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Tag: future

A Fond Farewell to Becky Black

Mon, August 30, 2021 Published by

Becky, I know that I speak for your sales team and the entire campus when I say that it has been absolutely great working with you—your work truly made a lasting impact, and one that has changed the campus for the better in so many ways. I have always appreciated how you were readily available to lend an ear when complex considerations arose on the path to residency and help solve any problem and that you have done so with grace, humor and caring.

Optimistic Realism

Sun, August 29, 2021 Published by

I find that to be a worthy challenge to be an optimist AND a realist. To learn to hold those two opposing but equally true things at once. We can grieve all that we’ve been through and also find the strength to deal with the ongoing reality. We can grieve those we’ve lost. We can lament, and fight and struggle with our pandemic fatigue while also finding hope in today, in the reality here and now as we seek to live each day to the fullest.

Earth Day Observance

Sun, April 21, 2019 Published by

EARTH DAY OBSERVANCE…On Friday, April 26th, the residents and staff of Beatitudes Campus are participating in the 2019 Earth Day Observance with what has been termed a “Protect March”. The Marchers will gather outside The Bistro at 10:00AM Friday morning and then proceed to The Everett Luther Life Center. Join us!

The Year Without a Summer

Sun, February 3, 2019 Published by

This week, the weather has been hitting the headlines. As the quote from the Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us, “there is nothing new under the sun”, except for the headlines being written in 1816, when the new occurrence was that there seemingly was no sun.

“I had a dream, which was not all a dream. The bright sun was extinguish’d, and the stars did wander darkling in the eternal space.” Written in July 1816, these words from Byron’s poem Darkness are inspired by the strange events of The Year Without a Summer. It followed the eruption of Mount Tambora (the largest recorded volcanic eruption in history) located in modern day Indonesia, which in turn sparked months of unusual weather and climate disruption around the globe as its large dust cloud of volcanic ash entered the atmosphere. During this period, the sun frequently disappeared behind that thick acrid cloud. Instead of summer, the winter temperatures continued. Some thought the strange climate signaled the imminent destruction of the sun and the end of the world. We know of course now that though the dark uncertainty might have felt never-ending in 1816, the world did not in fact end. The world kept on spinning, and eventually the cloud dissipated and the sun reemerged. One of the most notable things about The Year Without a Summer is the number of seminal works of art, music and literature that it produced. It was around this time that Beethoven began his celebrated late period of composition, Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, and Byron his epic poem Prometheus, as well as many other successful endeavors.

Just as it did that fateful summer 200 years ago, beauty continues to emerge from uncertainty. We have our own metaphorical clouds of darkness and uncertainty brooding around the world today, and yet gimmers of sunlight shine forth brightly amidst that darkness. The light of hope continues to shine as we engage with others and when we choose respect rather than incivility; unity rather than division; love over hate. The hope spoken of in the teachings of Jesus – while not denying fear and uncertainty – requires the believer to look beyond present circumstances and instead to choose to have faith in a better future. As 14th century Christian mystic, Julian of Norwich, put it: “All shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” But hope is not a lottery ticket. Nor is it blind or passive optimism. It is the firm belief that we can each dispel the clouds of darkness by working together in love.

God is Still Speaking

Sun, January 20, 2019 Published by

During the past few weeks I have been reading various economic, political, environmental and sporting predictions for the coming year. Happily (and especially if you are a D-Backs fan), people are notoriously poor at predicting the future. Time has shown that we tend to construct predictions from our wishes or fears rather than actual data. Those who are paid to make such forecasts are often way off the mark, such as the banker who famously told Henry Ford that the horse was here to stay, or the British weatherman who famously on the eve of the country’s worst ever recorded storm, announced that “it might be a little windy tomorrow.”

There are dangers in putting too much store in what might happen, however prophecy and prediction are not the same thing. When the prophets – like Jeremiah and Isaiah – pointed to events in the future, they were not predictions of what would happen; but rather descriptions of what could happen if the people didn’t change their ways. Their focus was on making things right in the present, rather than being right about the future. They called out uncomfortable truths – sometimes at great personal risk – about the injustices of society, the people’s indifference to poverty, or the environment – urging people to change now in order to avoid future catastrophe. The Jeremiahs are perhaps long gone, but if we listen carefully we can hear the prophets of our day. They could be journalists, or musicians, or perhaps even children. There are no special qualifications required, and the message, doesn’t have to be conventionally religious. The inspiration of their message if it is for the good, can be seen ultimately to have its origin in the divine, but the action is earthly, urgent and rooted in the now. Some believe that part of the supernatural outworking of creation is that God has placed the future inside the present. Are we ready to discern and listen to those speaking the truth about what is necessary this year in order to win a hopeful future for ourselves and the generation to come? May it be, that our hearts and minds may be open to those voices, and to God speaking through them. *

Come Away and Rest a While

Sun, July 22, 2018 Published by

The writings of the New Testament remind us, in several places, of how as well as traveling and teaching, healing and preaching, Jesus set aside a time and a space for rest and rejuvenation.

We read how Jesus ‘would withdraw to deserted places for prayer,’ and the frequency of these periods of rest speak to their importance both for Jesus, and for us.

As Jesus put it to his disciples, ‘Come apart to a deserted place by yourself and rest a while.’ We may not always be able to literally wander out to some deserted place, but we can make a decision to purposely disconnect our minds and lives of distraction and worry while we make our retreat away from the worries of the world. Maya Angelou puts it like this; “Every person needs to take one day away.  A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future.  Jobs, family, employers and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence.  Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.  Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”

It is for those reasons, as well as wanting to provide a time of worship and learning, that the Spiritual Life Department has scheduled a day of retreat on Saturday, September 15, 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. in the Life Center. To help us in our reflection we will be using some of the time to look at the works of Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, collectively known as some of the greatest Christian mystics.

Materials for study and lunch are included. Space is limited, and so reservations are required. To reserve your space, please RSVP to Kimberly Bravo x18465 by September 1.*

What’s Growing This Spring?

Mon, March 19, 2018 Published by

The world around us is abloom, and new growth can be seen everywhere around us including in one another. Over 170 of you are taking classes in our Beatitudes Center for Life Long Learners and you are growing and shining. We have long proclaimed that Beatitudes Campus is the place where one comes to learn, live and grow, and you are the very proof that we walk our talk. I am so thrilled to be able to work alongside the staff and residents who are making lifelong learning a reality.

As if that is not enough, new growth is also sprouting with our BrainSavers and Fitness Programs. You residents want to work out and strengthen your brains just like you want to keep your bodies fit. As I write this, we are developing new ways to offer opportunities to keep your minds wise and bodies active. If our fitness program is any indicator, those new programs will be overflowing as soon as they start.

You also are planting seeds to experience new forms of transportation. It used to be, not long ago at all, that giving up one’s car was to give up one’s freedom. That is no longer the case and today it can mean even greater freedom. Many of you have discovered Lyft, Go Go Grandparent and Uber, to name a few car services, which will get you anywhere you want to go at any time you want to get there.  Not only is driving in crazy Phoenix traffic a non-issue, but some are saving hundreds of dollars with the elimination of monthly insurance, gas, registration and maintenance costs.

Stop by the Design Studio meeting on any Thursday at 9:00AM in the Plaza Club and see one of the most amazing cross-pollination of ideas taking place right there. These ideas don’t stay as ideas either—they become reality sooner than later, making our community stronger and all the more attractive for the future.

More evidence of fresh growth is visible in just about any direction you choose to look. I am excited to think about what is also germinating below the surface right now that will also bloom into new opportunities for a growing and thriving group of folk at Beatitudes Campus. It is almost out of control, and that is a prettier picture than all of the desert wild flowers around us today.*

Don’t Worry

Mon, June 12, 2017 Published by

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.”

– Buddha

Are you a worrier? I know I am. I come from a great line of worry-warts in my family. We are exceptional at putting countless amounts of overthinking into situations and circumstances to which we have little to no control. It’s not good emotionally, mentally or physically. So why do we do it at all? More importantly, how can we stop?

Some scientists theorize that worrying may actually keep us safe. For example, if I’m concerned about being in a car accident, that worry will probably get me to put my seat belt on, which is a good thing.

It’s nice to know that worrying actually suits a purpose, but I still would much rather do without such an excess of it.

In the article, “Seven Awesome Reasons to Be Present and How to Do It,” by Henrick Edberg, I read that being in the moment is an excellent way to stop worrying. When I am focused on what is happening right here and now, I don’t allow time for my brain to worry about what might happen or stress about what has already passed.

Edberg explains there are many ways to keep your mind in the present moment. You can focus on your breathing or even focus on the sights and sounds that are around you. Feeling the sun on your skin or listening to the birds singing can bring you into the present and keep you there. Being aware with your senses can draw you into the moment and away from your anxiety.

Another technique that works for me is prayer. I silently repeat a short prayer over and over until my anxiety goes away. My go-to mantra is, “God has got this.” It’s simple and easy and, most importantly, it works for me.

Sure, I’ve got work to do with controlling my worrying. It is a lifelong challenge for me to work on and find different techniques that help. There is also a comfort in knowing that my worrying is a human condition and I’m not alone. Even people in biblical times were sometimes worrying too much and turned to the scripture for guidance.

 

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

– Psalm 34:4

 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.”

– Philippians 4:6

So, let’s work together to go out in this great wide world and live out our hopes and not our fears. Remember, God has got this.

Where Are The Shovels?

Tue, May 16, 2017 Published by

At this month’s Resident Town Hall, I had the opportunity to provide attendees an update on the campus’ master planning work. You’ve heard for months now our team is working on the future campus redevelopment, yet I often get asked “when are we going to put a shovel in the ground?” Well, just because you aren’t seeing dirt diggers here, please know that there is significant and detailed work going on behind the scenes!

The Gate at the End of the Year

Tue, January 3, 2017 Published by

As the clamor of the holiday season has faded once more into hopefully happy memories of light and joy, we turn now and look to the future, as we step into the New Year of 2017.

There are many special days for us individually that cause us to pause and reflect on what has happened in our lives and what may be yet to come, but as we hang our new calendars on our walls, and try to remember to write 2017 in our checkbooks, we have a chance to collectively contemplate as we celebrate.

Looking back over 2016, we can remember both times of celebration and times of sadness and difficulty. Thinking firstly of celebrations, 2016 was the first year during which child mortality rates fell substantially across the globe. 2016 was also the year during which the nations of the world gathered together in Rio to celebrate their sporting achievements. Speaking of sporting achievements – the Chicago Cubs broke their 108 year dry spell by winning the World Series in Game 7!

Unfortunately as well as being able to reflect joyfully on these and many other events, during 2016 the world was repeatedly distressed by the continuing conflict in Syria with its resulting humanitarian crisis, as well as by the terrorist attacks in Orlando, Europe and the Middle East which, amongst many others around the world, have resulted in the loss of so many innocent lives.

As we step into 2017, we may ponder to ourselves what news the next twelve months will bring both in our own lives and in the wider world. Amid our wonder and our apprehension, perhaps we should greet 2017 with the words of this poem by M. L. Haskins in our hearts and minds:

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.” So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.”

May our New Year bring us closer to God, who walks beside us on our pilgrimage of life, and a Happy New Year to you all.

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!

Christmas Traditions

Mon, December 19, 2016 Published by

The holidays; it’s that time of the year that some love and others really struggle with. For me it is a combination of the two. It is a reflective time of year for me as my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer on December 15th of 1993 when I was 20 years old. Christmas was my mother’s favorite holiday and she always made it wonderful for us kids. That year leading up to Christmas, as you can imagine, was tough. Many of our traditions went by the wayside that year as she was so ill.

One tradition that stopped that year for my brother and I, because that was our last Christmas with her as she died in early January of 1994, was the tradition of picking out a “special” ornament each year that had our name and the year on it.  The ornament often reflected something we liked or were interested in that year.  For instance in 1986, my brother Michael got a red truck ornament, as that was the year he received his driver’s license and a red Ford truck.  My mom started this tradition because she always said that when we moved out she wanted us to have ornaments for our own tree.  Michael and I enjoyed each year when we would decorate the Christmas tree with our parents. It was always fun to unwrap each ornament and then discuss why we had chosen that ornament as our “special” ornament that year.  There usually were lots of laughs because, in retrospect, some of the reasons were very silly.  After my mother’s death, every year when I would put a tree up, I would have moments of tears and smiles as I placed my ornaments on the tree.  I remember thinking that I couldn’t wait to start a family and begin that tradition with them.

The Christmas of 2002, my husband Jeff and I were able to begin the tradition of the “special” ornament for our daughter, Lauren. Her first ornament, just like my very first ornament, was a brass angel with her name engraved on it. Lauren is now 14 years old and our son Luke is 10 years old and they both enjoy picking out their “special” ornaments, unwrapping them and placing them on the tree each year. This year we had custom ornaments made for each of them.  The front of Lauren’s has a picture of her kicking a soccer ball, along with her name, the year and the name of the 2 soccer teams she is on. The back of the ornament has a picture of her and her team celebrating after a win.  Luke’s ornament has a picture of him with his race truck on the front along with his name, 2016 and that he was the AZ and CA Champ. He also chose a picture of his race truck for the back of the ornament. I love helping the kids pick out their ornaments each year as it is a really neat way to remember what was important to them that year.

About 5 years ago, I began buying a personalized family ornament so that our tree won’t be completely bare when the kids’ ornaments are no longer hanging on to our tree because they have moved out and are hanging on their very own. They both have told me that they love that I have begun doing that and they will carry on the new tradition of a family ornament with their families in the future. It is interesting how something can turn into a tradition.  I hope you still celebrate the holidays with some traditions you grew up with or can think fondly of some traditions that you started. Happy Holidays!

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.

Forward Looks to the Future

Mon, October 17, 2016 Published by

A few of us from campus were privileged to attend a very enlightening presentation this week on the 2017 economic outlook sponsored by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.  It was encouraging to hear that, we can expect a continuing good business environment and that, compared to the rest of the country, we rank 6th in our position in the recovery, up from a 20+ position a few years ago.  Nonetheless, the recovery is weak compared to others, but is actually the second longest in history since 1928.

gobeyondcreativityElliott Pollack, nationally renowned as a veteran Arizona economist, informed us that education and health services should continue to boom and are not expected to be cyclical, but rather steadily increase despite market fluctuations.  In fact, one of every eight new jobs will be in the healthcare industry as the Phoenix metropolitan area continues to develop as a national center of medical expertise. Employment in the health industry has actually risen 156% since 2008.

Construction is doing well as evidenced by the substantial amount of home building as well, apartments and our unemployment rate is at a historically low level.  Significantly, for those of us in the senior living industry, we are more in a seller’s market than any time in the last eight years with values up and inventory slightly less than demand. Sales of existing homes are on track to finish 2016 as the strongest year since 2008 and prices of homes should continue to rise.  That is good news for those exiting home ownership to come to a campus such as Beatitudes.  Most interesting, was Mr. Pollack’s observation that there will be a “tsunami of eligible buyers in five years as bankruptcies fall off of credit reports.”

Despite all of the good business environmental factors, we continue to look for ways in which we provide opportunities for our campus to thrive in other ways which make a difference in, not only the quality of life of our residents, but our community as a whole.   I recently read an article by Debra Wood, R.N., that highlighted that giving time to improve another person’s life, or the greater community, offers benefits far beyond the good deeds done by volunteers.  It creates feelings of self-worth in those doing the giving and can improve their outlook and well-being.

“Volunteering gives us another reason to get out of bed in the morning, because we look forward to getting together and doing this,” says Carol Jenkins, a resident at Parker and McCarrick in Somerset, NJ, and secretary of its Living with Purpose Club.  “It makes us feel good helping others.”

I had the pleasure of watching this in action this past Friday evening, October 7th, at the Open Door Fellowship Church which hosted the formal kick off of the 19 North neighborhood association group.  Jim Elliott and his wonderful group of campus volunteers have been an integral part of taking an idea surrounding completion of the light rail on 19th Avenue, and potential concerns about the development of the neighborhood, to a solid coalition of stores, shops, restaurants, city recreation centers, churches, hospitals, schools and us, as the sole senior living provider, to a movement solidly committed to strengthening our one-of-a-kind community.  19 North is encouraging each to take pride in our area and make it better by contributing ideas, energy and passion……..and interacting with each other in meaningful ways.

It was a privilege to set up our booth and talk with hundreds of interested community members, many of whom expressed interest in learning more about Beatitudes Campus. But the true joy was seeing so many of our residents in action – speaking, working at the display, interacting with other members of the coalition and formulating plans for additional volunteerism in churches, schools and community services.  That is a significant demonstration of our vision and one of the great ways in which Beatitudes Campus becomes more than just a place to live, with a solid business environment.  We are now advertising in the Sunnyslope Plus newspaper which is being retooled with  entire 19 North pullout.  What a thrill to be on the ground floor of something so significant for our neighborhood and to work with such a committed group of volunteers!  Once again, I have to observe “my cup runneth over!”

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.

The Courage of Hope

Mon, July 11, 2016 Published by

Browsing through a British newspaper the other day, I came across an article online entitled “My Future Self.” Over a dozen young girls were asked what they wanted to do when they grow up. Each had then designed her own photo-shoot, posing in the role that she hoped to one day have. “Ever since we studied the solar system in primary school,” said Haja, “I would imagine myself up in the sky, discovering new things, and so I want to be an astronaut.”

I remember asking one of my nieces that same question “What do you want to do when you are older?” She thought about it for a moment, and couldn’t come up with an answer, but then at 9 she seemingly has all the time in the world to discern her future. She will do so living in a country at peace, with food, clothing and shelter, education and security.

In contrast Haja and her friends have, in the understatement of the article, “directly experienced conflict.” The girls questioned in the article were Syrians living as refugees in the North of Jordan. “Many people told me a girl can’t become an astronaut,” Haja continues, going on to say that she hopes, in the future, she will be able to “tell girls with dreams to not be afraid, to be confident and know where you want to go.”

Architect, surgeon, lawyer, photographer; the list of ambitions springing forth from these young people in such difficult circumstances is inspiring, but what is so very poignant about each of these girls is the vibrancy of their hope. We can barely imagine what trauma these girls have endured and what miseries they still face, and yet their dreams soar.

Hope might sometimes be misunderstood as irrational, or even lazy—merely buying a Lottery ticket and crossing your fingers! Hope might also be maligned and neglected- ‘Be realistic!’ says the sceptic—”Don’t get your hopes up. Manage your expectations.”

Remarking on recent world events, John Kerry said; “it’s all enough to make some people want to climb back into bed, pull the sheets over their head and wish that everything would disappear. But that’s not how you solve anything, folks, except maybe a hangover.” We have all felt the temptation to pull the sheets back over our heads, and for many people, hope in a brighter future seems to be founded on something pretty unlikely.

And how likely is it, on the face of it, that Haja will become an astronaut, and her friends become architects and lawyers and movie stars?

But there are two things we can say for sure about Haja’s aspiration. Firstly, it’s not impossible is it? Who dares say she cannot reach the sky? Secondly, her dream is far more likely to be realized if she puts her trust in the hope that a better day will dawn—just like the rest of us. ★