Lovin' Life After 50 - Southeast Valley - February 2022

February 2022

Optimal Help

‘True, Authentic Experience’

Classes show seniors how to navigate technology

Little pieces of Italy to pepper Heritage Square

New Help for Travelers Sky Harbor launches dementia-friendly services

Southeast Valley Edition

Johnny Mathis celebrates Valentine’s Day at Talking Stick Page 22

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Score a “Hole In 1” This Valentine’s Give A Golf Cart

inside THIS ISSUE

8 New Help for

Travelers

480.895.2000

Sky Harbor launches dementia-friendly services

25820 S. Arizona Ave. Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

E-Z-GO Express L6

www.A1GolfCarts.com

E-Z-GO RXV

Opinion

5 6

Leibo At Large Ask Marisa

Features

10

OAC

Fare Play

Scott’s Cheap Flights started as a hobby

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Forever a Pop Chick

20 Events Calendar

Peter Asher recalls classic rock and pop in show Sheena Easton will ‘strut’ across the Valle del Oro stage

Casinos

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Mortgage expert.

The Voice of Romance

Johnny Mathis celebrates Valentine’s Day at Talking Stick

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‘True, Authentic Experience’ Little pieces of Italy to pepper Heritage Square in Phoenix

Columns

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Hospice Is Hope

Casino Calendar

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What’s Cooking?

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The Healthy Geezer

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Gordon Wood

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Renaissance Festival cast suggests going early, often

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Classes show seniors how to navigate technology

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Opinion

Leibo At Large

Pandemic response is less than impressive

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ If there’s one thing that continues to surprise me about the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not the death toll of 831,000 and rising, or that we’re approaching year three of the presence of the virus in our lives. It’s how poorly we as a nation have handled this public health emergency.

When you grow up believing that you live in an exceptional country — a “shining city on a hill,” to borrow a phrase Ronald Reagan borrowed — it’s tough to see that country put in no better than a solid D-plus performance. Graded generously.

Where have we gone wrong, you ask?

I’d cite three major areas of failure: scientific, journalistic and political.

The scientific community performed amazing work creating effective vaccines against COVID-19 at warp speed. Where they’ve fumbled is not at the research level, but where nerds stereotypically stumble — communicating with the rest of us.

Some of this is to be expected; science is an evolutionary process, forever re-examining, rethinking. Scientists change their minds constantly, especially studying a virus that itself mutates by the day. But with COVID-19, the mind-changes have been so many and so radical, vast swaths of the nation seemed to have simply tuned out.

The early days of the pandemic feel quaint now, as does the initial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mask guidance from the spring 2020.

“If you are not sick,” the CDC told us, “you do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask).”

We’ve traveled a long, twisty road since then. And thousands of news reporters have squawked about it every step of the way. It’s not the local hacks I have much of a problem with, but more the national networks and their style of mixing fact and bloviation. CNN, Fox, MSNBC and their ilk have treated a public health emergency like Election Night or a war, bouncwww.LovinLife.com

ing between factual reportage and commentary, until even a sophisticated viewer can’t tell the difference. Then there’s the politicization of the pandemic, using party ID as the metric of truth-telling. To be an independent American watching cable news in 2022 is to be stupefied by how everything — even the basic decision to get a vaccination or wear a mask — is politics today.

Speaking of politics, remember President Trump’s ludicrous “15 days to slow the spread” campaign? That was about 666 days ago. Then we had President Biden’s June 2021 “month of action” that was going to launch a “summer of freedom.” Old Joe was positively giddy come Independence Day, delivering news the nation had nearly reached the goal of 70% of adults with at least one vaccination.

“This is one of the greatest achievements in American history, and you, the American people, made it happen,” the president claimed. “We are emerging from one of the darkest years in our nation’s history into a summer of hope and joy.”

I guess summer was nice, at least in comparison to Biden’s recent description of how omicron would create “a winter of severe illness and death for the unvaccinated — for themselves, their families and the hospitals they’ll soon overwhelm.”

Except now it seems maybe science has changed its mind on omicron, which you may or may not have and which may or may not kill you. Except the CDC changed its mind on quarantines, shifting from 10 days to five for those with infections.

Except you can’t tell if you’re infected because no home COVID-19 tests are in stock at the drugstore and the news says waits are eternal at testing centers. Of course, the news also says … blah, blah, blah.

Like I said, a solid grade of D-plus.

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995.

Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

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As you can see in Figure 2, as the blood vessels that surround the nerves become diseased they shrivel up which causes the nerves to not get the nutrients to continue to survive. When these nerves begin to “die” they cause you to have balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and many additional symptoms.

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Aspen Medical will be offering this chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination from now until February 28, 2022. Call 480274-3157 to make an appointment to determine if your chronic pain and peripheral neuropathy can be successfully treated.

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FEBRUARY 2022

Ask Marisa

New columnist invites readers to tell themselves a better lie

BY MARISA PEER One of the best parts about being a therapist is hearing people’s stories. Indeed, the stories we tell ourselves play such a huge role in how we feel about our lives, from our relationships and self-esteem to our careers and finances.

But here’s the thing: Most people don’t realize they are telling themselves stories at all. Indeed, in my 30 years as a therapist, I’ve worked with a vast array of different people and heard the most extraordinary stories. When those people walk into my offices in London or Los Angeles, they assume they are telling me the truth: I can’t stop shopping. I can’t stop eating. I can’t hold down a relationship. I am worthless and won’t amount to anything.

My success as a therapist has come from my firm and unwavering belief that we all have the power to choose to tell ourselves better stories, and in the process change our entire lives. I’ve seen it work with everyone from celebrities and top CEOs to people just like you and me. When we change the story we’re telling ourselves, everything else changes, too.

In my newest book, “Tell Yourself a Better Lie: Use the Power of Rapid Transformational Therapy to Edit Your Story and Rewrite Your Life,” I share for the first time how my method of therapy — shortened to RTT — helps people uncover the story lines that aren’t helping them and replace them with better and much more up-todate ones.

RTT is different because it doesn’t take weeks or months of therapy sessions to get to the bottom of an issue. Through 10 diverse case studies in the book, I show how this can be done in as little as one to three sessions using the unique power of therapy that RTT is based on.

Take Carrie, for example, one of the true client stories I share in my book. Since she was a child, Carrie had struggled with obsessive compulsive disorder that had her fixate on an elaborate hygiene routine that dominated her life. She was so tired of having every facet of her day ruled by these compulsions, and sad that she was

limiting herself from so much by being afraid to let it go.

Using RTT, Carrie and I figured out the purpose her OCD was serving: It made her feel safe. And where did her feeling of this lack of safety come from? From very early in childhood, where she experienced abuse, bullying and inadequate support from her caregivers. So here we were, nearly 50 years later, and Carrie was telling herself the story of a 6-year-old: I need these obsessive habits because they keep me clean, they keep me safe, they protect me.

When we replaced that story with a new, much better one — I’m an adult and I can keep myself safe now, as well as give myself the love and support I should have received as a child — everything changed.

She didn’t need the behavior anymore, and so it disappeared. Carrie had never once considered that her OCD had roots in what happened to her as a child.

This is just one example of the literally thousands of stories I’ve heard — and changed — in my long career as a therapist. And I’m so delighted to say that as Lovin’ Life After 50’s new advice columnist, I’ll be able to hear some of your stories and do my best to provide answers that are helpful, compassionate, and can reframe your thinking about a given problem or issue you’re facing in your life.

Sometimes, the bravest step is when you decide to ask for help. When you decide that you no longer want to continue living the way you’ve been living. When you allow yourself to believe — even if just for the length of time it takes to write a letter — that you have the power to change.

I know for a fact that you do, and I can’t wait to hear your stories and help you tell yourself a better lie in this monthly column. Send your questions to media@ marisapeer.com, and keep up with me online at marisapeer.com, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

“Tell Yourself a Better Lie: Use the Power of Rapid Transformational Therapy to Edit Your Story and Rewrite Your Life” is available on Amazon.

www.LovinLife.com

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FEBRUARY 2022

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Features

New HELP for

Travelers

Sky Harbor launches dementia-friendly services

BY JORDAN HOUSTON The city of Phoenix is making strides in its promise to become a more dementia-friendly environment.

Mayor Kate Gallego recently unveiled a new Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport initiative dedicated to furthering the city’s overarching mission to becoming a recognized Dementia Friendly City.

The initiative requires employee training and other elements aimed at easing travel and other airport-related experiences for those living with dementia.

The help extends to patients’ families and travel companions, according to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Customer Service Manager Misty Cisneros-Contreras.

“We are America’s friendliest airport and we’re always looking at opportunities to improve the experience for our customers,” Cisneros-Contreras says.

“We realize we are the biggest airport in Arizona and we know people have choices – we want people to look forward to coming here.”

A major change is the implementation of the Compassion Cacti Lanyard Program, which identifies those needing extra assistance.

“Anybody who has a hidden disability, or self-identifies as having a hidden disability, can apply to get a lanyard,” she says.

“What that lanyard does is, when traveling through Phoenix, it alerts a lot of internal stakeholders and staff to recognize that lanyard and triggers the employee to know that this person may need a little bit of extra attention, or patience, or to be given directions a bit differently.”

The lanyards, which can be kept and used each time the passenger travels through Sky Harbor, also allows travelers to enter new quiet areas located in the airport’s Compassion Corner in Terminal 4. The Corner, a multi-faceted space for customers and airport employees, encompasses three primary components — the multifaith chapel, the Compassion Corner Office and the Sensory Room.

The Sensory Room, according to Cisneros-Contreras, features minimal distractions to help curtail any potential agitation or confusion that can present itself in a person experiencing dementia while traveling. It serves as a space for the traveler to regroup, she continues.

“If you’re traveling with someone who needs to get away from the hustle and bustle of the airport, they can go into the room,” Cisneros-Contreras says. “We’ve got some seating from an airplane in there so they can feel what it’s like before they get into the airplane. It also has bubble walls, a couch and some fidget-type items for smaller children.”

Sky Harbor has made its website more user-friendly for those inquiring about its support services, Cisneros-Contreras says.

The new initiative also calls for updated trainings for city employees about dementia care and support programs that provide resources and aid to people with memory loss.

“We’ve been working with dementia-friendly partners through Banner Health and other nonprofits to make it more friendly as far as understanding what resources we have available,” Cisneros-Contreras shares.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is offering a new lanyard program aimed at easing the travel experiences for those who self-identify as needing additional assistance, as well as their family members and companions.

(Photo courtesy of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport)

Last year, Phoenix was among the first and largest cities to commit to joining Dementia Friendly America (DFA), a national network of communities, organizations and individuals dedicated to ensuring that communities across the country are well-equipped to support people living with dementia and their caregivers.

The DFA, administered by USAging, works to identify and establish Dementia Friendly Communities, according to its website. Such communities uplift people living with dementia to remain in the community while engaging in daily living, the site continues.

“The most rewarding part is seeing the impact that it (the initiative) has on different individuals and seeing the sense of relief that people have when they come to find us and find that help they’ve been looking for,” Cisneros-Contreras says.

“It’s very rewarding to hear their stories.”

Roughly 50 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, the Alzheimer’s Association

states.

Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to impede daily life, the Association continues.

Disorders grouped under the term are caused by abnormal brain changes, triggering a decline in cognitive abilities.

Symptoms also affect a person’s behavior, feelings and capacity to function independently, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

While signs of dementia can vary, examples include problems with shortterm memory, keeping track of a purse or wallet, paying bills, planning and preparing meals, remembering appointments or traveling out of the neighborhood, the Association says.

To apply for a Compassion Cacti Lanyard online, visit http://bit.ly/compassionphx. Sky Harbor does not require medical records for approval.

For more information about Dementia Friendly America, visit dfamerica.org.

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FEBRUARY 2022

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China Before Communism 2022 PRODUCTION WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

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Fare Play Scott’s Cheap Flights started as a hobby

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Scott Keyes was perusing flights in 2013, when he came across roundtrip airfare from New York City to Milan for $130.

The “mistake fare” was so reasonable that he jumped on a plane and headed to Italy. When Keyes returned home, his friends and colleagues wanted him to help them find great deals. As a hobby, Keyes searched for mistake fares, cheap deals and special pricing.

Two years later, Scott’s Cheap Flights became his full-time job. Now it serves nearly 2 million members and has a team of more than 50 “travel aficionados.”

“It’s been going strong,” Keyes says.

“I’ve been able to use my cheap flight expertise for seven years. I have up to 40 people on the team today, including my CEO Brian (Kidwell). It is a total pinch myself type of experience.”

With Scott’s Cheap Flights, customers choose their home airport and then select a membership tier. It offers a free service for those who just want to try the service and get the occasional economy class deals. For travelers who want the best economy class deals, there’s a premium plan. Elite offers deals in premium economy, business and first class.

Scott’s Cheap Flights then sends fare deals to inboxes.

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FEBRUARY 2022

Airline prices, Keyes says, are the biggest hurdles for those wanting to see the world. That group included him before he did a deep dive into costs.

“I thought if I could find those cheap flights, then I’d be able to take all those trips and visit places around the world,” Keyes explains.

“When I started doing this as an actual business, it was the golden age of cheap flights. Around then, long haul international airfare was affordable and downright cheap in many cases.”

The cost of traveling is slowly climbing, but there are deals out there, he says.

“Typically speaking, when one airline has a hub or a monopoly on flights, that limits the number of good deals they have there,” he says.

“We see a ton of great deals out of Phoenix and Tucson. We’ve seen Colombia for $240, Costa Rica for $265, Spain for $366, Athens for $462 — all roundtrip.

They’re popping up constantly. There are a ton of great fares.”

Keyes suggests booking those “cheap deals” quickly before they disappear.

“When those $350 tickets to Spain pop up or the $250 tickets to Hawaii pop up, you need to find out about them early so you can book them. That’s where I come in.”

Since the pandemic, air travel has rebounded, but not quite to pre-pandemic levels, he explains. Those who choose to travel will find a “silver lining.”

“You can travel to tourist destinations and see a fraction of the normal tourist crowd,” Keyes says. “If you go to Valencia in Spain in June, it’s totally packed. It’s crowded with tourists. When we were there, we had the place to ourselves. It was just us and the locals.

“I don’t know if we’ll have an opportu-

CEO Brian Kidwell, left, and Scott Keyes run Scott’s Cheap Flights, which help customers find fare deals. (Submitted photo)

nity again in our lifetime to have these iconic world-class destinations without throngs of tourists again. Far be it from me to pressure anybody to take a trip, but for those who are willing, there’s a real window of opportunity to experience these places in a way we may never see them again.”

Get your copy today!

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Optimal Help Classes show seniors how to navigate technology

BY LAURA LATZKO Val Carioggia was desperate to learn about cellphones, apps and computers so she could text and video chat with her nephew, who attends the Juilliard School in New York City.

She decided to take “Technology Doesn’t Have to Be Frustrating” through Optum Care in Deer Valley. The nationwide health network teaches the course at community centers around the Valley and in Tucson.

“I can actually see him, and he can see me,” Carioggia says.

“We don’t see each other maybe once a year now. So, that’s been really nice.”

Free to anyone 55 and older, the class gives tips on online shopping, video calls, streaming services and social media, for example.

“One thing I’ve heard from members is that it provides a peace of mind, by instilling independence,” says Bianca Vigil, an instructor at the Deer Valley community center.

“A lot of these members will ask family members, their kids, their friends how to do something. Sometimes, it’s a little bit tough to ask. With these classes, we are able to instill that independence in them, for them to be able to do it and navigate it on their own.”

Carioggia says her classmates were excited to learn about their phones.

“Some of them didn’t know how to answer their phones,” she says. “They didn’t know how to call or get their email.”

Vigil is one of four teachers who lead the technology classes at the Central Phoenix, Goodyear, Deer Valley and Tucson community centers.

“Technology is so progressive,” Vigil says. “They have made it to where a lot of things on the cellphones you can do on the computers as well and tablets. It’s been nice to teach all of those different parts of it.”

Students can work on projects like creating recipes using Google Docs. That

schools students in templates, fonts and images.

It has a twofold effect.

As technology develops, the teachers must stay up on their knowledge and they impart that on students.

“If it’s something that they want to learn about and I don’t know, I definitely take time with the other instructors to learn about it prior to teaching it,” Vigil says.

“We do step-by-step tutorials on how to get through a system. That way they know how to navigate it on their own.”

Students brainstormed earlier in the year to suggest class topics. Vigil says social media has especially been important to her students this year, along with video-based social media and neighborhood apps.

“That was a big thing during COVID-19,” Vigil says.

“We couldn’t see our friends and family.

There was a lot of social isolation. So, to be able to use social networking is definitely a perk.”

As for Vigil, she wanted to share online grocery shopping sites and apps.

“All of the things that I’m using on a normal basis, I want to share with them, like online grocery shopping. Those were great things during COVID,” Vigil says.

“There was a time when they couldn’t go to the grocery store. Being able to have it delivered to your door is a little bit safer for some of our members who can’t do that. Or being able to order a meal.”

Online security and safety are included in the class that covers scammers who call or email. Occasionally, classes are split up between Apple and Android users.

Carioggia took the technology class a few years ago and returned this year. She mainly uses her cellphone for texting, taking and sending photos, online bank-

ing, social media, email and browsing the Internet.

Vigil stays before and after class to provide extra help. Carioggia took advantage of that.

“One time something happened with my phone,” Carioggia says.

“It had never happened before. I was able to ask Bianca what was going on, and she was able to take care of it in about 2 minutes.”

These community centers have living rooms where students can work on projects or practice on their devices. They also have access to the centers’ computers.

Along with the technology classes, the community centers offer tai chi, brain activities, art, origami, Pilates, healthy minds, Medicare 101, stress management, fitness, beading, zumba, conversational Spanish, nutrition, line dancing and chair yoga classes. Seniors also have access to the community centers’ fitness equipment as well as special events, such as afternoon movies.

Carioggia has been taking classes like tai chi, Spanish, active stretch and BrainSavers at the Deer Valley center for six years.

She says that at the center, she found peers with similar interests.

“I’ve made a lot of new friends at the center, and we do things outside of the

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Optum Care offers “Technology Doesn’t Have to Be Frustrating” which teaches anyone 55 or older how to use various functions on cellphones, computers and tablets.

(Photo by Dennis Murphy)

center also,” Carioggia says.

Limited to 15 people, the technology classes are offered once a week at the four technology centers. Reservations are required.

The Central Phoenix Center 1125 E. Glendale Avenue, Glendale 1-888-618-9996 Classes are 11 a.m. to noon Fridays

The Goodyear Community Center 1981 N. Pebble Creek Parkway, Suite 8, Goodyear 1-888-203-8310 Classes are 1 to 2:30 p.m. Fridays

The Deer Valley Community Center 20414 N. 27th Avenue, Suite 100, Phoenix 623-707-2895 Classes are 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursdays

The Tucson Community Center 4780 E. Grant Road, Tucson 1-877-549-8813 Classes are 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Mondays optumcare.com

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Entertainment

A Musical Memoir Peter Asher recalls classic rock and pop in show

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peter Asher has a simple formula for his show, “Peter Asher: A Musical Memoir of the ’60s and Beyond.”

“We just pick songs people will enjoy,” says Asher, who hosts “From Me to You” on the SiriusXM Beatles Channel.

“We throw in Peter & Gordon songs.

We have stories and songs, bits of videos, cool musicians. I’ve done different shows at different times.”

“A Musical Memoir” comes to the Musical Instrument Museum in North Phoenix for two shows on Saturday, February 12.

Memoir brings photos and film footage from Asher’s personal archive to life, transporting audiences back to the heart of ’60s popular culture.

Icons such as Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Marianne Faithful, Yoko Ono and Carole King are among the cast of characters, along with his partner, Gordon Waller, who died in July 2009.

The show covers the music of Peter & Gordon, including “I Go to Pieces,” “True Love Ways” and “Lady Godiva.” The songs given to Peter & Gordon by McCartney —“Woman,” “I Don’t Want to See You Again,” “Nobody

I Know” and “A World Without Love” — are also front and center.

“There are a couple new bits of video we haven’t used before,” he says.

“We’ve been running over the whole thing several times. It’s always fun to incorporate a new story or two into each show.

I have a lot of ideas.”

A two-time producer of the year Grammy winner, Asher took a break from a recording session with The Bangles’ Susanna Hoffs for an interview.

“I’ve always loved her singing. I was a Bangles fan,” he says.

“We actually worked on a couple of songs for CNN’s Fourth of July special. We rearranged a couple of Bangles songs.

We loved doing it, so we decided to make a record together.

“The new album is going to be a mixture of songs, all rethought using some of my favorite musicians who I worked with before.”

He’s also a longtime fan and friend of Tucson native Linda Ronstadt. Asher calls her “one of my very favorite singers in the whole world.”

“We remain very close,” he adds. “I visit her in San Francisco whenever I’m there.

“I was very lucky in the early part of my career to have worked with truly extraordinary artists. A lot of the songs Linda did back in the day were songs that people had heard before, ‘You’re No Good.’ We were doing a song people knew, in many cases. It was an interesting, new way to do it. I love doing that.”

Asher is still on the hunt for musicians to produce or write with. He discovers them similarly to others. He was excited to see Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz at the Walt Disney Concert Hall later that day.

“When I’m driving in the car, like everybody, I listen to SiriusXM jazz or Hits One. I love hit records. Occasionally, I listen to the ’60s channel and I hear myself,” he says with a laugh.

“There are some great new singers — Holly Humberstone is one. She has some great songs. Ed Sheeran is brilliant. He is a great friend. We share being redheads.

We’re a little tribe.”

MORE INFO

What: Peter Asher When: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 12 Where: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix Cost: Tickets start at $44.50 Info: 480-478-6000, mim.org, peterandgordonthesingles.com

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“Peter Asher: A Musical Memoir of the ‘60s and Beyond” comes to the Musical Instrument Museum for two shows on Saturday, February 12.

(Submitted photo)

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Forever a Pop Chick Sheena Easton will ‘strut’ across the Valle del Oro stage

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

­ ­

­ ­

Sheena Easton considers herself a “pop chick.”

She spent the 1980s scoring hit after hit — “Morning Train,” “We’ve Got Tonight,” “Almost Over You,” “Sugar Walls,” “Strut,” “For Your Eyes Only,” “9 to 5” — contributing her fair share to the pop genre.

The Prince collaborator says fans can expect to hear all the hits during her two shows on Wednesday, February 9 at Valle del Oro in Mesa. She’ll throw in a few surprises for good measure.

“I make it a point of doing the hits,” Easton says. “I’ve been to shows where the artists perform a bunch of new material, and they don’t play any of the hits. It’s discouraging.”

The Scottish singer’s tunes still sound fresh and pull at the heartstrings, she contends. Easton, who appeared on “Miami Vice” as Sonny Crockett’s wife, chalks it up to sentimentality.

“When you hear my music or anybody’s music, it brings up memories,” she says.

“It’s nostalgic. That happens to me when I listen to music from the 1970s.

“That’s when I was in college and really started listening deeply to stuff. I crank it up and think, ‘This is so awesome.’ My kids look at me like I’m crazy. My son especially really enjoys the musicality of a lot of the ’70s era. He can point out influences in other artists’ works.”

For Easton, the biggest compliment is when fans get excited about her music.

“When the intro starts to one of the hits and I can see the faces in the crowd light up, I enjoy that,” she says.

“It may be a song that isn’t my favorite, but I can see fans really connecting to that particular moment. That gives me new energy. Performing is an amazing thing to be able to do. I really do connect with people right there in the moment.”

Besides the ultimate classics from the 1970s, Easton herself connects with Adele, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and other modern pop acts.

“I tend to be very mainstream in my taste,” says Easton, whose daughter, Skylar, is 26 and son, Jake, is 27. “Having two kids in their twenties, when we get in the car, they turn on their phones and say, ‘Mom, you have to listen to this!’

“It’s usually cool hipster stuff. My son finds incredibly talented people I’ve never heard of who just blow me away.

I like that good old pop.”

MORE INFO

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What: Sheena Easton When: 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 9 Where: Valle del Oro RV Resort, 1452 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa Cost: $30-$40 Info: cal-am.com/concerts

Sheena Easton learns about “cool, hipster” music from her 27-year-old son, Jake.

(Photo courtesy of Sheena Easton) www.LovinLife.com

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Medieval Tips Renaissance Festival cast suggests going early, often

BY GERI KOEPPEL After a hiatus last year due to the pandemic, the 34th annual Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace returns to Gold Canyon this year with so many attractions, it’s impossible to pack them all into one visit.

That’s why insiders say to go early and go often to get as much as possible out of the event.

“Personally, I think many people miss out on only going for one hour or two and then they leave,” says Killian Davis of Phoenix, who portrays Sir Walter Raleigh on the grounds.

Davis urges visitors to arrive early and go multiple times to see numerous shows, experience various theme weekends and truly soak up the ambiance.

“Don’t be afraid to sit down for a couple minutes and just take it all in,” he advises.

This year’s festival runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends from Feb. 5 to April 3 as well as Presidents Day, Feb. 21 — rain or shine.

The 50-acre village is home to 16 stages, more than 200 arts and crafts shops, and of course, a jousting arena.

Games, rides, feasts and live entertainment abound, visitors are urged to don period attire and become part of the show if they wish. A costume rental shop is next to the box office, and guests can create a complete outfit from the on-site vendors.

One of the most popular weekends for dressing up is Pirates Weekend March 5 and March 6, says William Cussins of Huachuca City, who served as The Lord Mayor of the festival for the past seven years.

(This year, he says he is “lost at sea” and can’t serve in his official capacity.)

“It’s a very fun weekend because there are pirate contests for adults and children,” he notes. “There’s also a contest of: Give me your best ‘Aaargh!’”

Cussins and Davis offered more savvy insider tips for getting the most out of the festival. On the topic of clothing, they

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Killian Davis of Phoenix portrays Sir Walter Raleigh on the grounds as part of the cast for the 34th annual Renaissance Festival.

(Submitted photo)

implore guests in modern-day garb to use common sense, keep an eye on the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes instead of flip-flops.

On that note, both encourage people to visit on gloomy or rainy days, as long as they dress appropriately for it.

“You have children splashing in puddles, the drinks feel so much warmer and pleasant, the food gives you more joy, people huddle with family and friends,” Davis says.

In terms of food, Davis remarks while most people look forward to the turkey legs, his favorite is the medium-rare steak-on-a-stake. “They’re very juicy and flavorful,” he says, adding he highly recommends the fudge.

Cussins, meanwhile, raves about anything from Cottage Bakery. “I always tell people, ‘When you say no to pastry, you say no to life. Don’t say no to life.’” He also sings the praises of the vegetable crepes.

No matter what the guest’s palate, Cussins urges visitors to grab lunch early before the lines begin to stretch. Also, they both strongly advise bringing paper currency, because the food vendors, games and rides only accept cash, and lines can get long at the ATMs. As for entertainment, popular attractions like The Ded Bob Show and the jousting arena fill up early, so make sure you arrive well in advance — particularly for the 5 p.m. joust, which Davis hints is extra special. And be aware you might not want to be right up front for some acts such as the Washing Well Wenches, unless you have that rain jacket with you.

Other entertainment ranges from live “mermaids” to musicians, dancers, falconers and ever “Cirque de Sewer,” with trained rats and cats. That said, you don’t

need to attend a formal show to enjoy the performers — all the world’s a stage here. “We’re not a museum; we’re an experience,” Davis says. “Feel free to approach us.”

MORE INFO

What: The Arizona Renaissance Festival When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays — Saturday, February 5, to Sunday, April 3 — and Presidents Day, Monday, February 21 Where: Gold Canyon, 7 miles east of Apache Junction on U.S. Highway 60 Cost: Online and advance tickets are $29 for adults, $19 for ages 5 to 12 and free for age 4 and younger; tickets are $1 more at the gate. Group rates, season passes and other discounts are available; parking is free.

Info: arizona.renfestinfo.com

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Puzzles

GOby FIGURE! Linda Thistle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 30

King Crossword ACROSS 1 Kitten’s cry 4 Opera set in Egypt 8 Garden intruder 12 Eggs 13 Some deer 14 -- -bitty 15 Containers for laundering 17 Appease 18 “So there!”

19 Pittsburgh pro 21 Emphasize 24 Droop 25 Chop 26 Pirate’s potation 28 Yokels 32 “I’ve Got -- in Kalamazoo” 34 Pinnacle 36 “-- come back now, hear?”

37 Trifled (with) 39 PC alternative

41 42 44 46 50 51 52

Roman 151 “-- the season ...”

NASA vehicle Critic’s essays Part of DJIA Send forth Give a faded look to, as jeans 56 Lettuce variety 57 Think (over) 58 HBO rival 59 Sheltered 60 Between jobs 61 Layer DOWN 1 Trim the grass 2 Actress Longoria 3 Remove by cleaning 4 Tennis legend Ashe 5 Debtor’s note 6 Society newbies 7 Admin. aides 8 Know-it-all 9 And others (Lat.)

10 11 16 20 21 22 23 27 29 30 31 33 35 38 40 43 45 46 47 48 49 53 54 55

Diminutive suffix Color worker Dinner for Dobbin Corn spike Excellent, in slang Toy block name Place May honoree Aftermath Vogue rival Thin cut Beatles classic Standard Conk out Pamper Sage Farm female Country’s McEntire Actor Jannings Unspoken feeling Gulf War missile Unwell Yon maiden Sweetie

SUDOKU TIME

The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK H

H Moderate HH Challenging HHH HOO BOY!

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK H H H

H Moderate HH Challenging HHH HOO BOY!

Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

SCRAMBLERS Unscramble the letters within each rectangle to form four ordinary words.

Then rearrange the boxed letters to form the mystery word, which will complete the gag!

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Calendar of Events Tuesday, February 1

Jesse Cook, 7:30 p.m., Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, call for ticket prices, 928684-6624, dewpac.org.

Wednesday, February 2

Variety Show Spectacular, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, 8 p.m., Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert, tickets start at $39, higleycenter.org.

Death Café, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, free, 480-488-2286, dfla. org, deathcafe.com. Death Café is a gathering to talk about death and dying. The aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their lives. More than 7,000 Death Cafés have been held in 63 countries. Death Café does not promote beliefs, agendas or products, nor is it a bereavement or grief support group.

Thursday, February 3

Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

December ’63, 7 to 9 p.m., Murphy Park, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, free, glendaleaz.com/liveatmurphypark. (Frankie Valli tribute) Merrymaker Dance, 7 to 10 p.m., Los Palmas Grand, 2550 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa, $10 for member, $12 nonmembers, 360-607-9570, dancemm.com. Dance to the sweet sounds of The Breeze playing waltz, foxtrot, swing, Latin and polka. Doors open at 6 p.m. Large wooden dance floor. Singles and couples welcome. Appropriate casual dress. BYOB and snacks/ refreshments. Ice is provided. Water available for $1. Local regulations require proof of COVID-19 vaccination at first visit only. Negative 72-hour COVID-19 test required if not vaccinated.

Friday, February 4

Malt Shop Memories, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

We Banjo 3, 7:30 p.m., Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, call for ticket prices, 928684-6624, dewpac.org. (Canceled) Mariachi Pasion, 7 to 9 p.m., Murphy Park, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, free,

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glendaleaz.com/liveatmurphypark. (All-female mariachi band)

Saturday, February 5

True Country, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

Estate Planning Made Simple, 10:30 a.m., Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, free, reservations required, 480-488-2286, dfla.org. Stephanie and Mike Maloney will cover the basics of estate planning.

Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays and Presidents Day through April 3, Arizona Renaissance Festival Grounds, 12601 E. U.S. Highway 60, Gold Canyon, various pricing, 520-463-2600, arizona. renfestinfo.com.

Thursday, February 10

Variety Show Spectacular, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

The Mavericks, 7:30 p.m., repeats Feb. 11, Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, call for ticket prices, 928-684-6624, dewpac.org.

Rhythm of the Sun, 7 to 9 p.m., Murphy Park, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, free, glendaleaz.com/liveatmurphypark.

(Latin variety) Folk Legacy Trio, 7 p.m., Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert, tickets start at $28, higleycenter.org.

Jimmy Buffett Tribute Act, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

Merrymaker Dance, 7 to 10 p.m., Los Palmas Grand, 2550 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa, $10 for member, $12 nonmembers, 360-6079570, dancemm.com. Dance to the sweet sounds of DK Orchestra, playing waltz, foxtrot, swing, Latin and polka. Doors open at 6 p.m. Large wooden dance floor. Singles and couples welcome. Appropriate casual dress. BYOB and snacks/ refreshments. Ice is provided. Water available for $1. Local regulations require proof of COVID-19 vaccination at first visit only. Negative 72-hour COVID-19 test required if not vaccinated.

Monday, February 7

Friday, February 11

The Sugar Thieves, 7 to 9 p.m., Murphy Park, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, free, glendaleaz.com/liveatmurphypark.

(American roots and blues)

Sunday, February 6

American Tinnitus Association Fundraiser, various times, all Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33 locations, ata.org, texasroadhouse. com, bubbas33.com. To honor the company’s late founder Kent Taylor, the restaurants will donate 100% of all profits on February 7 to the organization. In addition to the fundraiser, through March 31, Texas Roadhouse will donate 10% from the online sales of all Texas Roadhouse/ATA co-branded gift cards to the ATA. Caring for the Caregiver, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, free, 480-488-2286, dfla.org. Hospice of the West facilitates this support group.

Craft N Chat, 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays, Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, free, 480-488-2286, dfla. org. Knit, crochet and practice other table crafts with fellow enthusiasts.

Tuesday, February 8

Get Lit Book Club, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Oregano’s, 37645 N. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, charge for meals/drinks, dfla.org. Program through the Desert Foothills Library. This happy hour book club will focus on “Yale Needs Women” by Anne Gardiner Perkins at Oregano’s. RSVP required.

Wednesday, February 9

Malt Shop Memories, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

True Country, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

Comedy Night hosted by Savannah Hernandez, 7 to 9 p.m., Murphy Park, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, free, glendaleaz. com/liveatmurphypark. (Features five comedians and the band Soulstice Sound)

Saturday, February 12

Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

Chad Freeman and Redline, 7 to 9 p.m., Murphy Park, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, free, glendaleaz.com/liveatmurphypark. (Country) Volunteer Nonprofit Service Association Used Book Sale, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., repeats 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. February 13, Arizona State Fairgrounds’ Ag Building, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, free admission, 602-265-6805, vnsabooksale.org. Proceeds from the sale will support Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County and Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation and other local nonprofit organizations. Books start at $1. Charge for parking.

Sunday, February 13 Find a great Italian spot!

It’s National Tortellini Day!

Monday, February 14

Valentine’s Day Celebration, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, check website for ticket information, silverstartheater.com.

Sun Lakes Democratic Club Meeting, 6:30 p.m. social, 7 p.m., meeting on Zoom, for details email wlkariz@aol.com. Speakers are Diego Rodriguez, Democratic candidate for Arizona attorney general; Jennifer Jermaine, candidate for justice of the peace, San Marcos District; and Rep. Jennifer Pawlik, who will update the group on the 2022 Legislative session that started January 10.

Shelea: Natural Woman, 7:30 p.m., Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, call for ticket prices, 928-684-6624, dewpac.org.

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics, 3 to 6 p.m., repeats February 28, Avondale Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale, free, avondalelibrary.org. Maricopa County Department of Public Health and the city of Avondale is asking residents to do their part to protect themselves and those around them by getting vaccinated.

Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone, 7 p.m., Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert, tickets start at $44.50, higleycenter.org.

Tuesday, February 15

Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, 7:30 p.m., Arizona Federal Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, tickets start at $55, ticketmaster.com.

Wednesday, February 16

Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

Thursday, February 17

True Country, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

Merrymaker Dance, 7 to 10 p.m., Los Palmas Grand, 2550 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa, $10 for member, $12 nonmembers, 360-6079570, dancemm.com. Dance to the sweet sounds of Rags Allen Band, playing waltz, foxtrot, swing, Latin and polka. Doors open at 6 p.m. Large wooden dance floor. Singles and couples welcome. Appropriate casual dress. BYOB and snacks/ refreshments. Ice is provided. Water available for $1. Local regulations require proof of COVID-19 vaccination at first visit only. Negative 72-hour COVID-19 test required if not vaccinated.

Medicare 101 with ASC Insurance, 4 p.m., Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, free, reservations required, 480-488-2286, dfla.org. Topics include: the correct time to enroll in Medicare;

Calendar...continues on page 21 www.LovinLife.com

Calendar of Events continued from page 20

what Medicare does and does not cover; Medicare Advantage; Medicare Supplement insurance; Medicare review for post 65 beneficiaries and Medicare Part D. RSVP: Derrick Cooper at 480-648-5052 or derrick.cooper@ ascinsuranceaz.com, or Michael Smith, 602793-1925 or mpsmith.benefits@gmail.com.

Frosty & the Silver Tones, 7 to 9 p.m., Murphy Park, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, free, glendaleaz.com/liveatmurphypark. (Rock)

Friday, February 18

Variety Show Spectacular, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

Sandra Bassett, 7 to 9 p.m., Murphy Park, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, free, glendaleaz.com/liveatmurphypark. (Jazz, Motown, R&B and blues) Nutrition Over 50, noon, Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, $10, 480-488-2286, dfla.org. Learn and discuss nutrition and how it changes with age. Discuss healthy food options and a menu for a week. Learn the philosophy behind fasting and intermittent fasting, create a plan to change your eating patterns.

Questions: the Rev. Dr. Karen Cimaglia at rockinvibs21@gmail.com, 602-721-7714.

Longevity, Healthy Aging and Regeneration, 11 a.m., Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, free, 480488-2286, dfla.org. Learn the habits of those in extreme old age.

Saturday, February 19

Malt Shop Memories, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

The Troubadour Experience, 7 to 9 p.m., Murphy Park, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, free, glendaleaz.com/liveatmurphypark. (George Strait tribute) 2022 Arizona State Button Society Annual Button Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., repeats 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. February 20, Hilton Garden Inn, 11480 W. Hilton Way, Avondale, email or call for charge, 623-882-3331, beckfox@cox. net. Themed “Hats Off to Buttons,” the event features exhibits, creative works, dealers, evening gathering and competition entries.

Thousands of antique, vintage, studio and craft buttons, from the 18th century to modern buttons.

West Valley Genealogical Society Annual Seminar: Unmasking Your Genealogy with Michael L. Strauss, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, 13658 W. Meeker Boulevard, Sun City West, $50, 623-933-4945, azwvgs.org. The www.LovinLife.com

registration deadline is February 14. Topics include: introduction to military genealogy research, hidden clues found inside the U.S. federal census 1790-1840, the draft and the selective service system, and more than just obituaries: genealogical newspaper research.

The Tenors, 8 p.m., Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, call for ticket prices, 928684-6624, dewpac.org.

Sunday, February 20

True Country, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

Monday, February 21 Presidents Day Tuesday, February 22

National Geographic Live: Secret Life of Bears with carnivore ecologist Rae WynnGrant, 7:30 p.m., Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, call for ticket prices, 928-6846624, dewpac.org.

Wednesday, February 23

Variety Show Spectacular, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

Dementia Conference Sponsored by Creative Engagement Partners: Discovering New Pathways for Dementia Care, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, free, reservations required, 480-203-8548, admin@slcep.org.

Friday, February 25

Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

Johnny City Band, 7 to 9 p.m., Murphy Park, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, free, glendaleaz.com/liveatmurphypark. (Top party hits) Catholic Daughters of the Americas’ Rummage Sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m, repeats Saturday, February 26, Our Lady of Lourdes, 19002 N. 128th Avenue, Sun City West, free admission, rosemaryd@cox.net.

Saturday, February 26

Variety Show Spectacular, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

Fooz Fighters, 7 to 9 p.m., Murphy Park, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, free,

glendaleaz.com/liveatmurphypark. (Foo Fighters tribute) Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock ‘n’ Roll, 7:30 p.m., repeats 3 p.m. Feb. 27, Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, call for ticket prices, 928-684-6624, dewpac.org.

Sunday, February 27

Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

Monday, February 28

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic, 3 to 6 p.m., Avondale Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale, free, avondalelibrary. org. Maricopa County Department of Public Health and the city of Avondale is asking residents to do their part to protect themselves and those around them by getting vaccinated.

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Thursday, February 24

Malt Shop Memories, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, $49, silverstartheater.com.

Merrymaker Dance, 7 to 10 p.m., Los Palmas Grand, 2550 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa, $10 for member, $12 nonmembers, 360-6079570, dancemm.com. Dance to the sweet sounds of Swing Memories Big Band, playing waltz, foxtrot, swing, Latin and polka. Doors open at 6 p.m. Large wooden dance floor.

Singles and couples welcome. Appropriate casual dress. BYOB and snacks/ refreshments.

Ice is provided. Water available for $1. Local regulations require proof of COVID-19 vaccination at first visit only. Negative 72-hour COVID-19 test required if not vaccinated.

Bread Give Away Drive Thru, 9 to 11 a.m., Community Center, 3930 E. University Drive, Mesa, free, 480-712-7836. Pick up two loaves of bread at no cost, courtesy of United Health Care.

ZeeCeeKeely, 7 to 9 p.m., Murphy Park, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, free, glendaleaz.com/liveatmurphypark. (Reggae) FEBRUARY 2022

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Casinos

The Voice of Romance Johnny Mathis celebrates Valentine’s Day at Talking Stick

BY L. KENT WOLGAMOTT When he was 19 years old, Johnny Mathis was on his way to being signed to Columbia Records. That was in 1955.

Last September, Mathis turned 86. He’s still signed to Columbia Records, and the legendary “Voice of Romance” continues to perform for his fans. He’ll help celebrate Valentine’s Day at 8 p.m. Saturday, February 12, at Talking Stick Resort.

So, what keeps him going for more than 60 years?

“My interest has never waned,” Mathis says in a phone interview.

“But I think a few things fell into probably have drawn it out for so long. I was an athlete as a kid so all my life I have been going to the gym and trying to stay fit, which helps a singer. I still work out five days a week with a trainer. Mentally, I’ve always kind of been open, when I started out, I started studying with an opera singer, so I have lots of variations to keep my attention and just a lot of luck as far as my health is concerned.”

That said, he can keep up with this extensive catalog, something artists half his age struggle with sometimes.

“I think it’s just good luck,” he says.

“Over the years, I’ve admired so many singers along the way and so many of them now don’t sing or can’t sing. I’m still singing. I think it’s a bit of luck and, when I started, my voice teacher taught me some things and said, ‘You do this well and you’ll be able to do this for the rest of your life.’”

And Mathis still loves to perform.

“I love the opportunity to sing in front of people,” Mathis says. “I’ve always felt that way. I’ve been singing since I was a little kid. My father was my biggest fan.

He’s the reason I’m a singer.”

Clem Mathis taught young John Royce to sing his first song, “My Blue Heaven,” and bought him an old $25 piano when the boy was 8. Five years later, Clem took Johnny to meet Connie Cox, an opera singer who taught voice lessons, primarily to well-off youngsters.

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FEBRUARY 2022

“She was quite a wonderful singer herself,” Mathis says. “Along with her paid students, she had about four other people she was teaching for free. I was fortunate to be one of them. She thought maybe I had something I could make a career of.”

While he was studying voice, Mathis was a star athlete at San Francisco’s George Washington High School.

“I was in track and field. I was a high jumper and a hurdler,” Mathis says. “I

was also on the basketball team. It was just something that kids did when they didn’t have any money. We certainly didn’t. My mom and dad raised seven kids on domestic’s wages. Everything I did then had to do with school, even the music. That was always the catalyst for my singing.”

In fact, athletics appeared to be at the heart of Mathis’ future when he enrolled at San Francisco State College (now San Francisco State University) in 1954 to be-

Johnny Mathis continues his more than 60 year career as the “Voice of Romance” with an upcoming performance The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort at 8 p.m.

Saturday, February 12, to celebrate Valentine’s Day. (Photo by Elliot Lee Hazel)

come an English and physical education teacher. While there, he set a high jump record and shared headlines with his SFSC high jumper, Bill Russell, who, of course, went on to be an NBA legend.

Musical fate, however, intervened when a fellow student brought Mathis to the Black Hawk nightclub where, after hearing him, the club owner, Helen Noga, wanted to manage the young singer. In 1955, she persuaded the A&R head of Columbia Records jazz division to hear Mathis — who immediately wanted to sign him.

So, Mathis gave up his chance to be a high jumper on 1956 U.S. Olympic team and traveled to New York where he made his first album, beginning what is now the longest relationship between Columbia and any of its artists.

“I got with a copacetic, sympathetic record company, Columbia Records,” he says. “This is 60 years and more I’ve been with Columbia Records. Even though the hierarchy of the company has changes, I’ve been able to keep my head above water as far as sales are concerned. That’s what the company cares about.”

Mathis has consistently toured over the last 60-plus years. But he wasn’t always playing plush theaters.

“Years and years ago, all by myself, I sang in these tiny, tiny situations,” he says.

“I’d even sing in schools. I’d go sing when they had assemblies. I’d show up. They didn’t have to pay me anything, so why not?”

Mathis, then and now, wasn’t singing rock ‘n’ roll, soul or R&B. Rather, he became a master of often romantic pop.

“Mostly I was concerned with popular songs, songs that would be popular today, tomorrow and the next day,” he says.

“Fortunately, I found a lot of those songs.

It’s a little different now. Kids are the ones who buy the records, their likes and dislikes change all the time. But you can find them, songs that are popular and are pertinent to an audience.”

Those songs, which date back to his second single in 1956, form most of Mathis’ performance.

“They really want those to be part of a performance,” he said. “I sing ‘Misty,’ ‘Chances Are,’ ‘It’s Not for Me to Say.’ They were all my greatest hits. I have one hit that I don’t do, I can’t do. It’s my only No. 1, ‘Too Much, Too Little, Too Late,’ the duet I did with Denise Williams. She’s a wonder-

Mathis...continues on page 23 www.LovinLife.com

Mathis...continued from page 22 ful singer and she’s working all the time.

I can’t bring her out and so I can’t do the song.”

He counts “Misty” as his favorite song.

“The one song that has the most wonderful melody is ‘Misty,’” Mathis says. “It’s quite a deal, in the middle part of the song where I sing a very high note out of nowhere. But I like them all. I have to sing them.”

MORE INFO

What: An Evening with Johnny Mathis When: 8 p.m. Saturday, February 12 Where: The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale Cost: Tickets start at $70 Info: 480-850-777, talkingstickresort.com

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Tyler Henry: The Hollywood Medium

8 p.m. Saturday, February 5, Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $35, 480-850-7777, talkingstickresort.com

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Food & Drink

‘True, Authentic Experience’ Little pieces of Italy to pepper Heritage Square in Phoenix

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI The cobblestone streets of Heritage Square will be peppered with art, food and musicians when the Italian Festival moves from Scottsdale to Downtown Phoenix Saturday, February 26, and Sunday, February 27.

“We really look for ways to make it a true, authentic Italian experience,” says Francesco Guzzo, Italian Association of Arizona’s executive director.

“We want you to feel like you’re walking into a little piece of Italy with the vendors, entertainment, the food and art displays. Those are all things meant to share the Italian tradition, but we also want to give people a sense of how much Italians contribute to the fabric of Arizona.”

This year’s festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday with a parade and opening ceremonies. The day continues with live entertainment and food — gelato, pizza, sausages, pasta, cannoli, wine and other delicacies.

“The food is the standard part of the festival,” Guzzo says. “We call it ‘the authentic true Italian food.’ We don’t even allow fettuccine alfredo. It’s not an Italian dish. A lot of people don’t know that.

“We have vendors — pasta and pizza vendors and Romolo D’Amico will make his famous carbonara. It’s an amazing dish to demonstrate on stage. We’ll have vendors selling traditional pasta sauces, clothing and olive oil.”

Live performances will include Sbandieratori del Palio di Asti (flag wavers) from the city of Asti in Piemonte, and an art gallery with local and international Italian art.

Margherita Fray, a 94-year-old artist, will show off her talents in the gallery.

“She’s bringing some of her pieces of art and her books,” Guzzo says. “Her books have been translated in English and in Italian. That’ll be incredible just to have her there and be part of the community and sign books.”

Blue Door Ceramics’ Christiane Barbato will display her artwork, while Paolo Cosanti pieces will be available, too.

Sunday, the flag wavers and vendors

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FEBRUARY 2022

Executive Director of the Italian Association of Arizona, Francesco Guzzo (left) partnered with Scottsdale’s Cyclologic owners Claudia and Paraic McGlynn to bring vespas and other Italian bicycles for display at the Seventh Italian Festival. (Photo by Dennis Murphy)

return and, like Saturday, they are sponsored by Galbani, Peroni, PepsiCo, Acqua Panna, San Pellegrino, Chelly, DTPHX, Desert Rose Worldwide Transportation and Great Value Vacations.

“The flag wavers are excited about this,” he says. “They’re the traditional group that represents the city of Asti in world competitions in flag waving.

They’ve been doing it for 60 years in Asti.

“All the colors they wear are representative of the different boroughs. It’s quite significant.”

This year, Guzzo says, antique restored Italian vehicles will drive into Heritage Square. Vespas and Italian bicycles from Scottsdale’s Cyclologic will be on display.

“Everything coming out of Italy has an artistic flair to it,” Guzzo says. “Ferraris, Lamborghinis or Bugattis are all pieces of art, even though they’re automobiles.

“It’s a well-choreographed event.

There’s always something interesting or exciting happening. Throughout the day, when people come in, they’ll see some-

thing of interest. There’s never a dull moment.”

Entertainment galore

Galbani will host a demonstration stage, and mixologists will teach patrons to make creative drinks with limoncello and Pellegrino. Many of the sponsors are sending their national representatives to check out the festival.

“We’re working on making it as interesting as possible for everyone,” Guzzo says. “We want to attract families and people of all ages. For the kids, we have balloon artists and the face painter.

“For the grownups, we have the demonstrations, the entertainment by The Sicilian Band from LA. They will play traditional Italian songs on Saturday and Sunday. We have Steve Ansel & The Jackson Street Band, a full eight-piece orchestra to play traditional jazz that people love.”

Saturday night is for eating and dancing to the band Element. The opera sing-

ers D Gala will perform on both days, closing out the festival on Sunday.

Organizers are mindful of the COVID-19 pandemic and deem Heritage Square safe, with its outdoor seating. Cleaning crews will be working diligently to sanitize the area. Facemasks will be available at the entrance.

“We’re doing what we can to make sure everything is comfortable,” Guzzo says.

“We want people to enjoy the entire day without feeling like there’s a concern in any way. It’ll be fun. The whole thing is catered to make sure everyone has fun and enjoys themselves.”

Heritage Square is new to the Italian Festival. Previously, the festivities were held at the Scottsdale Waterfront.

“It’s a beautiful part of Scottsdale, but we ran out of space,” he says. “There was only room for 5,000 people a day to come through there.

“Phoenix had been courting us about hosting the festival there. This year, we decided to host it at Heritage Square in Downtown Phoenix. The space allows for typically three times the number of people we would normally get. It has the greenery — grass and trees — cobblestone roads and courtyards. It lends itself to creating a cozy space for a beautiful event like the Italian Festival.”

MORE INFO

What: The Italian Association’s Seventh Italian Festival When: 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 26, and 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, February 27 Where: Heritage Square, corner of East Adams and North Seventh streets, Phoenix Cost: $15; free for children ages 12 and younger Info: italianfestivalaz.com www.LovinLife.com

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How did charcuterie boards become so popular and an Instagram sensation?

If I had to guess, I’d say they found their groove simply because the pictures of them are highly, well, Instagrammable!

These gorgeous oversized platters piled with delectable meats, cheeses, nuts, dried fruits, pickles, olives, pepperoncini and specialty mustards have become a hit for movie watching, game night and, of course, for big sporting events like the Super Bowl or World Series.

Plus, folks just can’t get enough of posting pics and videos of this trending moveable feast. But I have another idea for this treat tray.

It’s a candy charcuterie board, and I’ve incorporated so many fun ideas that my tray has everything from vintage and retro candy favorites and Southwestern sweets to fan favorites and state fair fare.

The idea for the candy charcuterie board follows the same criteria as the meat and cheese boards. First, I think a charcuterie board is a conversation piece.

We love to gather and share morsels of gourmet goodness that spark comments as we graze. My candy charcuterie board is no different. It’s meant to remind people of their favorite candy growing up, specialty treats from their own regions of the country, some fun novelty candies and, of course, it’s loaded up with everyone’s favorite chocolate bars, hard candies, licorice and even popcorn to balance out the sweet!

So, here’s how I put my candy charcuterie board together!

Step 1: Choose a tray or board. Mine was 18 inches by 12 inches.

Step 2: Look for fun, colorful containers and scoops. Party City is a great place to start.

Step 3: For retro and vintage candy, I included: Necco Wafers, candy necklaces, Sugar Daddys, candy cigarettes, Pixy Stix

and Beemans, Clove and Blackjack gum.

Step 4: For regional treats, I included Mexican Del La Rosa Marzipan candy and a taco made of gummy candies.

Step 5: For novelties, I added SpongeBob SquarePants gummy hamburgers, cotton candy and tins of mint “Impowermints,” “Enlightenmints” and “14th Amendmints”!

Step 6: Add a lot of fan favorites: bubble gum, M&M’s, hard candies, old-fashioned candy stick, licorice and Boston baked beans.

Step 7: Look for treats that give back.

ACE Hardware sells chocolate bars that help raise money for children’s hospitals around the country.

Step 8: Incorporating mini boxes of freshly popped popcorn helps balance out the sweet with salty.

Step 9: Find sweets and treats with a theme. For instance, for the Super Bowl, include chocolate footballs and mini toothpick pennants.

Where to find these items

I found all my fun retro, vintage and novelty candies and mints at Old Town Candy and Toys, 4000 N. Scottsdale Road, oldtowncandyandtoys.com.

Scoops, candy containers, mini popcorn boxes, chocolate footballs and pennants, individually wrapped bite-sized candy and Pixy Stix are available at Party City.

Food City has the Del La Rosa Marzipan candy.

Watch Jan D’Atri’s how-to videos at https://bit.ly/JanDAtri. www.LovinLife.com

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Columns

Hospice Is Hope

HOV patient shares collection of nearly 2 million stamps

BY LIN SUE FLOOD It was 1939, and Monroe Wingate was just 9 years old when his father returned home from a business trip with a little package of German stamps. Two of them depicted an eagle circling the world with a swastika. Hitler’s invasion of Europe was all over the news and the young boy knew he was holding a piece of history.

Over the last 81 years, Monroe has cataloged 962,000 stamps using a software program that helps him keep track of what he has. But he is only halfway through his collection. “Honestly, I never met a stamp I didn’t like,” the 90-year-old chuckles. “Some collectors specialize in butterfly stamps or something. But I love them all and that’s my problem.”

Stamp collecting may have begun as a hobby, but now it’s his life’s work. “Every stamp tells a story,” he says. “Commemorative ones celebrate statehood, for example. Others are pieces of art. They all have variations in watermarks and perforations. To me, every one of them is a miniature painting.”

After respiratory illness reduced Monroe’s mobility several years ago, he “gave up sailing and golf,” his wife, Peggy, says.

“But he’s never, ever bored. He can sit for hours studying stamps, storing them in

albums or deciding which ones to bid on in auctions.”

When Monroe’s Hospice of the Valley social worker, Thomas Corrigan, saw the extensive collection in the couple’s Scottsdale home, he felt compelled to introduce his patient to someone who would truly appreciate his passion for stamps.

“I just knew he would enjoy sharing what he’s been working on for decades,” Thomas says. Which is how, one sunny morning, Monroe met Kevin Lesk, president of the Phoenix Philatelic Association, who was duly impressed. “This is a wonderful — the sort of thing you rarely encounter. Monroe is the epitome of a true collector who’s in it for the enjoyment and collecting for the love of it.”

The camaraderie was instant. Both men paged through heavy volumes holding hundreds of colorful stamps from faraway places. Some mark world events like the Olympic Games; others feature Hollywood legends or capture pieces of history like the trio of Graf Zeppelin stamps.

That particular set was issued for letters that the airships carried to Europe in the 1930s.

“When people share their collections, their stamps educate us — about the past or current events or art or culture,” Kev-

in says. “It’s a hobby for anyone who is curious about the world. And collecting isn’t just for the rich… it’s available on any budget.”

Enthusiasts and serious collectors can attend the Aripex Stamp Show from Friday, February 18, to Sunday, February 20, at the Mesa Convention Center. This year, 47 exhibitors will display their collections.

For details, visit aripex.org. Kevin will give free appraisals to anyone who is wondering what their stamps may be worth.

Monroe won’t be at the show this year, but he’s already looking forward to Kev-

(Top) Graf Zeppelin stamps are some of the most popular and valuable stamps from the 1900s. (Above) Phoenix Philatelic Association president Kevin Lesk, left, admires Monroe Wingate’s collection. The large map above Monroe’s desk inspires him to research and pursue stamps from all over the world. (Photos courtesy of Hospice of the Valley)

in’s next visit. “I love being able to share my collection,” he says softly. “I wish more people did it.”

Lin Sue Flood is community engagement director at Hospice of the Valley. To learn about programs and volunteer opportunities, visit hov.org or call 602-530-6900.

(Left to Right) The Legends of Hollywood series features likenesses of stars like Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman; Monroe Wingate has collected nearly 2 million stamps from around the world; One of many stamps commemorating the U.S. Olympic Games.

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The Healthy Geezer

Alcoholism is a common cause of seniors’ injuries

BY FRED CICETTI

Q

How extensive is alcoholism among older people?

A

Alcoholism is a serious problem among seniors. Here are just a few statistics that tell the story: • About 70% of hospital admissions for older adults are for illness and accidents related to alcohol.

• About half of older adults in nursing homes have an alcohol problem.

• Older adults lose an average of 10 years off their lives because of alcohol abuse.

• About 80% of doctors misdiagnose alcoholism as depression in older women.

• The highest-growing number of alcoholics is among 75-year-old widowers.

• About 10% of patients over age 60 who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are actually suffering from brain damage caused by alcoholism.

“Alcohol abuse among older adults is something few want to talk about or deal with,” says Charles Curie, former administrator of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

“Too often family members are ashamed of the problem and choose not to address it. Health care providers tend not to ask older patients about alcohol abuse if it wasn’t a problem in their lives in earlier years.

“Sometimes the symptoms are mistaken for those of dementia, depression or other problems common to older adults.

Unfortunately, too many older persons turn to alcohol as a comfort, following the death of a spouse, a divorce, retirement or some other major life change, unaware that they are markedly affecting the quality of their lives.”

A few definitions:

Alcohol abuse: Alcohol abuse does not include strong craving, loss of control or physical dependence. Alcohol abuse is defined as drinking that causes problems in your life such as failing at work, getting arrested for drunken driving, or hurting someone physically or emotionally because of drinking.

Moderate drinking: Moderate drinking is defined as consuming up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older people. A standard drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.

The American Medical Association offers the following list of physical symptoms to diagnose alcoholism. If an older person shows several symptoms, there is a high probability of alcoholism.

• Bruises, abrasions and scars in locations that might suggest frequent falls, bumping into objects, physical altercations or other violent behavior.

• Cigarette burns on the fingers.

• Flushed or florid faces.

• Jerky eye movement or loss of central vision.

• Damage to nerves, causing numbness and tingling.

• Hypertension, particularly systolic (the first number).

• Gastrointestinal or other bleeding.

• Cirrhosis or other evidence of liver impairment, such as swelling in the lower extremities, and other signs of fluid retention.

• Psoriasis.

Alcoholism: Alcoholism is a disease with four symptoms: craving or compulsion to drink, the inability to limit drinking, high alcohol tolerance, and physical dependence.

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