9 minute read
Ask Cappie the Computer Cat
ASK CAPPIE THE COMPUTER CAT UPDATE YOUR MOBILE PHONE
Dear Cappie, Both my wife and I have older mobile phones which my neighbor says will be obsolete very soon. My wife has a flip phone that’s so old we are not sure when she got it. It operates on 3G which according to our neighbor, will stop working this year, and mine is an iPhone 6sPlus which I love very much because I am so familiar with how to use it. I’d like to know if what I’m hearing is true and if so, what can I buy that we both could use? Jim
Dear Jim, Your neighbor is correct on both counts. Your iPhone no longer will be supported with future updates when Apple rolls out the new operating system updates, iOS 16. According to the latest internet news, all the iPhone 6s models (iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE), will not receive the new updates. This is crucial because your phone will not be protected from getting hacked by cyber criminals if vulnerabilities are found. The upside is the phones came out in 2015 and 2016 respectively and haven't been sold by Apple for years but they continued to give you updated software, compared to Android phones that only get three, sometimes four years of updates, so you had a long run with your smartphone. Be advised also that some older iPads will also become obsolete: the iPad mini-4, iPad Air 2, iPad (fifth generation), and the 2015 iPad Pro models. Apple has not announced when they will roll out iOS 16, but generally the announcement comes at their yearly WWDC developer event that will be held in June 2022, and the updates are released later, generally in September or October. Regarding your wife’s 3G flip phone: 3G network technology has existed for two decades. The first 3G network in the US was launched in 2002. 4G launched in 2010. Carriers started rolling out 5G networks in 2019. Companies now are focusing their resources on the newer networks, trying to save money by not maintaining the older ones. Getting rid of the older 3G technology, frees up the wireless spectrum. It’s not just cell phones that will be affected. Any device that uses 3G will be impacted: smart watches, home security systems, medical devices, tablets, vehicle SOS services, etc. Your wife will have to buy a new device if she wants to text, make telephone calls, or even reach 911. It is not just her phone, but phones like the Samsung Galaxy S4 or older, or iPhones like the iPhone 5, 5C and 5S. They will no longer work for calls and data. All major cellphone carriers are planning to shut 3G networks starting in January 2022 going through the end of the year: (Sprint’s 3G: March 2022; AT&T’s 3G: February 2022; Sprint’s LTE: June 2022; Verizon’s 3G: December 2022; T-Mobile: July 2022). Log into your phone’s account to double check dates.
If your wife is set on having a flip phone, there are many senior-friendly models available in today’s market. Most have large keypads, bright screens, adjustable speakers, are hearingaid compatible, Bluetooth compatible, easy-to-grip design, medical alert capabilities, and simple functionality—just google “best flip phones for seniors 2022.” For you, there are smartphones in every price range, and learning how to use a new smartphone is getting easier. Here in Sun City Grand, the Computer Club has classes in both Android and iPhone usage. Apple Stores have mini classes on all aspects of using the iPhone. There are videos, and internet classes on learning the basics as well as more advanced options such as using the Camera, Message Apps, email, search options and more. Look at the news as an exciting new adventure—both you and your wife can share!
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View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www.grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view. Special thanks to Chris Dishman for the lovely photo of her cat, Leila. She is 15 years old and came to live with Chris 5 years ago when her owner and friend, Mary Beth Jones, passed away.
Aly Cline
Council Member
Budget Kick-Off
The City of Surprise FY2023 budget building process has begun. The Finance Department will give a series of presentations to City Council over the next few months. The City Manager will release his Recommended Budget in April, which will be followed by public review and then final adoption of a balanced budget in June. Please stay tuned to the upcoming Council Meetings for the overall development of the budget and upcoming annual process.
2022 Surprise Spring Training Packages
Season ticket and mini-plan packages for the 2022 Spring Training Season are on sale now at SurpriseStadium.com. Each ticket option will offer unique perks, savings over the individual game ticket price, choice of the best available seating locations and exclusive access to special season ticket plan holder events and pre-sale opportunities.
New Transportation Program
United Way Worldwide, in partnership with Lyft, has launched the Ride United initiative to address unmet transportation needs for individuals and families in communities across the country, by providing free Lyft rides to 2-1-1 callers for specific, eligible use cases. To review eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions, please visit 211arizona.org/crisis/heat-relief/ transportation/.
Passport Update
Effective December 27, 2021, the U.S. Department of State increased the cost for a passport book by $20. To book a passport appointment at Surprise City Hall, call 623.222.1200.
Sunday in the Park
Sunday in the Park returns to Mark Coronado Park! Join us on February 6 from 3 - 7 p.m. for live music, various food trucks, an assortment of beer and wine, and family-friendly entertainment such as bounce houses, face painting, a trackless train, and more! View event details: bit.ly/3mSrFV3. The next date is April 3.
Motorcycle Safety Class
Join the Surprise Police Department for a Motorcycle Safety Class on Sunday, February 6. In addition to motorcycle safety product information, demonstrations and discussion, there will be time for participants to apply their learned skills on an interactive course. This course is for current motorcycle riders. A valid driver's license and motorcycle endorsement, motorcycle, and helmet are required to attend this class. To apply, please fill out an application online at surpriseaz. gov/MotorcycleClass. Spots are limited! For more information, please email DriveWise@ surpriseaz.gov or call 623.222.4500.
National Anthem & Color Guards
The City of Surprise is looking for experienced vocalists, musicians and Color Guards to perform the National Anthem at Surprise Stadium for Cactus League Spring Training games, February 26 - March 26, 2022. For more information and other questions, please contact Kyle Schwulst of the Surprise Sports and Tourism Department at Kyle.Schwulst@surpriseaz.gov.
Meet and Greet
My next monthly Meet and Greet will be on Tuesday, February 22, in Sun City Grand’s Pima room at 6 p.m. I look forward to discussing the latest City news and answering any questions you have. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me anytime at aly.cline@surpriseaz.gov or by calling 623.222.1322.
City Council Meetings
The next regularly scheduled Council meetings are February 1 and 15 at 6 p.m., and City Hall is open to the public for in-person attendance. You can also watch live on surpriseaz. gov/surprisetv, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook. com/cityofsurprise, or on Cox channel 11.
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FEBRUARY FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Please visit the various websites for face mask and safety guidelines.
Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your families. THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW
n February 5, 2022 - March 13, 2022 n https://www.herbergertheater.org/calendar/ n Recurring weekly on Sunday, Saturday
The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show created by Jonathan Rockefeller features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/ illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 selling more than 48 million copies worldwide. Brown Bear, Brown Bear - now celebrating 50 years - has sold more than 18.2 million copies.
PHOENIX SUNS VS. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Footprint Center 201 E Jefferson St., Phoenix
n February 10, 2022 n $50+ n 7:00 PM n footprintcenter.com/ PANDORA PRESENTS DISNEY PRINCESS THE CONCERT
Orpheum Theatre 203 W. Adams St.Phoenix
For generations, Disney’s Princesses have enchanted us with their courage and kindness. Their music has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, for the first time in forever, that beloved music will be celebrated in Disney Princess - The Concert! “Be our guest” as an all-star quartet of Broadway and animated film icons celebrates all the Disney Princesses in an unforgettable evening of songs, animation, and stories, alongside their magical Music Director and enchanting Prince. Your every dream will come true as these acclaimed performers sing your favorite Disney Princess songs, and share their exclusive, hilarious and heartfelt behindthe-scenes stories from their time portraying princesses on the stage and screen. We invite you to become part of our world…dress up in your best royal attire and get ready for an unforgettable evening at Disney Princess - The Concert, presented by Pandora Jewelry. ANIMALS AFTER DARK, AN AERIAL EXPERIENCE
Phoenix Zoo 455 N Galvin Parkway, Papago Park
Animals After Dark, An Aerial Experience is a humorous sneak peek into the imagined lives of our animals after the sun sets. Get ready for a unique evening of thrilling aerial acrobatics by the performance troupe Atelotorque.
