Lovin' Life After 50 - Tucson - Nov. 2022

as little as $1,000 for 6 to 36 months in

watch

grow.

Hughes can take your further

reach

goals

terms.

Opinion

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

Oro Valley, AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin.

The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side effects.

The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness, tingling, pain, and balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves to degenerate an insidious and often painful process.

cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “BandAid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further action.

Thankfully, Oro Valley is the birthplace of a brandnew facility that sheds new light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at hand.

1. Finding the underlying cause

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage (above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

3. The amount of treatment required for the patient’s unique condition

Arrowhead Physical Medicine in Oro Valley, AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00. Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results:

1. Increases blood flow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

The treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling

It’s completely painless!

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND MOST INSURANCES!!

The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long as you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is hope!

Arrowhead Physical Medicine begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage – a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each examcomprises a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings.

Arrowhead Physical Medicine will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until October 31st, 2022. Call (520) 934 0130 to make an appointment

Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10 c allers Y OU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL (520) 934 0130… NOW!!

We are extremely busy, so we are unavailable, please leave a voice message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Arrowhead

Leibo At Large Hear Ye? Maybe his records, but not his speech

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ

My mother often cautioned us on the value of silence. She mostly spoke her mind and expected her kids to as well, unless we had no clue what we were talking about. Then she advocated holding your tongue.

one thing to be an idiot,” she would say, “but another thing to constantly open your mouth and prove it to everyone.”

Which brings me to the rapper/clothing designer/cultural icon Kanye West, who goes by the one-word appellation “Ye.”

Ye, who has rapped beautifully about his late mother, Donda, has spent several weeks proving my mother exactly right and teaching us a valuable lesson besides.

It is possible to be prodigiously talented, wealthy and famous and still be a blithering idiot.

Ye’s recent turn in the media grinder began in Paris during Fashion Week, when he sported an oversized T-shirt with a picture of Pope John Paull II on the front and the slogan “White Lives Matter” on the back.

While I agree with Ye that the statement is “obvious,” there’s no denying those three words carry a highly charged context: The Anti-Defamation League calls the phrase “a hate slogan,” seized upon by the Aryan Nation and Ku Klux Klan as “a staple among white supremacist mantras.”

In other words, this wasn’t fashion. It was like dressing up as a Nazi for Halloween and calling it “just a costume.”

on community building,” Ye went on a social media rant that got him banned from Instagram and Twitter: “I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 on Jewish people. The funny thing is I actually can’t be Anti-Semitic because Black people are actually Jew also. You guys have toyed with me and tried to Black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.”

Can I get an “Oy vey”?

The woke left, from Rep. Alexandra Ocasio Cortez to singer John Legend, lined up on cue to cancel Ye. Others suggested that Ye, who has spoken often of his battle with bipolar disorder, might be o his meds and should seek help.

Meanwhile, the business community, from Adidas to JPMorgan Chase, moved to distance themselves, either suspending doing business with Ye outright or announcing the relationship was “under review.”

Keep in mind, this is the same guy who said in 2018: “When you hear about slavery for 400 years … For 400 years? That sounds like a choice.”

Only now you’re reviewing his wisdom?

My take on Ye: He belongs on the Mount Rushmore of rap, alongside giants like Dre and Eminem. His talent has brought him wealth and fame, but like so many icons, he holds no special claim on intellect.

As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves

Depending on your coverage,

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

peripheral neuropathy

could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

Speaking of Judaism, Ye turned his attention there in an appearance on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson show and on social media. His interview with Carlson was a rambling two-hour mess even before the really anti-Semitic comments — edited out for TV — leaked to the media.

Among Ye’s greatest hits: “I prefer my kids knew Hanukkah than Kwanzaa. At least it will come with some nancial engineering.”

Because, you know, Jews control the world’s money and all.

Not content with claiming to “have visions that God gives me, just over and over,

“Stronger,” “Gold Digger” and “Jesus Walks” are tunes I’ll spin until I die. But watch two hours of Kanye ponti cate on kinetic energy or wear his atrocious chunky moonboots? Hell no.

The rich and famous might try keeping their mouths shut more often. As for Ye, he would be wise to heed a line from his classic “Hey Mama.”

“I know I act a fool,” he vowed to Donda, “but I promise you, I’m goin’ back to school.”

When Ye, when?

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

PHYSICIANS

Govardhanan

beyond cancer.

Jennifer O’Neill,

Exceptional

Neil D’Souza,

Breakthrough

QDear Marisa,

Ask Marisa Cut yourself some slack during the ‘change’

BY MARISA PEER

As soon as I hit 50, I found myself in the middle of the “change” battling hot ashes, roller coaster mood swings, night sweats, insomnia and brain fog, which left me feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and anxious because it all seemed to come out of nowhere.

My doctor put me on HRT a few months back, which has helped with steadying my emotions together with the ashes and sweats, but I just don’t feel like myself anymore and have become quite reclusive because of it.

I used to be con dent and outgoing, but since this happened I am easily stressed, anxious and forgetful — my short-term memory is terrible since menopause hit.

It’s like I have forgotten how to do simple things and even have trouble concentrating when driving my car. This used to be natural for me — I did it without thinking — but now I am nding that I really need to focus on even the smallest of tasks.

Little things that wouldn’t have phased me before, like meeting a friend for lunch or even shopping for groceries has me worrying and feeling more self-conscious. I often forget what I was saying or struggle to follow a conversation, so I’m starting to avoid any type of social interaction now.

I had so many plans ahead of me to retire early and go travelling around the world now that my kids have own the nest, but the prospect of getting on a plane and going to new places on my own is a little overwhelming. Please help, Marisa! Miserable in Mesa

ADear Miserable in Mesa, Firstly, please don’t feel you are alone in this — menopausal anxiety is incredibly common and can cause panic attacks coupled with a loss of condence that can a ect everyday tasks. If you were already prone to anxiety, you are more likely to experience it due to the hormonal imbalance menopause brings with it.

The drop in estrogen can also cause a spike in adrenaline, which leads to the ght-or- ight response being triggered randomly, which means that something you once did on autopilot can suddenly seem overwhelming.

Hormonal uctuations can also cause memory and concentration levels to drop by up to 40% during the menopause, so something as simple as driving becomes much more challenging, demanding and stressful — cut yourself some slack!

However, with some of my clients, I often nd when we dig deeper their own menopausal symptoms mirror those of their mother or grandmother. They remember them talking about how hellish it had been, and it almost becomes a self-ful lling prophecy. We anticipate the worst until it becomes our own reality.

Every thought you think and every word you say is a blueprint that your mind and body work to make real. It doesn’t care whether it is true or false, good or bad, productive or not — it just takes it as fact, which is why it is important we are mindful of what we tell ourselves.

What stands out to me in your letter is your worries about the “decline” in your memory and the way that you describe it.

Take a step back and ask yourself, is your memory really “terrible”? Do you forget things all the time or is it just now and again? It’s only human to have a lapse in memory at times, so ask yourself, has it really declined or is this something that you have been telling yourself so often that your mind now believes it?

Think of how you speak to yourself because often when we forget something, we can be guilty of telling ourselves that we have a “terrible memory” and you are what you believe. Try changing what you say to yourself and see what happens.

If you nd you are still struggling, I have a great hypnotic audio around memory and concentration, which can help rewire your mind and give you back the phenomenal memory that you were born with.

A lot of our problems start and end with our minds, so don’t let unhelpful beliefs hold you back. If you forget something, say out loud, “I will remember that in a minute because I have a phenomenal memory.” Tell yourself a better lie, and watch your life transform!

Now get back to planning your trip, go out and enjoy yourself again!

Send your questions to media@marisapeer.com, and keep up with her online at marisapeer.com, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Thank you for voting us Best Alternative Health Center in Tucson!

79 year old Deb S. Recently traveled to Tucson to receive acupuncture treatments for her peripheral neuropathy symptoms which became unbearable after having Covid in July of 2022. When Deb arrived on August 13th, she shared that she experienced both numbness and stabbing pain in her hands and that her toes felt like cotton balls. She frequently dropped dishes due to her inability to sense what she was holding. Deb's legs felt disjointed and she had trouble maintaining balance which made her worry about falling.

Walking short distances had become so di cult that she had to use hiking poles just to get around. In short, Deb was struggling to complete simple every day activities due to the pain and numbness in her hands and feet caused by peripheral neuropathy, and felt very discouraged about life.

“Even

The most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness, tingling, and weakness in arms, hands, legs or feet, sudden sharp, stabbing, or shocking pain sensations, burning pain, loss of touch sensation, clumsiness and trouble using hands to pick up objects or fasten clothing, loss of balance and falling. Fortunately for Deb, Acupuncturist Renée Stucklen has been reversing the e ects of peripheral neuropathy for over 10 years - without invasive surgeries or medications that come with uncomfortable side e ects.

“After

of

the

pain

I can sleep

and I am

I

If you are living a life in constant pain and discomfort, or if you are struggling with the same symptoms as a result of Idiopathic Neuropathy or Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Acupuncturist Renée and the incredible team at Tucson Acupuncture and Wellness can help!

Read more success stories at www.TucsonAcupunctureAndWellness.com

Acupuncturist Renée is now accepting new patients but only for a limited time. To determine whether or not you are a good candidate for her personalized and comprehensive treatments, an initial consultation is required.

poles. I even started

at

Photo: Deb S. Tucson, Arizona, September 2022

Quality of LIFE Program

Crafting for a Cause seniors give back

BY KAREN SCHAFFNER

Clem McLay’s hands are busy. He is at Marana’s Senior Center, weaving narrow strips of colorful paper. Twenty-five min utes later he has a bookmark.

Across the round table from McLay is Cristina Messina, who is knitting slipper socks on a circle loom. The skill proved important during the quarantine.

“It was a lifesaver for me that I started learning before the pandemic,” she says. “When everybody was shut down at home, I did this, and it helped my think ing and staying healthy.”

They’re participating in Crafting for a Cause, which meets 10 a.m. to noon Tues days at the Marana Senior Center, 13250 N. Lon Adams Road.

Sure, they talk and laugh, but they are busy, too. A quick glimpse around the spacious room reveals a plethora

of handmade crafts waiting for just the right someone to buy. All money raised from sales goes directly to a fund that will be donated to a few causes. This is the brainchild of Tammy Burchett, Marana’s recreation programmer. To say that it’s her baby is an understatement.

“I’m very passionate about this pro gram,” she says with deep emotion.

“We don’t have much involvement or interaction with this, our senior popu lation. I’ve been in this (senior) program for 12 years now; it’s the love of my life. The people, the talent; I couldn’t ask for more.”

Burchett began by teaching crafts; her background is in interior design, and that becomes obvious seeing the items she has created for sale.

Using the most unexpected items such as old fan blades, bicycle rims and wire,

Burchett creates seasonal wreaths that can only be described as beautiful. She knows how to make trash into art.

“I’m a huge firm believer in recycle, re purpose,” she says.

Burchett also uses galvanized sheeting, horseshoes, old shovels and rakes, what ever crosses her path.

Burchett started Crafting for a Cause in 2016, but the seniors group was founded 12 years ago. That’s when she saw the riv er of talent that runs through Marana that had been untapped.

“As I got to meet with people, the as sets within this program were amazing,” Burchett says with some amount of awe. “Everybody has different talents that they bring to the table. I’ve got painters. I’ve got knitting and crocheting and quilting.”

Elaine Thornton crocheted little hats for bowling pins last year. Currently, she’s working on more hats and Christmas tree ornaments.

Joy Wright-Roles teaches knitting and crocheting to the group. She mainly does lap blankets, which are then donated to veterans. The seniors create a variety of items.

“Last year we were into making these baby blankets with dragonflies,” WrightRoles says.

Supplies for the program come from donations and Marana’s senior program budget. However, Burchett says she knows every rancher and farmer in town, so if she needs cotton or wire, she knows who to ask. Ideas for projects come from

research, mainly Pinterest, “and then they put their own twist to it,” Burchett says.

The crew works on items for the De cember 3 Holiday Festival, where they will sell the goods.

Patrons don’t have to wait until then, however. Drop by the senior center and browse at least the wreaths, which Bur chett has hanging in a hallway. Special orders are taken as well. All sales are cash only, with the money going directly into the donate-money pile.

Last year’s sales brought in more than $1,000. The money was divided, with $350 going to a family in the Marana Uni fied School District, another $350 went to a family at the local VFW, and the remain der went to the Community Food Bank of Marana.

“Community,” Burchett says. “It’s all putting it back into the community. … I’m proud to be able to do it and service this community.”

The seniors also have a table with their items to sell during Marana’s Founder’s Day celebration in March.

Burchett couldn’t wrangle all her se niors and their crafts without help. She has two aides: Serena Price and Mia Cas tro. On this day Price was putting togeth er a wreath.

“I love doing crafts,” she says. “It’s very therapeutic.” Price also helps paint, and she gets the room ready for the seniors.

Castro was painting flowerpots, which

Marana Recreation Programmer Tammy Burchett shows off a Christmas wreath created by a partic ipant. (Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)

Clem McLay makes bookmarks for Crafting for a Cause inside the Marana Community Center.

(Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)

be strung together into whimsical people.

“That’s kind of mainly what I do,” Castro adds. She also strings together cows and turtles and gives whatever help Burchett might need.

“I’ve been in parks and recreation for 21 and a half years, and I love my job,” Burchett says. “Where (else) do you get paid to play and be creative? I am blessed because people appreciate the work that we do.”

Senior Program. “I just see the positivity it brings to the seniors. … It’s a good quality of life program.”

(Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)

Keeping the Oldies Alive

DJ Tío

hopes to

BY KAREN SCHAFFNER

Tío Danny is like the cool uncle who gives out candy — but for the ears.

If it’s a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, it must be time for the Tío Danny Oldie Radio Show, something Daniel Leon has been producing for local radio stations since 2019.

“I play oldies, old blues, doo-wop, classic soul and oldies from Arizona,” Leon says.

“Every show I do I start off with Aretha Franklin. I’ve always loved her music. When she passed away, that tore me up.”

The Tío Danny Oldie Radio Show hits airwaves at 1 p.m. Sundays on KPYU-FM 100.7 and KPYT-FM 100.3 Yoeme Radio. A second show with different music selections is aired at noon Saturdays with replays at noon Tuesdays and Thursdays on KMKR-LP 99.9 FM.

Leon says he’s always wanted to be a DJ, so when KMKR-LP 99.9FM, a radio station at maker studio Xerocraft, put out a call for anyone interested in producing a show, Leon was there.

He and management agreed that an oldies show was needed. The next step? Learning to use the equipment. That was no easy task.

“That first month I didn’t know what buttons to push; it was a trainwreck,” he says. The person training him, Scott Kerr, would not give up on Leon, so he pushed forward.

“He was patient with me, and he worked

with me,” he adds. “He would always tell me at the end of every show that was a disaster, ‘I believe in your show.’ That’s my motivation for keeping this show going. He believed in me.”

Kerr died in late November 2020.

It takes Leon six to eight hours to pull together the two-hour show, which he records Wednesday nights in his home studio. He keeps playlists in his head, so he doesn’t repeat any music too often.

Leon has been collecting music since the early 1990s, so his collection is extensive.

“(I have) about 3,000 hours of oldie music in my personal music collection,” Leon says. “I had quite a large collection of rap music, but I sold it at Zia Records and used the money to buy the oldies music once I decided to take this oldie music/ radio show seriously.”

His collection is cataloged alphabetically and cross-catalogued by artist.

Every week he takes a deep dive into his record and CD collection to find the music that speaks to his soul. Listeners don’t just get doo-wop and classic soul. They hear the stories of the songs and the artists behind them.

Leon researches his music and knows his stuff. In doing so, Leon is contributing something important to Tucson’s culture.

“There’s something in Tucson, Arizona, about oldies on a Sunday; oldies and Sunday just go together,” says Gabriel Otero, the manager of KPYU-FM and KPYT-FM Yoeme Radio.

“The knowledge of these songs is not getting passed on. It’s important to have someone who knows these stories and

to hear them because that’s how the art stays alive. It’s very much a part of American culture.”

Leon adds, “I’m doing this for the love of the music, just to keep it alive.”

Leon is particularly interested in his home state’s music.

“When I first started this show three years ago, I was dedicating the last half hour of it to playing music only from Arizona,” Leon says.

“Then I realized the Arizona music is just as good as anything that was (recorded at) Motown or Stax, so now I just mix it in with everything.”

Despite his extensive collection, Leon is always searching for something new — meaning new to him. One artist he’s found is Celia Marie, a one-time Pueblo High School student.

“All I’ve been able to find is two tracks that she recorded,” Leon says.

“I have those in my rotation that I spin every so often. Every time I play her music, I put out a call: Anybody who knows anybody else, let me know because I would love to get anybody from Tucson who was recording the music from that time to put on the station.”

He also takes requests from listeners.

Although the show sounds professional and his listeners are happy, Leon says he feels something is missing. He’s not quite sure what.

“I’m pushing for something that hasn’t been done yet on radio,” he says. “I don’t know if I’m doing it already or I still need to figure out what (that is).”

Leon’s hope is to one day have his show go national.

The Tío Danny Oldie Radio Show

Noon Saturdays with replays at noon Tuesdays and Thursdays on KMKR-LP 99.9 FM

1 p.m. Sundays on KPYU-FM 100.7 and KPYT-FM 100.3 Yoeme Radio

To contact Daniel Leon, visit his Instagram page @tiodannyoldies; call his beeper at 520-320-4981; or email him at tiodannyoldies@gmail.com

Daniel Leon, aka Tío Danny, hosts a radio show with oldies at 1 p.m. Sundays on KPYU-FM 100.7 and KPYT-FM 100.3 Yoeme Radio. (Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)

sponsored content

Happy Anniversary Hughes Federal Credit Union

70 Years of Helping Tucsonans Achieve Their Financial Goals

service groups such as the Friends of the Library in Southern Arizona, which helps raise funds for new books and equipment, and creates classes, projects and programs designed to bring free educational resources to local area residents.

What started as a two-person office in 1952 has become an award-winning credit union, receiving a five-star “Superior” rating from BauerFinancial, with more than 175,000 members and over 265 employees with seven locations across Southern Arizona and $2 billion in assets.

Putting people before profits

On Jan. 28, 1952, Hughes Aircraft Employees Federal Credit Union opened its doors dedicated to the philosophy of “people helping people.” Now known as Hughes Federal Credit Union, it remains today what it was then, a member-owned and operated financial cooperative in existence solely for the benefit of its members/owners.

From the very first annual meeting on Jan. 14, 1952, attendees recognized that a “not-for-profit” financial institution would better serve the specific financial needs of Hughes Aircraft Company employees as opposed to a for-profit commercial bank.

Hughes deposits are insured by the National Credit

Union Share Insurance Fund administered by the National Credit Union Administration to protect our members’ deposits. Hughes provided and still provides its member owners with higher dividend rates on savings, lower rates on loans and lower or no fees.

In 2001, Hughes’ charter to serve low-income, underserved communities allowed the organization to expand its mission and make a positive difference in the financial lives of many more Southern Arizonans.

Today, credit union membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or goes to school in Tucson. Others interested in becoming a member may also join by making a small donation to one of Hughes’ select community

Adapting quickly to help its members

In good times and bad, Hughes Federal Credit Union adapts quickly to help its members. Over the decades, Hughes has guided its members through boom-and-bust economic conditions including the ongoing pandemic and the recent period of rising costs.

True to its philosophy of putting people before profits, Hughes worked closely with its members in 2020-21 to help them maintain financial stability by suspending foreclosures and repossessions, offering loan modifications, increasing Contact Center staffing, creating a special Lending Call Center and promoting financial literacy and wellness online through local schools. Hughes

also continued to support the local community through donations and sponsorships.

Building a stronger community for a brighter tomorrow.

Hughes remains committed to the financial wellness of its members by providing a wide variety of products and services to help them achieve financial goals. Whether purchasing a new home or saving for retirement, Hughes is dedicated to helping those in their community get the most out of their hard-earned dollars.

Hughes also devotes time and effort to help improve the communities they serve by supporting numerous local organizations, including Ben’s Bells, Angel Charity for Children, Habitat for Humanity, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, Children’s Miracle Network and local libraries like the Oro Valley and Green Valley Libraries.

Hughes’ debit card affinity program featuring special debit card designs has also helped raise thousands in support for organizations like the Tucson Wildlife Center and the Banner Health Foundation.

Just like the thousands of other fans, Hughes takes pride in showing its University of Arizona Wildcats spirit, supporting more than 30

1951 groundbreaking ceremony for Hughes Aircraft Company, soon to become Tucson’s largest employer.

athletic teams as an official corporate partner. Hughes also sponsors a variety of educational programs on campus including personal finance workshops presented by the University of Arizona Take Charge Cats and is a proud sponsor of the Arizona® Kid Cats program.

With financial education also at the forefront of Hughes’ efforts, the credit union has made a financial literacy program available in schools in Southern Arizona. The online program helps teachers

educate thousands of students on the importance of money management. In addition, Hughes provides cost-saving programs for those age 50 and over with free educational seminars for every stage of life on topics including retirement planning, Medicare, Social Security and more.

Recognizing higher education as an integral element in building a strong community, Hughes partnered with Earn to Learn, a matched-savings scholarship program that helps

low- to moderate-income students save and earn money for higher education. Students who qualify for the program also receive personal finance training. Since the Hughes and Earn To Learn partnership began Hughes has helped students participating in the program earn 3.3 million in grants to pay for college expenses.

Also, since 2005, the Hughes Federal Credit Union Scholarship Program has contributed over $100,000 in scholarships to hundreds of deserving high

school graduates entering college or trade school.

As Hughes marks its 70th anniversary, it celebrates the members and community it serves, with a commitment to continue to offer financial products and services that benefit Southern Arizonan’s financial lives. Whether it’s competitive rates, wealth management, low-rate loans or friendly retirement savings advice, Hughes is committed to delivering the right financial tools for success for today and tomorrow.

“For the past 70 years, it has been an honor serving our community and helping everyday Southern Arizonans navigate the complexities of financial services and money management to build and protect their wealth. We look forward to helping local families and individuals reach their financial goals for decades to come.”

— Robert Swick Hughes Federal Credit Union, President

Hughes employees have been carrying out 70 Acts of Kindness during its anniversary!

HughesFCU.org

For members like Gaby & Erna, Hughes Federal Credit Union has become a family tradition.

- Gaby & Erna

“We have four generations of Hughes members in our family”

Outpatient Prescription Drugs

*NO PART D Deductibles and Tier 1/2 drug coverage in the gap. Plan allows for 100 day Rx fill. $35 monthly insulin copay max*

Tier 1 is $0 copay, Tier 2 is $8, Tier 3 is $45, Tier 4 $95, and Tier 5 is 33% to the initial cover age limit of $4660. Coverage for Tiers 1 and 2 in the gap. Remaining tiers are paid by the member until out of pocket costs equal $7400. Catastrophic level applies after $7400 and member would pay 5% or $3.60 for Generic and Preferred Brand, All other 5% or $8.95.

$0

waived if admitted. DME/20%. Ambulance - air and land/$250. Outpatient surgery: at hospital/$250 at ASC/$150. Lab copay $0. Xray copay $15. Copays and coinsurance count toward the out of pocket max of $2,900. NO REFERRALS NEEDED FROM PCP TO SEE A SPECIALIST WITHIN THEIR CHOSEN NETWORK

*NO PART D Deductibles and Tier 1/2 drug coverage in the gap. Plan allows for 100 day Rx fill.

monthly insulin

max*

Tier 1 is $0 copay, Tier 2 is $10, Tier 3 is $45, Tier 4 $95, and Tier 5 is 33 % to the initial cover age limit of $4430 . No coverage after $4430 until out of pocket costs equal to $7050. Then 5% or $3.60 for Generic and Preferred Brand, All other 5% or $8.95.

Outpatient

Primary Care, $35 Specialist Copay, $35 Urgent care,

Copay Physical/ Speech/ Occupational Therapy, $0 Lab copay, $20 most x-rays, $200 ASC, $275 Ground Ambulance

$0 Primary Care, $25 Specialist Copay, $25 Urgent care, $10 Copay Physical/ Speech/ Occupational Therapy, $0 Lab copay, $10 most x-rays, $150 ASC, $275 Ground Ambulance

for Medicare

1-20 $0/Day

21-40 $196/Day

41-100

Restrictions

of Area

T1 Preferred Generic $0, T2 Generic $9 Extended Day supply for T1/ T2 100 days for one copay; T3 Preferred Brand $ 47; T4 Non Preferred Brand $100; T5 Speciality 33%; T6 Part D Vaccines $0 Network Pharmacies nationwide.

T1 Preferred Generic $0, T2 Generic $9 Extended Day supply for T1/ T2 100 days for one copay; T3 Preferred Brand $ 47; T4 Non Preferred Brand $100; T5 Speciality 33% ; T6 Part D Vaccines $0 Network Pharmacies nationwide.

$0 Primary Care, $35 Specialist Copay, $35 Urgent care, $10 Copay Physical/ Speech/ Occupational Therapy, $0 Lab copay, $10 most x-rays, $150 ASC, $275 Ground Ambulance

1-20 $0/Day

21-40 $196/Day

$0 (INN), $30 (OON) Primary Care, $30 (INN) $50 (OON) Specialist Copay, $30 (INN) $30 (OON) Urgent care, $40 (INN) 40% (OON) Copay Physical/ Speech/ Occupational Therapy, $0 (INN) 40% (OON) Lab copay, $0 (INN) 40% (OON) most x-rays, $200 (INN) 40% (OON) ASC, $275 (INN) 40% (OON) Ground Ambulance

Major Options

Available from Company

Coverage throughout the United States and its Territories for emergency and Urgently needed care only; WorldWide: Covered outside of the United States: Emergency Care, Urgent Care and/or Emergency ambu lance transportation from the scene of an emergency to the nearest medical treatment facility. Transporta tion back to the United States from another country is not covered. Copay/Benefit Limits apply.

Silver&Fit, over-the-counter allowance, No charge upgrade to rechargeable hearing aids, eyewear allowance, 30 visits for Complementary Medicine (Chiro/ Acupuncture/Therapeutic Massage) using preferred network providers, Coverage Limitations apply; Preventive/Comprehensive Dental $2,000 max. benefit

Coverage throughout the United States and its Territories for emergency and Urgently needed care only; WorldWide: Covered outside of the United States: Emergency Care, Urgent Care and/or Emer gency ambulance transportation from the scene of an emergency to the nearest medical treatment facility. Transportation back to the United States from another country is not covered. Copay/Benefit Limits apply.

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Entertainment

Musical Chameleon

Performers come together to celebrate David Bowie

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Former David Bowie music director Adrian Belew misses the legendary “thin white duke,” who died in 2016 at age 69.

“He was a super person to be around,” Belew says.

“There was something about him. He was so knowledgeable about so many subjects and so curious. He was very self-deprecating about being so famous. It was endless with David. Whenever I was with him, I knew some fun thing was going to happen.”

A renowned musician in his own right, Belew is working through grief and honoring Bowie the best way he can — with his series of live shows, Celebrating David Bowie.

“I love playing for David’s audience,” he says. “It’s work and I get paid for it, but I just feel like it’s music that should be kept alive. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do this every year. While we have it and we can do it property, I think we do a really good job at it.”

The jaunt comes to the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall in Tucson on November 12 and the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix on November 13.

Celebrating David Bowie returns with Todd Rundgren, featured artist Scrote (born Angelo Bundini) and singers Royston Langdon of Spacehog, Angelo Moore of Fishbone, and Jeffrey Gaines.

They are joined by saxophonist Ron Dziubla, Narada Michael Walden bassist Angeline Saris, and drummer Travis McNabb.

“We have five different singers in the band,” Belew says.

“That’s the way we determine what material we can do and what the show can be comprised of.

“There’s myself, Scrote, Royston, Todd and Angelo. Each one of us does some part of David’s career that works best for us. I do some of the stuff that I worked on with him, ‘Pretty Pink Rose’ and ‘Boys Keep Swinging.’ I also do ‘Fame,’ ‘Sound + Vision’ and ‘Starman.’”

Belew says Bowie recruited him while looking for someone “to go wild on guitar and make a lot of interesting sounds, too.

“That really opened the door to me to not only accommodate that, but for other people to see me doing that. I don’t know that I would have gone on to play with Talking Heads or King Crimson had

Adrian Belew, the former music director for David Bowie, honors the musician with the Celebrating David Bowie series of concerts. (Submitted)

it not been for that kind of exposure.

“He was so experienced and such a superstar. In the 1990 tour, we had a private jet and every accoutrement that all the rock star people have. Just to do that, to travel to 27 countries, that was such an amazing experience. He enriched my life.”

Bowie challenged Belew’s musical prowess as well, as his music evolved throughout the years.

“If fans didn’t like the current stage he was in, the next record would be different anyway,” Belew adds. “He was a musical chameleon. That’s another thing that worked in my favor. You could be artful and you could change, and your audience would change with you.

“A lot of bands do stay in the same place throughout their career. I prefer David’s method.”

“Celebrating David Bowie”

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, November 12

WHERE: The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, formerly Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson COST: Tickets start at $35 INFO: tucsonmusichall.org

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, November 13

WHERE: Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $40 INFO: celebritytheatre.com

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Calendar of Events

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Curious Conversations Inspired by the Fox Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, 10 a.m., Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Con gress Street, free, foxtucson.com/events

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2

“Enhance Fitness for Seniors” with certified instructors, 9 a.m., every Wednesday, Friday and Monday, Ran dolph Recreation Center, 200 South Al vernon Way. $36 per month

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Wheel of Fortune Live, 7:30 p.m. Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Avenue, tickets start at $28, tucsonmusichall.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Tunes Under the Moon, 5 p.m., Tucson Village Farm 4-H Healthy Living Cen ter, 2201 E. Roger Road, $10 in advance, $15 at the door, farm-grown vegetarian food options are $8 in advance, $10 at the door, tucsonvillagefarm.arizona.edu

Viva Dia de Los Muertos, glow-in-thedark folklorico dance show, 7 p.m. Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, tickets start at $18, foxtucson.org

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Oracle Artist Studio Tour, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., repeats November 6, 23 Oracle art ists in eight locations throughout Oracle, free, oracleartiststudiotour.org

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Daylight Savings, 2 a.m., remember not to change your clocks.

Mansions of Main Avenue Walking Tour, 10 a.m., 150 Main Avenue, $25, tucsonpresidio.com/walking-tours

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Meet me at Maynards, a social walk in Downtown Tucson includes restaurant discounts, 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. every Mon day, Maynards, 400 N. Toole Avenue, free, beyond-tucson.org

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Graciela Iturbide: Sueños, Símbolos, y Narración, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Tues

day through Saturday, through Decem ber 3, Etherton Gallery, 340 S. Convent Avenue, free, ethertongallery.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

“The Wickhams: Christmas at Pember ley” previews, Arizona Theatre Compa ny. 7:30 p.m. repeats November 10, Tem ple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Avenue, tickets start at $25, atc.org

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Arizona Long-Term Care Services Workshop, 2:30 p.m., hosted by Pima Council on Aging via Zoom, https://bit. ly/PCOAALTCS22, Meeting ID: 897 2167 3847, free, pcoa.org

Dance Theatre of Harlem, 7:30 p.m., Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Boule vard, tickets start at $23, centhall.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Ballet Tucson Fall Concert, various times through November 13, Leo Rich Theater, 260 S. Church Avenue, tickets start at $21, leorichtheater.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

The Airmen of Note, jazz ensemble of the U.S. Air Force, 7 p.m., Fox Tucson The atre, free, foxtucson.com,

Celebrating David Bowie, 8 p.m. Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 730 S. Sixth Avenue, tickets start at $35, tucsonmusichall.org

Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, 8 p.m., Rialto Theatre, 318 Congress Street, tickets start at $21, rialtotheatre.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Tucson Modernism Week, various tours, exhibits and activities through No vember 13, some free, preservetucson. org/modernism-week

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14

National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association, Chapter 55, monthly luncheon meet ing, 11 a.m., Golden Corral, 4380 E. 22nd Street, $11, 520-444-6970

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Tucson Roadrunners vs. Henderson in ice hockey, 6:30 p.m., Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Street, tickets start at $14, grand kids under 12 free, tucsonroadrunners.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Arizona Friends of Chamber Music Honor Joseph Kalichstein, 7:30 p.m., Leo Rich Theater, 260 S. Church Avenue, $32, arizonachambermusic.org

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Japanese Folk Music Celebration, various times, Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N. Alvernon Way, $27, yumegardens.org

Great Literature of All Times Monthly Discussion Group: Billy Collins’ Poetry, 10 a.m. to noon, Oro Valley Public Li brary, 1305 W. Naranja Drive, free, library. pima.gov/locations/ORO

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Tucson Museum of Art Fall Artisans Market, various times through November 20, Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Av enue, free, tucsonmuseumofart.org

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Joe Bonamassa, 8 p.m. Fox Tucson The atre, 17 W. Congress Street, tickets start at $59, foxtucson.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Old Main Guided Tree Tour: New Directions in Desert Landscaping, 9:30 a.m., University of Arizona Campus Arbo retum, Old Main, 1200 E. University Bou levard, free, arboretum.arizona.edu

Brian Regan Comedy, 7 p.m., Fox Tuc son Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, tick ets start at $40, foxtucson.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Rhythms of Life: Clayton Bass, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., daily through Decem ber 30, except December 24, Legacy Gal lery, Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, 15, $13 age 62 and over, tucsonbotanical.org

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Holidays Around the World and Through Time, various times through January 8, The Mini Time Machine Mu seum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive, $11.50, $9.50 seniors 65 and over, theminitimemachine.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23

A Magical Cirque Christmas (Touring), 7:30 p.m., Centennial Hall, 1020 E. Uni versity Boulevard, tickets start at $40, centhall.org

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Take a Thanksgiving Hike! It’s a Tucson tradition. Pick a trail to match your ambition at Alltrails.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25

American Indian Arts Expo, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through November 27, Catalyst Arts and Maker Space, Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road, Suite 110, free admission, usaindianinfo.com/events/craft-market

Katherine Byrnes and Naïm Amor: French Chanson, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., The Century Room, Hotel Congress, 311 E Congress Street, $17.50, hotelcongress. com/family/century-room

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26

Yuletide at Old Tucson, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. through November 27, Old Tucson, 201 South Kinney Road, $45, yuletideaz.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27

LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday, January

15, except December 24 and December 31, and January 1, Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, $30, tucsonbotanical.org

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28

“DeGrazia’s Ballet” and “Rock Talk: The Prehistoric Art of Ted DeGrazia”, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through January 25, except December 24, December 31 and January 1, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, 6300 N. Swan Road, $8, degrazia.org/visit-gallery

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Jesse Daniel Edwards and Landon Pigg in Concert, 7 p.m., The Century Room, Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress Street, $17.50, hotelcongress.com/family/ century-room

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30

Tohono O’odham Nation Cultural Center and Museum (Himdag Ki), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, except December 24, December 31 and January 1, Baboquivari Mountain Road, Sells (Topawa), free admission, himdagki.org

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A Jazzy Christmas

John Tesh is fortunate to be back on the road

CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

John Tesh did not think he would be able to tour again.

In 2015, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and given 18 months to live.

“I fought that and won,” he says. “Then COVID hit, and touring was really sporadic. We started again about a year ago on and off.”

Now he’s playing “everywhere,” and ready to switch gears for Christmas. He’ll bring “John Tesh: A Jazzy Swingin’ Christmas” to Desert Diamond Casino in Sahuarita on December 2.

“This one is a little different for us,” Tesh says.

“I turned 70 in July. I grew up with all the old-school arrangements of Christmas songs like Glenn Miller and Dean Martin. I’m bringing a big band crew so we can do swing versions. People will recognize a lot of the arrangements.”

Tesh is quick to add that the show isn’t scripted.

“It’s a very loose show,” he says. “I’ve had such a bizarre life and people have been through a lot of it with me. I played a big Red Rocks show in 1994. I worked on the Olympics. We talk a lot about that. Two-thirds of the show is synchronized to video.

Now healthy, John Tesh says he had to quit touring when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. He’s back on the road and bringing “John Tesh: A Jazzy Swingin’ Christmas” to Sahuarita. (John Tesh/Submitted)

“We show how songs were written. We take people on a journey of old school Christmas songs. It’s not 15 songs, ‘Merry Christmas. Good night.’ We really engage.”

With such a talented band, Tesh says he can go anywhere with his show. He can stop in the middle of a song and have a conversation with the audience. He can move songs around.

“It’s not like a Broadway show,” he says. “If you’re playing with an orchestra, you’re the locomotive and you have 80 cars behind you. It could be a mess.

“We take the temperature of the crowd. You can tell if the crowd wants more power ballads or whatever.”

Tesh hosts his “Intelligence for Your Life” radio program from midnight to 5 a.m. Tuesdays to Sundays, and 8 to 11 a.m. Sundays on 94.9 MIX FM.

Tesh spent 12 years as an investigative journalist for the CBS network and was an anchor on “Entertainment Tonight” for a decade. He has six music Emmys, two Grammy nominations, four gold records and seven public television specials; has sold 8 million records; and is married to actress, producer and former model Connie Sellecca.

Christmastime is joyful for Tesh. His

Tesh...continues on page 21

George Michael Reborn

Robert Bartko offers

fans everything they want

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Robert Bartko has George Michael’s look and sound down pat, complete with the tight jeans, black leather jacket and sunglasses.

But there’s no gimmick here. Bartko did not choose the tribute. In fact, it was the opposite; it chose him.

“From the time I was in high school, I looked like George Michael when he began to emerge on the scene,” says Bartko, who leads George Michael Reborn.

“I could grow a full beard at 17. I was a football jock and sang in the drama club. Usually, those are very polarized worlds in high school.”

But friends and family saw something special — his uncanny vocal resemblance to Michael.

“In 1988, I went to his big show at the Orange Bowl in Miami. I thought I was going to lose my life that night,” Bartko says about the reaction to his look.

He spent the 1990s producing songs for rock acts like Korn (“A.D.I.D.A.S. Level X Mix,” “Wicked” and “All in the Family,” which featured Fred Durst) and dance artist Stevie B.

In 2018, he saw a resurgence of his dance career. When a booking agent called him to perform, he said, “‘Man, you look and sound just like George Michael. If you could put together a George Michael act, we could book it a lot more

than we could book you on your own.’ Again, it chose me.”

Thus, George Michael Reborn was off and running. Bartko, who recently played a gig for Dita Von Teese’s birthday, stages a retrospective of Wham! and Michael’s careers. He says he “nails” the whole “Faith” era.

“He’s a hard act to pull off,” he says. “It’s a hard vocal, especially in America where most think of 1988 George Michael, where he was just fighting fit trim. His vocal range was absolutely amazing. That’s what people remember.”

And fans lose their minds at his shows, which includes a 7 p.m. Thursday, November 10, concert at the Green Valley Recreation West Social Center.

“I did a show in North Carolina, and these women went absolutely crazy and were just tackling me,” he says. “I thought I was really going to get hurt there. But at times, it is quite flattering because whatever I’m doing is working.”

George Michael Reborn

WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, November 10

WHERE: Green Valley Recreation West Social Center, 1111 S. GVR Drive, Green Valley

COST: Call for ticket prices

INFO: 520-625-3440, gvrec.org

Robert Bartko channels Wham’s frontman in George Michael Reborn. (Taylor Brooks/Submitted)

fondest holiday memory is when he unexpectedly received a puppy for Christmas when he was 7, living on Long Island.

His most “visceral memory,” however, is when his nephew was 6 and spending Christmas with him 20 years ago. Donning a Santa outfit, Tesh climbed on the roof and threw pebbles down the chimney so his nephew would believe St. Nick was coming.

“He screamed and ran inside,” Tesh says with a laugh. “He was worried that if Santa caught him not sleeping, he wouldn’t get presents. He dove into bed and pulled the covers over his head. It took me forever to get off the roof.”

His cancer diagnosis has made him appreciate life just a bit more. Treated at MD Anderson in Houston, Tesh frequently saw kids 8 or 10 years old seeking medication.

“You have a line of chemo in your arm, and they have six,” Tesh says with a sigh. “I talk about this onstage. I do talk about perseverance and obstacles as a way of learning. Suffering can produce greatness. I’ve studied that and understand it. But this is two hours of, ‘Hey, let us take you on a journey and talk about when life used to be simpler — and Christmas when it was simpler.’”

WHEN:

Dr. Marin | Dr. Talalaev | Rebekah Lewis, FNP-C

Where Tradition Meets Excellence

BY ALLISON BROWN

Nestled under the majestic ponderosa pines surrounded by Flagstaff ’s natural beauty sits Little America Flagstaff — a welcome sight for weary Route 66 travelers, a home away from home for returning families or a romantic getaway for couples.

No matter the reason for the stay, the Little America Flagstaff hotel can provide the rest, relaxation, hospitality and luxury guests are looking for. Little America Flagstaff general manager Fred Reese says their top priority is taking care of guests and making sure they get the most out of their stay.

“You’re going to be treated like family here because we’re a private, family-owned business,” he says. “We look at our customers as family members, and we look at our staff as family members. So we have this really strong emphasis on customer service and kind of following the golden rule, treating others as you want to be treated.”

And, after nearly 50 years in business, Reese says based on reviews and interactions he’s had with guests, the hotel’s customer service and family atmosphere is a big part of what keeps people coming back.

“We’re probably on the third generation of customers. I have customers come up to me all the time and say their grandparents brought them here when they were little,” Reese continues.

“When you’re in business for 50 years in one location, you’re going to get generation after generation. And, because we do such a good job, the upcoming generations like to come here because they have fond memories as children coming here and enjoying the forest.”

Of course, location is probably the biggest draw to Little America Flagstaff.

Just two and a half hours from Phoenix — the fifth largest city in the nation — and roughly an hour from Sedona, Flagstaff is within driving distance from most

of Arizona’s hot spots. Nearly 75% of the hotel’s business is from within the state, according to Reese, adding that its most popular time is May through October.

“The weather here is phenomenal. When it’s 110, 120 degrees down in Phoenix, it’s only 80 to 90 degrees up here,” Reese says. “So, it’s a great escape. The majority of our business is in state and comes from the Valley, where a lot of people like to get out of the heat and escape to the cool climate.”

With an outdoor pool, hot tub and playground, guests can soak up as much of the cooler weather as possible. The hotel also sits on 550 acres covered with ponderosa pines and other Indigenous trees and wildlife that guests can experience. Behind the main lodge is a nature trail that can be done in a 1- or 2-mile loop.

“(Guests) can really take in the natural scenery that we sit on,” Reese says. “Nobody else in Flagstaff can really claim that their resort sits on such beautiful land amongst the pines like we do.”

Little America Flagstaff is also just a short drive from Historic Downtown Flagstaff, which consists of several walkable city blocks filled with unique restaurants, breweries and shops — not to mention the murals, live music, and a mass of cute dogs out for a walk. There’s also history, as most of these buildings are restored from the 1890s.

While the hotel’s most popular times are during the warmer months, those who brave Flagstaff from November to February can experience a real winter and are more than likely to see snow. In fact, Flagstaff saw its first dusting of snow for the season the first week of October. Come mid-November, there will be skiing, snowman building and, at Little America, a magical winter wonderland with the chance to meet Santa himself.

Around the holiday season, Little America Flagstaff is transformed for the North Pole Experience and decorated with more than a million lights woven

through the pines and hung around the lodge. The hotel has served as the trolley launch station for the North Pole Experience, which is provided by a separate company, for 10 years.

“You get on the North Pole Experience Trolley that transports you to the North Pole and you get to go to Santa’s workshop,” Reese says.

“It’s got a fully interactive workshop where you go into different rooms — there’s the toy hall of fame, a bakery, the toy-making room, toy-wrapping room, the elf university. It’s amazing for all ages to go through that experience, and then you end with seeing Santa at the end of the tour.”

The event brings in tens of thousands of people throughout the holiday season, Reese says, and has been a great partnership for the hotel and Flagstaff as a whole. People don’t have to stay at Little America to participate in the North Pole Experience — they just have to check in for the trolley there — but the hotel offers a special meal and lodging package and discounted room rate for those who do stay.

Also during the holiday season, the hotel provides guests a unique opportunity to experience its famous, up-close and personal North Pole Experience breakfast buffet with Santa and a memorable photo opportunity at the Little America Flagstaff from 7 to 11 a.m. Sunday, November 13, through Saturday, December 24.

Reese says the hotel’s holiday events have become more and more popular over the years, and people are starting to see Flagstaff ’s winter beauty — not just its cool summer.

Little America Flagstaff opened its

doors in June 1973 as the third hotel in the Little America franchise. According to Reese, Little America actually originated in Rural America, a small town in Wyoming. He says it started as a small truck stop motel but grew massively and transformed into the luxury getaway it is now.

The Flagstaff location was actually built from the ground up, with painstaking detail put into everything from the color scheme to the tiles in the bathroom and the feel of the carpet (it’s wool). The hotel has 247 guest rooms; 10 meeting rooms ranging from 225 square feet to a 6,000-square-foot ballroom; the highly rated Silver Pine Restaurant and Bar, which caters to any culinary desire; a 24hour travel center with a hot grill and deli; a gift shop; a business center and a fitness center.

According to Reese, the hotel underwent a massive renovation from 2016 to 2018 that updated nearly all the facilities. He says he has received a lot of compliments from guests about the renovation, specifically the materials used.

“We get a lot of comments that it’s on par with some of the finest hotels that they’ve been to. We feel like we give the best value for what a customer is going to buy — they’re going to get a luxury guest room with outstanding service,” Reese says.

“The rooms have been appointed with live edge wood tables, desks and headboard from British Columbia, the carpeting is English wool, the stone and granite comes from Spain. Everything is so high end and nicely appointed, so you’re getting a luxury experience at a great value.”

Starting mid-November, Little America Flagstaff transforms into a winter wonderland with more than a million Christmas lights. (Little America/Submitted)

Crossword Puzzles

GO FIGURE!

by Linda Thistle

SUDOKU

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Family. Food. Frolic.

BY MATT RUSSELL

Courtney Fenton fondly remembers her birthday celebrations growing up in northwest Tucson.

Her parents and two brothers, Tyler and Zach, would start the day by waking her up with a chorus of “Happy Birthday” and sitting down to “an awesome breakfast spread.” A family activity would follow in the afternoon, then a night out for dinner at one of the family’s favorite restaurants.

Family. Food. Frolic. That’s how the Fentons roll. And it’s no coincidence that they anchor the experience at the siblings’ agship restaurant and how they recently celebrated the rst birthday of the newer, northwest location of Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink.

“When we opened Reilly downtown 10 years ago, our guests started asking, like almost immediately, for a second location,” Fenton said.

“We were approached by Phoenix Realtors about opening one there, but it was important to us that any expan-

sion would be in northwest Tucson, in a neighborly place that felt familiar since we grew up there.”

The Fentons ultimately opened their second location, at 7262 N. Oracle Road, last summer. “We were warmly welcomed to the area, by those who had been coming downtown regularly to eat at Reilly,” she said, “and by others, who weren’t familiar with Reilly, excited to have a quality Italian restaurant in their neighborhood.”

In a case of déjà vu, Fenton said her northwest guests began asking for more within days. The restaurant was only providing dinner service, and requests for lunch and happy hour were coming in regularly.

Then it clicked. Give the people what they want and celebrate the new location’s rst birthday by expanding their service accordingly.

“We wanted to curate a lunch menu that showed how an elevated dining experience can be fun and approachable, while also keeping in mind our guests who need to be in and out in 30 minutes,” she said. “This is also true for those who are able to have a more leisurely lunch, perhaps with cocktails or a bottle wine.”

Note to self. Meet Courtney Fenton for a leisurely lunch.

While many of the restaurant’s dishes are on both the lunch and dinner menus, three new sandwiches are available only for lunch: a meatball sandwich, with sauce, provolone, basil and grana; a roasted vegetable sandwich with salsa verde, fontina and basil; and a grinder with salumi, provolone, romaine, red onion, pepperoncini and oregano.

The lunch special features an eight-inch version of any one of Reilly’s 11 signature pizzas and a simple salad.

The new happy hour is another place where the family’s frolic comes into focus.

“We’ve put together an atmosphere and experience that’s truly centered on social,” she said. “Our bartenders love to engage guests and tell them the history and stories about the drinks.”

Happy hour, which isn’t limited to the bar area, is a nod to classic cocktails with bee’s knees, rye Manhattans, Moscow mules and others in a discount-priced rotation. Marinated olives; house-baked bread and house-cultured butter; and Brussels sprouts with house hot sauce, sherry vin and pecan brittle crumbs are the featured snacks.

Lunch at Reilly North is available Tuesdays to Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The restaurant is closed from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. so sta can enjoy a team meal together and prepare for dinner service. Happy Hour runs Tuesdays to Sundays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

I look forward to singing “Happy Birthday” to the Fentons myself, which, of course, will require a readying round of bee’s knees.

Contact Matt Russell, whose day job is CEO of Russell Public Communications, at mrussell@russellpublic.com. Russell is also the publisher of OnTheMenuLive.com as well as the host of the Friday Weekend Watch segment on the “Buckmaster Show” on KVOI 1030 AM. Disclosure: Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink is a client of Russell Public Communications.

Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink

7262 N. Oracle Road, Tucson

Reilly gives the people what they want

The meatball sandwich, one of Reilly North’s three premium sandwiches on its new lunch menu. (Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink/Submitted)

While many of the restaurant’s dishes are on both the lunch and dinner menus, three new sandwiches are available only for lunch. (Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink/Submitted)

Reilly North’s new happy hour honors the classic cocktail culture. (Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink/Submitted)

The Healthy Geezer

Wash your hands around animals

BY FRED CICETTI

The coronavirus that started in China may have come from animals. Many coronaviruses are zoonoses, which means they spread from animals to people.

Two coronaviruses in the recent past probably passed to humans from bats. These are severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012.

You can get a zoonose from a household pet.

Psittacosis is a common bird disease known as “parrot fever.” It occurs frequently in birds such as parakeets and cockatiels. Bacteria in bird droppings and nasal discharges can be inhaled. Psittacosis can develop into pneumonia and other health problems.

To help prevent transmission of psittacosis, don’t let birds y around the house. Wash your hands after contact with birds. Wear a dust mask and gloves when cleaning a bird cage. Antibacterial drugs are used to treat the disease in birds and people.

Cats can carry a parasite that causes the disease toxoplasmosis. You can get it from cat feces. Wearing gloves while gardening or changing a cat’s litter box is important. Washing your hands afterward is advised.

Few people who carry the toxoplasma parasite become ill. Those who get sick may su er from swollen glands and muscle aches. Antimicrobial drugs are available to treat infected people.

Worms can infect dogs, cats and humans. Worms live in the intestines of animals and are expelled in the stool. Yards and homes can become contaminated from worm eggs that are passed in animal feces and hatch in the soil.

Just one roundworm larva has been known to damage the retina of the eye and cause blindness. Hookworm larvae can cause painful in ammation where they crawl just below the skin’s surface. Drugs are available to destroy worms that infect dogs, cats and people.

People usually get salmonellosis by eat-

ing contaminated food. But it can also be transmitted to people through pets, particularly reptiles, baby chicks and ducklings, which commonly pass the Salmonella bacterium in their feces.

People have to be especially careful around reptiles. You should not let them roam freely through the house. Always wash your hands with hot, soapy water after handling reptiles or anything they contact.

Most persons infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Most victims recover without treatment. The elderly are more likely to have more severe symptoms.

Ringworm, a skin and scalp disease, is caused by fungi. People get it by touching an infected animal. Ringworm can infect cats, dogs, horses and other animals. In humans, ringworm may produce a ringshaped, reddish, itchy rash. Topical and oral medications may be used to treat ringworm.

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) may cause fever, fatigue, headache and swollen lymph glands. Most people get better on their own in about three weeks. Most cat scratches don’t develop into CSD. If you are bitten or scratched, wash the area immediately with soap and water.

Rabies, a deadly viral disease, is transmitted through the saliva of a rabid animal, usually by a bite. Domestic animals account for less than 10% of the reported animal rabies cases. If you are bitten, immediately wash the wound with soap and water, let the wound bleed, and get medical help at once.

Mycobacterium is one of the main infectious germ families associated with sh and aquarium water. A common route of this infection in humans is through cuts or scrapes on hands or feet. People should wear rubber gloves when cleaning the sh tank and wash their hands well afterward.

If I haven’t mentioned this before, wash your hands often when you are around animals.

Marjorie and Steve were young, they didn’t think about owning a home, let alone retirement!

they grew older they wanted the American dream, owning a home. That dream for Marjorie and Steve took hard work. With a good job, paying the bills, mortgage and of course keeping up with the kids, their house is more than just a home.

is the family they’ve built and the life they have lived. It was worth it all.

nearing retirement age, they are looking forward to enjoying what they earned. Marjorie and Steve couldn’t wait to sit back and relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. But even with all their careful planning, unforeseen events and unexpected expenses diminished the assets they set aside for their retirement. The only realistic option they could see was to sell their retirement home in Sun Lakes. It felt like an impossible task.

Luckily, their son, knowing how

hard they worked and desired to stay in their home, suggested an alternative, a reverse mortgage. Marjorie and Steve’s credit card debt were not a part of their retirement plans, but Sun American Mortgage stepped in to help turn a bad situation into an opportunity for them to stay in their home. With 30 years of experience assisting Arizona seniors in similar situations Sun American Mortgage is a leader in the Reverse Mortgage industry. Instead of selling their precious home they worked so hard for in Sun Lakes, Marjorie and Steve were able to turn to the equity in their own home to pay off their credit card debt and get back on track to retire better.

With their reverse mortgage line of credit, they can take money in and out of their home without recourse. They can make payments on their reverse mortgage if they want to, but also feel safe knowing that in a pinch, no payment is required. They pay their property taxes, homeowners’ insurance and HOA

fees as always. Marjorie and Steve have options. They can simply pay the interest, make a full payment every other month, make two payments every month, or never make a payment again for as long as they live in the house. The reverse mortgage gave them the flexibility to live the future they dreamed of, even though their retirement plans didn’t go quite as planned, they can retire better.

The team at P3 ARIZONA helped me understand my MEDICARE OPTIONS

was a whole

to be

65, I knew

MIKE CANDREA, Former University

Head Softball Coach