12 minute read
NEIGHBORS
Wearing sunglasses that impair vision, headphones that blare static and thick gloves that hamper finer motor skills to get a feel for what dementia patients go through, Darcy Brodison’s students struggle to follow instructions and complete simple tasks.
(Courtesy of Hospice of the Valley)
‘Dementia Moments’ teach high schoolers compassion
BY LIN SUE FLOOD
Progress Guest Writer
Arcadia High School teacher Darcy Brodison knows the best way to drive a lesson home is to touch a student’s heart. So she decided to immerse her class in a unique experience called “Dementia Moments” that demonstrates what it’s like to live with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
She invited Hospice of the Valley to share the 8-minute simulation with juniors and seniors in her AP Psychology class. The eye-opening exercise pressed them to perform everyday tasks as if they were living with cognitive impairment.
They put on sunglasses that blurred their vision and wore thick gloves to mimic the numbness that comes with arthritis and neuropathy. They donned headphones that blared static, making it hard to understand instructions to sort loose coins, put on a belt, button a shirt, pair socks together, read and sign documents. The tasks were frustrating and the students were vocal about it. “I’m struggling!” they shouted. “I can’t open this. I can’t remember what I’m supposed to do. What do we do with the socks? I can’t hear anything clearly!”
After the experience, Hospice of the Valley dementia educator Helena Morgan asked the students to share their feelings. “We were anxious,” they confessed. “Overwhelmed. Disoriented. Confused.”
Scottsdale.org l @ScottsdaleProgress /ScottsdaleProgress
Ex-NFL player now scores for real estate clients
BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer
Growing up as the son of New York Jets wide receiver Al Toon taught Nick Toon several life lessons.
From having the ability to play several sports before settling on football to learning how to be advantageous with real estate, Nick heavily revered his father.
Because of this, Nick knew there were two things he wanted to do with his life; play professional football and sell real estate.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin and being drafted 122nd overall by the New Orleans Saints, Nick Toon embarked on a three-year stint in the NFL where he caught four touchdowns and received 287 yards through his 17 games of action.
However, it was after having a career year in 2014 where he scored all of his NFL touchdowns that Toon and teammate Lance Moore decided to take an offseason trip to Scottsdale with Moore’s future wife Kasey Trione and her college roommate, a girl named Annie who would later become Toon’s wife.
Although he fell in love with Annie on his trip, Toon also fell head over heels for Scottsdale.
“I love the weather and the vibe of Scottsdale,” Toon said. “I love to be outside and I love exercising. I’m a big cyclist, I love to hike and I love to run so, to have the ability to do those things all year is awesome.”
After trading in his football jersey for a blazer and tie, Toon got to work alongside his wife Annie, launching the “Toon Team” – which is brokered by the luxury estate brokerage firm Retsy. They also used connections made through Nick’s playing days to score some sweet sales.
“I’ve had several people that I’ve played with that have either referred my business or have contacted me with interest in and doing something out here. A lot of our business is referral based. So, we’ve been very fortunate from that standpoint,” Toon said.
Toon also had the scorching housing market on his side.
“We have a lot of people moving here from all different parts of the country. A lot of people have come from California, Chicago, Washington and other parts of the country as well,” he said. “We’re also seeing a lot of job opportunities down there where a lot of corporations and businesses moving here, creating jobs and building large campuses.
“We have the semiconductor plant up
Former NFL wide receiver Nick Toon is now scoring properties instead of touchdowns with the help of his wife Annie at
Toon Team realty. (Special to the Progress)
Scottsdale native serves aboard USS Annapolis
BY BRYAN NIEGEL
Progress Guest Writer
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Scottsdale, Arizona, native is serving aboard USS Annapolis, one of the world’s most advanced nuclearpowered submarines. Petty Officer 2nd Class Cameron Swain, a 2017 Desert Mountain High School graduate, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy because my uncle served as a Captain in the Navy,” said Swain. “I also wanted to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.”
Today, Swain serves as an information systems technician (submarines).
“My favorite part about my job is that I’m part of a very small percentage that have been on a submarine,” said Swain. “I also get to travel the world and carry out missions vital to national security.”
According to Swain, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Scottsdale.
“My granddad always told me if you have a strong work ethic then you will do well in anything you set your mind to,” said Swain.
Known as America’s “Silent Service,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).
Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare.
The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes. As a member of the submarine force, Swain is part of a rich 121-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
Serving in the Navy means Swain is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The United States is a global force that protects freedom around the world and makes our enemy’s think twice before acting,” said Swain.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the
Scottsdale native Petty Officer 2nd Class Cameron Swain, a 2017 Desert Mountain High School graduate, is happy with his assignment aboard a nuclear-powered sub.
(U.S. Navy)
seeSAILOR page 25
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New senior pastor joins Scottsdale church
PROGRESS NEWS STAFF
North Scottsdale United Methodist Church last week welcomed Pastor Christopher Wurpts to the position of the senior pastor.
Wurpts was appointed by Bishop Grant Hagiya of the California-Pacific Conference. He was appointed to Paradise Valley United Methodist Church by Desert Southwest Conference Bishop Robert Hoshibat, in August 2018. As the Associate Pastor of Modern Worship and Discipleship in Paradise Valley, he worked with the Ignite worship community, as well as overseeing the adult discipleship and mission programs of that church. Wurpts, who has 15 years experience, joins the church staff of 11. North Scottsdale United Methodist Church celebrates a traditional Sunday service at 10 a.m. both in-person and online. It offers adults online and in-person weekly Bible studies and choir.
The church also offers Sunday school online and in-person for ages 2 through 18. The following events are sponsored throughout the year; retreats, holiday festivals, turn-around trips, Vacation Bible School, book studies, mission trips and more.
Information: 480- 948-0529, of�ice@ nsumc.com, or nsumc.com.
The church is located at 11735 North Scottsdale Road, just south of Cactus Road.
HOSPICE ���� page 22
“These emotions explain why people with dementia may become aggressive and agitated. Their behaviors are what we refer to as nonverbal expression. Someone with dementia can’t verbalize what they are feeling — physically or emotionally,” Helena explained. “We’re expecting them to be able to get things done, but their brains don’t process information like they used to. What you’re hearing is frustration and sometimes, fear.”
Arizona has the highest growth rate of people living with dementia in the entire country. By 2025, an estimated 200,000 Arizonans will be affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Education and compassionate support can make a huge difference in their quality of life.
It’s one of the reasons Hospice of the Valley continues to expand services to help people with all stages and types of dementia, train health professionals and inspire careers in dementia care.
Arcadia High School is within walking distance from the nonprofit agency’s new Dementia Care and Education Center a t 44th Street and Indianola Avenue in Phoenix, and some of the students will be volunteering to provide companionship to patients. All of them agreed this exercise taught them valuable skills. “If your loved one has dementia, you can still treat them with dignity and respect,” Helena told them. “Simplify tasks. Slow things down. Make eye-level contact. Be aware of your tone and body language. Be friendly. Ask if you can help.” Alyssa Blanks is watching her grandmother’s dementia progress.
“She forgets a lot and repeats everything,” the 17-year-old shared with the class. After experiencing “Dementia Moments,” she felt enlightened and much more empathetic. “I will have more patience with my grandma now. I’ll be kinder and treat her with more grace.”
For information on Hospice of the Valley’s “Dementia Moments” and Dementia Care and Education Campus, call (602) 767-8300 or visit dementiacampus.org.
Lin Sue Flood is director of community engagement at Hospice of the Valley.
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PROGRESS NEWS STAFF
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SAILOR ���� page 23
world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers while serving in the Navy, Swain noted.
“So far, I am most proud of being a leading petty officer of my division and molding junior sailors to be the best at their jobs,” said Swain. “I’m also proud of qualify as Chief of the Watch and Duty Chief, a qualification usually held by chiefs and above ranks.”
As Swain and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means to me that I have to sacrifice some of my freedoms to give those back home a free way of life to enjoy,” added Swain. Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel is with the U.S. Navy Of�ice of Community Outreach.
TOON ���� page 22
north going in, Intel has their massive campus here, I know Disney has purchased land here and Goldman Sachs has a campus here. We’re kind of becoming the new Silicon Valley with a lot of tech companies and a lot of manufacturing moving here.”
However, the supply in Scottsdale is too low to meet the demand at the moment, which has caused Toon to remember the advice his father gave him about being patient especially during busy times like these.
“The biggest thing I tell my clients is just to have patience. Everyone’s situation is a little bit different and if a client is in a position where they can afford to be a little bit patient and wait for the right opportunity, that’s the advice I’m giving my clients right now,” he said.
Toon also thinks that patience will have to remain a virtue for those hoping to purchase a home in Scottsdale in the future.
“it’s, unfortunately, going to be something I think that is going to be sustained here for the foreseeable future,” he said. “It’s not something you can snap your finger and create hundreds of 1000s of inventories across the country. So, we’re in an interesting time right now for sure.”
Despite the jam of low housing inventory, Toon plans to keep fighting for his clients to reach the endzone and settle in their new homes in Scottsdale.
He also has an interest in expanding into commercial real estate somewhere down the line.
Info: thetoonteam.com
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