Ask Cappie the Computer Cat

ASK CAPPIE THE COMPUTER CAT All About Cookies

What are cookies? Why do I have to agree to allow cookies every time I go to a new website while I am browsing on the Internet?

Marie from SCG, a happy homeowner

Dear Marie, Cookies affect how we surf the web, and for the most part, they make the browsing experience more efficient and personalized. To understand the internet concept of cookies, consider one of many unverified stories of how the term “cookies” came to be. Remember the children’s story about Hansel and Gretel? They tried to mark their trail through the woods by dropping “cookie crumbs” along the way. Similarly, internet cookies “track” where you have been on the internet: time spent on the website, clicked buttons, preferences or settings chosen, research topics or products, name, address, and purchases. Practically, storing personal data and preferences reduces download time, and cookies from websites that you use on a regular basis are reasonable to accept. Website owners are better able to target you with recommendations on purchases, content or services that might be of interest to you based on your past viewing and purchase history; e.g., you may open a site to order a sweatshirt and a “cookie” provides a link to sweatpants. Generally, such “first-party cookies” are safe if you are browsing reputable websites who track your preferences only for their use. However, many websites embed advertising for other products or services. These “third-party cookies” allow advertisers or analytics companies to track your browsing history across the web on any sites that contain their ads. If you ever wondered why advertisements seem to follow you throughout your Internet browsing for something that you recently searched, it is third-party cookies that make this linkage possible. Ever check the website for a vacation spot and begin seeing ads on other sites of cheap airflights to that destination? Cookies are stored in small text files on YOUR computer and generally they are considered safe. However, you can view and delete cookies quite easily. The process will vary from browser to browser, Special thanks to Sharon but generally, you should go Chaplin for submitting this to your browser settings and look for the privacy or security photo of her white Scottie, Zoe and black Scottie, Duncan. section. The next step is to View/print the digital version view the cookies stored by of “Ask Cappie” monthly the browsers and then choose column by going to www. which cookies you want to grandinfo.com. Click on the delete. If you feel they pose More News>Grand Lifestyles a security threat, slow down Magazine> to choose the your browser, or store too much month you want to view. personal information, delete your cookies on a regular basis. Additionally, you may not want your website viewing history stored on a public or shared computer. Other options to control cookies include using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or using the private or incognito browsing option-- which you can find available on most browsers. This will automatically get rid of any cookies placed on your computer when you close the browser session. There are also some browsers that help you automatically manage Union) invoked The General tracking the cookies; e.g., Data Protection Regulation https://brave.com. (GDPR) in 2018 to outline In answer to your final privacy and security requirements question, as to why you need for anyone providing goods and to check a box to “allow” services in the European Union. cookies, the European Union It was put in place for websites to is responsible. Basically, how be more transparent about the websites place the cookies data it extracts and it specifically on your computer and how brought about the website pop-up they use them-- was a specific notification asking for consent concern of the European to place a cookie on your Union. Because of privacy computer and allowed you to issues and data collected by “Learn More” about how the cookies, the EU (European site uses its cookies.

DECEMBER FAMILY ACTIVITIES

SHARE IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON! HERE ARE A FEW ACTIVITIES TO PUT YOU IN THE HOLIDAY MOOD. Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your families. Please visit the various websites for face mask and safety guidelines. ZOOLIGHTS HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT

When the sun goes down and the animals go to SALT RIVER FIELDS sleep, the Phoenix Zoo magically transforms into one of the largest holiday lighting events in the Southwest. Enjoy millions of lights, hundreds of displays and performances throughout the zoo. If you're not up for walking around the zoo yet, you can socially distance with a drive-thru experience, Cruise Zoolights. Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields makes its debut this year with an unprecedented spectacle of nearly 5 million lights that will greet Yuletide revelers along 1.2 miles that encircles the awardwinning Spring Training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.

Phoenix Zoo/Arizona Center for Nature Conservation Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 7555 N. Pima Road Scottsdale n Dec 3, Dec 13 - 14, Dec 18, Dec 23 - 24, n Thru December 31, 2020

Dec 29 - 30, Jan 3 - 4, Jan 9 - 10, Jan 15 - 16, n 5:45 PM

Jan 21 - 22, Jan 27 - 28, 2021 n Prices Vary $35-$355 n 602-286-3800 n holidaylightssrf.com/ n 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM n $60 per person (member)$75 per person (general) n phoenixzoo.org/cruise-zoolights/ WINTER NIGHT LIGHTSGrandKids Corner December 2020 Experience a spirited, synchronized projection WORLD OF ILLUMINATION TEMPE / GLENDALE show at Westgate Entertainment District. Running on select dates from Nov. 27 through Dec. 30, guests can take in the views of the Share in the spirit of the season! Here are a few activities to put you in the holiday mood. Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your families. Illumination is Arizona’s largest holiday drive-thru light show that is fully synchronized to your favorite music. This 1-mile long driving attraction will feature district’s newest holiday pop-up, a 3D Christmas tree canvas that showcases a walkable, lyrical light show. Holiday Lights ZOOLights When the sun goes down and the animals go to sleep, thePhoenixZoomagically transforms into one of the largest holiday lighting events in the Southwest. Enjoy millions of lights, millions of holiday lights synchronized to holiday Westgate Entertainment District hundreds of displays and performances throughout the zoo. If you're not up for walking around the zoo yet, you can socially distance with a drive-thru experience,Cruise music throughout 14 acres of the newest state of the Zoolights. 6770 N. Sunset Boulevard, Glendale art holiday lights and displays. • Hosted by: n Thru December 30, 2020PhoenixZoo/ArizonaCenterforNatureConservation Diablo Stadium 2200 W Alameda Dr., Tempe Westgate Entertainment District 6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Glendale • • Dec 3, Dec 13 22, Jan 27 28, 2021 Phone: 602286-3800 Time: 5:30 PM to 10:30 n 480-387-5678 n Every 30 minutes from 6 to 10 p.m. n WaterDance Plaza n westgateaz.com/lights 14, Dec 18, Dec 23 -24, Dec 29 -30, Jan 3 -4, Jan 9 -10, Jan 15 -16, Jan 21 ONLINE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED • PM Price: $60 n Thru January 3, 2021 n 480-550-1777 per person (member)$7 5 per person n 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (general) n $22.99+ n worldofillumination.com/ Phoenix Zoo, https://ww w.phoenixzo o.org/cruise -zoolights/ 455N. Galvin Parkway,Phoenix Grand Lifestyles | December 2020 | WorldofIlluminationTempe/World suncitygrand.com ofIlluminationGlendale Nov. 6-Jan. 3 LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS

Have a true Southwestern holiday experience at the Desert Botanical Garden, where 8,000 flickering luminarias line the pathways among the desert flora. While you're there, you'll encounter live performances throughout the garden, as well as stops for hot chocolate and other treats.

Desert Botanical Garden

1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix n Dec 11 - 13, Dec 17 - 23, Dec 26 - 31, 2020 n 480-941-1225 n 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM n Members - $29.95-$34.95 General Public - $34.95-$39.95 n dbg.org/events/las-noches-de-las luminarias/2018-12-01/

HOLIDAY MEALS AT LITCHFIELDS

Litchfield's at The Wigwam

300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park

623-935-3811

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER AT LITCHFIELD'S DECEMBER 24 Enjoy a three course array of holiday classics, thoughtfully prepared by Executive Sous Chef Chris Knouse. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA DECEMBER 25 Have a merry morning with a served holiday breakfast buffet in Litchfield's and & crafts for the kid's to enjoy at the table or to take home. Santa himself will be joining for pictures while practicing safety measures. CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER AT LITCHFIELD'S DECEMBER 25 Enjoy a three course array of holiday classics, thoughtfully prepared by Executive Sous Chef Chris Knouse.

A Fond Farewell

It has been my honor to serve the City of Surprise the Rangers and Royals baseball clubs to just for the past three years. How little did I know name a few. One project that was near and dear that reaching out to serve my community would to my heart was the Veterans Reflection Circle. complete me! I was blessed to meet so many This project was a partnership between the City wonderful people! My last Council meeting will and many local businesses that gave of their be December 15th. It has been a busy three years, time and resources to create this beautiful space and we have accomplished a lot. to honor Surprise resident and veteran, Brian I came into the office open-minded and prepared Mancini, who courageously served our country to learn. What a learning curve! My colleagues for more than 12 years. The true giving of these and I on the City Council grew into a cohesive people was greatly appreciated. I am proud to group and were able to accomplish many projects have been a part of this great project. Nancy Hayden Council Member, District 2 that I know will benefit our citizens for years to come. This could not have been accomplished without the help and support of City staff who work diligently to serve our residents. I am so proud of every employee that works for our City. During my time as your Councilwoman, I have had the pleasure to attend your business openings; represent your voice on Council Subcommittees and at Council Meetings; and attend HOA meetings and luncheons to meet and discuss issues. I also worked on many My passion, the thing most important to me during my time as your representative, was the one-on-one interactions that I was able to have with individuals in my district – listening, helping, and serving those in need. This time was precious to me. Just taking the time to sit and discuss issues and concerns was a little way for me to make a big impact. Thank you for trusting me with the things that are most important to you. exciting projects that have benefited our beautiful city! I am Your newly elected District 2 Representative, Aly Cline, thankful for the partnerships that have grown while I served will start her term on January 1. I believe she will be a great on Council, including Ottawa University, Luke Air Force addition to our community. After January 1, please reach out Base, Surprise Center Development Company (SCDC), and to her, as I know that she will assist you as I have done.

SCG Resident

Treedah J. Magee, REALTOR® CRS, SRES, ABR, CNE, CLSS www.treedahmagee.com

“I Sell Miracle Homes”

15003 W. Bell Rd., Ste. 100 Surprise, AZ 85374

Cell: 623.299.8302 Office: 623.533.3100 Email: tmagee@azpros.net

Each office independently owned and operated.

WISCONSIN INTEREST GROUP

Friendships n Travel n Dining and much more

We provide a wide range of activities throughout the year.

Visit www.wigazinfo.weebly.com to learn more. Click on ‘Contact Us’ tab or email wigmessage@gmail.com

Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church

Pastor Scott Hackler and Pastor Gary Benson 15820 W Clearview Blvd In the of Sun City Grand 623-977-6000 . . . . . spiritofgrace.com

On-site Worship Services have resumed! Please contact the church for additional information. Registration is Required

Our on-line Worship Service continues each week and is available on Saturday by 5:00 pm. Go to spiritofgrace.com and click on the YouTube button in the upper right-hand side of the webpage.

Weekend Worship: Saturday – 5:00 pm and Sunday – 9:00 am

Bringing the Spirit of Grace to all People

DEAF SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP Living through the Pandemic

Submitted by Vicki T. Hurwitz SCG Resident vthurwitz@gmail.com Zoom Chat Zoom Talk Zoom Demo Zoom Bingo Zoom Poker VP Pinochle

What are those? Those are what keep the Deaf SCG residents busy in spite of the pandemic! There is no week without a Zoom ‘gettogether’; we have them at least twice a week. We play Poker through Zoom, using Poker Star online and also Pinochle through Videophones, using Trickster online. There is always something to do, something to talk about, something to share with each other. The COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped nor prevented us from ‘getting together’ through Zoom, VP and Facetime. A group of men and women bike around SCG and trails outside of Surprise at least three times a week. Many others take leisure walks on SCG’s walkways and trails. Others meet at the swimming pools and the gym. Four times a month Zoom Chats take place of our socials, three of which used to be held at Cimarron and the other in Surprise.

Twice a month Zoom Talks involved presentations such as “Most Embarrassing Moments”, “50’s and 60’s”, “Organizing Important Documents”, “50’s and 60’s”, and “Unforgettable Events”, all done by our own residents. We had a special speaker from Florida on “Life Planning for Seniors”. We also played “Trivia about SCG” on Kahoot! on Zoom. One Sunday a month, Zoom Demos involved “Canning jams” and “Show and Tell” during which we demonstrated what we worked on since the pandemic started. Examples were 3D products including an 18-wheel truck, stained glass, rock painting, quilts, alcohol ink, diamond painting with beads, puzzles, creating cards and more. In addition to the above Zoom gatherings, private groups text, email and videophone each other at various times. Many of us visit our families, many throughout the country, through Zoom, Videophone and FaceTime. Since we haven’t been able to travel much during the pandemic, using the Zoom connects us with others much more than in the past. In other words, we don’t have to miss any workshops, webinars, memorial services and more, thanks to the Zoom. Thanks to today’s phenomenal technology we can stay in touch with more people and stay inspired, active and talented. Sincerest thanks go to those who sent me photos and special thanks go to Susie Tighe for preparing the collages of photos to include with this article.