While the categories of wellness overlap and influence one another, some examples of physical wellness will include Mobile Valley Physicians, Oasis Outpatient Therapy, Dispatch Health, our own Fitness Director, Mike Smallwood, Zounds, Premier and Costco Hearing, mobile dentistry and more.
The next Town Hall will be at 2:00PM in the Life Center on Wednesday, March 4th. See you there!
Read all about it! The latest recap of our February 2019 Community Town Hall is now available online for your reading pleasure!
Be sure to read it here: https://wp.me/p7o8lu-gQl
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!)
Thanks to fantastic team work and overwhelming staff and resident support, the first CAREcorps Open House on Wednesday, August 31st was a rousing success! The Resident Services and Spiritual Life departments have been working together towards their CAREcorps WIG goal all year and it’s really paying off. The overarching goal of CAREcorps is to improve resident satisfaction and quality of life by encouraging inclusion and a deeper sense of community through service. One way the WIG team is working towards this goal is by periodically holding a CAREcorps Open House to celebrate all of the resident volunteer-oriented groups and committees that serve our community, and encourage other residents learn more and get involved.
The entire WIG team cooperated to ensure that the food, décor, signs and advertisement, music, raffle prizes, and set-up at our first CAREcorps Open House was on point, and we were very pleased to have fantastic turnout and feedback. There were over 45 residents manning booths representing the 34 different service groups on campus, and over 100 residents attended the event, in addition to many staff members.
The WIG team provided surveys to the booth representatives and the feedback we received from residents was overwhelmingly positive! Check out some of the comments and pictures of the event below:
“This event was overflowing with energy. Certainly a stimulus for new volunteerism.”
With over 20 resident groups on campus dedicated to helping others, it’s difficult to quantify the positive impact our residents have on the campus and the greater community.
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.)
Have you heard about CAREcorps? The CAREcorps program has several goals – to train and engage residents in volunteering on Campus as well as recognizing the residents that do wonderful things for each other are the first steps. The Resident Services Teams, which includes Dining Services, Independent Living, Gift Shop, Life Enrichment, Publications, Spiritual Life, Success Matters, and Transportation, has come together to create this new program as part of the Campus’ WIG (Wildly Important Goal) program for fiscal year 2016. Staff are already aware of the Radical Hospitality program and the “shout outs” you see regularly where staff and residents share feedback about the wonderful work staff is doing. The CAREcorps program will have its own way of lifting up residents going above and beyond for others. The CAREcorps movement is for everyone to highlight a resident who you feel exemplifies the CAREcorps philosophy. We see those residents who are leading committees and representing the Beatitudes Campus on a daily basis, but we also have residents who are hard at work behind the scenes caring for others’ pets, watering plants, picking up mail and even cleaning others’ apartments while they are away. Each month at the resident Town Hall, the CAREcorps Team will be choosing two residents from the Hospitality Box (located in the Recreation Room in the Administration Building) to highlight. Each resident who has been recognized will receive a copy of their note brought right to their door.
Now it’s your turn to join this Campus movement! If you’ve seen a resident community member who should be recognized, stop by the Recreation Room or Gift Shop and fill out the CAREcorp hospitality form. Once you’re finished, slip it in the box labeled CAREcorps and watch our community of caring grow that much larger. Together we achieve much more!
Thank you!
Didi Cruz & the CAREcorps Team: Kathy Amend, Monica De La Rosa, Krystal Dickinson, Jackie Fuller, Gabi Holberg, Joe Kane, Chris Mason, Jessica Meyer, Andrew Moore, Korry Nelson, Peggy Roberts, Jon Schilling and Bob Van Riper
