Ask Cappie the Computer Cat

from Grand Lifestyles September 2020

Grand Learning Communication

ASK CAPPIE THE COMPUTER CAT ALL ABOUT ZOOM

We are not the most computer-savvy but would like to know how difficult Zoom is. Almost all the clubs we belong to in Grand are going to have Zoom Meetings in lieu of regular meetings when we return in September and now we hear some of our favorite clubs are teaching classes also via Zoom. All our relatives and friends want us to participate in Zoom Meetings too. Is it safe? Hard to install? Difficult to learn how to use? Greg and Laura

Dear Greg and Laura, Yes indeed, everyone seems to be video conferencing via Zoom. While Zoom had some issues earlier this year with hackers bombing meetings (a term which describes uninvited guests entering meeting), this issue has been remedied with the following changes: n Guests cannot join the meeting before the host of the meeting n Password protections are on by default when setting up meetings and it is recommended that users keep those protections on to prevent uninvited users from joining n Encryption has been beefed up for free users as well as paid Hundreds of thousands of people are now using Zoom. Simply put, Zoom Meetings are audio and video conferences that allow two or more people to communicate online. You can use Zoom on a PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet. There is a free version and a paid version, but the great majority use only the free version. The easiest way to join Zoom is if a friend, family member or organization sets up the Zoom Meeting and invites you. All you need to do is follow the instructions in the email invitation to start using Zoom. n You will need to click a link to install the Zoom app. You will be asked for permission to install

YOU’LL ALWAYS BE TREATED LIKE FAMILY... AND WE LIKE OUR FAMILY!

Tom Ranalls • 623-695-5687 Kris Ranalls • 623-640-6199

T OM & K R I S R ANA L L S R E ALTOR S

tomrazhomes@gmail.com • krisazhomes@gmail.com

and run the app. This process will take just a few minutes and then

USUALLY you will see a series of screens asking if you want to test your audio and video. You will also be asked to provide a name, which you will want to do so that the

“host” knows who is asking to join the meeting. n Rarely, you might be asked for the conference ID and/ or Password so it is helpful to write down those two numbers from the email invitation which you received. n At that point, you will probably get a message that says you have been put in a “waiting room,” or a message that the host has not yet started the meeting. Just wait patiently because the host is busy signing in and/or okaying people to join the meeting. To host (start) your own meeting, you have to go to the Zoom website (https:// zoom.us/), click “Sign Up, It’s Free” at the top of the page and follow the instructions. Once completed, you will be able to host your own meetings. There are numerous videos and Support on the site itself and as well as on You Tube, to help you through the finer points of using the app. For mobile devices, you can

Special thanks to Judy Pepper for submitting her photo of Abby, a 6-year-old rescue Labrador-Greyhound. View/print 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.

get the Zoom app in the App Store or Google Play Store. This app is so popular because it is easy to use, offers a lot of options for free, and is a relatively reliable tool that works easily and effectively. Within Sun City Grand, the Computer Club will provide an experienced Zoom user to help a member via telephone and to host a quick Zoom meeting just with you, and will offer free classes on Zoom, for members--but try it yourself first. It is quite easy to use. Hopefully, you will be “zooming” in no time.

SEPTEMBER FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Each month GrandKids Corner features fun ways to spend family time. While we find new and creative ways to pass the time safely at home, we’re here to offer a few options along with outdoor possibilities as well. Enjoy!

OUT OF AFRICA WILDLIFE PARK

n 3505 W. State Route 260 I-17, exit 287 (State Route 260), three miles west to

Cherry Creek Road Camp Verde n outofafricapark.com/ n Phone: (928) 567-2840 n Fax: (928) 567-2839

Nestled against the beautiful Mingus Mountains in the Verde Valley sits a wildlife park entirely different than any typical zoo or animal park. Here, you'll experience the splendor of the animal kingdom closer than you ever thought possible, blending the spirit of Africa with the harmony of nature. Whether it's the exciting shows like Tiger Splash® and Predator Feed, or an

immersive safari tour that will have you surrounded GrandKids Corner features fun ways to spend family time. While we find new and creative ways to pass the time safely at home, we’re here to offer a by free-roaming African plains animals, or whether , along with outdoor possibilities as well. Enjoy!

it's a hands-on, close encounter with the wiliest critters, there's something for everyone here – all OUT OF AFRICA WILDLIFE PARK with the price of admission! If you're feeling a bit 3505 W. State Route 260 I-17, exit 287 (State Route 260), three miles west to Cherry Creek Road Camp Verde, AZ 86322 https://outofafricapark.com/ 2840 more daring, try the world-class Predator Zip Line 2839 tour and soar over the animals. Other options Nestled against the beautiful Mingus Mountains in the Verde Valley sits a wildlife park entirely include the VIP Behind-the-Scenes tour, the different than any typical zoo or animal park. Here, you'll experience the splendor of the animal kingdom closer than you ever thought possible, blending the spirit of Africa with the harmony SuperMog Safari Adventure, Sloth Encounters, of nature. Whether it's the exciting shows like Tiger Splash® and Predator Feed, or an immersive safari tour that will have you surrounded by free-roaming African plains animals, or and more. Giraffe kisses are free! Gift Shop and whether it's a hands-on, close encounter with the wiliest critters, there's something for all with the price of admission! If you're feeling a bit more daring, try the

Food available. Located just 90 minutes north of class Predator Zip Line tour and soar over the animals. Other options include the VIP Scenes tour, the SuperMog Safari Adventure, Sloth Encounters, and more. Giraffe Phoenix and 30 minutes south of Sedona, Out kisses are free! Gift Shop and Food available. Located just 90 minutes north of Phoenix and 30 minutes south of Sedona, Out of Africa lets you experience Africa in the heart of Arizona. Your of Africa lets you experience Africa in the heart of Arizona. Your adventure awaits!

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With locations in Glendale and Scottsdale, PLANETS ORBITING DISTANT STARS Moonlight Movie Night combines the cinematic n https://youtu.be/rCxEFpBJKz0 Flagstaff, AZ experience of a drive-in movie with a pop-up n Hosted by: Lowell Observatory culinary adventure Thursday through Sunday. n September 3, 2020 Takeout orders from nearby restaurants can be n (928) 774-3358 purchased from your car and delivered to your n • Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM window as you enjoy a double feature on the big • Price: Free n Price: Free screen. Visit the website for titles and show times, • VisitWebsite • ARE THERE ALIEN CIVILIZATIONS ON or join the mailing list to be the first to know which films are coming next. PLANETS ORBITING DISTANT STARS? THE VIEW FROM GROUND LEVEL Streaming | Lowell42 | Are There Alien Civilizations on Planets Distant Stars? Orbiting

Admission: $15 per vehicle with up to two The View From Join Lowell Observatory on September 3rd at Ground Level occupants; $20 per vehicle with three 6 pm for our first ever Lowell42 live stream. At or more people this point, we have exactly one example (Earth) Join Lowell Observatory on September 3rd at 6 pm for our first ever Lowell42 live stream. At

Sonora Village, Best Buy Parking Lot n 15449 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale n 480-245-5152 (text preferred) of a planet harboring a civilization. During this discussion, Dr. G. Kent Colbath, a retired geology professor, will consider what we know about life on this point, we have exactly one example (Earth) of a planet harboring a civilization. During this discussion, Dr. G. Kent Colbath, a retired geology professor, will consider what we know about life on Earth that might inform or constrain the search for other civilizations orbiting distant stars.

Westgate Entertainment District, Lot 7 Earth that might inform or constrain the search for n 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd, Glendale other civilizations orbiting distant stars. At Lowell42 we’ll delve into deep questions like these. Our goal is to connect you to “life, the n (Drive-in entrance can be accessed from Universe, and ever At Lowell42 we’ll delve into deep questions ything.” (Many of you will recall that in Douglas Adams’s comical novel “The n the east side of the center on Gail Lane.) 480-245-5153 (text preferred) like these. Our goal is to connect you to “life, the Universe, and everything.” (Many of you will Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” the supercomputer came up with 42 as the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything.) recall that in Douglas Adams’s comical novel “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” the supercomputer came up with 42 as the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything.)

TO SEPTEMBER!

Nancy Hayden Council Member, District 2

We are definitely going through some hard times due to the heat and COVID-19. I thank you all for your patience, commitment and creative new ideas to work through these troubled times. I have no idea what the future brings, but I do know that we will survive!!!

LABOR DAY As you know, this month, we celebrate Labor Day. Labor Day occurs on September 7th. It is a day to pay tribute to the achievements of American workers. I want to thank all of the workers and businesses here in Surprise that provide such wonderful services to our community.

SURPRISE RETAIL SURVEY Many of you showed your support for our businesses by participating in the 2020 Surprise Retail Survey. The results are in, and thank you to everyone that responded! The data is used to identify the City’s Retail

Strengths as well as opportunities to bring additional amenities to the city. Over 4,000 responses were received. The top five desired restaurants were, Cracker Barrel, Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, El Pollo Loco, and BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse. The top five desired retailers were, Whole Foods Market, Hobby Lobby, Aldi Supermarket, JoAnn’s Fabrics, and AJ’s Fine Foods. The survey also asked participants to recognize current favorite local businesses. Congratulations to the Top 10 Local Favorite Restaurants, and Top 10 Local Favorite Retailers:

Top 10 Local Favorite Restaurants:

1. Oregano’s Pizza Bistro 2. Babbo Italian Eatery 3. Vogue Bistro 4. Saigon Kitchen 5. Rio Mirage Cafe 6. State 48 Brewery 7. Angry Crab Shack 8. Nick’s Diner II 9. Big Buddha Restaurant 10. Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap House

Top 10 Local Favorite Retailers:

1. Son Glow Boutique 2. PinkaBella Cupcakes (Note:

PinkaBella Cupcakes has closed their retail location) 3. Joe Streckfuss Plumbing 4. Kimbur Pet Wash & Suites 5. Surprise Comics 6. Musical Surprise 7. Gifts to Go 8. Rocket Fizz 9. Spencer’s Place 10. Dale’s Town and Country For complete survey results, please visit surpriseaz.gov/retailsurvey. WASTE CLEANUP EVENT On Saturday, September 12th, from 7 am. to 1 pm., Surprise is hosting a Residential Waste Cleanup Event. Residents can dispose of a single load of residential waste, up to 2,000 pounds, at no cost, at the Northwest Regional Landfill, located at 19401 W. Deer Valley Road. PROOF OF RESIDENCY is required, one load per household and no hazardous waste items.

AMAZON IS COMING As you have probably read in the newspaper, development is happening in Surprise! Yes, Amazon will be coming to Surprise! They will be locating a new 145,000 square foot “last mile delivery station” at the Surprise Rail Plex, just south of the entertainment center near Uptown Alley on Litchfield Road. This new operation will serve the northwest Greater Phoenix market and will bring tremendous employment, capital investment and revenues to the community. Amazon plans to open this location by 2021 and estimates it will bring hundreds of jobs to our community! Thank you to the City of Surprise Economic Development Team for your hard work in bringing this project to Surprise!

COSTCO SET TO OPEN I know you have heard this before, but Costco is opening soon! The new Costco Wholesale, located at 13614 N. Sarival Avenue, is set to open September 24th. The gas station is currently open. Stop by and fuel up between 8 am. to 6 pm., 7 days a week! If you’re not already a member, you will be able to sign up at that time.

MEET LEE LAMBERT Surprise City Manager Mike Frazier has announced that Mr. Lee Lambert will be promoted to Water Resource Management Director. Lee has had more than 25 years of professional experience in the water industry. Lee has served as Acting Director of the Water Resource Management (WRM) Department since February, stepping up

from his role as Assistant WRM Director. Lee has worked for the City of Surprise since 2005, starting in project management roles that included work on multiple Capital Improvement Projects. Lee was named Water Manager in 2013 and was promoted to WRM Assistant Director in January of 2019. Previous to the city of Surprise, Lee held positions with the Maricopa County Planning Department and Arizona Department of Water Resources. The City of Surprise selected Lee as the permanent WRM Director after a very competitive process that included candidates from around the country.

MEETINGS Please tune in for our September City Council Meetings, held on September 1st and 15th at 6 p.m. They are broadcast live on Surprise TV at surpriseaz.gov/ surprisetv and on the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/ cityofsurprise. Please note that City offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. As always, I am happy to hear from my constituents. Please email me at nancy.hayden@surpriseaz.gov with any questions or concerns you may have. Please also check the city website at www. surpriseaz.gov for important updates and information.

Activities in Action

Congratulations to these winners of Find the SCG Flag. We appreciate your participation! Look for upcoming trails to search in News of the Day every Friday in the coming weeks. We hope you will join in the fun! (One prize per resident).

Rick Hofeditz, Capitan Trail