by Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Authors luncheon features latest works
The Arizona Women’s Board recently hosted its 40th annual Friends of Erma Bombeck Authors Luncheon at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa to a sold-out ballroom of 1,030 guests.
The event, chaired by Susan Doria, brought together nationally prominent authors to discuss their latest releases and offer special commentary on their careers, lives and writing inspirations.
Author and humorist Adriana Trigiani served as mistress of ceremonies. The panelists included:
• W. Bruce Cameron, “A Dog’s Promise”
• Brooke Giannetti and Steve Giannetti, “Patina Living”
• Cathy Guisewite, “Fifty Things That Aren’t My Fault”
• Kindra Hall, “Stories That Stick”
• Elin Hilderbrand, “What Happens in Paradise”
• Chris Pavone, “The Paris Diversion”
• Bud Selig, “For the Good of the Game”
The authors’ luncheon began with a VIP private book signing, followed by book sales and signing for all guests, the luncheon, author presentations and additional book sales and signing.
Guests received a complimentary copy of “40 Stories of Impact,” a collection of stories from individuals and families impacted by kidney disease, produced by the Arizona Women’s Board.
Arizona Women’s Board hosts the annual authors luncheon to raise funds for Arizona kidney disease patients and their families. Event proceeds support kidney disease prevention, education, research and patient care programs.
Last year, the Arizona Women’s Board granted funds to kidney programs at the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona, Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation, St. Joseph’s Foundation, TGen Foundation, and Valleywise Health Foundation (formerly Maricopa Health Foundation).
Info: authorsluncheonaz.org.
Broadcast Club swings for
Ronald McDonald House
The Sun City West Broadcast Club, KSCW 103.1 FM recently sponsored a concert by SwingTime with Dan Reed for the Ronald McDonald House of Phoenix.
SwingTime includes drummer Clark Chaffee, vocalist Ellie Chaffee, keyboardist Richard Palalay and trumpeter Dan Reed.
Raffle ticket sales yielded more than $350 for Ronald McDonald House. It was held on the RH Johnson Great Lawn and more than 200 people attended.
Another fundraiser is planned for March to support a different nonprofit.
The Sun City West Broadcast Club is a nonprofit community-based organization and operates the KSCW-LP 103.1 FM Radio Station and the SunCityWestRadio.com internet radio site.
The club welcomes Sun City West residents who have a valid RCSCW Rec Card.
Info: 602-538-1031, suncitywestradio.com.
Abrazo West Campus expands to 200 beds
Abrazo West Campus held its ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new progressive care unit expansion, bringing the hospital’s capacity to 200 beds.
The new all-private rooms help meet the need for more inpatient beds in the hospital. The unit provides additional beds for high-acuity patients and offers the flexibility to accommodate medical/surgical patients as needed.
“This 12-bed addition in the hospital’s South Tower helps us accommodate the community’s growing population and serve the patients and physicians who are entrusting Abrazo West with their care,” says Abrazo West Campus Chief Executive Officer Christina Oh. “We’re excited to continue our growth and provide more resources for our community built on care.”
In a hospital’s progressive care unit, patients are in need of constant monitoring and care. Nurses review data from special equipment to track a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and other vital signs.
Two of the new progressive care rooms at Abrazo West have the capability to accommodate bariatric patients. This includes wider doors, larger bathrooms and different equipment for additional comfort.
“Opening this new unit comes at a perfect time as we are entering a busy time of year. The additional capacity also helps us improve throughput from the emergency department and allow patients to have access to a private patient room sooner, rather than waiting in the ER,” Oh notes.
“Abrazo Health continues to invest in Arizona and this project is the latest example of Abrazo West’s commitment to the West Valley. The Abrazo West Campus has an outstanding future, with an engaged board and physicians working in collaboration with hospital staff to keep our facility moving forward.”
Info: abrazohealth.com.
Dana Olimb joins
Clarendale of Chandler
Clarendale of Chandler has hired Dana Olimb to manage and lead the new senior living community’s memory care neighborhoods for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
The new community, which also offers independent living and assisted living, is located at the corner of Riggs and Gilbert roads in Chandler.
“We’re so delighted to have Dana join our Clarendale team,” says Executive Director Rena Phillips. “With more than 10 years of experience in memory care, she brings the expertise and skills needed to effectively train, mentor and inspire our staff, as well as the passion to support our residents and their families with strength and compassion.”
Olimb is looking forward to making her mark.
“I am excited to join Clarendale because we offer a program that is truly unique,” Olimb says. “The residential setting is designed to make those who live here feel at home, but perhaps more important, our heartfelt approach to care truly offers individuals with memory loss a sense of safety, security and quality of life that rewards their everyday successes.”
With the peace of mind and security of 24-hour nursing on-site and Heartfelt Connections: A Memory Care Program, Clarendale is attracting attention from families of individuals with all forms of dementia. The community’s memory care program recognizes that abilities lost from a memory disorder are less important than the abilities that remain.
“We celebrate everything our residents do—creating success stories one small victory at a time,” Olimb says. “It’s reassuring for both residents and their families. Rather than being caregivers, loved ones can return to being a daughter, son or spouse again.”
Clarendale of Chandler’s two memory care neighborhoods include the option of comfortable private and companion suites. Residents enjoy three delicious meals a day, accommodating special diets, served in their own neighborhood dining room or in their room. The community offers trained care 24 hours a day, including daily activity programming and local transportation, assistance with daily living, medication administration and weekly housekeeping services.
“The focus—whether in our independent living and assisted living neighborhoods or in memory care—is on total health and wellness. In fact, our Health & Wellness Navigation program helps ensure that residents can navigate any medical challenges that may lie ahead,” Phillips says. “It’s a comfort to both residents and their families.”
Info: 480-630-1515, clarendaleofchandler.com
