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Tag: 19 north

Happiness Is…

Mon, June 26, 2017 Published by

Ok, so I’m always reading articles and often quote them in this space when I write for the Roadrunner.  I saw an interesting recap recently of what makes you happy.  You might think it would be money, power or fame. Well, think again. Positive psychology guru, Martin Seligman, studied happiness and found these characteristics of happy people. How do you rate when it comes to feeling happy?

Find your peeps – happy people tend to spend time with others and spend the least time alone. We all need support from others, friendships and meaningful relationships.

Judging—happy people don’t judge themselves by what others do or have. They feel comfortable judging themselves by their own measures.

Toxic—forget the new car, the bigger house and the big screen TV.  Materialism is toxic for happiness.

Stay optimistic—no matter what happens, happy people stay optimistic. They look at the glass half full versus half empty.

Action—staying optimistic leads to action. It’s not just what you believe or your outlook on life that contributes to happiness, but action follows.

Give – remember the adage, “It is better to give then to receive?” This is true of happy people. They aren’t self-absorbed and are more satisfied with life.

Talents – we all have strengths and weaknesses, but happy people know their strengths and use them. They share their talents.

Gratitude – is part of being a happy person. Happy people feel it, appreciate small things and people. Life is a gift and so are the good things that happen to them.

Forgive – people who are willing to forgive others are happy people. Forgiveness prevents bitterness or feelings of resentment. Be quick to forgive and you will live a happier life. Forgiveness is the strongest link to happiness.

Invest – happy people develop intimacy and growth in relationships.  They invest in people and are willing to examine themselves in relationships and grow.

Embrace – shift your focus from material things to appreciating the beauty of our world. Build your intimate relationships and grow as a person. Do everything with a sense of giving and gratitude. Not only will you make the world better, but you will be happier!

I also thought about all of these in terms of the life that’s available here on campus, and so many of them are exactly what I see played out in the life enriching way in which hundreds of you continue to teach me the best avenues for successful senior living.  With over ninety clubs, organizations and classes in which to invest time, talent and a quest for lifelong learning, I hear so many of you say, “I’ve found my peeps”.  Well, maybe not quite that phrase, but that you have more friends and opportunities to engage than in many years or ever.

Your optimism is refreshing and contagious.  Looking at challenges as opportunities throughout life as many of you have, inspires me to be a better man.  So many of you also tell us, as we come to the point of discussing finances when moving here, that you eschewed materialism in order to raise your family and provide for later in life.  What an example you are to those of us who are constantly assaulted by media messages telling us we need more “stuff.”

The examples of giving of yourself, in terms of time and talents, are often astonishing.  Whether it’s a service organization, lifelong learning, teaching English as a second language, being a welcoming resident Ambassador, tutoring at Maryland School or your involvement in the emerging 19 North community action organization, I love basking in the light of your teachings.  You invest in, and embrace others, freely, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that so many of you often take the time to help me in innumerable ways.  So, before I get myself in trouble by starting a list (and inevitably leaving someone out), can I enthusiastically say, “thank you” from the bottom of my heart to you all?  This community lives out happiness in such a meaningful way, and I am so honored to enthusiastically represent it! 

Town Hall Informant – March 2017

Mon, March 13, 2017 Published by

David Ragan opened the Town Hall Meeting at 2:15PM. noting that today was special with our own athletes, The Beatitudes Bombers, competing in a Senior Challenge Day that included twelve other senior living communities.

Residents and guests were treated to two very heartwarming videos. One video followed a deaf man, Muharrem, as he walked around town and everyone he met talked with him in sign language. He was pleased and surprised at this unusual happening and very touched to learn that the intent was to give him one day with no barriers. The Samsung ad proclaimed that a world without barriers is their dream as well. The second video began with boys playing basketball. When one boy was retrieving the ball, he noted a boy in a wheelchair looking longingly at the game. The boys left a basketball for the disabled boy to find. When he returned it to the game, he found that all the other boys were playing without using their legs, in wagons and other wheeled contraptions. He happily joined the game. In keeping with the spirit of these videos, David expressed his confidence in the inclusiveness of the Beatitudes Community; the desire of both residents and staff to continue to tear down the barriers and make this a better place to live.

There were close to 100 people in attendance at the meeting with two new residents joining us for the first time. The Welcome Coffee will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd, and all residents were urged to come and meet their newest neighbors.

Tara BethelL, Senior Vice-President of Human Resources and Risk Management, was happy to announce the Employee Shout Outs which went to Desiree Van Egmond, Warmeedh Al-Taie, and Suzanne Lewis. Desiree is part of the Beatitudes at Home team and she has been recognized as At Home Caregiver of the Year for 2016. She has a knack for getting to know her clients with the ability to support the office team at the same time. Warmeedh has been with Security since May of 2016. He keeps a constant look out for any risks to residents and was quick to bandage a bleeding cut that he noticed when the resident was not aware of having been cut. Suzanne started at the Beatitudes in March of 2011 as a server and she has since worked her way up to Dining Room Supervisor. She has created a consistent level of high service by training her staff and jumping in to help where needed.

Tara also noted that over $135,000 was raised last year for the Employee Appreciation Fund and they are always looking for new residents to join this committee. If you are interested, contact Tara or David on staff or resident, Barbara Carpenter.

Ray Gonzales, our evening greeter at the Welcome Center, has been working on solving the problem of congestion on the phone that requires residents to have long wait times on hold before they are able to talk to an operator. The solution is to add a little “prompt” feature. With this in place, when you call the front desk you will hear an automated greeting, followed by three prompts: For Security, press 1; To place a work order, press 2; remain on the line for all other calls. This small change will have a large impact on how fast you can be helped. This update will go into effect beginning Monday, March 13th.

Herb Komnick reported on a very busy February Residents Council Meeting. The administrative report by David Ragan highlighted the importance of the Residents Council because we now have a second yogurt machine and a bulletin board for the Patio Homes, both issues having originated with Residents Council. He also advised that two residents have won $1000 each through the referral program and all our kitchens passed the latest inspection with no problems noted. Jim Elliott gave an update on the involvement of Beatitudes residents in the coming 19 North Cleanup Day event being held on Saturday, February 11th. Marc Adelman, Communications Committee Chairman, reported on the new bulletin boards to be installed soon in the Central Park buildings. He advised that Keith Hobbs, IT Director, is meeting with Cox Cable people to find a way to make the Community Channel available throughout the campus, and he noted that WiFi has been installed in the Health Care Center and Plaza View buildings for medical records purposes. Spiritual Life Committee Chairman, Marilyn Johnson, announced a Passover Seder meal will be served on Monday, April 17th. She also said that an on-going Scholar-in-Residence program is being discussed as part of the Lifelong Learner’s program. A report from Joannie Bailey advised that it will be some time before a new bus will be available since it is a custom-made item. Also, the clean-up of the Woodshop has been completed, thanks to Igor Glenn, and the Art Show resulted in a fabulous display of talent. Welcome Committee Chairman, Char Telleen, reminded residents that all volunteers can help the Auxiliary by recording volunteer hours and turning them in at the Foundation office. Environment Committee Chairman, Gerald Roseberry, reported that 73 leaks have been discovered so far and two residence buildings remain to be surveyed for leaking toilets. From the Senior Area Representative Reports, we learned that Bob Berry has been confirmed as the Junior Representative for CP West and Joannie Bailey has been appointed as Interim Chair for the Life Enrichment Committee. In addition, Lois Pfau produced a Plaza North newsletter which was appreciated by everyone and Joe Kane spoke at several building meetings and distributed dining venue preference forms to residents. Residents were reminded that smoking is permitted only outside in designated smoking areas and inside apartments if residents have paid the required smoking fee. The next Residents Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 8th.

Ruth Crowley, Chairman of the Health and Wellness Committee, announced that 90 residents attended the February 21st seminar led by Cheryl Knupp, Senior Vice-President of Health Services. There were many questions, and Cheryl will hold additional seminars in the summer focused on each of the levels of care. A seminar presented by Hospice of the Valley is planned for March 21st at 3:00PM. in the Life Center. Learn how hospice supports patients, when hospice is appropriate and how the cost of care is covered. If possible, bring your adult children to this learning experience.

Speaking of hospice, David noted that our own Dosia Carlson and Gerald Roseberry were co-founders of the first hospice, Hospice of the Valley, and Greta Wiseman was the first nurse.

Beatitudes “Bombers” representing the campus at the recent LeadingAge Senior Fitness Challenge

Mike Smallwood, Fitness Specialist, having just returned from the Senior Challenge competition, was already thinking of the medals we would bring home next year. Rod Bailey was Master of Ceremonies and apparently David Ragan completed the obstacle course. At any rate, a good time was had by all, including our mascot. Pictures will be forthcoming. Gregory’s was thanked for providing fruit for the occasion. The February B-Fit Winner was Joyce Stenquist who received a $50 gift certificate.

David noted that life enrichment is taken very seriously by our staff. Didi Cruz, Monica De La Rosa and Jon Schilling are all expecting additions to their families.

One of our happy winners from the recent Resident Dog Show!

Monica De La Rosa, Life Enrichment Specialist, called our attention to some of the exciting events on the agenda for March. The Dog Show will be Thursday, March 9th, at 10AM. in the Dog Park. At this time, two more judges are needed. On Friday, March 17th, at 5PM will be the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner in the Life Center. Tickets are available at the Bistro. All crafters should plan on going to Pinspiration, a DIY creative studio space, to make an on-the-spot project. Relax with no hassle, no mess, no excuses and linger with friends over a glass of wine. The date is Tuesday, March 21st, leaving at 11:15AM and back in time for the Hospice seminar. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the Welcome Center. The tickets for the Spring Training Baseball Game on Monday, March 27th have been sold out. The CAREcorps will hold their second Open House on Wednesday, March 29th from 1 to 3PM in the Life Center. Come and learn about the different groups and activities on Campus.

David announced that for the 4th year in a row, AARP is offering free tax preparation to our residents. Tax preparers will be here Mondays, March 6th and 20th from 9AM to 2PM. in the Library. Call x0 or go to the Welcome Center to schedule your appointment. For your appointment, you will need last year’s income tax returns, your W2 and 1099 forms, photo ID and any other information you think pertinent.

David reminded us that the Hootenanny is tonight (Wednesdays) at 6:00PM in the Life Center. A thank you was extended to Gregory’s Market for bringing their excellent produce to us at our Town Hall Meetings. Again, please do not feed stray animals. If conditions get too bad, it will be necessary to trap the animals. If you have your own animals, don’t forget to pick up after them. It is your doo-ty. Wednesday Sundaes with Dave will be held on March 15th from 2 to 4PM in the Bistro. Enjoy a free yogurt sundae, share your thoughts with Dave or just come for a treat. With two yogurt machines, yogurt sundaes are practically guaranteed.

The next Town Hall Meeting will be held on April 5th at 2:15PM in the Everett Luther Life Center.

(A quick note from David – please thank Norma Dieffenbach for the continued excellent minutes for the Informant—she does not miss a thing!)

19 North Event Recap

Fri, February 17, 2017 Published by

February 11, 2017 was a banner day for the emerging 19 North community alliance and the Beatitudes Campus involvement.  A community clean-up along 19th Avenue and street fair held on the grounds of the Open Door Fellowship church entitled “Love Our Neighborhood” was organized and Beatitudes Campus was well represented by many residents and employees on the work detail as well as staffing the booth that we had at the fair.

The picture below was taken at the event for use with further promotional announcement for the organization.  The clean-up team was led by Jim Elliott, on the far left.  Participating: Nancy Rabe, Karen Mitchell (Comfort Matters), Lowell Bailey, Nancy Splain(Marketing), Joannie Bailey, LeRoy Calbom.  Farrell Kenimer is also shown in another one of the shots joining the team, as well as Rod Bailey (Marketing).  Additionally, Elizabeth Kerr (Home Health), Ellen Flug (HCC) joined in the fun.  Rod had the pleasure of leading the National Anthem as well speaking to the crowd about the Beatitudes Campus and our pleasure to be sponsors not only for the event but also active participants in 19 North, with residents leading the way under the direction of Jim Elliott.  Doug Barnett, a frequent contributor to the Wednesday evening jam sessions, furnished entertainment on our behalf and numerous campus residents also attended the street fair, supporting the activities, enjoyed the spectacular weather and the many food trucks!  What a treat!

“It was a great example of the community coming together and I was so happy to see several members of staff and residents taking part.” – Michelle Stump, Residency Counselor (Marketing)

“My take away was that the folks that I talked with, many of them knew about the Beatitudes, and had all said good things about the Beatitudes, family or friends have or did live at the big B.  Paul, from Washington School kept thanking me for all that we do with the Washington Schools, he is forever grateful!  They all loved the cookies, especially because they were made at the big B” – Mahree Morin, Move-In Coordinator (Marketing)

A wonderful group of WWII veterans, Led by Ray Maldoon presented the colors and led the pledge at the beginning of the day.  Pictured are Ray, Robert Keatley, Phil Young and Don Wolff.  Each was briefly interviewed about their years in the military, the outfit in which they served and they had many great comments about the fulfillment that have living at Beatitudes.   Suzette Armijo (BAH), Becky Black (Marketing), Sara Paul (Marketing), Barbara Wood (Development) and Anthony Farias (Transportation) (who did an incredible job of ferrying residents and volunteers up and down the route) all pitched right in and did a wonderful job of lifting up the campus.  Naomi Oglsby, Jim Soudriette and Bob Seltz also did a marvelous job of telling the Beatitudes story at our booth which was at the prime spot immediately inside the entry to the fair.  We handed out over 400 of our great Beatitudes baked cookies with our names on the bags and were able to meet dozens of folks interested in the campus.  It was one of those remarkable days where everything came together so well.  We look forward to continuing our involvement in this great neighborhood group and invite you to join in the fun as we go along!

Town Hall Informant – February 2017

Fri, February 10, 2017 Published by
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Forward Looks to the Future

Mon, October 17, 2016 Published by

A few of us from campus were privileged to attend a very enlightening presentation this week on the 2017 economic outlook sponsored by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.  It was encouraging to hear that, we can expect a continuing good business environment and that, compared to the rest of the country, we rank 6th in our position in the recovery, up from a 20+ position a few years ago.  Nonetheless, the recovery is weak compared to others, but is actually the second longest in history since 1928.

gobeyondcreativityElliott Pollack, nationally renowned as a veteran Arizona economist, informed us that education and health services should continue to boom and are not expected to be cyclical, but rather steadily increase despite market fluctuations.  In fact, one of every eight new jobs will be in the healthcare industry as the Phoenix metropolitan area continues to develop as a national center of medical expertise. Employment in the health industry has actually risen 156% since 2008.

Construction is doing well as evidenced by the substantial amount of home building as well, apartments and our unemployment rate is at a historically low level.  Significantly, for those of us in the senior living industry, we are more in a seller’s market than any time in the last eight years with values up and inventory slightly less than demand. Sales of existing homes are on track to finish 2016 as the strongest year since 2008 and prices of homes should continue to rise.  That is good news for those exiting home ownership to come to a campus such as Beatitudes.  Most interesting, was Mr. Pollack’s observation that there will be a “tsunami of eligible buyers in five years as bankruptcies fall off of credit reports.”

Despite all of the good business environmental factors, we continue to look for ways in which we provide opportunities for our campus to thrive in other ways which make a difference in, not only the quality of life of our residents, but our community as a whole.   I recently read an article by Debra Wood, R.N., that highlighted that giving time to improve another person’s life, or the greater community, offers benefits far beyond the good deeds done by volunteers.  It creates feelings of self-worth in those doing the giving and can improve their outlook and well-being.

“Volunteering gives us another reason to get out of bed in the morning, because we look forward to getting together and doing this,” says Carol Jenkins, a resident at Parker and McCarrick in Somerset, NJ, and secretary of its Living with Purpose Club.  “It makes us feel good helping others.”

I had the pleasure of watching this in action this past Friday evening, October 7th, at the Open Door Fellowship Church which hosted the formal kick off of the 19 North neighborhood association group.  Jim Elliott and his wonderful group of campus volunteers have been an integral part of taking an idea surrounding completion of the light rail on 19th Avenue, and potential concerns about the development of the neighborhood, to a solid coalition of stores, shops, restaurants, city recreation centers, churches, hospitals, schools and us, as the sole senior living provider, to a movement solidly committed to strengthening our one-of-a-kind community.  19 North is encouraging each to take pride in our area and make it better by contributing ideas, energy and passion……..and interacting with each other in meaningful ways.

It was a privilege to set up our booth and talk with hundreds of interested community members, many of whom expressed interest in learning more about Beatitudes Campus. But the true joy was seeing so many of our residents in action – speaking, working at the display, interacting with other members of the coalition and formulating plans for additional volunteerism in churches, schools and community services.  That is a significant demonstration of our vision and one of the great ways in which Beatitudes Campus becomes more than just a place to live, with a solid business environment.  We are now advertising in the Sunnyslope Plus newspaper which is being retooled with  entire 19 North pullout.  What a thrill to be on the ground floor of something so significant for our neighborhood and to work with such a committed group of volunteers!  Once again, I have to observe “my cup runneth over!”