Lovin' Life after 50 - West Valley - March 2021

March 2021

Always There to Help

‘A Great Little Oasis’

Bill Kelleher retires from military committee

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino inspires grown-ups to play

Innovative

Living

Valley communities put amenities first West Valley Edition Mailed toYour Home Monthly

Mediterra Bakehouse shares its Irish soda bread recipe Page 20

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10 Innovative Living Valley communities put amenities first

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Opinion

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Leibo At Large Ask Gabby Gayle

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Features Always There to Help

Bill Kelleher retires from military committee

Entertainment

16

‘A Great Little Oasis’

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino inspires grown-ups to play

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Brightening Moods

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Representing the State

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Cashing In

Ann Barker’s flower truck brings smiles during the pandemic

Fan favorites gear up for the Cup Series

Phoenix Theatre tells the story of The Man in Black in ‘Ring of Fire’

Dining

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The Forming of Irish Soda Bread

Mediterra Bakehouse shares its popular recipe

Columns

22 23 24

Hospice Is Hope The Healthy Geezer Gardening

Publisher

Steve T. Strickbine

Senior Account Executive

Vice President

Gordon Wood

Executive Editor

Courtney Oldham

Travel Editor

Tonya Mildenberg

Michael Hiatt

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

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Administrator Graphic Designer

Colorectal screenings DVT Awareness Month

Contributors

Fred Cicetti, Lin Sue Cooney, Natalie Gilliland, Claire Natale, Gayle Lagman-Creswick, David Leibowitz, Dr. Tara Ostrom, Dr. Lawrence Presant, Jordan Rogers

Ed Boitano

An Ageless Attitude Since 1979

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Opinion

BE DEBT FREE IN 24–48 MONTHS!

Leibo At Large

No pride with state’s sixth ‘C’

If you owe more than $10,000 in credit card or other debt, see how we can help.

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ In Arizona’s formative years — say before the Valley constructed an actual freeway system — the state’s economy and reputation rested on what early Arizonans called “the five Cs.” Copper, cattle, cotton, citrus and climate were mainstays in these parts, and people were proud of it.

Now it’s 2021, and while Arizona’s weather remains a huge deal, some of the other Cs are withering. Cattle, which once comprised half the Arizona economy, is down to a modest 5%. We also used to grow most of the world’s Pima cotton.

Today? Arizona accounts for only about 2% of the global supply.

Fear not, however. Arizona has an abundance of a new C I’d like to add to the mix — crazies.

I’ve been chronicling this state’s culture and newsmakers since 1995, and if there’s one thing you can be sure of, it’s this: Whenever some big national story involving insane behavior erupts, Arizona will make news.

Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber? Of course, he lived in a Kingman trailer park.

Hani Hanjour, one of the 9/11 hijackers?

Of course, he got flight training in Mesa.

Sexual predator and Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein begets the #MeToo movement? Of course, he goes to sex addiction rehab in Wickenburg.

And of course, when a bunch of morons stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, the idiot front and center — the 33-yearold shirtless “shaman” sporting buffalo horns, a fur headdress and red, white and blue face paint — had to hail from the Valley.

You may have heard about Jake Angeli, “the QAnon Shaman” whose given name is Jacob Chansley.

Once a student at Moon Valley High School, Angeli became a regular at political protests in metro Phoenix over the past two years.

He often carried a sign that said “Q Sent Me” and spouted lots of conspiracy nonwww.LovinLife.com

sense. An unemployed actor by trade, Angeli owns an online business called Star Seed Academy, where for $55.55 you can take a “Spiritual Self Defense Course” and learn “How to Create Healing Plant Remedies for Illness & Gain Plant Spirit Allies.”

I’m guessing someone has been a little too closely allied with magic mushrooms and weed for the last 15 years.

Even addled, Angeli managed to become one of the faces of the Capitol raid, pictured at the dais in the Senate, using a bullhorn to lead his fellow Looney Tunes in prayer. Angeli even left a note for thenVice President Mike Pence: “It’s only a matter of time. Justice is coming.”

Speaking of justice, while Angeli awaits his day in court — he faces six felonies and 28 years in prison — he’s apparently been on a hunger strike.

Who knew shamans only ate organic food? That’s how Angeli and his lawyer explained it to a federal judge during a Feb. 3 court demanding that the D.C. Department of Corrections adhere to Angeli’s dietary needs.

Eating “nonorganic food,” Angeli’s lawyer argued, “which contains unnatural chemicals, would act as an ‘object intrusion’ onto his body and cause serious illness if he were to eat it.”

Naturally — pun intended — Judge Royce Lamberth ruled in Angeli’s favor.

So be it. Give the man his organic chow, stat. In a very Arizona twist to this tale, we ought to ship the hometown antihero one of his home state’s staple crops to help him gain back the 20 pounds Angeli claims to have lost.

Few things are more organic than pecans and pistachios. A study last year by the UA detailed that these tasty crops now account for nearly $100 million in annual economic impact.

That’s hardly a surprise. It’s Arizona. We grow nuts here.

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995.

Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

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Ask Gabby Gayle

COVID-19 no ‘myth’

BY GAYLE LAGMAN-CRESWICK Dear Readers: I received a very long letter from a gentleman with the initial M, who stated he could not wear a mask due to lung damage and breath insufficiency. He further stated that he carries a card from his cardiologist and pulmonologist stating that he cannot wear a mask. He claims that he has been refused service at numerous private businesses because he cannot wear a mask. He states that he disagrees with the mayor’s office that they cannot tell a private business what to do. He further states that he believes the CDC has debunked the theory that masks protect the wearer and others. He believes he is not being let inside these places because of his disability. He states he will not buy anything online because he was hacked, and he does not let anyone else pick out his food. He also mentioned that he had

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been assaulted several times for refusing to wear a mask.

Dear Mr. M: I read your letter at least six times. I also asked my son who is a doctor to read it. There was a lot of detail in your letter that space does not allow me to repeat in full. After studying your situation, I disagree with your statement that the CDC has debunked the theory that masks are necessary. In fact, some specialists are recommending two masks to protect from the new variant of viruses that are so easily spread!

The one thing that jumps out to me is this: Here is a man that has damaged lungs, who must not catch this horrible virus, and he is wanting to go into places where he will be exposed to it, and he is not wearing a mask. I am worried for your health. I am old, I am immunocom-

promised like you, and because I do not want the virus, I do not go into grocery stores, I do not go into anyplace I do not have to go. I order everything online or drive-thru service. I always wear a mask.

I wash my hands. I do not even get to enjoy my family because they do not want to expose me. Mr. M. please think of your health. You do not want this virus. I have lost three friends to this virus. It is real.

With your health problems, you need to be extra careful. Give a little. Order online.

When it is over you will be alive and can have your freedom back. I wish you well.

Signed, GG

Q

Dear Gabby Gayle: Recently you had a letter from a reader who was ready to move into an assisted living place and her husband was dragging his feet. Part of your advice was to tell him you were going to move without him, which was good advice. I want to tell you that I went a step further and signed us both up for a good place and told him the date we would be moving. He was mad at me for a day then accepted it. We have lived here for six weeks, and he has not only accepted it, but he met an old friend here and he seems to be enjoying

it. Sometimes one spouse or the other needs to make a firm stand!

Signed, MB

A

Dear MB: Thanks for writing. I agree. Change comes hard to most of us, and sometimes we do need someone to give us a whack on the side of the head (figuratively)!

Signed, GG

Q

Dear Gabby Gayle: I am engaged to a wonderful guy and I have agreed to move into his home, which is much larger than my condo. While planning to move in with him I see he is reluctant to change his decor/arrangements to accommodate my things. The whole thing has me wondering if this is a sign of disagreements to come. What do you think?

Signed, Wondering

A

Dear Wondering: I do believe this could be a sign of trouble to come! Maybe you two are one of those couples who marry and each stays put in their own place, but they visit each other.

Smile! Iron it out now before you marry!

Signed, GG

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Last State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls go to AZ residents Arizona residents get first dibs on last remaining Bank Rolls loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for just the $39 minimum set for state residents - non state residents must pay $ 118 per coin if any remain after 2-day deadline STATE DISTRIBUTION: A strict limit of 4 State Restricted Bank Rolls per AZ resident has been imposed

ARIZONA - “It’s a miracle these State Restricted Bank Rolls even exist. That’s why Hotline Operators are bracing for the flood of calls,” said Laura Lynne, U.S. Coin and Currency Treasurer for the National Mint and Treasury.

For the next 2 days the last remaining State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties are actually being handed over to Arizona residents who call the National TollFree Hotlines listed in today’s newspaper publication.

“I recently spoke with a retired Treasurer of the United States of America who said ‘In all my years as Treasurer I’ve only ever seen a handful of these rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties issued by the U.S. Gov’t back in the early 1900’s. But to actually find them sealed away in State Restricted Bank Rolls still in pristine condition is like finding buried treasure. So anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Bank Rolls had better hold on to them,’” Lynne said.

“Now that the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls are being offered up we won’t be surprised if thousands of Arizona residents claim the maximum limit allowed of 4 Bank Rolls per resident before they’re all gone,” said Lynne.

“That’s because the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars sealed away inside the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that some of these coins date clear back to the early 1900’s and are worth up to 100 times their face value, so there is no telling what Arizona residents will 8

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JACKPOT: Imagine finding the 1919-D Silver Walking Liberty shown above worth thousands of dollars in collector value in one of these unsearched Bank Rolls. There are never any guarantees, but Arizona residents who get their hands on these State Restricted Bank Rolls will be the really lucky ones because even more common coins are still worth up to $115 $825 in collector value.

find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne went on to say.

And here’s the best part. If you are a resident of the state of Arizona you cover only the $39 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties worth up to 100 times their

VALUABLE: It’s like a treasure hunt - there’s no telling what you’ll find. That’s because the dates and mint marks of the fifteen U.S. Gov’t issued coins sealed away inside these State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. All we know is some of the coins are worth up to 100 times their face value.

face value for just $585 which is a real steal because non state residents must pay $118 per coin which totals $1,770 if any coins remain after the 2-day deadline.

The only thing Arizona residents need to do is call the National TollFree Hotlines printed in today’s newspaper publication before the

2-day order deadline ends.

“Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins like these are highly sought after, but we’ve never seen anything like this before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins many Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars are now worth R1018

(Continued on next page)

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SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE (Continued from previous page)

$115 - $825 each in collector value,” Lynne said.

“So just imagine how much these last remaining, unsearched State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls could be worth someday. Remember, these are not ordinary coins – these rarely seen coins date clear back to the early 1900’s. In fact, these coins have been forever retired by the U.S. Gov’t, and you can’t get them rolled this way anywhere because these are the only State Restricted Bank Rolls known to exist,” said Lynne.

“We’re guessing thousands of Arizona residents will be taking the maximum limit of 4 Bank Rolls because they make such amazing gifts for any occasion for children, parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones,” Lynne continued.

“We know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of Hotline Operators are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30am this morning. We’re going to do our best, but with just 2 days to answer all the calls it won’t be easy.

So make sure to tell everyone to keep

calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all,” Lynne said.

“That’s why the National Mint and Treasury set up the National Toll-

Free Hotlines in order to make sure Arizona residents get the State Restricted Bank Rolls before they’re all gone,” she said.

The only thing readers of today’s

newspaper publication need to do is make sure they are a resident of the state of Arizona and call the National Toll-Free Hotlines before the 2-day deadline ends midnight tomorrow. ■

IMPORTANT: The dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties sealed away inside the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. Coin values always fluctuate and they are never any guarantees, but any of the scarce coins shown below, regardless of their value that residents may find inside the sealed Bank Rolls are theirs to keep.

1916-P Mint: Philadelphia Mintage: 608,000 Collector Value: $55 $265

1919-P Mint: Philadelphia Mintage: 962,000 Collector Value: $32 $515

1921-S Mint: San Francisco Mintage: 548,000 Collector Value: $80 $800

1938-D Mint: Denver Mintage: 491,600 Collector Value: $60 $160

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NON STATE RESIDENTS: MUST PAY $118 PER COIN - IF ANY REMAIN DO NOT CALL BEFORE 5:00 PM TOMORROW: 1-800-929-8898 RWL1352 if you are a resident living outside of the state of Arizona you are required to pay $118 for each silver walking liberty for a total of $1,770 plus shipping and handling for each state of Arizona restricted bank roll loaded with fifteen u.s. gov’t issued silver walking liberty half dollars.

NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, PO BOX 35609, CANTON, OH 44735 ©2021 NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY. R1018

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MARCH 2021

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Features

INNOVATIVE

Living

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Homes in the Valley for baby boomers and beyond are taking on a new feel.

Lennar and LivGenerations are among those offering innovative choices in their communities. Lennar recently broke ground in Surprise at Heritage Encore and Buckeye’s Arroyo Seco, both of which are multigenerational NextGen home developments, complete with RV garages.

“We are unaware of anywhere else in the country where this home style is being built,” says Alan Jones, Lennar division president.

NextGen models are, essentially, homes within a home, giving residents the balance of family privacy and togetherness under one roof. NextGen units can serve as fully functioning home offices, a state-of-theart gym, a home for aging relatives or even a classroom that keeps kids engaged and learning.

“With the realities of homeschooling, working from home and having grandparents living in the family residence now, coupled with the explosion in popularity of RVs, this project was definitely accelerated due to what’s happening in the world today,” says Jones, whose company created the first NextGen home in the Phoenix market in 2012.

Jones explains he and his team discussed how to combine the next generation of

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Valley communities put amenities first

homes with an RV “home.”

“We thought we would have something that’s really unique,” he adds. “Our new home consultants are excited about it. We have one under construction as a model in Buckeye. It’s right by Verrado. It’s kind of fun and exciting for us.

“We look at it and realize it’s a combination of two really unique, new products. It took us a little bit to figure out how to make it all work without having the home be extremely large. It came out really well.”

Jones says NextGen models have been popular in the last two years. Lennar sold more NextGen homes in 2020 than in any other year since the model was conceived.

Nearly 500 NextGen homes were sold this year in the Phoenix market, accounting for more than 25% of all Lennar home sales.

The RV garage homes are expected to follow suit, Jones adds. Those on his sales team say they could “sell one every day.”

“That’s quite a vote of confidence,” he adds. “It’s exciting when you find something that’s innovative, and it’s coming about as a result of the pandemic, frankly.

Alan Jones, Lennar “That’s what expedited the division president, says whole situation.” new homes with RV Initially, officials in a variety of garages are in demand.

(Photo by Pablo Robles) cities questioned Lennar’s plans of having a separate living space with a full kitchen.

“When we first started, the cities were resistant to it,” Jones says. “It was new and different.

Now the cities look at it and say, ‘Oh, my gosh. We love this.

You’re building homes for the way people are living.’”

Jones is equally as excited about the Surprise active adult community that has RV garages

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MARCH 2021

as well.

“The people who live in Sun City, Sun City West or Sun City Grand are going to be interested in them,” Jones says. “We’re seeing a lot of people in Sun City Grand and Sun City West coming over and going, ‘Oh, my gosh, I’m going to buy this and help my son or daughter so that I can live in the NextGen suite and they can live in the home.’”

LivGenerations Mayo Blvd.

Due to open in November, the resort-style senior living community LivGenerations Mayo Blvd. will be rich with amenities.

The fourth LivGenerations-owned community will boast choices for independent living, assisted living, memory care and respite care.

“It’ll offer casitas for older adults who are independent. There are 26 of them,” says Scott McCutcheon, LivGenerations chief operating officer.

“We’ll have 30 memory care apartments, and the remainder of the build is going to be other assisted living and independent apartments.”

McCutcheon says the Mayo Blvd. community will have a pool, a hot tub and whirlpool, a salon, a fitness room, a physician’s clinic, mosaic art studio and a dog park.

“We’re a pet-friendly community,” he says.

“They can bring their dog along. There are a lot of outdoor spaces. We’re really close to the shopping centers there on Mayo Boulevard. We’re walking distance to restaurants, shops and grocery stores.”

The Crave, Forno Mangia and a bar will be available for drinking and dining. The second floor Behind the Eight Ball game room will have billiards, another wine bar and a sun deck.

“It’s a big space for residents to hang out

and socialize, to interact with one another and have a drink,” McCutcheon says.

He says North Phoenix was a logical choice for the new LivGenerations community. It’s near the Mayo Clinic, so older adults can access the best in hospital and physician care, McCutcheon notes.

LivGenerations locations are known for their innovative programming. In November, the Ahwatukee community hosted a drive-thru Valentine’s Day “Viva Las Vegas Vow Renewal” with a lasagna dinner for two to take home.

Meanwhile, LivGenerations Pinnacle Peak held the second annual Go Red for Women drive-thru event. Residents were encouraged to dress their cars in red for a chance to win the best-dressed prize. Participants received heart-healthy baskets, and all donations supported the American Heart Association.

“We’ve had to get more creative with them with the COVID-19 pandemic,” McCutcheon says. “We usually try to post a minimum of one event per month that allowed residents to bring guests or family. That’s been put on hold because of the pandemic.

“We hope to have group activities again.

We do miss hosting those big events.”

Lennar Homes

Visit lennar.com for information on Surprise at Asante Heritage Encore and Buckeye’s Arroyo Seco.

Houses start at $352,990.

LivGenerations Mayo Blvd.

Prospective residents and their families can visit the showroom at 7000 E. Mayo Boulevard, Suite 1108, Phoenix. Call 480-289-6891 or visit livgenerationsmayoblvd.com for more information. www.LovinLife.com

SPRINGTIME SPRINGTIME IS IS HERE HERE AND AND IT'S IT'S A A GREAT GREAT TIME TIME TO TO JOIN JOIN US! US!

15833 W. Clubhouse Drive 15833 W. Clubhouse Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395 Goodyear, AZ 85395 623.535.1613 l RobsonReserve.com 623.535.1613 l RobsonReserve.com

From life enrichment programs & exercise classes to From life enrichment programs & exercise classes to featured monthly superfoods created by our chef, Robson featured monthly superfoods created by our chef, Robson Reserve at PebbleCreek offers a variety of programs Reserve at PebbleCreek offers a variety of programs focused on nutrition and keeping our residents happy and focused on nutrition and keeping our residents happy and healthy. Call today to pick your new residence & join the healthy. Call today to pick your new residence & join the fun! fun!

Scan the QR Code with your smartphone Scan the QR Code with your smartphone camera to watch our virtual tour! camera to watch our virtual tour!

Schedule your personal tour today. Call 623.440-6800 l RobsonReserve.com Schedule your personal tour today. Call 623.440-6800 l RobsonReserve.com All residences must be occupied by at least one resident 55 years or older. Services provided are limited to those described in the Lease or Residency Agreement. The community is not a hospital or

All residences must be occupied by at least one resident 55 years or older. Services provided are limited to those described in the Lease or Residency Agreement. The community is not a hospital or nursing home. All dimensions and measurements, including without limitation square footages, ceiling heights and window sizes, styles and locations, are approximate and may vary per floorplan. Measurements in model residences may vary slightly without incurring any obligation or liability. Actual residence measurements will vary. Terms are subject to change without notice. 19RC150 10//20

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Always There to Help Bill Kelleher retires from military committee

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Bill Kelleher grew up admiring the military duties of his World War I veteran father and his brothers who served in the Vietnam War. He didn’t join the military, but he did the next best thing. He supported the families of those stationed at Luke Air Force Base through the Glendale Chamber of Commerce Military & Veterans Affairs Committee. He was on the board for 40 years before retiring in February.

“I was not privileged enough to be a member of any part of the armed services, but my father was a Marine during World War I,” Kelleher says.

“The mustard gas basically took him at an early age. I was 15 when he passed away. I have two brothers who were also Marines. One was in Korea, and my youngest brother was in Vietnam. I fell between the cracks. Back then, you signed up for the draft. I was too young for Korea and too old for Vietnam.”

Kelleher connected with veterans and military personnel because of his family’s involvement. His favorite shirt is one that bears a U.S. flag that reads, “Stand for the flag.” At the bottom is a cross that says, “Kneel at the cross.”

The Military & Veterans Affairs Committee is dedicated to assisting the Glendale Chamber of Commerce with programs and events. It also helps create a strong relationship between the local business community and military units in the Valley.

“We are very in touch with what the needs are out there,” Kelleher says. “It’s been a blessing to me. I sit back now and just listen. I’ve been there, done that.”

The committee’s priority projects are Glendale’s military induction ceremony, military appreciation breakfast, Veterans Day ceremony, Luke Shoot Out Golf Tournament, and flag repurposing and retirement program.

It supports Stand Up for Veterans, May-

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or Jerry Weiers’ Big Dog Run, the Healing Garden and Traveling Vietnam Wall.

Stand Up for Veterans is a collaborative, community-based effort that honors and supports veterans by providing access to employment, education and community resources to address the holistic needs of veterans and their families.

Attorneys and court representatives are on hand to immediately address and help with legal issues.

Employers are in attendance, some of whom can hire veterans on the spot.

One of the committee’s signature causes is Operation Warm Heart, which supports Luke Air Force Base families.

“We thought it would be nice to have some sort of involvement with children or dependents whose parent is deployed someplace else but the family still lived here,” Kelleher says.

The Military & Veterans Affairs Committee hosted cookouts with hamburgers and hot dogs at Murphy Park for Luke Air Force Base families. The annual Luke Shoot Out Golf Tournament is promoted and marketed through the committee.

During his tenure with the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee, Kelleher was a licensed mortician and embalmer at Glendale’s Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, from which he retired. He grew up in Illinois, but he moved to Glendale in June 1973 to help his daughter, who had breathing issues.

His love for Glendale translated to volunteer work and strong relationships with the mayors.

“I’ve been very fortunate over the years,” he says. “I’ve been associated with six of the mayors since I came here. We’ve been on a first-name basis. Glendale is like an old hometown.

“I’ve always tried to stay involved.

Bill Kelleher retired in February, after serving with the Glendale Chamber of Commerce Military & Veterans Affairs Committee for 40 years. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

When I joined, I was the new kid on the block. There were these other three gentlemen and me. I thought, ‘Let’s try to get some type of partnership out at the base where we can maybe help on a monthly basis.’”

In the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee’s early days — and up until the 9/11 terrorist attack — it alternated meeting in the Glendale Chamber of Commerce conference room and Luke Air Force Base. Base commanders, and occasionally wing commanders, were affiliated with the committee.

Kelleher says, from an economic standpoint, it makes sense for the chamber to be involved with Luke Air Force Base, as it’s one of Glendale’s major employers.

“They’re partners with us, and we’re partners with them,” Kelleher says. “Glendale has been fantastic when it comes to the needs of former and present military.”

Now was the right time for Kelleher to retire because, he says, he will soon turn 80 years old.

“It’s time to get out of here and let some new kids sit here,” he says. “I’ll try to stay involved, and if there’s a need out there, I’ll help.” www.LovinLife.com

Brightening Moods

Annie Barker and Annie’s Flower Truck has a handful of regular stops, including Optima Sonoran Village in Scottsdale. (Photos by Kevin Hurley)

Ann Barker’s flower truck brings smiles during the pandemic The truck’s locations can be found at

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Ann Barker had a “fantastic” career in anniesflowertruck.com and on social corporate events and marketing. The media at @anniesflowertruck. The vehicle doesn’t have air conditioning, so she COVID-19 pandemic changed all of that.

In November 2020, Barker founded An- doesn’t sell flowers in the summer, except nie’s Flower Truck, a pop-up business in during evening private events.

Barker sees a correlation between the a 1964 VW Single Cab bus that sells fresh events and marketing field and selling blooms from November to April.

“Think a mobile flower market featur- flowers.

“What I loved about that was creating ing fresh flowers and greens displayed in galvanized market buckets,” Barker experiences for people and doing things says outside of Optima Sonoran Village in for them that would be memorable,” Barker says. “I was looking for an alterNorth Scottsdale. native. We did Flowers vary some research, at each event, and we couldn’t with unique find anything blooms sharing like that in the truck with Phoenix. traditional fa“Every time vorites, all of we pop up, which are priced it’s like a mini by the stem. Afevent.

We’re ter guests purdoing things chase the stems Customers pick out flowers for sale in Annie’s Flower and create their Truck in front of Optima Sonoran Village in Scottsdale. to bring people joy. Flowers own bouquet, flowers are wrapped to carry home or make people happy.”

An Arizona native, Barker is a longtime present. fl ower lover. She grew roses at her home “It’s something different every week,” says Barker, who delivered the Scottsdale and was an award-winning rosarian. She Progress as a teen. The Scottsdale Prog- parlays that knowledge into helping her ress is the sister publication of Lovin’ Life customers.

“They walk up to the truck and they will After 50.

“We try to find things that aren’t com- say, ‘I can’t do this. You build it for me,’” mon, that you don’t see when you go to a Barker recalls. “I ask them what catches their eye, just pick a flower and go from chain. People get to pick their own.”

Those include imported peonies, helle- there. One of the fabulous things is we have men who walk up and say they can’t bore, astrantia and hydrangeas. do it. I say, ‘Go for it.’

They create the bravest bouquets. They don’t overthink it.

“It’s so enjoyable. The truck attracts people.

It’s beautiful. We’ve had people stop, literally, in tears during the pandemic saying this is exactly what they needed today. People are going through a lot.”

Annie’s Flower Truck Annie’s Flower Truck is available for private events, such as bridal showers, weddings and engagement parties.

Ann Barker will also set up for photo shoots or commercial events.

Her spots include Tarbell’s Wine Store, 3205 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays; and locally owned businesses like Sip Coffee &

Beer in Arcadia and Melt by Melissa; Optima Sonoran Village, 6895 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, call 602418-7774, visit anniesflowertruck.com or email ann@anniesflowertruck.com.

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Laura Neal bundles flowers at Annie’s Flower Truck in front of Optima Sonoran Village in Scottsdale. www.LovinLife.com

MARCH 2021

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It may be a different world — but Mom and Dad still need care.

Finding the best senior care options for Mom and Dad can be really hard. Add to it, the challenges of the different world we live in today, and it get’s more difficult. LifeStream has gathered together several free resources at SeniorLivingChecklist.com to help you navigate this new landscape - including checklists, articles, pricing guides and a three-part podcast series that addresses the most common questions families have:

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Entertainment

‘A Great Little Oasis’ Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino inspires grown-ups to play

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino’s sweltering gaming floor is filled with the sounds of bells, winners’ squeals and chitchat among the guests on a recent Saturday.

They’re all socially distanced, even in the busy restaurants.

Michael Kintner, the casino’s senior vice president and general manager, is proud of how the complex has been able to survive the pandemic.

He chalks it up to Caesars Entertainment’s affiliation with Harrah’s. Players can sign up for Caesars Rewards, which can be collected at any of the company’s nearly 40 U.S. properties for casino gaming or entertainment activities.

“It doesn’t cost anything to sign up,” he says. “Right now, if you sign up, you get $25 in free play. You can use your credits in the restaurant, nongaming or gaming.

It keeps people coming back.”

Approaching his 16-year anniversary with Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Kintner enjoys the venue as much as the guests. He shares his joy when strangers ask about his occupation.

“People ask me, ‘What do you do for a living?’ I say, ‘Well, I play games for a living,’” he says with a laugh.

“Seriously, I get to work for 864 very talented people. They like to provide great service as part of our culture and who we are at Harrah’s Ak-Chin. We like to say we inspire grown-ups to play.”

Stellar customer service is part of the Now at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, the slot machines are separated for social distancing.

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Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino experience, he says, although it’s hard to tell the maskclad employees are smiling.

“Normally, we smile, make eye contact and say, ‘Hi, how are you doing?’”

A few years ago, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino underwent a $10 million expansion.

Now the resort has more than 529 hotel rooms and suites.

“On the weekends, we can run 100% sold out,” he says. “It’s a little down during the week. For the most part, people are getting vaccinated and case numbers are going down. We’re starting to see some people come back.”

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is doing its part to keep guests safe. The facility has sanitation stations, masks, temperature checks and employees who clean the slot machines.

“We’re keeping everything as clean as possible,” he says. “We’re social distancing in our restaurants. We’re actually down to about 27% of our seating capacity, and our buffets are completely closed. It’s worked out. Guests have been able to come back and play.”

Management decided against keeping plexiglass in between the games because it causes “all sorts of vision issues.”

“We’re only running at about 72% of our machines,” Kintner says.

“Our slot performance manager has gotten really creative. We only have so much floor space, and plexiglass wasn’t working for us. If there’s a dispute on a jackpot, like,

say a machine has something funky happen to it or a customer says, ‘I won $1,000’ and there’s really only $800, surveillance has to be able to see it.

“We were working with our tribal regulators and they weren’t very comfortable with that. We decided not to have as many games so we could socially distance and spread out as we could.”

Cameras are also placed throughout the casino and hotel to ensure guests — and workers, for that matter — are socially distanced.

“If we ever have an issue, we are able to contact trace and find out whether it’s employees or whoever and deal with it,” Kintner says.

The casino, he says, is perfect for local folks as well as travelers. Kintner is used to Spring Training or Waste Management Phoenix Open visitors, the numbers of which have dwindled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re also missing our Canadian visitors right now,” he says. “As you can see, though, we’re pretty busy.”

The restaurants are bustling as well. For casual dining, there’s Agave’s Restaurant, which serves traditional and Southwestern fare, and the tapas-style Oak & Fork.

Those wanting something a little more upscale can check out Chop, Block & Brew.

Featuring a wood-burning mesquite grill, Chop, Block & Brew boasts a rustic and relaxed environment and serves steaks, prime rib and seafood.

For quick bites, check out Dunkin’ or Copper Cactus Grill.

“The restaurants are fantastic,” Kintner says. “Oak & Fork has small plates and a wine bar. We have all the wine taps on the wall. I want to say there are 16 of them. So

Michael Kintner, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino’s senior vice president and general manager, is proud of how the complex has been able to survive the pandemic. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino’s Oak & Fork is known for its small plates and wine on tap. (Photos courtesy Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino)

the wine comes out at the perfect temperature. The small plates are amazing.

“It’s a really great space with the outdoor patio when the weather’s beautiful.

We have heating lamps out there, along with a fireplace and televisions. This is a real favorite.

“Agave’s is a three-meal restaurant that’s back by the pool. It’s our café, if you will. It has a bit of a Southwest flare to it.

Copper Cactus Grill is our 24-hour quick serve. You can get a hamburger quickly or a bite-sized pizza.

“Chop, Block & Brew is our signature steakhouse. People rave about the woodfired grill. We also have craft cocktails in the lounge.”

Want to play more games? Next door — connected via an elevated walkway — is the Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center.

A movie theater, bar and grill, bowling, laser tag and arcade fill the 165,000-squarefoot entertainment mecca.

“It’s like a great little oasis here in the desert where people can come out and have a good time,” he says.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa 480-802-5000, caesars.com www.LovinLife.com

Representing the State Fan favorites gear up for the Cup Series

BY JORDAN ROGERS The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series has begun, and after an action-packed race at the Daytona 500, Arizona natives and fan favorites are off to a great start.

Drivers like Glendale native Michael McDowell and Tucson’s Alex Bowman will return home to the Grand Canyon State for the NASCAR Cup Series Race at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 14, at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale.

McDowell recently won the Daytona 500.

“It’s just amazing,” McDowell says.

“There’s so much to be thankful for and so much along the way that the journey hasn’t been super easy. It’s very gratifying and very rewarding. I feel like (there has been a long) process to get to this point.”

Daytona marked McDowell’s first career win in the Cup Series. It’s also the first time an Arizona driver won the race.

McDowell pitted during the caution prior to a huge wreck at the front of the pack that took out 16 cars, including the pole winner and Tucson native Alex Bowman.

“At Daytona, you’ve got to get to the end; you’ve got to survive,” McDowell says. “There’s a lot to it. There are a lot of circumstances involved in there and luck and putting yourself in a position (to win).

A lot has got to go your way to get to the end of the race. A lot of the race is that survival element.”

For McDowell, he says sometimes you just have to be at the right place at the right time. He has finished in the top five at Daytona and used that experience to score the victory.

“We felt like this could be a really great year for us with the new schedule,” he says. “Obviously, kicking it off with a win is huge.”

Bowman was running in second place at the time of the wreck. The 27-year-old knows he has a bright future in NASCAR. “Alex Bowman is from Arizona as well, and he’s a super talented guy,” McDowell says. “He’s with a great organization and he’s going to have a long career and do a lot of things. I feel fortunate that I beat him to the punch in winning the (Daytona) 500. He’s going to be so successful, and it would be hard to stay ahead of him in any category.”

McDowell and Bowman are the only two Arizonans in the Cup Series. McDowell says it’s a privilege

and a cool opportunity to represent the state.

Big shoes to fill During the offseason, NASCAR lost one of its most storied and successful drivers, as Jimmie Johnson retired after 18 years. He left behind seven championships and 83 career victories.

His legacy in NASCAR leaves him among the greats in the sport, and the onus now falls onto Bowman, as he inherited Johnson’s No. 48 car after his retirement.

Bowman says he and his team are extremely excited to get to work on that No. 48 car.

“To try and fill another set of big shoes and go to the 48 is going to be really fun,”

Michael McDowell, driver of the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Bowman says. “I was definitely nervous when (team owner Rick Hendrick) told me.”

The changes don’t stop at the car

NASCAR...continues on page 19

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Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/ Getty Images

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2/5/2021 11:34:30 AM

Cashing In Phoenix Theatre tells the story of The Man in Black in ‘Ring of Fire’

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Johnny Cash’s story will be told using 38 of The Man in Black’s songs during the Phoenix Theatre Company’s musical “Ring of Fire.”

The musical, which runs March 10 to April 4, will be performed at the theater’s new socially distanced outdoor stage.

“You’ll get the songs that are more

well-known ones and the ones that are a little more obscure — but all really amazing songs,” says Scott Weinstein, “Ring of Fire” director.

“They’ve been repurposed in the different moments. ‘Country Boy’ was repurposed to be about his childhood, which is what he was about. ‘The song ‘Five Feet High and Rising’ was about a flood that

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nearly wiped out the family’s farm. That’s used in that context as well.”

The song “Ring of Fire” is performed like it would be in concert, but it’s also meant to be about his relationship with June.

Weinstein stressed “Ring of Fire” is not a tribute act but a musical. Five musicians play their own instruments.

“It’s a fun theatrical piece that has something for everyone,” Weinstein says. “There are recreations of some of his performances; the other times songs are more theatricalized. Fans of rock concerts will get that, and fans of musicals will get that, too.”

Weinstein is a familiar face to the Phoenix Theatre Company, as he also directed “Million Dollar Quartet.”

Living in New York and working as a freelance director, Weinstein was referred by friends to the Phoenix Theatre Company.

“I just fell in love with this theater,” he says. “I go all over the world directing plays.

It’s fun but hard. I don’t get to make relations everywhere I go. At the Phoenix Theatre, I bonded (with) all the staff, the community and the actors.

“The moment I got here, I was welcomed by everyone. I had so much fun working with this amazing team and staff.

We rehearsed in masks and face shields.”

In “Ring of Fire,” two actors play Cash — Alex Crossland plays the young version of him, and Greg Hammer, who played Cash in “Million Dollar Quartet” stars as the singer later in life.

“It’s really all five people embodying the spirit of Johnny Cash,” Weinstein says.

“The spirit infuses the whole show. It’s much more theatrical in context.

“It’s very fun and cool. What’s nice, too, is it leaves room for the audience to have their own experience with it in a way.

“Ring of Fire,” which runs March 10 to April 4, will tell Johnny Cash’s story.

(Submitted photos)

They can loosely see their own lives in it and take these songs as a metaphor.”

Weinstein is a longtime Cash fan whose love and appreciation deepened through his work on “Million Dollar Quartet.”

Cash’s music, Weinstein says, has a real staying power because good stories “never really go out of style.”

MORE INFO

What: “Ring of Fire” When: Various times March 10 to April 4 Where: Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix Cost: $59 Info: 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com www.LovinLife.com

NASCAR...continued from page 17 number for Bowman. He also inherited Johnson’s primary sponsor: Ally Financial Bank. Bowman says he’s looking forward to getting Ally its first win.

“You never know how working with a new partner is going to be,” Bowman says. “But working with Ally has been so much fun so far. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

While he knows driving the No. 48 car is a huge deal that comes with a lot of added pressure, Bowman isn’t going to allow it to get to him this season.

“I think the biggest thing for me is that there’s not a car number in the world or a situation in the world that’s going to put more pressure on me than I put on myself,” he says. “Obviously, I want to win for Hendrick Motorsports and for Chevrolet and for Ally and for everybody that makes this deal possible. More so than any of that, I just want to win for me, so I put a ton of pressure on myself each and every week to go do that and to run well, to run how we should.

“Outside situations don’t really add to that. I probably put too much stress and too much pressure on myself at times, but I really care about how we run. It’s not because somebody’s saying, ‘Oh, the 48 (car) has to go win or needs to go win a championship.’”

Hendrick knows Bowman has what it takes to win and is looking forward to seeing what he can do.

“I’m super excited about this year,” he says. “Alex can definitely win; he had a bunch of second-place finishes. He’s just going to get better.”

Though he hasn’t been in the shop as much during the offseason due to the pandemic, Bowman knows that the key to his Cup Series is consistency. He wants

www.LovinLife.com

to represent Hendrick Motorsports the right way.

“Anytime you walk through the front door at Henrick Motorsports you know there’s a standard here and it’s a very high standard,” Bowman says. “The expectation is to win a lot of races and to win championships.”

Bowman believes he and his team can make a lot of noise if they can run this season similarly to the way they ran last season’s playoffs.

Last year’s winner Bowman’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott may just be NASCAR’s single biggest fan favorite. He’s coming off of a season in which he won the championship at Phoenix Raceway, and he is ready to defend his title.

Despite last season’s championship, however, Elliott believes he and his team have more work to do and can get even better.

“The cool thing for me, is that I think there’s more for us to go get,” Elliott says.

“I don’t think we’re at our very best in every category, which is really cool for me and something our team should be able to take a lot of pride in, to have the result we did last year but also know that we can still improve in some pretty big ways.”

Hendrick says he feels Elliott is at an alltime confidence level. Bowman echoes that feeling.

“The confidence level with Chase Elliott is unbelievable,” Hendrick says. “They really believe they can win every week. He’s way more mature than his age.”

“They’ve been really dialed in for a long time, and I think that’s just going to continue,” Bowman says. “Chase has always been confident, especially on the race-

track. He’s always been a confident guy.”

Elliott recognizes his confidence level and feels as though the 2021 Cup Series can be a successful one. He says winning a championship plays a huge role in that.

“I think for me, I’ve just been trying to enjoy all of the different situations and scenarios that I’ve been a part of,” he says.

“Obviously, winning a championship is great. I think it brings confidence to our entire team. I’ve really just enjoyed winning and enjoyed racing.”

Elliott ran about five or six races in the offseason. He says that at 25 years old, he’s just doing the best he can to enjoy life and take every opportunity placed in front of him.

He recognizes sports as a whole are a “what have you done lately” game. Even though he’ll run this Cup Series as the defending champion, he knows he can’t afford to take his foot off the gas pedal.

“No matter what you do, if you have a bad stretch or don’t do well, they’re going to come after you about whatever you’ve done recently,” Elliott says. “On the flip side of that, too, if you have a good run after being trash for a year, everybody is going to be hyping you up and jumping on the bandwagon.

“It’s all about performance. We want to push and continue to do good for ourselves and push our team internally.

That’s all that really matters to me.”

Hendrick says his driver is in a fantastic headspace. He thinks this season can be a special one for the Georgia native.

“I think Chase has such a sharp head on his shoulders,” Hendrick says. “You don’t have to tell him too much. He celebrated and now he’s ready to go and try and do it again. He’s got his head on right. He’s a competitor, but he takes it all in stride. I’m

really excited about this year for Chase.”

Elliott is going to do his best to live through the peaks and valleys of the season while staying as levelheaded as possible.

He knows being the defending champion brings many, many more eyeballs. In the end, he wants to be one of the best and most consistent drivers the sport has to offer.

“I think there’s a small group of guys that can win literally every week, that nobody would be a bit surprised if they won the race,” Elliott says. “I think that I can want our team to be a part of that conversation as well. I want to get to the point that when we leave the racetrack, that nobody is surprised that we won.”

Elliott will return to the site of his championship victory. For McDowell, this season’s race in Phoenix carries more weight.

“Any time it’s a hometown race it’s special,” McDowell says. “My wife and I like to make a trip out of it and get to see all of our family. This year it’s even more so special — just bringing the hardware back to Arizona and representing Arizona as its first Daytona 500 champion.

“That was very cool and was a very special moment. I’m really looking forward to coming back home and seeing everybody and just being able to celebrate that.”

MORE INFO

What: NASCAR Cup Series Race When: 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 14 Where: Phoenix Raceway, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale Cost: Visit website for information Info: 1-866-408-7223, phoenixraceway.com

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Dining

The Forming of Irish Soda Bread Mediterra Bakehouse shares its popular recipe

BY CLAIRE NATALE As with many great creations, it is the drive of necessity that leads to them. Irish soda bread has become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States and is commonly thought of as a popular bread in Ireland. However, its history is somewhat unclear.

The Native Americans are credited with first combining a natural form of soda, pearl ash created from the ashes of wood to leaven bread without yeast. In 1824, Mary Randolph’s “The Virginia Housewife” includes a recipe for soda cake with baking soda as a leavening agent. This process became popular.

Historically, Irish flour did not have a high gluten content, which is needed to rise when using yeast. Baking soda, when combined with an acid, creates a reaction that helps “soft” wheat to rise.

Financial hardships and inexpensive items led to soda bread’s creation. These quick breads are made of “soft” wheat flour, baking soda, sour milk and salt and

was even popular among Irish lower and working classes.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, fresh milk was consumed as a beverage. Sour milk, which was usually thrown away, is used to react with the baking soda. Today, buttermilk is substituted.

The shape and baking of traditional Irish soda bread are also layered in lore and tradition. Farming families, who did not have ovens, baked the bread in iron pots or on griddles. This resulted in the bread’s signature dense texture with a hard crust.

As time passed, the bread’s shape changed. Ireland’s northern regions divide the dough into four and create triangular shapes. It is then cooked on a flat

griddle.

In the south, the dough is baked in a classic round loaf with a crosscut, which “lets the fairies out” and wards off evil.

Today, this classic recipe has evolved to include butter, eggs and flavorings from raisins, caraway seeds or orange zest.

Mediterra Bakehouse, a family-owned and -operated bread bakery, has peddled its version of Irish soda bread for more than a decade every March. Studded with golden raisins and caraway seeds then topped with Demerara sugar, Mediterra

Bakehouse prides itself on its old-world techniques, making each loaf by hand.

The staff uses the best ingredients, including the heritage grains the bakery farms and mills into flour.

Mediterra’s Irish soda bread can be found at a local farmers markets, Valley Whole Foods and AJ’s Fine Foods.

Mediterra Bakehouse

226 S. Main Street, Coolidge mediterrabakehouse.com

Mediterra Bakehouse’s Irish Soda Bread Ingredients: - 3-2/3 cup bread flour - 3 teaspoons salt - 1.5 teaspoons baking soda - 1.5 teaspoons baking powder - 13.8 ounces buttermilk - 4 teaspoons caraway seeds - 1 cup golden raisins - 1 to 2 tablespoons Demerara sugar Directions: Combine ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixers. Mix on low for 3 minutes. Increase speed to medium and mix for 3 more minutes. Reduce speed to low and mix for 2 final minutes.

Shape dough into two 20-ounce rounds. Place each on a cooking sheet, cover with a light cloth and let proof for 1 hour in a draft-free area.

Preheat over to 375 degrees. Cut a cross 3/4-inch deep on top of the dough. Sprinkle with Demerara sugar. Bake for 40 minutes on a baking sheet.

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AREA AGENCY ON AGING CELEBRATES SOCIAL WORK MONTH 2021 #SocialWorkIsEssential

HONORING OUR SOCIAL WORKERS To speak to a social worker call the 24-Hour Senior HELP LINE 602-264-4357

www.LovinLife.com

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Columns Hospice Is Hope

Social workers are essential — especially at HOV

BY LIN SUE COONEY

Director of Community Engagement, Hospice of the Valley

Ron Haholy had given up on a motor scooter, because his insurance didn’t cover it. Only his Hospice of the Valley social worker Kim Boersema realized how sad that made him.

The 70-year-old had endured a lot. He lost his wife and was struggling with serious illnesses that severely affected his mobility. Kim just knew a scooter would change his life. As soon as one was donated to one of our five White Dove Thrift Shoppes, she snatched it up.

Hospice of the Valley social worker Erin Butler worked with Valley Metro to help her patient, Tressie Jennings, ride a train — virtually.

Hospice of the Valley picked up the tab, and Kim surprised Ron with the gift of independence. Now, he takes his dog for walks (and rides), visits friends in his Glendale neighborhood, and does his own grocery shopping. “I felt like a new person,” Ron exclaims.

It’s only fitting that the theme of 2021’s Social Work Month in March, is “Social Workers are Essential.”

At Hospice of the Valley, about 100 medical social workers assist patients, families and caregivers with sensitive end-of-life conversations and advance care planning; link them to social and community resources they didn’t know even existed; and provide emotional support at a most

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challenging time.

“Living with a chronic or terminal illness brings a multitude of changes and stressors,” says Cheri Rednour, a Hospice of the Valley clinical resource social worker. “We understand how illness impacts all facets of someone’s life, and we focus on meeting all those needs — emotional, physical, relational, spiritual, cultural and practical.”

When the pandemic hit Arizona early last year, our social workers quickly adapted to provide telehealth support via phone, video or window visits to help family members see and hear their loved ones when health restrictions kept them apart.

“Many times, we were the lifeline for these family members who were not allowed into facilities,” Cheri says.

“Our social workers would sit with a dying patient when their loved ones couldn’t be there. They exemplify resilience.”

Social workers feel especially rewarded when they help fulfill their patients’ dreams.

“There is a misperception that life pauses or stops when you come on hospice.

It’s exactly the opposite. We want to bring life into the home,” says Erin Butler, a clinical resource social worker.

When Erin learned that 103-year-old Tressie Jenning’s one life regret was never riding on a train, she cooked up a solution for her bed-bound hospice patient: a virtual ride on the light rail. Valley Metro created a video from Tressie’s point of view, as if she were buying a ticket, looking out the window and greeting passengers on the train. Tressie, her daughter and caregiver watched the adventure on Erin’s lap-

top. “It was magical! Seeing Tressie smile was a gift to me,” Erin shares.

Ron Davis was on cloud nine after his social worker, Andrea Toczek, set up a longed-for helicopter ride out of Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport, with help from DreamCatchers and Canyon State Aero. “I’m not used to people doing stuff like this for me,” he gushes, bashfully. “Andrea is great, nothing is impossible for her. I was just amazed!”

“I love that we are encouraged to think outside the box and really do things that will make our patients happy and live out whatever time they have left in the way they would want,” Andrea says.

Both Kim and Michelle Bales were family caregivers whose firsthand experiences inspired them to become medical social workers.

“I am now in a position to help others like me when the needs are overwhelming,” says Kim, a former teacher. “The experience is unique for each person, but the feeling of hope and support when a Hospice of the Valley care team came to my home was amazing. I think that feeling is universal to all of our patients.”

Michelle specializes in dementia care.

“I helped care for my father who had advanced dementia. I wish I knew then what I know now,” she says. She enjoys showing family caregivers how to communicate with their loved ones — using favorite foods, mechanical dogs and cats, music therapy, baby dolls and stimulating tactile objects.

“When a connection occurs, we have nonverbal patients speaking, sad patients smiling, and families thrilled to have a new positive way to interact and create memories,” Michelle says. “I feel so fortunate to

Hospice of the Valley social worker Michelle Bales’ patient, Janet Evans, adores her mechanical dog.

(Photos courtesy Hospice of the Valley)

help people live well with dementia.”

Social worker Pam Ruzi serves medically fragile children with life-limiting illnesses and witnesses the heartbreak of parents who often feel helpless. “I try to really listen and hear their needs so I can provide the best support possible.”

One of her most gut-wrenching cases was a home birth years ago. Although the couple knew their baby boy would be born with medical complications, they expected him to be born alive. When he was stillborn, they were in a state of shock.

“I did the baby’s handprints and footprints — I knew they wanted the memories. Then I spent time with their 12-yearold son, who was quite distraught, and I explored the parents’ wishes for end-oflife plans. That’s how I found out they wanted the baby baptized, so I asked our chaplain to come. I was also able to support the midwife, who had confided in me that this was her first stillborn,” Pam says.

“People often wonder how I do this job, but truly, it’s an honor and a blessing to be in families’ homes at such difficult, emotional and private times. I learn more from them than I will ever be able to give back.”

Lin Sue Cooney is director of community engagement at Hospice of the Valley. For information on services and programs, call 602-530-6900 or visit hov.org.

www.LovinLife.com

The Healthy Geezer

Patients shouldn’t stop beta-blockers on their own

BY FRED CICETTI

Q

Is it dangerous to take a beta-blocker for high blood pressure?

A

There was one study that found that beta-blockers may increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke if you are using them to treat high blood pressure alone. If you are taking a beta blocker, discuss it with your doctor. Warning: Don’t stop taking the drug on your own.

Beta-blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are medications that reduce your blood pressure by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline.

When you take beta blockers, the heart beats more slowly and with less force; this reduces blood pressure. Beta-blockers also help blood vessels open up to improve blood flow.

Doctors prescribe beta-blockers to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in a variety of other conditions, such as irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), heart failure, chest pain (angina), heart attacks, glaucoma, migraines, generalized anxiety disorder, hyperthyroidism and tremors.

The following are the brand names for common beta-blockers: Sectral, Tenormin, Kerlone, Zebeta, Cartrol, Tandate, Lopressor, Toprol XL, Corgard, Levatol, Visken, Inderal, Betapace and Blocadren.

Q

How should I go about choosing a surgeon?

A

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) recommends that you look for a surgeon who is board certified and a fellow of the college.

Specialty boards certify physicians who meet published standards. For physicians to become board certified in a surgical specialty, they must complete the required years of residency training in that specialty and then pass a comprehensive examination.

The specialty boards issue certificates www.LovinLife.com

that are valid for six to 10 years. To retain certification, physicians must become recertified and must show continuing education in their specialty.

Fellows of the ACS are board-certified surgeons whose education, training, professional qualifications, surgical competence and ethical conduct have been found to be consistent with the college’s standards. The letters “FACS” after a surgeon’s name stand for Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

If you want to know about a surgeon, you can phone your state or county medical association for help. Or you can just ask a prospective surgeon to provide credentials. Often, you can find the information you need hanging in frames on a surgeon’s office walls.

Q

What questions should I ask before undergoing an operation?

A

Here is a list of significant questions you can ask you doctor before the surgery: • Why do I need the operation?

• Do I need it now, or can it wait?

• What happens if I don’t have the operation?

• What are the benefits of having the operation?

• How long will the benefits last?

• What are the risks of having the operation?

• Are there alternatives to surgery?

• How will the surgery affect my quality

Geezer...continues on page 25

Puzzles ACROSS 1 June honoree 4 Say it’s so 8 Pretzel topper 12 Past 13 Travel permit 14 Done with 15 Brock of baseball 16 Alaskan city 18 Heron’s kin 20 Army address 21 Dalai -24 Slow, in music 28 Right to vote 32 Cash advance 33 201, in old Rome 34 Heat to near boiling 36 GOP org.

37 Priestly vestments 39 Cheap ride section 41 “Yum!” 43 Novelist Hunter 44 Steal from 46 Cowboy’s workplace 50 Spur on 55 Tic-tac-toe win 56 Nerd’s kin 57 Hostels 58 Hooting bird 59 Big wind 60 Track tipster 61 Carrier to Amsterdam DOWN 1 Valley 2 Awestruck 3 Gloomy

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 17 19 22 23 25 26 27 28

ANSWERS ON PAGE 25

Online images Sportscaster Scully Computer key Stadium cheers Reddish-brown horse “Selma” director DuVernay Table support Three, in Rome Texas tea Sprite PC alternatives Marble type Asta’s feeder Tart flavor As soon as “Shoo!”

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

29 30 31 35 38 40 42 45 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Bruins’ sch.

Little lies Mountain ht.

Most loved Painter’s motion Genetic letters Thee Telly watcher Cranny Batman’s hood Actress Celeste Early bird?

PBS funder Cartoon frame Yucatan year Wildebeest

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.

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Gardening

House plants can lead to happiness

BY NATALIE GILLILAND

Poppies Flower Shop

Welcome to

LIFE AT A new neighborhood is coming to La Loma Village, and you can be the first to call it home. The Orchard at Rancho La Loma will welcome residents to live life on their terms, and enjoy each day to the fullest, in the midst of peaceful tranquility and exceptional amenities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join the Founders Club today and receive priority choice of your new residence at the lowest prices offered.

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Last month, we talked about how to keep succulents happy (even though they can be a little bit fussy!). Now I want to turn our attention on how plants actually keep us happy and healthy. I have a lot of plants in my house, and I do believe that they provide many, many benefits to their housemates. The good news is that science agrees.

One of the personal benefits that plants bring is the joy of caring for something. I have had a shamrock plant that I grew from seeds about eight years ago. I still get extreme joy and satisfaction every time it blooms those wonderful little white flowers.

While it can be tricky to grow plants from seeds, we are fortunate that in Arizona, we hardly have to worry about frost and freezing temperatures, which makes it slightly easier. Phoenix is in zone 13, which is a lower desert zone. If you decide to grow something from seeds, make sure you research which zone it will work in so you can have the most success.

I will be sharing a great “how-to” formula that I use for growing flowers from seeds in the fall.

One known, scientific benefit of having houseplants is that they increase the oxygen in your home and reduce or absorb the carbon dioxide. In turn, that creates a much healthier environment for us.

One recommendation I always have is to find a great plant that loves humidity and keep it in your bathroom. It creates an in-home “oasis,” and the plant will be incredibly happy with the humidity from the shower.

There have been many scientific studies that show plants can in-

crease creativity, productivity and overall quality of life. In my experience, I find that people are generally more productive when not working in a “cold” or “stale” office space. Having real plants (sorry, fake plants, you just do not do it for us!) in a home or office can stimulate more creativity simply by bringing the outdoors inside. We have seen a huge increase in plant and succulent sales at our store in the last several months. Young adults in their early 20s are eager to become “plant parents” for the first time, and older adults are encouraged by the health benefits that are often reported by having plants in the home.

Another great benefit of having houseplants of any kind is the stress relief that they can provide. One great therapy that has been around for decades is horticulture therapy. The process of potting plants and working with plants can be incredibly therapeutic for people. Personally, I find that when my hands are in the dirt, separating out roots and ensuring my plants are well nourished gives me a great sense of peace.

I often hear people say, “I don’t have a green thumb,” and it prevents them from having plants. I always say, give it a try and find an easy plant to start with. Once you can keep one alive, then get another one and another one! Before you know it, you will have your own plant oasis and will be reaping the benefits they offer.

Happy planting!

Natalie Gilliland owns Poppies Flower Shop at Norterra, 2450 W. Happy Valley Road, Suite 1147, Phoenix. For more information, visit poppiesflowershop. com, email info@ poppiesflowershop.com or call 480-649-7100.

The Orchard is a neighborhood of La Loma Village, and is owned and operated by Sun Health, Arizona’s leading advocate for healthy living.

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Colorectal screenings should be a priority during pandemic

BY DR. TARA OSTROM

Associate Medical Director, OptumCare Primary Care

Did you know that one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers in the United States is colorectal cancer? In fact, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and is the third-leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This year’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is even more important because, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many clinics were closed and appointments — including important cancer screenings — were canceled or delayed.

When it comes to your colon health, age plays an important factor. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 90% of people with colon cancer are diagnosed after age 50, and the average age at diagnosis is 72. Detecting colorectal

cancer early is important. When colorectal cancer is found at Stage 1, before it has spread, the five-year relative survival rate is about 90%, according to the American Cancer Society. When the cancer progresses and spreads outside the colon or rectum, survival rates are lower.

Screening is as important now as it was before the pandemic. It’s recommended that anyone 50 and older gets a colorectal screening, which is an essential preventive measure. With COVID-19, patients might think that a hospital is the last place they should go now. However, hospitals and clinics are following protocols to sanitize, socially distance and keep infected people in isolated areas to ensure patients are safe and feel comfortable. There are also new in-home colon cancer screening tests that were recently launched by medical groups, including OptumCare Primary Care, to ensure that patients are still managing their health when their screening is due.

Here are the colorectal cancer screening tests recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: • Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) kits: an in-home colon cancer screening test to detect blood in the stool.

• FIT-DNA: combines the FIT with a test that detects altered DNA in the stool.

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: detects polyps or cancer inside the rectum and lower third of the colon.

• Colonoscopy exam: a tiny camera on a flexible tube transmits images of the inside of the colon to discover any growths or abnormalities, such as polyps and cancers.

• Virtual colonoscopy: uses X-rays and computers to produce images of the entire colon.

Geezer...continued from page 23

PUZZLE ANSWERS

of life?

• Where can I get a second opinion?

• What experience do you have performing this surgery?

• Where will the operation be done?

• Will I have to stay overnight in the hospital?

• Is it possible to have same-day surgery as an outpatient?

• What kind of anesthesia will I need?

• What are the side effects and risks of having anesthesia?

In addition, while in-person appointments are beneficial for colon health, virtual appointments are also an option and are available at OptumCare Primary Care Clinics.

Lifestyle approaches, especially related to diet and exercise, can also lower your risk of colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Being overweight and physically inactive, consuming high amounts of alcohol, red meat and processed meat have been shown to increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

In short, with colorectal cancer, prevention is key. So being prepared and aware of your options is vital to staying healthy.

Through screenings, understanding risk factors, and engaging in a healthy lifestyle and healthier choices, lives can be saved.

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• How long will it take me to recover?

• Will I be in pain? How long will the pain last?

• When will I be able to go home after the surgery?

• What will the recovery be like?

• Can you draw a diagram and explain how you do the surgery?

• Can you please mark the part of my body you will operate on?

• Is there anything else I should know about this surgery?

There is a reason we have been helping people change their lives with Reverse Mortgages for over 30 years.

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When Marjorie and Steve were young, they didn’t think about owning a home, let alone retirement!

As they grew older, as we all do, they wanted the American dream, owning a home. That dream for Marjorie and Steve took hard work.

With a good job, paying the bills, mortgage and of course keeping up with the kids, their house is more than just a home. It is the family they’ve built and the life they have lived. It was worth it all.

Now nearing retirement age, they are looking forward to enjoying what they earned. Marjorie and Steve couldn’t wait to sit back and relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. But even with all their careful planning, unforeseen events and unexpected expenses diminished the assets they set aside for their retirement. The only realistic option they could see was to sell their retirement home in Sun Lakes.

It felt like an impossible task.

Luckily, their son, knowing how

hard they worked and desired to stay in their home, suggested an alternative; a reverse mortgage.

Marjorie and Steve’s credit card debt were not a part of their retirement plans, but Sun American Mortgage stepped in to help turn a bad situation into an opportunity for them to stay in their home. With 30 years of experience assisting Arizona seniors in similar situations Sun American Mortgage is a leader in the Reverse Mortgage industry.

Instead of selling their precious home they worked so hard for in Sun Lakes, Marjorie and Steve were able to turn to the equity in their own home to pay off their credit card debt and get back on track to retire better.

With their reverse mortgage line of credit, they can take money in and out of their home without recourse.

They can make payments on their reverse mortgage if they want to, but also feel safe knowing that in a pinch, no payment is required. They pay their property taxes, homeowners’

insurance and HOA fees as always.

Marjorie and Steve have options.

They can simply pay the interest, make a full payment every other month, make two payments every month, or never make a payment again for as long as they live in the house. The reverse mortgage gave them the flexibility to live the future they dreamed of, even though their retirement plans didn’t go quite as planned, they can… retire better.

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This material is not provided by, nor was it approved by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) or by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

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MARCH 2021

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March is DVT Awareness Month

BY DR. LAWRENCE PRESANT

Chief Medical Officer, Arizona Vein Specialists

The arrival of spring means it is once again time to shed a light on a commonly occurring medical condition that affects 1 in 1,000 people annually and 1 in 100 people over the age of 75.

The condition is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and March is DVT Awareness Month.

DVT is a blood clot that occurs in the deep venous systems of your body. Usually, it forms in the lower leg during long periods of immobility, such as long plane flights, car rides and extended periods of bed rest.

People with known or undetected cancer are also at risk.

It is important to understand the symptoms of DVT, because ignoring them could have fatal consequences. According to the CDC, 10% of people who have DVT will suffer from a life-threatening blocked artery in the lung known as a pulmonary embolism.

Some common DVT symptoms are pain, swelling, warmth and redness in the

area where the blood clot has formed.

You should seek medical attention immediately if you have all these symptoms and begin to develop breathlessness and chest pain.

Despite the serious symptoms DVT can be prevented. One of the best ways to limit your risk is to remain as mobile as you can. Walking prevents sluggish blood flow, which means a blood clot is less likely.

Avoid high-risk activities such as smoking or a high-cholesterol diet.

If you are diagnosed with DVT, there are treatments available. The most common treatment is the administration of anticoagulant medication either orally or by injection for different lengths of time.

Using compression stockings or wraps while walking also helps. On rare occasions, blood clots can be dissolved, stented, bypassed or surgically removed.

DVT is a serious health concern, and sadly, most people do not know they could be at risk, but by simply sharing basic information on DVT you could make a huge difference and potentially saving a life.

Call Inogen Today To Request Your FREE Info Kit

1-844-201-2758 © 2020 Inogen, Inc. All rights reserved.

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