Compiled by Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Avondale students visit LifeStream residents
LifeStream at Thunderbird residents were treated to a special performance of Disney’s musical “Beauty and the Beast” by The Copper Trails Elementary School Chorus. Twenty-five students from fifth through eighth grade of the Avondale Elementary School District shared the timeless songs, story and performance to an audience of over 30 seniors. The show was directed by Wendi Bauer, daughter of one of the chaplains at LifeStream. The students stayed after the curtain call to chat with the LifeStream audience, sharing lunch and plenty of stories.
LifeStream Complete Senior Living is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that offers a complete spectrum of accommodations and services for the senior community in the Valley. LifeStream has four communities across the Valley.
Hospice of the Valley hosting volunteer open house
Hospice of the Valley will hold an informational workshop about volunteer opportunities from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4, at its central Phoenix office at 1510 E. Flower Street.
Meet Lin Sue Cooney, director of community engagement, and her pet therapy dog, Max. Volunteers will be on hand to share their experiences. Refreshments will be served.
Hospice of the Valley is the leading provider of end-of-life care in Arizona. The not-for-profit agency offers a full spectrum of services, including pediatric care, dementia care, pulmonary care and palliative care for those suffering chronic illness.
Information: Volunteer Department, 602-636-6336, volunteeropportunities@hov.org or hov.org.
The volunteer schedule is as follows:
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 3, 10 and 11: West Clinical Office, 9435 W. Peoria Avenue, Peoria
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 29 to May 31: Central Clinical Office, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 26 to June 28: Northeast Clinical Office, 16117 N. 76th Street, Scottsdale
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 20 and July 27: East Clinical Office, 2020 E. Woodside Court, Gilbert.
Advance application is required. Go to hov.org/volunteer-opportunities.
Researchers looking into new Alzheimer’s drug
Barrow Neurological Institute is screening participants in a new, national Alzheimer’s disease clinical research study evaluating the potential benefits of an investigational medicine for people with mild-to-moderate AD.
The Phase 2/3 study, called T2 Protect AD, is evaluating the investigational drug troriluzole (BHV-4157), which may have the potential to protect against, slow down, and even improve memory and thinking problems that increase as Alzheimer’s disease progresses.
Troriluzole is a drug that affects the brain chemical glutamate, which is important for healthy brain function. High glutamate levels in the brain can lead to brain cell dysfunction and disease, including Alzheimer’s disease. Troriluzole normalizes glutamate levels in the brain.
Barrow Neurological Institute is one of more than 40 U.S. sites participating in the T2 Protect AD study. The study is sponsored by New Haven-based Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd., and is coordinated by the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study, a large clinical research consortium based at the University of California, San Diego.
Clinicians at the Barrow Neurological Institute are seeking eligible participants for the T2 Protect AD study. To enroll in T2 Protect AD, participants must be between age 50 and 85, diagnosed with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease, and already being treated with Alzheimer’s medications for at least three months. Participants must have a study partner who has regular contact with the clinical trial candidate and is able to attend study visits.
For more information about participating in the T2 Protect AD study at Barrow Neurological Institute, call 602-406-7054 or visit T2ProtectAD.
Florence celebrates anniversary of G.I. Bill
The historic town of Florence celebrated the 75th anniversary of the G.I. Bill of Rights and Arizona statesman Ernest “Mac” McFarland, on Saturday, March 30. Festivities began with a parade on Main Street, followed by a Ceremony of Celebration at Padilla Park.
The special event honored veterans and McFarland, a Florence resident and one of the authors of the landmark legislation. The G.I. Bill has helped millions of veterans since 1944 through its provisions for higher education, low cost home and business loans and other benefits.
Presenters included Barry Wong from the Arizona governor’s office, Steve Aguirre, the Arizona commander for the American Legion, officials from Rep. Paul Gosar’s office and Florence Mayor Tara Walter. John D. Lewis of Chandler, a grandson of McFarland and other family members were presented with a flag to honor the occasion from the Sen. Martha McSally’s office.
The event was presented by American Legion Post No. 9 in conjunction with McFarland State Historic Park and the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds from T-shirt and other event sales will benefit the charitable programs of American Legion Post No. 9 and the construction of a veterans memorial.
Daughters of the American Revolution distribute water
Members of the Piestewa Peak Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, distributed more than 100 free bottles of water to attendees at the 15th annual Sunrise Memorial Service at Piestewa Peak Park on March 23.
The annual memorial service was founded in 2004 to honor fallen Army soldier Lori Piestewa and has expanded to honor other Arizonans who have died as a result of combat service. She was the first female Native American soldier killed in overseas combat.
Piestewa Peak Chapter is one of Arizona’s 41 active DAR chapters. It was chartered on October 8, 2016, in North Scottsdale.
Several Native American tribes were represented at the memorial service including Navajo, Hopi and Hualapai. The event included multiple military honor guards, Native American dancers, drummers, singers and speakers. Attendees included Piestewa’s family and former POWs who served with Piestewa in Iraq.
For more information, visit dar.org.
LifeStream Complete Senior Living opens new home
As more people turn to rehabilitation therapy to fully recover from injury, surgery or illness, there is a greater need for welcoming and comfortable short-term options that help people heal. To help meet this demand for personalized care, LifeStream Complete Senior Living opened a new short-term rehabilitation home at its LifeStream at Youngtown community.
The home provides 10 private bedroom/bathroom suites that circle a grand living room and open concept kitchen in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere with stylish décor that reflects the beauty of Arizona. This innovative approach replaces the cold, institutionalized feel of a therapeutic center with a warm and friendly environment that promotes confidence and independence. It’s unlike any rehabilitation center in the valley.
The short-term rehab home is a 7,000-square-foot, former assisted living location that was remodeled for short-term rehabilitation. Renovations were made possible by grants from Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust ($524,000), the BHHS Legacy Foundation ($105,000), and a private donor ($30,000) totaling more than $650,000.
