David Ragan, Senior VP of Independent Living, called the Town Hall to order at 2:15PM. He noted that Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, has just been celebrated and in keeping with that, a short film was shown that illustrated compassion and caring. With themes of selflessness and forgiveness, we were given a chance to start all over and have a good year. Although attendance was excellent with close to 200 residents, there were no new residents at the meeting. David reminded those in attendance to invite their new neighbors to a Town Hall and be sure to attend the Welcome Coffee especially for new residents which will be held on Wednesday, October 26th at 2:15PM in the Life Center.
David introduced Michelle Just, President and CEO of Beatitudes Campus. Michelle said that she had spoken with the auctioneer for Power of the Purse. She is very impressed with the stories of giving and that is what this community is about. Michelle thanked residents for the way in which they continue to give back. She was very happy to report that the campus has received a grant of $50,000 from the Virginia G. Piper Atlas Program. The Atlas Program is interested in not for profit organizations that are innovative and have a strong community brand. Beatitudes is one of eight organizations participating in the program. The first four months will involve an assessment of our programs and the remaining 20 months will be focused on addressing the areas identified through the assessment.
Employee shout outs were given to Suzanne Lewis of dining services, who is responsible for suggesting special utensils that make dining easier for residents with tremors and other problems; Ella Adams of housekeeping who, in addition to a ready smile and a song, is praised for her excellent work on a resident’s floors; and Martin Medina of maintenance who put his needs aside to help make a room ready for a resident group meeting. Please continue to call attention to employees who go above and beyond by filling out Radical Hospitality forms at the Welcome Center or on line at www.bcampus.org.
Barbara Carpenter, representing the Employee Appreciation Fund Committee, asked residents to be generous in donating to the Fund which allows residents to reward our faithful employees with some extra money at Christmas time. Money will be collected until the end of October and it is hoped that we can reach our goal of $120,000 to show our employees a wonderful holiday this year. Barbara noted that the employees make a big difference in our lives each and every day.
Michelle asked that residents fill out the Resident Satisfaction Survey either on the form or on line. She assured residents that she looks at every survey and reads all the comments. If there are areas that need improvement, the administration will work on ways to make those improvements.
Jim Plaster, Residents Council President, presented his report. During the Council meeting, David Ragan announced the purchase of 200 chairs for $28,000 to replace older chairs in various locations across the campus. He also said that residents’ “B” cards will increase to $200 per month beginning October 1st. Rod Bailey, Senior VP of Marketing and Sales spoke about the Friends and Family Referral Program and the first impressions updating of the resident buildings. George Taylor, Plaza View Representative, announced the first annual Treasure and Trinket event, and Barbara Carpenter reported for the Employee Appreciation Committee. Donations are growing and there is every hope that the goal of $120,000 will be reached. The Environmental Committee report highlighted their program of toilet testing. Leaks in CPW were discovered in 9 toilets and 6 leaks were found in CPS. CPN, Plaza South and Plaza North are yet to be tested. The Facilities Committee received requests for ceiling fans to be installed in the exercise room; for the bulletin boards installed in the elevators to be removed and placed in the lobby; to limit air pollution in the use of leaf blowers and lawn mowers; and a request was made to repave the east drive, but that will not be done until the new building construction has been completed. The Wellness Committee reported good attendance at both the women’s and men’s seminars on bladder control. In addition, a seminar was held in September on “ Getting Our Affairs in Order”, and a session is scheduled in November on the subject of ”Am I Depressed or Just Tired?”
David announced that the “guru” of Medicare, Ellen Dean, would be discussing changes in Medicare and how they affect residents on Wednesday, October 19th at 2:30PM in the Motion Studio. Open enrollment begins November 1st. Dean and associates has recently added to their staff a retired Glendale policeman who will be working with the Medicare drug program and also fraud.
The Reverend Peggy Roberts was privileged to announce that Gene Lefebvre is the 2016 Recipient of the Anne Barstow and Tom Driver Award for Excellence in Nonviolent Direct Action in Retirement. The award was presented in Tucson for Gene’s work on “No More Deaths”. His wife, Sue, is writing a book on this work.
Nancy Splain, Interfaith Outreach Ambassador, announced that residents have been invited to a Sikh luncheon and tour on Wednesday, November 2nd. Call transportation at x12905 to reserve a seat on the bus!
Jessica Meyer, Director of Success Matters, reported that CarFit is offering a free event on Saturday, October 29th. To make an appointment for this service, call Jessica at x16110. CarFit has trained technicians to help “fit” senior drivers to their vehicles. Services include checking mirrors and blind spots, wheel and seat adjustments as well as guiding residents through a driver screening to assess vision and range of motion and answer questions for residents.
Ruth Crowley, Health and Wellness Committee Chairman, said that on November 7th at 3PM in the Life Center, the A.T. Still University Audiology Department is sponsoring a workshop on Communication Strategies for Hearing Loss. These strategies will be shared for those with hearing loss and their loved ones. Ruth also advised residents to mail in early ballots or vote early on Tuesday, November 8th in order to attend Dr. Catherine Lindstrom’s session on “Am I Depressed or Just Tired” at 3:00PM in the Life Center that day.
Jon Schilling, Director of Life Enrichment, thanked all the residents who participated in Active Aging Week, and he noted that the Street Fair was enjoyed by all and well attended. Jon introduced Mike Smallwood, our new Fitness Specialist, who has been leading the Functional Fitness class in the Motion Studio and will take on a larger role in the exercise classes on campus including working with residents in Health Care and in Assisted Living. Mike drew the name of Bob Malinski as the B-Fit winner of a $50 gift card this month.
Monica De La Rosa, Life Enrichment Specialist, reminded residents that a synopsis of each month’s events both on and off campus is available in each of the resident building lobbies. If more copies are needed, give Monica a call at x18473 and she will provide them. October events include the Oktoberfest Theme Dinner to be held on Thursday, October 27th in the Life Center. Entertainment will be by the Oom-pah-pah Band and tickets will be available at the various dining venues. Also, don’t miss the 2nd Annual Variety Show taking place on Friday, October 29th from 10AM to 12 PM in the Life Center. On Sunday, October 30th, the Arizona Broadway Theatre is presenting Funny Girl and tickets are available at the Welcome Center for $80. Last, but not least, there will be a trip to Lake Pleasant for lunch and a cruise on Friday, November 4th. Tickets are $22 at the Welcome Center.
Monica introduced Don Tamuty, Beatitudes resident, who encouraged residents to attend a presentation in the Life Center on Tuesday, October 25th at 10AM by a survivor of the USS Indianapolis which went down on July 30, 1945 with 1200 men aboard. Eight hundred and eighty seven of these men were drowned or eaten by sharks with only 317 saved. Those saved spent five and one half days in the water. There are 21 survivors alive today and a list of those survivors, compiled by the Smithsonian, will be available at the presentation. Come and learn how one courageous young Mexican American faced impossible odds…twice!
Joe Kane, Director of Dining Services, provided an extensive and interesting list of “Did you Knows” concerning the restaurants at Beatitudes Campus. Some of these are: Did You Know we cook with no added salt, with zero trans fats, with no growth hormones in milk or meats, use compostable containers, record and read every comment every month, are inspected by 5 different agencies, cannot cook a hamburger under 155 degrees internal temperature by county code, our soft serve ice cream (when available) is gluten and lactose free, gluten free bread, rolls and pasta are available, you can get a split plate and half portions are available on some items, Monday night Sports Night has a themed buffet for only $6.00 with drink specials and a drawing if you have some team sports item with you, Sunday Brunch is the second Sunday of every month, many menu items can be modified to fit your needs, Buckwald’s has full meal options that cost less than the Bistro, the Bistro Lunch/Dinner menu has over 50 items to choose from and the Breakfast menu has over 40 items to choose from, and residents may eat in the Eleanor Menagh Dining Room in Plaza View where a full meal is $7 and table service is provided. The Bistro is offering large pizzas for $8.50 and chicken wings for $2.50 for delivery on Sunday. They must be preordered by 6:00PM on Saturday.
Joe also discussed the Dining Incentive increase to $200 per resident on October 1st and 15th depending upon your new month beginning. The incentive was never intended to supply groceries. Its purpose is to create relationships and socialization around meal times which goes to build the strongest families and communities. Cerreta’s candies and the convenience store items to the right of the ice cream freezer can no longer be charged to your “B” card incentive. You can, however, reasonably purchase an ice cream container, candy bars, etc. The cashiers are adjusting as well and things should be smoothing out. If there is a need to make further changes, they will be made.
Joe announced that Buckwald’s will be closed on Thursday, October 13th due to a large number of visitors on campus. Should you meet any of these visitors, do not hesitate to tell them how much you enjoy life here on the Beatitudes Campus!
David urged residents to get their flu shots. Flu shots will be available in the Honor Health Clinic on Friday, October 14th from 8:00AM to 1:00PM. Residents should bring their insurance cards. Shots will be $25 if your insurance is not accepted. He also noted several Wellness Center announcements:
Affiliated Dermatology will be on campus every 3rd Friday from 9 to 11AM, walk-ins are welcome and to schedule an appointment, call 480-556-0446 x333 and be sure to tell them that you live at Beatitudes Campus; Belton will be on Campus in October; Premier Hearing has changed their hours to every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 1 – 4PM, and to schedule an appointment call 602-279-0003; Zounds Hearing will continue their current schedule of every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 9AM to 1PM, and to schedule an appointment call 602-765-7800; Revolution Health will now offer Massage Therapy in the Wellness Center every Tuesday from 8:30AM to 12:30PM at a cost of $60 per hour or $30 for 30 minutes, by appointment only, by calling 602-265-1774; Essential Oral Healthcare will give a presentation on Wednesday, October 19th at 9:00AM in the Life Center.
David noted that “The Night of the Living Will” is being presented on Saturday, October 29th from 9AM to 2PM by the State Bar of Arizona. Lawyers dressed as storybook characters will fill out advanced care directives, fill out living wills and answer questions. The Area Agency on Aging will provide Medicare enrollment assistance. The services are free. An RSVP is required to meet with a lawyer. RSVP at 480-426-2641 or [email protected] .
David also called attention to the Facebook Group, Beatitudes Social Media, and advised that the best information on campus can be found there. Join today and if you want to learn how to get on Facebook, call the front desk and we will find you a buddy to help. The Hootenanny is tonight and every Wednesday night at 6PM (except October 12th). Resident can enjoy the music and bring a friend. Gregory’s Market is on Campus during Town Hall and their service to the residents is appreciated very much.
Feral cats are becoming a problem on campus and David asked residents to follow Beatitudes Policy and refrain from feeding them. They are being fed and moved farther and farther away from Campus. Also, insects gather around bird feeders and only hummingbird feeders are allowed on Campus.
While residents were being reminded of Wednesday Sundaes with Dave, Michelle Just announced that a new yogurt machine will be purchased. Residents cheered!
David advised residents that there will be no Town Hall in November and the next Town Hall will be on Wednesday, December 7th at 2PM in the Life Center.
Active Aging Week 2016, “Explore the Possibilities”, has officially begun!! We hope everyone comes out and attends as many events as possible, takes advantage of the food and drinks, and, most importantly, has fun and get to know your neighbors! The Life Enrichment Department would like to thank Nancy Campbell, Sherwin Block, Naomi Oglesby, Bonny Hoffman, Farrell Kenimer, Bob Longoni, and Igor Glenn for their time and effort in making this week a success!