TOP 10 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT
Saving Matters! Remember
Financial security in retirement doesn’t just happen. It takes planning and commitment and, yes, money.
FACTS
✔ Only about half of Americans have calculated how much they need to save for retirement.
✔ The average American spends roughly 20 years in retirement.
Putting money away for retirement is a habit we can all live with.
1. START SAVING, KEEP SAVING, & STICK TO YOUR GOALS!
If you are already saving, whether for retirement or another goal, keep going! You know that saving is a rewarding habit. If you’re not saving, it’s time to get started.
Start small if you have to and try to increase the amount you save each month. The sooner you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. Devise a plan, stick to it, and set goals. Remember, it’s never too early or too late to start saving.
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2. KNOW YOUR RETIREMENT NEEDS!
Retirement is expensive. Experts estimate that you will need 70 to 90 percent of your preretirement income to maintain your standard of living when you stop working. Take charge of your financial future. The key to a secure retirement is to plan ahead.
3. CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR EMPLOYER’S RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN!
If your employer offers a retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan, sign up and contribute all you can. Your taxes will be lower, your company may kick in more, and automatic deductions make it easy. Over time, compound interest and tax deferrals make a
big difference in the amount you will accumulate. Find out about your plan. For example, how much would you need to contribute to get the full employer contribution and how long would you need to stay in the plan to get the money.
4. LEARN ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYER’S PENSION PLAN!
If your employer has a traditional pension plan, check to see if you are covered by the plan and understand how it works. Ask for an individual benefit statement to see what your benefit is worth. Before you change jobs, find out what will happen to your pension benefit. Learn what benefits you may have from a previous employer. Find out if you will be entitled to benefits from your spouse’s plan.
5. CONSIDER BASIC INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES!
How you save can be as important as how much you save. Inflation and the type of investments you make play important roles in how much you’ll have saved at retirement. Know how your savings or pension plan is invested. Learn about your plan’s investment options and ask questions. Put your savings in different types of investments. By diversifying this way, you are more likely to reduce risk and improve return. Your investment mix may change over time depending on a number of factors such as your age, goals, and financial circumstances. Financial security and knowledge go hand in hand.
6. DON’T TOUCH YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS!
If you withdraw your retirement savings now, you’ll lose principal and interest and you may lose tax benefits or have to pay withdrawal penalties. If you change jobs, leave your savings invested in your current retirement plan, or roll them over to an IRA or your new employer’s plan.
7. ASK YOUR EMPLOYER TO START A PLAN!
If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, suggest that it start one. There are a number of retirement saving plan options available. Your employer may be able to set up a simplified plan that can help both you and your employer.
8. PUT MONEY INTO AN INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT!
You can put up to $6,500 a year into an individual Retirement Account (IRA); you can contribute even more if you are 50 or older. You can also start with much less. IRAs also provide tax advantages. When you open an IRA, you have two options – a traditional IRA or Roth IRA. The tax treatment of your contributions and withdrawals will depend on which option you select. Also, the after-tax value of your withdrawal will depend on
inflation and the type of IRA you choose. IRAs can provide an easy way to save. You can set it up so that an amount is automatically deducted from your checking or savings account and deposited in the IRA.
9. FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS!
On average, Social Security retirement benefits replace 40 percent of pre-retirement income for retirement beneficiaries. The amount of your wages that Social Security retirement benefits replace varies depending on your earnings and the age you choose to start receiving benefits. You may be able to estimate your benefit by using the retirement estimator on the Social Security Administration’s website.
10. ASK QUESTIONS!
While these tips are meant to point you in the right direction, you’ll need more information. Talk to your employer, your bank, your union, or a financial adviser. Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers. Get practical advice and act now.
Courtesy of US Dept. of Labor
2025 DESIGN TRENDS
EACH YEAR BRINGS NEW TRENDS IN INTERIOR DESIGN & 2025 IS NO DIFFERENT.
As the world changes, needs and desires change. Interior design can enhance your home environment with new ideas. We want our homes to appeal to all our sensesSensorial design. Vivid colors, environmentally friendly materials and luxury comfort are a few of the current trends.
Colors such as reds, oranges, purples, and maroons will be popular. These are called lucky colors in some cultures.
Accordingly they attract wealth and business success. No more plain walls - wallpapered and colored ceilings as well as textured walls are back. In addition, bold patterns and textures add drama, depth and visual interest to your room. Ceiling treatments also create visual interest. Beams or a coffered ceiling bring texture, depth and character to plain surfaces. They also reduce noise and add a bit of elegance.
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Earth tones such as terracotta, ochre, rust and sage are always popular as they reflect nature and create a calm environment that makes a space feel warm and welcoming. To add a little luxury to any space, use gold, bronze, copper or silver finishes with small touches.
Furniture tends to be comfortable and relaxed without sacrificing style. Oversized sofas, comfortable chairs, lounge chairs and even daybeds are popular again. Curved and rounded furniture as well as accent pieces will be popular. They work with either traditional or modern design.
Dark warmer wood tones are back after years of light wood. To change the look of a piece of furniture or cabinet, stain it a walnut hue. Mix in modern with traditional. Darker
tones bring a warm, grounded feeling.
Lighting is an important part of any design project. Consider a layered lighting scheme that incorporates a mixture of overhead lighting, floor and table lamps and sconces. Think of fixtures as art and jewelry for your home. Lighting helps create a functional and welcoming home. Be sure to use dimmable lights as that enhances the mood in any room.
Small changes can reinvigorate your home in keeping with the 2025 design. Paint a wall, wallpaper a bathroom ceiling, add a colorful rug to a neutral room. It’s all about enjoying your home and feeling comfortable.
2025-26 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
DATES TOURNAMENT
Sanderson Farms Championship
OCT 2 - 5
OCT 9 - 12
OCT 23 - 26
NOV 6 - 9
NOV 13 - 16
DEC 4 - 7
DEC 12 - 14
JAN 15 - 18
JAN 22 -25
JAN 29 - FEB 1
FEB 5 - 8
FEB 12 - 15
+ Signature Event
The Country Club of Jackson Jackson, MS • USA
Baycurrent Classic Yokohama Country Club Yokohama • JPN
Bank of Utah Championship
Black Desert Resort
Ivins, UT • USA
World Wide Technology Championship
El Cardonal at Diamante
Los Cabos • MEX
Butterfield Bermuda Championship
Port Royal Golf Course
Southampton • BER
Hero World Challenge
Albany GC Albany • BAH
Grant Thornton Invitational
Tiburón Golf Club
Naples, FL • USA
Sony Open in Hawaii
Waialae Country Club
Honolulu, HI • USA
The American Express
Pete Dye Stadium Course
La Quinta, CA • USA
Farmers Insurance Open
Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course)
San Diego, CA • USA
WM Phoenix Open
TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course)
Scottsdale, AZ • USA
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Ann
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach, CA • USA
# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored
^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
* Schedule subject to change
PREVIOUS WINNER
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
2025-26 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
DATES TOURNAMENT
The Genesis Invitational
FEB 19 - 22
FEB 26 - MAR 1
MARCH 5 - 8
MARCH 5 - 8
MARCH 12 - 15
MARCH 19 - 22
MARCH 26 - 29
APRIL 2 - 5
APRIL 9 - 12
APRIL 16 - 19
APRIL 23 - 26
The Riviera Country Club
Pacific Palisades, CA • USA
Cognizant Classic
PGA National Resort (The Champion Course)
Palm Beach Gardens, FL • USA
Arnold Palmer Invitational
Arnold Palmer’s Bau Hill Club & Lodge
Orlando, FL • USA
Puerto Rico Open
Grand Reserve Golf Club
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
THE PLAYERS Championship
TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL • USA
Valspar Championship
Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course)
Palm Harbor, FL • USA
Texas Children’s Houston Open
Memorial Park Golf Course
Houston, TX • USA
Valero Texas Open
TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course)
San Antonio, TX • USA
Masters Tournament
Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta, GA • USA
RBC Heritage
Harbour Town Golf Links
Hilton Head Island, SC • USA
Zurich Classic of New Orleans
TPC Louisiana
Avondale, LA • USA
+ Signature Event
# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored
^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
* Schedule subject to change
PREVIOUS WINNER
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT
OCT 1 - 4 LOTTE Championship presented by Hoakalei Ewa Beach, Oahu, HI | Hoakalei Country Club
OCT 9 - 12 Buick LPGA Shanghai
OCT 16 - 19
* Schedule subject to change ** Purse subject to change
Minhang District, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China | Qizhong Garden Golf Club
Ladies Championship Republic of Korea | To be Confirmed
OCT 23 - 26 Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown Goyang, Republic of Korea | New Korea Country Club
OCT 30NOV 2
Championship
Lumpur, Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, West Course
M
M NOV 6 - 9
Japan Classic Otsu-shi, Shiga, Japan | Seta Golf Course
NOV 13 - 16 The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Belleair, FL | Pelican Golf Club
NOV 20 - 23 CME Group Tour Championship Naples, FL | Ritz Carlton Golf Resort, Tiburón Golf Club
DEC 12 - 14
Thornton Invitational Naples, FL | Ritz Carlton Golf Resort, Tiburón Golf Club
M
M
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE COACHELLA VALLEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
DECEMBER
DEC 6 - 7 | TAMALE FESTIVAL
The world’s largest tamale festival will return this year. Over 100 vendors and booths will be set up for attendees to purchase a wide assortment of tamales, from the traditional chicken and beef to more outlandish flavors like chocolate and pineapple. Entry into the festival is free, and there are folkloric dance performances and traditional mariachi music played on multiple stages throughout the day. For more info visit: indiotamalefestival.com
JANUARY
JAN 3 | FILM AWARDS
Experience the Elegance and Excitement at the Palm Springs International Film Awards.Picture this: a radiant red carpet, shimmering gowns, sharp tuxedos, dazzling diamonds, the electrifying burst of flashbulbs, and the world’s most illustrious stars. The quintessential glamour and enchantment of the movies come alive here at the Palm Springs
International Film Awards. For more info visit: psfilmfest.org
JAN 24 | WESTERN ROUND UP
Round up your friends for a Rib BBQ feast and lively concert — a true Wild West good time! Get ready for a day packed with food, fun, and music! Bring your friends, family, and competitive spirit for a true Wild West-style celebration. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc5at34v
FEBRUARY
FEB 7 | SOUL SPRINGS FESTIVAL
At Soul Springs Festival, magic happens when you least expect it! You never know who might step onto our stage to share their soul... Picture this: Your favorite artists surprising you with the classic soul songs that shaped their journey. Every performance tells a story of inspiration, paying tribute to the legends who paved the way. Be there when contemporary stars honor their musical heroes with fresh interpretations of timeless
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE COACHELLA VALLEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
classics. Don’t miss out on this soul-stirring experience. For more info visit: soulspringsfest.com
FEB 12 - 22 | MODERNISM WEEK
Modernism Week highlights midcentury modern architecture, art, interior design, and vintage culture in Palm Springs, California. The festival features the popular Palm Springs Modernism Show, tours of iconic homes, double-decker architectural bus tours, parties, compelling and informative talks and much more. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/39xane6m
FEB 19 - 22 | JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Palm Springs International Jazz Festival seeks to foster an appreciation for Jazz, the uniquely American art form, through performance and education. For more info visit: psjazzfest.org
MARCH
MARCH 12 - 22 | FOOD & WINE FEST
Calling all food and wine lovers. Join us for a spectacular culinary experience with a roster of the nation’s top chefs presented by Agua Caliente Casinos. The fête begins with a James Beard Gourmet Four-Course Luncheon prepared by culinary virtuosos and will be followed by two days of grand tastings, where you can delight in delectable offerings from local and regional restaurants, sample more than 60 wines, enjoy unique craft brews, IPAs, and draught ciders, or taste and savor assorted spirit brands. For more info visit: palmdesertfoodandwine.com
APRIL
APRIL 17 - 19 | CAR SHOW
Join us on Saturday for a full day of vintage fun, featuring a Vintage Camper and Classic Car Display, Vintage Vendor Fair, Pet Parade, and live Motown music. Enjoy delicious eats from food trucks and our Featured Chef Special, then
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
COACHELLA VALLEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
end the day on a high note with a concert by Britain’s Finest, an acclaimed Beatles tribute band. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of timeless style, music, and community! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/a6fkjsyz
APRIL 18 | ART IN THE PARK
This colorful marketplace is a feast for the senses, showcasing a wide variety of artistic handmade treasures including pottery, paintings, jewelry, textiles, woodwork and more. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yrsex8j6
APRIL 24 - 26 | STAGECOACH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Stagecoach Festival is perhaps the best known country music festival anywhere in the world. Every year Stagecoach curates a lineup headlined by the biggest and brightest names in country music and also includes artists from related genres like rock, bluegrass, and folk. For more info visit: stagecoachfestival.com
MAY
MAY 14 - 17 | JOSHUA TREE
Joshua Tree Music Festival is: Supreme and diverse live music experiences to feed the body, mind and soul. Deep dive workshops to uplift and inspire. Random acts of mindfulness inviting you to interact and connect. Spontaneous eruptions of gratitude. A friendly familial spirit. A community of music lovers. For more info visit: joshuatreemusicfestival.com
MAY 16 | CULTUREFEST
This free, community-wide event will include live performances and fun activities for the entire family. The vendor area will showcase many different cultures and traditions encouraging everyone to explore the diversity within our own community. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mr2duyzw
MAY 23 | STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Join us for a berry sweet time at the Strawberry Festival! Enjoy a day filled with live musical en-
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE COACHELLA VALLEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
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tertainment, exciting activities, and plenty of strawberry-themed treats. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3kbb3z92
JUNE
JUNE 13 | WINE & FOOD FEST
We are very excited to announce the Annual Palm Springs EQUALITY WINE & FOOD FEST! We will be taking over the entirety of the hotel’s stunning atrium, bringing an elevated atmosphere to this year’s event! Easy to find in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, with plenty of free parking! For more info visit: equalitywinefest.com
JUNE 20 - 22 | BALLOON FEST
The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival offers top-name entertainment, wine tasting in the Wine Garden, Kids Faire, Arts & Crafts and Commercial exhibits and the Food Court. Wine tasting features different premium wines from numerous Temecula Valley wineries as well as others from
Southern California. This weekend is sure to be one you won’t forget! For more info visit: tvbwf.com
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
The City of Palm Springs is delighted to offer a patriotic, fun-filled weekend of terrific family-friendly events that we hope everyone will enjoy as we celebrate America’s independence this Fourth of July, said City Manager Justin Clifton. Everyone is invited! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/48rnb2dw
AUGUST
AUG TBA | SPLASH HOUSE
Splash House is a summer festival series for you and your friends. It’s your ticket to a house and disco escape with great people and great fun. The party takes place across three hotel resorts in Palm Springs, our favorite desert playground. For more info visit: splashhouse.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE COACHELLA VALLEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
SEPTEMBER
SEPT TBA | JAZZ FESTIVAL
Long Beach Jazz Festival is an old festival that is held every year, for more than 25 years. The festival hosts leading artists and compositions that play various styles of jazz. Come and join us for an amazing weekend of music! For more info visit: longbeachjazzfestival.com
OCTOBER
OCT TBA | OKTOBERFEST
Do not miss our Annual Tradition at The Rustic. Oktoberfest has even more fun and games. Beer, Brats, Lederhosen and some traditional German music! What a way to spend your Saturday out in beautiful Idyllwild under the Pine trees in the Rustic Back Lot. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdj2h53t
OCT 29 - 31 | JAZZ FESTIVAL
Come enjoy the Desert Jazz Festival; it is a premier event on this year’s jazz calendar! For more info visit: desertjazzfestival.com
NOVEMBER
NOV TBA | FOOD & WINE FEST
Reflecting the hip, cool, and bohemian vibe of Palm Springs, this innovative event showcases a vibrant celebration of flavor and creativity. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind gastronomic extravaganza. For more info visit: palmspringsfoodandwine.org
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
DATE
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
MAY 24 - SUN 12:00 PM First Round
MAY 24 - SUN 8:15 PM First Round
MAY 25 - MON 12:00 PM First Round
MAY 25 - MON 8:15 PM First Round
MAY 26 - TUE 12:00 PM First Round
MAY 26 - TUE 8:15 PM First Round
MAY 27 - WED 12:00 PM Second Round
MAY 27 - WED 8:15 PM Second Round
MAY 28 - THU 10:00 AM Second Round
MAY 28 - THU 8:15 PM Second Round
MAY 29 - FRI 12:00 PM Third Round
MAY 29 - FRI 8:15 PM Third Round
MAY 30 - SAT 12:00 PM Third Round
MAY 30 - SAT 8:15 PM Third Round
MAY 31 - SUN 12:00 PM Fourth Round
MAY 31 - SUN 8:15 PM Fourth Round
JUNE 1 - MON 12:00 PM Fourth Round
JUNE 1 - MON 8:15 PM Fourth Round
JUNE 2 - TUE 12:00 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 2 - TUE 8:15 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 3 - WED 12:00 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 3 - WED 8:15 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 4 - THUR 2:30 PM Ladies Semifinals
JUNE 5 - FRI 2:30 PM Mens Semifinals
JUNE 5 - FRI 8:15 PM Mens Semifinals
JUNE 6 - SAT 3:00 PM Ladies Singles Final, Mens Double Final
JUNE 7 - SUN 3:00 PM Mens Singles Final, Ladies Doubles Final
DATE
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
JUNE 29 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1st Round
JUNE 30 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1st Round
JULY 1 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 2 - THU 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2rd Round
JULY 3 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 4 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 5 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 6 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies’ 4th Round
JULY 7- TUE 11:00 AM Ladies' and Gentlemen's Quarterfinals
JULY 8 - WED 11:00 AM Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Quarterfinals
JULY 9 - THU 11:00 AM Ladies’ Semifinals
JULY 9 - THU 11:00 AM Gentlemen’s Semifinals
JULY 10 - FRI 11:00 AM Ladies’ Singles Final & Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles
JULY 11 - SAT 11:00 AM Gentlemen’s Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
TRAVELING TO ICELAND.
Iceland is a small Nordic country in Europe known for its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields and massive glaciers. It is also known for its distinct Nordic culture based on folklore and mythology, dating back to the Vikings who were first to colonize the land. Later, it was
under Danish rule and gained its independence in 1944 and is a founding member of NATO. Despite having its own distinct language and being a country of only 384,000 people, English is spoken widely as it is taught in school as a second language.
The capital city is Reykjavik which is known for its lively nightlife, modern museums, excellent dining, galleries and shopping. It is the base from which to explore all that Iceland has to offer.
The best time to visit is May through October but those are also the busiest times. Iceland is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. There are so many adventures to choose from whether it is the natural wonders under the summer’s midnight sun or seeking the aurora borealis in winter months.
Spend a day touring the Golden Circle and see three incredible natural events. Starting in the capital, Reykjavik, drive into the southern uplands to Pingvellir National Park, onto the Geysir geothermal area and then the Gullfoss waterfall and end back in the city.
Pingvellir is a UNESCO world heritage site and the first place settled in south Iceland. See Iceland’s largest lake, the Langjokull glacier, hike the North American plate and see Game of Thrones scenery at Almannagja gorge and then view the amazing Oxarafoss waterfalls. If you are
really adventurous, snorkel at Silfra, one of the world’s top 10 dive sites.
Drive on to the Geysir Geothermal area in the Haukadalur Valley. See the volcanic landscape and arrive at Strokkur which is the geyser that erupts every 6-10 minutes shooting hot water as high as 130 feet into the air. Walking through the valley, view many hot springs, smaller geysers and bubbling mud spots.
The last stop is Gullfoss Waterfall which is famous for its 2 drops, falling 100 feet and view the rainbows that shoot from the spray. Finish the day with a leisurely drive back to Reykjavik allowing time for stops along the way.
The cold waters off the coast attract an abundance of sea life including over 20 species of whales, including dolphins and porpoises. Tours can be found all over the country but the best spot is in the seaside village of Dalvick in the north.
Caving is a popular and extraordinary experience. Because Iceland is one of the most active
and inactive volcanic regions. It has incredible rock formations above and below the earth’s surface. Tube caves inside glaciers form after magma flows underneath the earth’s surface and lava solidifies overhead. Tours operate safely year-round with geologists as guides. Be prepared with proper clothing and footwear as caves are chilly and there is often dripping water. Floors are
rugged, so sturdy boots are necessary. The caves are unexpectedly large and many have staircases and walkways for safe exploration. The most unique is Prihnukargigur (3 Peaks Crater) which takes you across lava fields to the cable car down 400 feet into a volcano that has been extinct for over 4500 years. The crater is the size of 3 basketball courts and as tall as the Statue of Liberty.
- a place like no other!
BANANA DATE NUT BREAD
• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup unbleached flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped
• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan
• Cream butter and date mixture
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well
• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture
• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts
• Pour mixture into the bread pan
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean
• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack
PEPTIDES
Aging Joyfully Front Inside Cover
REAL ESTATE
The Morgner Group .................................Back Cover
RETRACTABLE SCREENS
Screenmobile ...............................................................3
RETREATS
Tahquitz Pines Retreat ........................................... 9
SCREEN REPAIR
Mark the Screen Guy 13
SECURITY SCREEMNS
Screenmobile ...............................................................3
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE FOR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Desert DME ................................................................ 23
SPORTS INJURIES
Foot & Wound Care of Indio Front Cover, 18-19
TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
Gary Cardiff Enterprises Inc 11
VACATION RENTALS
The Joshua Tree Resort ...........................................5
WEDDING VENUE
Tahquitz Pines Retreat ........................................... 9
WEIGHTLOSS
Aging Joyfully ...............................Front Inside Cover
WELLNESS
Aging Joyfully Front Inside Cover
WINDOW INSTALLATION SERVICE
Mark the Screen Guy............................................... 13
WINDOW SCREENS
Screenmobile ...............................................................3
WOUND CARE
Foot & Wound Care of Indio Front Cover, 18-19
