Read all about it! The latest recap of our February 2019 Community Town Hall is now available online for your reading pleasure!
Be sure to read it here: https://wp.me/p7o8lu-gQl
Before the Diamondbacks, anyone growing up in Phoenix was either a Dodgers fan (games were radio broadcasted from LA) or a San Francisco Giants fan (their minor league team was abased here – the Phoenix Giants). I was a Giants fan. I even have all of the 1970’s autographs of the greats including a bat and ball signed by Hall of Famer, the “Say Hey Kid” himself– Willie Mays.
Mays was famous for his greeting, “Say Hey!” to everyone he encountered – so much so he will forever be known as the “Say Hey Kid” and for the legendary smile that followed. Everybody loved Willie Mays!
A few years back, I experienced another type of “Say Hey”. I officiated the wedding of a relative and they wanted to pay my way to Colorado Springs for the event. I was happy to do it and another Holiday Inn stay would not hurt me a bit. I had no idea where I was going and when my rental car took me to the gates of the Five-Star resort, The Broadmoor, I was sure there was a mistake. I have experienced some nice hotels (ok, I worked at them) but I had never seen anything like this.
From the moment I entered the property of The Broadmoor, I was greeted, welcomed and smiled at by every single employee I passed. From a busboy on his way to the dining room, to housekeepers cleaning someone else’s room as I was just walking by, I heard, “Good morning!” Within my first half-day I must have been greeted 30 times, and so had the other 1000 people staying at the Resort. It was contagious – because the guests were greeting each other as well.
At first, I will admit, it felt strange. By the second day, I was ready for it. By the third, I was convinced that Disneyland could no longer claim to be the happiest place on earth. It was the culture of the Broadmoor to be welcoming to every guest or employee that anyone encountered. It alone made it a five-star experience – much more so than the lap of luxury that surrounded me.
We already have that going for us as we are known for our boundless welcoming spirit. However, is there room to take it up to an even higher level and make it a Five-Star experience for anyone walking around Beatitudes Campus? There is always more room to make someone else’s life happier. If you haven’t tried it yet, try greeting any and every one at every turn and watch what happens. It is contagious. Just say hey! Try it – we all deserve a five-star experience.*
Thank you for welcoming me to Beatitudes Campus – I am so happy to be here as the new Success Matters Resource Navigator, a position that will enable me to work with residents to find needed resources and answer questions. This is a new position that will develop under the guidance of Jessica Meyer, who is already a tremendous resource herself as well as a delightful colleague.
I first became interested in learning more about the aging process when I was a hospice volunteer. From that six-year experience I learned firsthand that we are all part of this great thing called living and dying, and that we are intimately tied to one another throughout this whirlwind of a journey. I also learned how to double-bag trash cans, haul laundry bags, and make a great grilled cheese sandwich.
At that time I was working as a high school guidance counselor; before that I taught English for nine years. Some people might wonder about the shift from working with adolescents to older adults, but I see it as a natural transition. Both younger people and older people are faced with issues of changing identity and growth. Both are subject to stereotyping and generalizations. It seemed to me that our society does not take the time to appreciate the subtleties of the aging process.
My academic interests culminated in a Master of Arts, Gerontology degree from USC. This exposed me to a wide range of social, political and biological issues that affect our lives. I completed the USC Andrus Gerontology Center’s Executive Certificate in Home Modification, as well as the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation. I realized how much the physical living environment plays a key role in maintaining dignity and autonomy, and how we can alter it to suit our changing needs. Too often we assume the problem is within ourselves, when really, it is in the physical barriers we have created that surround us.
Most recently, I worked as the Managing Director of Tempe Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a volunteer-based nonprofit that provides resources to Tempe residents who are aging in place. My work in this capacity solidified my interest in providing resources to others that help make aging a more satisfying experience.
I’m a Phoenix native and although every summer I can’t believe I still live here, that seems to be the case. I have a husband, four cats and a dog who surround me with affection, joy and chores. I enjoy yoga, reading newspapers, watching Frasier reruns and desert landscaping. Again, thank you for welcoming me to Beatitudes Campus and I look forward to learning and growing along with you on our common journey.
The Welcome Committee is planning a WEAR YOUR NAME TAG WEEK beginning October 24th through the 30th. During this time, we are encouraging all residents to participate! Wearing your name tag gives other residents the opportunity to greet you by name and start up a conversation. It picks up the spirits of anyone who may not be having a good day, and is a great way of making new friends. It broadens your horizon as you gather more people into your circle of life and you get to know them even better when this friendship becomes stronger. We all come from different backgrounds and different parts of our country and have great stories to share with everyone.
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.*
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.)
Jiyea Park, Occupational Therapy Student and Intern for Success Matters at Beatitudes Campus
Hello! My name is Jiyea (pronounced Gia) Park. You may have seen me strolling around campus with Jessica Meyer, the Director of Success Matters, but I wanted to formally introduce myself. I am an occupational therapy student who will be interning with Jessica for the next 12 weeks. As it turns out, April is National Occupational Therapy month, so this is a timely opportunity to share, not only a bit about myself, but also touch on the role of Occupational Therapy. I decided to get my masters in Occupational Therapy because it is a medical profession rooted in promoting the fullest quality of life and engagement at any age, and at every stage, by understanding each individual holistically.
When I am not working at Beatitudes, I spend my time hiking, painting, and exploring different restaurants and coffee shops in my neighborhood. I was born in South Korea but moved to Eugene, Oregon when I was 12 years old. I went to the University of Oregon for my undergraduate degree, where I studied journalism and business. I am a huge Ducks fan and love college football.
By interning with Jessica, who is also an occupational therapist, I will not only be learning more about Beatitudes and the Success Matters program but will also gain a better understanding of how Occupational Therapy can help to improve the lives of older adults. I hope to be an additional pair of ears and eyes working on behalf of the residents on campus. If you have any concerns or ideas regarding how we can better serve you to promote healthier and happier lifestyles on campus, please feel free to share those ideas with us.
I am very excited to be part of the Success Matters program, which is committed to empowering seniors to reach their fullest potential, by providing a variety of possibilities for staying active, stimulated and fulfilled and ultimately improving one’s overall quality of life. I am very pleased to have this opportunity to learn from Jessica, things from program development to how to better cater towards the needs of the elderly. In the next three months, I hope to help Jessica in helping the residents to have improved quality of lives here on campus. To do this, I will need your help, so if you see me around campus, feel free to say hello and share your ideas. I am thrilled to meet and get to know you better. *
By Jiyea Park, Occupational Therapy Student and Intern to Jessica Meyer, Director of Success Matters
