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Transporting Resident Equipment Reminder

Thu, August 26, 2021 Published by

We are happy to do all we can to meet your transportation needs. However, Beatitudes Campus is not responsible for any damage incurred to residents’ personal property during transit. It is the responsibility of the resident to keep any fragile or valuable items safely secured either on their person or left behind for safe travel. Residents that use walkers, scooters or power chairs need to have them cleared out of personal belongings and ready to be properly stowed by staff. Please only take the necessary items that you require. Note that items like baskets and cup holders are always vulnerable to breakage no matter who is transporting them for which Beatitudes cannot take responsibility. As always, we do our best to care for you and your possessions.

Transportation Updates

Mon, October 26, 2020 Published by

Due to current, safety and health concerns, campus transportation has reverted to Safeway for our weekly shopping trips and will continue with them until further notice. Some of the reasons we switched from Fry’s to Safeway are issues with safety, unwanted solicitation around the entrance to the store, lack of available assistance from employees/management, constant unavailable carts to use and most importantly cleanliness during our current Covid19 pandemic.

PLEASE HELP US TO HELP YOU

Sun, January 27, 2019 Published by

As you may already know, the Beatitudes Campus has received a $30,000 grant to be used for our current and future on-campus transportation needs. The new Patio Homes (now under construction) and the future Promenade Apartments will add a large number of new residents, many of whom may require transportration help to reach various facilities on campus, not to mention current residents with similar needs.  We have created a sub- committee of the Transportation Committee consisting of residents Sherwin Block, Kay Baker, Jim Plaster and Bob Telleen, plus staff members David Ragan and Barbara Wood to deal with these issues.  We’ll need  your help down the road, so stay tuned for details of the program as they become available.

 

Driver’s Ed

Sun, October 21, 2018 Published by

Car ownership is less tied to independence than it used to be. The rideshare economy, which makes transportation available around the clock at a moment’s notice, has changed this relationship, even in the car-dependent Southwest that we call home. Although older adults are among the least excited about giving up private car ownership, it may be there are some factors that could influence this decision. One consideration that is too often overlooked is the financial cost of owning your own vehicle. If the price of Uber, Lyft, or GoGoGrandparent seems like an unwelcome budget item, consider the costs you may save by not owning a car. Even if you have already paid for the car itself, you are still incurring costs for insurance, maintenance, repairs, gas, and tires.

If you added up what it costs to drive your car for a year, how much would it be? Depending on driving patterns, estimates average out to between 56 cents per mile to up to 75 cents per mile. If you are interested in learning more about many factors that may drive (sorry) your decisions about owning and operating your own car, as well as realistic alternatives available to you for transportation, please join Success Matters on Tuesday, Oct. 23rd, at 1:00PM in the Agelink Great Room.*

Big Bus News

Sun, July 22, 2018 Published by

The time has come for the large transportation bus to head to the mechanic to have the new engine installed. Starting Monday July 23rd, the bus will be down for approximately  two to three weeks. Please be patient during this process and remember to call in your reservations for ALL outings as seating will be limited to 14 people per trip. All trips will require residents to call x12905 for reservations.*

 

Transportation Update

Sun, June 24, 2018 Published by

Hey Beatitudes—GREAT NEWS! We are proud to announce that the Transportation Department has been given approval to revamp the 29 passenger bus, which will include repowering the bus with a brand new Cummins engine. This will take care of the issues we have experienced in the past and allow us to explore the Phoenix Metro area with piece of mind. We do ask that you be patient with us during this process; we hope the bus will be fully functional by the middle of July. It is even more important to make sure you call x12905 for your reservations as we will only have the smaller buses at our disposal.

Even more GREAT NEWS! The Transportation Committee, along with a recommendation from the Life Enrichment Committee, has decided to reduce the number of reservations needed for off-campus outings from a 9-person minimum to a 5-person minimum on a 6-month trial basis. This means that for off-campus outings that are scheduled by the Life Enrichment Committee, we will only need to meet the 5-person minimum for trips that are out of the no-minimum zone.

No-Minimum Zone – what could that be? This new rectangular no-minimum zone has a perimeter including the I-17 on the west, Peoria Ave. on the north, Hwy 51 on the east and McDowell Rd. on the south. This means the Life Enrichment Committee can schedule any off- campus trip within this area with any number of reservations. We hope these changes will increase the number of our off-campus trips. These changes would not have happened without your voices. Changes will happen at Beatitudes if you keep sharing your ideas with the Residents Council and its various committees.*

Going Places

Tue, May 16, 2017 Published by

One of the toughest decisions that older adults make is to give up driving. Cars mean independence. However, younger generations are finding they may not be so eager to buy a car. There may be economic reasons for this, but there are also new technological developments that let people of all ages get where they want to go without the full cost of owning a car.

Fall is Officially Here and Monica is Back!

Mon, October 3, 2016 Published by

delarosababygirl

Hosanna Rae De La Rosa

If you were wondering where Monica has been for the last month and a half, wonder no more because she is back!  While Monica was out, she welcomed her first baby, Hosanna Rae De La Rosa into the world.  Hosanna’s birthday came 3 weeks early and she still weighed a healthy 5.7 lbs.  If you haven’t seen a picture of her precious baby, you must stop by the Recreation Center and take a look for yourself.  Now that Monica has returned, her hours, days and title have changed.  Monica is now a full time Recreation Specialist and no longer with transportation.  She is here Monday through Friday and no longer Wednesday- Sunday. Church runs will remain the same with another driver.  We would like to personally thank Mireya for helping out while Monica was gone.  Mireya will still be on campus for some time helping out with transportation in the meantime.

Now, time to highlight some events for October!

On Tuesday, October 4th, we will be packing our lunch and heading to the Herberger Lunch Time Theater for a show called “A Little Something Called Family.”  Boarding passes for this event are available at the Welcome Center for $7. You will also want to grab your ticket to the Arizona Broadway Theatre for a show called “Funny Girl.” Boarding passes are $80 and includes lunch.

Come and hear the courageous story of Adolfo “Harpo” Celaya.  Adolfo will share his life story  and how he didn’t speak a word of English when entering the first grade, how he survived one of the most horrific experiences a man could endure with the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, and how he led a band of six Mexican Americans on a rampage through the Arizona state high school basketball championship tournament in 1947.  Adolfo will be speaking on Tuesday, October 25th at 10AM in the Life Center.  All are encouraged to attend.

Our Oktoberfest theme dinner will take place on Thursday, October 27th starting at 5PM.  Entertainment by the Oom-Pah-Pah Band will start at 6PM. Tickets and menu will be available for purchase and viewing in all dining venues closer to the event date.

We will be hosting our second Annual Variety Show on Friday, October 28th, from 10AM-12PM in the Life Center. Come ready to sing along, laugh and enjoy awesome entertainment from our very own residents and staff.

With only a few events highlighted, please be on the lookout for the monthly synopsis sheet located in your building lobby with ALL the upcoming events on and off campus.

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.)

 

Phoenix City Council approves improved bus service to start in October

Fri, July 8, 2016 Published by

Longer service hours for both bus and Dial-a-Ride service

PHOENIX – Throughout the development of the Transportation 2050 (T2050) plan, Phoenix residents spoke about wanting more service hours – and we listened.

The Phoenix City Council approved a major milestone in the future of the city’s transit landscape today, which adds bus service hours and frequency when scheduled service changes take effect this October.

“We heard loud and clear from Phoenix residents that they want the option to catch a bus later in the evening just as they do with light rail, and they want more frequent service to reduce wait times at bus stops,” said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. “Providing more options for working families and residents is what our long-term transportation plan is all about, and that’s what we are going to deliver.”

The improvements equal a 20 percent increase in service miles, from about 17 to 20 million. This means more service hours and shorter wait times for Phoenix bus riders.

In 2014, the Phoenix Public Transit Department went directly to the public to ask what they wanted from the voter-approved Transportation 2050 plan. Among the many suggestions the public gave during early outreach was longer bus hours that match the light rail schedule, and more frequent bus service.

The $17 million improvements include extending the service day by three hours every day of the week for Phoenix’s 44 local fixed bus routes and Dial-a-Ride. In addition, those same routes will have a frequency of 30 minutes or less, seven days a week – in particular during off-peak hours and the weekend.

“Last year Phoenix residents voted to approve a transportation plan that would include enhanced bus service,” said Councilwoman Thelda Williams who chairs the City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “Today, the Phoenix City Council voted to approve a plan for more hours of service and increased frequency—improved service that was a direct result of input from our residents. Transportation infrastructure with bus service that connects residents to their destinations and attracts economic development is what our residents asked for and it is what Phoenix is committed to deliver.”

This is just the first step in this service expansion.

In April, Phoenix Public Transit Department is proposing the expansion of bus service to match light rail hours seven days a week, another 1.3 million service revenue miles. The two-phase implementation allows the city’s two bus service providers to hire and train the 200-plus employees it takes to drive and maintain the buses for this service improvement. The total miles to be added to the system in both October and April is nearly 4.5 million miles.

T2050’s impact on Phoenix transit has just started. Other improvements transit riders can look forward to in the coming months are new shade shelters throughout the city, construction of bus bays and more new buses and Dial-a-Ride vehicles.

Check out what some of our transit users have to say about the service upgrades:

English – https://youtu.be/dIZk0jbdY9I and Español – https://youtu.be/xJ7av2iG8Bo

 

Bus Service Hours
Current Oct. 24, 2016 (approved) April 24, 2017 (proposed)
     
Monday – Thursday 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. 4 a.m. – midnight* 4 a.m. – midnight*
Friday 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. 4 a.m. – midnight 4 a.m. – 2 a.m.*
Saturday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. 5 a.m. – 2 a.m.*
Sunday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.*

* – Matches light hours

Routes adding frequency: 0 – Central Ave., 1 – Washington Ave./Jefferson Ave.*, 3 – Van Buren Road*, 12 – 12th St.*, 13 – Buckeye Rd.*, 15 – 15th Ave., 16 – 16th St., 17 – McDowell Rd., 19 – 19th Ave., 28 – Lower Buckeye Rd., 29 – Thomas Rd.*, 39 – 40th St., 41 – Indian School Rd.*, 43 – 43rd Ave., 44 – 44th St. Tatum Blvd., 50 – Camelback Rd., 51 – 51st Ave.*, 52 – Roeser Rd., 59 – 59th Ave., 67 – 67th Ave., 75 – 75th Ave., 83 – 83rd Ave., 106 – Peoria Ave.,122 – Cactus Rd.*, 138 – Thunderbird Rd., 154 – Greenway Road, 186 – Union Hills Dr./Mayo Blvd., Valley Metro operated routes in Phoenix 30 – University Drive, 77 – Baseline Rd., 108 – Elliot Rd./48th St.

* – includes weekday frequency improvements, all other Saturday and Sunday improvements.

About the Phoenix Public Transit Department:

The Phoenix Public Transit Department provides Phoenix residents a variety of transit options and is the largest member of the Valley Metro regional transit system. Services range from local and commuter buses to alternative transportation for senior citizens and special needs. The city of Phoenix funds transit, and other transportation improvements, through Transportation 2050 (T2050) – a local sales tax approved by Phoenix voters in 2015 – as well as county and federal funds. T2050 allows for enhanced bus service, transit-related technology improvements and fare media upgrades under the leadership of the Citizens Transportation Commission. Visit us at phoenix.gov/publictransit or follow us on Twitter for the latest news.

For more information, please visit: https://www.phoenix.gov/news/publictransit/1361

Looking Towards a Bright Recreational Future

Mon, February 23, 2015 Published by

Have you heard? The Recreation Department is looking to bring our community recreation programming to its highest level yet! But first, with all new visions coming with the new people and preparation for new opportunities, we have been doing a little remodeling so, when complete, we will be ready to start climbing. During this transition time, however, some misperceptions have arisen that we would like to address and, hopefully, create some clarity. One example is a revamping of our staffing and trying to create the most efficient structure to maximize our potential. Where we previously had one part-time driver and one one part-time Recreation Coordinator positions that we were looking to fill, after only receiving a couple of applications, the Transporation and Recreation Departments got together and came to a conclusion of offering a full-time, dual responsibility, position. This position will have dedicated hours for both being a driver and being a Recreation Coordinator. These hours may vary, but Jeff Mathison, Transportation Director, and Didi Cruz will be working together to ensure this new position is successful for the employee and our community.

This does not mean we will have our drivers be fully responsible for off campus events. It is quite the opposite. 90% of our off campus events will have both a driver and a staff/volunteer to make sure that tickets, meals, attendance and your experience is a great one! We do make some decisions where there may be only a driver. These will primarily be trips that only include a drop-off and pick-up at a location (such as a casino). The reason for this is we feel our trip participants to certain off campus venues are fully capable of being independent while enjoying their time off campus. This also allows our Recreation Staff still on campus to provide engaging programming to the other 450 plus residents who do not attend these trips.

Speaking of on campus programming, let’s talk about Theme Dinners. We hear you, and are thankful for our residents who take the time to express the good, bad, ugly and everything in between about community sponsored programming. As you read this, the Recreation Committee members are brainstorming different ways for you to share ideas on what the themes will be moving forward. The on campus and off campus programs that Didi has put on have come directly from residents’ suggestions, and we are so happy that community members share those ideas with her. In the meantime, Didi is working on a suggestion box outside her office and always please bring suggestions/concerns directly to Didi. Thank You!