The Latest News about The Terraces

On May 1, people across the country will commemorate the six million people who lost their lives in the Holocaust. A local survivor and resident of The Terraces, a retirement community in Phoenix, will be among those who are remembering.

Friends and neighbors at The Terraces are very familiar with Magda Willinger's historical account of the Holocaust, and her experience in the camps where she was incarcerated for a year. As a teenager, Magda, who is now 82, left behind her father, two sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmothers and many more during the Holocaust.

Magda recalls the horrific experience in a book she collaborated with her mother Shirley Lebovitz, called The Enduring Spirit: The Inspiring True Story of a Holocaust Survivor. A recollection of notes, which were written in Hungarian, sat in a drawer for many years until Magda and her mother translated them in into English. In 1994, the book, which has sold more than 1,000 copies, was published.

In addition to Magda sharing her experience through the book and with neighbors and friends, she also volunteers and gives a handful of talks each year to students at area schools, and is active in the Phoenix Holocaust Survivors Association.

Would you be interested in interviewing Magda on the morning news? She could talk about the significance of May 1 from her perspective, and how she continues to share her personal account and offer a history lesson to those of all ages, so her loved ones will never be forgotten.

Local Retirement Community Provides Top-Notch Care, Peace of Mind

PHOENIX, Ariz.: When it comes to providing peace of mind and top-notch care to area seniors and their loved ones, one Phoenix retirement community continues to set the bar. For the past two consecutive years, The Terraces of Phoenix has been recognized with an Excellent Quality Rating from the Arizona Department of Health Services.

"We're proud to have received such high marks for the past two years, and are certain this will continue to be a tradition at the community," said Adam Utan, Director of Healthcare Services for The Terraces, a continuing care retirement community. "It's our mission to enhance the independence and well-being of older adults, offering the compassion and care they need to live life to the fullest."

According to Utan, a group of state surveyors spent a week at The Terraces and based the rating on a variety of factors, including observing the daily interactions; interviewing staff, residents and their loved ones; conducting health inspections; and monitoring staffing and quality measures, such as dining services and the overall environment.

"The recognition by the state is a true testament to the hard work of our more than 70 nurses, CNAs, operations managers, administrators and many others, who come to work each day to help ensure residents have the best service possible," said Utan.

"As a continuing care retirement community, residents have access to a full continuum of care available on our campus, from assisted living to skilled nursing to memory support care," said Utan. "But not everyone realizes that people from the greater Phoenix community can also benefit from The Terraces health care services."

The Village skilled nursing center at The Terraces is Medicare-approved and offers licensed, quality short- or long-term care, including physical, occupational and speech therapies. "Our person-centered approach focuses on individual needs, meaning we work around a schedule that is convenient for each resident, not us," said Utan. "Our highly trained and caring professionals truly understand the special needs of our residents, and provide peace of mind to families of those receiving care at The Terraces."

For more information about health care services at The Terraces, call 1-800-606-7619.

In addition to a full continuum of care, The Terraces of Phoenix offers an independent, maintenance-free lifestyle for older adults, with a selection of 217 residential living residences, along with a variety of cultural, social, educational and recreational activities. For more information about The Terraces, visit www.TheTerracesPhoenix.com.

The Terraces of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona, is managed by ABHOW, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. ABHOW is a nonsectarian corporation, serving seniors through quality retirement housing since 1949.

Oftentimes people start fitness routines that end up fizzling out within a few months. But a group of local women have found a workout that's kept them healthy and fit for more than a decade.

Virginia "Ginny" Tangent, 90, along with seven of her closest friends and neighbors at The Terraces of Phoenix, have been making a splash at their retirement community with water aerobics. For the past 10 years, these women (ages 78 to 97), have met every morning (except Sundays) year-round in the community's swimming pool, and lead each other through 30 minutes of aqua exercises.

The group has even choreographed a fitness routine featuring 22 moves, including jumping jacks, the rocking chair, can-can, flutter kick and more. Afterwards, the women meet in the community's Bistro for coffee and conversation.

According to Tangent, water aerobics has not only helped her stay in great shape, but she says some of her closest friendships were developed through this group.

Would you be interested in featuring a story about these local women and their dedication to water aerobics? They are available for interviews and photo opportunities prior to or following their morning workout.

ABHOW, The Terraces' manager and a pioneer in the field of senior living, has unveiled a new, interactive website (http://www.abhow.com) that reenergizes the discussion around optimal aging and lifelong well-being. Using the power of story, the new website sharpens its focus on ABHOW’s engaging residents, award-winning communities and leading-edge company.

Among the wide variety of activities offered to residents of ABHOW continuing care retirement communities, dining certainly has the highest participation. No wonder, then, that residents are giving the thumbs-up to a new and enhanced meal plan that gives them a host of options beyond the standard fare.

With the My Choice program, residents are allotted a certain number of points per month they can use at their discretion. The program, whic was launched in 2008 at The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens in Fresno, Calif., proved so popular there that it is now being offered at 10 ABHOW CCRCs. Yannick Himber, director of dining services for ABHOW partner Sodexo Senior Services, says My Choice is changing the way residents think about food in general and meal planning in particular.

“Eating patterns have definitely changed, with people eating smaller meals more often,” says Himber. “They’re also really enjoying showcasing the community’s dining services to family and friends.”

Ruth Buneman, a five-year resident of The Terraces at Los Altos in Los Altos, Calif., agrees that the flexibility My Choice offers has positively changed her own eating habits. “Quite often now, depending on what else I’m doing, I’ll go for lunch and have two lunch courses and then two dinner courses,” she says. “It’s cut back on the shopping I needed to do for food.”

Residents may accumulate extra points to allow for splurges on new premium menus, Himber said. They can also enjoy the experience of eating at grill events offered at each community, which give them the experience of a fine dining restaurant, he said. “The grill events allow residents who used to go out to eat off campus once a week or once a month, to get dressed up and enjoy some fine dining with a great atmosphere,” says Himber. Points are also available for use at other dining venues specific to each community, such as farmers markets and newly added bistros. “It definitely has given residents a greater amount of flexibility,” says Himber. “They just love it.”

The feedback has indeed been positive everywhere My Choice has been added, says Jeff Glaze, ABHOW’s senior vice president and chief operations manager. “It’s been a great program for the residents,” says Glaze. “We’ve added a lot of new services over the years for our residents, but what they all do every day is eat. I think this is the most significant new program we’ve brought to the residents in decades.”

PHOENIX, Ariz.: This holiday season, The Terraces of Phoenix is helping the U.S. Marine Reserve Corps collect toys for the annual Toys for Tots drive. The non-profit senior living community is serving as a drop-off location now through Friday, December 10.

“We’re proud to lend a hand to such a great organization that provides smiles of joy to area children in need each year,” said Marge Pope, Director of Sales & Marketing for The Terraces of Phoenix. “We encourage everyone to generously support this worthy cause, and we look forward to helping bring a message of hope during the holiday season.”

Seniors are invited to help share the spirit of the holidays by participating in the community’s toy drive. Individuals can bring new, unwrapped toys to The Terraces, located at 7550 N. 16th Street in Phoenix. The Terraces will welcome contributions at their annual Holiday Open House on Friday, December 3, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

During this free event, guests will enjoy live entertainment from the Dickens Carolers, a holiday boutique showcasing area retailers, a Tour of Homes featuring a variety of apartments in the community, a caricaturist, refreshments, and a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. To R.S.V.P. for The Terraces Holiday Open House, Home Tour and Boutique, call 1-800-799-3864. “Not only can guests help give back to the local community, but they can also gather with friends, old and new, to reminisce of seasons past and look ahead to a bright future,” said Pope.

Conveniently located in the heart of Phoenix, The Terraces offers older adults a maintenance-free lifestyle with a selection of 217 total residences. The apartment homes feature a variety of spacious one-bedroom, two-bedroom and two-bedroom with den floor plans, including well-designed layouts with ample storage space and the latest interior finish options.

The Terraces’ lifestyle includes restaurant-quality dining options; weekly housekeeping; regularly scheduled transportation; 24-hour security; a health and fitness center; individualized personal training programs; a swimming pool; wellness programs; a state-of-the-art technology center that incorporates a brain fitness curriculum; a theater and auditorium; lounge; The Oasis Spa; a club and game room; library; Piccolo Bistro; beauty salon and barbershop; and cultural, social, educational and recreational activities.

In addition to a fulfilling residential living lifestyle, this continuing care retirement community offers a full spectrum of care options, including 49 on-site assisted living apartments, 64 skilled nursing suites and 25 memory support suites. For more information about The Terraces, visit www.TheTerracesPhoenix.com.

The Terraces of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona, is managed by ABHOW, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. ABHOW is a nonsectarian corporation, serving seniors through quality retirement housing since 1949.

Dot Webb’s Lifelong Passion for Cattle Industry Continues in Retirement Years

Dorothy “Dot” Webb may live in the city, but her heart will always be on the range and with the cattle industry. In fact, outside her door at The Terraces of Phoenix, the retirement community where she lives, there is a small figurine of a “cowgirl” that is a good indicator of her true passion in life.

“My life was helping with the family cattle business,” said Webb, whose multi-acre Webb Ranch was located 20 miles from Prescott.

Even though she’s retired and has moved to a senior living community, not a day goes by that Webb isn’t busy working within the Arizona cattle industry. She currently serves as the fundraising chairman for the Arizona Cattle Industry Research and Education Foundation, and helps raise money to provide scholarships to students with a ranching background.

In addition, Webb is still heavily involved in the Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association, and she contributes occasionally to its monthly magazine – The Cattlelog. She also belongs to the “Ag 100 Club,” associated with the University of Arizona; the Yavapai County Cattle Growers’ Association; and the State and National Cattlewomen’s Association.

Webb has extensive experience in her family’s cattle business, and her historical knowledge is invaluable as she consults with people interested in the cattle industry.

In fact, she played an integral part in writing and publishing Keepers of the Range, a story of 103 years of the Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association.

“Arizona is getting ready to celebrate its centennial in 2012, and I’m now serving on a committee that is developing a cattle exhibit for the celebration,” said Webb. “Our work will be included in a museum that Governor Jan Brewer is establishing to celebrate the ‘five Cs’ of Arizona — Cattle, Citrus, Copper, Cotton and Climate.”

In addition, for the past 20 years Webb has been part of an all-woman and very successful investment club, consisting of 12 dedicated members who get together once a month.

In her spare time, Webb is enrolled in a bi-monthly writer’s workshop, attends computer and Spanish classes offered at her retirement community, and belongs to several social clubs.

After decades of serving in the cattle industry, it’s no secret to friends at The Terraces and colleagues in the business where Dot’s heart belongs.

PHOENIX, Ariz.: Everybody has their own euphoria. For Lucille Stillman, oil paintings of picturesque views from her world travels, pastel portraits of friendly faces and many prestigious awards adorn the walls of her personal sanctuary. This beautiful place is not found in a loft downtown or a local art gallery, but rather in Lucille’s custom-designed art studio within her new home at The Terraces, a retirement community in Phoenix.

“I don’t plan to stop painting. In fact, I feel as though I’m just getting started again,” said Stillman, who at age 85 has no plans to retire from her lifelong passion. “All the services and amenities at The Terraces allow me to continue doing what I love most - and that’s paint.”

The distinguished local artist will be sharing her joy of painting at the upcoming Art of Living event, hosted by The Terraces, located at 7550 N. 16th Street. Stillman, along with other artists, will showcase a handful of her paintings, and put the finishing touches on a new piece during the event.

This celebration of the arts will include an open house and boutique on Friday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests are invited to spend the day browsing through one-of-a-kind artwork; mingling with artists, performers and residents; listening to live musical performances; and enjoying a special presentation by a docent from the Phoenix Art Museum.

“At The Terraces, we encourage and support the love of arts our residents have. In fact, we’ve found a lot of people who have rediscovered a new interest in painting at the community,” said Marge Pope, Director of Sales and Marketing for The Terraces.

In addition, Stillman will begin teaching art classes at The Terraces in May. The art group will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“I’m so inspired that I’ll be teaching art classes and helping fellow residents take their painting to the next level,” said Stillman. “It’s great to be around other people who are so appreciative of art and have a passion for it.”

Chicago-born Stillman began painting at age 13, later receiving a four-year scholarship to study at DePaul University in Chicago, Ill. Her artwork has been displayed in numerous galleries throughout the country.

Stillman’s favorite genre is people. In fact, according to her, she’s “never met a person she didn’t want to paint.”

“My inspiration comes from talking and interacting with people,” said Stillman. “I see things in people they don’t see in themselves, and that’s how I paint them.”

Stillman creates six to 12 works a year, and is currently working on three paintings in her studio at The Terraces. She also has more than 170 paintings in storage at the community.

For more information about Lucille Stillman, call The Terraces at (602) 906-4024 or visit www.LucilleTStillman.com. For more information about The Terraces, visit www.TheTerracesPhoenix.com.

Conveniently located in the heart of Phoenix at 7550 N. 16th Street, The Terraces offers active older adults a maintenance-free lifestyle with a selection of 217 total residences. The apartment homes feature a variety of spacious one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and two-bedroom with den floor plans, including well-designed layouts with ample storage space and the latest interior finish options.

The Terraces’ lifestyle includes restaurant-quality dining options; weekly housekeeping; regularly scheduled transportation; 24-hour security; a health and fitness center; individualized personal training programs; a swimming pool; wellness programs; a state-of-the-art technology center that incorporates Posit Science™, a brain fitness program; a theater and auditorium; lounge; The Oasis Spa; a club and game room; library; Piccolo Bistro; beauty salon and barbershop; and cultural, social, educational and recreational activities.

In addition to a fulfilling residential living lifestyle, this continuing care retirement community offers a full spectrum of care options, including 49 on-site assisted living apartments, 64 skilled nursing suites and 25 memory support suites.

The Terraces of Phoenix is managed by ABHOW, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. ABHOW is a nonsectarian corporation, serving seniors through quality retirement housing since 1949.