Communications Roadrunner Articles for 2024

Resident Spotlight – Jerry and Suzanne Hartley

Suzanne and Jerry Hartley have found a way to combine their talents and passion for music by organizing Open Keyboard Jam Sessions and Song Fests for residents to perform and listen. Suzanne, a talented keyboard artist, provides the music while Jerry, with his organizational skills, makes sure things happen.

Since beginning in June 2022, they soon will have conducted 90 jam sessions and song fests. After numerous requests for opportunities to sing, the Song Fest held in December 2022 was a hit. They now hold Song Fests quarterly and Open Keyboard Jam Sessions twice monthly in CPW2 lobby.

Through their dedication and hard work, Suzanne and Jerry have created a platform so residents can enjoy music, and showcase their own talents. Their initiative has brought joy and entertainment to the community, and they look forward to many more successful events.

2024 September 15 – Want to Help?

Did you know there are many volunteer opportunities on campus to help out that do not require a weekly time commitment? Special projects. One-time events. Assisting other residents. Helping in an office or with a distribution. Does this sound like something you can do?
Let’s take a look at some examples where you can help once or as needed and as often as you would like:
• Assist at Memory Lane, a Friday activity, to help with games or with food tastings (Mollie Heiden, Life Enrichment)
• Be a Research Ambassador to share research possibilities with
other residents (Tena Alonzo, Comfort Matters)
• Help out in the office when projects require more hands (Tena Alonzo)
• Be a Friendly Visitor with a resident who would appreciate talking with you (Mollie Heiden, Life Enrichment)
• Guide a resident in a wheelchair to a special event or program (Mollie Heiden)
• Help at a special event-this is a fun one because you never know what you might help with! (Didi Cruz, CARECore)
• Get your hands dirty at a First Saturday at the Garden, particularly for planting,
cleanup and preparing the beds (Melissa Frey, Community Garden)
• Tutor at Maryland School, where you can change the life of a child – this does require an ongoing commitment but you can arrange that with the teacher (Ruth Crowley, Community Outreach) There are many places you can help – just let others know you are willing. Contact the staff person in charge or the chair of the committee and see what’s available in an area that interests YOU. The person to contact for the activities above is listed after each one so make a call. You will meet new people, provide a service, and get a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

2024 September 8 – LLL Fall Term Registration

Registration for the Fall Term of LifeLong Learners classes will be held next Monday, September 9, from 10:00 am till noon and Tuesday, September 10 from1:00 to 2:00 pm in the Life Center. Course catalogs outlining the classes being offered were delivered to your doors last Friday morning.
This term LifeLong Learners will be offering a total of 32 different classes during the two terms. Part A classes will begin on Monday, September 16 and Part B classes start on Monday, November 4. This is the most classes that LLL has been able to offer since classes restarted after the COVID shutdown.
When you come to the registration, you will need to have the registration form
completed. Additional registration forms will be available at the event, if needed.
Remember that class registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Your one registration fee allows you to take as many classes as you like. The class schedule has been developed to ensure a minimum of conflicts.
Please note that there is a limit on bringing multiple registration forms on Monday and Tuesday. You may bring yours and one other for your spouse/partner or for a friend who is unable to attend. Payment for classes will be either by including it on your Beatitudes bill or by check.

2024 September 1 – Building Representatives

We are hearing a lot about the important upcoming federal and state elections coming up on November 5th but we have another set of elections that day, and to us living at the Beatitudes just as important. Our elections are for Jr. Representatives representing you on your Residents Council. The current Jr. Representatives move up to Sr. Representative at the end of the year. In June your Building Representatives were required to appoint a nominating committee to search out qualified candidates for nomination as Jr. Representative to represent your building next year. The candidate receiving the most votes will be elected. If you would like to be a candidate please contact one of your current Building Representatives as soon as possible.
Your current Building Representatives are also required to hold an all building meeting to introduce the candidates to all the residents of the building before October 4th. On that date the Chairperson of your nominating committee is required to submit a list of candidates to the Bylaws & Elections Committee chair person. The list will then be forwarded to the Residents Council President.
There are more steps to be taken in October and we will report on those next month.

2024 August 25 – Meet Joyce Findley

We are trying something new. Joyce is the mother of Carole Beard, fitness specialist here at Beatitudes. Joyce says that the advice she has for successful life and integration on the campus is to become involved. Get out and meet people.
Along those lines, have you ever tried Basketball Bounce. It is one of the Senior Fitness Challenges. It happens every Monday at 2 pm in the Life Center. Tuesday Life Enrichment goes to the Italian restaurant near Safeway called Sauce. Even if you drive, consider going on the bus for the camaraderie. Wednesday at Beaded Lizard, Bill Chase’s band Cimmaron Road performs. Thursday from 10 until 12:00 Community Engagement is giving away free popsicles. This Friday at 1:00 we celebrate August birthdays in the Bistro. Joyce is right. There is always something to do here at Beatitudes.

After meeting with Melissa Frey, Resident Council President, we
decided that this would be a good forum to announce upcoming
open meetings, and special events. With that in mind, if you would
like mention of your meeting, please drop an eMail to Communications@ARIZ.com or text 602-999-4120.
If you would like an entire article, write it and eMail it to Jon Schilling at JSchilling@BeatitudesCampus.org.
One event to look out for this week is Curana’s Monthly Educational Event at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, August
21 in the Life Center. Being that it has been hotter than past years, they are focusing on how to stay
hydrated, and what happens when you don’t. From there, don’t forget Sundaes WITHOUT Dave from 2:00
until 4:00. Ice cream will be in the Bistro, but the event will not be fully staffed with Admin this month. On
Thursday, August 22 at 1:00 Community Engagement will be showing the movie Space Cadet in the Life
Center. Refreshments will be served.

2024 August 11 – Article Killed

2024 August 4 – Gone Fishing

You probably don’t need a reminder, but better to hear it twice, than forget about it once. During the heat of August we ARE NOT holding Admin Town Hall, Residents Council, New Resident Coffee, Studio, Auxiliary, or Backstreet Boutique.  All of these will resume in September.

However, Lifelong Learners, Employee Appreciation, Welcome Committee, and Life Enrichment ARE meeting. Life Enrichment outings are also going forward. All Happy Hours and sing-alongs are still scheduled, and all Garden Club activities are still a go. Finally, we are having ice cream sundaes on August 21, the Third Wednesday at 2:00 pm as well! Hurrah!  For all other events and activities, look at the Roadrunner Calendar before venturing out into the blistering heat.

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2024 July 26 – Fifth Wednesday Christmas in July

Have you ever seen those square boxes with lots of squares inside and big squares on three corners? Those are called QR codes, which stands for Quick Response. They are like bar codes, but more advanced. To use a QR code, simply point your camera at it until a link appears. Tap on the link to access the content behind the code.

For example, please notice the QR codes appearing below this article. We are introducing QR codes for viewing all of the Standard Beatitudes menus in print, or for listening to them using an AI (artificial intelligence) voice. If you want to listen to the entire Roadrunner while driving or before bedtime, simply scan the QR code on the front page under the Birthdays.

Now, you may be wondering how this applies to you, as a Beatitudes Resident. Well, Life Enrichment has created QR codes for various purposes such as reading the Roadrunner, listening to menus, viewing activities, and providing feedback on restaurant services. You will start to see these codes appear in many places.

Embrace the new technology of the new millennium!

2024 July 19 – Roadrunner Revue

The members of the Beatitudes Campus Communications Committee are assigned the task of finding ways to keep the residents informed, within limits, about what is going on around them.

The most recent development is an audible version of the Roadrunner. Tune in to Channel 1-2 any time from 8:30 to 10:00 am on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday for a broadcast of the Roadrunner. This is generated by an artificial intelligence license purchased by Life Enrichment on our behalf. Thanks, Beatitudes! You can also scan the QR code that is shown under the Birthday list to listen at your leisure.

The 2024 Paris Olympics are upon us. Join Life Enrichment in AGR on Friday, July 26 @ 10:30 for the opening ceremonies.

Questions and Answers: (Q) I lost my key. What are my options? (A) Keys are marked with a code that can be read by Security. If the key is turned in to them, they will return it to you. If you want a replacement key, fill in a work request on Uniguest, or call Maintenance at 602-335-8492 (x1-8492). Turn around will likely be several days, and there is a charge for the replacement key.

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2024 July 12 – Keeping You in the Loop – Bob Morgan

We members of the Beatitudes Campus Communications Committee are assigned the task of finding ways to keep the residents informed, within limits, about what is going on around them.

We have turned the Uniguest (formerly Touchtown) issues over to Groovytek our Information tech knowledge supplier, who are on campus daily and are better equipped to handle any issue you may have. A Groovytek representative attends our monthly meetings so please let us know how Groovytek is working for you.

The most recent development is an audible version of the Roadrunner.  Tune in to Channel 1-2 any time from 8:30 to 10:00 am on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday for a broadcast of the Roadrunner.  This is generated by an artificial intelligence license purchased by Life Enrichment on our behalf.  Thanks, Beatitudes!

Questions and Answers:(Q) I lost my key. What are my options?(A)Keys are marked with a code that can be read by Security. If the key is turned in to them, they will return it to you. If you want a replacement key right away, fill in a work request on Uniguest, or call Maintenance at 602-335-8492 (x18492). Turn around will likely be several days, and there is a charge for the replacement key. Thanks to Mory Pescate for this question. Submit questions toAnswers@Ariz.comor callx15053 and we’ll get the answers for you.

2024 July 5 – It’s a Brave New World – Bill Chase

Q R codes are a popular tool for quick and efficient access to information. Users can easily scan QR codes with a smartphone camera to reveal encoded information such as websites, contact details, or app download links. QR codes can be used for various purposes, including accessing menus, downloading apps, sharing contacts, and promoting events. It is important for QR codes to have a specific reference point for accurate scanning.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology that can think and learn like humans. It is used in various applications, like diagnosing diseases, autonomous driving, and online shopping recommendations. However, there are risks associated with AI, as some use it to deceive others. To stay safe, people should avoid sharing personal information online with strangers and verify the authenticity of websites before making purchases. By being cautious, individuals can enjoy the benefits of AI while avoiding scams.

Try scanning the QR code shown here, and see where it takes you.

A quick reminder about next weekend. July 13 is our big Christmas in July event. Be sure to visit Backstreet Boutique, the Gift Shop, Craft Corner, the Garden, and other Campus destinations. I’ve even heard that Santa Clause may show up!

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June 28 – Christmas in July and Americana – killed ®

We are coming up on what promises to be the hottest July in recorded history. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Join us for several Christmas in July events. On July 13, there will be Gift Shop events, Backstreet Boutique events, Creative Corner, Garden, and more. Even a few special Bistro meals. There will also be a Pie Extravaganza and Christmas movie on the Fifth Wednesday Event happening on July 31. Look for details in upcoming issues of the Roadrunner.

Life Enrichment will be meeting in the Administrative Conference Room near the Welcome Desk on Thursday July 4 at 10:15. Come help plan the activities for the following month. The meeting usually lasts about an hour. Starting at 10:00, but continuing for five hours, is the Beatitudes Americana Fest in the Bistro. There will be lots of fun activities. All residents are welcomed to both.

2024 June 21 – June 27

What do you think of this format?

Feedback from Residents has shaped the Communications articles. People have had questions, so it is fair to assume that others might have questions too. Submit questions to Answers@Ariz.com or call x15053 and we’ll get the answers for you.

Also, as Beatitudes continues to take steps toward pre-CoVid operations. Starting this week, The Bistro is once again opened from 7 to 7 – 7 days per week – including all day Sunday.

Questions and Answers: (Q) Someone dumped the dirt from three planter pots onto the gravel. What is the best way to dispose of soil and pots (A) Offload the dirt into grocery bags, and put them into the trash can – not the recycle bin. If the pots are in like new condition, call Backstreet Boutique at 602-335-8463 (or x18463) to pick them up. If they are showing their age, dispose of them also in the trash can. Thanks to Carole Vendrick for this question.

June 14 – June 20

Juneteenth – Celebrate Freedom

Juneteenth (short for June 19) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops arrival came a full 2 1/2 years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest running African-American holiday. On June 17, 2021 it officially became a federal holiday. Juneteenth 2024 will occur on Wednesday, June 19.

June 7 – June 13

Is it Hot Enough for You?

Sometimes the old phrases say it the best. We are in the time of the triple digits in temperature. Last year I purchased an infrared thermometer. I experimented with ambient temperature vs pavement temperature. When it is 100º the pavement measures about 140º. Hot, but not hot enough to cause burns if you move quickly. When you are walking your dog, go from shade to shade. Don’t stop and talk to someone standing on the pavement, talk in the shade. When the temperature goes over 100º the pavement heats up even more. The highest temperature that I measured last summer was 182 degrees. Eggs start to fry at 185º. Don’t subject your pet to this torture.

I’m a bit of a geek and a cook, but If you don’t have an infrared thermometer you can still tell if it’s too hot for your pet. Put your hand or bare foot on the pavement and hold it in place for five seconds. If you have difficulty bending over, do the same test on the hood of a dark car. If it hurts to hold your hand there, it can blister the paws of your dog.

This doesn’t mean that you have to give up your pet. Here are some easy tips. Walk your dog before 11:00 am or after 6:00 pm. When you walk them, make sure that you stay in shady areas, or let them walk on the grass. Dog booties are another option, although many dogs object to this.

Sometimes you may forget, or your dog may get loose and run onto the pavement. If the burn is mild, rinse it under cold water, then dry it thoroughly. If the paws get blistered, take her/him to a vet immediately. They may require an antibiotic.

REMINDERS: Action of the Week: Be a Good Human. June 8, Saturday @ 2 pm is Jack Evans with Evans-Bell Conversion. June 8 @ 4 pm is Mark Evans (no relation) for Happy Hour. June 13, Thursday @ 11 am Plaza View will go to Aunt Chilada’s. June 15, Saturday @ 4 pm our own Bill Chase and Cimmaron Sidekicks will play the Happy Hour in the Bistro.

May 31 – June 6

Please let us know what you think!

It has now been about six months since the Communications Committee started their weekly paragraph in the Roadrunner about things that we think you might want to know. Your Communications Committee members are Robert Andrews, Chuck Beaujon, Bill Chase, Herb Komnick, Bob Morgan and Jon Schilling. Let us know what you want to know that we have not yet mentioned.

If you are on a committee or formal group, and would like to spread word about your meetings, opportunities, decisions or activities, let one of us know. You can send an eMail to Beatitudes@ARIZ.com or text 602-999-4120. While all resident committees are predominantly advisory, we do strive to keep you all informed.

As a sign-off note: We have now had our first few days of over 100 degrees, and bad things can happen when you get dehydrated. There are opportunities for water all over the Campus, please make use of them.

REMINDERS: June 1 @ 9 am: First Saturday in the Garden – – June 1 @ 1 pm: Jonathan at the Movies – – June 1 @ 2 pm: LLL Predatory Lending – – June 2 @ 3 pm: Holy Communion Sunday – – June 4 @ 10 am: Wii Bowling in PV – – June 8 @ 2:30: Chess in the Plaza Club

May 24 – May 30

Fifth Wednesday – What to do ?!?

The most frequent complaint here at Beatitudes is that there is always too much to do. Our Fifth Wednesday May 29 is an example of this. There are two great events. The first is a trip to the Phoenix Art Museum that leaves at 2:30. While this is late for a Life Enrichment activity, they didn’t give us much of a choice. The Museum is free after 3:00 on Wednesday only. There is a $10 charge, however, for the Barbie exhibit. The second event is a 2:00 Life Center event. We are going on a two-hour virtual tour of the White House. We take a look at the history, development and changes of the Blue Room, the Red Room, the Yellow Room and so forth.
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REMINDERS: Action of the Week: Not on my watch. – – – MAY 25: Percussion Show in the Life Center on Saturday at 2 pm. – – – MAY 27: GroovyTek will be taking Monday, Memorial Day off, as will Transportation Services. – – – MAY 28: There is a lunch outing at Sizzler on Tuesday. – – – MAY 29: Fifth Wednesday activities. – – – MAY 30: Musical Instrument Museum outing. – – – MAY 31: next Friday we celebrate our June birthdays.

May 17 – May 23 (Second submission)

Phone Alternatives and Campus Reminders

If you are finding that you are using your mobile phone more frequently than your Beatitudes landline, there is an easy way for you to get all of your calls on your mobile. You can forward your home phone to your mobile phone, and still have it in your home for easy access. To forward: On your home phone dial *355, 7, and your mobile phone number. To cancel: On your home phone dial #350. If you have Uniguest on your mobile phone, you can tap on the telephone number listed in the Resident Directory to call another resident’s mobile phone.

On a different, although related topic: LifeLong Learners classes begin this week. For late registration, contact Barbara Bauer at 602-544-5567 – or if using your Beatitudes Phone, press 15567. Also, the Communications Committee meets on May 20 at 10:00 in the Life Center Board Rooms. All residents are invited to attend.

May 17 – 23

Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!

You can call Ghostbusters, but it doesn’t have to be from your Beatitudes telephone. Communications found out that when many of us moved into Beatitudes, we thought a landline was required. Marketing strongly suggests it because there are many benefits to having a Beatitudes Landline. For one: it’s free! In our case, we did not have a landline telephone, so went out to purchase one. We thought (erroneously) that it was a requirement. It’s not. It is however, helpful.

From your Beatitudes landline, you can dial 12905 for Transportation, rather than ‭602-336-2905‬. Another (possibly) life-saving benefit is that if you dial 911 from your Beatitudes phone you will get the Emergency Line, but it will also automatically notify Security, so they can respond immediately, while another officer guides the emergency vehicle to your location. And of course it will make it easier for other residents to contact you by having to press only five numbers into their phone to call you.

If you have a mobile phone, you can forward it to your mobile phone, and still have it in your home for easy access. To forward: On your home phone dial *355, 7, and your mobile phone number. To cancel: On your home phone dial #350.

If you have Touchtown (excuse me… Unigüest) on your mobile phone, you can tap on the telephone number listed in the Resident Directory to call another resident.

On a different, although related topic: LifeLong Learners classes begin this week. For late registration, contact Barbara Bauer at 602-544-5567 – or if using your Beatitudes Phone, press 15567.

Also, the Communications Committee meets on May 20 at 10:00 in the Life Center Board Rooms. All residents are invited to attend.

May 10 – May 16

Try at least one.

Communications and Ambassadors are taking a break. Effective immediately GroovyTek is now available five glorious days per week. Come to their Help Desk Monday through Friday, from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. Make an appointment for them to come to your home. Home visits are between 2:00 and 5:00 pm.

The LifeLong Learners Summer Registration is happening this coming Monday, May 13, in the Life Center. Registration is usually two days, with two sessions. In the summer they hold only one day registration, and only one Summer Session. You should already have received your Course Catalog. There is frequently a registration size limit for classes, so if you see something that you just have to take, make sure you come to the Life Center to get a number early in the process. This session we have Graphology, Spanish, Zentangle, mobile phones, Enneagram, and Foreign Films, and several more. If you’ve never taken a class, try one to live a true Beatitudes Experience.

Also happening this week is variety in our recorded exercise videos. During CoVid they became fairly static. We are going to start changing the exercise videos every couple of weeks, so you can start building those muscles while exercising in your pajamas! You can Boogie with Barry, do Thai Chi with Jani, and improve your Strength and Balance with Mike. They play every single day at 10:00, 10:30, 1:00, and 1:30 on Channel 1-2. If TV is not your thing, we have pool exercise at 9:00, and exercise in the Rec Room at 1:00. Both activities every day except Sunday. As with LLL “Try it. You’ll like it.”

The last thing we want to mention happens on this coming Thursday. Life Enrichment is taking a bus to Rock Springs. They have the most incredible pies. We gather there for lunch, and then come back home. Call x12905 for a seat on the bus, which will depart from the Bus Stop at 10:00 am, which is an hour earlier than most of our lunch outings.

May 3 – May 9

May Reminders

By the time you are reading this, it’s too late to purchase a ticket for the Auxiliary Spring Luncheon, but don’t miss the event, which is Monday May 6.

LifeLong Learners is gearing up for their Summer Session. There will be a Back of the Bistro Information Table on Tuesday May 7, Registration will be one day only on Monday May 13 in the Life Center, with the first class on Monday May 20th. For those new to Beatitudes, LLL is a huge educational opportunity started by Mim Hoover and Dosia Carlson. Currently, the Resident Lead is Cynthia Cielle, with Jon Schilling being the Staff Liaison. Residents can expect to have Course Catalogs delivered to their door by the time you are reading this article.

Also starting this week is the new GroovyTek support schedule. They will now be available five days a week, Monday through Friday.  Their Help Desk hours are from 12:00 N until 2:00 pm. Home appointments are scheduled from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm.  The Help Desk is conveniently located right outside of the library in the Town Hall Plaza building.

Communications Committee discussed the expanded support hours, and decided that the Thursday 2:00 Touchtown Ambassador schedule could be discontinued now that we have this extra technical assistance available. GroovyTek can help with computers, laptops, printers, Alexa devices, and mobile phones. You should fill out a work request by calling x18492 for help with your TV, telephone, refrigerator, appliances, lights, and plumbing.

Another Communications Activity is involvement in the broadcasting of the Health Care Center Short-term Rehab presentation. You can watch it on Channel 1-2 ten times per week for the next two weeks, and then four times a week through the month of May.

2024 April 28 Roadrunner – Submitted April 20 to Jon for Review

On the Road Again

You’ve probably heard of this song title. I have no doubt that you’ve heard of the singer who made that song popular. Willie Nelson. Bill Chase and I took the Phoenix Light Rail from Beatitudes all the way to Central Mesa, and then took an Uber to the Amphitheater to hear Willie play. It was quite an eventful evening. It’s also the first time in about 25 years that I was up after midnight! I knew the singer was old, but Willie Hugh Nelson was born on April 29, 1933 – making him 91 years old. He wrote his first song at 7 years of age, and joined a local band at age 9, and produced his first record at age 12. Over his career, which spans nearly a century, Willie has written over 2,500 songs, published 250 record albums and has appeared in over 25 films. He is now touring with his kids and grandkids. It’s people like him who inspire me to be a better person. Not necessarily writing songs and performing, but making a difference and giving back. We can’t all perform world tours, and perform late night concerts 100 days out of the year, but we can join the Beatitudes Telephone Tree by calling Didi Cruz at x18526, attend Life Enrichment meetings to help plan outings by calling Cynthia Cielle at 602-705-9688, writing an article for the Roadrunner Extra and give it to Carole Vendrick (x15362) or learn how to play chess by calling Aldo Lizzul at x15548, recycle your batteries, or simply attend a Town Hall or Residents Council on the first and second Wednesday of every month at 2:00 in the Life Center. My wife was a life-long Girl Scout and she told me one of the mottos was “Always leave your campsite better than when you found it.” That’s a great lesson to live by. Make a difference.

2024 April 19 Roadrunner – Submitted April 14 to Jon for Review

Copy to Cindi Aune as her name is mentioned in the article.

Judy, Barbara, Pat, Bill and Carol

I did a quick search in Touchtown and came up with the following numbers: There are 17 Judys on Campus, 16 Barbaras, 16 Pats, 12 Anns, 20 Bills or Williams, 12 Carols, 17 Dons, 20 Marys or Marilyns. There is only one Zina, Vincent, Sybil, Shelene, Mory, Melba, Leroy, Felecia, Carlotta, Arnold, Aldo, and Adela. Our parents set us on a path when they named us. Some are unique due to their names, and others are part of a group, and need to stand out on their own. One of the benefits if being in a group is camaraderie. By the time you read this, the Judy Club has just finished their luncheon in Elaine’s. I believe there is also a Barbara Club. Maybe it’s time for you to start a club of your own. Even a club for residents with unique names would be kind of cool. If you would like to discuss the possibilities, start with Cindi Aune at x1 8473. Regardless of your name, know that you are a unique individual, with unique gifts. How boring the world would be if we were all the same. Feel free to be yourself and to express yourself without fear of reprisal, but please allow others to be theirselves as well.

2024 April 12 Roadrunner – Submitted April 7 to Jon, Didi, Cindi, Cynthia and Ken for Review

A New Volunteeer Opportunity for Mobility Challenged Residents

Many times we want to become part of a volunteer group, but frequently have difficulty with the challenges of getting out, attending meetings, getting to meeting rooms, and so forth. We now have a critically needed service that might be exactly what you were looking for.

All it takes is the ability to dial a phone and talk to people. The task is outing, meeting, and event reminders. Our goal is to have a group of helpful residents that would rotate the task of making these calls.

This is right in line with the mission of Didi Cruz’s Care Corp. The process is easy, anyone with an upcoming event and a registration list will get the information to Didi. Didi will coordinate getting the information to you. You will reach out with the telephone call.

This is a great way to meet new people, without the risk of falling, or catching the flu. If you really hit it off with someone, you may want to meet them in the Bistro, but that’s not a requirement, just an optional benefit.

If you are interested in participating, please call Didi Cruz at x18529 or 602-544-8529.

On a different topic, you may remember my goal was to get 100 pounds of batteries into our recycle container outside the gift shop. In March Beatitudes Residents put 112 pounds of batteries into the container for recycling, rather than sending them to the landfills. Way to go Residents!

2024 April 7 Roadrunner – Submitted March 31 to Jon for Review

To drive, or not to drive? That is the question.

Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows (and inconvenience) of outrageous transportation schedules, or to join arms in solidarity, and not opposing end them. To drive. To beep no more. And by beep – to say we end the heart-ache of accidentally running over a small child, or single mother, due to vision not quite as sharp as it once was. By reflexes not as quick as they once were. To beep. Perchance to scream. Ay, there’s the rub. For with that beep, we put a stop to accidentally causing the death of someone through no fault of their own. To force them to shuffle off their mortal coil. Take pause. There’s the respect that makes calamity of so long a life.

OK. Shakespeare I am not. The point though is well-founded. With growing older comes the responsibility to take accountability for our actions. There is a convenience to being able to drive ourselves when and where we would like. Beatitudes Transportation does an incredible job of getting us to our appointments, picking up prescriptions, and taking us on a variety of lunch outings. Uber, Lyft, and similar services complete the picture, making it not just cost-effective, but a good decision for our fellow human-beings.

At the Information Station (hallway in Town Plaza, on the way to the exercise room) is a handout that gives nearly a dozen options for alternate transportation. At least give it the consideration it is due. Is your convenience worth the risk for driving around a 3,000 pound weapon. Think about it.

2024 March 31 Roadrunner – Submitted March 24 to Jon for Review

GOODBYE MARCH, HELLO APRIL

Many American churches are resurrecting an old Easter custom begun by the early Greek Christians — “Bright Sunday” or “Holy Humor Sunday” celebrations are on the Sunday after Easter. For centuries in all Christian faith traditions, the week following Easter Sunday was observed by the faithful as “a day of joy and laughter” with parties and picnics to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. This week on Readers Theater our own Rev Judy Green-Davis delivers a Holy Humor service.

Life Enrichment has announced two great events for April. On the 19^th we will once again have a Street Fair in the Central Park Mall. There will be live entertainment, and lots of other activities. Another event in April is a trip to Desert Botanical Garden. Watch the Roadrunner for details in a couple of weeks.

Curana has started to move into their new medical office located at the west end of Plaza South building, but it will be a few months until they are ready for patients in that new facility. Until then, for standard visits, you can get house calls in the comfort of your own home. For more urgent matters, you can call Dispatch Health. For situations even more dire, don’t hesitate to dial 911. This will notify both Beatitudes Security and the fire department.

Listen to the Michelle and David show “B Informed” every Tuesday through Saturday at 2:00 on Channel 1-2 for current information. The easiest way to get to Channel 1-2 is to use your DirecTV remote and press the “1” button. After that, press the “CH” button up twice.

2024 March 24 Roadrunner – Submitted March 17 to Jon for Review

For the LE Lunch Outing at Applebees on March 26, call x12905 to reserve a seat on the bus.

In Studio (every Thursday at 9:00 am in AGR) we talk about many things affecting the campus, and leading us in directions that are both good and bad. Last week, we talked about bullying, bad mouthing, discrimination and other non-acceptable behavior. During our discussion, the phrase “Not on my watch” surfaced. It is an idiom that means “under my watchful eye.” It is often used to express a sense of objection about a particular situation or statement.

The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in military contexts, where soldiers would use it to reassure their comrades that they were keeping a close eye on the situation. Over time, the phrase has evolved to be used in a wider range of contexts, such as community or workplace settings.

The phrase “not on my watch” can be seen as a declaration of commitment or dedication to ensuring that a certain event or outcome does not happen, or at a lesser level, that you don’t want to participate. Overall, the phrase is a powerful statement that signifies a sense of responsibility, protection, and vigilance. Badmouthing residents or staff? “Not on my watch.” General hate speech? “Not on my watch.” Even Trump or Biden rants… “Not on my watch.” It’s OK to have opinions, but if it even comes close to hate speech, we can do without it. You don’t have to use those exact words, but we are all living here, most of us for the rest of our lives. Let’s make it a community where everyone can get along.

2024 March 17 Roadrunner – Not submitted for review

Zoo and other Life Enrichment Outings

A couple of new things are happening over the next couple of weeks. The first one, on Tuesday, is the first LifeLong Learners “Meet the Staff” presentation in the Agelink Great Room. Also on that day, the new housekeeping schedule goes into effect.

On a different topic, Life Enrichment has a great outing planned for March 28. A trip to the Phoenix Zoo. Cindi Aune has negotiated a special price for Beatitudes. Rather than the $25 entry cost, it will be only $12 per person, and will include a trip on the train that goes around the entire zoo. If you are interested, call Cindi at x18473 or 602-335-8473 from your mobile.

Another trip that you can talk with Cindi about is an April trip to Desert Botanical Garden. Watch the Roadrunner for details in a couple of weeks.

For the LE Lunch Outing at Applebees on March 26, call x12905 to reserve a seat on the bus.

2024 March 10 Roadrunner – Submitted March 3 to Jon for Review

A Year of Rebranding and Expanding

2023 brought Coreworks to Beatitudes, and Community Engagement is going strong with Wakeup on Channel 1-2. Jon and Mollie start out every new week with a Morning Wakeup, and review of the activities and events happening in the upcoming week.

I’ve heard of two residents who say that their Beatitudes Channels are not working. If this applies to you, please call x18492 and fill out a work order.

Another name that you may be hearing soon is ύniguest. They do many of the information touch screens you may see in your doctor’s office, or hotel lobbies, and even McDonald’s. They saw Touchtown as a great opportunity to serve the Baby Boomers. Our cute little t with the hat may be going away. The ύniguest logo is a ύ with a dot over top of it. We are also expanding Touchtown to include a family app. This means that your family can stay informed of what is happening at Beatitudes, without having full access. New (future) residents are also getting the app, once their deposit is paid. This way, they can start enjoying life at Beatitudes sooner, rather than later.

Last thing: Part B of the LLL Spring Session begins this coming week. If you see something you would like to attend, please contact Barbara Bauer at x15567 for late registration.

2024 March 3 Roadrunner – Submitted February 26 to Jon for Review

Lots of Little Things

There are many little, but important, things happening in the upcoming week. Starting March 1, you can pick up your AARP Tax Prep Registration Packet from the front desk. Saturday March 2 is First Saturday in the Garden. Stop by to take a look at our new garden beds which are now fully accessible. On March 4 there is an Alzheimers and Diabetes Lunch and Learn in the Life Center at noon. Also on the 4^th is a new performance time for Anna Chepikova who now plays on the First Monday of the month. Life Enrichment Committee meets on the First Tuesday of the month at 10:15, and The Beatitudes Ukulele Class plays a recital of eight songs in the Plaza Club at 4:00 pm on Friday. Finally, tickets to the March 11 Beatitudes Auxiliary Membership Luncheon are on sale in the Bistro, but ONLY UNTIL March 7. If ever there was a time for you to get out and start doing things, this week is it. See you around the Campus!

2024 February 25 – Submitted February 20 – REDACTED

To Key or Not to Key? That is the question.

OK, Shakespere I’m not. This is an important topic though – especially for our Plaza North and Plaza South neighbors. The locks on all stairway doors have been changed. Your building key will no longer let you back into the building. If you go out, and the door shuts behind you, you will have to wait to be rescued or take the stairs down to ground level. This is permanent, and is effective immediately. Security will lock stairwell doors some time after 9:00 pm, and unlock them about 5:00 am. DO NOT use stairwell doors during the locked hours, unless you can safely navigate the stairs.

While nobody has been caught (I don’t think) behind the locked door, one person (I’ll call her Jill) recently did go out after 9:00 pm, and was not able to get back into the building. Your building key SHOULD still work with the main entry doors, just not the stairwell doors. Jill (remember Jill?) has been a resident here on Campus for about two years, and had never had the opportunity to test her key. After all this time, she found out it did not open her building door. PLEASE TEST YOUR KEY IN THE MAIN DOOR. To test your key, put it into the lock and turn it. If it turns, you are probably good to go. If it does not turn, talk with Security.

About two years ago, another person had forgotten their key, and locked themselves out at about 2:00 in the morning. They did not realize there is a phone outside the main entry doors to PS/PN. You can always pick up that phone and dial 0 for Security after hours. If you need a replacement key call the staff at x18492 and they will route your request to the proper department. Note: There may be a charge for a replacement key.

As mentioned above, stairwell doors will be unlocked about 5:00 am, and will be locked for the night some time after 9:00 pm after which your key will not work.

Now, something that will include everybody else: Admin Town Halls and Resident Council Meetings are being recorded for broadcast on Channel 1-2. The Admin Town Hall will replay every Saturday at 8:30 am and Monday at 11:30. Residents Council replays every Saturday at 11:00 am and Monday night at 7:00. If you do not get Channel 1-2, call x18492 for that problem as well. They will help you out.

2024 February 18 Roadrunner – Submitted February XX

Admin Town Hall and Residents Council presents on the first and second Wednesday of every month. This month, they talked about things on the campus ranging from the Internet and Food, to Facilities, Occupancy, Future expansion and the upcoming addition of Curana to Campus Medical Care. It was actually quite informative. If you missed them, all is not lost. Communications is putting some of the more critical presentations on Channel 1-2. Michelle and David started their program at the beginning of the CoVid crisis. It has become a standard here at Beatitudes. They air every Tuesday through Saturday at 2 pm and from 4 until 7 pm. The Admin Town Hall will replay Saturday at 8:30 am and Monday at 11:30. Residents Council replays Saturday at 11:00 am and Monday night at 7:00. Readers Theater, Musical Events, Church Services, and movies are peppered throughout the week. You can see a TV guide for each day on your TV or on the Feed Button of Touchtown. If you don’t know how to tune to Channel 1-2, just ask the Ambassadors or Groovy Tek, and they can help you. They can also help you and your family access to Touchtown.

2024 February 11 Roadrunner – Submitted February 7

Things never seem to slow down here. This coming week we have Curana giving a presentation and sign-up in the Life Center on Monday. They will be setting up offices in the old MVP office. The best news is that you don’t have to give up your favorite primary care doctor. You can use Curana as the need arises. It will help, however, if you exist in their records before you need them, so don’t miss this presentation Monday morning.

A fun thing going on is a Blackboard Party outside of Community Engagement on February 12 at 2:30. Their new offices are in Plaza South right next to the MVP office. Contact Cindi Aune at x8473 if you want to know more.

February 14 is Valentine’s Day and Arizona Statehood Day. We became a state in 1912 becoming the 48^th state. Our first governor was George Wylie Paul Hunt, who settled in Globe, Arizona. He was fairly progressive and supported women’s suffrage, secret ballots, income tax, free silver coinage, and compulsory education. Hunt was also an opponent of capital punishment and a supporter of organized labor.

Beatitudes Cracker Crust Quiche

To make the crust, crush 4 packs of Bistro crackers and mix with 2 TBL softened butter plus 2 TBL oil. Mix well, then press lightly (don’t pack) into the bottom of a small lightly greased casserole dish.

• ½ C Bistro Spinach Casserole or creamed spinach or hash browns
• 1 TBL sugar or sugar substitute
• ¼ C diced onion
• zest and juice from one orange
• ½ C shredded cheese
• 2 eggs
• ½ C milk

ALL ABOVE ITEMS CAN BE PURCHASED IN THE BISTRO

• ½ C AP Bisquick – fold in lightly – don’t over mix

1. Make sure you’ve emptied your oven, then preheat oven to 350º
2. Combine all listed ingredients (except Bisquick) and mix well
3. Fold in Bisquick, then pour into prepared casserole.
4. Bake for 35-45 minutes – Internal temperature should be about 170º
5. Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from dish.

2 B or not 2 B

We’ve all seen the Beatitudes [B] by now. This time the B is about batteries. The Battery Safe Disposal program is going very well. In December, we had 85 pounds of batteries that were collected and sorted. 15 pounds of those batteries contained hazardous metals such as Mercury, Cadmium, Manganese, Lithium and Lead. If thrown into the trash, these metals eventually leach into the groundwater. A surprise fact that I learned since starting this program three years ago, is that ALL HEARING AID BATTERIES contain hazardous materials and should not be thrown in the trash. The only batteries that are safe to throw in the trash are Alkaline and Carbon batteries, but the type is so small on most batteries, it is difficult to tell which are safe and which are not. The good news is that we make it easy for you. If you put all of your batteries into a plastic bag or similar container, and bring that container to the Bistro occasionally, you can deposit them in the Safe Disposal Bucket in the hallway leading to the Gift Shop. We will sort them for you. They are then labeled and given to Maintenance, who takes them to Home Depot for reclamation or other safe disposal. My goal for the short month of February is to collect 100 pounds of batteries. Please help me by doing your part.

2024 January 28 Roadrunner – Submitted January 22

Touchtown Update and Girl Scout Cookies

January 31 is the rollout date for the new Touchtown interface. Yes, there will some confusion, but overall I feel this is a good move for our Community App. Although none of the Ambassadors have seen the new interface, we have seen photos. They promised it will be the same functionality, with a new “FEED” button, that will give you everything happening in order. That’s really about all that will change, so don’t get too worried about it. However, because there will a bit of a change, the following day at 2 pm in the Bistro, we will have a fully staffed Touchtown Help Desk, with six Ambassadors there to help you explore the new technology. Stop by and we’ll show you some of the new features.

Also coming up – – – January 31 is the Fifth Wednesday, and February 2 is Groundhog Day. As a means of celebration, we will join Bill Murray in his hilarious movie adventure called Groundhog Day. The movie will be shown in the Life Center at 2:00 pm. Popcorn and peanuts will be served.

The following day (February 3) is Girl Scout Cookie Day. The scouts will be in the Bistro on Saturday from 11:00 until 2:00 selling boxes of cookies for $5 and $6. Please bring cash or a credit card. No B-Cards for this event.

Oh… and I know I am going out of order, but I just thought of this at the last minute… Thursday, February 1 at 10:15 in the Admin Conference Room, near the Welcome Center, is the monthly meeting for Life Enrichment. Please try to join us.

STEVEN COLBERT FANS REJOICE!

After a six week contract dispute, a resolution was reached. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, sent a letter telling the two warring factions that it was unacceptable to deprive the fans of watching the playoff. The contract was resolved two hours before kickoff, and Channel 12 is now in full operation.

On other TV News – Channel 1-2 specifically – Beatitudes Reader’s Theater is in full swing with five episodes weekly; The Town Hall and Residents Council videos are being shown as well. We also have four church services (including a rebroadcast of the services held here) and three movie selections rotating through the channel. Michelle and David will continue to keep you informed and amused every Tuesday through Saturday. There are two new features: a New Resident Orientation video Sunday and Monday evenings, and a Weekly Morning Wakeup by Jon and Mollie every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday mornings.

You can see the daily TV guide on Channel 1-2, and also by going to Touchtown and then to the Video icon. The weekly TV guide is down at the bottom.

On a less sedentary note: The first class of LifeLong Learners will be held on Monday, January 22. If you missed registration, you can call Barbara Bauer at x15567 (or 1-602-544-5567) and if there is still room in the class, you can register with her.

January 14 – 20, 2024

Did you Know?

The membership cost for Beatitudes Auxiliary is $20 per year per person. A Benefactor Membership is $40. Additional donations are tax deductible. There are membership envelopes in the Library, at the Information Station near the Bistro, at the Backstreet Boutique, and at other stations around the Campus. One hundred percent of the money raised by the Auxiliary goes back into the Community.

There is more that is new here at Beatitudes. Life Long Learners is having their registration for the Spring Term 2024 this Monday January 15^th and on the 16^th. Classes fill up quickly, so if there is something that you really, really want to take, show up early. The cost for one, two, or five classes is the same: $35.

There is also a Life Enrichment Fifth Wednesday event happening this month. Since February 2 is Groundhog Day, we thought that it would be fitting to watch Bill Murray yet again on the big screen of the Life Center. Popcorn and peanuts will be served on January 31 at 2:00 pm.

January 7 – 13, 2024

According to a famous quote attributed to Mark Twain, “If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long.” Put in simpler (and less gross) terms, get your most difficult task out of the way as early as possible so that it doesn’t hang over your head all day and you know, even on an off day, that you accomplished something. What that task is is up to you. The truly important thing is to start your day with a feeling of accomplishment rather than procrastinating for as long as possible.
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LifeLong Learners is having their registration for the Spring Term 2024 on January 15, 16. You should receive your course catalog right about the time you are reading this article. LifeLong Learners “Back of the Bistro” will be staffed to answer any questions you may have about the Spring Term on January 9 from 10 am until 12 N.

182 Words

Robert Andrews