Lovin' Life After 50 - Phoenix - Jan. 2023

January 2023

Showing Their Respects

Hitting the Silver Screen

Aretha Franklin’s story told through theatrical concert

Tommy James to share his label’s shady past on film

‘The Most Amazing

Gift’

Medium Theresa Caputo helps survivors find closure

Phoenix Edition

Fitz and the Tantrums return with new album Page 20 CONTACT US TODAY TO LEARN MORE

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JANUARY 2023 |

3

inside THIS ISSUE

26 ‘The Most

Amazing Gift’

Medium Theresa Caputo helps survivors find closure

Opinion

6 8 9

Leibo At Large Hayworth’s Opinion News Briefs

Features

10 Cleaning House

Couple pens book about scrubbing homes of the rich

12 From Health Care to Healthshare

Indipop offers an alternative to traditional insurance

Entertainment

FREEDOM. TO BE YOU.

15 They’re Back!

20 Letting Themselves Free

Lovin’ Life Expos offer a wealth of info

16 Beyond the Songs

‘The Simon & Garfunkel Story’ brings immersive tale to stage

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Tommy James to share his label’s shady past on film Fitz and the Tantrums return with new album

22 Calendar of Events

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27 Casino Calendar

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Columns 28 The Healthy Geezer

29 Hospice Is Hope

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18 Hitting the Silver Screen

Aretha Franklin’s story told through theatrical concert

If you think oxygen therapy means slowing down, it’s time for a welcome breath of fresh air.

4

14 Showing Their Respects

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Opinion

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Looking at 2023, here are some predictions

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ ome year’s end, newspaper columnists traditionally look backward, chewing over the past 365 days.

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“Year in review” columns bore me, because they’re too easy. Here, we look ahead, reviewing the year that has not yet happened. And 2023 promises to be an epic affair. How so?

Jan. 5 — In an attempt to upstage the swearing-in of new Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, the Cochise County Board of Supervisors votes 2-1 on a proclamation to install Kari Lake as “governor of Cochise County.”

Afterward, Supervisor Tom Crosby calls the vote “a unanimous victory for truth.”

Lake’s swearing-in, held at the Thirsty Lizard Bar & Grill in McNeal, is drowned out by Karaoke Night.

Feb. 11 — On the Saturday before Super Bowl LVII, the city of Glendale, home to State Farm Stadium, hosts the single pregame event that’s actually in Glendale.

“Hangin’ With Joyce,” a wienie roast in Councilwoman Joyce Clark’s backyard, draws a star-studded crowd of 11 people, including Mayor Jerry Weiers and the long snapper for the Scottsdale Community College Artichokes football team.

April 1 — Losing Arizona Secretary of State candidate Mark Finchem is the victim of a nasty April Fool’s Day prank when a “Commie pinko” Amazon driver substitutes black boot polish for Finchem’s favorite “MAGA Trump Tone™” self-tanner.

Finchem immediately sends out a fundraising request asking donors to contribute money “to help him overturn this sham election and become the first African American Secretary of State in Arizona history.”

May 16 — The Arizona Coyotes lose the public vote to build an arena in Tempe despite offering city residents “free seats for life” at all home games.

The team, which struggled to sell out 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on the ASU campus last season, announces its intentions to move to AZ Ice Peoria. Coyotes President Xavier Gutierrez promises not to disrupt the facility’s weekday morning public skate ses-

sions, “because as a valued public partner and a fan of ice, our organization embraces a diversity of ice skaters, even if I myself cannot ice skate.”

July 4 — Columnist J.D. Hayworth celebrates Independence Day in style, writing his 1,776 consecutive column maligning “liberals,” “Ol’ Joe Biden” and the “partisan press.”

Hayworth is honored with the first Paul Gosar Freedom Fighter Award, bestowed by the Arizona News Columnist Association. “I literally don’t know how he does it,” ANCA President David Leibowitz says. “Every week, I think he might mention his pet cat or his favorite chicken wing restaurant, but nope — politics every single time. The guy’s a machine.”

Sept. 19 — The Arizona Diamondbacks, out of the pennant chase since May, play a Tuesday night home game against the equally wretched San Francisco Giants.

Despite the game being promoted as Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley Bobblehead Night, the announced attendance is only 374 fans. The Diamondbacks win the five-hour affair 1-0 in 14 very slow innings.

Nov. 8 — One year after Election Day 2022, Cochise County Gov. Lake files her 74th legal challenge to the results, in the World Court in The Hague, Netherlands.

Lake announces the lawsuit in a video filmed at Chuckleheads Bar in Bisbee, the official sponsor of Lake’s new podcast, “Sue Angry: America Fights Back.” Says Lake: “Donate to my legal fund today! Mama needs new shoes.”

Dec. 31 — Scouting for column material in advance of New Year’s, Leibowitz realizes 2024 will be an election year that may yet again pit Joe Biden vs. Donald Trump and will also feature new Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema on the statewide ballot versus a Democrat and a Republican.

Leibowitz invests his life savings in Xanax and plots to turn off his TV for the year ahead.

Now, my friends, we begin the long wait.

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995.

Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

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JANUARY 2023 |

7

Hayworth’s Opinion

Sinema helps Congress stick it to taxpayers

BY J.D. HAYWORTH f you thought the “Christmas rush” that you and other holiday shoppers faced was daunting, think again.

I

In Washington, an allegedly “lame duck” Congress churned furiously through fetid swamp water in a “Christ-

mas rush” of its own.

Smelling jet fumes, the dirty birds in charge of both the House and Senate hatched a scheme for a high-priced and low-down flight path out of town… and the “gift” they gave you will keep on taking.

Our kids and grandkids — not to mention today’s taxpayers — just got stuck with a huge holiday shopping expenditure: a $1.7 trillion 4,000-plus page “Omnibus Bill,” with interest payments on our national debt compounded by the nanosecond.

What the legislative leaders lacked in originality, they more than made up for in the astronomical price tag and the slapdash way in which this “buying binge” was formulated.

“Omnibus” translates to “everything, including the kitchen sink.”

“Ominous” is the rhyming well-worn one-word joke played on the American people with disturbing regularity. And, as so often in the past, the calculations were not mathematical but strategic.

Democrats in the House, Senate and White House knew that they could cram one bill full of pork, policies and their priorities, then get enough Republicans to “roll over” so everybody could leave town and head home for Christmas.

Add to that conspiring “Capitol Gang” one newly minted “independent” from Arizona.

As explained a couple of weeks ago in this space, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s boldly proclaimed “independence” is instead disguised deference to the Senate Democrat leadership.

A sudden and shameful reversal on a key vote by Arizona’s senior senator reveals the Grand Canyon-sized gulf between Kyrsten’s rhetoric and the ugly reality.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced an amendment that would have preserved Title 42, the Trump executive action helping to stem the flow of illegals across our southern border.

Of course, the “Biden Bunch” is eager to rescind it, even though it would mean that the number of alien invaders would rise even higher.

Lee had high hopes that his amendment would pass, as he later told the Fox Business Network. “For eight glorious minutes, we had it won,” Lee said.

“Then, all of a sudden, (Democrat Leader) Chuck Schumer pulled a couple of members off the floor — Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin. He twisted their arms — who knows what he told them, what

he threatened them with — they came back and changed their votes.”

Not much imagination is needed to know what Schumer said to Sinema.

Most likely, it went something like this: “Kyrsten, I like you personally. Politically, I want to do for you what Mitch McConnell did on the other side for Lisa Murkowski.

Wasn’t that something?

“His Leadership PAC bought seven million bucks worth of ads to keep Lisa in her seat in Alaska. Of course, that was easier for him to do because Lisa remained a Republican.

“I know Arizona is different from Alaska, and you did what you thought you needed to do … but it’s gonna be tough for me to keep the DSCC from sending money to a Democrat candidate for your seat. And it will be even tougher if you support this GOP amendment. It will be easier for me to help you if you switch your vote to ‘no’ on this amendment and then vote ‘yes’ on final passage.”

Do we know for certain that Schumer said that? No, but we do know that Sinema switched her vote to kill that amendment, then voted for the entire Omnibus Bill… all $1.7 trillion of it.

There is border security funding in that monstrosity, but none of it will be spent here.

Instead, there’s $410 million to strengthen borders in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia and Oman. You read that right: money for Middle East borders, but nothing for this border state in the Southwest.

And Uncle Sam keeps playing Santa Claus in the Ukraine. The Omnibus provides another $45 billion there, bringing the total to over $100 billion in aid to that nation. While it is true that Russia invaded Ukraine, the U.S. is also being invaded and our southern border erased.

Spending $100 billion here would fund 20 border walls, but Sinema remains silent on that type of expenditure to protect Arizona and America.

Sinema has made it clear: Her “Declaration of Independence” came at a heavy price to American taxpayers.

But it remains a cheap stunt.

J.D. Hayworth worked as a sportscaster at Channel 10, Phoenix, from 1987 until 1994 and represented Arizona in Congress from 1995-2007.

Get your copy today!

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| JANUARY 2023

www.LovinLife.com

News Briefs

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Liv Communities breaks ground in Norterra

Liv Communities broke ground on a 55-and-older-qualified rental community in Norterra.

The upscale community, Liv+ Union Peak, 25400 N. 21st Avenue, Phoenix, will boast 145 units and will be ready for occupancy in late summer/early fall of 2024.

“Building on our extensive background serving all ages with unparalleled hospitality and wellness centered services, Liv is excited to bring our purpose of ‘helping people live fuller lives’ to an underserved group of 55+ adults,” says Heidi Arave-Noonan, Liv Multifamily vice president.

Active adults can choose from apartment style-homed or larger, upgraded casitas. The community offers 8 acres

of vacation-style living, attractions and adventurous activities including a clubhouse (The Hub), a pool house (The Cabana), a private dog park (The Bark Park), outdoor spaces for yoga, swimming, pickleball and overall relaxation/well-being (The Rec) and a state-of-the-art gym (Liv Fit).

“We understand the desire to stay vibrant longer, while enjoying life with others that share your passions and energy. Liv is thrilled to enter the 55-plus age-qualified housing space with our focus on mind, body, spirit health and community centric programs designed to help people thrive and live life to its fullest,” Arave-Noonan says.

The community was designed by Todd & Associates (architect) and is being built

by MT Builders (general contractor) with Envision Interiors taking the lead on interior finishes. All apartment homes will feature smart home technology with energy efficient appliances and offer the convenience of lock and leave for those resiAttending the ground-breaking ceremony at Liv+ Union Peak are, from left, Eric Johnston, Beth Heath, Heidi Arave-Noonan, Jean Constantine, Kip Linse and Scott Brooks.

(Liv Communities/Submitted)

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In the back, softball players Mark Kosalas, Scott Cole and Gary Franklyn, and, in front, Angels in the Outfield, Christy Burton, Louisa Glaviano and Donna Laufer. (Sun Cities Senior Softball Club/Submitted)

dents with a jet set lifestyle.

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Athletes ‘pitch in’ to help families

The Sun Cities Senior Softball Club and the Angels in the Outfield asked its members and the community to “pitch in” do-

nate toys for various schools and families directly and through the Sun City West Women’s Club and Eve’s Place.

The clubs collected over $9,100 in the form of 28 bicycles, 29 bags of toys, cash donations and gift cards during the three-day drive held last fall at Sun City and Sun City West softball fields.

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Features

CLEANING

House

Husband-and-wife duo Connie and Rick Smith have devoted the past two decades to cleaning the homes of the rich and famous desert dwellers.

Their tales can now be read in the book “Cleaning Homes for the Rich and Famous in Scottsdale, Arizona.”

(Rick Smith/Submitted)

Couple pens book about scrubbing homes of the rich

BY ALEX GALLAGHER

had ties to fame. onnie and Rick Smith have spent more than 20 years “Our customers were more rich than fascrubbing Scottsdale’s swankiest homes, and now Rick mous, but there were a few with names has penned a book about their experiences. people might know,” Rick says. “We “Cleaning Homes for the Rich and Famous in Scottsdale, cleaned for Michael and Kristin OwArizona” hit shelves last year, and though Rick penned it, he ens. Michael is the son of country underscores that this is Connie’s story. music legend Buck Owens and “Connie worked in the medical industry and in furniture was general manager of KNIX rasales in our home state of Montana, but her passion was dio in Phoenix for years before cleaning and keeping things clean,” Rick recalls. the station was sold.

“She began her own one-person cleaning service in Bill“We also served professional ings in 1998, and when we moved to Arizona in 2001, Connie golfer Pat Perez, Jim Fassel — wanted to continue in cleaning.” the New York Giants head coach Though a local cleaning service in Scottsdale hired Connie, in the 2001 Super Bowl — and we she decided to start her own business within a few months cleaned, for a brief time, for the inafter seeing the company’s high prices. laws of Billy Bean — the baseball manHappy Trails House Cleaning was a month old when Con- ager for the Oakland A’s who was the subnie realized she needed an extra set of hands. Her plan was ject of the well-known movie ‘Moneyball.’” to hire a full-time employee, but Rick volunteered for the gig.

They’ve also cleaned for fast-food restaurant “Together we built the business but Connie ran it. She han- and automobile dealership owners, a Top Gun dled everything, and I showed up to clean,” Rick says. “I al- fighter pilot, a chief executive officer of a medical ways told customers that Connie was management and I was testing company, and the operations manager of a nalabor.” tional pet store chain.

From there, the husband-and-wife team sent out 10,000 With decades of dust, dirt and cleaning chemicals under mailers to North Scottsdale homes. Rick says that was the last his nails, Rick wanted to share their story. time Happy Trails Cleaning adcertised.

“I enjoy writing, and after 20 years of cleaning, it was imThe business grew organically through word of mouth. possible for me not to see the potential entertainment valAt their peak, the Smiths were cleaning as many as three ue in some of our cleaning experiences,” he says. homes a day; these were not typical humble abodes either.

He also felt it could be a compelling tale for the elder “Most of the wealthy homes were spacious with high ceil- generation. ings and were beautifully appointed with lots of natural stone “In addition, I believed there could be value in sharing floors and countertops, multiple bathrooms, guest wings, what Connie and I did with our lives between 50 and 70 large, beautiful yards and deluxe patios,” Rick says. “Some years of age,” Rick says. homes had movie theaters, gyms, pools, putting greens, “Perhaps there’s an element of hope in our tale. We guest casitas and a four-car garage.” followed an uncertain path with blind faith and in the However, there was one home that stood out. process learned a lot about happiness.”

“We cleaned a home that was a two-story 8,000-square“Cleaning Homes for the Rich and Famous in Scottfoot Mediterranean-style home with a resort-like feel to it,” sdale, Arizona” has received rave reviews, according Rick says. “(It had) huge rooms; a beauto Rick. tiful entryway; a huge his-and-her “People are surprised by “Cleaning Homes for master bath complex; and fabulous the book and find it different the Rich and Famous in outdoor facilities, including a fireplace, from what they were expectScottsdale, Arizona” a big screen TV, a swimming pool, a ing,” he says. “There are seven barbecue grill and lots of patio furniAmazon revues and they all Available on Amazon, Apple Books ture.” have offered supportive comand Google Books The duo also cleaned the homes of ments about what they have amzn.to/3hFFW7M some famous folks and people who read.”

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| JANUARY 2023

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11

From Health Care to Healthshare Indipop offers an alternative to traditional insurance

BY SUMMER AGUIRRE

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any people refuse hospital visits due to the high cost of health care — even if the procedure is emergent.

Melissa Blatt, however, has made it her mission to create a solution to this problem.

Through the Phoenix-based platform

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| JANUARY 2023

indipop, the Chandler resident offers self-employed individuals throughout the United States affordable membership-based health care options. Indipop curates health care plans that are not based on employment status or earnings and fit each person’s budget and needs. Blatt was inspired to start indipop after her own struggle to find affordable

health insurance when she first pursued self-employment.

“One of our core values is that we believe in people and their dreams. I think about the person who’s sitting at the 9-to-5 job, who is staying for the benefits,” Blatt says.

“They would love to be a graphic artist or a business consultant on their own, but they can’t because of the high cost of health care. This is something that can really help people make their dreams come true and be their own boss.”

Indipop — named after the “independent, self-employed population” the founder and CEO serves — offers three major medical health care plans for individuals and families, supplemental dental and vision, a prescription program and two group plans for small businesses of three or more.

According to Blatt, the process to obtain health care through indipop is “considerably easier” than traditional health insurance.

“Enrollment takes minutes. You can enroll through the site or work with one of our health guides to assist in matching you based upon your needs. The plans offered through indipop have set pricing and transparent rates when a major medical need occurs, helping to avoid surprise large medical bills, Blatt says.

“But what’s really great is because it’s not based on the employment status, if you are a small company and you’re building your team, you can offer and contribute health care to part-time employees and contractors. Typically, this type of work status is not eligible for benefits. This can attract and retain top talent.”

Some plans include dental and vision, with stand-alone products available for less than $10 a month that can be added to any insurance plan.

This past year, Blatt also added indipop Rx. For $15 a month, one can have their generic drugs delivered to their home at no cost.

“If it’s a brand name, you use the discount card at the pharmacy. It’s usually around 60% savings. And if you’re at urgent care, those prescriptions are going to be $0 as well,” she says. “This can be

Indipop founder and CEO Melissa Blatt was inspired to launch her health care platform due to her own experiences with health insurance upon pursuing self-employment.

(Averi Black/Contributor)

added and used with an insurance plan.”

As Blatt launched the platform amid the pandemic, the remote environment enabled her to bring medicine and doctors to people’s homes through technology.

“The majority of people we spoke with wanted virtual care, especially mental health,” she says. “To actually talk to a provider from the comfort of their own home, they had less of that white coat syndrome. They were able to open up more. They also didn’t have to sit in a waiting room or have to take time off of work.”

She added an on-demand product for $35 a month for the entire family. It not only includes virtual primary care but mental health and medical advocates.

“I think it’s an amazing product because it does so much and for many people,” she adds. “At 2 in the morning, they don’t have options except for the ER, so this gives alternative routes for people to get the care that they need.”

Blatt shares the testimony of a man from Ohio whose teenage daughter was self-harming. With his traditional insurance, there was a six-month waiting period for her to receive care because of the

Indipop...continues on page 13 www.LovinLife.com

Indipop...continued from page 12 lack of therapists.

Through indipop’s on-demand plan, however, the man’s daughter was able to meet with a therapist within two weeks and start getting the care she needed.

“He actually sent an email to me and she felt like she had support,” Blatt says.

“That to me was everything. She was not falling through the cracks of a system where she might eventually have to be hospitalized. Hearing this reaffirmed why I started indipop and to make an impact in the health care industry.”

Due to the demand from people under the age of 35, Blatt wants to offer more mental health services in the future. Her idea is to create a stand-alone mental health plan in 2023, whether it is virtual or in person.

“Any product or plan that I add to indipop is because people want it,” she says.

“I’m trying to fill a need that people are coming to me with and going, ‘Hey, is there anything out there?’”

Blatt’s motive for creating indipop stems from her experience upon leaving her deep-rooted career in the corporate realm. She left her previous job in 2019, when she was in her late 40s, to pursue other passions and enjoy the freedom of self-employment.

When researching health care options, she had “sticker shock” when realizing how expensive it was as a 1099 contractor.

“What I found was, even if I could get the premium to an acceptable monthly (charge), the deductibles were between $5,000 to $8,000, which meant if I had to have a surgery, that’s how much money out of pocket (I would be paying),” Blatt says. “So not only was I going to be spending a great expense monthly, but if something did happen, I could potentially go into medical debt.”

The more frustrated she became with the plans’ complex networks and high rates, the more she felt called to help the self-employed find the right health care

for their individual needs and not have to forgo insurance.

“The self-employed population is onethird of the workforce, and I don’t think people realize how big it is in this economy, or what they call the Great Resignation, where people are changing careers and more and more people are going out on their own,” she says. “This is an opportunity to serve this workforce with health care, which is probably the No. 1 thing you need in life, or what I believe is your health.”

When setting out to curate a more affordable health care alternative for the self-employed population, Blatt also wanted to partner with healthshares that do not have a statement of faith or tied to a Christian ministry.

The plans offered through indipop are open to all denominations and clients do not have to adhere to faith-based guidelines.

For those who are debating switching to a healthshare plan, Blatt encourages them to explore and compare available plans.

“It’s really about (the fact that) there are options out there, and I think the future of health care, more and more, we’re moving where it is about the person’s needs, making it affordable and accessible and not a one size fits all,” she says.

“People want to stay with their providers and not keep switching based on limited networks or have their treatment dictated by what insurance allows. What you can find through indipop is the freedom to stay with your doctors and hospitals of your choice, this is health care as it is meant to be.

“That’s what I hope people can realize.

Indipop is just one aspect in the industry, doing something to put the person first and say, ‘Hey, this is another approach to managing medical needs. Take a look at this, this might be a great fit for you.’”

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13

Entertainment

Showing Their Respects Aretha Franklin’s story told through theatrical concert

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

W

hen Christina Sajous was a child in the Bronx, she and her mom listened to Aretha Franklin as they cleaned their apartment on Sunday mornings.

Since that time, Franklin’s music has felt like home.

So, as an adult, she didn’t have to think twice when she was asked to direct “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.,” a tribute celebrating the Motown star that comes to the Orpheum in Phoenix Friday, January 13, to Sunday, January 15.

“I love music. I love theater. I love cinema. I’m just a big fan of the arts,” she says.

“When I was approached to do this project, I thought, ‘Oh, my God, this is amazing.’”

The new production is adapted from McGee Entertainment’s Australian touring show “RESPECT: The Aretha Franklin Story” starring Angie Narayan (“Australian Idol”).

“It started in Australia,” Sajous says.

“They have a show that’s running all through Australia. It was brought to us by Right Angle Entertainment to do a variation of the show one of our producers saw.”

Sajous was handed the script and asked to make the show uniquely her own and for American audiences. It had to celebrate the star’s life, from singing in her father’s church in Detroit to touring the country with Martin Luther King Jr. and becoming a legend.

Christina Sajous grew up listening to Aretha Franklin.

Now, she’s directing a tribute to the Motown star.

(Julia Drummond/Submitted)

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| JANUARY 2023

“R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” is adapted from McGee Entertainment’s Australian touring show “RESPECT: The Aretha Franklin Story” starring Angie Narayan. (Julia Drummond/Submitted)

“It wasn’t an easy task,” she adds. “The original script was beautiful, but it had to feel like it was in an authentic space. We did a lot of reworking of the script.”

“R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” showcases songs like “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Chain of Fools” and “Respect,” of course.

“It’s told from the point of view of four artists onstage — three backup singers and one lead singer,” she says. “We call them ‘hosts.’ They’re all storytellers and representative of who Aretha is. It celebrates the legend, and the legend inside of you.

“You realize when you hear the story of Aretha, there’s no difference between her and you. She’s still a human being who had to endure so much.”

Rewriting the script came with a certain responsibility, Sajous says.

“I felt like I had a responsibility not just to uphold the integrity of what she represented in music, but what it means to my female and a woman of color and an artist. I’m not a mother, but I experienced my mother being a mother. All these things were a part of the ingredients to build a show like this.”

“R.E.S.P.E.C.T.”

WHEN: Various times Friday, January 13, to Sunday, January 15 WHERE: Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $45.24 INFO: etix.com, respectontour.com

www.LovinLife.com

They’re Back!

Lovin’ Life After 50 Expo

Lovin’ Life Expos offer a wealth of info

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

T

he Lovin’ Life After 50 Expo is returning to the Sundial Recreation Center in Sun City on Monday, Jan. 23, and the Mesa Convention Center on Wednesday, Jan. 25, with exhibitors ready to talk about tour and travel, retirement living, health care, financial matters, leisure and more.

Running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the events are part of Lovin’ Life After 50’s cadre of events, which are Arizona’s longest-running expos for the after-50 market.

“The Tucson Lovin’ Life After 50 Expo is still the most well-attended event for those over 50 to enjoy in all of Arizona,” says publisher Steve Strickbine.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet new friends, network with peers and build new relationships. There will also be raffle prize giveaways, live entertainment and a $100 cash prize each hour.

Entertainment includes Ms. Senior Arizona contestants performing throughout the day.

“I have been working the Lovin’ Life After 50 expos for over 16 years now and have watched them grow and also watched our Arizona seniors flock to each expo all over the Valley,” says Herme Sherry, executive director of Ms. Senior Arizona.

“The expos bring so much information to our seniors. They WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, are there waiting Jan. 25 for the doors to WHERE: Mesa Convention Center, open and always 263 N. Center Street, Mesa leave with a bag COST: Free full of informaINFO: lovinlife.com tion to maybe help them in some areas of their lives. The expos have grown each year and we look forward to working them and meeting and getting to know so many of our seniors we see year after year.”

Sherry shares the expos are a “blessing” to the senior community.

“We get to know so many of them year after year,” she adds. The Lovin’ Life After 50 expos are something we look forward to each year, also.”

Strickbine is proud of the variety of vendors.

“A wide spectrum of exhibitors and thousands of attendees are at the Lovin’ Life Expos each year,” he says. “There’s bound to have something for anyone over the age of 50.”

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JANUARY 2023 |

15

Beyond the Songs ‘The Simon & Garfunkel Story’ brings immersive tale to stage

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

S

cottsdale residents Leah and Sam Katz put it bluntly: They’re big fans of Simon and Garfunkel.

So far bringing “Beyond Van Gogh” and “Beyond King Tut” to venues, they are celebrating their love of the legendary musical duo to the Orpheum with “The Simon & Garfunkel Story.”

Called “immersive” as well, “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” hits the stage on Friday, January 27, and Saturday, January 28.

“They’re icons in the music industry,” Sam says. “They’ve sold over 100 million albums.

This is a great opportunity to really see the story of how they evolved, became who they are, why they wrote certain songs, and listen to the songs with two great performers.”

Starring acclaimed performers Jonah Bobo and Brandan Jacob Smith, the show features state-of-the-art projections along with original film footage and a full live band performing all the hits, including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Homeward Bound.”

“The Simon & Garfunkel Story,” which has been experienced in 50 countries worldwide, sold out London’s West End. The producer is the couple’s good friend.

Sam grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Cana-

da, but as the owner of minor league baseball teams — Winnipeg Goldeyes and the Ottawa Titans — he has visited Scottsdale during Spring Training. Eventually, he and Leah bought a home in Scottsdale, from which they run Nite Out Entertainment.

“The show really spoke to Sam when he had the opportunity to see it,” Leah says. “We’ve always loved Simon and Garfunkel, and we felt it was a really good fit for the market here.

“They’ll see original sound footage and taken back to that moment in time. They are such an iconic folk-rock duo. I am in a different generation, and their music speaks to me. I know I am not alone in that.”

“The Simon & Garfunkel Story” WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 27; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, January 28 WHERE: Orpheum, 203 W. Adams Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $50 INFO: 602-262-7272, pccticketing.com Leah and Sam Katz of Scottsdale are bringing “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” to the Orpheum in Phoenix via their Nite Out Entertainment. (Leah Katz/Submitted)

Get your copy today!

16

| JANUARY 2023

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JANUARY 2023 |

17

Hitting the Silver Screen Tommy James to share his label’s shady past on film

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

A

fter 51 years in music, Tommy James has seen everything. Now, he’s preparing to share everything with the movie based on his autobiography, “Me, the Mob, and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James & the Shondells.”

“The film is basically the story of our crazy and tumultuous and dangerous relationship with Roulette Records,” James says.

“The reason it was dangerous and tumultuous and crazy was because, unbeknownst to us, when signed to Roulette Records, we thought it was a functioning indie label. But it was a front for the Genovese crime family in New York. It made life very interesting for us.”

While he and the Shondells were finding success with “Mony, Mony,” “Hanky Panky,” “this dark and sinister story was happening behind us” that they couldn’t reveal.

“When the Roulette regulars passed on, I felt I could write the book and tell the story,” James says.

Barbara De Fina (“Casino,” “Good Fellas,” “The Color of Money”) is producing the film, which started before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Everything was going great and then Hollywood was shut down because of COVID,” he says. “Hollywood is waking up again. We’re looking at another 18 months to 24 months before casting. I’m very flattered and honored that it’s being made. We’re going to get a chance to tell people exactly what was going on with Roulette.

“Casting is the last thing they do before they shoot. The first part is getting the whole tech crew together. I’m getting a hell of an education.”

James will offer a retrospective of his hits and the occasional story during an 8 p.m. Friday, February 3, show at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix.

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“It’s a beautiful place to see shows,” he says.

“It’s one of the last places in the United States to see a show in the round.

You’d better be good, because if you bomb, there’s nowhere to run.

You can’t get out of there quickly.”

His set will feature hits like “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” “Crimson Tommy James’ autobiography “Me, the Mob, and the Music: One Helluva & Clover,” “Mony Ride with Tommy James & the Shondells” is being made into a movie.

(Submitted) Mony,” “I Think We’re Alone Now,” “Draggin’ the Line,” Positive energy surrounds his music, “Hanky Panky,” “Sweet Cherry Wine,” James explains, which is what keeps it rel“Three Times in Love” and “Mirage.” evant. He has two other reasons as well.

James will offer a new version of “I “I just thank the good Lord and the Think We’re Alone Now,” which will be fans for the longevity we’ve had,” he featured in the film. adds. “I’ve had an amazing ride. Never, in “The song we’re going to do in the a million years, did I think we’d be doing show at the Celebrity Theatre is very dif- this so long. I’m just amazed. I look at our ferent from the record,” he says. “It’s slow concert crowd now and I see three generand acoustic and very beautiful. It takes ations of fans. place in the very last scene of the movie “The fans have always stuck with us when Morris (Levy, president) of Roulette and whatever projects we’re in.” dies. It’s a very touching moment in the That includes his SiriusXM radio show film. It’s the closing credits of the movie. “Getting’ Together with Tommy James” We’ll do the original version, too.” on channel 73 (’60s Gold) from 3 to 6 p.m.

James says he feels fortunate about Mountain Time Sundays. his success. “Crimson & Clover” has been “The listeners are just amazing,” he covered more than 300 times by artists says. “It’s been a great way to stay in ranging from Prince to Dolly Parton to touch with the fans during COVID. I’m just the Boston Pops. so happy to be touring and doing all this.

“It’s been really remarkable,” he says. I love doing it. I always have. It’s all I ever “I’m so flattered and honored when an- wanted to do. I’ve been making records other artist does our song. I’m interested since I was 14 and having hits since I was to see how another artist interprets the 19. I’ve just been so fortunate to be able music.” to do this my whole adult life.”

What stands out to him is R.E.M.’s version of “Draggin’ the Line” from “Austin Tommy James and Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” and The Shondells Parton’s cover of “Crimson & Clover.”

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, February 3 “She really did a great job and made it WHERE: Celebrity Theatre, country,” he adds. “Prince did an amazing 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix job on ‘Crimson & Clover,’ a very futurisCOST: Tickets start at $35 tic version not too long before he died.

INFO: 602-267-1600, During COVID, Billie Joe Armstrong did celebritytheatre.com, a cover of ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ that tommyjames.com went Top 10.” www.LovinLife.com

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19

12/16/22 11:14 AM

Letting Themselves Free

Fitz and the Tantrums are coming to Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale on Saturday, January 28. Lead singer Michael “Fitz” Fitzpatrick says it will be a “hot, sweaty dance party.”

(Lindsey Byrnes/Submitted)

Fitz and the Tantrums return with new album

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

F

itz and the Tantrums have traveled the world playing hits like “HandClap.” But lead singer Michael “Fitz” Fitzpatrick hasn’t seen anything like Gilbert, where his wife has family.

“What’s up with all the trees exactly 6 feet apart?” he says with a laugh.

“All the houses are the perfect shade of beige. Seriously, I have a lot of family in Phoenix on my wife’s side. It’s great for us to go there. It’s a special time for me personally.”

Fitzpatrick is returning to the Valley when his band plays Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale on Saturday, January 28.

The gig is part of a tour that sees them returning to small venues. He says they’ll turn the Salt River Grand Ballroom into a “hot, sweaty dance party.”

“We like to celebrate and see people dancing,” he says. “If we can give people an hour and a half of joy, we’ve done our job. For us, it’s about how much energy can we put out.

“For the casino, I do pretty well when I’m playing blackjack. If I bet $10 at a time, that isn’t getting my juices going.

The $100 bets, that gets my juices going.”

Since 2008, the multiplatinum Los Angeles collective has released records such as 2010’s “Pickin’ up the Pieces,” 2013’s “More Than Just a Dream,” 2016’s the gold-certified “Fitz and The Tantrums” and 2019’s “All the Feels.”

Along the way, they’ve tallied just shy of 4 billion streams and counting powered by enduring hits such as the triple-platinum “HandClap,” platinum “Out of My League” and “The Walker,” and gold “Moneygrabber.”

They’ve soundtracked films on Netflix and campaigns for CVS Wellness, Sunchips, Sofi, Xfinity, Walmart, Norwegian Cruise Line, Lays and Wells Fargo, to name a few.

In 2021, Fitzpatrick released his first solo album, “Head Up High,” under the

moniker Fitz. Meanwhile, co-lead vocalist Noelle Scaggs founded Diversify the Stage to help foster more diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible concerts, events and touring workforces for marginalized and underrepresented communities.

Besides Fitzpatrick and Scaggs, the band is James King (saxophone, flute), Jeremy Ruzumna (keyboards), Joseph Karnes (bass) and John Wicks (drums, percussion).

The multiplatinum band recently released the 12-song “You’re Yourself Free” on Elektra Entertainment.

“This might be my favorite record we’ve ever made,” he says.

“It’s our fifth studio album and our first album since ‘Pickin’ Up the Pieces’ that

had so much of that Motown/Stax influence on it. As we made every following record, we tried to bring in our other influences. There are six of us, and that’s a lot of musical tastes. For this record, we wanted to create a perfect circle, a line back through all of our records, and show the history of the band.”

For Fitzpatrick, songwriting is king. On an average he writes between 60 and 100 songs and chooses the best from them.

“I feel like one of the biggest mistakes artists make is thinking every song they write is awesome,” he says. “I go through this process of being vicious with myself.

The good ones rise to the top. The bad ones stay at the bottom. I’m usually left with 25 to 30 songs I really like then it gets really hard. I have to kill some babies

to take it down to 12, 15 songs.”

The message of the record is important, reflecting the “crazy last few years” with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve all been going through so much these last few years — missed weddings, delayed weddings, missed graduations and birthdays. We spent a lot of time disconnected from friends and family. This is the time to let it out, to let yourself out and be free.”

Fitz and the Tantrums WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, January 28 WHERE: Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale COST: Tickets start at $30 INFO: talkingstickresort.com

Get your copy today!

20

| JANUARY 2023

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Same Messages - Different Sources: Estimates suggest only 1 in 7 life insurance policies result in a death claim, 40% of all policies lapse in the 1 st five years, and 88% of Universal Life; 92% +/- of Term never result in death benefits. Conning and Company stated 1 in 5 policyholders over 65 is in line for a life settlement greater than the surrender value. And the Life Insurance Settlement Association says Americans 65+ forfeit $112B in benefits annually by lapsing or surrendering their life policies.

A perfect example of True Market Value over the Suggested Retail Price involves an Insured who called the company for the info to discontinue a $2.5MM Universal Life policy. He could have taken $105,000 in cash value and walked away. I educated him on Life Settlements as an alternative, * the Insured had never heard of them before. The highest bid of $985,000 was accepted, contracts were completed & funds were wired in just over ten weeks. True Market Value? 9.4X as much!

And another? A 65 y/o owned man had a $1,000,000 term policy which he decided to terminate. Of course, these contracts have no value whatsoever. I submitted requirements to negotiate offers on his behalf for setwww.LovinLife.com

tlement and the highest bid of $635,000 vs. $0 was accepted.

Life Settlement may be indicated: • When lapse/surrender is contemplated & exploring every option is in the Insured’s best interest • The existing policy hasn’t performed as illustrated or expected • Insurance outlived its intended purpose or became unaffordable • Policy owner needs or desires to utilize policy values now for personal issues • Disability or Long-Term Care needs arise • Divorce, Mortgage Paid-off, Financial Status Change • Beneficiary predeceases the Insured • Buy-Sell/Partnership Agreements • Line of Credit policy no longer required, necessary • Key Person policy • Insurance acquired to pay Estate Tax Liability which may not apply any longer • 92% +/- of Term Insurance contracts never result in death benefits • Insureds facing a lack of affordability, re-entry, or expiry of conversion rights can: 1) Lapse for no value 2) Pay higher premiums, assuming they qualify 3) Convert to permanent coverage . . . OR . . .

4) Sell the policy – easy conclusion as a policy has no value whatsoever • Charitable desires “If one were to cruise the Internet for a bit, they’ll soon find that many people know little or nothing about life settlements.”

Death & Taxes aren’t the Only Guarantees in Life. Chief Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes in GRIGSBY v. RUSSELL, 222 U.S. 149, stated: “It’s desirable to give life policies ordinary characteristics of the property.”

Estimates suggest approximately 130,000 +/- life settlements have been completed. 100% of those Insureds, each and every one sold their policies for an amount exceeding the policy’s Cash Surrender or Lapse Value.

Wish to learn more?

Marc Ruskin, ChFC, CLU, REBC, RHU M: (480) 221-1070 E: ruskinmarc@aol.com E: settlevslapse@gmail.com Celebrating 43 years of commitment & service to our clients.

JANUARY 2023 |

21

Calendar of Events SUNDAY, JANUARY 1 Happy New Year!

MONDAY, JANUARY 2 New Year’s Day observed

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3

Gentle Tai Chi—Qigong, 10:30 to 11:25 a.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 1 to 1:55 p.m.

Fridays, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in, $48 for four classes, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance.com Gentle Tai Chi Sequences, 1 to 1:55 p.m.

Tuesdays, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in, $48 for four classes, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance. com Gameday: Mahjongg, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com Wii Bowling, noon to 1 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

Rock ‘n’ Roll Jukebox, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Four Steps to Jumpstart Health Habits, 10 to 11 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

Wii Bowling, noon to 1 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

Variety Spectacular, check website for time, Barleens Dinner Show, 2275 E. Old West Highway, Apache Junction, call for charge, 480982-7991, barleensdinnershow.com

Movie and Popcorn: “Dream Horse,” 1 to 3 pm., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

Gentle Tai Chi Sequences, 1 to 1:55 p.m.

Tuesdays, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in, $48 for four classes, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance. com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

Tennessee River: A Tribute to Alabama, 7 p.m., The Venue at Farnsworth Hall, 6159 E. University Drive, Mesa, call for charge, 480672-3223, yourconcerttix.com, t2presents. com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11

Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll, 6 p.m., Barleens Dinner Show, 2275 E. Old West Highway, Apache Junction, call for charge, 480-982-7991, barleensdinnershow.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

True Country, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com Crane Dance: Gentle Tai Chi, 9:15 to 10:10 a.m. Saturdays, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in, $48 for four classes, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance. com

Mindful Art, 1 to 2 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8

Blood Pressure Control Program: Week 1, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com Farm Basket Bingo: New Year’s Theme, 1 to 2 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com Gameday: Rummikub, 2 to 3 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

22

| JANUARY 2023

Gameday: Yahtzee, 2 to 3 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

Gameday: Mahjongg, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

Rhinestone Country, 7:30 p.m., The Venue at Farnsworth Hall, 6159 E. University Drive, Mesa, call for charge, 480-672-3223, yourconcerttix.com, t2presents.com

Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

No. 1 Hits Variety Show, 6 p.m., Barleens Dinner Show, 2275 E. Old West Highway, Apache Junction, tickets start at $33.50, 480982-7991, barleensdinnershow.com

Chair Volleyball, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

p.m. Fridays, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in, $48 for four classes, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance. com

The Spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire, 6 p.m., The Venue at Farnsworth Hall, 6159 E. University Drive, Mesa, call for charge, 480-672-3223, yourconcerttix.com, t2presents.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 9

Sun Lakes Democratic Club Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Sun Lakes Country Club’s Navajo Room, 25601 E. Sun Lakes Boulevard North, Sun Lakes, free, 480-899-5696, rbsldc13@gmail. com. Speakers are Rep. Jennifer Pawlik, who will advise on what bills are already submitted and others that are expected to be voted on before the end of the session, and Chris and Stephanie Graves, the club’s new co-presidents.

Sun Lakes Republican Club Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Sun Lakes Country Club’s Navajo Room, 25601 S. Sun Lakes Boulevard, Sun Lakes, free, 262-880-4620, slgop.org. Guest speakers are Arizona Republican National Committeeman Tyler Bowyer and Ashley Trussel of Arizona Life.

Prediabetes Workshop: Act Now, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com Liberty United Methodist Church Monthly Tour, 10 a.m. to noon, Liberty United Methodist Church, 19900 W. MC85, Buckeye, call for charge, 623-386-4090, libertyumcbuckeyeaz. org No. 1 Hits Variety Show, 6 p.m., Barleens Dinner Show, 2275 E. Old West Highway, Apache Junction, call for charge, 480-9827991, barleensdinnershow.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12

The Westernaires Chorus of Sun City West First Spring Rehearsal, 8 a.m., Stardust Theater, 14401 N. R.H. Johnson Boulevard, Sun City West, free, 402-366-7377, westernaires. scwclubs.com. The spring shows are April 14 to April 17.

Duet Support Group for Family Caregivers, 10 to 11:30 a.m., repeats the fourth Thursday of the month, Chris Evangelical Church, 918 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, free, 602-274-5022, ext. 115, poulos@duetaz.org

Veterans Coffee Chat, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter. com

Blood Pressure Control Program: Week 2, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10

Farm Basket Bingo, 1 to 2 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-

Gentle Tai Chi—Qigong, 10:30 to 11:25 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 1 to 1:55

Ultimate Hits, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Variety Show Spectacular, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater. com

Coffee and Cards, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com Meditation Moment: Stress Management (Streamed), 11 to 11:30 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

Arizona Gold Mining Experience, 10 to 11:15 a.m., Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Drive, Cave Creek, call for pricing, 480-4882764, cavecreekmuseum.org Variety Spectacular, check website for time, Barleens Dinner Show, 2275 E. Old West Highway, Apache Junction, call for charge, 480982-7991, barleensdinnershow.com Crane Dance: Gentle Tai Chi, 9:15 to 10:10 a.m. Saturdays, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in, $48 for four classes, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance. com GCS Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, free admission, 480-488-1090, hollandcenter.org Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com Strange Days: A Tribute to the Doors, 7 p.m., The Venue at Farnsworth Hall, 6159 E. University Drive, Mesa, call for charge, 480672-3223, yourconcerttix.com, t2presents. com

Calendar...continues on page 23 www.LovinLife.com

Calendar of Events continued from page 22

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

AZ Swing Kings: “Our Kind of Music,” 6:30 to 8:15 p.m., Spirit of Grace Church, Sun City Grand, 15820 W. Clearview Boulevard, Surprise, $10 in advance, 563-349-9274, 847-2875325. Features vocalists Cheri Seith and Barry Dale Wild at Heart Visits Museum, 2 to 4 p.m., Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Drive, Cave Creek, call for pricing, 480-488-2764, cavecreekmuseum.org

MONDAY, JANUARY 16

The American Association of University Women’s Fashion Show, 10 a.m., Foundation Rooms, 14465 R.H. Johnson Boulevard, Sun City West, $35, 774-284-0471. Proceeds go to AAUW’s scholarship fund. Shopping is 10 to 11:30 a.m. and after the luncheon; 11:30 a.m. luncheon; fashion show with AAUW-Northwest Valley members; lunch is a choice of chicken piccata or pork tenderloin with apricot sauce, with au gratin potatoes, green beans, salad, roll and coconut cake.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

Gentle Tai Chi Sequences, 1 to 1:55 p.m.

Tuesdays, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in, $48 for four classes, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance. com Gameday Mahjongg, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com Loteria, 1 to 2 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable: “A Celebration of the life of Ed Bearss” with Terry Winschel, 5 p.m., Copper Auditorium, in Scottsdale Public Library’s Civic Center Branch, 3839 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, or on Zoom, free, scottsdalecwrt.org

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18

Variety Show Spectacular, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater. com Real Country, check website for time, Barleens Dinner Show, 2275 E. Old West Highway, Apache Junction, call for charge, 480-9827991, barleensdinnershow.com Stamping and Card Making, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com Tech Talk: Virtual Neighborhood Center, noon to 1 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19

Blood Pressure Control Program: Week 3, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com Farm Basket Bingo, 1 to 2 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

The Public and Corporate Art Lost at the World Trade Center on 9/11, 10 a.m., The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, call for charge, 480-488-1090, hollandcenter.org

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

Variety Show Spectacular, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater. com No. 1 Hits Variety Show, check website for time, Barleens Dinner Show, 2275 E. Old West Highway, Apache Junction, call for charge, 480-982-7991, barleensdinnershow.com

Calendar...continues on page 24

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Rockin’ and Rollin’ Through the Years, check website for time, Barleens Dinner Show, 2275 E. Old West Highway, Apache Junction, call for charge, 480-982-7991, barleensdinnershow.com

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Rock ‘n’ Roll Jukebox, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com Travel Art Journal Collage, 1 p.m., The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, call for charge, 480-488-1090, hollandcenter. org

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Gameday: Rummikub, 2 to 3 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

www.LovinLife.com

BEST OF HAWAII FOUR-ISLAND TOUR

Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes with Roger Naylor, 11 a.m., The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, call for charge, 480-488-1090, hollandcenter.org

The Wild West: The Oregon Trail: Jim Sherbert Lecture Series, 4 p.m., The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, call for charge, 480-488-1090, hollandcenter.org

Gentle Tai Chi—Qigong, 10:30 to 11:25 a.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 1 to 1:55 p.m.

Fridays, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in, $48 for four classes, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance.com

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* Prices are per person based on double occupancy plus up to $299 in taxes & fees. Single supplement and seasonal surcharges may apply. Add-on airfare available. Free date changes 100 days before departure for all land tours and cruise tours. Deposits and final payments are non-refundable. Onboard Credit requires purchase of Ocean View or Balcony Cabin. Offers apply to new bookings only, made by 12/31/22. Other terms & conditions may apply. Ask your Travel Consultant for details.

JANUARY 2023 |

23

Calendar of Events continued from page 23

Coffee and Cards, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com Foods to Balance Blood Sugar and Cooking Demo with Chef Lucille, 10 a.m. to noon, Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter. com Movie and Popcorn: “News of the World,” 1 to 3 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

Arizona Gold Mining Experience, 10 to 11:15 a.m., Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Drive, Cave Creek, call for pricing, 480-4882764, cavecreekmuseum.org Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll, noon, Barleens Dinner Show, 2275 E. Old West Highway, Apache Junction, call for charge, 480-982-7991, barleensdinnershow.com Breakdown: The Ultimate Tribute to Tom Petty, 7 p.m., The Venue at Farnsworth Hall, 6159 E. University Drive, Mesa, call for charge, 480-672-3223, yourconcerttix.com, t2presents.com Crane Dance: Gentle Tai Chi, 9:15 to 10:10 a.m. Saturdays, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in, $48 for four classes, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance. com The Boulders at The Boulders Aren’t Really Boulders, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Drive, Cave Creek, call for pricing, 480-488-2764, cavecreekmuseum.org.

Blood Pressure Control Program: Week 4, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24

Farm Basket Bingo, 1 to 2 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

AZ Swing Kings Orchestra with Sherry Robertson, 3:30 to 5 p.m., American Lutheran Church, 17200 N. Del Webb Boulevard, Sun City, free, $10 recommended donation, 847287-5325

Game Day: Yahtzee, 2 to 3 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

John Denver Tribute, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Gentle Tai Chi—Qigong, 10:30 to 11:25 a.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 1 to 1:55 p.m.

Fridays, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in, $48 for four classes, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance.com Gameday: Mahjongg, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com Gentle Tai Chi Sequences, 1 to 1:55 p.m.

Tuesdays, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in, $48 for four classes, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance. com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25

Lovin’ Life After 50 Expo, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center Street, Mesa, free, lovinlife.com Variety Spectacular, check website for time, Barleens Dinner Show, 2275 E. Old West Highway, Apache Junction, call for charge, 480982-7991, barleensdinnershow.com Coloring and Conversation, 10 to 11 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter. com Book Club: “Fahrenheit 451,” 11 a.m. to noon, Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

Ultimate Hits, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Charity Crafting, 1 to 3 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26

True Country, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 23

Lovin’ Life After 50 Expo, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sundial Recreation Center, 14801 N. 103rd Avenue, Sun City, free, lovinlife.com

Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Coffee and Sudoku, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter. com

Variety Show Spectacular, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater. com Real Country, 6 p.m., Barleens Dinner Show, 2275 E. Old West Highway, Apache Junction, call for charge, 480-982-7991, barleensdinnershow.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

MONDAY, JANUARY 30

Rock ‘n’ Roll Jukebox, 5:30 p.m., Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, call for charge, 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Gelli Printing 101: Basics Class, 9 a.m., The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, call for charge, 480-488-1090, hollandcenter.org

Rockin’ & Rollin’ Through the Years, check website for time, Barleens Dinner Show, 2275 E. Old West Highway, Apache Junction, call for charge, 480-982-7991, barleensdinnershow. com

Coffee and Sudoku, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter. com

Create a Path to a Healthy Weight and Weight Management: Cheryle’s Story, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

Member Orientation, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter. com

The Shagwells: Legends of the British Invasion, 7:30 p.m., The Venue at Farnsworth Hall, 6159 E. University Drive, Mesa, call for charge, 480-672-3223, yourconcerttix.com, t2presents.com

Open Studio with Larry Charles, 1 p.m., The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, call for charge, 480-488-1090, hollandcenter.org

Movie and Popcorn: “The Hustle,” 1 to 3 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

Antique Appraisal Fair with Sean Morton, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Drive, Cave Creek, call for pricing, 480-488-2764, cavecreekmuseum.org Variety Spectacular, 6 p.m., Barleens Dinner Show, 2275 E. Old West Highway, Apache Junction, call for charge, 480-982-7991, barleensdinnershow.com Crane Dance: Gentle Tai Chi, 9:15 to 10:10 a.m. Saturdays, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in, $48 for four classes, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance. com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31

Gameday: Mahjongg, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com Tech Tuesday, 1 to 2 p.m., Humana Neighborhood Center, 5943 E. McKellips Road, Suite 106, Mesa, call for charge, 480-325-4707, humananeighborhoodcenter.com Gentle Tai Chi Sequences, 1 to 1:55 p.m.

Tuesdays, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in, $48 for four classes, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance. com Gentle Tai Chi—Qigong, 10:30 to 11:25 a.m.

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Get your copy today!

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| JANUARY 2023

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Puzzles ANSWERS ON PAGE 30 ACROSS 44 Learned one 1 Dallas cager, for short 46 Sans 4 Reindeer herder 50 Lucy of “Elementary” 8 Persian leader 51 Coup d’ -12 Hit CBS series 52 “Deathtrap” 13 Vicinity playwright 14 Roof overhang 56 Impetuous 15 Like some salad 57 Toy block name dressings 58 Here, to Henri 17 Frat letters 59 BPOE members 18 Duo 60 Beloved 19 Sikhs’ headwear 61 Fanatic 21 Enjoy, as fine food 24 Luau bowlful DOWN 25 Guitar’s kin 1 Roman 1105 26 Yule quaff 2 “-- was saying ...”

28 Desert flora 3 Wine producers 32 Simple 4 Snorkeling site 34 Drench 5 Altar constellation 36 Lunch hour 6 Impudent 37 Pesto herb 7 Settle a debt 39 Super Bowl VIP 8 Belgrade native 41 P followers 9 “Funny!”

42 Joke 10 Bard’s river

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48 Chore 49 Sloth’s home 53 Khan title 54 Post-op area 55 Little louse

GOby FIGURE! Linda Thistle

SUDOKU TIME

The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

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EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK ★ ★ ★

★ Moderate ★★ Challenging ★★★ HOO BOY!

Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

SCRAMBLERS Unscramble the letters within each rectangle to form four ordinary words.

Then rearrange the boxed letters to form the mystery word, which will complete the gag!

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JANUARY 2023 |

25

Casinos

‘The Most Amazing Gift’ Medium Theresa Caputo helps survivors find closure

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

T

26

heresa Caputo, who has been a practicing medium for over 20 years, loves nothing more than to help individuals find closure by delivering healing messages.

For Caputo, this isn’t just her job. It’s her life.

“I feel like I’m just doing what I was meant to do here in the physical world,” she says.

“I feel I have the most amazing gift from God. He guides my entire gift.”

When Caputo comes to Harrah’s AkChin Casino on Saturday, January 21, she’ll let spirits guide her through the audience. A video display ensures everyone in the venue has an up-close, hands-on experience regardless of seat location.

“The experience isn’t about believing in mediums. It’s about witnessing something life-changing,” says Caputo, known as the Long Island Medium.

Caputo is celebrating her 10th anniversary of being on tour and sharing personal stories about her life and explaining how her gift works. She delivers healing messages to audience members and gives people comfort knowing that their loved ones who have died are still with them, just in a different way.

Caputo admits that at first she struggled with her gift, particularly in 2001.

She didn’t understand why she was chosen — until 9/11.

“It was later in my 30s,” she says.

“I always sense or felt spirit. I discovered we all that have ability to connect with our loved ones. I had that ability to connect with everyone’s loved ones. I will feel what everyone else feels. That’s where a lot of my anxiety came from. I’ll be standing there in Bed, Bath & Beyond trying to pick out towels and I’ll feel like I can’t breathe, like my lungs are filling up with fluid. That shouldn’t be happening.”

She went on to appear in living rooms thanks to TLC’s “Long Island Medium,” which aired for 14 seasons. Last year, she went on to star in “Long Island Medium: There in Spirit” on Discovery+.

Now, she hosts a weekly podcast, “Hey

| JANUARY 2023

Spirit!,” which was recently nominated for an Ambie Award in the Best Personal Growth Spirituality category. “Hey Spirit!” gives Caputo a platform to engage with her millions of followers sharing stories about their past loved ones and meaningful feel-good tips for a healthier and happier time on earth.

For her podcast, fans can call 1-866-TCAPUTO or 1-866-822-7886.

Caputo is also the author of four New York Times bestselling books, including her most recent “Good Mourning: Moving Through Everyday Losses With Wisdom From The Other Side.”

Her show at Harrah’s Ak-Chin will be about two hours.

She starts by sharing how she connects with spirit. Caputo doesn’t stay on the stage, but she has cameras that follow her around and spirit will start channeling loved ones.

“I always tell people, do not get discouraged by the amount of people in the world,” she says. “Experience, that’s what it is. The experience of witnessing healing right in front of your eyes.”

Caputo calls it a tough job, but she doesn’t want to do anything else.

“It may mean nothing to me, but it’s life changing for the person I’m standing in front of,” she says.

“That’s such a testament that the soul is OK and at peace. The soul is strong. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t be able to maneuver me around the venue. It’s an honor and a privilege to do this work.”

Theresa Caputo is known as the Long Island Medium. She has been a practicing medium for over 20 years.

(Richard Marchisotto/Submitted)

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Food & Drink

Columns

What’s Cooking?

Harvey Wallbanger cake

BY JAN D’ATRI

C

ould it be that it lost its popularity in just one generation?

The cake that was one of our mother’s “no fail, absolute go-to” recipes?

The brilliant yellow moist miracle in a Bundt pan?

I presented a group of millennials (you know, those 20 to 30 somethings!) with a certain rich and flavorful cake this week.

While they all gobbled it up in short order, they had never even heard of the classic Harvey Wallbanger cake. It had been years since I’d thought of this delightful treat myself — and what a shame, because it’s so easy to make!

The Harvey Wallbanger cake grabs its rich flavor from the vodka, Galliano liqueur and orange juice that you find in the classic Harvey Wallbanger cocktail.

Add some eggs, cake mix and pudding, and this special treat backs up like a brilliant yellow sunflower and absolutely melts in your mouth. A little sprinkling of powdered sugar or, better yet, a drizzle of glaze, and that’s all you need to relive the kitchen memories from the ‘60s and ‘70s.

I was just a little girl when my momma

started giving the Harvey Wallbanger cake equal time with her classic Italian rum cakes. I remember the giant, long, thin bottle coming out of the cabinet.

My father was the bartender at our restaurant, and so his beverage suppliers would, during the holidays, gift him with the extra, extra giant bottle of the liqueur.

Back then, from where I was standing, I estimated that bottle to be 500 feet tall and not an inch less!

I remember that the flavor of the cake (whenever I could sneak some) was just as large. Who knows, perhaps with the resurgence in the popularity of classic cocktails like the side car, Manhattan and dirty martini, the Harvey Wallbanger and its companion cake will find its sweet spot once again!

Harvey Wallbanger cake INGREDIENTS: For the cake:

DIRECTIONS:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (with pudding in the mix is best) • 3 ounces vanilla instant pudding (1 box) • 1/2 cup vegetable oil • 4 large eggs • 1/4 cup vodka • 1/4 cup Galliano liqueur • 3/4 cup orange juice

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar • 1 tablespoons orange juice • 1 tablespoons vodka • 1 tablespoons Galliano liqueur

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease one large Bundt pan (9 inches to 10 inches) or two small Bundt pans (7 inches to 8 inches). In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding, vegetable oil, eggs, vodka, Galliano and orange juice. Mix until well blended, about 3 to 4 minutes. Pour into a Bundt pan.

Bake for about 45 minutes for the large pan, or 25 to 30 minutes for the smaller pans, or until a toothpick comes up clean. Let the cake cool, then mix together the ingredients for the glaze. If you don’t want to glaze the cake, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar instead.

Watch Jan D’Atri’s how-to videos at https://bit.ly/JanDAtri.

28

| JANUARY 2023

The Healthy Geezer

Folks of all ages can be anxious

BY FRED CICETTI

Q the stresses of health A Because problems, losses and other major Are older people more anxious than younger people?

life changes build up as we get older, we tend to become anxious. Some surveys suggest that one in five older adults suffer anxiety symptoms that require treatment.

In addition to psychological causes, medical disorders common in older adults can be directly responsible for the anxiety we feel. These include heart disease, neurologic illness, thyroid and other hormone problems. In addition, anxiety can be a drug side effect. And seniors take a lot of medicine.

Until recently, anxiety disorders were believed to decline with age. There has been more research into depression and Alzheimer’s than anxiety among seniors.

But mental health experts are altering their views about anxiety.

Anxiety disorders in seniors have been underestimated for several reasons. One of the main reasons is that older patients are more likely to emphasize their physical complaints and downplay emotional problems.

Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 40 million American adults. They all involve excessive, irrational fear. Anxiety disorders are chronic and can worsen if untreated.

Panic disorder brings on sudden, unpredictable attacks of terror. These attacks create additional anxiety because victims worry about the next one. Older adults who get panic attacks usually had them when they were younger.

The following are some symptoms: pounding heart, perspiration, dizziness, fainting, numb hands, nausea, chest pain, feeling that you’re smothering, fear of loss of control, a sense that you’re losing your mind or about to die.

If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you may be haunted by unwelcome thoughts or the need to engage in rituals. You may be obsessed with germs or dirt, so you wash your hands re-

peatedly. You may feel the need to check things repeatedly.

The disturbing thoughts are called obsessions, and the rituals that are performed to try to prevent or get rid of them are called compulsions. Sufferers of OCD consume at least an hour a day with their compulsions.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a frightening experience. Often, people with PTSD have repeated memories of the experience both during their waking hours and in nightmares. A person having a flashback may believe that the event is real.

Victims of PTSD may have trouble sleeping, feel detached or be easily startled. They may have intimacy problems.

They can become aggressive or even violent.

Social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder, involves excessive self-consciousness in social situations. People with social phobia are afraid of being judged by others and being embarrassed by their own actions.

Social phobics can be afraid of one type of situation or they may experience symptoms almost anytime they are around other people. Symptoms include blushing, sweating, trembling, nausea and difficulty talking.

A specific phobia is an exaggerated fear of one thing. Some of the more common specific phobias are triggered by heights, animals such as snakes, closed spaces and flying.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) means excessive worry about a variety of things or life in general. People with GAD expect the worst and seem unable to relax. Often, they have trouble falling or staying asleep.

Anxiety disorders are treated with medication and psychotherapy. Both approaches can be effective for most disorders. Anxiety disorders are not all treated the same, so it is important to determine the specific problem first.

Although medications won’t cure an anxiety disorder, they can keep the symptoms under control and enable people to have normal lives. www.LovinLife.com

Hospice Is Hope

Grieving children, families find healing at New Song Center

BY LIN SUE FLOOD

W

hen Melissa Alvarado’s oldest daughter, Gloria, died in May, she quickly realized her family needed professional support and to be around others who could fully grasp their pain.

At New Song Center for Grieving Children, they discovered support groups and meaningful activities to help them find healing. Melissa, her husband and their two younger kids were among 150 people at New Song’s recent bereavement event at Steele Indian School Park.

“I like being here because these are the only other people who know how we feel,” she says. “And the support groups validate our emotions and feelings.”

New Song is Arizona’s first and largest child and family grief support program.

All the services are provided at no cost.

Since combining bereavement programs with Hospice of the Valley in 2009, New Song has served thousands of families, providing: • Support groups for grieving children, teens, young adults and adult caregivers.

Jada Williams and her dad, Ezra, join other families to remember and celebrate their loved ones. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted)

• Support groups for grandparents, parents and siblings who are grieving the death of a child.

• A family support group for Spanish-speaking families.

• Pediatric support and counseling for families caring for a child who is medically fragile or has a life-limiting illness.

• Day camps for siblings of children living with complex medical needs.

• Fun trips to family-friendly places like Butterfly Wonderland or the movies.

“Our mission is to provide comprehensive grief education and support to help families heal after a traumatic loss,” says Lisa Schmitt Betcher, executive director of the nonprofit program. “We recognize that children express grief quite differently than adults, more likely through behavior than words.”

Within age-specific grief support groups, New Song creates a safe space for youngsters to enjoy art, play, journaling and other forms of expression. Adults attend their own William McMullin lives in the hearts of dad, Chris, mom, Lauren, and brothers, Owen, 11, and Arthur, 4.

www.LovinLife.com

Become a volunteer What a rewarding way to make a difference in the lives of families in our community. Hospice of the Valley invites the public to join its dedicated team of trained volunteers who help lead grief support groups in Central and North Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert and Avondale. Volunteer training is in January at Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix.

The dates are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 21, and 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, January 24, and Thursday, January 26.

Visit hov.org/volunteer/newsong to apply or call 480-9518985 or email info@newsongcenter.org for more information.

Visit newsongcenter.org to learn more about the program.

support groups to learn how to help children process grief in a healthy way — and to learn how to help themselves cope with loss.

At the park gathering, the McMullins wore matching gray shirts with the name “William” printed in big, bold letters and three words below it: “brave, strong, superhero.” Lauren and Chris McMullin were referred to New Song after their 7-year-old died in April. The couple also have an 11-year-old, Owen, and a 4-yearold, Arthur.

Erica Schwartz, a New Song pediatric bereavement and family support counselor, sees the oldest boy one on one. “I feel incredibly lucky that I get to do that,” she says, standing near a table covered with “blugs” — a blanket and a hug.

“Owen looks forward to her visit every time,” Lauren says.

After bonding over special arts and crafts, all the families formed Callie Carpenter, left, Julie Lazzara and Mark D’Aprile attend New Song a large circle. One by Center’s bereavement event at the park in honor of 4-year-old Landon one, they shared the D’Aprile. names of their loved ones — Gloria, William, Isaiah, Landon … and many more. Then five white doves were released one at a time — symbolizing grief, courage, memories, love and hope.

As all remaining doves were set free, New Song Clinical Director Jill Lovell reminded the families that everyone’s journey is unique. “As individuals, we grieve; as a community, we heal. May we each find our paths towards healing in the days ahead.”

Lin Sue Flood is community engagement director for Hospice of the Valley. For more information, email info@ hov.org or visit hov.org.

Through arts and crafts, Celeste and Adam Estrada express their forever love for Gloria, their big sister.

JANUARY 2023 |

29

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