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Hands and Hearts of Many

Wed, February 1, 2017 Published by

It takes many hands of the staff to bring the campus’ mission alive each day. Some of those hands make beds, some cook meals, some ensure all of our technology systems are up and running. Some lead recreation and fitness classes, some send e-mails, some arrange housekeeping schedules. Some fold laundry, some run meetings, some pass medications. Some answer phones, some pay bills, some serve food. Some bathe residents who need assistance and some are completing work orders to turn an apartment into a home. Some gather us in worship. All contribute to the experience and caring that are hallmarks of Beatitudes Campus.

At the end of our January All-Staff meeting, I was privileged to assist our Spiritual Life team, Rev. Roberts and Chaplain Moore, with a beautiful Campus tradition – Blessing of the Hands. Using water for cleansing and oils for the blessing, we honored the hands – and hearts – of the many who carry out the sacred work of our ministry. For 16 years we have held this service during the week of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. This year was particularly special. As campus leaders washed, dried, and anointed hands, we had residents bless each team member’s hands. With each blessing, a sense of quiet fell over the recipients and an acknowledgment of grace and commitment was evident.

And just last week our senior leadership team held a reflection led by Rev. Roberts on the power of prayer. As Peggy read quotes on prayer, it was deeply moving to hear that they resonated with each of us and we found ourselves sharing ways in which we uplift each of you and our service to the campus in prayer. We also discussed the importance of community and prayer as we reflected on this year’s Blessing of the Hands.  As such, we were reminded of the prayer cycle created by Chaplain Moore where each day of the month corresponds to an area of campus life or particular department for prayer intention.

How grateful I am to be a part of a community who work and pray together. On behalf of the entire campus team, thank you for the privilege.

A Beautiful Tapestry

Mon, January 23, 2017 Published by

With the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday still fresh in our hearts and minds, I am reminded of one of the greatest reasons I love being a member of Beatitudes Campus.  We are a beautiful tapestry of all different types of people.  All unique and unrepeatable in our own ways.  Much like our country, we have woven together the best of the best from all sorts of backgrounds, heritages, races, religions, countries, sexual orientations, physical abilities, educational backgrounds and ages.

Did you know we have Beatitudians from a multitude of countries?  Even more from faith affiliations other than Christian.  Racially, we are the living metaphor of a perfectly woven tapestry with nearly 60% of us identifying as other than Caucasian.  We are Democrats, Republicans, Independents and no political affiliations.  We are male and female and some who identify with neither.  We are young, old and older.  We are straight, gay, bi-sexual and transgender.  We are single, married, divorced and widowed.  We have children with two parents at home, single parents, married without children, grandparents raising grandkids and some of us are happily single forever. We are educated with advanced degrees and some with high school educations only.  We speak English, German, Spanish, Chinese, Hungarian, French, Romanian and some languages you have yet to hear.  We are financially wealthy, middle class, and some of us are just struggling to make ends meet.

Some of us remember every minute of our life and will tell you about it, and some of us have watched those memories slip away, but we can still feel them inside of us even if we cannot tell you about them now. We walk unassisted, with canes, with walkers and use mobile chairs to get to where we want to go.  Not a person in this community is valued anymore or any less for who we are.  It does not matter where we live on campus, which department we work in, whether we are staff, resident or administration, we are all equal.

What makes it even more beautiful is that we continue to weave more diversity into our tapestry whenever the opportunity is available to us.  We yearn for new threads to be incorporated into our growing cloth.  We know our diversity is one of our greatest strengths as a community.   As a Campus, we come from a faith heritage that sees every child of God as that unique, beautiful, unrepeatable and loved beyond love creation.  How can we not see our coming together as a community as anything less than the most beautiful as all of the different threads of our histories and heritages come together?

So want to see something beautiful?  Just look around you and see all of the amazing people who make up Beatitudes Campus.  And they see you as beautiful as well.  It doesn’t get more beautiful than this.

New Beginnings

Mon, January 9, 2017 Published by

At the start of a new calendar year, we are messaged all around about “new beginnings.”  I am seeing a host of media ads about mattresses, cars and furniture as retailers look to prop up the inevitable dips in sales following the business holiday season.  Then, of course there are dozens of (urgent!) weight loss commercials specifically geared to appeal to those who have overdone it through the holidays.

I look at “new beginnings” in my search engine and find that the terminology has been tapped by treatment centers, counseling and mental health services, adoption services, numerous religious organizations, a governmental office of personnel management, alternative education, a Kenyan soap opera, a series of novels about a guardian angel named Victoria Schwab…….. the list goes on and on and many of them very important.  So I am a bit reluctant to just crowd in what we are doing at Beatitudes Campus with everything else.  One, because I would rather it not be “lost in the crowd” and two, because we are really, literally beginning a new phase in the life of this fifty-plus year old campus with our physical updates, furthering our Radical Hospitality attitudes and programming at a resident-centric level like never before.

As we are learning from the ATLAS process (an organizational assessment program funded by the Virginia G. Piper Foundation) about which Michelle Just, our President and CEO wrote in this space some weeks ago, organizations have life cycles.  Only those with strong determination (aka “grit”, the subject of my last Roadrunner article) are able to keep at the top of their operating space and continue their mission in meaningful ways.  Absent the will to innovate, collaborate and research, companies can find themselves going the way of least resistance, continuing with methods that may need updating and not stretching to fund their depreciation or bring improvements to the marketplace.

This is but one of the reasons I am so happy to be a part of Beatitudes Campus.  We have made a conscious decision not to lapse into mediocrity, but rather to continue a process of “new beginnings” that strives for excellence in every aspect of the life plan community sector.  We have just finished our intensive Phase I of the First Impressions updates which has touched most campus buildings, and we have already seen some definitive results with those making decisions about making Beatitudes Campus their home.  Painting, floor coverings, furnishings and artwork have a rather profound impact on decision making in senior living often even above our superior care ratings in the licensed areas.  Our mission continues to be just as our founders envisioned…….to be leaders and innovators.  And we have definitely learned that First Impressions (an integral part of our Radical Hospitality program) is a foundational part of the equation, especially as we also envision the continuance of that mission into the redevelopment process.  The higher occupancies that result from attention to this part of the overall equation coupled with strong operations produces a position at which our lenders look far more favorably and which allows us to take next steps.

Now with the first part of the time sensitive program complete, during the remainder of the 2017 fiscal year, we will be continuing the First Impressions/Radical Hospitality process with not only completion of Phase II of the physical assets/décor plan but also with continued training for every member of our staff in the fundamentals of this important aspect of our culture.  (Phase III, the completion of the program, is slated for fiscal year 2018.)  So, our “new beginnings” is an evolutionary process in which we expect to involve staff and residents in the planning process for the next few years in not only our redevelopment for new areas, but also in the re-tooling and updates for our existing buildings.  I am so excited to work with the Residents Council and building representatives on what constitutes the best for each area.  We will be producing common area maps that will be very valuable tools that help keep décor assigned to an area in that location and how the room(s) are to be set following any necessary movement of furniture for an event or holiday season, among other deliverables.

Thanks again for the opportunity to be of service to this campus and it’s top notch residents.  You are an inspiration and joy – great days ahead!

The Informant – January 2017

Mon, January 9, 2017 Published by

DAVID RAGAN, Senior VP of Resident Services, called the first meeting of the New Year to order at 2:15PM. He noted that the campus continues to be one where residents reach out and care for each other. For the New Year, David had some new definitions which served to start the year off with a laugh. For example, the word balderdash is defined as a rapidly receding hairline, coffee is the person upon whom you cough, and abdicated is when you have lost all hope of a flat stomach.

Plan Now to Make More Possible Tomorrow

Mon, January 2, 2017 Published by

Happy New Year to all of you – residents, staff, partners! This is the time of year when we are more mindful about reflecting on our life and our world. New Year’s reflections often remind us to do more of what works – the right things – and less of what doesn’t work.

We now have turned the page on 2016 and are ready to begin a new chapter. With a new year also comes new resolve to think about tomorrow today. What are we truly passionate about? How can we make a difference? How can we be better servant leaders? What organizations or causes do we care about to devote our personal resources of money, time and energy? The list of projects and endeavors we want to be involved in is probably long and varied, but making such a list will help us to think about where we want to place our energy and resources.

You – the residents, staff, family and friends – devote much time, talent and treasure to Beatitudes Campus, through your volunteering, leadership and charitable gifts to many of the campus initiatives, to programs and to the Resident Assistance Fund. I am humbled by your generosity. Thank you!

The start of a new year can also be a signal for us to begin to make plans for future charitable gifts. With a planned gift, you can create a lasting legacy of support and help the campus continue to provide excellent opportunities and services for generations to come. Every day, Beatitudes Campus, along with our residents and friends, are expanding the boundaries of what’s possible through programs that connect us through our mind, body and spirit. We support programs that exercise our minds as well as our bodies, and programs that help us to expand our campus into the community. One of the driving forces behind these programs is you. You make things possible today, and tomorrow, with planned charitable giving. Planning now makes more possible tomorrow.

There are many different types of planned giving options. You can help ensure the future of Beatitudes Campus programming and innovation in a way that works for you. Cash contributions are always appreciated, and there are other creative and flexible options that can benefit you and Beatitudes Campus. There are many ways to make a significant impact through a planned gift – you can consider making a gift that costs nothing in your lifetime through a charitable bequest under your will or trust, or by beneficiary designation. An easy way to include Beatitudes Campus in your estate plan is to name Beatitudes Campus Foundation as a beneficiary of your donor advised fund, retirement plan, IRA or life insurance policy. Planned gifts can also give back—and can help you prepare for your future. They can provide income for you and your loved ones for life. They can also allow you to take income, gift and estate tax deductions and can provide favorable capital gains tax treatment. Planned gifts allow you to leave a legacy for future generations.

All people who have made a bequest or other type of planned gift are invited to join the Culver H. Nelson Founder’s Society at Beatitudes Campus. It’s our way of recognizing you and thanking you for your generosity and for ensuring the future success of Beatitudes Campus. If you have made such a gift, we want to know and recognize you, so please let me know. Throughout the next year, we will offer some workshops on gift planning to help you with your options. In the meantime, I’d love to talk to you. Of course, you will want to talk to your financial or tax adviser also. Feel free to stop by and talk with me about any kind of charitable giving. Please contact me in the Foundation Office (x16136 or stop by the South building – our office is next to Oasis Therapy).

So, let’s turn the page to our next chapter. Exciting possibilities await in 2017!

Wandering Generality or Meaningful Specific?

Thu, November 3, 2016 Published by

aMy first call as a minister was as an Associate Pastor at a Presbyterian Church in Sun City.  I remember a couple who had recently retired and moved away from their life as it had been, their children were spread far and wide and they came to Sun City and settled into their new home, found our church and became church members.  For about six months that was great, they enjoyed the leisure time but the day I came to visit they told me they both were restless, they were getting on each other’s nerves being around the house so much and knew they needed to invest themselves in something else.  The best way to describe what they felt was in this intriguing question from salesman Zig Zigler:

“Are you a wandering generality or a meaningful specific?”

For this couple it wasn’t enough to wander around the house looking for something to do.  He became a handyman and she joined the sewing circle, and they both took the Laubach training to help people learn to read.

The Biblical story tells of the people of Israel who experienced God speaking to them in the wilderness of Sinai.  The Lord said to Moses, “Tell the children of Israel that if they will hear and obey my voice and keep my commandments, they shall be a special treasure to Me above all people.”  No longer would they be wandering generalities, but those called to a specific purpose—to love and serve God in the world.  Someone has said that a person’s greatness lies in that which has been given him or her to do. I believe God always gives us a purpose in life no matter how old or young we are, no matter what challenges we face—all that doesn’t matter.  We each have something to contribute, some way to make a difference. Love calls us from insignificance into significance, from wandering generality to meaningful specific.

I believe that it is part of our humanity that from the moment we are born we are always seeking to be a meaningful specific.  To love and be loved is to become a meaningful specific to our family and our friends.  We want to be a meaningful specific in our work; we don’t usually like it when we are just another worker bee.  The Beatitudes Campus seeks to be a meaningful specific in the community around us to make a difference in bringing purpose and hope to people.  You don’t have to be a missionary in Africa, or preach like Paul—there are a myriad of wondrous ways to serve your purpose and it can be as simple as being kind and loving.  YOU are a meaningful specific and we are grateful for what you bring to our community.

It’s All On A Continuum

Mon, October 31, 2016 Published by

printed-wall-mural-00032-time-tunnel-continuum-abstract-vinyl-bYou made a beautiful decision. Maybe one of the best decisions you could have made for this time in your history. You had choices, but you chose, brilliantly, to live in a community where, if your living situation should become less than optimal with your quality of life decreasing – you have wonderful choices. That is because you chose to live in a community that offers you a continuum of increasing possibilities. Change is hard, but you made a hard choice that I believe guarantees the highest quality of life possible for you.

The definition of continuum, according to Merriam-Webster, is a range or series of things that are slightly different from each other and that exist between two different possibilities. As I see it, if a resident wants to maintain a high quality of life, even as some abilities decrease, because they live at Beatitudes Campus they have the beautiful option available to them to enter into an environment of support that will return that quality of life right back to them with one move along the continuum.

Every day I give thanks that we have options for our residents so as to enable them to live life to the fullest. However, a phenomenon takes place, in more instances than not, that so often breaks my heart when it occurs. That is when by all educated observations, a resident who would greatly benefit from utilizing the continuum by flowing through it to a higher level of assistance, would rather stay where they are often risking so much physically and emotionally. The benefit of all that Beatitudes Campus has to offer seems to be wasted and worthless. We often say it, “We will always defend the right of our residents to make their own choices – right choices and wrong choices. But it is heartbreaking to those who know what a difference it would make if only the continuum was embraced as a positive hope for the future.

Being a minister serving churches and visiting multiple communities like ours, I saw my parishioners and listened to them while there. After doing so, I am not naïve as to the many fears and reasons for resisting moving to higher levels of care. Because I am aware I, and my colleagues who feel similarly here at Beatitudes Campus, have worked hard to obliterate the stereotypes that plague higher levels of care feeding into unnecessary resistance. It often starts when considering moving to a community like ours and dreading the move and then, after doing so wishing one had moved “ten years earlier”. I can’t even count the number of times I have heard this.

The same is so true for accepting the opportunity to move to higher assistance apartments. It seems to be so dreaded and, upon finally doing so, life suddenly gets so much better when compared to the months leading up to the move. I have said it a 1000 times, the same Campus, the same dining venues, the same friends, the same activities and events. Nothing changes except for the building one now lives in. One can still do everything they want to do with a little added help available to do so. It is not a decline at that point, it is a step forward toward being safer and freer to not have to worry about the many little things when one was without assistance. Those little things prior to the move and no longer being able to do them were, in almost every case, diminishing the quality of life prior to moving.

If I could, I would remove all of the stigmas and fears and open up everyone’s eyes to all of the continuing possibilities in the continuum

If I could, I would remove all of the stigmas and fears and open up everyone’s eyes to all of the continuing possibilities in the continuum. For now, I hope you might have opened your eyes and, if not for you right now, at least help one of your neighbors see that when the time is right, there is no greater gift to self, family and friends than that of accepting the care and assistance that will truly lift you to a higher level of success. It is a great choice. It is really why you chose to live here. Take advantage of it. After all, we are all on a continuum when it comes to life and there is no end when it comes to the highest quality you deserve.

What Makes a Community?

Thu, October 27, 2016 Published by

Many of you know that when I first came to Beatitudes Campus, I had no intention of staying here beyond the one year agreement I made as Interim Vice President for Spiritual Life.  I made it clear that this is not the type of community I am about when it came to my understanding of my purpose in life – I was a preacher type – but felt I could help during the year I would be here.

Two weeks after I started I was being lured into one of the most beautiful experiences and communities that I ever thought was possible.  If I saw my life as trying to help create a community in the larger world where all are valued, empowered and treated equally, it suddenly became apparent to me it was happening here.  Seven years later I am still here because I just could not let go of what I witnessed then and still do today.

Just look at any given week and see all of the connecting that is taking place in our community.  Check out the weekly meetings of the Design Studio, you see the discussions evolve around bringing down the silos between Independent Living, Plaza View and all other venues.  They also celebrate there being no distinction between those with walkers, scooters, canes or using none of those – all are whole and valued just as they are.

If you walk through the Agelink building, you see our residents serving as instructors for senior aged immigrants and teaching English to willing leaners while bringing down this time between cultures.    Stroll through Plaza View and you might catch “Game On”, an evolving Game Day/Night bringing neighbors from all over the Campus together for good laughs.

For Oktoberfest, if you were in the Luther Life Center, you saw it filled with to the brim with Ompah- pah Band.  Head back over to Agelink, where The Beatitudes Center for Life Long Learners has over a dozen classes in session and brought hundreds of our residents together to learn new insights, as well as learn about each other.

I love it whenever I take a visitor on a little tour of the campus and by half-way, after a couple dozen greetings from residents and each of you as we enjoy our walk, they tell me this has to be one of the happiest and friendliest places on earth.    It never fails to happen.  And I think they are right.

Want a glimpse of our community at it warmest?  Come to the Welcome Coffee where new residents are celebrated, and just listen to why they wanted to come to Beatitudes Campus and how excited they are to be here (it will make you proud all over again that you are here) and feel the radical hospitality in return as they are welcomed.  And ask almost any resident after they have been here for a while and they will tell you how amazing the Beatitudes Crew is on any given day.

All of this makes what a community is all about, and thank you for making it one of the most special.

Peace always,

David

Active Aging Year

Mon, October 3, 2016 Published by

It was so fun to celebrate Active Aging Week like we did last week.  The week long events were fun and the culmination of the Street Fair down Central Park Mall was a fiesta.  But truth be told, every week is active aging week at Beatitudes Campus.  As a matter of fact, it is Active Aging Year at Beatitudes Campus.

The International Council on Active Aging wanted this last week to challenge society’s diminished expectations of aging by showing that, regardless of age or health conditions, adults over 50 can live as fully as possible in all areas of life—physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational and environmental. Any given week, all you have to do is look around and you will see those diminished expectations burst before your very eyes.

Look at all the resident run efforts and programs, and one quickly sees that nothing could be further from the truth if one thinks that seniors, in this senior living community, don’t have high expectations of themselves and their abilities to make a difference.  You residents started a campus wide recycling program and developed the Elders for a Sustainable Future.  You started the Beatitudes Campus Center for Life Long Learners, now having offered close to a 100 classes and enrolling 150 or more each semester.  You have your own Facebook page which is as good as any out there with great shots of Campus Life.  You serve on Residents Council committees and design and contribute from everything like recreational outings and events to health and wellness programs.  The fitness classes are overflowing and the Fitness Center is rarely empty.  During the summer months, and even in the winter, the folk in the pool are always making waves.

And it doesn’t stop there!  I am amazed at all of the residents who are volunteering for non-profits off Campus, and with our CAREcorps officially launched, even more are volunteering on Campus.  You residents teach Sit and Be Fit and facilitate heady endeavors like Science and Spirituality.  You help in the Gift Shop, run the Beatitudes Backstreet Boutique through the Auxiliary and till the Beatitudes Community Garden making it the envy of every other Life Plan Community. You create game nights, you sing, dance and plan events for your floors and buildings, drawing our community closer and closer together.  When a new resident moves in, you cannot wait to send another welcoming resident to unleash the radical hospitality that makes this community shine.  You saw the need for teaching our immigrant brothers and sisters English and you started an English Language Assistance program and the list can go on and on.

I know I speak for all of us who are fortunate enough to be able to work and serve at Beatitudes Campus when I say that you all are paving the way for the rest of us and inspire us every day.  I only wish your contemporaries knew what you know and do with your lives and see that, if they think a community like ours is for “old people”, then the only thing “old” is their thinking.  You have created a vibrant, energetic, inspiring and anything but inactive community.

It’s Active Aging Year this year and, thanks to you, will be every year hereafter.

Federal SAFER Grant to Hire 50 Firefighters

Mon, September 26, 2016 Published by

neighborhood-news

The City of Phoenix has won a major federal grant to hire 50 more firefighters over the next two years. With this $9 million Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, Phoenix has brought home more than $36 million in federal funds in the past five years to support the Phoenix Fire and Police department’s capabilities to prepare for and respond to a host of threats to our community’s safety. This is in addition to more than $28 million in regional homeland security funds Phoenix has won for the city and its local partners.

I have had the honor to advocate in Washington D.C. several times since 2012 for our city’s fair share of funds to hire more first responders. Our federal advocacy is working, and I pledge to continue efforts in the capital to fight for funds to support our Police and Fire departments. I will be in Washington soon to personally thank Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) representatives for approving our grant and to immediately begin discussions on the next round of funding.

I want to thank Fire Chief Kara Kalkbrenner for her continued leadership and advocacy on our SAFER grants, my colleagues on the council, our city staff and representatives in Washington for working together. This $9 million grant comes less than a month after Phoenix received the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) award for $591,726 to provide regional Incident Safety Officer System (ISOS) training for 100 company and command officers from Phoenix Fire and 50 attendees collectively from Buckeye, Glendale, Scottsdale and Tempe.

Active Aging Week: Explore the Possibilities

Mon, September 26, 2016 Published by

aawlogohi-res2016Active Aging Week 2016, “Explore the Possibilities”, has officially begun!! We hope everyone comes out and attends as many events as possible, takes advantage of the food and drinks, and, most importantly, has fun and get to know your neighbors!  The Life Enrichment Department would like to thank Nancy Campbell, Sherwin Block, Naomi Oglesby, Bonny Hoffman, Farrell Kenimer, Bob Longoni, and Igor Glenn for their time and effort in making this week a success!

Each day has a different theme and we also have suggestions on what type of attire to wear for the day. Back by popular demand, we will start off each day by meeting in front of the Bistro for our Community Walk.  We have a goal for Beatitudes Campus to walk 150 total miles by Friday during the morning Community Walk. We will need to average 30 miles per day.  The more community members we have the faster we will achieve this goal!

  • Monday, wear Purple and White to show your support to end Alzheimer’s.
  • Tuesday is Retro Rewind – Dress how you would have in the decade you were born.
  • Wednesday is Tie Dye day – Let’s make this campus colorful!
  • Thursday wear Sports Attire – Wear your favorite sport’s team’s attire or your workout clothes.
  • Friday is wear High School/College gear – Show your high school or college pride!  Please dress up if you would like and have some fun with these ideas!!

During this week, Beatitudes celebrates Mind, Body and Spirit with the different programs throughout the week. Use this week to get out and try something new, whether it be at the Campus or while you are out with friends and family. Celebrate all the positives we have going on in our lives and all for which we are thankful.  Tell/show someone in your life how much you appreciate everything they do for you and be happy! Enjoy the week!! *

Duet Caregiver Symposium to Offer Critical Skills for Family Caregivers

Thu, September 22, 2016 Published by
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Clara Graham, Caregiver

Are you taking care of a loved one? You are not alone! About twenty million unpaid caregivers take care of almost ten million adults ages 65 and older in the United States, according to a 2014 study from the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Alzheimer’s Association has determined that in Arizona, 130,000 adults ages 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease and that about 800,000 residents provide unpaid care for their loved ones with disabling conditions.

Support for family caregivers is critical for them to stay healthy so they can keep helping their loved ones and have an improved quality of life, yet most of our community’s caregivers do not know that help is available.

Duet, a non-profit interfaith organization, is offering a Caregiver Symposium: “How to Find Hope while Coping with Stress and Grief” on October 6 at Church of the Beatitudes, 555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Renowned researcher, educator and therapist, Dr. Pauline, Boss will share proven techniques to help caregivers deal with losses and how to reclaim hope amidst grief. Duet very much appreciates the support of Beatitudes Campus, Beatitudes at Home and Church of the Beatitudes in making this event possible.  Beatitudes at Home is actually providing respite caregivers for those who wish to attend the conference.

Dr. Boss is best known for her groundbreaking research on a form of prolonged grief known as “ambiguous loss.” For over four decades, much of her work has focused on helping family caregivers successfully navigate this unique type of grief in which their loved ones are physically alive but not the person the caregivers once knew.

Her session for family caregivers will take place from 9AM to 1:30PM (includes lunch) and her session for professionals and students will be from 1:30 to 3:30PM.

Clara Graham, an 80-year-old caregiver whose husband has Alzheimer’s disease, appreciates the support she receives at Duet’s family caregivers support group.  “It has been like going from day to night,” Clara said. “He was diagnosed with early onset dementia, and within a year he couldn’t remember what day it was. “Duet is my salvation,” she adds. “It gives me hope.”

After the Symposium, Duet will use a three-year, $460,000 grant from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust to pay for the creation of a series of videos based on Dr. Boss’s book, as well as expand other caregiver services. The videos will offer tools to help caregivers navigate losses as well as support a caregiver-to-caregiver volunteer program to better serve isolated and overwhelmed caregivers and expand services for caregivers from diverse, underserved communities.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust for helping us further support family caregivers, who need to preserve their own well-being in their challenging roles,” said Ann Wheat, Duet’s Director of Caregiver Services.

The Reverend Dr. Dosia Carlson and Church of the Beatitudes founded Duet in 1981 as part of Dosia’s vision to provide innovative solutions to community needs. Besides assisting family caregivers, Duet also helps homebound adults, faith communities and grandparents raising grandchildren. To register for the symposium or ask for help visit www.duetaz.org or call 602-274-5022. *

Progress Marches On

Thu, September 22, 2016 Published by

I can’t believe it’s already four and a half months since I came to Beatitudes Campus! It has been a great time of assessing where we have opportunities and tooling up for our future.  What a pleasure it is in my many travels on behalf of the Campus to speak of our many unique characteristics and determination to serve as many seniors as possible in meaningful ways.

During these first few months, we have been able to kick off a number of projects and initiatives – a few that have been contemplated for some time and others that have been developed to distinguish Beatitudes in our rather active marketplace.  The First Impressions project, funded by the Beatitudes Foundation, has begun in earnest and is already making an impact on the environment around the property.

As you might well imagine, on a campus with buildings that span from less than ten to over fifty years old, many opportunities for improvement in the look of furnishings, colors and floor coverings have presented themselves. So about three months ago, we took an entire inventory of where we were and how we could best tune up image and surroundings to benefit our valuable residents and those who are considering residency.  It may not surprise you to learn that the tab was very, very high if we were actually able to do each and every item on the wish list, but undaunted, we went about breaking it down into phases and ways in which to achieve the best “bang for the buck.”

About $66,000 had previously been set aside for flooring in the Foundation and they generously granted an additional $271,000 for the project which includes not only carpeting and wood vinyl, but also replacement of a good deal of furniture, artwork and accessories in the Health Care Center, Plaza View Assisted Living, Plaza North and Plaza South as well as the Central Park buildings.  To date, we have seen completion of new wood vinyl flooring in all of the Central Park lobbies and elevators, as well as new paint schemes in those lobbies and throughout the upper floors at the entrances of resident apartments.  We have also completed the replacement of all upper floor lounge carpets in Plaza North and Plaza South.  A two tone painting scheme in hallways separated by a chair rail is underway in those buildings.  The big news is that the remodel of the first floor lobby begins the week of September 19th with the removal of the desk/counter as well as carpet.  It is all going to be replaced with our new flooring selections as well as a great executive desk, credenza and hutch, which our volunteer staff will continue to staff as they do in other buildings on campus.  We have also completed the installation of new flooring in Plaza View’s upper floor elevator vestibules and lounges and then the first floor dining room and activity room will see their new carpet installation start around the first of October.  Last, but certainly not least, 200 new multi-purpose, colorful chairs for use throughout the campus are starting to hit the scene.  As a result, we will be retiring a lot of the extraneous and dated seating that has survived through the years.

Major activity will begin on October 10th when we will begin to see the furniture, artwork and lamps delivered throughout the campus.  We are also hosting the 2nd annual PASRS (Professional Association of Senior Referral Specialists) conference on October 13th when we will enjoy the company of about 300 visitors on campus who will be looking at us for potential placement of their clients.  Of course, we are putting out the welcome mat, but also will be working feverishly to have our décor in place to present ourselves well, in addition to our mission and outstanding care services.   Some of the items will not be delivered until November, but once all of this work is completed by Thanksgiving, Phase I will essentially be complete.

All of the remaining areas of need have been collected into a Phase II process which will occur through our upcoming fiscal year (October 1st, 2016 – September 30th, 2017), funded by both the Foundation as well as largely by our campus operations.  Our board approved the plan this last week, but capital expense budgets are only possible by well executed operations, so we will also be working diligently to meet all of our occupancy and expense budget targets.  The completion of the First Impressions plan is scheduled through quarters one through four this coming year and we are tremendously excited about the impact that all that we are doing is making on campus.

So that brings me to the new Friends and Family Referral Program that we have kicked off as of September 7th.  For every qualified referral that you provide to the marketing department, that has not been previously identified to us or toured, we are anxious to pay you, our valued residents (or members of your family) $1000 for the first successful admission, $1250 for the second and $1500 for the third.  That’s $3750 that you can earn per year!  In addition to the prospects not having been previously in our marketing database, they must complete three months of residency and be current on their account.  It’s that simple!  Think about former neighbors, members of your church or members of your own family that you would recommend becoming a part of Beatitudes Campus and provide their names to the marketing department.  The program runs all through next fiscal year to September 30, 2017 but I urge you to hurry.  As I write this article, there are 23 apartments that are “sold” and not yet occupied between rentals and entry fee (Central Park).  Even though we will experience some residents that will transition to higher levels of care, there are a few apartments to fill and enjoy this opportunity.  I will say I honestly cannot wait to hand out that first check at a Residents Council or Town Hall meeting to someone who has referred a successful admission under this program!  And, I want to keep handing them out…….again and again throughout this year.  I love working together with you – simply the finest Life Plan Community I have ever known.  Together, we are creating the community of choice in, not only the Phoenix metropolitan area, but the southwest U.S. – full of choices, opportunities for service and a place of love, acceptance and fellowship.  Please be sure to get in touch with me if you have any questions…… call Marketing at x18487 or myself, at x16107.*

Town Hall Informant – September 2016

Tue, September 13, 2016 Published by

Welcome to the 2016 Beatitudes Campus Town Hall Informant Newsletter. Below is a summary of information and news discussed at the Town Hall meeting. We welcome all new residents for the month of July and August (since our last edition)! You may also view all new residents online at: https://bcampus.org/view/new-residents/

David Ragan, Senior VP of Resident Services, called the meeting to order at 2:15PM. Speaking to a full house of 200 or more residents, at least seven of whom were first time attendants at a Town Hall, David expressed his welcome and reminded residents of the Welcome Coffee which takes place on the 4th Wednesday of each month. The date in September will be Wednesday, the 28th.

Michelle Just was not able to attend this month’s Town Hall, but will be present for the next Town Hall on October 5th.

Employee Shout Out recipients of Certificates of Appreciation were Rod Bailey, Marketing and Sales; Jerry Amaya, Facilities Department; and Ronnie Dew, Dining Services. Radical Hospitality forms are available online at www.bcampus.org and also at the Welcome Center and the Information Station in Town Plaza. Residents are asked to please continue to Shout Out their appreciation of staff members in this way.

Jim Plaster, Residents Council President, presented his report. Issues discussed at the August meeting included the ever-broken yogurt machine, the new phone system and a bulletin board for patio home residents. The Community Relations Committee noted that the 19th Avenue North Association is moving forward. Jim Elliott is the liaison with this organization and Gene Lefebvre will serve on the Interfaith Council. The Recreation Committee reported that the Friday Happy Hour has been relocated from the Bistro to Bucky’s due to overflowing attendance. The Welcome Committee reported that June saw eleven new residents and July welcomed an additional six new residents. The Employee Appreciation Committee distributed annual letters to residents and friends of the Campus and the goal is to make this the best year ever for the Beatitudes staff.

Rev. Peggy Roberts, Senior VP of Spiritual Life, complimented residents on their generosity in the food collection drive for ICM. In this collection alone, the Campus has provided 73 families with food for three to four days. The 15th anniversary of the September 11th Observance will take place on Monday morning, September 12th, at the Peace Pole on Central Park Mall at 8:30AM. The Bell of Hope will ring at 8:46AM, followed by a prayer and reading honoring those who died, first responders, and rescue and recovery workers.

Ron Ingram, Director of Plaza View Assisted Living and Early Memory Support, discussed the plans that have been made for National Assisted Living Week, September 11th through September 17th. Ron invited both Plaza View and Independent Living residents to take part in the week’s activities and to wear the color designated for each day. Monday (blue) will honor our fallen heroes of the 9/11 tragedy. On Tuesday (yellow) the Paradise Valley Entertainers will be at Plaza View. Wednesday (black) will feature an Open House with a Treasures and Trinkets Showcase. On Thursday (green) Plaza View will be hosting a sing-a-long as well as Happy Hour with Karaoke. Friday (red) will bring a Men’s Breakfast in the morning and a close to the week with a Resident Appreciation Dinner.

Joe Kane, Director of Beatitudes Dining Services, announced that our Chef, Brian Rocco, is back on the Campus and he extended a thank you to Rick Melbourne, the Chef who filled in for Brian while he was recuperating. Joe discussed the Independent Living Dining Incentive B-Card changes that will be taking place on October 1st. Residents buying power has increased by $30, from $170 to $200 per month. This will allow residents the opportunity to enjoy more meals in the Bistro, more opportunity to eat at Buckwald’s, more opportunity to eat at Plaza View, and more opportunity to entertain friends/family or neighbors at any of the dining places. The $200 can be used toward purchasing meals in every restaurant, and includes grab and go items in the Bistro, catering from Campus Catering and guest meals. The B-Card cannot be used for things that you buy that are not part of the meal program, such as alcohol purchases, and now, C-store purchases, large tubs of ice cream and Cerretta’s candy. Items in the beverage case, ice cream bars, pastries, desserts, Farmer’s Market grab and go items and quarts of milk will have a quantity limit per transaction. There are meal plans in many communities that force you to eat everyday with them. The Beatitudes has built in flexibility so you can still go out to dinner and not feel tied to the on-campus restaurants. The renewed focus of these changes is on keeping residents eating socially and well during the month. These changes will be spelled out for residents in coming issues of the Roadrunner. In answer to a question, David said that the price of food will not go up at this time.

Jessica Meyer, Director of Success Matters, told residents about an upcoming A.T. Still Falls Prevention Workshop starting Friday, September 16th at 1:30PM in the Agelink Great Room. The workshop will last for eight weeks and is a great opportunity for anyone who has a fear of falling or has a history of falls. Call x16110 and leave your name and number to reserve a space.

Jessica provided an update on the recent CAREcorps Open House. Thirty-four volunteer groups were represented and well over 100 residents and staff members attended. Those attending were enthusiastic and provided a stimulus for new volunteerism. Similar events will take place in the future.

Ruth Crowley, Health and Wellness Committee, apprised residents of an upcoming Workshop, Getting Our Affairs in Order: Legal and Financial Issues of Aging. Nancy Splain, Attorney at Law and Interfaith Outreach Ambassador at Beatitudes Campus Spiritual Life Department, will address legal and financial planning questions residents may not have considered, including technological issues which have come to light in recent years. The Workshop will take place on Friday, September 23rd at 10AM in the Life Center.

Rod Bailey, Senior VP of Marketing and Sales, unveiled a new Friends and Family Referral Program and New Resident Tools. Residents received a door-hanger outlining the way to earn a check for up to $3750 for referring prospective residents. The program is open to current residents and family members of residents and applies to new referrals only. All residents and family members are eligible through 9/30/17. Rod explained that it is more cost effective to invest in the people who know about the Beatitudes than investing in any other resources. The New Resident Tools include a punch card for 12 meals (1 per week) to host a prospect and the opportunity to have a small open house in the new resident’s apartment for friends, family prospects, clergy, former neighbors or others. In answer to a question, Rod said that a program is being established to provide prospective residents comprehensive help in selling a home, downsizing and moving to the Beatitudes.

Rod also discussed opportunities for resident participation in activities of the 19 North Association. There will be a Grand Opening on October 7th. See Jim Elliot or Rod Bailey for details. There will also be an Arizona Night Out on October 22nd at the 17th Avenue Park. See Rod Bailey for details and he will get some sign-ups going for transportation to these events.

Chris Mason, Life Enrichment Specialist, reminded residents of the events of Active Aging Week last year. Sybil Eppinger and Barbara Glenn received $10 certificates acknowledging their ability to remember specifics of last year’s activities. This year’s Active Aging events explore activities in health,

Technology, Spirituality, Community and Fitness—The week begins on September 25th with a free kick off breakfast at 9:00 a.m. in the Life Center. Tuesday will be a chat with IT; Wednesday features a labyrinth with Spiritual Life; Thursday will be a Field Day with all the fitness instructors, and on Friday a Street Fair will be held in the Mall area and will include many free give-aways.

This month’s B-Fit winners were Lila Levy and Shirley White who each won $50 Visa gift cards.

Didi Cruz, Life Enrichment Specialist, offered congratulations to Monica for the birth of her daughter, Hosanna Rea De La Rosa, who arrived three weeks early and weighed just 5 lbs. 7 oz. Sign-ups for the Variety Show will be accepted until Friday, September 23rd. The show will take place on Friday, October 28th from 20 to 12 in the Life Center.

Lifelong Learners Fall Registration will take place in Agelink from 9AM to 1PM on Monday, September 12th and from 9AM to Noon on Tuesday, September 13th. Independent residents pay $25 total for unlimited classes and may pay with Beatitudes account, cash or check. Call Security if you need a ride. Late registration is available by contacting Neil at x14814.

David Ragan announced that bus transportation for groceries will continue to go to the Fry’s Marketplace on Glendale and 19th Avenue. There will be no change, but residents are asked to take charge and take complaints to the store management. Glen Ehland, Fry’s Store Manager, spoke to residents of his appreciation for their business and his efforts to make the shopping experience for residents safe. Joe Kopelic, Asst. Protection Manager, also spoke to residents and informed them that they have added a security guard from 7:15AM to close and have off duty policemen hired from 5PM to close. Residents are asked to be conscious of people around them and never ever leave their purses in an open cart. Residents were advised that four new scooter carts have recently been purchased for use. It was also advised that residents call 911 if they see something happening that needs to be reported. The new light rail line seems to be responsible for an increase in pan-handlers and trespassers in the area. Several suggestions from residents included keeping residents and grocery carts inside until the bus arrives and then leaving two at a time as well as having smaller grocery carts available for use by some residents and posting a security guard at the front door.

Michele Mully, Transportation Coordinator, was happy to report that the Free Zone for transportation will extend east to Highway 51, beginning October 1st. The extension will include rides to Cigna on 16th Street and Associated Retina Consultants on East Glendale.

Residents were reminded that with the new phone system, phones will ring 8 times before you can leave a message. Call 16135 for medical appointments and x12905 to reserve a seat on the bus for activities and shopping.

The last chance to register to vote will be Monday, September 12th in the Bistro from 11AM to 2PM.

David Ragan introduced Warren Myllion and Howard Sommers, DDS of Essential Oral Healthcare.

EOH is embedding its services here and is intent on helping residents maintain good oral health which is important in reducing the risk of pneumonia, fevers and the flu.

In closing, David reminded residents to check on their neighbors, join Facebook Beatitudes Social Media and look forward to having Gregory’s Market here for the next Town Hall on Wednesday, October 5th in the Life Center.

 

Editor’s Notes: Please thank Norma Dieffenabach when you see her next for taking such excellent notes from our Town Hall Meeting.

Town Hall Informant – June 2016

Mon, July 18, 2016 Published by

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.)