Sun City West / Surprise - August 2023

Affordable Comfort with Style SUMMER HOME MAKEOVER

Attic & Garage Fans

Our solar and electric fans remove hot air from your attic and/or garage, protecting your HVAC system in extreme heat.

• Prevents excessive heat

• Available for all roof and garage types

• Save 30% with the Federal Tax Credit*

Skylight Replacement

Replace your old, cracked skylights with beautiful, energy-efficient skylights.

• Refresh your home with Fresh Breeze Skylights

• Dual-paned glass blocks heat, UV rays, & noise

• Save 30% with the Federal Tax Credit*

Tubular Skylights

Solatube, the modern skylight that brings natural light to every room in your home.

• Great for hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, etc.

• Solar-dimmable systems available

• Save 55% with Federal and State Tax Credits*

(480) 712-2440

Beat the Heat

20 op Five

Last month, I had the opportunity to escape the heat, and headed to Alaska for vacation. The trip had been on my husband’s bucket list for a while, and I must say, the beauty did not disappoint.

We were truly amazed by the beauty of Alaska, and the kindness of the people we met.

Prior to leaving, I decided the theme for The Grand Season this month would be happiness. One day while I was shopping, I came across a Christmas tree ornament which read, “The PURSUIT is happiness.” This caught my attention, because we’re often told to go find happiness. But the framework of this statement made me realize happiness comes to us when we’re in pursuit of the things we love.

So, this month—despite this crazy heat—I’d like to encourage you to spend a little time each day pursuing something you love.

Also, if you find your home is in need of a little TLC, I hope you’ll reach out to one of our amazing adverting partners— you’ll not only receive incredible craftsmanship, you’ll support the local economy.

Savor each day,

Melissa Whitton Associate Publisher

INSPIRE

SMILE

Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering. Winnie the Pooh

To be kind to all, to like many and love a few, to be needed and wanted by those we love, is certainly the nearest we can come to happiness.

Mary Stuart

If you want happiness for an hour—take a nap. If you want happiness for a day—go fishing. If you want happiness for a year—inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime—help someone else. Chinese Proverb

Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions. Dalai Lama

It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.

L.M. Montgomery

Happiness depends upon ourselves. Aristotle

Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.

Oscar Wilde

HOLD ON TIGHT

In marriage, even though you love your spouse deeply, you will still feel unhappy and alone sometimes. This is normal; it’s not an indicator that something has gone wrong with your marriage. There will also be times when the two of you will have to invest extra energy into one another in order to find your footing again.

Don’t become fearful; with hard work and perseverance, you and your spouse will be able to overcome the unhappy times you face together. Here are a few tips to help you get through.

1. Get To Know Each Other Again

After you’ve been married for several years—or decades—you think you still know one another–but your tastes change over time, and your old favorites aren’t your new favorites anymore. Being married is a continual process of getting to know your spouse again and again over the course of your relationship.

2. Spend More Time Together

One great way to bring happiness back into your relationship is to make more time for each other— valuable, energized time, not the leftovers after you’re already exhausted. The two

of you need time to hang out together, when you can be playful and affectionate with each other.

Be fully present with each other as you create space in each day where you can slow down together.

3. Don’t Be A Victim

When the happiness in a marriage fades over time, the blame rarely rests on one spouse. Any time you’re facing an ongoing or longterm unhappiness issue in your relationship, it’s your responsibility to take a look at your life and question what role you may have in the situation. Instead of assuming the victim role and assigning the role of oppressor to your spouse, focus on becoming a healthier, happier person.

4. Focus OnThe Positives

When you’re going through a difficult time, it’s easy to allow yourselves to be drowned in negativity until you are unable to see the positive aspects of your spouse and your life together. During times like these, it’s important to be deliberate about being positive and cultivating a sense of gratitude for your blessings.

5. Hold On Tight

How you feel in your marriage right now isn’t how your marriage will always feel. The truth is, relationships are ever-changing. Love is always evolving. Hold tight to each other as you ride out the rough times together. When you come out on the other side (and you will!), you will be happier and closer than ever.

BIBLE TRIVIA

1. Is the book of Ruth in the Old or New Testament? Or neither?

2. Whose last words were, “O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes”? Was it Zimri, Paul, Eli or Samson?

3. From Proverbs 18:8, “The words of a talebearer are as _____”? Is it truths, wounds, answers or serpents?

4. Who assumed if Isaac died that God would be able to bring him back to life? Was it Rebekah, Esau, Abraham or Jacob?

5. From Genesis 25:1, who was Abraham’s second wife? Was it Keturah, Abigail, Vashti or Candace?

ANSWERS:

1) Old 2) Samson 3) Wounds 4) Abraham 5) Keturah

BE HAPPY

If you’re wondering how to be happy with yourself, you’ve knocked on the right door. Many things affect and shape our happiness in life, from our friends and family to our successes and failures. However, our relationship with ourselves is the most important of all.

You can’t expect a happy life if you aren’t content and happy with yourself. To lead a happier life, you

must focus on being happy with yourself first. You won’t always be happy, but you sure can try! Here’s a list of simple habits to help you improve how you see yourself.

Work Through Negative Thoughts

Many obstacles can slow your progress when trying to be happy with yourself. One of the most challenging to overcome is how you think and feel about yourself. So, what can you do to improve your sense of self-worth if you have a negative view of yourself? It’s essential to take the time to discuss or examine your negative views of yourself. This doesn’t mean letting them impact your life! Instead, you should try to understand why you feel that way about yourself. This selfreflection isn’t easy, but it puts you a step closer to overcoming

whatever you’re battling—knowing why you feel a certain way can help you take the steps needed to change those feelings.

Build Your Social Connections

People need human connection to thrive, no matter how much they may say otherwise. Strong, healthy relationships offer a sense of belonging, support, and love. These things are essential for happiness. So, focus on cultivating relationships you already have. Make time for the people who mean the most to you. Invest in these relationships and let them know how much you appreciate them. In turn, you’ll find that the people in your life will be more likely to support you when you need it.

Live in The Present

The present moment is where all happiness lies. It’s easy to get caught up in our past experiences or worry about what’s to come, but it’s important to remember that there isn’t any other moment than right now. Learning to live in the present can be difficult, but can also help you stay grounded and see things more clearly. You can start by focusing on the small, everyday moments that make up your life. Pay attention to what you’re seeing, feeling, touching, hearing, and smelling—these are the moments that truly matter.

FLASHBACK

Answers on pg. 44

1. Which artist released “Come and Stay With Me”?

2. ”Believe It or Not” was the theme song on which television program?

3. Name the singersongwriter who wrote and released “In the Midnight Hour.”

4. Who wrote and released “Lay Down Beside Me”?

5. Name the song that contains these lyrics:

”Looks like it’s over, You knew I couldn’t stay, She’s comin’ home today.”

IF

Are you new to Medicare?

Unsure how health insurance will work?

Receiving Medicare & Medicaid? Thinking about retiring?

Recently moved?

Paying too much for prescriptions?

QUESTIONS... WE

Answers

1. Which group composed the rock opera “Tommy”?

2. In which country is Mount Everest located?

3. Which novel contains the line, “Big Brother is watching you”?

4. Who was the second president of the United States?

5. What is a cloud shaped like a flying saucer called?

6. Which TV comedy features a character named Opie Taylor?

7. What is the name of Argus Filch’s cat in the “Harry Potter” series?

8. What is the only even prime number?

9. What is the common name for the ailment called dysphonia?

10. How many stages are in a butterfly’s life cycle?

BEVERAGE CLUB

Frozen

Ingredients

4 c. cubed watermelon, frozen

1 c. ginger beer

1/2 c. vodka

1/4 c. lime juice

Ice, for blending

Mint leaves, for garnish

Lime slices, for garnish

Directions

Frozen

Pimm’s Cup

Ingredients

4 c. ice

1 1/4 c. Pimm’s No. 1

3/4 c. ginger ale

1/2 c. lemonade

1 tbsp. freshly chopped ginger

Directions

Boozy

Sour

Watermelon Slushies

Ingredients

1/4 c. Sour Patch watermelons

1 c. vodka

1 c. sprite

1 c. lemonade

1 c. ice

Pink food coloring (optional)

Directions

CHILL OUT

In a blender, combine frozen watermelon, ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. Blend until smooth. (If it’s not slushy enough, add ice and blend again.) Pour into glasses (or copper mugs!) and garnish with mint leaves and lime slices.

In a large blender, combine ice, Pimm’s, ginger ale, lemonade, and ginger and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and garnish with mint and fruit.

Add Sour Patch Watermelon gummies to vodka and soak overnight. In a blender, add 2 ounces flavored vodka, Sprite, lemonade, pink food coloring (if using) and ice. Blend to combine. Garnish with Sour Patch candies and serve.

CONCRETE COATINGS

We

10.

TRIVIAL

From

Dinner and a Movie!

Solve the crossword puzzle and mail it in for your chance to win a $50 Restaurant Gift Card and 4 Movie Tickets. Answers to the clues can be found in this month’s Grand Season Ads.

Sponsored by:

July

Winners!

Grand Prize Winner

Jacalyn Cummings Sun City West

___

Winners of Movie Tickets

1. Gary Slattery, Avondale

2. Sandra Myerss-Luppnow, Buckeye

3. Shirley Hicks, Goodyear

4. Charles Kennedy, Sun City

5. Dianne Dahl, Sun City

6. Candi Grill, Peoria

7. Cynthia Miner, Sun City West

8. Susan Sharritt, Surprise

If you have a question about the puzzle, please call 623-594-1630 ext 3070.

Answers to July Puzzle

Mail puzzle with answers to: Grand Season Puzzle, P.O. Box 5474, Sun City West, AZ 85376

Questions about the Grand Season Puzzle? Visit www.thegrandseason.com for updates or call 623-594-1630 ext 3070.

OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES: Solve the crossword puzzle and mail it in to win. The answers to all crossword clues will contain all or part of a company name found in this month’s Grand Season ads. Must be 21 or older to enter the contest. Employees of the Grand Season or its advertisers are ineligible. When entering an advertisers’ name, there are no spaces, no LLC, or Corporations. Example: C & R Plus II would be entered into the spaces as: C&RPLUSII Entries must be postmarked no later than August 25th. A drawing will be held from all correct entries. One winner will receive a $50.00 Gift Card and 4 movie tickets, with a photo in our magazine. 8 winners will receive a consolation prize of a 2 movie tickets. Winners will be notified by phone, and prizes will be sent by mail. Winners will be announced in the September issue of the Grand Season.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL (623) 594-1630

A NEW DRUG FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

by Matilda Charles

The FDA recently approved a new drug that is supposed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. Earlier this year, the FDA gave conditional approval to Leqembi, pending more safety and efficacy trials. Now, with “accelerated approval,” the drug has full approval.

Another drug, Aduhelm, launched in June 2021, still only has conditional approval and is waiting results from more trials. Both drugs work in a similar way, targeting the proteins in the brain. There are differences, however.

One difference between Leqembi and Aduhelm is the way it’s delivered. Aduhelm is given by spinal infusion and Leqembi is given intravenously every two weeks (although other means are being studied in trials that are still going on). Another difference is in what the drugs do: Aduhelm targets the plaques in the brain, while Leqembi targets the proteins that create the plaques.

The other is the cost. Leqembi will likely cost $26,500 per year, although that can vary by patient weight and what schedule of maintenance dosing the patient is to get. Medicare will likely cover the majority of patients if they have a supplemental drug plan. The rest will likely pay the 20% coinsurance not covered by Medicare.

Aduhelm had much different pricing when it first came out—$56,000 per year. Our Medicare Part B went up by $21.60 in 2022, up to $170 per month, likely due to the cost of Aduhelm, which Medicare initially expected to cost close to $3,000. Some insurers said they wouldn’t cover the drug unless prices came down. The cost of the drug eventually did come down, to $28,200.

The caveat about Leqembi, however, is that the experts point to the very small degree of slowing of early Alzheimer’s in the patients in the trial. In many, the result could be quite subtle. Still, some researchers say it does buy patients time and could delay the coming of the later stages of dementia.

SPREAD HAPPINESS

Just like catching a cold, you can catch someone else’s mood. Researchers found that through a process called ‘social contagion’ moods can spread from one person to the next in various ways.

Research from Harvard University suggests that happiness can spread from person to person. When people close to us, in terms of relationships, or even physical proximity become happier, we do too. For example, when a person who lives within a mile of a good friend becomes happier, the probability that this person’s good friend will also become happier increases by 15%. An even more striking finding in this study suggests that the effect can go beyond direct links and reach a third degree of separation: When a friend of a friend becomes happier, we become happier, even when we don’t know that third person directly!

Perhaps this is just another small reminder of why your mom was right when she told you to choose your friends carefully!

Interestingly, the concept of ‘social contagion” also explains why the old notion of trying to become happier by comparing yourself to the less fortunate does not often work. You see, if you compare yourself to those who suffer more, and thus have more negative moods, you expose yourself to the negative moods as well. And, if you accept that moods are contagious, then comparing yourself to the less fortunate can actually affect you more negatively than uplift your spirits.

Moods thus are not just contagious, they’re very contagious. In a world where depression is the leading cause of disability, and it’s estimated that 5% of adults globally suffer from it, a little boost in happiness can go a lot further than you think.

You

HERE’S A TIP

If the scar of a cantaloupe is rough or has a stem attached, the melon was picked too early and won’t ripen as good as one with a smooth scar. Also, check the net pattern over the outside; it should be even and an overall tan-yellow color, not green or mottled.

To bring out the natural sweetness of corn on the cob, try sprinkling a little bit of salt in the pot after the water has come to a boil.

You can remove berry stains from your fingers with lemon juice. Got berry juice on your tablecloth? Pour a generous amount of milk on the spot, let it soak for 15 minutes or more. Then soak in cold water with soap for an hour or more. Wash, rinse and dry.

Soak raisins in cold water before chopping so that they won’t stick to your knife.

Need to chill some drinks for a party fast? Pile on the ice, of course, then add the secret weapon: water. Icy water chills drinks quicker than placing them in ice alone.

AAA SENIOR PLACEMENT AZ

A Message from Sue Royer

“I was born and raised in inner city Chicago, the sixth of eighteen children with fifteen brothers. Being the oldest daughter, I was always a caregiver which I believe influenced me to pursue work in the healthcare industry. Today, I have three daughters and five grandchildren.

Years ago, I volunteered for hospice and knew immediately that helping seniors was my calling. I was soon employed by hospice but I felt something was missing. I realized it was the limited time I was able to spend with my clients. Having my own business allows me to provide the intimate hands on service needed in our community. I am committed to our seniors throughout their lives and I thank the community for the opportunity to serve.”

Sue RoyerDirector

About Us

Since 2002, AAA Senior Placement AZ has been offering FREE services helping seniors find safe, affordable and loving assisted living. When it becomes too difficult for you or your loved ones to safely manage daily living and/or manage medical needs, call Sue Royer for help navigating the many options available.

We are specialists in all levels of assisted living care resources with referrals to Arizona’s best:

• Group Homes

• Assisted Living Communities

• In-Home Primary Care Physicians

• Home Health Care Therapy

• Transportation

• Private Duty In-Home Care

• Respite Care

• Alzheimer’s Care

• Memory Care

• Hospice

• Support Groups

Assisted living resources accepting:

• Private pay

• Arizona Long Term Care-ALTCS

• Medicaid

• VA Benefits

6 Reasons You Should Call AAA Senior Placement AZ

• We are well known and respected in the medical community.

• All clients are given a thorough assessment to determine proper placement needs.

• There is never a fee charged to the senior or their family for our service.

• We are NOT contractually bound to any outside business. This allows us to serve our clients with only their interests in mind.

• Years of knowledge and experience in the field of senior care.

• AAA Senior Placement AZ is family owned, allowing us to give you quality, personalized service.

ESCAPE THE HEAT

By Melissa Whitton

Has the heat gotten under your skin? If so, it may be time to plan a getaway for next July. If you’re looking for ideal places to escape to—I’d recommend Alaska. Last month my husband, Steve, and I spent two weeks exploring Alaska—7 days on a cruise, and the rest traveling from Anchorage to Fairbanks.

While the temperatures soared above 115 degrees in the Valley of the Sun, we experienced temperatures ranging from 52-80 degrees. Our cruise started in Vancouver, and stopped in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, Alaska. Then we cruised through Glacier Bay National Park and spent an evening in College Fjord during our days at sea.

The chilly breezes while at sea were a great change of scenery from the heat of the desert. The opportunity to see wildlife up close was unbelievable—we saw bald eagles, a few moose, Orca whales, sea lions and sea otters. Our favorite part of our journey, however, was seeing the glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park, and College Fjord.

Once we disembarked from the ship, we took a train to Talkeetna, then spent several days traveling Denali National Park. While we didn’t see a full view of Mt. Denali—many on our tour did—they say only 10 percent of visitors to Denali will actually see the mountain. During our land journey, we learned about the history of Alaska, and how residents survive the -70 degree temperatures in the winter.

Quite honestly, all the talk of the Alaskan winters made me excited to get home to Phoenix—because we have the most amazing winters ever.

STRANGE BUT TRUE

To maintain the historical accuracy of the American Colonial era, Disney World’s Liberty Square was built without any restrooms. (But no, you won’t find any outhouses, either.)

The “little black dress” was compared to the Ford car when it debuted in 1926, for its practicality and simplicity.

Carnauba wax, which is used on cars, is the same type of wax used to give gummy candy its sheen.

Neptune’s moon, Triton, orbits the planet backward.

To add authenticity to a fictional criminal underworld, Rockstar Games hired reallife gang members to voice background characters in Grand Theft Auto V.

One-third of men’s fragrances sold are actually worn by women.

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HAPPINESS HELPS

Happiness is the emotion that drives the good times. It’s also the emotion that helps us survive hard times. A happy person is more likely to have a positive outlook on life. This, in turn, allows them to take on whatever comes their way with grace.

Happiness is a habit; it’s not a given. You must be happy if you want to live your life to its fullest potential. This means that you need to work on your happiness every day!

1. Happiness Leads to Better Physical Health

There are many proven health benefits of being happy. Study after study has proven that happier people enjoy better physical health throughout their lifetime. Happy people spend less time in emergency rooms and hospitals, take medicine less frequently,

have fewer health-related work absences, and are less likely to call their physicians.

2. Happiness Promotes A Healthier Lifestyle

It’s not just that happy people are more likely to enjoy better physical health; happiness also leads to healthier lifestyle choices. Happy people are more likely to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep. They are also less likely to smoke or abuse drugs.

3. Happiness Helps You Feel Less Pain

Happiness doesn’t just make you healthier. It can also help you feel less pain.

In a study of almost 500 people with chronic pain, happier people reported lower pain levels and were less likely to say that their pain interfered with their lives.

Happiness also boosts endorphins, which are natural painkillers.

4. Happiness Increases

Your Resilience

Happiness doesn’t just help you feel good. It also enables you to cope with stress and anxiety during difficult times. People with a positive outlook on life are more resilient to stress than those who aren’t. They also cope better with anxiety and depression.

There’s more to happiness than most people realize. Happiness is critical in improving our physical and mental well-being, productivity, and relationships. As a result, we enjoy greater life satisfaction.

Happiness, then, is not just a feelgood emotion. It’s a state of being that positively affects all aspects of our lives.

•Want to finish “The Look” of your landscaping?

•Want to protect yourself and your pet’s feet from burning cement?

Jaime 602-680-0401 or Bob 623-810-7462

FLASHBACK ANSWERS

From pg. 19

1. Marianne Faithfull, in 1965. The song was also covered by Cher on her own debut solo album the same year.

2. ”The Greatest American Hero,” from 1981 to 1983. Sung by Joey Scarbury, the song climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard charts. Scarbury never did find major success as a singer, instead making a name for himself writing music for other artists.

3. Wilson Pickett, in 1965. The song has been widely covered by many artists, including Bruce Springsteen, The Grateful Dead and Tina Turner.

4. Don Williams, in 1979.

5. ”Sad Eyes,” by Robert John, in 1979. While most songs to reach the top of pop charts at that time were disco, “Sad Eyes” was the non-disco song that helped fuel a turn against disco.