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LeadingAge Arizona Volunteer of the Year—Leroy Calbom

Sun, June 2, 2019 Published by

To serve others, one must be able to connect and listen. To serve others, one must show compassion and humility. To serve others, one must have vision alongside determination and hard work. All of these characteristics distinguish Leroy’s service and involvement in projects within our campus community and in projects benefiting the greater community and neighbors living near Beatitudes Campus.

These were the opening words of our very own Leroy Calbom’s nomination for Volunteer of the Year Award. For those who know him, you know this is so true! It was my absolute honor to be the emcee of the LeadingAge Arizona Awards Luncheon on May 24th and present the well-deserved award to Leroy!

As a past employee and now a resident, Leroy wanted to know more about the neighborhood and how he and the campus community could serve them. Through the Studio, he encouraged other residents to join him in meeting with the City of Phoenix, the Phoenix Police Department, Department of Human Services, Area Agency on Aging and local neighborhood schools, churches and neighborhood associations to find out more. What emerged was that there were many intergenerational refugee families living within a short distance of the campus. When Leroy heard about this, he led a group of fellow residents and sprang into action. He met with the Mosaic Elder Refugee Program at the Area Agency on Aging, became a certified ELA (English Language Arts) instructor and persuaded his fellow residents and neighbors to join him. He persuaded me and other campus leaders to dedicate a room to hold ELA classes for refugee families, and further persuaded the campus leadership to use the campus bus to pick up refugees to bring them to class and take them back to their home. That’s the thing about Leroy – his quiet, unassuming demeanor is a powerful instrument of intentional leadership.

The ELA classes are embedded here at the campus. When Leroy was asked why he did this he responded with “Because they are us. Their story is our story. We are a nation of immigrants and immigrants are part of America’s founding story. Immigrants share the very values we hold dear – work hard, practice your faith, love your family and love this country.”

Please join the campus community on Wednesday, June 5th as we celebrate Leroy and his award during the monthly Town Hall meeting!

National Mental Health Month

Sun, May 26, 2019 Published by

May is National Mental Health Month, and it gives us an opportunity to address issues surrounding mental health and our community. One of the most common conditions that affects many of us at one time or another is depression.

Depression is more than ordinary sadness that comes and goes; although we sometimes use the word in a more casual sense, depression also manifests itself as more than a passing blue mood. Although depression is not an “expected” part of aging, it can accompany life changes that are common to the aging process, such as the death of a partner or friends, physical illness and other life changes.

It’s important to know that help is always available, whether you are feeling down for a day or find yourself in a more persistent state. While sometimes mood can be improved by taking a walk, listening to music, or talking with a friend, there may be times when more intervention is needed.

One group of local professionals is the Crisis Response Network. Available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, their trained counselors are there to listen. Your call is confidential, and they can help by problem solving with whatever situation you present. They are there with the “Hot Line” to help if you have thoughts of suicide, but also have a “Warm Line” if you just need to talk to someone confidentially. The Crisis Response Network Crisis Line can be reached at 602-222-9444.

You can also reach out to our Campus staff with whom you have a good rapport, or to those who have had the Mental Health First-Aid Training course. As the name suggests, the “first-aid” training helps staff evaluate whether you would benefit from a more involved professional intervention, and they may, in turn, suggest calling the Crisis Response Network. The Crisis Response Network can send a team of professionals your way, at no charge, to do a more detailed interview. There are no flashing lights or emergency vehicles, just two “plain clothes” mental health counselors. They may offer either in-patient or out-patient support groups, connected with behavioral health networks, to address more persistent needs. This process lets you be in charge of how much help you want, and when you want it. Whether your feelings of depression are temporary or long term, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the support that is available.

Campus Responders with Mental Health First-Aid Training:

Rev. Peggy Roberts, Sr. VP of Spiritual Life, x16109.

Rev. Andrew Moore, Associate Chaplain, x18481.

Josephine Levy, Success Matters Resource Navigator x16117.

Crisis Response Network Crisis Line (602) 222-9444.

Redevelopment Update: Sandpainting

Mon, May 20, 2019 Published by

We expect the second pour for ready-mix/concrete for the footings and foundations this week or early next week for the second building. The pours will begin at about 3:30AM. Additional notifications will follow when the work schedule is set.

The underground utility work is wrapping up.  The blue piping is for domestic water, the black piping is for fire lines, the green piping is for sewer, the gray piping is for electrical and the white piping is for sewer lines inside of the buildings.

We will be working on the east drive/Boutique Blvd. near the dumpsters just north of the community garden next week. There will be driving restrictions while we tap into the water lines in the roadway.

This week between the hours of 6AM and 3PM from Monday, May 20th—Friday, May 24th the northeast corner of the campus will be CLOSED to DRIVING TRAFFIC due to construction from 6AM to 3PM. PLEASE USE 17TH DRIVE ENTRANCE TO ACCESS THE WEST END OF CAMPUS as you will not be able to drive around.

RESIDENTS, PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL STILL BE ABLE TO PARK ON THE EAST SIDE OF CAMPUS IN YOUR NORMAL PARKING SPOTS AS ASSIGNED during these times. Security will be directing and notifying those who enter off of Glendale Avenue of these restrictions.

Dust control is in effect at all times on all sites. We appreciate your cooperation and patience during times of construction traffic restrictions. For questions—please contact Scott Mardian, Sr. VP of Redevelopment, [email protected].

Connect. Create. Contribute.

Mon, May 20, 2019 Published by

The Admin. for Community Living – a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – believes that when older adults and communities stay connected, everyone wins.

That’s why “Connect” is the first step of the three-part theme for Older Americans Month 2019: Connect, Create, Contribute. Celebrated every May, Older Americans Month is a catalyst for people of all ages to connect and participate in a larger conversation about aging in America — a conversation that grows in importance as the number of older Americans continues to increase. This theme helps remind us to connect with friends, family and services that support participation. It reminds us to create by engaging in activities that promote learning, health and personal enrichment. It reminds us also to contribute our time, talent and life experiences to benefit others.

At the beginning of 2000, 46 million Americans were older than age 60. By next year – 2020 – that number is expected to reach more than 77 million! Celebrating Older Americans Month is a good time for us to honor your contributions to our community. As volunteers, educators, mentors, advocates – you have offered your insight and experience in ways that benefit our Beatitudes community as well as the broader community. You have enriched our neighborhoods and communities through your work ethic and sacrifice to expand the promise of prosperity. Communities that encourage your contributions are stronger. With your engagement and support, we recognize that you play a key role in the vitality of Beatitudes Campus and in our lives.

We are honored that Phoenix Mayor, Kate Gallego, and Arizona Governor, Doug Ducey, proclaimed—at Beatitudes Campus Foundation’s request – that May 2019 would be celebrated as Older Americans Month. The White House also issued a proclamation for Older Americans Month, saying, in part, “Older Americans are treasured members of our communities.  They have poured their lives into our country in ways seen and unseen—often at great personal sacrifice.  During Older Americans Month, we honor these Americans, we remember their countless contributions, and we proudly renew our abiding commitment to their well-being.”

Beatitudes Campus is investing today to create a network of programs and amenities to inspire, support and empower you, our residents, as well as future residents to lead healthy, enriched and fulfilled lives. One way we are doing that is by connecting—connecting you with programs that are offered on campus, connecting you with one another and connecting you with us to help us discover new ideas.

Beatitudes Campus Foundation wants to connect with you! We will host a Foundation Open House on Wednesday, May 22, from 1:30 to 3PM, in the Agelink Lobby area. It will be an informal drop-in – drinks and treats provided! You can find out what the Foundation does and you can get to know the Foundation team – Barbara Wood, Linda Travis and Ray Gonzales. But, most importantly, we will be able to hear from you and hear about your ideas! We look forward to building connections with you.

 

Life Plan Communities Seen as Gift to Adult Children

Mon, May 13, 2019 Published by

One of the favorite moments in our presentations to those considering residency at Beatitudes Campus is when Jim and Marlene Plaster talk about the letter they wrote to their children alleviating them of the responsibility to make decisions for them as they progressed toward their “third act” in life.  You can usually hear a “pin drop” as they tell of the series of decisions that led them to the campus.  (By the way, I can’t tell you how much we appreciate the Plaster’s willingness to help us along the way…..Jim is our Residents Council President Emeritus, but they have also selflessly allowed their patio home to be the “model” for the future project over 220 times!)

“It’s the best gift my parents could have possibly given us at this stage of life.”  Comments like this are common among adult children whose parents live in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), sometimes referred to as life plan communities.

Research reveals that family members who care for an aging loved one often experience clinically significant signs of depression, have less time available to spend with friends and other family members, and sacrifice financially by taking time away from their careers or retiring early.

It’s no wonder then that those whose parents are happily living in a continuing care retirement community consider it a gift. A study of 3,700 family members of CCRC residents revealed that 93% feel that the CCRC is providing good services to their loved ones and 77% would be likely or very likely to consider a CCRC for themselves in the future.

Cited as the most important features of the community were transportation services, availability of a fitness center, housekeeping services, walking paths, emergency call systems, and the availability of assisted living and healthcare services.

Of course, we always tell our prospects that whether you are considering a CCRC for yourself or a loved one, finding the right fit requires doing proper research and due diligence. Generally, that includes speaking with our Resident Ambassadors who have been through the very same evaluation process.  Contract details and pricing can vary dramatically from one provider to another. It is important to be sure that the community you are considering is a good match for your lifestyle, finances, and cultural preferences, and that it is well-managed, both operationally and financially.

One of the very best parts of my job is making sure we connect folks about these considerations.  With over 30 years in senior living services, I have had wonderful options to provide, but none as comprehensive and “resident-centric” as this campus.  How proud I am to let our standards speak for themselves through the authenticity provided by our Ambassadors and so many more.

Thank you for always giving a warm welcome to those visiting campus and letting them know why living here is restorative, powerful, fulfilling, purposeful and exciting (some of your “B” words on your badges)!  By the way, we will be working with your building reps to get everyone’s name badges updated with the new logo and your “B” word in the next few months—stay tuned for the updates coming in the next few weeks.

What an exciting time it is for the campus!  Our new patio homes are under construction with twenty-nine committed, our Promenade Residences priority B V.I.P. membership program has over 75 members and the campus redevelopment program is comprehensive and a testament to listening and planning for the best in senior living.  I am so proud to be a part of this process!

Golden Rule Awards Banquet

Sun, May 5, 2019 Published by

The Arizona Interfaith Movement (AZIFM) holds the Golden Rule Banquet each year where people and organizations are honored for upholding the principles of the Golden Rule. I had the pleasure of attending the 14th annual banquet on Thursday evening, April 11, at the Mesa Convention Center and found it an awesome and inspiring evening. Those of us attending from Beatitudes Campus, besides myself, were Sybil Eppinger (whose husband Dr. Paul Eppinger founded the AZIFM), Karen Shannon, Cammy Clevenger, Bob Van Riper and Nancy Splain.

When we arrived at the Mesa Convention Center, we were greeted in the courtyard by hosts at several booths providing information about different religions.  At the Sikh booth, I met Rani Sodhi, the brother of the man who was murdered in Mesa right after 9/11. Mr. Sodhi has spent all of the intervening years since then, travelling all over the United States and beyond, working to build bridges of understanding among people of different faiths and backgrounds.

At 6:30PM, we joined the over 800 other attendees inside for the evening program and banquet.

The evening started with the sounding of the Jewish Shofar followed by a welcome from Anita Rangaswami, Vice President of the AZIFM Board and a representative of the Hindu faith.

Pat McMahon, radio personality and Hall of Fame Broadcaster, was Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Opening prayers were given by a Christian, someone from the BahaIi faith tradition, someone from Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, and a Buddhist. Each prayer ended with the statement of the Golden Rule as expressed in their respective faith traditions.

Mesa’s Mayor, John Giles, and AZIFM’s Executive Director, Rev. Larry Fultz, each then welcomed us, and dinner was served. During dinner, we were treated to an impressive musical performance by Taiko drum artist, Ken Koshio, and his son.

After dinner, the awards were given as the next part of the program. This year’s Golden Rule Awards recipients were as follows:

The Serving the Children Award went to Sunshine Acres, a home for children with no place to go.

The Humanitarian Award went to members of the Japanese American Citizens League made up of Japanese Internment survivors. This group talks to schools and encourages the breakdown of fear and hatred and the empowerment of kindness.

The Community Building Award went to the East Valley Community Builders. This group encourages interracial and social activities between citizens and police to encourage mutual understanding.

The Media Award went to AZTV and its director, Lynn Londen, for programming focusing on the positive qualities of our community, including airing a teenage group which does a media show on kindness and helpfulness.

The Darl Anderson Award went to Nick Lowery, the Hall of Fame Kicker of the Kansas City Chiefs. He started the Nick Lowery Youth Foundation that assists homeless youth.

At the end of the award ceremony, to bring the evening to a close, AZIFM Executive Director, Rev. Larry Fultz, called his family members in attendance to the stage. Assembling on the stage were a husband and wife from Nigeria (the husband had been a young student sent by his father to study in America who had lived with the Fultz’s during that time), a Jewish rabbi, Rev. Fultz’s brother and his Russian wife, a son with his Japanese wife, and a grandson with his Pakistani wife. Each gave a prayer or blessing to us all in his or her native language, followed by his or her spouse’s rendering the prayer in English. What a powerful visual.

The family closing was a magnificent end to a very inspiring evening.

A PROCLAMATION

Sun, May 5, 2019 Published by

Every May the nation celebrates Older Americans Month.  This year’s them is Connect, Create, Contribute.  We are urged to CONNECT with friends, family and services that support participation.  Also to CREATE by engaging in activities that promote learning, health and personal enrichment.  Lastly, to CONTRIBUTE time, talent and life experience to benefit others.  We are so fortunate that this happens daily and all year long by you residents at Beatitudes Campus.  Our community and the surrounding community is truly stronger because of you.

In honor of the Older American’s Month, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has put out an official proclamation celebrating older Americans and commends Beatitudes Campus for doing its part to Connect, Create and Contribute. Beatitudes Campus is all of you!  Enjoy reading the official Proclamation.

See a portion here, and read the full proclimation inside this issue on page 2.

“Beatitudes Campus also opened its doors in 1965. Beatitudes Campus was the first senior community of its kind in Arizona. For over 50 years, it has been a nationally­recognized leader in independent senior living and senior healthcare. Beatitudes Campus is a trusted part of the Phoenix community and is honored to have served more than 17,000 older adults since its establishment.

The theme for 2019’s Older Americans Month is “Connect, Create and Contribute.” Every day, Beatitudes Campus achieves all three for older adults.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATE GALLEGO, Mayor of the City of Phoenix, Arizona do hereby proclaim May 2019 as

OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

in the City of Phoenix and ask all Phoenix residents to join me in increasing respect for older Americans who call both Beatitudes Campus and our city home.”

See the full Proclamation below…

Proclamation Mayo Gallego Older Americans Month 2019

Rev. Dr. Culver H. “Bill’ Nelson

Sun, April 28, 2019 Published by

This past Tuesday, the Beatitudes Church and Campus communities, along with families and friends, gathered to celebrate the life of our founder, Rev. Dr. Culver H. “Bill’ Nelson. It was a deeply moving service where we heard of his four great passions- Music, Community, Preaching and Denomination Leadership. Each person shared stories and his role in their own leadership development. The Rev. Dr. Dosia Carlson remarked on his love of song and music; The Rev. Dave Hunting on his profound presence at the pulpit and the reflections and actions he left congregants; The Rev. Dr. William “Bill” Lyons on his leadership in the growth of both the United Church of Christ and Southwest Conference, and Peggy Mullan, my predecessor, on his involvement in not only the Campus Church communities, but the Phoenix community as a whole.

With her permission, below are excerpts from her piece.

Bill always believed that the secular community, our civic lives, should not be separate from the spiritual community. A man of action always, he lived that belief. He was a founding member of the Phoenix Forty, a group of forty businessmen brought together by Eugene Pulliam to envision the Phoenix of the future way back in 1975. Much of what we enjoy today in urban Phoenix came out of their dreaming and designing. Bill was active in the formative years of Valley Leadership; he served as chaplain frequently at our state legislature and worked diligently on too many boards and commissions throughout the state of Arizona to enumerate. Among his many joys were the interfaith relationships he fostered with clerics from every faith community imaginable. He enjoyed a particularly close relationship with the esteemed and beloved Rabbi Al Plotkin, another giant from the spiritual community of his generation.

It’s impossible to talk about Bill without speaking of his beloved wife and partner in everything important – Dee. He loved her passionately and unabashedly. When Dee suffered a massive stroke and then through the years several others, Bill rose to the occasion in a way that honestly surprised us all. She had been the wind beneath Bill’s wings…we feared he would not know what to do. How very wrong we were.

It will always be a point of pride for me and every other employee of the Campus that we were part of Bill and Dee’s lives as they grew older.

I’d like to close my comments today by presuming to speak for someone who is not able to be at this lectern today—Bill’s good friend and my predecessor that I mentioned earlier, Rev. Dr. Ken Buckwald. When Ken would give a eulogy for someone he particularly loved and admired, he always closed with these words from the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25, verse 23.  I’ll speak them now in tribute to the friendship that the two men shared as they worked together over fifty plus years: “Well done, good and faithful servant…now enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Amen

I hope you can join us at Wednesday’s Town Hall meeting where we will begin with a special time of remembrance honoring our Founder, The Rev. Dr. Culver H. “Bill” Nelson.

Dedicating Ourselves To Carrying On

Sun, April 14, 2019 Published by

By now, you have likely heard the very sad news that our Beatitudes Campus founder, Dr. Culver H. (Bill) Nelson, passed away on Friday April 14, 2019. Beatitudes Campus has lost a visionary leader and our community has lost an amazing soul.

Bad For Your Health

Sun, April 7, 2019 Published by

I noticed an article the other day, “In Later years, Your House May be Bad For Your Health.”  Of course I had to read more.  It cited recent results of the first of a five-year study being conducted by Chicago-based Mather Lifeways Institute on Aging and Northwestern University which found that nearly 70% of Life Plan Community (also known as Continuing Care Retirement Community) residents stated that moving into such a community, “somewhat or greatly improved their social wellness.”

We are consistently interested in what distinguishes Beatitudes Campus from other senior living options.  What we experience here seems to track with what the study was finding.  Including more than 5,000 residents in 80 Life Plan Communities across 29 states, the study survey found that residents of the communities (which typically offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing in a single location) scored higher across five of six recognized facets of wellness than about 1,000 peer group older adults living in the community at large—including greater emotional, social, physical, intellectual and vocational wellness.

Focusing on just assisted living, a 2018 study of residents in just over 20 communities operated across four states by New Jersey-based Juniper Communities, found that hospitalizations of residents were half that of peer group seniors living at home. Juniper in turn estimated that such reductions are saving Medicare between $4 and $6 million each year and would save between $10 and $15 billion annually if applied across the similar larger population of Medicare beneficiaries.

While both studies are essentially conducted by senior living organizations, they reflect what has been intuitively suggested by not only professionals, but residents within senior communities for years. Specifically, that living within a community setting, with daily access to friends as well as personal health assistance, dining, wellness and social programs, housekeeping, maintenance, and transportation services – may not only improve quality of life for individuals age 75+, but add to it. I hear this from our Ambassadors time and again as they speak to prospects considering Beatitudes Campus as their home.

To be clear, more, longer and larger studies are needed. And there is no industry-wide research indicating all assisted living communities could produce the same health outcomes as Juniper, considered by many to be among the best in the industry. Still, surveys have consistently shown that as high as 90+% of senior housing residents and family members are satisfied with their experience.

Which leads to the question of why approximately 90% of Americans age 75+ are choosing to remain at home. Yes, many are still physically and socially independent, but data suggests more may be able to benefit from the services and care senior living offers than are accessing such communities.

Consider:

Lack of socialization is a major source of depression, with nearly half of women age 75+ living alone. The National Institute of Mental Health has declared depression among older adults a major public health issue.

44% of older adults 75+ report having at least one physical disability that impairs their ability to live independently.

14% of adults age 71+ and 32% of adults age 85+ suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia.

Drivers age 80+ have the highest rate of fatal crashes per miles driven of any age group.

More than 34 million Americans are serving as unpaid caregivers for an older adult parent, spouse, other relative, friend or neighbor, the majority of whom are age 75+, for an average of 24 hours per week.

Perhaps the largest factors inhibiting utilization of senior housing are cultural and based on stereotyped perception. In the first case, the current “Silent Generation” of older adults (born during the Great Depression) were raised on the idea of putting a roof over their heads and never giving it up, along with an ingrained responsibility to never be a burden on anyone. In the second case, many older adults continue to assume that a senior living community is a place for “old people” and represents the institutional “nursing homes” of yore – even as the studies above indicate otherwise.  Just today, I spoke with a fellow whose mother lives close by in our neighborhood and he remarked how much he knew she would benefit from the “purposeful living” about which we center so much of what we do at Beatitudes.  He will be by soon with her to see the campus and I can’t wait to have her experience what so many of you delight in communicating to our visitors – our mission and philosophy of the campus and the effect on superior senior living!

 

Radical Hospitality

Sun, March 31, 2019 Published by

Radical: “out of the ordinary,” “revolutionary”, favoring extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions, or institutions.  Hospitality: generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests.  Put them together and you are part of a movement that began a few years back but is still every bit of who we are as a community.

What does it mean for us to have someone we have never met and has no relationship to us – in other words, a stranger – being treated by every single one of us at Beatitudes Campus with not just politeness, but overwhelming “revolutionary” generosity?  It is radical!

Back when I served a church, I had a relationship with a Samoan United Church of Christ Congregation where I was invited to preach.  I did not realize at the time that, in their culture, the minister was considered the descendent of what once was the Chief of all of Samoa.  Consequently, ministers are treated like royalty today.  That was a new experience for me to be sure.  I am not saying I have been mistreated as a clergyperson – except for some hate mail now and then from some justice issues I stood for.  Being treated like royalty, though, was not an experience I was accustomed to in the American church.  But at this church I was showered with a plate of food so big that it was a weeks’ worth in one sitting.  (After a stomach ache later, I learned that it is permissible to take some home.)  I was given gift after gift including every member and child giving dollar bills or more to me as I was seated in front of them – and not just once but numerous times by each.  It was an experience that I will never forget and a people I will always cherish.

What was amazing to me was how authentic and heartfelt it was; it was their culture but it was also them.  There was such a deep feeling of sincerity in their gestures that it moved me deeply.  It was the most radical of all hospitality experiences I have ever happened upon.

I want you to feel that way here at Beatitudes Campus.  I want to feel that way.  I want all staff to feel that same way when they are around you and me.  I want every guest, volunteer, visitor, prospective resident, family member or stranger to have a radical hospitality experience.  There is not a person in the community, from any faith, any race, any sexual orientation, any gender who is not worthy of our most radical of all welcomes.   It is how everybody deserves to feel when they walk into our Beatitudes Community.  It is a spiritual experience when it happens, and I look forward to continuing to work with you to make sure it does here (ok, minus the money—no tipping policy, you know).

Televeda’s Empowered Living Program

Sun, March 24, 2019 Published by

Make new friends and be the best version of yourself. Anywhere.

If you have walked by the Plaza View Lounge on Saturday afternoons at 2:00, a group of residents creating community with each other would welcome you.  For the past 5 weeks, residents living in Plaza View have had the opportunity to join a program called televeda’s Empowered Living.  This organization’s primary goal is to design solutions that strengthen the relationships of a community, along with their mission statement to design solutions that alleviate social isolation.  We felt this could be a great partnership to develop with them!

I asked televeda’s Co-Founder, Shruti Gurudanti, for a paragraph to share about the program.  She said, televeda’s Empowered Living is a body and brain workout experience that is way more than just your usual exercise class. Empowered Living is a friendly community of people who love to make new friends and keep their body and brain active by playing Jeopardy-style brain games, grooving to old school rock ‘n’ roll, and motivating each other to be the best version of themselves. Members come for the camaraderie and lively atmosphere of the class. Persons of all fitness levels are welcome. And if you don’t feel like exercising, but just want to play the games, you’re more than welcome to join. The class starts out with simple and fun movements inspired by dance, then builds into light breathing exercises, followed by energetic brain games, bringing you a phenomenal socializing experience. The classes encourage and motivate you to defy the odds and answer every challenge with, “Yes, I can do this!” You can attend televeda’s Empowered Living classes in-person at the Lounge area in the Assisted Living building or using your computer, laptop, smart phone, IPad or tablet device right from the comfort of your room. So, if you can’t come to a class for any reason, you can still meet your friends and stay active from wherever you are! Televeda’s Empowered Living program is your opportunity to be inspired, feel euphoric and build friendships that last beyond the class. Televeda’s Empowered Living classes are held every Saturday in the Plaza View Lounge from 2:00 to 3:00PM. Can’t wait to meet you!

March 2019 Community TOWN HALL Recap

Sun, March 17, 2019 Published by

Rev. David W. Ragan, Sr. VP of Resident Services, welcomed residents and offered a special welcome to one resident that was attending for the first time. He urged residents to attend the Community Welcome Coffee on the fourth Wednesday of each month and meet the newest residents who have become our friends and neighbors. Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton said that “the pen is mightier than the sword” and residents were entertained with humorous writings that proved this point. For example, “As the prosecution wrapped its case, Reynolds listened and knew he’d been foiled again.”

The Residents Council Report was given by Tom Denny, Residents Council President. Tom noted that during the February meeting, six committees and three building representatives reported on their respective activities. There was also a report and request regarding the on campus Transportation Survey.

David thanked the Transportation Committee for its work and also residents for the great response in turning in the transportation surveys. Save the date of Friday, April 26th for an All Day Celebration plus a “Protect” March for Earth Day. The Community Outreach Committee is urging residents to support the Scholarships for Washington High School Students project for 2019. For information, contact Jim Lefebvre at x15063 or Jim Elliott at x18328.

Joe Kane, Director of Dining Services, announced that, because attendance is down, Buckwald’s will be closing on Sundays only effective March 10th. Beginning on the 24th of March, Elaine’s Fine Dining will offer a Sunday Brunch with selected brunch cocktails and an a la carte pricing of entrees including both Bibb Lettuce and Waldorf Salads, Salmon Eggs Benedict, Corned Beef Hash, Croque Madame Sandwich, Large Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Bourbon Frosting and Cinnamon-Raisin Bread Custard with Fresh Berries. If brunch popularity grows, dining services will consider adding another Sunday in the month, and if the popularity outgrows Elaine’s, moving back to Buckwald’s. The Corner Perk has now re-opened. A new Dining Guide has been printed and will be delivered to each resident.

Josephine Levy, Resource Navigator for Success Matters, announced that Success Matters will have its own website—successmattersbc.org, linked to the campus website. The website will have pictures of residents around campus, Success Matters activities, newsletters, health and wellness resources, etc. Josephine said there will be a Money Matters Workshop on Friday, March 22nd at 1:00PM in the Agelink Great Room. There will be a panel discussion of financial issues that are most relevant to residents of the campus. The Panel will consist of Allen Bloch, Campus Chief Financial Officer, Megan Selby, Laurel Peacock and Ellen Dean. Panel members are experts in money management and working with older adults in financial situations. Josephine will be the MC for this Health and Wellness Committee Workshop. Katie Holmes, A.T. Still Intern, provided the Tip of the Month—Resiliency is the ability to bounce back after a setback. It is important to identify and acknowledge strengths and supports, make a list of three things that you are grateful for, and use the list to focus your strengths and build resilience. Hang it up in your home as a reminder.

David reported that Monica De La Rosa had her baby. He announced several upcoming Life Enrichment activities including the Current Events Meeting with Bob Black every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 4PM in the Administration Conference Room, and the Beginning Middle Eastern Dance every second Wednesday of the month at 4PM in the Recreation Center. The Outdoor Farmers Market at North Phoenix Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 20th from 11AM to 1PM will include lots of walking and not a lot of seating. To reserve your seat on the bus, call 12905 and for questions, call Didi at 18473. Also, don’t forget the Tempe Arts Festival on the Light Rail on Friday, March 29th at 9:30AM. The deadline to sign up is Thursday, March 21st.

Mike Smallwood, Fitness Specialist, thanked residents for the support of Black History Month. He explained Five Tips for Staying Healthy and Happy as you Age. TIP 1 is learning to cope with change and encompasses building resilience, focusing on the things you are grateful for, finding healthy ways to process your feelings and trying to look at challenging situations as opportunities for personal growth, and stay healthy through humor, laughter and play. TIP 2 is finding meaning and joy in living by perhaps picking up a long-neglected hobby or trying a new hobby, traveling somewhere new and spending time in nature, or writing your memoirs. TIP 3 is to stay connected by maintaining your support network as a buffer against loneliness, depression, disability, hardship and loss; to make an effort to make new friends; to spend time with at least one person every day; and to find support groups in times of crisis or change. TIP 4 is to get active and boost vitality by regular exercise which can help prevent memory loss, cognitive decline, and dementia; by walking or exercising with a friend or family member; and by eating well and getting plenty of sleep. TIP 5 is to keep your mind sharp through being active and social; challenging our brain by doing things we enjoy like puzzles and games; and by attending workshops online or on campus that allow you to tackle new subjects. It’s not about adding years to your life, it’s about adding life to your years. Mike announced a new organized recreational activity—Basketball Bounce led by Frances Califano on Mondays from 2—3PM in the Fitness Center. The March B-Fit winner is Bonnie McCulley.

Rod Bailey discussed the Groundbreaking ceremony that was improvised to an indoor location due to weather. Residents viewed a clever video that showed Michelle Just, our President and CEO, opening the ceremony on the Myrtle Avenue property. The project will build new living options and replace aging infrastructure. At completion, there will be 1000 residents on campus, making us the largest life plan community in Arizona. Every single aspect of the campus will be updated. Referring people to marketing can be rewarding with the possibility of earning $3,750 over three referrals. The money is earned when a referral has moved to the campus and been here for four months. A new program, Earn for Tours has been instituted. The first 100 residents who fill out a marketing referral form and refer someone who tours the campus with marketing will earn a $25 gift card. Twenty-nine of the new patio homes have been sold and a BVIP program is in place for the new Promenade residences. David noted that the 260 million dollar project was covered in the Phoenix Business Journal.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is available for the sixth year in a row: offering free tax preparation to residents right here on campus. Aides will be available on Mondays, 3/18 and 4/01 with appointments from 9AM—2PM in the Boardrooms. Please enter through the Life Center. To schedule an appointment, please call the Welcome Center (dial “0”) and they will assist you. Bring to your appointment last year’s income tax returns, W2 and 1099 forms, etc., and a photo ID.

The Holleran Survey Report will be discussed in a Special Town Hall on Wednesday, March 27th at 10AM in the Life Center. The survey tells us how engaged and connected we are. David said that there are some things that can be done to improve and the Administration is willing to do them. Come and hear about it on the 27th!!

As always, the Hootenanny is every Wednesday at 5:45PM in the Life Center. Bring a friend and enjoy the free entertainment. Sundaes with Dave on Wednesday, the 20th in the Bistro—enjoy a free yogurt sundae with all the toppings and share your thoughts or just come for a treat. We extend a big “Thank You” to Gregory’s Fresh Market for bringing a wonderful array of fresh produce to residents.

The next Community Town Hall will be held in the Life Center on Wednesday, April 3rd at 2PM.

 

H.A.L.T.: A Self Care Tool

Sun, March 17, 2019 Published by

One of the scriptures that is read in the beginning of Lent is about the temptation of Jesus by the devil for forty days in the wilderness. He was tempted with hunger, with power, and the need to prove who he was. Whether or not you believe this actually happened or whether you believe in a hoof and horns Satan or “Tempter” as he is also known, we cannot deny that temptation is very real in our experience of being human. Lent invites us to pay particular attention to our lives and seek self-knowledge. It is in understanding and acknowledging our limitations, our weaknesses, and the urges that have defeated us in the past, that we are better prepared to battle temptations. How do we react when we are struggling with injured pride, a wounded ego, fear of not being appreciated, or anger at being ignored?

One step we can take is to recognize when we are most vulnerable. The mental health and recovery-oriented fields use the acronym HALT which stands for hungry, angry, lonely, and tired. When you ask yourself, “Am I hungry, angry, lonely, or tired right now?” it makes you stop and think about how you feel before you react to a situation. Each one of these four physical or emotional conditions, if not taken care of, leaves an individual vulnerable for relapse. Relapse for an alcoholic or addict means resumption of using alcohol or drugs to manage the discomfort, but even those of us not suffering from chemical dependency have our own forms of relapse (excessive gambling, eating, shopping, TV watching — to name just a few). Relapse may also show up as falling back into old beliefs about ourselves that result in feelings such as shame or guilt.

There is no getting away from sometimes feeling hungry, angry, lonely or tired so the more self- aware we are the better. Hunger, of course, describes the most obvious physical condition of lack of food but hunger can also point toward emotional needs: hunger for attention, for comfort, for understanding, or for companionship. Just as food takes care of our physical hunger, the solution to emotional hunger is community. Anger is a little more complex to understand. The way we express anger often takes destructive forms. We either turn anger against ourselves or against others. Anger can range from criticizing and belittling to name-calling and physical violence. Anger can also be like a repeated tape loop; in that case it’s called resentment. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous suggests that a person with resentment towards another pray for the other, that is, imagine all the good in life that we would like to have for ourselves to be bestowed upon the other person. You don’t have to call it prayer; choose a word that works for you.

Next in the HALT acronym is Lonely, which can be a frequent companion for some. It is similar to Hunger in that the solution is the same, namely community. The last of the HALT acronym conditions is Tired. We all have a tendency to ignore tiredness at times. Many of us do not get enough sleep and being tired, overloaded or overwhelmed can affect our well-being. HALT, is a practical tool for everyday living. Thanks to the people in Alcoholics Anonymous, where this acronym initially emerged, for using their experience to benefit us all.

Violins of Hope

Sun, March 10, 2019 Published by

Music connects us to one another. Music is the language of the soul. Music knows no boundaries of time or place. Music tells stories about peoples’ triumphs and tragedies. Music can evoke strong feelings, from ecstatic joy to devastating sorrow and all that lies in between.

There are occasions and events that move us beyond what might ever be imagined and leave us wanting to invite others to join us. One such event is Violins of Hope, a concert experience enjoyed by about twenty Beatitudes Campus residents at Central Methodist Church on March 3. Beatitudes Campus resident Cecilia Rolston commented that the event was “so heart-warming and beautiful” and “provides hope.” Others in attendance echoed Cecilia’s comments.

What are the Violins of Hope? These are violins actually played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust, including in the concentration camps. Our residents who attended this concert heard beautiful and powerful music produced by three of those surviving violins played by members of the Downtown Chamber Series. They also heard the story of these instruments as each passed through the horrors of Nazi genocide into the skilled hands of Ammon and Avshi Weinstein who restored each one. Through their restoration project, the Weinstein family gave new voice to the instruments and to all people and generations traumatized by the Holocaust. The violins symbolize the power of music and highlight resilience and hope.

Equally moving at the March 3 concert were the performances by the remarkable young musicians and singers with Rosie’s House (one of the largest completely free music programs in the nation for youth who would otherwise not have such an opportunity). The voices and spirits of youth were also very heartbreaking and hopeful when the Phoenix Girls Chorus sang a Yiddish Lullaby in the opening performances of Violins of Hope on February 23-24. The Phoenix Boys Choir will be singing in a performance on March 24.

Want to Know More About the Violins of Hope Events in March?

On March 19th a Tribute Concert honoring those who perished and those in the Phoenix community who survived the Holocaust. Charlotte Adelman, a Holocaust survivor and friend of the Beatitudes Campus, will be featured at this concert.

Until March 24th, 21 of the violins will be exhibited and the story of each recounted at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (Free admission).

Until March 26th, a photography exhibit at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center will showcase the work of Ammon Weinstein as he restored each violin.

As you read this article, we hope you are interested in finding out how to attend the Violins of Hope activities, concerts, exhibitions, and lectures throughout the remainder of March. Do visit the main website page for more information or ask a friend to help. It is best to scroll down the page until you reach the section listing all of the March events and click on the event(s) of interest. Here is the website: https://violinsofhopephoenix.com/buy-tickets/events 

Please note that Beatitudes Campus will not be providing transportation to any of the remaining Violins of Hope events.*

Moving to a Life Plan Community

Sun, March 3, 2019 Published by

For many older adults who are currently independent, but like the idea of living in a setting where healthcare services are available if needed down the road, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC also known as a Life Plan Community) can be an ideal solution.

Many Beatitudes Campus prospects ask us, “When is the best time to make the move?” Many of you reading this article remember wrestling with this question yourself.  There is no perfect answer to this question because everyone’s situation will be different. However, waiting too long can mean missing out on some of the very reasons people are attracted to a life plan community in the first place.

We often counsel that if you feel that a continuing care retirement life plan community is right for you, here are a few reasons why you may want to consider moving sooner rather than later:

Involvement: One of the main benefits of living in a community like Beatitudes is having easy access to a vast array of services, amenities and activities. Many of these perks take place within the walls of the community, but we are increasingly providing ways for residents to stay involved in the broader community through service projects, the 19North Neighborhood Association, our Life Long Learning adult education classes, and more. Many of you can well attest to the fact that moving earlier allows residents to more fully enjoy and benefit from these “extra-curricular” activities.  As we talk with those considering the campus, it’s often a story they are eager to hear from you.  We so appreciate our Resident Ambassadors who are so willing to talk about their experiences weighing all the factors……and almost always, it’s about the environment of purposeful living so much a part of the fabric of the campus.  If you are interested in taking the training and becoming an Ambassador, please contact the Marketing Office and see how you can become involved.

Wellness: We strive to help residents stay healthy and live independently as long as possible. Comprehensive health and wellness programs include access to qualified fitness professionals, special diet meal plans, our aquatic and fitness centers, low-impact aerobics, and yoga classes, just to name a few. Additionally, we continue to emphasize a “whole-person” concept, including emotional, spiritual, intellectual, vocational, and spiritual experiences, and have an award-winning Success Matters program which provides the opportunity to assess what makes up your best path to maximize independence.

Relationships: Residents of life plan communities often say that one of the best things about them is the friendships they have formed with other residents. That is absolutely the hallmark of Beatitudes Campus.  Those who wait too long to make the move may not have the time to develop meaningful relationships, which can be particularly helpful as part of a support network if healthcare needs arise in the future.  Again, prospects are very interested in your stories and we will be reaching out and providing opportunities to highlight them in our publications and website in the next few months.

The number of folks considering the campus right now is very high.  We already have 28 of the 34 patio homes that will open beginning in early 2019, committed and several others have placed a hold.  Additionally, we have begun the B V.I.P. Program for the new Promenade Residences to be built on the site of the former Garden Apartments and have more than 40 who have been given priority numbers. And our current living options are seeing more inquiries than at any time in the last four years!

So, with all this activity, do we need your help?  Absolutely!  Our mission is to provide what we believe is the best in purposeful, resident-centered senior living for as many folks as possible.  So, don’t forget the Friends and Family Resident Referral Program which pays you or your family member for successful recommendations of prospects to the campus.  Stop by the Marketing Office for details so we can provide you a referral form.

So, when is the best time to move to the campus?  Many of you would answer with a hardy, “right now!”  This is literally one of the most dynamic times at the campus since its original founding and we are anxious to share the excitement with as many as possible.  Thanks so much for all the many ways you help us every day!  Viva la Beatitudes!*

February 2019 Town Hall Recap

Sun, February 24, 2019 Published by

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