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June is finally here. It’s hard to believe we’re almost half-way through 2025. While the temperatures are rising, I’m certainly happy the traffic is decreasing. While driving Bell is definitely less nerving this time of year, I find myself wanting to escape the heat and head to Northern Arizona.

Since so many in our community have headed to their summer homes, now is the time for you to enjoy a little slower pace, and perhaps invest more in those friendships that you may have not had time for. Or, it might be time to finish up home improvement projects that have been placed on the backburner due to a busy social calendar.

Happy Father’s Day to all of the father’s and grandfather’s reading The Grand Season this month. I hope you have a great June and enjoy the slower days of summer as much as you can!

Remember, staying hydrated is critical for an enjoyable summer.

Melissa Whitton Editor/Associate Publisher

INSPIRE REACH FOR THE STARS

Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.

Abraham Lincoln

The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others. Robert Baden-Powell

Happiness doesn’t depend on what we have, but it does depend on how we feel toward what we have. We can be happy with little and miserable with much.

William D. Hoard

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.

Marcus Aurelius

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.

Dalai Lama

Until you are happy with who you are, you will never be happy with what you have. Zig Ziglar

Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.

Helen Keller

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.

Denis Waitley

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.

Charles Spurgeon

FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS

1. Is the book of Malachi (KJV) in the Old or New Testament or neither?

2. Which king was stricken with leprosy because he disobeyed God’s command and burned incense on a holy altar? Uzziah, Solomon, Joab, Petra

3. From 1 Kings 19, what prophet experienced an earthquake while standing on a mountaintop? Paul, Ahab, Andrew, Elijah

4. Who was the first woman to be ashamed of her lack of clothing? Eve, Anna, Pilate’s wife, Miriam

5. In Acts 9, what dressmaker was restored to life by Peter’s prayers? Naomi, Priscilla, Lydia, Dorcas

6. Where did Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead? Sinai, Bethany, Tarsus

Bethany

•Vacuum (as needed, additional fee)

•Brush side walls, steps & Tile Line

•Skim

•Backwash as needed

•Empty baskets (pump & skimmer)

•Test water chemistry

•Add chlorine and acid as needed

•Add up to 3 lbs. of shock

•Add salt as needed for pools

•Control best as possible CYA’s

•Resurfacing Pebble & Plaster

•Plaster/ Pebble Tec Repair

•Green to clean pools

•Acid washes

•Filter clean/Replacement

•Leak Repair

•Gaskets/O-Rings

•Salt System install/repair

•

HAPPY WIFE

Happiness plays a crucial role in shaping the quality and longevity of a marriage. When both partners experience personal happiness, they are more likely to bring positivity, emotional stability, and resilience into the relationship. This foundation can help couples navigate challenges together and deepen their emotional connection.

One of the ways happiness impacts marriage is through emotional regulation. Happier individuals tend to manage stress more effectively and react to conflict with greater patience and empathy. This emotional balance reduces the likelihood of escalating arguments and fosters a more supportive, communicative environment. When both partners feel secure and understood, their bond strengthens over time.

Happiness also influences how couples perceive each other. In a positive emotional state, individuals are more likely to focus on their partner’s strengths and contributions rather than faults. This optimistic perspective nurtures gratitude and appreciation— two critical components of marital satisfaction. Over time, these feelings create a reinforcing cycle: the more gratitude is expressed, the more connected and valued each partner feels, which in turn boosts happiness.

Moreover, shared happiness can reinforce intimacy. Engaging in joyful activities together— whether through travel, shared hobbies, or simple daily routines—builds positive memories and a sense of togetherness. These experiences serve as emotional anchors during tough times, reminding a couple of their shared joy and commitment.

However, it’s important to recognize that happiness in marriage is not constant. Life inevitably brings stressors—financial issues, health problems, family responsibilities—that can strain even strong relationships. In such times, couples who prioritize emotional well-being, both individually and as a unit, are better equipped to endure difficulties. They are more likely to seek support, communicate openly, and work collaboratively toward solutions.

In essence, happiness is both a product and a predictor of a healthy marriage. It fuels emotional closeness, effective communication, and longterm satisfaction. While no marriage is without its challenges, the presence of happiness—nurtured through individual self-care, mutual respect, and shared joy—can serve as a powerful force in maintaining a fulfilling and resilient partnership.

YOU FIND HAPPINESS

It’s no question that everybody wants to be happy. And because the United States continues to decline on the World Happiness Report each year, the quest for finding true happiness can seem a bit hopeless at times. Just because numbers show the average rate of happiness in the country is declining, doesn’t mean your individual happiness should as well! Here are several steps to add to your routine to find true happiness.

1. Experience life

Have you had your eye on a pair of designer shoes that seem to promise everlasting happiness? Well, not to burst your bubble, but research shows that the happiest people in life spend more money on experiences than on material things. Instead of buying the shoes, go for a concert ticket instead.

2. Practice gratitude

Having an attitude of gratitude is a powerful action to use against all the negativity in the world. Try writing down three things you’re grateful for every night. This habit could be just what you need to achieve inner happiness.

3. Connect with others

Among your friends on social media, how many of those people do you see on a regular basis? Studies show that taking time to truly connect and spend time with others face-to-face increases happiness levels.

4. Lend a hand

Even though going out of your way for someone can seem tedious at times, science tells us that helping others plays a significant role in your overall happiness.

5. Live in the moment

Many of us are so focused on what happened yesterday or what’s going to happen tomorrow or next week or in 15 years, rather than taking the time to focus and enjoy today. Take a moment, right now, to just be still and breathe.

6. Be kind to yourself

Despite how busy you are, it’s important to take some time to be kind to yourself. Exercise and get your body moving even just a little each day, and aim to get a decent amount of sleep. Be patient with yourself when you make mistakes.

FLASHBACK

1. Name the recording artist born David Goldstein. Hint: He also writes musicals and has penned songs for the Drifters, Dolly Parton and several others.

2. Which Creedence Clearwater Revival song was used in the film “The Big Chill”?

3. “With a Little Help From My Friends” was released on which Beatles album?

4. Who wrote and released “It Might as Well Rain Until September”?

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “Each day I live, I want to be a day to give the best of me.”

Dinner and a Movie!

GROWTH FOLLOW YOUR PUP

Our lives have become so hectic. We worry about where we need to be tomorrow, stress over what we didn’t accomplish yesterday and are too distracted to be fully present now. If our canine companions could talk, they would advise us to live in the moment by following five strategies.

1. LIVE YOUR PURPOSE

Dogs understand that their purpose is to be our loyal friends and protectors. Are you clear on what your purpose is in life? Determine your priorities. Let your purpose shine in everything you do as a friend, parent, artist or whatever drives your passion.

2. BE PRESENT

When dogs are with you, they are with you; they are not multitasking. We should be as considerate as our dogs. Put down the phone, turn off the computer and focus on the people around you. Listen, reflect, ask questions and share your thoughts in more than a short tweet.

3. BE CHILDLIKE

When out for a walk, dogs take interest in every person, animal or object he meets. As a child, you had a similar sense of wonder, everything was new and worth investigating. Notice the beauty around you and try something new today!

4. BE PLAYFUL

Dogs never tire of playing fetch, rolling in the grass or playing tug-of-war with his rope toy. When is the last time you played just for the sake of it? Move your body, dance, sing, throw the ball, have fun and do not be afraid to look silly.

5. DO IT NOW

Humans think if we work 10–12 hours a day, someday we will slow down and enjoy life. That sunset is happening now. Your family members need to be told they are loved now. Our dogs would tell us that life is short, and we should enjoy the present!

THE BEST MEDICINE

Happiness and good health go hand-in-hand. Indeed, scientific studies have found that happiness can make our hearts healthier, our immune systems stronger, and our lives longer. If you need some extra motivation to get happier, check out the ways happiness has been linked to good health.

1. Happiness protects your heart

Love and happiness may not actually originate in the heart, but they are good for it. Researchers have found that happiness predicts lower heart rate and blood pressure. In the study, participants rated their happiness over 30 times in one day and then again three years later. The initially happiest participants had a lower heart rate on follow-up (about six beats slower per minute), and the happiest participants during the follow-up had better blood pressure.

2. Happiness strengthens your immune system

Do you know a grumpy person who always seems to be getting sick? That may be no coincidence: Research is now finding a link between

happiness and a stronger immune system.

In an experiment, 350 adults volunteered to get exposed to the common cold. Before exposure, researchers called them six times in two weeks and asked how much they had experienced nine positive emotions—such as feeling energetic, pleased, and calm—that day. After five days in quarantine, the participants with the most positive emotions were less likely to have developed a cold.

3. Happiness combats stress

Stress is not only upsetting on a psychological level, but also triggers biological changes in our hormones and blood pressure. Happiness seems to temper these effects, or at least help us recover more quickly.

4. Happy people have fewer aches and pains.

A recent study asked participants to rate their recent experience of positive emotions, then (five weeks later) how much they had experienced negative symptoms like muscle strain, dizziness, and heartburn since the study began. People who reported the highest levels of positive emotion at the beginning actually became healthier over the course of the study, and ended up healthier than their unhappy counterparts.

5. Happiness combats disease and disability

Happiness is associated with improvements in more severe, long-term conditions as well, not just shorter-term aches and pains.

1. Rupert Holmes, of “Pina Colada” fame.

2. “Bad Moon Rising,” in 1983. Other songs featured on the sound track included “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Joy to the World” and “The Tracks of My Tears.”

3. “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” in 1967. It ranked No. 311 on the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list. Joe Cocker released a cover a year later.

4. Carole King, in 1962.

5. “One Moment in Time,” by Whitney Houston, in 1988. It was written as a promotion for the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics. The song charted around the globe, topping charts in the U.K., West Germany and the U.S.

Answers on pg. 32

1. What phrase does the acronym URL stand for?

2. What is the name of the ghost that haunts the girls’ bathroom at Hogwarts (“Harry Potter” series)?

3. Which decisive battle ended the Revolutionary War?

4. What is the pseudonym of the author Eric Arthur Blair?

5. Which of the national parks is the most visited in the United States?

6. Which medical series is based at Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital?

7. What is the capital of Denmark?

8. In which state is Glacier National Park located?

9. Who was the first vice president to die in office?

10. What are elements like neon, helium and radon called?

G & A ROOFING

Operated

Full Underlayment Replacement

Tile Repair • Leak Repairs

Roof Coatings • Complete Tear Offs

Despite how down in the dumps you may be, social scientists say happiness makes life more fulfilling and provides a sense of belonging. Best-selling author, speaker and Harvard grad, Shawn Achor says, “Our daily decisions and habits have a huge impact upon both our levels of happiness and success.” Research continues to support facts that a positive mental attitude will help you overcome any obstacle you may encounter.

The things that definitely make us happy (% increased happiness)

1. Intimacy, making love 14.20%

2. Theatre, dance, concert 9.29%

3. Exhibition, museum, library 8.77%

4. Sports, running, exercise 8.12%

5. Gardening, allotment 7.83%

6. Singing, performing 6.95%

7. Talking, chatting, socializing 6.38%

8. Bird watching 6.28%

9. Walking, hiking 6.18%

10. Hunting, fishing 5.82%

11. Drinking alcohol 5.73%

12. Hobbies, arts, crafts 5.53%

13. Meditating, religious activities 4.95%

14. Match, sporting event 4.39%

15. Childcare, playing with children 4.10%

16. Pet care, playing with pets 3.63%

17. Listening to music 3.56%

18. Other games, puzzles 3.07%

19. Shopping, errands 2.74%

20. Gambling, betting 2.62%

21. Watching TV, film 2.55%

22. Computer games, iPhone games 2.39%

23. Eating, snacking 2.38%

24. Cooking, preparing food 2.14%

25. Drinking tea/coffee 1.83%

26. Reading 1.47%

27. Listening to speech/podcast 1.41%

28. Washing, dressing, grooming 1.18%

29. Sleeping, resting, relaxing 1.08%

30. Smoking 0.69%

AAA SENIOR PLACEMENT AZ

A Message from Sue Royer

“I was born and raised in inner city Chicago, the sixth of eighteen children with fifteen brothers. Being the oldest daughter, I was always a caregiver which I believe influenced me to pursue work in the healthcare industry. Today, I have three daughters and five grandchildren.

Years ago, I volunteered for hospice and knew immediately that helping seniors was my calling. I was soon employed by hospice but I felt something was missing. I realized it was the limited time I was able to spend with my clients. Having my own business allows me to provide the intimate hands on service needed in our community. I am committed to our seniors throughout their lives and I thank the community for the opportunity to serve.”

Sue RoyerDirector

About Us

Since 2002, AAA Senior Placement AZ has been offering FREE services helping seniors find safe, affordable and loving assisted living.

When it becomes too difficult for you or your loved ones to safely manage daily living and/or manage medical needs, call Sue Royer for help navigating the many options available.

We are specialists in all levels of assisted living care resources with referrals to Arizona’s best:

• Group Homes

• Assisted Living Communities

• In-Home Primary Care Physicians

• Home Health Care Therapy

• Transportation

• Private Duty In-Home Care

• Respite Care

• Alzheimer’s Care

• Memory Care

• Hospice

• Support Groups