, Director of Life Enrichment acquainted residents with CAREcorps, a campus organization that promotes the Core Values of Beatitudes Campus, encourages community connections by enhancing community inclusion and opportunities to serve others. It will recognize residents who CARE for others, make residents aware of service opportunities and promote inclusion and a community of caring. There will be a box outside Didi’s office in the Recreation Center in which residents can put forms that call for another resident to be honored for something special that he or she has done for you or others. Forms to fill out will be available there as well. On the months with a fifth Wednesday, CAREcorps will host a program acquainting residents with service opportunities here on Campus.

Premier Hearing will be hosting a free lunch and addressing the topic of hearing aid technology and maintenance on Monday, July 18th at 11:00AM in AGR. RSVP by calling 602-235-0548.

Jon Schilling reported that the Fitness Center is getting new flooring and will reopen after Tuesday, July 5th. Some cardio equipment is available next to the Bank. The Water Aerobics exercise program is spotlighted this month. This program meets on Monday, Wednesday and Fri-day at 8:45AM. The B-Fit Winner for June is Bob Seltz.

Didi Cruz, Life Enrichment Specialist, noted that the trip to Lake Pleasant last week was a success and another trip there is planned for Fall. The synopsis sheets for July activities are available in each building.

Leroy Calbom, Design Studio, discussed the volunteer programs at Maryland Elementary School, Casa Academy and the English Learning Assistance Program here on Campus. With a new, committed Principal, and the five volunteers from Beatitudes, Maryland Elementary School has stabilized and children are eager to learn. Volunteers are Fran Reinecke, Ann Lindamood and Leroy and Rita Calbom. Casa Academy volunteers are Bob and Char Telleen, Nancy Rabe, Barbara Beerling, Mary Shenefield and Sherwin Block. Fifty refugees in 4 classes took part in the English Learning Assistance Classes, sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging. The refugees came from Burma, Bhutan, and Syria. Volunteers are William Pilder, Barb and Neil Ward, Martha Trout, Ute Redding, Sherwin Block, Kim Crawford, Nadine Smith, Kathy Hussey, and Shirley White.

Mim Hoover, Lifelong Learners Group, noted that there were 150 residents in the Summer Session, and courses are being finalized for the Fall terms. Open House will be September 6th with registration on Monday, September 12th and Tuesday, September 13th. First half classes run from September 19th to October 28th, and second half classes run from November 7th to December 16th. A Computer Classes Survey is being taken to ascertain what courses the residents would like to see offered in the Fall. Fill out the survey and return it to a committee member or to the box in your building lobby.

David Ragan reminded residents to check on their neighbors. It is important. Hootenany tonight at 6:00PM and three of our residents take part in the entertainment. Join the Beatitudes Social Media on Facebook. If you need help getting on Facebook, call the front desk and help will be provided.

Lowell Bailey, President of the Auxiliary, asked residents to check and see if their Auxiliary membership is up to date, and he advised residents that the Auxiliary embraces the life of eve-ry person at the Town Hall. Leona Duley, Librarian, reminded residents that the Library is always open each day, and volunteers are in the library from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. Monday through Fri-day. Books, audio books, DVD’s, table books, and reference books are available.

Leona described the proper way to sign out books. Only large print books are accepted as do-nations. There are about 600 media transactions per month. Please return your books to the library so others may enjoy them.

David advised that Voter Registration will take place in the Bistro from 10:00AM to 1:00PM on Monday, July 11th. Be aware that there is a Grandparent Scam in full swing, and don’t be fooled into sending money. Hang up and verify the caller’s story!

There will be a PBS documentary program, “To the Contrary”, in which Rev. David Ragan is fea-tured as he tells his story of his coming out to his congregation in Sedona, AZ. The documen-tary looks at three churches that are part of the “Welcoming Movement”. The churches are in Arizona, Minnesota and Washington, DC. The program will be on Wednesday, July 13th at 2:00PM (AC).

Residents are also invited to the premier screening of Gen Silent on Tuesday, July 19th at 6:30PM in the Luther Life Center. Gen Silent is a documentary film which asks six LGBT seniors if they will hide their lives to survive.

Keith Hobbs, Director of Information Technology, informed residents that those who do not have a cable box will need a digital tuner as Cox is switching their programming to digital and at least ten channels are no longer available without the tuner. If residents have found that one of their favorite channels is no longer available, they should call the Welcome Center and be put on a list so that a tuner can be installed as quickly as possible. All apartments that need the digital tuner will be getting one as soon as installation can be made. There will no cost to resi-dents for the installation of the tuners now or in the foreseeable future.

David introduced Ann Ross, CEO of Mobile Dentistry of Arizona, who provided a short history of the program. The Mobile Unit brings comprehensive dentistry to the campus.

Wednesday Sundaes with Dave will take place on July 20 from 2:00 to 4:00PM in the Plaza Bistro. Share your thoughts or just come for a treat! There will be no August Town Hall, and the next Town Hall will take place on September 7th at 2:00PM in the Life Center.

(Any questions or concerns regarding the “Informant”, please contact Dave Ragan at x8488.)

Coming Updates with First Impressions

Fri, June 3, 2016 Published by Beatitudes Campus

It is indeed a pleasure to join Beatitudes Campus at this significant time in its history. Having successfully weathered one of the most substantial downturns in the senior living industry, we are now poised to continue our emerging national leadership role as researchers and innovators in dementia care, as well as life-long learning for our resident population. Further, our long stated mission is to bring this type of excellence to as many deserving seniors as possible on our local campus. With that in mind, we have adopted a plan that calls for maximizing our current operations in order to take the next steps in our redevelopment process that Michelle Just, President and CEO, shared in this column a few weeks ago. She was very proud to report to the board and you that our operations are not only on target but exceeding expectations in almost every category.

Along with those favorable essential measurements, we are beginning some focused efforts to fill all of our remaining openings as the launching pad for our next phase. In assuming my new role as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, I have been asked to lead the campus first impressions efforts to make that happen. This is a term that many of you may have heard and it is a well-known phrase – but it still rings true – you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Prospective clients are looking for a new place to call home – and there are multiple senior living communities to choose from. If the first impression isn’t good – there will probably not be an opportunity for a second one. The Beatitudes Foundation has graciously agreed to provide $300,000 to help us address some of the most significant areas where we can enhance the appeal of some of our existing facilities.

As a result, you will begin to see a number of improvements in common areas including flooring, lighting and decor, beginning at our main entrance and into the lobby of the Nelson Administration Center, followed by common areas of Town Plaza, as well as in some of the independent living buildings and corridors, activity spaces and lobbies in the licensed healthcare buildings. Our goal is to establish a high degree of hospitality for both those considering Beatitudes as their home, as well as those who already reside here consistent with our Radical Hospitality Program that has already been introduced on campus. One of those tried and true standards that we know we notice, as many other senior living communities are reviewed, is the use of furniture groupings and lighting. Any of us who have sold homes have undoubtedly had our realtors tell us to turn on all the lamps as a hospitality signature for prospects, so as we continue this process, we are going to also begin Operation B-Welcome at Beatitudes Campus. Research shows that small “points of light” in unfamiliar settings trigger a warm and positive response, and that settings that show “community” (placement of furniture and lighting) evoke feelings of inclusion and accessibility. As such, we are going to strategically place new settings and keep the “candle in the window lit” (our lamps) throughout campus buildings. Can I ask that we leave the furniture as the decorator(s) place it and that the lamps remain on? I thoroughly appreciate and recognize the frugality that goes along with turning off lamps, however, ask that they remain lit to welcome all who enter. We have this expense covered with other economies that we have achieved and we will exponentially profit by our increased occupancies that we believe are certain to occur with all of our new initiatives.

These indeed are very exciting times at Beatitudes Campus! You will begin to see more outside groups coming to consider our life plan environment and continued development of additional programs and services to degrees not thought of even just a few years ago. Thanks so much for your warm welcome to the campus that you have extended to me and for all of your continued support, ideas and participation as we move into the new 2016-17 year! Fasten your seat-belts—we’re just getting started!*

The Informant: An Overview of Town Hall, May 2016

Thu, June 2, 2016 Published by Beatitudes Campus

We are grateful to resident Norma Dieffenbach for taking the minutes of our Town Hall as you will see below. She did a wonderful job following in the footsteps of our great volunteer, Andi Dice.

The meeting was called to order at 2:15PM by Rev. David Ragan, Senior VP of Resident Services.

All were welcomed and one couple acknowledged that this was their first Town Hall. David noted that the Welcome Coffee would take place on Wednesday, May 25th at 2PM and everyone is invited to roll out the red carpet for our newest neighbors.

Rod Bailey,
SVP of Sales & Marketing

Michelle Just, President & CEO

Michelle Just, President and CEO of Beatitudes Campus, noted that a form may be obtained from the Welcome Center and filled out to express appreciation for a staff member. These forms can also be filled out online at www.bcampus.org at Radical Hospitality. Employee Appreciation of the Month designees are Deanna Thellman, Jennifer Perkins, and Rev. Peggy Roberts. Congratulate them when you see them next.

Michelle introduced Rod Bailey, Senior VP of Marketing and Sales. He has been the Executive Director of three other communities and brings to the table a deep passion for the work. He has worked with both profits and non-profits. Mr. Bailey said he is honored and thrilled to be a part of this organization.

Scott Mardian, Senior VP of Redevelopment asked residents to follow the directions given on papers given to residents which would give each resident an opportunity to be in a drawing for $65 tickets to attend practice days prior to the 2017 Masters Golf Tournament. If residents should be fortunate to win in the drawing, Mr. Mardian would like them to donate the tickets (they would be reimbursed for costs) so Mr. Mardian would be able to give the retiring campus representative from Salt River Project these tickets as a thank you for the many gifts (totaling in the neighborhood of $500,000) which SRP has given to Beatitudes Campus. If there are more tickets available than needed for gifting, they would be auctioned at the Power of the Purse. Please go to www.masters.com and register.

Jim Plaster, President of the Residents Council, reported on the April 13th Council Meeting. Of particular importance, was a recommendation by the Council concerning the inclusion of a meditation center/chapel in the development plans. At the May 11th Council Meeting, Michelle will be presenting the State of the Campus with a development update included.

Residents Council Executive Council 2016

Jessica Meyer reported that the six week Diabetes Management Course has received excellent feedback and a new course will be offered beginning May 20th. Premier Hearing will be giving free hearing screenings on May 17th following a free lunch. Zounds will be coming here on May 10th and will be in the Boardroom from 1-2PM.

Ruth Crowley noted that AZCCC will be providing a Cancer Awareness and Prevention workshop on May 19th at 10AM.

Jon Schilling highlighted the Fitness Foundation Class that is held MWF at 1PM. The class will help to build strength throughout the entire body. The winner of the fitness drawing was Julie Hundemer, who received a $50 gift card – congratulations!

Chris Mason and Krystal Dickinson represented the Health Care Center with a Life Enrichment Team Invitation. Their motto is “All for One and One for All.” Activities will take place from Tuesday, May 10th through Thursday, May 12th.

Didi Cruz, Life Enrichment Specialist, outlined the many and varied events planned for the month, culminating in a Monday, May 30th Memorial Day Special Event at 2PM in the Life Center.

David gave special thanks to the many Earth Week workers who were responsible for all the programs during Earth Week.

He asked that residents keep track of one another and let someone know if it seems that a welfare check would be in order.

There has been some clarification of disposal of medications. It is accepted practice to put medications in coffee grounds or kitty litter and then in the garbage.

Residents are advised to get online and look at Beatitudes Social Media Facebook page. If you have trouble getting on the page, call the Welcome Center and they will provide a buddy to help.

A short film from AARP Walt Toons on Remembering and Forgetting was enjoyed by all, as was the film showing Beatitudes Campus and many of the activities in which we participate.

Remember there is a battery disposal box by the Gift Shop for small watch and hearing aid type batteries.

Many thanks to Diana Gregory for all the wonderful produce we can purchase prior to or just after the Town Hall Meeting.

Our next Town Hall meeting:
Wednesday, June 29th at 2:30PM in the Luther Life Center, so please mark your calendars. See you all there! This is several weeks off from our normal meeting. Also note – there will be NO Town Hall in July.

(Any questions or concerns regarding the “Informant”, please contact Dave Ragan at x8488.)

Category: Resident News