Lovin' Life After 50 Tucson- March

Page 1

March 2023 Safety is Key Bathroom accessibility is important to Mobility Plus Salad Nation Owners want what’s best for the community Controlling a Contrary Closet Tucson business makes organization king Tucson Edition Los Lobos thrives on other bands’ music Page 12 It’s Addictive New Italian restaurant concept replaces Reilly North CONTACT US TODAY TO LEARN MORE 1-888-231-2818 (TTY 711) 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday - Friday | AlignmentHealthPlan.com

To learn more, call us today and schedule your free, no-commitment demonstration!

Hear better and live better with Augmented Xperience (AX). Look for it in full range of Signia hearing aid styles, models and price points.

AZ technology delivers speech that sounds clearer and closer to you - speech as it was always meant to heard. It’s speech clarity your

will notice, and it’s only available in Signia Hearing aids with AX technology.

2 | MARCH 2023 www.LovinLife.com What can you learn about senior living at our next event? A whole bunch. CARF-ACCREDITED INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING 6300 East Speedway Boulevard • Tucson, AZ VillaHermosaSeniorLiving.com • 520.704.6465 BESTOF 2022 Join us for an informative presentation on senior living. Afterwards, take a tour of our community and enjoy a delicious lunch. To RSVP, please call 520.704.6465.
&
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15TH • 11:30AM It’s casual, easy, and you’re invited. 5431 N Oracle Rd. • Suite 104 • Tucson, AZ 85704 • 520-219-1151 Be Brilliant™ For a better hearing experience, you need Augmented Xperience. Discover the hearing aids that 94% of wearers report excellent speech understanding.* Offers available only through 3/31/23 $500 OFF HEARING AID PURCHASE RISK-FREE, 2-WEEK TRIAL. Zero cost. Zero obligation. Accepting most major insurance. | AARP Discounts.
Lunch
Learn
520-219-1151 NEW Upgraded eWindScreen for smarter, faster wind noise reduction. + Improved AX Soundscape Processing to help you engage in challenging sound environmments.**
*See store for more details. ** Available in select styles and models. Jill Klein, PHD Arizona State Licensed & Board Certified Hearing Specialists SIGNIA Authorized Dealer
ears

Oro Valley, AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side effects.

The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness, tingling, pain, and balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves to degenerate – an insidious and often painful process.

cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “BandAid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further action.

Thankfully, Oro Valley is the birthplace of a brandnew facility that sheds new light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at hand.

1. Finding the underlying cause

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage (above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

3. The amount of treatment required for the patient’s unique condition

Arrowhead Physical Medicine in Oro Valley AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00. Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results:

1. Increases blood flow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

The treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling

It’s completely painless!

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND MOST INSURANCES!!

The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long as you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is hope!

Arrowhead Physical Medicine begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage – a complimentary service for comprises a detailed your friends and family.sensoryEach exam evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings.

Arrowhead Physical Medicine begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage –a complimentary service for comprises a detailed your friends and family. Each sensory exam evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy ndings.

Arrowhead Physical Medicine will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until December 31st 2022. Call (520) 934-0130 to make an appointment

Arrowhead Physical Medicine will be o ering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until February 28, 2023. Call (520) 934-0130 to make an appointment

Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10 c allers Y OU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL (520) 934-0130… NOW!!

We are extremely busy, so we are unavailable, please leave a voice message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

Arrowhead Physical Medicine 10425 N Oracle Rd., Suite 125 Oro Valley, AZ, 85737

Depending on your coverage, your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

520-934-0130

3 MARCH 2023 | www.LovinLife.com 10 Safety is Key Bathroom accessibility is important to Mobility Plus Features 18 Fentonelli’s: It’s Addictive New Italian restaurant concept replaces Reilly North 19 Salad Nation Owners want what’s best for the community 21 What’s Cooking? The iconic Tunnel of Fudge Bundt Cake Food & Drink 22 Ask the Expert 23 The Healthy Geezer Columns Publisher Steve T. Strickbine Vice President Michael Hiatt Executive Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Senior Account Executive Gordon Wood Production/Design Supervisor Shannon Mead Graphic Designer Tonya Mildenberg Contributors Fred Cicetti, Jan D’Atri, J.D. Hayworth, David Leibowitz, Linda Ray, Karen Schaffner, Alan Sculley, Valerie Vinyard 12 Under Cover(s) Los Lobos thrives on other bands’ music 14 Calendar of Events Entertainment ©2023 by EOS Publishing, LLC. Lovin’ Life After 50 is a monthly publication dedicated to informing, serving and entertaining the active adults of Arizona. It is published by EOS Publishing, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company. Another quality product of the East Valley Tribune. 1900 W. Broadway Rd., Tempe, AZ 85282 • 480-898-6500 An Ageless Attitude Since 1979 Proud Member of Arizona Newspapers Association 4 Leibo At Large 6 Hayworth’s Opinion Opinion inside THIS ISSUE 8 Controlling a Contrary Closet Tucson business makes organization king
PERIPHERAL
PAIN TREATMENTS
WORKING!!
WARNING!
NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC
NOT
934-0130* *this is a paid advertisement*
*(520)
10425 N Oracle Rd., Suite 125 Oro Valley, AZ 85737
Lovin’ Life After 50 is distributed by AZ Integrated Media a circulation company owned & operated by Times Media Group The public is limited to one copy per reader. For circulation services, please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@phoenix.org. To start or stop delivery of the paper, please visit: https://timespublications.com/phoenix/ or call 480-898-7901 To receive your free online edition subscription, please visit: https://lovinlife.com/subscribe/

JOIN US IN-PERSON OR ONLINE FOR THE FOLLOWING EVENTS

Tuesday FEBRUARY 7

Thursday FEBRUARY 9

Tuesday FEBRUARY 14

Wednesday FEBRUARY 15

Friday FEBRUARY 17

Tuesday FEBRUARY 28

Leibo At Large

Arizona lawmakers won’t drag you down

GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT: RECOMMENDED VACCINES

3:00 p.m.

Melissa Levine, MD Arizona Community Physicians

EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE: IMPROVING YOUR HEART HEALTH

10:00 a.m.

Marija Zaruba, DPT, TMC Outpatient Therapy

IS A TRUST RIGHT FOR YOU?

2:00 p.m.

Shanelle Schmitz, JD, Law Office of David I. Karp

HEART SMART EATING FOR YOUR HEALTH

10:00 a.m.

Mary Mellady, MHA, RDN, TMC Wellness

PREVENTION TO SLOW CARDIOVASCULAR AGING

1:00 p.m.

Greg Koshkarian, MD, Pima Heart & Vascular

HELP! NAVIGATING AZ LONG TERM CARE (ALTCS) & VA AID & ATTENDANCE

2:00 p.m.

David Karp, PLLC, Law Office of David I. Karp

Please register in advance for both in-person or virtual classes at tmcaz.com or by calling 520.324.1960

For more information and full list of events, visit tmcaz.com/seniors

When you consider the many threats faced by Arizonans on a daily basis, the usual evils come to mind: double-digit inflation; chaos along the southern border; the fentanyl crisis; the Valley’s massive shortage of housing; our rising violent crime rate.

Toss in political turmoil and the ongoing insanity surrounding the 2022 election and it’s a long list.

All of which explains why this year’s session of the Arizona Legislature has seen conservative Republicans introduce no less than four bills targeted at that noted scourge … drag shows.

Apparently, there are gangs of marauding drag queens all over the state plotting to corrupt your kids. Or as freshman state Sen. Justine Wadsack, who seems to be driving this crazy train, explained at a recent Senate Judiciary committee hearing:

“I have enjoyed many drag queen performances in my day, as an adult, around adults, in a roomful of adults. It’s been a great time. I have nothing wrong with the drag queen performances. … What I do have a problem with is when they go into the public libraries or the schools. I have watched them literally stand onstage wearing a G-string with breast implants. And leaning over to a 5-year-old girl who has a dollar bill in her hand ready to put the dollar bill in this person’s G-string while this person leans over and says, ‘Are you thirsty for some milk, little girl?’ … A 5-year-old does not need to be going up to a drag queen and putting dollar bills in their G-string.”

My guess is you, too, find the above absolutely absurd and completely unbelievable.

There’s not a chance in hell that Southern Arizona Republicans sent someone named “Wadsack” to the Legislature.

Sadly, they did.

Wadsack’s bill to combat drag shows is SB 1698, a poorly written affair which seeks to make it a felony to expose a minor to “an adult-oriented performance or an adult-oriented business,” including a “drag

show,” defined as a performance involving folks who “engage in singing, dancing or a monologue or skit in order to entertain an audience of two or more people,” while wearing clothing or makeup “opposite of the performer’s or group of performers’ gender at birth.”

This heinous offense would carry a minimum five-year prison sentence — surely sobering news for the actors set to appear in the June performances of “Hairspray” at Gammage on the Arizona State University campus.

Also at risk, as I read the bill: any parent who screens “Tootsie,” “Mrs. Doubtfire” or “Big Momma’s House” for a kids’ sleepover party.

Wadsack claimed to have evidence at the committee hearing, where a different anti-drag bill — Anthony’s Kern’s SB 1028, which would ban drag shows on public property or anywhere a child might see it — passed out of committee by a vote of 4-3.

Said Wadsack: “If you guys don’t believe that these things happen, I have the documented proof. I just can’t put them up on the screen for you.”

If you ask me, these proposals sound like what our Legislature has specialized in for as long as I can remember: a solution in search of a problem.

Do I support sexualizing children, or a massive expense of tax dollars to sponsor Drag Queen Story Hour? I absolutely do not.

But the screeching here far outweighs the threat, given that such events targeting children appear to be nonexistent.

From where I sit, the best defense against children being exposed to drag shows — or other sexual material — is something else that apparently doesn’t exist in our state. Responsible parenting.

I miss the days when Arizona’s legislative leaders believed in such principles, instead of political make-believe. Because silly bills like Wadsack’s? They’re a real drag.

4 | MARCH 2023 www.LovinLife.com Opinion
David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

DARE TO COMPARE YOUR MEDICARE BENEFITS.

Alignment Health Plan has had a contract with Medicare since 2006, serving close to 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries today. With Medicare Advantage Plans that cater to your specific needs, you get to control how you live. We offer both HMO and PPO plans, so you can choose from a broad range of doctors. If you call us with a question, a real human will pick up. How do your current Medicare benefits compare?

Eligible for Low Income Subsidy (LIS) or Medicaid?

You may qualify for additional coverage including meals; $500 quarterly dental allowance; $20 monthly groceries;

Additional $225 for a total of $310 quarterly OTC delivered to your home; $20 gasolin e;

Unlimited transportation to and from your doctor, and more.**

Benefits based on Alignment Health the One (HMO) 001 and 002. Alignment Health Plan is an HMO, HMO POS, HMO C-SNP, HMO D-SNP and PPO plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the California, Florida, Nevada and North Carolina Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Alignment Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Alignment Health Plan complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 888-979-2247 (TTY: 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday - Sunday.

**Medicare approved Alignment Health to provide these enhanced benefits and lower c opayments a s p art o f the Value-Based Insurance D esign T his program lets Medicare try new ways to improve Medicare Advantage plans. Members may be eligible for these enhanced benefits and lower copayments based on socioeconomic status or chronic health conditions.

5 MARCH 2023 | www.LovinLife.com
® Alignment Health The One (HMO) 001, 002 Your Medicare Plan Premium $0 Doctor Copay $0 Inpatient Hospital $100 per day, days 1-3 $0 per day, days 4-90 Maximum Out-of-Pocket $2,499 Quarterly Over-the Counter Allowance (OTC) $85 Dental & Vision Coverage $0 24/7 Concierge and Care $0 Preferred Generic/Brand (30-day supply) $0/$40 Preferred Generic/Brand (100-day supply) $0/$120 1-Month Copay for Insulin Through the Coverage Gap No more than $35 Rx Coverage
MAKE PLANS
us a call to learn more: 1-888-231-2818 (TTY:711) 8am8pm, 7 days a week alignmenthealthplan.com
LET’S
Give
Y0141_23485EN_M

Hayworth’s Opinion Balloon fiasco raises questions about Biden

He may not wear a white suit or a string tie — nor sport a silver goatee — but it appears as if Joe Biden wants to emulate the late Colonel Harland Sanders.

Sanders made millions with Kentucky Fried Chicken and franchising that fried fare … well after his 65th birthday.

The popularity of KFC now extends all the way to the People’s Republic of China.

Biden, for his part, hopes to increase his popularity here at home so that he can stay in the White House for eight years — even though he’s now 80. Certainly, he must have fatherly pride in the popularity that his son, Hunter, now enjoys in China, in addition to his business success there.

That’s why it now appears that Ol’ Joe — with considerable help — has developed a national security “secret recipe.”

Admittedly, it is a curious concept — the notion of a deliberately delayed takeout service. Call it “Slow Joe’s ‘Biden’ Our Time.” Ask for it Wednesday, and you’ll see the order carried out on Saturday.

So what transpired off the South Carolina coast on the first Saturday in February could accurately be described as a new type of “Chinese takeout.”

An American fighter jet finally shot down a Chinese surveillance balloon that had unfettered access to some of our most sensitive military sites after a weeklong trek across sovereign U.S. airspace.

Continuing “changes in narrative” emanating from the Potomac swamp began as soon as a video of the balloon taken over Montana was posted to social media sites, and the Billings Gazette published its account on Wednesday, February 1.

The reports from Big Sky gave birth to

RETIRE BETTER

The cost of everything is going up, use a Reverse Mortgage to supplement your tax-free cash flow and Retire Better!

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

WHY IS SUN AMERICAN MORTGAGE THE

RIGHT CHOICE?

• Experience. Sun American wrote the first Reverse Mortgage in Arizona over 30 years ago.

• In-house processing, underwriting, and funding – which means a smooth, consistent and stress-free process for you.

• CPA available to help structure the best way to involve your home equity in your retirement plan, analyzing what is best for your financial future.

• Concentrates on doing what is best for you.

• A+ BBB rated company.

• We make in-home visits statewide; Virtual meetings on-line also available.

WHY A REVERSE MORTGAGE?

• No loan repayment is required as long as you live in your home. Property taxes, insurance and HOA dues must be maintained.

• You retain full ownership and title of your home.

• Both HUD and Proprietary Reverse Mortgage options available

480.467.1000

4140 E. Baseline Rd. #206 • Mesa, AZ 85206 800.469.7383 or SunAmerican.com

a rapidly changing Big Lie.

The immediate challenge for the “Biden Bunch” was clear — somehow our “woke” military leaders had to appear awake, in charge and giving clear advice to the increasingly befuddled “Leader of the Free World.”

Instead of exhibiting the fundamental instinct expected of military leadership — protecting Americans — our now hyper-politicized Pentagon officials were engaging in what they believe to be a much more urgent priority: shielding a lone American octogenarian from any further collapse in his poll numbers.

That led, in turn, to a seemingly endless stream of “clarifications” that could be more accurately described as contradictions.

We were initially informed that American intelligence had been tracking the balloon since it had taken flight in China. Then, for good measure, “unnamed sources” insisted that similar balloons had breached American airspace on four earlier occasions during Donald Trump’s presidency. It was subsequently reported that those incursions had previously been undetected.

To modify the “Orange Man Bad” narrative, the NORAD commander had to go on the record and appear red-faced. Said Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, “It’s my responsibility to detect threats to North America, (and) I will tell you that we did not detect those threats.”

VanHerck then made himself an early favorite for the “Best Bureaucratic Euphemism” award, describing the failure as a “domain awareness gap.”

The ever-helpful Politico then took its turn at creative writing, publishing a “timeline” of the events surrounding the balloon’s flight across America and insisting that Biden wanted the balloon shot down over Montana, but that VanHerck — in cooperation with Joint Chiefs’ Chairman Gen. Mark Milley — persuaded Mr. Biden to wait until the balloon was off the Atlantic Coast before taking any military action.

It’s not enough to call Milley “silly,” but that must suffice for this family publication.

Any American military commander who would brag to Bob Woodward that he intervened to disrupt the chain of command because of his distrust of Donald Trump — to the point of secretly calling his Chinese counterpart to pledge that America would not launch an attack — is not courageous but confused, to put it mildly.

In stark contrast to his oft-observed confusion, Biden had a clear-eyed motive to delay shooting down the balloon — his son’s “business connections” to Beijing.

Hunter hasn’t had the long-term relationship that Kentucky Fried Chicken has enjoyed there, but the younger Biden has been generously compensated by businesses connected to the Chinese Communist Party.

And unlike Colonel Sanders, Biden’s “secret recipe” may result in our collective goose getting cooked.

6 | MARCH 2023 www.LovinLife.com This material is
provided by,
of
& Urban Development (HUD) or by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
not
nor was it approved by the Department
Housing
With a Reverse Mortgage
NMLS#160265 • Mortgage Banker License #AZ BK7548 Se habla Español Call Sun American Mortgage today to speak with a licensed CPA, Financial Planner and Reverse Mortgage expert.
$25 OFF HOUSE CLEANING* *New clients only. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Exp. 3/31/23. Cleaning above the competition! www.tucsonresidentialservices.com Locally Owned & Operated • Serving Tucson Since 2006 LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED 520.207.9699 Quality service, one property at a time. NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR 520.867.0362 CELL • Housecleaning - No Contracts, Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly Services Available • Yard Clean-Up • Handyman Services • House Painting - Minor Stucco Repairs, Interior & Exterior, Drywall Repair & Finishing PROFESSIONAL HOUSE CLEANING, HANDYMAN AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE IN TUCSON copy today!
J.D. Hayworth worked as a sportscaster at Channel 10, Phoenix, from 1987 until 1994 and represented Arizona in Congress from 1995-2007.
7 MARCH 2023 | www.LovinLife.com Ready to Volunteer? We’re ready for you. Learn how you can put your time, knowledge and talent to use volunteering with AARP in Pima County. Help make the communities where you live, work and play the best they can be while engaging with others who share your passion for service. /aarparizona @AARPArizona Get to know us at aarp.org/volunteer or call our Tucson Information Center at 520-571-9884.

Closet CONTROLLING Contrary

Tucson business makes organization king

One of the issues of downsizing is the need for organization. When a retired couple chooses to move into a two-bed/two-bath townhome from a larger family home, they may still have guests, but perhaps they don’t want to give up precious space to a big bed that is only used three times a year.

There is a solution: a Murphy bed.

“You can imagine they’re very popular here in Tucson with retirees,” says Chris Lunsford, a closet expert. “No sense taking up an entire room for (infrequent guests).”

That’s just one organizational solution available these days. As a salesperson for Classy Closets, Lunsford is an organizational expert. He advises and designs solutions for messy and cluttered spaces. For every organizational problem, there’s a solution. It begins, he says, with deter-

mining what the space will be used for. First question: What do you need?

“In an aging situation, the beauty of (a custom closet) is it’s universally adjustable so it can transition with you in the different phases of your life,” Lunsford says. “It can be customized for you today, but you can know in the back of your mind that it can adjust.”

For example, rods can be set up to be easily pulled down to make hanging clothes reachable. Rods that slide out from the closet wall can be installed so clothes may be hung outside the closet, again giving them easy access.

Shelves can be lowered or raised as needed, and drawers can be made to easily slide in and out. Rods are available for ties, belts, scarves, small handbags and hats.

Drawer inserts organize jewelry and increase accessibility. Boots may be hung using a clothing pin attached to a hanger.

importantly, an improvement to everyday life.

“Even wardrobe lifts can be added to assist with reaching,” he says.

“Any of the sections can be customized and located precisely where it’s needed. That can change over time. That’s the fun of the custom product.”

Organizers are not just for clothes closets.

“The entire function of the closet can change,” Lunsford says. “It can go from a clothing closet to a storage closet.”

It all comes at a cost, of course. A 6-foot reach-in closet with basic shelves and a few clothing rods with Classy Closets start at $600 installed, but with a limited lifetime warranty. The price increases depending on addons and finishes.

Though the name says closet, the staff designs kitchens, family room entertainment centers, pantries, laundry rooms and offices. Classy Closets has a showroom at 2010 N. Forbes Boulevard.

Some people might be concerned about their home’s resale value with the

added closet organizers.

“More importantly than the selling point, it’s an improvement to your everyday life,” Lunsford says.

Classy Closets

2010 N. Forbes Boulevard, Suite 105, Tucson

520-326-7888, classyclosets.com

8 | MARCH 2023 www.LovinLife.com
Features
Classy Closets goes beyond enclosures. The staff designs kitchens, family room entertainment centers, pantries, laundry rooms and offices. (Above) Chris Lunsford, a closet expert with Classy Closets in Tucson, says his products are selling points but, more
a
(Right) Jewelry can be organized while being accessible, thanks to Classy Closets. (Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor) Chris Lunsford of Classy Closets says he believes there’s a solution to every organizational problem.

Do you have a dog? We have a class for you. Whether your pup needs enrichment and socialization, behavior modification, or basic manners and life skills, we’ve got classes to help you improve your relationship with your best friend! Find the right class for you and sign up today! www.HSSAZ.org/GOODDOG

9 MARCH 2023 | www.LovinLife.com Humane Society of Southern
Humane
of
training and behavioral resources for
and
who
A
Society
Southern A Compassionate
pets
the people
love them
for veteran and active service
Scholarships Available
military families!

Safety is Key

Bathroom accessibility is important to Mobility Plus

Grab bars in the bathroom aren’t just for the elderly. Just ask Denni Ann Smith.

“My (24-year-old) grandson lived with us, and he had injured his foot rather badly,” she says.

“He was a football player for the University of Arizona. The grab bar helped him when he was taking a shower.”

Then there are the guests.

“If somebody comes to visit you, like my parents, who happen to be in their mid- to late-80s, then you want them to have the comfort of having grab bars,” she says.

Bathroom grab bars made Smith’s life better, too.

“They were wonderful,” she adds. “There were a couple times when you take a step and it wasn’t exactly balanced, and so you could grab on to the grab bars.”

Here’s a rather indelicate but important question: Is your bathroom safe? It’s a valid question for everyone — especially those who want to age in place.

Companies like the Tucson and Oro Valley Mobility Plus stores can help properly equip homes so its owners/residents can remain in them longer.

“Most falls actually happen in the bathroom, getting on and off the toilet or getting in and out of the bathtub,” says Gary Ross, one of the stores’ owners.

“The goal is to prevent the fall. One fall changes your life. Most people don’t recover from it 100%, and some people don’t even return home after that fall.”

These days, mention grab bars and a rather clunky-looking bar attached to the bathroom wall comes to mind.

“It used to be that with grab bars, you had three exposed screws and then you have a line of rust down your shower after a time,” Ross says.

Not so anymore. Smith has a multiangled, two-loop grab bar. That very tool allowed her to stay home after she broke her dominant arm.

“The amazing thing was, and I consider it a major achievement especially at the beginning, is to be able to go to the bathroom (by) yourself,” she says.

Smith, luckily, had a grab bar installed that allowed her to angle it so she could comfortably get up and down when needed.

“Otherwise, I would have had to wake up my husband,” Smith says. “So, from the first day, that made all the difference.”

Grab bars come in several finishes that match bathroom hardware, such as brushed nickel, oiled bronze and good old stainless steel. They come in straight and wavy lines, and even one that encircles the round temperature control. They come as soap dish holders, corner shelves, shampoo shelves and towel bars.

Some prefer not to have a bar in the shower. In that case, there is a bar that juts out from a pole that stretches from the floor to the ceiling. This bar can easily be adjusted.

“We could put grab bars on either side of the bathtub or grab bars that swing out,” Ross says.

For those who have a hard time stepping into and out of a bathtub but aren’t prepared to install a walk-in tub, there’s an option for that.

A portion of the tub’s side wall can be neatly removed, creating a low ledge — the same height as a shower stall. Because modern bathtubs are usually hollow, a sealed, watertight cap is installed

over the open sides and ledge. Then, if you still want a bath, there’s a watertight, removable hood that covers the gap. This can also be installed on a cast iron bathtub.

Getting on and off the toilet can be a challenge, but Ross has that covered.

“The simplest is just a toilet seat riser,” Ross says. “Some of them go on top of the toilet, and you sit on them. Some of them go under the seat so you still get to sit on your seat.”

Risers go from 2 to 5 inches and are made from a solid piece of composite material.

Some people, however, will want the Cadillac of toilet seat risers. It’s a device, called a toilet incline lift, operated by a remote control. This device aids those who may not have a lot of upper and lower body strength.

Safety rails come in a variety of styles. Besides the usual that hooks onto the side or stands independently of a commode, there’s a grab bar that also holds a roll of paper. Starting at $259, it doesn’t resemble a grab bar, but it’s secure.

Safety...continues on page 11

10 | MARCH 2023 www.LovinLife.com
Southern Arizona’s Only Recumbent Trike Store Explore New Terrain Pick-Up and Delivery
E. Ajo Way Unit 117 Tucson, Arizona 85713 for more info visit AjoBikes.com
in Tucson
1301
Gary Ross, a Mobility Plus owner, has solutions for those who find showering, bathing and getting on and off the toilet difficult. (Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor) Handy — and sometimes required — after major surgery, shower chairs are available at Mobility Plus.

For some, getting on and off the toilet can be a challenge. But Mobility Plus can help.

Safety...continued from page 10

Also available is a PT Rail, which comes right or left handed and is installed next to the commode. It can be folded when not in use.

The products are pricy but could be worth the price, however.

“Baby boomers are fiercely independent,” Ross says. “They do not want to have their independence taken. So, if we can stay in our home an extra year, two years, that’s worth (the cost). My job is to keep people at home safely.”

Mobility Plus employs its own workers and charges $80 an hour for installation. They stand behind their work and give a veteran discount. The VA turns to Mobility Plus when veterans need a bathroom remodel.

Relatable business

Ross came to Mobility Plus after his mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The disease robs patients of their ability to control their muscles, so standing and walking can become a challenge and unsafe, especially in the bathroom. Ross quickly realized there was an unmet need for these types of products. He bought into Mobility Plus.

Ross is aware some customers may have to think about purchasing his products, as a family member or friend may have dragged them in. He does find his work satisfying.

“You know you’re meeting people … and you’re giving them the freedom to live their lives a little bit more, a little bit longer on their terms, and that’s huge,” Ross says.

Meanwhile, Smith is happy she took care of bathroom safety before she needed it.

“Just in general, for injuries and other things, it makes a huge difference,” she

says. “All those (devices) have just been invaluable. This is about living your life, and if you have injuries, you’re able to still go on and do what you need to do.”

Mobility Plus

245 S. Plumer Avenue, Suite 2, Tucson 520-225-0415 mobilityplus.com/tucson

10861 N. Mavinee Drive, Suite 155, Oro Valley 520-225-0415 mobilityplus.com/orovalley

thrive

with and beyond cancer.

Knowing you have the right team in place from diagnosis to post-treatment can help bring balance and calm to your healing journey. Arizona Oncology provides world-class comprehensive cancer care, leading-edge technology, clinical trials, and support at 20+ locations across the state. No matter where you are in Arizona, when you choose Arizona Oncology, you have a team of medical professionals close to home who can help you thrive with and beyond cancer. Start your journey at arizonaoncology.com

ARIZONA ONCOLOGY GOODYEAR PHYSICIANS

Govardhanan Nagaiah, MD, MS Medical Oncology and Hematology

623-469-4222

Jennifer O’Neill, MD, FACS Breast Surgical Oncology

623-487-3769

Neil D’Souza, MD Radiation Oncology

623-469-4222

11 MARCH 2023 | www.LovinLife.com
• MEDICAL ONCOLOGY • HEMATOLOGY • RADIATION ONCOLOGY • GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY • BREAST SURGERY • COLORECTAL SURGERY • UROLOGY • RESEARCH • GENETIC RISK ASSESSMENT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, VISIT arizonaoncology.com

Under Cover(s)

Los Lobos thrives on other bands’ music

Perhaps no rock band is better suited to make an album covering songs by other artists than Los Lobos.

For 40-plus years, this band from East Los Angeles has made cover tunes a regular part of their live shows, playing its versions of songs from artists as wide

ranging as Bob Marley, the Grateful Dead, Marvin Gaye, John Lee Hooker, the Blasters and Cream. In fact, Los Lobos’ biggest commercial success came in 1987 with its chart-topping cover of the Ritchie Valens classic “La Bamba” for the movie of the same name.

Not only that, but over the course of a dozen studio albums, Los Lobos has

shown a deep knowledge of blues, rock ‘n’ roll, folk and its native Mexican music and has created a rich catalog of songs that’s stylistically diverse, frequently innovative and somehow also cohesive.

But it took a bit of necessity to make “Native Sons,” the covers album that won Los Lobos...continues on page 16

12 | MARCH 2023 www.LovinLife.com Entertainment
Los Lobos plays Chandler and Tucson in March. (Piero F. Giunti/Submitted)

GO FIGURE!

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.

SUDOKU TIME

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 H H H

H Moderate HH Challenging HHH HOO BOY!

EVEN EXCHANGE

DIFFICULTY

H Moderate HH Challenging HHH 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!

13 MARCH 2023 | www.LovinLife.com ACROSS 1 Pirate’s chart 4 “Shark Tank” network 7 Clench 11 Misfortunes 13 Monk’s title 14 Jeans maker Strauss 15 Grabbed 16 Sailor 17 Opposite of “sans” 18 Lukewarm 20 Soft shoes, for short 22 Eggy quaff 24 Give 28 Limo alternative 32 Orange variety 33 Online auction site 34 “Kapow!” 36 Traditional tales 37 Winter woes 39 Lauded 41 Balloon filler 43 Little rascal 44 Beseech 46 Speak one’s mind 50 Big swig 53 Profit 55 Alike (Fr.) 56 Sheltered 57 -- Jima 58 Activist Parks 59 Twinkler in the sky 60 Venomous viper 61 Campaigned DOWN 1 Catcher’s aid 2 Skin soother 3 Fall into a soft chair 4 Astern 5 “Dracula” author Stoker 6 Ersatz chocolate 7 Fairy-tale footwear 8 Speed (up) 9 “-- had it!” 10 Photo, for short 12 Swimmer without a suit
Medico
Biz
Prattle
New Mexico resort
Shrek, for one 27 Garden intruder
Georgia or Cal 29 Bassoon’s kin 30 Humpty’s perch 31 Knock
Hosp. scan
California’s Big --
I love (Lat.)
Craze 45 Evergreen trees 47 Mr. Stravinsky 48 “Apollo 13” org. 49 Panache 50 Tank filler 51 Last (Abbr.) 52 Meadow
Spinning toy
ANSWERS
19
21
bigwig 23
25
26
28
35
38
40
42
54
Puzzles
ON PAGE 22
THIS WEEK H H H

Calendar of Events

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

Workshop Series led by Josefina Ahumada: “Age to Sage: LGBTQI+ Elders Reflect on the Paths We Took,” 10 a.m. Wednesdays in March, Cornerstone Fellowship, 2902 N. Geronimo Avenue, soazseniorpride.org, free

“Joe Bourne Sings Nat King Cole,” 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., The Century Room, Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress Street, hotelcongress. com, tickets start at $15

Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary, 6 to 9:30 p.m., Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, 1601 E. University Boulevard, flandrau.org, $15. Hear the album as you explore the dark side of the moon with a laser show on the planetarian’s half dome.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

John Richardson: “Rhythms and Ridgelines” Opening Reception, 4 to 7 p.m. FoR Fine Art, 6420 N. Campbell Avenue, forfineart.com, free, exhibit continues 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, through March 31

“Romeo + Juliet,” multiple times and dates, through March 19, Tornabene Theatre, University of Arizona, 1025 N. Olive Road, tickets.arizona.edu, $24

FRIDAY MARCH 3

Ikebana Festival, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through March 5, Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N. Alvernon Way, $15

Women’s Equality: Celebrating Women’s Leadership in Challenging Times, 8 to 9:30 a.m. Zoom Webinar, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in-person after party, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, 4300 E. Broadway Boulevard, lwvtuc-

son.org, $25, hosted by the League of Women Voters Tucson

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

Quarter Horse Racing, 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through April 2, Rillito Park Racetrack, 4502 N. First Avenue, rillitoracetrack. com, $6, parking $5

Tree Care and Planting Workshop, 9 a.m., Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane, missiongarden.org, $60

Guided Geology Hike in Oracle State Park, 9 a.m., Oracle State Park’s Group Use Area Parking Lot, 3820 E Wildlife Drive, Oracle, azstateparks.com, free, registration required

John Pizzarelli and Catherine Russell

Present “Billie & Blue Eyes,” 7:30 p.m., Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, foxtucson.com, tickets start at $27.50

Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore w/ Mark Insley, 8 p.m., The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street, rialtotheatre.com, tickets start at $26

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

“Japanese Netsuke: Upholding Cultural History of Japan,” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive, theminitimemachine. org, $14

MONDAY, MARCH 6

“Big, Big, Bugs,” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court, reidparkzoo.org, $10.50, $6.50 kids 2 to 14

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun: “The Way of the Cross,” through August 30, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, 6300 N. Swan Road, degrazia.org, free

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

Abstract Perspectives in Mid-Century Art, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, until March 25, University of Arizona Mu-

seum of Art and Archive of Visual Arts, 1031 N. Olive Road, artmuseum.arizona.edu, $8

Preview: Arizona Theatre Company presents “Pru Payne,” multiple times and dates until March 25, Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Avenue, arizonatheatre.my. salesforce-sites.com, tickets start at $25

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

Preservation Hall Jazz Band, 7:30 p.m., The Fox Tucson Theatre,17 W. Congress Street, foxtucson.com, tickets start at $37.50

Meet Me Wednesdays: A Social Walk/Run, 5:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Reforma, St. Phillips Plaza, 4310 N. Campbell Avenue, beyond-tucson.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

“A Western Experience” Old Tucson, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, until May 7, Old Tucson, 201 Kinney Road, oldtucson.com, $34

FRIDAY MARCH 10

Los Lobos with Gabby Moreno, 7:30 p.m., The Fox Tucson Theatre,17 W. Congress Street, foxtucson.com, tickets start at $37.50

Stargazing at Tucson Mountain Park, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Ironwood Picnic Area, 7300 W. Hal Gras Road, tucsonastronomy.org, advance registration required

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal, 8 a.m. to noon, Hi Corbett Field, 700 S. Randolph Way, tucsonaz.gov, free, collections take place in a different ward the second Saturday every month, 98% of materials collected through this program are recycled or reused

Tucson Fiddle Contest, 9 a.m., Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley, tucsonfiddlecontest.org, free

Organic Garden Fair and Plant Sale, 9 a.m.

to 1 p.m., St. Mark’s Church’s north parking lot, 3809 E. Third Street, free admission, tucsonorganicgardeners.org, info@tucsonorganicgardeners.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

Paul Chandler Lecture, Icons of the Southern Pacific Railroad, Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole Avenue, tucsonhistoricdepot.org, free

Arizona Opera: “The Sound of Music,” 2 p.m., Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Avenue, tickets.azopera.org, tickets start at $30.

MONDAY, MARCH 13

Adult Loss of Hearing Association (ALOHA) Peer discussion groups provide increased knowledge and understanding in a small group setting. Adaptive resources also are discussed. For more information and to join a group, visit alohaaz.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

Flogging Molly, 7 p.m., The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street, rialtotheatre.com, tickets start at $42.50

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

“How We Fight for our Lives: Memoir” Monthly Book Club, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Cornerstone Fellowship, 2902 N. Geronimo Avenue, soazseniorpride.org, free

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

The Rogue Theatre: “The Seafarer,” various dates and times until March 19, The Rogue Theatre, 300 E. University Boulevard, theroguetheatre.org, tickets start at $32

“Honoring a Life Workshop,” 1 to 3 p.m., Cornerstone Fellowship, 2902 N. Geronimo Avenue, free or by donation to Southern Arizona Senior Pride. Document decisions about your future health care preferences.

Calendar...continues on page 15

14 | MARCH 2023 www.LovinLife.com

Los Lobos...continued from page 12 the Grammy in April 2022 for Best Americana Album, a reality.

After signing a deal with New West Records to make a new album, Los Lobos saxophonist/keyboardist Steve Berlin and his bandmates realized they had bitten off more than they could chew.

“One of the reasons why we did the covers record in the first place was because, little did we know, we had a really busy touring schedule for 2020,” Berlin says.

“Normally we take two months or so off out of the touring schedule to focus on the record. The writers write and we open the studio up and kind of not have to rush anything, just being able to do it on our own time. Historically anyway we’re not fast workers. Normally things take that time.”

But with no breaks in the 2020 tour schedule, that two-month window didn’t exist. That’s why the idea of a covers album came up. If the band took writing an album’s worth of songs out of the equation, an album would be doable. A covers album fit that bill.

Of course, 2020 ended up being a whole lot less busy than expected for Los

Lobos — and virtually every other band — thanks to the pandemic canceling tour after tour. But Los Lobos stuck with the covers project, and it ended up being beneficial to the band, which includes Berlin, David Hidalgo (guitar, accordion, vocals and more), Cesar Rosas (guitar vocals), Louis Perez (guitar, vocals) and Conrad Lozano (bass).

“The interesting thing is we started this record before it (the pandemic) all went down, and in a weird way, it sort of kept us sane, I think,” Berlin says.

“We were able to think about it and work on it intermittently. Once it was OK to travel again — for a while there, it really wasn’t an option — but once it was safe-

ish to travel, we started doing like three or four days a month, maybe like two or three songs and just tried to do whatever we could just to keep the ball rolling, keep ourselves engaged, keep ourselves thinking about music. … In a weird way, that’s how we got through it, kind of coming and going and focusing for a little while and then stepping back.”

Deciding on the type of covers album to make, though, was not an easy question to resolve. Berlin thought back to “Llego Navidad,” the 2019 Los Lobos album based around Mexican holiday songs. Feeling a narrow focus helped to make that project work. Berlin, who produced “Native Sons,” proposed limiting the covers album to songs from Los Angeles artists that had influenced Los Lobos.

“There was not unanimity among the band members as far as whether or not it was a good idea,” Berlin says.

“I think there was significant pushback and some of the guys were like ‘How’s that going to work?’ and ‘Why are we limiting ourselves? I have songs I want to do that are not about LA.’ And I just said, my point to them was let’s just see if it works. If it doesn’t work, we’ll pull the plug, whatever. It doesn’t matter. But let’s give it at least a try and see where it takes us. Let’s just see. So, with that attitude we started.

“So, we cut four songs initially and the plan was to come back (to record more) in a couple of weeks. Then everything shut down,” says Berlin, who along with being in Los Lobos has also had a long and successful career producing other acts. “We just said all right, let’s keep going and keep going, and a couple of months later we had 14 songs without even thinking about it, to the point that we realized we were over what we had been contractually obligated for.”

“Native Sons” is a lively, highly entertaining 13-song album, and it shows that Los Lobos’ own music was shaped by the rich tapestry of musical styles that came out of Los Angeles in the years before and after Los Lobos formed in 1973.

Classic rock is represented by a medley of the Buffalo Springfield’s “Bluebird” and “For What it’s Worth.” There’s jump blues with Percy Mayfield’s “Never No More,” and garage rock is represented with “Farmer John” (made popular by the Premiers). Some vintage roots rock comes courtesy of “Flat Top Joint,” a song by good friends and Los Angeles compatriots the Blasters (which was the band Ber-

lin was in before he joined Los Lobos). Soul music enters the mix with War’s “The World is a Ghetto.” There’s also the sunny pop of Beach Boys’ “Sail on Sailor” and the rich storytelling and country-tinged pop of Jackson Browne’s “Jamaica Say You Will.” Los Lobos’ Mexican musical roots are represented in the songs “Dichoso” and “Los Chucos Suaves.”

What’s interesting is for a band that has always performed at least a cover or two in the vast majority of their concerts, Los Lobos had played few of the songs on “Native Sons” in a live setting.

“That was kind of the idea. We didn’t want to do stuff that we had done a bunch,” Berlin says. “We kind of wanted to tell a story. We wanted it to be kind of like very specifically, at least in some cases, specifically about people that had influenced us or changed our lives in some way, guys who had really mattered to us, like songs that matter, people that matter. It wasn’t a grab bag. We tried to tell a story about more or less what our DNA is. These are the things that brought us here.”

With their deep catalog of songs, Los Lobos has typically changed up their set lists from show to show on tour. And now that new drummer Alfredo Ortiz has been on board since touring resumed and is up to speed on the material, the band should have plenty of options for set lists.

“He (Ortiz) used to play with the Beastie Boys for many years” Berlin says. “But we’ll obviously be featuring the new record, which is great because they (the songs) are super fun to play and the fans always seem to enjoy the covers anyway.”

Los Lobos w/Gaby Moreno

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 10

WHERE: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson

COST: Tickets start at $37.50 INFO: 520-547-3040, foxtucson.com

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11

WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler

COST: Tickets start at $28 INFO: 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org

16 | MARCH 2023 www.LovinLife.com
“There was not unanimity among the band members as far as whether or not it was a good idea.”
– Steve Berlin, Los Lobos saxophonist/keyboardist
17 MARCH 2023 | www.LovinLife.com *Limit one offer per household. Must purchase 5+ Classic/Designer Glide-Out Shelves. EXP 4/30/23. Independently owned and operated franchise. ©2023 ShelfGenie SPV LLC. All rights Reserved. Custom Glide-Out Shelves for your existing cabinets, pantry, and bathroom. Call for Your FREE Design Consultation (855) 227-0135 12 NO INTEREST NO PAYMENTS *On Approved Credit* MONTH 50% OFF INSTALL!

Fentonelli’s: It’s Addictive

New Italian restaurant concept replaces Reilly North

It’s fun to say “Fentonelli’s,” the name Tyler Fenton’s newest restaurant. It’s also fun to eat there.

Fentonelli’s Pizzeria and Bar opened February 9 on North Oracle Road. It replaced Fenton’s Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink North, which opened August 1, 2021.

“We’re celebrating East Coast-inspired Italian American food,” Fenton says. “It’s the kind of family food we grew up eating.”

Fenton, who owns Downtown restaurants Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink, Bata and Barbata, opened Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink North to provide a North Side option.

In a three-day period, the former Reilly’s North was revamped and reimagined into Fentonelli’s. About 85 can sit inside

and another 20 or so on the patio.

Fenton calls it “the opportunity to do something similar but through a new lens. I picture this as a restaurant being in your regular rotation.

With 40 employees, Fentonelli’s boasts a 3,200-square-foot space, which underwent minor tweaks to the décor, such as adding neon signs, a television and checkered throw pillows. The playlist has been replaced with old-school tunes. Think Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

“We just kind of felt we wanted to make some changes,” Fenton says.

He blames his “restless mind” for wanting to do something new.

“It kind of snowballed,” Fenton says. “It went from easy to hard and then to exciting.”

So far, Fentonelli’s appears to be a hit.

“Every opening is fun and wild and a

learning experience,” Fenton says.

The menu underwent a more dramatic tweaking. The menu offers six starters ($8 to $15), ranging from Parmesan-truffle crinkle fries ($8) to juicy and oversized tomato-braised beef meatballs with garlic bread ($15).

Reilly fans will rejoice when they see the crispy Brussels sprouts with hot sauce and pecan brittle ($10) cloned on the Fentonelli’s menu. The appetizer has the same blend of spicy, sweet and savory flavors.

Less adventurous diners can opt for cheesy garlic bread ($9), fried bread sticks ($10), or house-made mozzarella sticks and marinara ($12).

When it comes to the three salads, the Caesar ($11) is a giant. The teetering pile of romaine was liberally dusted with Parmesan and dressed with a roasted garlic dressing and tasty croutons. Overall, it was very filling and enough for a satisfying meal.

Other salads include the house ($10), with mixed greens, carrot, celery, red onion, Parmesan and a choice of dressing, and the chopped ($12), with romaine, salami, pepperoncini, provolone, artichoke hearts and olives.

The pizzas are a more generous 16inch size versus the 12-inch pies at Reilly’s. Six varieties include the marinara ($18), which is a cheeseless pie that is topped with tomato sauce, garlic, breadcrumbs, oregano and basil; fennel sausage and roasted peppers ($25) with tomato sauce, mozzarella and provolone; and roasted mushroom ($24) with cream sauce, mozzarella and truffle cheese.

The dough’s long fermentation renders a crust with a crispy exterior, and a fluff y, somewhat chewy interior with a slight char. The pizzas experience a longer bake time with a slightly lower oven temperature, resulting in added structure.

18 | MARCH 2023 www.LovinLife.com
Food & Drink
Fentonelli’s Pizza and Bar’s open kitchen design makes every seat in the dining room unique. With tables and booths created by local fabricators Midtown Artisans, 10 bar seats and eight chairs at the pizza counter, there are plenty of options from which to choose. (Fentonelli’s Pizzeria and Bar/Submitted) Fentonelli...continues on page 20 Indulge in comfort food at its finest at Fentonelli’s Pizza and Bar. Start the meal with an order of plump tomato-braised beef meatballs accompanied by garlic bread.
19 MARCH 2023 | www.LovinLife.com

For a spicy kick, try Tyler’s pie ($21), which is a cream sauce with pickled chiles, red onion, mozzarella, fontina, Parmesan and oregano.

Mariana Belgado, a CNA in Oro Valley, enjoyed a pizza recently at Fentonelli’s with her husband, Mario.

“I loved it,” says Belgado, who ordered the marinara pizza. “I’ve been to Reilly’s before, and that’s really good, too, but I like the smaller restaurant size. It’s cozy.”

Extra toppings cost $3 for extra cheese, pickled chiles or roasted onion; $4 for roasted mushrooms; and $5 for pepperoni or sausage. Add a $1 dip of ranch, hot sauce, marinara or pesto.

“We’re focused on quality (and) finding things that make us happy,” Fenton says.

For example, Fenton is a fan of small cupping pepperoni. He found Ezzo, a company that supplies pepperoni and other meats to pizzerias around the country.

Except for the gluten-free penne, the pastas ($15 to $24) are made in-house. The rigatoni with Sunday gravy ($18), or meat sauce, is ideal with perfectly made

pasta. Other sauces are tomato, vodka, creamy alfredo and shrimp scampi. Add chicken, sausage or a meatball for $5. Other East Coast-inspired staples on the menu include chicken Parmesan ($24).

If there’s room for dessert, there’s Nutella budino with whipped cream ($10) and soft-serve chocolate, sweet cream or

swirl ($5). Add 50 cents for a variety of toppings.

So, why Fentonelli’s? When Fenton’s parents began dating 40 years ago, his Italian mother worried that her grandmother would disapprove of a non-Italian suitor. To appeal to her nonna, she claimed that his last name was Fentonelli. The story remains a laughing point for the family, and its playfulness lends itself to the spirit behind the restaurant.

“Mom’s side is Southern Italian, and Dad was born in New York,” Fenton says. “It’s a collision of those two worlds.” Fentonelli’s bar features five categories of cocktails, including three versions of the spritz, three negronis, three old fashioned, two margaritas and two mules. The wine list offers a sparkling wine, three whites and four reds from California and abroad with several domestic and imported beers. Happy hour is offered from 4:30 to 6 p.m. with $1 to $2 off many drinks and starters.

The lunch menu includes pizza by the slice, salads and Italian hoagies. The lunch special features a slice, simple salad and soda for $12. A children’s menu features mini pizzas and pastas.

“I think the goal is to just be a restaurant that’s embraced by our neighborhood, a place you can be regular at,” Fenton says. “In the end, I want to make food that makes people happy.”

Fentonelli’s Pizzeria and Bar 7262 N. Oracle Road, Tucson 520-447-5749, fentonellispizza.com 11:30 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays. Closed Mondays.

Salad...continued from page 19

we do it. I know we’re small, but our actions are something. Eventually, it will be a lot. We’re the underdog trying to do as much as we can for the community and the environment.”

Salad Nation Arizona 5870 E. Broadway Boulevard 520-745-5050, saladnationarizona.com

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

20 | MARCH 2023 www.LovinLife.com
Call now! 1-855-389-4273 Dental50Plus.com/214 Product not available in all states. Contact us to see the coverage and offer available in your state. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation including costs and limitations. This specific offer is not available in CO. Call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for a similar offer. In WV: To find a provider in the network visit us at https://www.physiciansmutual.com/web/dental/find-dentist. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E); Insurance Policy P150; Rider Kinds B438/B439. In CA, CO, ID, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NV, NJ, NC, ND, VA: Includes Participating Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider. Certificate C254/B465 (PA: C254PA); Insurance Policy P154/B469 (GA: P154GA; OK: P154OK; TN: P154TN). It doesn’t matter what dentist you see, we can help pay the bill. Get dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Preventive care starts right away No deductible, no annual maximum See any dentist — save more if you stay in network 6323 Get your FREE Information Kit
Insurance Get help paying big dental bills Fentonelli...continued from page 18
DENTAL
Cheers to the spritz life. Fentonelli’s Pizza and Bar’s cocktail list features three versions of spritz, negroni, old fashioned, as well as mules, margaritas, beer and wine.

What’s Cooking? The iconic Tunnel of Fudge Bundt Cake

Passion, romance or chocolate?

It was 1966 at the 17th annual Pillsbury Bake Off Content. She wasn’t even the first-place winner, but Ella Rita Helfrich set the world on molten chocolate fire with her second-place winning Tunnel of Fudge Cake.

Up until Ella pulled her cake out of the oven, the Nordic Ware company was not having great success with its unusual invention, the Bundt pan. In fact, it was about to discontinue the line due to lack of sales. What a difference one day and one cake can make!

The recipe was such a smash hit nationwide that the company had to make 30,000 pans a day just to keep up with the demand! So, this fudgy cake is not just a lavish, chocolatey, gooey-centered yummy work of art, but it was actually responsible for the whole Bundt pan craze!

The cake itself proved just as popular as the pan. But then, Pillsbury discontinued the crucial ingredient to the cake’s success, Double Dutch Frosting Mix, and angry fans of the cake deluged the com-

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

• 1 3/4 cups butter, softened

• 6 large eggs, at room temperature

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

• 2 cups chopped walnuts

For the glaze:

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 2 tablespoon milk

pany with complaints, prompting Pillsbury to adapt the recipe, replacing the frosting mix with cocoa powder and confectioners’ sugar.

Ella won $5,000 for her creation, but its unique mysterious chocolate tunnel, brownie-like consistency and silken chocolate topping makes is worth a million bucks. That’s, incidentally, what the winner takes home today.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluff y. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Gradually blend in 2 cups confectioners’ sugar. Beat in the flour and 3/4 cup cocoa powder. Stir in the chopped walnuts. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Important! Let cool in pan for one hour, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Make the glaze. In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa. Stir in milk, a tablespoon at a time, until desired drizzling consistency is achieved. Spoon over cake.

21 MARCH 2023 | www.LovinLife.com
For more recipes, visit https://bit.ly/JanDAtri. AZ ROC #232839 Tucson Showroom 2010 N. Forbes Blvd. 520-326-7888 www.classyclosets.com *When scheduling Installation in April 2023. With signed contract day of estimate. New contracts only. Not to be combined with any other o er. Restrictions may apply. Expires 3/22/23 Closets • Home O ces Garages • Pantries Laundry Rooms Wallbeds • Media Centers Schedule your design session with Maryann today to create the look you want! Life. Organized.® Save 30% Call us today!*
The iconic Tunnel of Fudge Bundt Cake

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

As they grew older 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.

Call Sun American Mortgage Company

(480)467-1000 or toll-free at 1(800) 469-7383. 4140 E. Baseline Rd., Ste. 206, Mesa, Arizona 85206

An

Ask the Expert 5 ways to prevent kidney stones

Passing a kidney stone is believed to be one of the most painful experiences a person can have. It’s also pretty common, particularly in the Stone Belt of the United States, with more than 1 in 10 people developing a kidney stone over the course of their life.

The bad news is people who pass one stone have a greater chance of developing another. But there is some good news — you can take actions to prevent developing or having recurring kidney stones.

Parker Turk: LO-0912436

• NMLS#267132

Rex Duffin: LO-0911707

• NMLS#169138

“Nobody wants to go through that pain again,” says Dr. Mohammed Sikder, nephrologist, Tucson Medical Center.

“Fortunately, there are lifestyle changes you can make to prevent kidney stones from developing. Without making these changes, stones can, and probably will, come back.”

Drink lots of water

This is especially important if you sweat a lot, whether from exercise or from heat. That’s because the more you sweat the less you urinate, which allows for stone-causing minerals to precipitate and settle in the kidneys and urinary tract.

“For those with a history of kidney stones, doctors usually recommend drinking enough uids to pass more than two liters of urine a day,” Sikder says.

“Because it gets so hot here during the summer, you may need to drink even more water, approximately 64 ounces a day. If your urine is light and clear, you’re probably drinking enough water.”

Eat fewer oxalate-rich foods

Oxalate is a natural substance found in many foods that your body uses for energy and nutrition. Once your body uses what it needs, waste products travel through the bloodstream to the kidneys and are removed through urine. When there is too much waste and not enough liquid in the urine, crystals form that can

stick together and form kidney stones. If you tend to form calcium oxalate stones, your doctor may recommend eating less foods rich in oxalates such as rhubarb, beets, okra, spinach, Swiss chard, sweet potatoes, nuts, tea, chocolate, black pepper and soy products.

Reduce sodium and animal protein

Don’t eat as much salt. Try a salt substitute such as Mrs. Dash instead. Also, increase plant-based protein in your diet. Red meat, organ meats and shell sh can lead to a higher concentration of uric acid in your body, making it easier for uric acid stones to form.

Eat calcium-rich foods, be careful about supplements

Calcium found in foods does not increase your risk of developing kidney stones. However, calcium supplements have been linked to kidney stones. Ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian who can help you develop an eating plan that helps reduce your risk of kidney stones.

Take medications as prescribed

Some medications can control the amount of minerals and salts in the urine and may be helpful to people who form certain kinds of stones by making them more soluble in the urine. It is important to take medications as prescribed by your doctor.

22 | MARCH 2023 www.LovinLife.com Columns PAID ADVERTORIAL
The cost of everything is going up, use a Reverse Mortgage to supplement your tax-free cash flow and Retire Better!
There is a reason we have been helping people change their lives with Reverse Mortgages for over 30 years.
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). equal housing opportunity company, member of the Better Business Bureau & the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association • Mortgage Banker License #BK7548 • NMLS #160265

The Healthy Geezer Lightheadedness after eating is troubling

I usually get a bit lightheaded when I stand, but this feeling is much worse when I get up from the dinner table. I don’t drink. Any ideas?

There’s a possibility you have “postprandial hypotension” or, in layman’s language, low blood pressure after a meal. This is a senior malady; few younger people experience this. Other possible symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, nausea and fainting. I recommend going to a doctor to have your symptoms checked.

When you eat, blood pours into your digestive system. To maintain your blood pressure, your heart pumps more often and your blood vessels constrict. But these compensatory mechanisms don’t work for some people.

To help prevent postprandial hypotension, eat small portions several times a day and limit high-carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread.

There’s another form of low blood pressure called “postural hypotension” that a ects some people when they stand up. Also called “orthostatic hypotension,” this is especially common in older adults who are more likely to use high blood pressure drugs. When you experience postural hypotension, blood pools in your legs.

Low blood pressure is commonly caused by drugs for high blood pressure, surgical medications, anti-anxiety agents, diuretics, heart medicines, antidepressants, narcotic painkillers and alcohol.

Other causes of low blood pressure include dehydration, heart failure, heart arrhythmias, shock from infection, stroke, severe allergic reaction, major trauma, heart attack and advanced diabetes.

The e ects of hypotension can lead to falls, which can be serious for seniors. Here are some pointers for avoiding the dangers of low blood pressure.

When arising, let your feet hang over the side of your bed. Then ex your toes

up and down about a dozen times. Stand up slowly. Count to 10 before you start walking. This is a good idea whenever you get up from lying or sitting for more than 20 minutes. Crossing your legs while sitting upright may also help increase blood pressure.

Some experts de ne low blood pressure as readings lower than 90 systolic (the rst number) or 60 diastolic (the second number). However, low blood pressure is relative, so doctors often de ne blood pressure as too low only if there are symptoms.

In many instances, low blood pressure isn’t serious. However, it is important to see your doctor if you have hypotension symptoms, because they sometimes can point to serious problems. Chronic low blood pressure may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s-type dementia in some older adults.

Low blood pressure without symptoms rarely requires treatment. In symptomatic cases, doctors address the primary problems such as heart failure. When hypotension is drug-induced, treatment usually involves altering the drug regimen.

It is possible to raise blood pressure when that is required. Here are some ways:

• Eating more salt. However, too much sodium can cause heart failure, especially among seniors.

• Don’t increase your salt without consulting with your doctor.

• Drink more water. Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration.

• Compression stockings used to treat varicose veins may help reduce the pooling of blood in your legs. There are also medications your doctor may prescribe.

23 MARCH 2023 | www.LovinLife.com Biz Box Deadline: 16th of the month for the next publication ARBORIST/ ISA CERTIFIED TREE TRIMMING * TREE REPLACEMENT*TREE REMOVAL LANSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALLATION COMPLETE OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES* RENOVATIONS IRRIGATION SYSTEMS SPECIALIST NEW INSTALLATION* TROUBLE SHOOTING EXISTING SYSTEMS LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SPECIAL RATES: COMMERCIAL, HOA’S ONE TIME CLEAN-UP PRE/POST- EMERGENT WEED CONTROL Spring Special 10% Savings Call 520-312-8726 Let’s Schedule Your FREE ESTIMATE! LANDSCAPE/MAINTENANCE HEATING COOLING 520.629.9676 RUSSETTSOUTHWEST.COM ROC#032524 HOME SERVICES 3 EASY WAYS TO PLACE AN AD: CALL 480-898-6500 EMAIL class@timeslocalmedia.com WEB: www.lovinlife.com Deadline: 16th of the Month for the Next Publication. CLEANING SERVICES DIRTY 30k Steamer Removes Stains Quick CERTIFIED STAIN SPECIALISTS 100% Guaranteed 520.331.7777 orovalleycarpetcleaners.com DIRTY TILE ? $59 CLEAN 2 Rooms Awesome 30k Steamer Cleans Perfect CARPET Hypo-allergenic, non-shedding companion dog breed. Adult size: 8-12lbs. Call Leticia 928-420-2297 for info and/or schedule a visit (Pantano/ Speedway area) HAVAPOO PUPPIES AVAILABLE MISCELLANEOUS - FOR SALE
Q A

P3 is that support system that helps coordinate your healthcare

The P3 Arizona team works closely with your primary care provider and your Medicare Advantage health plan. Our job is to connect you with the care you need - even after you leave the doctor’s office. Medication management, nursing support, access to community resources, health questionsP3 is your support system between doctor’s visits.

Get the care you DESERVE . P3 Arizona supports seniors in getting the care they DESERVE . Learn more at (520) 462-8060 I P3Arizona.org

24 | MARCH 2023 www.LovinLife.com
.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.