Beatitudes Community

A Shopper’s Paradise

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!

Community Town Hall Recap – June 2017

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 CenterResidents 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.

Power of the Purse 2016 – A Huge Success!

Power of the Purse 2016 was a phenomenal success in every way possible!

As the signature fund-raising and friends-raising event for the campus, Power of the Purse transformed the campus into a festive atmosphere on Sunday afternoon. It was a party on a grand scale, where gently loved designer purses of every stripe and color were auctioned off. Nearly 400 guests enjoyed great food and wine, wonderful friends, and, of course, lots of purses!

For those of you who are new to the campus, Power of the Purse is the signature fundraising event for the campus. This year is our sixth year of producing this event, and we have raised a half-million dollars for the campus over these scarousel-01ix years. Why do we do it every year? We do it for you, our residents! All the proceeds we earn from Power of the Purse are directed to support initiatives and programs for the campus, such as our commitment to assist residents who may be in need of financial help because they have outlived their own personal assets. Proceeds also help advance our programs, to help ensure that you have the greatest opportunity for living life at the highest potential.

Power of the Purse is a premier example of the campus at its best! It was a joy to see so many of our residents attending and participating on Sunday! A good number of you from all parts of the campus were around watching the tent go up on Saturday, as well. Who knew that Central Park Mall could be transformed into an elegant red-carpet venue?

More than one of you told me how happy it made you to see all the people milling about – it made me happy, too. Bringing “younger” people to the campus absolutely helps us change the stereotypes about aging and retirement communities. Over and over, in one conversation or another, I heard comments like, “I had no idea this community was so vibrant.” One of the Washington High School students told me that “These people are so cool!” We, of course, know all about the “coolness factor” of our residents, but how wonderful to have the larger community understand as well!

On behalf of the Fund Development team, our boards, and all the staff here at the campus, I would like to thank each one of you – our residents – for your support of this event. So many of you made contributions, purchased tickets, donated purses and helped to spread the word. With an event of this scale, I know it was also an interruption to daily life here. I am grateful for how cheerfully you accommodated all the festivities. You are such great ambassadors for the campus.

I’d like to thank our talented and dedicated staff – who dreamed, designed and orchestrated a spectacular day for us. Every department on campus stepped in to pull it all off. Cheers to our Dining Services team who never cease to amaze us with creative food and service. Our facilities teams were everywhere doing everything you can imagine to get the campus ready. Our accounting, admin, housekeeping, human resources, marketing, security and spiritual life teams all had important roles to play. Staff members from every department across the campus volunteered their time on Sunday afternoon for the cause. Everyone went the extra mile.

I am extremely grateful to our event guests and to the 25 sponsors who provided such generous support to the campus.  A special thank you goes to our Title Sponsor, The Weitz Company, who has supported Power of the Purse since the beginning and in a multitude of ways. I also want to thank our Presenting and Partner Sponsors – BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona, Morrison Community Living, David Davies, Merrill Lynch, Beatitudes Campus Auxiliary and JP Griffin Group – for their generous support.

Hats off to the Power of the Purse Steering Committee, co-chaired by Monique Bontrager and Jennifer McKee. They met throughout the past year to help plan for this great event. This dedicated group of women has been securing donations – designer purses and other auction items – to make this day a great success. They spent countless hours prepping and preparing the purses for auction. A special thanks goes to Nancy Stouffer, our purse guru, who has been a champion of Beatitudes Campus for years.

My thanks to each and every one of you for being part of Beatitudes Campus and for helping us to live out our mission and values. Indeed, we are all blessed.

Below, find an extended video tour of the event:

https://www.facebook.com/BeatitudesPowerofthePurse/videos/1780857785510462/

Celebrations, Celebrations, Celebrations!

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

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

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

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

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