Lovin' Life After 50: Tucson - May 2017

inside THIS ISSUE

I recently came across a photo at computerhistory.org of Queen Elizabeth sending her rst email, in 1976. That must have seemed revolutionary then, but technology has evolved immensely over the past 41 years, in every realm from entertainment to education to business to health. It permeates every aspect of our lives.

But how much technology do we really need? What, in this of minutiae of metadata and devices and applications and software, is really going to enhance the quality of our lives, or the level of closeness we have with our loved ones? How about just something that’s fun, but easy to gure out? This issue seeks to answer some of those questions, and takes multiple looks at technology: social media, Internet privacy issues, cell phones, medical technology, security systems and more, while also introducing some tech-savvy seniors. Speaking of introductions, this edition also marks the launch of the monthly “Lovin’ Tech After 50” column. And this issue debuts a whole new look for LLAF, thanks to graphic designer Tonya Mildenberg. We hope you like the leaner, cleaner design as much as we do.

In addition to “Sound O ,” we’ve started publishing letters to the editor (email me: ndandrea@timespublications.com). The gardening column and dining section we introduced last month will continue to grow and hopefully nourish hungry minds.

Some readers might also notice some things missing from this issue, including the long-running political column The Curmudgeon. In the spirit of localizing Lovin’ Life as much as possible, and perpetually lling our pages with newer and better content, we’ve decided to use that space for other things. As a publication, we want to be multi-dimensional. We want to be as balanced as possible and uniquely useful to our readers. We want you to come to us for informative and insightful features about Arizona’s active adults and the issues that impact you. There are numerous outlets for national politics but far fewer that focus on Arizona, and even fewer that home in on issues that a ect older adults in our great state. (Well, one, actually: Lovin’ Life). That’s why we want to dedicate ourselves to giving you local, actionable stories that will help you live a life you love. For now, that includes helping you gure out everything from Facebook to virtual reality headsets. Send us a message from your digital device and let us know what you think. Happy emailing!

Niki D’Andrea Executive Editor

Opinion

Straus’ Place

All About Self Preservation

BY BILL STRAUS

If you’ve followed my columns for even a little while, you know I don’t hold the Arizona State Legislature in the highest regard. But now that they’ve apparently declared war against our constitutional (state) rights to initiate legislation, I’ve reached a new level of deprecation for that not-so-august body.

Arizona is one of only a handful of states that allows for citizen rights to initiative, referendum and recall. Those rights were included in our state constitution upon entry into the U.S. in 1912. From the very beginning, citizens employed those rights. The rst initiative went before the voters that very rst year, proposing granting women the right to vote, and was approved with 68 percent in favor. And from the very beginning, the legislature employed tactics to weaken and dilute those rights. The legislature responded to those early initiatives by proposing a constitutional amendment to make it harder to pass them. That proposal narrowly failed. In 1998, Arizonans voted to enact the Voter Protection Act (Prop 105), designed to stop lawmakers from gutting citizen-approved laws. It was a ballot initiative.

As of this writing, we have a slew of bills in the current legislative cycle proposing to weaken our rights even more:

• HB 2404 would primarily ban the practice of paying petitioners for each signature gathered. Governor Ducey swiftly signed it.

• HCR 2002 asks voters to repeal Proposition 105, a citizen-initiated measure voters approved in 1998, commonly known as the Voter Protection Act.

• HCR 2029 proposes a further change in how petition signatures are gathered, making it more di cult to get an initiative on the ballot.

• HB 2244 is a thinly veiled attempt

to disqualify initiative petitions on technicalities… such as an incorrect font size.

Why this assault on our rights, you ask? It’s because of initiatives that proposed legalizing marijuana, raising the minimum wage and other issues unappealing to our power-loving legislature. And it should be no surprise. Think back to the votes on building a baseball stadium in Downtown Phoenix. The people voted down a citizen-backed stadium twice. TWICE! But through shrewd governmental maneuvering, the stadium was nevertheless built. It’s almost as if our elected leadership pays public lip service to the notion of citizen independence, but privately makes it a priority to diminish that independence.

Exhibit A is the fact that since its very inception, there has been talk at the legislature of repealing the Voter Protection Act. But since that would require an almost impossible majority of votes, it remains intact.

And speaking of lip service, how do the Republican o cials – because after all, it is the Republican party that controls this state – justify this assault on our constitutionally granted rights? I mean, they portray themselves as the party of limited government! They rationalize it in a variety of ways, primarily claiming their e orts are to reduce or halt some non-existent fraud.

Lawmaking is not magic. And our particular lawmakers are anything but magicians. In a future column, I’ll underscore that point by dredging up some of the ridiculous laws proposed by our legislators – some that even passed. But for now, consider yourself forewarned: When it comes to your rights as a voter, your representatives are very likely working not for, but against, you.

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Ask Gabby Gayle Tell “troublemaker” sister-in-law to play nice

BY GAYLE LAGMAN-CRESWICK

Dear Gabby Gayle:

I have a sister-in-law whom I believe is a troublemaker. I am the only woman with ve brothers. We have a big and loving family. Before my brother got married to this woman (I will call her Marge ctitiously), we all got along ne. This was a second marriage and Marge is in her 60s. My brothers are exceptionally close to each other, and the other sisters-in-law get along ne. Since Marge joined the family, I see things beginning to change, and not for the better. I like all my sistersin-law and would like to have the same relationship with Marge. Maybe because I am the only woman in this family, Marge seems to want to tell me bad things about the other brothers’ wives. It is petty stu and things that are none of her business. I have tried to be polite, but it isn’t working. I also suspect that she is playing the other sisters-in-law against each other. Do you have any suggestions to change the course?

Signed, Worried

Dear Worried:

A doctor has moved to Tucson that treats neuropathy (nerve problems), and his name is Dr Trent Freeman DC (Dr T). He has been treating Neuropathy for the last 10 years. Maybe you have seen him interviewed on CBS by Steve Ochoa or during the Dr Oz show, maybe you saw him on NBC. He has brought this new treatment to persons suffering from neuropathy in Tucson. He uses two kinds of Light to stimulate the nerves to function better. He uses pulsed infrared technology that helps reduce the pain, and FDA approved cold lasers that help the cells function better. He offers his consultation for FREE. He looks at the interview time as a time for him to see if you have the type of neuropathy that he treats but more importantly, for you to interview him and see if he is someone that you would like to work with. His clinic is certified with the Neuropathy Treatment Centers of America and he has received advanced training in the treatment of neuropathy. There are fewer than 100 doctors in America that have received this advanced training in this type of therapy. Dr T looks at neuropathy as a thief that comes to your life and starts to steal from you. If you allow neuropathy to continue, it will steal your independence (driving, walking, balance) As Dr T says “Everyday we are having more success relieving neuropathy pain, WHY NOT YOU?” Give his office a call and schedule the FREE consultation and see if you qualify for this new therapy 520-445-6784.

Give him a call he may be able to change your life!

Q A Q Q A A

It takes one rotten apple, doesn’t it? This is what I think: As the only woman in a family of men, I suggest you take her for lunch and, in as nice as a way as you can, tell her something like this: “Marge, we are so glad to have you join our family, and I am looking forward to a close relationship with you. You know, Marge, for a big family, we all get along well. I love my brothers and my sisters-in-law. I am uncomfortable when anyone comes to me with stories about them. I’m sure you see how we value closeness, and realize nothing is to be gained by anyone who bad-mouths them. None of us are perfect, but anyone who tries to come between any of us in this family will only lose respect. We hope you will be part of our closeness!” Then change the subject to save her embarrassment. Make a real e ort to get to know her better. If she starts to talk about others, give her the time-out sign and change the subject. I suspect she is continuing a lifetime of that habit, and it may take a bit to change it. Let me know how it goes.

G.G.

Dear Gabby Gayle:

I am a 70-year-old, healthy widower with a 55-year-old girlfriend. Sounds good, huh? Well, now I’m getting worried because we have passed the friend stage and romance is taking over. The only problem is that I believe that I am impotent and could not have a successful sexual relationship. I do not want to lose her. What do I do now?

Signed, Too Old

Dear Old:

You notice I did not say too old. In this day and age of medical miracles, no man should be too old to perform unless health interferes. See your doctor or a urologist and pour your heart out to him or her. There are medications and injections, etc. to help you along. People seem to worry a long time before they consult their physician about these things. I think it is because in the old days, we did not talk about these things. This is a new day where we let it all hang out. Get moving! Thanks for writing. P.S. When I began writing this column over nine years ago, I was taken aback when my very rst question was a sex question! I thought to myself, “Dr. Ruth, here I come.”

G.G.

Dear Gabby Gayle:

Maybe you have covered this before, but I would like to get the word out to all your readers about “stu .” I am talking about the stu you have collected for a zillion years and no longer look at or use. We just nished the horrendous job of cleaning out our parents’ home after their 50 years of living. It took us months. Please do your kids a favor while you can and thin out those things! Your kids will love you for it.

Signed, O My Chest

Dear O My Chest: You just told them! Thank you. G.G.

Local Opinions Sound O

The president’s addiction to Twitter is clearly an undeniable – not an alternative – fact. Unfortunately, there is no e ective “tweetment.”

Snoop Dogg produced a video showing him executing President Trump. Can you just imagine if, during the Obama administration, someone did the same thing, showing Obama being executed? There would be quarrels for terrorist charges. It would be plastered all over the front pages of the liberal, left-wing mass media. But because it happened to Trump, nothing – complete silence from the left. What a double standard in this country. Disgraceful.

ISIS is right on one account – the United States is being run by an idiot. Firing o 59 missiles into Syria does not change this fact. The president is a pathological liar, inept and unquali ed to be president. He is a reactive bully, with no clue of how a president should conduct himself, either personally or professionally. This woman-groping billionaire’s bully rhetoric, carnival barking and simplistic, meaningless rants during his campaign resonated with the most ignorant electorate on the planet. He’s appointed family members as his closest advisors, like the Romanov family, as pointed out by one wellknown commentator. Would someone tell me, what are Ivanka’s and Jared’s quali cations? What quali es oil executive Rex Tillerson to act as Secretary of State? These people have no expertise or qualifying background in foreign a airs or governing. Ditto for Trump! So far all I’ve seen from Trump and those who surround him is amateurism and ineptitude, with perhaps the exception of some of his military advisors. Pretty scary indeed.

Hi, I’m an 84-year-old greatgreat-grandmother. I have one son and one daughter. I have a neighbor who is 53, has

one son, doesn’t work, gets free rent, free food stamps, free insurance, free Obama Phone and free Cab Connection. Something’s wrong with this picture. What do I have to do to get all these freebies? As an American citizen, there’s something going on here. My neighbor is white, able-bodied and still gets all the freebies. Who do I have to call?

My, isn’t this wonderful. Senator Flake, John McCain and the rest of their buddies have given us a president that nobody knows what the hell he’s doing, but we’re going to go to a war?

My message is this: Christians are 2.2 billion people in the world and Muslims are second with 1.6 billion people in the world. Muslims are not bad people. There are terrible extremist groups in every religion. All Jews, Muslims and Christians descended from Abraham. It’s a shame that 1.6 billion people are hated because they have a legitimate religion.

Democrats are so upset about Russian interference into the presidential election, but I guess Democrats don’t remember that the Obama election tampering shows the former president, Obama, used $350,000 in tax money to bankroll political consultants with ties to Obama to support the candidate and defeat Benjamin Netanyahu in the 2015 Israeli election. Not so innocent, Obama and the Democrats, are you?

Regarding Bill Straus’ question at the end of his column “ All About Self” in the April 2017 issue of Lovin’ Life: The question was “Can you think of anyone tting the pro le whom I may have left o my list at the beginning of this column?”

Mr. Straus missed the ex-“Narcissist” in charge: Barack Hussein Obama. He ts all seven of his criteria exactly. He and his wife are the epitome of narcissism.

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Celebrating Tucson Speaking French with John Layer

BY BARBARA RUSSEK

Planning a trip to Paris this summer?

Maybe a river cruise to Provence? Even a relaxing staycation reading sizzling French novels in the original?

Whatever your summer schedule, John Layer, 52, new executive director of the Alliance Française de Tucson (AFT), says taking a French course, attending a workshop, and much more at the Alliance is your ticket to a fun learning experience, French-style.

Layer, a Tucson transplant from Minneapolis, says his inspiration to become immersed in French language and culture was his high school French teacher. “In addition to piquing my interest in French in the classroom,” he says, “my teacher arranged for me to live with a French family in Paris at age 17. It was life-changing” He declared a double major in journalism and French and never looked back.

In addition to Paris, Layer has spent time in Aquitaine/Bordeaux, Corsica, Quebec and more.

A resident of the Old Pueblo for the past year and a half who teaches French at Flowing Wells High School in addition to his work at the Alliance, Layer says, ”I am partial to French because students of all ages can experience the diverse world of 220 million people on many continents who speak the language.”

I wanted to learn more about the Alliance and the many programs, classes and events it o ers.

Q1

Can you give LLAF readers a brief history of the AFT?

AFT has existed since 1973 and is part of a worldwide network of schools. We have 145 members in Tucson, a testa-

ment to the quality of life and educated citizenry found here.

Q2

What is the mission of AFT?

Our goal is to expand understanding and appreciation of the French language and Francophone cultures. We are a gathering place for all those passionate about French.

Is AFT planning any summer classes?

Yes. We want to give children and teens the opportunity to learn French, as there are schools that no longer o er the language. These classes begin in June and will be listed on our website, aftucson.com

Q3 Q4

Can you tell us a bit about AFT’s classes, workshops and events?

We have classes for our members from beginners to advanced speakers. Our spring session II begins May 15 and lasts six weeks. Our Saturday workshops focus on a variety of grammar points that are “bugaboos” for American students. We also have many events, including a monthly lm, book discussion club, even a weekly conversation group facilitated by two native speakers and more.

Where is AFT located?

Our French-speaking corner of Tucson is at 2099 E. River Road, in the Junior League Building. We o er learning French with a mountain view!

Q5 Q6

Where can folks get further information on AFT?

We invite you to stop by the Alliance on Tuesday and Thursday between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. We can also be reached by phone, 520-881-9158, or emailed at alliancefrancaisetucson@gmail.com

Layer wrapped up our conversation by saying enthusiastically “Tous les francophones et francophiles sont les bienvenus!” (“All those interested in French are welcome!”)

Barbara Russek, a Tucson-based freelance writer, welcomes comments at Babette2@comcast.net

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Features

You’llLOVE TECHNOLOGY

The 50-plus crowd that may bene t the most from today’s smartphone- and ‘smart home’-based economy

BY JIMMY MAGAHERN

The newest “smartphones” can make even the savviest people feel silly sometimes. With every element of emerging technology, there’s something new to learn: how to dictate voice directions to the personal “digital assistant,” how to navigate a neighborhood using the phone’s GPS, how to shut o the loudspeaker feature. The plethora of devices on the market almost demands a class on their usage.

Tucson Adult Learning Adventures o ers just such a class. The program, run out of the Tucson AARP o ce by ve retired techies, o ers free one-on-one training to older adults on all the latest mobile devices.

“We basically help them gure out the devices their grandkids talked them into carrying around,” says Warren Beneville, 73, a former avionics technician whose lifelong fascination with electronic gadgets has helped him keep pace with the new technology. “A lot of them come in because they want to learn how to text message their kids, or nd out how to get started on Facebook.”

The problem is, while much of today’s tech may truly bene t older adults, learning how to use it — and overcoming the many legitimate fears they may have about Internet privacy, the cloud and other facets of tech immersion — can be a real barrier for many. According to Beneville, older folks can easily become stymied by tech principally because the culture surrounding it o ers few entry points for newbies.

“People will come in with a tablet or

a smartphone that they haven’t even opened, because they really don’t get any instruction in the stores,” he says. “They’ll say, ‘They just gave it to me in a box.’”

Often their own tech-savvy adult children or grandchildren will be of little assistance, too. “We get people who say, ‘You know, I just can’t learn a thing from my daughter. She gets uptight with me.’

And then the grandkid comes along and says, ‘Here, give me that, Grandma!’ – and does in a minute what you’ve been trying to learn all day, then gives the phone back, saying, ‘Here you go!’”

That’s where the one-on-one, peerdirected lessons can provide patient and

understanding support.

“I start by just going around the perimeter of the phone or the tablet rst, showing them where their camera is, where their microphone is,” Beneville says. “Some of them have trouble just powering it on, because they hold the button too long and end up rebooting the whole thing! Some even have trouble using a touch screen, because they’re used to using a ip phone with buttons that you could actually feel.”

But some seniors, like Beneville and the other volunteer instructors at Tucson Adult Learning Adventures, naturally take to tech and enjoy using a wide range

of the latest devices and applications. Francine Hardaway is one such techsavvy senior. The rst thing Hardaway does every day when the alarm on her iPhone wakes her is to summon the robots scattered throughout her house. It starts with her addressing the Echo Dot in her bedroom, a hands-free, voice-controlled device that interacts with Alexa, the arti cial intelligenceequipped “personal assistant” developed by Amazon that can control a number of other wireless devices as well as deliver information and services on the Internet.

“I have the Echo Dot in my bedroom, and when the alarm on my phone goes o , I immediately say, ‘Alexa, turn the lights on,’ and I have a couple of smart bulbs in my bedroom and Alexa turns those on,” Hardaway says. “Then after I get dressed and get ready to take the dogs out for a walk, I say, ‘Alexa, tell Starbucks to start my order.’ And if you place the same order at the same Starbucks every day – which I do – it will order it for you and your co ee will be waiting for you when you get there to pick it up.”

It may sound like the jacked-in lifestyle of a Silicon Valley whiz kid, but Hardaway is actually a grandmother living in an older neighborhood of Phoenix who turns 76 this month. Nevertheless, Hardaway is easily more tech-savvy than many Millennials, running her own consulting rm for startup entrepreneurs in a house packed with all the latest gadgetry, from Google Glass and Snapchat Spectacles tech...continues on page 9

Francine Hardaway is easily more tech-savvy than many Millennials. (Special to LLAF)

to Sonos smart speakers, a Ring video doorbell and at least three brands of virtual reality headsets. “I still haven’t found the best one,” she laments.

Hardaway says a lot of the new technologies being developed today –especially those devices and services designed for the so-called “smart home” – seem almost custom-made to serve her age group.

“Voice-controlled devices are unbelievably useful for older people,” she says, noting that Internet-connected, voice-activated devices like Amazon’s Echo or Google Home can perform many of the elder services previously relegated to a caregiver or family member, like providing medication reminders and scheduling appointments, ordering groceries to be delivered and summoning transportation. “It’ll even read to you,” says Hardaway, who enjoys having her digital assistant play audio books purchased on Audible. “If your vision’s not what it was, you can have it read you the news in the morning.”

Better yet, a forgetful grandmother can ask repeated questions of Alexa, Apple’s Siri or Microsoft’s Cortana that might otherwise exasperate an impatient grandchild – a particular godsend to people su ering with dementia. “It never tires,” Hardaway says. “You can ask Alexa endlessly.”

Hardaway also points to smartphonecontrolled “sharing economy” services like Uber and Instacart, the Internetbased grocery delivery service, that

make life in nitely easier for older adults who no longer drive independently – a growing population which will inevitably also bene t most from the coming wave of self-driving or semi-autonomous cars.

“You can get everything delivered to your house nowadays just by using an app on your phone,” she says. “Instacart now works with every store from Safeway, Fry’s and Bashas’ to Target, Petco and Total Wine.

“But it’s not really marketed to older people; it’s marketed to busy young professionals,” she adds. “Same thing with Postmates, which is a delivery service that works like Uber. They’re targeting young working people who don’t have time to drive around doing their shopping. But it just so happens these services are great for older folks.”

Ironically, Hardaway says she consciously avoids tech products and services that are intentionally designed for the older demographic.

“I don’t like the kind of tech that is usually sold to older people, because it’s usually designed with the presumption that we know nothing about tech,” she says. “I don’t like tech products that dumb things down for older people. Don’t give me special tablets with larger buttons and simpler apps. Just give me a real iPad and show me how to use it. I fully believe in teaching older people to use the available

to make life better for older adults. According to a recent AARP report on what it terms the “Longevity Economy,” we’re not too far away from the day when sensors embedded in “smart toilets” will be able to measure our glucose levels and automatically communicate back to our refrigerators, providing what the report’s authors call “a feedback loop of nutritional adjustments and suggestions.” Such innovations will help the millions of older adults determined to age in place.

tech that’s already out there.”

Once they’re nally comfortable exploring new technologies, Hardaway promises there’s a wide array of amazing devices, software and Internetdispatchable services just waiting

“It’s hard for me to count all the ways I interact with technology since it permeates my world,” Hardaway says. “While I’m walking the dogs, as Starbucks is brewing the co ee ordered by Alexa, my Apple Watch is tracking my heart rate while I’m also listening to a book on Audible. Then I’m FaceTiming with my daughter and grandchild in London, next I’m sitting at my computer ordering groceries for the week on Instacart, maybe having some wine delivered. So my life is layered with technology. Honestly, I’m not sure I’d be able to function right now if all these technologies didn’t exist.

“They give me back so much time in the day, which gives me more time to get work done,” she adds. “And at this age, that’s really huge.”

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Tucson Adult Learning Adventures teaches people how to use technology. (Courtesy of Warren Beneville)

Elegance Age of Celebrating the

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Photos by Kimberly Carrillo

Leta Sproule was at peace as she awaited her turn to compete in the 2017 Ms. Senior Arizona Pageant. Usually, before she sits down at her piano, her hands get cold, forcing her to wear gloves to literally warm up for her performance. Butter ies ll her body.

None of that happened this time. Her cool yet playful demeanor and artistic talents led to her coronation.

“They had told us that we would have a few nerves,” says Sproule, who lives in Sun City West with her husband of 21 years, John. “A few jitters are good, I guess. But I truly understood for the rst time that true peace surpasses understanding.”

Sproule will spend the next year promoting Ms. Senior Arizona’s mission of giving women 60 and older – otherwise known as “the age of elegance” – the opportunity to display their inner beauty, talents, charm and elegance. She’ll attend parades, bene ts and special events geared toward seniors, as well as support the Cameo Foundation, which provides resources to domestic violence survivors.

Sproule, 67, learned about the Ms. Senior Arizona Pageant through a friend. Sproule Googled the event, looked at photographs of previous winners and

read the mission statement.

“At rst, I said, ‘No, no, no,’” Sproule says with her slight Southern accent. “Then I prayed. I said, ‘God, if you can be glori ed in this, I will do it.’”

She thought that no amount of prayers would lead to a victory at the pageant, run by former winner Herme Sherry and her husband, Ken. Sproule’s performance belied that at the Saturday, March 18 event in Surprise. She con dently moved from her piano to the stage for a amenco dance to original music.

For her e orts, she not only won Ms. Senior Arizona, but Most Photogenic, Most Elegant and tied for Best Philosophy with 63-year-old Mesa resident Shirlene Rutledge. More importantly, she earned a group of lifelong friends, including fellow contestant Bonnie Sisson, 72, of Scottsdale.

“When I received the preliminary trophies, I was like, ‘Woah, this is cool.’ I was so excited to have Bonnie standing next to me,” she says. “All of the ladies – and Herme and Ken – kept telling us during the rehearsals that we were a great group of women. We all got along. We were very supportive of each other. They’re all special ladies.”

Sproule was born in Tennessee and

spent her formative years in Nashville. She attended Peabody College, which was absorbed into Vanderbilt University, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music and human resources, respectively. After graduation, she worked as a nancial planner for nonpro ts and schools.

“I loved helping people in the not-forpro t community,” Sproule says. “I always loved numbers and I put on my Ms. Senior Arizona Pageant bio that I have an interest in macroeconomics. There probably wasn’t anybody else who said that.

“When I was growing up, and other kids were learning nursery rhymes, I was learning to never purchase a depreciating asset on credit. It took me a long time to learn what a depreciating asset was. I also learned very early on that if you save by the 10th, you can earn interest from the 1st. There’s 10 extra days of interest earned. It was natural for me to help teachers and not-for-pro ts.”

Sproule was slow to appreciate Nashville’s vibrant country music scene. She loved Elvis Presley and eventually grew to enjoy singers like Carrie Underwood.

“It was Roy Acu or Elvis,” she says. “Well, duh. I loved Elvis Presley. I would see Minnie Pearl out and about shopping. That

wasn’t uncommon to see.”

Music, as a whole, inspired her, though.

Sproule rst sat down to the piano at age 8 and it came easy to her.

“When it came time for college, of course I was going to major in music,” she says with a smile.

“Peabody was right there. I went there and got my degree. I had a couple kids along the way.

“When I was in college, I switched to organ instead of piano. When I graduated, I was playing in a lot of churches around town. Instead of playing every Sunday, I would substitute so I could be with my family.”

The Sproules – who have three children, four grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren – moved to Anthem in 2001. They lived there for eight years, until John’s corporate investments and pension sales job took them back to Nashville. With each move, her piano came along.

“John retired three years ago and it was just an obvious choice to move back to Arizona,” Sproule says. “It wasn’t until I moved here that I picked up the piano again. It was God’s timing. I truly had not played the piano in 20 years.”

Her church, Palm West Community Church in Sun City West, asked her to play piano as well.

“I never played piano in church when they asked me to do that,” she says. “I had to start practicing again. John was grateful. He had not heard me practice.

“I’m not sure I would have had the nerve to do the pageant if I hadn’t started playing piano again. I want to encourage other women to participate. It truly is a lifechanging experience, win or not.”

Show O Your Talents

The search is on for the Cameo Foundation’s 29th annual Ms. Senior Arizona 2018 contestants.

Open to women ages 60 and older, the pageant is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at Valley Vista Performing Arts Center, 15550 N. Parkview Place, Surprise. Radio personality Danny Davis will once again emcee. For contestant or pageant information, call 602-788-9556, email msseniorarizona2004@ cox.net, or visit cameofoundation.org or msseniorarizona.com.

The event is sponsored by Times Media Group and Lovin’ Life After 50, John Wallick Jewelers, Rose Tuxedo, Applause Productions, Cummins Photography, Sierra Winds Senior Living, Freedom Inn at Scottsdale, Gartman Technical Services, Moore Graphics and Heritage Tradition.

Leta Sproule nds Ms. Senior Arizona prize inspiring

Some devices and applications can make life easier and better

BY JUSTIN FERRIS

Age is an issue of mind over matter.

If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.

- Anonymous

The two quotes in this article nicely reveal the paradox of aging. On the one hand, there are many e ects that a positive mental outlook can overcome. On the other hand, no matter how young at heart or mind you are, your body continues to break down.

At some point, everyone who lives long enough will experience vision loss, hearing loss, memory problems and a host of other ailments. Until scientists can halt or reverse the cellular breakdown responsible for aging – they claim they’re getting closer – we just get to cope as best we can.

Fortunately, our ability to cope keeps improving thanks to technology. For example, the right tech can help you.

Hear things

Hearing loss is inevitable, but there’s a gap between needing people to speak up a little and requiring a $1,000-plus hearing aid. For that in-between time, you can use a personal sound ampli er product (PSAP) to boost the sound around you.

If you experience rapid hearing loss, talk to your doctor or an audiologist

about a hearing test to make sure it isn’t something serious.

According to testers at Consumer Reports and Hearing Review, the $20-$30 PSAP models don’t do much, and could actually hurt your hearing by over-amplifying loud sounds. However, the $200-plus models can work for mild to moderate hearing loss.

These small tags attach to your keys, or other frequently lost items.

See things

PSAP styles range from box-like units that go on your belt, such as the SuperEar brand, to a Bluetooth headset with extras, like the Sound World Solutions CS50 ($350). You can also nd compact inear options like The Bean from Etymotic Research ($214).

If you aren’t quite ready to pay for extra hardware, try a gadget you already own: your smartphone or tablet. Free apps like Petralex Hearing Aid for Android and Apple, and EarMachine for Apple, funnel sound picked up by the gadget’s microphone to your headphones to create a basic sound ampli er. For some situations, this might be all you need.

Remember things

Memory starting to slip? Next time you need to remember something, pull out your smartphone and re up Siri (press and hold your iPhone’s Home button) or OK Google (tap the microphone in the Android search bar). Then just say, “Remind me to...” followed by the reminder (example: “Remind me to pick up the dry cleaning tomorrow evening”). Done! You can also say “Take a note” to bring up a notes app.

Another problematic thing to remember for some is the everaccumulating regimen of pills. Download an app like Medisafe Meds & Pill Reminder for Android and Apple. It keeps track of your pill schedule, stores dosage instructions, reminds you about re lls, and records other medical info.

Find things

How often do you spend 10 minutes or more searching for your keys? If you

To nd the item, activate an app on your smartphone and the tag emits a loud sound. If your smartphone pulls a vanishing act, you can press a button on the Bluetooth tag and your phone will start making noise.

Reviews for Bluetooth trackers from sites like The Wirecutter and Tom’s Hardware put Tile Mate at the top of the heap. Its Tiles come in two varieties, one for keys ($21 per Tile) and another for slim spaces like wallets ($24 per Tile). Also, if you lose an object outside of Bluetooth range, Tile Mate can trigger other users’ smartphones to look for it and notify you of its location. That’s great for dropped wallets or even stolen property.

Tile Mate might be the best now, but keep an eye out. Its competitors Chipolo and TrackR promise improved designs later this year that o er size reduction and nifty features.

Until companies like Deep Optics bring selffocusing glasses to market, you won’t nd too much at-home tech to help you see better. However, there is a fun little trick to use the next time you’re squinting to read microscopic text and there’s no magnifying glass at hand.

Simply pull out your phone. Open up the camera app, point your phone at the tiny writing, and pinch the screen to zoom in on the text. Simple! You can also nd a range of magnifying glass apps in the Google and Apple apps stores. These do essentially the same thing as above, but lock the focus to a set distance and add a control to turn on the camera’s ash for better visibility in dark places.

I don’t need you to remind me of my age. I have a bladder to do that for me.

- Stephen Fry

Entertainment

Just Sell Him for Parts

Comedian Bill Engvall nds peace in aging, even though his body says otherwise

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARANSINSKI

When Bill Engvall served as a contestant on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars in 2013, he was a fan favorite. Engvall su ered the usual slew of injuries, but he was inspired. In November, he released the comedy special Just Sell Him for Parts, dedicated to the time on Dancing and afterward.

“The title came out of my experience on Dancing with the Stars,” says Engvall, a Texan who spent his junior high school years in Winslow.

“I tore my groin, pulled a hamstring and messed up my knee during the run of it. After it, I had to have my knee replaced. Two weeks later, I had shingles. Two weeks after that, I had a kidney stone. I told my wife that I didn’t even want to go to the doctor anymore. I was afraid they’d look at me and say they’re going to sell me for parts.”

He chalks it up to a divine mistake.

“That’s the only place God messed up,” he says. “When we turn 50, we should have been rewarded, as opposed to, ‘You’re 50 and life is going to start sucking now.’”

Engvall, who will soon turn 60, surpassed the troubles and is returning to Arizona on Saturday, May 20, to hit the stage at the Fox Tucson.

“I still have friends in the area,” Engvall says. “I’ve always liked Arizona, so those are really easy jobs for me. I’ll get my Arizona x.”

Engvall is one of the most successful entertainers in the business, having been a part of the Blue Collar Comedy concert lms and several television shows and movies. The former DJ is also a multiplatinum, Grammy-nominated recording artist. Engvall, who lives in Utah with his wife, says his age and experiences are catching up to him.

“I have been doing the standup thing for 35 years,” he says. “Unfortunately, times are changing. I just released a record, but it’s all digital streaming now. People my age and older, unfortunately, don’t know what digital streaming is. I say

to go to Vudu and people look at you like, ‘What?!’

That’s been a di cult transition for me.”

Sure, it’s confusing to him, but it’s great fodder for shows.

“When I come down there, one of my opening jokes is about my complete hatred of cell phones,” he says. “They’ve ruined our society. I just see us heading down a rabbit hole that we’re never going to come out of. Pretty soon they’ll be putting chips in our heads when we’re born.”

Engvall says he recalls actually dialing phones and chatting with friends and family. If they weren’t available, he left messages. No texting, no social media.

“I was telling my wife the other day, I’m so glad I grew up in a period that wasn’t like this,” he says. “I grew up in the no cell phone, no social media kind of world.

“I’m in a real transitionary phase. In this transition, I’m trying to accept this new world while hanging on to mine, and I’m losing. We’ve become this ‘I gotta have it right now’ generation. I don’t know where we’re headed, but it’s made for some great material.”

He shares this at his shows and as part of his weekly podcast, My 2 Cents.

“That’s basically what it is: my two cents,” he says. “I did one last night where I talked about where we were when certain events happened. I can go back in my life and pick big events that happened, like the JFK assassination or the rst man on the moon, and know exactly where I was.”

The topic came on the heels of a comment made by Jim Nantz about golf fans remembering where they were when Sergio Garcia won the 2017 Masters.

“He won a golf tournament,” he emphasizes. “It wasn’t like the second coming here. Sometimes I have guests on my show. I set it up like I’m sitting around

the breakfast table having co ee and talking about the subject of the day. If there’s a dog barking in the background, ne.”

The career pace is also ne for Engvall.

“I’m at that age when if someone wants to give me a TV show, great,” he says. “If not, that’s ne, too. I don’t live and die by that anymore. I would like to try a TV series again, or maybe do independent movies to keep the acting up.

“Other than that, I’m just digging life. We live up in Utah. I’m ready for the warm weather to get here so I can hike, bike, sh, camp and play golf. I’m a big outdoors person.”

Engvall admits the aging process is still a little concerning.

“But there’s a great peace that comes with it,” he says. “I’m not 30. I don’t care what people think anymore. When I’m 85, they’ll say, ‘Well, he’s 85. He’s earned the right to say that.’”

MORE INFO

What: Bill Engvall

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20

Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress, Tucson

Cost: $35-$89

Info: foxtucson.com

Calendar of Events

May 1 Monday

Beltane Celebration – High Spring

6 to 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson’s Back Patio, 4831 E. 22nd St., 748-1551, uuctucson. org. Beltane is a day to celebrate fertility, fire and abundance. The group will raise the May Pole.

May 2 Tuesday

Tony Frank and Friend

7:30 p.m., Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 1785 E. River Rd., free admission, 299-4275, sullivanssteakhouse.com.

May 3 Wednesday

Holmes and Watson

Various times, through May 6, Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave., $41-$63, arizonatheatre.org/show/ holmes-and-watson/. Following Holmes’ “death” at Reichenbach Falls, Dr. Watson is called upon to disprove the many frauds, fakes and charlatans who have popped up all over the world claiming to be Holmes.

May 4 Thursday

Margaritas & Mom

5 to 7 p.m., Madaras Gallery, 3035 N. Swan, 615-3001, call for charge, madaras.com. In celebration of Mother’s Day, the Madaras Gallery’s event features a trunk show with the jewelry of Bling by Wilkening.

May 5 Friday

Movies in the Park with Wall-E 7:45 p.m., Reid Park, 22nd Street and Country Club Road, free, saaca.org.

Fiesta Patria: A Mariachi Extravaganza

7 p.m., The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, $25, 529-1000, gaslightmusichall.com.

Tucson Folk Festival Kick-O Party

6 to 10 p.m., La Cocina, 201 N. Court Ave., $10 suggested donation, tucsonfolkfest.org. After setting up for the festival, organizers will gather at La Cocina for music, food and conversation. The Greg Morton Band and other performers will take the stage.

May 6 Saturday

Tour of Historic Canoa Ranch

8:30 to 10 a.m., Historic Hacienda de la Canoa, 5375 S. Interstate 19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley, free, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, canoaranch@ pima.gov, 724-5220.

Fathers of Soul: Billy Rock and Bad News Blues

7 p.m., The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, $25, 529-1000, gaslightmusichall.com.

Tucson Folk Festival

Noon to 10 p.m., repeats May 7, throughout Tucson, free, tucsonfolkfest.org. The 32nd Tucson Folk Festival is a free annual event celebrating American folk music traditions and its variations, including American bluegrass, blues, country, jazz, Celtic, Zydeco and Latin and Mexican music.

May 7 Sunday

A Song for the World: The Colwell Brothers and Herb Allen

3 and 7 p.m., The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, $20-$35, 529-1000, gaslightmusichall.com.

Bill Engvall says these days, he’s “just digging life.” (Special to LLAF)

Calendar of Events

Calendar...continued from page 12

Tucson Folk Festival

11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., throughout Tucson, free, tucsonfolkfest. org. The 32nd Tucson Folk Festival is a free annual event celebrating American folk music traditions and its variations, including American bluegrass, blues, country, jazz, Celtic, Zydeco and Latin and Mexican music.

May 8 Monday

An Evening with David Sedaris

7:30 p.m., Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress, $55-$62.50, foxtucson.com. Join David Sedaris for an evening of new stories and observations with several sneak previews into work that will be published in his newest collection of writing in 2017, as well as an audience Q&A.

May 9 Tuesday

Tour of Historic Canoa Ranch

8:30 to 10 a.m., Historic Hacienda de la Canoa, 5375 S. Interstate 19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley, free, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, canoarach@pima. gov, canoaranch@pima.gov, 724-5220.

May 10 Wednesday

Practicing the Art of Paying Attention Workshop

8 to 11 a.m., Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., $10 for members, $15 nonmembers, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855.

Restoration Tour

9 to 10:30 a.m., Historic Hacienda de la Canoa, 5375 S. Interstate 19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley, free, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, canoaranch@pima. gov, 724-5220. From deteriorating ruins to functional

buildings, take a behind-the-scenes tour with Architectural Preservationist Simon Herbert to examine the processes and materials used in the restoration of the structures at Historic Canoa Ranch.

Anza Tour at Historic Canoa Ranch

9 a.m., Historic Hacienda de la Canoa, 5375 S. Interstate 19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley, free, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, canoaranch@pima.gov, 724-5220.

May 11 Thursday

Southern Arizona Arts Guild’s Fine Arts and Crafts Bazaar

10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Cornerstone Hospital, 7220 E. Rosewood Dr., free admission, 928-273-5650, saagmd36@gmail.com.

Southern Arizona Arts Guild’s Spring into Autumn Juried Art Show Opening

4 to 7 p.m., Cornerstone Hospital, 7220 E. Rosewood Dr., free admission, 928-202-8196, aprilludy@gmail.com. The show runs through Nov. 11.

Green Valley Stroke Support Group

10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Zuni Room, La Perla at La Posada, 635 S. Park Center Ave., free, reservations required, 626-2901. Facilitated by Leslie Ritter, PhD, RN, and supported by Banner - University Medical Center, University of Arizona College of Nursing and Sarver Heart Center. For stroke survivors and caregivers to learn more about stroke, to find positive solutions to shared concerns and to unite in support of each other.

May 12 Friday

Bugs and Black Lights

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Tucson Mountain Park, Pima County Desert Discovery Center, 7709 W. Gates Pass Rd., free, registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima. gov, 520-615-7855. As the sun sets, the desert comes alive with a vast array of wildlife, many of which are insects. Black lights are used to attract insects for a closer look, and Pima County naturalists will be on hand to identify and discuss the six-legged creatures.

Sylvan Street

7:30 p.m., Main Gate Square, between Park and Euclid avenues on University Boulevard, free, sylvanstreetjazz. com. The band’s progressive jazz sound brings the energy and excitement of an arena rock concert to the intimacy of a jazz venue.

Rockin’ Me Baby Dance Party with Five Way Street

7 p.m., The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, $12.50, 529-1000, gaslightmusichall.com.

Weird Plant Sale

4:30 to 7:30 p.m. for members only, repeats 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 13, Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, free admission, 326-9686, tucsonbotanical.org.

May 13 Saturday

Predators, Prey, Room to Room

9 to 10:30 a.m., Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., children and adults free with membership, $5 nonmember adult fee, online registration required, pima. gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855.

Birding Sweetwater Wetlands

4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Sweetwater Wetlands, 2667 W. Sweetwater Dr., free, online registration required, pima. gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855.

Park After Dark

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N. Camino

de Oeste, children free, adults free with membership, $5 nonmember adult fee, online registration required, pima. gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855. Explore the urban wildlife hotspot after sundown during the naturalistled nature walk.

Bye, Bye Love: An Everly Brothers Tribute

7 p.m., The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, $25, 529-1000, gaslightmusichall.com.

American Gra ti

7:30 p.m., Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress, $1-$7, foxtucson.com. The Fox Tucson Theatre screens the 1973 movie starring Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Cindy Williams, Candy Clark, Mackenzie Phillips and Harrison Ford.

Tucson Area Iris Society Meeting

1 to 4 p.m., Murphy-Wilmot Branch Library, 530 N. Wilmot Rd., free, 594-5420, tucsoniris.org, irisgrowinaz@gmail. com.

May 14 Sunday

Hummingbird ID Workshop

9 to 11 a.m., Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., $5 for members, $10 nonmembers, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855. Join Jeff Babson to learn the intricacies of identification as they examine the hummer species that occur in southern Arizona.

Lisa Otey and Desert Divas: Mother’s Day Divas

2 p.m. and 6 p.m., The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, $25, 529-1000, gaslightmusichall.com.

May 15 Monday

Hot Monday Blues

6 p.m., The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, $12.50, 529-1000, gaslightmusichall.com.

Calendar of Events

Calendar...continued from page 13

May 16 Tuesday

Birding Cienega Creek

7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Rd., free for members, $5 nonmembers, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@ pima.gov, 615-7855. Join Jeff Babson on this guided walk to observe the rich bird life in the diverse habitats of Cienega Creek Natural Preserve as participants search for hawks, tanagers, warblers, sparrows and others.

May 17 Wednesday

Lizards of Agua Caliente Park

7:30 to 9 a.m., Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., free, registration not required, pima.gov, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855.

Right Treatment, Right Person, Right Time: Progress in Precision Cardiovascular Care at Sarver Heart Center

6 to 7:15 p.m., Banner-UMC Tucson, Room 5403, 1501 N. Campbell, free, registration required, bit.ly/May17-Precision, 626-2901. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with information tables and chest-compression-only CPR training available. Free parking in the Banner-UMC Medical Center Patient/Visitor Parking Garage.

Society of Military Widows’ Luncheon and Meeting Noon, Ironwood Club at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, 2720 S. Craycroft Rd., charge for meal, reservations required, 574-6628.

May 18 Thursday

Ayuda Smiles Comedy Show

5 p.m., VFW Post 549, 8424 E. Old Spanish Trail, $20, http:// bit.ly/2oeMCJu, http://bit.ly/2pEuyIY.

May 19 Friday

Stargazing at Historic Canoa Ranch

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (self-guided tour), 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (stargazing), Historic Hacienda de la Canoa, 5375 S. Interstate 19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley, $5 suggested donation, pima.gov/nrpr, canoaranch@pima.gov, 724-5220. Sonora Astronomical Society volunteers set up telescopes for celestial viewing and introduce guests to the night sky.

Lost Skills of the Old West, Starring Beau Schwade

6 p.m., The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, $15, 529-1000, gaslightmusichall.com.

May 20 Saturday

Hike the Path of the Ancestors

7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Colossal Cave Mountain Park, 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail, free for members, $5 nonmembers, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@ pima.gov, 615-7855. Explore a shaded trail along a riparian corridor in Colossal Cave Mountain Park and discover remnants of an ancient Hohokam village.

Tour of Historic Canoa Ranch

8:30 to 10 a.m., Historic Hacienda de la Canoa, 5375 S. Interstate 19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley, free, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, canoarach@pima. gov, canoaranch@pima.gov, 520-724-5220.

A Night Under the Stars

7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., free, registration not required, pima.gov/ nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855. Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association volunteers introduce guests to the night sky and set up telescopes for celestial viewing.

Strait Country

7 p.m., The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, $25, 529-1000, gaslightmusichall.com.

Bill Engvall

7:30 p.m., Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress, $35-$89, foxtucson.com. As a founding member of the Blue Collar Comedy group, Bill Engvall found success with his country comedy and observational satire style.

May 21 Sunday

OutRun Anxiety 5K Walk/Run for Teen Mental Health

8 to 10:30 a.m., Gene Reid Park, 22nd Street and Country Club Road, $12-$25, http://bit.ly/2ofhBoo. The nonprofit Anxiety in Teens launches its OutRun Anxiety 5K Walk/Run for Teen Mental Health. This is a family-friendly, fun event.

May 22 Monday

Elephant Sundowner with Dr. Charles Foley

5:30 to 7 p.m., Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Ct., $25-$30, 7913204, reidparkzoo.org. Visit the zoo during a sunset happy hour, called a “sundowner” in east Africa, Expedition Tanzania. Imbibe in cocktails with themed cocktails and enjoy the company of the elephant herd and the experts who know them best – the keepers.

May 23 Tuesday

Birding Colossal Cave Mountain Park

7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Colossal Cave Mountain Park, 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail, free for members, $5 for nonmembers, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@ pima.gov, 615-7855. Join a local birding expert to explore the bountiful birdlife that inhabits the Arizona Uplands of Colossal Cave Mountain Park.

tucson-water-rebate. Watershed Management Group’s free Rainwater Harvesting Class will include a brief tour of water harvesting features on site, an introduction to rainwater harvesting, information about the Tucson Water Rainwater Harvesting Incentives Rebate Program, and an opportunity to meet with one of a specialist about the design process.

May 26 Friday

Silk and Soul

7:30 p.m., Main Gate Square, between Park and Euclid avenues on University Boulevard, free, facebook.com/ silkandsoulmusic/.

Boot Scootin’ Dance Party with The Buckboard Band 7 p.m., The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, $12.50, 529-1000, gaslightmusichall.com.

May 27 Saturday

A Night Under the Stars

7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Tucson Mountain Park, Ironwood Picnic Area, 1500 S. Kinney Rd., free, registration not required, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855. Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association volunteers introduce guests to the night sky and set up telescopes for celestial viewing.

Soulsville USA/George Howard Motown and Soul

7 p.m., The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, $25, 529-1000, gaslightmusichall.com.

Wyatt Earp Days

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., repeats May 28 and May 29, on Allen Street, Tombstone, $1, wyattearpdays.com. Sponsored by the Tombstone Lions Club, Wyatt Earp Days features three days of continuous street entertainment.

May 28 Sunday

A Miracle for Mary

Tour of Historic Canoa Ranch

• Located in the heart of Prescott on 16 lush acres

• Garden apartments available with walk-out patios

• Beautiful nature park

• Pet friendly walking paths and fenced in dog park area

• Underground parking available

• Restaurant style dining

• Voted “Best of the Best” for 12 years running - proven quality

• Independent living apartments with fully equipped kitchens and patios - choose from 9 different floor plans

• Assisted living apartments with professional and personal care

• Fitness Center/Barber & Beauty Shop/Transportation providedand much more!

8:30 to 10 a.m., Historic Hacienda de la Canoa, 5375 S. Interstate 19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley, free, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, canoarach@pima. gov, canoaranch@pima.gov, 724-5220.

May 24 Wednesday

Tucson Water Rainwater Harvesting Rebate

9 a.m. to noon, UA/Pima County Cooperative Extension, 4210 N. Campbell Ave., free, http://bit.ly/2oLV066. Join Rainwater Harvesting professional, Lincoln Perino, for a close look at sensible, water-smart (and wallet-smart) rainwater harvesting systems for the home landscape.

May 25 Thursday

Rainwater Harvesting Class (Tucson Water Rebate)

3 to 6 p.m., WMG Living Lab and Learning Center, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd., free, registration required, https:// watershedmg.org/event/rainwater-harvesting-class-

2 p.m., Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave., $13, 800-7453000, ticketmaster.com, http://bit.ly/2nRBbLn. A Miracle for Mary features dancers of all ages telling the tale of a homeless child, neglected and ignored. One night she encounters a group of magical fairies, who bestow upon her a miracle, bringing her to the attention of a loving childless couple, who adopt her. Set near the turn of the 20th century, the production features the music of Scott Joplin and characters from the days of Women’s Suffrage.

May 30 Tuesday

Women’s Backpacking Basics

6:30 to 8 p.m., Tucson REI, 160 W. Wetmore Rd., free, http:// bit.ly/2p7JYsT.

May 31 Wednesday

Lizards of Agua Caliente Park

7:30 to 9 a.m., Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., free, registration not required, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855. Join the group as we search for whiptail, spiny, ornate tree and other lizards that roam Agua Caliente Park.

Have a Gaslight

Gaslight Theatre celebrates 40 years of melodrama and a new music hall

BY NIKI D’ANDREA

Heather Stricker-DeBenedetti portrays one erce female swashbuckler in the Gaslight Theatre production Curse of the Pirate’s Gold. “I play Consuela. She’s fun, she’s smart. I get to play a strong character,” Stricker-DeBenedetti says. “She knows what she wants, and she knows how to get it, and she’s going to get it.”

“It” is treasure, of course, and every corsair in the play tracks it and tangles over it – to hilarious results – in the production, which runs through June 4 at the Gaslight Theatre.

In November, the company will celebrate 40 years of bringing “familyfriendly melodrama theatre” to the Old Pueblo. “It’s one of the only melodrama theatres left in the country,” StrickerDeBenedetti says. “So you can ‘yay’ the good guys and ‘boo’ the bad guys.”

Some of the actors have been with Gaslight Theatre all four decades, says Stricker-DeBenedetti. Gaslight Theatre founder Tony Terry remains a xture, as well. “Any given day, you can come up

to the theatre and nd Tony sweeping or something,” she says. “This man does every job there is, at every one of his businesses.”

Terry’s businesses include the Gaslight Music Hall of Oro Valley, which opened just last year and resembles an old Western saloon. The music hall hosts three to four shows a week; entertainments runs the gamut from local bands to comedians to musical revues. It’s a popular nightlife spot for active adults. “People in Oro Valley love to dance, so we give them a dance party most Friday nights,” StrickerDeBenedetti says. “It features di erent bands, so one night it could be country, the next it could be classic rock.”

Shows at Gaslight Music Hall include free popcorn, and pizza, beer, wine and spirits are also available, including featured cocktails made speci cally for

each show. Upcoming concerts include the “Fathers of Soul” tribute to Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding and Sam Cooke on May 6; The Colwell Brothers and Herb Allen (musical founders of Up with People) on May 7; and a George Strait tribute band, Strait Country, on May 20. Gaslight Theatre also hosts concert nights on Mondays. This month’s calendar includes Mariachi Extravanganza on May 8, a tribute to jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald on May 15, and “Return to Woodstock” on May 22. The music shows, like Gaslight Theatre’s plays (which StrickerDeBenedetti says sell out three to four weeks in advance), are a hit with the mature set. “Once you hit a certain age, you’re not really into the bar scene,” Stricker-DeBenedetti says. “Seniors in our community want to socialize, exercise and dance to good music, and we give them the opportunity to do that.”

Stricker-DeBenedetti, who also performs in a vocal group called The Manhattan Dolls that performs music from the 1930s and 1940s, says she moved back to Arizona from New York to work at Gaslight Theatre and perform at Gaslight Music Hall. “I’ve worked at theaters all over the country,” she says, “and this is the best.”

Gaslight Theatre

Where: 7010 E. Broadway Boulevard, Tucson Info: 520-886-9428, thegaslight theatre.com

Gaslight Music Hall

Where: 13005 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley Info: 520-529-1000, gaslightmusic hall.com

Curse of the Pirate’s Gold is catchy and comedic. (Courtesy Gaslight Theatre)

A variety of bands rock the stage at Gaslight Music Hall. (Courtesy Gaslight Theatre)

The Manhattan Dolls perform at Gaslight Music Hall. (Courtesy Gaslight Theatre)

Trivia Contest

Time to put on your thinking caps

BY KENNETH LAFAVE

Welcome to May. It’s commonly held that May was named after the Greek goddess Maia, associated with fertility, though the Roman poet Ovid claimed May derived from a word meaning “elders,” while June came from a word meaning “youth” (as in “juniors”).

May is Creative Beginnings Month, perhaps the most useless label ever. Anyone can begin a creative project. The trick, as testi ed to by desks piled with halfwritten manuscripts and backyards lled with holes, is nishing stu .

It’s both National Hamburger Month and National Barbecue Month. May 18 is No Dirty Dishes Day, which I like to think of as Eat Every Meal Out Day. May 19 is National Bike to Work Day, which is perfect when your job is seven miles from your house and the daily highs irt with

May Questions:

Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexican victory in what battle?

On May 5, 1862, the Mexican Army defeated the forces of what European leader?

100 degrees.

And let’s face it: May is hot. In Phoenix, the average high is an acceptable 95 degrees, but the highest temp recorded for the month is 113 degrees.

May is the birth month of John F. Kennedy, Walt Whitman, Irving Berlin and Karl Marx. May 20 is a good day for ying. In 1927 on that date, Charles Lindberg became the rst man to y across the Atlantic solo, and ve years later to the day, Amelia Earhart became the rst woman to do the same.

May 29 is Memorial Day, and May 5 is, of course, Cinco de Mayo. Many holidays are just an excuse to party – especially Cinco de Mayo. I bet most Americans don’t even know what Mexican victory is commemorated every May 5. Try to prove me wrong below:

1 2 5 3 4

The European leader above sought to establish a puppet regime in Mexico under the leadership of what monarch?

Contest Prizes:

For May, two readers in Tucson and two readers in Phoenix will win a certi cate for a one-night stay at InnSuites.

To Enter:

On a sheet of paper, list the correct answers in order 1 through 5. Include your full name, mailing address, phone number and email address if available.

Mail your trivia contest entry to: Lovin’ Life After 50

Attn: Trivia Contest 1620 W. Fountainhead Pkwy. Tempe, AZ 85282

Or email your entry to: trivia@lovinlife.com

The deadline for entry is the 15th of each month. Please be sure to have your entry postmarked by that date. If you’re a winner in our drawing, we’ll contact you via telephone.

GOOD LUCK!

Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. What day is?

Tequila is the uno cial liquor of Cinco de Mayo. On average, how many cases of tequila are purchased by Americans every year?

April Winners:

The winners each received a one-night stay at InnSuites.

PHOENIX: Henry J. Sniodoch

Susan White and Frank Schmidtlein

TUCSON: William Carson • Charles Ja e

April Answers:

1 What songwriting team penned Dionne Warwick’s “April Fools”? BURT BACHARACH AND HAL DAVID

2 What disaster befell music on April 10, 1970? THE BEATLES BROKE UP

3 Two U.S. vice presidents became president in April of di erent years when their predecessors died in o ce. What were their names? ANDREW JOHNSON AND HARRY TRUMAN

4 What historical gure committed suicide on April 30? ADOLPH HITLER

5 The highest April temperature in Phoenix was 105 degrees Fahrenheit. In what day and year? APRIL 22, 2012

1

Accomplish

Propels

That guy

Land ll, essentially

Commotion

Swindles

Pond organism

Symbol of intrigue

Ardor

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers di er 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.

Despot DOWN 1 Rotation gauge, for short 2 Villain’s adversary

Wander 4 Oust from o ce 5 Likelihood 6 See 38-Across 7 Guitar’s cousin 8 Paris subway

Big success

Competent

Twosome

16 Storefront sign abbr.

“Monty Python” opener

Start

Laugh-a-minute

Deity 25 “Richard --”

26 Sudden assembly that some nd entertaining

27 Michigan, for one 29 Raw rock 30 Church seat

35 Writer Buscaglia

37 “Who cares?”

39 Fodder plant

40 Simpson’s interjection

41 Dissolve

42 Assistant 43 “Hey, you!” 44 Congers

45 Sitarist’s rendition

46 Mast 49 Fish eggs

50 Literary collection

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.

GO FIGURE!

by Linda Thistle

The

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!

Travel

Absolutely

Peter the Great modeled St. Petersburg after Amsterdam, itself one of the great planned cities of Europe. He traveled there in 1698, studying its layout, learning the craft of ship building, even pounding nails alongside Dutch workers at the world’s largest shipyard. It was part of the czar’s plan to modernize Russia and make his new Baltic capital a window to the west. His selection of Amsterdam was well chosen. Both cities were built on marshes, but Amsterdam took it a step further, transforming its marsh into Europe’s largest grand port. Amsterdam soon became, and still remains, one of the most advanced and forward-thinking cities in the world.

Back Story

Located on the western coast of the Netherlands, Amsterdam began as a small 13th-century shing village on the mouth of the Amstel River. Much of the city is below sea level and would ood if not for a network of dykes. The city rapidly

expanded to a major sea trading center, and by the 17th century became the center of a massive world empire. This period, known as the Dutch Golden Age, saw the building of stunning canals and opulent gable homes. Amsterdam was hit hard by military occupations, but rebounded after WWII and entered the modern age with one of the world’s strongest economies. The Dutch are also the tallest people in the world, with an average height of 6 feet 1 inch for males and 5-foot-7 for females. Scientists attribute this to having one of the best healthcare systems in the world.

Hedonism or Tolerance

Say “Amsterdam” to most Americans, and you are met with questions regarding the Red Light District and co ee houses, where the use of cannabis is technically not legal, but openly tolerated. This world does exist, but it is only a small part of the city. Amsterdam has a long tradition of social tolerance. Due to its importance as a

merchant center, traders from all over the globe brought not just goods, but other viewpoints and cultures into the city. The motto “No one should be harmed by the actions of others” is a de ning characteristic of the Amsterdammer. The untranslatable word gedogen refers to the Dutch practice of turning a blind eye to things which are o cially illegal but tolerated, such as soft drugs and euthanasia.

Getting Around Town: What I Learned

Amsterdam is a compact city of 750,000, and easily negotiated by foot or tram. The train station and Dam Square are at the heart of the city and the starting point for most tours. Or hop on a bicycle and explore the city like a local. Approximately 63 percent of Amsterdammers ride their bikes on a daily basis.

Museum Square is a brief tram ride from the city center. It is home to the Rijksmuseum, which includes works of Rembrandt and Vermeer. The Vincent Van Gogh Museum is a short walk away, and contains the world’s largest collection of paintings and drawings by the artist.

Anne Frank House: During World War II, more than 103,000 Jews were deported from the Netherlands to concentration camps. The most famous was a 13-yearold German girl named Anne Frank. In 1942, the Frank and van Pels families went into hiding in the upstairs of a canal building. For two years, Anne worked on her diary, giving an account of growing up during the most inhumane of times. She made her last entry three days before being arrested. Anne and her sister died of typhus in Bergen-Belsen in March 1945, only a few weeks before the concentration camp was liberated. Her father, Otto Frank, the only member of the group to survive, returned after the war. Miep Gies,

who had helped to hide and feed the family, found the manuscripts and gave them to Otto. In 1947, the rst Dutch edition of the diary appeared. Since then the diary has been published in more than 55 languages. The Anne Frank House is now a self-guided museum.

Joods Historical Museum consists of four adjoining synagogues, linked by internal walkways to form one large museum. The synagogues were central to Jewish life until WWII, and were restored in the 1980s. Most Amsterdammers who visit the museum today are not Jewish, and consider the museums very much a part of their own history – which of course it is.

Eet Smaakelijk! Amsterdam o ers an array of ethnic restaurants. Dining options should also include Dutch delicacies like smoked eel, herring and cheeses. A trip to a Dutch pannekoeken house is an introduction to a plate-sized pancake, often times not sweet and never served for breakfast. Rijsttafel (rice table), brought from the former Dutch colony of Indonesia, features dishes served around a mound of rice.

Brown Café: No, not of one those. A Brown Café is a local’s hangout. Some say the name stems from the interior brown wood; others, the years of tobacco smoke on the walls. Either way, it’s a great place to meet locals.

Like-a-Local.com: The best way to experience Amsterdam is on foot – but the best way to understand it, is to see it with a local. Like-a-Local o ers travelers an opportunity to spend time with real Amsterdammers. This can include bicycle and canal tours on private boats, lunches in private apartments or even spending the night at a local’s home. For further information, visit holland. com.

STORY & PHOTOS BY ED BOITANO

Keukenhof, a short bus trip from the city, is Holland’s number one tourist attraction, where more than 7 million ower bulbs are planted annually.

THE SUMMER TRAVEL PLANNER

OUR GUIDE TO THE WORLD’S BEST TREKS, TOURS AND DESTINATIONS

v Compiled by Ed Boitano

ALASKA

ALASKA CRUISES AND VACATIONS BY TYEE TRAVEL

— What kind of cruise is right for you? From casual same AFTER 50ll-ship cruises to elegant luxury ships, Alaskans at Alaska Cruises & Vacations have experience and first-hand knowledge to plan your perfect cruise. Customize a land tour to make your journey complete. For advice from Alaskans who cruise themselves, go online at www.akcruises.com or call (800) 977-9705

CORDOVA — Intentionally off the beaten path. Cordova, Alaska is an authentic commercial fishing town nestled in the heart of a spectacular wilderness, shaped by its dramatic natural setting, rich cultural heritage and colorful residents. In 2017, let Cordova become your base of operations for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. Go hiking, fishing, birding, boating, kayaking, or travel to other parts of the state. (907) 424-7260 or www.cordovachamber.com

GRAY LINE ALASKA offers a wide variety of Alaska tours from local experts. Our diversity of Alaska vacation options will bring you unforgettable memories. Breathtaking scenery, wildlife, glaciers and mountains are just a few of the perks you may experience when traveling with Gray Line Alaska. Choose from post or pre cruise options as well as guided and independent Alaska travel packages. Now offering 2-for-1 rates on our Denali Rail Tours! Visit graylinealaska.com or call 1-800-5442206 for reservations.

HOMER,

ALASKA — This captivating little town has something for everyone. Activities include hiking, world-class fishing, bear viewing, kayaking, and bird watching, Homer is known as a “foodie” town, cultural arts community, and wellness destination. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Kenai Mountains, glaciers and volcanoes overlooking the Kachemak Bay. Stroll on the beaches and get close up to playful sea otters, bald eagles, puffins and sometimes whales. (907) 235-7740 or www. HomerAlaska.org

SEWARD

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE — Known as

National Park’ Seward is a picturesque town located 126 miles south of Anchorage. Discover our bustling harbor and historic downtown filled with quaint shops and art galleries. Experience trophy sport fishing, glacier and wildlife cruises, sailing, hiking, kayaking, flight seeing and more. A wide range of accommodations, restaurants, RV parks, tent camping, and visitor services are available. (907) 224-8051 or www.Seward.com

CALIFORNIA

BIG SUR LODGE is located in ancient groves of redwood and oak trees in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur, California. Guests are invited to step back in time to an earlier, more peaceful era. Our 61 newly-renovated and remodeled

cottage-style guest rooms, each with its own deck or porch, are located on a hillside, within walking distance of our restaurant, gift shop, and grocery store. Your stay at the Big Sur Lodge includes free access to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Ask about our Lovin’ Life discount. (800) 424-4787 or www.BigSurLodge.com

THE CEDAR HOUSE SPORT HOTEL, located just outside the Historic Downtown District of Truckee, California, fuses innovative green architecture with the best of contemporary design. Described as a stunning combination of hip and organic, savvy and relaxing, The Cedar House incorporates a number of eco-friendly elements, bringing a fresh and environmentally conscience style to the Sierras. Featuring 40 rooms and suites, enjoy modern conveniences, from flat screen TVs to plush linens. (866) 582-5655 or www.CedarHouseSportHotel.com

DOLPHIN BAY RESORT & SPA — Set along the rugged California Coast, just south of San Luis Obispo, Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is centrally located in Pismo Beach. Dolphin Bay is the ideal hotel for romantic getaways or family vacations where guests stay anywhere from two nights to months at a time. With 60 spacious 1 and 2 bedroom suites featuring all of the amenities of a home, The Spa, award winning restaurant, Lido at Dolphin Bay and an array of activities, guests can experience the best of the Central Coast. (800) 516-0112 or www.thedolphinbay.com

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES OF ATASCADERO

— Stay, explore, savor the best of the Central Coast. Experience our award-winning wine country hotel featuring full hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, refrigerators/ microwaves/Keurig coffeemakers in each room, and an outdoor heated pool & spa. Conveniently situated in the heart of the Central Coast – minutes to Hearst Castle and historic Atascadero City Hall. Marston’s 101 Restaurant &

Cocktails, and Caladero Event Room – NOW OPEN! (805) 462-0200 or www.hieatascadero.com

TAHOE LAKESHORE LODGE & SPA – The only beach front Lake Tahoe hotel where every room has a lake view and fireplace. Offering both lodge rooms and condominiums. Enjoy summer in Tahoe or make plans for the fall. Amenities include a private beach, seasonal heated pool and hot tub that are lakeside and a day spa for pampering. Centrally located just minutes from downtown casinos, area restaurants, marinas and area attractions. Use promo code AZCL to receive 25% off your midweek (Sunday-Thursday) stay 05/01/17-05/25/17, 05/30/17-06/15/17 and 09/04/17-10/31/17, restrictions apply. (800) 448-4577 or www.TahoeLakeshoreLodge.com

THE LODGE AT LAKE TAHOE — Centrally located in South Lake Tahoe. Our condominiums provide ample space and comforts of home to relax after a fun-filled day. Heated pool is open seasonally with hot tub open year-round. Our onsite resort amenities serve as the premier spot to relax and enjoy South Lake Tahoe. Call today (866) 469-8222 or visit www.8664myvacation.com

PISMO COAST VILLAGE RV RESORT — Located right on the beach, this beautifully landscaped RV resort features 400 full hookup sites, each with complimentary Wi-Fi and cable TV, on 26 grassy, tree-lined acres. Enjoy general Store, children’s arcade, restaurant, Laundromat, heated pool, bicycle rentals and miniature golf course. The resort offers the ideal location for wineries, golf or Hearst Castle. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort was awarded the 2007/2008 National RV Park of the Year. (888) RV-BEACH or www.PismoCoastVillage.com

RIVERSIDE DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP — Riverside is located midway between Los Angeles and Palm Springs and less than an hour from the mountains. Downtown Riverside offers entertainment at the Fox PAC and other venues, and shopping at unique boutiques. And from June 16 to June 25 enjoy Riverside Restaurant Week by dining at downtown restaurants with a range of cuisines. For more information visit www.RiversideDowntown.org or call 951-781-7335.

THE VILLA CAPRI BY THE SEA is an intimate, charming boutique hotel with on site concierge management in the tradi-

Standard rooms include a king size “sleep therapy” pillow top bed, microwave/fridge, Wi-Fi, cable TV and air conditioning. Full kitchen suites are also available. Guests can walk to shops, restaurants, golf, tennis and theatre. Daily, weekly or monthly rates offered. (619) 435-4137 or www.villacapribythesea.com

HAWAII

BANYAN HARBOR RESORT, Managed by OLS Hotels & Resorts, is exceptionally suited to accommodate couples, groups and families for your Kauai vacation. Each tropical vacation rental offers separate living, dining, and sleeping areas, plus fully-equipped kitchen. With amenities that include a salt heated pool, barbecue grills, tennis court, and shuffleboard, the Banyan Harbor Resort offers your perfect central island location for your next Kauai vacation. Ask about our $129 special for two-bedroom, fully-equipped condominiums. Add a car rental for only $26 per day. (800) 422-6926 or www.Vacation-Kauai.com

CONDOMINIUM RENTALS HAWAII has been managing vacation condos on or across from the best beaches for 35 years. Choose from studio, one- and two-bedroom condos on both Maui and Kauai. Save 15% off now through Dec 20th for as low as $118 per night! Call (800) 367-5242 or select your fabulous condo online at www.crhmai.com

THE ESTATES OF TURTLE BAY — Nestled on the unspoiled North Shore of Oahu, The Estates of Turtle Bay is where your dreams of a perfect Hawaiian vacation come true with fun filled days and nights to remember. Our rental condominiums are lo-

cated in the center of one of the two championship 18 hole golf courses on the grounds of Turtle Bay Resort. Enjoy spacious and well equipped condominiums, complete with a full size kitchen, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, washer/dryer, and cable TV. The Estates are only minutes away from swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or just plain relaxing on the miles of pristine sandy beaches. (888) 200-4202; (808) 293-0600; etbinformation@gmail.com or www.turtlebay-rentals.com

NOELANI CONDOMINIUM RESORT

– Welcome to Maui’s finest vacation rental resort. Away from the tour bus crowds of high rise hotels and overdeveloped resort areas, this is a unique, private haven where you can still enjoy all the peace, tranquility and Aloha Spirit of Old Hawaii. Maui No Ka Oi! All of our Maui vacation condos for rent are oceanfront, not just ocean view, like so many other Maui vacation condo rentals. Enjoy the best of Maui in our oceanfront resort condos. Relax in our swimming pools, Jacuzzi, private lanais and tropical island setting, just steps from the beach. See our video on YELP. (800) 367-6030 or www.Noelani-Condo-Resort.com

RAMADA PLAZA WAIKIKI —

Your island stay begins at Ramada Plaza Waikiki! We are steps away from beautiful Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana Shopping Center, and surrounded by an array of restaurants and local activities! As an off-beach property, we offer affordable accommodations with NO resort fees! Our primary goal is to provide you with our gracious hospitality and comfortable non-smoking rooms. Come and relax, recharge and experience the island lifestyle that awaits you… Special discounts for Seniors and AARP members! Reservations: (808) 744-4351 or visit us at www.ramadaplazawaikiki.com

UTAH

CANYON

SERVICES —

for a fantastic summer getaway. Dates are: July 19, August 2, and August 9. $75/person (including transportation). Register at go.suu.edu/active-learning-adventures or call 435-586-7759.

LOGAN, UTAH is a few degrees cooler in so many ways. This beautiful high mountain valley offers unparalleled access to world class performing arts on the edge of the great outdoors. It’s only a 10 minute drive from the downtown theater district to hiking, fishing, or picnicking in the Wasatch Cache National Forest. Explore Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway with its dramatic limestone cliffs and wildflowers. Our valley is famous for outdoor adventures, hands-on living history experiences, and fine arts. Just 90minutes north of Salt Lake City. (800) 882-4433 or www.explorelogan.com

PARK CITY LODGING — “Cool Mountain Escapes! Park City offers an abundance of activities, breathtaking views and comfortable weather. Enjoy world class golf, kayak or fly-fish, hike or bike moderate trails, enjoy a dine-around, gallery stroll, or cooking class and attend free outdoor concerts. Beat the Heat! Inquire about special senior events and deals: 855393-8473 or www.ParkCityLodging.com

SUNRIVER - ST. GEORGE is southern Utah’s premier master-planned active adult lifestyle community. Built in an unspoiled, rural location, SunRiver St. George provides a quiet, superbly planned community with occupancy limited to at least one resident 55 or older. From the golf course layout and community

Escape the heat; find your mountain get-away at Alta/ Snowbird Utah. Your vacation memories are waiting to be made...in one of our great homes or condos! Enjoy easy access to Alta Ski Area and Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort offering great activities and cool mountain air. Our properties give you spectacular views, access to incredible day hikes, and close proximity to Salt Lake City events! With just a day drive to many National and Utah State Parks,) this location is perfect for your summer vacation or extended stay! (888) 546-5708 or www. CanyonServices.com

CEDAR CITY — Join us in Cedar City, Utah for “A Midsummer Adventure”; a day immersed in art, local history, geology with seasoned southern Utah experts, plus hiking at Cedar Breaks National Monument. Add an evening at the Tony Award winning Utah Shakespeare Festival (bard.org)

center design to the floor plans of our sensational SunRiver St. George homes, the active adult lifestyle is our central point of focus. SunRiver St. George is “building a lifestyle, not just homes.” (435) 688-1000 or www.SunRiver.com

SEDONA

BEST WESTERN PLUS INN OF SEDONA — The award-winning design of this hotel, nestled in the famous red rocks of Sedona, echoes the natural features of the surrounding desert terrain, showcasing the panoramic views from the hilltop location with four large terraced balcony walks, and quintessential desert-inspired style complete with an outdoor pool and fire pit seating. The complimentary ‘About Town’ Shuttle will get you to and from your Sedona adventures. www.InnofSedona.com 928.282.3072 or toll free 800.292.6344

WESTERN EXPERIENCES

COLORADO TRAILS RANCH — What you need is a week unwinding and exploring the wonders of our first class guest ranch. Colorado Trails Ranch is not far from Durango, in Southwest Colorado. Set in the spectacular panoramas of the San Juan Mountains, our dude ranch resort offers lifetime experiences for singles, groups and entire families. There isn’t one difficult activity in our perfectly personalized programs. The food is delicious, the comfort is wonderful and you’ll feel like a well cared member of the family. (800) 323-3833 or www.ColoradoTrails.com

HUNEWILL GUEST RANCH is located just northeast of Yosemite National Park in the beautiful Bridgeport Valley in California. Family owned and operated since 1861. Great horseback riding, gorgeous hiking trails, stream & lake fishing, evening activities, child friendly. Working cattle ranch. Relax while the amazing kitchen crew and friendly maid staff takes care of the cooking and cleaning. Rates include meals, lodging, horseback riding, & all activities. Suited to families, singles, & couples. Enjoy an exciting, friendly, fun vacation with home style meals, wide open space, great riding. Make lasting friendships. (760) 932-7710 or www.hunewillranch.com

INTERNATIONAL

ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL

CHILE — Wine Tour to Chile & Argentina September 03-10, 2017. Enjoy the best wines of South America. Visit top wineries, stroll the picturesque vineyards, savor famous local varieties, and learn about Chilean and Argentine cuisine, culture and history. We spe-

cialize in small groups, expert bilingual guides and guaranteed departures. We also welcome wheelchairs and slow walkers. Contact us at: info@accessibletravelchile.com or www.accessibletravelChile.com

ADVENTURE

CANADA — Join Adventure Canada on a voyage through the legendary Northwest Passage. We’ll search for polar bears, seals, walrus and whales; visit vast Arctic bird colonies; hike among budding wildflowers, and tour welcoming Inuit communities. An exceptional team of experts—biologists, historians, Inuit guides, authors, musicians and artists—provides daily lectures and onshore interpetations to compliment your journey. (800) 363-7566 or visit www. adventurecanada.com

CRUISEONE

specializes in cruise and land vacations to the world’s most exotic destinations, including all western coast destinations, the St. Lawrence River, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera. Programs range from family reunions at sea and honeymoon cruises to river cruising and land vacations. Each independently owned and operated business combines the latest technology with old-fashioned customer service. Contact Joni Notagiacomo in Los Angeles at (800) 600-4548 or www.luv2cruz.com

FRIENDLY PLANET

– Feature for feature, Friendly Planet offers the best value in travel. Small groups, led by local, expert, English speaking guides, to the world’s most iconic destinations – plus gain insider access to unique cultural encounters and off the beaten path discoveries. Always stay in high-quality, centrally located hotels, with airfare and our legendary customer service included. (800) 555-5765 or www.FriendlyPlanet.com

Dining

Caruso’s

Classic family Italian food served with a side of amore

BY BECKY BRACKEN

by Cassandra Tomei

Caruso’s is the kind of place you take someone to show them some love. Just ask anyone who has lived in the Old Pueblo for any length of time and inquire how many dates they’ve spent on Caruso’s patio – under its romantic twinkling lights – and most will confess more than one.

“You know, I’ve been to this restaurant on dates with all of my ex-husbands,” a longtime Tucson resident, married three times, confessed recently over a steaming plate of red sauce and meatballs. Taking a sip of her Chianti, elbows on the classic red-and-white checked tablecloth, she said, “This is the place in Tucson for lovebirds of every age.”

A quick glance around the room a rmed her point. College-age sweethearts, married couples on date nights away from the kids, relaxedlooking mature couples enjoying each other’s company – all are smiling and laughing over plates of delicious Italian favorites.

Caruso’s was started in 1930 by Nicasio (Caruso) Zagona in a location just one block south of where it sits today on bustling Fourth Avenue. One of Tucson’s famous August monsoons washed it away about 75 years ago, so Caruso’s took up residence in its current location. Caruso’s has been run by four generations of the Zagona family and is still going strong.

Besides its charm and history, there’s one very important aspect of Caruso’s

keeps the herbivores happy while homemade meatballs and spaghetti Carbonara studded with bacon satisfy meat lovers. The seafood pasta delight and the shrimp and scallops Alfredo would impress even the most devoted coastal cuisine enthusiast. And the pizza, made simply and beautifully, is always a crowd pleaser.

As someone who has been on more than a few dates at Caruso’s over the years, not to mention graduations, baptisms and all manner of get-togethers with family and friends, there are two orders in my regular rotation. First is the Caruso Special, which includes a combination of spaghetti, meatballs and meat or cheese ravioli served with your choice of meat sauce, marinara or white garlic mushroom sauce. Heaven.

If you’re looking for something more straightforward, Caruso’s Lasagne al Forno, made with homemade noodles, layered with cheese-meat sauce, and baked in a “blanket” of cheese is hard to beat. It’s satisfying in all the right ways. When it comes to drinks, I’m sure they’re all wonderful, but I have always ordered the house red wine and never been anything but happy.

that keeps Tucsonans coming back for more – the food. From the red sauce still brewed in the restaurant’s huge copper pot to the heaping baskets of fresh garlic bread, light-as-air meatballs, piping hot pizzas, and of course, melt-in-your-mouth tiramisu decadence, Caruso’s keeps serving reliably delicious Italian comfort food patrons know they can count on. That’s why it’s almost impossible to get a table at Caruso’s around graduations and weekends, when parents come into town to visit University of Arizona students. Caruso’s menu is sure to please even the pickiest crowds. Vegetarian lasagna

Caruso’s is the perfect place to make memories and steal a few moments of pleasure with someone – or many someones –you love. Maybe it’s the care and craft generations of the Zagona family have put into Caruso’s that inspires so much amore; maybe its years of good vibes still reverberating o the walls. Whatever the special magic, take someone you love to Caruso’s and grab a little for yourself. And if you happen to get inspired to start slurping spaghetti with your special someone Lady and the Tramp-style, no problem. I’m sure it happens all the time. At Caruso’s, love is in the air.

Caruso’s Italian Restaurant 434 N. 4th Avenue, Tucson 520-624-5765, carusositalian.com

Photos

Pasta is one of many delectable Italian dishes on the Caruso’s menu.

The patio at Caruso’s makes a great spot for dinner dates.

What’s Cooking? Italian Crostoli

BY JAN D’ATRI

This month, I’m honoring my momma by featuring one of her most treasured family recipes. It’s called… well, that’s the problem!

How can one recipe have so many names? Enter the 20 regions of Italy.

Italian crostoli are called di erent things, depending upon in which region they are made. These delightfully delicate treats are known as cartellate, frìnzele, scartagghiate, galani, chiacchere, frap-

pole, nastri and cenci as well as crostoli.

But all across Italy, they’re the same melt-in-your-mouth strips of sweet dough made into bows and gently fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

The crostoli (from my momma’s region of Venato) are sprinkled with a little bit of powdered sugar when fried. You will never forget the taste, texture and experience of biting into a crostoli or even dunking it in a little bit of Vin Santo!

INGREDIENTS:

– 4 cups our

– 1 tablespoon Crisco or similar shortening

– 2 egg yokes

– 1 whole egg

– 1/4 cup sugar

– 2 teaspoons orange extract or brandy

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup white wine

– 1/2 cup powdered sugar

– 2 cups lard (for frying)

– 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

DIRECTIONS:

Step #1: In a bowl mix the our, sugar, lard, egg yolks, whole egg, orange extract or brandy and salt. Gradually add wine until the dough forms a rm ball and begins to pull away from the side of the bowl. On a oured surface, knead dough about 5 minutes until dough is elastic but rm. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Step #2: Cut dough into four parts. Using one part at a time and covering the other

three, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. If you have a pasta machine, set on the widest setting, then keep feeding it through until dough is smooth and uniform. Turn to thinnest setting and roll out to 1/8 inch thick.

Step #3: If dough becomes sticky, gently sprinkle with our to prevent sticking. With a pastry wheel or knife, cut dough into long strips, 2-inches wide and 6-inches long. Cut a small slit down the middle of each piece of dough. You can also pinch them in the center to look like bows.

Step #4: In a deep fryer or deep pan, heat 2 cups of lard and 2 cups of oil to 350 degrees. Oil is ready when test strip of dough bubbles. Fry crostoli, a few at a time, until golden brown, about 30 seconds on each side, turning gently with tongs.

Step #5: Remove with slotted spoon or tongs and place crostoli on paper towel. When cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Can be stored for weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.

(Photo by Jan D’Atri)

Aging Today Playlists in the key of Life

BY BOB ROTH Managing Partner of Cypress Homecare Solutions

“Miracles” by Je erson Starship, “Beautiful Day” by U2, and “Promised Land” by Bruce Springsteen are just three of the songs on my “Favorite Songs of All Time” playlist. I started making this playlist after seeing the 2014 documentary Alive Inside. The lm details the healing power of music by following the journey of social worker Dan Cohen as he delivered preloaded iPods with personalized music to nursing home residents.

The transformation Cohen witnessed was extraordinary. The residents who normally sat silently in a chair all day in a catatonic state suddenly became animated and started to sing. Men and women

claiming to have no memories at all began recalling their pasts. As cognition took over, in that moment, the nursing home residents were no longer empty shells. Their blank stares were replaced with sparkling eyes lled with emotion.

The most important detail of the nursing home playlists is that they were speci c to each individual. Family or friends supplied the information to Cohen, and in cases where no information was available, the playlists included songs based on the patient’s age, occupation, or previous interests, such as patriotic songs for veterans.

The research supports Dan Cohen’s

ndings that a patient’s favorite songs are intact in a part of the brain that is still alive when all other communication and awareness seem irretrievably lost. Andrew Budson, associate director for research at Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center said, “There are currently two theories to explain the transformative e ect of music on dementia su erers. First, music has emotional content, and so hearing it can trigger emotional memories – some of the more powerful memories that we have.” These types of memories have the best chance of rising to the top in Alzheimer’s patients. Secondly, we learn to store music as “procedural memory,” the type of learning associated with routines and repetitive actions. Dementia primarily destroys a di erent part of the brain responsible for episodic memory which corresponds to events in our life.

In general, the bene cial properties of listening to music transcend all health status designations and all generations. In short, young or old, healthy or moribund, music is an incredible gift. Music can enhance communication. Singing songs together fosters a closeness that is hard to de ne but easy to feel. Holding hands while listening to favorite songs

can provide an opportunity to reconnect. Music can be used to set a mood. Play stimulating background music at mealtime or other daily activities to promote wakefulness. Play relaxing music to see if it can help create a calming atmosphere and di use any tense situations. Music is an excellent way to promote exercise, from dancing to making music by beating on drums or using other percussion instruments or bells.

Music reduces stress and depression. A meta-analysis of 400 studies validated the many health bene ts of listening to music, including lowering of the stress hormone cortisol. In one study reviewed, patients about to undergo surgery who listened to music had less anxiety and lower cortisol levels than people who had taken drugs. The analysis determined that music had documented positive effects on brain chemistry and associated mental and physical health bene ts in the following four areas: mood, stress reduction, boosting immunity, and social bonding.

Music therapy is a growing eld and music therapists require knowledge in psychology, medicine and music. Research is showing music therapy can improve health outcomes in a wide variety of populations, from premature infants and children with autism, ADHD or developmental and learning disabilities, to people with emotional trauma, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, acute and chronic pain, depression, Parkinson’s disease, and more.

With all the amazingly bene cial properties of music, I am embarrassed to admit I sometimes fall into a music-less rut. I just get out of the habit. I am sure this also happens to other Baby Boomers. We talk on our mobile phones in the car, listen to news and podcasts all day. We love our audible books.

Can you imagine the following events without music: a religious service, a party, a wedding, a graduation, or professional ball game? Make your playlist turn up the volume, and dance – or you can tap your foot, nod your head, and thank me all at the same time.

Bear Market Report Avoiding loony investments

BY TERESA BEAR

Wile E. was contemplating investment options. After researching stocks, he decided to invest in Acme. He knew Acme well. After all, they provided all of the supplies for his engineering projects – from “how-to” books to snow skis to motors. They even sold him a giant mouse trap once! Their premier shipping service ensured fast, free delivery. It seemed as if ve minutes after hitting the “buy now” button, the truck arrived with his delivery. Not wanting to rush into the investment decision hastily, Wile E. consulted with his old buddy, Foghorn. Foghorn knew everything (or pretended he did) so he naturally had an opinion about the Acme stock. “I say, I say, my boy, Acme sounds like a risky proposition. Their stock has been going sky high recently. I’d hate to see it crash to

the ground. You really shouldn’t put all of your eggs in one basket (and I know a thing or two about eggs). You should invest in a mutual fund or an ETF.”

So what is a mutual fund? What’s an ETF? What’s the di erence?

Mutual funds are companies that invest in a diversi ed basket of securities. They hire professional managers to choose the securities. Some mutual funds (money market mutual funds) invest in short term commercial paper and are relatively safe. Others invest in bonds. There are international funds and U.S. stock funds. One can nd a mutual fund to meet every investment niche. The advantage of a mutual fund is that an investor is able to purchase a diversi ed managed portfolio with a small minimum investment. During the boom market of the ‘80s

and ‘90s, investors noticed the performance of these managed funds often lagged behind the performance of the underlying stock market indices. This led to the popularity of index mutual funds. The largest – the Vanguard Index 500 – closely matched the performance of the S&P 500. The management fees and trading costs inside the fund were small because the portfolio mirrored the S&P 500 index. (Note: It is not possible to directly invest in an index.)

The popularity of these index funds led to the creation of the rst ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) – SPDR. Like the Vanguard index, SPDR mimics the price and performance of the S&P 500 index. The biggest di erence between the two is how the price is determined. The SPDR trades on the market in real time during market hours. You can buy SPDR at 10:05 and sell it at 10:06. The mutual fund is valued at the end of the day. Most of the time, this will not make a signi cant di erence – unless you are trying to buy or sell on a loony market day.

The second di erence between mutual funds and their ETF cousins is management fees and expenses. ETFs,

by their nature, are usually unmanaged funds. Because of this, there is no fund manager to compensate and their internal expenses are lower than comparable mutual funds.

Since the introduction of SPDR in 1993, the number of ETFs has increased dramatically. You can now buy gold (GLD) or agribusiness (MOO) bonds, and of course, stocks. Oftentimes professional money managers will use them to build a portfolio. Naturally, each individual has unique needs. Mutual funds and ETFs are tools – along with individual, stocks, bonds, options and annuities – that may help you meet your investment needs.

Teresa Bear, CFP™, CPA (www.TeresaBear. com; 480-503-0050) specializes in retirement planning and asset preservation for retirees and those about to retire. Investment advisory services provided by Brookstone Capital Management, LLC., a SEC registered Investment Adviser. Neither the author nor the publisher is engaged in providing accounting, legal, investment, or other professional services through the publication of this article – you must seek competent, professional representation for your personal situation.

Ask the Expert Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

BY HEATHER JANKOWSKI FNP-C, director of TMC Specialty Nursing

The trauma of a wound, infection, burn or sore is painful at any age. Timely healing, unfortunately, is not a universal experience across the age spectrum. Mending can be a longer and more arduous process due to skin and health challenges that emerge as we age.

EXTRAORDINARY SKIES. UNCOMMON GROUND.

An e ective, drug-free therapy proven to signi cantly accelerate the healing process is becoming more widely available. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is comfortable, pain-free and utilizes one of the most common elements on Earth – oxygen.

hours, depending on individual patient needs. The number of sessions needed also depends on the unique factors of each case. Due to the high pressure levels, patients may only take a plastic water bottle in with them. Most treatment centers have video or audio entertainment available. It is best for the patient to relax and breathe easily – many patients simply sleep through the treatment.

What conditions will it help? Is it

covered by insurance?

Heather Jankowski is a family nurse practitioner and the director of outpatient services at Tucson Medical Center. She has extensive experience administering hyperbaric oxygen therapy and explains how it works and how it bene ts patients.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is well known for its ability to treat decompression sickness experienced by scuba divers and high-altitude climbers, but the therapy is also becoming a well-established treatment for tissue injury related to radiation treatment and with wounds that are having di culty healing.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is especially advantageous for patients who have a wound, burn, or sore that will not heal. Often this condition is due to complications of diabetes, vascular disease, radiation treatment or infection. This therapy is usually one part of an extensive treatment regimen for patients with healing challenges. HBO therapy requires a prescription. Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances will cover the therapy to treat speci c wounds and conditions.

What are the risks?

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In wound treatment, HBO therapy promotes the growth of new blood vessels, stimulates growth factors and inhibits toxins and some bacteria. HBO also reduces the body’s oxygen de cit and strengthens oxygen absorption, helping tissue heal more quickly and completely. How does it work?

First, the patient enters a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber. The chamber looks like a wide hospital gurney with a large, clear acrylic cover - like a tube. There is comfortable room for the patient to move, lie down or sit up.

The chamber is lled with 100 percent oxygen, and the air pressure in the chamber can be raised up to three times above the normal atmosphere – which allows the lungs to safely absorb greater amounts of oxygen.

How long does the therapy last?

The therapy session can span up to two

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been extensively studied, FDA-approved for certain criteria, and is practiced in treatment centers and hospitals across the country. A vast majority of patients do not feel any discomfort or experience any side e ects. Some may feel pressure in their ears as the chamber pressure is increased – this is usually alleviated by opening the mouth or “popping the ears.”

HBO therapy has several potential side e ects which include oxygen seizures, lung injury, ear injury or vision changes. These risks are rare and treatable. A certi ed hyperbaric technician will stay with the patient throughout the treatment, ensuring safety and comfort. A doctor, nursepractitioner or physician assistant will be close by if needed.

Strong outcomes

The bene ts of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are clinically respected and can be a meaningful part of healing lingering wounds, reducing the threat of infection and getting back to daily life.

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Lovin’ Tech After 50 Tech Rewind 3 simpler alternatives to complicated smartphones

BY JUSTIN FERRIS

“Who doesn’t want a smartphone?”

Most people and tech companies consider that a rhetorical question, but if you silently answered “me,” or you know someone who would, you aren’t alone. A growing number of consumers don’t want the complexity, expense or frequent trips to the power socket a smartphone entails.

Of course, try telling that to the salesperson, or even certain friends and family members, and you’ll usually get some variation of “you just don’t know how much you need it yet.” And even if you stand your ground, there’s the question of what alternatives even exist in 2017, short of buying a decade-old ip phone on eBay. Here are three answers.

Carrier confession

They don’t advertise it much, but the major carriers – Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint – still carry at least one basic ip phone, even if it sells exclusively online.

Built for simplicity

Want something even simpler than a regular ip phone? Enter the popular Jitterbug Flip. It o ers backlit buttons, large text on a high-contrast screen, a super-simple interface and high-quality speakers for easier-to-hear conversations. The phone itself costs a reasonable $99 and the no-contract text-and-talk plans start at just $14.99. You can also choose health and safety plans that add a dedicated emergency service, check-in calls and other useful services. Learn more at greatcall.com. If you don’t mind the idea of a smartphone and you just want one that’s easier to use, Jitterbug makes a simpli ed smartphone called the Jitterbug Smart ($149). Or, you could...

OK, “basic” may be a stretch. These phones let you text, take pictures and video, play music, and browse the Internet a bit. However, they still o er better ease-of-use and longer battery life than a smartphone.

Expect to pay $60-$200 for the phone depending on the carrier and features. De nitely factor in the cost of the phone plan as prices vary wildly by carrier. You could also scope out the deals on smaller prepaid carriers like Cricket or Consumer Cellular, assuming they o er good coverage in your area.

Stick to what you have

If you own an Android-based phone, such as the Samsung Galaxy or LG G-Series, you can install a homescreen replacement app. This provides a very basic, large-button interface that puts major features like calling, texting and the camera front and center. You will still run into smartphone quirks, but at least most of the clutter will be gone.

Popular replacement options in the Android app store include Wiser (free), Grand Launcher ($3.99) and Big Launcher ($9.99). Grand Launcher and Big Launcher o er free trials so you can try them out.

5 tips to beat the heat this summer

Summer is right around the corner, and Walgreens wants you to be well through the warm weather. Here are a few tips to help you be happy and healthy this summer:

Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink

Hydration is important during the summer, because heat causes us to sweat and lose electrolytes. Sweating helps to cool our bodies, but it also makes us lose lots of fluids. Losing too much fluid can lead to dehydration. That is why we need to stay hydrated throughout the summer. Certain medications also cause us to lose fluids and electrolytes. Lastly, as we age, our sense of thirst is not as keen as it used to be. Hence sweating, medications and poor sense of thirst are major factors that can lead to dehydration and heatrelated illnesses. Therefore, it is very important to drink water even when we are not thirsty.

The Institute of Medicine recommends drinking about 3 liters (or around 100 ounces) of water daily, unless your doctor has specified otherwise. Lowcalorie sports drinks contain electrolytes that can help you stay hydrated. Stop by your local Walgreens and stock up our wide variety of water and sports drinks this summer!

Schedule outdoor activities carefully

Summertime is near, and we know you want to stay physically active. However, do not let the heat prevent you from staying fit or going outdoors. Start your day early and exercise before it becomes too hot. Consider walking in the evening when it is cooler if that is more convenient. Most importantly, try to stay indoors during peak temperatures of the day, as your risk for dehydration and heat-related illnesses are the highest. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water with you whenever you are outdoors or exercising.

Wear light clothing

Heavy clothing tends to trap body heat, causing you to sweat and become dehydrated. Consider wearing lightweight, loose and comfortable clothing to stay cool this summer.

Use a buddy system

Heat-related illnesses, like dehydration, can cause a person to become confused or unconscious. If you live alone, ask a loved one or a friend to call and check

in with you at least twice a day to make sure you are doing well. This is especially important when there is a heat wave expected to pass through your area.

Protect yourself with sunscreen

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are harmful to the skin and can cause skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen whenever

you are outdoors protects you from UV rays and lowers your risk for skin cancer. Consider using a sunscreen that contains a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. Also, make sure the sunscreen you use contains both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B (UVA/ UVB) protection, because these are the two main types of UV rays that affect our skin. UVA/UVB can also be marketed as “broad spectrum.” Certain

medications that treat blood pressure or infections can cause the skin to be more sensitive to sunlight. In other words, these medications can cause our skin to burn quicker than normal. Therefore, it is important to wear sunscreen whenever you are outdoors. Stop by your local Walgreens to see our wide selection of sunscreens, and feel free to ask our friendly beauty advisers, pharmacists and staff any questions that you have.

Arizona Greenthumb Fairy Tale Gardening

BY GLENDA STRICKBINE

I remember seeing my rst butter y hatch, as clearly as if it happened yesterday. I kept that smelly old jar, with the holes poked in the lid, until everyone else had given up on it. I’d given up, too – I just didn’t want anybody to know. From that smelly old jar came the most beautiful Monarch butter y I had ever seen. I had a smug look on my face for a good week and a new sense of wonder about the world I

The best enticement for hummingbirds are orange, red, or white owers that are tubular-shaped. With that in mind, plant chuparosa, penstemon and fairy duster. Agave, with its elegant yellow ower stalks, is a favorite of bats and hummingbirds.

“Your aunt Dot is tossed!”

Skip the misunderstandings, not the moment.

With a captioned phone, you can hear and read your phone calls on a bright, easy-to-read screen. No asking to repeat. No “can you speak up?” Just the simple joy of conversation.

The idea of creating a garden that attracts butter ies and hummingbirds seems like a fairy tale, but sharing your garden with wildlife is very doable. It can provide much-needed habitat and shelter that are becoming increasingly scarce today in urban settings.

If you want to attract butter ies, desert milkweed is the answer to a buttery’s prayer. Monarch butter ies cannot survive without it; not only does it provide food for them, but it’s a habitat for their remarkable transformation. Desert marigolds, evening primrose and nightblooming cereus cactus are some other nectar seekers’ favorites.

Once you have created your space, you can get your lawn chair, binoculars, camera and prepare to welcome your many guests.

An excellent starting reference is the free booklet “Welcome Wildlife to your Garden,” which you can access online at glendaleaz.com/waterconservation/xeriscapegarden.cfm.

When planting your wildlife garden, create points of refuge by clustering plants with the same water needs. Choose plants with di erent blooming seasons and of varying colors and heights to create year-round eating and perching in your space. Installing drip irrigation will help minimize evaporation.

Remember that as you work to create

Your plot of ground can be big or small. Truthfully, if you keep your eye on a small square of the desert oor day after day, you will be amazed at the diversity of wildlife you can experience. There are a number of ways to make your garden spot the “place to be.”

For some state-of-the-art inspiration before starting your wildlife garden, stop by the Desert Botanical Garden to see their spring butter y exhibit, daily through May 14th. This exhibit celebrates the fact that Arizona is the most diverse habitat for butter ies, with 327 species. You certainly won’t see all of them a this exhibit, but you will see some breathtaking swallowtails and a lot of excited children.

The native plant palette of the Sonoran Desert provides an inspirational array of colors and textures. Always utilize native plants since that is what wildlife will recognize and rely on.

Begin by anchoring your garden with as many trees as space allows. Desert Mesquite, Ironwood, Palo Verde and Desert Willow are excellent choices. You may have these native trees already growing in your yard.

Trees will provide owers for native bees, a dense canopy for nesting doves, protection against sunburn for the plants beneath it and seeds for quail, nches, sparrows and doves. Leaf litter is a requirement for animal nesting material and it also enriches the soil with nitrogen and organic matter. No raking required.

The War on Lung Disease

Traditional treatments vs. stem cell therapy

BY CAMERON KENNERLY

War is hell – particularly when the battleground is inside your own lungs. Unfortunately, for millions of Americans, chronic lung diseases such as COPD, pulmonary brosis and emphysema seem to be winning that war. Across the U.S., 6.3 percent of the adult population has been diagnosed with COPD.

Worse still, as the disease’s symptoms of fatigue, coughing and shortness of breath can often mimic the natural aging process, it’s estimated that another 25 million Americans are currently undiagnosed. As the third leading cause of death in the U.S. – with 730,000 COPDrelated hospitalizations in 2011 alone –this a national problem, a problem that is often tragically ignored.

So what are we doing about it?

Sadly, not that much. Although there are a variety of traditional treatment options, these choices can have their bene ts and downsides. As an obstructive lung condition that sparks feelings of breathlessness, COPD has traditionally

been treated with inhalers, medications and supplemental oxygen. Though these treatments can open airways, calm aggressive symptoms, and in the case of oxygen, address oxygen deprivation directly, these standard treatments are not without their drawbacks.

To start, these medications can be exorbitantly expensive over time – particularly on xed incomes – creating situations where prescriptions are given up completely rather than forfeit the cost of another re ll. In other cases, the sidee ects of medications can be worse than the symptoms they’re designed to combat, causing weight loss or gain, nausea, headaches and dizziness. Supplemental oxygen, however, can become an anchor, reducing the mobility and quality of life of those who become tied to it.

However, in the ght against lung disease, a breakthrough may be here to end the war.

Recently, the development of regenerative medicine (the practice of using

Tune into your hearing and overall health this month

BY MICHELE MICHAELS

Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing

In addition to the warm weather and the start of summer activities, May is a month devoted to advocating for two important causes.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) designated May as Better Hearing and Speech month in 1927 to raise awareness about the causes of and treatments for hearing loss and speech impediments. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan, who had hearing loss, formally proclaimed May as Better Hearing and Speech Month in order to heighten public recognition of hearing healthcare. May has also been designated Mental Health Month, which ties into this year’s Better Hearing and Speech Month theme, “Communication: The Key to Connection.”

Better Hearing and Speech Month has gained signi cant recognition across the United States in its e orts to raise awareness regarding hearing loss. According to ASHA, the number of Americans with

the body’s own cells to heal itself) has exploded, allowing innovative upstarts like the Lung Institute (lunginstitute.com) to enter the ght.

As opposed to traditional treatment options, stem cell therapy involves the careful separation of stem cells (the body’s natural healing mechanism) from a patient’s blood or bone marrow, returning them into the bloodstream where

they come to rest within the lungs. Working to relieve in ammation (which opens the airways and allows easier breathing), these specialized cells may also aid in slowing disease progression – a feat that few, if any, traditional medications can attest.

Though the battle may be hard, no war is lost without surrender. Keep ghting.

hearing loss has doubled over the past 30 years as younger people experience hearing loss due to noise exposure and as Baby Boomers age. About 48 million Americans – 15 percent of the population – have hearing loss.

Although the numbers of those who have hearing loss may be climbing, assistive technology development is also on the rise and is more advanced than ever. This is important to know since the technology that is available has been proven to help with more than just hearing health.

In recent years, untreated hearing loss has been linked to depression. According to Hearing Health, the National Council of Aging (NCOA) studied 2,300 people with hearing loss and found that those with hearing loss were 50 percent more likely to experience depression. Previous studies back this up; a 2014 study in the Journal of American Medicine and OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery also linked hearing

Recent studies have also found two more consequences resulting from untreated hearing loss: cognitive decline and social isolation.

Although it is not yet proven, researchers suspect those with hearing loss are at a higher risk of experiencing cognitive decline and dementia. One of the most supported factors attributing hearing loss to cognitive decline and dementia comes from a study about brain reorganization from the University of Colorado. Brain reorganization is caused when the hearing centers of the brain shrink and other parts of the brain step in. The result is that these other brain functions, such as short-term memory or problem-solving skills, begin to deteriorate. Noisy environments, public places and even the family dinner table can begin to become overwhelming or frustrating for people with hearing loss. As a result, they may begin to avoid the activities and places they once enjoyed. According to

another study by the NCOA, people with hearing loss are signi cantly less likely to participate in social activities than those who use hearing aids. Research also shows that social isolation can be another factor in cognitive decline and dementia.

With the technology that is available to people with hearing loss, clear communication is more obtainable than ever before. Apart from reducing the strain of deciphering conversations, assistive devices can improve not only your hearing health but your mental health, as well.

Organizations such as Arizona Relay Service and the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing are dedicated to helping people achieve better hearing and overall health. This May, make an e ort to learn as much as you can about your hearing loss and the services that are available to you.

For more information on the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, visit acdhh.org; for Arizona Relay Service, visit azrelay.org.

The war against lung disease won’t be fought with inhalers or pills, but with stem cell therapy.

Medicare Help for people with chronic illness

BY GREG DILL

If you have Medicare, there’s a good chance you have two or more chronic conditions such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or dementia.

Two-thirds of the 57 million Americans with Medicare have two or more chronic illnesses. Having multiple chronic conditions increases the risk of death and functional limitations, decreases quality of life, and leads to higher health care spending.

Managing chronic diseases can be di cult, to say the least. You often face multiple visits to one or more doctors; you must take multiple drugs at di erent times on di erent days; you have to make extra trips for tests. It can all be a bit overwhelming.

At Medicare, we recognize the challenges you have in managing your conditions, working with your healthcare providers, and trying to stay healthy. Two years ago, we added a new bene t called Chronic Care Management, or CCM. This program provides additional payments to doctors and other providers to help you live with chronic disease.

For example, through the CCM bene t, your primary care doctor will help you keep track of your medical history, medications, and all the di erent health care providers you see. You’ll receive a comprehensive care plan that outlines your treatments and goals. Additionally, you’ll have 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week access to health care professionals for urgent needs from the comfort of your home.

To be eligible for CCM services, you must be enrolled in Medicare or in both Medicare and Medicaid. And you must have two or more chronic diseases that are expected to last at least 12 months and place you at signi cant risk of death, acute exacerbation/decompensation, or functional decline.

Other examples of chronic conditions include, but are not limited to: asthma, atrial brillation, autism spectrum disorder, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, heart failure, hepatitis,

hypertension (high blood pressure), infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, ischemic heart disease, osteoporosis, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, and stroke.

Speci c CCM services may include:

• At least 20 minutes a month of chronic care management services;

• Personalized assistance from a dedicated healthcare professional who will work with you to create your care plan;

• Coordination of care between your pharmacy, specialists, testing centers, hospitals, and more;

• Phone check-ins between visits to keep you on track;

• 24/7 emergency access to a health care professional;

• Expert assistance with setting and meeting your health goals.

How much do CCM services cost? You’ll be responsible for the usual Medicare Part B cost-sharing and may have a deductible or coinsurance/ co-pay. However, many people with Medicare have Medigap supplemental insurance that provides wraparound coverage of CCM cost-sharing.

Chronic Care Management means having a continuous relationship with a dedicated health care professional who knows you and your history, gives personal attention, and helps you make the best choices for your health. CCM gives you and your loved ones the assistance you need to manage your chronic conditions so you can spend more time doing the things you enjoy.

Ask your doctor about Chronic Care Management and get the connected care you need.

For information, call 1-800-MEDICARE

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Publishing June 2017

Escape to the cool, the color, and more!

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• Group Travel/Tours What you need to know and how to choose

• Is bus travel for you? Train across Canada?

• Travel Insurance

• Timeshares: Love or Hate ‘em?

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Four

T HE F INIS H L INE

Arizona’s Leader in Senior Fitness

A brief letter from ASO Director Irene Stillwell

Arizona Senior Olympics has been blessed through the years with wonderful friends. One of those friends was on our board of directors until he moved away to work at the University of California. Dr. Richard Gitelson has been a strong supporter of ASO through the years and has stepped forward once again to help us. It is said that “information is power,” and we have found that to be true. For instance, we cannot obtain sponsors unless we have good information about how many athletes we serve, how many are in the games, and whether or not our e orts do them any good. These are just a few of the issues that require accurate information about our athletes.

It’s summer – a little early, but here in Phoenix the sun is warming us up and many of you will be heading for the hills! Here at the o ces of the Arizona Lifelong Fitness Foundation, we are just nishing up the details of the 2017 Games and are already working on the 2018 Games that will be a quali er for the 2019 National Senior Games in Albuquerque.

During this period of time we are out of the o ce searching for venues, meeting with facility providers and possible sponsors, and rounding up volunteers for next year’s games. For

Dr. Gitelson is a researcher. He is preparing a survey of our athletes that will give us the information we need. That kind of work is very expensive to obtain, but Dr. Gitelson is doing the work as an ASO volunteer. He is hoping to have the survey out this month. I would like to personally request that each of you who receives the survey responds quickly and frankly. Your information will be of great value to us, and we will share that information with you in future issues of The Finish Line. Thank you in advance for your support and participation.

ASO Director to serve on leadership council of Falls Coalition

Arizona Lifelong Fitness Foundation

Executive Director Irene Stillwell has been asked to serve on the State of Arizona Falls Prevention Coalition. The coalition strives to promote the prevention of falling throughout the state. The Leadership Council guides the coalition in providing educational opportunities to members and information which is distributed through them to the general public. Many of the members of the coalition directly serve seniors and are involved in health services.

The coalition was begun by the Arizona Department of Health Services because falls – and their consequences – are now one of the most serious and expensive health problems in our country. Many of the falls are experienced by seniors.

A study conducted at the National Senior Games showed that Senior Olympians have a lower incidence of falling than that of the general public. It is widely thought that seniors who are stronger and more active are less likely to fall.

Dr. B. Michael Nayeri, FACFE, FABMP, is the Director of the Healthy Aging Program for the Arizona Department of Health Services, and is the leader of

the coalition. He is passionate about fall prevention as a major health initiative. He has been with the organization since its inception and under his guidance, the coalition continues to grow.

Asked about her participation on the council, Stillwell said, “I am honored to serve with caring and capable people who want to move forward in serving the health and wellness of Arizonans by preventing a major health problem that often has tragic consequences.”

that reason, o ce hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten you. We’ll be checking the voicemail every weekday and will return your call ASAP. Have a great summer!

ASO Director Irene Stillwell.

Stay thin to stay smart

BY ELLIE KALLAL

Most of us want to look good and we complain about how much more di cult it is to maintain our weight as we get older. Well, here’s another motivation for us to keep our weight at healthy levels: The higher your BMI (body mass index), the greater the likelihood of developing impaired cognitive function.

According to a recent study done on British civil servants ages 39 to 63, those who maintained lower BMIs had better cognitive abilities when tested over the next 10 years. Those with the higher BMI and metabolically unhealthy group (those who were obese, had diabetes or high cholesterol) had faster and greater decline in abilities.

Guidelines for what constitutes healthy are:

• A BMI over 40 is considered morbidly obese

• A BMI over 30 is considered obese

• Between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight

• Between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a healthy BMI

• Less than 18.5 is considered underweight

So how do you calculate your BMI and what will those results tell you? The formula is your weight in pounds divided by your height in inches squared, multiplied by 703. I am 5’4” (64 inches) tall and weigh 114. 64 X 64 = 4,096. 114 pounds divided by 4,096 = .0278 X 703 = 19.56 BMI.

While BMI is a great indicator of health, it is not the only factor. Those who have been athletes their whole lives and still maintain muscle mass can measure as obese, while not being fat. The famous football player Jim Brown measured as overweight his whole career (he was 6’2” and 212 pounds; this gave him a BMI of

Ba er Up!

You can improve your swing and more

27.2) but he never had a waistline over 29 inches.

Not many can a ord to go to a Bod Pod and have their body fat measured, but everyone can do a hip-to-waist ratio. Measure the waist and divide that number by the hip measurement. Men should aim for lower than .90 and women lower than .85.

Today’s research shows so many foods that also contribute to brain health. Diets high in antioxidants help ght free radicals – those things that increase the onset of Alzheimer’s. It might not be possible to prevent free radicals in the environment, but everyone can combat them, in part, through diet. Fruits, nuts, leafy green vegetables, and brightly colored vegetables are all important. Someone said to “eat a rainbow” and that is so true. The bright red of strawberries, the deep green of kale, the pale tan of walnuts, the bright yellow of peppers, all those things are good for our bodies, brains and weight. Smoking, too much alcohol and inadequate sleep are not. Living a long time is a good goal, but living a life of being active and alert is even better. Regardless of how weight is measured, keeping it down is crucial to mental and physical health.

Senior Olympians who play softball are always looking to improve their abilities when they’re up to bat. Softball players of both genders can improve their swing and performance at the new training facility at Body Technologies. It’s an opportunity to have help in analyzing

your technique and improving your batting average. Of course it takes more than batting ability to be a really good player. Strength is needed for every position on the eld and the better your tness level, the better your performance will be.

Thanks to Body Technologies

Body Technologies is the home of the Arizona Senior Olympics Powerlifting event. Each year, the gym opens its doors to the Senior Olympians and their families who come to see what their loved ones have accomplished in a year of training. It’s a place where everyone feels welcome and comfortable. In fact, the atmosphere is one of caring and helpfulness. Body Technologies is much more than a gym – they o er personal training, weight

management, nutrition counseling, injury prevention, rehabilitation and more.

ASO wishes to thank Body Technologies for hosting our powerlifting and for their commitment to o ering tness training and support for seniors. They are located at 9171 E. Bell Road, Suite 109, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260. Call for information at 480-585-4010.

There is still time to nominate the Arizona Senior Olympics Athlete of the Year! This is your opportunity to honor someone who meets the criteria (to the right).

To nominate an athlete, please send a letter outlining the achievements of your nominee to:

Arizona Senior Olympics

Attention: Irene Stillwell P.O. Box 33278

Phoenix, AZ 85067-3278

Nominate the Arizona Senior Olympics Athlete of the Year Puzzle Answers

FROM PUZZLES ON PAGE 17

answers

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Outstanding athlete

• Multiple medal winner

• Exhibits high level of sportsmanship

• Constantly strives to improve

• Knows and follows the rules

• Reaches out to help other athletes

• Actively supports ASO

• Exempli es the Senior Olympics pledge:

“As a Senior Olympian, I pledge myself to the spirit of the Olympics:

THE SPIRIT OF ACHIEVEMENT, that I may reach my goals,

THE SPIRIT OF COMPETITION, that I may win or lose with pride and honor,

THE SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP, that I may be a true friend of those around me.”

- I.S. 1984

PHOTOS: (top) Laura Michelle Kelly, Baylen Thomas and Graham Montgomery in THE KING AND I (©Matthew Murphy). (above) Tatyana Lubov and Hayden Stanes in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA (© Carol Rosegg)