Lovin' Life After 50: Southeast - June 2018 by Times Media Group

June 2018 | Southeast Valley

Big Chill

Gelato Dolce Vita keeps it cool

Cash Inn

The truth about reverse mortgages

Cottonwood

A big deal small town

Aging in Place

New communities offer upscale care

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THIS ISSUE

SUN LAKES, AZ

10 Aging in Place

Today’s senior communities offer upscale amenities with plenty of options

ASK ABOUT THE NEW E-Z-GO ‘LITHIUM’ POWERED CART 2018 E-Z-GO LX

2018 E-Z-GO RXV ELITE

Opinion

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Leibo At Large Sound Off

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Ask Gabby Gayle News Briefs

Features

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Seeing the Light

Dispelling myths about senior depression

Entertainment

Tinseltown Talks

Calendar of Events A Decade of Dance

24 25

Puzzles Trivia Contest

Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli brings culture to Arizona

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Travel

T AIL U O LN AB A NT G K E AS FUN TM A R U TRE

28 Viva La Mexico City

Eight Days in the capital of Mexico, Part 1

Dining

38 Culinary Adventures

Clever Koi’s new menu items will delight epicurean explorers

Columns

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Cash Inn

Tap into ‘trapped equity’ with a reverse mortgage

Star Power

Debby Boone lights up the stage in 42nd Street

18 21

Aging Today Hospice Is Hope

Judith Durham looks back at The Seekers

Cottonwood

Big Chill

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A big deal small town

Gelato Dolce Vita keeps it cool

What’s Cooking?

Pan-seared steak with butter and herbs

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Lynette Carrington, Lin Sue Cooney, Jan D’Atri, Justin Ferris, Sherry Jackson, Kenneth LaFave, Gayle LagmanAlly Richmond, Allyson Wittekind Senior Account Executives Creswick, Laura Latzko, David Leibowitz, Allison Neri, Greg Peterson, Lara Piu, Bob Lou Lagrave, Gordon Wood Roth, Alison Stanton, Nick Thomas

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Opinion Leibo At Large

Breeded dog no cup of tea for this golfer

SHE DIDN’T WANT A FUNERAL.

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Today’s “Sign Of Impending Apocalypse” comes to us courtesy of Mr. Fairway Dog Walker of Phoenix, who enjoys strolls along an active golf course where I am a regular player. While I have yet to successfully brain this gent with an iron shot, I have spoken to him frequently about his dog. He’s very proud of the animal, which currently weighs 25 ounces and resembles a ball of dryer lint after you do a load of beige towels. “Her name is Khaleesi, after the queen from Game of Thrones,” he told me while the dog barked at my golf ball, positioned in rough that came up to the dog’s tiny snout. “She’s a Teacup Morkie.” As it so happens, a Morkie is not named after the spaceman character Mork from Robin Williams’ 1970s sitcom, Mork and Mindy. Instead, a Morkie is a tiny designer puppy created by breeding a purebred Yorkshire terrier with a purebred Maltese. According to Khaleesi’s owner, this creates an animal that is “super smart and just incredibly playful. She has so much energy.” This the puppy demonstrated by emitting a high-pitched yipping noise timed perfectly with my backswing. The ball went dead left into a greenside sand trap. Mr. Dog Walker and Khaleesi accompanied me onward, which led to me asking what such a genetic canine masterpiece costs. Here’s a life hint for you: Whenever someone says, “Oh, I’d be embarrassed to tell you what I paid” for something, they will tell you the exact price, to the penny, within 30 seconds. Which is how I know that Khaleesi the Morkie cost $4,000, “when you count in plane tickets to Wisconsin to pick her up from the breeder.” Is it any wonder that I skulled the ball out of the bunker and across the green? “You hit that a little thin,” said Mr. Dog Walker. To which I replied, “You know, at its

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present weight, your dog costs 160 bucks an ounce. That’s probably more expensive than cocaine.” Khaleesi’s owner seemed unamused. Khaleesi seemed to be sizing up my downhill chip shot like a tiny caddie. I ran it four feet past the hole. This drew more yipping – from both of us. Me: “You know the Humane Society will give you a perfectly good dog for like, a couple hundred bucks, right?” Morkie Man seemed unimpressed. He explained that Morkies have been a tradition in his family since the late 1990s. “We had one when the kids were growing up,” he explained. “My son and daughter have male Morkies. And now we have Khaleesi.” Who was emitting a peanut-size pellet of something while her owner spoke. “She does seem smart,” I observed. “At least she didn’t go in the line of my putt.” “It’s a coveted cross,” Mr. Dog Walker explained. “Some folks pay far more than we did. People even finance them, or lease to own. Though we just buy.” Later, I did some online research. People do in fact lease dogs, though not in California or Nevada, which have outlawed dog leasing. Financing a Morkie through a pet loan remains legal, however. I’m unclear on how the repossession laws work, though. Nor was I clear about the speed of my putt, which I tried to time in between Morkie yips. My ball came up approximately two Khaleesis short. “That’s unfortunate,” said the man with the $4,000 dog the size of a cantaloupe. “Double bogey, right?” I nodded. “How long do Morkies live?” I wondered. “Our first one lived 12 years,” he explained. “That’s about average for Morkies, I’d guess.” Not if I see Khaleesi again it won’t be. David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

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Local Opinions

Sound Off I am equally heartbroken and outraged every time I learn of another vicious left-wing attack on my president. Every unverified allegation is elevated to the level of truth, and printed or reported with references to “unnamed sources.” I believe that the majority of these dissenters and Trump haters have little knowledge of what is really going on in this country and the world because they are unceasingly bombarded with the lies and fake news of a biased and out of control media, whose only agenda is the removal

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The Abigail column (“Ask Gabby Gayle”), I was reading and I really enjoy it. That’s the first one that I look for when I get Lovin’ Life. I don’t always agree, but I really enjoy it, so in the May ‘18 Lovin’ Life, she was talking about a movie theater and there was a couple in front of this other older couple and the young couple were kissing and all that, and anyway it just struck me… I have this saying that I say to myself, which is: “I deserve to avoid unnecessary involvement and unnecessary interference. If it is for the good of myself and others, it’s a must.” That last part, if it’s good for myself and others, I think of that before I step in and try to do something. The only problem is, that doesn’t always work so well. Maybe I should say it to myself more often, because when I’m really stressed, I tend to forget that and I might speak things that aren’t good. I had another occasion where there was a man who was in a car and he didn’t respond. He was an elderly man; I live with elderly people. It really frightened me and he was in the driver’s seat. His head was kind of down and I tried to wake him. I didn’t know if he was sleeping or dead, so I tried real hard. I guess it wasn’t hard enough, but anyways I went inside and called 911 and the rescue truck came. The problem was, the man had been working 16 hours or something and he was just sleeping and didn’t respond. So I thought to myself, “The next time I see some guy who looks like he’s dead, forget it, I’m not gonna interfere.” Hi. I was reading last month’s edition of Lovin’ Life and I happened to look at “Sound Off,” and maybe it’s been a while since I read that, but I was so tickled to see Drew Alexander’s name mentioned because I sure was glad when he moved on… I just did not like his articles and I just wouldn’t even read them, and I see the article in last month’s issue praising his comments – pretty rotten. I just wanted to say I like the direction the paper’s going in now. How could anybody say he’s so funny and missed? So just thought I’d pass that on to you for what it was worth. Keep up the good work.

of Trump from office at any cost – even murder – and the destruction of all conservative voices. I highly doubt that this will be printed because all that is valued in this political climate is the anti-Trump rantings from the other side. It’s unfortunate that you only allow 100 words because I have much more to say. I believe that conservatives must speak up, and I will continue to push back through “Sound Off ” or by any other means necessary. I am so terrified by what is happening to my beloved country, the threats to its Constitution, and the destruction of its values. God help us all! I’m a 66-year-old white male that gladly voted for Donald Trump in 2016 but will also vote for him in 2020. I haven’t been this happy since Reagan was elected. Watching election night in November 2016 was pure joy. The mainstream media like CNN and MSNBC were stunned. They thought Hillary would win in a landslide. Trump has done more for this country in a short time than Obama did in eight years. He’s cut regulations on business, restored our friendship with Israel, cut taxes and is going after illegal aliens. Of course the best thing he’s done is keep Hillary out of the White House.

How about that recent formal picture of the leaders of America and France together with their wives? Melania Trump, 20 years younger than the president. Brigitte Macron, 20 years older than the French president. To each his own.

We Want to Hear from You! Your message might be printed in the next issue!

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Ask Gabby Gayle

Age is just a number BY GAYLE LAGMAN-CRESWICK

Dear Gabby Gayle:

The other day, we had a family get-together. Lots of fun, chaos and children. I overheard two of my nieces talking and one said to the other, “We should ask Old Aunt Margaret.” That is me – Old Aunt Margaret. I almost choked on my margarita! I am only 56 years old! I wanted to give them a whack on the side of the head. I cannot understand how these junior high girls do not understand that 56 is not old! I think I should talk to my sister (their mother) about educating them. What do you think?

Signed, Insulted

Dear Insulted:

Pardon me, but I had a good laugh over that one. I can remember my niece thinking 40 was old. Now that I am almost 79, I don’t think 80 is old! Kids probably think anyone 25 years older than they are is old. Age is just a number. I have seen 56-year-olds that seemed kind of old, and I have seen 90-year-olds who are spry and fit and do not seem “old.” I suppose we should take the word “old” right out of our speech, because it makes so many feel uptight. A little autistic boy in my class said to me after studying my face for many days, “Grandma Gayle, your face has many roads on it.” After a good laugh, I answered, “Yes, I do, and they are well-traveled roads.” Learn to laugh it off. Laugh wrinkles are better than frown wrinkles! Enjoy aging. Many do not have the privilege.

G.G.

Dear Gabby Gayle:

Our mother is 65 years old and has a chronic illness, which I won’t go into here. She has been going downhill for about five years. The doctors said there is a chance that she could have a liver transplant. She says “no.” She does not want any more treatment. She says she is tired. I am the oldest of the four children and I say we should honor her wishes. My siblings are doing everything they can to talk her into signing up for a transplant. Just curious what you think?

Signed, Dilemma www.LovinLife.com

Dear Dilemma:

That is a heavy burden you are carrying. I can only tell you what I would hope my kids would do, and that is to honor my wishes. It is my body; no other person can know what I am going through and have gone through to get to this point. I see everyday people spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to live a few more months. That is not my personal desire. If it is yours, I respect that, too. Sending you and your family good thoughts – most of all, love your mother and try not to upset her. This is a good time to remind everyone to get their personal wishes, as well as their legal wishes, polished up – you never know when you will need them!

G.G.

Dear Gabby Gayle:

I am a widower of four years and I joined one of those dating sites. However, I cannot bring myself to get very friendly with anyone. There seems to be some nice women on there, but every time I start to get friendly, I feel like my deceased wife is giving me the pig-eye. She was the jealous type, and I cannot shake the feeling that she would not like this. She would be saying, “Shame on you for even thinking of going out!” My friend suggested asking you how to get over this. So here I am.

Signed, WB

Dear WB:

I think you need a professional counselor to get over this, but I can offer some words to think about! First of all, your wife is officially gone, hopefully to a better place where she is filled with love and does not have jealousy in her program anymore! You are not only free, but I’m sure you have her blessing. Once you invite some nice woman for coffee, you will probably shake off this cloak of guilt. You go on and test the water! If this does not work, get professional counseling, please. Life is short.

G.G.

If you have questions for Gabby Gayle, please send them to “Ask Gabby Gayle” at lagmancreswick@gmail.com.

JUNE 2018 |

News Briefs BY LLAF STAFF

Cypress HomeCare Solutions wins Better Business Bureau’s Torch Awards for Ethics Serving the Maricopa County region since 1994, Cypress HomeCare Solutions has been recognized once again by the Better Business Bureau with their Torch Awards for Ethics. The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics recognizes companies that exemplify strong ethics, leadership and social responsibility. In 2013, Cypress HomeCare Solutions recently won its second Torch Award for Ethics Cypress was the first home from the Better Business Bureau. (Photo courtesy Cypress HomeCare Solutions) healthcare agency to be nominated for Solutions is a great example of a company always looking to grow. They’ve taken past this award and was selected as the winner. accomplishments and accolades and found After waiting the required five years to be considered again, they find themselves ways to top even those shining moments to bring more value to the communities they the 2018 winner of this prestigious award. Matthew Fehling, BBB President/CEO, had this serve. Congratulations to Bob (Roth) and the Cypress team.” to say about their win: “Cypress HomeCare

League of Women Voters of Arizona is a finalist for national award The League of Women Voters of Arizona (LWVAZ) was selected as a finalist for the “Strengthening Democracy” Award by the League of Women Voters of the United States for the “Removing Barriers to the Ballot Box – LWVAZ Voters’ Rights Summit.” The winners will be announced at the organization’s upcoming 53rd National Convention in Chicago on June 30. This honor is awarded to one state league and one local league for projects that activate their grassroots network to empower voters and advocate change around key issues such as protecting voting rights or increasing voter registration and turnout. The goal of the Voters’ Rights Summit was to gather individuals, organizations, elected officials, educators,

students, election-law experts and anyone interested in voting issues to hear a rich diversity of speakers. Representatives Robyn Prud’homme Bauer and Alice Stambaugh, co- Carol Mattoon of Sun City will state presidents, attend the League of Women and Carol Mat- Voters’ National Convention. (Photo courtesy LWVAZ) toon, Summit Chair, will attend the National Convention.

Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s Guild appoints new officers for the 2018-2019 year Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s Guild appointed new officers at its general meeting on May 7. The new officers are President Marjorie Favia, 1st Vice President Mary Ann Anthony, 2nd Vice President Gwen Diebold, Secretary Mary Fox, Assistant Secretary Carol Byrne, Treasurer Irene Zawicki, and Assistant Treasurer Linda Osgood. This was the last general meeting of the Women’s Guild until September. There are many events scheduled for the Guild, including its annual bazaar, which will be held in October. For information regarding the Women’s Guild, please contact Marjorie Favia at 623-544-3822.

Valley of the Sun JCC takes its Culture & Learning adult program on the road The Valley of the Sun JCC takes its Culture & Learning adult program on the road this summer. Atria Senior Living in Scottsdale is hosting a summer series featuring mentalist Brett Barry on June 5, author and singer/ entertainer Tom LaGravinese on June 12 and Bob Hope impressionist Lynn “Win” Roberts

on July 17. All programs begin at 10:30 a.m. and include a kosher-style lunch at 11:40 a.m. Cost for J members is $5, guests pay $8. Atria Senior Living is located at 1400 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard in Scottsdale. Transportation to Atria Senior Living will be on a first come, first served basis.

New partnership announces senior living community Azure Mesa Real estate and architecture company Ryan Companies US, Inc. and senior living development firm Cadence Senior Living are coming together to create a new, upscale senior living community called Azure Mesa. When completed, this Rendering of the upcoming Azure Mesa senior living community. (Rendering community will have 142 in- courtesy Ryan Companies US, Inc.) dependent or assisted living units and 28 units devoted that empowers its residents to live life to the to memory care. The project is expected to be fullest. The community is located on eight finished in the summer of 2019. acres adjacent to Granite Reef Park, making “We are thrilled to be kicking off construc- it close to restaurants, retail, recreation and tion on the first Azure project with Cadence medical services. Azure Mesa itself has ameniSenior Living,” said Tyler Wilson, vice president ties such as dining options, a movie theater, of Ryan Companies’ real estate development. hair salon, craft studios, fitness centers, exam “Together, we will develop industry-leading rooms, and a secure memory garden. senior living communities that will foster viThe Cadence-Ryan group is continuing to brant experiences and lasting relationships work on the project and hopes to begin on for residents.” a second Azure location in North Scottsdale The partners hope to create a community soon.

Humana creates biweekly coffee club for Mesa veterans Mesa’s Humana community center recently started a Veterans Coffee Club. This club is a safe space for veterans to meet and share their stories while sipping on coffee or tea. Most weeks, Humana invites a guest speaker to come and share information and resources with the veterans. This June, the speaker will be from the Mesa Vet Center and will be discussing the Mesa Center and how to navigate the VA system. The club meets the first and third Monday of every month from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 5942 E. McKellips Road. Humana’s location is open to the public, so anyone is free to attend.

In addition to the Coffee Club, the Humana center also offers fitness classes, health and well-being classes, technology classes, and more. Humana is dedicated to supporting the military and helping veterans. Their commitment has been acknowledged by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the Veteran Jobs Mission, the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). If you are interested in joining the Veterans Coffee Club or would like more information about Humana, call 480-325-4707 or visit humana.com/mesacommunity.

Former investment advisor indicted for allegedly stealing retirement accounts

The new officers for Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s Guild. (Photo courtesy Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s Guild)

| JUNE 2018

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced on May 29 that a State Grand Jury indicted former investment advisor Howard M. Price III for allegedly stealing $475,000 from his client’s retirement accounts. Price, 44, is charged with one count of fraudulent schemes and artifices and three counts of theft. An Arizona Corporation Commission investigation revealed Price has not been

registered to sell securities or licensed to provide investment advice in Arizona since 2012. From 2013 to 2017, Price allegedly convinced three clients to roll over their IRA money to his firm, Howard Price Wealth Management. Once Price gained control of the money, the State alleges he misused the funds to make purchases at bars and restaurants in Scottsdale and Arcadia.

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Older Adults are Also Victims of Sexual Abuse • 1 in 6 women has experienced sexual violence by an intimate partner. • 18% of women raped each year are age 60 or older. • Women are 6 times more likely to suffer sexual abuse than men.

#WeToo Should Report

Sexual Abuse

• Older sexual abuse victims often do not report the abuse to authorities because victims are ashamed and worried about stigma or retaliation by people they depend upon for care. • Sexual abuse impacts health and causes trauma, depression, and anxiety.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – JUNE 15 –

602-264-HELP (4357) aaaphx.org

Sexual assault should be reported to law enforcement Call or Text 911 If you suspect that a vulnerable adult has been a victim of abuse, contact Adult Protective Services 1-877-767-2385 TDD: 1-877-815-8390 www.azdes.gov/reportadultabuse

JUNE 2018 |

Features

AGING in

Place

Today’s senior communities offer upscale care with plenty of options and amenities BY SHERRY JACKSON There comes a point for all of us, some begrudgingly, when we realize it’s time to downsize and look for accommodations that can carry us throughout our senior years. But seniors today don’t want the stark, almost hospital-like facilities of yesteryear. They want to age in place, never having to move again, and enjoy an active lifestyle with resort-grade amenities; fresh, healthful, chef-driven cuisine; and plenty of activities to keep minds and bodies active and fit. There are many communities across the Valley (with many more under construction) that fit the bill. Almost all of them offer independent living with private accommodations in an apartment-style atmosphere, assisted living with 24/7 staff availability and memory care options for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. But some have a twist -- imagine feeding alpacas or horses or walking down an Italian-themed Main Street. Here’s a look at a few of the better options for aging in place, with grace.

The Palazzo

At The Palazzo in central Phoenix, residents enjoy a Main Street, Italianesquefeel in its 15-acre resort-style adult community. Residents can walk down the inside promenade area, reminiscent of a cruise ship or European city, with fountains and street lamps. They can visit the gift shop, post office, hair salon, internet café, library or enjoy a quick bite at the bistro. Outdoor courtyards, a heated swimming pool, hot tub, cinema and fitness facilities add to the resort-like feel. Jack Aronauer, vice president of operations, returned to the Phoenix area about two years ago to take over the property and set about renovating it. With more than 25 years in the industry, Aronauer

rebranded the property (it was formerly known as Chris Ridge) with plans to invest more than $5 million in renovations. Renovations have included a new common social area, new dining room and revamping 99 independent living apartments, converting them to assisted living. “The need for assisted living is growing nationwide,” says Mark Aronauer, marketing director for The Palazzo. “Everyone is getting older and is looking for socialization and care components.” The Palazzo offers a full continuum of care with independent, assisted, skilled nursing and memory care with its 360 private and companion apartments. Apartments in the community are on the larger scale, with one bedrooms ranging from 670 square feet and up to 960 square feet for a two-bedroom unit. For independent living, meals, housekeeping and activities are included. “It’s the comfort of knowing that additional care is there,” Mark Aronauer says. “We offer home care services to our residents when they need it and can personalize the assistance. Being self-managed, instead of part of a large organization, allows The Palazzo to be much more resident-focused.” As residents age in place and need more care, all they need to do is switch to assisted living, Mark says. “Some residents can still do some things on their own but might need light care. We offer a personalized care plan with caregivers available 24 hours a day.” The Palazzo has a separate, secured neighborhood for the safety of those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The Palazzo also incorporates a Montessori-based memory care program that is tailored to the individual’s abilities and interests. Skilled nursing is available to anyone,

| JUNE 2018

The Palazzo offers 360 private and companion apartments. Left: A new fitness center is part of extensive renovations at The Palazzo. (Photos by Melissa Fossum)

not just residents of The Palazzo. “It’s part of our offering – a full circle of care – available to residents that might need rehab or people who don’t live at The Palazzo but need rehab and therapy after a hospital stay to improve before going home. We really are caring at all levels,” Mark says. “The community has an uplifting, elegant feel that makes you feel like you are in a small European town,” Mark adds. “We want to bring residents the beauty of Scottsdale living at affordable central Phoenix prices.”

My Father’s Retirement Ranch

Residents of My Father’s Retirement Ranch can expect a different sort of retirement community. Located in the heart of Wickenburg, the community is surrounded by 22 acres of rolling hills and mesquite trees. The community includes both independent and assisted senior living options with 17 luxury ranchitos/casitas residences, 35 standard apartments and an assisted living lodge. It’s a family-run business with owner and co-founder Bill Cowles heading things up. His wife, Carolyn Cowles, oversees the culinary program, marketing and independent living. Their eldest son, Chip, acts as executive director. Bill and Carolyn started My Father’s Retirement Ranch in 1979 after taking an elderly neighbor into their home who needed to

be cared for. They started taking care of more seniors, adding more property to their homesite and expanded a little at a time. “Bill has a very big heart with Christian values,” Carolyn says. “He had a vision and has really worked hard to get to it.” At the ranch, it’s the details that matter. Food is made fresh. Windows are lower so residents in wheelchairs and beds can see the sweeping lawns, fountains, gazebos, trees and flowers. A windmill and long, winding road add to the ambiance. High ceilings and lots of windows let in natural light and there’s not a stair or step on the property. “We wanted to keep it looking like home. It’s very family-oriented,” Carolyn says. In addition to a heated swimming pool and spa, fitness center and community area with fireplace and flat-screen TV, residents can participate in a variety of activities such as painting classes, walking groups, outings to nearby restaurants and parades and activities around town. There’s also happy hour on Fridays and a donut hour on Saturdays. “We like to keep them pretty active,” Carolyn says. “We have a great variety of options to keep our residents connected to the outside community.” Residents can also help feed and care for the four alpacas and two horses that are always at the ranch.

Seniors...continued on page 12 www.LovinLife.com

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Seniors...continued from page 10 Activity directors create customized programs for memory care residents. “We want them to feel plugged into and necessary to the world,” Carolyn says. The ranch stays connected to the Wickenburg community by hosting annual picnics, inviting more than 200 people, including local first-responders, families and other community members. The ranch keeps growing with a new casita and four new ranchitos under construction. Another set of ranchitos are planned for next year. But it also plans to remain small. Carolyn says, “The fact that we’re smaller gives us the opportunity to do more catered care.”

LivGenerations Agritopia

Nestled in the award-winning masterplanned community of Agritopia, LivGenerations Agritopia offers 122 residential units with independent and assisted living. “Our community is rather unique because we’re located in and are a part of Agritopia, which borders on farmland in Gilbert,” says Stephanie Templeton, executive director at LivGenerations Agritopia. “We’re just down the street from Joe’s Farm Grill near the Community Garden so we’re really embedded in the community itself.”

“We serve a variety of residents, many of which are very active, independent folks,” she adds. There are generously equipped fitness rooms with a variety of exercise classes available, including yoga and tai-chi. Residents can take part in several classes or a game of chess in one of the activity rooms or opt for a game of foosball or pool in the billiards room. “We also pride ourselves on our dining experience,” Templeton says. Meals are fresh. Residents can have a glass of wine with dinner with fresh seafood regularly brought in. There’s also a wine room and a Victorian-style tea room where high tea is served regularly. Any of the community’s studio, one- or two-bedroom units can be optioned as independent or assisted living. A separate, secured area is available for memory care. Residents enjoy nicely landscaped grounds, a dog park and barbecue area with picnic tables as well as a happy hour each Friday with dancing. “We have a very vibrant community that is also very civic-minded,” Templeton says. Residents and team members work with local charities doing toy drives, water drives and care packages for servicemen and women. LivCommunities arranges and encourages its team memARIZONA’S MOST

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LivGenerations Agritopia is part of a master-planned community in Gilbert. (Photos special to LLAF)

bers do local charity work. “There’s just a great, friendly, warm feel from the moment you enter our community,” Templeton says.

Renaissance

Located in Sun Lakes, Renaissance is Robson Resort Communities’ first foray into the independent and assisted senior care space. Built 18 years ago, Renaissance consists of two buildings with 434 independent and assisted living residences. “It was really ahead of its time as far

style, luxury active adult communities, has its second senior living community under construction – Robson Reserve at PebbleCreek. Additional Robson Resort Communities are in the planning stages.

The Mission at Agua Fria

Opening in July, The Mission at Agua Fria plans to bring 90 brand new private residences to Peoria. In its first phase, the community will offer assisted and memory care. A second phase is expected to include independent living apartments. Apartments will be studios and one bedrooms, with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, some with vaulted ceilings and courtyard views, says Crystal Hovar, sales and marketing director for the community. A dog park, café, movie theater, game room, fitness center, chapel, and beauty salon are just some of the amenities The Renaissance in Sun Lakes offers resort-style amenities. residents can expect. Cognitive therapy, physical fitness, as the size of its apartments,” says Heidi Royter, senior vice president, Robson social parties and activities will also be Senior Living. “Each unit is like a condo. available for all the residents, Hovar says. That’s important for residents who are The Mission at Agua Fria will be utilizing an aroma therapy program for the residownsizing from a family home.” Amenities are abundant at Renais- dents, with sensory rooms to help comsance. There are regular happy hours fort and calm residents with health and and chef demos, plus a resort-style pool behavioral issues. with water activities, a movie theater, chapel and gift shop. A recently opened ice cream parlor is also a big hit. “There’s so much to do within our community,” Royter says. “Robson is always staying on the cutting edge. Rendering of The Mission at Agua Fria in Peoria, opening July of 2018. From food service to acThe small community is owned by a lotivities, it’s all about the hospitality, even cal investment group managed by Scottthough it’s a residential environment.” Robson, which also develops resort- sdale accountant Douglas Hamilton.

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JUNE 2018 |

Seeing the Light

Dispelling myths about senior depression BY LARA PIU According to a recent study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately one in five Americans suffers from mental illness. That equates to roughly 42.5 million people, and Arizona seniors are among the top populations suffering – in United Health Group’s 2018 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report, Arizona ranked 31 in overall health, plummeting eight spots since last year. During that time, a 15 percent increase in senior suicides was also recorded. Mental Health America ranks our sunny state even lower, naming it 49th in the country for overall mental health, with high numbers of mental illness cases and low access to care. Medicare regulations might explain some of these statistics, explains Dr. Kristen Ray, DBH, LPC, Behavioral Health Director, Counseling & Social Health at Bayless Integrated Healthcare. According to the doctor, psychologists and clinical social workers are the sole

professionals approved to provide mental health services to people with Medicare. The exclusion of counselors, marriage and family counselors, and supervised associate level clinicians limits their options. In addition, mental illness is often misunderstood, especially when it comes to depression in seniors, says Keith Crnic, Ph.D. He’s the Department of Psychology Foundation Professor at Arizona State University and a Resident and Board Chair for the Institute for Mental Health Research (IMHR), a Valley-based nonprofit that brings mental health education and awareness to the public. “In a lot of ways, mental health is misunderstood. It still represents a stigma for individuals with mental health problems,” Dr. Crnic explains. “This is a health problem like any other health problem.”

• They’re not trying. • They’re lazy. • This is a choice. • They are really different from us.

Overall thinking about depression in seniors is widely based on myths, Crnic warns. Some of those myths include:

One of the most common myths, according to Crnic, is that people with depression are inherently different. “It doesn’t make them not normal, it just

Depression myths

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Dr. Kristen Ray of Bayless Integrated Healthcare says there are several symptoms of depression to watch for. (Photo courtesy Bayless Integrated Healthcare)

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makes them struggling in certain areas,” Crnic says. “There’s almost no one who’s never felt depressed at some point… we’ve all been there. The difference between those of us that have these normative periods of feeling depressed and those of us who have clinical depression is the extent and frequency to which it lasts. But the experience is qualitatively similar.” And perhaps among the most unfortunate myths is that senior depression is normal. “People need to understand that depression is not a normal part of aging. Even though they are facing life circumstances that are different than the earlier stages of life – like loss of spouses and friends and freedoms – it shouldn’t be normal to associate depression with aging,” Crnic says. “It’s still an issue that needs to be addressed and treated. We don’t want people to think that it’s okay… that sadness and depression is tolerable. It shouldn’t be tolerable. They are no less important and no less worthy of being addressed.”

Depression warning signs

The signs of depression can be, but are not necessarily always, different in older people, Crnic notes. Dr. Ray offers 10 main signs to look for, commenting, “If you are, or know someone, who is experiencing the following symptoms daily or every other day for more than two to four weeks, professional help is recommended.”

• Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless • Diminished interest or pleasure in all, or most, activities • Significant changes in weight (gain or loss) • Difficulty falling and/or staying asleep • Feelings of restlessness or being really slowed down • Fatigue or loss of energy • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive/inappropriate guilt • Decreased ability to concentrate • Reoccurring thoughts of death • Self-medicating through drugs and alcohol or taking more medication than prescribed

Depression...continued on page 16 www.LovinLife.com

Cash Inn

Tap into ‘trapped equity’ with a reverse mortgage BY ALISON STANTON Like other seniors, Louis van Tonder and his wife Terri New sometimes found it challenging to make ends meet. The couple, who run a safari booking agency called African Safaris & Travel and a website, Adventure Travel Vacations, regularly experiences ebbs and flows in their business. “Also, when I moved here from South Africa, I had three kids to support and put through college with out-of-state tuition fees, which really made a huge dent in any savings we had,” van Tonder says. “Then I went through a divorce before I met Terri, and then ultimately any money that I had left towards retirement was gone.” To help alleviate their financial concerns, the Prescott couple decided to look into a reverse mortgage. Earlier this year, van Tonder and New met with Michael Bennett, CRMS, broker and owner of Gilbert-based Park Grove Lending, LLC and applied for a reverse mortgage. “We needed to have less pressure in our lives and we are naturally fun-loving people, and we wanted to create the opportunity to enjoy a more fun lifestyle without all of the pressure of a monthly mortgage,” van Tonder says.

Reverse Mortgage 101

As Bennett notes, he works with clients like van Tonder and New every day who are nearing retirement age but are short the money they need to comfortably live out their golden years. “One big problem is that approximately 70 percent of the 10,000 seniors that

are retiring every day in the United States have not saved enough money for retirement, meaning they will probably outlive their savings and be dependent on the government for their income,” Bennett says, adding that this is why he advocates people think about using their home equity to extend the reach of their savings. “Unused equity in your home cannot help you pay for anything; it only makes you house-rich, but can leave you cashpoor,” Bennett explains. At its simplest, Bennett says, a reverse mortgage is a product that was designed by Congress, is regulated by HUD, insured by the FHA and designed for senior borrowers with maximum flexibility and no required monthly payment. In order to qualify for a reverse mortgage, Bennett says one of the applicants must be at least 62 years old; if a husband is 68 and a wife is 60, the couple can still apply for the program and still have the full protection. “The older you are, the more money you get out of a reverse mortgage and the younger you are, the less you get,” Bennett says. “In round terms, the maximum allowed amount is 75 percent of the home’s value and it is usually somewhat lower than that. It is age-dependent.” Before applying for the reverse mortgage, which can be set up to provide income for a certain number of years like 5 or 10, Bennett says potential applicants have to go through an independent third-party counseling session via telephone, with a HUD-approved provider.

Benefits of reverse mortgages

“This type of loan can change peoples’ lives in the truest sense of the word,” Bennett says, adding that in addition to paying off an existing mortgage, many of his clients use a reverse mortgage to increase their available monthly income by paying off various debts. “They can take the proceeds and pay off credit card debt, a car loan and/ or medical bills. If you need more income, this type of loan can provide that.” Also, by accessing what Bennett refers to as the “trapped equity” in their home with a reverse mortgage, some people are able to extend the time

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Michael Bennett dispels myths about reverse mortgages, including the idea that the bank will end up owning one’s home. (Photo by Melissa Fossum)

before they start taking social security payments. “You can start social security at 62, or delay it until 70, when you get the maximum amount,” he says. “If you get a reverse mortgage at age 62, you could convert this trapped equity into an income stream to help get eight years’ worth of income before you qualify for the max amount.” By monetizing the equity in a home, Bennett says his clients have also been able to increase their flexibility in their financial and retirement planning. “Using a reverse mortgage for financial planning is one of the most overlooked strategies,” Bennett says. For some people, reverse mortgages can provide them with the financial means to travel, go places they have never been before and/or enjoy life in other ways. “It can definitely help people to increase their lifestyles, but I always suggest that my clients have their other ‘financial security boxes’ checked first before they do this,” he says.

Common misconceptions about reverse mortgages

As someone who works with reverse mortgages on a daily basis, Bennett is very aware of the misconceptions about this type of loan. For example, some people mistakenly believe that reverse mortgages are designed to harm seniors and their finances, or that they are only meant for people who are struggling with their finances. “Reverse mortgages are actually designed to protect the senior population. It is an important retirement planning tool and must be considered in the overall

holistic evaluation of the estate,” he says, adding that the fastest-growing group of people applying for reverse mortgages is individuals worth $2 million or more. Bennett has also counseled clients who thought a reverse mortgage will strip them of the equity of the house and prevent them from leaving it to their children – and/or that the bank will end up owning the house. “A reverse mortgage is just a mortgage. You maintain ownership of your home forever, and at no time does anyone else own the home,” Bennett says, adding that by monetizing the equity in the home as part of a retirement plan, parents may end up leaving an even bigger legacy to their children.

Reverse mortgages: helping to put peoples’ minds at ease

Looking back, van Tonder says he and his wife are definitely pleased with their decision to get a reverse mortgage with Bennett’s help. “I think if you have a retirement with a limited budget, you own a home and you want to leverage it for a better lifestyle, this is absolutely a fit for you,” van Tonder says. “For us, in our conditions where we had really limited money coming in from our businesses and from social security, we would absolutely recommend it. We just want to be able to do more fun things and now we are able to.” For more information about Park Grove Lending and/or to contact Michael Bennett, call 480-227-3238, email him at parkgrovelending@gmail.com or visit parkgrovelending.com.

JUNE 2018 |

Depression...continued from page 14 Treatment options

Traditional depression treatments include psychotherapy, anti-depressant medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, social support groups, and community service. But as noted earlier, those options depend on one’s healthcare plan and/or ability to pay out of pocket. “Psychotherapy is an effective intervention, which helps people identify problems, provides support, education, and understanding to resolve or manage the current problem or conflict,” Ray says. “This will hopefully help to prevent, resolve, or manage similar problems in the future. This can be done with individuals, families, groups, and/or couples.” In addition to traditional therapies, healthcare facilities are now pioneering integrative mental, behavioral and physiological care. One example is Bayless Integrated Healthcare’s recently opened Integrated Addiction Treatment Center in Phoenix, which specializes in this approach. “We provide all of these modalities in one place to destigmatize obtaining treatment, increase the communication between patients and their providers, and decrease barriers to access to care,” Ray says. “We find that many people who often wouldn’t seek mental health treatment will meet with a professional in their primary care setting. Also, patients are more likely to receive information and help regarding their mental health if their behavioral health provider is part of their primary care treatment team, as they often have long and trusting relationships with their primary care provider.”

Help at home

Some healthcare services, like counseling and telehealth, are available in the home, depending on the person’s coverage. This comes in handy when transportation and medical issues come into play. “Supporting caregivers of the elderly is also necessary,” Ray adds. “Providing inhome support to family and friends who take care of our aging population helps to keep helpers in helping roles.” She says other in-home activities which support mental health can include daily walking; participating in family events; calling friends and family members

| JUNE 2018

routinely; playing games like crossword puzzles, word searches and cards; and volunteering.

Learn more

To continue the much-needed discussion on mental health issues, IMHR and IMHR Epicenter will offer a series of free monthly educational sessions. Created for both mental health professionals and the general public, these events will share information and the latest research on mental health issues. The dates and topics that will be covered in this series include:

June 14, 2018

Autism with Dr. Shenfeng Qiu, Assistant Professor, University of Arizona

July 12, 2018

Mental Health and Aging with Dr. Rebecca Fega, Resident, University of Arizona

August 9, 2018

Women’s Mental Health with Dr. Heather Bimonte-Nelson, Arizona State University

September 13, 2018

PTSD: Veterans’ Mental Health with Dr. Leah Doane, Arizona State University

October 11, 2018

Depression with Dr. Deveroux Ferguson, Assistant Professor, University of Arizona

November 8, 2018

Culture and Mental Health with Dr. Jeanette Smith, Phoenix Children’s Hospital All events are open to the public and will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at IMHR Epicenter, 1415 N. First Street, Phoenix. Admission is free with advanced registration. To RSVP, contact Gwyn Hutchinson at 480276-3968 or gwyn@imhr.org. For more information, visit www.imhr.org.

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If you’re a senior wartime veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran, the Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit* could be an ideal solution for financing your senior housing needs. Whether you’re beginning your search or just have questions, you’ll find the help you need. With Independent Living, Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care and Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing communities**, there’s a Brookdale that’s ideal for you. *A single veteran may be eligible for up to $1,830 per month based on needs. Actual amount is determined by the VA based on eligibility. Source: https://americanveteransaid.com/ **Services may vary by community.

To learn more about how Brookdale serves veterans and their families in the Phoenix area, call (855) 503-9055. ©2018 Brookdale Senior Living Inc. All rights reserved. BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING and BRINGING NEW LIFE TO SENIOR LIVING are the registered trademarks of Brookdale Senior Living Inc.

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JUNE 2018 |

Calendar of Events FRIDAY JUNE 1

To Be Thirteen, various times through October 14, Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, $9-$18, 602-257-1880, phxart.org. To Be Thirteen gives museum patrons a glimpse into the lives of 250 young Americans through portraits and videos, all created by artist Betsy Schneider. Experience the turn of the century through kids’ eyes and open your perspective.

Brelby Playhouse, 7154 N. 58th Drive, Glendale, ticket prices vary, 623-282-2781, brelby.com. A melancholy sandwich maker’s mundane life is transformed by two out-of-this-world sisters. This darkly comedic musical takes place during the northeast blackout of 1965, as a few lovable characters learn to find hope in a world beset by darkness.

SATURDAY JUNE 2

Movie Night in the Park, 5 p.m., Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Park, Goodyear, free, 623-882-7525, bit.ly/2IG5Amj. Seating is first-come, first-serve, so grab a blanket, lawn chairs and save room for popcorn.

Fly By Night, various times through June 2,

Calendar ...continues on page 19

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Entertainment Star Power

Debby Boone lights up the stage in 42nd Street BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON Thanks to her mother-in-law Rosemary Clooney, Grammy Award-winning singer Debby Boone has fond memories of being in the Valley. “Probably the strongest memory for me was doing my mother-in-law Rosemary Clooney’s White Christmas tour,” Boone explains. “She included me in that and we put my kids in that very first show in Phoenix. I never dreamt something like that could ever happen. It was a blast and we did it for many years.” She will create more memories this summer when she performs in 42nd Street, a production of Scottsdale Musical Theater Company at the Tempe Center for the Arts. She is co-starring with Charles Shaughnessy, who appeared in The Nanny and Days of Our Lives. Boone will play the slightly past-herprime Dorothy Brock, a diva who is annoyed about having to audition for a new stage production. As Brock, Boone continues to expand her theatrical repertoire, which includes Broadway stints with Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Grease, as well as The Sound of Music, South Pacific and Camelot. “I’ve never actually seen the show (42nd Street) done live on stage, but I’ve seen the movie,” Boone says. “I’m very familiar with the music because so much of it is just standard popular music now. “Before I said yes, I read the script and listened to the music and it’s different

than anything I’ve ever done in my life. I’m up for new challenges and experiences at this phase of my career.” The musical’s songs were a good fit for Boone’s natural range, which was showcased in her 1977 hit, “You Light Up My Life.” “In musical theater, usually the challenge for me is that everything is too high,” Boone, the daughter of Pat Boone, says. “I am a true alto. There are not a lot of leading roles written for altos, but this role is. I think it would be challenging for most female singers to sing as low as the part requires.” Boone is looking forward to performing in the Valley. “I love musical theater and I love working in a company,” she says. “There’s nothing quite like the energy of working with a full cast and an orchestra. I know Scottsdale Musical Theater Company is a delightful theater company and they put on great productions, so I’m really excited.”

MORE INFO

What: 42nd Street When: Various times Friday, July 6 through Sunday, July 15 Where: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe Cost: $36-$58 Info: 602-909-4215, scottsdalemusicaltheater.com

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Debby Boone stars as Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street. Boone says she’s excited to be working with Scottsdale Musical Theater Company. (Photo special to LLAF)

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Calendar of Events WEDNESDAY JUNE 6 continued from page 18

Wish Hot Import Nights, 4 to 11 p.m., WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, hotimportnights.com, tickets TBA. Hot Import Nights along with Power 98.3 features a HIN Festival showcasing hot modified cars with headlining concert performances.

SUNDAY JUNE 3

Jcation Staycation Summer Splash Series, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sundays in June, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, $5, vosjcc.org/summersplash.

MONDAY JUNE 4

Parkinson’s PWR!Moves 2, noon to 12:45 p.m. Mondays, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, free for members, $8 guests, packages available for multiple classes, 480-4817015, healthandfitness@vosjcc.org. This class includes PWR!Moves 1 movements in addition to prone and supine floor exercises. Participants must be able to walk 100 feet on their own with or without a cane or walker, get up and down from the floor on their own with or without the use of a chair and be able to cognitively follow instructions independently. Brain Tumor Support Group, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 685 S. Dobson Road, Chandler, free, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com.

Parkinson’s Cycle, noon to 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, free for members, $8 guests, 480481-7015, healthandfitness@vosjcc.org. A funfilled stationary cycle workout to music that awakens areas of the brain affected by PD while strengthening the lower body and improving motor skills. Participants must be able to walk 150 feet on their own with or without a cane or walker, get up and down from the floor on their own with or without the use of a chair, get on and off equipment independently and follow group instructions independently. Breast Cancer Support Group, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Ironwood Cancer Research Centers, 685 S. Dobson Road, Chandler, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com Current Events Discussion Group, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, free, 480-481-7033, harrietc@vosjcc. org. Bill Adler leads discussions each month on current events. Bring ideas to share with the group. East Valley Friends and Neighbors, 9:30 to 11 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month, Grace Methodist Church, 2024 E. University, Mesa, free, 480-848-5146, evfanaz.org, evfanaz@gmail.com. A nonreligious and nonpartisan group, East Valley Friends and Neighbors welcomes anyone who wishes to get better acquainted with others and to participate in social and charitable activities.

THURSDAY JUNE 7

Parkinson’s PWR!Moves 1, noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays in June, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, free for members, $8 guests, packages for multiple classes, 480-4817090, healthandfitness@vosjcc.org. This entrylevel class features tailored exercises that target motor and nonmotor PD symptoms and improve functional movement.

Parkinson’s PWR!Circuit 3, noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays in June, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, free for members, $8 guests, 480-481-7090, healthandfitness@ vosjcc.org. This class includes PWR!Moves 1 & 2 movements for a more advanced workout with instructor-guided exercise stations to improve cardio, strength, agility, coordination and balance. Participants must be able to walk 150 feet on their own with or without a cane or walker.

Colon Cancer Support Group, 6 to 7 p.m., Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Avenue, Scottsdale, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com.

Bingo, 6 p.m., Sunland Village Bingo, 6 p.m. Thursdays, Sunland Village, 4601 E. Dolphin Avenue, Mesa, pricing depends on number of cards purchased, 480-832-9003.

Sit & Knit, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, free, 480-481-7033, harrietc@vosjcc.org. Share the pleasure of knitting and crocheting. Help others with projects and patterns. Can’t knit? We’ll teach you. No reservations required.

June Memory Café with Dr. Lynne Haesler, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Beth El Congregation, 1118 W. Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, free, registration required, 602-452-4627, kathy.rood@jfcsaz.org. Dr. Lynne Haesler is a versatile artist who has performed

TUESDAY JUNE 5

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internationally and nationally as a soloist, accompanist and dance pianist.

FRIDAY JUNE 8

Alan Parsons Live Project, 8 p.m., Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, $43.01-$97.31, 602-267-1000, celebritytheatre.com. Alan Parsons will celebrate the 35th anniversary of The Eye in the Sky.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 13

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 12:40 p.m., Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, various levels of pricing, 602-462-6500, dbacks.com.

THURSDAY JUNE 14

SATURDAY JUNE 9

Lymphoma and Leukemia Support Group, 6 to 8 p.m., Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Avenue, Scottsdale, free, 480-3146660, ironwoodcrc.com.

Breast Cancer Support Group, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E Desert Cove Avenue, Scottsdale, free 480-3146660, ironwoodcrc.com.

Desert Night Cinema: Grease, 6:30 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, $10-$16, 480-941-1225, dbg.org. Seating is firstcome, first-serve. Arrive early for entertainment by JesterZ Improv Comedy and bites from food trucks like Short Leash Hot Dogs, Hummus Express Mediterranean and Cactus Corn Kettle Corn.

Karaoke Night, 6 to 9 p.m., repeats June 23, Sunland Village, 4601 E. Dolphin Avenue, Mesa, $2 at the door, 480-832-9003.

SUNDAY JUNE 10

Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces, 3 p.m., Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602-252-9622, talkingstickresortarena.com.

MONDAY JUNE 11

Prostate Support Group, 7 to 9 p.m., Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 685 S. Dobson Road, Chandler, free, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com. General Cancer Support Group, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 5810 W. Beverly Lane, Glendale, free, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com. Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:40 p.m., repeats 6:40 p.m. June 12, and 12:40 p.m. June 13, Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, various levels of pricing, 602-462-6500, dbacks.com.

TUESDAY JUNE 12

The J @ Atria: Cocktail Crooners, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Atria Senior Living, 14500 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale, $5 for members, $8 guests, register by June 4, vosjcc.org/crooners. Delight in the music of legends, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tom Jones and Neil Diamond featuring Tom LaGravinese. Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:40 p.m., repeats 12:40 p.m. June 13, Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, various levels of pricing, 602-462-6500, dbacks.com.

Summer Shorts 2018, various times to June 24, Theatre Artists Studio, 4848 E. Cactus Road, Scottsdale, $15-$25, 602-765-0120, thestudiophx. org. Theatre Artists Studio celebrates summer with a festival of short plays penned by its playwrights. They’re comical, dramatic and absurd.

Peter Pan, various times to June 24, Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, $11-$15, 480644-6500, mesaartscenter.com. Take a trip to Neverland with this adaptation of the beloved children’s story about the boy who never grew up. Featuring new original music and your favorite classic characters from the villainous Captain Hook to the brave Princess Tiger Lily, this musical is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

FRIDAY JUNE 15

QVLN, 7:30 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, $25-$30, 480-4818188, dbg.org. QVLN performs Latin-infused contemporary music.

SATURDAY JUNE 16

Caregiver Support Group, 10 a.m. to noon, Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 685 S. Dobson Road, Chandler, free, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com. Scottsdale Fahrenheit Festival, various times, WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, $5-$16, scottsdalefahrenheitfestival. com. The inaugural festival includes the richest

Calendar ...continues on page 20

JUNE 2018 |

Calendar of Events continued from page 19

arm wrestling contest in the nation with the world’s greatest arm wrestler, Travis Bagent; the Arizona Ales & Cocktails Festival, featuring top mixologists, M Culinary and the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild; and Scottsdale Beat the Heat, the most lucrative road race in Arizona. There will also be The El Hefe Jalapeno Eating Contest presented by Udder Delights and a fast-pitch baseball contest for adults and kids with trophies being awarded to the winners with the most “heat.”

SUNDAY JUNE 17

Lives Well Lived, 1 p.m., Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, $14, 480-499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts. org. Sky Bergman’s documentary Lives Well Lived explores the wit, wisdom and experiences of adults ages 75 to 100, as these men and women share their past secrets and insights into living a meaningful life. A virtual Q&A with the director will take place after this one-time screening.

MONDAY JUNE 18

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group, 685 S. Dobson Road, Chandler, free, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com.

TUESDAY JUNE 19

School of Rock, times vary, to June 24, ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, $20$225, 480-965-3434, asugammage.com. Former rock band guitarist Dewey Finn tries his hand at substitute teaching fourth grade and finds his new

bandmates in the process. What ensues after is pure rock ‘n’ roll magic. This heartwarming musical based on the Jack Black movie features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber – plus, the talented child actors in the show actually play their instruments live!

WEDNESDAY JUNE 20

Enjoy a shake! It’s National Vanilla Milkshake Day!

SATURDAY JUNE 23

THURSDAY JUNE 21

Mature Mavens Dinner, 5 p.m., various locations, 602-371-3744. Make new friends, dine and socialize. Dinner is separate checks. Call Bunnye at the above number for the current schedule of restaurants and reserve a place. Breast Cancer Support Group, 6 to 8 p.m., Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 5810 W. Beverly Lane, Glendale, free, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com.

FRIDAY JUNE 22

Big Book Sale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., repeats June 23, Main Library, 64 E. First Street, Mesa, free, mesaaz. gov. Come to the Main Library for great deals on books, audiobooks, DVDs and more. Elevate Music Festival, 6:30 p.m., repeats 5:30 p.m. June 23, and 4 p.m. June 24, Grand Canyon University Arena, 3300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, $22.50-$129, gcuarena.com. The Christian music festival includes acts like For King and Country, We are Messengers and Phil Wickham. Music in the Garden Concerts: AZ Dueling Pianos, 7:30 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201

UPGRADE

TO A

N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, $25-$30, 480-941-1225, dbg.org. With Wes Ringel and Scott Dunlap behind the keys, there’s no telling what the night holds. The two performers take requests and can play them all, ranging from Taylor Swift to Sinatra to The Beatles. Between sets, audience members can step outside and enjoy the evening air or grab a drink or Sonoran dog from the garden’s restaurant. Karaoke Night, 6 to 9 p.m., repeats June 23, Sunland Village, 4601 E. Dolphin Avenue, Mesa, $2 at the door, 480-832-9003. Elevate Music Festival, 5:30 p.m. June 23, repeats 4 p.m. June 24, Grand Canyon University Arena, 3300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, $22.50$129, gcuarena.com. The Christian music festival includes acts like For King and Country, We are Messengers and Phil Wickham.

TUESDAY JUNE 26

It’s Beautician’s Day! Where would we be without them?

WEDNESDAY JUNE 27

General Cancer Support Group, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 5810 W. Beverly Lane, Glendale, free, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com.

THURSDAY JUNE 28

Take Six, 6 and 8 p.m., Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, $33.50-$48.50, 480-478-6000, mim.org.

FRIDAY JUNE 29

SUNDAY JUNE 24

Elevate Music Festival, 4 p.m. June 24, Grand Canyon University Arena, 3300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, $22.50-$129, gcuarena.com. The Christian music festival includes acts like For King and Country, We are Messengers and Phil Wickham.

Tough as Nails, 7:30 p.m., repeats June 30, Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, $26-$43, 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com. This dance show explores the real-life struggles of Phil and Stacy Bacigalupi, whose strength as a couple was tested when Phil was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Through stunning choreography, the show explores their trials, tribulations and emotions as the two embrace the unknown while trying to start a family.

MONDAY JUNE 25

SATURDAY JUNE 30

Kenny Garrett, 7 p.m., Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, $38.50$48.50, 480-478-6000, mim.org. The saxophonist’s credits include performing and recording with a multitude of musical icons including Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and Q-Tip.

Suds & Slides, 5 to 10 p.m., Riverview Park, 2100 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, $15 in advance online, $20 day of event, sudsandslides.com. The adultsonly event features giant inflatable waterslides, tug of war, a dunk tank, three-legged race, giant pillow fight, mini golf, beer pong, life-size foosball and a live-action Hungry Hippos game. Admission includes unlimited access to the waterslides and games. Food and beverages are sold separately.

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A Decade of Dance

Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli brings culture to Arizona BY LAURA LATZKO

Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli will celebrate its 10th anniversary on June 16 with a carnival-themed show. (Photo special to LLAF)

When Vanessa Ramirez was a child, she sat with her mother and watched ballet folklorico dancers rehearse at a gym. This experience sparked a passion in her that led to a career in dance that began when she was 7. As an adult, she founded the Chandlerbased studio Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli, now in its 10th year. The studio will celebrate its anniversary on June 16 with a carnivalthemed show with ballet folklorico dances from different states in Mexico. The studio’s dancers, who range in age from 3 to 46, will perform with Mariachi Sonido de Mexico and Banda Sinaloense La Llega Finix. “The older ones definitely have more intense footwork and skirt movements, and there’s choreography across the floor and doing different shapes,” Ramirez says. The company regularly performs around the Valley at events like Chandler’s Mariachi and Folklorico Festival and its Parade of Lights, as well as the Phoenix Zoo’s Dia del Nino event. The group has also brought its style of ballet folklorico dance to Disneyland. Ramirez started dancing in California and continued with a company in Tucson after moving to Arizona. She hadn’t danced for quite a few years when she was enlisted to teach a recreational dance class in Chandler. She never envisioned she would make a career out of dance. “I think back now, and I never planned for this,” Ramirez says. “This just kind of came to me, and obviously the universe knows this is my passion. This is what I love, and I was missing it at the time.” Ramirez says running the studio has been meaningful. “I don’t know how I can even put into

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words just how special it has been to share these past 10 years of my life with such amazing children,” she says. “The children have taught me about myself, about life, about really appreciating one another.” Of the six girls in her original class, three are still with the studio. “It has been wonderful to watch them grow and develop not just as dancers but as these incredibly strong young women,” she says. “They are pursuing all these other things in their lives, but they are still committed to dance and their team.” Some families have had multiple children take classes at the studio over the years. Original dancer Kateri Parra started at age 7, and her younger sister joined a few years later. The studio has grown to include more than 80 students in beginning, intermediate and advanced classes. Ramirez continues to be the primary instructor, but following an ankle injury this year, the studio’s future was in jeopardy. However, parents and students stepped in to help. “I think really having that sense of family, of support, is wonderful, something that just really stands out throughout the years with Quetzalli,” Ramirez says. Grizelda Celaya, one of Ramirez’s adult students, recently began teaching beginning-level company classes. Celaya has danced with Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli for four years, but started ballet folklorico dance in junior high and took ballet, tap and jazz classes in elementary school. Although she had stayed in shape, getting back into ballet folklorico as an adult

was a challenge. “With that style of dance, there are so many regions and styles within those regions that I didn’t know of when I danced before,” Celaya says. “There was a lot that I hadn’t already learned, but the stuff that I did, I had to brush up on.” Now she has a different approach because of a deeper association with the history and meaning behind the dances and costumes. “The difference would be knowing the significance behind the costumes more than I did as a child, but the excitement is still there, and I think I feel like a kid when I put them on,” Celaya says. In her classes, Ramirez tries to instill in her students important values and skills, including poise, accountability, time management, responsibility, confidence and public speaking. Parra has applied the skills she learned at the studio to her roles as National Honor Society president and cheerleader. Dancing with the studio has allowed Parra to teach dance to kids from low-income families. Ramirez regularly travels to Mexico for conferences to learn new dances and brings them back to her company. “As instructors, as choreographers, I think it’s our duty to do that research so that we

aren’t disrespecting who this belongs to and the story this is telling,” Ramirez says. Ramirez says, through dance, her students connect to their cultures – just like she did. “I never really knew where I came from, where my family came from or even what it meant to be from Mexico,” Ramirez says. “It was always sadly something to be ashamed of rather than something to honor and respect, and dance taught me what my culture is. Dance taught me how beautiful it is and that I should be proud of it and proud of my parents and ancestors.” Parra agrees. Through dance, Parra feels a bond with her grandmother, who danced ballet folklorico as a child. “It made me feel closer to her,” Parra says. “That’s my inspiration, and that’s why I keep dancing. I know that she wants me to keep dancing. When I’m dancing, I have a little bit of her in me.”

MORE INFO

What: Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli When: 6 p.m. Saturday, June 16 Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler Cost: $15 Info: 480-782-2680, bfq-az.org

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JUNE 2018 |

Tinseltown Talks

Production still from The Seekers Down Under TV special in 1967. (Photos courtesy Judith

Judith Durham looks back at The Seekers

Durham management)

BY NICK THOMAS Fifty years ago, The Seekers were a pop music sensation. Featuring members Athol Guy, Keith Potger, Bruce Woodley and lead vocalist Judith Durham, the Aussie group’s pop-folk fusion proved popular in America and their hit “Georgy Girl” was a nominee at the 1967 Oscar ceremony for Best Song for the film of the same name, although it lost to “Born Free.” The Seekers had burst onto the world music scene just two years earlier with their 1965 hit “I’ll Never Find Another You,” but Durham struggled with the sudden celebrity status. “I was suddenly thrust into the international spotlight and found myself inadvertently in competition with the glamorous UK stars of the period – Dusty Springfield, Sandie Shaw, Lulu, Twiggy,” Durham says from her home in Melbourne. “I was a 20-year-old girl who worked by day as

STOP

a secretary, and I weighed more than 10 stone (140 lbs) at 5-foot-2. Those girls were ‘real’ stars to me – slim, pretty, and wearing beautiful clothes. I sewed my own frocks for TV shows and performances! I didn’t feel I was glamorous enough to be the pop star I was being projected as. It caused a lot of anxiety for me for the first two or three years.” From 1965 to 1968, The Seekers’ sound enchanted the pop music world with a string of hits including “A World of Our Own,” “Someday, One Day,” and “The Carnival Is Over” (see theseekers.com.au). But as the group’s popularity increased, the pressure on the lead singer continued to mount. “We worked constantly for four years and when we weren’t doing seasons of tours, we were in the recording studio. It was exhausting.” So, in July of 1968,

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Durham parted ways with The Seekers to pursue her own career (see judithdurham.com). With her departure, The Seekers disbanded, although the group reformed over the years with various replacement lead vocalists while Durham focused on her solo career. But the group’s enduring popularity led to several reunions of the original ensemble. Reuniting with The Seekers meant putting her 25-year solo career on hold, but Durham felt compelled. “I wanted to do it for the group’s fans, who had remained so loyal for so long, and who had never stopped pleading with us to come back,” Durham says. “What I didn’t realize was that it would become an on-again, offagain situation for another 25 years!” But four years ago, tragedy struck. “We were still performing by the time our 50th anniversary rolled around,” Dur-

ham recalls. “During a sell-out Australian tour as part of our Golden Jubilee in 2013, I suffered a brain hemorrhage after the first of four nights in Melbourne.” Durham was in the hospital and rehab for six months and her recovery still continues. “That was a difficult time,” she admits. “I had problems finding the words I needed in conversation, and still do to a certain extent. I effectively had to learn to write again. But my long-term memory wasn’t affected, so I had no problem remembering things like lyrics. And thankfully, my voice wasn’t affected in any way.” Looking back on the past 50 years, Durham – who turns 75 in July – has continued to forge ahead through the good times and the bad. “Even though age and illness have slowed me down some, I still crave creative stimulation,” she says. “I hope I can still absorb myself in those pursuits until it’s time to go.”

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The Seekers on stage in the UK in 2014 during their sold-out Golden Jubilee tour.

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JUNE 2018 |

Puzzles

EVEN EXCHANGE

ANSWERS ON PAGE 43

by Donna Pettman

ACROSS

37 Dine

11 Somewhere out there

Swelled head

38 Free from responsibility

19 Potter’s need

Marble chunk

45 PC picture

20 Whatever number

Taj Mahal city

46 Tramcars’ contents

23 Vagrant

12 “You’ve got mail” co.

47 Grand --, N.S.

24 Mimic

13 Carry on

48 “Vanilla Sky” actress Penelope 25 Depressed

14 Hairstyle

49 Verifiable

26 Intimidate

15 Hollywood trickery, for short

50 Slithery swimmer

27 Eviscerate

16 Basin accessory

51 Continental coin

28 Chart format

17 Greek vowel

52 Actress Hatcher

29 Likely

18 Firetruck gear

53 Filch

31 Ease

DOWN

32 Hebrew letter

21 “-- Impossible”

34 Ump

22 Officeholders

Apiece

23 Bocce equipment

Disco style

26 Coquettish

Hodgepodge

27 Coll. transcript no.

Casual wear

30 Fairy tale preposition

Homes for gnomes?

31 Unc’s kid

On in years

32 Witticism

“Symphonie Fantastique” composer

34 Wield oars

Low-pH chemicals

42 Oil cartel

35 Choral composition

Suitable

43 Sandwich treat

36 Jewel

10 Ceremony

33 Kitten’s comment

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.

SUDOKU TIME

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.

35 Oats-nuts-fruit concoction

GO FIGURE! by Linda Thistle

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.

36 Hook-nosed Muppet 37 Rid of fleece 38 Grown-up nits 39 Beige 40 Go sightseeing 41 Genealogy chart

44 Iodine source

DIFFICULTY THIS MONTH ★ ★ ★

★ Moderate ★★ Challenging ★★★ HOO BOY!

DIFFICULTY THIS MONTH ★

★ Moderate ★★ Difficult ★★★ GO FIGURE!

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!

| JUNE 2018

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Trivia Contest Time to put on your thinking caps BY KENNETH LAFAVE The first day of June this year falls on a Friday, and without even looking at a calendar, I can tell you that no other month of this year begins on that day. Why? Because that’s how the day-of-theweek relationship to months of the year turns out. June’s first day is always unique. It’s the sixth month of the year and the one with the longest daylight hours here in the northern hemisphere. The rose is June’s flower, the pearl or moonstone is its gem, and in Arizona, June is the first month when average high temperatures go into three digits. (I hate to add this, but we won’t return to double-digit average highs until October.) June is National Iced Tea Month, National Dairy Month, National Seafood Month, and National Candy Month.

Father’s Day, which always falls on the third Sunday of June, arrives June 17 this year. On a more serious note, June is Accordion Awareness Month, a chance for all good citizens to draw attention to the constant possibility of being assaulted by that piano wanna-be. Famous June births include Donald Trump, Kanye West, Natalie Portman, Angelina Jolie, Tupac Shakur, Barry Manilow, Meryl Streep, Paul McCartney, Mel Brooks, Marilyn Monroe, Elon Musk and Henry VIII, the king who beheaded or divorced four of his six wives. Find common personality traits among the folks on that list and I will personally play the accordion for you.

June Questions:

3 4

1 2

What poet wrote of June, “Mine are the longest days, the loveliest nights”? Which British Invasion rock group made its American TV debut in June of 1964?

Contest Prizes:

For June, two readers in Tucson and two readers in Phoenix will win a one-night stay at InnSuites.

May Winners:

The winners each received a one-night stay at InnSuites.

PHOENIX James Gonzalez Wendy Colby

TUCSON Kenneth Unwin Jan Thalberg

To Enter:

On a sheet of paper, list the correct answers in order 1 through 5. Include your full name, mailing address, phone number and email address if available.

Mail your trivia contest entry to: Lovin’ Life After 50 Attn: Trivia Contest 1620 W. Fountainhead Pkwy., #219 Tempe, AZ 85282

Or email your entry to: trivia@lovinlife.com

The deadline for entry is the 15th of each month. Please be sure to have your entry postmarked by that date. If you’re a winner in our drawing, we’ll contact you via telephone.

GOOD LUCK! www.LovinLife.com

What kind of whiskey was first distilled in June, 1789? What device, now everywhere, was first released to the public in June, 2007? Who famously took a “leap to freedom” from the Soviet Union in June, 1961?

May Answers:

1 2

3 4 5

Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican holiday on May 5, celebrates a victory over the forces of what country? FRANCE When she was lost over the Pacific after leaving Papua New Guinea, Amelia Earhart was on her way to what island? HOWLAND ISLAND An old saying goes, “Marry in May and you’ll______.” “RUE THE DAY” The Canadian indie band Arcade Fire writes that in May there’s... what? “A CRAZY FEEL IN THE AIR” Every Mayday (May 1 – or a weekday date as close to it as possible) since 1981, an anonymous riddler has run an esoteric advertisement in the Arizona Daily Wildcat, the University of Arizona’s student newspaper, ads that include Chinese, Latin and Hebrew texts as well as English, plus various historical allusions and a weird fascination with the Eagles song, “Hotel California.” In last year’s ad (May 1, 2017), four figures associated with the Reformation were mentioned: Martin Luther, Oliver Cromwell, Gustavus Adolphus, and _____. JOHN CALVIN

JUNE 2018 |

Bingo Events

Call to confirm, as information may change.

Beuf Senior Center

Moneyball, 10 regular games plus double action. WHEN: Mondays and Thursdays, sales start at 9:30 a.m. WHERE: Beuf Senior Center, 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix COST: Starts at $4/pack, City of Phoenix Membership card or $5 guest INFO: 602-534-9743

Brentwood Southern

There is a money ball; 17 games include three that are percentage payout. WHEN: Mondays, hall opens at 4:30 p.m., sale starts at 5:15 p.m. and bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Brentwood Southern, 8103 E. Southern Ave., Mesa COST: Varies according to games and number purchased INFO: 480-306-4569

Chandler Senior Center Bring a friend or make some new ones while enjoying some fun and prizes. WHEN: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. WHERE: Chandler Senior Center, 202 E. Boston St., Chandler COST: 50 cents per card. No limit on cards purchased. INFO: 480-782-2720, chandleraz.gov/ senior-adults

Community Bingo

WHEN: Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. WHERE: FCF-Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale, AZ COST: $13 and up INFO: 480-488-1090 or azfcf.org Games: 15 games of Bingo with a minimum of $375 prize money weekly

Fort McDowell Casino

Experience bingo in Fort McDowell Casino’s state-of-the-art and awardwinning 1,700-seat bingo hall. WHEN: Seven days a week, various times WHERE: Fort McDowell Casino, 10424 N. Fort McDowell Rd., Fort McDowell COST: Charge for cards INFO: 800-THE-FORT, ext. 4380, fortmcdowellcasino.com/bingo.php

Granite Reef Senior Center

Everyone welcome. Enjoy 20 games of bingo with prizes. WHEN: Tuesdays from 12:30 to 3 p.m. WHERE: Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Rd., Scottsdale COST: $1 per card; three-card minimum. No limit on cards purchased. INFO: 480-312-1700, scottsdaleaz.gov

Las Palmas Grand Bingo

200-seat bingo hall open Wednesdays through Sundays in Goodyear. Ana’s dinners and desserts inside. WHEN: Wednesdays through Sundays at 6:30 p.m.; Fridays at 10:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. WHERE: Community Bingo, 3690 S. Estrella Pkwy., Suite 108, Goodyear COST: $21 (includes progressive) for 18 games; $14, late night and matinee for 13 games INFO: 623-512-8878

WHEN: Monday Night WHERE: Las Palmas Grand, 2550 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa, AZ COST: $21 buy-in INFO: 480-357-1148 Snack Bar: Opens 5 p.m. Early Bird Session: 6:30 p.m. Games: Double action, Betty Boop, $1,000 progressive jackpot with additional number added each week, with a $300 Consolation Prize. Pay out $70, Early Bird; $100 Regular Game

Devonshire Senior Center

Lone Butte Casino

Money ball, 10 regular games plus progressive coverall. Split-the-pot games are early birds and double action. WHEN: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; sales start at 12:15 p.m. WHERE: Devonshire Senior Center, 2802 E. Devonshire, Phoenix COST: Starts at $2; must have City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation membership card to be eligible to play. INFO: 602-256-3130 26

FCF-Holland Community Center

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Spacious bingo hall features 850 seats with morning, matinee and evening sessions. The morning sessions include five regular games and two specials, with three for $10 and $1 specials. WHEN: Seven days a week, times vary WHERE: Lone Butte Casino, 1077 S. Kyrene Rd., Chandler COST: $2 to $32 INFO: 800-946-4452, ext. 8928, wingilariver.com/index.php/lone-butte/ gaming/bingo

Mesa Adult Center

Twenty-one games; win up to $500 in losers’ bingo, social bingo and big game bingo. WHEN: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. WHERE: Mesa Adult Center, 247 N. Macdonald St., Mesa COST: Various costs, call for pricing. INFO: 480-962-5612, mesa.evadultresources.org

Palmas del Sol

Come join the group to play Bingo weekly. Bingo doors and snack bar open at 5:15 p.m. WHEN: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Palmas del Sol, 6209 E. McKellips Rd., Mesa COST: Charge for cards varies according to number purchased. INFO: 480-528-4689

Peoria Community Center

Prize money will vary based on attendance. WHEN: Tuesdays and Fridays at 12:30 p.m. WHERE: Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson, Peoria COST: 25 cents per card; 50 cents for overall INFO: 623-979-3570

Red Mountain Active Adult Center

Bingo seating begins at 12:50 p.m. WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1:15 to 3 p.m. WHERE: Red Mountain Active Adult Center, 7550 E. Adobe Rd., Mesa COST: Tuesdays there are various prices; Thursdays the cards are 25 cents INFO: 480-218-2221 or rm.evadultresources.org

Social Bingo

Join others during social bingo. WHEN: Mondays, from 1 to 3 p.m. WHERE: Apache Junction Active Adult Center, 1035 N. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction COST: 25 cents per card INFO: 480-474-5262, aj.evadultresources.org

Sun Lakes VFW Post 8053

The organization holds bingo for up to 230 people. Payouts are based on sales; total may reach $900. All proceeds go to veteran needs, including homeless veterans, disabled veterans and military families. WHEN: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Sales start at 6 p.m. WHERE: Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes COST: $7 minimum for play of all 19 games INFO: 480-895-9270

Sunland Village

Auditorium doors open at 4:30 p.m., cards are sold at 6 p.m. and play begins at 7 p.m. There’s a $900 progressive pot. WHEN: Thursdays WHERE: Sunland Village Auditorium, 4601 E. Dolphin Ave., Mesa COST: Charge for cards varies according to number purchased INFO: 480-832-9003

Sunland Village East

Prize money will vary during the year based on attendance. WHEN: Sundays at 6 p.m. WHERE: Sunland Village East Auditorium, 8026 E. Lakeview Ave., Mesa COST: Charge for cards varies to number purchased. INFO: 480-986-9822, 480-313-7033

Sunrise Village

Join the group to play Bingo weekly. The cards start selling at 5:45 p.m., early bird at 6:45 p.m., and regular bingo at 7 p.m. WHEN: Fridays at 5:45 p.m. WHERE: Sunrise Village, 5402 E. McKellips Rd., Mesa COST: $13 minimum buy-in INFO: 480-985-0548

Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino

Gamers who stop by Bingo Park enjoy picturesque National Park views in the state-of-the-art, 550-seat bingo hall. WHEN: Seven days a week, various times WHERE: Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino, 15091 S. Komatke Ln., Laveen COST: $2 to $32 INFO: 800-946-4452, ext. 1942, wingilariver.com/index.php/vq-veequiva-hotel-casino/gaming/bingo-park www.LovinLife.com

Casinos Apache Gold Casino

Highway 70, San Carlos (928) 475-7800 www.apachegoldcasinoresort.com

BlueWater Casino 11222 Resort Dr., Parker (800) 747-8777 www.bluewaterfun.com

Bucky’s Casino

Highway 69 and Heather Heights, Prescott (800) 756-8744 www.buckyscasino.com

Casino Arizona at Salt River

Fort McDowell Gaming Center

Beeline Hwy (SR 87) and Fort McDowell Rd. (800) 843-3678 www.fortmcdowellcasino.com

Golden Ha:sañ Casino Highway 86, Why (520) 362-2746 www.desertdiamondcasino.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa (800) 427-7247 www.harrahs.com

Hon-Dah Casino

524 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale (480) 850-7777 www.casinoarizona.com

777 Highway 260, Pinetop (800) 929-8744 www.hon-dah.com

Casino Arizona at Talking Stick

Lone Butte Casino

9700 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale (866) 877-9897 www.casinoarizona.com

Casino del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson (520) 838-6506 www.casinodelsol.com

Casino of the Sun

7406 S. Camino del Oeste, Tucson (520) 879-5450 www.casinosun.com

Cliff Castle Casino

555 Middle Verde Rd., Camp Verde (800) 381-7568 www.cliffcastle.com

Cocopah Casino

15136 S. Avenue B, Somerton (800) 237-5687 www.wincocopahcasino.com

Desert Diamond Casino I 7350 S. Nogales Highway, Tucson (866) 332-9467 www.desertdiamondcasino.com

Desert Diamond Casino II 1100 W. Pima Mine Rd., Sahuarita (866) 332-9467 www.desertdiamondcasino.com www.LovinLife.com

1200 S. 56th St., Chandler (800) 946-4452 www.wingilariver.com

Mazatzal Casino Highway 87, Payson (800) 777-7529 www.777play.com

Paradise Casino

540 Quechan Dr., Fort Yuma (888) 777-4946 www.paradise-casinos.com

Spirit Mountain Casino 8555 S. Highway 95, Mohave Valley (520) 346-2000

Vee Quiva Casino 51st Ave and Estrella, Laveen (800) 946-4452 www.wingilariver.com

Wild Horse Pass Casino 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler (800) 946-4452 www.wingilariver.com

Yavapai Casino

1500 E. Highway 69, Prescott (800) 756-8744 www.buckyscasino.com

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JUNE 2018 |

Travel Viva La Mexico City Eight Days in the capital of Mexico, Part 1

Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City

BY ED BOITANO

Photos by Deb Roskamp

The rains came down in Mexico City, blessing this magical and sacred city of 21,321,000 inhabitants and giving them a gentle reprieve from their bustling and productive lives. It has been said that Mexico City has a perfect annual spring temperature, making it an abundant produce belt for Mexico and the rest of the world. Mexico is the first nation in the world awarded a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Listing for its contributions to world cuisine, and I did my best to sample as many dishes as my stomach would allow. The rains were good timing for me, too. I had already explored for eight days the city’s many museums and attractions – Mexico City has more museums than any city in the world next to London – and it

was time to fly home. Reflecting on my Mexico City experience as I packed, I knew I would be asked questions from friends up north about the exaggerated reports of crime and the character of the Mexican people. I found no crime, and the locals were kind and welcoming. I could not pull out a map without someone rushing over to offer their guidance. Like any major city, there are robberies and assaults, but the crime rate in New Orleans, for example, is over five times higher than in Mexico City.

Cortés and the Aztecs

The nomadic and warlike Mexica (Aztec) people hailed from where the Arizona border and Mexico meet today. Legend tells us they were informed by a god that they would find their homeland in a place where an eagle is perched on a cactus with a serpent in his mouth. This sign was

found on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco, approximately 700 years ago in the high plateaus of central Mexico. The Aztecs’ arrival led to skirmishes with local tribes, but the Aztecs eventually prevailed, forcing the local tribes to pay high taxes and become the source of human sacrifices. The Aztecs created an empire of enchanting beauty and magnitude with the building of enormous temples, palaces and a ceremonial center on the island, along with canals, little inlets and additional man-made islands. In 1519, when Hernán Cortés and his Spanish conquistadors first laid eyes on this stunning empire, he commented that it was the most breathtaking metropolis which he’d ever seen. Cortés was first defeated by Moctezuma II and the Aztecs, but then returned with more conquistadors, easily defeating the Aztecs, who by now had been weakened by the spread of European diseases and the conquistadors’ alignment with anti-Aztec tribes who had not forgotten their brutality. Moctezuma II was killed, and Ferdinand and Isabella of the Kingdom of Spain instructed Cortés to destroy all Aztec structures and fill in the lake, offering a soggy support for immense Europeanstyle churches and buildings. Mexico City has been slowly sinking, at an average of 3 to 4 inches a year, since they were built. Tenochtitlan was rechristened Mexico City and the capital of New Spain. The Spanish plundered the lands for gold and riches, with the help of the enslaved populace. Mexico achieved independence from Spain in 1821.

Touring Mexico City

Centro Historico is the birthplace of

Mexico City welcomes visitors.

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Mexico City, and features historic buildings, magnificent churches, museums, friendly vendors, talented musicians and docents in Aztec attire. The Zócalo (main plaza) is built on the remains of the Aztec’s Tenochtitlan, and now houses the National Palace, which features the Benito Juarez Museum, named after Mexico’s most beloved president, and the remarkable murals by Mexico’s most famous painter, Diego Rivera. His murals cover the history of the Mexican people from pre-Hispanic origins to the middle of the 20th century, giving voice to the indigenous people and cultures of Mexico. His most famous mural, Epic of the Mexican People, is painted on the wall above the main staircase. To witness the power of this stunning masterpiece in person is to be moved to the depths of your soul. In 1978, electricity workers discovered an eight-ton stone-disc carving of the Aztec goddess Coyolxauhqui. A decision was wisely made to demolish the colonial buildings and begin excavation. The Templo Mayor museum was built in 1987, and visitors can now follow a winding walkway through the excavated ruins (as further excavations continue), plus visit the museum with many of its artifacts on display. Cathedral Metropolitana is the oldest and largest cathedral in all of Latin America. Built in sections from 1573 to 1813, the stones from Templo Mayor were used in construction in a trinity of styles: Baroque, Neo-Classic and Neo-Renaissance, basically what was in vogue for that period. Highlights include five naves, 14 chapels, underground catacombs and many prized works of art from the colonial era. The massive cathedral dominates the Zócalo, and, like many structures in Centro Historico, is sinking due to its weight on the former Aztec temple and muddy subsoil.

Where to stay: Barceló México Reforma

This five-star hotel is nestled in Central Mexico City on the iconic Paseo de la Reforma avenue, making it the ideal location for exploring the city’s attractions. Just around the corner: The arch-like Monument to the Revolution, a modern-day architectural wonder and museum commemorating the Mexican Revolution of 1920; the Centro Historico’s main plaza, only a pleasant 20-minute stroll; and the Benito Juárez International Airport, just a 20-minute cab drive away. The creature comforts are endless with 505 luxury rooms, commanding views of the city, a swimming pool, wellness area, fitness

Mexico City...continued on page 29 www.LovinLife.com

Templo Mayor was the temple of the Aztecs in their capital city of Tenochtitlan, now Mexico City.

Mexico City...continued from page 28 center, and fine cuisine, along with a buffet breakfast and happy hour included in the price. But there was something more about Barceló México Reforma, something that I had never experienced before at a large hotel, particularly one that is part of a chain of 230 hotels under the Barceló Hotel Group banner. The staff at the hotel offered a sense of warmth and intimacy, and sincerely cared about my well-being. A member of the concierge team was always available to answer any questions about restaurants, directions, tours – you

View of Mexico City from Castillo de Chapultepec

name it. My mornings generally began with a “Good morning, Mr. Boitano. Can we be of any assistance today?” The pièce de résistance was at the end of the trip, when I had a bout with some unfamiliar bacteria. (Please note: My photographer enjoyed the same meals I did, and experienced no symptoms other than euphoria.) A member of the concierge staff actually walked to a local drug store in the middle of the night to purchase medications for me. It happened again at the crack of dawn, and another staff member did the same thing. When it was advised that I needed to go to urgent care at a hospi-

tal, Jesus Rodriquez, a pivotal member of the team, escorted me on foot for the sixblocks to the clinic. The professional care I received at the hospital was better than I’ve ever experienced at any U.S. hospital. In many respects, the kindness, attention and hospitality that I received at Barceló México Reforma was indicative of the very character of the people of Mexico City. I was told by famed travel writer Richard Carroll, who’s lived in the Yucatan and written guide books about Mexico, that the people in Mexico are the most gracious and hospitable people in the world. Now I know what he means.

In part 2, I will cover the Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City’s main park, which includes The Museo Nacional de Antropologia and Castillo de Chapultepec; the Coyoacán’s Frida Kahlo Museum and the Leon Trotsky Museum; the Roma Norte Neighborhood and two excursions outside of the city to Teotihuacan and Xochimilco Floating Gardens. For more information, contact Visit Mexico City at www.visitmexico.com/en and Barceló México Reforma at www.barcelo. com/en-us/.

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Cottonwood: A big deal small town STORY AND PHOTOS BY NIKI D’ANDREA at Verde Valley Olive Oil Traders (vvoliveoil. com). Local art including jewelry, clothKnown as “The Heart of the Verde Val- ing, paintings and pottery exclusively fills ley,” Cottonwood packs a lot of culture places like Dragonfly Handcrafted Local into a so-called small town (pop. 12,000). Art (dragonflylocalart.com) and Hart of Art galleries, antique shops, book stores, Arizona Art Gallery (hartofazgallery.com). wine tasting rooms and restaurants line Book lovers will delight in the epic AdvenMain Street (aka the commercial historic tures Unlimited Books (adventuresunlimdistrict), and parks populate the surround- itedbooks.com), which stocks thousands ing Verde Valley, from state parks to out- of tomes on topics ranging from aliens to of-this-world animal attractions. zen, plus hiking guides, New York Times best sellers, children’s books and pulp paDown on Main Street Cottonwood boasts quite possibly the perbacks. There are many more shopping best Main Street in all of Arizona. People options, from a flower shop to a quilting stroll along its shaded sidewalks every supply store. There’s no shortage of food options weekend all year-round, window shopon Main Street, either. About 18 different ping and stopping in a variety of unique restaurants dot the strip and surroundlocal businesses. ing streets. Highlights include Thai PalAntique lovers – or anyone who appreace (thaipalaceaz.com), Nic’s Italian Steak ciates big, fun and funky displays – should & Crab House (nicsaz.com), and Pizzeria check out Larry’s Antiques (larrysantiques. com). The old West-looking, wood-shin- Bocce (boccecottonwood.com) for dingle-covered building is impossible to miss ner. For breakfast, two places offer equally – it’s covered in antique signs and wacky great eats – Old Town Red Rooster Café outdoor decor like a fake skeleton in the (oldtownredrooster.com), which serves driver’s seat of a rusty ancient car. Enhanc- hot breakfast classics in a cozy diner enviing the frozen-in-time vibe is Bing’s Burger ronment, and Crema (cremacafe89a.com), Station (bingsburgers.com), located next which sells drinks and delicious pastries to Larry’s. Located in a refurbished 1940s from its walk-up-only window. If one is exploring the Verde Valley for gas station, the popular diner retains its any length of time or wishes to imbibe at service station roots – two Gilmore gas any (or several) of the wine tasting rooms pumps are out front, with a red 1950 that line Main Street, getting a room at Plymouth Special Deluxe Sedan permaone of the lodgings in Old Town is a good nently parked next to them. idea. The largest hotel on Main is The TavA short walk down the street, pedestriern Hotel (thetavernhotel.com), which ans can peruse and sample various vinhas an embedded bar and grill, followed egars and olive oils from around the world by the historical Cottonwood Hotel (cottonwoodhotel.com), where John Wayne once stayed. The newest hotel on the strip is The Iron Horse Inn (ironhorseoldtown. com), a boutique renovation with a young vibe and courtyard lit by a canopy of holiday lights. Rooms at all three tend to fill up fast, so booking in advance is recommended.

Wine Walk

Thanks to its semi-arid climate and access to the water of the Verde River, The Verde Valley is a thriving wine region. More than a dozen wineries operate in the area, and Main Street is home to nine tasting rooms. That’s too many to visit in one day, but four is a manageable number, especially spread over several hours. Must-stops are Arizona Stronghold (azstronghold.com), which offers gourmet grilled skewers in addition to its Cochise County wines; Burning Tree Cellars (burningtreecellars.com), which sells wines with grapes from various places, but mostly California and Arizona; Pillsbury Wine (pillsburywine.com), which makes wine with only 100 percent Arizona grapes; and Merkin Vineyards Osteria (merkinvineyardsosteria.com), owned by musician and winemaker Maynard James Keenan.

Verde Canyon Railroad

The Verde River winds its way through and around Cottonwood and surrounding towns like Clarkdale, creating a lush riparian area. One of the best ways to see the river – along with several other very cool things – is aboard the Verde Canyon Rail-

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road. The train takes passengers inside its namesake canyon and past several interesting landmarks, including the old TAPCO power plant, some Sinagua Indian ruins and two trestle bridges, as well as through a 680-foot tunnel that was built by a crew of Swedes in 1911. The train makes a short stop and turns around in the ghost town of Perkinsville. Built in 1912 by the Santa Fe Railroad, Perkinsville had at its peak 12 families. The town was rapidly abandoned when the Clarkdale copper smelter closed in the early 1950s. A few scenes from the 1962 film How the West Was Won were shot in Perkinsville, with stars George Peppard, Debbie Reynolds and Eli Wallach being filmed in the depot. While aboard the train, passengers can relax in their cars, which have cushioned seats, bathrooms, bars and, in first class,

Cottonwood...continued on page 36

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Pedestrians peruse the many shops lining Main Street. Right: Larry’s Antiques anchors Main Street with funky décor.

The Verde Canyon Railroad operates year-round and hosts several special events.

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JUNE 2018 |

Cottonwood...continued from page 35 a buffet and beverage services, or passengers can walk to one of the open-air observation cars to take in the fresh air and listen to guides shout about the landscape and local history over the roaring locomotive. Verde Canyon Railroad has a partnership with rescue and rehabilitation organization Liberty Wildlife, so some train rides might include a special guest like a bald eagle, which handlers take through the cars and show to passengers, who can pose for photos with the majestic bird. It’s worth arriving for the train early to spend some time in the train depot, which includes a museum full of railroad artifacts and memorabilia, a shop and a restaurant called the Copper Spike Café, which serves a pretty good bowl of chicken tortilla soup and tasty cheeseburgers that pair well with any of the three railroad-themed beers brewed for them by Oak Creek Brewing in Sedona. Verde Canyon Railroad has special events including nighttime Starlight Rides, Ales on Rails with Sedona craft beers and (new this year) winter train excursions to a holiday village they’re building in the desert. Visit verdecanyonrr.com for details.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

History buffs can hit up Cottonwood’s

Clemenceau Heritage Museum (celemenceaumuseum.com), Tuzigoot National Monument (www.nps.gov.tuzi/ index.htm) and the Arizona Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale (copperartmuseum. com), but fans of fishing, camping, hiking and horseback riding can find their thing at Dead Horse Ranch State Park (azstateparks.com/dead-horse). The ranch was originally owned by the Ireys family, who bought the land in 1953 and let the children name it. The story goes that the family visited various ranches and when they got to this one, the children saw a large dead horse lying in the field. Later, when their father asked which ranch they liked best, the children replied, “Dead Horse Ranch.” The Ireys family sold the ranch to the State of Arizona in 1973 to become a state park. Today it covers 423 acres, with 10 miles of hiking trails and 183 camping sites.

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

There’s no place in Arizona – maybe anywhere – like Out of Africa Wildlife Park. People come from all over the world to see its menagerie of animals up close and on safari tours. There are giraffes, lions, tigers, bears, birds, monkeys, otters, snakes, zebras, camels, cattle, even a sloth and a rhinoceros. But it’s not just the abundance of animals that makes this place special

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– it’s the adventures and encounters people can have with the animals. Out of Africa offers a VIP tour that’s conducted by one of the owners and takes visitors behind the scenes on a three-hour tour to places in the park not otherwise seen. It includes lunch with animal encounters (maybe a big lizard or a hedgehog), and seats at the Tiger Splash show. After the show, line up for your chance to feed a tiger. Dean and Prayeri Harrison founded Out of Africa in 1988, and they are both always around the park, giving tours, helping with shows, feeding the animals, etc. The couple started the wildlife refuge with the “single-minded objective of bringing God, people, and animals together,” according to outofafricapark.com, and many of the animals in the park have Biblical names. The Harrisons are super friendly and love to talk to visitors about the animals, nature and conservation. Unimog Tours give visitors an African sa-

A grizzly bear greets visitors at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Tigers are one of numerous animal attractions.

fari vibe. Ziplines let adventurers soar over the park, flying high above the wildlife and tour vehicles below. And starting May 19, Out of Africa will offer “Campout at the Park” experiences, which include the Tiger Splash, Cobra Encounter, an ice cream social, story time with the park founders, a movie and breakfast. Food is available at The Jungle Hut Eatery and a few snack stands throughout the park. Shuttle stops provide shade while people wait for a bus from one part of the 104-acre park to another. There’s so much to see and do here. It’s packed with activity and life, like Cottonwood itself.

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Dining Culinary Adventures Clever Koi’s new menu items will delight epicurean explorers BY NIKI D’ANDREA The Asian-inspired food at Clever Koi is adventurous. Traditional Asian dishes like fried rice, ramen and dumplings get punched up with exotic ingredients like duck fat sriracha, black garlic, Japanese whiskey glaze, wasabi guacamole, yuzu aioli, ponzu tofu cream and especially pickled daikon. The white, mild-flavored radish appears all over the menu. Dining at Clever Koi is paradise for epicurean explorers, and many new adventures were added to the menu this past spring. That’s not to say there’s nothing on the menu for the unadventurous eater. The Pad Thai is familiar and flavorful, and also available in a vegan version. Korean fried chicken, curry, chow mein, and short ribs also are quite satisfying and safe. The new menu items also include

things that could please any palate, like the updated vegetable ramen bobbing with roasted tomatoes, chayote squash, Jerusalem artichokes and pickled daikon. The savory soup gets a boost from a leekcompound butter. Dover sole will delight seafood lovers – the pan-seared, flaky white fish falls off the fork and is served over summer corn curry, chayote, bok choy, roasted corn and white rice. And then there are the XO Noodles – wok-roasted yaki soba noodles with snow peas, bean sprouts, pickled daikon, scallions and fried shallots. The dish is named after two things – the XO designation for a “very special” cognac, and a popular spicy seafood sauce from China. The dish doesn’t taste fishy at all; it actually has an earthiness to it. The new sunchoke and eggplant dip

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Left: Korean fried chicken features half a chicken fried in a gochugaru breading, finished with a honey miso. Top: Beets are the heart of the fantastic vegetable tart. Below: Vegetable ramen is rich with roasted tomatoes, chayote squash, Jerusalem artichokes and pickled daikon. (Photos courtesy MMPR)

makes a great appetizer for sharing. The hummus-like dip is served with crispy, house-made sesame nori lavash bread and topped with a pinch of black garlic, which is basically aged garlic that looks a lot like dark caviar or jelly and has tangy overtones. Beets are the heart of the fantastic vegetable tart. Braised beets are baked into a house-made puff pastry with goat cheese and rosemary and finished with a bourbon syrup. It’s a delicious – and surprisingly savory and filling – addition to Clever Koi’s menu.

loud with conversations. The kitchen is exposed, releasing an array of appetizing smells into the air and sometimes giving guests a glimpse of flame from the wok action. The patios are popular spots, as well, being well-shaded and well-lit in the evenings. Clever Koi’s cocktail menu is wellknown and well-loved by craft cocktail connoisseurs. Beverage director and Clever Koi co-owner Joshua James turns traditional tipples up a notch with drinks like The Dead Hand, a potent and peppery drink with Arette Blanco Tequila, Benedictine Liquor, orgeat (sweet almond-based syrup), blackberries, an absinthe float and fennel pollen. It has a black licorice flavor to it. Those seeking something sweeter might like The Jailbird, made with purple beet-infused gin, Smith & Cross Rum, lime, orange juice, and a light floater of bitter Bruto Americano appertivo liqueur. There’s also a menu of a dozen wines and a dozen beers (including local craft beer on tap), and three kinds of sake. Sunchoke and eggplant dish brings a bevy of new flavors to It’s hard to say there’s “something the menu. for everyone” at Clever Koi, but we Among the more adventurous menu can’t say there’s not either. One thing we items, though not new, is the chicken can say: For the epicurious, there’s much and waffle dish, found under “steamed to explore, and many culinary adventures buns.” This crunchy fried chicken thigh on to have. a kimchi waffle with chili maple syrup is lip-smacking good. Clever Koi In addition to its innovative fusion food 4236 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix menu, Clever Koi – which has two Valley 602-222-3474 locations, in Gilbert and central Phoenix 384 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert -- is known for its ambience. The dining 480-306-4237 room has several tables and at peak thecleverkoi.com dinner hour, it’s bustling with people and

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Big Chill

Gelato Dolce Vita keeps it cool BY ALLISON NERI

Walter and Marti Bergamaschi founded Dolce Vita Gelato and Grocery. (Photos by Kimberly Carrillo)

Mesa’s little taste of Italy, Gelato Dolce Vita, has been winning awards for its desserts since it opened 11 years ago. The shop and its accompanying Italian grocery store were founded by Walter Bergamaschi, who was born and raised in Bergamo, Italy, and his Iowa-bred wife, Marti. The two met while running separate delis in Italy. As residents of Italy, they attended Gelato University and perfected their craft before packing up and leaving for the States. “He spoke no English, so we found something he could do when we moved,” says Marti Bergamaschi, who lived in Italy for 21 years. “We went near Bologna to the Gelato University for a week’s training and decided that we liked it. We then went to separate gelato shops around the Bergamo area to apprentice for the summer. We sold everything, came here, and opened Dolce Vita.” While operating a business takes hard

work and passion, it is worth it for the Bergamaschis. “I love the day-to-day contact with our customers,” Bergamaschi says with a grin. “You build up friendships and become a part of the community.” It is clear the Bergamaschis have become just that. The couple and their customers treat each other like family. Dolce Vita regulars update the Bergamaschis on their happenings. Even after more than a decade, Bergamaschi is impressed with Walter’s passion for sharing his Italian culture and food. He is most proud of his gelato. “He’s always learning and always researching,” she says. While creating innovative gelato, the two maintain the Italian grocery store and deli next door. They carry imported brands like Rovagnati and Levoni, to name a few, and they said they have the best Italian salami and prosciutto. The Bergamaschis opened the grocery store out of necessity. “There wasn’t any true Italian food,” Bergamaschi says with a laugh. “So, we decided to open the deli and figured if nothing else, we have something good to eat.” The plan worked. The gelato shop has won several awards, and was voted one of the best in the country. Recently, Gelato Dolce Vita took home the gold medal at the Scottsdale Gelato Festival for its new flavor, Next to the gelato shop is the couple’s Italian grocer and deli. “Stupify.” With an ever-

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changing menu of gelato flavors, they make sure to cater to every customer. “We are really the only thing out here in Mesa,” Bergamaschi says. “Everybody would go to Scottsdale and it’s nice because now they don’t have to drive all the way out there.”

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What’s Cooking?

Pan-seared steak with butter and herbs BY JAN D’ATRI

Photos courtesy Jan D’Atri

Do you always grill your steak? Well, this month you can "steak” your claim on a New York steak seared the way top chefs love to do it – in a skillet and bathed in butter, garlic and herbs! My father was a butcher all of his life, so I learned quite a few tips about beef in my lifetime. It’s a big trend these days, but searing a steak in a skillet was always dad’s cooking method of choice. There are some real secrets to the perfect pan-seared steak. Pat the steak dry, liberally coat with salt, let it rest and always add butter!

Pan-seared steak with butter and herbs Ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 thick cut steak, about 1-1/2 inches (I prefer New York, rib-eye or T-bone) - 3-4 cloves fresh garlic, cut in half lengthwise - 2-3 sprigs of fresh herbs (I used rosemary and thyme) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - Salt and pepper Directions: Pat steak dry on both sides with paper towels. Liberally coat both sides of steak with salt and pepper. Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pan. Add olive oil, and when hot, place steak in the pan. Sear for a few minutes on each side and on the edges until browned. Add garlic, herbs and 2 tablespoons of butter. When melted, spoon over steak and rub garlic

| JUNE 2018

In honor of Father’s Day this June, I’m cooking up my favorite cut of beef using my father’s favorite techniques.

over steak. Cook steak to 125 degrees for rare. (Cook about 3-4 minutes after searing.) At the end of the cooking process, add last tablespoon of butter, let melt and spoon over steak. Remove steak and let rest uncovered for about 4 minutes. Slice and enjoy! More about beef: If you any have questions about choosing, storing or cooking beef, one of my favorite resources is beefitswhatfordinner.com/cooking. It’s a website created by The Cattlemen’s Beef Board and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and it’s loaded with great tips, advice and recipes – for instance, what cuts of beef are best for stewing, oven roasting and skillet-to-oven dishes, indirect grilling, braising and broiling? This site has all the information you need. There’s a page that teaches you how to cut meat for things like stewing, short ribs, brisket and more. Also, there is a lot of great nutritional information and frequently asked questions. I highly recommend it!

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Columns

Aging Today

Summer Resolutions can spark change BY BOB ROTH

Managing Partner of Cypress Homecare Solutions

As temperatures soar and the daylight greets me earlier every morning, I am overcome with a sense of optimism. The presence of hearty desert flora growing toward the light is my affirmation that longer days hold great promise for those willing to embrace this gift. I know logically, it’s the same 24-hour day; it just feels like it’s possible to get more done. Just maybe it’s hard to stick to those New Year’s resolutions because the days seem shorter. Join me in a new movement for summer solstice resolutions. Do you need to institute a few good rituals or break some habits? Now is the perfect time. We can thank our primitive brain for keeping us stuck in a rut. This served us when we were roaming the savannah East well Valley Rehabilitation Hospital in an effort torehabilitation survive. The survival comprehensive for instinct favors those who can recognize patterns ons such as neurological impairments and make quick decisions that result in an illness, accident or surgery. self-interest. With our default of our brain ons we provide intensive therapy circuitry consisting of fear, self-doubt, and usinganadvanced andthe status overridingtechnologies force to maintain clude: quo, it’s a wonder we can leave the house every day! • Spinal cord injury erosis Hyperbole•aside, Strokethe very real deeply subconscious chatter that takes place

When working on changing behaviors, there is a misconception among the general population that it is our own personal feelings that direct our thoughts. The experts contend that it is exactly the opposite. There is a consensus among researchers that action (or inaction) starts with one’s thoughts. The thoughts initiate feelings, which lead to behaviors. Step outside the box to consider that it is your thoughts that create your feelings, which direct your actions. Circle back to the beginning of this discussion on the primitive brain, and does the light pop on? Most of the chatter in our head is negative,

barely perceptible and directs us back to the status quo. Therefore, if we start with intentional goal-directed thoughts and an action plan, we can override our inner caveman. Most importantly, fellow Baby Boomers, why are we talking about long days and good habits? For those who have been a caregiver for an aging family member or friend, the days are long whatever the season. If we can get our figurative house in order with good habits, these challenging times may be a bit easier. Who is ready for a Summer Solstice Resolution?

when we decide to institute a change may look like taking a free throw in basketball. Imagine the opposing players and thousands of spectators trash-talking your proclamations of intentions. “I wouldn’t go there; don’t worry, he never follows through; he’ll quit after a week.” The average person has about 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. Of those, 80 percent are negative and 95 percent are exactly the same repetitive thoughts as the day beHealthSouth East Valley Rehabilitation Hospital fore. specializes in comprehensive rehabilitation for How do you quiet all that underlying many conditions such as neurological impairments negativity and pivot away from the repetiresulting from an illness, accident or surgery. tion that your brain loves to bask in? There Neuro conditions we provide intensive therapy is no shortage of self-help available on the programs for using advanced technologies and expert care include: subject. Personally, I really like the New York Times best seller, The Power of Habit: • Brain injury • Spinal cord injury Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business • Multiple sclerosis • Stroke HealthSouth East Valley Rehabilitation Hospital by Charles Duhigg. According to Duhigg, • Parkinson’s disease • Trauma specializes in comprehensive rehabilitation for there is a neurological pattern that conmany conditions such as neurological To impairments help patients regain independence, they receive sists of three elements: a cue, a routine, resulting from an illness, accident or surgery. their own neurorehabilitation team and a personalized and a reward. Understanding and identifyprogram Neuro conditionswhich we provide therapyto improve motor skills, cognition, balance, ing these components govern intensive any memory, using advanced anddaily living tasks and language skills. habitprograms can help for to change bad habitstechnologies or formexpert good ones. care include: Learn more about our neurorehabilitation Duhigg recommends writing out your • Brain injury • Spinal cord injuryby calling 480 567-0350 or program plan and posting it where you will see it. Multiple • Stroke visiting healthsoutheastvalley.com When• you read sclerosis through the flowchart, disease • Trauma • Parkinson’s disease • Trauma you will most certainly see that this requires nts regain independence, they receive commitment and work. To help patients regain independence, they receive rorehabilitation team and a personalized If it were easy, we would their own neurorehabilitation team and a personalized mprove motor skills, cognition, balance, be perfect life cognition, balance, program toallimprove motorand skills, would be pretty boring. y living tasks and language skills. 5652 E. Baseline Road • Mesa, AZ 85206 memory, daily living tasks and language skills. Reaching for that next challenge is what keeps e about our neurorehabilitation Learn more about neurorehabilitation us young and isour uniquely y calling 480 567-0350 or programhuman. by calling 480 567-0350 or althsoutheastvalley.com Working on keystone visiting healthsoutheastvalley.com habits, as Duhigg outlines, has a spillover effect. For example, getting more organized will free up time for exercise, spending time with family, or getting more sleep. 5652 E. Baseline Road Mesa, AZ 85206 Each •situation is unique 5652 E. Baseline Road • Mesa, AZ 85206 to you and your personal ©2016:HealthSouth Corporation:1275497-02 goals and challenges.

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JUNE 2018 |

Hospice Is Hope

Nurse Lisa Abatan has seen the effect music can have on people with dementia.

The gift of song

(Photos by Lin Sue Cooney)

BY LIN SUE COONEY As we age, it’s normal to have trouble remembering things. And sometimes all it takes is a little tune from your past to revive a long-lost memory. Be it a love

song, opera or rock and roll, music quickens the heart, soothes the spirit and fills the soul. A simple melody can tap you on the shoulder and suddenly, you awaken from a deep sleep, are swept away in your lover’s arms or laughing like a child again. That magical transformation is exactly why some Hospice of the Valley nursing assistants lift their voices to comfort patients facing end of life. “My dad was a pastor,” Lisa Abatan says. “So I grew up with music. Everybody in our family sang.” She’s seen the effect music can have on people with dementia. “Music is medicine,” she says. “I’ve Nurse Renee Brown with patient Henry Valencia. Valencia calls nurse Brown’s singing “joyful.”

seen great connections where they can remember a song, where they may not even remember a loved one.” Renee Brown’s mother sang nonstop and passed that on to her. Renee’s constant humming had patients begging her to sing. “You know it really touched their hearts and put them in a peaceful state of mind. Going through sickness is a traumatic thing, so anything to ease the nerves is a blessing,” Brown says. Renee’s voice is a welcome balm to patient Henry Valencia, who calls her singing “joyful.”

“It stays with me, even at night, I can hear her singing,” he says. She smoothes the roughness out of life itself.” Patients may not have the ability to express how music makes them feel, but a look on someone’s face, a softness of the shoulders, or the slow tapping of a foot will tell the story. Music is a gift that sparks something magical. It helps our patients remember not just the life they led and the people they loved… a song can help them remember who they still are.

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Virtual caregivers might be in your future BY JUSTIN FERRIS It would be nice if every aging person in need of care received professional 24/7 support. Unfortunately, due to cost, a lack of personnel and other factors, it’s often left to the person’s family to do the best they can, which can be tough on everyone. That situation is only going to get worse. According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of seniors who require a nursing home will expand from 1.3 million in 2010 to 2.3 million by 2030. The number of people with Alzheimer’s could triple to 14 million by 2050. While some promising medical science could mitigate – or even eliminate – specific issues of aging by then, tech entrepreneurs are already looking at other options to ease the strain.

Care.Coach

There are plenty of ways you can monitor an aging parent remotely via webcams or remote sensors. However, someone with mental difficulties might need more frequent monitoring or interaction than you can give. You also might not possess the knowledge to provide the best care. That’s where Care.Coach (www.care. coach) comes in. Founded in 2012 by Victor Wang, a mechanical engineer specializing in machine-human interactions, Care.Coach provides people in need with

The friendly Pepper can learn and react to human emotions.

This large, adorable robot bear helps move patients where they need to go.

a knowledgeable virtual companion. Housed in a standard Google tablet, the companion is an animated dog that uses Google’s text-to-speech system to talk. A human Health Advocate at a remote site interacts with their charge through the tablet’s webcam and the dog’s speech. Artificial intelligence handles tasks like scheduled reminders for medicine and workouts. Health Advocates, who Care.Coach says are certified by the Alzheimer’s Association, check in regularly with their charges to provide health support, cognitive exercise, emotional support and general companionship. Advocates keep detailed logs of their interactions that are available to the family. They can also reach out to the family if they spot emerging health issues or even problems with on-site caregivers. The Care.Coach system is finding growing adoption in both private homes and care facilities, and research shows positive outcomes for many patients. Of course, its acceptance depends on the situation and person in need. The service costs around $200 a month. A Wired article from December 2017 titled “What Happens When We Let Tech Care For Our Aging Parents” takes a detailed look at the technology and how it worked for one family.

(www.mojin-robotics.de). While it isn’t specifically made for caregiving, it’s modular system could be adapted for that purpose. As it is, it could function in many caregiver-adjacent tasks, such as keeping the house clean or fetching items. Given its love of robots and large elderly population, it should be no surprise that Japan is on the cutting edge of developing a range of caregiver and nursing robots. In fact, by 2020, the Japanese government aims to have robots helping 80 percent of those in need of care. For example, from Riken there’s the giant-yet-adorable Robear that can lift patients from a bed into a wheelchair. At the opposite end there’s the tiny Dinsow (dinsow.com), which acts as a bedside companion and advanced monitoring webcam. SoftBank Robotics fields Pepper (www. softbankrobotics.com), a small humanoid robot designed to be a companion. It can react to people’s emotions and learns new behaviors the more it interacts. Its artificial intelligence can also supply medical information if needed. Of course, robot caregivers might have an uphill battle. According to a 2017 Pew study, only 41 percent of Americans

Erica is part of a program to develop realistic human robots.

would be interested in a robotic caregiver, with 59 percent saying they would never consider it. To combat this aversion, some companies are trying to make ultra-realistic human robots for companionship. Erica from Hiroshi Ishiguro Laboratories (www. geminoid.jp) and Sophia from Hong Kong’s Hanson Robotics (www.hansonrobotics.com) are two prominent ones. However, don’t expect to see them for sale soon.

Puzzle Answers FROM PUZZLES ON PAGE 24 answers

Lots of robots

Care.Coach largely deals with the health and mental side of caregiving, but it can’t do much on the physical side. For that aspect, many companies are working on robots to augment human caregivers. While most of these are still incredibly expensive, they show what could be possible very soon. For example, German company Fraunhofer makes the Care-O-bot 4

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JUNE 2018 |

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HOME IMPROVEMENT HOLTZMAN HOME IMPROVEMENT People do business with people they trust Home Remodeling & Additions *Kitchens or Baths *Tile/Flooring *Garages We Do It All! 24 Hour Emergency Services Licensed/Bonded/Insured ROC#242008 SUMMER SPECIAL 15% off labor on any job over $1,000 Must mention this ad for discount Can't combine with any other offer Call for a Free Estimate! 602-628-8735 602-323-6574 Holtzmanhomeimprovement.com

HOME REMODELING ALL AMERICAN REMODELING AND HANDYMAN SERVICE Need some help around the house? Please call, I do it all! *Design *Carpentry *Paint *Flooring *Electric *Plumbing *Drywall And More! Small projects to full remodels & hydrotherapy tubs Todd 480-388-5335

HOME & BUSINESS REMODELING & REPAIRS BY MY FATHER'S TOOLBOX Honest, Dependable, Quality Workmanship Upgrade your plumbing or electrical fixtures. Carpentry, Drywall & Painting Concierge & Computer Services Available For free consultation call 480-600-0958 We accept Major Credit Cards ROC258814

MEDICARE ASSISTANCE AND DIRECTION THROUGH YOUR TRUSTED MEDICARE COMMUNITY ADVOCATE Supplements, Advantage, Entitlements, Eligibilities Medicaid Help Rx and Part B Cost Assistance No cost, Complete, Accurate Medicare Guidance Jim Schmidt 480-296-3900 JimSchmidt@SignatureSenior.Solutions

WE SPECIALIZE IN MEDICARE HEALTH PLANS: Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Prescription Drug Plans. Call today to speak to a qualified agent. Med-Care Senior Insurance Solutions Laura Klebosky 480-363-5569 LauraKlebosky@cox.net

ROOFING Phillips Roofing

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ROOFING Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC The Most Detailed Roofer in the State. Roofs Done Right..The FIRST Time. 15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems. FREE Estimate and Written Proposal. 480-357-2463 www.timklineroofing.com R.O.C #156979 K-42 Licensed, Bonded and Insured

FRIENDSHIP AD ABBREVIATION KEY SWM = Single White Male SWF = Single White Female SHM = Single Hispanic Male SHF = Single Hispanic Female WWM = White Widowed Male WWF = White Widowed Female

ISO = In Search Of

LTR = Long Term Relationship

N/S = Non-Smoking N/D = Non-Drinking

DRAWER 9792P DIVERSITY SINGLES CLUB (AGE 60 PLUS) Meets EVERY Monday 8:00am at JB's Restaurant, 6810 E. Main St. in Mesa for breakfast Prospective Members Welcome! DRAWER LL1500 WWF, mature woman, funny & intelligent looking for friendship and clever conversation. MAN SEEKS woman for movies, music, events. Medium to Small size, non-smoker, 68-78 yrs of age. West Valley area. Call RB (623)239-8752 Place a Friendship Ad! Send ad to LLAF 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219, Tempe AZ 85282 or email to Tracey@times publications.com or call 480-898-5611 Send: Name, Address, Phone, Email and payment. Payments can be check or credit card. Include your 30 word ad ($15). $.25 per word thereafter.

DRAWER LL1354 I am a very loving, warm-hearted woman. Have a great sense of humor. Love to enjoy life and have adventures with a partner. It would be a very exciting time together. DRAWER LL1478 I want to be the one of two, not one of one & what about you? This widowed female just had another birthday single & missing a man in my life. Where are you? DRAWER LL1615 WWF, 69 - very outgoing, patient, and fun to be with. Would like to meet a nice gentleman for companionship and travel. Please include phone number - no email. I live in the Tucson area. DRAWER LL1631 SWM, 65, fit, attractive guy seeks N/S SWF (55-65) who enjoys adventure, hiking, working out, new restaurants, concerts, day trips/weekend getaways and sports (especially football). Please include a photo. Northeast Phoenix. DRAWER LL1646 Early Retired Couple seeking SF 50+ for friends/LTR. Healthy, clean, no substance use. Walking, day trips, shopping, cafes, home cooking, NASCAR, hockey, roller skating. Just friends, possible roommates. Please respond with recent photo, phone, email. DRAWER LL1645 SWM 71 6'2'' Brown Eyes, Gray Hair. Christian. Non Smoker/Non Drinker. No Games of any kind, looking for friendship or long term. No hurry. Send me a letter with your phone number so we can chat and we can go from there. Please no letters without phone number. HOW DO I ANSWER A FRIENDSHIP AD? Compose your response and address it to: Drawer #________ Lovin’ Life After 50 Newspapers 1620 W. Fountainhead Pkwy, Ste. 219 Tempe, AZ 85282

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Jim Schmidt Supervisory General Agency

Arizona’s Largest Selection of Clocks & Music Boxes

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Code T09

602-279-0942

JUNE 2018 |

Arizona Greenthumb

Creative ways to water your desert garden BY FARMER GREG PETERSON “Rain, rain, go away, come again some tank is then plumed to a part of the yard other day” the music lyrics say, but when where the water will be useful later in the it does, make sure to collect as much as year. you can for your garden. That’s my manFor those of you looking for a simpler tra these days. One of my secrets in keep- (and less expensive) solution, a 5-gallon ing it lush and green here at the Urban bucket or a 55-gallon drum will serve Farm? Collecting rainwater. the same purpose; however, this option I often get a quizzical look when I begin takes some maintenance to collect and talking about rainwater harvesting, with distribute the water later. the statement “Hey, we don’t get enough My personal favorite is the downspout rain here – why bother?” The fact of the collection system that carries the water matter is that for every 1,000 square feet directly to my orchard of eight fruit trees. of surface area, we can harvest over 4,000 The rainwater runs off the roof and down gallons of water per year here in the Val- the gutters into a pipe that carries it to ley. In desert speak, that is a lot of water. the orchard – a simple solution that virtuThe basic notion in designing a sys- ally never needs maintenance. tem is to put the rain where it will make With our current and future water the biggest landscape impact. In theory, challenges, understanding just what to this process is easy, but before you install do with all that water when it comes is rainwater harvesting infrastructure, you imperative, especially with our growneed to put some thought into the pro- ing population here in the Valley of the cess. Sun. To explore water harvesting, Brad When I first stumbled across the no- Lancaster has written a great book called tion of rainwater harvesting almost three Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands, which decades ago, I couldn’t wrap my head is the premier manual on creating your around the concept of how I would store own systems. For an online class on waall the water I was going to collect. Then, ter harvesting, visit urbanfarmwater.com. through a series of classes, I learned that For you diehard gardeners out there, storing the rainwater in containers is ex- the coming three months are the hardest pensive and just one possibility. time to grow. If you choose to continue The other is to design our systems to your garden through the summer, a nice deliver the rainwater precisely where layer of compost or woody mulch around we want it, with a plethora of landscape your growing plants will do wonders for plants to flourish in the reward of the col- them. Plus, if you are really energetic, lection system. The only downside of this now is a great time to plant your pumpdesign is that we can’t get the water back kins for Halloween. out to use elsewhere in our landscape, but with Farmer Greg resides at the Urban Farm in North Phoenix. the right design, we can He is a blogger, podcaster and teacher of all things urban farming. Reach out to him at FarmerGreg@urbanfarm.org, plant trees in the vicinity find his podcast at urbanfarmpodcast.com and his blog of the water so they can and online classes at urbanfarm.org. Download his free desert planting calendar at plantingcalendar.org. drink all they want. The rainwater systems here at the Urban Farm consist of both the "tank" and "ground" variety. My rainwater harvesting tank is the above-ground style that holds 700 gallons. The rainwater is collected off of the asphalt shingle roof of my home and stored for a drier part of the year. The

| JUNE 2018

Valley Nursery Directory Looking for somewhere close to home for your gardening needs? From saplings and shovels to fertilizer and flower seeds, everything a greenthumb desires can be found at nurseries all around the Valley.

Arbor Care

5235 S. Kyrene Rd., Tempe, 480-491-5123

Arizona Cactus Sales

1619 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler 480-963-1061

Desert Horizon Nursery

19250 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek 480-987-3308

Phoenix

Greenfield Citrus Nursery

All Season Wholesale Growers

Moon Valley Nurseries

Ambius Plants

Moon Valley Nurseries

Arcadia Color Garden Nursery

Sea of Green Hydroponics

2558 Lehi Rd., Mesa, 480-830-8000

6623 S. 32nd St. #4, Phoenix 602-276-0230

3775 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler 480-648-2555

4014 E. Broadway Rd. #408, Phoenix 800-581-9946

1875 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler 480-648-0603

1828 N. 52nd St., Phoenix, 602-955-4500

1828 E. University Dr. #11, Tempe 480-967-2045

Arid Solutions Nursery

3815 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix 602-437-5194

SummerWinds Nursery

4647 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix 602-952-8080

Treeland Nurseries, Inc.

3015 N. 16th St., Phoenix, 602-812-7476

Dream With Colors

Tropica Mango Rare and Exotic Tropical Fruit Tree Nursery

Moon Valley Nurseries

V&P Nurseries, Inc.

Berridge Nurseries

3160 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa 480-892-1469

Dig It Urban Gardens and Nursery

2900 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa 480-497- 2525

3635 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix 602-454-9371

10520 E. Apache Trail, Apache Junction 602-576-6948

14225 N. 7th St., Phoenix, 602-904-5792

21919 E. Germann Rd., Queen Creek 480-917-9847

Phoenix Desert Nursery

3525 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix 602-243-7064

Whitfill Nursery

6420 S. 28th St., Phoenix, 602-304-0551

West Valley

6441 S. 32nd St., Phoenix, 602-434-5641

A & P Nursery

17826 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix 602-867-1822

Elgin Nursery & Tree Farm

Plant Stand of Arizona

Shamus O Leary Tropicals SummerWinds Nursery Western Tree Co.

3401 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix 602-243-6125

Whitfill Nursery

824 E. Glendale Ave., Phoenix 602-944-8479

Whitfill Nursery

820 N. Cooper Rd., Gilbert, 480-892-2712

2645 W. Baseline Rd., Mesa, AZ 480-839-5362

8606 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix 623-936-1100

Moon Valley Nurseries

11320 W. Indian School Rd., Avondale 623-242-0370

SummerWinds Nursery

6426 W. Bell Rd., Glendale, 623-979-5296

2647 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix 602-268-9096

Scottsdale Harper’s Landscape Co. and Gardening Centre 2529 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale 480-946-3481

Moon Valley Nurseries

18047 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix 480-374-3964

East Valley A & P Nursery

6129 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, 480-396-8800

A & P Plant Nurseries

2601 E. Baseline Rd., Gilbert 480-892-7939

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Offers cannot be combined with any other coupon, special offer or insurance plan, unless otherwise noted. Certain restrictions apply, see store for details. All offers and prices are subject to change without notice. *All exams performed by Doctors of Nationwide Optometry PC. (1) Single Vision, Lined Bifocal, or No-Line Basic Bifocal Plastic Lenses. Choose from any frame from up to $59.99. Additional charge for high-powered prescriptions of 4D. sph. or 2D. cyl or over. Expires June 30, 2018. (2) Additional charge for dilation and visual fields. Must be a first time patient in order to be eligible for the savings. Exam Offer Not Valid at Nationwide Vision Inside JCPenney locations. (3) VSP® is a registered trademark of Vision Service Plan and is not affiliated with Nationwide Vision.

JUNE 2018 |

STORMS

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