St Luke's Home Newsletter May 2022
Executive Director Report
Baile de Gracias Photos!
I am going to be short this month because there are so many wonderful Baile photos that are in need of sharing. I want to extend my gratitude to all of you that attended, donated, and volunteered. The Baile de Gracias was fun! It was so great to see everyone in person enjoying each other’s company. It has been a while and we all needed it. St Luke’s Home radiates joy from Adams Street to the whole Tucson community and beyond. It’s an honor to be part of this amazing family.
Terri Waldman, Executive Director
Baile de Gracias
We had a wonderful time at the 103rd Baile. It was nearly sold out! The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, and the company was truly enjoyable. To those that attended, we offer our thanks and good wishes. To those who couldn’t attend, you were missed, but we will look for you at the Silver Chef Culinary Competition!
State of the Home
Watch the video for the 2022 State of the Home.
Welcome New Employees
Brandi Simon Finance Director Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved to Phoenix at 26 and met her spouse of 15 years. Army life had them traveling much of the country. When her husband retired they settled in Tucson to live near family. They have two teenage boys that love chess and music and two dogs, Ruger and Haus. Professionally, she has been an Accountant for over 15 years with extensive experience in various industries. Brandi says, "I am extremely happy to be here and am excited to get to know many of the residents."
Brit Wieland Activities Director Brit is from Tucson who went to school for Art History at the UofA and has worked in a wide range of creative business fields. She is a mom to an incredible 4-year-old boy, Henrik. She crafts jewelry and sells second-hand fashion for an online business. She is nearing completion of a 200-Level Yoga certification and is looking forward to sharing her favorite chair stretches with the Elders. Brit says, “I love to meditate and have guided classes along with the benefits of sound healing.”
Volunteers Wanted
St Luke’s Home needs volunteers to help out at our Silver Chef Culinary Competition. This year promises to be an exciting year as the delectable event will take place outside at the MSA Annex on October 22, 2022! Please contact our new Activities Coordinator, Brit Weiland at 520.207.0790 or email her at activities@stlukeshometucson.org.
Thank you for caring about our St Luke’s Home Elders!
Roscoe Reassigned
Our Assistant House Dog, Roscoe, has been reassigned. Roscoe is a sweet boy and tried so hard to be helpful, but he found the hustle and bustle of St Luke’s Home was simply too much stimulation for him. He is now on a work-from-home assignment with Glynn and Ellen, the parents of one of the staff members. He reports that the 1:1 attention is “just right” for his temperament. He told Rio that he is sure this is the job from which he will retire.
Naturally, Rio set him straight about early retirement for dogs. Once fully settled in his new role, Roscoe will be back to visit the Elders of St Luke’s Home from time to time.
Happy Mothers Day
Rio's Corner Rio here! Digging up the best dirt on the happenings at St Luke’s Home.
The Baile was a couple of weekends ago. I had planned to go dancing. I had planned to strut my stuff. I had planned to hide under the tables for fallen scraps but, hey, who knew I wouldn’t be allowed in the Mountain Oyster Club? From the pictures, it looks like everyone had a great time. There were no canine treats anyway so I am only moderately peeved I was excluded from the festivities. Not complaining, but no one bothered to bring home a doggie bag for yours truly. That’s ok. I was dieting that night anyway.
I just picked up the 2022 Farmer’s Almanac the other day (because I love all kinds of reading material). I wanted to see a few things. I, like my fellow gardeners here at St Luke’s Home, like to be on top of things when it comes to gardening. The Gardner’s Club is a perfect club for me. Digging? I’ve got this! Sampling the edible flowers? Check! Eating from the raised planter? Sure, if I get a boost from one of my friends. (I am particularly fond of arugula.)
May is when we should be planting tomatoes and chiles—perhaps for a salsa garden. If I can’t dance, I can eat! It is also the time to plant carrots, radishes, lettuce, cucumbers, spinach (stuff always gets in my teeth) and kale – great for a morning smoothie. It is also the time to plant watermelons. I LOVE watermelon, but I admit I am messy if I eat it. (I still haven’t figured out how to spit out the seeds. I may never win a seed spitting contest, but I am willing to try. I just swallow them too quickly.)
Artichokes are planted in May. I am not a fan, but my friends here like them with a bit of garlic butter (double yuck for me). It’s also time to plant those cruciferous vegetables. You know the ones, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. I like those, but they do not like me. I always end up with a tummy ache.
All in all, May is a great month, even if it is hot… we haven’t hit sweltering in May. Not yet.
Oh, I nearly forgot. We have new people here at St Luke’s Home. Now that I am not training Roscoe, I am training them. They are introduced above by my friend Cass. Brandi and Brit both seem really nice, although I am not sure either one of them has picked up on my signal for “treats, please”. It’s all in the eyes. I may need to help Brandi decorate her office, and Brit needs some special training. Brit tried to get me to go help play Bingo in the dining room (classic newbie trick). She was notified I don’t go in there. As they say in the Wizard of Oz, “Not no way, not no how!” Still, if there are treats involved… B… seven; I… 5 might not be bad at all.
Stay cool, my friends! Your friend,
St Luke’s Home in the Desert Inc is an Arizona Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO) and your gift may entitle you to a credit up to $400 as an individual filer or $800 as a married couple on your Arizona State Tax Return. Our Qualified Charity Code is 20211. If you haven’t already taken advantage of this wonderful credit, please keep the Elders of St Luke’s Home in mind.
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