Leisure World News March 2024

CONTACTING

LEISURE WORLD

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.

News Office: 480-832-0000 ext. 117, news@lwca.com

Communications and Community Affairs Director: Diana Bridgett, dbridgett@lwca.com

Managing Editor: Carley Cathemer, ccathemer@lwca.com

Advertising Specialist: Stephen Annunziato, sannunziato@lwca.com

Graphic Designer: Erica Odello, eodella@lwca.com

Cover Design: Erica Odello

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

ADMINISTRATIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS

March Board and District Meetings

All meetings subject to change. Updates will be provided.

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

Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) meetings have been scheduled on the following dates:

Thursday, March 14 - Queen Card Room • Thursday, April 11 - Club Room

Meetings are scheduled from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. If there are any questions, please contact: Don Wodek, District 3 Chair, Leisure World Board Liaison to LRPC .

New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee

Vote to see if you win a prize, over 30 prizes available! Three winners will be announced each week.

Cast Your Vote Electronically!

This vote will ask residents to consider changing the way the New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee is calculated, which will result in an increase to this fee.

Contact Robin Mann if you need help finding your voter link rmann@lwca.com or call 480-832-0000 ex 103.

How it Works

Vote-Now sent residents an email invitation on January 18, 2023. Votes can be cast online or via phone. Ballots must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 31. Remember, only one vote and chance to win per manor! Voting electronically, will take you less than a minute. Just follow these simple steps.

1. Voters will receive an email invitation to vote in their personal email account. The invitation includes a link to our secure site with the voter’s personal registration code embedded. Once a ballot has been cast using this code, it will not work again.

2. Voter clicks the link in the email invitation. The ballot automatically loads in the voter’s browser. No password typing needed.

3. As soon as your vote is cast you will be instantly notified if you are a winner!

4. Upon submission, once the ballot is cast, their code will not work again.

5. During the Vote, Vote-Now will follow-up with reminder emails to those that have not yet voted.

6. Members that do not use a computer may cast their vote by telephone. All submissions are tallied electronically.

Key Advantages

Here are some of the advantages of voting electronically:

• Ability to vote anywhere in the world.

• Automatic ballot counting for instant, accurate, anonymous, and secure results.

• Variety of voting options make it easy for residents to cast their ballot via the internet, calling toll-free hotline.

• Independent, experienced, and unbiased third party overseeing the vote .

• Certified results.

the Swan

Meet Penny, the newest addition to the Leisure World Newspaper. Every month we will be hiding Penny the Swan inside one of the three sections of the paper. The first resident to locate Penny and send us an email stating her exact location will be awarded a gift certificate!

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 must be picked up in the Communications Office

• All correct answers will be collected on the 15th of each month and the winner will be chosen at random.

• There will only be one winner per month.

Wednesday Coffee

March 6th 13th 20th 27th

Leisure World Wednesday Morning Coffee is open to all residents. The wonderful volunteers of the Wednesday Morning Hospitality Committee have been hosting this event for ten years.

Leisure World cordially invites all New Owners to the Wednesday Coffee Chat. 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.

Our Community Manager Clark Collier will join us on the first Wednesday of every month, so be sure to stop by and say hello!

Picture This

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. 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.

CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Leisure World’s New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee

In January 2024, Leisure World Community Association will place the New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee before manor owners for a vote. 55+ communities are becoming a competitive market and Leisure World must continue to remain relevant with new and updated amenities; therefore, investment in our beautiful community is necessary.

This vote will ask residents to consider increasing this fee. In anticipation of questions you may have regarding this proposed change, we have prepared information that will assist you in making an educated, informed decision before you vote.

What is the New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee?

It is a fee charged by Leisure World at the close of escrow on a home sale. This fee is the buyer’s initial investment into Leisure World. There is no cost to the seller, unless negotiated otherwise, and the fee helps fund the amenities that our residents enjoy.

What is the current New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee and what is the proposed amount?

• Currently the fee is $2,000.00, which has not seen an increase in 18 years.

• The average cost of a house in the Phoenix-MesaChandler area 18 years ago was $252,000. In 2022, that average home cost had increased to $505,000. While prices doubled, the New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee has remained the same, hindering our competitive edge in a booming market.

• The proposed new amount would be $4,000. A multiplier of the HOA fee was originally proposed,

(10 x Base Fee = $3,530) however; after much feedback, a fixed amount of $4,000 was decided upon. This amount would remain the same until voted on by residents in the future.

I do not remember paying this fee when I bought my house, is this something new?

No. The New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee has been paid on all home purchases during the closing process since the 1980s.

Do other HOA communities charge this fee?

Yes. It is standard for HOA communities to fund improvements to common property used by residents. In doing research, you will find investment fees are higher than our current New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee in many communities with similar amenities.

Will this fee affect the sale of my home?

No evidence could be found that increasing a New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee will negatively affect the sale of a home. In fact, a higher New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee could add value to the community.

Can the New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee be financed with a mortgage?

Yes, as with any closing costs, the buyer can negotiate these fees into the home purchase price.

Why is the New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee needed?

The fee goes toward the capital reserve budget to

repair, maintain, purchase, construct, and restore community facilities and other related improvements within Leisure World.

How much revenue does the New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee generate annually now, and how much would it generate if the change is approved?

For 2024 it is projected 157 homes will be sold in Leisure World, which will generate $314,000 in revenue. This revenue will be used to improve and modernize our facilities. If the change is approved, an additional $314,000 would be generated, which would allow additional capital improvements and upgrades to be funded.

What are the alternatives if a New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee is not passed, and Capital Reserve Funds are not sufficient?

Raise homeowner annual dues.

Charge a special assessment to homeowners. Borrow money, which will increase our HOA dues to service the debt.

Why hasn’t the New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee been addressed until now?

It was unsuccessfully put to vote a few years ago. Unfortunately, the way it was calculated was confusing to residents, and not all board members supported it. The difference today is that there is a lot of information about the New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee going out to owners and explaining the importance. The language will be clear and residents will know what they are voting on. In addition, the entire Board of Directors has signed a letter in support of the increase.

Why should I care about community improvements?

Buyers interested in homes in Leisure World are not just buying a house. They are investing in a shared community.

Buyers want a financially stable association, updated amenities, and an inviting community they can enjoy.

The condition and appearance of our community facilities have an impact on the amount a buyer is willing to pay for a home in Leisure World.

Keeping our facilities attractive and current in a competitive market is essential to maintaining and increasing home values in our community.

Leisure World is a 50-year-old community and many of our facilities require an increasing level of upkeep, replacement, and modernization, in order to provide the level of service our existing and future residents expect.

Is it true that raising the New Owner’s Capital Contribution Fee could help hold down my HOA fees?

Yes. Many of the projects needing to be done are funded using the capital reserve budget, which is where the increased Capital Contribution Fee would go. The increased fee would help pay for things like paving Leisure World Blvd, fixing sidewalks, updating amenities, building repairs, and the list goes on. If the additional funds are not available, projects may need to be deferred, or the monthly HOA fee increased to raise the needed revenues.

January 18, 2024

Dear Homeowner:

Beginning Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 12:01 am and terminating on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 11:59 pm, homeowners entitled to vote on the following described matter may do so electronically via the “VOTE NOW” platform.

With respect to the proposed action, pursuant to Article VII of the CC&Rs, purchasers of a unit within Leisure World are required to pay a capital contribution fee at the time of purchase, which funds are used to, among other things, repair, maintain, purchase, construct and restore “Community Facilities” and other related improvements within Leisure World. The current fee is $2,000 and was adopted in 2005. The Board proposes revising Article VII to adjust the capital contribution fee to a fixed sum of $4,000, charged to the purchased unit. The Board believes this action to be in the best interests of the Association and supports this action.

Available through the “VOTE NOW” link is the proposed amendment with the revised language.

In order to keep the contribution fee the same for all plats, the proposed amendment is conditioned upon each and every plat approving the amendment for their CC&Rs. In accordance with Article IX of each of the CC&Rs within Leisure World, three-fourths of the homeowners within each of the respective plats must vote ”yes” for the vote to pass. Failure of one plat to approve the amendment—even if others approve—means that the action fails for all plats, and the CC&Rs will not be amended as proposed.

The Board strongly encourages you to participate in voting on this matter. Your vote is needed to obtain the percentage approval required for this amendment.

Thank you for your time and for your assistance. If you have any questions in regard to these documents, please email them to Robin Mann at rmann@lwca.com.

The Board of Directors

Leisure World Community Association

BALLOT AND VOTING INSTRUCTIONS LEISURE WORLD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

January 18, 2024

Instructions: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. The period for voting commences Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 12:01 am and terminates on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 11:59 pm.

All voting will be done electronically via the “VOTE NOW” platform.

The vote contemplates amending Article VII of each of the CC&Rs within Leisure World as further detailed in the ballot and in the form of amendment provided to each homeowner.

Pursuant to Section 3.6 of the Bylaws, action may be taken by written ballot.

If a quorum is established (5% of all votes, or 134 votes), then pursuant to Article IX of each of the CC&Rs within Leisure World, three-fourths (3/4ths) of the homeowners within each of the respective plats must vote “yes” for the vote to pass.

Votes must be cast prior to Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 11:59 pm.

Please note, the collective vote is conditional on each and every plat reaching the required threshold of affirmative votes. Failure of one plat to approve the amendment—even if others approve—means that the action fails for all plats, and the CC&Rs will not be amended as proposed.

FORM OF BALLOT

In order to

Grant Awardees 2024

After an application process and review, the following non-profit organizations have been awarded Leisure World Foundation grants:

Assistance League of East Valley Bag & Boob Babes

Child Crisis of AZ

House of Refuge

Lutheran Social Services

Matthew 25 Prison Ministry, Inc.

Parents of Murdered Children

Save the Family

The focus of the grants is to support the physical and mental well-being of people with diverse backgrounds, families from young to seniors, and different settings. Representatives were introduced at the March 20 Premier Speaker presentation. Future articles will highlight the deserving organizations and the awarded grants.

Two Leisure World groups also benefitted from this grant process: Leisure World Chorus and the Ukulele players.

Thank you

I would like to sincerely thank the Leisure World Foundation and all of its members for the gracious gift of purchasing a beautiful piano and allowing us to use it at Rec. 2.  I am impressed with your continued support of our Community and finding ways to do it with the unfortunate tax constraints that were put into place.   The Foundation has been a tremendous partner with Leisure World and I appreciate it greatly and look forward to working with you in the future.

Dan Callahan, LW Board Treasurer

Roger Naylor, March 20 Speaker

The following is an introduction from Roger Naylor, the next Leisure World Foundation Premier Speaker:

Howdy!

Two great truths define me: I’m a writer and I live in Arizona.

I knew this remarkable state was where I belonged as soon as I arrived as a wide-eyed college student. It captivated me with its epic beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich history.

My path as a writer had been set years before when I first read Mark Twain. Somehow, I was able to combine my two great passions and become an Arizona travel writer.

These days you’ll find me rambling around my beloved Arizona and writing about what I find. My specialties include state and national parks, lonely hiking trails, twisting back roads, diners with burgers sizzling on the grill, small towns, ghost towns, and pie. My work has appeared in the Arizona Republic, The Guardian, USA Today, Arizona Highways, and dozens more.

in 2019 I was chosen to write the Grand Canyon National Park Centennial Magazine. The 56-page glossy magazine is distributed at the park.

In 2020, I was chosen to become the narrator of the Verde Canyon Railroad. This long-running excursion train that ventures into a high-walled red rock canyon patrolled by bald eagles is an Arizona treasure. And I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

And, you will be thrilled when Roger Naylor will be at the Hopi-Pima Ballroom, on Wednesday, March 20 at 6:00.

At 5:30, President Barry Jacobsen with Past President Donna Bailey will introduce Leisure World Foundation grantees and checks will be awarded.

After the presentation, refreshments will be provided in cooperation with Desert Financial: Wills and Trusts Division and the Rec Department.

In 2018, I was truly honored to be inducted into the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame.

For years now I’ve written for the official Arizona State Visitor Guide, as well as visitor guides for Sedona, Scottsdale, and Yuma. And here’s something cool—

Leisure World Golf Tournament 2024

The 2024 Leisure World Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, March 21 at Coyote Run Golf Course with tee times for foursomes starting at 1:00 pm. It will be a scramble format with men hitting from the red tees and women hitting from the yellow tees.

Dinner will be catered by Premier Catering and social hour (BYOB) will follow golf. Prizes for overall low score, low score for mixed men/women foursomes, and overall high score will be distributed at the dinner. There will be both a silent and live auction featuring entertainment and golf-related items, including lessons from Leisure World pros and passes for golf at other nearby gold courses.

Registration for golf and dinner are $70/pp and extra dinners are $35/pp.

Registration is due by noon, March 16 at the Coyote Run Pro Shop. Participants should plan to bring extra dollars to purchase mulligans (a steal at $5 each) and participate in games at various holes. Of course, there will be “goodie bags” for participants.

Golfers will have an opportunity to win a new Lexus on hole #6 with a hole-in-one. This tournament along with other Foundation Challenge Day events provide funds that are distributed to various East Valley charities and groups within Leisure World. They are selected each year from applications submitted to the Leisure World Foundation Board. In 2024, $69,000 was distributed.

In addition, funds will be raised via a “Paddle Auction” for projects inside the walls of Leisure World. These monies will be added to the non-deductible Leisure World Improvement Fund. Our first project is to raise funds to maintain and improve walking paths by the “Lakes” and cart paths at both golf courses.

If you have questions, contact Barry Jacobsen, at 406-581-1277 or barryjj63@q. com.

Thank You

Leisure World Foundation received a check for $1944 from ValleyGoldmine for the Buy Back program at the end of January. Thank you to residents for bringing in items to make the donation possible. They will be back at the end of January 2025!

This will be the last speaker for the season, but the Leisure World Foundation always appreciates suggestions for future speakers. Send ideas to LWFoundationAZ@gmail.com

Thank you from Dyan Brown, organizer extraordinaire.

Walking and Golf Paths Repair Project

The Leisure World Foundation Board is in agreement with the Leisure World Community Association (LWCA). has begun fundraising to address the repair and maintenance of community walking paths in the “Lakes” area and cart paths on both the Heron Lakes and Coyote Run Golf Courses.

There are nearly 10 miles of walking paths and cart paths that need to be addressed and costs are estimated at more than $100,000. We have raised more than $20,000 toward this goal. Significant cracks and raised slabs are a significant tripping and falling liability to the LWCA.

The IRS made changes in what a 501(c)(3) charity like the Leisure World Foundation can do with tax-deferred funds. In light of this, the Foundation created the Leisure World Improvement Fund for non-tax deferred donations. The Foundation has been asked many times to create such a fund to address “inside the walls” projects. As discussed in a previous article, changes in the tax laws have now made tax deferred donations impractical unless you have more than nearly $30,000 of deductions for a couple. In fact, the IRS states that nearly 90% of filers are now using the standard deduction.

We are now seeking donations to the non-tax deductible Leisure World Improvement Fund. Donation forms are available at the front desk in the Administration Building or from Foundation Board members.

Please contact Barry Jacobsen, Foundation President at: LWFoundationAZ@gmail. com if you have questions.

Checks can be mailed to:

Leisure World Foundation, 908 South Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85206

Please note in the memo line on the check this is for the Leisure World Improvement Fund.

History Of National Reading Month

https://nationaltoday.com/national-reading-month/

March was designated as National Reading Month to celebrate Dr. Suess. He was born on March 2, 1904. Interestingly enough, Dr. Suess was not a doctor at all, he was a writer and an illustrator of very popular children’s books including “The Cat in the Hat” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. He also wrote several books for beginner readers of which “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish” (published in 1960) was the most notable one. He received a Pulitzer Prize in

1984 for his contribution to the education of America’s children and their parents.

Today we might take reading for granted but it has a very long history and there was a time when only a few people knew how to read. The first written communication did not happen until 3500 B.C., and the first books did not appear until around 23 B.C. in Rome. Around this time, books were also developed in some Asian countries and the Middle East. Before the printing press was introduced in the 15th century,

MARY ELLEN’S CORNER OF BLESSINGS

Mary Ellen doValle

We are marching into another month, but we are ready to spring into another season of promise and wonders. When I first began this column, I was hoping that my readers would contribute their experiences with their individual blessings. However, I found myself looking for uplifting words from other sources. This month, I would like to share some of the blessings and thoughts to hopefully uplift those who feel they are falling and increase the positivity in those who have had negative experiences lately.

I have also discovered that the blessings are not unique in concept and the similarities are noticeable no matter the variances in cultures and locations. This got me thinking that we are one no matter of race, color, beliefs, and financial status. We are one in our hopes and trials. We share similar journeys in our life’s voyage.

So, as we begin this month of March, let us march into a better understanding of our fellow man and share kindness and blessings with each other.

My first contribution is the blessing given by the Apache tribe to each other and friends. Compare this to the famous Irish Blessing.

“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

books were quite expensive and rare but as printed books gained popularity, Literacy rates began to rise. In 1892, the first book covers appeared and in the 19th century, publishers started printing books with hardbacks.

Nowadays, even though almost everyone can read, people hardly read and, unfortunately, we are losing our reading culture as a society. That is why we all need this National Reading Month which is a whole month to help us revive our reading habits.

APACHE BLESSING

"May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being, may you walk gently through the world and know il's beauty all the days of your life."

Life changes so quickly.

We can be happy one day, empty and broken the next.

If we learn anything through hard times, I hope it is to value the moments, treasure the memories and hold onto what counts. Make time each day to realize how fleeting life is and to thank God for each blessing. Maybe hard times will teach us to slow down, appreciate what we have and to realize how quickly it can be gone.

My prayer is that it will.

Life is a gift.

Amen!

I think I was 10 years old when I rode a motorcycle for the first time. My friend’s dad was teaching him and I how to ride a dirt bike along the shore of a lake in Alabama, where I spent my summers. I took my turn and was riding around and positioned myself to ride towards the lake. I then rode into the lake and sunk my friend’s motorcycle. Not sure what happened, my friend and his dad were yelling at me to brake or turn, guess I just panicked.

How I came to love motorcycles after my first experience, I do not know, but I did. Motorcycles have been part of my life since then, and riding is one of several hobbies I have, but probably my favorite. It is a hobby that has fond family memories, that I have been paid for, and that I use to “get away.”

Before I was married and had a family, I had a few sports bikes (a.k.a. – “crotch rockets”). I swore off ever owning a Harley, as I thought I would be forever young and enjoyed being hunched over, hugging the gas tank on my fast crotch rockets.

Early in my police career, it was suggested that I test to be a motorcycle officer. Yep, I was a dreaded motorcycle officer who followed the motto of “kickstand goes down, ticket book comes out.” If you have ever gotten a

by Barb Yapp

We all moved into Leisure World for a variety of reasons: the security, the amenities, home values, or Arizona sunsets and weather. Whatever your reason, it is necessary to keep Leisure World attractive to new owners, as well as maintained for our current residents. We have committees to help make suggestions. The Golf Advisory Committee looks into how to keep costs in line while finding improvements on our courses. The Long Range Planning Committee explores ideas for land use, future amenities, and ways to attract new home buyers. The Rules and Regulations Committee is vital

Behind the Desk of Clark Collier

warning from a motorcycle cop, consider yourself one of the very few.

I did not particularly like handing out tickets, but honestly, during the months of March and October in AZ, I could not believe I was getting paid to ride a motorcycle. Before deciding to follow the leadership, path and promote, I had the opportunity to be assigned a police Kawasaki motorcycle, a Harley, and then a BMW. The BMW was the safest, but the Harley Electra Glide was by far the coolest.

I have two boys, and both had an interest in riding motorcycles at a young age. We became a dirt bikeriding family, exploring places to ride in AZ. Both my boys are grown now, and I sold the dirt bikes a couple of years ago, not because I wanted to, but because my riding family grew up. The boys moved on to wanting to drive, getting jobs, and hanging out with their friends.

Harley Davidson Fat Boy. I am primarily a weekend rider, and my wife frequently rides with me. She knows how to ride and enjoyed her time on a dirt bike, but she now prefers to ride on the back of the Harley.

So, what was next, yep, I bought a Harley. So much for being young forever. For you motorcycle enthusiasts, you will appreciate that it has a special place in the garage. It is a 2003 (100-year anniversary edition)

So, why did I tell you all this, because it is March! I really hope each of you has a hobby that you love and enjoy doing. If you happen to be a motorcycle enthusiast like me, wear a helmet!

The Appeal of Leisure World

for building a framework for harmonious coexistence. Lastly, the Architectural Control Committee balances improvements to individual residences that potentially increase property values while keeping Leisure World aesthetically pleasing.

The Board of Directors listens to suggestions from these groups and works with administration to implement changes where and when necessary. The Community Manager and his administrative staff are tasked with the day-to-day operations of running Leisure World business. With thirty-two plus million dollars in assets, Leisure World is a business. It is continually monitored and adjusted to be as productive, cost effective, and efficient as possible.

Editor’s Note

Family Traditions

It is the Community Manager’s and Board of Directors’ responsibility to communicate changes. While you may not agree with the decisions, it is our duty to do what is best for the majority of the residents. Many residents believe they know how things should operate based on their personal experiences, but running a successful HOA is unique and different from other organizations. It is important to remember that the Community Manager is balancing all aspects of the Leisure World business: costs, safety, resources, and communications. It is not an easy job, but by having rational and open conversations on all topics, we can continue to move Leisure World forward.

Last year, my husband and I purchased our first home here in Arizona. We left the bitter cold of New Jersey behind almost seven years ago. It has been quite a challenge putting this home together as every house has its own character and personality. Yet, we are having such a great time as a family putting our own stamp on this house.

In creating a home, this Easter holiday is one that I am certainly looking forward to. When I was younger, my grandmother made every holiday special. Her home was always decorated for the seasons, which I have adapted into my lifestyle. It’s so funny because many of the traditions that I bucked against; I experience with my family. I remember going to JC Penny and picking out my Easter dress and Spring trench coat along with my new socks with the ruffles and slip (Yes, a slip! I am showing my age here!). Although most churches are casual, for Easter Sunday, I revert back to those traditions of my youth. Some things just stick with you.

I am excited to host Easter brunch in my home. My mother and siblings will be here from Texas. I have been frantic getting the formal dining room together while searching for just the right dinnerware and items for the perfect tablescape. My menu is going to be nostalgic for my mom as I am creating dishes from recipes that I have from my grandmother, to include homemade bread. I am learning all about the sourdough starter. If you have any tips, I will take all the suggestions to help the bread come out perfectly.

It is moments of reflection that make me so grateful that I had a grandmother that was so diligent in keeping so many passed down traditions alive in our family. She is no longer with us, but I see so much of her in my children and even in myself. She would always say things that I did not understand the value of until I became a mother or was further along in life. I miss her so much, but her wisdom lives on.

What family traditions have you passed down to your families that were extremely important to you? Also, do you see any of yourself in your grandchildren? It is a true blessing to see the imprint of ourselves in the younger generations. This is the true family tradition, the hand down of legacy.

As many of us reflect during Lent, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, let us also reflect on the gift of life, the sacrifice of life and the legacy of life.

Enjoy your family this Easter holiday!

KJ and Hunter

Column Writers

Wanted

Do you have an area of expertise you would like to share?

Whether it is home improvement, restaurant reviews, style tips or money saving hacks we would love to feature you in your very own column right here in the Leisure World Newspaper.

To be considered people shoot us an email to news@ lwca.com with your name, the type of content you would like to write as well as an example or 2 of the things you would like to cover. Giving factual information is important to us as a department as well as to the residents who read the paper, so please also include any details that will add credit to your writing.

Having a variety of topics within the newspaper is important to us, given that Leisure World is made up of so many different people who all have different backgrounds. We hope that as we evolve as a community the newspaper can evolve with you!

It is officially sun basking season. I hope you all have been catching some sun rays, taking some sunshine naps, and living like a lizard on a rock; just soaking up that sunshine. I know that I have!

But as promised, in continuation of my February write up this month I am tasked with telling an infamous Cathemer family story.

St. Patrick’s Day in the Cathemer home and would begin with the unveiling of the leprechaun’s mayhem. Said mayhem would range from green marker dots drawn on your face while you were sleeping, flipped furniture, green milk and cereal to a new, entirely green outfit to wear to school that day. However, one year this mayhem would take a turn!

That fateful year began with the usual green dots and flipped furniture but as myself and my two older brothers

The Paving of Leisure World Boulevard

We Want to Hear your Questions!

The Communications Department will be working with Justin Bauch – the Facilities Manager to answer all your questions regarding the paving of Leisure World Blvd, a project projected to start this summer.

The sourced questions will be answered by Justin Bauch in a podcast episode available on all listening platforms and YouTube. This will be the first installment of many podcast episodes regarding the paving project as we will be giving frequent updates throughout the project.

We are asking all residents to submit their questions and concerns to the Communications Department via email at news@lwca.com. We want to ensure you all feel informed and heard.

emerged from our bedrooms to behold the “wreck” that was our living room our home phone started ringing. My mother, fighting a fit of giggles at the dismay I am sure marked our faces answered the phone and she quickly urged us to the car.

I grew up 2 minutes from my maternal grandmother, a woman who loved us and who unbeknown to us had taken the holiday on herself to make it memorable. With a quick car ride we found ourselves looking at my grandmother’s front door left slightly ajar. I am told that through what happens next my mom was in a fit of laughter, her and my grandmother both struggling to keep a somewhat serious demeanor.

With the door ajar we pressed on, only to find the same scene that we had left in our own home. The chairs were knocked over, a couch flipped on its side, blankets strewn about and a muffled sound coming from the hall closet. We, as fearless children, raced to the door and with a pull it revealed my loving grandmother. She was in the closet with what looked like rope tying her hands behind her back. She informed us that it was the

Phonebooks are here!

Good news friends, the 2024 phonebooks are in. If you pre-ordered a book, please check your mailbox as they were mailed the week of February 20th.

If you missed out on pre-ordering, do not fret! There are plenty of phone books to go around, however please know that the cost of a phone book is $5, and they are available for purchase in the Communications office. We do ask that you pay with cash or check.

If you have any questions feel free to send us an email at news@lwca.com or give us a call at ext. 117.

Valley Farms (the city we lived in) leprechaun had come into her home, made the mess, and had locked her in the closet! Outraged, my siblings and I did our best to free her from the injustice this leprechaun had bestowed upon her (looking back a gust of wind could have blown the sewing thread from around her wrists). As I am sure you could imagine we were out for blood, this was the ultimate wrong. We spent our morning readjusting the house and cursing any evil leprechauns who dared toe the doorway of our grandma’s home.

This story, though might seem a bit extreme, is a perfect example of the lengths my family went into ensuring that we had a memorable childhood. It only took a few more years to understand that we had been hoodwinked and that our sweet grandmother had officially pulled the wool over our eyes. But we didn’t care. It was a testament to how playful she was and how much she loved spending time with us kids. We knew we were loved and she knew by our reactions just how much we loved her.

I hope you all make a little mischief this March, be playful with your families, let them know they are loved.

AAUW Mentor Jan Kelly talks about Nursing Scholar Jessica Salcedo

Jessica was accepted by the AAUW EAST Mesa Branch scholarship program for the years 23 /24, to complete a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.) Jessica is working hard to complete 2-years of nursing studies at Mesa Community College toward her Register Nurse program. She is required to take the NCLX exam to become a Registered Nurse in the state of Arizona as a final requisite of the program. And, she is consecutively completing 2 years of studies toward her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) at Grand Canyon University.

It is wonderful to see her enthusiasm in becoming a much-needed skilled person caring for patients, in the health care industry. Jessica has overcome many adversities and obstacles in her tenacious advance toward her career.

She is a single mother of four boys! Her youngest son lives with an ongoing heart condition, which means she spends a great deal of time in and out of hospitals. Her real-life experiences have encouraged her to learn more in order to take care of her family. Jessica’s love of medicine has drawn her to the fields of pediatrics and neonatal intensive care.

The challenges of acquiring an education, while managing a family and working as a “nurse extern” gives Jessica a full schedule. Gaining real healthcare experiences, outside of her educational program has given her an edge in future opportunities. She works one night a week at a local hospital, in the areas of postpartum and in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In addition, she finds time to volunteer at Banner

Children’s Hospital. In the child life department, her activities include keeping children calm during admissions.

During the college education programs, all nursing students spend time in the local hospitals to gain real-life experiences in patient care. Students provide full nursing care to multiple patients under the direct supervision of an RN and sometimes a faculty member. The program also supports the student in producing a professional portfolio. It also supports learning to integrate theory with clinical practice. Jessica’s clinical experiences have included nursing care in the medical, surgical, and obstetrics departments. She pursues each new field of medicine eagerly.

Recently, Jessica took the NCLEX-PN exam (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses). This exam is vital in ensuring that one can safely practice as an entry-level practical or vocational nurse. The NCLEX-PN measures the competency of nurses to protect patients from unsafe nursing practices. Jessica passed the exam! She will now be able to work in hospitals and gain valuable experiences along the way.

AAUW has given Jessica the opportunity to afford this intensive educational program to become a nurse. She attends all the events provided by AAUW and enjoys interacting with mentors and other scholars to grow her network and practice other life skills.

As a mentor, I enjoy speaking with Jessica on the phone and meeting with her at varying intervals. I love being there for her as a supporter, advocate, and advisor, as the need arises. Jessica still has much work to complete, tests to take, clinicals to experience, and hospitals to visit. She has the tenacity and perseverance to complete the program and, embrace her future goals. I am very proud of Jessica and all that she is working to achieve.

Celebrating 50 years of marriage are Doug and Donna Bailey with smiles and pizza.

by Sue De Carlo

Donations: The donations received in February are appreciated by all who use the library as these donations and our book sales are all the money the library gets to buy new books.

The Library Annual Fund Raising Campaign Continues through March. The Library functions completely on the voluntary contributions of time, books and money donated by residents. If you havent yet donated please write a check to the LW Library and place it in the donation box on the circulation desk.

The spring Crafts Fair and Book Sale will take place on Saturday, March 16 on the Rec 1 pathways, shops and Prominade from 9am to 2pm. Happy shopping!

Library Hours – Daily 8:00 am to 10:00 pm – volunteers are scheduled 8am to 4pm daily

Reviews of New Acquisitions – This month the reviews and ratings are from the readers at goodreads.com.

Non- Fiction – Broken Code: Inside Facebook and the Fight to Expose Its Harmful Secretism by Jeff Horwitz. - Mr Horwitz, an award winning technology reporter at The Wall Street Journal, chronicles the journey of the Facebook employees who successfully identified the root systemic causes of the scandals that rocked the compamy and the harm Facebook was causing individuals and society as a whole. They worked for months to adjust the platform so the harm could be stopped only to find that the head office found the fix too expensive and ended the project. The employees faced an existential dilema: keep silent or move against their employer. In the 2.5 months since publication 69% rated 4 or 5 stars.

LP Mystery – Lost and Hound by Rita Mae Brown (#15 in the Sister Jane series) The setting is rural Virginia in Fall. The characters all have a place in the custom of ‘The

Hunt”, fox hunting that is; packs of dogs, horses, top hats ,red coats and bugles. The mystery begins when a stranger’s corpse, tied to a chair, is found in the path of an early season hunt. By page 24 the reader will have met all the many people, dogs, horses, pets and birds that figure in this fascinating mystery. If it is your preference you might skip the introductions and refer to them when you meet each character in the story. Most readers are charmed by the non-humand speak to each other and are made full participants in the story. Sister Jane Arnold is the protagonist and master of the foxhounds. Some said they found the story to be weak but learned a lot about fox hunting and a disappearing way of life. 66% rated 4 or 5 stars

LP Fiction – The Land of Lost Things by John Connolly

- Although this was written as a sequel to “The Book of Lost Things” written 17 years ago reviewers say it reads well as a stand alone. An 8 year old child lies in a coma after a car accident while her mother gets involved in a magical world. Written with vivid imagry the book reveals a world of magic and adventure folklore, fairytales and fantasy touch upon themes of grief, loss, lonliness, resilience and hope. 72% rated 4 or 5 stars.

RP Mystery Thriller– The Fury by Alex MichaelidesA reclusive, retired movie star, her husband, son, two best friends and two long time servants are alone on the star’s Greek Island. Although there is a murder this story is nothing like Agatha Christie’s “ And Then There Were None”. It is more of a tragic love story. With long introductions of each character the suspense and action are slow to materialize but those who really liked the book said it was well written and worth the read. 51% rated 4 or 5 stars

RP Fiction – The Midnight Lock by Jeffrey Deaver

- This is an action packed thriller pitting forensic chriminologist Lincoln Rhyme against a deranged criminal known as The Locksmith. There are many twists, turns and connections being untangled as well as interesting characters. Readers may learn a lot about the details of skills and materials cogent to the story. Some reviewers said there were too many interuptions in the flow of the action by information dumps. 77% rated 4 or 5 stars.

Speculative Fiction – The Calling by L.C. Pye is a dystopian fantasy encompassing the beginnings of a romance. The story is developed through the views of the different characters knitted together seemlessly. There are well drawn characters and lots of action. The themes are friendship amd community. It is light, wholesome and fast paced . 74% rated 4 or 5.

Library Stats

The Finishing Touches: 1998-2013

The 25th Anniversary Celebrations. In 1998 Leisure World came of age. There had been 15 years of selfgovernment, and 25 years since Leisure World was chartered. It was a time to celebrate and celebrate it did from May 23-29, (1998). A committee of 15 spent almost a year preparing the Open House, Club presentations, dances in the ballroom, Bingo competitions, a golf tournament, an outdoor music festival, fireworks and more. The week consisted of 33 different activities for LW’s 4400 residents.

The first quarter century had been eventful. LW survived the retirement of the concept founder Ross Cortese (1975), the receivership of the founding Western Savings Co. (1990) the acquisition of the remaining properties the Company owned which passed to the receiver, and the selling of the last lots by a group of LW residents by 1992. The original goal - to become one of the best seniors communities in the Valley had been achieved. Official surveys of LW residents by the ASU/Merrill consulting group in 1998 and 2004 confirmed that 96% of LW residents were satisfied. It had become a peaceful yet active, retirement center in which to “live out our lives in peace and security,” as Cortese had contemplated.

The Realty World. Manor prices continued to increase. The average LW manor selling price was $130,000 in 1997. It increased to $197,000 in 2013. The Realty group’s performance was recognized as the ‘best in the valley’ in 2001.

With the passage of time, there had been numerous changes to meet the expectations of new home owners. No more condos were built. The building of alcoves was discontinued and the lot density was increased. Two car garages became the standard. Custom homes were permitted. The original Rossmore and Golden Hills nomenclature was dropped. After the first 1000 manors were built, landscaping switched from grass to desert.

Annual sales would fluctuate with a 50% reduction coming in 2006. Full recovery did not occur until 2010. That year a marketing study was conducted and a 32 minute DVD produced entitled “This is our Leisure World.” It complimented the earlier one on the golf course. They both helped sell LW visually.

During these 15 years non LW realtors increased their sales inside LW. Conversely some outside sales were made by LW realtors after 2004. In 2013 a group of realtors left LW to start their own agency and made 40% of all LW sales, in competition with LW’s own Realty Company. They were more willing to alter their commissions. That led to the first franchise agreement with Remax Realty in 2011.

LW Sales were augmented when the state Covenants, Conditions and Rules (CC and R’s) permitted sales to the 45-55 age group. There was a limit. No Plat could have more than 20% of its owners in that age group. One of the owners had to be over 55. To help owners and estates sell their manors, the Lions club offered to sell all of the furnishings. They also began the popular Parade of Homes in 2005 to showcase

newly renovated and modernized manors.

Management Decisions. The 1998-2013 period was noted for its unusual stability under manager Jon Devner who managed LW from 1993-2010. Security remained the primary selling feature, although it did not stop all burglaries. In response, the security department expanded its role to conduct educational presentations on improving security, especially by locking garages and cars. The apprehension of two of three intruders, who scaled the NE wall from the cemetery in 2003 underlined the problem. Another armed intruder was caught within 15 minutes of his arrival. A night patrol was added in 2006. More video cameras were added to the gates and elsewhere. Control was improved but it was not perfect.

AED’s were introduced (1999). In one 7 year period they were used 18 times and saved 2 lives The Monitor 6 alarm system was discontinued in 2003 and replaced with 911 calls. House calls by RN’s stopped in 2008 under state rules. The Bus service was discontinued in 2010 when it was determined that the same 25 users were the only ones who used the service. A Seniors Expo was organized for offsite businesses to present themselves to LW residents, netting up to $40,000 per year.

Infrequent storms could also wreck havoc. After one, 200 trees fell, some hitting adjacent manors. A well received gesture was the planting of memorial trees on the golf course, in memory of a beloved.

Devner joined the United Way Board to which LW had contributed since 1976. LW is the only retirement facility in the East Valley that permitted the UWay to fundraise on its site. The UWay remains the only exception to LW’s ‘no canvassers’ rule. Devner also joined the Board of the Mesa multigenerational senior citizen complex completed in 1999. He also hosted visiting delegations from Norway, Japan and Germany. The Korean visitors were so impressed they signed a five year consulting agreement with LW.

Birds and Animals at LW. Flora and fauna at LW have received the attention of LW residents attention ever since it opened. Javelina were occasional visitors and were drugged and removed. Skunks remain a continuing problem and were costly to trap. Thirty were removed in one year (2007). Eleven racoons and their pups were similarly removed one season.

Security Chief Wilman wrote a pamphlet on the six coyotes he had removed. Tiger scent was tried on them but it didn’t work. Controlling the pigeons and geese using rat poison caused too many other casualties. A $25 fine for feeding the ducks had marginal results. Laser wiring was tried on the pigeons. Removing their wings and turning them over to a rehabilitation center worked, as their wings took six months to regrow. On the positive side, 28 bird species were found on a LW watching trip.

Boards and Budgets. In 1992, the Board revised its 1984 Long Term Plan. That led to the identification of unmet needs and a list of resident wishes and wants. A Community Improvement Committee (CIC) was

struck to develop an expansion plan for LW. In a resident vote their proposal was approved 1898 to 500. Having generated support for the expansion program, the CIC was replaced with a new Long Term Planning (LTP) committee in 2004. The planning committee met with 47 clubs, held 4 forums and then tabled their report. Their goal was to prioritize the planned projects and ensure they enhanced the quality of life of LW residents. That would lead to the largest capital investment by residents in LW - $4.0M. It was approved with a promise there would be no increase in the monthly fee to pay for it, as LW had been debt free since 2001.

Addressing those plans led to an increase in the capital improvement fee on the sale of each manor to $2000 in 2006. As one Board member emphasized in 2010, “You can’t keep HOA’s low and ask for donations that contribute to everyone”.

As part of these reviews, a mission statement was approved in 2003 to direct LW to “provide the opportunity for personal growth, fulfillment and a rewarding lifestyle.” A Master Plan was approved in 2008 which led to a Strategic Plan to 2020.

When Mark Wade arrived as the new manager in 2010 he commissioned another Reserve Study. It pointed out that the reserve fund was 4.2% of LW’s depreciated capital. That led to a more detailed report in 2011 that recommended the LW Reserve Fund be increased to 30%. The next year the first increase in the monthly fees for capital purposes was implemented, at $8 per month. Most of the money went to capital replacement with the remainder into the Reserve.

Implementing the Long Term Plan. The first Community Improvement project was to merge and expand the fitness center and integrate the male and female sides in a 5000 sq. ft. expansion to Rec 1. The expansion cost $1.1M but did not include the $300,000 for the equipment needed to furnish it. Those funds came through resident donations in 2002/3. Then came the building of Rec 3 at a cost of $1.0M. It opened in 2005.

These projects were overlapped by the need to replace the 20 year old golf course irrigation systems at a cost of $2.75M. It was financed over several years, in part by 35 - 5 year notes of $20,000 each from supportive residents. That project was completed in 2010 and was paid off by 2012.

The major expansion was to renovate Rec 2. Contemplated in the 2005 plan, it was initiated to

the cafeteria, replace the interim Pro Shop, create an arts and crafts room and upgraded the swimming pool.

The total cost of all these projects was $4.0M. The projects were funded by $2.86M secured through donations from 700 residents, and channelled through the LW Foundation, along with $1.2M from the Facilities Modernization Fund (FMF). The whole project was completed in 2009\10.

Sports and Clubs. While membership in most clubs remained constant, the golf membership continued to decline over time and was down to 626 (2011) members, before increasing slightly to 687 in 2012. Rounds cost $50 ($56 for guests) in 2006 and were set to be competitive with the two adjacent courses that are within a mile of LW. (There are a total of 200 golf courses in the Phoenix area.) The LW subsidy of the golf course has remained constant at about $17 per month since 2008. Realtors estimated that 12-15% of LW purchasers did so because of the golf courses. In 2008 there were 4 pros and 19 employees to maintain the golf courses.

Tennis continued to be the second most popular sport with over 300 members. Pickleball started with its first 18 members (2012). Both sports wanted more courts, leading to the building of eight new tennis courts on the sales office parking lot, and converting two tennis courts north of the admin building into eight pickleball courts. The cost was $1.9M. The clubs raised $530,000 of that amount from their members before the project was completed in 2013.

Nearby. The Lutheran Hospital complex which had added 104 beds in 1988, continued to expand to 342 beds with a two floor addition in 2005. It merged with the larger Banner Hospital organization in 1999. Further expansion occurred when the adjacent Banner Baywood Heart Hospital was opened in 2000 with 60 beds, before being expanded further to 111 beds in 2004, making it one of the largest in the USA.

Robert Lampard, Manor 563

Your Leisure World Mixed Chorus Has Gone GREEN!

At our Celebration Dinner after our March 10th concert, we’ll rejoice that we were able to share “SMILE” with you, our wonderful audience. AND, we’ll celebrate our effort to bring more smiles to our Earth and all its creatures. How? We’re not buying the plastics industry hype that promotes party items as “convenient & disposable”. We want to reduce the amount of those plastics going into our oceans and landfills by reusing them! Why?

Each year in the U.S., over 40 billion pieces of single-use plastic cutlery1 and thousands of tons of plates, cups, glasses, straws, etc. are thrown away2. They litter our oceans and threaten all marine life. They crowd landfills and never completely decompose. Instead, as they break down, they release toxic microplastics into our soil, our air, and our water.

Yes, it took time for us to change our ‘habits of waste’, but we’ve done it! For our delivered dinners, we request no plates/flatware; we use our Kirkland premium heavy-duty plates and flatware. After a meal, we place them in labeled bus bins. Then our crew gets busy. Table covers are wiped down and folded for reuse. Plates and flatware are taken home and cleaned in dishwashers, and bottom rack. They’ve been washed/reused four times so far; most have survived! Also, we bring our own glassware with our beverages. Ah, our toasts are a symphony of melodic clinks!

All the above is based on the type of meals we

enjoy, but there are so many ways to reduce/reuse. If a caterer brings/takes back ‘real’ stuff, hooray! For a boxed meal, ask about the ‘box’. And if it’s plastic, folks can take it, wash it, and use it to gift friends and family with leftovers. Creativity is the way we can all do this, one by one.

“If you would like to learn more about the hazards of plastic waste, the positive initiatives that are in place, and ways you can participate in solutions, go to the non-profit habitsofwaste.org.”

If you would like more information, please feel free to contact Denise Haala, Social Director, at 224-8057885.

1Forbes, 2019 2USEPA, 2023

Financial Stability is Almost Reached: 2013-2023

The 40th Anniversary in 2013. Celebrations were postponed to coincide with the completion and ribbon cutting for the 8 new tennis and 8 new pickleball courts in November 2013. The weekend celebrations were extensive and included exhibits, bingo and shuffleboard tournaments, a railroad display and a fun fest including a ferris wheel, dunking of Directors, a bike tour, a rock wall climb, a petting zoo, free popcorn, and a food venue staffed by the Lions club. The week ended with a golf tournament. The Leisure World News followed up with an interview with James Dick, the grandson of the original 1919 owner of the LW site, Charles H. Turner.

ReMax Classic Realty. Inflation had been under control for many years but that didn’t stop another 50% sales drop in actual sales in 2015 leaving the franchise with no LW contribution for the year - a first. In response, an article was written for the LWNews underlining why residents should use LW’s own realty company to buy and sell their manors.

The separation of realtors for listing and for selling was discontinued with staff permitted to do both again. Sales jumped, particularly by on site staff whose participation in LW sales increased to 194 of 213 sales (2016). A video of Rec 1 and a Welcoming brochure for new purchasers were also prepared (2020) together with another marketing video, in 2020.

Then came Covid in March 2020. The sales office was closed to visitors. House construction nationally, dropped. LW Realty sales declined 38% and the net contribution dropped by 84% in 2020. Real Estate sales continued, using ‘self distancing’ and ‘masking’. The shortage of supply resulted in house prices rising significantly in 2021, after the restrictions on visiting realty offices was lifted in May 2021.

During the decade the average LW selling price increased from $197,000 in 2013 to $368,000 in 2022. In 2021 the value of homes sold in 2021 surpassed $100M even though the yearly turnover was trending downward, averaging 5% per year, due to younger purchasers. That year the Real Estate franchise gross contribution to LW exceeded $629,000, a record.

The franchise was renamed ‘ReMax Classic Realty’ in 2019. Staff were recognized for their longstanding accomplishments like Babs Shoadan - a LW Realtor for over 20 years, who received the Remax Lifetime Achievement Award for sales (2021). At present (2023) many of the LW realtors are in the Remax Hall of Fame.

Over its lifetime, the Realty franchise has contributed an estimated net amount of $8M to LW. The Capital Improvement fee has contributed a further, close to $10-12M to maintain the capital maintenance, and capital improvement programs at LW. Including the Western Savings ‘gift’ these three revenue sources have significantly helped keep the Home Owners Association (HOA’s) monthly fees low by providing most of the funds to support capital replacement and capital modernization projects. Increasing the Capital Improvement Fee to $4000 per manor sold from the current $2000 is needed to separate capital funding from the HOA operating budget. This will ensure LW has the choice to remain an independent community in the City of Mesa, or not.

Management carries on. Staffing levels have remained relatively constant since the manor sell-out in 1992. In 2023, there were 23.5 FTE golf course staff, 17 in Communication, Recreation and Fitness, 8 in Maintenance and Housekeeping, 18.5 in Security, 22 in Landscaping, 4.5 in Realty 3 in IT, 4 in Finance, 5.5 in Administration, totalling 106 FTE staff.

Organizationally, the golf course greens and regular landscaping staff were merged in 2018, as were the fitness and wellness staff. Health care changed with the retirement of the last nurses and the opening of Harmony Health’s clinic on site. Dr. Greg Allen moved his practice to LW in 2020.

On the lakes, attempts to manage the geese problem with decoys was partially effective. 160 pigeons were removed from Rec 1 and 2 roofs. Scenting the opportunity, skunks have remained attracted to LW,

requiring trapping and removal, as has occurred with the raccoons – 14 alone in Aug. 2020.

On the water front, the golf course water use was metered. More lakes were lined with cement to prevent erosion and sediment accumulating in them requiring dredging. The lakes were frequently lathered with blue dye to reduce the warm weather algae and the fountains were periodically replaced.

Security concerns continue to be addressed. Tardy Home Owner Association fee payments led to an abandoned manor being auctioned off, another foreclosed upon, and a third restricted from being used by their owners.

A replacement program to upgrade the 30 golf carts was initiated in 2020. For residents with pets, a dog park was created on LW Blvd.

Despite the creation of effective vaccines, Covid continued to circulate in waves and still is in 2024. After the virulence of the Covid waves began diminishing in 2021, working from home was discontinued and the use of ZOOM meetings replaced with in person contact.

Boards and Budgets. The decade began with a revisit to the LW goals. Six objects were set: to attract younger members, increase non fee revenue, increase energy efficiency, improve the quality of communication, reduce the carbon footprint and improve consumer services. This was to be accomplished by keeping the base (but not district) costs at $252 (2023) per month. District fee assessments now range from $138-277 per month, while the Reserve Fund monthly charge has been increased to $100 per month (2023). LW capital assets have reached $32M (after depreciation) and there is currently $8.7M in the merged Reserve and Maintenance Fund (2023). The annual operating budget now exceeds $12M.

The 2012 established Reserve Fund, has allowed larger maintenance projects to be undertaken like replacing and increasing the height of four of the eight miles of external LW walls, and the funding of over $9.2M

to coat or repave the 26 miles of streets. The Reserve Fund will then need to be replenished to 30% of the LW capital assets or about $10M.

Buildings and Maintenance. Condo roofs on Plats 16 and 16F were replaced for $317,000. LW loaned the residents the funds to do so at 2%, to be repaid over 10 years. The insurance company covering LW withdrew its coverage, ostensibly because 200 condos had aluminum wiring, although they had provided coverage for the previous 13 years.

Sports activities and Clubs. To meet the requests from the Pickleball club, which now has over 400 members, led to converting two more tennis courts north of the Admin building, bringing the total to 16 pickleball courts (2024), alleviating much of the pressure on court use. That only came after a multiyear, sometimes testy discussion, on where the courts should be and how the racquet noise could be attenuated. The Pickleball club agreed to pick up the cost of the renovations, not to exceed $198,000, a centennial gift to LW.

The 50th anniversary celebrations. 2023 marked the end of LW’s first half century. Celebrations were held March 10-12. They were highlighted by a Lions kickoff breakfast, a magic show, photo club exhibit, three dances including one led by the nearby Venture Out swing band. The ReMax hot air balloon gave free rides. On March 11 there was a wanky putting competition, an axe throwing contest, carnival games, and the opportunity to scale the rock climbing wall. The celebration ended with a golf tournament and a spectacular fireworks in the evening. A special visitor, LW’s designer Ross Cortese’ daughter Heidi Cortese, joined some of the festivities and celebrations.

Nearby. Most of the Phoenix 202 Ring road was completed by 2020.

1973-1923. With the 50 year milestone having been reached it is time to reflect on what has been accomplished in the previous half century.

Robert Lampard, Manor 563.

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Ready to dive into something new this year? Check out some of the most anticipated releases of this year. (and let us know if you liked them!)

After Annie

Anna Quindlen

This beautiful book about grief, life, and hope will profoundly move readers. After the death of Annie Brown, the people who loved her struggle to continue. Her husband doesn’t know what to do without Annie, while Annie’s best friend strives not to fall back on bad habits. Ali, the oldest of Annie’s children, cares for her younger brothers and her father. As the first year progresses, Annie never truly leaves them, and slowly but surely, they find their feet.

Anita de Monte Laughs Last

Xochitl Gonzalez

In 1985, rising art star Anita de Monte was found dead in New York City, and in just a few decades, she’s been forgotten. When Raquel — a first-generation student at an Ivy League college — stumbles across Anita’s story, she’s fascinated. As a student of color, Raquel feels like an outsider at her school, and as a woman in a relationship with a well-connected, older student, she feels connected to Anita’s similar story. Publishers Weekly, in their starred review, says “Gonzalez crafts excoriating and whipsmart commentary on the art world’s Eurocentric conceptions of beauty and the racism faced by firstgeneration students of color. This is incandescent.”

The Hunter

Tana French

Set in the Irish countryside, this new thriller from a New York Times bestselling author is a follow-up to The Searcher that continues the story of retired officer Cal, troubled teen Trey, and local Irishwoman Lena as they grapple with the return of Trey’s no-good father — and the murder that follows shortly after.

Funny Story

Emily Henry

Children’s librarian Daphne always loved a good story — until her own love story ended with her fiancé falling in love with someone else. It makes a kind of funny sense for her to move in with her fellow jilted ex, Miles, whose partner left him for Daphne’s. While drowning their sorrows, Daphne and Miles hatch a plan to make their former partners jealous by aggressively documenting their summer adventures on social media. At the very least, it will be funny, right? We can’t wait to read this new rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of People We Meet on Vacation!

Only the Brave

Danielle Steel

Fans of World War II fiction can look forward to this new release from Steel that follows surgeon’s daughter Sophia as she resists the Nazi regime and works with a convent of nuns to transport Jewish children to safety.

One Perfect Couple

Ruth Ware

Ruth Ware returns with this thrilling tale perfect for fans of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. Five couples are stranded on an island when a storm strikes. Lyla’s there with her boyfriend — though their relationship is shaky — after they auditioned to join a reality show called One Perfect Couple. It was supposed to just be a game, but this show is turning deadly…

The King’s Ransom

Janet Evanovich

If you want an adventurous read reminiscent of Indiana Jones, look no further than this new release from Janet Evanovich that follows recovery agent Gabriela Rose as she hunts for priceless artifacts around the world. And she has to act fast if she doesn’t want to end up on the hook for a crime she didn’t commit!

The Bright Sword

Lev Grossman

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Magicians delivers a brilliant retelling of the Arthurian legend. Collum is a young knight who desperately wants to join the Round Table — yet when he reaches Camelot, King Arthur has just died, and only a few of the knights have survived. Together, they will have to rebuild Britain, with help from Merlin’s assistant, Nimue. It will not be easy, as both old and new enemies appear, but it will be an epic adventure for the ages.

The Life Impossible

Matt Haig

The author of The Midnight Library returns with another thought-provoking work full of heart. Widowed Grace is content with a simple life, birdwatching and doing crossword puzzles. But when she inherits a house in Ibiza from a long-lost friend, her life will never be the same.

Local resident, Sonia Discher, wrote a book after her husband passed away from Alzheimer’s. Since then the book has been doing well and she has done several talks on the subject while promoting her book. The book is for anyone who finds themselves dealing with a loved one or a close friend who has Alzheimer’s or Early Onset Alzheimer’s or a friend dealing with dementia. Sonia provides a look behind the curtain of this terrible sickness to reveal a treasure trove of tips and tricks she did to understand the disease, advocate for her husband, care for her family, and preserve her sanity throughout a confusing and sad time. Functional, day-to-day tips about early warning signs, medication levels, and how to address doctors, nurses, and other professional caregivers (among many other areas such as long-term care and hospital stays) are some of the valuable examples included in this personal story.

She has been invited back to do a presentation/talk at the Dementia Hub located on Main St in Mesa on March 21, 2024. Please call the number on the poster (480-625-3867) if you would like to attend so they have an idea of numbers and space needed.

Mysteries of Life

My late husband and I loved to camp in the woods, it was our get away from the noise and pollution of the city.

One weekend, we drove to a secluded spot to our liking. While my husband collected wood for a fire, I proceeded to set out chairs, a table and other camping gear. The area where we camped was surrounded by a ridge, packed with different types of foliage.

As I looked around, I saw several deer moving across the ridge munching on the leaves of the trees. Then the deer started making their way toward our camp!

I stared for a while, to see what the deer would do. As they came closer, they appeared to be undisturbed by our presence. I carefully moved a little closer to get a better look and was surprised as one of the deer looked right at where I was. I froze, not wanting to scare it away.

To my surprise, the deer started moving down the ridge towards me. Instinctively I held out my hand.... the deer continued to approach and to my shock it reached forward and started licking my outstretched hand. (perhaps miracle) I experienced the deer’s tongue gliding over my outstretched hand. The deer’s tongue was soft, smooth, almost like velvet as it brushed across my palm; indeed, very gentle. Suddenly, it backed up to the ridge and was gone.

What an experience! Never to be forgotten!

I wondered what other Mysteries of Life are still out there for all of us... to explore.

H. R. McClellan, Manor 168

Spring Fine Arts Show & Craft Fair & Book Sale

Plan to attend the Spring Fine Art Show, the Craft Fair, and the Book Sale on Saturday, March 16th from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm.

Diane and John Tyndal for the last seven years have sponsored the Spring Art Show. They inherited the show from a former resident and the show has been a long-standing event. The Craft Fair is approximately 50 talented artists and they are all your neighbors. They are located around the Rec 1 Courtyard and several adjoining rooms.

The Fine Art Show in the Ballroom is a judged event and includes three categories: original Fine Art, Photography, and 3D Art. Fine Art includes multiple mediums including watercolors, oils, acrylic, pencil, and mixed mediums. Photography is an assortment of black and white and color photographs of landscapes, people, animals, and still life. We even have a humor category. 3D art includes fine jewelry, fiber arts, woodworking, pottery, ceramics, and glass. Approximately 40 artists participate in the judged event and compete for placement of first, second, and third. There are also the best of show winners and the popular viewer’s choice awards.

The Art Association will be selling raffle tickets for some exciting prizes including original artworks. The drawing for the raffle takes place at 1:30 in the ballroom. You do not need to be present to win. In addition, there is a silent auction of Foursome Round of Golf at Coyote Run Golf Course.

The LW Library sponsors a huge and fun book sales which benefits the library. There is a wide assortment of books. The sale is located on the Promenade.

Browse an array of items from handmade jewelry and pottery to stained glass, fiber art, paintings, carved

woodwork items, and everything in between. There will be something for everyone, including great gift ideas. The show is open to the public and we are expecting 1,000 guests.

There will be a catering truck onsite from Burgers Amore for nourishment and drinks. Plan to make a day of the event.

A special shout out to the recreation department for all their hard work and support in a successful show.

Mesa Temple Easter Pageant

Through music, dance, drama and a cast of more than 400 performing on a massive stage, “Mesa Easter Pageant: Jesus the Christ” depicts the powerful and poignant moments of the life of Jesus Christ. Witness awe-inspiring, miraculous events surrounding Jesus’ life as recorded in the New Testament, including: His humble birth, His healing miracles, His walk on the raging Sea of Galilee, His raising the dead, His crucifixion on the cross, and His glorious resurrection.

This FREE 70-minute program runs Wednesday, March 20, through Saturday, March 23, and Tuesday, March 26, through Saturday, March 30. Each evening’s performance begins at 8 p.m. on the north lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple, 455 E. Main St. in downtown Mesa. Visit MesaTemple.org for more information. Please note there will be no performances on Sunday, March 24, or Monday, March 25.

Cactus League Spring Training

Cactus League Spring Training is a seasonal rite that descends on the Greater Phoenix area every February and March with the iconic sounds of cracking bats, snapping mitts and happy fans.

For baseball lovers, it doesn’t get much better than this: sunny weather, affordable tickets and unparalleled proximity to the best players in the game. Find everything you need to know about Spring Training Baseball in Arizona, including Cactus League Teams, Cactus League Schedule, and more.

• Fifteen major league teams play more than 200 games across Greater Phoenix during the month, with no two ballparks more than a 45-minute drive from each other.

• The 2024 Cactus League season runs from February 22 to March 26.

• Check out the stadium locations, more info and tickets at https:// cactusleague.com/index.php

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The 41st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire

41st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The 41st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire in Phoenix, AZ is scheduled for March 16th, 2024, at 10am. See parade and Faire info below or at https:// stpatricksdayphoenix.org/

Parade Route & Time

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is free and features a variety of performers, entertainers and floats including marching bands, Irish dancers, and bag pipers.

Route: 3rd Street and Oak Street and heads south through the streets of Downtown Phoenix.

Time: March 16, 2024 at 10 am

Faire Information

Location: Margaret T. Hance Park

1202 N 3rd St Phoenix, AZ 85004

At the Faire you will find local and traditional St. Patrick’s Day meals. The Faire hosts delicious, corned beef and cabbage available for those looking for a traditional meal.

For those saving the traditional cuisine for family dinners, we have diverse food options from Arizona local vendors.

There are pubs throughout the faire with Irish Beer and Buskers Irish Whiskey. The Faire provides Irish entertainment throughout the day with Irish dancing, Irish music, and more!

Experience the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day celebration at our Faire with not one, not two, but three stages of top-notch Irish entertainment! Our Faire offers a diverse range of performances on each stage, featuring traditional Irish music, lively dancing, and entertaining cultural acts. Whether you’re drawn to the sounds of fiddles and bagpipes, the mesmerizing sight of Irish step dancers, or the engaging storytelling of talented performers, our three stages ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join us for a day filled with captivating performances, cultural experiences, and the lively spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.

Faire Tickets are $10-$15

Parade Starting Point

stpatricksdayphoenix.org

Parade Route:

Starting at Oak St. and heads south on 3rd St. to the Irish Faire at Margaret T. Hance Park.

Time:

10 am, March 16th, 2024

Parking: (Free with Faire Ticket)

N. Central Ave and Palm Ln

Shuttle Route:

N. Central Ave and Palm Ln to The Irish Cultural Center

Faire Parking

Parade Route

Shuttle Route

Irish Faire

Irish Faire

Parade Destaging

Tucson Festival of Books: A Springtime Bestseller

The Tucson Festival of Books arrives in March when the sun is beaming, desert wildflowers are blooming and University of Arizona students are gone bye-bye on spring break. It’s Tucson’s annual gift to bookworms -- a two-day bestseller for all ages.

Much of the activity -- book panels and special events where literacy lovers can come together, meet their favorite authors, and discover new bookish companies and resources -- takes place on the pedestrian-friendly, open-air University of Arizona Mall. Festival admission is free, but many of the popular author events require advance tickets (see tucsonfestivalofbooks.org).

Four authors sitting on a panel at a table facing a crowd. One woman on the panel holds up a book to the audience

Parking & Public Transportation

Campus parking for the festival is complimentary on surface lots and in Park Avenue and the Highland garage. The Cherry Avenue, 6th Street, Tyndall, and Main Gate garages are available for $5 per vehicle; free entry is granted after 4 p.m. Check out public transportation and other options for getting around.

Campus-Area Attractions

You can enhance your festival visit by exploring the university’s museums and galleries, adjacent historic neighborhoods, and the nearby Main Gate Square shopping and dining corridor. For fun and

Founders Award-Winning Authors

Every word counts! Hundreds of authors representing many genres have graced this festival. You can get an idea of the variety and caliber of the participants by checking this list of Festival

Local Information

The local experts at the University of Arizona Visitor Center and the Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor Center stand ready with information for visitors. To learn more, visit www. tucsonfestivalofbooks.org.

convenience, yellow Tugo bikes can be rented for 30-minute trips while the four-mile Sun Link Streetcar connects campus with the surrounding Historic Fourth Avenue, Congress Street, and Mercado districts.

Founders Award recipients. This award recognizes the exceptional literary achievement of one festival participant who is chosen every year. Past recipients of this coveted award visit the official Tucson Festival of Books page.

The Ostrich Festival is Back!

March 8th – 10th and 15th – 17th

A tradition for more than 30 years, the Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival returns to Chandler each March, paying tribute to Chandler’s early ostrich ranching history with a bevy of family-friendly activities, entertainment, carnival rides, and daily Ostrich Festival concerts from national artists and more!

Weekend One

Friday - March 8, 2024: 2 p.m. - Midnight

Saturday - March 9, 2024: 10 a.m. - Midnight

Sunday - March 10, 2024: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Weekend Two

Friday - March 15, 2024: 2 p.m.Midnight

Saturday - March 16, 2024: 10 a.m.Midnight

Sunday - March 17, 2024: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

The event is held at Tumbleweed Park, on the southwest corner of McQueen and Germann roads. The park is located at 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler AZ 85286.

The Chandler Ostrich Festival is owned by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and produced by Steve LeVine Entertainment. Ostrich Festival admission tickets for individual days start at $30 for an adult and $20 for children ages 5-12.

Three-day, weekend multi-day passes start at $75 for adults and

$45 for children ages 5-12.

Ostrich Festival 2024 Music Lineup

WEEKEND ONE - MARCH 8-10, 2024

Shaggy Paul Russell - Friday, March 8, 2024

Big & Rich featuring Gretchen Wilson with Cowboy Troy - Saturday, March 9, 2024

Los Tucanes de Tijuana - Sunday, March 10, 2024

WEEKEND TWO - MARCH

15-17, 2024

Yung Gravy - Friday, March

15, 2024

Chris Lane, Lauren Alaina and Madeline Edwards - Saturday, March 16, 2024

Wynonna Judd - Sunday, March 17,

Know Before You Go:

When attending the Ostrich Festival, please note that this is a cashless event requiring payment via your wristband or credit card at all Ostrich Festival vendors. For those who prefer to use cash, wristbands may be loaded at a designated area and are non-refundable.

The Ostrich Festival is a rain-orshine event, with no refunds on tickets. All sales are final.

Ride tickets and unlimited ride wristbands are not included in Ostrich Festival admission

tickets and may be purchased for an additional fee.

For information on prohibited items and camera/ drone/GoPro policy please visit the event website.

Event attendees can bring a lawn chair. Please note that storage lockers are not available.

The festival has a CLEAR BAG policy that limits the size and type of bags permitted. All bags including purses, backpacks, tote bags, etc. MUST be clear. Diaper bags will be permitted upon inspection before entering the event.

Check out all the information, costs and vendors at https://ostrichfestival.com/

Reflections on a Half Century of Leisure World – Mesa

As Churchill famously said, the longer you can look back, the further you can look forward. LW’s fifty years of experience as an active retirement living community provides that opportunity.

The 1972/73 agreement between Western Savings and Ross Cortese created the sixth LW. It provided the opportunity to look back almost to 1960, when the first Leisure World was built in California. That year Cortese introduced the concept of a gated, secure retirement community which eventually led to seven LW’s being built or designed. As the second last LW, LW-Mesa is well worth studying how that vision, of an active, 55+ retirement community evolved, grew, and faced challenges, while adhering to the original concept. Now structurally and financially stable, LW is in a position to address its own future and avoid the complacency, stagnation and loss of leadership that can set in, ‘when all is said and done’

To personalize this reflection, two residents have been selected as examples for the inspiration they gave to LW. Both arrived in 1974 and took a chance on its future. Rewarded, they remained at LW for over 25 years.

Dr. Milt Lepkin. Milt Lepkin, was a clinical psychologist who brought his expertise to every issue he wrote in the LW News. There must be well over 200 published articles. Recognized as the ‘conscience of Leisure World’, he regarded LW was “an oasis in the midst of a wasteland.”

It was her first love and she remained on its Board of Trustees for many years while making many financial contributions to its departments and programs. In 2000 the hospital named the expanded Emergency Department (ER) after her. In 2007 the Chapel in the ER was named after her. At the unveiling of a plaque in the ER in her honor, she said her philosophy had always been “what matters most is whom we walk with along the road of life.”

The Greater Arizona chapter of the National Society of Fundraising Executives gave her their 1999 Spirit of Philanthropy Award. A year later she helped organize the UWay raise a record $70,000 from LW alone.

“It was a place,” he said, “characterized by beauty, serenity and friendliness, a place to live, grow, and do new things in an alive community where people come first.” When asked to draft the first Mission statement, he said, “it was to maintain LW as the most attractive and desirable retirement community in the East Valley.”

Later he wrote “It has had a profound affect on my life. I’ve learned to be a better person. We must constantly strive to renew and improve ourselves if we are to grow and prosper. If we stand still we are going backwards.”

Writing under seven different editors, he added as he ended his 25 years of columns, Leisure World “was a balance between practical and comfortable beauty or a place where you go to get closer to heaven, and even that Heaven would be a let down after LW.” He recommended that “if you expected to go to heaven when you die, come here first and get used to it,” later admitting he may have been be a little hyperbolic.

His thoughtful and articulate articles deserve to be accumulated in their entirety and shared as a touchstone to remember what the early life in LW was like and how it challenged its pioneers.

Norma Mercer. The second resident is Norma Mercer whose “charm and classy elegance” was always apparent on the many committees she joined. On her arrival in 1974, she said there were 15 houses and multiple ‘sold’ signs. She was impressed by the green grass and beautiful flowers at the Power gate. The Mercers began their Leisure World life by renting Manor 49 at $500 per month.

Norma’s LW contributions started with six years on the District #1 Board. She hosted many fundraising bridge parties before joining the booster and music clubs.

Looking ahead, she was instrumental in getting land donated to the Lutheran Health Association to build the Valley Lutheran (now Banner Baywood) Hospital.

Norma contributed generously to many organizations including facilities at Leisure World, the Mayo Clinic, the Mesa United Way, Child Crisis Center, Sunshine Acres, the Sunshine Children’s Hospital, the Arizona Humane Society and more. Even now, 17 years after she left LW and 5 years after her death at age 104, she is remembered with warmth and respect.

LW’s Successful 50 Years. Like Milt and Norma there have been many residents who have given of their time and expertise to the LW Boards and District committees. Through their stewardship, they have ensured there have been no major disruptions, calamities, setbacks, or cash calls. The ‘wishes and wants’ identified in the early 2000’s have been addressed or built. The Board have approved 124 resident initiated clubs. Financially LW has been out of debt since 2001. It has accrued a net $32M in assets, and a Reserve fund of up to $8M. LW remains one of about a half dozen retirement communities in Mesa who own their own land.

Past Board have commissioned multiple studies and reports that serve as source documents for residents to peruse and future Boards to rely on. There are many Long Term Planning and Reserve Study reports, a Xeroscoping study (1996), a NE/NW study (1996, repeated recently), the Hampton Space study (1995), Schick Design study (2000), a Landscape study (2000), the ASU/Merrill satisfaction surveys (1996,2004), the Strategy for 2020 (2004), a Marketing study (2008), SWOT study (2009), Replacement study (2011), LW News study (2016), and a Modernization Master Plan (2023), to name the ones referenced in the Board minutes.

During its 50 years

LW’s Architectural Control committee has ensured that LW has almost no buildings over a single story. It has no commercial businesses on site, no churches, and has not had any serious flooding, fires, or damaging litigation.

Other Leisure

Worlds. Another benchmark comparison comes from a quick study of the six other LW’s. LW-Mesa is the second smallest but the most spacious and the only one not on the American coast. It does lack some of the amenities of the larger LW’s like: a garden, an archery range, a horseshoe pitch, an equestrian center with horse trails, a nature center, or a greenhouse. One LW has a history

center to retain corporate records, club activity records, photos and an historical display. Another LW (Laguna Woods) incorporated itself as a city in California and has over 300 residents acting as ambassadors to staff its security gates.

LW – Mesa. Each LW has its own personality. LW-M might be described as conservative, careful in its decision making, thorough in its research, under competent leadership, not a gambler, but having a social conscience. It has been well supported by its residents through contributions of volunteer time and donations. Proud of its independence, it has declined to amalgamate with Mesa, twice.

Along the way, LW has received recognition along with several awards: for its Fitness program, for being in the Top 25 Retirement Communities in North America (with the other LWs, 1992), received the International Council on Active Aging (Beason Award), and the Spirited Community Award (1996), been recognized several times by the UWay, designated as the third in the Best in the Valley’s Business Journal (2000). Many of its Realtors have been recognized by ReMax.

But the Challenges aren’t over. They include: keeping HOA fee levels down, adapting to changes in sports preferences, declines in the golfing and tennis memberships, a marked increase in pickleball memberships, controlling water use, replacing or modifying aluminum electrical wiring in the manors, replacing trees on a 1to1 basis and pruning them, developing long term plans for grass vs desert landscaping, controlling algae, addressing underutilized facilities including the restaurant and Rec 3, to identify some of them.

And there are future challenges: promoting more use of solar power, introducing a sustainable recycling program, finding an alternative water source for the lakes and golf course, and introducing social programs like home assistance and extension of home care to include assisted and hospice living.

There is Never Time for Complacency. As Dr. Lepkin (2001) acknowledged “Complacency and ‘bottom line’ mentality and lack of imagination all come together when we fail to do enough long term planning. We need to have ‘forward thinking’ to keep up to date and attractive. What are we failing to do now that we’ll regret later. We can do a better job of recognizing the expertise we have in our own residents.”

LW’s Reputation. From a reputation standpoint, every resident should be an informed advocate with a list of positive points about LW to share with friends, relatives and others that ask. They begin with the wall and gate security system characteristic of all LWs. There are the 124 clubs to join and people to meet, a remarkable spectrum of organized sport and recreational facilities, very well equipped hobby shops, and wide open spaces and green areas to enjoy.

Here are some LW statistics to share.

LW-M has 998 acres within its walls including 210 acres for the two golf courses, 21 lakes on 61 acres, a 23 acre RV park, 8 miles of walls, 26 miles of roads and 52 of side walks, 15000 sq. ft. per manor, 535 condos amongst the 2635 manors, not to mention the $5.0M that residents have donated to LW.

On Reflection. It has been an informative exercise to research Leisure World’s history with its 50 years of growth, and to identifying the milestones that have brought us to the end of 2023 and have laid the foundation for the next half century.

Robert Lampard, Manor 563

Norma Mercer

Saving Money by using Mesa Public Library!

Library cardholders can take advantage of books, videos, our wide range of free electronic resources and many other services. Your library card can add up to major savings - use a self-check station and look at the bottom of your receipt to see how much you’ve saved!

Not yet a member? Visit us with your current photo ID and sign up today. You can also apply for an eCard! Library cards are free for anyone who lives, works, attends school, or owns property in Maricopa County.

How does a library card help you save?

Why pay $14.95/mo for an audiobook subscription service that provides only 1 title per month? When you can get unlimited free audiobooks from cloudLibrary , Hoopla or Libby.

Why pay for newspaper and magazine subscriptions ($20/mo NYT, $40/mo WSJ)? When you can get free access to these titles (and many more) from our digital newsstand!

Why pay $25/mo for a local makerspace membership? When you can use our THINKspot equipment!

Why buy an item you’ll only use once? When you can borrow it from our Stuffbrary!

More ways to save:

• Skip the music subscription service and use Freegal.

• Stream movies with Kanopy and IndieFlix.

• Learn a new language with Rocket Languages.

• Buy books at deep discounts at our ReStoried Used Book Stores.

• Start a home garden with seeds from our Seed Library.

• Check out a TrickleStar Plug-in Energy Monitor to analyze your household appliance and electronic use.

• Get a Culture Pass for access to participating museums.

• Learn new skills with LinkedIn Learning.

• Save on gas - skip the trip to the library and

download your books instead.

• Explore new hobbies through The Great Courses and Universal Class.

Culture Passes

What is a Culture Pass?

Act One’s Culture Pass provides access to the arts for students, retirees, and under-resourced families to visit Arizona’s arts and cultural treasures. Act One partners with over 150 libraries statewide to allow library cardholders the opportunity to check out free passes. Over 500,000 passes are offered annually. Visit your local library to check out a pass today!

Participating Destinations: Arcosanti (Cordes Junction), Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Tucson), Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park, Boyce Thompson Arboretum (Superior), Cave Creek Museum , Desert Botanical Gardens ,Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Gilbert Historical Museum, Heard Museum, Mesa Historical Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Pueblo Grande Museum, Reid Park Zoo (Tucson), River of Time Museum & Exploration Center, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art , Sedona Heritage Museum, Superstition Mountain Museum, The Arboretum at Flagstaff (closed Oct 30May 10), University of Arizona Museum of Art, Verde Valley Archaeology Center (Camp Verde)

Seed Library

your seeds home to grow, and save the seeds to donate back to the library. Seed varieties are rotated with the seasons and are suitable to local growing conditions. The Seed Library is open during regular library hours.

Seed Library Locations

Main Library 64 E. 1st St. Mesa, AZ 85201

Red Mountain Library - 635 N. Power Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205

The Seed Library allows library card holders to check out three seed packets per month for free. Choose from a wide variety of seeds for edible plants and herbs, bring

Dobson Ranch Library- 2425 S. Dobson Rd. Mesa, AZ 85202

Plaques for the dog park are now available at Alpha Graphics. Purchase your plaque for a nominal fee at Alpha Graphics and then make a $50 donation to Leisure World to memorialize your pet. Bring your $50 to the Finance office then, bring your plaque and Finance receipt to the Facilities office. Plaques will be installed on a monthly basis. 4” x 2” metal plaques are $12 each. There are 2 choices: black with gold letters, or gold with black letters.

The Dog Park Memorial Donation forms are on the wall of forms at the front reception desk.

Alpha Graphics 7143 E Southern, STE 113 Mesa AZ - located on the right side of the road.

Plaque Types

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We are thrilled to announce our palm tree trimming services for the new year! The landscape department collaborates with a professional company to trim the community's common area palm trees between May and August. In addition, we also extend this service out to all residents for their personal palm trees at an exclusive rate!

Pricing:

California Fan, Mexican Fan, and Queen palm trees: $65 per tree.

Date, Pineapple, and Canary Island palm trees: $95 per tree.

Prices have increased this year by $10 per tree, due to competi tive valley prices.

Service timeframe: Manors are not scheduled on specific days. Manors who sign up for the service will be added to an overall list of sign ups and serviced between May and August.

Trimming Style: Non-aggressive, focusing only on the bottom layer of fronds. Skinning is not included.

Where To Go: Visit the Landscape office during the month of March. Sign-ups cannot be done over the phone, as payment is needed in order to sign up.

What To Bring: Bring your payment in an enclosed envelope, including your contact information, manor number, and types of palm trees that you want to have serviced.

Payments Accepted: Cash and checks only. All checks are to be made out to Leisure World Community Association. For mailed payments, send to Leisure World’s address: 908 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85206, ATTN: Landscape Department.

Landscape Office Drop Box: A drop box is available outside the Landscape office door for convenient payment submission. Please enclose your payment in an envelope, including your contact information, manor number, and types of palm trees that you want to have serviced.

Tree Identification: Please know the names of your palm trees before signing up, as the landscape department is unable to visit each property and identify all palm trees. For assistance on identifying your type of palm trees, we have provided a link here with pictures.

Property Lines: Please be aware of your property lines before signing up so that you know which palm trees belong to you.

Excessive Growth: If the trimming company discovers an excessive amount of foliage on the palm trees that you have signed up for, and it appears that proper maintenance was not carried out in the previous year, service will be withheld, as an additional fee will be required before proceeding with the trimming service, as this trimming service only includes removing the bottom layer of fronds. The landscape office will communicate with homeowners if this occurs.

THROUGH THE LENS

Photo Club Enjoys a “Night at the Museum”

Submitted by Bob Bennett

On Saturday, January 27th the LW Photography Club held their second annual “Themed Scavenger Hunt” at the Gilbert Historical Museum. The theme was “Night at the Museum.” The club made special arrangements to shoot 10 targets after hours at the Gilbert Historical Museum. This was followed by a delicious dinner at the Liberty Market.

Participants were then given two weeks for postprocessing and/or a return to the museum for any targets they may have missed. Next, a blind panel was given all the entries to decide the Grand Prize winner for the best group of 10 targets (photos). Also available

were 2nd Place, 3rd Place, and Honorable Mention.

The Grand Prize is an Easter Island Retro Style Roman Moai Head Sculpture for the winner’s “home museum.” Those of you who saw the movie “Night at the Museum” will appreciate this award.

“But what if a participant was unable to locate all 10 targets” you may ask. Well, that’s not a problem at all. In that case, they are still eligible for the “Best of…” award, which is the best photo within a target group. This comes with “unlimited bragging rights.”

The results of this event were not available as this article went to press, but the announcement of winners will be via the club’s website and on the LW Post. Even

better, a video will be produced to memorialize the event and it will be available on the club’s website and announcement on the LW Post.

The Leisure World Photography Club meets each Saturday (October through March) from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. in the Rec 1 Theatre. For more information or to join our club, visit https://www. lwphoto.club/.

Read It Before You Watch It!

All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr

The Pulitzer Prize–winning best seller All the Light We Cannot See follows Marie-Laure LeBlanc, a 6-year-old blind girl, as she takes refuge with her uncle in Saint-Malo when Nazis invade Paris. Simultaneously, Werner Pfennig, an intelligent German boy, is brought to an academy for the Hitler Youth for his expertise in radio technology. He ends up traveling to Saint-Malo, the heart of the war, where he and Marie-Laure’s lives converge.

All the Light We Cannot See, starring Aria Mia Loberti, Mark Ruffalo, and Hugh Laurie, is streaming on Netflix.

The Buccanneers, by Edith Wharton

In 1870s London society, corsets are tight and upper lips are stiff. However, the arrival of a group of wealthy and ambitious young American women sparks an Anglo-American culture clash. They were sent across the pond to locate a husband and gain a title, but these buccaneers end up putting a spanner in the works of tradition. While their suitors remain enamored by aristocratic notions of wealth, these women are in search of something more than an “I do.”

The Buccaneers, starring Kristine Froseth, Alisha Boe, and Josie Totah, stream on Apple TV+

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan

The beloved story of Percy Jackson sees the eponymous 12-yearold boy discover he’s a modern demigod and enter the world of Greek mythology. Here, unbelievable monsters and the Olympian gods come alive around him.

Thrown into this world, he’s accused of stealing Zeus’s master lightning bolt. To prove himself innocent, he’s tasked with returning Zeus’s stolen property and restoring peace to Mount Olympus.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians, starring Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri, is available on Disney Plus.

Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus

In the world of science, chemist Elizabeth Zott is like no other. It’s the early 1960s, and Elizabeth’s Hastings Research Institute team is all men. When she is forced to resign, her love for scientific commentary results in her becoming the host of a cooking show, Supper at Six. A housewife with a penchant for chemicals, Elizabeth’s revolutionary cooking garners the attention of the nation and challenges not only recipes but their opinions.

Lessons in Chemistry, starring Brie Larson, Lewis Pullman, and Aja Naomi King, is streaming on Apple TV+.

Daisy Jones & the Six, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This is the story of a young singer coming of age in the ’60s and early ’70s with an angelic voice and big dreams as she joins the Six (a band partly inspired by Fleetwood Mac). Written as an oral history, Daisy Jones & the Six chronicles how Daisy’s presence bolsters the band to fame but also brings drama and tension with its brooding lead singer, Billy Dunne. The band goes on the road for what becomes a legendary journey with sex, drugs, and rock and roll.

Daisy Jones & the Six, starring Riley Keough, Sam Claflin, and Suki Waterhouse, is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Wicked When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum’s classic tale we heard only her side of the story. But what about her archnemesis, the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil?

Wicked, starring Cynthia Ervio, Ariana Grande, Machelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum will be in theatres November of 2024

By: Rilus M. Dana

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a significant component of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, introduces new ownership information reporting requirements for small businesses, particularly those holding assets in LLCs, LLPs, LPs, or corporations. This legislation aims to enhance transparency and combat illicit activities by requiring these entities to report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). As a business owner or as a property owner, you must understand this new law and how it impacts you.

The Corporate Transparency Act and its Key Reporting Requirements

The CTA mandates that affected entities disclose the identities of their beneficial owners. Beneficial owners are individuals who ultimately own or control the entity. Required reporting information includes details such as:

• Name

• Date of birth

• Address

• An identification number

This is done through a Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) submitted to FinCEN.

What is FinCEN?

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) operates as a vital arm of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the national treasury, and the finance department of the U.S. government. With a mission to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and related crimes, FinCEN employs strategic financial authorities and intelligence-gathering techniques. Its primary objectives include promoting national security through the meticulous analysis, collection, and dissemination of financial intelligence. By monitoring financial transactions and enforcing regulations, FinCEN strives to maintain the integrity of the financial system, protecting it from exploitation and preserving economic stability.

CTA Reporting Process

Entities subject to the CTA can fulfill their reporting obligations through the FinCEN website: fincenid.fincen.gov. This platform allows entities to submit their required information online.

What Companies Have to Report to FinCEN Under the Corporate Transparency Act?

Both domestic and foreign companies doing business in the U.S. are obligated to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN. Domestic reporting companies include corporations, limited liability companies, and any other entities established through the filing of documentation with a secretary of state or similar office within the United States.

On the other hand, foreign reporting companies comprise entities formed under foreign law but have registered to conduct business within the United States through filing with a secretary of state or equivalent authority.

What Companies Are Exempt from CTA?

entities like LLCs, understanding and complying with the CTA is essential. Non-compliance could lead to penalties, affecting your business operations and financial standing.

It’s important to note that some companies are exempt from the CTA reporting requirement. However, it’s advisable to carefully assess the qualifying criteria to determine if your company falls under any exemptions before concluding reporting obligations.

Corporate

Transparency Act Deadlines and Penalties

The reporting requirements only came into effect as of January 1, 2024. Deadlines for reporting can vary, and it’s crucial to stay updated via the FinCEN website. Entities formed before the enactment of the CTA have a different reporting timeline than those established after. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, including hefty fines and potential legal repercussions.

Implications for Your Holdings

If you own rental properties or businesses through

Act Now and Stay Informed with Rilus Law

Take proactive steps to review your business structure and prepare to report the necessary information with FinCEN’s BOI report. Consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance and understand the nuances of the CTA, especially if you’re not sure if you are a reporting company or not. While Rilus Law is an estate planning and probate law firm, a great deal of our work to protect our client’s assets is in structuring LLCs, trusts, or other legal entities. And, almost all of these entities are affected by the Corporate Transparency Act. For detailed information and updates, regularly visit the FinCEN website and stay connected with Rilus Law for expert legal guidance.

- Rilus M. Dana, J.D. is the Managing Partner at Rilus Law, formerly Dana and Associates.

Federal Tax Law vs. Arizona Tax Law

By Ken Weinstock CPA, Leisure World resident

A brief reminder: the due date for filing 2023 tax returns is coming up soon on Monday, April 15, 2024. If you need more time, you can get a six-month extension to file but the extension application must also be filed by April 15. Please note that you can get an extension to file, but not an extension to pay. Any taxes owed for 2023 must be paid by April 15.

This month I want to highlight some of the differences between federal income tax law and Arizona tax law. Some of the differences deal with income which is included on tax returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service but which is excluded from Arizona taxation. Likewise, some expenses which are not deductible on IRS Form 1040 may be deductible on Arizona Form 140. The following applies to Arizona residents. If you are a non-resident, only income that is sourced to Arizona such as rental income from property located in the state will be subject to taxation by Arizona.

Income taxed by the IRS but not by Arizona

• Up to 85% of social security benefits received may be includable in federal taxable income. Arizona does not tax social security benefits.

• Military retirement pay is generally taxable by the IRS. Arizona excludes 100% of pension income received related to uniformed services to the United States.

• Armed forces, reserves, and national guard active duty pay is generally taxable to the IRS but is excluded from Arizona tax although combat pay may be exempt from both federal and Arizona tax.

• Arizona allows you to exclude up to $2,500 from taxable income for public pensions received from the U.S. Government Service Retirement and Disability Fund as well as from Arizona state, county, or city retirement plans. Note: public retirement pensions received from states other than Arizona are taxable on your Arizona tax return.

• You can take a subtraction on your Arizona tax return of 25% of your net longterm capital gain for the sale of assets that were acquired in 2012 or later. There is no corresponding federal deduction, however, the IRS uses a reduced rate to calculate tax on long-term capital gains. The federal capital gains tax rate begins at zero percent and increases to a maximum of 20%. The maximum federal income tax bracket for ordinary income is currently 37%. Beginning in 2023, Arizona has a new flat tax rate of 2.5%.

IRS and Arizona differences for certain deductions

• For both federal and Arizona purposes you can deduct the higher of your itemized deductions or your standard deduction. The 2023 standard deduction is $13,850 for single individuals and $27,700 if you file a married joint return. Although the IRS increases the standard deduction by $1,850 for single filers and $1,500 for married joint filers if you’re over 65, Arizona doesn’t. However, Arizona allows a $2,100 exemption deduction if you’re over 65 which the IRS doesn’t.

• If your itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction, you can claim deductions for the following in your tax return: medical, taxes, interest, and gifts to charity. Although the IRS limits your medical deduction to amounts in excess of 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, Arizona does not have such a limitation. Because of this, Arizona medical deductions generally exceed federal medical deductions. It’s possible to take a standard deduction on your federal tax return and to itemize your deductions on your Arizona tax return.

• Arizona also allows a deduction for long-term care insurance premiums for nonitemizers which the IRS does not.

• Prior to 2022 the IRS allowed a limited deduction for charitable contributions even if you took the standard deduction. Arizona, however, still allows a deduction for contributions to charities for those who claim the standard deduction. For 2023 Arizona allows you to increase your standard deduction by 31% of your 2023 charitable contributions.

• Arizona allows a tax credit for certain charitable contributions. There is no comparable federal tax credit. A credit is better than a deduction because it reduces your tax dollar for dollar. You can get a credit on your 2023 Arizona tax return of up to $421 on a single tax return or $841 on a married joint tax return by making a charitable contribution to a Qualifying Charitable Organization. And the best part is you can still reduce your 2023 Arizona taxes if you make a qualifying contribution by April 15, 2024. See the Arizona Department of Revenue website for more information.

I’ve mentioned only some of the many differences between federal and Arizona taxation. Please remember that The Tax Corner provides information regarding taxes, however, none of this is tax advice. Because tax law is complex, please consult with your tax advisor for help with your specific situation.

Many investors care deeply about giving back to their communities, and they often do so through traditional monetary gifts. While cash can be an easy and convenient vehicle to support your favorite nonprofits, there are other gifting strategies that may help maximize the value of your generosity and provide tax advantages. Here’s an overview of four strategies that may be worth exploring.

1. Gift highly appreciated stocks or other assets

If you hold stocks or other investments for more than one year that have gained value, you may consider liquidating the asset to make a charitable donation with the proceeds. However, doing so may result in a taxable long-term capital gain. One potentially more efficient way to maximize the value of your donation is to give appreciated stock directly to a qualified charity. The charity would receive an asset it can continue to hold or immediately sell and you would not generate taxable income from a sale of the asset prior to the donation. Additionally, the market value of the stock at the time the gift is made is generally deductible from your adjusted gross income if you itemize your deductions (subject to income-based limitations). Check to ensure the charity accepts this type of donation before exploring it as a financial strategy.

2. Establish a charitable trust

Another way to consider gifting assets is to set up a charitable trust. Trusts can help you manage highly appreciated assets in a more tax-efficient manner while, in some cases, allowing you to split assets among charitable and non-charitable beneficiaries. The timing of each gift and the flexibility you want dictates the type of trust that works best. With a Charitable Lead Trust, a charity is funded with income from assets placed in the trust for a specified time period. After that time, the remaining assets revert to other named beneficiaries, such as your heirs. In a Charitable Remainder Trust, the reverse occurs. The trust makes regular income payments

back to you or another beneficiary. After a period of time specified in the trust, the remaining assets are directed to the named charities. These trusts have specific rules and are generally established through a professional. An alternative option is to choose a donor-advised fund, which allows you to make a large donation that may be immediately deductible from taxes but gives you the flexibility to recommend gifts to charities spread out over a period of years. Work with your attorney or tax professional for additional information on what may be appropriate for your circumstances.

3. Maximize donations through your employer Workplace giving campaigns are becoming increasingly popular. Your employer may offer the convenience of making contributions through payroll deductions, allowing you to give systematically with each paycheck. In addition, your employer may match a certain donation amount, which can add to the impact your gift makes. If you have access to these or other workplace giving programs, check to see if the charities you care about are eligible to receive this type of donation.

4. Make a charitable individual retirement account (IRA) donation

If you have reached age 70 ½, or wish to wait until the age at which you are required to take distributions from your traditional IRA each year, but you don’t need the money to meet your essential and lifestyle expenses, you may prefer to avoid the resulting tax bill. An alternative is to take advantage of the Qualified Charitable Distribution rule. It allows you to transfer funds directly from your IRA to a qualified charitable organization. This is a tax-efficient way to shift up to $100,000 in 2023 or up to $105,000 in 2024, out of an IRA. By doing so, you may avoid having to claim income (and subsequent tax liability) since you would not receive the required distribution. If you have not yet reached the age at which you are required to take distributions, you may

want to consider this strategy as part of your retirement plan. To determine when required distributions will start for you (based on your birth year), visit IRS.gov.

As you consider these charitable giving along with other gifting strategies, consult with your financial advisor and tax advisor. These professionals can help you evaluate the choices to ensure the gifts you make are most effective for your goals and consistent with your overall financial plan.

Steven M. Rabin, CFP, CRPC, APMA, CDFA, ChFC, is the 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 and have been in practice for a combined 42 years. 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.

Introduction

There has been growing interest in the role of cannabidiol or CBD for the treatment of depression over the recent years as the public is looking for more natural methods to minimize this condition. The National Institute of Mental Health reports depression to be one of the most common mental disorders in the United States affecting an estimated 17.3 million adults a year. The World Health Organization estimates that over 260 million individuals globally suffer from depression.

What is Depression?

Depression is a medical illness that affects how an individual thinks, feels, and acts. Sadness along with a decrease in interests (passions, hobbies, and pleasures) feels like a permanent reality. Depression can be related to situational stressors or long-term with a definitive diagnosis from a medical professional. The severity of this condition varies from mild to severe; severe being active suicidal ideations considered. Depression is more prevalent in the late teen years and early adulthood and more prevalent in females than males.

What are the Signs of Depression?

The main feature of depression is a pervasive low mood or dysphonia. Again, this low mood could be triggered by current stressors or for example, postpartum hormone fluctuations. A second feature of depression is anhedonia, which is a lack of ability to enjoy past pleasurable experiences.

Depression can cause changes in sleep as well, from too little or too much. Some individuals with depression have trouble falling asleep whereas others, prefer to sleep all the time or have hypersomnolence. Appetite is influenced by depression too, some individuals do not want to eat at all, and others want to eat everything in sight, so weight fluctuations can occur. Lastly, a spiraling negative mindset can take hold causing issues with poor self-esteem, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. All these symptoms of depression lead to fatigue and mental and physical slowing, so everything in life becomes difficult. Depression erodes one’s quality of life.

CBD’s Effect on the Brain with Depression

Cannabidiol directly affects sixty-five receptors in the brain influencing one key brain hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps to

CBD and Depression

boost one’s mood. The main anti-depressant medication used today is focused on increasing serotonin levels, they are called Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors [SSRI], some examples are Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft, to name a few. However, SSRIs take several weeks to begin to affect a depressed brain. CBD has been shown in animal models to increase serotonin levels almost immediately with a sustained effect compared to pharmaceutical medications.

A second brain chemical positively affected by CBD is glutamate. Glutamate increased in a study examining rodent brains receiving CBD. Glutamate is involved in mood regulation and executive function.

A third brain chemical affected by CBD administration is dopamine. This feel-good hormone is triggered by cell phone scrolling or playing slots or gambling. Dopamine is known to create a positive mood and outlook on life. Dopamine provides intense emotions of reward. This brain chemical helps us feel pleasure and stimulates the reward center in the brain.

The issue with prescribed anti-depressant medications is they have bad side effects: insomnia, sexual dysfunction, mood swings, and agitation. CBD on the other hand is not known to create these side effects. If too much CBD is taken in one setting one may experience nausea, fatigue, and irritability. The individual dose needs to be discovered, however, in individuals taking large amounts of CBD (400800 mg a day for seizures), these symptoms can occur.

Research on CBD and Depression

There is evolving research that supports the role of CBD for depression. A human study of individuals with depression reported a 50% reduction with

the use of high CBD intake. Most of the depression research is in rodents, however, new evolving research in humans is happening.

Summary

Overall, the research on CBD suggests it can be helpful in reducing depression. However, there are relatively few published studies on CBD as a treatment for depression in humans. The good news is more and more research dollars are being allocated for CBD research. The recommendation is to never discontinue your anti-depressant medication cold turkey. Instead, have a conversation with your doctor to put in place a strategic plan to taper off your medication as you supplement with CBD if that is what you want.

In conclusion, more research is needed to support the role of CBD in the treatment of depression. CBD is an option for the individual with a negative mood or mild depression, however, consult your medical doctor.

TRANSPLANTED GARDENER

Curb Appeal

Sherry Rindels-Larsen

Curb appeal is a term made famous many years ago before the convenience of the internet and smartphones. It refers to how attractive the house appears at first glance from the street and creates the first impression of the home. If the house were attractive on the outside, it would entice potential buyers to arrange a viewing of the home. I’ve also seen curb appeal referred to as a “blind date.” If something doesn’t look good on the first date, there won’t be a second one. Living much of my life in areas of the country where snow covered the landscape for at least one-quarter of the year, I wouldn’t even consider looking for a new home in the winter months because I couldn’t see what was hidden in the landscape. Here, it is entirely different; we can see our landscapes and communities 365 days a year.

People selling their homes will often go to great lengths to create curb appeal. They will paint fences, complete those neglected home improvements, plant flowers, mow the lawn, etc. Why? Because these activities can add value to the home. That value ranges up to ten percent, depending on the home and neighborhood. In today’s world, with most of us looking at houses via the internet, curb appeal has become web appeal and extends throughout the entire house.

Living in an HOA like we and so many others do today extends curb appeal out to the entire community. A beautifully maintained community tends to be more appealing to current and potential homeowners, can attract quality homeowners, and can maintain or even boost property values.

What or where are our community landscape assets? Entrances and focal points create the first impression for visitors and homeowners. Common areas are primarily intended for owners and are the biggest draw for prospective owners. They need to be the bright spot in the community. Properly maintained turf areas should be thick, lush, and green, not sparse, and weed-infested. Trees are one of an HOA’s most valuable landscape assets. How are they maintained within the community? What does the community’s tree maintenance program look like and what are replacement or long-term goals for the trees? Are the community landscape assets the first to be reduced because they are viewed as nonessential? What is the relationship between community management, the board, and the landscape department? Do the residents complain about the poor appearance of the landscaping?

Resources:

Tree Theory: https://tree-theory.com/

Is water being wasted? Has the community’s landscape infrastructure gotten out of hand?

If you want to learn more about curb and community appeal, reducing liability and enhancing the value of our landscape assets, and improving our HOA’s commitment to quality of life and environment, plan to attend the presentation provided by Roger Hartzog from Tree Theory Green Assets Management, on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, from 10:30 to noon in the Rec 1 Ballroom.

This community event is brought to you by the Sonoran Desert Garden Club. Everyone is welcome to attend. Spread the word! Invite friends and family from other HOA communities to attend. Roger is a Certified Arborist and Environmental Engineer, and we are looking forward to hearing him share his wealth of knowledge with us.

Sherry Rindels-Larsen is President of the Sonoran Desert Garden Club and a Maricopa County Extension Master Gardener

A Truly Sustainable Community

The Sonoran Desert Garden Club brings you: “A Truly Sustainable Community”

Roger Hertzog, Certified Arborist

Tuesday, March 19th @ 10:30 a.m.

Rec 1 Ballroom

Since the 1970s, planned housing developments have become a key organizing structure for urban communities. In Arizona, nearly every new residential project, big or small, functions as an independent entity under state law, forming what is known as a homeowner association. These developments act as investment platforms, with their value rooted in both the individual properties and the collective quality of the community. This includes the worth of private lots and shared spaces, which together can represent a significant financial investment.

Currently, there are over 9,000 residential communities in Arizona managed by homeowner associations, and this number is growing. The Homeowners Association (HOA) oversees everything within the development, including land, landscaping, water bodies, and buildings. The HOA plays a critical role in managing the community’s infrastructure to preserve property values and ensure the area remains attractive. This responsibility encompasses managing both the property and the finances to ensure the development’s long-term

health and value.

Housing developments are carefully designed environments, incorporating various types of infrastructure to meet specific living needs. These are categorized into brown (soil), blue (water), gray (concrete, stone, asphalt), and green (plants). Green infrastructure is especially important, being both widespread and valuable. Without it, a development would not be appealing or even livable, reflecting our natural inclination towards green, living spaces.

This inclination is known as biophilia, a term that describes our desire to be surrounded by nature. Green spaces not only improve our environment aesthetically but also provide essential services, especially in urban settings. They help moderate temperatures, reduce wind, manage water flow to replenish groundwater and prevent erosion, support wildlife, and beautify our surroundings. Additionally, green infrastructure can significantly enhance property values. According to the Appraisal Institute, well-landscaped properties can see a value increase of 20% to 30%. Buyers often prioritize properties with attractive landscaping, willing to pay a premium for such features.

The appeal of a home extends beyond the property itself to include the neighborhood. The saying “location, location, location” underscores the importance of neighborhood appeal in property value. A community’s green spaces are vital in maintaining the value of all properties within it. Ensuring these areas are wellmaintained is essential for sustaining property value over the life of the development.

Residential developments are designed to be longlasting. Today, developers must prove a 100-year water supply to gain approval, indicating the expectation for the development to endure. This requires longterm maintenance and funding planning, often through reserve studies. However, green infrastructure maintenance is frequently overlooked, despite its importance and exceptional value to the property and Association Members. Proper maintenance and the timely replacement of plant life are crucial for maintaining a healthy and appealing environment.

In dry climates, the challenges to green infrastructure from drought and heat can lead to a faster decline in plant life. To prevent this, associations should plan ahead, employ professionals skilled in plant health care, and partner with local groups like Master Gardeners and the Cooperative Extension Service for their expertise.

By adopting these strategies, communities can preserve their green infrastructure, ensuring a vibrant and desirable living environment that supports property values and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the development.

Roger Hartzog, Principal ISA Certified Arborist WE-14586A Tree Theory Green Assets Management

Leisure World Is a Great Place To

We are once again so lucky to have so many people who are willing to do good things!

Have you ever heard of Gigi’s Cottage? It is a foster home for girls right here in Mesa. Our church is a sponsor of it and last Christmas we were doing gifts for the girls at Gigi’s and the gift tag I took, asked for a jewelry-making kit. I didn’t even know what that was! Amazon to the rescue!

I purchased a beautiful necklace from the Lapidary/ Jewelry Club. (picture attached) I wore it to church and the lady behind me commented on how beautiful it was, and this started an interesting conversation! She got burned out in her jewelry business and just wanted to donate her inventory to do some good. My new friend came over with loads of boxes of stuff from her jewelry business with the intent of me learning how to make jewelry for these girls! I was so overwhelmed I just didn’t know what to do. YouTube helped and so did some ladies from LW -thanks again for that!!

I was still overwhelmed, so I started talking about it to others here in LW, and all of a sudden, I found the right people who were involved in the Jewelry/Lapidary club and they looked for volunteers to maximize this Charity Beading Opportunity! For the past 2 months, we have

had a team of 8 volunteers creating masterpieces of handmade beaded necklaces and earrings with the donated items I had received!

I will be setting up a table at the Art/Craft Fair on March 16th for Gigi’s Cottage! Since AZ is the only state where you can donate to a foster home and food banks for a 100% tax credit this is your chance to come to the fair and get a complementary piece of jewelry with your donation to the foundation! You can just use your credit card to make a donation of any amount $20.00 minimum- $1000.00 and in doing so, you will get a complimentary gift of beautiful custom-made jewelry! After your donation, you will be sent a receipt for your tax credit! Win, Win, Win!

I would love to personally thank whoever made this beautiful copper piece! Please contact me if you made my copper necklace! We work 1 night per week in the Lapidary. If you are a Leisure World resident and want to join us, please contact me or Cathy Cremer and we’ll get you started! This project will last until the end of March. Doris-651.247.6785, dorislamotthoel@gmail.com Manor 875. Cathy Cremer 630.217.6072.

I am attaching photos of some of our amazing volunteers, photos of the jewelry, and a picture of the piece that started it all!

The wonderful volunteers are Loyda Coulombe, Dan Coulombe, Lori Heald, Kay Tull, Elaine Murphy, Tish Murphy, Ella LeGresley, and Cathy Cremer. Dan Coulombe is a stone master and donated all these beautiful stone necklaces!

What brings watercolors in Leisure World and water wells in Uganda together? A visionary project by one of our own residents.

In the eastern region of Africa sits a country known as the “Pearl of Africa”. With its magnificent flora and world-renowned safaris, Uganda is an incredible country but lacks access to clean reliable water for well over half of the country’s 50 million residents. Each day, women and children spend hours collecting water from unprotected sources, most that they share with livestock. Lack of safe water is responsible for up to 75% of deaths in rural villages, often caused by dysentery. Young girls are prevented from attending school due to the hours needed to fetch water. These issues have led to incredible efforts from numerous charities in hopes of saving the lives of the beautiful Ugandan people. Water 4 Kids is one charity that is helping and to date has drilled over 1000 deep water wells in rural Uganda. This March we welcome you to help dig one more well through the purchase of a watercolor.

The Power of Watercolor

Not everyone initially understands the importance of fresh water. With Project Three in 2022, it was only a matter of a few weeks before the money had been sent, the well completed, and pictures arrived back showing the joyous celebration of the villagers. All of the money from the sale of the art will go directly to the region of Bukedea where a village will be selected for water.

Water 4 Kids is one branch of Hope 4 Kids International with offices here in the Valley. It was founded by Tom Eggum in 1973 who at that time was on a gospel music tour with Donald. A look at their website will reveal the extensive work they do in many countries throughout the world. They have a ground crew of Ugandans who supervise the bore hole digging, the wellhead construction, the dedication ceremony, security of the well and then education.

You are probably familiar with melatonin and its reputation for helping induce sleep, but there is a lot more to melatonin than that. It is an antioxidant found in almost every cell in the body, an immune stimulant, and an anti-inflammatory.

What is Melatonin?

It’s a hormone produced in the pineal gland. The pineal gland is a pinecone-shaped (hence the name “Pine” -al, pronounced Pin-ee-al) gland located in the brain. The pineal gland’s job is to help control the circadian cycle of sleep and wakefulness by secreting melatonin. Photoreceptors in the pineal gland pick up light and dark via our eyes. (Hence the term Third Eye). Darkness stimulates pineal gland activity, and inversely, light inhibits it. But we need adequate levels of both light and dark to keep the cycle normal.

When it gets dark, the pineal gland starts making melatonin (from serotonin). The body tends to respond to melatonin by getting sleepy. Our bodies start producing melatonin about 2 hours before bedtime, but only if the light is dim.

The production of melatonin drops with light exposure. Exposure to bright light in the evening or too little light during the day, can disrupt the body’s normal melatonin cycles. Examples of that are jet lag, shift work, and poor vision. Pineal gland dysfunction shows up as altered circadian rhythms: you sleep too much or too little, have restless sleep, or fall asleep at unusual times.

Things that cause melatonin levels to decline: age, blue-light exposure (as commonly emitted by TV, computers, cell phones, and pads), some medications including benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. Some antidepressants and anti-psychotics may shift melatonin curves as can strenuous exercise.

Things you can do to optimize melatonin levels: keep a regular schedule of waking and bedtime, increase your light exposure during the day, decrease light exposure (especially blue lights) during the evening hours, and supplement with melatonin.

Donald Christianson has been a force in Leisure World for the Ugandan people. With three successful fundraisers under his belt, he is setting his sights on his fourth and final Silent Art Auction. Each well is dedicated to someone he has lost. Project One was dedicated to his friend Allen Pesha, Project Two was dedicated to his dad Gordon, Project Three was dedicated to his mother Doreen, and this one, Project Four will be dedicated to his nephew Chad Christianson who lost his life 19 years ago at the age of 25. To take a closer look at Chad’s story or contribute directly, go to https:// support.h4ki.org/ campaign/project-ivdonald-christianson/c437632

art and enjoy friends old and new. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to dgchristianson@gmail.com. We invite all to come and see for yourselves the power of watercolor.

The Art Show and Auction will be held Thursday, March 21st at Manor 953 from 2-5 p.m.. After two years of painting, Donald will have a diverse set of 45 watercolors that vary in sizes and subject. Other contemporary pieces from friends will be included. Representatives from Water 4 Kids will be at the event to talk about Uganda and to handle art sales. In addition, Josh Krushel will be providing jazz piano music as you get a drink, grab a munchie, browse the

Melatonin

Melatonin dosing

Melatonin is classified as a dietary supplement and because the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements, the onus is on the supplement manufacturers to accurately state what the product contains, mostly through third-party certification. Poor quality control can lead to inconsistencies between the actual and stated dosage. A 2017 study of 31 over-the-counter melatonin products found that the dosage of 71% of the products did not match what was stated on the label. Melatonin content varied from -83% to +478% of labeled melatonin, and 70% had a melatonin concentration that was less than 10% of what was claimed. It is no surprise that I frequently hear people say they tried melatonin, and it didn’t work.

It has been shown that taking melatonin even at very high doses does not suppress the body’s own ability to produce melatonin.

There are two main types of insomnia: difficulty falling asleep and difficulty staying asleep. Some people have both.

If you have difficulty falling asleep, fast-acting melatonin is the best choice. They are in the 0.3-5 mg dose range and should be taken 30-90 minutes before bed. Chewable, liquid, and liposomal forms are best for this use as they bypass the digestive tract.

If you have difficulty staying asleep, the sustained release or time-released forms that release melatonin over a 3-5 hour period are helpful. These tend to be higher doses, 2-3 mg and higher. These are taken at bedtime and are fine to take in capsule or tablet form.

If you have both difficulty falling and staying asleep, take both fast-acting and sustained-release melatonin. In any case, start with a low dose and watch for effects before increasing the dose. Your medical history may affect response rates as in the study of women taking melatonin found that 64% reported immediate improvement in sleep, but 35% found no significant improvement in the first month

of supplementation. However, the latter group had previously used prescription sleep drugs and they did report significant improvements in sleep after 6-8 weeks of supplementation.

Next month I will write about the quality of over-thecounter supplements.

Not just a sleep aid

The antioxidant properties of melatonin are unusual and powerful. Melatonin exists in large concentrations in the mitochondria (the energy-making part of the cell) to protect it from oxidative damage, thereby maintaining its integrity and function. Melatonin also scavenges free radicals, aids in making antioxidants, and binds toxic heavy metals.

Melatonin in very high doses has been demonstrated to have a neuroprotective effect in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, AD, and Huntington’s Disease.

Melatonin is GRAS

...Which means Generally Regarded As Safe. Taking a moderate to low dose of melatonin is worth trying because it is GRAS, has a short window of action (under 2 hours), and could help you with sleep.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Foundation Lecture Series B2

Performing Arts Series B11

Guest Presentations B19

LW Foundation Golf Tourney .. B28

Leisure World's

Thurs, March 14 7-10 pm

Let’s pretend we are “seniors” again! Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima will transform into the nostalgia of our Senior Prom, where we will dress to the nines (or in your favorite prom get-up from your generation). Midnight Confessions will be playing our favorites from the good old days. Bring a date, or a group of friends and dance the night all the way back to your Prom Night. Free unlimited photos will be provided by Simply Smiles Photo Booth.

Place: Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima Rooms

Cost: $10 in advance | $12 at event

RECREATION: March Special Events

Month in Review: February

On behalf of the Recreation Department, I wanted to say thank you to our residents who are showing up and supporting the events that we have worked so hard to create, make better, and provide for our community. It is truly a joy for me to be a part of this community and be immersed in it multiple nights a month. The start of 2024 has started off with a bang, with new and exciting events, as well as new improvements to our yearly traditions. A new event that we implemented this year was the Leisure World Car Show. This event was an absolute hit, and I owe it all to our resident, Doug McMurray. Doug and I have been discussing the possibility of a car show since last summer and we finally made it happen in February. Doug has had years of experience in the Car Show arena, as he has put on shows in San Diego for many, many years, so his expertise and help was an amazing asset to implanting this event into Leisure World. For those of you who attended knows that it was an amazing morning, and I can promise that this will be an annual event for years to come. A HUGE thank you to Doug McMurray for all of his hard work and months of planning and scouting out for the event, we could not have done it without you. And thank you to all of our residents who came out to support. Here’s to more amazing events and fun memories!

- Molly, Recreation Event Supervisor

Foundation Lecture Series

Roger Naylor, March 20 Speaker

The following is an introduction from Roger Naylor, our next speaker:

Howdy! Two great truths define me: I’m a writer and I live in Arizona.

I knew this remarkable state was where I belonged as soon as I arrived as a wide-eyed college student. It captivated me with its epic beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich history.

My path as a writer had been set years before when I first read Mark Twain. Somehow, I was able to combine my two great passions and become an Arizona travel writer.

These days you’ll find me rambling around my beloved Arizona and writing about what I find. My specialties include state and national parks, lonely hiking trails, twisting back roads, diners with burgers sizzling on the grill, small towns, ghost towns, and pie. My work has appeared in the Arizona Republic, The Guardian, USA Today, Arizona Highways, and dozens more.

In 2018, I was truly honored to be inducted into the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame.

For years now I’ve written for the official Arizona State Visitor Guide, as well as visitor guides for Sedona, Scottsdale, and Yuma. And here’s something cool—in 2019 I was chosen to write the Grand Canyon National Park Centennial Magazine. The 56-page glossy magazine is distributed at the park.

In 2020, I was chosen to become the narrator of the Verde Canyon Railroad. This long-running excursion train that ventures into a high-walled red rock canyon patrolled by bald eagles is an Arizona treasure. And I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

And, you will be thrilled when Roger Naylor will be at the Hopi-Pima Ballroom, on Wednesday, March 20 at 6:00.

At 5:30, President Barry Jacobsen with Past President Donna Bailey will introduce Leisure World Foundation grantees and checks will be awarded.

After the presentation, refreshments will be provided in cooperation with Desert Financial: Wills and Trusts Division and the Rec Department.

This will be the last speaker for the season, but the Leisure World Foundation always appreciates suggestions for future speakers. Send ideas to LWFoundationAZ@gmail.com

Thank you from Dyan Brown, organizer extraordinaire.

Date: Wed., Mar. 20

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima Rooms

Cost: FREE

Cornhole Tournament

Create a team of two and battle against up to 16 other teams to see who comes out on top! 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will win a cash prize. The tournament will be double elimination, so at least two games will be played per team. When signing up, please put both teammates’ names on the same ticket order. You are welcome to dress up as a team and create a special team name to show your team spirit! Refreshments and DJ music will be provided.

Date: Thurs., Mar. 21

Place: Rec. 1 Courtyard

Time: 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. depending on how long games take

Cost: $7 per person ($14 per team)

Interested in being a part of Leisure World’s community garage sale?

Sign up in the Recreation Office by 12:00 noon, Tuesday, March 19 to be sure your sale gets highlighted on the list. A listing by district, 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, March 21 for you to plan your day of shopping!

Date: Sat., Mar. 23

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Map Deadline: Tues., Mar. 19

RECREATION: March Special Events

SPRING BREAKWeek

March 9th-March 16th

Join us for some fun for our residents and their visitors and grandchildren while they are on break! More details below!

REMAX Classic Street Dance with live music from City Nights Band

This event is free for all residents and their guests! Enjoy food trucks and live music by City Nights Band. This event will continue rain or shine, as the ballroom will be open to keep the party dry, if needed. We encourage all to bring their family and friends.

Date : Sat., Mar. 9 | Place : Rec. 1 Parking Lot | Time : 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Pool Party with live music from Keith Byers

Kick back and relax as we have happy hour by the pool! Live music will be provided by Keith Byers, who offers a very unique One-Man-Band and DJ combination all-inone package! He is ready to take all requests of your favorite songs from your era and beyond. Bring your favorite beverage, snacks, and dancing feet, and let’s party!

Date: Fri., March 15 | Place: Rec. 1 Pool | Time: 5:30-7:30 pm | Cost: Free

Egg Hunt Volunteers Needed

The Egg Hunt is coming up and we need your help with this fun event! Volunteers are needed to help before and during with Egg Hunt.

Easter is early this year: Easter Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast

COPA Health Café Team will be serving up pancakes. The menu includes two pancakes, two link sausages, syrup, juice, coffee, and water. Bring the whole gang for breakfast then enjoy as the little ones scramble for Easter eggs in the Courtyard at our Annual Egg Hunt.

The egg hunt is open to all grandchildren and guests ages ten and younger. The hunt area will be divided into age groups. Those “hunting” will get candy or toyfilled eggs. Children need to bring their own bag or basket to carry the eggs. There will be games for the younger kids to play on the Promenade while older kids will enjoy the challenges on the Sport Court.

Please sign up in the Recreation Office by Wednesday, March 27 with your name, manor number, number of children participating, and their ages.

Pancake breakfast tickets will be available in the Rec Office – advanced purchase encouraged at $5 per person in advance or $6 per person at the door.

Date: Sat., Mar. 30

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.- Pancake Breakfast - Ballroom 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. - Photo Booth—Club Room 8:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. - Bunny Painting and Face Painting - Courtyard 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. - Games & Activities - Promenade & Sport Court

9:45 a.m. - Egg Hunts Begins - Courtyard

Place: Rec. 1 Center

Cost: Pancake Breakfast $5 per person in advance | $6 per person at the door.

Saturday morning, March 30th: Help blow up and hang balloons, run games on the Rec 1 Promenade and Sport Court, and scatter eggs for the hunt.

Please come by the Recreation Office for more information and to sign up. Thank you!

Courtyard Movie Night Migration

Join us in the Courtyard to watch a movie on the big screen! We will be using our blow-up screen to make it enjoyable for all. We will be showing Illumination’s new movie Migration. This is a great movie for both adults and children as a family of ducks decides to leave the safety of New England Pond for an adventurous trip to Jamaica. Join us for this free event, where refreshments and light snacks will be provided. Please bring your own chairs, and probably a blanket as it might be chilly. B.Y.O.B. is welcomed.

Date: Wed., Mar. 13 | Place: Rec. 1 Courtyard | Time: 6:30 pm-8:00 pm | Cost: Free

Spring Fine Arts & Crafts Fair & Books Sale

There will be ceramics, pottery, clothing, jewelry, woodcarvings, art works, China painting, stained glass, and every other craft you can think of. Come browse the variety of crafts made by our own talented residents.

Alongside the amazing fair, the library will also be hosting a book sale featuring hundreds of books at great prices.

A food truck will be parked on-site in the loading zone of Rec 1 Parking Lot, grab your food, and mosey on over to the Promenade.

Don’t miss this one-day only sale! Invite your friends from outside the community to spend the whole day checking out all the exhibits! Resident crafters sign up in the Recreation Office no later than Wednesday, March 6.

Date: Sat., Mar. 16 | Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Place: Rec. 1 Center

Registration Deadline: Wed., Mar. 6

LWCA.com Tutorial Classes by Recreation

and Communications

Come learn about the new look to our LWCA.com website with Recreation’s Event Supervisor, Molly, to help you better navigate the website to purchase tickets to events, trips, use the calendar, and many other tips and tricks. We will also be looking at the Leisure World app as well for those who want to learn more about that. This is a perfect time to learn about our website before Performing Arts Season tickets go on sale on March 18th! Carley from Communications will also discuss the directory and newsletters to help make sure that everyone is getting the most up-to-date information. Please sign up in the Rec. Office for the session you would like to attend. Please bring a laptop, tablet, or phone to follow along with the class.

Sessions:

Mon., Mar. 11 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Tues., Mar. 12 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Wed., Mar. 13 | 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Place : Rec. 1 Theater

Cost : Free

Sunshine Acres

Onsite for Donation Drive

Sunshine Acres’ goal is to provide emotional, social, physical, educational and spiritual support for the children in their care. Your donations are crucial to the achievement of this goal. All donations must be in good working order, with no rips, tears or stains of any items. All smaller items, such as kitchenware, linens, small appliances, clothing, decorative items, etc., must be in boxes or bags prior to pick up.

Date: Sat., Mar. 23

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Place: Rec. 1 Parking Lot

RECREATION: Club Events

Purchase tickets through the Recreation Office unless noted.

Welcome back to the Spring Wine Class, I have a great new line up for you all. I look forward to seeing regular Wine attendees and my new folks. These classes are interesting, fun, and will further your knowledge in the wonderful world of wine. This is a very interactive class, there is no such thing as a silly question. I promise lots of learning and laughter.

Lineup for the upcoming 6-week course:

March 5th – Whites that are approachable.

March 12th – White that are unique and interesting

March 19th – Rosés – everyone’s new favorite.

March 26th – Reds for easy drinking, hip choices

April 2nd – Reds off the beaten path

April 9th – Sparkling and Champagne

This is a 6-week course on consecutive Tuesdays.

Dates: March 5th-April 9th

Cost: $70 per person (for the whole course) Not for sale in the Rec. Office, please register with Instructor.

Place: Rec. 1 Promenade

Leisure World Dinner Club

The Leisure World Dinner Club will have three dinners/shows for the 2023-2024 season in Hopi/Pima Rooms in Rec. 2. For all dinner shows, doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:00 p.m. and the show starting at 7:00 p.m.

March 19, 2024, will be featuring toe-tapping Irish Folk Music by Kilted Spirit. Tickets will go on sale in February.

Date: Tues., Mar. 19

Cost: $35 per person

Time: Doors at 5:30 p.m. | Dinner at 6:00 p.m.

Place: Rec. 2 Hopi Room

Deadline: Fri., Mar. 15

BYO: You will need to bring your own (6) wine glasses per person (can be bought at Goodwill if needed), a bottle of water for rinsing in between sips, and cheese and crackers for a snack.

To Register: Contact Vikki Classen at 312-217-6220 to put your name on the list. She will be collecting tuition for the class on Sunday, March 3rd at 2:00 pm on the Promenade.

Grub and Groove

Grab your friends and neighbors and let’s keep the good times going! Join host Steve and Cathy Evangelesta as they provide great music and fun surprises. Bring potluck items of your choice to share. Enjoy listening to music and dance the night away with DJ Steve.

Date: Sat., April 6

Time: 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $6 in advance | $8 at door

Place: Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima

If

you’re

experiencing pain, burning, numbness, tingling or pins & needles in your hands or feet --Don’t

miss this FREE Seminar on Peripheral Neuropathy!

CLINICAL STUDIES REVEAL:

The debilitating pain, numbness and tingling experienced by patients su ering from Peripheral Neuropathy can be successfully treated WITHOUT THE USE OF DRUGS AND SURGERY

IN THIS CUTTING-EDGE FREE SEMINAR YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why many current treatments for neuropathy don’t work.

• The underlying causes of peripheral neuropathy, and the key to prevention!

• The Nobel prize winning discovery that every neuropathy patient MUST know.

• How peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed, and when it can be successfully treated.

• A technology originally developed by NASA that decreases neuropathy symptoms.

• Advanced diagnostic testing to help determine if your condition can be treated.

• A simple home therapy that is used by some of the largest specialty hospitals in the country to treat certain types of neuropathy.

DR. AARON T SHAPIRO, DC, BCN

TUESDAY March12th @11:30AM

INTEGRITY NEUROPATHY CENTER

1122 S GREENFIELD RD, #102, MESA

LUNCH WILL BE SERVED. SPACE IS LIMITED TO 15! RSVP: BY March 11th @ (480) 820-9147

incarizona.com

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 onsets.

L.W. Bingo is for Residents and their guests 18 years of age and older. Our bingo games are for recreational play and are not open to the public.

Date: Fridays Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Game starts at 7:00 p.m.

Place: Rec. 1 Ballroom

Date: Fri., Mar. 8 & April

Game Night Name That Tune

Test your musical knowledge and join us for another fun game night hosted by Trivia’s famous host, Scott Immel! Join a team of 8 people and let’s see who is crowned the melomaniac’s of Leisure World! Similar to trivia, we will be playing 3 rounds with 10 different song clips from the 1950’s through now!

Date: Tues., Mar. 12 & April 30

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: Rec. 1 Ballroom

Cost: $2 per person

Let’s pretend we are “seniors” again! Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima will transform into the nostalgia of our Senior Prom, where we will dress to the nines (or in your favorite prom get-up from your generation). Midnight Confessions will be playing our favorites from the good old days. Bring a date, or a group of friends and dance the night all the way back to your Prom Night. Free unlimited photos will be provided by Simply Smiles Photo Booth.

Date: Thurs, March 14

Time: 7-10 pm

Place: Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima Rooms

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March Sunday Movie Matinees

Free Sunday movies in the Theater 4 p.m. Refreshments provided. All seats will be on a first-come basis only. Schedule may change due to Netflix movie availability. PLEASE NOTE THAT SUNDAY MOVIE MATINEES WILL BE ENDING IN JUNE 2024 DUE TO LACK OF PARTICIPATION AND COSTS. WE WILL BE REPLACING THESE WITH MONTHLY COURTYARD MOVIES ON THE BLOW-UP SCREEN COME FALL 2024, AS WELL AS OUR MONTHLY CLASSIC MOVIE NIGHTS. THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE JOINED US OVER THE YEARS FOR OUR SUNDAY MOVIES!

March 3 Maestro (R)

On the verge of securing a golden opportunity, American conductor Leonard Bernstein begins a tumultuous relationship with actress Felicia Montealegre, upturning their lives.

March 10 Dumb Money (R)

Everyday people flip the script on Wall Street and get rich by turning GameStop into one of the world’s hottest companies. In the middle of everything is Keith Gill, a regular guy who starts it all by sinking his life savings into the stock. When his social media posts start blowing up, so does his life and the lives of everyone following him. As a stock tip becomes a movement, everyone gets wealthy -- until the billionaires fight back and both sides find their worlds turned upside down.

March 17 The Irishman (R)

In the 1950s, truck driver Frank Sheeran gets involved with Russell Bufalino and his Pennsylvania crime family. As Sheeran climbs the ranks to become a top hit man, he also goes to work for Jimmy Hoffa -- a powerful Teamster tied to organized crime.

March 24 Like Father (R)

Left at the altar, a young executive takes her Caribbean honeymoon cruise with the last person she ever expected -- her estranged father. Although they depart as strangers, they soon gain a new appreciation for love, life, family and each other.

March 31 Erin Brockovich (R)

Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) is a woman in a tight spot. Following a car accident in which Erin is not at fault, Erin pleads with her attorney Ed Masry (Albert Finney) to hire her at his law firm. Erin stumbles upon some medical records placed in real estate files. She convinces Ed to allow her to investigate, where she discovers a cover-up involving contaminated water in a local community which is causing devastating illnesses among its residents.

Classics of the Silver Screen Movie Night: “High Sierra” (1941)

Aging mobster Big Mac (Donald MacBride) is looking to pull off one more heist before he retires. With his sights set on robbing a California casino, Big Mac breaks one of his former associates, Roy Earle (Humphrey Bogart), out of prison to mastermind the job. When the robbery goes awry, Earle is forced to go on the lam and settles for the night in the hills of the nearby Sierra Nevadas. But, with the cops on his tail, Earle is soon forced to fend off the law from the mountains.

Date: Tues., March 19

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: Rec. 1 Theater

Broadway Across America season at ASU Gammage. All shows include roundtrip deluxe motorcoach transportation with show tickets in Orchestra Level seating. *Please notice the deadline for registration is a month before the show date, so please register accordingly.

2024 Hale Theatre Season

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!

Kiss and Tell: Comedy

This 1940’s romp finds Corliss Archer, a precocious 16-year-old, the only person in the know about her brother’s secret marriage. When her new sister-in-law finds she is going to have a baby, Corliss accompanies her to the doctor. A nosy neighbor sees them and spreads the word that Corliss is the mother-to-be! The situation resolves in absolute hilarity!

Date: Tues., Mar. 19, 2024

Cost: $43

Deadline: Tues., Mar. 5, 2024

Titanic: The Musical

5 Tony Awards! In 1912 a marvel of the modern age set sail from England to America; the largest, strongest ship in the world called - in fact - the ‘unsinkable’ ship. A Grammy Awardnominated score and stunning emotion, Titanic tells the unforgettable tales of the real-life heroes and bold romantics on board the ship of dreams in this breathtaking musical.

Date: Wed., Apr. 10, 2024

Cost: $43

Deadline: Wed., Mar. 27, 2024

2023-2024 Experience the magic!

On select Mondays through March, Recreation provides audiences access to unparalleled artists, diverse programs, cutting-edge experiences, and high-quality performances by local, regional, and national artists. There’s not a bad seat in the House at Rec 2 Hopi/Pima Rooms. Doors open around 6:30 p.m. and shows

Pick-Up Notice

This year, we have printed out all season ticket holders season ticket pass (one ticket for the entire season). If you need to print out an individual show ticket to sell or give away, please stop by the Recreation Office, and we will be happy to help. Season 6-shows (JanuaryMarch) season tickets are available for pick-up in the Rec. Office now.

Diamond Rocks: A Legendary Neil Diamond Tribute

Monday, March 4, 2024

The name says it all! Diamond Rocks celebrates one of the most influential American artists of our time – the one and only Neil Diamond!

Known the World over for his incredible tribute to Neil Diamond, Barrie Cunningham has spent most of his life entertaining in showrooms, concert halls and on major cruise lines. He brings the magic of Neil Diamond to the stage with his incredible look and precise vocals. Barrie has also received many awards including San Diego’s “Entertainer of the Year” and was a principal act in a show voted Reno’s “Show of the Year” 3 years straight.

2023-2024 Individual Show Tickets

(On-sale starting October 1, 2023.)

Section One $29 pp

Section Two $27 pp

Section Three $25 pp

Section Four $23 pp

Tickets are available at the door with an additional $2 surcharge. This season we have an open seat, first come process for purchasing, both online and in the Rec Office.

Breakdown: A Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Monday, March 18, 2024

Take a trip into the vast world of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with one of the finest tribute shows on the planet. Breakdown is as near a real experience as can be delivered by anyone other than the actual band. Scott Blackwell clearly replicates the voice of Tom Petty and combined with the look and style; you’ll think you’re watching Tom himself. Breakdown has performed in hundreds of venues over the years to include casino shows, concert halls, festivals, and private events.

All shows start at 7 p.m. and are in the Rec. Center 2 Hopi/Pima Rooms. Presented in cooperation with TAD Management, Khris Dodge Entertainment.

2024-2025 Performing Arts Series Announcement

Information on 2024-2025 Season Tickets:

For next year’s season ticket holders, you will have the option to repeat the same seats you had for the 2023-2024 season. For those of you who were not season ticket holders this year, or would like to change your seats, you will be able to do so at a later time.

2023-2024 Season Ticket Holders will have the opportunity to get their same seats from Mon., March 4-Fri., March 15. This will allow you two weeks to either go online or call into the Rec. Office to purchase your 2024-2025 season passes. After the two-week period, starting on March 18th, all remaining

Nov. 18 – Magician/Illusionist –Anthony Hernandez

seats will be released, and will be open seating for those who would like to be new season ticket holders, or would like to change their seats from last year. This will be done through LWCA.com, or in the Rec. Office.

*Please note, if you do not renew your season pass within the two-week period, you are not guaranteed the same seats from the previous season.

Season Pass Renewal Period*: Mon., Mar. 4 - Fri., Mar. 15

Remaining Season Passes: Mon., Mar. 18 - Fri., Sept. 6

The famous Anthony Hernandez is back from the beloved show he did at Leisure World’s 50th anniversary celebration back in 2023. Anthony the MAGIC is a magic and illusion team based in Los Angeles, CA. They are a “Top Five Best Performer” with IAAPA, the 2012 Press Enterprise “Reader’s Choice” for “Best Entertainer”, Hot List 2014/2015 Best Theatre Show, and we were the promotional magicians for the movie, “Oz the Great and Powerful.” With their amazing illusions and clean comedy, they will blow your mind! Catch the show, and you just might see him make a live bird appear out of thin air.

Dec. 9 – Rockin’ Wonderland –Christmas Spectacular

The best way to celebrate the season is in the valley of the sun – with Brock Pro entertainment’s Rockin’ Wonderland. Enjoy hit songs, carols, and sing-a-longs like Mary Did You Know, O Holy Night, Happy Holidays/ Let Yourself Go, and more! Bring your festive attitude and enjoy the holiday season with the wonderful ensemble of singers with their beautiful outfits and a night full of cheer.

Jan. 13 – Elvis Presley’s Birthday Party – Thane Dunn

Thane Dunn, two-time Graceland’s Elvis Champ, will be back at Leisure World for his third appearance. Elvis deserves his birthday to be celebrated all month long, and we are so excited

to be a part of his Birthday Tour. You may have gotten a glimpse of him this year at his wife’s show back in January, as he performed alongside Melly Dunn. From his natural physical resemblance, amazingly Elvis-like voice, and spot on moves Thane Dunn & the Cadillac Kings truly delivers the full Elvis package. His off the wall Presleylike sense of humor and magnetic personality make his interaction with the audience second to none. You can expect he will make the audience laugh, cry and cheer in amazement all while having the time of their lives. He loves to have fun and it shows. Bring your party hats and kazoos, as it will be the best birthday party you’ve ever attended.

Jan. 27 – Toby Keith Tribute –Hollywood Yates

Me Now,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” and “I Love This Bar,” feeling every word resonates deep within your soul.

Feb. 10 – December 63’ – Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Tribute

The music of FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS comes to life in this one-of-a-kind concert experience. DECEMBER’63 showcases all your favorite songs from Frankie Valli including the classics that have been thrilling audiences for decade. This recreation of a Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons concert will have you reaching for the high notes as our cast and band take you on musical journey with stops at every phase of the careers of Frankie and the boys!

March 10 – The K-Tel All-Stars – The Totally 70’s Show

Step back in time to the ultimate era of music, the 1970s, with this electrifying and immersive production that will have you reliving the magic of one of the greatest decades in musical history. The K-Tel All Stars are here to transport you to the past with their incredible multi-media production, featuring vintage video clips and a dynamic stage show that captures the essence of the 70s like never before. From disco beats to classic rock anthems, their setlist is a nostalgic journey through the numberone hits, one-hit wonders, and other unforgettable gems that defined the era.

As we honor the passing of the great country singer Toby Keith, we look forward to getting as close to the real deal as we can get with Hollywood Yates. Get ready for a wild ride through the heart and soul of country music with TOBY, the ultimate tribute to the bad boy of country music, Toby Keith! This electrifying show is guaranteed to leave audiences on their feet, singing along to hit after hit of great country music, all brought to life by the one and only Hollywood Yates! The air pulsates with anticipation as Hollywood Yates takes center stage, belting out country music anthems that have become the soundtrack to countless lives. Sing your heart out to timeless classics like “How Do You Like

Feb. 24 – Chicago Experience –Chicago Tribute

You know them, you love them, and you’ve probably lived there: Chicago! 23 gold albums. 5 number one albums. 21 top-ten singles. 100+ million albums sold. Celebrate the music and majesty of the original “rock and roll band with horns”. Two vocalists blend seamlessly with amazing horn and rhythm sections to recreate the signature sound of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members. Khris Dodge Entertainment’s The Chicago Experience features “Saturday in the Park,” “If You Leave Me Now,” “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is,” and many, many more – it’ll be an evening of the greatest hits from the greatest band of all time.

March 24 – Gen Maldonado –Powerhouse Vocalist

The spotlight shines on Gen Maldonado as she commands the stage with her energetic and victorious performances. The New York soul singer leaves her audience overjoyed and full of life. Her vocal ability and drive, captivates audiences worldwide. She has performed in musical production shows and concerts all over New York City. She has also recorded original music and has been featured on several television and radio stations. She was chosen to perform at the World Famous APOLLO Theater in New York City and her vocal ability landed her a spot in the finals. You do not want to miss this, her voice will give you chills and bring tears to your eyes.

March 2024

Trips and Tours

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.

To reserve your spot, visit the community website, the Recreation Office or call 480-832-0000 ext. 209 to purchase your tickets.

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!

KEY CODES: Kindred Tours (KT) ¤ Leisure World Recreation (LW) ¤ Premier World Discovery (PWD)

Featured Trip

Kartchner Caverns (KT)

It wasn’t until February 1978 that Tenen and Tufts told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner, about their amazing discovery. During the four years of secret exploration, the discoverers realized that the cave’s extraordinary variety of colors and formations must be preserved. The cave’s existence became public knowledge in 1988 when its purchase was approved as an Arizona State Park. Extraordinary precautions have been taken during its development to conserve the cave’s near-pristine condition. Today we have an opportunity to experience this stunning limestone cave in Southeastern Arizona that boasts worldclass features. This “live” cave, is host to a wide variety of unique minerals and formations. Water percolates from the surface and calcite formations continue to grow, including stalactites dripping down like icicles and giant stalagmites reaching up from the ground. Tour guides will unveil this fascinating underground landscape during a memorable 1-hour tour. We’ll also enjoy lunch on self-prior to our cave tour, at a nearby plaza that offers a variety of fast-food restaurants.

Date: Tues. April 2

Cost: $133 per person

Deadline: Check Rec. Office for Availability

ASU Gammage - “Hamilton” Get your tickets before June 17!

Enjoy a night out on the town, as Leisure World provides a luxurious experience to ASU Gammage to see a Broadway production, with deluxe motorcoach transportation dropped off at the door.

HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

Date: Tues., July 16

Time: Depart at 6:00 p.m. for 7:30 p.m. show

Cost: $150 per person

Deadline: Mon., June 17

FOLLOW-ALONG TRIPS:

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.

Hale Theatre – Kiss and Tell Comedy

This 1940’s romp finds Corliss Archer, a precocious 16-year-old, the only person in the know about her brother’s secret marriage. When her new sister-in-law finds she is going to have a baby, Corliss accompanies her to the doctor. A nosy neighbor sees them and spreads the word that Corliss is the mother-tobe! The situation resolves in absolute hilarity!

Date: Tues., Mar. 19

Cost: $43

Deadline: Tues., Mar. 5

5 Tony Awards! In 1912 a marvel of the modern age set sail from England to America; the largest, strongest ship in the world called - in fact - the ‘unsinkable’ ship. A Grammy Award-nominated score and stunning emotion, Titanic tells the unforgettable tales of the real-life heroes and bold romantics on board the ship of dreams in this breathtaking musical.

Date: Wed., Apr. 10

Cost: $43

Deadline: Wed., Mar. 27

Extra, extra! Read all about it! Based on a true story set in NYC at the turn of the century. Jack Kelly is the leader of a band of street kids who dream of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. They take on the notorious publisher, Joseph Pulitzer. This musical features catchy songs and a posse of underdogs you can’t help but root for.

Date: Wed., May 29

Cost: $43

Deadline: Wed., May 15

Hale Theatre – Titanic: The Musical Musical

Hale Theatre – Newsies Musical

MOTORCOACH TRIPS:

MARCH

Barleen’s #1 Hits Variety Show (KT)

This affordable local tour includes so much, beginning with a delicious luncheon of slow cooked roasted beef complete with all the trimmings, topped off with a decadent slice of chocolate cake. After lunch it’s time to kick back and enjoy a fabulous matinee performance, brought to you by masterful musicians. #1 Hits Variety Show highlights the most recognizable #1 hits from the early 1950’s through the early 1990’s, featuring a variety of musical genres. From soft ballads to powerful instrumentals, this production gives each performer the opportunity to do what they do best!

Date: Thurs., March 7

Cost: $99 per person

Deadline: Thurs., Feb. 29

The Truth About Winnie Ruth Judd at Phoenix Theatre

From secretary to “trunk murderess”, this real-life Phoenix local bagged more than she bargained for. Many have heard of Winnie Ruth Judd, a lovesick woman who killed her friends over a man’s affection before escaping the asylum six times. While you might think you know one of Arizona’s most notorious homicide cases, this is the chilling truth. A sensational double murder, a cover-up by power brokers, an implicit prostitution ring –all part of the true story ripped from the headlines - in the small town of Phoenix, AZ in 1931. Winnie Ruth Judd gained notorious worldwide fame as the “Blond Butcher”. The dramatization of her trial on KOY radio blazed the trail for the true crime podcasts of today. Was she a cold-blooded killer? Or simply a scapegoated victim of media exploitation?

Presented in the intimate Judith Hardes Theatre, this “bizarre investigative play” will have audiences raising their magnifying glasses to the newspaper sensationalized woman and her real story. We’ll also enjoy lunch, on self, at the Miracle Mile Deli, prior to the show. A Phoenix landmark since 1949, the Miracle Mile serves the best deli sandwiches and homemade soups, along with great daily specials including a roast turkey plate, Hungarian stuffed cabbage rolls, meatloaf, mac & cheese, and so much more.

Date: Sat., Mar. 16

Cost: $129 per person

Deadline: Fri., Mar. 8

Saint Patrick’s Day at Longhorn Grill & Madera Canyon (KT)

Visitors to the Longhorn Grill, one of southern Arizona’s most iconic landmarks, still walk through the main entrance famously sculpted to look like a gigantic cow’s skull leaning against a boulder. Step inside to discover an all-new interior, a welcoming staff, and heaping plates of homestyle food. We’ll kick off Saint Patrick’s Day with a menu that includes corned beef and cabbage—the Irish/American classic—as well as a handful of the Longhorn’s most popular dishes, including pollo asado

with all the trimmings, the Longhorn’s famous Chuckwagon salad topped with tri tip or grilled chicken, and of course, a scrumptious Longhorn cheeseburger. Later we’ll head to beautiful Madera Canyon, located on the northwestern face of the Santa Rita Mountains in the Coronado National Forest. Madera Canyon and Madera Creek traverse four life zones, and many habitats between the desert floor and the mountaintops, making it one of Arizona’s most famous “Sky Islands.” With fifteen species of hummingbirds, and over 256 species of birds documented, it is a “required” site for all serious birders. You will not spend time in Madera Canyon without seeing plenty of wildlife. White-tailed and mule deer, rabbits, wild turkeys, and squirrels are regularly observed. Other animals like black bear, coati, foxes, ring-tailed cats, raccoons, bobcats, and mountain lion are more reclusive and only occasionally seen, and sixteen species of bats have been recorded in the Canyon. Madera Canyon is a perfect early springtime destination!

Date: Sun., Mar. 17

Cost: $145 per person

Deadline: Check Rec. Office for

Availability

The Sonoran desert has a wider variety of plants than any other desert on planet earth. A stellar wildflower season depends on a mysterious mix of just the right amount of rainfall, beginning in autumn and running through the winter months. A spectacular wildflower season in the American Southwest is something that you will never forget—a brilliant carpeting of the desert floor and mountainsides. Desert wildflowers are a quick show, and must be enjoyed within a short window of time. And with wildflowers there are no guarantees— some seasons offering more dramatic displays than others. But even during the “worst” years, you’ll always find some wildflowers when you know where to look. This tour is very popular and we don’t announce our destination, because wildflowers can be very elusive and we’ll be tracking their arrival. And, to top it all off, this Kindred Tours springtime classic also includes a delicious lunch! This fantastic tour could not be more fun, or more affordable!

Date: Tues., Mar. 19

Cost: $85 per person

Deadline: Check Rec. Office for

Availability

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (KT)

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument holds an extraordinary collection of plants, wildlife, and geologic wonders of the Sonoran Desert. The monument offers protection and sanctuary for many rare species that are not found elsewhere. Over thousands of years, the plants and wildlife of this region have adapted themselves to the extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and the short but intense rainy seasons.

The incredible scope of the monument, what and whom its held since time immemorial, and what and who use the area today have led to the United Nations designating this area an International Biosphere Reserve. Conservation, scientific research, and human connection with this natural wonder are invaluable in its protection.

The Organ Pipe Cactus itself, is common in Mexico, but very rare in the United States as they cannot tolerate cold weather. They are found on the south-facing hills in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. There is no better way to explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert than to travel the 21mile—mostly gravel—Ajo Mountain Drive. It is incredibly scenic and thought to be one of the most remarkable driving tours in Arizona. We’ll stop midway for a picnicstyle lunch, included. We’ll also explore the historic town of Ajo before entering the National Monument— famous for its beautiful 1917 Spanish Colonial Plaza. This springtime Kindred Tours annual trek should not be missed! Make a reservation and come with us.

Date: Sun., Mar. 24

Cost: $125 per person

Deadline: Check Rec. Office for Availability

Monument Valley & Canyon de Chelly (KT) featuring the Grand Canyon Desert View

Day One: We’ll travel north, with a stop for lunch on self at Cameron Trading Post. A haven for travelers since 1916, this trading post boasts an expansive dining room, with a huge stone fireplace and tall picture windows, offering a view of the Little Colorado River Gorge. We’ll enjoy the ambience, along with a terrific menu that runs from burgers to salads, and includes local favorites, such as Navajo tacos and stews. After lunch we’ll explore the Grand Canyon via the East Entrance at Desert View—offering a unique opportunity to visit the world-famous Desert View Watchtower. Later we’ll travel to Kayenta, Arizona and check into the Kayenta Hampton Inn—home to Reuben Helflin’s Restaurant, where we’ll enjoy dinner on self.

Day Two: Breakfast is included at the hotel. After breakfast we’re off to the visitor’s center where we’ll pile into jeeps for a 2.5-hour tour—more than 30 miles of secluded back-country to discover the restricted areas of Monument Valley—a sacred homeland to the Navajo—who are the Keepers of Monument Valley. We’ll learn about the history of the Anasazi, early Native American peoples, famously known for their petroglyphs, pictographs, and their spectacular cliff dwellings. We’ll visit all the famous monoliths of Monument Valley—The Mittens, John

Ford’s Point, Three Sisters, North Window, Totem Pole, Yei Bi Cheis and Artist’s Point. These are the real-life backdrops for Hollywood Westerns such as Stagecoach, The Searchers, How the West was Won, and so many more! Afterwards we’ll enjoy lunch on self at the visitor’s center.

Midafternoon it’s back in the Transits, and we’ll head for Canyon de Chelly— pronounced canyon duh shay, where we’ll check into the Thunderbird Lodge. Owned and operated by the Navajo Nation, the historic Thunderbird Lodge will be our cozy headquarters for the night. We’ll take some time for a refresh before heading out. We’ll visit the South Rim of Canyon de Chelly and we’ll experience the sunset highlighting Spider Rock. Later we’ll return to the hotel restaurant for dinner ourselves. Thunderbird Lodge sits on the site of a trading post that was built in 1896. The restaurant—housed in the trading post’s original building—famously serves traditional Native American dishes, along with American favorites.

Day Three: Breakfast is on self at the hotel. After breakfast jeeps will arrive to take us on a half-day tour of Canyon de Chelly. We’ll be led by our Navajo guide, who will explain the significance of manmade structures and symbols while also sharing the natural points of interest. Heavy-duty six-wheel-drive touring vehicles are equipped with padded seats to provide a good experience. The tours stop frequently for photo opportunities, to visit ancient sites, Navajo farms, and rock art. When the tour is over we’ll head back to the hotel for lunch, ourselves. After lunch it’s back in the Transits, and we’ll head for home with plenty of great sightseeing along the way.

Date: Tues., Mar. 26-Thurs., Mar. 28

Cost: $799 per person (double) | $998 (single)

Deadline: Check Rec. Office for

Availability

Easter Brunch at Francisco Grande Resort (KT)

The Francisco Grande Hotel & Golf Resort opened in 1961 and quickly became the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants. Located just west of downtown Casa Grande, the resort became a home away from home for John Wayne, who had a farming operation in nearby Stanfield. Willie Mays regularly pulled up to the resort’s parking lot in his pink Cadillac with a license plate that read “Say Hey,” referring to his nickname. In recent years the resort has undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation and built a reputation for serving delicious southwestern-style cuisine. We’ll enjoy Easter Brunch in Legends Restaurant— Francisco Grande’s main dining room. Brunch will be served buffet-style—an elegant spread offering an array of fresh

Trips and Tours continues on B16

Wildflower Scenic Drive & Lunch (KT)

Photo Credit: Angie Corbett Kuiper

Trips and Tours continued from B15

salads, prime rib carving station, omelets made to order, endless entrée and side dishes, a lovely assortment of desserts and so much more. Later we’ll enjoy a scenic drive to Picacho Peak State Park for wildflower viewing and cocktails.

Date: Sun., Mar. 31

Cost: $159 per person

Deadline: Check Rec. Office for Availability

APRIL

Kartchner Caverns (KT)

It wasn’t until February 1978 that Tenen and Tufts told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner, about their amazing discovery. During the four years of secret exploration, the discoverers realized that the cave’s extraordinary variety of colors and formations must be preserved. The cave’s existence became public knowledge in 1988 when its purchase was approved as an Arizona State Park. Extraordinary precautions have been taken during its development to conserve the cave’s near-pristine condition. Today we have an opportunity to experience this stunning limestone cave in Southeastern Arizona that boasts world-class features. This “live” cave, is host to a wide variety of unique minerals and formations. Water percolates from the surface and calcite

formations continue to grow, including stalactites dripping down like icicles and giant stalagmites reaching up from the ground. Tour guides will unveil this fascinating underground landscape during a memorable 1-hour tour. We’ll also enjoy lunch on self-prior to our cave tour, at a nearby plaza that offers a variety of fastfood restaurants.

Date: Tues. April 2

Cost: $133 per person

Deadline: Check Rec. Office for Availability

BEAUTIFUL (KT)

The Carole King Musical at Phoenix Theatre

From young songwriter to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer… are you ready to feel the earth move with the incredible true story? Before Carole King became one of the most successful solo artists in popular music, she was Carol Klein, a Brooklyn teenager striving to make it in the record business. By her 20s, King was composing for the biggest acts on the radio, despite her love life crumbling. Fortunately, that’s when she finally discovered her own voice behind the microphone. With classics like “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Up on the Roof,” and “Natural Woman,” audiences will feel nostalgic, inspired, and some kind of wonderful. We’ve reserved fabulous seats—front and

center—for this heart-stopping evening performance, presented on the Main Stage at Phoenix Theatre. We’ll also enjoy dinner, on self, in historic Downtown Gilbert’s Heritage District, offering a truly walkable Main Street, lined with over 30 exciting restaurants. Downtown Gilbert is the place

to eat—a top foodie destination in metro Phoenix. Do not miss this remarkable evening out on the town!

Date: Fri., April 5

Cost: $149 per person

Deadline: Check Rec. Office for Availability

Premier World Discovery Special Travel Presentation

Join Leisure World’s travel company, Premier World Discovery, for a special travel presentation regarding 5 amazing trips being offered to Leisure World for Fall 2024:

• Normandy, Paris & the Seine River Cruise

• Cape Cod & the Islands

• Great Canadian Cities

• San Antonio Fiesta

Make sure to attend this special presentation by Premier World Discovery’s travel specialist, Afrodite Pastroumas to gain the best information from the company itself while they are here for this one-time trip to Leisure World. Come for the presentation and stay for the refreshments! RSVP is not required for attendance, but to secure your spot, please email mshort@lwca.com to RSVP for the presentation.

Date: Thurs., Mar. 21

Time: 12:00 p.m.

Place: Rec. 1 Theater

Premier World Discovery 2024 Gallivants- Let’s Travel!

About Premier World Discovery

Premier World Discovery is a global tour operator founded in 1999. Our company operates tours for senior groups, organizations, retirement communities and organizations across the United States. They strive to offer a first-class guided travel experience and quality customer service at

great value.

Leisure World has been happy to partner with Premier World Discovery for the past year, and this new partnership has allowed many residents to travel stress-free, at a great value through our Recreation Office facilitating and vetting everything for you. If you have any questions regarding the trips below,

Normandy, Paris & the Seine River Cruise

October 29-November 6, 2024 (9 days)

Pricing depends on stateroom choice. Starting rate: $5395 per person (double) | $6795 per person (single)

Have you been itching to cruise? Or have never tried a river cruise? This is the perfect opportunity to experience a beautiful, 7 nights aboard the Amadeus Diamond taking you to a new city in France each day of the cruise. You will travel to Paris, France, and make your way through the Seine River. Some highlights of this tour will include a visit to the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, the home to Van Gogh as well as his final resting place; a walking tour of the cobble-stoned, medieval

half-timbered houses in Rouen; a tour of the Etretat, exploring the famous Normandy Coastline; experience Normandy on a full day tour featuring famous sites like Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, Colleville Sur Mer American Cemetery, and the World War II Museum; and enjoying a Paris City Tour on the final day. There is also an opportunity for an optional 2-night London Post Cruise Extension.

Enjoy the luxuries of the 144-passenger Amadeus Diamond, that was recently upgraded in 2019. The 60 staterooms are bright, modern, and provide a wonderful private space to enjoy your cruise, including a floor to ceiling sliding glass door with French Balcony, to enjoy all of the beautiful views throughout your entire embarkment. The ship offers countless options for your leisure time including a putting green, fitness studio, massage facilities, and quiet spaces surrounding the ship. All meals are included on board, serving

EXTENDED TOURS 2024:

Treasures of Ireland

March 12-20, 2024 (9 days)

$4199 per person (double) | $4924 per person (single)

Travel to Dublin for a wonderful 9-day trip around Ireland. Your trip begins with a comprehensive visit of the capital city where you’ll embark on a Dublin city tour and see highlights like Christchurch Cathedral, the Book of Kells and the Trinity College Library amongst the many Highlights. You’ll also enjoy visits to a Whiskey Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse. You’ll visit the famed Cliff’s of Moher and have dinner in a Castle while enjoying some amazing live Entertainment. Take a ride on the Ring of Kerry and enjoy a full day of some of the most spectacular scenery Ireland has to offer. You’ll also overnight in a Castle hotel, the perfect way to wrap up this amazing trip!

San Antonio Fiesta

April 19-23, 2024

$2649 per person (double) | $3324 per person (single)

Enjoy 4 nights in one hotel on the San Antonio Riverwalk. You’ll enjoy a visit to the Alamo and see the IMAX film “the Price of Freedom” which recounts the history of the brave Texas Cavaliers and the siege at the Alamo. Your trip includes a Riverwalk cruise, an Austin City Tour, visits to the LBJ library and the LBJ Ranch, a visit to Fredericksburg in the Hill Country and visit to the Museum of the Pacific which one of two premier World War II museums in the United States. A highlight of this program is the San Antonio Fiesta itself. The Fiesta is a parade but the floats are built on barges traveling on the water, you’ll have wonderful reserved seats for the duration of the parade!

please contact Molly in the Rec. Office, or stop in for a detailed brochure.

All pricing for tour below includes Round-Trip Airfare from PHX Sky Harbor – but other arrangements from other gateways can be arranged as well.

three meals daily, with all dinners being four courses and are served with included wines, beers, and soft drinks. Afternoon and late evening snacks are included throughout the day as well.

If you are interested in this tour, contact Molly in the Rec. Office at 480-832-0000 ext. 206 for more information and to reserve your spot, as space is very limited and will sell out soon. Detailed brochures are available in the Rec. Office.

Great Canadian Cities

June 12-20, 2024

$4349 per person (double) | $5474 per person (single)

Visit beautiful Quebec & Montreal, as close to traveling to Europe as you can get without leaving North America. Visit the Capital of Canada, Ottawa, and the world class city of Toronto. Spend two nights in Niagara Falls, Canada and explore one the Natural Wonders of the world!

Cape Cod & the Islands

August 10-16, 2024

$3349 per person (double) | $4199 per person (single)

Lodge for 5 nights on The Cape to experience its beauty and history. Enjoy a tour of historic Boston and dinner at a local restaurant. Take a ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard to see the colorful Victorian cottages of Oak Bluffs and Edgartown and view beautiful pristine beaches along the shore. Cruise to scenic and historic Nantucket Island, with a visit to the Nantucket Whaling Museum. In Newport, Rhode Island, enjoy a guided tour of The Breakers mansion and see additional exquisite mansions from the turn of the century along the “Ten Mile Drive.”

The Power of Touch

We are dedicated to helping you regain your mobility, alleviate pain, and improve your overall quality of life. Our highly trained and compassionate therapists are here to guide you on your journey to wellness, which includes a ‘hands-on’ approach to wellness, which is often neglected in large clinics. Most of our PTs and OTs are geriatric specialists and understand the needs of seniors, which only comes from experience.

• Medicare Certified/Covered

• Same Therapist every visit (unlike in a clinic)

• One-on-One treatment (unlike in a clinic)

• Can receive maintenance PT for months (unlike home health)

• No need for an extra Doctor visit. We can get a Rx for you.

Katy Thompson, PT 602-666-6620

info@at-homept.com

www.at-homept.com

LEISURE WORLD AQUATIC & ATHLETIC SPORTS CLUB

April Group Exercise Class Registrations

Begins March 51 at 7:00 a.m., online, in-person or by phone.

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.

Keep the Beat Heart Smart Power Walk!

This year’s Heart Smart Power Walk was yet another successful event at Leisure World! In support of healthy hearts, Leisure World residents participated in a one-mile-long group walk. The Heart Smart Power Walk was organized in honor of National Heart Month in February and designed to motivate the public to engage in cardiovascular health. As noted by the American Heart Association, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in America. In hopes of preventing heart disease, the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP) is encouraging women and

Ronda Gates

When an extreme stressor presents itself, our bodies respond with a Flight/Fight response.

We often associate the effects of this “stress response” with negative experiences, such as a car swerving into your lane on a wet road or a positive experience, such as the expected arrival of a favorite family member from far away. The human body has evolved to trigger responses to either of these to help you deal with the situation and protect your body from its potentially harmful effects.

Each individual holds daily stresses in one or more of the body’s systems. Half the battle in beating stress is to become aware of which systems you hold your stress.

Any or all of the following physical changes can occur to prepare to flee or fight. These responses may not be ideal for most day-to-day living, but they are inevitable at some time in life.

1. Heartbeat increases.

2. Blood pressure can elevate.

3. Breathing patterns change (holding your breath or breathing rapidly and

Kicking heart disease to the curb

the public in general to listen to their hearts and speak up for their health!

Leisure World’s Aquatic and Athletic Sports Club offers a variety of groupexercise classes geared towards sustaining a healthy heart and healthy life, all residents are encouraged to reach out and get active!

In wrapping up last month’s heart event, the LWCA Aquatic and Athletics Sports Club would like to extend a special thank you to Fitness Specialist, Nancy Zielinski for all of her efforts in making this event come to life, Rhonda

shallowly).

Gates for educating us all on Heart Awareness Month, and Foot Solutions for sponsoring this event. We would also

Responding to Stress

4. Adrenaline (epinephrine) is released.

a. This releases stored body sugar for a “surge” of energy.

b. This maintains an increase in heart rate.

c. Nor-Adrenaline (also a stress hormone) will raise blood pressure.

5. Muscles get tight (as you prepare to flee or fight).

a. This may affect the legs, lower back/pelvic area, neck, shoulders, jaw, forehead, and/or arms.

b. This can cause fatigue, pain, sleeping problems, concentration loss, inefficiency, and/or communication difficulties.

6. Blood flow patterns of the body change (cool hands/feet, upset stomach).

a. In survival mode, blood is needed in major muscles and the central nervous system so you can respond rapidly.

b. Blood is not needed in the “gut” or sexual organs in survival.

7. All of your senses are heightened for survival; you see (pupils dilate), hear, smell, feel more. The neo-cortex loses some of its “conscious control” to the

more primitive, reactive parts of the brain that respond more to emotion/ survival.

8. You perspire more to cool down after raising metabolic rate (“Never let them see you sweat!”).

9. Immune system function diminishes with rest/recovery mechanisms. Over time, this can lead to an increase of susceptibility to infection, disease, even tumor development, as well as allergic response going up and autoimmune diseases like arthritis worsening.

What does this mean for us? I believe rethinking how we and those around us feel about stress can dramatically alter how effectively we cope with stressful situations and life transitions. Regular exercise and a healthier way of eating combined with less alcohol are the best ways to start minimizing the stress response. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories in stressful times. Make taking care of your body a priority by taking advantage of one of the many opportunities available to unwind at our fitness center. Fifteen minutes on an exercise bike or treadmill can reverse many stress responses. Take care of your body by making time to unwind (with one of the many opportunities available at

like to congratulate all 42 participants for getting up, getting motivated, and getting active!

our fitness center). Best of all (IMHO) is to talk to others. Build friendships by connecting via one of the many activities available in LW. Become an elder athlete on our tennis and pickleball courts. Join a group that addresses topics that interest you (there are several book clubs in LW). And, if you expand your options by looking beyond LW, you will discover support groups, faith-based organizations, and community support groups. Make your health a priority by keeping up with regular health appointments. To help get the restorative sleep I need, I end my day by writing three things I’m grateful for. Today it will be catching a view of a red tail hawk in the Eucalyptus tree behind my home, downloading and playing over and over again a favorite song (Butterfly by Jon Batiste), and sharing a swing with a friend on my new glider—a gift from a favorite neighbor. I have stresses that are more or less than each of my readers. It wasn’t a short trip, but most of the time, I’ve learned to practice what I preach. You can too.

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.

Nancy Zielinski Fitness Specialist

Sean Taylor

JP

Elizabeth

Food and mood: Is there a connection?

The information in this segment was gathered in part from “Food for Thought 2020”.

In recent years, the relationship between nutrition and mental health has gained considerable interest. In an effort to explore this link, conducted studies are showing how poor nutrition may be a causal factor in the experience of low mood. According to the National Library of Medicine, improving diet may help to protect not only the physical health but also the mental health of the population.

Among the most common mental health conditions worldwide are depression and anxiety. Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), show that about 280 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with depression. This includes 5% of the world’s adults and 5.7% of adults above age 60. With rates this high, researchers believe that new approaches to managing both clinically diagnosed depression, subclinical depression, and anxiety are needed.

Epidemiological research has observed that adherence to healthy or Mediterranean dietary patterns is associated with a reduced risk of depression. This consists of the consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, with moderate consumption of poultry, eggs, and dairy products; and only occasional consumption of red meat. On the

other hand, consumption of highly refined carbohydrates has been shown to increase the risk of obesity and diabetes which has been linked to depressive symptoms. Diets containing high amounts of refined carbohydrates and sugars may also have a detrimental effect on psychological well-being; data from longitudinal research show an association between progressively higher dietary glycaemic index and the incidence of depressive symptoms.

A more recent explanation for how our food may affect our mental wellbeing is the effect of dietary patterns on the gut microbiome—a broad term that refers to the trillions of microbial organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and archaea, living in the human gut. The gut microbiome interacts with the brain in bidirectional ways using neural, inflammatory, and hormonal signaling pathways. The role of altered interactions between the brain and gut microbiome possibly impacting mental health has been proposed based on the following evidence: emotion-like behavior in rodents occurs with changes in the gut microbiome, major depressive disorders in humans are associated with alterations of the gut microbiome, and the transfer of fecal gut microbiota from humans with depression into rodents appears to induce animal behaviors that are hypothesized to indicate depressionlike states. Findings such as the ones listed above suggest the role of altered neuroactive microbial metabolites in depressive symptoms.

It should be noted that although links are being discovered between food and mood, the causes of mental illness are many and varied, and they will often present and persist independently of nutrition and diet. Nonetheless, a promising message for public health and clinical settings is emerging from the

ongoing research. This message supports the idea that creating environments and developing measures that promote healthy, nutritious diets, while decreasing the consumption of highly processed and refined “junk” foods may provide benefits even beyond the well-known effects on physical health, including improved psychological well-being.

Fight Back Boxing

This month’s spotlight group exercise is Fightback Boxing! If you’re interested in improving your cardio fitness, balance, and agility, then this might be a fantastic class for you. Fightback boxing is based on the Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s Program and caters to individuals who may need assistance reducing shakiness and improving strength. Although this class caters to those affected by Parkinson’s, it is still highly beneficial for anyone looking to strengthen their balance.

Fightback boxing is a non-contact class that incorporates basic boxing techniques for the purpose of exercise. Movements include choreographed jabs, hooks, and uppercuts along with other activities. The activities performed in this class also aid in improving motor skills, coordination, and functional strength conditioning.

Just as the great Rocky Balboa once

March Group Exercise Schedule*

said, “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!” Sign up for Fightback Boxing today to conquer your personal limitations and take control of your health!

This class is scheduled weekly on Monday and Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. It costs $25 for monthly registration, however, insurances under Renew, Silver Sneakers, or Silver and Fit are accepted. Please call (480)- 832- 0000 ext. 212 or 213, or visit www.lwca.com to sign up.

THIS MONTH'S FITNESS CRAZE

Cardio Drumming

Cardio Drumming started July 26, 2023, with just 13 participants. Within 6 months this fun drumming class that combines drumming moves and dancing with dynamic movement has expanded to 40 participants!

With incredible music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s this class is energetic, creative, and entertaining.

Come and join us every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 3:00 p.m. on the Rec.1 Sport Court.

Register now at lwca.com, the fitness center, or call us at 480 832-0000 ext. 212.

March Group Exercise Class Descriptions

CLASS LEVELS

Level 0: The class is limited to a seated position in a chair. Exercises are designed specifically to be accommodated in a sitting position. The goal of the class is to get participants strong and confident enough to participate in standing level 1 classes.

Level 1: Perfect for those new to exercise, those wanting to strengthen muscles, and establish a routine while having a chair or machine for assistance and support.

Level 2: Suitable for all skill levels. By increasing movement and intensity options, participants can adapt workouts to their levels

Level 3: These classes focus on increasing muscle strength & endurance, cardiovascular and core fitness.

Level 4: Designed for the advance level exerciser who wants to refine their skills and improve their strength and conditioning.

~*Aqua Fit (Lvl 2) – 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.

~*Cardio Drumming (Lvl 1) – This fun workout joins the dynamic movements of aerobic dance with the pulsating rhythms of the frum! Come drum and dance to music from 70’s,80’s, 90’s, and 2000’s!! This is a unique sensorimotor fitness class that is designed to give them mind and body instant feedback through continuous movement and rhythmical flow.

~*Fight Back Boxing (Lvl 3) - This noncontact class is based on the Rocksteady Boxing for Parkinson’s program. It will improve cardo fitness, balance, agility, motor skill & coordination, and functional strength conditioning. You will need to provide your own gloves and hand wraps (gel wraps recommended).

~*Forever Fit (Lvl 2) - This class incorporates low impact cardio intervals

with weight bearing exercises to increase strength and bone density for a full body workout including balance challenges and flexibility. You will also learn how to successfully get on and off the floor with or without a chair as needed.

~*Functional Circuit (Lvl 3) – An interval type of physical training (cardio and strength) that involves high intensity exercise alternated with rest periods. This is highly effective in conditioning the cardiovascular system. Must be able to easily get up and down from the floor.

~*Hustle & Muscle (Lvl 3) Enjoy low impact cardio aerobics utilizing full range of motion exercises for joint movement for the first part of the class. Followed by a focus of strength and toning for a total body workout. This class will get the heart rate up and build muscle tone. Must be able to get on and off the floor.

*HydroRider® (Lvl 2) – 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 required.

~*Impressive Stretch (Lvl 2) - Our 45-minute demo class will lengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and mobility. We will include static, dynamic, and ballistic stretch moves with bands, foam rollers, mats, and balls. Participants will need to be able to get up and down from the floor.

~*Mat Pilates (Lvl 3) – 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.

~*Strength & Balance (Lvl 1) - Classes will concentrate on range of motion from head to toe along with lifting handheld weights and using one’s own body weight to improve stability and strength.

~*Tru Strength (Lvl 4) – This functional strength training class is designed to counter many of the physically adverse effects of aging by improving muscle tone, connective tissue strength, enhancing metabolism, and development of both daily and athletic performance while teaching you proper form & mechanics.

~*TRX® Fit (Lvl 2) – Enjoy a suspension training body-weight workout that develops strength, balance, flexibility,

and core stability simultaneously. This advanced TRX class will introduce progressions for the exercises learned in TRX Fundamentals. This class will also include TRX exercises on the floor.

~*TRX Fundamentals (Lvl 2) – This class is designed to teach you how to properly use the TRX suspension trainer. This tool is excellent for increasing strength and improving body awareness. Your instructor will break down form, technique, and introduce exercises that will improve daily function.

~*Yoga (Lvl 3) – This class starts with breathing and poses to arm up and move through poses that flow, one to the next; holding postures to build strength. Yoga is a practice, without competition, expectation, or judgement. It is for everybody. Modifications for poses will be provided. Learn to manage stress and anxiety by using breath work. You must be able to get up and down from the floor.

~*Yoga, Core & More (Lvl 2) - Yoga Core and More is an exercise technique that combines the flexibility of yoga and the strength of Core exercises in one session,

designed to improve mind and body health. Yoga Core and More can help with stress, osteoporosis, posture, circulation and more. As its name suggests, Yoga Core and More takes its inspiration from yoga and Core exercises. Yoga Core and More combines balance, stamina, strength, and flexibility with Core techniques that improve posture, core strength, and stability. It is a gentle yet effective exercise format that can benefit anyone.

~*Zumba Gold (Lvl 3) - Learn how to do the Mambo, Merengue, Salsa, and other dances. This class combines bodysculpting exercises with these dance moves to create a fun & effective cardio workout. You will also use light weights to enhance rhythm and incorporate toning for a totally body experience.

Suspension Training or TRX: A Brief History

Suspension training, also known as TRX training, was created by a former Navy SEAL, Randy Hetrick, to enable himself to train wherever he was, using only his body weight and minimal equipment. Suspension training involves adjusting straps to create resistance and leverage using only one’s body weight.

The straps are adjustable, allowing for various movements to work in different muscle groups. The exercises involve moving your body away or towards the straps or even changing the angle of your body to create different degrees of difficulty. TRX is versatile and can be adapted to varying levels of fitness and abilities.

Benefits of Suspension Training:

Suspension training offers many benefits, including building strength, improving balance, and increasing flexibility. Because of its versatility, suspension training can help tone every part of your body, from your arms, shoulders, and chest to your lower body muscles. Suspension training is also an excellent cardio workout that can help you burn more calories, improve your endurance, and increase your metabolism.

For Athletes:

Suspension training can also benefit athletes because it offers functional training, whereby movements mimic movements encountered in daily life or sports. By working on movements that we might do naturally, such as running, jumping, pushing, and pulling, you are training your body for better balance,

coordination, and agility. Additionally, the muscle strength you’ll develop using TRX will help you increase your athleticism and reduce the risk of injuries.

For starters, suspension training does not necessarily include actual suspension. Instead, it’s a form of bodyweight exercise that uses an instability platform consisting of elastic straps and a pulley system to leverage gravity into increased resistance.

Top 4 Reasons to Try Suspension Training

The suspension training craze is sweeping the country, with more and more people getting in on the elastic strap action. Still on the fence about whether to give it a go. Consider these four benefits offered by TRX:

1. It’s Fast and Effective

While bodyweight exercises are terrific, sometimes a more significant challenge is in order. Suspension training amplifies your exercise routine to provide a unique total-body workout.

In fact, recent research published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine reveals suspension training to be as successful as old-fashioned weights across measures including strength, power, speed, and jumping ability. Said study author José Luis Maté-Muñoz, PhD, “Instability training provides an optimal stimulus for developing strength levels.”

2. It Works Your Core Experts agree that a strong core is everything. Unfortunately, many forms

of exercise overlook the importance of core strength — a mistake that not only compromises performance but also increases the risk of injury. Conversely, TRX automatically engages the core whenever you clip in and work out.

Says one New York Times write-up on the trend, “The beauty of TRX is that you can’t help engaging your core to steady yourself.” Furthermore, with increasing evidence pointing to the benefits of functional training, exercise scientists herald the synergistic approach of TRX.

3. It’s Adaptability for People of all Fitness Levels

Just because suspension training was invented by Navy SEALS doesn’t

mean it’s inaccessible to the rest of the population. Under the supervision of qualified personal trainers, this approach offers advantages to people of all fitness levels — from novices to elite athletes.

4. It’s Portable and Inexpensive

Point one addressed the comparability of suspension training to weight systems regarding the outcome. Two areas where they could be more comparable? Portability and cost. Weights and large exercise machines are not only stationery due to their heft and unwieldiness but can also cost thousands more than a simple suspension system.

One last thing to keep in mind about suspension training? While it has tremendous potential from a fitness perspective, it can also result in injury without the proper techniques. This is why personal trainers are an essential part of the process. With the appropriate knowledge, training, and experience, they are uniquely positioned to help their clients minimize the risk of injury while maximizing the effects of TRX.

In conclusion, suspension training is an innovative and versatile way to improve your fitness. By using only your body weight and suspension straps, you can develop overall functional strength, flexibility, and balance and reduce the risk of injury. With its versatility and portability, TRX is suitable for people of all fitness levels and abilities, making it an excellent addition to your fitness routine. So why not try it and see how suspension training can benefit your health and fitness goals?

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Our ‘Mind, Body and Spirit’ Couple! Gary, now 60 years old, grew up in Mesa and became involved in Physical Fitness in grade school via sports and school organized fitness events. This continued through High School prior to joining the Navy at 17 in 1981. The military was a perfect fit to continue his fitness pursuits including an eight-year association with the ALLNavy Wrestling team culminating in qualifying for the 1988 Olympic Trials with sights on South Korea. Retiring from the Navy in 2013, he continued to play many sports as well as coaching in addition to the more traditional fitness pursuits and personal training.

After 26 surgeries and the removal of his right Achilles tendon, Gary found fitness to be more important, not less. He lifts weights three times a week, plays basketball twice a week, tennis 1-2 times per week, sprint work once a week, 3-mile run once a week, and a 6-mile walk twice a week. Gary’s mindset: “We get one life, and my goal is not necessarily a long life though that is a by-product, I am looking for quality of life!”

The Leisure World Fitness Center is a wonderful State-of-the-Art facility, complete with free weights, machines, isometrics and more, and a highly qualified fitness training staff to include Sean, Nancy, JP, and Liz.

Chris is the exact opposite when it comes to her husband’s physical fitness prowess. Her journey started as a senior in high school working out at the gym during PE class. While serving in the Navy, Chris learned how to build and tone muscle while she and Gary spent many hours at the gym before having children. Once our little girls were running around, the last thing on my mind was working out. For several years, Chris gave up going to the gym and really began to focus on healthy eating and learning to cook from scratch. No boxed, frozen or premade meals for the Lock family!

In 2003, the Navy stationed us in Cornwall, England. we fell in love with the English countryside and wanted to explore every walking path. It was then that Chris knew she had to get strong again to be able to hike the western

PERSONAL TRAINER SPOTLIGHT

JP is an Arizona native who was raised on the border town of Nogales. During high school, he was a triathlete who participated in basketball, baseball, and rodeo. He attended Pima Community College on a baseball scholarship and graduated from Newman University in Wichita Kansas with a bachelor’s in biology and minors in sports medicine and Spanish. During his time at Newman University, he was the captain of the baseball team and was named to Dean’s list several times.

After playing professional baseball in Mexico for a year he started his

coast. Chris went back to the gym and out on the paths we walked – up to 15 miles at a time. She remained a “gym rat” during our time in Hawaii because you know you must have a beach body there! But, as life does, it got in the way again and the gym took second fiddle to finish raising the kids.

No sports for Chris - preferring lifting, cardio, bike riding and hiking to courts. She can ride her bike and walk for miles safely in LW but loves to have the gym option available.

Attending fitness classes is a big motivator to stay focused on a wellrounded fitness routine. The classes are taught by a professional staff that cares and knows the members. I love the banging great time I have in Cardio Drumming lead by Sean, the butt kicking I get from Nancy Z. in Mat Pilates (she is a drill sergeant) and the relaxing stretch I get from Nancy B and Leyla in Yoga.

Until the last year, Chris has never been inclined to let physical fitness and sports play a large priority in her

life as much as her “old man”. Now, as a post-menopausal mid fif-ahem-ties woman, she continues to choose the healthy Mediterranean Diet and make it a priority to go to the Fitness Center a minimum 3-4 times a week.

JP Soto

fitness career as a health and wellness coach at Nifty After Fifty in Tucson Arizona. He then worked in Oro Valley at Proactive Physical Therapy as an Exercise Specialist. JP also worked in the school system as a physical education teacher and athletic director for 8 years. He recently came from Maryland where he was the recruiting coordinator and infield coach for Hood College.

Certifications include Certified Personal Trainer (ACE), Senior Fitness Specialist (ACE), Brain Health Trainer (ACE), TRX Certified, Tivity (Silver

Sneakers), Certified Pool Operator (ATCS), and CPR/AED Certified.

With JP’s extensive background in Fitness, he makes for a knowledgeable and skilled personal trainer. Although he is new to Leisure World, he is no stranger to assisting in the building of healthy bodies through exercise. If you’re in search of a personal trainer to help address your fitness needs and goals, feel free to reach out to JP and get started.

Ablation Is Only Recommended If Meds Are Intolerable DEAR

DR. ROACH: I’m a 67-year-old man who developed typical atrial flutter two years ago, but I haven’t had any symptoms that I am aware of. I don’t have a history of heart problems. My heart rate was 117 bpm while experiencing atrial flutter.

My cardiologist recommended an ablation, as that can be curative. He specializes in electrophysiology. The ablation was successful, and my heart rate was in the low 60s afterward.

Six months ago, atrial fibrillation (AFib) showed up, but again, there weren’t any real symptoms for me. My heart rate is nice and low, and I never really feel any problems ... perhaps some fatigue. But at 67, I can’t always distinguish this from the feeling of getting older. I’m on Xarelto and a low dose of carvedilol. My blood pressure is good.

Is it worth having an ablation of the pulmonary veins to try and stop AFib? Or is it better to just live with an irregular heartbeat? Apparently, it’s best to have an ablation sooner rather than later, so I’ll need to decide as soon as possible. -- D.S.

ANSWER: Atrial flutter is an abnormally fast heart rhythm that starts in one of the top chambers of the heart, usually the right atrium. The heart rate in the atria is very fast, typically 240-300 bpm, which is faster than any adult heart can beat. It is common that every other impulse in the atria gets transmitted to the ventricle, so a pulse rate in the range of 120-150 bpm would be typical.

Catheter ablation prevents the progression of the fast impulse to the rest of the heart, and it is successful 65% to 100% of the time in various studies. Unfortunately, studies have also shown that somewhere between 7% and 44% of those who had a successful catheter ablation for atrial flutter will later have a recurrence -- or more commonly develop AFib.

This is called a chaotic arrythmia and can cause a fast heart rate, but more importantly, the lack of coordinated heart contractions in the atria can predispose people to the development of a clot in the atrium. The clot can then float downstream where it can lodge and cause damage, specifically a stroke. Each year, a percentage of 5% of people with AFib will develop a stroke without treatment.

Treatment is designed to relieve symptoms and reduce stroke risk -- your cardiologist has already achieved both of these aims pretty well. The carvedilol is a beta blocker that helps keep the heart rate under control, and Xarelto is effective at reducing stroke risk.

In my opinion, there isn’t a need to consider another treatment like an ablation, which has a small but real potential for serious side effects. In fact, it is not 100% effective; about 70% to 75% of patients are symptom-free a year after the procedure. Many people need to continue anticoagulants like Xarelto even after a successful catheter ablation.

I recommend ablation for people who cannot tolerate medication treatment for their symptoms.

DEAR DR. ROACH: My daughter and her friend went to a concert and had to climb stairs. They ended up walking about 2.5 miles in total. After returning home, my daughter had severe pain in both of her feet and was unable to stand or walk on them. She said it felt like someone was crushing them.

The pain did not get better, so she went to the emergency room a few days later. A doctor there performed an X-ray and said that the pain was due to bunions, although they did not even look at her feet. She also saw a foot specialist who told her that the diagnosis was neuropathy of the feet and recommended Neurontin for pain. He asked her if she has diabetes, but she does not. They told my daughter that she will have to live in pain for the rest of her life.

The doctor recommended getting some tests done on her nerves at the hospital, but she doesn’t have money to pay for these tests. What can be done to help her? How is it possible that the pain started so suddenly? She is in constant pain and is unable to walk. -- K.B.

ANSWER: “Neuropathy” is not a diagnosis; it’s a name for a diverse group of diseases that cause damage to the nerves, specifically signifying the nerves in the brain and spinal cord or those outside of them.

The recommendation of getting nerve testing done is correct. This does sound like neuropathy from the little bit of information I have, although neuropathies do not typically begin with exercise the way you described. I have seen several cases where muscles have become terribly inflamed and even break down after a period of unusually strenuous exertion (this usually gets better with time), but I would have expected the doctors to make that diagnosis.

There is a compressive neuropathy in the foot (tarsal tunnel syndrome) where the nerve is damaged by pressure from muscles, bones and connective tissue, but this happening to both feet at the same time would be surprising. Metabolic neuropathies, like B12 deficiency, cause symptoms on both sides but do not begin suddenly. I’d be worried about her lower spine.

I don’t know what your daughter’s financial situation is, whether she might be eligible for Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act, or whether there is a free medical clinic near you. I have had many patients make just enough money that they don’t qualify for Medicaid, but are unable to afford commercial insurance and don’t get it through work.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. (c)2024 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved.

7 Ways to Prevent Parkinson’s Disease

The information in this segment was gathered in part from “Judsonsmartliving.org”

Go Organic (and Local)

Pesticides and herbicides have been heavily implicated in causing Parkinson’s. Researchers have found high levels of pesticides/herbicides in the brains of Parkinson’s sufferers, compared to those with regular dopamine levels. Furthermore, agricultural workers who find themselves exposed to these pesticides have significantly higher rates of PD than the general public.

Eat Fresh, Raw Vegetables

If you need more reasons to eat your vegetables, this should be the clincher. Studies show that increased amounts of the B vitamin folic acid, found primarily in vegetables, can significantly reduce the risk of Parkinson’s.

The best sources of folic acid are simultaneously some of the healthiest foods on the planet, namely dark green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, collard greens, brussels sprouts, asparagus and okra – all of which can be grown in your backyard! This B vitamin can also be found in avocado, legumes and lentils.

Incorporate Omega-3 Fatty Acids Into Your Diet

Parkinson’s is inflammatory in nature, so researchers have spent much of their time exploring the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are strongly implicated in the prevention of cell degeneration and death, with their benefits going well beyond Parkinson’s prevention.

Omega-3s have the added benefits of balancing cholesterol levels, boosting immunity, and enhancing cardiovascular health. Your primary sources of this fatty acid are wild-caught fish (especially mackerel, salmon and cod), pastured eggs and walnuts.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D comes from only two sources:

Sunlight – With the help of cholesterol and vitamins, vitamin D is changed chemically and absorbed into the bloodstream.

Animal Fat – Eating animal fat from healthy animals that are wild or grassfed is a premier source of vitamin D. Without enough vitamin D, you can’t absorb the amounts of calcium or phosphorus your body needs to function properly, resulting in a host of negative effects that become more prevalent as we age.

Researchers have found that about 70 percent of early, untreated Parkinson’s patients have low levels of vitamin D – identifying this statistic as a strong correlation would be an understatement.

Green Tea

Multiple studies have shown that the certain compounds in green tea have myriad protective benefits on the neural network of the brain. Green tea has also been shown to sustain dopamine levels in ailing brain tissue, reducing the severity of Parkinson’s symptoms for those already diagnosed.

When shopping for green tea, it’s important to choose a higher quality brand, as some of the lower quality brands contain excessive levels of fluoride, which has been shown to have

degenerative effects on brain function.

Regular Aerobic Exercise

In addition to physical benefits like increasing lung capacity, bone density and overall longevity, exercise has a distinct impact on brain health. Regular aerobic exercise reduces inflammation in the brain, helping to counter the inflammatory signals leading to the development of Parkinson’s.

Given Parkinson’s degenerative effect on cognitive function and memory, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated.

CoQ10

CoQ10 is a coenzyme found in the bodies of most animals, including your own. Your cells use it to produce the energy for more cell growth and maintenance, functioning as an

cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Deficiencies in CoQ10 have been shown to contribute to age-related neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and patients with PD have been shown to have low levels of this crucial coenzyme in their platelets, plasma and vital regions of the brain. A variety of studies have demonstrated that CoQ10 supplementation can slow the progressive deterioration of Parkinson’s and prevent dopamine loss.

CoQ10 is found in abundance in organ meats like liver, kidney and heart, as well as grass-fed beef and wild-caught fish. Some vegetables, including spinach, broccoli and cauliflower contain CoQ10, but nothing close to the amounts found in organ meats.

healthy fat to enable absorption of the coenzyme, making the consumption of organ meats – high in healthy fats – a no-brainer. It can also be consumed as a dietary supplement.

Reduce Your Stress

The most important thing we can do for our long-term health, both physical and cognitive, is to reduce the stress in our bodies. All stress – physical, emotional and chemical – causes inflammation and long-term damage throughout the body.

Whether you’re seeking Parkinson’s prevention techniques or ways to alleviate symptoms, any of the above dietary and lifestyle practices can have long-term health benefits. Drinking green tea, eating organic, local vegetables, and regular aerobic exercise all significantly reduce the long-term cumulative damage done by stress.

By Dan Yoder Head Golf Professional

As golfers, we all strive to hit the ball farther off the tee, and for senior golfers, maintaining distance becomes even more crucial to stay competitive and enjoy the game to its fullest. While age may bring some physical limitations, there are various techniques and strategies senior golfers can employ to maximize their distance off the tee. In this instructional guide, we will explore key tips and drills specifically tailored to help senior golfers unlock more distance in their drives.

1. Proper Warm-Up Routine: Before stepping onto the tee box, it’s essential for senior golfers to engage in a comprehensive warm-up routine. This routine should include dynamic stretches targeting the shoulders, hips, and back to improve flexibility and range of motion. Additionally, incorporating a few practice swings with a focus on full rotation can help loosen up muscles and promote a smoother, more efficient swing.

2. Adjust Your Equipment: Senior golfers can benefit from using equipment that suits their swing speed and physical

Unlocking Long Drives

A Senior Golfer’s Guide to Increasing Distance

capabilities. Consider using a driver with a higher loft to maximize carry distance and promote a higher launch angle. Additionally, opting for lighter shafts and larger clubhead sizes can help generate more clubhead speed and forgiveness on off-center hits.

3. Focus on Flexibility and Mobility: As we age, maintaining flexibility and mobility becomes increasingly important in generating power and distance. Senior golfers should prioritize incorporating flexibility exercises into their regular fitness routine, focusing on improving rotation in the shoulders, hips, and spine. Yoga, Pilates, and specific golf mobility drills can all contribute to increased flexibility and range of motion, leading to more powerful and efficient swings.

4. Tempo and Timing: Senior golfers should focus on developing a smooth and consistent tempo in their swings. Avoiding quick, jerky movements and instead prioritizing a controlled backswing and transition can help generate more power and accuracy. Practice drills such as the “one-twothree” rhythm drill, where you count “one” on the backswing, “two” at the top of the swing, and “three” on

LADIES CORNER

the downswing, can help establish a balanced and rhythmic swing tempo.

5. Efficient Power Transfer: To maximize distance, senior golfers should focus on efficient power transfer from their body to the clubhead. This involves engaging the lower body in the downswing and using the ground for leverage and stability. Initiating the downswing with

a subtle shift of weight from the back foot to the front foot, followed by a powerful rotation of the hips and torso, can help generate increased clubhead speed and distance.

6. Develop a Strong Core: A strong core is essential for generating power and stability in the golf swing, especially for senior golfers. Incorporate corestrengthening exercises such as planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball rotations into your fitness routine to

improve core stability and rotational power. A strong core not only helps generate more distance but also contributes to better balance and consistency in your swing.

7. Maintain Proper Posture and Alignment: Proper posture and alignment are fundamental elements of a powerful and accurate golf swing. Senior golfers should focus on maintaining a balanced posture throughout the swing, with a slight tilt from the hips at address. Additionally, ensuring proper alignment of the body and clubface towards the target can help promote a more efficient and consistent ball flight, leading to increased distance off the tee.

By implementing these key tips and drills into their practice routine, senior golfers can unlock more distance off the tee and enjoy improved performance on the golf course. Remember to prioritize flexibility, tempo, power transfer, and core strength, and don’t forget the importance of proper warmup and equipment adjustments. With dedication and practice, senior golfers can continue to hit powerful and impressive drives well into their golden years.

Getting the ball in the air more consistently with your fairway woods!

By: Lisa Cornelius (Assistant Golf Professional)

About 80-90% of the people I work with have trouble getting the ball in the air, especially with their fairway woods. So, you are not alone if this is a challenge in your game. Hopefully at the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the golf swing and what it takes to achieve a higher golf shot!

The tendency with fairway clubs is to try and help the golf ball get into the air. The right side of our body basically takes over and we try to scoop the ball or help the shot with our right hand. This move causes more of a chop like hitting motion at the ball with no forward movement towards the target. Keep in mind that fairway clubs are the longest clubs in our bag next to the driver and if we do not swing these clubs through the ball, our balance, shot consistency and distance will suffer.

Tips to

create a good

golf swing and get the golf ball in the air:

Ensure your posture stays steady through the shot and does not breakdown. When we hit those low, across the ground or topped shots, our body is lifting upwards on the downswing and as we contact the ball, the clubhead stops. Lead the downswing with your legs and left side, maintain your posture and do not move your head, watch the club make contact with the ball and sweep through it. Remember, the golf swing is a rotation, as if there was an imaginary hula hoop in the vertical position around our body, we must follow that pattern to ensure a proper rotation.

Now that your posture is better and you are remaining balanced through the shot, your ability to swing the club towards the target becomes much easier. To ensure the ball gets in the air, we must allow the club to sweep through the ball and move down the

target line. Because the club is longer, we must create momentum through the shot to help the club get to the finish position. So, how do we do that? We must use our legs to generate power and move the club! I challenge you to take some practice swings and make a swoosh sound. If you can do this, you are generating clubhead speed. You will notice how much easier the swing becomes and getting to the finish position becomes easier and more effortless.

The last part of the golf swing is the finish. To consistently keep the ball moving towards the target and getting it in the air, we must finish the swing. Some key tips to remember on your finish: Ensure you are keeping good arm extension through the shot and swinging down your target line. Let the club move freely while not force stopping it once you have made contact with the ball. Let the club swing through, up and around with your

hands finishing high and above your left shoulder (if you’re right-handed). The front of your body should be facing the target at the end of your swing. *Key point, the golf ball will always follow the path of your clubhead! * Look at where your clubhead is on the finish and if it’s low, you will have a low shot pattern, if it’s facing right, your body is probably facing right, which will result in a shot to the right. If you swing across your chest with no leg movement, the clubhead will be pointing left resulting in a pulled shot.

In conclusion, golf can be a challenging game, but if you implement and practice the key points in this article, you will be better and hit the ball higher! Understanding what to do is a big part of it as well and in time, if you are practicing the right things, your game will soon improve!

Let it fly and finish high!

Coyote Run Women’s Golf League

Submitted by Nancy Will

It’s tournament time! CRWGA President’s Cup play was held on two consecutive Tuesdays in January (9th and 16th). This was a flighted low net individual event.

Our overall President’s Cup winner was Joyce Shepp with an outstanding 2-day total low net score of 138!

Congratulations to Joyce and all of our flight winners.

Flight 1: Mary Hayes (1st), Anita Neustadt (2nd), Pat Loewen (3rd)

Flight 2: Marlene Zaharichuk (1st), Sue Palmer (2nd), Bobbi Stearns (3rd)

Flight 3: Betty Rieder (1st), Sheelagh Eimantas (2nd), Penny Dixon (3rd)

Flight 4: Nancy Will (1st), Gaylene Lindbloom (2nd), Diane Perry (3rd)

Flight 5: Ann Jonasen (1st), Cindy Gee (2nd), Linda Anhorn (3rd)

The Heron Lakes Men’s 9 Hole League (Thursday)

Submitted by: Don Paulson

January League Play Results

This month, we held our Eclectic tournaments for both leagues. Congratulations to the winners, Rich Gamble and Jim Nell (9-hole). New

members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Joe Vitetta - 2013joeyv@gmail.com

January 4, 2024 (1 Net / 1 Gross)

1st Place at 58 – Rich Blum, Dave Babb, Roger Dillon, Hugh Brown 2nd Place at 60 – Shane Budvarson,

Bill Dalling, John Erickson, Jim Gardin

3rd Place at 64 – Barry Budvarson, Greg Holl, Mike Anderson, Bruce Rodabaugh

4th Place at 66 – John Dailey, Gino Vitetta, Joe Vitetta, Jack Dechellis

Lisa Cornelius' Women's Golf Clinic

January 11, 2024 - No play due to weather

January 18 & 25, 2024 - Eclectic Tournament

1st Place at 23 – Rich Gamble, Jim Nell

3rd Place at 24 – Ben Boss

2024 CRWGA President’s Cup Flight Winners(L to R) M. Hayes, M. Zaharichuk, J. Shepp, B. Rieder, N. Will, A. Jonasen

Joyce Shepp 2024 CRWGA President’s Cup Overall Winner.

4th Place at 25 – Mario Lachance, Joe Vitetta, Herb Fish, Bob Richey, Tim Bauer

9th Place at 26 – Kevin Bishop, John Erickson, Bruce Rodabaugh, Jack Dechellis

The Heron Lakes Men’s 18 Hole League (Monday)

Submitted by: Don Paulson

January League Play Results

Congratulations to Butch Lang for scoring a Hole in One on hole #5 during 18-hole league play on January 29. Way to go Butch! This month, we held our Eclectic tournaments for both leagues. Congratulations to the winners, John Fleming and Ben Boss (18-hole). New members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Joe Vitetta - 2013joeyv@gmail.com

January 1, 2024 – No play due to holiday

January 8, 2024 – No play due to weather

January 15 & 22, 2024 – Eclectic Tournament

1st Place at 53 – John Fleming, Ben

Boss

3rd Place at 54 – Dale Smith, Ken Steele, Rich Gamble

6th Place at 55 – Vern Monson, John Dailey, Tomy Mitchell

GOLF CLUBS

9th Place at 56 – John Stockton, Dave Babb, John Erickson, Herb Fish

13th Place at 57 – Mario Lachance, Doug Atnip, Bill Dalling, Cliff Draper, Bruce Rodabaugh, Jerry Perkins

January 29, 2024 – (3 Net 3’s / 2 Net Others)

1st Place at 141 (Playoff) – Bill Funke, Mario Lachance, Bob VanScoy, Larry Bowers

2nd Place at 141 – John Fleming, John Mullen, Bill Dalling, Rich Gamble

3rd Place at 144 – Virgil Knapke, Don Steffan, Joe Vitetta, Tomy Mitchell

4th Place at 146 – Kent Reimann, Bill Klepacki, John Erickson, Gary Byrd

5th Place at 149 (Playoff) – Ken Dryden, Dave Babb, James Nell, Bob Richey

Heron Lakes

Ladies 9 Hole League

Submitted by: Mary Paulson

January Golf Results

January 2, 2024 (Three Blind Mice)

1st place at 88 - Bev Budvarson, Ginny Hoyt, Kay Richey, Peggy Babb, Carol Silver, Marsha Dalling, Jane Cox, Mary Paulson

2nd place at 90 - Betty Horner, Cheryle Wenck, Elaine Murphy, Pat Connelly, Kim Weimer, Debi Budvarson, Trish Bowers, Sue Paitel

January 16, 2024 (1 Net)

1st place at 17 - Carol Silver, Ginny Hoyt, Punk Salberg, Sylvia Parrish

2nd place at 21 - Julie Bowles, Clara Anderson, Trudy Artz, Sheri Chrouser

3rd place at 23 - Minde Strief, Marcia Steele, Cleo Peterson, Judy Dubois, Dorothy Kemp, Sharon Maclachlaan, Connie Richert, Peggy Babb

January 30, 2024 (Member-MemberTeam Net)

1st place at 59 - Marcia Steele, Punk Salberg

2nd place at 60 - Janice Funke, Patty Kohoutek

3rd place at 62 - Kris French, Lyn Erickson

4th place at 64 – Marsha Dalling, Bev Byrd

5th place at 65 – Dorothy Kemp, Trudy Artz, Ginger Kuemmerle, Kay Richey

Heron Lakes Women’s 18 Hole Golf Club

By Nita Calow

The weather has not been cooperating for our tournaments. However, it has to improve and hopefully we will have the tournaments.

The results of the Eclectic Tournament are as follows:

Flight 1 (tie for first) Mary Hayes and Judy Dunitz

Third Place Pat Loewen

Flight 2 First Place Carla Wizniak

Second Place Darlene Baran

Third Place

Diane Gaudet

Flight 3 First Place Lucie Grenier

Second Place Debbie Beardsworth

Third Place Dorothy Kemp

Flight 4 First Place Ginge McDonald

Second Place Linda Anhorn

Third Place Cindy Gee

Flight 5 First Place Elaine Creighton

Second (Tie) Connie Richert and Maria Young

Fourth (Tie) Trish Bowers and Dianne Decker

February 4 Team Game (Cha Cha Cha)

First Place Anita Neustadt, Rita Folk, Elaine Creighton and Blind draw Bev Dillon

Second Place Shelly Burnett, Diane Gaudet, Peggy Hurd and Bev Dillon

Third Place Patti Flanders, Janice Funke, Linda Anhorn and Maria Young

Fourth (tie) Sandy Jerstad, Carla Wizniak, Sandy Stearns, and Xenia Johnston Darlene Baran, Paulette Guerrier, Debbi Beardsworth and Elaine Creighton (BD)

Alzheimer’s/Dementia/ Parkinson’s Support Group

Submitted by Sonia Discher

Have you noticed changes in your loved one? Are they starting to walk slower and drag behind you instead of walking with you? Are they hesitating during activities that they are normally quite comfortable with? Are they struggling with everyday tasks? These might be indications that something is going on. If you feel unsure or would like some support with your feelings/concerns, our Leisure World Alzheimer/Dementia Support Group is what you are looking for.

We are a caring group that has similar circumstances that offers information, understanding, and support, providing useful techniques and experiences to help relieve the frustrations you may be experiencing. The more you understand how the disease progresses and how it can affect you and your loved one, the better you will be able to cope. A support group is invaluable in this difficult endeavor.

We meet every third Wednesday of each month throughout the year at 10:00 a.m. in the Queen Card Room in Rec. 1. Please mark your calendars and join us. We also have handouts from the Banner Alzheimer’s and Barrow Neurological Institute, which offer helpful information.

We look forward to seeing you and any friends who are caregivers. All information shared during our meetings remains in the room. You are not alone! For more information, please contact Sonia Discher at 613-5851959 (canbrit@bell.net) or Vickie Noble at 480-3691466 (vicnal7@gmail.com).

American Association of University Women

East Mesa Branch

Submitted by Molly Brenza

The next meeting of the East Mesa Branch of the AAUW is on Wednesday March 6, 2024, in the clubroom in Rec 1. Join us at 1 PM for social time with our meeting and program starting at 1:30 PM. The speaker for this meeting is currently pending as details are being finalized. At this meeting, members will approve the slate for the officers from the Nominating Committee. The AAUW meets monthly on the first Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM in the Rec. 1 Clubroom from November through April. We welcome new members to join our dynamic organization. Annually the East Mesa Branch supports 12 women scholars through full scholarships to local colleges. These women also receive mentoring from members of the AAUW to promote their success. Please join us to explore our organization, its mission, and our special interest groups. All women who share the mission and values of AAUW but have not obtained a degree are welcome regardless of citizenship. For membership information, please contact Elaine Prom at 480-207-0655, or visit our website at: https://eastmesaaz.aauw.net

Dakota Club

There will be a dinner club meeting for North and South Dakota people on March 21 at the Rendezvous Cafe. Social is at 5 p.m. and is B.Y.O.B., dinner will be starting at 6 p.m. consisting of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and dessert.

Make your reservations by March 17.

Drop off checks for $17/per person (payable to Dakota Club), to Maxine Beckwith manor 646: Kris Pillar manor 1569

Democratic Club

Greetings leisure world democrats and independents! Representative Greg Stanton is Coming….

We hope many of you had an opportunity to spend Valentines Day with someone special.

Please mark your planner for an exciting March Meeting! We have a commitment from Representative, Greg Stanton, to speak at this meeting. Greg is the incumbent Democratic candidate for our 4th CONGRESSIONAL DIST.

He will join us on March 16, Saturday (yes, Saturday) at 12:45 in the Rec. 1 Theatre. We will begin promptly at 1:00.

All are welcome, resident or not!

We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday March 16th!

Genealogy SIG Club

The Genealogy SIG group is off to a great start this year. Many have attended and we have all gained some useful information in organizing our data and finding relatives both here in the U.S. and in faraway places.

Some attendees have requested we switch our classes to the afternoon to allow more people to participate. Beginning in March (through May), we will change our class time to 1-2 PM. Hopefully this allows more of you to attend so you can continue, or begin, your journey into creating your family tree.

Genealogy SIG classes are on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month in the Internet Oasis, now from 1-2 PM. The schedule for the upcoming classes are as follows:

Mar 13 – Irish Genealogy – County Cork Guest Speaker via Zoom (in Theatre). Time To Be Announced.

Mar 27 – Foreign Resources

Apr 10 – Census Records

Apr 24 – Naturalization Records

May 8 – Card Catalogs

May 22 – Miscellaneous Topics – Last Class of Season SUMMER BREAK until October 2024

Kim A. Hansen kahansen58@gmail.com

Manor 1135

Investment Club of Leisure World

Submitted by Shelly Begel

Investment Club of Leisure World (aka San Tan Investment Club) is a closed end mutual fund of nearly one quarter of a million dollars. It consists of blue chips and other stocks (average earnings between 10 – 15% annually).

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 contribution requirement of $25 per month, which is $300 annually, which 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 meet the third Thursday of each month, in season, at 10 a.m., for between 1 and 2 hours, in the Queen Card Room. Please join us on March 21, 2024. If you cannot attend the meeting in person, you are welcome to join us virtually.

For more information before the meeting, you can contact our president, Alan Forbes, 808-497-8109. You can call, text, or email Alan at johnalanforbes@yahoo. com. You can also come to the meeting on March 21st.

Iowa Club

We had 58 at the Iowa dinner on January 24th with great food, our social “mixer” and entertainment by our own Greg Brandt. I’d say it was a good time!

Our next Iowa Club dinner and social is scheduled for Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the Rendezvous Cafe located in Rec. 2. Doors open at 5:00 for social hour with dinner served at 6:00 p.m. The cost is $15.00 per person: please make checks out to Lori Borland, if paying w cash, please have a note with your names. Payments can be dropped off in the box on my patio at Manor 1532 (on LW Blvd) from Friday March 8 until noon on Monday the 11th. As always, B.Y.O.B. The dinner’s theme is “Luck O the Irish” dice game. So, wear your green and get your wrists ready to throw some dice! Just a fun fact, there are only 2 Moville’s (my hometown) in the world….Moville, Iowa and Moville, Ireland!! Hope to see you all there! Lori Borland Iowa Club Committee Manor 1532

Lions Club

Submitted Lion Renee Menard

Lions inducted 6 new members in February. A Lions orientation is presented by seasoned Lions including the new members sponsors.

The February Pancake breakfast was a yummy success, a big thanks to Chef Dennis and all his devoted volunteers. We are looking forward to April as the Lions get to distribute the funds we have earned all year to various charities!

We Serve…We Give

Leisure World Christian Fellowship Bible Study

Submitted by Mary Louise Hendricksen

The Christian Fellowship Bible Study will continue to meet Thursdays in March from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. in the Theater. We welcome you to join us as we continue an in-depth study of the Book of I John. All study materials are provided. B Y O B -- Bring Your Own Bible. On Thursday March 28 we will meet for our Bible Study at 9:30 a.m. in the Lakeside Clubhouse with a Potluck to follow immediately after.

We are privileged again this year to sponsor the East Valley Chorale in concert at Rec 2 on Sunday April 7, 2024, at 4 p.m. A freewill offering will be taken. Be sure to mark your calendars and plan to join us. For questions, please contact Mary Louise Hendricksen Manor 823 Phone 480-832-2507

Leisure World Community Theater

Well, we have wound down from our yearly presentations. WE would like to thank all of you who attended our productions. A big shout out to those foundation representatives who volunteered with ticket

sales. We are proud to be able to share a portion of our proceeds with the Foundation which does such wonderful beneficial deeds.

The end of these performances does not mean we stop. Oh no! We are beginning to view other possible plays. We will be discussing reactions to our performances and working on making our next production even better than the last.

It is also time to thank the many theater group participants who worked behind the scenes. They are an intricate part of any production. A big thank you goes to those who sold tickets, 50/50, and helped provide refreshments for the audience. You are so important to our production.

Remember we will begin preparations for another production next season so if we helped to implant a theatrical urge, please contact us. Join the fun and become a Leisure World Thespian!

Computer and Technology Club

The Internet Oasis is open to all residents and guests from 10 a.m. to Noon, Monday through Friday. There are 8 PC’s available for getting on the internet, and each is equipped with word processing and spreadsheet software. There are 2 printers that can produce both black/white ($0.10) and color ($1) copies and printouts from those computers and from your Android and Apple phones.

Residents and guests can also bring documents on USB memory sticks to be updated and printed. New USB 64 Gig memory sticks can also be purchased at Internet Oasis for $5. A monitor will be on duty during those hours to help with computer and phone related questions and answers.

There are computer related presentations from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. every Monday morning in the Rec 1 Theater, as well as iPhone workshops in the Rec 1 Theater at those same times every Tuesday. Watch for class and presentation schedules on the LW-Post Facebook Page and in LW-Post emails. Computer and Technology Club information and class/presentation schedules are also posted in a bulletin board across from the Rec 1 Theater and in the windows of the Internet Oasis.

Everyone is encouraged to join the Computer and Technology Club by dropping by the Internet Oasis between 9am and Noon, Monday through Friday. The

CLUBS

cost is $10 per Manor in cash or check. Membership supports the various presentations and classes but is not required to attend them or use the Internet Oasis.

Leisure World Investment Club: (Aka)Green Bananas

Are you making the right moves for your retirement?

Learn about investing, discuss market conditions, discover fresh 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. A minimum investment of $300/year is required. Our current membership roster has enjoyed an average 14.3% annual return on their investment since joining the club.

Every meeting (excluding May -October) features coffee, cookies and an education component designed to help you begin or supplement your skills as an investor. Members enjoy access to the resources and benefits derived from our affiliation with “myICLUB” and “Better Investing”. Non-members, new members, beginners, and seasoned investors are always welcome guests at our meetings.

We typically meet in the Theater and via ZOOM the second Wednesday of each month, October through April and additionally as needed over the summer. For more information contact Frank Jacoby at 248535-5456 or frankjacoby4@gmail.com

L.W. PEO Group

The PEO group’s next meeting is March 1st gathering for refreshments at 9 a.m. in the Club Room. We will have a short present from a guest speaker at 9:30 a.m. with the meeting starting afterwards. We will install the officers for 2024-2025.

Our next book club meeting is March 27th from 3:30 To 5:00 at the home of Vivian Dunbar, the book is Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Sandra Lackore will lead the discussion.

All PEO’s living in Leisure World are invited to attend. We would love for you to join us. Marta Troutman will be happy to answer any questions you might have about the Group. Her phone is 417-335-1033.

Leisure World Photography Club (PHOTO)

Submitted by Bob Bennett

On March 2nd the LW Photography Club will have a guest speaker. Professional photographer LeRoy DeJolie will present “Drawing with Light.” Having grown up surrounded by the immense open sky and windswept

plains of the Reservation, LeRoy now strives to craft powerful and memorable images of the landscape and people of Navajo land. All Leisure World residents are welcome to attend!

On March 9th the Weekly Challenge will be “Things with Wheels,” and the Weekly Activity will be a video lesson: “Good, Bad, and Magic Light,” by National Geographic photographer Michael Melford. The Monthly Challenge for March is “Selfies.”

On March 16th the Photography Club will be dark for the Spring Art Show.

On March 23rd the Weekly Challenge will be “Windows,” and the Weekly Activity will be a video lesson: “Wait and Work the Shot,” by National Geographic photographer Michael Melford.

The Leisure World Photography Club meets each Saturday (October through March) from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. in the Rec 1 Theatre. For more information or to join our club, visit https:// www.lwphoto.club/.

Leisure World Shalom Group

Submitted by Neesa Galanti

The Shalom Group meets the 3rd Sunday evening of each month in the Rec 1 Club Room. Dues are only $15 a year. Meetings are held October through May. During the summer, potlucks are planned as well as out to lunch days, movies, and other activities of interest.

We welcome anyone with an interest in Judaism to join our group. We are mainly a social group with emphasis on Jewish holidays and culture. As Spring will soon be upon us, we are preparing for our Passover Seder which will take place the evening of Tuesday, April 23. Information about the Seder will be available in the April Leisure World Newspaper. The cost is $25, and we welcome anyone to attend who is interested.

Information has not been published for our March meeting, but the meeting will be on Sunday, March 17. Please call for information if you would like to attend or to learn more about our group.

Neesa Galanti 206-356-2727

Clubs continue on C4

MN Club’s Spring Picnic in Leisure World

The Great Minnesota Get Together - Arizona Version

Date: March 7, 2024

Note: This is a date change, from what was previously announced to not conflict with the LW Foundation Golf Tournament and Dinner, which is now on our originally scheduled date.

Time: Doors open at 5:00, Social hour at 5:30.

Place: Rec 1 Ballroom

Food: POTLUCK with Meatballs by Buccaneerz BBQ (Both Beef and Pork Meatballs will be served). Since it is a POTLUCK, please bring a Side Dish or Dessert, for eight, to share. Plates and plastic ware will be furnished.

Drinks: Only ice, water and cups will be furnished, BYOB and your own set ups, if you desire.

Cost: $10 per person. Be sure to bring $$ for the 50/50!

Entertainment: MN Trivia and each other, Scandinavians are a frolicsome group!

Tickets will be sold:

Sunday Feb 25 & Friday March 1, from 2-4 in the Rec 2 lobby

NO tickets sold at the “MN CLUB Spring Picnic” door. See you on March 7th for the MN CLUB Spring Picnic

Questions: Contact Linda Pratt 612.715.3171 or Julie Shaughnessy 612.867.6750

Questers Club

We Keep History Alive Through Preservation, Restoration, and Education.

Meetings are on the 2nd Monday of the month November - March from 1- 3 p.m. in the Banquet Room in Rec. 1.

Next Meetings:

March 11, 2024

Program: Repurposed Farm Equipment/Sickle Art March 6, 2024

Field Trip to the Phoenix Art Museum - Docent led tour of the Barbie- A Cultural Icon Exhibit @ 10 a.m.

The cost is $27.00 and must be in cash at the time of the event.

Visitors are welcome.

If you have questions or would like to join us at the Barbie Exhibit, Please R.S.V.P. to Robyn@robynrealty@ gmail.com or text/talk to 715-308-2354

Republican Club

by Diane Andersen

The club meeting will be called to order on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. It will be held in the Hopi/Pima at Recreation 2. This is a change to the date. It is one week later than usual. April will put us back on our regular schedule.

A special “Evening with Congressman Andy Biggs” will be held in the Recreation One Ballroom on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

The March speaker slate is impressive with Corporation Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson and Rene Lopez who is a candidate for the Corporation Commission. Our events are always packed with education. Several of our other fine candidates who are vying for spots in the upcoming election will be in attendance. They are in need of signatures for their petitions for their chosen seats.

CLUBS

Membership dues are $5 per year per person. It is not mandatory to join the club or be a member of the Republican party to be a part of the group. Meetings are not only for education but for fellowship as well.

If you are new to Arizona or have moved within the state and need 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.

Leisure World’s Singles Group S.O.L.O.

STEPPING OUT LIVELY OUTLOOK

MARCH 2024

Friday, March 1, First Friday Fish Fry, Cafe, Rec. 2 5pm * Cafe

Saturday, March 2, Dutton’s, Matinee 2pm $32. *B

Tuesday, March 5, Breakfast Cafe, Rec. 2, 8am

Wednesday, March 6, Trivia, 6pm, Rec. 2, $2. *LW

Thursday, March 7, free lecture Superstition Museum, Apache Junction, 2pm

These free lectures will continue every Thursday *B

Friday, March 8, lunch 11:45 Artichoke Grill SCC

FULL

Saturday, March 9, ReMax Classic Street Dance Rec. 1 Parking Lot Free

5-9 pm Food trucks, “City Night Band”

Saturday, March 9, LW Chorus 7pm, Rec. 2, *LW tickets at door available

Sunday, March 10, LW Chorus 3pm, Rec. 2, *LW tickets at door available

March 8,9,10th Superstition Museum Magic of Mexican Artistry 9-4

Sunday, March 10, Pickin on the Prom, free 1-3

Monday, March 11, Ramadan

Monday, March 11, Solo Lunch, Cafe, 11am Rec. 2, March 12, Tue. Breakfast, Cafe, Rec. 2, 8am

Thursday, March 14, Lw Dance “Midnight Confessions” Rec. 2, 7pm

Dress For Prom Night $10. *LW

Thursday, March 21, Solo Potluck 5pm Club Room Rec. 1,

Speaker From Rural Metro, Bring $3. Dish To Share

Friday, March 15, Tour Lavender Field Free, Chandler, House Tour Extra $20.

Will Do Lunch On Own In Chandler After Car-Pool *B

March 17, Happy St. Patty’s Day

Tuesday. March 19, Breakfast, Cafe, Rec. 2, 8am

Tuesday, March 26, Breakfast, Cafe, Rec. 2, 8am

Saturday, March 23, Lw Community Garage Sale 8-1

Sunday, March 24, Pickn On The Prom, Free 1-3

Monday, March 25, Solo Lunch, Cafe, Rec. 2, 11am

Monday, March 25, Polish Poker, Rec. 1, $3. Club Room

Tuesday, March 27, Trivia, Rec. 1, 6pm, $2. *Lw

Thursday, March 28, LW Dance “Back Door Funk” $8.

Rec. 2, *Lw

Sunday, March 31 Happy Easter

*Reservations Cafe 480-431-1826 Really Need To Go In

*Reservations Leisure World REC. 480-832-0000 x8

*Reservations Barbara 309-215-7203

Sonoran Desert Garden Club

Sonoran Desert Garden Club meets every third Thursday of the month 4:30-6:00 p.m.

February - Steve Sheard, Master Rosarian shared his knowledge of roses with us.

March 21st – Donna Lorch from the Herb Association will give a talk and bring her grow-by-the-month handbook to sell with proceeds going to their scholarship fund. The meeting will be held in the Rec 1 theater. In addition to our regular meetings, we have a special guest coming on Tuesday, March 19th to talk about our landscape and the value it brings us both aesthetically and for the value of our homes. He will speak about the significance of taking care of what we have for the future of our community while lowering the cost of maintaining our landscape with proper care. The basics of a good landscape are using the right plant in the right place while using proper tools, techniques, and timing. We look forward to learning all he has to offer. The community is invited as well as friends or family that you might want to invite!

Come see if our garden club is a fit for you and come grow your knowledge with us!

Contact Tish Murphy by email: Tishsouce@aol.com

Wisconsin Club

Submitted by Robin Dougherty

Greetings Wisconsinites! We had 40 people at our January 2024 gathering. It was a fun evening as we reconnected with one another. We enjoyed a great meatloaf dinner prepared by Grant and his staff, 50/50 raffle, and playing Wisconsin Trivia.

Please save the date for our next Wisconsin gathering on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. It will be held at the REC. 1 Promenade outside the Ballroom, where we will enjoy one of Wisconsin’s staple foods: Good ole’ grilled Bratwursts. Hamburgers/cheeseburgers will also be provided.

Our own Wisconsin Club President, Terry Evans, and friends will be cooking up this special sausage that is such a huge part of Wisconsin culture. In addition, there will be buns, chips, cookies, and condiments. Some beer will be provided. However, please BYOB/D., including your own water & ice. There will be NO set-ups, such as coffee, cups, water, ice, etc.,

The evening will begin with a social at 4:30p.m. Plan to come and socialize with friends wearing your favorite Wisconsin team colors. We plan to have the 50/50 raffle. This delicious meal will be provided at no cost to you, but a donation jar will be provided. So, Terry and friends know how much to prepare, we are asking for you to RSVP no later than Friday, March 8th. To mark your reservation, please call/text or email to one of the following names: Terry Evans, Janice Dill, or Robin Dougherty. Please include name(s) and a head count from your group of who will be attending. Thank you!

**Terry Evans: Phone #: 920-918-7335; Email: maryterry1973@gmail.com

**Janice Dill: Phone #: 920-860-0638; Email: janicekdill@gmail.com

**Robin Dougherty: Phone #: 715-432-0962 Email: robinidougherty@gmail.com

Clubs continue from C3

ARTS & CRAFTS CLUBS

Arts & Crafts Meetings and Classes Schedule

DECORATIVE ARTS

Art Assoc. – (AS) Contact: Billie Klaus, 970-231-4845

Open Studio: Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Jewelry and Lapidary (LAP) Contact: Dan Coulombe, 479-715-5826

Thursday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Photography Club (AS) Contact: Bob Bennett, 480-2507127

Rubber Stamping (CER/SG) Contact: Mickey Dent, 480634-4574

Monday, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

FABRIC ARTS

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

Open to all residents who do hand sewing.

The Art Association

The Art Association will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday March 5th at 4:00 p.m. The Board Meeting will be one hour prior at 3:00 p.m.

We are pleased to announce the Spring Art Show on Saturday March 16th. It includes a judged art show, marketplace, and art raffle. Deadline for entry is Mar 2nd at 12:00 pm. Entries forms with instruction are available in the Art Studio for fine art, photography and 3D art. Hanging party is Friday March 15th at 3:30 pm. We will be offering additional classes this season. Sign up for classes in the Art Studio. Watch the bulletin board for announcements. All class sizes are limited. The cost dependent on the instructor.

In addition to classes, we will be having open studio every Wednesday and Friday morning from 10:00 to noon when no classes are scheduled. It is a gathering of artists who will be painting in their own medium and enjoy the company of others. Members will be on-site to assist artists. We will also utilize YouTube TV for tutorial classes.

Please join the LW Art Association. Membership forms can be found on the counter in the Art Studio and membership is $20 per year.

Ceramic Club

Recent and Upcoming Classes

February 9, 2024, Talavera Owl

We learned to paint in the style of the Southwest! This owl is painted in multiple colors and design shapes that put a smile on everyone’s face.

February 28, 2024, Garden Gnomes

We had a family of three different Gnomes for the garden. We learned how to paint using acrylic paints on these gnomes.

March 8, 2024, Class Starts at 9:00 am, Birdhouse

This Birdhouse is painted with fired paint so it will last for years hanging out on your patio or from a special tree. The outside is decorated with a simple and fun design of “DoDo Birds” and other hidden gems.

Jewelry and Lapidary Club

Submitted by Elaine Murphy

The jewelry and lapidary club classroom and shop are

Pillowcase Dresses Contact: Darlene Footh, 701-3398491

Make little girls dresses out of pillowcases for charity.

Quilters Contact: Judy Kauth, 757-651-5648 – Tuesdays/ Thursdays 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.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 hand work done with a needle or needles, i.e., knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, needle point and applique.

FIRED ARTS

Ceramics (CER/SG) Contact: Linda Staveteig, 815-3853605

Beginners, newcomers, everyone welcome!

Open Workshop and Firing: Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Ceramics Class: Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 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 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, March 12, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the jewelry/lapidary shop. All interested residents are invited to join us.

L.W. Quilters

On January 16, 2024, the Quilters Club held an Open House from 10:00 A.M till 12 P.M. to show off the new Fiber Arts Studio. The event was well attended with about 75 people, both men and women enjoying coffee and cookies while perusing all the activities going on in the room. Club members were demonstrating cutting fabric, sewing, and quilting on the club’s new longarm machine. The longarm was a popular attraction, as people watched Shelly and Marie use the machine to quilt a small project. It is really fascinating to watch. Shelly Reister has been very busy teaching club members how to use the machine. It takes several lessons to learn how to quilt on it. The Twiddlers group was also represented with their projects at the Open House. We again would like to thank Carolin Lowy for her amazing generosity in providing the funds for the remodel of this room.

L.W. Woodshop

The Leisure World Woodshop is open and active. All L.W. residents are welcome to join. For only $20 per year, all members may use the many machines and power tools available in the shop. The shop is located near the basketball court.

The club is sponsoring classes in pen making, bowl making, wood carving and general woodworking for all members. These classes will be available upon requested. There are very capable instructors who are pleased to share their talents.

The shop hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9:00 a.m. until noon on Saturdays.

If you are interested in joining the club, come to the shop and speak with the monitor on duty. He/she will give you a walk-thru and provide details about the joining process. We would love to have you join the 200+ current members.

For current members, the election of Club officers will be held at the March meeting on March 20th at 7:00 pm in the Theater.

Porcelain Painting (POT) Contact: Edie Pearcy, 480-7340685 or Ginger Merkle, 303-988-6420

No teacher, no lessons. Work on your own. A semiannual 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 PROGRAM

Glass Arts (CER/SG) Contact: Kay Eakin, 480-641-8719

Open Studio: Monday & Wednesday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ongoing Classes for new artists

Pottery Club

We have a full house of new and experienced potters in the pottery studio, located in the craft building by Rec. 1. Classes are Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00 - 12:00. Please visit the pottery booths at the craft fair to learn more and see the pottery we have for sale. We look forward to seeing you there!

Pillowcase Dress Club

We are so pleased to have sent out so many pillowcase dresses and shorts to the less fortunate children all over the world. The pillowcase dress club meets every Monday Morning 8:30 to 10:00 in the Anniversary Room at Rec.1. Everyone is invited to come see our little shop and the dresses we receive every Monday. If you are interested in sewing or helping with this project call: Darlene Footh. 701-339-8491 or Joan Bishoff 701-200-8917

Twiddlers and Friday Morning Embroiderers, Crocheters and Knitters

Submitted by Carolin Lowy

Have you stopped by the New Fiber Arts Studio lately? More interesting samples of our work and interesting collectibles are now adorning the walls. Something new nearly every week just adds to the creative and happy atmosphere found in the room. We are happy to accept all kinds of donations including embroidery supplies, crochet and knitting yarn. All donated supplies are put to good use to help us make hats and scarves, throws and most notably working on WARM UP AMERICA rectangles. A picture showing completed throws is on display below the red, white and blue picture. If you would like to learn a new skill or need help with an ongoing project someone in our group will be happy to help. We gather every Monday and Friday mornings from 9-11, the door is always open. Carolin Lowy 480-641-4626

MUSIC & DANCE CLUBS

Music and Dance Events Schedule

Bluegrass Group

Calling all Pickers and Grinners!

Leisure World Recreation is partnering with the Arizona Bluegrass Association this winter to bring you “Pickin’ on the Prom.” This two-hour bluegrass jam session will be the 2nd and 4th Sunday afternoons, January, February and March, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on the Promenade. It will feature bluegrass musicians from all over the East Valley singing and playing traditional bluegrass acoustic instruments. Pickers of all skill levels are welcome and encouraged so tune up your guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, bass or other acoustic bluegrass instrument and join in. Grinners come on up and enjoy an afternoon of bluegrass!

Ballroom Dance Classes - Contact: Bill Goss, 480-2754647

Leisure World Cloggers – Friday’s and Wednesdays

Contact: Fran Dusek, 602- 684-9353

The Leisure World Cloggers clog all year on Fridays in the Classroom next to the Fitness Center. Beginners clog for FREE from noon to 12:30 and should call Fran Dusek at 602-684-9353 the day before (Thursday) if they plan to attend beginner classes. 12:30 to 1:00 is Beginner Plus, 1:00 to 2:00 is Intermediate 1, and 2:00 to 4:00 PM is Intermediate 2 and 3. The cost is $5 per person, and you can clog for as many classes as you would like for that day. Remember, Beginners’ Class is FREE.

Casual- Aires

Submitted by Allen Cziok

For our final Casual-Aires dinner dance this season, on March 23rd, we are pleased to feature “Whisky Rose”. The evening will have a country music theme and you are welcome to wear your western duds if it helps you get into the spirit.

In their own words “We rock out with the best of them, and also perform country like nobody’s business …”

Your evening will begin with B.Y.O. cocktails at 5:30 PM in the Hopi/Pima Ballroom followed at 6:00 PM by a scrumptious dinner prepared and served by Premier Catering. You will have a choice of beef or salmon, so be prepared with your selection when you contact our reservations team at casualairesreservations@gmail.com

This evening, we will be distributing your invitations to rejoin Casual-Aires for next season. We hope you continue to believe that we offer terrific value for four great live bands and four delicious sit-down dinners.

If you are attending as a guest, please let us know if you would like to receive information about becoming a member.

For current members, please give some thought to volunteering for our membership, reservations, decorating, music, or food committees. We need your talents to keep Casual-Aires as the most fun and successful dance club in Leisure World.

Desert Belles Chorus

Good morning, our friends at Leisure World! The Desert Belles Chorus is winding down the season with our spring luncheon on March 18 in the music room at Rec. 2. Prior members are always wanted and welcome, we hope to see a of few of you. Our final sing out this season was at Red Mountain Multigenerational

Advanced cloggers dance is from October 18 through March from 12:45 to 2:45 PM in the Classroom in Rec 1. Intermediate will dance 12:45 to 1:45 followed by Introduction to Advanced and Advanced from 1:45 to 2:45

Any questions about clogging please call Fran Dusek at 602-684-9353.

When: Every Friday and Advanced on Wednesdays

Time: Fridays from Noon to 4 PM and Wednesdays from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m.

Location: Rec. 1 Classroom

Cost: Beginners Class Free – Advanced Class $5 per person

Friend of Leisure World Clogging - Monday Nights

Contact: Fran Dusek, 602- 684-9353

Clogging is a dance with taps that is great fun and excellent exercise! We are starting a “Beginners From Scratch Clogging” (no clogging experience necessary) class this Fall starting November 6 from 6 to 7 p.m. We will be meeting every Monday night in the Classroom next to the fitness center. If you like to dance, you will love clogging! Please join us for the easy level and fun dance from 7 to 7:30 and intermediate from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. that same night. Cost of classes is only $5 and you can stay as long as you like. Clogging taps are sold at the class, $20 for a set. The instructor is Ginny Bartes.

Center. We brushed up on all our patriotic songs to sing for the folks there. What a great time for everyone! We will continue to meet in the music room from 12:30 until 3:00 through April. If you love to sing and would like to join us, it’s a good time to get to know us. Come see for yourself.

Leisure World Dinner Club

The Leisure World Dinner Club (previously known as the Western States and Canada Club) will bring a dinner evening of musical enjoyment to Leisure World on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The UpTown Angels (theuptownangeles.com) will perform their favorite 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s music.

Dinner will be catered by Premier Catering. The event will be held at Rec. 2 Hopi Room, doors open at 5:00 pm. Tickets are $30.00 per person, and they will be on sale through the Recreation Office either in person or on-line starting February 6 with the last date of sale being February 24th. Please join this old/new club for a great dinner and an evening of wonderful musical entertainment.

Please contact Jane Jacobsen 406 220-1141 for more information.

Any questions about clogging please call Fran Dusek at 602-684-9353.

Start: November 7

When: Every Monday

Time: 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Rec. 1 Classroom

Cost: Class $5 per person

Line Dance Contact: Susan Tuttle, 602-329-2213.

Pop Country Line Dancing Reminder:

Line Dance: Contact Susan Tuttle 602 329-2213

Tuesday: 5:00 – 6:00 Advanced class

6:00-7:00 pm – Beginner Class

Rec 1 Classroom

Monday: 11:30-12:30 pm - Rec 2 Hopi

Line Dancing Classes are great for beginners just learning as well as seasoned individuals.

Enjoy line dance lessons taught by Susan Tuttle. Beginners are taught easy to follow steps to the new Pop Country songs you hear on the radio. $5 per person per class.

Ukulele Practice Group - Contact: Mary Cox, 720-3550889.

Like to play the Ukulele or always wanted to learn? Come and join up with others who love to play this amazing instrument.

Leisure World Big Band

Submitted by John Andrews

The members of the Leisure World Big Band were pleased with the attendance at our dance on the 18th of February. We enjoyed watching the excellent ballroom dancers both at the dance and at our rehearsals. Big swing bands and ballroom dancing will only continue if it is supported by the residents of Leisure World and their guests.

Our last rehearsal for this season will be March 19. We look forward to starting next season in October with some more new tunes.

For more information, contact John Andrews, Manor 1465, phone # 660-541-2588

Leisure World Cloggers

Submitted by Joyce Loland

Leisure World Cloggers love to learn, not just in Leisure World classes, but in various popular workshops. A group of cloggers again attended the annual Arizona clogging workshop in Yuma in mid-February. Locally, the “Let’s

Leisure

Clog 2024” workshop provided a fun day of dancing at the Scootin’ Boots Dance Hall in Mesa.

Another month means another holiday for the Leisure World Cloggers to celebrate! After the successful Valentine’s Open House, March’s festivities will feature green instead of red. Instructors Dan Rowan and Cathy Martin will use Celtic tunes to teach and review steps in their classes until St. Patrick’s Day.

All classes except Advanced Clogging are held on Fridays in the classroom next to the Fitness Center. Beginners Plus is from 12:30—1:00, Intermediate is at 1:00, and Intermediate Plus is from 2:00—3:30. The cost is $5 for the day no matter how many sessions you attend. Beginners meet at noon if they notify Fran Dusek by Thursday that they are coming.

Her cell is 602-684-9353. And remember, beginners’ classes are free! You don’t have to wear clogging shoes while learning. And you certainly can’t beat the price!

An Advanced Class is offered on Wednesdays from 12:45 -2:45, also in the classroom. The first hour is a transition from intermediate steps into the flatfooting and buck steps of dances in the second hour. Cost is $5.

If you’d like to see what clogging is like and how classes are conducted, feel free to come by any Friday afternoon and observe the dancers. You will see the fun they have while getting great physical and mental exercise!

Leisure World Music Makers

Submitted by Mary Smith

The LW Music Makers group is having a great time this season. We have played with the Chorus during the sing-along time at Christmas and are scheduled to play with the Chorus for their March 2024 sing-along part of the program.

We have guitar players, a bass player, Ukulele players, harmonica players, Melodica players, piano players, etc. and we play a wide range of music of about 100 songs. We have all skill levels and if interested, please come. There is still time to join in the fun this season for the winter visitors. We meet on Tuesday at 3:15 p.m. and play until 5:00 p.m. in the Music Room at Rec 2.

For more information, please contact Mary Smith at 480-288-1423 or email me at marykry95@gmail.com

The Leisure World Mixed Chorus

“What sunshine is to flowers,  smiles are to humanity.”

Anonymous

Our 70-voice Mixed Chorus is looking forward to bringing even more sunshine to your lives with “SMILE”! We’ll present our spring concert on Saturday, March 9th at 7:00 PM and on Sunday, March 10th at 3:00 PM in the Rec. 2 Hopi Pima rooms. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Rec Office or online at lwca.com. You can also purchase tickets at the door with all proceeds benefiting the L.W.M.C.

For additional information, contact Donna Mahan, 217-720-7990

Moonlight Serenade Dinner Dance Club

Submitted by Clarice and Joe Chism

“MARCH” is the bird chirping month! Moonlight Serenade Dinner Dance Club is chirping about the spectacular 2023-2024 season that is about to end. March 16th, with its theme of “Nani Pa Po – (a beautiful night). This will be the finale with the splendor of members and visitors dressed in their lovely evening attire and dancing to the “Swing Memories” orchestra.

All are welcome to attend -send a check for $95/guest couple to Joy Kosterman, Membership, at 1357 Leisure World, Mesa, AZ 85206. Premier Catering will serve delectable dinners. B.Y.O.B. /Setups but water, ice, glasses provided. Hopi Ballroom doors open at 5 p.m. dancing, dinner, décor will reign as memorable “Chirps”. We bid farewell to Jim McCown, president, and welcome Jerry Mundell. You are strongly urged to consider serving the club as positions for Vice President and Secretary are open for your input as they need to be filled. Contact incoming president, Jerry Mundell – Jerrymundell45@ gmail.com for information regarding these open positions.

Assistance is much appreciated in every facet, especially in decorating. Call Kathy Litzenberger-719-210-3293 to offer helping hands.

Mark your calendars for 2024-2025 dances – Nov. 23, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, and Mar. 22. Thanks to members, friends who helped in a huge way to keep Moonlight Dinner Dance Club an outstanding and prime event!

“Keep Chirping”!

Shall We Round Dance Club

by Kaye West

The second Spring round dance weekend festival in Mesa, Cactus Capers, was a highly successful event with guest attendees from Germany, Canada, and twelve states. Our own Bill and Carol Goss taught two lovely new routines for advanced dancers (Hesitation Canter Waltz and American/Argentine Tango).

Besides the bountiful schedule of dance classes and party dancing available at http://rounddancing.azphx. com/index.html February also featured Sperry’s Jive class for beginners (more classes for beginners will begin next fall) and two group outings (Organ Stop Pizza and the Musical Instrument Museum).

On March 1-2, a new event, Mesa Magic Weekend (Phase 2-4) hosted by Dodges (406-860-8185) and Wulfs (360-561-8999) will include teaching new routines in West Coast Swing, Bolero, and Slow TwoStep (aka Nightclub Two-Step). These teachers should be accessible even for experienced ballroom and social dancers.

Nearing the end of the round dance season, on March 27 there will be an All Cuer Fun Dance (Phases 2-6). While some weekly events end in March, others will continue through the first several weeks of April.

We welcome newcomers to our dancing community and encourage everyone to put round dancing on their itinerary now and in the fall!

Ukuladies and Gents

Submitted by Mary Smith

Our Ukuladies and Gents group is growing, and we are having a great time this season. There is still time to join. We will be in the Sing-Along portion of the March Chorus Concert and are looking forward to playing with them.

We use the “The Daily Ukulele” book by Liz and Jim Beloff. This book has 365 songs from easy to challenging and has many favorite songs to play and enjoy. If someone has a favorite not in the book, we make “handouts” and keep them in a notebook.

It is as beneficial to play with a group as it is more fun and we learn from one another and it encourages one to practice.

We meet at Rec. 2 in the Music Room every Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

If you play the Uke or want to learn, come join us. For more information, please contact Mary Smith at 480-288-1423 or Mary Cox 720-355-0889.

Your 70-Voice Leisure World Mixed Chorus is happy to present our spring concert

Saturday March 9th, 7:00 PM

Sunday March 10th, 3:00 PM Rec 2 Hopi/Pima Room

Tickets: $10.00

Purchase beginning 2/12 at the Rec. Office & lwca.com or a at the door*

*Your entire purchase directly supports the LW Mixed Chorus

CARD & GAME CLUBS

Card and Game Events Schedule

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.

BRIDGE GROUPS

ACBL Duplicate (CLR) Contact: Cathy Lindholm, 317902-9094

Sunday, 12:30 p.m.

ACBL Duplicate (CLR) Contact: Barbara Rees, 480-3099039

Monday, 12:30 p.m.

ACBL Duplicate (CLR) Contact: Cathy Lindholm, 317902-9094

Tuesday, 12:30 p.m.

Duplicate (CLR) Contact: Roger Mickelson, 319-750-7112

Thursday, 12:30 p.m.

Int. Duplicate Practice (APA) Contact: Bobbie Stearns, 701-523-6264

Friday, 8:15 a.m.

Partner (LC) Contact: Lynn Peters, 262-853-4870

Sunday, 6:30 p.m.

Party (APA) Contact: Lynn Peters, 262-853-4870

Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Progressive (QCR) Contact: Shirley Edmonds 602-501-4618

Thursday, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

POKER GROUPS

Dealer’s Choice (NAV2) Contact: Jim Munkwitz, 803747-1677

Thursday, 1:00 p.m.

Poker Men’s (QCR) Contact: Phil Baird, 480-840-1723

Tuesday & Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Texas Hold’ Em (QCR) Contact: Randy Rickert, 602524-2503

Monday, 1:00 p.m. & Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.

OTHER CARD AND GAME GROUPS

Bunco (CLR) Contact: Laura Krever, 310-916-8105 or Dana Bourque, 602-757-4348 1st Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

Cribbage (LC) Contact: Don Newman, 402-578-2743 Fridays and Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m.

Euchre (APA) Contact Ted Jackson, 518-248-2052

Tuesday, 6:45 p.m.

Game Night (LC) Contact: Lillian Carlson, 480-2902936

Friday, 6:15 p.m.

Hand and Foot: (LC) Contact: Lillian Carlson, 480-2909396

Tuesday, 1:00 p.m.

Hand and Foot: Samba (LC) Contact: Lillian Carlson, 480-290-9396

Wednesday &Thursday, 6:00 p.m.

Mah Jongg Madness (LC) Contact: Jan Biddle, 303881-7808

Monday, 12:00 p.m.

Mah Jongg (APA) Contact: Neesa Galanti, 206-3562727

Thursday, 1:00 p.m.

Pinochle (QCR) Contact: Jackie Anderson, 480-9858503

Tuesday 12:30 p.m.

Rummikub (NAV) Contact: Taylor H. Sanford, 832-4777277

Thursday, 6:00 p.m.

Scrabble (LC) Contact: Carolin Lowy, 480-641-4626

Monday, 6:30 p.m.

Mexican Train/Dominos (LC) Contact: Theresa Cuocci

Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.

Lakeside Clubhouse

Bingo Bringing the Party!!!

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; time to chat and mingle with friends and neighbors, before play begins.

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.

Date: Fridays

Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Game starts at 7:00 p.m.

Place: Rec. 1 Ballroom

Bunco Club

Bunco meets the 1st Tuesday of the month in the Club Room at Rec 1. We play all year round and everyone is welcome. 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 p.m., so please be there by 6:15 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Our next game will be on Tuesday, March 5th.

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.

Bring your own drink and wear your L.W. name tag if you have it handy.

For more information, call Laura Krever at 310-9168105 or Dana Bourque at 602-757-4348.

Chess Club

Looking for Chess Players

We are an informal group that meets weekly, every Thursday 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. in the Lakeside building, near the lawn bowling field. It is a casual group, most of us haven’t played in the last 50 years, so we aCere relearning the game. All levels are welcome’ even beginners. There are no Bobby Fishers’ or Magnus Carlsens’ in the group. The emphasis is on fun and simply enjoying oneself with other people. For the first 15 minutes I usually present the group with a chess puzzle or we discuss a particular opening or defense. There are no dues, please bring a board with you if possible.

For further information, contact: Matthew Menenberg

mattmenenberg@gmail.com 602-334-7597

Manor 2171

Polish Poker Club

It is now official; we are an approved club!!

Polish poker is a slow strategy card game with lots of fun and socializing. We play once a month (possibly growing more often in the future.) This month we will play on Monday March 25th at 6 p.m. in the club room. The cost is $3.00 and is B.Y.O.B. Half of what we collect this month will go to a door prize raffle (ticket awarded with your $3.00 for the following month). If you have any questions, contact George Miller at 774-275-4009 or stop by manor 1625.

Look forward to seeing you join us!

The Leisure World Scrabble Club

Submitted by Carolin Lowy.

Question to all Leisure World Residents and Guests. Do you enjoy crossword puzzles or spelling games? If you answered yes, then you are invited to join in the Scrabble and Upwards fun every Monday evening at the Lakeside Club House, Rec.1. Games start at 6.15 p.m. come early to visit. We play for fun and have the official Scrabble dictionaries and word lists on hand to help IF needed. The Scrabble Club meets throughout the year and enjoy meeting new people. So come on over. Carolin Lowy 480-641-4626

Experienced

REGULAR WEEKLY EVENTS MARCH 2024

SUNDAY

9:00 a.m. Pottery Open Studio (POT)

12:30 p.m. ACBL Bridge (CLR)

2:00 p.m. Water Volleyball (P)

4:00 p.m. Movie Matinee (T)

5:00 p.m Round Dance (HPG)

6:30 p.m. Partner Bridge (LC)

MONDAY

6:45 a.m. Early Bird Stretch (C)

8:00 a.m. Yoga (PIMA)

8:30 a.m. Glass Program (CER/SG)

9:00 a.m. Lawn Bowls Play (LBG)

9:00 a.m. Shuffleboard (SHB)

9:00 a.m. Pottery Class (POT)

9:00 a.m. Twiddlers (FA)

10:00 a.m. Computer Lab Open (CC)

11:30 a.m. Pop Country Line Dance (HPG)

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. Swim Exercise (PO)

1:00 p.m. Texas Hold’em (QCR)

2:00 p.m. Water Volleyball (P)

6:00 p.m. Scrabble (LC)

6:00 p.m Friends of Clogging (C)

6:30 p.m. Rubber Stamping (CER/SG)

7:00 p.m. “l-15” tournament (B)

TUESDAY

9:00 a.m. Lawn Bowls Play (LBG)

9:00 a.m. Pottery Open Studio (POT)

9:00 a.m. Quilters (FA)

AR - Anniversary Room

AS - Art Studio

BQ - Banquet Room

BR - Ballroom

B – Billiard Room

BRG - Ballroom/Kitchen

C - Classroom

CER/SG - Ceramics/Stained Glass

CC – Computer Classroom

CLR – Clubroom

CLRG - Clubroom/Banquet Room

9:30 a.m. Ceramics (CER/SG)

9:30 a.m. Big Band (HPG)

10:00 a.m. Computer Lab Open (CC)

12:30 p.m. ACBL Bridge (CLR)

12:30 p.m. Pinochle (QCR)

12:30 p.m. “9-ball” tournament (B)

1:00 p.m. Hand and Foot (LC)

1:00 p.m. Swim Exercise (P)

3:00 p.m. Table Tennis (C)

4:30 p.m. Wine Tasting & Spirit Classes (PROM)

5:00 p.m. Pop Country Line Dancing (C)

6:00 p.m. Round Dance (HPG)

6:00 p.m Dealer’s Choice Poker (NAV)

6:30 p.m. Men’s Poker (QCR)

6:45 p.m. Euchre (APA)

7:00 p.m. Mah Jong (LC)

WEDNESDAY

6:45 a.m. Early Bird Stretch (C)

7:00 a.m. Golf Donut League (APA/NAV)

8:00 a.m. Wednesday Coffee (CLR)

8:00 a.m. Yoga (PIMA)

8:30 a.m. Glass Program (CER/SG)

9:00 a.m. Shuffleboard (SHB)

9:00 a.m. Lawn Bowls Play (LBG)

9:00 a.m. Porcelain Painting (POT)

9:30 am Round Dance (HPG)

10:00 a.m. Computer Lab Open (CC)

11:30 a.m. Mexican Train (LC)

12:00 p.m. Pottery Open Studio (POT)

1:00 p.m. Cribbage (QCR)

1:00 p.m. Swim Exercise (PO)

1:30 p.m. Cloggers (C)

2:00 p.m. Water Volleyball (P)

Recreation Center 1

CY - Rec. 1 Courtyard

FA- Fiber Arts

FC - Fitness Center

LAP - Lapidary

LBG - Lawn Bowl Green

LC - Lakeside

LDL - Lost Dutchman Lake

LIB - Library

P - Swimming Pool

PC – Pickleball Court

POT - Pottery

4:30 p.m. Heron Lakes Rookie League (APA)

5:30 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)

8:30 a.m. Ladies Billiards (B)

9:00 a.m. Heron Lakes Men’s Golf (NAV)

9:00 a.m. Lawn Bowls Play (LBG)

9:00 a.m. Pottery Class (POT)

9:00 a.m. Quilters (FA)

9:30 a.m. Christian Fellowship (T)

10:00 a.m. Computer Lab Open (CC)

10:30 a.m. Heron Lakes Men’s 9 Hole (NAV)

12:00 p.m. Pottery Open Studio (POT)

12:30 p.m. Bridge Duplicate (CLR)

12:30 p.m. Progressive Bridge (QCR)

1:00 p.m. Dealers Choice Poker (NAV)

1:00 p.m. Mah Jongg (APA)

1:00 p.m. Swim Exercise (PO)

3:00 p.m. Table Tennis (C)

4:00 p.m. Chess and Dominoes (QCR)

6:00 p.m. Hand and Foot - Samba (LC)

6:30 p.m. Party Bridge (APA)

6:30 p.m Men’s Poker (QCR)

FRIDAY

6:45 a.m. Early Bird Stretch (C)

8:00 a.m. Porcelain Painting (CER/SG)

8:00 a.m. Yoga (PIMA)

9:00 a.m. Shuffleboard (SHB)

9:00 a.m. Lawn Bowls Play (LBG)

Rec. Center 2

PROM - Promenade

PROMG - Promenade/Kitchen

QCR - Queen Card Room

R1PL - Rec. 1 Parking Lot

REC - Recreation Office

SHB - Shuffleboard Court

SC - Sports Court

T - Theater

TC - Tennis Court

HOPI - Hopi Room

HOPIG - Hopi Room/Kitchen

HPG - Hopi/Pima/Kitchen

MR - Music Room

PIMA - Pima Room

PIMAG - Pima Room/Kitchen

PO - Swimming Pool

PAV - Pavilion

TPO - Therapy Pool

R2CR - Coyote Run

R2PL - Rec. 2 Parking Lot

9:00 a.m. Knitters & Crocheters (FA)

9:00 a.m. Open Studio (AS)

9:00 a.m. Porcelain Painting (POT)

9:30 a.m. Ceramics (CER/SG)

9:30 a.m. Round Dance (HPG)

9:30 a.m. Ukulele Group (MR)

10:00 a.m. Computer Lab Open (CC)

12:00 p.m. Glass Program (CER/SG)

12:00 p.m. Pottery Open Studio (POT)

12:00 p.m. Beginner Clogging (C)

1:00 p.m. Swim Exercise (PO)

1:00 p.m. Cribbage (LC)

1:00 p.m. Intermediate I Clogging (C)

2:00 p.m. Intermediate II Clogging (C)

3:00 p.m. Intermediate III Clogging (C)

4:30 p.m. Band With No Name (PROM)

6:30 p.m. Game Night (LC)

7:00 p.m. Bingo (BR)

SATURDAY

7:00 a.m. Table Tennis (C)

9:00 a.m. Pottery Open Studio (POT)

12:30 p.m. “8-ball” tournament (B)

1:00 p.m. Swim Exercise (P)

2:00 p.m. Water Volleyball (P)

Rec.

Center 3

Located at Heron Lakes Golf Course

APA – Apache Room

APA/NAV – Apache/NavaJo Rooms

NAV – Navajo Room

Billiard Club

If you are looking for variety to make for a spicy life, this is the place. We have No Fee competitions in “8-ball” on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and “10-ball” on Fridays.

Tournaments that require a $3 entry fee with prizes are “1-15” on Mondays, “9-ball” on Tuesdays and “8-ball” on Saturdays. Keep watching the bulletin board as things change rapidly around here.

Beginner players’ class is held at 1:00 on the first and third Mondays. To enroll you must contact Doug Henry at (310)738-5336. All equipment is provided.

Fonner players who need to be updated on recent rule changes can stop in anytime. Our extremely friendly, fun-loving, players are always willing to help.

Gun Club

The March meeting of the gun club will be held on Wednesday March 6th at 7:00 p.m. in the theater at Recreation One. Anyone interested in sport shooting, especially women, are encouraged to attend.

Members: Please bring three non-perishable food items for the food bank

(Reminder: nothing past expiration/use by dates)

The Rimfire Pistol event will take place earlier the same day, March 6th at 7 a.m.

Sporting Clays will take place on the following Thursdays: March 7th, 21st and 28th. The cost is $30 for 100 birds or $15 for 50. On Thursday, March 12 (in lieu of no Sporting Clays) there will be Wobble Trap. It begins at 7:00 a.m. The cost is $7.50 per round. Please meet in the Rio Salado shotgun facility parking lot by 7:45 for sporting clays and 7:00 a.m. for Wobble trap.

Practical Pistol will be shot on Friday, March 22nd at 7:00 a.m.

Please be a little early to help with set up.

The March luncheon will be Monday, March 25th at BJ’s Restaurant on Superstition Blvd. All are welcome to attend.

Be sure to read your weekly Gun Club emails for any changes to the schedule.

For questions or information, please e-mail Bob Clark at captsteptoe@gmail.com

Lawn Bowling

Our Vice President, Barry Tocheri, ran a two-day Pairs Tournament with the final 6 teams from our 16 teams being the winners. The winners of the A event were George Chrouser and Kevin Cheff defeating runners up Roy Penney and Dan Aicher. The winners of the B event were Barry Tocheri and Anita Neustadt edging out Ed Theessen and Cathy Cremer. Michael Jahr and Jack Spalding took the C event with a victory over Noreen Brenner and Judy Hoeck.

We will have more tournaments, visit neighboring bowls clubs, conduct our fourth annual Canada vs.

SPORTS CLUBS

U.S. tournament, and have our wrap-up for the season in March.

Come roll some bowls with us and experience the fun. See you on the greens!

For information contact: Larry Brownell @ (541) 990-0924

Pickleball Club

We’ve recovered from the 8th Annual Leisure World Sanctioned Tournament and look forward to our inhouse tournament. There’s still time to register for this year’s March Madness Pickleball Tournament, March 22 and 23. Registration closes March 15 for competition in men’s, mixed and women’s doubles at four different levels (2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0+). For details go to https:www. lwpickleball.com/ and click on “Tournaments” in the upper right corner of the page.

Even if you’re not into pickleball, stop by the Pickleball Complex (to the right of the Administration Building) and watch your Leisure World friends and neighbors compete in one of the world’s fastest growing sports. The action starts at 8:30 am both days at the Leisure World Pickleball Complex, just to the right of the Administration Building.

You can also take chances on gift baskets with restaurant and shopping cards, liquor and wine, and many other prizes. There is also a 50/50 raffle. Raffles and baskets change each day.

Burgers, brats and other great food will be sold on both days. Vehicles and golf carts can be parked on Leisure World Boulevard near the pickleball complex. Come and watch your neighbors play!

The additional courts at the pickleball complex are now open!

Courts 15 and 16 are open to Leisure World residents who do not belong to the pickleball club, every day from 8 am to 5 pm as open paddle play (players who are waiting to play place their paddles in the holder outside the court. If there are paddles up, play is limited to one

game to 11, win by 1. The first four paddles in line use court #16, the next 4 paddles court #15. Once your game is finished, the next four paddles take the court. These courts are first come, first served and cannot be reserved. Please use the Onix G2 balls provided in the holders.

If the courts are empty, Pickleball Club members may use them, but will have to immediately relinquish the court if nonmembers arrive.

Visit our website to find out more about pickleball at Leisure World: www.lwpickleball.com.

Tennis Club

Look for the new Tennis Club banner as you enter Leisure World through the main entrance on Power Road. Thank you to Marge Willadsen, Judy Vogelsang, Pat Von Trapp and Brenda Peterman for designing the banner. Don’t forget to sign up for the Tennis Academy held every Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. at the tennis complex. All L.W. residents are invited to attend these free lessons. The lessons are designed for beginners up to 3.0 level of play. TC members should register on Court Reserve. Non-members may register by emailing Marge at willadsen@bvu.edu or texting her at 712-2994470. Wear court shoes and bring water. Rackets are provided if needed. Registering early will help Marge organize and plan the lessons. Go to our website at https://sites.google.com/view/lwaztc for information about the L.W. tennis club. See you on the courts!

Lady Billiards Players

Submitted by Carolin Lowy

Calling all lady residents who have or would like to join in for friendly games of pool. Thursday mornings with games starting at 8.30 a.m. for about 90 minutes of fun. We play both regular pool - 1 and 15 being the important numbers and also 9 ball. If you have never played we are all happy to get you started. Just come on in, everything needed is on hand and as with lots of activities practice does indeed help. The Leisure World Billiard Room is very well maintained so check us out any Thursday right after breakfast! Carolin Lowy 480641-4626

CONTRACT BRIDGE

Give A Little, Gain A Lot

By Steve Becker

Point count is usually a helpful guide to the number of tricks you can take, but it is not a perfect yardstick. Freak distribution can seriously affect the accuracy of high-card point count, particularly in the case of suit contracts.

Consider this deal where South got to five clubs doubled. West had 17 points and probably thought he’d tear that contract to pieces, especially with East having bid twice. But things didn’t quite turn out the way he had expected.

West led a spade. Declarer won with the ace, played the king and another heart, finessing the jack, and discarded his singleton diamond on the ace of hearts.

These four plays established a perfect crossruff position, and South proceeded to take full advantage. He ruffed a diamond, a spade, a diamond, a spade and then a third diamond and a third spade.

Ten tricks had now been played, and declarer had taken them all. West was down to the A-K-10 of trump, and South the Q-J-9. When declarer next led a club to his queen, West could score only two trump tricks, so South wound up making five clubs doubled despite East-West’s 24 high-card points!

Observe that the outcome would have been altogether different had West elected to start off with the A-K-10 of clubs. In that event, South would have gone down two.

It should be said parenthetically that there are very good reasons for West to begin by leading three rounds of trump. North-South were obviously bidding on distribution rather than high cards, so West should have

SPORTS QUIZ

By Ryan A. Berenz

Questions

1. What college athletic conference produced both the men’s and women’s NCAA soccer champions in 2021?

2. Name the brothers, known for their violent style of play, who were teammates on the Montreal Canadiens in the 1920s and died within days of each other in 1956.

3. What NASCAR driver had 40 wins in his Cup Series career from 1981-2013 and finished second in the standings five times without winning a season championship?

4. What pro golfer from Australia portrayed comic-strip boxer Joe Palooka in 11 films from 1946-51?

5. On Sept. 7, 2021, what Tampa Bay Rays rookie reached base safely for the 37th consecutive game, passing Mickey

taken steps to short-circuit any impending crossruff. Although this was likely to cost West a trump trick, it was highly probable that the trick would come back with interest.

Mantle’s 36-game on-base streak for a player age 20 or younger?

6. Name the Canadian men’s figure skater who won silver medals at the 1994 Lillehammer and 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.

7. In what Nintendo Entertainment System video game included basketball teams named the New York Eagles, Los Angeles Breakers, Boston Frogs and Chicago Ox?

Answers

1. The ACC, with Clemson (men) and Florida State (women).

2. Sprague and Odie Cleghorn.

3. Mark Martin.

4. Joe Kirkwood Jr.

5. Wander Franco.

6. Elvis Stojko.

7. “Double Dribble.”

(c) 2024 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

HERE'S A TIP

By JoAnn Derson

• From L.D.W. in Illinois: “When I have a recipe, I put all the ingredients on the counter, and as I use each one, I put it away. My daughter and daughter-in-law like the idea, as they at one time or another forget an item.” I like that one, too, L.D.W. A well-prepared cook makes a delicious meal.

• “To wrap a baby gift in unforgettable gift wrap, circle the announcement in the paper with a colorful marker, then use the newsprint to wrap your package. It has always gotten rave reviews from recipients.” -- R.L. in Virginia

• Another reason to get the newspaper: Crushed newspaper makes a great rag for shining windows in your home and in the car. No lint left behind!

• “When thickening soup, don’t overlook instant potato mix. It’s perfect for making a thin broth into a nice, thick stew sauce, and it’s pretty cheap. It only takes a couple of tablespoons.” -- I.F. in Utak

• Want delicious fried chicken crust but not the dripping oil? Baste chicken pieces with mayonnaise, then dredge in crushed cracker crumbs mixed with a bit of flour. Bake and enjoy.

• If your plastic food containers develop an unpleasant odor, never fear: Scrub with a paste of baking soda and lemon juice. Rinse and air-dry.

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Double Benefits for Education VETS POST

By Freddy Groves

Per a Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VAOIG) report, veterans who are enrolled at the same time in two different education programs are receiving housing allowance benefits from both.

The two programs are the Post9/11 GI Bill and VET TEC. Oddly enough, there’s no prohibition against the double payments because the way that the VET TEC program was established isn’t the same as other education programs (such as the Montgomery GI Bill) that specifically ban dual benefits. In other programs, a veteran must choose between one set of benefits or the other.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill program consists of three or four years of benefits that include books and supplies, tuition and a housing allowance.

The VET TEC program focuses on high-tech training through specific providers. Benefits include the cost of classes and a housing allowance.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) took 30 random veterans to study and determined that all of them received dual housing allowance benefits, averaging $3,100.

They were also able to identify 249 veterans whose training and education programs overlapped, and calculated how many days that included and how much in housing benefits were paid. In the first example in the OIG report, the veteran received over $12,000 for 105 overlapping days. In the second example, the veteran

received nearly $11,000 for 58 overlapping days.

The VBA tried, says the report, to halt the dual housing payments. They were informed by attorneys that it wouldn’t be “veteran-friendly” to reduce benefits and that no laws were being broken in paying the dual benefits. Only in other programs was the veteran required to only pick one program for benefits.

Congress stepped in with bill amendments to continue the VET TEC program past the end of the pilot period (the five-year pilot will end in April 2024), but according to the OIG report, the bills don’t prevent “the concurrent receipt of educational benefits, including monthly housing allowance payments.”

If you’d like to read the whole report, go to http:// tinyurl.com/43z96am2.

(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

STRANGE BUT TRUE

By Lucie Winborne

• Researchers have developed an algorithm that transforms complex data into musical sounds.

• In 2003, Marvel successfully argued in a U.S. court that mutants were “nonhuman creatures” and, therefore, toys, in order to save on taxes, since X-Men action figures were being imported as dolls but toys have a lower tariff.

• An ostrich can run faster than a horse.

• Seventy-five percent of Japanese homes boast a high-tech toilet, the latest models of which eliminate the need for toilet paper, keep you warm, check your blood pressure, play the sound of running water to, er, drown out your business, and automatically open and shut so you won’t have to touch anything.

• Prior to the adoption of standard time zones in 1883, each city or town set its own local time based on the sun’s position.

• Six years after Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry stated, “They’ll put a man on the moon before I hit a home run,” he struck the only one of his career just hours after Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface.

• Actor George Reeves, who played Superman in the 1950s, once had to deflect a young fan who wanted to test his “invulnerability” by bringing a pistol to a live appearance. Reeves convinced the boy to hand over his gun by warning him that a bystander might be hurt by bullets that bounced off his Superman suit.

• A 2018 study found that wearing a necktie can reduce the blood flow to your brain by up to 7.5%.

(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Patti Diamond

Indulge in Decadence Without the Fuss: The Easiest Chocolate Fondue

Boy have got the perfect treat for you: With this surprisingly easy chocolate fondue, the decadence is unbelievable and the effort is minimal. And here’s the best part -- no fancy fondue pot required!

For the richest chocolate fondue, opt for the highest quality chocolate that you can comfortably afford. Choose a variety that you’d happily snack on. Chocolate chips offer a convenient choice, and I recommend semisweet or dark chocolate chips, or a mix of both, for an optimal flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to use chopped chocolate bars if that’s what’s available.

When it comes to the velvety base, strike a balance by combining heavy cream and milk, ensuring a luscious fondue that maintains a rich chocolate essence without overwhelming heaviness.

No fondue pot? No worries! Whip up this perfect chocolate fondue in the microwave or a double boiler on the stovetop. Just using a warmed ceramic dish works too. Reheat in the microwave if needed. Bamboo skewers stand in nicely for fondue forks.

The Easiest Chocolate Fondue

Total Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

10 ounces semisweet, dark or milk chocolate chips (about 1 3/4 cups) or a mixture

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup whole or 2% milk, plus more as needed Pinch kosher salt

Place the chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup milk into a microwave safe bowl, or in a double boiler over barely simmering water. Melt the chocolate, stirring often. Add additional milk if needed to thin chocolate to desired consistency. When chocolate is melted, smooth and glossy, pour into a serving bowl and serve with dippers.

With our velvety chocolate fondue prepared, let’s choose dippers. Aim for diverse textures and flavors, organizing them into categories for a delightful variety.

Cookies and other sweets: rolled wafers, biscotti, meringues, sandwich cookies, shortbread, marshmallows, brownies, Rice Krispie Treats, pound cake, graham crackers, doughnut holes.

Fresh and dried fruit: strawberries, bananas, apples, pineapple, orange segments, apricots, citrus peel, banana chips, apple chips, figs.

Savory suggestions: thick-cut salted potato chips, pretzels, peanut-butter pretzels, buttery crackers, cooked thick-cut bacon.

Garnishes: flaky salt, shredded coconut, chopped toasted nuts, sprinkles, crushed freeze-dried fruit, Pop Rocks!

Here are some chocolate fondue variations that won’t break the bank:

Explore extracts like vanilla, orange or peppermint for a unique twist. Elevate the experience by adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of liqueur -- choose chocolate, hazelnut, amaretto, orange or coffee liqueurs. Spice it up by adding ground cinnamon, a pinch of chili powder and a drop of almond extract for a nod to Mexican chocolate.

Embarking on your first fondue adventure? Here are

some etiquette tips to guide your chocolate-covered journey. Encourage a no-double-dip policy to ensure everyone enjoys a clean and germ-free chocolate experience. Drop the dipped delight onto your plate and switch to a separate utensil for eating. Opt for practicality if there are more than four people at the table by setting up two platters of dippers on either side of the pot, ensuring easy access without the need for acrobatics.

So, whether it’s a romantic rendezvous or a solo indulgence, join me in chocolate fondue that’s as easy as it is luxurious. Oh, and leftover fondue chocolate makes a fabulous hot chocolate base. Let the fondue festivities begin!

Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime -- Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com

MOMENTS IN TIME FLASHBACK

By Mick Harper

Questions

1. Name the Frank Mills chart-topping instrumental that received extra attention later when the Ray Conniff Singers added lyrics to it.

2. “Here Comes the Sun” was released on which Beatles album?

3. Name the amusement park dedicated to rock that existed for a short time near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

4. What was the name of Del Shannon’s only No. 1 hit?

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “While she lays sleeping, I stay out late at night and play my songs.”

Answers

1. 1. “Music Box Dancer,” first released in 1978. Ray Conniff add-ed it to his “I Will Survive” album in 1979.

2. “Abbey Road,” in 1969. George Harrison wrote the song while hiding out at Eric Clapton’s house to avoid a meeting.

3. Hard Rock Park. It opened ... and closed ... in 2008. The 50-acre site had a Hang Ten roller coaster, a Moody Blues theme ride and more. When it folded, the new owners reopened but only managed to keep it going for one season.

4. “Runaway,” in 1961.

5. “She Believes In Me,” by Kenny Rogers, in 1979. The song has been covered by several others, including Johnny Mathis and Welsh singer Tom Jones in 1981.

• On Feb. 27, 1938, a new mascot design was created by Chris Klein and C. Karnstadt for use by the Pontiac car brand, in the form of an Indian maiden. The theme was inspired by connections with the General Motors war chief who was employed in the GM manufacturing division.

• On Feb. 28, 1983, the final episode of “M*A*S*H,” a series about the staff of an Army hospital during the Korean War, titled “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” became the most-watched television episode in U.S. history, with an estimated 106 million American viewers.

• On Feb. 29, 2012, Davy Jones, a former teen idol and singer for The Monkees, died of a heart attack at the age of 66. Jones starred with his bandmates in a popular TV series and a few other shows during his career, later returning to his first passion of horses and becoming a jockey.

• On March 1, 2008, Britain’s Prince Harry, who had been sent secretly to Afghanistan with his regiment in December at his request, was forced to return to Britain after the American website the Drudge Report made his deployment public.

• On March 2, 1969, the supersonic airliner and joint British/French project Concorde set off on its maiden flight, reaching 10,000 feet and 300 mph. It would be another seven years before the plane began commercial flights, which continued until 2003, when it was retired from service.

• On March 3, 2005, Steve Fossett became the first person to fly a plane solo and nonstop around the globe without refueling, landing his Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer in Salina, Kansas, after a 67-hour journey. Two years later, he would disappear while flying over the Great Basin Desert, with his wrecked aircraft discovered in 2008.

(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Fifi Rodriguez

Questions

1. TELEVISION: Which popular Netflix series features groups of teens nicknamed “Kooks” and “Pogues”?

2. HISTORY: When did Facebook launch?

3. MUSIC: Which pop music singer had hits with songs like “Changes” and “Let’s Dance”?

4. GEOGRAPHY: What country possesses the Isle of Wight?

5. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of peacocks called?

6. AD SLOGANS: Which company’s advertising slogan is “the ultimate driving machine”?

7. LANGUAGE: What is the Latin phrase often shortened to “i.e.”?

8. MYTHOLOGY: What is the name of the maze that confined the Minotaur?

9. MOVIES: Which movie has the tagline, “Mischief. Mayhem. Soap.”?

10. LITERATURE: Shakespeare is believed to have written approximately how many plays?

Answers

1. “Outer Banks.”

2. 2004.

3. David Bowie.

4. England.

5. An ostentation or a pride.

6. BMW.

7. Id est (that is).

8. The Labyrinth.

9. “Fight Club.”

10. 37.

(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Bayne Chase Gregory

September 30, 1933 - January 27, 2024

Bayne Chase Gregory [90], passed away on January 27,2024, at Vista Springs Quail Highlands in Concord, OH. She was born on September 30,1933, to Raymond and Clesta Chase in Allentown, PA. Bayne Chase Gregory lived a life filled with love, joy, and meaningful relationships.

She graduated from Hingham High School in Hingham, MA,in 1952 and went onto graduate from Syracuse University in 1956. Subsequently,she pursued a career in Physical Education. Bayne resided in Skaneateles,NY,with her husband, G. William Gregory, and her three children. She dedicated 28 years to the Marcellus School District.

One of the founders of the Skaneateles Figure Skating Club, Bayne also spent winters in Vermont and springtime in Arizona with her family. She enjoyed singing in her church choir,participating in Bible studies, and caring for the sick and in need.Bayne volunteered at various hospitals and nursing homes,showcasing her compassionate nature. Remarkably, she remained an avid skier until the age of 83 and had a passion for Zumba and collecting antiques.

Bayne’s love for her children,grandchildren,and great-grandchildren was unparalleled. Her grandchildren’s friends affectionately dubbed her “St. GG,” a testament to the profound love they shared. She never met a stranger, consistently embodying the love of Jesus to everyone she encountered. Bayne opened her home to friends and family, always demonstrating hospitality, and prioritizing the well-being of others over herself. More than anything, she cherished her faith, often expressing, “God’s touch is everywhere and in everything.”

Bayne Chase Gregory is survived by her three children: G. William Gregory Jr. (Sharon), Heather Gregory Bodwell (James), and Scott Gregory (Pam),along with 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life service honoring Bayne’s life will take place in August 2024 in Skaneateles,NY,surrounded by close friends and family. In lieu of flowers,the family requests that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse at: samaritanspurse. org/memorial-page/bayne-chase-gregory-concord-township-oh/.

May her memory be a source of comfort, and her legacy an inspiration to those who mourn her loss.

Christina Maclean

January 14, 1941-January 31,

2024

On January 31 of this year, Christina Maclean died of heart failure after a long illness. Christina was born on January 14, 1941, in Dublin, Ireland. An orphan, she was brought up by nuns in a Catholic convent in Dublin where her education was sadly neglected by the nuns. In typical determination, she taught herself to read and write.

At the age of 16, she migrated to Britain and eventually became a nanny in London to Paul and Mary Preston now residing in Scottsdale. As a nanny, she helped raise the Preston’s two daughters and her own four children: three daughters and one son from her marriage to one Rupert Baptiste.

On Rupert’s death in 2000, Christina applied for Canadian citizenship. That never materialized: she married a Scottish American, Duncan (Ron) Maclean with whom she lived here in Mesa. In their early years of marriage, Christina and Ron traveled a lot, notably to New Zealand and Australia and, of course to the UK where her son and one daughter live in London. Christina’s heart problems ended their travel and they have been leading a quiet life in Leisure World.

Although not a very active person, Christina enjoyed reading, listening to music and watching TV; her favorite DVD was an Andre Rieu concert from Dublin. She was not competitive, but she liked playing lawn bowls and pool and she excelled at solving Sudoku puzzles.

Christina is survived by her husband Ron, three daughters, one son and four grandchildren. She will be missed by many, but all say they are fortunate to have known her. Her employer, Paul Preston, summed up her life nicely when he said that “she was not educated, but she had street smarts.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens. com for the Maclean family.

To receive updates on current or future services and shared memories for Christina Maclean, please see below to sign up for email or text notifications.

Please contact the staff of Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care for questions or comments.

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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 480498-8896.

APPLIANCE REPAIR

Appliance 911 Major Appliance Repair and Service. Refrigerators, Washers, Dryers, Stoves, Dishwashers, Disposals. Factory Trained, 15 years in business. Fast, Friendly and Guaranteed. Get It Fixed Now call 480-200-9955.

BLINDS & SCREENING

Shine Valley Screen & Awning Sunscreens, patio & screen rooms, security/screen doors, retractable awnings, patio roll curtains, window awnings, wood shutters, rain gutters and alum. pergola. Free estimates. 480612-1012, bonded & insured, license ROC#274491.

CAREGIVERS

Marcie’s Home Care LLC

In Home Senior Care

• Companionship

• Meal preparation

• Medication reminders

• Errands-shopping-appointments

• Light housekeeping

• Respite care

Caregivers:

• CPR certified

• Fingerprint card

• TB tested

Marcieshomecare.com

(480) 714-4043

Care provider looking to care for female.

Outstanding references from past 3 clients

Full or part-time, days, evenings or overnight Call, Text or Email

Alice Best

Cell: 480-529-0760

Email: alicebest712@gmail.com

TLC Cleaning Services One call cleans it all! Professional housekeeper available weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly. 10 years’ experience for dependable, thorough & customizable cleans. Call today 480-529-1600 Serving the East Valley.

Light Housekeeping (Monthly) & Notary Service

Notarize documents from 8 a.m.8 p.m. 7 days a week..

Will wash, dry, and fold laundry. Wash dishes, sweep and make beds up to 3 rooms. Also run errands for special service. Call Serena 480 232-6613.

ELECTRICAL

AJ Electric Co. LLC. Family owned and operated. Residential, Commercial Licensed Electrician. ROC #321474. Bonded & Insured. Comparative rates. New installs, Breaker upgrade, outlets/switches changed, ceiling fans and lighting fixtures installed, and all electrical repairs. Call A.J. Electric LLC 480-721-9087.

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

Always Open Garage Door Garage Door Repairs Free Service Calls. $20 Off Any Repair. LW Repair Specialist. LIC# ROC 182785 Bonded/Insured. 480-703-9963.

My Garage Guys Door Service Senior Discounts, Veteran Owned, BB Accredited. 480-630-3638

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Veracity Worx LLC Experienced Handyman. Appliance installation, light fixture or ceiling fan install, drywall repairs, kitchen back splash installations, plumbing, minor electrical repairs and many more! Call or text Axel at 352-304-2330. axel.malpica1@ gmail.com.

Eddie’s Toolbox Small Job Handyman

—Leisure World resident. 50+ Years› experience. Minor repairs, assembly, picture hanging, lamp repair, car waxing, plumbing, electrical, miscellaneous, Call or text Ed 480-390-2091, edskwiot@ yahoo.com.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Celebrate “The Beauty of you” with Mary Kay. Mary Kay products offer you so many ways to enhance your beauty and well-being. Innovation skin care! On-trend color! Pampering bath and body products and so much more! Great products for the guys, too! Let’s find your favorites. Check out my website MaryKay.com/penemathisonmk4u or email penemathison@gmail.com. Call or text Pene Mathison at 253-3805848.

MEET YOUR FRIENDLY LEISURE WORLD AVON REPRESENTATIVE, Bonnie Ragsdale, for all of your AVON needs. Call 480-241-3770 or email avon0498@yahoo.com.

G+M Neighborhood Barbershop

6515 E. Main St #123 Mesa, AZ

Specializing In Haircuts For Men And Boys Beard Trims And Shaves

TUES – SAT 9AM – 6:30 PM

SUN – MON 11 AM – 5 PM

Haircuts $16.00 480-924-5053

HOME REPAIR & REMODELING

Facelifts 4 Homes. Remodeling specialist. Rob Stalp, 480-7035637. Over 28 years in Leisure World. Facelifts Home Makeovers LLC, ROC 297942. Facelifts4home@aol.com.

DZO Handyman & Remodeling LLC

No project too big or too small. We do Plumbing, Drywall, Painting, Bathroom/ Kitchen/Flooring Remodels, Roofing, Concrete and much more! Let me finish your to-do list! 12+ years’ experience! ROC 343814 Licensed, Bonded and Insured! Call or text Victor 480-543-8879.

Home Remodeling and Rain Gutter Specialist. AZ Rooms, Dual Pane Replacement Windows, Aluminum & Vinyl Siding & Trim Seamless Raingutters30colors. Very reliable-Licensed & Bonded. ROC #114475 Call George 480820-8711. We love small jobs.

Rapid Restoration & Construction

24 Hour Emergency Service

- Remodels & Additions- Emergency Temp Repairs

- Flooring Installation- 24 Hour Board-Up

- Kitchen & Bath Remodels- Mold

Remediation

- Cabinet Install & Repair/Rebuild- Fire Restoration

- Structural Repairs- Water Extraction - Plumbing Services 480-662-8146

www.rapidrestoreaz.com

RZ FLOOR & BATH COVERING LLC

SERVICES INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REMODELS

*FLOORING ANY TYPE

*WALK-IN SHOWERS

*BACKSPLASH

*DRYWALL & TEXTER

*WINDOW

*PAINT

*DOOR

*STUCCO

*CONCRET

*ARTIFICIAL GRASS

*BRICK FENCE

*PAVER

*FULL INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REMODELS

Call Ricardo Z 602-319-7280

WWW.RZFLOORBATHCOVERING.COM

LANDSCAPING

Designing Arizona Landscape www.designingaz.com Specializing in complete desert landscape and sprinkler install/repair, trimming, blowing, removal, rock, lighting.

Low Prices for Seniors. A+ rating with The Better Business Bureau. Perfect record with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Arizona License #243110. Bonded & Insured. Free estimates: 480380-9966.

July AZ Landscaping Taking care of your projects for 15 years! Irrigation, tree trimming, Desertscapes, maintenance, Gravel, pavers, wall and turf installation. Call Julio Meneses at 480-386-3954 Free Estimates.

Chaparro’s Landscaping Clean-Ups, Tree Trimming, Palms, Irrigation, FREE ESTIMATES Francisco Chaparro 602-761-8710.

15% SENIOR DISCOUNT, Raul’s Clean-Up & Tree Services. Yard Clean-Up, Tree Topping & Pruning, Trash Removal, Spread Rock, Trimming or Removal, Free Estimates, Affordable Rates. ALL WORK GUARANTEED, PLEASE CALL RAUL (480) 553-4285. WE ARE INSURED.

OTHER

Mariposa Gardens tandem mausoleum crypt Level DD, Space 36. Includes bronze marker. $25,000 firm Contact Dianaat 480-250-6141

Double-deep cemetery plot for sale at the Mountain View Memorial Gardens in Mesa, AZ

The plots are located in the “Garden of the Last Supper”, Section G, Lot 25, Space 7/7A

Normal full-price from funeral home is $4,800. Asking $2,500O.B.O. Call Chris at 801-923-3303 or email cmhuntsman@gmail.com

GUNSMITH * CLEANING * FFL TRANSFER * BUY * SELL * TRADE (NEW & USED FIREARMS)

FAMILY ORDNANCE 6306 E. MAIN ST. MESA, AZ 85205 480-910-4231

MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY 10AM to 7PM FRIDAY 10AM TO 5PM WWW.FAMILYORDNANCE.COM

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

ASTROLOGY

PAINTING

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.

Perfect Patch & Painting Expert Drywall Repairs 30 Years Experience

Match Any Texture

Interior Painting Ceilings, Walls, Baseboards, Doors Honest Owner/Operator PerfectPatchandPainting.com

480-714-1562 ROC# 333976 and ROC# 336059

PEST CONTROL

Spartan Pest Control Pest. Weed. Termite Veteran Owned 480-853-3811

PLUMBING

RWB PLUMBING Quality work at affordable prices Licensed/Bonded/ Insured. Complete Plumbing Service. Repipes, toilets, faucets, water heaters, gas lines, faucets, garbage disposals, water services. Senior and Veteran discounts Visit rwbplumbingusa.com for valuable discounts. When hiring a contractor, always check with the Registrar of Contractors to ensure proper Licensing. We have referrals we are happy to provide. Call 480-332-1457. ROC# 178767.

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, re-pipes, sewer repairs, and much more. Call David 480-507-3335 or 480226-6795 ROC # 228747

PlumbSmart Plumbing ServicesFree estimates - no trip charge! $49 drain cleaning, $99 sewer camera inspection, $189 garbage disposal includes installation. Low-cost toilet replacement, water heaters, softeners and reverse osmosis systems. Whole house re-pipe special, seasonal discounts on furnace and AC tune-ups. Affordable full service plumbing, heating and air-conditioning services. Voted #1 Mesa Plumber and Best East Valley Plumber three years in a row. Senior & Vet discounts. Licensed, bonded & insured ROC223709. Call 480-498-8896.

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.

RENTALS

2 bedroom/2 bath/Den/2044 sq. ft./Manor 2360. Fully furnished, recently remodeled. Available August 2022-August 2023, rental price depends on length of stay. $2,800-$3,200, no pets. Contact Mary 602-509-5864 or email classee88@yahoo.com.

ROOFING

Caruso’s Roofing and Coating. Tile Roof Repairs, Flat Roof Repairs, Skylights and Elastomeric Roof Coatings. Family Owned and Operated. No Job Too Small! FREE ESTIMATES! Call Josh at Caruso’s Roofing & Coating 480-200-7156.ROC #261628.

SPRINKLER / IRRIGATION REPAIR & INSTALLATION

Designing Arizona

Landscape Specializing in all phases of Sprinkler Repair, PVC, Drip Systems, Trouble Shooting. Low prices for Seniors. A+ rating with The Better Business Bureau. Prefect record with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Arizona License #243110. Bonded & Insured.

Free Estimates: 480-380-9966

I Repair Sprinklers FullService 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 480233-1009 or schedule online at www. iRepairSprinklers.com.

TAX SERVICE

Kenneth A. Weinstock, CPA

- Specializing in taxes. Personal and business. Convenient personal service. Multi-state and Canadian returns. Tax planning, IRS audits. Leisure World resident. 480-687-3234.

TREE SERVICE

David’s Clean-Up & Tree Service Tree topping and pruning, trimming or removal, rock laying, trash removal, yard clean-up. 480-245-7132. Insured, Affordable rates, free estimates, all work guaranteed.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Put that restless Arian surge to good use this week by preparing your winter-weary home for spring. Also, be more flexible about accepting a workplace change.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your wellknown ability to be patient is challenged as you wait for more news about a promising opportunity that could lead you down a new career path.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A setback in your travel plans could prove to be a blessing in disguise. Use this extra time to help close a growing gap between you and a family member.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Don’t let a sudden sense of separation between you and your partner go unchallenged. It’s important to make a strong effort to clear things up.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Use the information you recently received to make some long-deferred changes regarding a personal situation. Also, continue to exercise financial restraint.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) That new responsibility you’re now considering could lead to many opportunities. But be sure you have all the facts before you agree to take it on.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A friend might try to advise you against a potentially risky move. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but hear them out before you decide.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You might feel justified in demanding an

apology, but it might be wiser to settle things so that today’s adversary doesn’t become tomorrow’s enemy.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Good news: Expect a more positive aspect to dominate your personal and professional lives. In addition, someone close to you seeks your counsel.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19)

A disappointment can turn into a learning experience. Now, at least, you know what not to do. Meanwhile, expect more options to open up.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18)

What goes around comes around as a friend from the past returns a favor. Don’t be timid about accepting it with good grace. You deserve it.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your spiritual strength helps you deal with a family member’s problem. Expect some difficulties, but stay with it until it’s ultimately resolved.

BORN THIS MONTH : You can observe people and situations with absolute honesty. You’d be a fine social worker, psychoanalyst or member of the clergy.

(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

ACROSS

1 Not quite first-rate

7 “Patience -- virtue”

10 Car tankful

13 Collie of TV

19 Cattle farm of the West

20 Trumpet blast

22 Singer and actor Frankie

23 When it’s 12:00 p.m.

24 Element #3

25 Japanese city that hosted the 1998 Olympics

26 Start of a riddle

29 Japanese buckwheat noodle

30 Dr. Seuss’ Sam- --

31 Amo, amas, --

32 “Addams Family” cousin

35 Riddle, part 2

43 Faint smell

45 Foldout bed

46 Co-workers of MDs

47 Stalactite site

48 Florence’s river

49 Total amount

51 “Scram!”

52 Minecraft and StarCraft, e.g.

55 Riddle, part 3

60 Brief promos

61 Triceps’ place

62 Pop’s Celine

63 See 58-Down

66 Bullfighter

67 Riddle, part 4

70 Put a new front on, as a building

72 Unbroken

73 Recognized

75 With 59-Down, brand of frozen potatoes

76 Famously feisty fish

77 Riddle, part 5

81 Oval shape

84 Dejected

85 “Who am -- judge?”

86 Secret writing

87 Postal pieces

88 Detectives like TV’s Magnum, for short

89 Karachi’s nation: Abbr.

91 Very long time periods

92 End of the riddle

99 Disloyal type

100 Impulsive desire

101 Illusionist Geller

102 Like planted seeds

104 Riddle’s answer

113 Enter very quickly

114 Novelist Caldwell

115 Common gauge for toy trains

116 “Despite that ...”

117 Gets smaller

118 “Happy Days” actress Ross

119 Bunks on ships

120 Mil. ranker

121 Gym pad

122 Hole to receive a lace

DOWN

1 Bird’s crop

2 Trellis strip

3 “Noelle” star Kendrick

4 Glasgow natives

5 Grandstander

6 Chimpanzee variety

7 “-- have to wait”

8 Got married

9 Lure for insect extermination

10 The earth as a goddess

11 Cut -- (dance)

12 Pago Pago people

13 “Meteor” actor Martin

14 1972 Billy Wilder comedy film

15 Long, involved story

16 Shut loudly

17 Actress Skye of “Stranded”

18 Grammy winner Brian

21 “-- the breaks!”

27 Former Egypt-Syr. alliance

28 Texter’s “Holy smokes!”

32 “Let me!”

33 Bases-loaded situation

34 Lightweight kitchen utensils

36 Peak

37 Chicago daily, in brief

38 Global: Abbr.

39 Mark for life

40 Easter meat

41 Adam’s mate

42 -- Moines

44 Bob of choreography

49 Tahitian skirts

50 Package delivery co.

51 Carpentry material for some cabinets

52 Chi follower

53 Spicy Spanish pork sausage

54 Taxonomic subdivisions

56 Become lively

57 Cheer yell

58 With 63-Across, for the time being

59 See 75-Across

63 Oven used to bake naan

64 Spiny anteater

65 Most unkind

67 Conservation org. with a panda logo

68 Pooch’s yap

69 Big blue body

71 Genre of many sitcoms

74 Wide shoe spec

76 Mining shaft

77 Higher ground?

78 “You wish!”

Just Like Cats & Dogs

Grin and Bear It

The Spats

By Jeff Pickering

Out on a Limb

By Gary Kopervas

Dave T. Phipps

Fred Wagner "Excuse

Tiger By Bud Blake

One of the most common questions we get asked at Amada Senior Care is

Amada Senior Care is committed to enriching lives by providing nurturing, compassionate care and guiding seniors and families through the many care funding options available. RSVP today to attend one or more of the educational sessions in the East Valley.

Session 1: How to Pay for In-Home, Assisted Living or Memory Care

** This is for seniors & their families that DO NOT have a private long-term care insurance policy.

Session 2: How to Understand your Long-Term Care Insurance Policy

** This is for seniors & their families that have a private long-term care insurance policy (either a traditional or hybrid policy) & have annual premiums.

RSVP to : 480-999-5289 during business hours. Indicate the date & sessions you want to attend.

February 8th

Hamilton Public Library

3700 S Arizona Ave. Chandler, Az 85248

Session 1: 9-10AM

Session 2: 10:30AM-12PM

March 7th

Disclaimer:

February 22nd Southwest Regional Library

Session 1: 9-10AM

755 N Greenfield Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234

Chaparral Park Room

5401 N Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Session 1: 9:30-10:30AM

Session 2: 11AM-12:30PM

Session 2: 10:30AM-12PM