The Start of a Great Year

The New Year started with a fresh variety of entertainment, activities and pop-up surprises galore! In January, we saw Dallas West’s tribute to Elvis, Kristina O’Boyle’s fun sing-a-longs, and Jim Bing’s guitar serenades. Bethesda Gardens introduced new entertainers to the Community with St. Louis’s own, Brent Binkley on the piano, accordionist Bob Doszak and the Fine Arts String Orchestra. Most notably, Bethesda Gardens was host to Friends of Animal Care & Control Thrift Store Fashion where women’s apparel, jewelry and accessories were displayed and showcased in Fellowship Hall.

In February, the Activity Department was running on all cylinders, presenting new activities in the first Welcoming Party featuring live entertainment by “Marshall” Jack Allan & Company, An Evening with Governor Hunt by Don Shields, and the “christening” of the NEW Man Cave. Bethesda Gardens had excellent attendance at the St. Valentine’s Dance where Residents voted Marc Adelman and June Torok as the Valentine King and Queen and entertainment was provided by the Scottsdale Stompers. Later in the month, Anna Brucato’s donated handmade American Flag was ceremoniously hung outside of Fellowship Hall.

Looking forward, Bethesda Gardens is anticipating a newly renovated concept in
“Cruise Week”. Stay tuned!

Arlene Nagler (left) & Juanita Norris (right) at the FACCS Fashion Show

A Message from
Executive Director Rod Bailey

By the time this is published, I will have been with Bethesda Senior Living Communities for a year! That’s pretty hard for me to believe, since it has flown by with such pleasure. It is remarkable what a team that pulls together with a great group of Residents can do. We are indeed fortunate to have a tremendous Resident Council who assists in so many ways and maintains such a cooperative spirit. Many thanks to President Marc Adelman, Vice President Eppie Shomer and Secretary Carolyn Barker! Along with the advisory group, they are the heart and soul of making this the best council with whom I have ever worked.

We are busy “getting ready for company” this spring and I am pleased to announce a number of new enhancements in our dining room. Since last quarter, we have added a new look with tablecloths, updated décor and a new chef. Our Culinary Services Director, Richard Biron, retired in January and we are so pleased to welcome Richard Hatfield. Richard comes to us with numerous years in senior living food service and he has already made his mark.

In addition, Sue Biron, LPN, our Health Services Director for the past three years, relocated to our sister Community in Ft. Collins to be near her family. It was mixed feelings for us—sorry to see her leave Phoenix, but happy that she is remaining with Bethesda Senior Living and will be nearer to most of her children and grandchildren. Even so, we found a great new tall Texan “head nurse in charge,” Robbie Traversone, LPN. With his years of clinical experience in both acute and assisted living settings, he has already become a very valuable member of our team.

Last, but certainly not least, we have corralled a whirlwind of energy, ideas and humor named Dale Roberts as our Activities Director. Dale replaces JoAnna Coulter, who returned to school to finish her nursing degree. The scope of new activities and enhancements is outstanding, including the “Man Cave,” frequent lunch trips, new entertainment and a host of “pop up” activities that arise on any given day. I love the enthusiasm, excitement and increased participation that we are experiencing!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 29th—our quarterly Family Fun Night. It promises to be another great opportunity for camaraderie, popcorn, entertainment, good desserts and just getting to know each other better!

These are great days in the House Atop the Hill in Phoenix! We are enjoying more visits from prospects than ever and our actual census is higher than we have seen in quite some time. Don’t forget to save May 3, 2012 on your calendars when we will be hosting the Top of the Town, our major open house event. Music, a concert, silent auction, a dress-up dinner for Residents, tours and hundreds of folks stopping by to see the new and improved Bethesda Gardens... the campus I certainly consider the top assisted living, with the top care staff, top food at the top of Phoenix—really the TOPS!

Rod Bailey, M.S.W., Ph.D.,
Executive Director

Assisted Living Phoenix Arizona:
Stay Connected with Bethesda Gardens

Our newsletter helps residents and families stay connected with events at Bethesda Gardens’ assisted living residence, while at the same time, there are also many articles about the charitable services and missions that are going on all around the world. We strive to serve our seniors by enriching their physical, emotional, and spiritual health through a nurturing lifestyle.

Read past newsletters to learn about the Bethesda lifestyle. Call us at (602)765-4000 or email to schedule a tour of the Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living community in Phoenix, Arizona.

April-June
2012

April 7th
11:30 a.m.
Phoenix Volunteers
present an
Easter Brunch

April 10th
1:00 p.m.
April Yeager presents
“A Class Act”

April 15th–21st
Cruise Week

May 8th
3:00 p.m.
Accordionist
Bob Doszak Performs

May 13th
3:00 p.m.
Mother’s Day Tea Social
with music b
Taylor Olson

May 28th
Memorial Day Service

June 17th
5:00 p.m.
Father’s Day
Man Cave Meet & Eat

June 25th
6:00 p.m.
Music with pianist/singer
David Swaim

June 29th
3:00 p.m.
Welcoming Party
with music
by Kristina O’Boyle