In Mesa, near the Superstitions grand, Santa arrives at this special land.
To Leisure World, his sleigh he guides, Leaving the snowy, cold mountainsides.
With every gift, he shares this thought: The best things cannot be bought.
So here’s a toast to joy and light, A Leisure World Christmas, warm and bright!
Leisure World staff is available by phone Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 480-832-0000. Dial the extension for the department that will best address your needs. For all emergencies, call 9-1-1 before notifying the LW Security Department at ext. 601.
Main Number: 480-832-0000
Administration Reception Ext. 101 reception@lwca.com
Sanitas Medical
LW On-Site Office 480-741-8041
Compliance Office Ext. 115
Facilities Department Ext. 109 facilities@lwca.com
Finance Department Ext. 119 finance@lwca.com
Fitness Center Ext. 212 fitness@lwca.com
Golf Coyote Run: Ext. 300 Heron Lakes: Ext. 400
Golf Course Conditions 480-832-0005
Landscape Department Ext. 201 landscape@lwca.com
Library Ext. 128
LW News/Communications Ext. 210 news@lwca.com outreach@lwca.com
Recreation Department Ext. 209 recreation@lwca.com
RE/MAX Classic Ext. 705
Resource Office Ext. 126 resources@lwca.com
Security Department Opt. 1 security@lwca.com
Frank & Barbara Shimek 362 D-1
Susanna Phillips 397 D-1
Gene Crofts
Marilyn Box 1738 D-3
Spencer Improvements LLC 1767 D-3
Donna Read 834 D- 4
Winnie
Vance & Laura
Nancy
Randall & Pamela Derheim
Ken & Georgia Molacek
Robert
Owned by the Leisure World Community Association. Published monthly on the 1st
Communications/LW News Office: 480-832-0000 ext. 210, news@lwca.com
Communications and Community Affairs Director: + Diana Bridgett, dbridgett@lwca.com
Communications Supervisor: Carley Cathemer, ccathemer@lwca.com
Advertising Specialist: Elizabeth Ramos, eramos@lwca.com
Graphic Designer: Erica Odello, eodella@lwca.com
Contributing Writers: E.B. Blacke, Sue De Carlo, Larry Caves, Patti Diamond, Mary Ellen doValle, C. Barry Ingerson, Dr. Carol S. Kessler PhD, Sherry Rinddels-Larsen Ken Weinstock, and Kay West
LW Newspaper Resident Advisor: Ronda Gates, MS
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION: 480-832-0000 Ext. 117 or eramos@lwca.com
DEADLINE FOR ADS: 15th of month
The acceptance of advertising in LW News does not constitute an endorsement or approval of any products or services by LWCA or management.
DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES: 10th of month submitted to news@lwca.com
Board and district meetings resume this month.
Leisure World Wednesday Morning Coffee is open to all residents. The wonderful volunteers of the Wednesday Morning Hospitality Committee host this event.
District Chair Email Addresses
District1@ LWCA.com, District3@ LWCA.com, District4@ LWCA.com, District5@ LWCA.com, District6@ LWCA.com, District7@ LWCA.com, District8@ LWCA.com
District 1
Representative Government
Leisure World owners elect a Board of Directors to establish policies and hire a Community Manager for the association. The community is divided into seven districts.
District Councils
Every two years, on a staggered basis, homeowners in each district elect a District Council. Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7 nominate candidates and vote during October/ November of each odd- numbered year, while Districts 4, 6, and 8 do so on even-numbered years.
Note: Only one vote per manor is allowed, and there is no District 2 or Plat 13.
Each District Council consists of a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson and a Secretary/Treasurer. Owners elect the District Council members. The District council votes on District issues. The District Chairperson serves as a member of the Board of Directors, which elects a Board President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer for the fiscal year January 1 through Dec. 31
Governing Board
The role of the Leisure World Governing Board is established in the state statute and in the association’s governing documents. The Governing Board governs the community by:
• Setting association goals, standards, and policies
• Enforcing the association’s governing documents
• Ensuring the Community Manager implements Board policies
• Maintaining the association’s financial stability
• Conducting board meetings and the annual community meeting
Committees
Leisure World Arizona has one regulatory committee, the Architectural Control Committee (ACC), and three advisory committees: Finance Committee , Golf Advisory Committee and Long- Range Planning Committee.
4
Residents interested in serving on any of the advisory committees should contact their District Chairperson and fill out an application available at the Administration Office.
The Committee Chair will review applicants and nominate a candidate. Members are approved and appointed for two-year terms.
Association Meetings
Leisure World Arizona conducts business under “open meeting” state statutes for community associations. This means that Board, District, and Board-designated committee meetings are open to all residents. Minutes of these meetings are published and made available for residents in the Library/Administration building and online at www.lwca.com.
Board Meetings
Meetings are held during the months of October through April.
• Board Work Sessions: These are usually held on the first Tuesday of each month. They are informal and are intended for open dialogue among Board members and residents.
• Open Board Meetings: These are normally scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month in the afternoon. They are more formal and concern motions and votes on subjects initially discussed in that month’s work session.
• Executive (Closed) Sessions: These are conducted as needed and deal with legal or personnel matters. For more information, see ARS 33-1804.
Copies of How Leisure World Works – Leisure World Arizona Guide, everything you need to know about our community are available at the Administration Reception Desk.
Leisure World cordially invites all to Wednesday Coffee. Visit with fellow residents and learn about Leisure World from a resident’s perspective. Join us for Coffee and light snacks in the Clubroom at Rec.1 just across from the Courtyard, every Wednesday from 8:00 to 10:00 am.
Join the 2,000 plus residents that enjoy peace of mind and security by using the Surepay system to pay their monthly HOA dues. You will save time by using this convenient method to securely pay on time. No more worries of late fees if you forget to pay or are unable to bring your payment to the drop box. Stop by the Finance office or email at finance@lwca.com and ask how you can join the other residents that benefit from this service. Find out why so many residents rely on Surepay!
Leisure World is updating our database. If it’s been more than 3 years since you had your picture taken for Leisure World, or if you never have, please stop by the Administration Front Desk to have your picture taken any weekday between 9 am and 2 pm. If you have a selfie or a headshot you would like us to use email it to reception@lwca. com Some of our current photos of residents are outdated and/or unrecognizable. A recognizable, current photo will help enhance security and keep our software updated.
Meet Jolly the Gingerbread! This cheeky gingerbread is hiding inside one of the three sections of the paper. To participate in this contest, see rules below.
Rules:
• Your email must be sent to news@lwca.com.
• Penny’s location must consist of the page number she was found on as well as the title of the article she is closest to.
• Gift certificates are to be picked up in the Communication/ Recreation Office.
• All correct answers will be collected by the 15th of each month and the winner will be chosen at random.
• There will only be one winner per month.
On November 5th, the Leisure World Foundation of Arizona, Inc. and Leisure World Community Association (LWCA) sponsored the biannual New Owners and Renters Orientation. More than 40 New Owners and Renters attended and 25 clubs had an opportunity to market their club. Attendees and club representatives had an opportunity to meet both before and after the formal program. Community Manager, Clark Collier and his team of Department Heads spoke about history of Leisure World and how it works during the hour-long session. Barry Jacobsen, President of the Leisure World Foundation spoke about the history of the Foundation and what it does in charitable giving in the east valley area and what the Foundation has funded “inside the walls” of Leisure World. He spoke about a new fund-raising program that will support projects identified by the Long-Range Planning Committee and the LWCA Board through the Foundation’s Leisure World Improvement Fund. Leisure World residents will have an opportunity to support this fund and our charitable giving through our annual fund-raising post card that each household will have received in November or by visiting our website, leisureworldfoundation.com Hopefully, the Long-Range Planning Committee and the LWCA Board will identify specific projects in the near future. Leisure World residents should remember that donations to the Foundation provided funding for the Gym, Rec 2 complex, Tennis Facility and Crafts Building and several other facilities we all use and help make Leisure World a great place to live and own a home. A big thank you to Foundation Board member, Mary Elen doValle and LWCA Executive Assistant, Robin Mann for organizing the Orientation and to the Leisure World Café (COPA) for making and serving the brunch food. The next New Owners and Renters Orientation will be in early spring.
The Foundation currently has two vacant Board positions. The Leisure World Foundation of Arizona, Inc is completely separate from the Leisure World Community Association and is a 501 (c) (3) charitable Foundation. The Foundation Board meets the 3d Tuesday of each month October through May in the Anniversary Room from 1-3 PM. If you are interested in a Board position (or just want to see what we are about) please come. Contact Barry Jacobsen (barryjj63@ gmail.com) if you have questions.
Upcoming fund-raising actives to mark on your calendar are:
1. Valley Gold Mine Fund Raiser. January 22, 2026, Queen Card Room, 8:00 am to 5:00 PM. Make reservations with Laurie Quartermain (602-7391190) (Laurie@valleygoldmine.com) to sell your unwanted gold, silver or platinum. Purchases will be made only at scheduled appointments and sellers must have a valid driver’s license or state ID to sell. Check around for those forgotten or unused items and make some cash! This is a major fund raiser for the Foundation
2. Leisure World Valentines Dinner Dance. February
soon. This is a major fund raiser and a great value.
3. Leisure World Foundation Charity Golf Tournament-Thursday, March 19, Coyote Run, 1 PM Start Time. This is our biggest fund raiser and this afternoon tournament with dinner to follow is always a great time for both the competing golfers and their partners at the dinner. Fund raising is both from numerous hole sponsors and event sales. The tournament features many games and the traditional chance to win a Lexus, courtesy of Superstition Springs Lexus. At the dinner winners of the Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams’ competition will be recognized, golf trips and other items will be auctioned and there will be a raffle for various gift baskets and a 50:50 raffle.
Discover the scenic wonders and cultural treasures of Arizona with Roger Naylor, speaker for Wednesday, January 28th Leisure World Foundation’s Premier Speaker Series.
An extraordinary array of national park units—34 in all—blanket Arizona from border to border. They range from the volcanic sprawl of stone hoodoos crowning Chiricahua National Monument to the badlands of Petrified Forest National Park colored like blood and peaches to the miles of seductive shoreline at Lake Mead National Recreation Area to the never-ending diversity of the Arizona National Scenic Trail traversing the length of the state. And yes, there’s a certain canyon that is pretty impressive, too.
National monuments like Tonto, Wupatki, and Montezuma Castle hold on tight to our past. Others like Sonoran Desert and Vermilion Cliffs preserve our precious wide-open spaces. And all the parks reconnect us to nature. People can hike, bike, kayak, ride mules,
bounce down dirt roads, slither through slot canyons, and camp under skies dripping with stars. All these adventures are part of Roger’s presentation.
And, if you don’t know Roger Naylor, he is an award-winning Arizona travel writer and author.
He has been in love with Arizona since arriving as a wide-eyed college student. For decades he has explored his adopted state while writing about his discoveries. He specializes in national and state parks, lonely hiking trails, twisting back roads, diners with burgers sizzling on the grill, small towns, ghost towns, and pie.
Naylor’s work has appeared in the Arizona Republic, USA Today, The Guardian, Country Magazine, Arizona Highways, and dozens more. He was inducted into the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame in 2018. He is also the narrator of the Verde Canyon Railroad.
Naylor has authored several books including Awesome Arizona: 200 Amazing Facts about the Grand Canyon State, Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes, Arizona State Parks, The Amazing Kolb Brothers of Grand Canyon, Arizona Kicks on Route 66, and Crazy for the Heat: Arizona Tales of Ghosts, Gumshoes, and Bigfoot
Roger will bring a lot of his storytelling and humor about Arizona and its parks and national sites.
Come early to the presentation, as the Photography Club will set up a display of their works in the back of the Hopi-Pima Room at 5:30.
The presentation will begin at 6:00 pm in the HopiPima Room at Rec 2. Refreshments are provided by Desert Financial: Trusts and Wills Division and the Recreation Department.
Thank you for coming to the October 29 speaker, Bill Harrison. No speakers for December were arranged as room availability and the holidays made it difficult to schedule.
Happy Holidays and look forward to seeing you at Roger Naylor’s presentation!
At Leisure World, maintaining the beauty, consistency, and value of our neighborhoods is a shared priority. The Leisure World Facilities Department and the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) both play a central role in this effort. The ACC is a group of Resident volunteers that helps to ensure that any exterior improvements or modifications made to homes throughout Leisure World are in harmony with the community’s established standards.
submissions promptly and provides a written response.
The ACC is responsible for reviewing applications for exterior changes to homes and properties. These may include repainting, additions, fencing, or other structural or design modifications. Each application is reviewed carefully to ensure compliance with Leisure World’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and established architectural guidelines. By following these standards, the committee helps protect the visual appeal of our neighborhoods while also supporting property values. The goal is not to restrict creativity, but rather to ensure that changes complement the overall look and feel of the community we all enjoy.
Homeowners planning exterior changes are asked to submit a written application to the Facilities Department for approval before beginning work. Depending on the project, the application may include drawings, color samples, photos, or material descriptions. Simple projects, such as repainting with an approved color, are approved quickly by the Facilities Department or a District Representative on the ACC. Projects that differ from community guidelines are reviewed by
Leisure World was designed with a distinctive aesthetic that reflects both the desert environment and the resort-style character of the community. The ACC helps preserve this character by ensuring that individual changes do not detract from the overall appearance or from the enjoyment of neighboring properties.
By following established guidelines, residents contribute to maintaining the welcoming and attractive environment that makes Leisure World unique.
The Architectural Control Committee is made up of Resident volunteers (two from each District) who contribute their time and expertise to support the community. Their work is done in partnership with the homeowners’ association (Board 0f Directors) and management staff (Facilities Department), with the shared goal of keeping Leisure World a well-maintained and desirable place to live.
The Architectural Control Committee is an important part of how Leisure World continues to thrive as a well-kept, attractive, and neighborly community. Through October over 700 applications have been approved - Facilities (367) and ACC (352). We thank our volunteers for their service, and we encourage all residents to work with their ACC Representative whenever considering exterior changes to their homes. Together, we can continue to protect and enhance the
Submissions must be turned in via a Word Document or in the body of an email
The submission deadline is the 10th of each month. This deadline stands for both club and article submissions
All submissions must be sent to news@lwca.com
Photos must be sent as attachment jpgs or pngs in emails or brought into office to be scanned
When sending photos please send them in the original size, this allows for a better-quality print.
Photos of a printed document will not be accepted as a submission
Submitted by Kim Hansen
“I wrote this poem for my daughter Jenn White and her Crew of four kids; two sets of twins - 14& 1/2-year-olds and 12-year-olds.
T’was the night before Christmas, Mom has just tucked the kids into bed; A week full of Christmas movies, And books have already been read.
A hot cup of Earl Grey tea, She holds to warm her hands; As she surveys the bright tree lights, And six stockings at the mantel stand.
The quiet is totally deafening, Not a sound or peep to be heard; Just the popping of a fire, On the TV channel turned.
She really must get started, There is so much still to do; But just sitting here quietly, Isn’t this part of the yule time too?
Favorite cookies have all been made, Special treats for Christmas dinner too; Santa has cookies on a plate and milk, While carrots are out for the reindeer crew.
When suddenly she hears a faint sound, A hushed rapping at the front door; A man in a fluffy red suit and hat, Stands outside in the cold and implores.
“Is this the famous White House? I was asked to come and assist; In the Christmas festivity setup, The request I couldn’t resist.”
As the Mom looks the red suit over, From head to toe she sees at a glance; The eyes, they look quite familiar, This visit is not just happen stance.
She opens the door to greet him, Ushers him into the house where it’s warm; Pretty soon the red suit will have to go, As the snow outside begins to storm.
You see, Mom is a Supermom by day, She does as much as one person can; Raising four wonderful children alone, And is noticed by a red Santa suit man.
He wants to help in the setup, The presents laid out under the tree; The task goes a lot faster with two, When both have the same goals and agree.
Christmas is for family gatherings, Traditions you make year to year; So why not include a red-suited Santa, To help celebrate in all of the cheer?
Just When You Least Expect It…. You all know that this is my absolute favorite time of the year! The holiday season brings joy to so many! I think this is the reason why folks are putting up holiday cheer earlier and earlier each year. Not only does this year bring all of the feels and excitement, but it is the season of miracles. I have written about this so many times, but this year, I experienced a miracle that I had been praying for and had no idea when it would happen, but it happened, when I least expected and in the most unlikely place…the women’s bathroom. Without getting into too much detail, I want to protect and honor the sacredness of that moment, however, what I will write is that 2025 was not the greatest year. There were so many obstacles that my staff and I faced that threatened to separate and certainly did discourage. For a majority of the year, I felt extremely defeated, deflated, and questioned my value here at Leisure World. My staff, or my love for my staff rather is what kept me coming through the gates every day. The days felt very long and felt as if this storm that surrounded us would not move.
One afternoon, I went into the women’s bathroom. My favorite stall was taken and the other two had been well used. Backing out of the last stall, the first stall opened and there “she” was. I am not revealing the individual’s name but those close to the both of us know that the two of us being in close proximity alone could cause some conflict as conflict between us went on for three years. Yes, three years! The length of time is
There’s something about December that feels like a deep breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding.
significant because I want you to know that when God causes something to cease, time does in fact stop as the moment is memorialized.
The forgiveness, sincerity, obedience, and surrender to a God higher than both of us was one that will forever be etched in my thoughts. I have had some real amazing encounters with seeing the hand and grace of God in my life, however, the way in which He orchestrated this event and what he did the days before to prepare us for this encounter, both of us stood in full understanding that purpose had replaced pain and that change was the required instruction given to us both. The embrace that both of us felt and continue to feel from each other is indescribable. Staff, friends, and family members who know of the three-year rift and the event in the bathroom have been blown away! Both she and I are still in awe of the move of God between us and in our lives. I will tell you that I feel closer to this person than I have ever felt before and the pain that both of us have experienced within the three years are distant memories.
We had real conversations between us, not shying away from the hard questions and both asked for forgiveness and truly walked in love. The thing is before the rift, we were genuine friends, not needing anything but to be in each other’s lives. The distance, the heartache, the upsets, were hurtful and painful but I will tell you that the relationship, the bond is tighter, stronger, and respected. Some people can ask how the two of us let it go so easily. Here is the answer that we came up with: When God has had enough and he allows restoration to occur, He restores and heals. It has been a beautiful sight for those watching to see. She and I still cry over how God favored the both of us to return us to each
each other, the moments that quietly reminded us why our work matters. It’s easy to rush into planning for next year, but reflection deserves a seat at the table too.
other’s lives. We genuinely missed each other! The tears that others have cried just watching reconciliation happen we acknowledge that there was purpose in all of this. God is real.
I write this to tell you that no matter the time length, if you are praying for a miracle or have prayed a certain prayer repeatedly, keep praying, God hears all and sees all. He moves when our hearts are open, our surrender to self has occurred and He will get the full glory. Miracles are all around us! If he can restore two very strong-willed women in a bathroom, what more will He do for you! Just be open. You may be looking for it to come way, and it will show up in another. Take your hands off the situation and place it at God’s feet. He is always in control.
The miracle will come when you least expect it. To my friend, my sister, that meeting in the bathroom will forever go down in the books as one of the most blessed days of my life. What we experienced was the Bible in action. Thank you for your obedience and your love for me to override your will. I thank God for you. I thank God that he used the three years to show us who was really in control and in the midst of it all, spiritual maturity and genuine love grew. You are the real deal! So much love in my heart for you!
I wish everyone the most wonderful, miracleexperiencing holiday season. Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Looking ahead, we’re stepping into a new year with fresh momentum and a clearer sense of who we are and where we’re going. We’ll bring the lessons that shaped us, the values that keep us grounded, and
Join us for a festive evening in the Rec. 1 Courtyard as we cel season together! The space will be glowing with cheerful holiday lights, creating the perfect backdrop to mix and mingle with neighbors.
Enjoy an upbeat atmosphere with music from our live DJ, Jolly Molly, along with a photo booth and light refreshments to keep you cozy throughout the night. Whether you’re new to the community or a longtime resident, this is a great opportunity to connect, unwind, and share in some holiday cheer. We look forward to celebrating with you! No registration is required.
Date: Thurs., Dec. 18
Place: Rec. 1 Courtyard
Time: 5:00-7:00 pm
Dear Leisure World, I’d like to take a moment and reflect on these past 10 months as your Outreach Coordinator. I’ve worked in many senior living communities, but what makes Leisure World stand out to me is the kindness, warmth and sense of community that is evident in daily life. The neighborly connection inside these walls is remarkable, especially during this time of year.
The Christmas season is a wonderful time to reflect on connection with others, cherished traditions and customs passed down through generations. I invite you to intentionally spend some time on a walk down memory lane. What sights, sounds, smells and textures evoke those nostalgic memories for you? For me the smell of wassail immediately brings me back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen on Christmas Eve.
Wishing you a Christmas season filled with peace, connection and a bit of nostalgia, Jessica jmontes@lwca.com or (480) 207-1611
It is common knowledge that in our future, there may be less natural resources available.
Therefore, it may be up to our future generations to recycle some of our old discards, or whatever we have filled our dumps with.
In this particular time age(because we are in an era of consistently producing new items) - we willingly throw away our older stuff we have no more use for.
We find, in this fast age, we do not always have the time to repair our oldies. So much of our old stuff ends up in the garbage dump.
However, as humanity merges into our future prospects, they mayfind that our normal everyday commodities (we take for granted) may not always be available. Or, they may have just disappeared.
Therefore, our future generations (maybe of the thought) t o rummage into our garbage dumps, seeking our old precious items that can be used to create the things that are needed.
Our beloved future generations will have creative imaginations galore! Reinventing everyday uses for our old stuff!
Aluminum, glass, rubber, batteries, radios, TV’s, appliance parts, electrical products etc. etc. All the stuff we have {and are) discarding now may be recycled into something needed by our Societies of the Future.
*(I understand this is already starting to happen now)
H. McClellan - 1685
As noted, since August 2025, all active resident phone numbers in the Leisure World system will be published in the 2026 phone book, unless you submit a Form 6 stating you do not want your number included. If you submitted a “do not publish” Form 6 last year we will honor for 2026 unless you inform otherwise. If we don’t have this form on file, your name, manor, and phone number will be automatically published. Forms are available online: Important Forms>View all Forms>Form 6 or through Administration. The due date for Form 6’s is December 19th.
Our lovely Penny took center stage
Sitting on LW news’ front page.
“What an easy contest,” I thought with glee. But Penny said, “Look again, hee, hee, hee.”
Another Penny must I look for?
I’m thankful that there weren’t pages galore. On page 22 in section A
I saw Penny’s double and it made my day.
“Register now for the fall art show” — Something about which I did not know.
Penny’s so wise about LW stuff
And I simply cannot get enough.
October was about treats and pranks. November is about giving thanks. For all my neighbors and friends, I pray. Have a Happy Thanksgiving Day.
You, too, Penny!
Patty O’Brien Manor 769
Thanks to our two directors, Julie Post and Kim Loffler, and all the dedicated 166 volunteers who generously gave their time for a smoothly run and exciting week which makes this the premier tournament of the East Valley.
We had 266 matches, in 19 divisions with 322 players. There were 22 communities represented. Quite the feat to get this accomplished. There were 62 Veterans who played in the tournament. Thanks again to all the Veterans for your service.
As of this printing there are no dollar figures computed but the monies donated and raised will go to the Wounded Warriors Project (US)and the Veterans Transition Network (Canada). In the past three tournaments, the Tennis Club has donated a total of $25,535.00.
Fun facts, provided by our own Kitchen Queen, Brenda Peterman, who did an outstanding job with her kitchen crew. Tickets were still coming through when I got this information, but close enough. We served 303 breakfasts, 1,042 lunches (which comprised of 563 burgers, 130 brats, 295 chicken salad sandwiches and 54 grilled cheese), sold 452 sodas, 722 snacks and 432 ice creams. I guess watching and playing tennis gets you hungry and thirsty.
Please be aware of three upcoming events.
• December 6th, Invitational at Venture Out. Sign up.
• December 12-14 SVE Mixed Doubles Holiday Tournament. Sign up.
• December 15 LW Tennis Club Meeting in Ballroom. Please attend.
Photos sourced from: https://www.lwtcveteransclassic. com/photos
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Sealing your ductwork with Aeroseal will improve your indoor air quality, helping to eliminate
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LOWER ENERGY BILLS
Leaky ducts lead to decreased system performance. Poor system performance leads to higher energy bills, costly equipment repairs and shortens the life expectancy of your HVAC unit.
Your home should be a haven; you deserve to be comfortable and cozy in your own home with family and friends.
SPEND LESS. SAVE MORE. Did you know you could waste as much as 25% of your homes energy?
Leisure World hosts informative speaker events called Meet and Eats. These sessions are led by a local business and as the title suggests they are followed by a free lunch. Supporting these events is a great way to boast your knowledge and keep our vendor relationships flourishing. Register online, via ext. 212 or by visiting the Fitness Center.
New Government funded program, Arizona is giving homeowners $8,000 OFF A NEW AC UNIT & FREE INSULATION
Join us for a free community event!
Find out what your home qualifies for!
Join us to discover how you can make your home more energy-efficient — with potential rebates, discounts, or even free upgrades available for Arizona homeowners.
Light Refreshments will be Served!
Fri, December 5th
1-2pm Rec 1 Theater
Please call 480-832-0000 ext. 212 or visit www.lwca.com to RSVP.
Retirement Review & Planning - Lunch Workshop
Answering your questions:
• What options do I have with Medicare
• What will it really cost me?
• I am still working, do I need to enroll in Medicare?
• Is it better to be with a Medigap plan or Advantage?
• What are the updates to Social Security laws and how do they impact your retirement strategy?
• What strategies can you employ to reduce taxes on your Social Security benefits?
• How can you maximize your Social Security benefits effectively?
• What considerations are there for individuals who are divorced or widowed regarding Social Security?
• How do I protect my retirement savings from Inflation, a Bear Market, or unexpected Healthcare?
Mon, December 1st
12:00-1:00PM
Rec. 1 Theater
Please call 480-832-0000 ext.212 or visit www.lwca.com to rsvp.
Hip Pain, Surrounding Muscle and the Glutes – What You Need to Know to Stay Pain – Free And Active Description and what you will learn:
1. Common causes of hip pain.
2. How do I know where to start with movement when I have hip pain?
3. Is my psoas muscle involved and how can I treat it if it is? What other muscles or structures are involved in my pain?
4. Why are the glutes so important and how can I best use them to improve my hip pain and movement?
5. Why am I always tight?
6. How to choose the best exercise or activity to help stay active, healthy and promote pain-free living.
Wed, December 3rd
1:00-2:00PM
Rec 1 Theater
Please call 480-832-0000 ext.212 or visit www.lwca.com to rsvp.
Dental and Health Wellness Seminar, Featuring Lunch by PF Changs! Learn expert tips for a healthy smile.
Please call 480-832-0000 ext.212 or visit www.lwca.com to rsvp.
Thurs, December 11th
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Rec 1 Theater
NATURAL HISTORY OF AORTIC VALVE DISEASE. Join us and our guest speaker Dr. R. Kahlon from Tri-City Cardiology for an insightful presentation on the Natural History of Aortic Valve Disease. Learn how this condition develops over time, what symptoms to watch for, and the latest approaches in diagnosis and management.
Food will be provided for all attendees.
Mon, December 15th
12:00-1:00PM
Rec 1 Theater
Please call 480-832-0000 ext. 212 or visit www.lwca.com to rsvp.
THE IMPORTANCE OF AN ESTATE PLAN
Join Tiffany Nicely and Travis Smith as they discuss the importance of having an estate plan and how it can help protect your future. A Medicare associate will also be at the event to share information about the special enrollment period and answer any questions about the January–March enrollment window.
Wed, December 17
Time: 1:00–2:00 PM
Location: Leisure World, Rec. 1 Theater
Be sure to RSVP online at https://lwca.com/ or you can call 480-832-0000 with extension 212.
Refreshments will be provided.
Your trusted partner in preventive healthcare since 1986! Who: non-profit healthcare provider
What: quick, painless ultrasound testing
Why: to detect early signs of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and more
LEARN YOUR RISK...
• 5 Cardiovascular Ultrasound Screenings; Heart, Atrial Fibrillation, Carotid Artery, Thyroid, & Peripheral Arterial Disease.
• 6 Abdominal Screenings: Abdominal Aorta, Liver, Kidney, Gallbladder, Pancreas, & Spleen.
Mon, December 29
Recreation Center 1 - Ballroom
Schedule your screening today at: https://12292025.youcanbook.me or call 602-254-7130 to schedule an appointment today!
Eighty - five quilts are waiting to be delivered to the Elders and Children of the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Unfortunately, due to flooding and damage to the roadway, delivery will take place later in the year or early 2026.
A huge thank you to the following 16 members of the Leisure World Quilters who spent the summer sewing: Toni Abeyta, Kay Anderson, Diane Coffey, Kitty Genthe, Jan Huston, Sandy Jahr, Mary Johnson, Connie Luttrell, Sue Patel, Carol Pope, Sandy Schultz, Marie Sharkey, Merrilly Strom, Kaye West, and Barbara Young. A special thanks to Judy Kauth, LW Quilting Club President who supported our group effort.
Many Leisure World Quilters used their own fabrics and supplies to contribute to this project. The Leisure World Quilt Club also donated fabrics, materials and made access available in the Fiber Arts Studio. Thank you all.
A huge shout out also and thanks to Mary Johnson and Connie Luttrell who worked their magic on the longarm machines to create and complete the beautiful quilting patterns.
Sandy Jahr & Merrilly Strom
LW saw monumental rain fall in early October, so much so that a new river formed through parts of the golf course. The birds sure were happy!
Photos provided by resident Ruth Pechmann
By Bob Carter
The setup has been underway for months for the 10th Annual Leisure World Pickleball Tournament, a threeday fest Feb. 12-14.
Following a near-decade of change, which included a boost to 16 courts, new tournament director Sharon Carter plans some new wrinkles. “The biggest change is the introduction of the round-robin format,” she said, “which allows all players the opportunity for more games in the tournament.”
Carter also has assembled a large tournament committee of 20 volunteers, a number that dwarfs the event’s beginning.
In 2008 the Leisure World Pickleball Club, about 40 members strong, took its first steps, putting up temporary nets across the park’s basketball court. The players decided to make the most of the court lines, and instead of shooting hoops hit small plastic balls with paddles.
Authentic pickleball courts blossomed near the Administration building in 2013, leaving an opening for the club’s first tournament two years later.
Daryl Eastridge, among the club’s most talented players, became director of the inaugural affair. He received assistance from his wife Debbie, who frequently ran the scorers’ desk, and friend Mike Rozema, both also paddle-proficient.
Eastridge was inspired by Jack Derlin, who had already directed a tournament at Mesa Regal. “He was the one who really got us started, what was needed,” Daryl said. “The big thing was that all tournaments were getting volunteers.”
Leisure World was one of three parks in the East Valley area staging pickleball events then, all of them hunting for volunteers. Either Eastridge or Rozema fulfilled leadership positions over four years, with Rozema and Mary Lee Barham serving as co-directors in 2017.
The volunteer menu was expanded in 2017 when “Court Runners” was instituted. Barham, a good recruiter, said these volunteers helped referees by bringing them score sheets, pencils, pickleballs, water and snacks, and taking the sheets to the scorers’ table. Rozema estimated that volunteer numbers increased to the 80-90 range, with a solid core of 30. He also said that landing qualified people to referee became the “biggest issue.”
In 2019 John and Linda Wilson, a pair of neophyte players who motivated the spirit of volunteerism, took leadership in four tournaments. The couple went through a substantial learning process early on, and the number of volunteers stayed in the 8090 range.
“We were just learning everything,” John admitted.
Said Linda: “You learn, and you help the club. All these people came together.”
An increase in volunteers helped the tournament swell to 240 players. The start was slow at times, but Eastridge saw members catching on at club meetings. “We’d tell them, even if you can only work four hours, that would be okay.”
Lyle Horrmann, assisted by wife Carol, took charge from 2024-25. The volunteer numbers moved up to the 100 to 115 range, and two age categories for players began in 2025
(50-64, 65-plus). In addition, 12 courts were utilized instead of eight.
Carter, a high-ranked player who has directed two large pickleball tournaments in Canada, expects to reach 125 in the volunteer count by February. She’s also hoping for a good number of entrants.
“The friendly, warm environment brings many players back to the Leisure World tournament each year,” Carter said.
“The tournament committee wants everyone who attends to feel welcome and see some entertaining pickleball as well.”
Writer Bob Carter is the husband of Sharon Carter.
Dates: February 12-14, 2026
Venue: Leisure World Pickleball Complex
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Events: Men’s, Women’s, Mixed Doubles
Age Categories: 50-64 yrs. 65+ yrs.
Spectator Admission: Free
by Sue De Carlo
Library Hours – 8:00 am to 10:00 pm 7 days each week
Donations In Continuing Support - Sincere thanks for the generous support
Reviews of New Acquisitions - Unless otherwise stated the review opinions are my own and the ratings are from the readers at goodreads.com.
Review of New Author’s BookNon- Fiction – The Undiscovered Country by Paul Andrew Hutton - A retired history professor Hutton gives the reader a comprehensive history of the American west from the 1750s through the 1890’s. The epic begins when the western frontier was as far east at the western portion of Virginia, the Carolinas and the Ohio River valley. The reader is taken almost 150 years, with exquisite detail, to the opening of the trans-continental railroad connecting the east and west coasts and all the country in between. The story is told through the lives of some famous people; George Washington, Red Eagle, Daniel Boone, Sitting Bull, Davy Crocket, Mangus Coloradus, Kit Carson and Buffalo Bill Cody as well as 4 geographical areas; forest, city, prairie and mountains.. Other professors who reviewed the book found the “research first rate and the writing engaging”. 93% rated 4 or 5 stars.
LP Western – First Drive by David Fitz-Gerald - Book #1 in Seph Vermillion western adventures. Recently orphaned, 18 year old Seph leaves his father’s farm to join a cattle drive from San Antonio, Texas to Abeline Kansas. In his months on the trail Seph learns the ropes and experiences the dangers of life on a cattle drive. There is plenty of excitement and action as a group of boys learn how to be men. 87% rated 4 or 5 stars.
LP Mystery - (Christian Fiction) – Ambush by Colleen Coble This is book one of a new series set in an animal sanctuary. It brings together suspense and romance as well as themes of family, forgiveness and trust. The story is compelling. The characters are so well depicted they seem real. And the situation is believable. An enjoyable read. 73% rated 4 or 5 stars
LP Fiction – Ward D by Freida Mc Fadden – Amy Brenner, a medical student, is assigned to work the overnight shift in the teaching hospital’s ‘primary, locked psychiatric ward where she runs into the girl who was
her best friend Jade. From kindergarten through their junior year of high school they had been inseparable. Jade is a patient in Ward D. Amy is aftraid of the psychiatric ward and the patients. The well crafted tale unfolds slowly as Amy meets the staff and patients she will be spending the night with. We are drawn into an eerie mystery thriller until, as we near the end it becomes a relentless horror tale. The lives and personalities of the protagonists become clear as we travel back and forth from the friends school days to the night in Ward D. Their are twists and turns and a surprise ending that changes everything portending an interesting time for Amy and those she is with. 70% rated 4 or 5 stars.
RP Mystery – Dogged Pursuit by David Rosenfelt – This book is the prequel to the Andy Carpenter Mystery series. We meet Andy, his wife Nicole, his investigator Laurie, researcher Sam and beloved dog Tara as Andy investigates and prepared to defend his first case as a criminal defense attorney. We follow Andy and his staff as he moves from the prosecution side of criminal law to the defense and builds the practice that will be his life’s work in future. The characters are realistically portrayed as well rounded indiviuals with personality and a sense of humor while handling a seriouos business . This was my first Andy Carpenter book and I can’t wait to read some more of the 30 additional Andy Carpenter mysteries. 89% rated 4 or 5 stars.
RP Fiction – Blood and Treasure by Ryan Pote –This thriller links destruction of the International Space Station with a treasure hunt in the ocean off Madagascar. It deals with many shades of gray in the ethics of spycraft and their effect on operatives in the field. The action is relentless and the situations almost believable. This is a page turner of a read. Warning: The main bad-guy is a sadist who uses both mental and physical cruelty. 71% rated 4 or 5 stars.
Fantasy – The Darker Road; The Wandering Book1 by L.B, Graham - , The story basically involves an over-reaching monarch who loses his kingdom.. Th king’s son and grandson are inderesting well described characters. It is a good story with twists and turns, However I found the description of battles to be to detailed and too wordy while the discription of the magic was too sketchy. 80% rated 4 or 5 stars.
Number of Volunteer Hours ; 371
Number of New Books Added – 37
Regular Non-Fiction - 4
Regular Print Fiction - 12
Regular Print Mystery - 13
Fantasy – 1
Science Fiction 2
Large Print Western 1
LP Fiction - 4
Number of Books In Circulation
Lg Print Books- 364
Reg Print - 469
Paperbacks - 74
arbara “Babs” Shadoan was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Arizona 37 years ago. She has been a full time agent since 1976 and has earned her Brokers license.
Her father ran a prison in Pennsylvania which required her to live on prison grounds. This provided her with some challenges and rewards at the same time. She is very grateful for the strict upbringing and family values that her parents instilled in her.
She started her real estate career in 1976 in San Diego California working at Century 21 Award Properties where she earned Rookie of the Year title her first year in the business.
Her real estate career blossomed into being the manager and developer for the first real estate internet division for Gannett newspapers which included creating the first online real estate home searching and print publication in the United States. She worked at World Title which has a orded her a larger vision and background into the real estate buying and selling process.
She has worked full time as an Associate Broker at RE/MAX Classic, ( our community owned real estate office) for 25 plus years and along the way has earned both the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the REMAX Hall of Fame designation.
Her goal has always been to serve the people who need her services and to go above and beyond to make their home
buying process easy and understandable. Her biggest asset is communication along with her knowledge of all aspects of the real estate buying and selling process.
She likes to be active and involved in the community so she started up a club called the Zoomers. This club did events and dances with themes that set it apart. I really enjoyed watching the smiles on the residents faces as they enjoyed the events and activities.
In her free time she enjoys dancing, traveling, hiking and taking her Westie dog Maddie on walks. She has two granddaughters Scarlett and Addison which keep her busy.
Stop by her o ce and say hi anytime . She would love the opportunity to get to know you as well and to answer any questions that you may have regarding the real estate buying and selling process. Put her years of real estate experience to work for YOU!!!
Mary Ellen doValle
Where has the time gone? We are almost at the end of 2025! Now is a good time to reflect on the past year’s experiences that have affected our lives. It may be a good time to redirect our priorities and establish goals that will place more efficiencies on our well-being and our interaction with others.
I ask that you dedicate this month to pray for peace in the world. As the song says: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” Each of us can use this spirit of peace to also help those less fortunate than us. Let us also open a gift of giving to our friends, neighbors, and yes, even strangers. Let’s perform acts of kindness and caring, perhaps providing meals for those who live alone or maybe just a visit to express concern and care. Take time to send a message to one of our military personnel stationed out of the country or deployed to hazardous locations.
I pray that y’all have a blessed month of peace, health, and good cheer. May you and yours experience the joy of the season. “The Lord bless you a nd keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Leisure World Billiards Master of Tournaments William “BillyBob” Glover announced his retirement this season after hosting LW Billiards Tournaments the past five years. President Doug Henry stated his tenure “greatly assisted LW Billiards and all of Leisure World, will be difficult to replace and sadly missed in this role!”
BillyBob’s past stints with LW Billiards includes serving as President and Vice President. Rallies with fan posters outside the Billiards Room have presided over this past month’s LW Billiards tournaments.
BillyBob grew up in Michigan (third of seven children), considered himself a poor student; but, through hard work, perseverance and memories of instructor Sister Kill, spent 30+ years in the Auto industry specializing as a Millwright - the majority of his time at The Ford Motor Company. When asked based upon reliable sources if he co-created the Mustang Shelby, Billybob smiled saying “my favorite Ford is the Ranger!” A strong advocate of Unions, BillyBob (a nickname attributed by leaders of the UAW) worked endlessly supporting the middle-class family, running for offices as Township Trustee (3x before elected), County Commissioner and State Representative… all while completing an Associates Degree (Summa cum laude) from Baker College. All in all, BillyBob considers his greatest accomplishments to be his marriage to wife Sandy (62 years) and family - three grown adults (one son, two daughters) all successful & enjoying life! BillyBob welcomes all to explore LW Billiards!
Submitted Club President Jerry Mundell Moonlight Serenade Dance Club is a big band dinner dance club founded as a non-profit in 1999. The purpose of the club is to provide formal dance evenings for its members, who are friends and neighbors of Leisure World. We have formal dinner dances (like the big band era), and the club is celebrating its twenty-sixth successful year. We are part of the founding culture that makes Leisure World a successful neighborhood, and we operate four dances each year.
This is an environment where you can have a conversation with your friends as well as enjoy a big band orchestra. Formal-dressed dancers dance away to large orchestras. It is truly a sight to see. You might think time has been reproduced.
The year this club started was the same year Prince Edward married commoner Sophie Rhys-Jones, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” first debuted, the musical “Mama Mia” made its debut in London, gas was $1.22 a gallon, and it was the first year for the euro. Names that were common in those days were the likes of Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Glenn Miller (Moonlight Serenade), Count Basie, and Buddy Rich.
Thank you, Leisure World, for supporting us. We appreciate our members’ loyalty and always like to hear comments and suggestions. It has been a good 26 years.
There is a limited number of memberships, and there is a strict dress code. See Club News for dance dates and contact information. Advance registration is important to us, as it helps us make plans and preparations.
We are so excited that our second annual holiday tradition dinner was a huge sold out endeavor!
As a semi-retired caterer and restaurant owner chef, I love to cook and put a smile on your face and fill your tummies with great tasting food! I am truly Blessed to have so many amazing people to help make this a reality!! It definitely takes a village. And what a wonderful village we have here at LWCA! We are all truly blessed to live in a community with so many loving people. Love is Serving!
Remember our next holiday traditions meal will be at Easter on Sunday April 5th. Reservations will be taken for the month of March. Get your reservations in early March to make sure you get in. This is a very popular event and fills up fast! The reservations are taken by my amazing assistant at lwholidaytraditions@gmail. com
We will have photos to share in the January newspaper. Send your favorite photos to lwholidaytradtions@gmail. com I will be making another photo book with as many photos as I can gather.
Remember, if you are a Thrivent insurance member to let me know and we can start an action team for this event. They donate up to $250 twice a year for events like this to happen! We are so grateful for that!
Hospitality without grumbling; Each of you should use whatever gift you have to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
My favorite bible verses- 1Peter 4:9&10- Practice
Sincerely, Chef LaMott, Doris Hoel, Manor 875, cheflamott@gmail.com
from the time of their living our scent sense remembers!
Memories that are blessing, wondrous, and valued!
Submitted by Kaye West
While our records are not fully complete, we are certain that for at least twenty-two years the Leisure World Woodshop (Bob Williamson, President) and the Leisure World Quilters (Judy Kauth, President) have collaborated on a project to make toys for disadvantaged children which are donated for Christmas.
Toy cars are produced as an ongoing project at the Leisure World Woodshop throughout the year. Building the cars involves using various saws, the router, drill press, and sanders. It is a very worthy project for those interested in learning woodworking techniques. This year the project has been coordinated by Charlie Dyck (913-226-8889). Gale Lane also participated in building and painting the cars.
Woodshop members also build doll cradles, coordinated by Ira Leibowitz (206-356-5558) with Vince Dermont and Bill Mouthrop also contributing their time and expertise. This year they revised the pattern used to more effectively use tools and materials.
Members of the Leisure World Quilters create the linens for the cradles in a project coordinated by Kaye West (480-390-1554). Mary Johnson made the mattress/pillow sets and Marie Sharkey surged the receiving blankets. Colleen Backus, Heather Berg, Jan Redding, and Kaye pieced, quilted, and bound the quilts. Linda Faber and Mary Ann Fanning purchased dolls, and Linda constructed additional doll clothes to complete “Cradles for Kids.”
Woodshop members then donate the toys to various organizations to further distribute to disadvantaged children in the Valley for Christmas. Receiving organizations include the Mesa Police Department, the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots, East Mesa Baptist Church, and the San Carlos Apache Reservation.
In addition to the Cradle Project, Leisure World Quilters annually donate items such as quilts, clothing protectors, and fidget blankets to worthy charitable organizations such as Arizona Sunshine Angels, Family Promise, Jacob’s Mission supporting foster and adoptive kids, Re-Homing Veterans, Dakota Ranch for troubled kids, and Silver Creek Memory Care.
They also donated two Quilts of Valor which were awarded to Veterans. One went to the Lions Club Leisure World Veterans’ Breakfast, and the other to the Tennis Club’s Veterans’ Classic.
Marie Sharkey donated to Quilt for a Cause in Tucson a “Double Wedding Ring” full-sized quilt which her mother had pieced years ago, and which Marlene Eisner quilted and Kaye West bound. Pamela Hurd donated quilt tops she had inherited which were repurposed to a complete bedquilt and a dozen lap quilts.
Additionally, they stuffed doggie pillowcases with
otherwise unusable quilt scraps, which they gave to the East Valley Animal Welfare Facility.
And over the summer, Merrilly Strom (480-699-9352) coordinated fifteen women in a project to donate eighty-five lap quilts to children and elders at the San Carlos Apache Reservation where they have cold winters, yet many residents continue to have no electricity or other utilities.
All those interested in participating in any of these activities are invited to join the Woodshop or Quilt club and/or contact a coordinator to volunteer assistance. Club members also express gratitude for those who donated materials and for purchases at the semi-annual arts and crafts fairs which fund many charitable endeavors!
by Linda Weinstock
Pamela Russell’s life is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions, no matter the age. Born on November 9, 1952, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Russell grew up in a family that valued adventure and service. Her father, a pilot in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, instilled in her a sense of discipline and responsibility.
After working for the Social Security Administration for 35 years, Russell retired at 53 and began exploring her artistic side. She took a six-week painting class at the Scottsdale Parks and Recreation Department in her early 60s, which sparked a newfound love for art. Since then, Russell has been creating prolifically, experimenting with various mediums, including acrylics, oil painting, epoxy/resin pours, jewelry making, crocheting, knitting, woodworking, and furniture building.
Her artistic journey has been influenced by her cousin Susan, a self-taught artist who inspired Russell to pursue her creative dreams. Russell’s artwork reflects her vibrant personality and love for life. She paints with acrylics because of her impatient nature, but has also dabbled in oil painting. Her epoxy/resin pours often feature fire glass, crystals, and glitter, showcasing her flair for the dramatic.
Today, Russell resides in Leisure World, Arizona, surrounded by her loving family. She stays active in her community, taking classes and workshops to hone her skills. Her story serves as an inspiration to those looking to discover their creative potential, proving that it’s never too late to start.
Artistic Ventures:
- Painting: Acrylics, oil painting, epoxy/resin pours
- Crafts: Jewelry making, crocheting, knitting, woodworking, furniture building
- Other pursuits: Home renovations, repairs, macramé With her creative spirit and infectious enthusiasm, Pamela Russell is an artist to watch. Her journey reminds us that life is full of possibilities, and with determination and passion, we can pursue our dreams at any age
By Charlene Ingerson
This program, launched in July, has been enthusiastically received by many residents with visiting grandchildren. The “Leisure World Activity Discovery Chest” a fun-filled program designed for visiting kids aged 2-12 who are here during the holidays and looking for interesting things to do besides going to the pool.
This program was made possible with generous donations from our own ReMax Classic Realty Office and from several Leisure World residents. The Activity Discovery Chest contains free activity packets for each of the four age groups shown below.
Not all activity packets are the same, yet all are ageappropriate. The treasure chest is stocked periodically with a variety of kits to stimulate a child’s creativity and interest. Each activity packet will include a free book, bookmark, stickers, and color wheel/color blending chart as well as all the materials needed to complete the activity.
The Leisure World Activity Discovery Chest is perfect for parents and grandparents looking to entertain and engage their little ones during visits. Here’s how it works:
-Pick up a voucher for each child at the Recreation Department (Monday–Friday, 8:00–3:00). Each child gets one voucher per week.
-Take the voucher/treasure map to the ReMax Classic office (Monday–Saturday, 9:00–4:30), near the tennis courts/Power Road entrance.
-Your child can then choose their free kit from the Discovery Chest. Remember to thank ReMax Classic, the sponsor!
Get into the spirit! A sleigh-full of Christmas and Holiday-themed books will be available for you to borrow starting Thanksgiving and lasting throughout December. Our sincere gratitudeto our amazing residents for gifting us with continued wonderful literary treasure donations!
Get into the spirit! A sleigh-full of Christmas and Holiday-themed books will be available for you to borrow starting Thanksgiving and lasting throughout December. Our sincere gratitudeto our amazing residents for gifting us with continued wonderful literary treasure donations!
Discovery Chest.
Monetary donations are needed to maintain this wonderful project for the children visiting Leisure World throughout the winter as each kit costs between $9 -$11 to compile. If you would like to contribute,
please email me, Charlene Ingerson, at ingerson.cb@ gmail.com or text me at 401-473-4213. Please support this terrific community project. While donations are not tax deductible, they are deeply appreciated.
Let’s unleash the fun and make some unforgettable memories in Leisure World!
be combined with other coupons, discounts, offers or $15 Be Our Guest cards. Offer subject to change. dine-in only. Full priced entrées $35 and under are eligible for free entrée promotion. Fall Trio, Campfire Feast, Square Cow Feast and experience events are not included in the offer. Free item is the lower priced entrée. The maximum amount to be discounted from any order is $35. No change given for entrées less than $35. Guest pays difference for any entrée over $35. Free entrée does not include butters, toppers or premium sidekicks. Guest is responsible for tax and gratuity. Promotion valid through Dec. 31, 2025. Not valid on holidays.
Maricopa County Library, Queen Creek Library offers a broad range of programs.
The Queen Creek Library offers free programs for people of all ages. For a complete list of offerings visit www.mcldaz.org/queencreek. Located at 21802 S Ellsworth Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85142.
The Winter Reading Program begins December 15! This program is only open to adults encouraging everyone to read! If you are registered with the Queen Creek Library, you are eligible for Library specific prizes and participation with our BINGO board! Completion of the BINGO board earns you a coupon to the Friends of the Queen Creek Library Bookstore! You can sign up online at maricopacountyreads.org or visit your library!
Adult programs include crafts, puzzle swaps, film and book discussions. Some of our upcoming December programs include: an Ornament Painting Workshop, Sparkling Snowflake Canvas Art, Mystery Book Club, Romance Book Club, and Puzzle Palooza. We are open Monday thru Thursday from 9-8, and Saturday and Sunday from 9-5. We are happy to assist you with online library resources, culture passes, and much more. To learn more about our programs, you can visit www.mcldaz.org/queencreek or call 602-652-3000
Registration may be required. Check online or call for details.
Ornament Painting Workshop for Adults
Thursday, December 11
5:00-7:00 pm
Learn to paint three different cacti on birch wood slices. Rachel Eskandari, from Pink Puddle Studios, will be guiding us in creating botanical themed ornaments. All materials will be provided and all skill levels are welcome!
Puzzle Palooza
Thursday, December 18
6:00-7:30 pm
Do you love puzzles? Join us for some puzzle making and swapping! You can bring a puzzle to swap with someone else, or just come in to piece together provided puzzles. This event is for all ages and anyone looking to puzzle is welcome! No registration is required and participants are welcome to come any time.
Sparkling Snowflake Canvas Art
Saturday, December 20
10:00-11:15 am
Create a sparkling, snowflake canvas to celebrate winter! Although we may not see snow, add some sparkling snowflake art to your home to help create that wintery environment. All materials provided and all skill levels welcome!
A cozy and festive afternoon filled with warm teas, delightful treats, and a cheerful holiday spirit. Guests will enjoy finger sandwiches, decadent desserts, and a variety of teas in a beautifully decorated setting. Perfect for relaxing, mingling, with live music and celebrating the season with friends and loved ones. Each person will receive one printed 4x6 photo to take home. Each registration is for one admission. This event is for adults only.
December 19th, 3pm-4:30pm
Gilbert Community Center
Sign up on www.gilbertaz.gov
Do you ever wonder if kids still write to Santa? And if they do, does anyone answer the letters? And more importantly, do the kids get what they asked of Santa? The answer to all three questions is a resounding YES! But, you ask, who answers the letters? Glad you asked. EVERYONE!
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a program called “Operation Santa”. Most Post Offices participate and our Post Office on Broadway Avenue is one of them. The Program is Nationwide and opened November 17th this year. Their URL is https://www. operationsanta.com
Last year, I almost missed the opportunity. I was not able to get anyone from Arizona but I DID get a nice family from Tennessee; two boys, a little girl, and their Mom. Personally, I like kids that want clothes. I get to go shopping for wonderful outfits and decide how many to get for each person (2 or 3 for me). For the Mom, I usually get a gift card to Walmart since she never states anything for herself.
Sometimes the children who write to Santa want big things like a bike, or a computer, or an X-Box, or Nintendo games, or a cell phone. I hope someone who lives closer to them can get those things. Some children do ask for box games or dolls and such. I am hopeful I can get a child or family from right here in Arizona. The nice thing is, new letters come in all the time. So, keep checking back to find who you want. The USPS actually solicits children to write in to Santa as well so, you have a mixed bag of letters to choose from.
How Operation Santa Works
You go into https://www.operationsanta.com and create an account. Even if you made one last year, they do not keep the information and you need to create a new account for this year. You put in your name, address, email, an ID, and password. Then when you come back in later, the system recognizes you. You can browse the letters USPS has loaded online. If you don’t care for what you see in Arizona, you can choose any state you want (that has letters). Maybe you want to send gifts to help children in your home State, or you can choose anywhere Operation Santa has available from the drop down in the system.
When you choose your child(ren), you are given a family ID. With your shopping list in hand, you get to go shopping! Bring the items home and start wrapping. The ‘From/To’ tags will say from ‘Santa’ or ‘Mrs. Claus’ (which is what I prefer) and the ‘To’ will be the appropriate child’s name. You do not use your own name to keep Santa alive. When you are finished wrapping, put them all in a box or two. On the outside of the box(es) you will NOT have a name or address. The Post Office supplies that information when you get there.
To make the process fun, you could put from the North Pole, AK on the outside of the box(es). You bring your box(es) to the Post Office along with the instructions and code you printed from the system. You hand the Post Office worker the instructions and let them go to work. I will tell you from past experience, even the Postal workers are not aware of this Operation Santa program! You pay for the weighed boxes, and you are finished at the Post Office.
Wrap Up the Process
A couple of last things. By the time you have stepped away from the counter at the Post Office and walked to your car, the computer has looked up the family ID code and has printed the shipping label for the Postal clerk to attach to your box(es). When you get back home, you go back into “Operation Santa” to let them know you have finished and your box(es) are on their way to the recipients. You get to sit back and know that Santa or Mrs. Claus has fulfilled a child’s wish and kept Santa alive and well in the United States.
Congratulations to YOU!!!
The year is already rapidly coming to a close, making it peak season for assessing (and, in many cases, reassessing) contribution options related to retirement savings accounts. A major factor worth considering heading into the new year are changes to the SECURE 2.0 Act’s catch-up contribution rule. The changes begin on January 1, 2026, and could have a significant impact on individuals 50 years of age and older who earned more than $145,000* in 2025. If you are part of this group of investors, read on to learn about what catch-up contributions are and what the new rules mean for your retirement savings.
What is a catch-up contribution?
If you’re age 50 or older and have any variety of qualifying retirement savings accounts — including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457(b)s — you have the option of contributing additional pre-tax funds beyond the standard contribution limits set by the Internal Revenue Service.1 These catch-up contributions are designed to help people nearing retirement give their investments an extra boost, which is especially beneficial for individuals who weren’t able to contribute as much during their younger years. Catch-up contributions give soon-tobe-retirees an opportunity to accelerate their savings to match their expected income needs in retirement.
How did Secure 2.0 Act impact investors?
Passed in December 2022, the SECURE 2.0 Act was created to encourage greater use of retirement plans that allow Americans to prepare for their golden years. The legislation included a variety of tax credits and other provisions, such as opportunities for longterm and part-time employees to participate and save more for retirement. The act increased the age at which individuals must begin making required minimum distributions (RMDs) to accommodate employees who stay in the workforce longer. The catch-up contribution
limit for participants aged 60 to 63 was raised in 2025 to $11,250 under this legislation, dubbed a “super catchup” contribution.2 This allows individuals within this age group to contribute well above the standard catch-up amount and take advantage of their peak earning years.
What is the new catch-up contribution rule?
Beginning in the new year, individuals with employersponsored 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) government retirement plans who are 50 years of age or older and who earned more than $145,000* in FICA wages the previous taxable year, must put their catch-up contributions into a designated Roth account after taxes.3 Simply put, this means any catch-up or super catch-up contributions for these high-income earners will be subject to tax deductions. This change does not impact a participant’s standard contributions to their employer-sponsored retirement savings, which will continue to be able to be contributed pre-tax, and will not impact individuals who made less than $145,000 in FICA wages the prior year.
How can I prepare for this change?
For individuals nearing retirement, it’s important to regularly reassess your contributions and make sure they’re aligned with upcoming regulatory changes, shifts in late-career professional plans, and your personal income needs and financial goals. This shift to the catch-up contribution rule presents new strategic opportunities for high-income earners. A financial advisor can help navigate these decisions and diversify investments to set you up for success in retirement.
* In Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) wages and adjusted for inflation.
Steven M. Rabin, CFP, CRPC, APMA, CDFA, ChFC, is Managing Director of Academy Advisors Wealth
Management
Academy Advisors Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Gilbert, AZ. We specialize in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies. Contact us at, www. academyadvisors.com, 480-545-8390, 161 E Rivulon Blvd. Ste. 108 Gilbert, AZ 85297 or 16220 N Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP certification mark (with plaque design) in the U.S.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.
Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.
© 2024 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. File # AMP6945622.1- (Approved until 9/30/2026)
By: Rilus M. Dana
Creating an estate plan is often viewed as a financial task, but at its heart, it’s an act of love. It’s the ultimate way to protect your family from confusion, conflict, and the stress of difficult decisions during a time of grief.
Despite this, it’s one of the most commonly procrastinated tasks. It can feel overwhelming or even a bit morbid. The truth is that getting your affairs in order is an empowering process that provides clarity for you and your loved ones.
The most important step is finding a professional you trust to be in your corner. Given how personal and important this process is, choosing the right estate planning attorney matters more than you might imagine.
Here are some tips on how to choose the best estate planning attorney for your needs:
1. Gather Referrals
When choosing an estate planning attorney, checking their referrals is one of the easiest ways to determine whether they’re a good fit. Start by reaching out to family members and friends for recommendations. You can also gather referrals quickly by checking online reviews. A simple search will reveal what past clients have said about their experiences. Reading through a few reviews can help you spot red flags and find attorneys who value communication and professionalism. If responsiveness and clarity are important to you, pay close attention to what others have said about those traits. The attorney you choose should make you feel informed, heard, and comfortable throughout the process.
2. Follow Your Instincts
Once you’ve narrowed down your list based on referrals, it’s time to start reaching out. During this stage, trust your instincts.
If something about an attorney’s tone, communication style, or website feels off, take note of that feeling.
Estate planning is deeply personal, and you should work with someone you feel confident entrusting with your financial legacy and family’s future.
Don’t feel pressured to go with the first attorney you meet. Meet a few, ask questions, and see who makes you feel most at ease. The right fit will combine professionalism with empathy—an attorney who takes time to listen, explains things clearly, and helps you feel comfortable about your choices.
3. Seek Out Estate Planning Experts
When choosing your estate planning attorney, make sure you go with one who specializes in estate planning and doesn’t just offer it as one of many services. Estate law is complex, and having a dedicated professional who focuses on this area ensures they’re up to date on the latest laws and procedures. They’ll also be prepared to guide you through the process with the depth of knowledge that only experience provides.
Choosing a specialized estate planning attorney ensures that your documents are drafted correctly, your goals are protected, and your plan remains valid as laws change over time.
4. Ask the Right Questions
Before hiring an attorney, ask questions such as:
• How long have you practiced estate law?
• What types of estate plans do you commonly handle?
• Do you also help with trust administration and probate?
• What is the process and typical timeline?
• A trustworthy attorney will welcome your questions and answer them clearly. The more open and transparent they are, the better you’ll feel moving forward.
If you or a loved one is seeking a skilled estate planning attorney, give Rilus Law a call. With offices in Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson, and Flagstaff, we specialize in estate planning, trust administration, and probate law. Our team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process with clarity and care.
- Rilus M. Dana, J.D., is the Managing Partner at Rilus Law, formerly Dana and Associates.
By Ken Weinstock CPA, Leisure World resident.
December. A time for cooler temperatures, celebrating the holidays with friends and family and, of course, year-end tax planning!
Here are some things to consider:
If you’re married, you and your spouse can file one joint tax return or two separate tax returns. If you’re not married or if you’re considered unmarried, rather than file a single return you may be able to use the head of household filing status. If you paid over half the cost of keeping up a home for the entire year for a dependent parent, or if you paid over half the cost of keeping up a home for six months or more for yourself and someone else, you can claim the tax benefits of the head of household filing status. These include a larger standard deduction and tax brackets that start at lower dollar amounts. Are you unmarried and paying for assisted living for your mom or dad? Consider using the head of household filing status.
For 2025 the standard deduction is $15,750 for single taxpayers, $31,500 for married taxpayers and $23,625 for those who file as head of household. Additional deduction amounts are allowed for taxpayers who are 65 or older or blind. If your 2025 itemized deductions will be close to the standard deduction, consider whether you could benefit over a two-year period by paying additional amounts for medical expenses or contributions in 2025 and taking the standard deduction in 2026.
New for 2025: If you itemize your deductions you can claim up to $40,000 ($20,000 if married filing separately) for state and local taxes paid. The limit
was increased from $10,000 ($5,000 if married filing separately). Note: the maximum deduction is reduced for high income taxpayers.
For tax years 2025 through 2028 up to $10,000 interest per year paid on a qualified loan to purchase a new personal passenger vehicle may be deductible whether or not you itemize your deductions. The vehicle must have its final assembly in the United States. The deduction is phased out if your adjusted gross income exceeds $100,000 ($200,000 in the case of a joint return).
Donating appreciated assets such as stocks or other securities may be a good thing to consider. If you purchased stock for $5,000 that’s now worth $20,000, you may have to pay capital gains tax on $15,000 if you sell the stock. If you donate the stock to a charity there is no capital gains tax on the transfer to the charity plus you would get a charitable deduction of $20,000, the current value of the stock.
If you have a required minimum distribution from an IRA but don’t need the money, you can exclude some or all of the distribution from income and pay less tax by making a qualified charitable distribution directly from your IRA to a charity of your choice. Reducing your adjusted gross income may help reduce or eliminate the amount of social security benefits included in taxable income and the amount of income subject to the 3.8% net investment income tax.
Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
You may qualify for a tax credit up to $3,200 if you
make qualified energy-efficient improvements to your home in 2025. You still have a few weeks left to reduce your 2025 tax liability by improving your home. Note: this credit will no longer be available after December 31, 2025.
If you have a business, there are a number of ways to reduce your 2025 taxes in the remaining weeks of the year.
The cost of purchasing new business equipment may be written off in full if the equipment is placed in service by December 31, 2025. Is your old office printer slower than you can live with? Maybe now is the time to replace it and take a 100% tax deduction.
If you use the cash method of accounting, consider buying business supplies in December. Generally, amounts paid in the current year are deductible when paid even if the supplies are used in the following year. You may also want to think about sending out bills to customers later in December. The cash method of accounting requires you to report income when you receive it, not when you send out a bill.
Deducting expenses for a home office is a great way to reduce your taxes. If you qualify for a home office deduction, you may be able to deduct a portion of your property taxes and home mortgage interest even if you take the standard deduction. This is in addition to deducting other home office expenses.
Remember: there are many ways to reduce your 2025 taxes, but some of them need to be done before you attend your New Year’s Eve celebration. Action now can save you money later.
Martha Eda Jamieson, known by all as Bobby, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on June 24, 2025. Born March 17, 1941 in Summit, New Jersey, Bobby was a first-generation American, the proud daughter of Charles and Martha Trost, whose warmth and work ethic shaped her life.
Bobby shared a beautiful love story with her husband, Joseph Jamieson. Together they built a life rich in laughter, travel and devotion – from their years in Ireland to their golden days in Leisure World. Mesa, where they found true community and lifelong friendships.
Her joy was found in the Desert Belles, swim aerobics, bridge club, and countless other groups that brought people together. Her laughter was contagious, her friendship unwavering, and her zest for life an inspiration to all who knew her.
She leaves behind her loving children Cherie Lauro and Paul Jamieson, and her stepdaughters Lauren Jamieson, and Linda Jamieson. Bobby’s greatest joy came from her grandchildren—Natalee and Dominic Lauro, and soon to be daughter in law Giselle Suarez, mother of her precious great-granddaughter Isabella Lauro who she was able to hold before she passed. She is also remembered by three stepgrandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren
Bobby’s grace, compassion, and humor touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Her light will forever shine in the hearts of those who loved her.
Friends and family are warmly invited to celebrate the life of Bobby Jamieson on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Heron Lake Club House in Leisure World, Mesa, Arizona.
Though she has left our sight, her love will forever remain in our hearts.
Tina Cook died peacefully November 4, 2025 after a short bout with a memory illness. She was surrounded by family. In recalling the life of Tina Goodrich Cook – we remember her as a woman whose kindness, warmth, and love for life touched everyone who knew her.
Tina was born in Columbus, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert L. Goodrich and Paula Goodrich, who were residents of Leisure World and her father was a member of the water volleyball team. She is survived by her husband, Jim Cook; sister Jennifer Grimm, and brother-in-law Mark Grimm; also nephews, Zach and Chris, their spouses, Seth and Nikki, and her niece Margaret.
As an elementary school teacher in Frisco, Colorado, Tina shaped countless young lives with patience, creativity, and heart. She was passionate about education and her students loved her. They remember her as someone who made learning fun and who truly saw the best in every child.
After retiring, in 2008 she moved to Leisure World in Mesa, Arizona. Tina loved music, dancing, good food, and sharing conversation with friends. She also loved to travel and explore new places, always eager for a new adventure. Tina’s teaching skills popped up once again as she found joy in leading exercise classes, particularly low impact water aerobics, which she dearly loved. All who participated became her friends – building a community, laughter, and support along the way. The Leisure World Swim Club commented, “Your resilience in the face of life’s challenges has been an inspiration to our swim community. Her contagious smile brought joy to all of us.”
Tina created a life filled with connection and warmth, surrounded by incredible people who cared deeply for her and whom she cared for in return. She will be missed!!
A celebration of life for Tina was conducted on November 7, 2025 at Mariposa Gardens in Mesa, Arizona. Many family and friends were in attendance.
Nancy Carol Hemingson (Aaby) Age 82, of Mesa Arizona, passed away peacefully at her home on November 15th, 2025.
Nancy was a devoted mother, grandmother and a cherished friend to many. She was born on July 15th, 1943 in Rochester, Minnesota to the parents of Rosella and Clifford Aaby. Nancy graduated from John Marshall High School in 1961. She then went on to graduate from Northwestern School of Nursing in Minneapolis and became a Registered Nurse. Nancy spent many years as a Labor and Delivery nurse where she touched the lives of countless families with her compassionate care and gentle nature.
She was married to Lyle Hemingson in 1964 and they were married for over 54 years until Lyle’s death in 2019. Nancy and Lyle raised two children during their marriage, Teresa and Jeff.
She lived in many places in her life but spent most of her life in Duluth, Minnesota and Mesa, Arizona. Nancy and Lyle travelled extensively internationally as well as across the United States throughout their marriage. She loved to entertain with cocktails and amazing dinners she would prepare. She had many hobbies such as quilting, golf, coffee with the ladies, reading and crossword puzzles.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Lyle Hemingson and brother Michael Aaby.
She is survived by her children, Teresa Hemingson (Rosemount, MN) and Jeffrey (Jeni) Hemingson (Gilbert, AZ), and her grandchildren, Dustan Hemingson (Chastity), Larson, Alicia and Ty Hemingson as well as her sister Debbie Gendron and brothers James Aaby, Barry Aaby and Wynn Aaby. She had many other family members and friends who will miss her deeply.
A memorial will be held in the upcoming months to honor and celebrate Nancy’s life.
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Travel the globe without leaving town this New Year’s Eve!
Join us for Passport to Midnight, an elegant and exciting Dinner Dance that whisks you away on a journey through flavors,music,andculturesfromaroundtheworld—allinone unforgettable night.
Savorinternationalflairwithacuratedselectionofappetizers inspired by global cuisine. From Mediterranean bites to Asian delights and Latin flavors, every plate is a new destination. Receiveyourveryown“passport”uponarrivaltoguideyou through the evening’s experiences—stamp your way through each station, enter raffles, and unlock special surprises along the way!
Then dance your way into the New Year with live music by Leisure World’s favorite – Midnight Confessions, a festive atmosphere, and a midnight celebration you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re toasting with champagne or enjoying the journey through taste and sound, Passport to Midnight promises a night of elegance, excitement, and global celebration.
Date: Wed., Dec. 31
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Place: Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima Cost:$65perperson
Get into the spirit of the season with In the Christmas Mood: A Holiday Music Spectacular. The evening is filled with singing, dancing, live music, and holiday magic as the show pays homage to the classic Andy Williams and Bing Crosby Christmas specials. In the Christmas Mood features timeless treasures such as “Sleigh Ride,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and many more.
Four principals (2 male, 2 female) and a six-piece band create the magic in this fast-paced, fun-filled, and family-friendly show. Two hours will fly by, and audiences will leave full of holiday spirit.
Date: Mon., Dec. 8
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima
Cost: $24-30 depending on section
Enjoy the holidays in style with pick-up and drop-off from Leisure World! Ollie the Trolley’s one-of-a-kind annual Holiday Light Tour is coming to Leisure World for the second year in a row! We will have two trolleys so that everyone can go! They know the most spectacular Christmas light displays in the Valley, and they’ll do all the driving. Space is limited to 30 spots per trolley, so grab some friends and some hot cocoa or cider – and get the whole crew into the Holiday Spirit. Their Jolly trolley operators will guide our four-hour holiday light tour to experience the best Christmas displays in the Valley while playing festive holiday music along the way. Join us for holiday cheer this season and experience the magic of light tours onboard Ollie the Trolley.
Date: Tues., Dec. 9 & Mon., Dec. 15
Cost: $45 per person
Time: 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
Interested in being a part of Leisure World’s community garage sale? Sign up in the Recreation Office by 12 noon, Tuesday, Dec. 9, to be sure your manor gets highlighted on the map. A listing of all garage sale locations and maps of the community will be available online, in the back of the LW Library, Administration Reception Desk, and Recreation Office starting Thursday, Dec. 11th for you to plan your day of shopping! Due to security reasons, the Community Garage Sale is not open to the public.
Date: Sat., Dec. 13
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Map Deadline: Tues., Dec. 9
Dec. 23rd
Santa and his helpers are going to be back at Leisure World for a special parade through the neighborhood, ending it off with refreshments and special gifts for those who were good this year. Santa leads the parade with L.W. residents in decorated golf carts, vintage vehicles, bicycles, etc. starting at Rec. Center 2 at 1:00 p.m.
Sign up in the Rec. Office to be part of the parade as well as your grandkids if they will be participating in the gifts from Santa. Bring a gift for your grandchild to the Rec. Office by Fri., Dec. 20. Be sure the child’s full name is written clearly on the package for Santa to personally give them their gift. Santa will be passing out the gifts by last name; this way we can make sure families all get their gifts at the same time. Santa’s helpers will be on hand to help facilitate the gift giving. This is a great outing for everyone, whether you have visiting family or not!
Date: Tues., Dec. 23
Parade starting: 1:00 p.m. departing from Rec. 2 Parking Lot
Santa and fun: 2:00 p.m. Rec. 1 Center
Deadline for gifts: Fri., Dec. 19
Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Game starts at 7:00 p.m.
Place: Rec. 1 Ballroom
Community Happy Hour is a great way to meet your neighbors and hang out with friends. With a rotating schedule of Resident Volunteer DJ’s, it is different every month. BYOB is always encouraged. Mingle with friends, meet new people, and enjoy different varieties of music based on the Resident DJ that month. If you would like to get in the rotation of Resident DJ’s, please contact the Rec. Office!
Date: Fri., Dec. 5 & Jan. 2
Times: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Rec. 1 Clubroom
Play is every Friday night at 7:00 p.m. On-sets are 3 for $3; 6 for $6; and 9 for $9. Refreshments are served at the break. Water, ice, lemonade, coffee, popcorn, and pretzels. Play starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. Players may arrive at 6:00 p.m. to purchase on-sets. LW Bingo is for Residents and their guests 18 years of age and older. Our bingo games are for recreational play and not open to the public. The State does not allow alcohol to be present or consumed during our recreational Bingo games.
Gather with your friends and neighbors to test your knowledge and expand your brain! Trivia will be hosted by our very own, Scott Immel! Three rounds of 15 questions will challenge you and others to see who will top the charts. Test your knowledge with a group of eight or on your own.
Date: Wed., Dec. 3 & 17 | Jan. 7 & 21
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: *Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima Rooms
Cost: $2 per person
Take this opportunity to sell and buy used household items, handmade craft items, or residents may also sell commercial items. The Leisure World Monthly Market has it all, so come shop, or come sell! Recreation supplies tables for $5 each, and clothing racks for $1. Residents selling commercial items will be required to pay 10% of their sales back to Leisure World.
Date: Fri., Dec. 12 & Jan. 9
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Place: Rec. 1 Ballroom
Cost: $5 per table | $1 per rack
If you would like more info on any of the following events, please contact the Recreation Office at ext. 212 Club Events: Purchase tickets through
seats on sale now through Recreation and include the entertainment and water, soda, and ice. BYO spirited beverage.
Date: Sun., Dec. 7
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Place: Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima Rooms
Cost: $10 per person
Deadline: Tues., Nov. 26
The annual Christmas concert presented by the Leisure World Mixed Chorus is one of the highlights of the holiday season. The Chorus will delight the audience by providing a mixture of sacred and secular music designed to put everyone in the holiday spirit. Tickets are available in the Rec Office, from members of the chorus, or at the door.
Date & Time: Sat., Dec. 13 at 7:00 p.m. or Sun., Dec. 14 at 3:00 p.m.
Place: Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima Rooms
Cost: $10 per person
, a high-energy band specializing in the unforgettable sounds of ‘50s Rock ‘n’ Roll—the perfect soundtrack for a night of dancing, fun, and holiday cheer. This fan-favorite group delivers an exciting, nostalgic atmosphere for “kids” of all ages, featuring timeless hits by legends like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson, and of course, Buddy Holly Slip on your saddle shoes, don your best vintage holiday look, and get ready to twist, jive, and jingle all night long!
Date: Thurs., Dec. 11
Time: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Place: Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima Rooms
Cost: $10 in advance | $12 at event
We’re thrilled to welcome back the highly anticipated Thaddeus Rose Band for another energetic performance at Leisure World! Residents have been raving about this talented group, and we’re excited to bring back their incredible sound to our community. Thaddeus Rose is a high-energy variety band known for performing the greatest dance and rock hits of all time. Their spot-on renditions of iconic classics capture the spirit and sound of the original artists — making every performance a crowd favorite at top casinos and venues across the region. Get ready to dance, sing along, and experience the music you love performed with passion and perfection!
Date: Thurs., Jan. 15
Time: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Place: Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima Rooms
Cost: $10 in advance | $12 at event
We’re thrilled to welcome Main Squeeze Band to our entertainment lineup! This high-energy variety band truly does it all — delivering an unforgettable mix of pop, country, Latin, ’80s and ’90s pop rock, alternative, Motown, and more
Get ready to hit the dance floor and enjoy a night packed with great music and nonstop fun!
Date: Thurs., Jan. 29
Time: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Place: Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima Rooms
Cost: $10 in advance | $12
Free Sunday movies in the Theater 4 p.m. Refreshments provided. Due to the popularity of the movies, there will be no seat-saving All seats will be on a first-come basis only. Schedule may change due to Netflix movie availability.
December 7
December 14 Merry Christmas
21 Operation
December 28 Moving
Nothing seems to go right for young Kate, a frustrated Londoner who works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. But things soon take a turn for the better when she meets Tom -- a handsome charmer who seems too good to be true. As the city transforms into the most wonderful time of the year, Tom and Kate’s growing attraction turns into the best gift of all -- a Yuletide romance.
With the advent of World War I, Europe is thrown into a brutal and vicious chaos as men are forced to kill or be killed. While blood soaks the battlefield as Christmas approaches, the men in the trenches of the Western Front face a transformation, however fleeting, toward peace and goodwill. Against all odds, four unlikely individuals from opposing sides (Diane Kruger, Benno Fürmann, Guillaume Canet, Gary Lewis) bond during this bloodless respite to experience the hope and goodness in humanity.
Congressional aide Erica Miller lands at a beachside Air Force base, where she clashes with Capt. Andrew Jantz over his pet project -- Operation: Christmas Drop.
Old friends Claire and Evelyn reconnect at their recently deceased friend Joyce’s funeral. Still upset for messing with them years ago, they decide to take revenge on Howard, her widower. Starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
When the transition is being made from silent films to `talkies’, everyone has trouble adapting. Don and Lina have been cast repeatedly as a romantic couple, but when their latest film is remade into a musical, only Don has the voice for the new singing part. After a lot of practise with a diction coach, Lina still sounds terrible, and Kathy, a bright young aspiring actress, is hired to record over her voice.
Date: Tues., December 16
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: Rec. 1 Theater
For 20 years, Hale Centre Theatre has been bringing exciting, family-friendly Broadway Musicals, Dramas, and Comedies to downtown Gilbert audiences. With discounted tickets seated on the north side of the stage, you’ll be sure to have a great night, in the round, filled with laughs, music, and high-quality stage productions. Join your friends, neighbors, and family on a local, economical excursion once a month to enjoy theatre right down the road. Drive yourself or carpool with friends as we follow along as a group to Hale Theatre! *Please note that deadlines for shows listed below are 2 weeks before the show, please get your tickets accordingly. On Sale Now at the Recreation Office and Online!
A Hale Holiday Classic! Our spectacular, heart-warming version of Dickens’ classic tale of redemption is magically brought to life on the Hale Stage. This production is rich with traditional carols, stunning costumes, and memorable characters that are guaranteed to enrich the holiday season for you and your family. Now celebrating its 23rd year in Gilbert! *Matinee Performance: 5:00 pm
Date: Thurs., Dec. 4
Price: $50*
Deadline: Thurs., Nov. 20
Simply one of the funniest comedies ever written! Lovely Jewish parents have asked their charming Jewish daughter to bring home the beau she has been dating for months. But wait —he’s not Jewish! So she hires an actor to play her kosher Jewish boyfriend in order to please her folks. Problem solved? Absolutely not! A brilliant, witty, and hilarious comedy!
Date: Thurs., Jan. 8
Price: $50
Deadline: Mon., Dec. 22
Based on a true story about Patsy Cline’s friendship with a fan who befriended the star in a 1961 Texas honky-tonk. Complete with down home country humor, true emotion, and even some audience participation, this show includes many of Patsy’s unforgettable hits such as “Crazy,”
“I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” & “Walking After Midnight.” 27 songs in all!
Date: Tues., Feb. 17
Price: $50
Deadline: Tues., Feb. 3
Set against the fast-moving high lights and low lives of New York City in the 1940’s, this bigger-than-life Broadway musical returns triumphantly to our stage! With classic songs like “Luck Be a Lady,” “Take Back Your Mink,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” this memorable musical is a winner with every roll of the dice!
Date: Thurs., Mar. 19
Price: $50
Deadline: Thurs., Mar. 5
This sweet, romantic musical, set in a charming 1930s Budapest parfumerie,
tells the story of two feuding colleagues who are unaware they’re secret pen pals. A classic show, with delightful songs and heartwarming moments, She Loves Me is a perfect blend of humor and love, and the inspiration for the film “You’ve Got Mail”, which featured Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
Date: Thurs., April 16
Price: $50
Deadline: Wed., March 26
Join Dorothy, Toto, and their friends Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion as they journey down the Yellow Brick Road to the magical Land of Oz! This cherished musical brings the classic story to life with all the iconic music you know and love from the legendary MGM film. A family-fun must-see at Hale Theatre!
Date: Thurs., May 21
Price: $50
Deadline: Thurs., May 7
Announcing Leisure World 2026 Broadway Across America at ASU Gammage. All shows include round-trip deluxe motorcoach transportation with show tickets in Orchestra Level seating. *Please notice the deadline for registering is a month before the show date, so please register accordingly.
It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award® winning Best Musical. This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. With standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, THE BOOK OF MORMON has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language.
Date: Tues., Jan. 6
Price: $140 per person
Deadline: Mon., Dec. 8
Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Sweet Caroline,” an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond’s story was made to shine on Broadway-and head out on the road across America.
Like Jersey Boys and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical before it, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL is an inspiring, exhilarating, energy-filled musical memoir, that tells the untold true story of how America’s
Date: Wed., Jan. 28
Price: $120 per person
Deadline: Mon.,Dec. 22nd
From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over! SIX won 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award® for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.
Date: Tues., March 17
Price: $145 per person
Deadline: Mon., Feb. 16
Dec. 8, 2025 – In The Christmas Mood
Get into the spirit of the season with In the Christmas Mood: A Holiday Music Spectacular. The evening is filled with singing, dancing, live music, and holiday magic as the show pays homage to the classic Andy Williams and Bing Crosby Christmas specials. In the Christmas Mood features timeless treasures such as “Sleigh Ride,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and many more.
Four principals (2 male, 2 female) and a six-piece band create the magic in this fastpaced, fun-filled, and family-friendly show. Two hours will fly by, and audiences will leave full of holiday spirit.
Jan. 5, 2026 – Johnny Cash Tribute – Almost Folsom
The music of the man in black is back! Spend a night with Almost Folsom as he provides the greatness of Johnny Cash and the amazing legacy of music he left behind for us all to enjoy. Relive the amazing songs of Johnny Cash in this electrifying tribute to the Man in Black. Hear all of Johnny’s biggest hits, like Folsom Prison Blues, Ring of Fire, Boy Named Sue, Walk the Line, and many more accompanied by a live band.
Jan. 19, 2026 – Ben and Cassandra Magic Show
the look, the sound, the cheeky humor and the outright vivacity of the Beatles back to life. With over a decade of sold out shows across the globe, Britain’s Finest has crafted a trip through Rock and Roll history from the cobblestone roads of Liverpool to The Beatles’ place as one of the greatest bands of all time.
Feb. 16, 2026 – Bob Seger Tribute – Turn the Page
TURN THE PAGE is an incredible re-creation of the Live Bob Seger Experience performed by The Sam Morrison Band. Every effort has been made to make sure that each song is performed exactly as you remember it and that it is delivered with all the passion and excitement you would expect in a Bob Seger show.
Mar. 2, 2026 – Eagles Tribute – Eagle Eyes
Eagle Eyes is critically acclaimed and considered to be one of the best Eagles tribute bands. With an enthusiastic fanbase and tour area stretching from Alaska, BC, Alberta, Washington, Idaho, and Oregon to California. Eagle Eyes has been selling out performances at festivals, theateres, corporate events, and many other venues for the past 7 years!
Mar. 16, 2026 – John Denver Tribute – Take Me Home
Come witness the impossible with master magicians Cassandra and Ben Nemzer! New York Times considers them “The Most Magical Couple!” As seen on Netflix, Apple +, Fox Sports, & Comedy Central and the most recent season of Let’s Make a Deal on CBS; These two magicians present a nonstopjourney of wonder, excitement and laughter. Through jaw-dropping magic, audience participation, and even CRAZY card tricks; This duo creates one once in a lifetime moment after another! Cassandra is a classically trained singer and combines her magic with opera in a way that has never been seen before. Ben’s Comedy magic and sleight of hand is some of the best in the world! Together, they present a show you can’t take your eyes off of.
Feb. 2, 2026 – Beatles Tribute – Britain’s Finest
Relive Beatlemania! Witness the youngest Nationally and Internationally touring Tribute to The Beatles embody the energy and spirit of Britain’s Finest band! The lads as you’ve never seen them before! Britain’s Finest is a band of Beatles tribute all-stars who bring
“Jim Curry was over there sounding like John Denver… I closed my eyes and went back to the times when I worked with John.” Pete Huttlinger, guitar player for John Denver. Come join in the fun and take in the joy and hope of a full inspired evening of the music of America’s most beloved singer songwriter. National touring performer Jim Curry will have you clapping your hands and singing along to hit after hit.
From the very first song you will know why Jim was cast to be the voice of John Denver in the CBS movie “Take me home: the John Denver Story”. Curry was chosen as a key performer in the induction of John Denver into the Colorado Music Hall of fame show and hosting the official John Denver Estate show that toured the United States and Australia, because of his pure clear voice that really delivers the music of John Denver.
Curry has delighted audiences for over 23 years. Come and experience it yourself with family and friends
If you like one-day excursions or are looking to find your next big travel destination, look below to see what might fit your interests.
Tickets will now be sold directly through Kindred Tours. For more information, and a complete listing of all that Kindred Tours has to offer, call the office to receive a free subscription to the monthly newsletter. You can reach Kindred Tours at 480-497-2478 or visit the website at www.kindredtours.com to book tours.
KEY CODES: Kindred Tours (KT) ¤ Leisure World Recreation (LW) ¤ Premier World Discovery (PWD)
Love to Explore? Join Leisure World’s Trips and Tours Email Blast! Be the first to know about Leisure World’s travel opportunities, with one email update every 1-2 weeks.
Email Molly at mshort@lwca.com to join!
Discover all that the Valley has to offer! Join your friends, neighbors, and family on a local, economical excursion a few times each month! Drive yourself or carpool with friends as we follow along as a group to various locations around the Valley.
A Christmas Carol
A Hale Holiday Classic! Our spectacular, heart-warming version of Dickens’ classic tale of redemption is magically brought to life on the Hale Stage. This production is rich with traditional carols, stunning costumes, and memorable characters that are guaranteed to enrich the holiday season for you and your family. Now celebrating its 23rd year in Gilbert!
*Matinee Performance: 5:00 pm
Date: Thurs., Dec. 4
Price: $50*
Hi-Fi Holiday Concert
This is THE event to kick your holiday spirit into high gear! Hale Concert Hall is bringing back our Christmas tradition. We and our elves have sifted through our vinyl record collection and curated a night of our very favorite Christmas hits. Featuring singers from around the country and the North Pole, this concert will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to spread holiday cheer!
Date: Wed., Dec. 17
Price: $60
Deadline: Wed., Dec. 3
Christmas in Arizona’s Christmas City: Prescott Courthouse Lighting & Holiday Parade
December 6–7, 2025
$399 Per Person (Based Upon Double Room Occupancy) $115 (Single Supplement) We’ve secured rooms in Prescott for the biggest night of the year, when Arizona’s official Christmas City truly shines! Don’t miss this affordable holiday outing, filled with festive charm, glowing lights, and the warmth of smalltown celebration.
Day One: We’ll leave the Valley midmorning, with plenty of time to enjoy lunch on self in downtown Prescott before the festivities begin. The Prescott Holiday Parade steps off in the early afternoon, filling the historic square with floats, marching bands, and plenty of holiday spirit. We’ll set up camp with lawn chairs to comfortably enjoy the parade and soak in the small-town holiday magic.
Prescott earned its title as Arizona’s Christmas City back in 1989, when Governor Rose Mofford recognized the town’s dedication to preserving its holiday traditions. The first Courthouse Lighting Ceremony was held in 1917, when local residents gathered to decorate the stately Yavapai County Courthouse with simple strings of lights. Over a century later, the celebration has grown into one of Arizona’s most beloved seasonal events—complete with a parade, marketplace, and carolers surrounding the plaza.
Throughout the day, Prescott’s
Christmas Village & Market adds even more cheer, featuring local artisans, handmade crafts, festive food, and live entertainment. As evening falls, the square transforms into a glowing wonderland for the Courthouse Lighting Ceremony, when more than 100 trees and the courthouse façade are illuminated with thousands of sparkling lights.
After the lighting, you’ll have the evening free to explore downtown Prescott at your own pace. Enjoy dinner
on self at one of the many cozy local restaurants, stop for a warm drink or dessert, listen to live music at a local tavern, or simply stroll through the twinkling plaza—there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this special night. Before returning to our hotel, we’ll also take a scenic drive through the Valley of Lights in nearby Prescott Valley—a mile-long display of dazzling holiday scenes and animated light installations, the perfect finale to a truly magical day. We’ll overnight at the Holiday Inn
Express Prescott, offering comfortable accommodations, friendly service, and a convenient location for a relaxing end to the evening.
Day Two: After breakfast at the hotel, it’s bags out—but before we head home, we’ll make a stop at the World’s Largest Gingerbread Village, located in the lobby of the Prescott Resort & Conference Center. This delightful display features hundreds of handcrafted gingerbread houses—each uniquely decorated—and is open for all to
admire. After taking some time to enjoy the artistry and snap a few photos, we’ll begin our return trip to the Valley, with an early afternoon arrival home.
Home for the Holidays at Barleen’s Dinner Show
December 9th, Tuesday $129
Get ready to mingle and jingle at this Barleen’s matinee performance, where a joyful mixture of traditional and popular seasonal classics are brought to you by masterful musicians! A delicious lunch is included prior to the show, and guests are always encouraged to “eat dessert first!” We’ll begin with Barleen’s famous chocolate cake before digging into slowroasted beef, creamy Yukon gold mashed potatoes with pan gravy, steamed baby carrots, a crisp dinner salad, and whole wheat rolls with butter. Barleen’s also offers an optional “Healthy Plate,” suitable for vegetarians. We’ll enjoy a variety of soft drinks, and for an additional cost, a full bar will be available serving cocktails, beer, and wine. This fantastic performance is sure to become one of your favorite holiday traditions!
The Missions of Southern Arizona
December 11th, Thursday $129
Journey with us south of Tucson to explore the Missions of Southern Arizona, beginning with Mission San Xavier del Bac — more commonly known as “The White Dove of the Desert.” Considered by many to be the “Sistine Chapel of North America,” Mission San Xvier del Bac is famous for its intricate paintings on the walls and ceiling. Built by early Spanish missionaries, San Xavier del Bac is one of several adobe chapels and missions in a chain that once stretched from northern Mexico to the western United States. Still a Catholic parish, Mission San Xavier del Bac continues to serve the Tohono O’odham community for whom it was established in the late 1600s. Later, back in the Transits, we’ll continue south to the charming artist’s hamlet of Tubac, home to interesting shops, galleries, and wonderful little restaurants. We’ll take some time to explore the streets of Tubac and enjoy lunch on self before traveling just three miles to Tumacácori National Historic Park — home to San José de Tumacácori. This massive and haunting ruin was originally built around 1800 by Franciscan priests. Abandoned before completion and later gutted by Apache warriors and various fortune hunters, San José de Tumacácori serves as a fascinating reminder of early American and Spanish history.
A Christmas Carol at Phoenix Theatre
December 18th, Thursday $142
A story of redemption, second chances, and the power of human kindness, A Christmas Carol is a musical journey through the heart of one man’s transformation. On one fateful Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who guide him through his Past, Present, and Future, leading him to discover the true spirit of Christmas. Featuring a stirring score by The Phoenix Theatre Company’s late Music Director, Alan Ruch, and direction by Matthew Wiener, who helmed A Christmas Carol at Actors Theatre for 19 years, this production continues a beloved holiday tradition. Celebrate nearly two decades of magic, music, and storytelling in this cherished classic. This is one of those productions that never fails to move and inspire—beautifully staged, beautifully performed, and deeply human. It’s a story that reminds us why the holidays matter. Join us for an afternoon of meaningful theatre and holiday spirit at one of Arizona’s most acclaimed stages. We’ll
also enjoy lunch, on self, at Miracle Mile Deli prior to the show—a local favorite known for its friendly service and classic comfort food.
December 23rd , Tuesday $189
An Arizona original, The Stockyards has been serving warm Western hospitality and perfectly aged steaks since 1947. Once the gathering place for cattlemen and ranchers from the old Phoenix Stockyards, this historic restaurant has become a local institution—famous for its rich mahogany booths, flickering amber lighting, and timeless charm. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the spirit of the season, beautifully decorated for the holidays. We’ll enjoy an elegant threecourse dinner, beginning with freshbaked biscuits served with honey butter. Entrée selections include an 8-oz Filet Mignon with Whiskey Peppercorn DemiGlace, Herb-Roasted Chicken with Madeira Mushroom Pan Sauce, or Skillet Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce. All entrées are accompanied by Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus, and Baby Carrots, and the meal concludes with a special holiday dessert. Coffee, soda, and iced tea are included, with cocktails, wine, and beer available for purchase.
After dinner, we’ll hop back in the Transits for a smooth sleigh ride through some of the Valley’s best holiday light displays—a perfect way to cap off the evening. This festive night is designed to feel like a Kindred Tours Holiday Party—a time to gather with friends, share good food, and celebrate the season together. Feel free to dress up a bit if you’d like—it’s the holidays, after all—and let’s make an occasion of it! Spots are limited, and this special evening will fill quickly. Don’t wait to reserve your seat!
New Year’s Eve at the Silver Star Theatre
December 31st, Wednesday $169
Ring in the New Year at the Silver Star Theatre, Arizona’s premier dinner-andshow venue! We’ve scored fabulous seats—front and center—at this multimillion-dollar facility featuring tiered seating, unobstructed views, and stateof-the-art sound and lighting. We’ll begin with a delicious holiday feast, served buffet-style and topped off with chocolate devil’s food cake. Then sit back and enjoy Silver Star’s wildly popular Variety Show— foot-stompin’ fun that features music through the decades: Rock & Roll, Country, Big Band, and Pop Classics—all performed by masterful musicians. We’ll wrap up the evening with a champagne toast with
the East Coast at 10 p.m. A full bar serving specialty cocktails, wine, and beer will be available (on self). Holiday tours fill fast— make your reservations!
Bee Gees Tribute Concert at Hale Theatre
January 9th, Friday $147
Get ready to groove—it’s disco night at the Hale Concert Hall! We’re turning back the clock to celebrate one of the most legendary groups of the ’70s—the Bee Gees! This high-energy tribute brings all the hits you love to life, including “Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “Night Fever.” With dazzling harmonies, soaring vocals, and the irresistible beat of classic disco, it’s pure feel-good fun that will have you dancing in your seat! Before the late afternoon performance, we’ll enjoy lunch on self in Downtown Gilbert’s Heritage District, where fantastic restaurants line the walkable Main Street—offering everything from casual bistros to local favorites. There’s sure to be something for everyone on this fun and easy afternoon out!
Tortilla Flat & the Dolly Steamboat Cruise
January 14th, Wednesday $135
Nestled within the rugged beauty of the Tonto National Forest, in the heart of the Superstition Mountains, lies the tiny town of Tortilla Flat—an authentic slice of Old West history. Founded in 1904 as a stagecoach stop along the historic Apache Trail, this quirky destination is packed with charm and character. We’ll arrive early to get seated on the BBQ Patio, where we’ll enjoy lunch on self, featuring burgers hot off the grill, Tortilla Flat’s famous chili, and plenty of classic BBQ favorites. The entertainment here is legendary, as the Tortilla Flat Band takes the stage daily with old-time rock & roll and lively Western tunes. Midafternoon, we’ll board the Dolly Steamboat for a 1.5-hour Nature Cruise on stunning Canyon Lake. Surrounded by red rock cliffs and towering canyon walls, this scenic journey offers unforgettable views and the chance to spot Big Horn Sheep, Bald Eagles, and other desert wildlife. It’s the perfect blend of history, scenery, and pure Arizona fun!
Queen Creek Olive Mill Lunch & Learn
January 19th , 2026, Monday $139
We’re headed to the Queen Creek Olive Mill—Arizona’s only working olive farm and mill—for a flavorful and fascinating day out! This family-owned destination
has become a local treasure, producing award-winning extra virgin olive oils from 7,000 thriving trees right here in the Sonoran Desert. Our visit begins with their popular Olive Oil 101 Lunch & Learn, a guided experience that blends education and indulgence. You’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch featuring house-made specialties—think artisan sandwiches, crisp salads, and decadent desserts— paired with a splash of Prosecco. During the session, we’ll learn the entire process of olive oil making, from tree to bottle, and discover how to taste, select, and cook with high-quality EVOO. Afterward, take time to explore the property, browse the gourmet marketplace, or relax under the shady olive trees with a cup of coffee or gelato. This is a relaxed, delicious, and educational outing—a perfect blend of food, friendship, and fun!
The 15th Annual Havasu Balloon Festival
January 23-25, 2026
$799 Per Person (Based Upon Double Room Occupancy) $249 (Single Supplement)
Day One: We’ll leave the Valley with a stop for lunch on self, as well as plenty of great sightseeing, on our way to beautiful Lake Havasu City! Upon arrival, we’ll check into the brand-new, contemporarystyled Holiday Inn Express, conveniently located in English Village, next to the London Bridge. Guests of the hotel are just steps away from restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. After a refresh, we’ll head out for a fabulous Welcome Dinner at Angelina’s Italian Kitchen, where we’ll enjoy a three-course meal with several entrée items to select from, a glass of red or white wine, and dessert included. After dinner, we’ll head out to the balloon field to explore the Glow Spectacular—a truly remarkable event—as pilots ignite the burners of their tethered balloons simultaneously, and they glow like enormous holiday ornaments. Later, we’ll enjoy a free evening in Lake Havasu City on a festival weekend, where there will be much to see and do.
Day Two: Breakfast is included at the hotel. Then we’re off to experience the heart-stopping Mass Ascension—an early morning launch of hundreds of balloons— the most amazing display of sound and color! Afterwards, we’ll explore all that this thrilling festival has to offer, including tethered balloon rides, food vendors’ booths, live music, and so much more. Early afternoon, we’ll head off to exciting Laughlin, Nevada—home to eight different resorts, side by side along the beautiful Colorado River—offering miles of fun-filled recreational and gaming opportunities, as
Trips and Tours continued from B11
well as a huge variety of dining choices— making it the perfect destination for lunch on self and a great afternoon. Later, we’ll head back to Lake Havasu City, where we’ll enjoy a free evening and dinner on self, with several wonderful restaurants to choose from.
Day Three: Breakfast is included at the hotel. Then it’s bags out, and we’re off to explore Oatman, one of Arizona’s most interesting ghost towns. This crazy little town began as a mining tent camp over 100 years ago but quickly became a flourishing gold mining center in 1915, when two miners struck a ten-milliondollar gold find. Mining in Oatman was short-lived. The town survived by catering to travelers on old U.S. Route 66 and nearly died when the route became what is now Interstate 40. Today tame burros roam the streets of lively Oatman, descendants of the early mining burros. We’ll check out the Oatman Hotel, where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned in 1939, stroll the historic streets, and hand-feed the burros. Afterwards, we’ll head back to the Valley with a stop for lunch on self and plenty of great sightseeing along the way. Don’t wait to make your reservations for the 15th Annual Havasu Balloon Festival— designated as one of THE TOP 100 EVENTS IN NORTH AMERICA!
The Texas Tenors
January 28th, Wednesday $229
Join us at the beautiful Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts in Wickenburg to see The Texas Tenors— back by popular demand and performing a highly anticipated concert honoring the nation’s 250th birthday, featuring some of their best-loved hits. These classically trained, versatile performers— recently inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame—blend country, Broadway, classical, and pop with stunning harmonies, powerful voices, and irresistible charm. Before the show, we’ll enjoy a beautiful family-style dinner at Rancho de los Caballeros, one of Arizona’s most beloved Western resorts. This elegant evening includes a generous spread of entrées, sides, and salads, followed by a chef’s choice dessert, all served familystyle—a warm and welcoming dining experience in true Kindred fashion. Please note: Vests or jackets are preferred, and men are asked to wear long-sleeved collared shirts with slacks or jeans. Ladies should dress in business casual attire—no shorts or t-shirts, please.
Don’t miss this special evening of great food, good company, and unforgettable music—it’s the perfect way to start the year on a high note!
Sandhill Cranes & the Southern Arizona Borderlands featuring Whitewater Draw, the Historic Gadsden Hotel & Fairbank Ghost Town January 29-30, 2026
$439 Per Person (Based Upon Double Room Occupancy) +$80 (Single Supplement)
Tucked into the wide-open grasslands of southeastern Arizona lies a region steeped in history, spirit, and spectacular natural beauty—the perfect destination for both travelers and photographers. This twoday adventure blends the area’s unique borderland heritage with one of nature’s most extraordinary annual migrations.
Day One: Phoenix • Benson • St. David • Douglas
We’ll set out from the Valley and travel southeast through the Sonoran Desert, watching as the landscape gives way to the rolling grasslands of Cochise County. Midmorning we’ll stop to stretch our legs before continuing on to Benson, where we’ll enjoy lunch on self at the Horseshoe
Café—a beloved Arizona landmark that’s been serving hearty comfort food since the 1930s. With its classic diner charm, vintage neon, and friendly service, it’s a true slice of Americana. After lunch, we’ll continue a short distance to St. David, one of southern Arizona’s oldest communities. Here we’ll visit the peaceful Holy Trinity Monastery, founded by Benedictine monks in 1974. Surrounded by pecan groves and desert gardens, the Monastery offers a lovely opportunity to walk the Bird Sanctuary Trail, a gentle loop encircling a tranquil pond that attracts herons, egrets, and—depending on the season—migrating cranes. You’ll also have time to explore the chapel, stroll the labyrinth, or browse the small gift shop featuring locally harvested pecans and handmade art. This serene stop beautifully connects nature, reflection, and the cultural roots of the borderlands. Late afternoon we’ll arrive in Douglas to check into the historic Gadsden Hotel—a magnificent architectural treasure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Opened in 1907, the Gadsden features an Italian-marble staircase, soaring columns, and a breathtaking 42-foot Tiffany-style stained-glass mural depicting the desert landscape. After a refresh, we’ll travel a short distance to Café Roka in Bisbee for our Welcome Dinner, included, where we’ll enjoy a four-course meal and a glass of wine or beer in one of Arizona’s most acclaimed restaurants.
Early this morning we’ll depart for Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, where tens of thousands of Sandhill Cranes gather each winter. As dawn breaks, the cranes rise in great flocks—an unforgettable spectacle of movement and sound that draws photographers and bird-watchers from around the world. The early-morning light, mirrored in the shallow wetlands, provides breathtaking photo opportunities and a rare sense of connection to the natural rhythms of the Southwest.
After our time at Whitewater Draw, we’ll travel north to the Fairbank Historic Townsite, a well-preserved ghost town along the San Pedro River. Once a bustling rail stop serving Tombstone’s silver mines, Fairbank today offers visitors a peaceful window into frontier life. We’ll explore the restored schoolhouse museum, walk the easy riverside trail, and take in views of the old cemetery, where weathered headstones stand against a backdrop of endless sky—an evocative setting for history lovers and photographers alike.
From Fairbank, we’ll continue on to Tucson for lunch at Tandem American Eatery—a Kindred Tours favorite! This locally owned café offers a welcoming atmosphere and a fresh, creative menu featuring gourmet sandwiches, hearty salads, and seasonal specialties. It’s the perfect stop to relax and share photos and stories from our adventure before we begin our comfortable journey home. Join us for this engaging exploration of Arizona’s southern borderlands—a journey rich with history, natural wonder, and opportunities to capture the desert’s most photogenic moments.
Las Vegas Lights & Legends featuring The Wizard of Oz at Sphere and Cirque du Soleil’s “O”
February 4 - 6, 2026
$1,199 Per Person (Based Upon Double Occupancy) +$95(Single Supplement)
Day One: Phoenix to Las Vegas – The Sphere Experience
We’ll set out from the Valley and travel together to Las Vegas, where excitement is always in the air! Midday we’ll stop along
the way for lunch on self, then continue on to the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, our home for the next two nights. Nestled in the heart of Fremont Street, the Golden Nugget combines modern comfort with a touch of classic Vegas glamour — and its compact, easy-to-navigate layout makes it ideal for our group. After time to refresh, we’re off for a spectacular evening at The Sphere — Las Vegas’s newest and most innovative entertainment venue. Rising 366 feet tall and wrapped in more than half a million square feet of LED panels, The Sphere is a marvel both inside and out. Inside, guests are surrounded by the world’s largest high-resolution curved screen, paired with a groundbreaking sound system that delivers perfect audio to every seat. Tonight, we’ll experience the immersive reimagining of The Wizard of Oz with specially selected group seating designed to provide excellent views and a fully immersive experience. Beloved storytelling meets jaw-dropping visuals and effects in a show that pushes the boundaries of live entertainment and promises an unforgettable Las Vegas experience. Following the performance, dinner is on self. The Golden Nugget offers several great on-site restaurants, or you may choose to explore the many options along Fremont Street — the choice, and the evening, is yours to enjoy.
Day Two: Exploring Las Vegas & Cirque du Soleil’s “O”
We’ll begin the day with breakfast, included with a voucher for the Claim Jumper Restaurant inside the Golden Nugget — a relaxed and easy way to start the morning. The late morning and early afternoon are yours to explore the excitement of Las Vegas! Stay close to the Golden Nugget and enjoy the Fremont Street Experience, or step into history at the Mob Museum just a few blocks away. For those who’d like to see more, our drivers will be shuttling to select destinations, such as the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, with its cobblestone walkways and gondolas gliding through an indoor canal, or the dazzling Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, where the seasonal floral displays never fail to impress. By mid-afternoon, we’ll come together and head to the Paris Hotel, where we’ll enjoy our included early dinner at Mon Ami Gabi. This classic French bistro is one of the most celebrated dining experiences in Las Vegas, known for its welcoming atmosphere and consistently excellent food. Offering a warm, lively setting and a true sense of being in the heart of the Strip, Mon Ami Gabi provides the perfect
backdrop for our group to gather and share a memorable three-course meal. After dinner, we’ll make our way across to the Bellagio Theatre for a performance of Cirque du Soleil’s “O.” Widely regarded as Cirque du Soleil’s crown jewel, “O” blends acrobatics, synchronized swimming, high diving, and aerial stunts — all performed on a stage that seamlessly transforms between solid ground and a 1.5-milliongallon pool of water. The sheer artistry, combined with live music and surreal, dreamlike imagery, has made “O” one of the most celebrated and longest-running shows on the Strip. We’ll enjoy Category B group seating, thoughtfully chosen for both comfort and excellent views, ensuring an easy and enjoyable experience for everyone. After the show, we’ll return to the Golden Nugget, with the rest of the evening free to enjoy at your leisure.
Day Three: ARTE Museum & Homeward Bound
We’ll begin with breakfast, included with a voucher for the Claim Jumper Restaurant inside the Golden Nugget, then it’s bags out as we prepare for our journey home. Before leaving Las Vegas, we’ll visit the ARTE Museum — a vibrant, immersive art space where color, light, and creativity come together in large-scale exhibits designed to surprise and delight. After our visit, we’ll stop for lunch on self along the way, then continue our comfortable ride back to the Valley, carrying with us the wonderful memories of our three-day Las Vegas adventure.
SAVE THE DATE!
Washington, D.C., Cherry Blossoms
March 23 – 28, 2026 | $ 3,949 pp/double | $ 4,824 pp/single Includes Roundtrip Airfare Phoenix Travel with your Kindred Tours team— from your regular departure location to the destination—together as a group, every step of the way. Call us for the full itinerary.
January Group Exercise Class Registrations
Begins December 15th at 7:00 a.m., online, in-person or by phone. Look for new classes in January!
If you register for a class with Silver Sneakers®/ Flex®, Silver & Fit®, or Renew Active®, you are required to attend 100% of the classes for the month. A $2 fee will be charged to your account for each class missed.
We had the incredible opportunity to live in seven different states and Italy as we traversed the country, while serving in the United States Air Force. While at Luke AFB we met life long friends, who later introduced us to Leisure World! We visited in 2024 and made the decision to move here in May 2025. One of the first amenities they showed us was the fitness center. Immediately, the staff welcomed us and took the time to show and share with us the extensive fitness options available. We have joined multiple group classes, participated in the Freedom Games, taken personal fitness training classes and are going to run our first 5K! Our fitness journey has been life changing, we both have suffered lower back injuries, shoulder injuries, etc. The staff are more than willing to help with modifications and always encourage us to be our best selves. We can honestly say we have more energy and feel healthier since incorporating a consistent exercise program. It wasn’t and isn’t always easy but the benefits will pay dividends for years to come.
Try-a-trio - $5 for 3 drop-ins of choice. (Only one Trya-Trio package per resident per 6 months) Expires 180 days after purchase
A Perfect 10 - $40 for 10 drop-ins of choice. Expires 180 days after purchase
Power Pack 20 - $60 for 20 dropins of choice.Expires 180 days after purchase
Open 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Daily
Staffed M-F 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.
480-832-0000 Ext. 212 www.lwca.com
We'll be making adjustments to our pricing for monthly classes and class packages, effective January 1st. To maintain our high standards and continue providing exceptional value, the prices will increase to
We understand that any price change requires adjustment. For any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at the fitness center.
Group class price increase will go into effect January 1, 2026
30 minute class 2/week - $25
30 minute class 3/week - $30
45 minute class 2/week - $30
45 minute class 3/week - $35
*This will still make the average cost only $3 per class
Drop-in price will increase to $6/class
Pre-paid packages: 10 pack - $50 ($5 class), 20 pack - $80 ($4 class) or 12 class/month - $40
The energy of December is a mix of reflection, rest, and renewal as the year ends, a transition highlighted by the Winter Solstice. It’s a time for introspection, setting intentions for the new year, and embracing stillness as nature enters a period of rest. This energy is characterized by quiet rituals, gratitude, and preparing for the coming light and new beginnings.
Key aspects and ways to harness the energy:
Reflection and introspection: The shorter days and longer nights encourage a retreat inward to reflect on the year that has passed and set intentions for the future. Take advantage of the introspective energy by engaging in reflective journaling. Set aside time to write about your experiences over the past year—celebrate your achievements, acknowledge your challenges, and identify areas for growth. This practice will help you gain clarity and set intentions for the upcoming year.
Rest and stillness: Winter is a time for deep, restorative rest, a concept mirrored in nature during this period of hibernation and stillness. During this time, meditation can be particularly powerful. Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and focus on your breath or a mantra that resonates with letting go or new beginnings.
Transition and renewal: December is seen as a bridge between the ending year and the new one, illuminated by the Winter Solstice, which symbolizes both an end and a beginning. As we transition into the new year, carry forward the energy harnessed from December into your creative pursuits. Set realistic goals while remaining flexible enough to adapt as new inspirations arise. Remember that creativity is not just about producing art; it’s about evolving and growing with each project. Celebrate small victories along the way and allow yourself to experiment without fear of failure.
Creative Expression: is an ideal time for creative expression—be it art, music, dance, or any other form that speaks to you. Allow your creativity to flow freely. This can be an incredibly cathartic process that aids in personal transformation. Allowing your creativity to flow freely during this time begins with embracing the stillness that winter naturally brings. This quiet introspection offers an opportunity to turn inward and connect with your deepest thoughts and desires. This is
a moment to dream boldly and let your imaginations soar without the constraints of doubt or hesitation. Trust in the process and be open to unexpected directions.
Embracing Change: One of the most profound teachings of this season is about change. The inevitability and necessity of transformation as part of our personal evolution. As we align with the concept, first, then we learn to release fear associated with change and perhaps even embrace it as a natural (and constant) process. During this time, consider exploring areas in your life where resistance lingers. Use this period as an opportunity to confront these aspects head on with inspired courage.
Connecting with Nature: Finally, remember that connecting with nature during this period enhances our alignment with lunar energies significantly— whether through walks under moonlight skies or simply observing how nature adapts seamlessly despite seasonal shifts around us.
As you engage deeply with these practices reflecting upon past lessons while setting clear pathways forward— you will find yourself embracing a broader perspective on life’s journey filled not only with possibilities but profound insights too!
Balance is the ability to distribute your weight in a way that lets you stand or move without falling, or recover if you trip. Good balance requires the coordination of several parts of the body: the central nervous system, inner ear, eyes, muscles, bones, and joints. Problems with any one of these can affect balance. Medical conditions can also affect balance, as can some medications and alcohol.
Balance problems and disorders
Balance is an easy thing to take for granted, especially when you’re young. The complex processes by which you stay upright and move gracefully through space are barely noticeable when functioning properly. But balance problems often begin to appear in a person’s later years. It may start with a feeling that your equilibrium is off, and can worsen to the point that a fear of falling limits your everyday activities.
Balance issues in older adults are a serious problem. According to the CDC, each year there are about three million emergency department visits due to falls in older people. The vast majority of hip fractures happen when an older person slips and falls. Falls are also the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
One of the most pernicious aspects of balance issues in seniors is that, once a person’s balance starts to diminish, they can enter a cycle of deterioration — being unsteady or feeling dizzy makes them refrain from physical activity. This can exacerbate the underlying age-related changes that cause the deteriorating balance. After a fall, some seniors develop a fear of falling that makes them tense up, shuffle when they walk, and restrict movement in a way that actually increases the risk of a fall.
Because so many body parts and systems are involved in maintaining balance, balance disorders may arise from a wide range of conditions. Small nerve fibers in the feet become less sensitive, which can make people unsteady. A severe cold can cause a temporary disruption of your inner ear balance. Medications can cause dizziness. But physical changes due to aging are the most common reason for declining balance.
What causes balance problems?
Loss of balance can be tied to changes (either temporary or long-term) in different organs and systems of the body.
A key area implicated in balance problems is the inner ear’s vestibular system. Movement of fluid within a series of structures including tiny canals, reservoirs, and hairlike cells sends signals to the brain communicating the head’s position. Miniscule grains of calcium carbonate move to apply pressure on the hairlike structures whenever the head tilts, alerting the
brain to the body’s movement through space. When these structures are damaged, or when vestibular nerve cells decrease with age, we are more likely to experience dizziness and vertigo.
Eyesight is another important balance-related function, since we need a clear sense of our surroundings to stay on our feet (If you doubt this, try standing on one foot with your eyes closed). When someone develops vision problems, their ability to judge distances and depth of field can lead to their losing balance.
Your doctor will perform a physical examination, paying special attention to your blood pressure (lying down and standing), watching you walk, and checking nerve sensitivity in your feet. He or she will also review the medications you’re taking to see if there are balancerelated side effects to individual meds or to drug combinations.
Throughout our muscles, joints, and tendons, nerves called proprioceptors tell the brain about subtle changes in conditions that call for adjustments, as when you step onto a patch of ice. With lightning speed, the brain sends instructions for how to react. When our muscles and tendons are weak, stiff, or slow, we are less likely to avoid a fall.
While aging can affect any of the above systems, so might prescription medications. Drugs can make you feel sleepy (dulling your reflexes), can cause you to feel dizzy, can make your vision blurry, can alter the fluid in your inner ear, and can introduce damage to nerves. Some common drugs associated with balance problems are antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure meds, diabetes drugs, heart medications, painkillers, and sedatives. Taking multiple drugs further increases risk of balance-related complications. If you’re worried about falls, be sure to ask your doctor about your medications, and balance problems that could arise as side effects.
When should I call the doctor about balance problems? Although it is natural to notice a decrease in your sense of balance starting in your 50s, you should not consider a severe loss of balance to be an inevitable result of aging.
Any new balance issues or dizziness should prompt a call to your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you notice increased dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo (the feeling that the room is spinning).
You should always tell your doctor if you’ve fallen, even if you weren’t hurt. Similarly, report any uptick in near-falls. Falling is the leading cause of injury for people ages 65 and older. It’s important to seek help for any balance problems before experiencing severe consequences of a fall such as bone fractures or head injuries.
Depending upon the results of the physical exam, the doctor may refer you for further testing. For example, age-related changes of the inner-ear structures are a common cause of balance issues in seniors, and may be evaluated by an otolaryngologist (ENT) or otologist.
Although it’s typical for balance to diminish with age, there are things you can do to improve it.
First, you and your doctor will address any underlying condition or issue that may be negatively impacting your balance.
Review your medications with your doctor in case one or more is contributing to poor balance. Get periodic eye exams even if you haven’t noticed any vision changes.
Make sure you are consuming enough fluids, since dehydration can contribute to dizziness and loss of balance.
Many activities can help you maintain — or even improve — balance as you age. For example, yoga can improve your flexibility, as well as your ability both to hold your body steady and to perform disciplined movements. Tai chi, a series of fluid, choreographed movements and poses, increases your balance while building muscle strength and stamina. Pilates exercises build strong core muscles and flexibility, essentials for good posture and balance. Because muscle strength is crucial, you can build balance with strength training — using free weights, machines, bands, or simply your body weight — through activities like stair-climbing, walking, and cycling. Stretching and core exercises help improve posture and balance.
There are also specifically designed balance exercises for seniors. Some balance exercises can even be performed while seated. A personal trainer or physical therapist can recommend specific exercises for balance targeted to your fitness level and needs.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/balance
A balanced breakfast should include both protein and carbohydrates (carbs) for your morning fuel. However, the ideal amount of each depends on individual health status and goals.
Carbs vs. Protein for Breakfast: How Do They Compare?
The body processes carbohydrates (carbs) and proteins differently in the morning due to factors like: Hormone fluctuations Insulin sensitivity (how cells react to insulin to take blood glucose into cells to use for energy),
• Metabolic needs (how much energy you expend each day) Protein is a major building block for muscles and bones National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Health lesson: learning about bones and supports various metabolic functions, such as digestion.
• Carbohydrates (other than fiber) are readily digested and broken down into glucose, which is used for energy to support various bodily functions.
Which Breakfast Is Better for Your Health Goals?
Eating a healthy balance of both protein and carbohydrates can help fuel your day and support healthy blood glucose levels and satiety, but each has its own individual benefits:
• Energy: Eating carbs at breakfast can give you a quick energy boost for your morning activities, while protein provides more sustained energy throughout the day by keeping you full for longer.
• Weight management: Protein is digested slowly, which promotes satiety (fullness). Studies have shown that protein at breakfast can increase glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone levels, which helps decrease appetite and food intake.
• Blood sugar: Consuming large amounts of simple or refined carbohydrates can lead to quick increases in blood sugar, followed by a rapid decline or “crash.” Protein, on the other hand, keeps blood glucose levels steady, preventing blood glucose spikes after eating.
How Much Should You Eat for Breakfast?
Protein The amount of protein you need depends on factors such as weight, age, sex, activity level, and health goals.
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA), which is the amount of a nutrient you need to meet your basic nutritional needs, is 0.8 grams (g) of protein for every 1 kilogram (kg, about 2.2 pounds) of body weight.
Studies suggest that 20–40 g of protein at breakfast may improve appetite, satiety, and blood sugar control. According to these studies:
• At least 30 g of protein in the morning improves appetite control and increases satiety.
• Eating 30 to 39 g of protein for breakfast helps increase fullness and lowers glucose and insulin
levels and calorie intake at lunch.
• Eating 35 g of protein at breakfast improved blood sugar control and weight management and reduced hunger throughout the day.
If you are unsure how much protein you should eat, talk with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
Everyone’s carbohydrate needs are different, depending on age, sex, activity level, health status, and health goals. These needs are not the same for everybody. For example, someone with type 2 diabetes may need to be mindful of their carbohydrates at breakfast to prevent morning blood sugar spikes, while an athlete preparing for an event may need more carbohydrates at breakfast.
peas), and whole fruits and vegetables, over refined carbs to prevent rapid blood sugar spikes. Opt for healthy protein sources such as eggs, low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, beans, chicken, turkey, fish, nuts, and seeds.
General recommendations suggest getting 45% to 65 % of your daily calories from carbohydrates. However, the type of carbohydrate you are consuming may be more important than the quantity:
• Simple or refined carbohydrates (e.g., sugary cereals, pastries, white bread): Over time, eating large amounts increases the risk of insulin resistance (when the body does not respond properly to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar, causing a rise in blood sugar levels) and chronically (long-term) high blood glucose levels.
• Complex carbohydrates (e.g., whole grains, whole fruit): Consuming fiber-rich complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, pulses, or whole fruit, as part of breakfast may decrease risk factors for heart disease and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, and are correlated with weight loss.
Eating carbohydrates at regular times throughout the day, starting with breakfast, can help manage blood glucose levels and promote healthy digestion.
Tips for a Balanced Breakfast
Protein can help balance a rise in blood sugar levels, while fiber can help contribute to protein’s ability to promote satiety and feelings of fullness.
Choose complex carbs, such as oats, whole-grain breads and tortillas, pulses (such as beans, lentils, and
Examples
Below are some examples of balanced breakfasts that combine both protein and carbohydrates effectively:
• Greek yogurt parfait with nuts, granola, and berries Steel-cut oats mixed with chia seeds, nuts, protein powder, and fruit
• Eggs and avocado on whole wheat toast Scrambled tofu sautéed with chopped peppers, onion, and sweet potato
• Cottage cheese and fruit with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon
• Chia seed pudding mixed with protein powder and topped with berries
• Protein smoothie made with milk or Greek yogurt, fruit, nuts and seeds, protein powder, and/or avocado
• Protein pancakes made with whole wheat flour, protein powder or blended cottage cheese, ground flaxseed, and eggs, and topped with nut butter and fresh fruit
• Breakfast burrito using a whole wheat tortilla stuffed with eggs, chicken sausage, spinach, bell peppers, and onion
• Egg muffins with non-starchy vegetables, cheese, ham, and a whole wheat English muffin
https://www.verywellhealth.com/carbs-vs-proteinfor-breakfast-11844479
6:00
8:00 AM
Monday
w/ Nancy K **M/W/F** **Rec 2 – Pima Room** TRANSFORM: TRXtreme 45 minutes – T/TH
Total Body Strength (Formerly Strength & Balance)
30 minutes – M/W/F (Instructor – Jennifer)
11:45 AM STABLE: Total Body Strength (Formerly Strength & Balance) 30 minutes – M/W (Instructor – Jennifer)
STABLE: Total Body Strength (Formerly Strength & Balance) 30 minutes – T/TH (Instructor – Kamille)
STABLE: Total Body Strength (Formerly Strength & Balance)
UNFOLD: Mobility & Functional Movement 45 minutes (Instructor – Jaimee) STABLE: Total Body Strength (Formerly Strength & Balance)
minutes – M/W (Instructor – Jennifer)
– M/W/F (Instructor – Kamille)
Yoga 11:45am – 1:00pm 75 minutes (Instructor – Jaimee)
(Instructor: Jennifer)
4:00 PM
(Instructor: Jennifer)
SPLASH classes performed in the pool that offer a low-impact, full-body workout that can improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. These classes are often designed for various fitness levels and can be adapted for individuals with joint pain or injuries
CHILL classes focus on breathing and mental well-being. Techniques may be provided to help manage stress, anxiety and pain. These classes include breathing, meditation and yin yoga/stretch
EVOLVE classes aim to promote physical along with person development. All low-impact and true to form. These classes include yoga, Pilates, barre and tai-chi
GLOW classes are designed to elevate the heart rate and to improve cardiovascular health and well-being.
STABLE classes are designed around the use of a chair whether it is cardio or yoga, we’ll focus on keeping you stable and secure.
TRANSFORM classes are designed to change body composition through strength, mobility or circuit training.
• Schedule is subject to change.
• NOTE: There will not be any classes from December 15th – January 2nd
• January Registration will open December 15th @ 7:00am
• Look for new classes coming in January!
• There is no longer a minimum number of people needed for class registration. Classes will be held whether there is
• 1 or 25 in the class!
• You now have the option to buy pre-paid packages to use for any daily class. A pack of 10 will be $40 ($4/class) and a pack of 20 will be $60 ($3/class) Packages are good for 180 days from the date of purchase
• Be sure to check out our new classes!! Registration for all individual classes can now be done online, in person at the fitness center or by calling 480-832-0000 ext 212.
• *Please note, this will only hold your spot in the class, payment (if applicable) will be due at the time of the class*
• Fitness Center Guest Membership: Leisure World members who would like to add a guest to their membership for use of Fitness Center can please do so at the front desk of the administration building or online at lwca.com
• Sign into your member account, go to ‘departments’ and choose ‘Aquatic & Athletic Sports Club’ scroll down to ‘Guest Membership’. There is room to enter four guests. Click ‘Submit’
• All members and guests must sign-in on the computer at the fitness center desk. If you do not know your member number, please touch the screen for ‘last name’ enter your last name, touch ‘register’, find your name and touch the red ‘check in’ box. You are all set, there is no need to do anything when you leave.
• Aqua Fitness and Hydro Rider classes are subject to cancellation due to weather conditions. Residents who self-pay for these classes will receive a credit to their A/R member account for cancelled classes.
EVOLVE: Pilates - T/Th 10:00AM - 10:45AM – 45-minute class
This class is based on Joseph Pilates principles focusing on connecting breath and core activation. It’s designed to build core strength, abdominal endurance, and tone muscles. You must be able to get on and off the floor with or without chair assistance.
$5/class (1 punch on pre-paid package) or $25.00/month (FLEX, S&F, Renew – monthly class or counts as 1 drop-in)
EVOLVE: Pilates - Mondays 3:00PM – 3:45PM – 45-minute class
Strengthen your core, improve flexibility, and enhance posture in this low-impact, full-body workout. Pilates focuses on controlled movements, breathwork, and alignment to build strength, stability, and body awareness. Suitable for all fitness levels, with modifications available. You must be able to get on and off the floor with or without chair assistance.
$5/Class or 1 punch on pre-paid package (FLEX, S&F, Renew – counts as 1 drop-in)
EVOLVE: Yoga - Thursdays 11:45am - 1:00PM – 1 hour 15 minute class
Unwind, stretch, and strengthen in this all-levels yoga class designed to help you reconnect with your body and mind. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or brand new to the mat, this class offers a balanced blend of breathwork, gentle movement, and mindful poses to increase flexibility, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing. Bring your own yoga mat (or you can use one of ours)
$10/Class or Counts as 2 punches if using pre-paid package (FLEX, S&F, Renew – counts as 2 drop-in)
GLOW: Cardio/Core/Sculpt - M/W/F 9:00AM - 9:45AM – 45-minute class
A full body workout to improve cardiovascular fitness, build muscle and enhance core strength.
$5/class (1 punch on pre-paid package) or $25.00/month for M/W (FLEX, S&F, Renew – monthly class or counts as 1 drop-in)
GLOW: Clogging - Fridays 11:45AM - 2:45PM
Clogging is a truly American form of dancing, with steps taken from different cultures, and can be danced to a wide variety of music styles. It is good physical exercise as well as brain exercise! The focus is on learning the steps, and the steps are “called” so you can easily dance to different songs as you learn. You are welcome to learn at your own pace, and the class ranges from early beginner to intermediate plus and more.
$5/hour or $30.00/month (FLEX, S&F, Renew – monthly class or counts as 1 drop-in per hour)
GLOW: Drumming - Tuesdays 2:00PM - 2:45PM – 45-minute class
BEAT IT! Cardio Drumming! – A fun, fast-paced workout that incorporates drumming and cardio to the rhythm of music. Improve balance, coordination, and concentration while listening to music. All levels welcome!
$5/Class or 1 punch on pre-paid package (FLEX, S&F, Renew – counts as 1 drop-in)
GLOW: Zumba Gold - Wednesdays 8:00AM – 8:45AM – 45 minute class
This is a low impact, but high energy class. There’s a wide range of fun music, and social interaction as we exercise together. No worries if you have not done Zumba before, do what you can and enjoy the movement and music. The instructor, Susan, has been teaching Zumba since 2013
$5/Class or 1 punch on pre-paid package (FLEX, S&F, Renew – counts as 1 drop-in)
SPLASH: AquaFit - M/W/F 12:00PM - 12:45AM – 45-minute class
This class provides a water workout that includes cardio conditioning and muscle strengthening exercises using a variety of equipment with the water’s natural resistance.
$5/class (1 punch on pre-paid package) or $30.00/month for M/W/F (FLEX, S&F, Renew – monthly class or counts as 1 drop-in)
SPLASH: HydroRider® - Tuesday 12:15PM – 1:00PM & Thursday 12:15PM – 1:00PM – 45-minute class
Aqua cycling has become a fitness phenomenon because of the many incredible benefits - high caloric burn, lean muscle-building, increased circulation, with low impact on the joints. Aqua shoes are required.
$10/class (2 punches on pre-paid package) (S&F and Renew – counts as 1 drop-in)
STABLE: Total Body Strength - M/W/F 11:00AM – 11:30AM or T/TH 11:00AM – 11:30AM, M/W 11:45AM – 12:15PM
30-minute class
Enhance overall strength and balance through exercises primarily performed either in or with a chair
$5/class (1 punch on pre-paid package) or $25.00/month for M/W/F, $20.00 for T/TH or M/W (FLEX, S&F, Renew – monthly class or counts as 1 drop-in)
STABLE: Chair Yoga - M/W 2:00PM - 2:30PM – 30-minute class
Join us for a rejuvenating and gentle yoga experience designed to promote flexibility, body awareness, mental clarity and pain management from the safety and comfort of your chair. No prior yoga experience is necessary. Minimal equipment may be used to assist in a deeper or more stable stretch.
$5/class (1 punch on pre-paid package) or $20.00/month for M/W (FLEX, S&F, Renew – monthly class or counts as 1 drop-in)
TRANSFORM: Functional Circuit – T/TH 3:00PM - 3:45 PM – 45-minute class
An interval type of physical training (cardio & strength) that involves high intensity exercise alternated with rest periods is highly effective in conditioning the cardiovascular system. Must be able to easily get up and down from the floor.
$5/class (1 punch on pre-paid package) or $25.00/month for T/TH only (FLEX, S&F, Renew – monthly class or counts as 1 drop-in)
TRANSFORM: Strength Lab - M/W/F 6:00AM - 6:45 AM – 45-minute class
Build real, measurable strength. A class for progressive overload using proper form and technique with a variety of equipment like dumbbells, barbells, bands and even body weight. Break plateaus, prevent injury and get stronger week by week.
$5/class (1 punch on pre-paid package) or $30.00/month (FLEX, S&F, Renew – monthly class or counts as 1 drop-in)
TRANSFORM: Strength Training - Mondays 4:00PM – 4:45PM – 45-minute class
Using a variety of equipment, we will build lean muscle mass, increase muscle definition and burn calories. This class will target all major muscle groups with focused, controlled movements. Stronger muscles equal more ease in your everyday activities. Have fun and get stronger!
$5/Class or 1 punch on pre-paid package (FLEX, S&F, Renew – counts as 1 drop-in)
TRANSFORM: TRXtreme – T/TH 8:00AM – 8:45AM – 45-minute class
Push your limits in TRXtreme, a high-intensity, total-body workout that combines TRX suspension training with cardio intervals, core conditioning, and strength challenges. Designed for those looking to take their fitness to the next level, this class builds functional strength, endurance, and mobility using just your bodyweight and the TRX system. Get ready to sweat, burn, and feel the Xtreme difference.
$5/class (1 punch on pre-paid package) or $25.00/month for T/TH (FLEX, S&F, Renew – monthly class or counts as 1 drop-in)
TRANSFORM: TRX - Thursdays 2:00PM – 2:45PM – 45-minute class
Get ready to challenge your entire body with TRX Suspension Training! This high-energy, full-body workout uses your body weight and gravity to develop strength, balance, flexibility, and core stability — all at once. Whether you’re new to fitness or looking to level up your training, TRX helps build lean muscle, boost endurance, and improve mobility with every session.
$5/Class or 1 punch on pre-paid package (FLEX, S&F, Renew – counts as 1 drop-in)
UNFOLD: Mobility & Functional Movement - Tuesdays 11:45AM – 12:30PM – 45-minute class
A class created to move the body with better muscle and joint function making way for more effortless and pain free movement. It is a preventative tool to reduce injury and lubricate the body creating better balance and range of motion.
This class will require being on the floor
$5/Class or 1 punch on pre-paid package (FLEX, S&F, Renew – counts as 1 drop-in)
UNFOLD: Stretch & Moblility - Thursdays 4:00PM – 4:30PM – 30-minute class
Unlock your body’s full potential with this rejuvenating Stretch & Mobility class. Designed to improve flexibility, joint health, and overall movement quality, this class combines dynamic mobility drills with deep, intentional stretching, helping to reduce stiffness, improve posture, and enhance recovery.
$5/Class or 1 punch on pre-paid package (FLEX, S&F, Renew – counts as 1 drop-in)
Golf is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one, and few scenarios test a player's skill and composure like hitting from tough lies. Whether you are in deep rough, a fairway bunker, or an awkward slope, handling these challenging situations can be the difference between a great round and a frustrating one. This article will delve into techniques and strategies to help you navigate these tricky spots on the course, with a special focus on hitting from deep rough.
General Strategies for Tough Lies
1. Assess the Lie: Before deciding on a shot, take a moment to analyze the lie of your ball. Determine how much grass or sand is around the ball and whether the ball is sitting up or buried. This will help you choose the appropriate club and shot type.
2. Club Selection: Opt for clubs that offer more loft and forgiveness. Hybrids and wedges are typically better for tough lies as they help get the ball airborne more easily.
3. Adjust Your Stance: A stable stance is crucial. Widen your stance for better balance, especially on slopes or uneven ground. Adjust your ball position according to the lie—forward for uphill lies and back for downhill lies.
4. Swing Modifications: Shorten your backswing to maintain control and focus on a smooth, steady follow-through. Avoid trying to hit the ball too hard, which can lead to poor contact and errant shots.
Hitting from deep rough can be one of the most challenging lies in golf. The thick grass can wrap around the clubface, reducing control and distance. Here are specific tips for dealing with this predicament:
1. Club Choice: Use a club with more loft, like a wedge or a high-lofted hybrid. Avoid long irons or fairway
woods, as they can get tangled in the grass and are difficult to control.
2. Grip Pressure: Hold the club a bit tighter than usual. The thick grass can twist the club in your hands, so a firmer grip helps maintain control.
3. Ball Position: Move the ball slightly back in your stance. This adjustment allows you to hit down on the ball, helping it to pop out of the rough.
4. Swing Path: Aim for a steeper swing path. This helps to minimize the amount of grass between the clubface and the ball. Think of a chopping motion, striking down and through the ball.
5. Follow Through: Expect a shorter follow-through. The grass will naturally slow down your club, so do not force a full swing. Focus on solid contact and let the club do the work.
you are striking the ball. This feedback can help you adjust your setup and swing for better contact.
1. Rough Practice: Practice hitting balls from the rough on your local course or practice area. This helps you get a feel for how the grass interacts with your club and how to adjust your swing accordingly.
2. Balance Drills: Work on maintaining balance with one-legged drills or using balance boards. Improved stability will help you handle uneven lies more effectively.
3. Impact Awareness: Use impact tape or foot spray on your clubface during practice to understand where
Hitting from tough lies requires a blend of technique, adaptability, and mental fortitude. By assessing each situation carefully, making smart club choices, and adjusting your stance and swing, you can improve your performance from these challenging positions. With practice and perseverance, you will find that tough lies become less daunting and more manageable, turning potential pitfalls into opportunities for great recovery shots.
Dan Yoder Head Golf Professional Leisure World Community Association
Please come join Leisure World’s Coyote Run Women’s Golf Association. Our club fosters a welcoming environment that is personified from our leadership to every member. We understand that golf can seem intimidating, but we are representative of why golf is an excellent sport to build confidence, resilience, and lasting friendships. Our members are diverse and from many varied backgrounds. Our Mission Statement is clear: Through the game of golf, the mission of the Coyote Run Women’s Golf Association is for players of all skill levels to meet each other and to appreciate, respect, and enjoy each other’s skills and efforts.
Join and delight in the participation with women who are fun, inclusive, and friendly. Our club encourages mixing with randomized pairing and fosters a variety of play that encourages all skill levels. Also, our social events will help members connect outside of regular play. Our regular play is on Tuesdays. Another tip for our club’s success is members awareness and adhering to general golf etiquette. These include keeping up with pace of play, being quiet and still during swings, and course care. We work together to foster a respectful and welcoming environment or all golfers of all skill levels.
Come and check us out!
For more information please contact: Joanne Weiss CRWGA Membership 403-470-2933
https://coyoterunwomen.azgolf.org
Coyote Run Women’s Golf Association - Join And Renew Your CRWGA Membership And Handicap
Submitted by Jeanne Gardin, Publicity
The first General Meeting of the 2025-26 season was held on Thursday, November 6th. President, Linda Anhorn conducted our meeting and introduced our officers and heads of committees. We currently have 39 members.
Our next monthly meeting will be held after golf on December 4th. It has been decided that all of our monthly meetings will be held after golf this season in order to insure more members are able to attend.
Play days are on Thursdays at the 1:00pm tee time. Please arrive at 12:30pm in order to sign in, purchase your 50/50 ticket(s), and sign up for chip-ins if you so desire. It is no longer necessary to sign up for Birdies since Golf Genius will record our scores and include recording of Birdies. Please be aware that there is a lag time for reporting the results of our games in the Leisure World News since our news items are due on the 10th of the month prior to production. In other words, you will see the results of our November games in the January news article.
The schedule for December games include:
• Overall, Team Average net – Dec. 4th
• Individual Game Low Net (Medallion #1) –December 11th
• Scramble – December 18th
• No golf on December 25th
October League Play Results
Submitted by: Don Paulson
The Heron Lakes Men’s 18 Hole League (Monday): We had limited play in October due to the course being closed for overseeding. We look forward to begin league play again on November 10 when we can welcome back all members returning from their summer homes.
We are always looking for new members so if you are interested in joining us, please contact Don Paulson (paulsondo01@gmail.com).
October 6, 2025 – Lottery Pick
• 1st Place at 67 – Bill Dalling, Don Steffan, Denny McKay, Gary Byrd
• 2nd Place at 68 – Ben Boss, John Mullen, Ken Meidl, Bill Dalling
The Heron Lakes Men’s 9 Hole League (Thursday): We had limited play in October due to the course being closed for overseeding. We look forward to begin league play again on November 13 when we can welcome back all members returning from their summer homes.
We are always looking for new members so if you are interested in joining us, please contact Don Paulson (paulsondo01@gmail.com).
October 2, 2025
• 1st Place at 36 – George Chrouser, Bill Klepacki, Ken Meidl
• 2nd Place at 40 – Jim Greene, Jim Nell, Joe Miola
October 9, 2025 – Lottery Pick
• 1st Place at 32– Ben Boss, Denny McKay, Roger Dillon
• 2nd Place at 36– George Chrouser, Jim Nell, Dave Foley
• 3rd Place at 37 – Robert Hoyt, Bill Klepacki, Robert Strief
As your new Assistant Golf Professional, I’m excited to not only support daily operations and tournaments, but also to share my passion for the game through lessons. I’ve been teaching golf for nearly 25 years, and I truly enjoy helping players of all skill levels—whether you’re just getting started or already competing at a high level.
I offer:
Individual Lessons – Half-hour or one-hour sessions tailored to your goals
Playing Lessons – 3 to 9 holes of on-course instruction
Clinics – Perfect before outings or tournaments
Group Lessons – Options include:
Men’s only, women’s only, or open to all Specialty sessions focused on a single part of the game (swing, chipping, putting)
Multi-week programs rotating through different skills
I believe in working with your current swing— not forcing you into a rebuild—though I also have extensive experience guiding full swing overhauls if that’s what you’re seeking. My goal is simple: to help you enjoy the game more and grow as a golfer. I’m always open to new group lesson ideas and look forward to working with each of you on and off the course. Let’s make this a fun and rewarding season together!
Lois | Actual patient
Every October, our Fiber Arts community transforms yarn into acts of kindness.
This year, the generosity was truly remarkable! Our clubs gathered over 75 handcrafted items—including hats, scarves, and other cozy wear—to be donated to local organizations supporting the homeless and children removed from their homes. This endeavor is a true labor of love for our members, and it stands as a beautiful example of how we can use our talents to help others in our community.
These photos capture a representative example from Bags of Love as well as some of the participants who created these pieces showing off a batch of beautiful, light-colored hats designated for displaced youth.
Submitted by Molly Brenza
The next general meeting of the East Mesa Branch of AAUW will be on Wednesday, December 3 at 1PM in the Ballroom. Please note the change in location. Come enjoy our annual Christmas tea and cookies. This year we will have a Children’s Choir from the Mesa School System for entertainment. All residents of Leisure World are welcome for this concert and sing along. Get in the spirit and wear Holiday clothing. There will also be an ornament exchange for those wishing to participate.
Each year, this East Mesa Branch of the AAUW supports 12 local women scholars through full scholarships to 2- and 4-year colleges. The group meets once a month for a general meeting on the first Wednesday of the month in the Rec. 1 Clubroom. General meetings include social gathering as well as a presentation from a speaker on varied topics pertinent to women and education. Last month, Nancy Johnson, who created the first hand-cranked ice freezer, was featured. Special interest groups update members on their current activities.
For membership information, please call Elaine Prom at 480-207-0655 or visit our website at: https:// eastmesa-az.aauw.net.
Class Dates: 01-18-26 - 03-01-25
Day: Sundays Time: 2:30 - 4:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 (If you are a member of the Pool club, there is no cost. If you are not a member, it is a onetime $20.00 membership fee. Sign Up: email vo.pool.ladies@gmail.com
Good Billiards is like Aging - the best is yet to come! (Robert Browning paraphrase)
Submitted by Carolin Lowy
All lady residents and their guests are welcome to join us every Thursday morning from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. for friendly games of pool.
All levels of skills are fine, from completely newbies to seasoned (old) hands. The Billiard room has a good selection of cues to choose from. Come by and meet us any Thursday year-round.
Hope to see you soon. Carolin Lowy, 480-641-4626.
The Gather group had a slow October due to Various reasons of my workload and tending to other demands. However, we had our regular stop at the Singing Panda as there always seems time for great food and entertainment.
December has a walking tour of Bethlehem scheduled for Saturday night December 13th. This is a free event with a small amount of walking on uneven surfaces. I am looking into Tuba Christmas again this year but at the time of this being submitted they have no place or date listed. When I get the information, like most of my trips and outings, it will be mentioned on LW Facebook page or the LW post under meetings and clubs.
George Miller, Manor 1625, 774-275-4009.
contribution requirement of $25 per month, which is $300 annually, and is required when you join. This entire amount goes to your part of the club portfolio. We recommend you attend a meeting or two as our guest, to see how we do it, and have your questions answered. Our concept is to exchange ideas with others and to learn more about investing in the stock market. We will meet the third Thursday in December, on the 18th, at 1:00 p.m., for between 1 and 2 hours, in the Internet Oasis Room, which is in Rec 1. You are welcome to join us. If you cannot attend a meeting in person, you can join us virtually. For more information contact our president, Alan Forbes, 808-497-8109. You can call, text, or email Alan at johnalanforbes@ yahoo.com. You can also just come to our meeting on December 18th.
We are delighted to have two uproariously funny comedies, “Twelve Angry Villains” and “Lawyer, Lawyer” to bring to the LW stage on February 28th, March 1st and 2nd
Our Tuesday 9-ball and Thursday & Saturday 8-ball tournaments (12:30p) continue throughout the season, with Beginner & Intermediate Billiards Lessons this January (refer to the LW Bulletin board for details) - Leisure World Billiards welcomes players at all levels to join us.
Intro to Basic Pool
Ladies and Gentlemen are all invited. If you have ever wanted to learn how to play pool, this is your opportunity. Over a Six-week course, you will learn the basics: Stance, Bridge, Stroke, and Basic Shots. Plan on lots of repetition and practice Class size will be limited to around 12 individuals. Due to the limited size, we kindly request that everyone commit to attending all six weeks.
Class Dates: 01-25-26 - 03-01-25
Day: Sundays Time: 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 (If you are a member of the Pool club, there is no cost. If you are not a member, it is a onetime $20.00 membership fee. )
Sign Up: email vo.pool.ladies@gmail.com or call Susan at 503-889-6994.
Pool is a mental strategy game, not a physical game of strength. It is perfect for the senior generation. If you have any questions, call Susan!
Intermediate Pool
Do you have the basic pool skills but would like to improve?Over a seven-week course, you will learn: Different Drills, Draw, Kicks, Banks, English, Cutting Class size will be limited, so sign up early. Due to the limited size, we request that everyone commit to attending all seven weeks.
Submitted by Lynette Magnuson
December is a wonderful and joyous month with so much to celebrate and be thankful for, family, friends, and the birth of our Savior. Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” There is no more perfect gift to be thankful for than that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Come, join us. Let us unwrap all his promises together, there is no better time than now!
Leisure World Christian Fellowship Bible study is a non-denominational Christian Bible study group. We gather weekly to grow in our understanding, to strengthen our walk, and to encourage one another. We are studying ‘30 Life Principles,’ a guide for growing in knowledge and understanding of God by Dr Charles Stanley. We meet in the Rec 1 theater from 9:30-11:00 am and continue through April 2026 and there is plenty of time to study with us.
If you are interested please contact Lynette Magnuson by email, ljhm3000@gmail.com, or call or text me at 903-316-2116.
Submitted by Shelly Begel
Investment Club of Leisure World (aka San Tan Investment Club) is a closed end mutual fund. It consists of blue chips and other stocks (with average annualized gains between 10 – 15%).
Each member has an interest according to the amount of their deposits and contributions. There are no membership fees to join, but there is a minimum
NOW, what we need are actors for 19 roles! We’ll hold laid-back auditions on Monday, December 8th & Wednesday, December 10th in the Rec 1 Club Room, with 45-minute slots from 1–4 pm. Note: If you want to audition but cannot make those dates, other arrangements can be made. For more information/to sign up, please contact Kellini Walter, kellinisue@hotmail.com
Not an actor but want to be involved? Our “no experience necessary” opportunities abound depending on your interests. Work as set crew. Help with props, costumes, or makeup.
Get techy with lights or sound. Assist with publicity, tickets, ushering, or refreshments.
At our next meeting, we’ll be discussing our needs for all the above, so please join us on Wednesday, December 17th, 12:00 in the Rec. 1 Club Room.
As we say, “Come for the funny, stay for the play!”
Green Bananas)
Submitted by: Frank Jacoby Manor 1540
Our current club members have, on average, enjoyed a 14% compound annual return over the duration of their memberships. Non-members, new members, beginners and seasoned investors are always welcome guests at our meetings.
Are you making the right moves for your retirement? Learn about investing, discuss market conditions, discover ideas for your retirement portfolio, bounce ideas/tips off others, experience an entertaining and social way to build your nest egg.
The Leisure World Investment Club has been educating members and residents about investing in the stock market and investing the assets of the partnership for the benefit of members/partners since 1987.
Members enjoy access to the resources and benefits derived from our affiliation with “myICLUB” and “Better Investing”.
We meet in the theater and via Zoom the second Wednesday of each month, October through May and additionally as needed over the summer.
Our next meeting will be held VIA Zoom AND IN THE THEATER Wednesday 12/10/25, 1PM MST Contact Frank Jacoby (frankjacoby4@gmail.com) or 248-535-5456 for more information
December’s meeting will focus on analysis of our portfolio, using artificial intelligence to pick stocks, and stock tips presented by members.
The next meeting of the Leisure World PEO group is planned for Friday, December 5 in the Club Room. This will be our Christmas luncheon. We will start at 11:00 (a bit later than usual) and have a festive luncheon. Hostesses for the meeting are Marta Troutman, Sandra Lackore, Sherie Linderer and Shirley Davis. If you were not at our November meeting, please RSVP to Marta Troutman if you plan to attend the Christmas luncheon. (417) 335-1033. The luncheon will be $10 per person.
Look for an email about a possible outing to Organ Stop Pizza in December. Also, we will have our Third Tuesday Lunch gathering at the Leisure World Café Tuesday, December 16, at 11:30 a.m.
All PEO’s living in Leisure World are invited to attend. We would love for you to join us. Janice Dill will be happy to answer any questions you might have about the Group. Her phone number is 920-860-0638.
Mark your calendars for the next MN Club events. PLEASE NOTE A DATE CHANGE from previous communications.
Save the dates for this season’s next events: Thursday, January 22nd and Monday, March 23rd (this is the NEW/Updated date !!! )
Last year was so successful based on your input, so, please continue to contribute your ideas !
Julie Shaughnessy 612-867-6750 Linda Pratt 612-715-3171
Submitted by Diane Andersen
Our motto is “Educate, Encourage and Inspire.”
Christmas is right around the corner, and we are celebrating by having our annual Christmas party on December 15, 2025 at 7:00 pm at Rec 2 Hopi/Pima Ballroom.
Our special guests will be Sheriff Jerry Sheridan and his lovely wife Stacie. Both are engaged in making our county safer. Music, food and drawings for gifts will also be part of our special celebration. We also have a special raffle for a 55” Smart TV.
Are you new to Arizona or have moved within the state and would like to update your voter registration? Please call the number below.
In the event you are conservative minded and would like to become politically active you are encouraged to contact Diane Andersen at (480)395-5515 or azpatriot13@gmail.com for more information.
The Shalom Group meets the 3rd Sunday evening of the month in the Rec. 1 Club Room. Our meetings are from October through May and then we switch to Summer Mode with Movie Days, out to lunch events and potlucks.
The Shalom Group is a social group with emphasis on Jewish Culture, and Holidays. Anyone with an interest in Judaism is welcome to join our group. Dues are just $20 a year. For information call Neesa Galanti, 206-3562727.
On December 21, we will celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah. The holiday is an eight day Jewish festival, celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt against the SyrianGreeks in the 2nd Century B.C. After the victory, when The Jewish people went to relight the Temple’s menorah, they found only a one-day supply of Pure oil, which miraculously burned for eight days. The miracle of the oil is the basis for the Eight-day celebration.
There will be a catered dinner from Premier Catering and those who want to partake in The fun Left-Right game, need to bring a wrapped $10 gift item. The dinner cost is $25.
To make reservations, please call Leslie at 425-2211956. For more information about the Shalom Group, please call Neesa at 206-356-2727.
• Wednesday, Dec. 3, OOW at The Vig, Dana Park, carpool Rec. 2, 11:45**
• Friday, Dec. 5, Dinner, Cafe, Rec. 2, 5pm **
• Tuesday, Dec. 9, Breakfast Cafe, Rec. 2, 7:30
• Dec. 12, 13, 14, Holiday Christmas -Market Mesa 5 – 9:30
• Vendors, food trucks, entertainment concert every night on hour 440 E Main St. Temple across the street
• Fri. Dec. 12 , Mesa Second Fri. Theme Art Attack
• Tuesday, Dec. 16, Breakfast, Cafe, Rec. 2, 7:30 am
• Thursday, Dec. 18, Potluck, Holliday theme, bring an appetizer or dessert to share and $3, Also for a fun gift exchange a white elephant fun gift,
• Tuesday, Dec. 23, Breakfast, cafe. Rec. 2, 7:30 am
• MERRY CHRISTMAS
• Tuesday, Dec. 30, breakfast, cafe, Rec. 2, 7:30 a.m. ** reservations at Solo@the spearmans or call/text Barbara Peters at 309 215 7203 or bapeters56@gmail.com.
Vikki Classen Manor 3, Sommelier, CSW, CSS Hello Leisure World,
Get back into the fun with an interactive wine class. I realize this is close to the Holiday’s, but we can absolutely get into the mood with a six-week wine class. I’m planning on Monday’s to be in Rec #2, Banquet Room. Same time as usual 4:00-5:30. This was the only space I could get that made sense for the class.
I’m ready to roll for the class on the Promenade across from the library. However, I was under the impression the class prefers an actual room to have the class in. When we all collectively meet, we will decide on whether we will be in the room or in the air. The lineup is interesting and as usual, so are all of you that attend. For my regulars, I look forward to seeing you! For those of you that are up to learning about wine, I guarantee you will learn a lot while meeting fellow Leisure World neighbors. This class is informative while having fun doing so. All are welcome.
For those of you that know a lot about wine, it will be a tasting. For those of you that are interested in learning about wine, we sample 6 wines per class:
Week #1: Easy drinking whites
Week #2: Interesting whites
Week #3: Roses
Week #4: Approachable Reds
Week #5: Big Reds
Week #6: Sparking
December 1st
December 8th
December 15th
December 22nd
December 29th
January 5th
What you need for the class will be 6 wine glasses each; they must have steams. If you don’t have 6 wine glasses with stems, Goodwill up the street has plenty for $1 each. It doesn’t matter if they don’t match.
The cost for the class is $60 cash per person. I will be collecting for the class on November 9th Sunday, 3:00pm on the Promenade in back of the library. If you have any questions, please call me right away. 312217-6220.
Submitted by Susan Strainis
Early Bird Stretch Club is a low impact aerobics and stretch exercise class that has been in existence for 30 years. It is a drop-in class that meets every Monday/ Wednesday/Friday morning at 6:55AM for an hour in the Rec.1 Ballroom.
We have a wonderful group of residents who enjoy exercise plus socialization. Come try us out, you will not be disappointed, and there is no cost. JOIN US!!!
“Christmas may be coming and the goose is getting fat”- BUT - He has nothing to worry about from the Leisure World Gun Club We are strictly a club for target shooting, though we try to bring down as many “clay pigeons” as possible.
Our regular monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd in the theatre at Ree. #1 at 7:00 p.m. Please bring 3 food items for donation to local community food bank.
PLEASE NOTE; Due to the Christmas Holiday, day, date and times of some regularly scheduled events are changed.
• RIMFIRE PISTOL: Wednesday, December 10th. Meet at the RSSC Pistol Bay #2 at 8:00 a.m.
• SPORTING CLAYS: The following Thursdays: December 4th, 11th, 18th. None on Christmas Day.. Meet at the Shotgun Parking lot at 745 a.m. Be ready to shoot at 8:00 a.m.
• Practical Pistol- Normally 4th Friday of the month, it will be the SECOND week in December. That’s Friday, December 12th. Please Meet at the RSSC Pistol Bay #2 at 8:00 a.m.
Monthly Social Gathering: Monday, December 29th. Lunch at B.J.’s Restaurant, 6622 Superstiton Springs
Blvd. Mesa. Please plan to meet in the parking lot by 11:30 a.m. PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF RESTAURANT from recent months.
For further information, please contact LWGC President Keith Helpler at kvhelpler@gmail.com or LWGC Vice President Cherie Lauro at cherielauro1@ gmail.com.
Reporter Minde S.
WELCOME BACK members and those interested in Shuffleboard! This club has lots of members, lots of activities, and lots of fun! You don’t have to be a professional! Anyone can become a member and play! There is a membership fee of $20 per person which allows you to play Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with other members from 9:00 am to around 11 am.
We ask that you arrive by 8:45 am and sign in each time on the sheet! Signing in helps those prepping the lanes to know how many lanes to use! It also guarantees you will play! With 8 lanes, the first 32 players to sign in play, so it’s important to do the sign in first! Arriving between 8:30-9:00 am allows you to visit and catch up, meet other players! Equipment is provided by the club! You are welcome to bring your own cue stick!
The officers also put together a couple fun events during the winter months which they will share and hopefully also will be shared in the LW News!
Several things to advise:
1. Weather permitting, if it’s raining, wet lanes or too windy, shuffleboard will be cancelled! Jackie lets
people know if cancelled! Also dress for the weather, many times it starts cool but warms up quickly, layer.
2. Everyone is encouraged to learn how to score for their own benefit and to take turns with other players! All members are willing to teach new players! This also allows you to know, play when not with members!
3. Everyone is encouraged to help clean up after play! Logging scores in the notebook, cleaning chalkboards, and putting all equipment away! More hands help everyone to get out of there at a descent time. Our President is Robert Hoyt, those helping are Jerry Anderson, Earl Schneider, Mike Cuocci and Larry Brownell!
4. The lanes are treated with wax, which is highly slippery, never step past the designated starting line or from the side of the lanes to prevent injuries.
Hope to see you there!
On Nov 2, 2025, we had our semi-annual Swim Club meeting and Dinner. Welcome to our winter visitors who are returning and welcome to our new members. We were delighted to have all 4 of our board members with us. Shirley Foster - President, Katie McFarland Vice President, Doree Miles Treasure & Teri Cuocci Secretary. Our Dinner was a Nacho bar we had chicken and beef and plain and all the fixings. We played a trivia game for fun. It was a fun evening for all.
Ballroom Dance Classes - Contact: Bill Goss, 480275-4647
Pop Country Line Dance Contact: Susan Tuttle, 602329-2213.
Music Makers - Tuesday afternoons in the Rec. 2 Music Room from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. NovemberMay
Ukulele Practice Group - Contact: Mary Smith, 480288-1423.
Like to play the ukulele or always wanted to learn? Come and join up with others who love to play this amazing instrument.
Submitted by Allen Cziok
Have you checked out Casual-Aires? We organize Rock-and-Roll or Country music dinner dance parties in Leisure World. You will find many of your friends are already members, and we invite you to join us.
We feature the most entertaining musical groups in the East Valley as well as a catered dinner served at your table. We have a smart casual dress code and always a fun loving friendly group. Our four yearly events are held in the Hopi/Pima Ballroom at Rec2.
Our first dance was on November 22nd when “ MIDNIGHT CONFESSIONS “ delighted everyone with wonderful renditions of so many dancing and listening favorites. Premier Catering served a delicious Beef Tenderloin and Chicken Marsala dinner.
Our three remaining events this season will feature the following musical groups: Saturday, January 24th “CITY NIGHTS” Saturday, February 21st “THADDEUS ROSE” Saturday, March 7th “WHISKEY ROSE” (Country Night)
While we have a large and loyal membership, we accept any Leisure World residents as guests for only $55 per individual or $110 for a couple. Contact our friendly team at casualairesreservations@gmail.com to attend one of our parties or for more information.
In November, the Desert Belles were in full patriotic harmony, honoring our veterans. We held a concert in the Courtyard and joined the Veteran’s Day celebrations on November 11th.
We are now working on our Christmas repertoire. As we do every year, we will be caroling on December 6th at the homes of various LW residents - many of whom find it difficult to come out to a concert.
For the rest of you - please join us on Monday, December 15th, at 11:00 in the Courtyard at Rec. 1. We have Christmas songs you’ll recognize (and be welcome to sing along), and ones we hope you’ll enjoy listening to. Bring your lawn chairs, hats, and sunglasses to enjoy a free concert.
Desert Belles are a friendly group of women who love to sing together in harmony, and we’re happy to welcome new members to our chorus.
We meet every Monday, at 12:30 in the Music Room at Rec. 2. Please come and check us out - timing is perfect to enjoy singing our Christmas repertoire! December 15th at 11:00.
Submitted by John Andrews
The Leisure World Big Band is rehearsing for our December Dance on Sunday, December 7th at 2:004:00 PM in the ballroom at Rec. 2. We will have some new tunes, and the price is still $10.00 each. BYOB and set ups will be provided. Tickets are available at the Rec. Office or at the door. Residents and their guests are always welcome at our rehearsals. Hope to see you at the Dance!!! For more information, contact John Andrews, 660-541-2588, Manor 1465.
Submitted by Joyce Loland
The Leisure World Cloggers are embracing the fall season with music and dances of the upcoming holidays. Christmas is around the corner, and with it, songs like “Christmas Cookies,” “Reindeer Boogie,” and “Merry Christmas, Baby.” There are songs for beginning and more advanced cloggers alike.
Class is every Friday afternoon from 11:45–2:45 in the classroom next to the Fitness Center. Instructors Dan Rowan and Cathy Martin begin the session with Beginning steps and move progressively to Intermediate Plus. Cost for drop-ins is $5 per hour, or you can sign up for $30 per month in the Fitness Center. And the first class for those who want to try clogging is free!
are having fun. Playing music is a Gift you can give yourself.
For more information, contact Mary Smith at 480288-1423 or email me at marykry95@gmail.com
If our concert moves you to share your voice, please contact our director, Donna Mahan, at 217-720-7990 for more information. We’ll begin rehearsals for our Spring concert on Tuesday, January 6th, 1:00-3:00 pm in the Rec 2 Music Room. ALL ARE WELCOME!
In addition, Ginny Bartes offers an easy-dancing clogging class on Monday nights from 6:00—8:30. Cost is $5 per hour or $6 if you stay more than an hour. For more experienced dancers, an Advanced Clogging class is held every Wednesday at Scootin’ Boots. Dan and Cathy teach Intermediate Plus and Advanced dances in which buck clogging and flatfooting are used.
These are three great opportunities to clog. Not only do you give your feet a workout, but you exercise your brain as well. Come by the classroom any Friday to observe the class and see if clogging is for you! Everyone is welcome!
Welcome back to our winter friends!
If you would like to join a group of fun-loving musicians, Music Makers is just that group!
We meet once a week, every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. and play until 5 p.m. We have a list of songs we practice every week, with additional songs that we can choose to play when time allows.
Come check us out and see how time flies when you
Submitted by Mary Cartner
Challenge Line
Want to learn something new? Google the music signature ‘tenuto.’ To me December resembles a tenuto for our local dancers. Not really a pause but more like a comma with continued emphasis on a note… kind of like a Challenge Line in Round Dancing. We all dance that way. Yes? I know you do when I see you keep a ‘static flow moving’ (huh?) like a picture figure for just a nanosecond beyond the measure for subtle emphasis. Think of December as a prolonged tenuto: not a ‘hold’ necessarily, not a pause, more like a stretched measure looking towards a promising New Year because MSDC starts up again Jan 17, 2026, with the Big Band sound of Sonoran Swing.
Same time, same place, same station. Come challenge yourself. Don’t miss this opportunity to add Life to your Years.
Enjoy your Holiday break, Yours Truly, Continued--->
The Challenger
Consider being a volunteer. Dance clubs like ours survive dependent on your help. It’s your premier LW dance club. Help nurture it while we can.
Visit the MSDC website: https://moonlightserenade. yolasite.com. For further information contact: joyk3048@gmail.com; or Jerry: jerrymundell45@ gmail.com
Submitted by Kaye West Fall season is fully underway with dancing nearly daily including three classes for beginners in Slow Two-Step and Single Swing rhythms. Other beginning classes start in January
Dancers gathered for the 80th birthday party for George Hurd featuring dinner and a comical skit as well as for a memorial luncheon for Larry Tracht who, along with Eleanor, taught dancing and provided leadership for sixty-nine years!
Many Workshops in November offered Phase 3-5 figures in Foxtrot and numerous routines: Phase 4: Foxtrot, Hustle, Jive, and Rumba; Phase 5: Hesitation Canter Waltz, Jive, Mambo, and West Coast Swing; and Phase 6: Foxtrot, Paso Doble, Rumba, and Waltz. Workshops also program dances previously taught.
Numerous Dances weekly provide practice and camaraderie. Lee Boyle (at rounddancing.azphx.com) links cue sheets (instructions of programmed routines) for attendees wishing to practice prior to the dance.
Travelers can find December festivals in California, Florida, South Carolina, and Utah. Find details at www.icbda.com/dance-events/ and find-a-dance/
See dancing in action on Wednesday and Friday mornings, Sunday and (many) Tuesday evenings at Rec 2! Abundant dance information is available 24/7 via home.csulb.edu/~kwest/wido/wi-do.html Questions? Contact any of our leaders (info at gphurd.com/flyers/mesacuers.pdf
Submitted by Mary Smith
What does playing the Ukulele Do for you? It uses your brain, loosens up your fingers, gets your hand moving, and those those toes a-tapping. That’s exercise from head to toe!
Ukulele is easy to learn to play, and we invite all skill levels to join our group. If you have never played before, we can help get you started.
Art Assoc. – Contact: Monica Beatrice 480-685-0724
Open Studio: Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jewelry and Lapidary (LAP) Contact: Dan Coulombe 479715-5826.
Photography Club (AS) Contact: Bob Bennett, 480-250-7127
Rubber Stamping (CER/SG) Contact: Mickey Dent, 480-6344574, Mon 6 p.m -8p.m. Summer every 3rd Thurs 6p-8p
Knitters & Crocheters Contact: Carolin Lowy, 480-6414626 – Fridays 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. All interested knitters, beginners to experienced, join in. We teach beginners and help those who are having difficulty with a pattern, No charge.
Open Sewing Contact: Carolin Lowy, 480-641-4626
By Gail Bowers
We were so happy to see the great turnout at the all resident Arts an Craft Fair. So many wonderful handmade items by our talented Leisure World Residents. Hope you found your favorite treasure to take home or give as a gift to that special someone.
For those that missed the intro to stained glass, Ellie will be have another on Dec 11,12, 18 from 1 pm to 4 pm.
We have several fused Glass classes scheduled, intro to fused glass to intermediate classes, please stop by the glass studio any Monday or Wednesday 9 to 3 to check the bulletin board and talk to one of our monitors about signing up.
We have open work shop for seasoned glass artist to come in and work on Mondays and Wednesdays 9 am to 3 pm. We also have supplies for purchase if needed. Because the Glass is sharp we do recommend closed toed shoes for safety.
For more information you can also text Gail at 480577-6677.
Submitted by Elaine Murphy
In October, the jewelry club hosted a simple bracelet project class. It was very popular with the 13 attendees who took the class.
The jewelry and lapidary club classroom and shop are open from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. We offer classes in beading, casting, chain making, dichroic glass, lapidary, faceting, and enameling. Come into the shop to see examples of these products. The cost of each class is determined by the instructor. We supply the necessary tools and supplies required for your project.
All of the jewelry in our display case is for sale, and has been hand crafted by members of the jewelry club. Come take a look and get inspired!
The next general meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 7 pm in the jewelry/lapidary shop. All interested residents are invited to join us.
By Monica Beatrice
The LW Art Association is scheduled to meet December 11. Due to scheduling and discussions in the November meeting, the time of meeting may have changed. Members should watch their emails for an announcement.
Open to all residents who do hand sewing. Pillowcase Dresses Contact: Darlene Footh, 701-339-8491. Make little girls’ dresses out of pillowcases for charity.
Quilters Contact: Judy Kauth, 757-651-5648 – Tuesdays are open swing , Thursdays 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Join us for group projects, speakers, demos, field trips and more. Donations are made to multi-generational groups.
Twiddlers: Mondays 9:00 a.m. – 11 a.m. Fiber Arts Room Contact: Carolin Lowy, 480-641-4626. Any handwork done with a needle or needles, i.e., knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, needle point and applique.
Ceramics (CER/SG) CERAMICS CLUB
No skills, low skills, or higher skills come one, come all! We have several supplies and pieces to get you started .Come on in and get those inner creative juices running. Total relaxation.
Come join us or take a look on Tuesdays and Fridays from
There will be a January social get together of the Club in January. Members will be informed by email of the gathering. Also, in January, there will be ‘Painting of the Tiles’ in the Ceramics Room. Club members will be creating tiles to be affixed to the wall as a decorative backsplash in the Art Studio. Again, watch for an email on this project. Other upcoming classes are posted in the Art Studio.
Congratulations to those who entered art pieces in the November show. The Club, indeed, has artists creating stellar work. Please continue to note the ‘Featured Artists’ in the studio. We are proud of our artists and welcome any new members.
Submitted by Linda Faber
Thank you to everyone who supported the Leisure World Quilters at the Arts and Craft Fair. It was a huge success!
Thanksgiving begins the seven-week holiday season. When I was a child, Christmases seemed so far apart, but now, the years pass very quickly! It seems like I just put away Christmas decorations when it’s time to put them back up again.
Although the quilters will only meet for three weeks in December, we make sure those weeks are busy ones! December 4th, we will be making quilted “tool bags” for all our quilting accessories. They are both practical and beautiful!
December 11th is our annual Christmas party and cookie exchange. Members, please be on the look-out for the information on what to bring!
Our last meeting for 2025 is December 18th. We will have Sew and Tell and then work on all the unfinished projects. Quilters are constantly busy!
New quilters are invited to join our group on Thursdays from 9:50-11:30. If you have questions, please call Judy Kauth (757-651-5648) or Linda Faber (480-821-0952).
by Charlene Ingerson
Our warmest congratulations to all the participants and award winners of the Fall Art Show! The quality of the show has continuously delighted all those who have attended over the years to marvel at the creativity of their fellow residents — and even more so this year. What a show! To see the full list of the fall show winners, visit the Photography Club website at ww.lwphoto.club
Each month during the season, the Photography Club
9:30 a.m. –11:30 a.m.
Call: Linda Derback (President) at 303-913-2066 or Cheryl Lamers (VP) at 973-262-1898.
Porcelain Painting (POT) Contact: Edie Pearcy, 480-7340685 or Ginger Merkle, 303-988-6420. No teacher. No lessons. Work on your own. A semi-annual fee of $5 for firing. All China painters are welcome.
Open Studio: Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Pottery (POT) Contact: Judy Cooley, 512-470-9456
Open Studio: Sunday, Tuesday, and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Open Studio: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday,12 - 10 p.m.
Firing & Unloading: Monday & Thursday
Class with instructor Larron Lerdall: Monday & Thursday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Glass Arts (CER/SG) Contact: Gail Bowers 480-577-6677. Open Studio: Monday & Wednesday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ongoing Classes for new artists
sponsors a professional photographer to address the club on some aspect of photography. This month on Saturday, December 13th, Neal Summerton will be telling us about his approach to desert photography during an illustrated lecture held in the theater at 10:00 a. m. to which all residents are invited.
Neal is landscape photographer dedicated to transforming the ordinary into extraordinary through his photography. Based in Arizona, Neal is entranced with the rugged, timeless beauty of the Sonoran Desert—where endless sunlight illuminates unique plant life, bare mountains, and the iconic saguaro cactus. His stunning photos reveal the desert’s hidden textures and vibrant hues which blur the boundaries between photography and art, as well as tell an inspiring story of place and scale.
As mentioned, all residents are invited to come to this superb presentation on taking great photos of the desert surrounding us. There is no charge, and we love meeting others who are interested in taking pictures — whether with a camera or camera phone. The meeting will be held in the Leisure World Theater and starts at 10:00 sharp. So come early and get a good seat.
In the meantime, we hope you’ll visit our website, www.lwphoto.club which is chock-full of great information about our club as well as helpful photo tips. Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera to take you directly to our website.
While you’re on the homepage of our website, check out the YouTube video of the 2025-2026 season preview. It’s a quick look at what’s coming in the next few months.
The LW Photo Club is a fun group of photographers at all skill levels who capture images with a variety of cameras, including our phones. We meet each week on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:30 in the LW Theater to learn and share and enjoy each other’s company. We’d love to have you take a shot with us.
The pillowcase dress club has started, and Joan and I will be in the Anniversary Room by the Club Room in Rec 1. Monday mornings
8:30 to 10:00 so you can pick up kits or material and other supplies to take home and sew. All the materials for dresses and shorts are free.
We want to thank everyone who has sewed or donated to this project over the years. Hundreds of dresses and shorts have gone out with missionaries all over the world to under privileged boys and girls.
A big THANK YOU to all of you that have helped with this project. Continued------>
Darlene Footh 701-339-8491 Manor 816, Joan Bishoff 701-200-8917 Manor 506. Please leave a voicemail or phone number so we can call you back. Thank you.
Submitted by Carolin Lowy Seasons greetings to all our fellow residents.
Thank you all for supporting us at the recent Craft Fair and Sale. Funds collected go to pay for the postage for our contributions to “Warm Up America” our ongoing project that uses donated yarn to create the rectangles 7 x 9 inches that are given to the nonprofit organization that completes throws given to those in need.
In the past 8 years we have donated over 10,00 - let me spell that out, yes ten thousand rectangles. We appreciate all the gifts of yarn that are put to good use.
Late October we had our annual Big GiveAway. Once again hats and scarves were created for the homeless and Bags of Love and now in cooler weather days are welcomed.
We meet twice a week on Monday and Friday mornings from 9-11 in The Fiber Arts Studio. All residents and their guests are welcome to join us, work or visit or both. Work on your own project or check out our closets for supplies.
Need help? We have a room full of help ,crochet,embroidery,knitting someone can be of assistance.
“Oh, I don’t do any of the above” You are still welcome to come on by and say “hello the doors are always open.
Need to know more, give me a call: Carolin Lowy, 480-641-4626.
c
H z N P F m
Please join us to help support this grassroots nonprofit organization on SATURDAY • DECEMBER 6, 2025
Leisure World • Hopi/Pima Ballroom 908 South Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85206
Open House: 12 - 3 pm • Ticketed Event: 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm F H m N P w z w w z P F c F
Bag & B oo b Babes Fall/Winter 2025 Fundraiser
•ENTERTAINMENT By GMANN (the Samoan Crooner)
• RAFFLE BASKETS, GAMES & 50/50 RAFFLE
•PRIZE DRAWINGS THROUGHOUT THE EVENING
•Catered meal by AZ PREMIER CATERING! Please feel free to BYOB!
MENU: Roast Top Round, Baked Cod Almandine, Lemon Herb Chicken, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Glazed Sliced Carrots, Tossed Green Salad with Dressings, Mixed Fruit Salad and Carrot Cake for Dessert! TICKETS – Call Buff Voller at 928-242-6597
$30 per ticket
Bag & Boob Babes, Corp. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity made up of volunteers sewing and knitting comfort products to help patients on their breast cancer recovery journey and appreciates your participation and support of our fundraising events.
2:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. Mexican Train (LC)
7:00 a.m. Early Bird Stretch (BR)
8:00 a.m. Yoga (PIMA)
9:00 a.m. Glass Program (CER/SG)
9:00 a.m. Lawn Bowls Play (LBG)
9:00 a.m. Pottery Class (POT)
9:00 a.m. Twiddlers (FA)
9:00 a.m. Shuffleboard (SHB)
10:00 a.m. Computer Lab Open (CC)
11:30 a.m. Pop Country (HOPI)
12:00 p.m. Mah Jongg Madness (LC)
12:00 p.m. Pottery Open Studio (POT)
12:30 p.m. ACBL Bridge (CLR)
1:00 p.m. Texas Hold’em (QCR)
1:00 p.m. Swim Exercise (P)
6:00 p.m. Scrabble (LC)
6:00 p.m. Rubber Stamping (POT)
TUESDAY
8:00 a.m. Table Tennis (PIMA)
9:00 a.m. Swim Exercise (P)
9:00 a.m. Lawn Bowls Play (LBG)
9:00 a.m. Pottery Open Studio (POT)
9:00 a.m. Ceramics (CER/SG)
10:00 a.m. Computer Lab Open (CC)
10:00 a.m. Big Band (HOPI)
12:30 p.m. Pinochle (QCR)
12:30 p.m. ACBL Bridge (CLR)
1:00 p.m. Hand and Foot (LC)
2:00 p.m. Water Volleyball (P)
3:30 p.m. Music Makers (MR)
6:00 p.m Dealer’s Choice Poker (NAV)
6:30 p.m. Mens Poker (QC)
7:00 p.m. Mah Jong (LC)
WEDNESDAY
7:00 a.m. Early Bird Stretch (BR)
8:00 a.m. Wednesday Coffee (CLR)
8:00 a.m. Yoga (PIMA)
9:00 a.m. Swim Exercise (P)
9:00 a.m. Glass Program (CER/SG)
9:00 a.m. Lawn Bowls Play (LBG)
9:00 a.m. Porcelain Painting (POT)
9:00 a.m. Shuffleboard (SHB)
10:00 a.m. Computer Lab Open (CC)
12:00 p.m. Happy Ladies Bridge (APA)
12:00 p.m. Pottery Open Studio (POT)
1:00 p.m. Cribbage (QCR)
6:00 p.m. Texas Hold’em (QCR)
6:00 p.m. Dealer’s Choice Poker (NAV)
6:00 p.m. Hand and Foot - Samba (LC)
THURSDAY
8:00 a.m. Glass Program (CER/SG)
8:00 a.m. Table Tennis (PIMA)
8:30 a.m. Ladies Billiards (B)
9:00 a.m. Swim Exercise (P)
9:00 a.m. Lawn Bowls Play (LBG)
9:00 a.m. Pottery Class (POT)
9:30 a.m. Christian Fellowship (T)
9:00 a.m. Quilters (FA)
10:00 a.m. Computer Lab Open (CC)
12:00 p.m. Pottery Open Studio (POT)
1:00 p.m. Bridge Thurs Ladies (LC)
1:00 p.m. Dealers Choice Poker (NAV)
1:00 p.m. Mah Jongg (APA)
2:00 p.m. Water Volleyball (P)
4:00 p.m. Chess (LC)
6:00 p.m. Hand and Foot - Samba (LC)
6:30 p.m. Party Bridge (APA)
6:30 p.m. Mens Poker (QC)
7:00 p.m. “l-15” tournament (B)
FRIDAY
7:00 a.m.
SATURDAY
Card groups listed are open games and residents are welcome to come and join the group. Reserved room is subject to sharing if less than 20 in attendance.
Learn to Play Bridge (CLR) Contact: Barbara Rees, 480309-9039 . Lessons: Jan & Feb 2026 Beginner, Intermediate. Advanced.
ACBL Duplicate (CLR) Contact: Barbara Rees, 480-3099039 . Mondays & Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m. Year Round
ACBL Duplicate (CLR) Contact: Barbara Rees, 480-3099039 . Friday, 12:30 p.m. April – October
ACBL Duplicate (CLR) Contact: Barbara Rees, 480-3099039 . Sunday, 12:30 p.m. October-May
Non-Sanctioned Duplicate (CLR) Contact: Roger Mickelson, 319-750-7112 . Thursday, 12:30 p.m. Sept –May.
Partner (LC) Contact: Lynn Peters, 262-853-4870 Sunday, 6:30 p.m. Year Round.
Party (APA) Contact: Lynn Peters, 262-853-4870 Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Year Round.
Progressive (QCR) Contact: Marlene Patton 507-2710003 . Thursday, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct – May.
Dealer’s Choice (NAV) Contact: Jim Munkwitz, 803-7471677 . Tuesday & Wednesday 6:00 p.m., and Thurs 1:00 pm. Year round.
Mens Poker (QC) Contact: Philip Baird, 480-840-1723 Queen Card Room, Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30 p.m.
Texas Hold’ Em (QCR) Contact: Randy Rickert, 602524-2503 . Monday, 1:00 p.m. & Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. Saturday 1:00 p.m. Year-round
Bunco (CLR) Contact: Laura Krever, 310-916-8105 or Dana Bourque, 602-757-4348 . 1st Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Year-round.
Cribbage (QCR) Contact Don Newman, 402-578-2743 Wednesday and Friday, 1:00 p.m. Year-round.
Euchre (APA) Contact Ted Jackson, 518-248-2052 Tuesday, 6:45 p.m. Oct – April.
Samba/ Pegs& Jokers (LC) Kathy Murray, kmurrayy6694@gmail.com. Every Friday, 6:15 pm. Yearround.
Hand and Foot Progressive: (LC) Contact: Lillian Carlson, 480-290-9396 . Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. Year-round.
Hand and Foot: Samba (LC) Contact:Kathy Murray, kmurrayy6694@gmail.com Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 6:00 p.m. Year-round.
Mah Jongg Madness (LC) Contact: Jan Biddle, 303-8817808. Monday, 12:00 p.m. Year-round. Mah Jongg (APA) Contact: Neesa Galanti, 206-356-2727. Tuesday 7:00 pm and Thursday 1:00 p.m. Year-round.
Pinochle (QCR) Contact: Jackie Anderson, 480-9858503 . Summer: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. Winter: only Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m.
Scrabble (LC) Contact: Carolin Lowy, 480-641-4626 Monday, 6:00 p.m. Year-round.
Mexican Train/Dominos (LC) Contact: Theresa Cuocci Wednesdays, 12:00 a.m. Year-round.
Play is every Friday night at 7:00 p.m. On-sets are 3 for $3; 6 for $6; and 9 for $9. Refreshments are served at the break. Water, ice, lemonade, coffee, popcorn, and pretzels. Play starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. Players may arrive at 6:00 p.m. to purchase on-sets.
LW Bingo is for Residents and their guests 18 years of age and older. Our bingo games are for recreational play and not open to the public. The State does not allow alcohol to be present or consumed during our recreational Bingo games.
Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Game starts at 7:00 p.m.
Place: Rec. 1 Ballroom
Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced: 8 x 2-hour lessons, Cost: $90 and text (optional)
Monday: 9:30-11:30 Beginner/Bridge Brush-up Tuesdays: 9:30-11:30 Defense Thursday: 9:30-11:30 Conventions
Barbara Rees Ph: 480-309-9039
Bunco meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month in the Club Room at Rec 1, all year round. It’s a very easy game to learn, so if you haven’t played before, come and try it. We start promptly at 6:30 pm, so please be there by 6:15 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Our next
game will be on Tuesday, DECEMBER 2nd. Please wear your name tag if you have one. The cost is $3.00 per person and all money collected is paid out in prizes. Please don’t bring anything larger than a $5 bill as we may not be able to make change. For more information, call Laura Krever at 310-9168105 or Dana Bourque at 602-757-4348.
Polish Poker continues its season on the Last Monday of each month in the rec 1 clubroom at 6 pm. This is a low skill card game that allows lots of socializing, fun and entertainment. $3.00 gets you in the room and a tickets for our 50/50 raffle. If no expenses were in the previous month a second drawing wins the other half of the 50/50
George Miller, Manor 1625, 774-275-4009. EARSh
Submitted by Carolin Low
Special Celebrations really are better but let’s enjoy unique pleasures which offer real differences soon. Take the first letter of each word to SPELL out two games that residents and their guests can enjoy every Monday evening at 6.00 p.m. Lakeside Club House Rec.1 The Leisure World Scrabble Club has everything needed including game boards,score sheets,official dictionaries and word lists to help when needed. We play for fun and enjoy the challenges offered by the bag of tiles Need to know more give me a call Carolin Lowy, 480-641-4626.
By Ronda Gates
Am I the only one who believes merchandisers are pushing the limits for heralding the holiday season? I saw holiday decorations in store aisles as Halloween candy went on sale before October 1?
Despite the chaos I’m tempted to watch or listen to on “the news”, I enjoy the lights, good will and the belief we can have “peace on earth; good will to men” as the “holiday” season unfolds. However, I also know that the next two months will force many of us to juggle more than we do the rest of the year. This is a good time to focus on balancing-the proper measure of what we (and our families-near and far away) need to do to survive despite the urge to express shortened tempers that can flair when we feel out of control.
How do we begin? Consider taking the time to reflect on the quality of life as you know it now vs. how you want it to be as the season unfolds using a few of these suggestions.
Define goals for the holiday season.
How we choose to live our life ultimately defines who we are. Prioritizing tasks can make the difference between feeling personally fulfilled or out of sorts. What brings you (and your family) a sense of wellbeing? Thoughts are powerful so consider visualizing a mental picture of exactly what you want the holidays to look like (and be). Use this as your “roadmap.” Decide what you need to manage to stay on your path and let go of the rest.
Decide how to manage demands of the season.
Holidays can pull us in many directions. When frenzy becomes your modus operandi, the only course of action is to slow down ask yourself “what will be most enjoyable and rewarding for me and my family?” “What are the realistic expectations I should have on myself and others?” “What is really important?” Avoid wasting precious time on activities that are meaningless to you and those you love.
Respond, don’t react to inevitable pressures. It is impossible and even undesirable to eliminate all stress from our lives. When properly managed, stress can actually enrich and motivate us. What are your stressors? Begin to take notice of times that you are feeling overwhelmed. Can you eliminate repeatable stress-producers from your life? If not, it is possible to change your response and reaction to them? If you do, you’ll discover you’ll feel more in control.
Take charge of your life.
Keep a journal, tracking the time you spend on your daily rounds. Most of our waking hours are spent in regular, day-to-day activities. Decide which of these routines are important, then do them well. Let the others go. Have a plan to plan ahead. Pay attention to your energy peaks and slumps. Follow your body’s rhythm, working with and maximizing your body’s natural cycles. Before you go to bed, take a few minutes to think about the day that has just passed, including mentally or physically recording what you did well
and what you have to be grateful for. Focusing on the positive is a powerful reminder of how much is going well in your life.
Simplify.
Focus on priorities. You don’t need to be busy every minute of the day. In reality, studies show that taking “time out” makes us more efficient in the long run. Don’t make a commitment unless it is important to you. Get in the habit of saying “no” to activities you don’t want to or don’t have time to do (and don’t feel guilty about it.) If it’s an option, consider asking for or hiring help to get things done. Don’t be a slave to your Email or the phone. Time management in business often includes skills for structuring time to respond to phone messages and Emails. Imagine how much time you could save if you simply deleted every Email that begins with “Fwd.”
Play.
One of the first signs that we’re not playing enough is that relationships begin to suffer. When grandchildren visit, make time to read to them. Get down on the floor to share an activity. Watch a movie with visiting family and friends. The best bonding experience with older grandchildren can be sharing good conversationincluding being an attentive listener. Show your family with one-on-one time how important they are to you. Most important is taking care of you so you can help take care of others. I’ve discovered the best way to do that is to build physical activity into your day.
Share the load.
Spouses, partners, children and grandchildren need to know there’s a load to be shared. In fact, assigning ageappropriate duties helps younger family members and friends to develop self-reliance. Decide where priorities lie and assign responsibilities. Is it really important if your blinds haven’t been dusted in a month? Your goal
should be to have a peaceful environment within your home.
Don’t neglect yourself.
A body that is well taken care of is much more easily able to deal with the stresses of everyday life. Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get the rest your body needs.
Finding life balance is an ongoing process-a work in progress. Allow yourself the time to regularly reassess the direction you are heading as you steadfastly work toward your goals. And remember, the stores may want you to believe the holidays are about giving presents. It’s not. It’s about giving. In November, set the stage for the six-week season to come. You won’t regret it.
Ronda Gates, MS is a Leisure World resident who has an eclectic education in the fields of pharmacy, nutrition, fitness and counseling. One of her many hobbies includes ferreting fact from fiction when it comes to health-related news.
The Lions Club Coat Drive collected 134 coats for the Jefferson Elementary School children. Seven boxes, a 55-gallon sack, and one oversized suitcase, along with some misc. school supplies, were delivered to the school on November 7th. Jefferson School children/staff along with the Lions Club thank our LW residents and renters for their generosity. Giving warmed everyone’s heart, and the children will now be warm this winter.
In 2025, The LW Lions Club Vision Screening Team completed eye screening at six Mesa elementary schools. 1770 students were screened for eye vision, color vision and depth perception. 160 students were found to need further examination for eyesight problems. The Lions Club received 11 requests for financial aid for the cost of a professional exam and to provide eyeglasses. The Lions Club works hard to help students with vision problems.
Through October 31st, the Lions Club earned $1,618.50 by turning in 3,237 pounds of aluminum cans. Leisure World manor owners and renters: The Lions Club collects and recycles only aluminum cans in our designated bins. We thank LW owners and residents for your support.
GENTLE REMINDERS – If you collect aluminum cans, please separate the paper products, glass, plastic products, or tin cans (like soup cans, dog and cat food cans). Trash mixed in with aluminum cans is usually found at Via Norte and at the Rec 1 Pool/ Picnic Area. Contamination in these bins reduces the market value of the recycled materials.
6. Collecting Eyeglasses, Cell Phones, And Hearing From Your Aids. In the month of October, the Lions Club collected 900 pairs of glasses, 8 hearing aids, 4 flags for disposal, and 6 cell phones.
Lions Club volunteers sold coffee and donuts to vendors and shoppers on Nov 22nd. We literally lived up to our motto “We Serve”. All profits go to support our charities.
The Lions are ready to serve you with estate sale needs. A flat, variable fee is charged and 100% of the proceeds go to the homeowner or family. Call Barb Yapp at 480 218 5782 for information.
Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Lions Club Food Drive! Your food donations, cash and checks truly showed the generosity of our Leisure World residents. New Hope Community Center and the Lions are grateful. Thank you very much!!
Our Leisure World neighborhoods are looking very patriotic!! Thank You to all our Lions Club volunteers. Do you want a flag or two in your yard??
(2) Follow
(3) After payment is made, your flag will be put in place for 2026 holidays!
Tax season is coming! There are two ways to get a break on your taxes.
(1) Donate $987 as a married couple or $495 as a single taxpayer. Reference the Camp Tatiyee “Make a Gift, Change a Life” form. You may claim this donation as an itemized charity contribution on your tax return.
(2) Use the information on the Camp Tatiyee “Do You Have a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)” form.
NOTE: You have until December 31st of tax year 2025 to make the RMD distribution. Check with your tax advisor if you have questions.
13. Residents, consider joining the Lions Club and becoming a member of Leisure World’s largest service organization. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 pm. Our motto is “WE SERVE”. We help a lot of people who are in need, and we have fun doing it. Come join us!
Lions treat Leisure World Vets and Spouses to breakfast on Veterans Day followed by a program which included songs by Leisure World’s own Desert Belles, rousing Service Songs and a presentation by Jim Piscopo from Bridging Arizona.
Bridging Arizona is local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing nice clean furniture and beds to previously homeless veterans as well as people with physical and mental challenges.
By Steve Becker
The natural instinct for self-preservation has its equivalent at the bridge table. Consider this deal where South is in six clubs and West leads a trump. Declarer sees that his only potential losers are in the diamond suit, and that all he has to do to make the slam is to ruff one or two diamonds in dummy.
But if South gets careless, he goes down. If he wins the club lead and attempts to cash the A-K of diamonds, West ruffs the second diamond and returns a trump, and the slam goes down the drain. Declarer can ruff one diamond in dummy, but not two, and must concede a diamond trick to East to hold himself to down one.
However, if declarer exercises his natural instinct to survive, he cashes the ace of diamonds at trick two and leads the deuce of diamonds at trick three! The defense is helpless against this play. East can win dummy’s ten with jack and return a trump, but declarer is now in full control. He ruffs a low diamond with dummy’s last trump, establishing the suit, and scores the rest of the tricks.
It’s true that declarer will lose a trick by adopting this line of play if the opposing diamonds are divided 3-2. North might even rebuke his partner for so blithely tossing away a trick.
But the fact remains that South will collect 1,370 points by deliberately giving away a 20-point trick, and at the same time will nullify the possibility of losing 100. The trick he gives away is simply a matter of selfpreservation.
(c)2025 King Features Syndicate Inc.
By Ryan A. Berenz
Questions
1. How many touchdown passes did the New England Patriots’ Tom Brady throw in the second quarter of a 59-0 rout of the Tennessee Titans in 2009?
2. Name the Spanish soccer player for Barcelona who won the Women’s Ballon d’Or in consecutive years from 2021 to 2022.
3. The 2025 sports biography film “The Smashing Machine” stars Dwayne Johnson as what mixed martial arts champion?
4. Where and when was the first World Series game to be played in a domed stadium?
5. What Southern California racetrack hosted the Breeders’ Cup horse races in 2017, 2021 and 2024-2025?
6. What set of 72 trading cards was produced in 1979 and included cards of female athletes such as tennis player Rosie Casals, racecar driver Janet Guthrie, gymnast Cathy Rigby and Olympic skier Barbara Cochran?
7. Willie Thrower, recognized as the NFL’s first Black quarterback in the modern era, played for what team in 1953?
Answers
1. Five, an NFL record for one quarter.
2. Alexia Putellas.
3. Mark Kerr.
4. At the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1987.
5. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
6. Supersisters.
7. The Chicago Bears.
(c) 2025 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
By JoAnn Derson
• “When there are big family jobs to be done (like getting ready for the holidays), we write all the tasks down on slips of paper and put them in a hat. We take turns choosing tasks until all the paper is divvied out. Sometimes we trade, but we all get a fair chore list.” -- V.O. in Oregon
• “Let one person be responsible for putting prep dishes, pots and pans in the dishwasher while another prepares the bird and side dishes for the table. You will be halfway done with dishes by the time the meal is over.” -- M.A. in Washington
• Leftover bread can be repurposed as croutons or breadcrumbs. In fact, this is an excellent job for kiddos. With clean hands and a butter knife, older children can cut leftover rolls into manageable size pieces. Spray with olive oil cooking spray and bake at a low temperature (225 F) to dry out. Or crumble stale bread into crumbs and store in the freezer.
• If you love to burn candles, then the odds are good that you have a lot of candle “ends” that can no longer be used. You can purchase new wicks at the craft store and make a new candle from your leftovers. Simply scrape out the leftover wax into a clean tin can with one end removed. Set this can into a pot on your stovetop. Add a few inches of water, and boil to melt the wax. Then, holding the wick in place, you can pour the melted wax back into a candle-safe jar to let cool. Burn away!
• If you have ever had a tough time threading a needle, try this trick. Spritz the end of the thread with a shot of hairspray. It makes the thread stiffer, and it goes right through with no fuss.
Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
By Freddy Groves
The holidays are here, and for many veterans they won’t be very merry. It’s one struggle after the other, and the holidays just bring additional burdens.
There are presents to buy for the kids, there is the weekly dilemma of how to maneuver the rising costs of groceries, etc. We want to step in, but sometimes the needs seem endless and we don’t know if or how we can help.
But, we can. Even a small effort on our part can go a long way to helping fellow veterans make the holidays a little less of a struggle.
If you’re a member of a veterans group, like the American Legion or Disabled American Veterans, you’re in a perfect position to give some real assistance to other veterans.
Here are some ideas to get you started, either as part of a group or individually:
Call Voluntary Services at the closest VA medical center and ask what you can do. You might be asked to run the parking lot shuttle and bring veterans from their car to the door. You might be asked to do one-on-one visits with patients who don’t have friends or relatives to stop by. You might be asked to read to patients with vision problems. If your group is big enough (as well as having a good budget), you might want to host a holiday party for a whole ward, with food, drinks and presents for each patient. Hint: You can seek donations from the community to defray the cost of purchases.
Take a local veteran and family under your wing and ask what they need, whether it’s meals, presents for the kids, a warm pair of boots or some home repairs. Work a shift at a homeless shelter that serves a large population of veterans. You might be cooking, serving meals at the tables or helping veterans find warm winter gear among the donated coats and gloves.
Whatever you do, your help will have an impact.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
PlumbSmart Heating and Air Conditioning - Free service calls + Free A/C diagnostic w/ repair. BBB A+Rated NATE-Certified technicians and quality affordable HVAC service. Seasonal discounts on furnace and AC tune-ups. Senior & Vet discounts, 3-Ton AC unit only $4,995 including installation. Voted Best of East Valley in 2021. Licensed, bonded & insured ROC289252. Call 480-498-8896.
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GARAGE DOOR SERVICE
My Garage Guys Door Service Senior Discounts, Veteran Owned 480-336-0880
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HANDYMAN SERVICES
Handyman Services
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CLASSIFIED AD INFO: $50 for 30 words or less, 25 cents per word over 30. Add a border for $10.
DEADLINE is the 15th of the month for the following month’s publication.
For more information please email eramos@lwca.com.
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I FIXIT REMODELING & HANDYMAN SERVICE
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TODD LACHOWICZ
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If you can think it, I can do it
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HOME REPAIR & REMODELING
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TO PLACE AN AD
CLASSIFIED AD INFO:
$50 for 30 words or less, 25 cents per word over 30. Add a border for $10.
DEADLINE is the 15th of the month for the following month’s publication. For more information please email eramos@lwca.com. FORMS are also available in the LW News Office. For more information, call 480-8320000 Ext. 117.
Home Remodeling and Rain Gutter Specialist. AZ Rooms, Dual Pane Replacement Windows, Aluminum & Vinyl Siding & Trim Seamless Rain gutters-30 colors. Very reliable-Licensed & Bonded. ROC #114475 Call George 480-820-8711. We love small jobs.
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HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
Alanna's Housekeeping
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RENTAL WANTED
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Designing Arizona Landscape
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Let Us Brighten Your Holidays!
Don’t risk the ladder-leave the Christmas lights to us!
We offer exterior holiday decorating, install and take down. Call or text Caden Solberg 480-773-8137
Don’t want the hassle of selling! I buy all makes and models. Cars, RV’s, Golf Carts, etc.
Forty years of buying experience. Honest and dependable Call or email Rickie today. 480-450-4064 or rickietrainor@gmail.com
AKP Services is now offering RESIDENTIAL PAINTING in LEISURE WORLD. We will handle all stucco, siding, and drywall repairs. We have been serving the valley for 20+ years. 480.910.5181 – See the GAMES page for more info.
Spartan Pest Control
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Aqua Tech Plumbing & Drain Senior & Military Discounts ask for David! Over 25 years of experience, drain cleaning, R/O systems, fixtures, water heaters, toilets, water softeners, sewer line locating, leak repairs, slab leaks, repipes, sewer repairs, and much more. Call David 480-507-3335 or 480-2266795 ROC # 228747
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East Valley Plumbing LLC Family Owned and Operated, we have been providing Customers with Quality Service with Integrity for over 30 years. We are East Valley’s Slab Leak Specialist working with most Homeowner Insurance Companies to get maximum benefits for the Customer. We do re-pipes & reroutes, sewer & drain cleaning, garbage disposals, trenchless excavation, natural gas & propane piping, toilets, water heaters, softeners, faucets & fixtures, leaks, water service and sewer repair & replacement, valves, remodeling. Free estimates & competitive pricing. Senior & cash pay discounts. Call 480-2557325. Licensed, bonded, insured.
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Stay Cool & Dry – With Full Services
HVAC and Plumbing
Installations/Upgrades/Maintenance/ Repairs
ACW Mechanical LLC’s Expert Techs are Ready to Help (480) 735-4447 or (949) 235-3877 No trip charge Senior Discount Available!
Geo Roofing
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Designing Arizona Landscape
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I Repair Sprinklers Full-Service Sprinkler Repair & Installation. Specializing in all aspects of sprinkler and drip system repair and installation. Timers, valves, leaks, backflow devices, troubleshooting, etc. Licensed, bonded & insured for your protection, 2-year warranties. Guaranteed lowest priced licensed contractor. Flawless ROC record #243662. Call Mike Smith at 480-233-1009 or schedule online at www.iRepairSprinklers.com.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) This is a good time to let your intrepid ARIES temperament take charge. Your strong leadership skills will help settle still-unresolved situations. Support comes from a surprising source.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your problemsolving talents shine as you move to cool down heated emotions. You also inspire trust in all parties when you act with careful consideration of their feelings.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A long-delayed commitment begins to look better to you. But there’s still a crucial fact or two that you need to know about it. Meanwhile, a health problem needs to be taken care of.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Don’t waste time trying to learn why someone you relied on is wavering in their support of your stand on a workplace issue. Move on with the help of more steadfast allies.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Relationships enter a brighter period, both at home and in the workplace. Prospects also look good for single LEOs and LEOnas, who can expect a welcome visit from Cupid.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Those mixed signals that were complicating your life are giving way now to clear, definitive guidelines. This makes it easier for you to weigh your options and make decisions.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Ask your partner for an explanation of what seems to be a sign of strain in your relationship. The sooner you understand the problem, the sooner you can both act to resolve it.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A new challenge in the workplace holds an exciting
promise for the future. But be aware of the fact that you haven’t been told about all the demands you might have to meet.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your financial picture brightens as you get into sorting out realistic goals from those that are not reachable at this time. “Caution” remains your fiscal watchword.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You’re deep into your new project, which is just fine. But don’t neglect your family and friends. Spending time with people you care for is always a wise investment.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Past feelings are suddenly reawakened. This could make you emotionally vulnerable. Be careful about decisions that you might be asked to make at this time.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You’ve come to a place where you’ll be facing important decisions that can affect your future. Rely on your strong moral compass to guide you toward making the right choices.
BORN THIS MONTH: You’re gifted with both natural wisdom and wit -- a good combination for success as a writer, a teacher and, most importantly, a parent.
• A free estimate on your dream Kitchen or Bathroom • ADA compliant bathrooms
• Handyman Services
Doug 480-228-0287 Service: Chris 480-616-3103 sales@DCKitchensAndBath.com
By Jeff Pickering
