May provides us with many opportunities to celebrate the achievements of our extended family, celebrate our mothers, and thank those patriots who served our Country honorably.
As I was writing this month’s content, I was touched by this quote from Steve Saint, “Your story is the greatest legacy that you will leave to your friends. It’s the longest-lasting legacy you will leave to your heirs.”
What is your story? Have you shared it with those you hold dear? As life speeds by, I’m realizing it’s a gift to share the stories about my life with my children and their friends, before it’s too late. I’d like to challenge you to write down your story and send a copy of it to the ones you love. You may be surprised by their response.
Thank you for your support of The Grand Season and our local advertisers! I hope your May is filled with many memories as you celebrate the ones you love.
Melissa Whitton Editor/Associate Publisher
INSPIRE TELL YOUR STORY
All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine.
If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.
Benjamin Franklin
Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.
Shannon L. Alder
That is your legacy on this Earth when you leave this Earth: how many hearts you touched.
Patti Davis
Jim Rohn
No legacy is so rich as honesty.
William Shakespeare
Immortality is to live your life doing good things, and leaving your mark behind.
Brandon Lee
Your story is the greatest legacy that you will leave to your friends. It’s the longest-lasting legacy you will leave to your heirs.
Steve Saint
The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.
Benjamin Disraeli
The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.
William James
You make your mark by being true to who you are and letting that be your staple.
Kat Graham
Ditch the Denture! Change Your Life!
It’s time to make the move to improve your well-being with the natural look and function of permanently implanted dentures.
No more will you experience:
With 1000’s of successful implanted cases, we offer the best in:
Aestheics
Quality of implants & lab work
Experience
Sedation
Financing
• Ill-fitting Dentures
• Chewing Limitations
• Denture Sores
• Embarrassing Social Situations
• Messy Adhesives
• Digestion Issues
The time, price, and technology have never been better than now to switch from dentures to advanced technology implanted teeth.
See if you are a candidate to switch to implanted dentures. We are a full-service dental facility and can help with all your dental needs.
HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS
Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes (for “American Beauty” and “Road to Perdition,” as well as two Bond films, “Skyfall” and “Spectre”) has chosen his cast for the Beatles film that’ll be released in theaters in April 2028. Paul Mescal of “Gladiator II” embodies Paul McCartney. Joseph Quinn, also in “Gladiator II” and “Avengers: Doomsday” coming May 2026, will be George Harrison. Barry Keoghan, who last starred in “Saltburn,” drums for Ringo Starr, while Harris Dickinson, co-star to Nicole Kidman in “Babygirl,” is playing John Lennon
Tom Holland returns to romance his on-screen/ off-screen love, Zendaya “Brand New Day” is based on a 2008 comic book storyline that chronicles the origin of Spider-Man’s adventures. Considering “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” grossed $1.921 billion. about the gene pool that he came from.
Fireball Margaritas
INGREDIENTS
3 c. frozen strawberries
2 c. ice
1/2 c. tequila
1/4 c. Fireball Whiskey
1/2 c. lime juice
3 tbsp. sugar
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until thoroughly mixed. Serve in margarita glasses rimmed with salt (dip rim in water or lime juice, then dip the rim in a shallow plate covered in salt). Garnish with a lime slice or fresh strawberry.
Grapefruit Margaritas
INGREDIENTS
1 c. grapefruit juice
1/2 c. freshly squeezed lime juice
2/3 c. triple sec
3 c. ice
1 c. white tequila
1/4 c. honey
Lime wedges, for garnish
kosher salt, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass then dip each glass in salt. Combine first 6 ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until smooth and slushy. Pour into glasses and garnish with more lime.
Pink Señoritas INGREDIENTS
Lemon wedge, for rimming glasses
Coarse salt, for rimming glasses
2 c. ice
2 1/4 c. Pink lemonade
1/4 c. fresh lemon juice
1/2 c. triple sec
1 c. tequila
4 Lemon Slices, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of four glasses, then dip rims into salt. To each glass, add ice, pink lemonade, lemon juice, triple sec, and tequila. Stir to combine. (if you prefer a lot of ice, stir together mixture first, then pour over ice.) Garnish each glass with a lemon slice.
DON’T WAIT
When most people think of estate planning, they immediately picture a will. While a will is certainly a vital piece of the puzzle, it’s only one part of a much larger picture. Estate planning is about more than just distributing your belongings—it’s about protecting your loved ones and ensuring that your wishes are respected, even when you’re no longer here to voice them.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the estate planning basics you need to know to start preparing for the future—today.
1. Take Inventory of Your Assets
Before any legal paperwork begins, you’ll want to know exactly what you own. Break your inventory down into two key categories:
• Tangible Assets: These include physical possessions such as your home, vehicles, jewelry, electronics, furniture, and valuable collectibles like artwork.
• Intangible Assets: These aren’t as visible but are equally important. Think bank accounts, 401(k)s, stocks, bonds, life insurance policies, and any digital assets.
2. Consider Your Family’s Needs
Estate planning isn’t just about what you’re leaving—it’s about who you’re leaving it to. Make
sure your plan considers your family’s current and future needs, especially if you have minor children, dependents, or a spouse who relies on your income.
3. Put Legal Directives in Place
One of the most critical components of estate planning is having the right legal documents prepared. These ensure that your wishes are clearly stated and legally enforceable.
4. Review and Update Your Beneficiaries
A critical but often overlooked step is regularly checking the beneficiaries listed on your life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial documents. Over time, life changes—like divorce, remarriage, or the passing of a loved one— can make those earlier designations outdated.
Make a habit of reviewing these documents every few years to ensure they still reflect your wishes.
5. Don’t Procrastinate
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to put it off—especially when life is busy. But the peace of mind that comes from knowing your affairs are in order is priceless. Start by creating a checklist and tackling one item at a time. Even small steps today can make a huge difference tomorrow.
DINING GUIDE
This Memorial Day cake is patriotic and yummy. You can make the cake in 15 minutes with four ingredients.
Slice 1 cup strawberries; halve remaining strawberries. Cover bottom of 13x9-inch dish with cake slices; top with sliced strawberries and 1 cup blueberries. Spread COOL WHIP over berries.
Arrange strawberry halves and remaining blueberries on COOL WHIP to resemble a US flag. Keep refrigerated.
Not sure how to price your items for resale?
The rule for yard sales is as follows: For items that are new, still with tags or in original, unopened packaging, price it as 50% off retail. For items that are in good working condition, with all parts and accessories, mark it 30% of what you paid. Other items should be marked down to 20% of what you paid. Be honest with yourself. If something is just usable, but not really worth a buck, put it in a “free” bin.
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
Assisted living resources accepting:
• Private pay
• Arizona Long Term Care-ALTCS
• Medicaid
• VA Benefits
6 Reasons You Should Call
AAA Senior Placement AZ
• We are well known and respected in the medical community.
• All clients are given a thorough assessment to determine proper placement needs.
• There is never a fee charged to the senior or their family for our service.
• We are NOT contractually bound to any outside business. This allows us to serve our clients with only their interests in mind.
• Years of knowledge and experience in the field of senior care.
• AAA Senior Placement AZ is family owned, allowing us to give you quality, personalized service.
Dinner and a Movie!
CELEBRATE MOTHER’S MATTER
All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. Abraham Lincoln
Mother’s love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved. Erich Fromm
For when a child is born the mother also is born again. Gilbert Parker
A mother’s arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them. Victor Hugo God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers. Rudyard Kipling
Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws. Barbara Kingsolver
Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. Unknown
Men are what their mothers made them. Ralph Waldo Emerson
The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom. Henry Ward Beecher
The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. Theodore Hesburgh
The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness. Honore de Balzac
Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life. Sophocles
Locally-owned businesses create more jobs locally and often provide better wages and benefits.
YOU BUILD A LEGACY
A legacy isn’t just about money—it’s about leaving behind something meaningful that lives on after you’re gone. Whether it’s through the people you’ve influenced, the values you’ve passed on, or the way you’ve helped others, your legacy is the story that continues even when you’re not here to tell it.
You might think, “I’m not interested in leaving a legacy,” and that’s okay. But legacy doesn’t have to mean fame or fortune. It can be as personal as the impact you make on your children and grandchildren or the memories shared at your funeral. Here are some thoughtful ways to shape a legacy that reflects who you truly are:
Reflect on Your Life
Start by taking an honest look at your life. If today were your last day, what would others say about you? Would their words reflect the values and character you hope to be remembered for? If not, now is the perfect time to change that narrative.
Share Your Values
Passing down your core values is one of the most powerful ways to leave a
legacy. Whether through parenting, mentoring, or simply leading by example, your integrity, beliefs, and traditions can influence generations to come.
Be Generous
One common thread in powerful legacies is generosity. You don’t have to be wealthy to be generous. Acts of kindness, helping a neighbor, volunteering, or supporting a friend in need all build a legacy rooted in compassion and service.
Plan Your Financial Legacy
Even if you’re not rich, what you leave behind financially matters. Consider how your remaining assets can support your loved ones. Think about who will manage what you leave and how your wishes will be carried out. Having a financial plan in place brings peace of mind for both you and your family.
Your legacy starts now—not someday. Every choice you make, every life you touch, and every value you uphold shapes the story you’ll leave behind. Start today, and let your legacy be one of purpose, love, and impact.
IMPACT MORE THAN A MEMORY
Are you thinking of ways you can impact your family or community as your time is winding down? Use these ideas to brainstorm ways to leave your fingerprint on future generations.
1. Write a book.
4. Bequeath money to charities that are near and dear to your heart.
5. Write down family recipes and family traditions.
6. Pass down a heirloom.
7. Be a mentor.
10. Endow a scholarship to your alma mater for future students.
12. Pass down handmade items, such as quilts, cedar hope chests, or wooden crafts.
2. Leave money for your descendants that serves as a foundation on which they can build their financial futures.
8. Volunteer.
9. Start a new program in your community, such as starting a recycling program; planting a community garden;
11. Write a legacy letter — write down everything you’d want to tell your loved ones if you knew you didn’t have long to live. Be sure to capture the essence of who you are by writing about your life lessons, values, accomplishments and
13. Write your memoir. You can also record video messages for your loved ones, create a scrapbook for them, or create a web site dedicated to your legacy.
