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November is full of reminders to count our blessings, opportunities to reconnect with loved ones and volunteer to serve others.

It’s also the time of the year we celebrate Veterans Day—a time to honor those who have served or are serving in the military. If you are a Veteran, we want to thank you for your service and commitment to serving and protecting our freedom.

As Thanksgiving approaches, and you gather with your friends and family, don’t forget to invite those in your neighborhood who might be celebrating alone. Each year, I’m reminded how it’s the little things we do in life that impact others the most.

As we approach the holidays, don’t forget that every dollar you spend with a local business impacts our community directly. We are thankful for your support of The Grand Season and our local advertisers.

We wish you a month filled with gratitude and joy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Melissa Whitton Editor/Associate Publisher

Ronnie & Tom

house pricing good through Nov. 14th with this AD.)

INSPIRE GIVE OF YOURSELF

Research has shown that people who volunteer often live longer.

Allen Klein

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.

Muhammad Ali

Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.

Sherry Anderson

Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.

H. Jackson Brown Jr.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

Mahatma Gandhi

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.

Oscar Wilde

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

Audrey Hepburn

Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.

Erma Bombeck

You may not have saved a lot of money in your life, but if you have saved a lot of heartaches for other folks, you are a pretty rich man.

Seth Parker

Be of service. Whether you make yourself available to a friend or co-worker, or you make time every month to do volunteer work, there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone in need.

Gillian Anderson

Leaders in Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

About Regency Specialties

Regency Specialties is a trusted name in Arizona for cosmetic and medical excellence. Our team of highly skilled professionals is dedicated to providing top-tier care in both aesthetic and medical services. Whether you are seeking to enhance your natural beauty or address medical concerns, we strive to deliver transformation results that renew confidence and improve overall well-being. At Regency Specialties, your journey to looking and feeling your best starts here.

Our Services

Dermatology

• Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention

• Skin Cancer Treatment

• Cosmetic Dermatology

• Medical Dermatology

Plastic Surgery

• Regency Lift

• Breast Reconstruction/Augmentation

• Body Contouring

• Rhinoplasty

Sclerotherapy

Radio-frequency ablation

Matisse Med-spa

• Facials & Peels

• Aesthetic Injections

• Lasers & Devices

• Waxing, Lashes & Brows

Hair Transplantation

• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

• Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)

• Hairline Restoration

Micro-Phlectopmy

Dr. Betty Hinderks Davis MD, FAAD

Dr. Jason Mussman MD, FACS

Just 10% of an

Assembling the International Space Station took more than 200 spacewalks.

The average freediver can hold their breath for approximately 10 minutes, much longer than the average healthy, fit human but well short of the Guinness World Record time of 22 minutes.

Two days after Alexander Graham Bell died at his summer home in Nova Scotia on Aug. 2, 1922, all telephone service in the United States and Canada was suspended for a full minute at the precise moment when he was lowered into his grave.

Most people think you gain 5 to 10 pounds over Thanksgiving, but you’ll be glad to know the average amount is really just a single pound.

Diamonds are the only gem made of a single element, at nearly 99.95% carbon, the most commonly found element on Earth.

After the axle, the first wheels did not appear on any mode of transportation, but on a child’s toy. Scholars estimate that it took another three centuries after wheels were used in pottery and toymaking for them to be applied to transportation.

BE HOLIDAY READY!

LOVE

DEEPEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

When couples look for ways to strengthen their relationship, they often think of date nights, vacations, or better communication. But one of the most powerful ways to grow closer may come from turning outward—by serving others together.

Volunteering as a couple creates a shared sense of purpose that strengthens the bond between partners. Whether it’s helping at a food pantry, walking dogs at an animal shelter, or organizing a neighborhood cleanup, working toward a common goal fosters teamwork and unity. It reminds couples that they’re part of something bigger than themselves— and that they make a difference when they work side by side.

Serving others also builds empathy and gratitude. When couples see the challenges others face, it offers perspective on their own lives and helps them appreciate what they have. Gratitude is one of the most powerful antidotes to resentment, and compassion often spills over into the way partners treat each other at home.

There’s another benefit, too: volunteering together naturally

strengthens communication and cooperation. Couples must plan, listen, and support one another to achieve shared goals—skills that carry over into everyday life. Even small acts of service can reveal new strengths and deepen mutual respect.

Helping others can also spark emotional growth and intimacy. Shared moments of kindness— whether comforting someone in need or celebrating a small victory— can open heartfelt conversations about values, priorities, and dreams for the future.

And let’s not forget the happiness factor. Research shows that serving others releases “feelgood” hormones like oxytocin and dopamine. Couples who give back together often feel more connected and less stressed, creating a cycle of positivity that nourishes both their relationship and their community.

In the end, serving others isn’t just about changing lives—it’s about enriching your own. When couples focus on giving, they rediscover the best parts of themselves and each other. The result? A deeper, more joyful love built on shared purpose, gratitude, and kindness.

DINING GUIDE

Dinner and a Movie!

GROWTH

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to give back—and it benefits not just your community, but you as well. Beyond the obvious impact of helping others, volunteering strengthens social connections, builds confidence, and even boosts happiness.

Connect with others

At its heart, volunteering is about connection. Whether you’re mentoring a child, walking dogs at a local shelter, or assisting at a food bank, every small effort helps create stronger, more caring communities. Unpaid volunteers are often the glue that holds a neighborhood together. And while you’re helping others, you’re also enriching your own life—making new friends, expanding your network, and improving your social skills.

Build relationships

Volunteering is an excellent way to meet new people and strengthen existing relationships. Joining a shared cause fosters camaraderie and gives you a sense of belonging. For those who are shy or new to an area, volunteering offers a natural way to connect with others who share similar values and interests. Over time, it also helps build confidence and communication skills—tools that benefit every area of life.

Everyone benefits

Even if you have limited mobility, transportation challenges, or time constraints, there are countless ways to contribute. Many organizations welcome virtual volunteers to help with writing, graphic design, online outreach, or administrative support. Simply contact an organization you admire and ask how you can get involved—many will offer flexible, at-home opportunities that still allow for meaningful connection.

Develop skills

Volunteering also helps you develop new talents or put existing skills to good use—whether it’s public speaking, organizing events, or marketing for a cause you love. But the most valuable things you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, and a positive attitude.

Best of all, volunteering adds fun and purpose to life. It’s a chance to step outside your daily routine, explore new passions, and rediscover your sense of purpose— while making the world a little brighter in the process.

YOU GIVE BACK

If you’ve ever spent time helping others, you’ve likely noticed how good it feels. That’s no coincidence—volunteering has a powerful effect on happiness and overall well-being. Whether it’s lending a hand at a local food pantry, mentoring youth, or fostering animals, giving your time and energy creates a sense of joy that benefits both you and those around you.

The Science of Giving and Happiness

Studies show that volunteering triggers the release of “feel-good” brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These natural mood boosters create what researchers call the “helper’s high.” According to a study in Social Science and Medicine, people who volunteer regularly report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Those who volunteer weekly are 16% more likely to describe themselves as “very happy” than those who never volunteer—a difference comparable to a major jump in income.

A sense of purpose

When you volunteer, you become part of something bigger than yourself. Helping others gives your life a sense of purpose and meaning—two key ingredients for lasting happiness. You see the direct impact of your efforts, whether it’s a smile from someone you’ve helped or a cleaner park in your neighborhood. That sense of contribution can lift your mood and build pride in your community.

Connection and friendship

Loneliness can take a toll on mental health, but volunteering naturally connects you to others. Working alongside people who share your interests creates friendships and social support, which are vital to emotional well-being. Feeling connected reduces stress and strengthens resilience, helping you bounce back from life’s challenges.

Confidence and personal growth

Helping others can also increase self-esteem. Each small success—organizing an event, comforting someone in need, or learning a new skill—builds confidence and reinforces the idea that your time and efforts matter.

In the end, happiness isn’t just about what we get— it’s about what we give. Volunteering transforms kindness into joy, proving that when you help others, you help yourself too.

BIBLE TRIVIA

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

2. From Exodus 34, who was frightened of a man who came down a mountain with a shining face? Laban, Stephen, Aaron, Cornelius

3. During a famine, who set out with another man to find grass to feed his horses and mules? Abishag, Ahab, Abner, Agrippa

4. From Esther 7, who met his death on the gallows he built for another man? Herod, Haman, Peter, Ezekiel

5. What charioteer rode to Jezreel to find King Joram? Jehu, Omri, Naboth, Jethro

HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS

Have you ever wanted to own an actual Muppet? The Jim Henson Company’s having a historic auction where puppets from “Fraggle Rock,” “Labyrinth,” and “The Dark Crystal” will be on the auction block (along with over 400 items). The Jim Henson Company’s 70th Anniversary Auction is timed for Nov. 25 and will be held at their Hollywood headquarters, which was once the studio where Charlie Chaplin made movies and Herb Alpert made records. There’s also a new Muppet show in the works that is being produced by Seth Rogen. However, before you get excited, you should know that some of the items are estimated to be at $15,000-$25,000. You can preorder the auction catalog that features hundreds of color illustrations and behind-the-scene stories online at JuliensAuctions.com.

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

As we approach Thanksgiving, what are you most grateful for?

COMFORT

• The first sip of coffee or tea in the morning

• Fuzzy socks and warm blankets

• A good night’s sleep (even if it’s rare)

• Sunlight through the window

• Music that understands your feelings

• Having a favorite pen or notebook

• Getting in bed with clean sheets

• The smell of something nostalgic

FRIENDSHIP

• Someone who really “gets” you

• Inside jokes with friends

• Pets who stay close when you’re sad

• A text from someone who remembered you today

• The freedom to set boundaries

• People who respect your “no”

• Your chosen family

• Feeling seen or validated

SMALL JOYS

• A stranger holding the door open

• Deep breaths that actually help

• The way animals stretch in the sun

• Finding something you thought was lost

• A really good meme when you needed a laugh

• Finishing a chore you were dreading

• The smell of rain

• Walks with no destination

HOPE & HEALING

• Being able to start over

• A moment of peace in the middle of chaos

• Grieving something important (because it mattered)

• Learning to trust yourself again

• Being part of change, even in small ways

• Knowing you are not alone in your pain

• The possibility of joy— even when it’s hard to reach

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