Sun City West / Surprise - December 2022

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!

I’d admit, this is one of my favorite times of the year! There’s something about the decorations, the music and the memories that make me smile. While many people dream of a white Christmas, I personally prefer the warm glow of a cacti dressed up in holiday lights.

For many, the holidays are celebrated with football, food, friends, family and faith. For many other’s, this season is a difficult reminder of loss and loneliness. My hope this Christmas is that as you’re preparing for your holiday gatherings, you won’t forget to keep an eye out for those who might need an extra dose of encouragement, or an invitation to celebrate with your family and friends.

I hope you have a magical Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Whitton Associate Publisher

Melissa

By Matilda Charles

It’s that time of year again when we do holiday shopping, much of it online. It’s also the time when more scammers come out. And what is it scammers want most? They want your personal information so they can turn it into cash and fraudulent purchases.

Here are a few ways to avoid getting scammed online this holiday season: Beware sales emails that include links, even if the email is from a store you usually use. Thieves are very good at making their scam pages look genuine. Instead of clicking a link, open a web browser and go directly to the website itself. Sometimes the email will request that you update your account

information. Instead, call the store and ask if they’ve sent out that request.

Beware the tracking emails you get with updates about packages that you’re expecting. Remember that genuine FedEx and UPS emails won’t ask for any personal information from you. Don’t click links. Go directly to the website.

Be careful where you shop online. Check reviews to see what others have to say. Avoid those with few or low ratings.

Consider using Amazon for most of your online purchases and having a Prime membership. Amazon is good at protecting customers when it comes to you receiving damaged

items or not receiving any items at all. A Prime membership now costs $139 a year, but it includes free shipping, free movies and videos, and more.

If you are scammed, report it. Call your bank and the police, and then notify the Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.

A goal for 2023: Go inside your bank to do a transaction now and then. Yes, it’s easier to just use the driveup window for deposits and cash withdrawals, but there is a lot to be said for letting them put a face to a name. Once they know you and your banking habits, they’re more able to quickly identify anything that might be wrong.

Is the book of Obadiah in the Old or New Testament? Or neither?

How many churches did Jesus address in Revelation, also known as the Churches of the Apocalypse? Was 2, 7, 21 or 30?

Upon which mountain did Deborah defeat the forces of Sisera? Was it Tabor, Zeus, Sinai or Olives?

From James 3, what part of the body is like a fire? Is it eyes, legs, tongue or nose?

In John 13, who denied Jesus three times? Was it John, James, Luke or Peter?

In pop music, what does NKOTB stand for?

Which venerated artist wrote and released “Moondance”?

Who released the classic radio hit, “Little Deuce Coupe”?

Who wrote and released “Say Goodbye to Hollywood”?

Name the late ‘60s song that contains these lyrics:

In which state can you find Glacier National Park?

What is the study of measurements called?

The characters in the TV show “Laverne & Shirley” live and work in which city?

Which two countries occupy the Iberian Peninsula?

Which president signed into law a bill that made “The Star-Spangled Banner” the national anthem?

HOLIDAY BLUES

This time of year, it can be hard to be joyful if something is getting in the way? Conflict. Disappointment. Fear. Anger. These are emotions you have felt at one point or another in your relationships.

In healthy relationships, issues that cause these emotions are merely stepping-stones to a more fulfilling relationship. But for others, these feelings can block the growth of a relationship.

The difference in whether an issue will yield growth, or disease determines the ability of the person who has been hurt to forgive. While learning to forgive may not be easy, it is necessary.

If the Grinch has stolen your joy this holiday season, it might be time to look at how you can use forgiveness to move forward.

Forgiveness requires an apology Sure, we’d all like a heartfelt apology from the person who hurt us. Your

job is to ask for an apology, if you are comfortable doing so—just understand that your ability to forgive is not dependent on anyone else’s words or actions.

Forgiveness is not a one-time event

Particularly for deeprooted injuries, meaningful forgiveness can take years to achieve. But we can always begin the process of forgiveness and deal with the resurgences of anger as they arise.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to like the person

Forgiveness demonstrates your character, it is not proof of another person’s. You don’t have to trust the person you forgive, or even like them.

Forgiveness is for your benefit

Often, it is best to confront the person who hurt you. This allows you to articulate how the person’s words or actions hurt you, which may provide a psychological release. However, if you do not feel safe approaching the person, do not put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Learning to forgive may be the single most important thing you can do to grow in your relationships. Understanding the importance of forgiveness can allow you to enjoy healthy relationships, without letting the inevitable hurt that comes from loving others destroy you.

FLASHBACK ANSWERS

From pg. 14

1. New Kids on the Block, an American boy band from 1984 to 1994. They were originally called Nynuk until Columbia Records insisted they make a change.

2. Van Morrison. The song appeared on his album by the same name in 1970, but he didn’t release the single until 1977.

3. The Beach Boys, in 1963. The Deuce Coupe was a 1932 Ford. The reference to the “flathead mill” in the lyrics means it had a 65 HP V8 engine.

4. Billy Joel, in 1976.

5. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” by Frankie Valli in 1967. The song was used by NASA during the Endeavour space shuttle mission as a wakeup song for a crew member who was having a wedding anniversary. There was a different song for each of the 17 days of the mission.

VETERANS POST

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson

Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics, also known as the PACT Act, adds a number of important modifications to veteran health care. Among other benefits, PACT requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to do a toxic exposure screening on each veteran who’s enrolled in VA health care. It also extends eligibility for veterans who were exposed, adds more exposure locations for radiation and Agent Orange, and adds over 20 more presumptive conditions for AO and other toxin exposure, as well as exposure to burn pits. “Presumptive” means you don’t have to fight tooth and nail to prove that an illness came from being stationed at a particular location.

To read about the current PACT, go to va.gov/resources/ the-pact-act-and-yourva-benefits. You can read about eligibility of various eras, screenings, filing claims, info for survivors and more. For specific help with how you can file a claim, call 800-6982411 or go to va.gov and file Claim Form 21-526ez online.

STRONG BONDS

Marriage is an incredible journey—it’s often filled with enough highs and lows to help us cultivate a strong relationship with our spouse. However, do you ever wonder if your relationship is built on a solid foundation? Experts say the following are signs of a happy, healthy relationship:

1. You Speak Your Mind

Relationships thrive when couples can express themselves

freely and honestly. That means no topic is off-limits, and you both feel heard. Consistent communication is vital to building a lasting life together.

2. You Have Your Own Space

Just because you’re in love doesn’t mean you have to spend every moment together. Taking time to pursue your own interests and friendships keeps your relationship fresh and gives you both

the opportunity to grow as individuals—even while you’re growing as a couple.

3. You Fight

Disagreements are normal, so if you aren’t fighting, chances are you’re holding back. But when people in healthy relationships fight, they fight productively and fairly. That means avoiding name-calling or put-downs. It also means striving to understand your partner instead of trying to score points. And when you’re wrong? You apologize.

4. You Make Decisions Jointly

You don’t call all the shots—neither does your partner. From what movie to see to where you’re going on vacation, you make decisions together and listen to each other’s concerns and desires.

5. You Find Joy

Healthy relationships are full of laughter and fun. This doesn’t mean you’re giddy every hour of the day—or that your partner doesn’t drive you up the wall sometimes—but it does mean that your life together is mostly happy in sometimes simple ways.

6. You Talk to Your Partner, Not to Other People

When you have issues and concerns, you share them with your partner, not your neighbors. You’ll always have your friends as a sounding board, of course, but not as a crutch to avoid hard conversations with your significant other.

Paul Newman speaks from the beyond. He died on Sept. 26, 2008, at 83, but has his new autobiography to serve as an oral history of his life. Entitled “The Ex traordinary Life of an Or dinary Man,” the memoir was released in October with David Rosenthal, who began working on it with Paul 20 years ago.

Paul wanted to “leave some kind of record that sets things straight. Pokes holes in the my thology that’s sprung up around me.” In the book, he reveals his parents were cold-hearted peo ple. His mother viewed him as “a decoration for her house.” Paul stat ed, “The damage for me has come when I’ve realized what people were clamoring for was not me. It was characters invented by writers.” He added, “Being a movie star means you start out with three strikes against you...the adula tion, the recognition in restaurants—these are completely unnatural. I never enjoyed acting... It’s probably the reason I drank as much as I did.”

INSPIRE BELIEVE

Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. A. A. Milne

Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe. Saint Augustine

Don’t let fear or insecurity stop you from trying new things. Believe in yourself. Do what you love. And most importantly, be kind to others, even if you don’t like them. Stacy London

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you. Joyce Meyer

Believe in yourself, and the rest will fall into place. Have faith in your own abilities, work hard, and there is nothing you cannot accomplish.

Brad Henry

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Eleanor Roosevelt

Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. Norman Vincent Peale

Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.

Gail Devers

Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.

Misty Copeland

I believe if you keep your faith, you keep your trust, you keep the right attitude, if you’re grateful, you’ll see God open up new doors.

Joel Osteen

Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe. Voltaire

STRANGE BUT TRUE

Our 50-star U.S. flag was designed by Robert Heft, a 17-year-old student in Lancaster, Ohio. He made it for a high school history project and received a B- from his teacher for lack of originality.

In some parts of the world, tarantulas have “pet” frogs, which they protect from predators.

The first known dental filling dates back to the Neolithic period and was made of beeswax.

Since the summer of 2020, so many orca whales have launched attacks on boats off the coast of Spain and Portugal that sailors have been advised to stay in port at night.

Actor Mike Meyers originally gave the character of Shrek a thick Canadian accent but decided, after animation had begun, that a Scottish one would better suit the character. The film had to be reanimated and cost over $4 million, or around 10% of its overall budget.

You’ve no doubt heard of shattering a glass with your voice, but how about singing at a pitch so low only an elephant can hear it? That feat belongs to Tim Storms, who possesses a 10-octave vocal range and holds the Guinness World Record for lowest note produced by a human and widest vocal range.

Give

encouragement A LASTING GIFT

The holidays are the most demanding time of the year! Because of those demands, we often are overwhelmed and are short with those we love the most. This season, make it a point to choose your words with care—especially when you’re emotionally and physically exhausted. The greatest gift you can give to those you love this season is words of affirmation.

Viktor Frankl may have put it best when he said: “If we take man as he is, we make him worse. If we take man as he should be, we make him capable of what he can be.”

In her book called Balcony People, Joyce Landorf Heatherley differentiates between two types of people: balcony and basement.

Basement people evaluate others. With their critical judgments of people’s words and actions, they tear away at others’ souls.

Balcony people, on the other hand, affirm others. They cheer others on and energize them with their affirmations.

Here’s a tough question: Are you a balcony or basement person?

Never forget, you have the power to encourage someone to achieve greatness. There are people in your life that need you to believe in them—your children, spouse, grandchildren and even your neighbors. Below are a few suggestions you can do to help them build self-confidence and summon the courage to overcome challenges:

1. Develop a genuine rapport with them by showing them that you are totally invested in their success.

2. Challenge their abilities while giving them the tools and support they need to succeed.

3. Offer sincere encouragement about their capabilities when you see them struggling or getting down on themselves.

Never underestimate the impact of encouraging others. Mark Twain said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.”

the gift of

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:

Assisted Living Communities

In-Home Primary Care Physicians

Home Health Care Therapy

Private Duty In-Home Care

Respite Care

Alzheimer’s Care

Memory Care

Hospice

Private pay

Arizona Long Term Care-ALTCS

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.

BERKLEY CASTILLO MONTERA SAGUARO SAN CARLOS SCOTTSDALE SEDONA SEVILLE VENTANA VENTANA AVERAGE

2,694 2,456 2,800 1,735 2,103 3,158 2,314 2,319 1,825 1,825 2,323

$475,000 $728,000 $639,900 $650,000 $530,000 $695,000 $749,000 $659,000 $569,500 $569,000 $626,440

$375,000 $650,000 $620,000 $550,000 $530,000 $695,000 $676,000 $659,000 $475,000 $569,000 $579,900

$355,000 $635,000 $625,000 $520,000 $450,000 $670,000 $635,000 $615,000 $475,000 $570,000 $555,000

35 111 28 108 52 4 148 37 221 24 77

12518 W SKYLARK DR 18623 N 132ND AVE 14631 W FUTURA DR 13652 W SANDRIDGE DR 13429 W CROWN RIDGE DR 15410 W WHITE WOOD DR 22211 N TOURNAMENT DR 13002 W CASTLEBAR DR 21408 N VERDE RIDGE DR 14126 W ROBERTSON DR

COURSE

1,511 1,438 1,438 1,729 1,800 1,870 2,019 1,090 1,371 1,635 1,824 2,421 1,778 1,778 1,738 1,958 1,625 1,492

$355,000 $367,000 $345,000 $350,000 $432,000 $599,000 $345,000 $355,000 $370,000 $500,000 $564,000 $399,900 $440,000 $370,000 $440,000 $310,000 $345,000 $299,900

$339,900 $367,000 $345,000 $350,000 $432,000 $557,250 $319,000 $330,000 $350,000 $425,000 $535,000 $350,000 $440,000 $337,000 $430,000 $310,000 $338,000 $310,000

$339,900 $345,000 $340,000 $345,000 $423,500 $540,000 $295,000 $330,000 $330,000 $425,000 $520,000 $350,000 $446,000 $276,250 $440,000 $307,000 $330,000 $305,000

34 62 32 8 22 42 74 61 21 160 54 24 2 38 36 2 22 8

15412 W ARZON WAY 13663 W RAVENSWOOD DR 12302 W BANYAN CT 13249 W BELLWOOD DR 14124 W CIRCLE RIDGE DR 14615 W GREYSTONE DR 18224 N 136TH AVE 14425 W DOMINGO LN 18022 N 137 DR 22724 N ADKISON DR 13350 W BALLAD DR 14107 W WAGON WHEEL DR 21620 N 153RD DR 13207 W TITAN DR 17007 N 130TH AVE 12519 W ASHWOOD DR 12702 W OMEGA DR 13624 W ECHO MESA DR

$335,000 $399,000 $389,900 $300,000 $265,000 $275,000 $518,000 $429,900 $295,000 $350,000 $495,000 $515,000 $437,500 $399,900 $469,000 $359,900 $370,000 $430,000 $455,000 $549,000 $549,900 $495,000 $535,000 $359,900 $365,000 $475,000 $390,000 $335,000 $295,000 $250,000 $401,535

6 89 12

137 25 45 140 31 1 53 58 41 83 18 65

17 51 8 82

$328,000 $350,000 $375,000 $246,500 $263,000 $226,500 $464,000 $419,900 $290,000 $332,000 $350,000 $450,000 $405,000 $385,000 $430,000 $349,900 $370,000 $406,400 $455,000 $499,000 $520,000 $472,500 $510,000 $362,000 $360,000 $430,000 $380,000 $315,000 $295,000 $251,500 $374,559 40

$335,000 $360,000 $389,900 $255,000 $265,000 $225,000 $464,000 $429,900 $295,000 $340,000 $350,000 $455,000 $414,900 $399,900 $430,000 $349,900 $370,000 $412,800 $455,000 $499,000 $539,900 $495,000 $535,000 $359,900 $365,000 $440,000 $375,000 $335,000 $295,000 $250,000 $382,297 62

12967 W BALLAD DR 19516 N 141ST AVE 13803 W FRANCISCAN DR 18835 N 134TH AVE 13416 W DESERT GLEN DR 13272 W ALEPPO DR 13209 W BONANZA DR 19642 N BELLWOOD DR 13243 W CASTLE ROCK DR 13106 W PAINTBRUSH DR 17211 N 123RD DR 12626 W EVENINGSIDE DR 16124 W SENTINEL DR 16025 W SENTINEL DR 13716 W GUNSIGHT DR 13711 W BALLAD DR 16164 W SENTINEL DR 15125 W LAS BRIZAS LN 15627 W BALLAD DR 16106 W HERITAGE DR 15716 W WHITE WOOD DR 13923 W GABLE HILL DR 15714 W GREYSTONE DR 20411 N 149TH AVE 14824 W RAVENSWOOD DR 13713 W WHITE WOOD DR 12330 W SONNET DR 14223 W RICO DR 12621 W RAMPART DR 12614 W LIMEWOOD DR 22

18 1 0 1 91