Lovin' Life After 50 - Southeast Valley - July 2022

July 2022

Entertainment Destination

Sprucing Up the Menu

New sportsbook opens near Chase Field

Chef was The Living Room’s missing ingredient

Devil’s in the Details Dave McKay is back, sharing his wisdom

Southeast Valley Edition

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inside THIS ISSUE

8 Devil’s in the Details Dave McKay is back, sharing his wisdom

Opinion

6 7

Leibo At Large Ask Marisa

Features

10 OAC

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Entertainment

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Entertainment Destination

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The American Dream

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Calendar of Events

Broadway’s ‘The Lion King’ comes to ASU Gammage Musical brings audiences to their feet

Casinos

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Food & Drink

20 Sprucing Up the Menu

Chef was The Living Room’s missing ingredient

Columns

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New sportsbook opens near Chase Field

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JULY 2022

Opinion

Leibo At Large

Bumper stickers say too much about drivers

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ After a few thousand miles this year spent driving Arizona’s interstates, I’ve come to a conclusion: There are two kinds of people left in this fine nation of ours.

People who slap bumper stickers on their car. And normal people.

As someone who belongs to the latter group, I’ve spent many a mile wondering (a) why anyone feels compelled to tell the driving public how strongly they feel about this or that politician, religious figure or college sports team and (b) why it seems that certain vehicles inevitably sport certain opinions.

I mean, does Subaru apply the “Coexist” bumper sticker standard at the factory or is it an after-market option? Then there’s Leibowitz’s First Law of Vehicular Dynamics: the higher the lifted pickup truck, the greater the likelihood of you coming eye level with an anti-Biden sticker or that old standby, “Don’t Blame Me. I Voted For Trump.”

In 2017, a seller of cheap auto insurance commissioned a survey of more than 2,000 U.S. drivers and arrived at a total I don’t believe in the slightest: that 50% of men have bumper stickers on their vehicles versus 63% of women. The same survey put Arizona toward the lower end of likelihood to sport a bumper sticker by state, i.e, somewhere between 55% and 60% of drivers.

Personally, my gut says the bumper sticker brigade is less than 20% of the population, with maybe half of those making some overt political statement. Of course, the survey above was completed in 2017. Ever since, America has been hurtling at an exponential clip toward blatant insanity.

In my house, my parents raised us with a simple mantra I’ve mentioned before: “It’s one thing to be an idiot, but it’s another to open your mouth and prove it to everyone.” Bumper stickers fly in the face of that edict, which is surely the point.

Once upon a time, we kept potentially controversial opinions to ourselves, because we didn’t know whom we might offend.

Now? We adorn our bumpers precisely in the hopes of “owning the libs” or sparking a case of “MAGA Madness.” The nastier the saying, the prouder the driver. I’ve started keeping a list: “I Support Global Warming,” with an arrow directed toward the exhaust pipe of a massive Silverado.

“My Other Ride Is Your Mom.” “I’m Anti-Trump Because I’m Anti-Stupid.” Then, not even a half hour later on a Range Rover speeding up the 17: “Does The Ass Make My SUV Look Big,” with a goofy mugshot of old Joe Biden.

I’ve tried to imagine which cause circa 2022 would so motivate me that I’d feel compelled to advertise it to the world at 75 miles per hour. It wouldn’t be political; there’s not a politician or political party in existence for which I’d risk my Kelley Blue Book resale value.

The same goes for allegiance to sports franchises and dog breeds, and my stances on social issues like guns, abortion, gay rights and tolerance. It’s not that I don’t feel strongly about such things, because I do. But I feel with equal passion that I don’t want to be defined by five or six words on the back of my car, a pithy blasphemy that virtually every other occupant of the freeway will either hate or ignore completely.

Bumper stickers today advertise our belonging to certain clubs, and I’ve never been much of a joiner. Though there is one bumper sticker I saw and thought about buying, because I agree with it wholeheartedly.

“I Was Convinced By A Bumper Sticker,” goes the saying, “Said No One Ever.”

Probably written by some driver’s really smart honor student.

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995.

Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

www.LovinLife.com

Ask Marisa

It’s never too late to start over

BY MARISA PEER

Q

Dear Marisa: I am 56 and after my children flew the nest and left for college last year, my partner of 30 years and I split up. We realized that even though we still have love for one another, we had only stayed together for the sake of the children and have nothing in common anymore.

While the split was a mutual decision, it has thrown me into a bit of a tailspin as I have realized that I have no idea who I am beyond the role of wife and mother and feel altogether a bit lost.

I have also been (unhappily) in the same job for 20 years and feel like I’m stuck in a rut, but it seems too late to go and start something new. I always had a dream to be a veterinarian, but with years of training just to get into the job, I can’t help but think it’s too late.

It seems like most people my age are looking ahead to retirement but it feels like I am having to start all over again before I can even consider retiring. I am thinking of starting my own business, but it seems such a scary prospect!

Is it really possible to start over at 56?

And where do I even start? Help, Marisa!

- Freebird, Tucson

A

Dear Freebird: It’s never too late to discover your life purpose and change direction. In fact, when your children have grown up and flown the nest, it is the perfect time for you to finally find the time to focus on yourself and look at exactly what makes you happy.

Fifty really is the new 40, and I see so many people successfully transforming their personal and professional lives in their 50s because they have greater time, freedom and life experience to pour into new ventures. However, many are held back by the fear of the unknown, selfdoubt, and worries about failing.

What you have to remember is that this fear of what might go wrong isn’t real; it’s just your mind’s way of protecting itself — scanning for any “threats.” Your mind www.LovinLife.com

loves what is familiar, which is why it encourages you to stay in the same job for 20 years, as this makes it feel “safe.”

This is why so many of us just continue to coast in life and stick with what we know even when we are unhappy. One of the major causes of depression is failing to follow your heart’s desire — but it’s about having the mindset to find your passion, pursue it with unshakeable confidence, and you really can start over, becoming a success at any stage of your life.

While you might find the prospect daunting, try to reposition it as an adventure. Get clear about what it is that makes your heart sing and look at how you can use that passion to do more of what makes you happy — whether it’s rekindling a long-forgotten hobby or even using that passion as a springboard to a new career.

Start by sitting down and writing a list of all the things you love to do. Ask yourself questions. “What makes me happy?”

“What brings me joy?” “What makes me feel energized?” “What skills do I have that I could bring to a new role or business?”

If you’re not sure, tapping into the passions you had as a child between the ages of 7 and 14 can be key to finding where your special skills and talents lay.

As a child, I loved to write, and here I am now, a best-selling author of six books. Jo

Malone loved making potions out of rose petals as a child and went on to build a hugely successful fragrance empire.

Think outside the box, too. In your letter, you talk about working as a veterinarian but feel it’s too late to start studying again. What about other roles working with animals? How about volunteering at a vets or animal sanctuary? Or why not investigate business opportunities such as pet sitting, dog walking or day care, or training as a groomer or pet behavior expert — all of these are in demand, don’t require years of expensive training, and build on your love of animals.

I have put together a guided meditation specifically on “Finding your Life’s Purpose,” which, I think, would really help you relax and get a clearer vision of where you want to be.

But if you find you are still struggling, I also have a fantastic short course that helps you identify and understand your purpose. It covers the secret of quickly finding out what you are meant to do and what you love to do, then uses my hypnotic audio to instill you with the confidence, ambition, drive and self-belief you need to move forward.

And when you feel any fear creeping in, remember to trick your mind by reframing that thought, telling yourself, “It’s not fear. It’s excitement, and I’ve got this!”

Go out there, be all that you want to be, and good luck with your journey.

- Much love, Marisa Send your questions to media@marisapeer.com, and keep up with me online at marisapeer.com, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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­ ­ ­ ­ JULY 2022

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Features

DEVIL’S

in the

Ketel Marte and coach Dave McKay chat on first base. (Arizona Diamondbacks/Submitted)

Details

Dave McKay is back, sharing his wisdom

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Arizona Diamondbacks’ first-base coach Dave McKay is known for his meticulous strategies and analyses.

His efforts are appreciated, and they were missed during the 2021 season after he fell, broke a rib and lacerated his spleen in a fall. The 72-year-old beloved McKay was surprised by the response to his injury.

“I don’t know why,” the subdued, polite McKay says about the buoyant reaction to his return. “I’m just out there doing what I love to do. It was nice to know that they (fans) remember who I was last year.”

Dave McKay guides Cooper Hummel during his time on base. (Arizona Diamondbacks/Submitted)

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JULY 2022

Back in the swing of things, McKay remains passionate about the game that captured his attention as a teenager in Vancouver.

“I always loved the game,” he says. “I’ve always loved the game as a player, and I think I love it even more as a coach. I like helping players with the little things — the struggles and the ways I found to get through them.

“The exciting part is knowing I can help this guy with this. I can speed things up; just making the player better. It’s like any job. I’m a nitpicky guy, whether it’s a perfectionist or whatever. I keep them on a straight line doing all the things the right way so they will be better players.”

McKay does so with the utmost respect. When players arrive on first base, he shares his wisdom, often with his hand on the athlete’s side.

Catcher Carson Kelly can attest to that.

“Mac has been great,” Kelly says. “He notices the little details about baserunning in the game. I’m not the quickest guy out there, but I’ve found ways to be more efficient on the base path to get from base to base much quicker.

“Those little details can mean being safe at home or being out by one step.

He’s very good looking at the small details to help us get an advantage.”

Kelly doesn’t diminish McKay’s position.

“Baserunning is one of those things that get overwritten a little bit,” he says. “Most people are worried about hitting and defense and things like that. But baserunning is extremely important. He takes it seriously, and we do as a team. I feel like it helps us get that little advantage when we’re going around the bases.”

McKay is modest about compliments.

Looking back on the 52-110 2021 season,

he says he just looked forward to cleaning it up this year — in person.

McKay fell against a metal railing in the dugout, breaking a rib and lacerating his spleen during the March 8, 2021, Spring Training game against the San Francisco Giants.

“The one thing I learned last year is you could text and get on the phone and talk to people,” he says with a sly grin.

“It’s not even close, though, to looking them in the eye and saying, ‘Are you hearing what I’m saying?’ Then, they get your point. I get to watch them all day, rather than just watching on television and getting shots of them here and there.”

He says he’s impressed with the success of new pitching coach Brent Strom, a longtime Tucson resident.

“I think the pitching coaches have the toughest job in the world,” he says. “And Torey (Lovullo, manager) is so solid. I have never, ever seen him panicking.

“He just shows a lot of trust in his players. The players comment all the time that they know he has their backs. I know he has our backs, too, as coaches. He’s a believer. He has a good way of communicating with players. He turns on that switch and you’ll see the other side. When he does get upset, everybody listens like deer in headlights.”

Late bloomer

McKay didn’t play high school baseball growing up in the Vancouver area. He focused more on soccer and basketball; baseball wasn’t a priority.

“When I graduated, I played in a tournament in Oregon, some college coach saw me and offered me a basketball and

baseball scholarship,” he says.

“At Creighton University, all of a sudden, I started to enjoy playing the game that I was now learning how to play. It’s crazy to think that now I’m here, 52 years later, and I’m still wearing baseball uniforms.

I’m not the smartest guy in the world, but I just love the game of baseball.”

He loves how he can help his players improve, thanks to Tony LaRussa, whom he calls a fellow nitpicker.

“There are so many veteran coaches he could have had, instead of this mid-30year-old guy,” he recalls about his hiring

by LaRussa.

“But he saw somebody who was willing to do the things he said and work at it. He helped me a lot. I spent 26 years with him, and I learned a ton from him.”

Third baseman Josh Rojas says McKay has helped him improve his game.

“He comes to us every day with tips and tricks on what the pitchers do that they don’t even know they do,” says Rojas, a West Valley native.

“I just, 5 minutes ago, had a meeting with him on the pitcher for tonight, what to look for, things we might see and what will give us an edge on getting extra bases.”

To McKay, keeping an eye on his runners as well as the defense is a game.

“Last night we tried to steal a base and tried to get a jump on it,” he says about a Miami Marlins game. “Don Mattingly was a little smarter than I was. We were thrown out. It’s like a chess game with the other manager. That’s all it takes.” www.LovinLife.com

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Independence Day Celebration

SEPTEMBER 17

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JULY 2022

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Gasser Dental Dr. Kevin Gasser changes lives 1 smile at a time

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI “Gratifying” is a word Dr. Kevin Gasser frequently uses when he describes his dental career.

He’s spent 27 years in Arizona practicing dentistry and has since become a leader in providing the patented “all-onfour,” a full arch of teeth on just four implants.

“Dental implants give patients who never thought they’d be able to eat, speak and smile in comfort again with a brand-new set of beautiful, non-removable and functional implanted teeth,” he says.

“Prior to the innovation of sophisticated technology, it would commonly take patients up to 18 months to get new teeth.

This was because multiple dental implant procedures, complex bone grafting and soft tissue management techniques were required for a patient to get a full set of new teeth. Now, with the latest medication protocol, superior parts and modern

techniques, most patients can get a new smile in one day.”

Gasser and his team are committed to creating life transformations for their patients by utilizing patient-specific dental implant solutions and by delivering the “best combination of quality, experience, comfort, care and price.”

Just as important is listening to patients.

“In my practice, there are no handoffs to other doctors or other facilities,” he says.

“I personally take care of all our patients from initial diagnosis to end-of-treatment follow-up care. At Gasser Dental, we focus on an accelerated treatment plan that is time efficient yet respects science and nature.”

While he’s proud of his sophisticated technology, Gasser stresses the importance of preventative care. But he and his staff do not judge patients for their dental conditions.

Serving the Valley in Retina Care Since 1974

Serving the Valley in Retina Care Since 1974 Serving the Valley in Retina Care Since 1974

Gasser Dental, led by Kevin Gasser, is “offering each new patient a free, no-obligation exam and free iCat scan to all who want to investigate new smile options,” the doctor says.

(Gasser Dental/Submitted)

“We cater to those who are afraid of dental treatment,” he adds. “The time, costs and technology have never been better for smile restorations. When investigating dental implants, remember that experience, quality and protocol matters.

“Because we are passionate about what we do at Gasser Dental, we are currently offering each new patient a free, no-obligation exam and free iCat scan to all who want to investigate new smile options.”

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A graduate of West Virginia University with a doctorate in dental surgery, Gasser has spent the ensuing decades of private practice keeping up on technology and practices.

“I have dedicated myself to advanced education and have completed 1,500plus hours of additional education and have graduated from a variety of schools and clinics: • The Malo Clinic in Lisbon, Portugal, under the tutelage of Dr. Paulo Malo, the man who developed the “all-onfour” dental implant technology.

• The Misch International Implant Institute, which was founded by Dr. Carl Misch, an innovator in dental implantology.

• The Las Vegas Dental Implant Institute.

• The USC IV Sedation Certification Program.

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A Show for All Ages Broadway’s ‘The Lion King’ comes to ASU Gammage

BY ABI CELAYA Darian Sanders and Michelle Scalpone are obsessed with “The Lion King.”

They call the musical — which comes to ASU Gammage from Tuesday, July 5, to Sunday, July 31 — beautiful, stunning, and a story for all ages.

“I have been obsessed with big cats and lions my entire life,” says Sanders, who plays Simba.

“I named my first dog Nala, and this was 15 years ago. I was obsessed with the animated feature. I absolutely loved it. It’s been cool to come full circle.”

Broadway’s “The Lion King” hit stages for the first time in 1997, three years after Disney’s animated film was released.

Since then, it has garnered more than 70 theatrical awards.

Darian Sanders

With roots in Kentucky, Sanders joined the cast of “The Lion King” in September 2019. He heard about the role after singing the national anthem at a basketball game. And, thanks to his former manager, he was connected with “The Lion King” producers.

He was hired as a cover for Simba and was in the ensemble for the Broadway show. Last year, he landed the role of Sim-

ba on the national tour.

Sanders says, in some ways, he’s similar to his character.

“Everybody has a little bit of Simba in them,” he says.

“That story and that journey are personalized for everyone when they come and watch the show.”

The strongest connection between Sanders and Simba rests in their faith.

“My faith is what grounds me,” says Sanders, who also works as a worship leader.

“For Simba, Mufasa has told him that the kings of the past are who he can rest on and who he can call upon, and I say, ‘Man, that’s awesome.’”

Sanders, who made his theatrical debut at Lexington Theater Co., says audiences should keep an eye on the opening scene, “The Circle of Life.”

“There’s something about being there in the theater and having Rafiki do that opening call,” Sanders says.

“That just shifts and changes something in your heart, and it brings you back to the first moment you ever saw the animated feature.”

Michelle Scalpone

An East Tucson native, Scalpone is the

assistant stage manager for “The Lion King.”

She speaks to the joy of working on such a large-scale production.

She fell in love with the magic of stage management at a young age when she attended a production of “Beauty and the Beast.”

“I remember more things that happened in that wing than what happened onstage,” Scalpone says.

“I immediately went to my middle school like, ‘How do I do that?’ I staged my way through high school and went to college for it and then I went to Juilliard working professionally, and now I work for Disney,” Scalpone says.

She started with the legendary company 10 days before the pandemic put its clamp on the world.

She was working on “Love Life” for Encores at City Center when she got a text from her mentor asking her if she wanted to go on tour for “The Lion King.” Scalpone interviewed, and two days later she was hired.

Scalpone — who travels by car so she can sightsee — agrees with Sanders that the opening scene is moving.

“I’ve been working here, technically, for two years,” she says. “‘The Circle of Life’ still brings me to tears because it is just so beautiful.”

She says her favorite line in the performance is, “The past can hurt, but the way I see it, you can either run from it or you can learn from it.”

Wide appeal

Kayla Cyphers as Nala shares the stage with Buyi Zama, who plays Rafiki. (Deen Van Meer/Submitted)

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Sanders and Scalpone say they believe “The Lion King” is a show for people of all ages.

He says anyone who has a pulse, heartbeat and breath in their lungs needs to

Darian Sanders is Simba and Kayla Cyphers is Nala in the musical “The Lion King,” which comes to ASU Gammage in July.

(Deen Van Meer/Submitted)

see “The Lion King.”

“It is phenomenally great, and it is timeless,” Sanders says.

Scalpone was quick to add that the show isn’t just for kids.

“The messages are so universal and make you feel like it is an individual story being told just to you,” Scalpone says.

“The Lion King” is about inner strength and being OK with your journey, she adds.

“The aspect of redemption” is important, Sanders adds.

“There is nothing you can do or a spot you can go too far that you can’t come back and be redeemed from.”

“The Lion King” WHEN: Various times Tuesday, July 5, to Sunday, July 31 WHERE: ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe COST: Tickets start at $75 INFO: asugammage.com, ticketmaster.com www.LovinLife.com

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The American Dream Musical brings audiences to their feet

BY ERYKA FORQUER

left her with a fractured spine.

Yamotahari says the musical will bring back memories of Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine.

“It’s going to be a great way to rekindle our love for the Miami Sound Machine and to revisit Gloria and Emilio’s life,” Yamotahari says.

The story is accompanied by music and lyrics from Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine and features songs like “Conga” and “1-2-3.” Yamotahari calls the couple’s music “anthems” that will encourage audience members to sing the lyrics with the cast.

“As a community of audience members, they all remember what it felt like to be at a concert or in their car or in their house vacuuming their carpet and hearing a song,” he says. “So, they will hear it and sing out loud.”

Yamotahari says the music will be brought to life by a 13-piece band with Phoenix musicians who blend synth and Afro-Cuban sounds with music from South America and Central America.

“One thing that’s going to be really amazing is to hear a live band bring these into a full-piece sound, which is something that we don’t Pasha Yamotahari is the Phoenix Theatre Company’s associate necessarily feel when we producing director. (Phoenix Theatre Company/Submitted) hear a recording of a song,” sic,” Yamotahari says. “Her music is that, he says. “It’s something that you feel in a in a way that makes us move, it makes us concert.” think, it makes us breathe and it makes us “On Your Feet!” also captures the relalive.” tionship between Gloria and Estefan. As “On Your Feet!” hits the Phoenix The- scenes from their relationship unfold, the atre Company stage from Wednesday, audience will witness the pivotal role that July 13, to Sunday, August 28. the two played in each other’s lives.

It recounts Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s “It’s a crazy, passionate and challenging climb to stardom, detailing Gloria’s child- relationship that they had,” Yamotahari hood in Miami and the tour bus crash that says.

The ideal of the American dream is brought to life in scenes from “On Your Feet!” as Gloria Estefan works to make an impact on the music industry as a Cuban immigrant.

Phoenix Theatre Company Associate Producing Director Pasha Yamotahari says the musical celebrates immigrants’ influence on other cultures.

“Whether you’re living in Kentucky hearing this music or it’s jammed into your Walkman in the early ’90s on a cassette tape in New York City, music is mu-

Emilio and Gloria’s relationship was fiery and passionate, which they parlayed into their careers. The pair worked with fervor as they tried to change “what pop music should be defined as.”

The actress who plays Gloria, Kassandra Haddock, says audience members will get a sense of community and family from the show.

“I don’t think Gloria would be who she was without Emilio, without her family and without the love of those people,” Haddock says.

Haddock says she appreciates the relationship between Gloria and Emilio. In the musical, Emilio encourages Gloria to keep going.

“It is the Emilio and Gloria Estefan show,” Haddock says. Actress Kassandra Haddock, who grew up singing in choirs “Every moment with them is and was introduced to musical theater in high school, stars so funny, it’s so real and it’s so as Gloria Estefan. (Phoenix Theatre Company/Submitted) inspiring. Who doesn’t want that kind of love?” ingredients for a memorable show.

Haddock, who grew up singing in “You have an orchestra concert,” he choirs, was introduced to musical theater says. in high school when she auditioned for “You have top-tier choreography and her first musical role in “Joseph and the dancers, amazing vocalists and amazAmazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Now ing actors all working together within a at 29 years old, Haddock says playing the beautiful design of the show to create a role of Gloria is terrifying as she prepares memorable postcard for anyone that’s to step into “really, really big shoes.” attending.”

Haddock says she is inspired by Glo“On Your Feet! The Story of ria’s “endless drive” and her pursuit of the Emilio & Gloria Estefan” American dream.

“She has dealt with so many hardships WHEN: Various times Wednesday, in her life,” she says. “From coming to July 13, to Sunday, August 28 America as an immigrant and then havWHERE: The Phoenix Theatre ing to help raise her sister and care for Company, 1825 N. Central Avenue, her father, my question the whole time Phoenix is how did you become a superstar? She COST: Tickets start at $44 didn’t have any trajectory.”

INFO: phoenixtheatre.com Yamotahari says the musical has all the

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Entertainment Destination New sportsbook opens near Chase Field

BY JORDAN ROGERS The much-anticipated Caesars Sportsbook has finally opened its doors.

The two-story, 22,300-square-foot entertainment destination is located right next to Chase Field in Downtown Phoenix.

It is the largest free-standing sportsbook in Arizona, and the partnership with the Diamondbacks makes it the largest retail sportsbook to open in partnership with a major sports stadium in the country.

“Thinking back to when we first broke ground in September, we, the Diamondbacks, talked about this opportunity and trying to partner up with the perfect, absolute perfect, operator,” says Derrick Hall, president and CEO of the Diamondbacks. “For us, it was a brand. To partner up with the D-backs brand, one that was all about hospitality, about experience, about class, and that’s what Caesars is.”

An opening event was held on June 21, featuring comments from Caesars and Diamondbacks representatives, a firstbite sampling of menu items and ceremonial first bets made by five longtime Diamondbacks season ticket holders, as well as a donation of $20,000 by Caesars to the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation.

“The D-backs are an organization that is incredibly well run,” says Ken Fuchs, head of sports at Caesars. “They understand our business. So, we knew that was going to be very complementary to this location. When you have 81 games a year here, plus Spring Training and playoffs, it’s a gathering spot. Then we looked at the space, and we could see what we were able to do with it.

“It was really one of those things that came together where you’re going to get a lot of people, you’re able to build in your great space, you’re going to have a partner and execute on it. That’s really what you want.” www.LovinLife.com

The venue features nine betting windows and 13 self-service betting kiosks, as well as wall-to-wall flatscreen televisions. It also has ample patio space with table and plush lounge-style seating on both stores with a capacity of more than 425. Private space is also available for rent.

“This has been a labor of love for us,” Fuchs says. “It really is a culmination of a vision that we had with the D-backs to bring something special to fans and to our customers. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. It’s beautiful space. It’s a place for people who gather before and after games and, frankly, 365 days a year for sports.”

While at the opening event, Hall displayed his satisfaction with the finished product.

“This is going to be quite the place every day,” Hall says. “This will be the place to be, and you can see why. It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

The immersive experience doesn’t stop with sports betting. In conjunction with Caesars and the Diamondbacks, world-renowned celebrity chef Guy Fieri has brought his unique cuisine style to Downtown Phoenix.

Located on the second floor of the

venient, and because of the convenience, it’s a place to hang out before the game or after the game. This is the perfect spot.”

Now having been with Caesars since September 2021, Mayne sees the company is the premier sports betting option for gamblers.

He says name recognition and good partnerships play into that.

“It’s just the name alone, the history of the place,” Mayne says. “The name is kind of worldwide famous.

I think that helps additionally, and they merged with The bacon mac and cheeseburger the William Hill folks who is one of chef Guy Fieri’s personal already had a good beat on favorites at his DTPHX Kitchen + Bar. (Caesars Sportsbook/Submitted) how the whole thing is supposed to work. Kind of tobuilding, Guy Fieri’s PTPHX Kitchen + Bar gether, I think, they exceeded what they at Caesars Sportsbook marks Fieri’s first expected.” full-service restaurant in Arizona.

As far as interest in the Downtown “You think about, in my opinion, the Phoenix area goes, Fuchs says the Diabiggest brand when it comes to a chef mondbacks were a huge part of that. As and the most, I think, reputation and soon as Arizona legalized sports betting, name awareness, Guy is the chef,” Hall Fuchs says Caesars had interest in putting says. “He’s the one who we had targeted the Caesars name on the map in the Valand wanted for sure.” ley.

Guy Fieri’s DTPHX Kitchen + Bar feaTo commemorate the sportsbook’s tures a combination of new recipes and opening, Caesars is running a promoFieri’s personal favorites from his other tion where fans can get a free $5 bet evrestaurants, such as his trash can nachos ery time the Diamondbacks hit a double and bacon mac and cheeseburger. throughout the rest of the Major League “I want to thank Caesars and the Arizo- Baseball season. na Diamondbacks for being great part“We understood that there was this ners and making this happen,” Fieri says. great potential,” Fuchs says. “The Dia“We’ve got a great team on the ground mondbacks have a preeminent franchise in Phoenix, and we’re ready to rock and here in the state, and it’s a great state for make this the place to be in Downtown sports fans. You think about the history Phoenix on game day and every day. Real and some of the legacy of the moments deal, scratch-made food, killer cocktails, here.

D-backs baseball and sports betting.

“The location Downtown allows us to Come on, does it get any better? We’ll see be a premium spot here. This was a peryou there.” fect, perfect setting.”

Also on hand at the sportsbook’s opening was Caesars Brand Ambassador KenCaesars Sportsbook ny Mayne. He calls the location perfect. at Chase Field “Looking out a window (in the buildhttps://atmlb.com/3NlSrQ2 ing), I can throw a rock to (Chase Field) sitting here,” Mayne says. “It’s pretty conJULY 2022

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Calendar of Events FRIDAY, JULY 1

Writer’s Connection: Writing Better Dialogue with Judith Starkston, 1 to 3 p.m., Zoom, courtesy of Desert Foothills Library, 480-288-2286, dfla.org. RSVP through the website.

SATURDAY, JULY 2

Arizona Rattlers vs. NAZ Wranglers, 6:05 p.m., Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, tickets start at $5, ticketmaster.com

SUNDAY, JULY 3

Ahwatukee Farmers Market, 8 to 11 a.m.

Sundays, parking lot of the Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center, 4700 E. Warner Road, Phoenix, free admission, arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets.com

MONDAY, JULY 4

Happy Independence Day!

TUESDAY, JULY 5

Quilters Anonymous, a chapter of the Arizona Quilt Guild, 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month, at Christ’s community United Methodist Church, 104 W. Western Avenue, Avondale, Arizona. For more information, please contact Julie at 623-363-5187.

Caring for the Caregiver, 11 a.m. to noon, Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, free admission, 480288-2286, dfla.org

995 E. Riley Drive, Avondale, free, 623-3332705, avondaleaz.gov/seniors

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6

Gentle Reads Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m., Glendale Public Library/Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, free, 623930-3573, glendaleaz.com. This month’s book is “The Library at the Edge of the World,” by Felicity Hayes-McCoy. Also available via Zoom.

Death Café, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, free admission, 480-288-2286, dfla.org, deathcafe.com Gentle Yoga, 11 a.m. to noon, Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, $10 cash, 480-510-6572, dfla.org, yokama14@gmail.com

THURSDAY, JULY 7

Yoga Fusion, noon to 1 p.m., Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, $10 cash, 480-363-5275, dfla.org, evboisson@yahoo.com. Elizabeth Boisson leads the group.

FRIDAY, JULY 8

Chapter2Books Monthly Sale, various times, repeats July 9, Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, free admission, 480-288-2286, dfla.org

SATURDAY, JULY 9

Gentle Tai Chi Qigong, 10:30 to 11:25 a.m., repeats July 26, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in per class, $48 per for a four-punch card, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance.com

“The Lion King,” various times through July 31, ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, tickets start at $75, asugammage.com

Jam-Boree Acoustic Jam, 2 to 4 p.m., Glendale Public Library/Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, free, 623-930-3573, glendaleaz.com

Independence Day History, 10 a.m., Arizona Complete Health Avondale Resource Center,

Gentle Tai Chi Sequences, 1 to 1:55 p.m., repeats July 26, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848

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JULY 2022

S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in per class, $48 per for a four-punch card, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance.com Experience France, 9:30 a.m., Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, see website for pricing, 480-4786000, mim.org

SUNDAY, JULY 10

Experience France, 9:30 a.m., Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, see website for pricing, 480-4786000, mim.org

MONDAY, JULY 11

Big Band Grandstand, 1 to 3 p.m., Glendale Public Library/Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, free, 623-930-3573, glendaleaz.com, bigbandgrandstand@gmail. com Habits and Habitats of Venomous Creatures in the Desert, 6:30 p.m., Glendale Public Library/Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, free, 623-930-3573.

A Novel Approach Book Discussion Group, 6:30 p.m., Glendale Public Library/Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, free, 623-930-3573, glendaleaz.com. This month’s selection is “Tin Man” by Sara Winman.

Craft N Chat, 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays, Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, free admission, 480-288-2286, dfla.org Mahjongg 101: Brain Healthy Fun, 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays through August 1, Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, free admission, 480-288-2286, dfla.org Gentle Chair Yoga, 11 a.m. to noon Mondays, Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, $10 cash, 480-5106572, dfla.org, yokama14@gmail.com. Led by Marina Kachur.

TUESDAY, JULY 12

Back to Basics Health and Wellness Series: Building Meaningful Social Connections, How-To and What Happens Without Them, 10 to 10:30 a.m., virtual, azaarp@aarp.org

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13

The Healing Pathway, 9:30 to 11 a.m., repeats July 27, Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, free admission, 480-288-2286, dfla.org “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan,” various times through August 28, The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, tickets start at $44, phoenixtheatre.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14

Music at the Movies, 2 p.m., Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, free admission, 480-288-2286, dfla.org.

This month: “Walk the Line”

FRIDAY, JULY 15

Bluegrass Jam, 1 to 3 p.m., Glendale Public Library/Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, free, 623-930-3573, glendaleaz. com

SATURDAY, JULY 16

Old-Time Music Jam, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Glendale Public Library/Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, free, 623930-3573, azoldtimejam.com Writing Unforgettable Characters: Writer in Residence Betty Webb Workshop, 2 p.m., Glendale Public Library/Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, free, 623930-3573, glendaleaz.com

SUNDAY, JULY 17

Ronstadt Revival: A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt, 2 p.m., The Venue at Farnsworth Hall, 6159 E. University Drive, Mesa, tickets start at

Calendar...continues on page 17

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MONDAY, JULY 18

Big Band Grandstand, 1 to 3 p.m., Glendale Public Library/Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, free, 623-930-3573, glendaleaz.com, bigbandgrandstand@gmail. com

TUESDAY, JULY 19

today!

Cowboy Junkies, 7 p.m., Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, see website for pricing, 480-478-6000, mim. org

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

How to Travel for Free, Part III, 10:30 a.m., The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Building B, Scottsdale, visit website for pricing, 480-488-1090, hollandcenter.org Cowboy Junkies, 7 p.m., Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, see website for pricing, 480-478-6000, mim. org

THURSDAY, JULY 21

Gentle Tai Chi Qigong, 10:30 to 11:25 a.m., repeats July 28, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in per class, $48 per for a four-punch card, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance.com

FRIDAY, JULY 22

Gentle Tai Chi Qigong, 1 to 1:55 p.m., repeats July 29, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in per class, $48 per for a four-punch card, 602-345-0496, kaleidoscope-dance.com

SATURDAY, JULY 23

Be Happy, 9 a.m., The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Building B, Scottsdale, visit website for pricing, 480-488-1090, hollandcenter.org Crane Dance-Gentle Tai Chi, 9:15 to 10:10 a.m., repeats July 30, Kaleidoscope Dance, 2848 S. Carriage Lane, Mesa, $14 drop-in per class, $48 per for a four-punch card, 602-3450496, kaleidoscope-dance.com Jam-Boree Acoustic Jam, 2 to 4 p.m., Glendale Public Library/Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, free, 623-930-3573, glendaleaz.com The Magic of Manilow, 7 p.m., The Venue at Farnsworth Hall, 6159 E. University Drive, Mesa, tickets start at $20, fhtheater.com

SUNDAY, JULY 24

We were all obsessed with her!

It’s Amelia Earhart Day!

MONDAY, JULY 25

Big Band Grandstand, 1 to 3 p.m., Glendale www.LovinLife.com

Public Library/Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, free, 623-930-3573, glendaleaz.com, bigbandgrandstand@gmail. com

TUESDAY, JULY 26

Library Book Club, 10 a.m. to noon, Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, free admission, 480-288-2286, dfla.org

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27

Books to Die For: A Murder Mystery Book Club, 3 to 4 p.m., Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, free admission, 480-288-2286, dfla.org. July’s title is “Murder on Astor Street” by Victoria Thompson.

The Healing Pathway, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, free admission, 480-288-2286, dfla.org

THURSDAY, JULY 28

Doc Talk: Depression, 10 a.m., Arizona Complete Health Avondale Resource Center, 995 E. Riley Drive, Avondale, free, 623-333-2705, avondaleaz.gov/seniors

FRIDAY, JULY 29

Puzzle Exchange, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, free admission, 480-288-2286, dfla.org Melissa Manchester, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, see website for pricing, 480-478-6000, mim.org

SATURDAY, JULY 30

Prescott Area Iris Society’s Annual Iris Rhizome Sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Stoneridge Community Center, 1300 Stoneridge Drive, Prescott Valley, free, 623-980-6627, prescottirissociety.org, president@prescottirissociety. org

SUNDAY, JULY 31

Visit the Musical Instrument Museum!

It’s Uncommon Instruments Awareness Day! JULY 2022

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Puzzles ANSWERS ON PAGE 23 ACROSS 1 Chantilly, e.g.

5 Chicken -9 Leg, in slang 12 Mr. Stravinsky 13 Sparkling Italian wine 14 Have bills 15 Bouncing toy 17 Retrieve 18 Ruby and Sandra 19 Apple products 21 Buy more Time?

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38 Physicist Enrico 40 Slightly 42 White House nickname 43 Company emblems 48 Grazing land 49 Scott Turow book 50 Valentine flower 51 Curvy letter 52 Yuletide tune 53 Faction DOWN 1 Back talk 2 In the past 3 Gear tooth 4 Wears away 5 Winslet of “Titanic” 6 Egyptian deity 7 List-ending abbr.

8 Minnesota footballers 9 ‘60s footwear 10 Dumbstruck 11 Citi Field team

16 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 31 34 35 37 38 39 40 41 44 45 46 47

Stitch Not neg.

Numbered rds.

Deserve Restricted zones Recognized Shopper’s delight “As I see it,” to a texter Ancient mariner Maja painter Delta follower Typing speed stat Nymph pursuers Tool set Dossier Stretches (out) Baseball’s Tommie Weevil’s target Music’s Yoko “Ulalume” writer Computer key Filming site

GOby FIGURE! Linda Thistle

SUDOKU TIME

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

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK ★

★ Moderate ★★ Challenging ★★★ HOO BOY!

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

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

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK ★ ★

★ Moderate ★★ Challenging ★★★ HOO BOY!

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

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

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

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www.LovinLife.com

Casinos Casino Calendar Daisy Train

8 p.m. Friday, July 1 We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-789-4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Priminition

7 p.m. Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2 The Dragonfly at Cliff Castle Casino, 555 Middle Verde Road, Camp Verde, free, 1-800-381-7568, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Chris Rock

8 p.m. Friday, July 1 Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, tickets start at $50, 1-855-765-7829, casinodelsol.com

Project Presley

7:30 p.m. Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $10, 480-8507777, casinoarizona.com

Pepe Aguilar

8 p.m. Friday, July 8 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480-850-7777, tickets start at $35, talkingstickresort.com

Aravaipa

7 p.m. Friday, July 8, and Saturday, July 9 The Dragonfly at Cliff Castle Casino, 555 Middle Verde Road, Camp Verde, free, 1-800-381-7568, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Frankie Moreno

8 p.m. Friday, July 8 Casino Del Sol Event Center, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, tickets start at $24, 1-855-765-7829, casinodelsol.com

Dynamite Draw

8 p.m. Friday, July 8 We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-789-4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Motley Crue’d: Tribute to Motley Crue

7:30 p.m. Friday, July 8, and Saturday, July 9 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $10, 480-8507777, casinoarizona.com

Release After Dark: Jonas Blue + Lost Kings

8 p.m. Saturday, July 2 Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, tickets start at $45, 1-855-765-7829, casinodelsol.com

5 p.m. Saturday, July 9 The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480-850-7777, tickets start at $30, talkingstickresort.com, releasevip.com

Release After Dark: Slushii

Retro Connection

5 p.m. Saturday, July 2 The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480-850-7777, tickets start at $30, talkingstickresort.com, releasevip.com

Tribute to Selena: Amor Prohibido

8 p.m. Saturday, July 2 Vee Quiva, 15091 S. Komatke Lane, Laveen Village, $15, 1-800-946-4452, playatgila.com

Painted Cave

8 p.m. Saturday, July 2 We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-789-4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

One of These Nights (Eagles tribute band)

7 p.m. Sunday, July 3 We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-789-4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Starship featuring Mickey Thomas www.LovinLife.com

8 p.m. Saturday, July 9 We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-789-4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Basketball Jones

8 p.m. Friday, July 15 We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-789-4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Grupo Kulpalblez

7 p.m. Friday, July 15, and Saturday, July 16 The Dragonfly at Cliff Castle Casino, 555 Middle Verde Road, Camp Verde, free, 1-800-381-7568, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Elvis: Danny Memphis

Valencia Road, Tucson, tickets start at $40, 1-855-765-7829, casinodelsol.com

Road, Maricopa, tickets start at $74.50, 480802-5000, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

Release After Dark: DVBBS

Young Country

5 p.m. Saturday, July 16 The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480-850-7777, tickets start at $30, talkingstickresort.com, releasevip.com

Happy Together — features the Turtles, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, the Association, the Buckinghams, the Vogues and the Cowsills

8 p.m. Saturday, July 16 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480-850-7777, tickets start at $50, talkingstickresort.com, releasevip. com.

Clay Walker

8 p.m. Sunday, July 17 Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, tickets start at $45, 1-800-WIN-GILA, playatgila.com

8-Man Jam — features Russell Dickerson, Erin Kinsey, Ernest, Walker Hayes, Jon Langston, Jimmie Allen, Kassi Ashton and Matt Stell

7 p.m. Wednesday, July 20 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, win tickets through KMLE, 480-850-7777, talkingstickresort.com.

Priminition

Bronco and Ramon Ayala

8 p.m. Saturday, July 23 Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, tickets start at $40, 1-855-765-7829, casinodelsol.com

Hip-Hop, R&B and Rap Talent Explosion Competition

7 p.m. Saturday, July 23 Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, tickets start at $45, 1-800-WIN-GILA, playatgila.com

Rhythm Edition

8 p.m. Friday, July 29 We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-789-4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Chad Freeman and Redline

7 p.m. Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30 The Dragonfly at Cliff Castle Casino, 555 Middle Verde Road, Camp Verde, free, 1-800-381-7568, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Turn the Page: Bob Seger Tribute

8 p.m. Friday, July 22 We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-789-4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

7:30 p.m. Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $10, 480-8507777, casinoarizona.com

Simply Renee

Powerdrive

7 p.m. Friday, July 22, and Saturday, July 23 The Dragonfly at Cliff Castle Casino, 555 Middle Verde Road, Camp Verde, free, 1-800-381-7568, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Live to Rock Tour — features Skid Row, Warrant, Winger and Quiet Riot

8 p.m. Friday, July 22 Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, tickets start at $20, 1-855-765-7829, casinodelsol.com.

Fan Halen

9 p.m. Saturday, July 16 We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, $25, 480-789-4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

7:30 p.m. Friday, July 22, and Saturday, July 23 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $10, 480-8507777, casinoarizona.com

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias

Counting Crows

8 p.m. Saturday, July 16 Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W.

8 p.m. Saturday, July 23 We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-789-4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

8 p.m. Friday, July 22 Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 Maricopa

8 p.m. Saturday, July 30 We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-789-4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Summer Oasis Pool Party Series: R3HAB

2 p.m. Saturday, July 30 Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, tickets start at $40, 1-800-WIN-GILA, playatgila.com

Native American Comedy Jam

7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 30 Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, tickets start at $20, 1-800-WIN-GILA, playatgila.com

Release After Dark: Ekali

5 p.m. Saturday, July 30 The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480-850-7777, tickets start at $30, talkingstickresort.com, releasevip.com JULY 2022

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19

Food & Drink

Sprucing Up the Menu Chef was The Living Room’s missing ingredient

BY ALEX GALLAGHER When Tom Kaufman opened The Living Room at DC Ranch in 2014, he knew his business would be different from other wine bars/restaurants in the Valley.

He decorated his dining room with plush seating, offered myriad wine options, and utilized every inch he could of a kitchen he describes as being smaller than his bathroom.

Yet, Kaufman still felt there was a missing ingredient to elevate The Living Room.

“When I wrote the business plan, I said to myself and the possible investor, ‘I don’t want to be one of 10,000 restaurants in Arizona, and I don’t want to be one of six or seven lounges. I equate this place more to a resort lounge,’” Kaufman recalls. “I’m a wine guy, and I always wanted to do a wine bar that wasn’t cork dorky.

“I wanted it to be more a place to come and hang out that still has great wine options.”

Kaufman was alarmed when he learned of the “restaurant” criteria.

“Arizona has certain criteria for certain liquor licenses. So, to be defined as a restaurant, you have to sell at least 40% food,” he says. “So we were, with all hu-

mility, popular and we sold a lot of wine and alcohol, but I wanted to have great food offerings because that’s sustainability in the restaurant business.

“Buyers come and go, but if you have great food, that’s the anchor of a great restaurant.”

In its first year of selling food, it accounted for 39% of the restaurant’s sales, allowing Kaufman to get a six-month extension to surpass state regulations.

The Living Room at DC Ranch cleared the hurdle, but Kaufman still knew there was room for improvement. That was until 2021, when a Hawaii-raised chef who graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale reached out to Kaufman’s corporate chef.

In came BJ Dalumpinis, who has worked in restaurants since he was 14.

Dalumpinis quickly impressed Kaufman with his kitchen prowess, and Kaufman decided to double the kitchen size.

He purchased an additional 424 square feet of space from a neighboring business to fit two walk-in coolers for beverages and vegetables. Kaufman also invested in induction burners and reach-in refrigerators for his kitchen.

With top-of-the-line equipment,

Kaufman tasked his new chef with devising a menu that would impress customers’ taste buds.

“We worked on (the menu) for about a month, and that month consisted of a lot of tasting, a lot of experimenting and knowing what goes good with what,” Dalumpinis says.

Since revamping the menu, Dalumpinis has seen an uptick in orders for the heirloom salad, house-made lobster potstickers and prime rib sliders. Fish dishes have become popular with the warmer weather.

The Living Room expanded its kitchen to 424 square feet of additional space acquired from a neighboring business. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

“We’re a lounge, so there’s no ticket time. With normal restaurants that have an appetizer, a main course and a dessert, they have a two-hour turn time,” Kaufman says. “Here, I have no idea how long somebody is going to stay. I’ve had people come in at 5 p.m. and they’re still here at 12:30 a.m. because it’s a lounge and they’re partying.”

Because of this, Dalumpinis feeds off of the laid-back atmosphere of the establishment and utilizes every second he can to spruce up his dishes.

“It’s fun to work here. You have to keep it light and have fun with what you’re doing; otherwise, you are just going to be miserable,” Dalumpinis says.

The Living Room Wine Café & Lounge 20751 N. Pima Road, Suite 120, Scottsdale 480-404-7465 4905 E. Ray Road, Suite 107, Phoenix 480-454-3599

The Living Room opened at DC Ranch in 2014.

(David Minton/Staff Photographer)

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2475 W. Queen Creek Road, Chandler (Downtown Ocotillo) 480-855-2848 livingroomwinebar.com www.LovinLife.com

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www.LovinLife.com

VOTE NOW! BESTOF

2022

Our reader poll is designed to let YOU tell us about your favorite people, places, shops, restaurants and things to do in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix and the West Valley.

PEOPLE | PLACES | SHOPS | RESTAURANTS | THINGS TO DO

Section Coming September 2022!

Vote from July 1st - July 29th on LovinLife.com

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21

Columns

Hospice Is Hope

‘Dementia Moments’ teach high schoolers compassion

BY LIN SUE FLOOD Hospice of the Valley Arcadia High School teacher Darcy whelmed. Disoriented. Confused.”

Brodison knows the best way to drive a “These emotions explain why people lesson home is to touch a student’s heart. with dementia may become aggressive So she decided to immerse her class in a and agitated. Their behaviors are what we unique experience called “Dementia Mo- refer to as nonverbal expression. Somements” that demonstrates what it’s like to one with dementia can’t verbalize what live with Alzheimer’s and other demen- they are feeling — physically or emotiontias. ally,” Helena explains. “We’re expecting She invited Hospice of the Valley to them to be able to get things done, but share the 8-minute simulation with ju- their brains don’t process information like niors and seniors in her AP psychology they used to. What you’re hearing is frusclass. tration and, sometimes, fear.”

The eye-opening exercise pressed Arizona has the highest growth rate of them to perform everyday tasks as if they people living with dementia in the entire were living with cognitive impairment. country. By 2025, an estimated 200,000 They put on sunglasses that blurred their Arizonans will be affected by Alzheimer’s vision and wore thick gloves to mimic the disease and other dementias. Education numbness that comes with arthritis and and compassionate support can make a Wearing sunglasses that impair vision, headphones that blare static and thick gloves that hamper neuropathy. They donned headphones huge difference in their quality of life. finer motor skills, Darcy Brodison’s students struggle to follow instructions and complete simple that blared static, making it hard to unIt’s one of the reasons Hospice of the tasks. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted) derstand instructions, to sort loose coins, Valley continues to expand services to put on a belt, button a shirt, pair socks to- help people with all stages and types of inspire careers in dementia care.

“Simplify tasks. Slow things down. Make gether, read and sign documents. dementia, train health professionals and Arcadia High School is within walking eye-level contact. Be aware of your tone The tasks were distance from the and body language. Be friendly. Ask if you frustrating, and the nonprofit agency’s can help.” students were vocal new Dementia Care Alyssa Blanks is watching her grandabout it. “I’m strugand Education Cen- mother’s dementia progress. “She forgling!” they shouted. ter at 44th Street and gets a lot and repeats everything,” the “I can’t open this. I Indianola Avenue in 17-year-old shared with the class. After can’t remember what Phoenix, and some experiencing “Dementia Moments,” she I’m supposed to do. of the students will felt enlightened and much more empaWhat do we do with be volunteering to thetic. “I will have more patience with my the socks? I can’t hear provide companion- grandma now. I’ll be kinder and treat her anything clearly!” ship to patients. All with more grace.”

After the experiof them agreed this For information on Hospice of the Valence, Hospice of the exercise taught them ley’s “Dementia Moments” and Dementia Valley dementia eduvaluable skills.

Care and Education Campus, call 602-767cator Helena Morgan “If your loved one 8300 or visit dementiacampus.org. asked the students to has dementia, you can Lin Sue Flood is community engagement director for Hospice of the Valley. For more information, email info@ share their feelings. still treat them with hov.org or visit hov.org.

“We were anxious,” Alyssa Blanks was deeply moved by the exercise and vowed to “be more patient” with her dignity and respect,” they confessed. “Over- grandmother, who has dementia. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted) Helena told them.

Get your copy today!

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www.LovinLife.com

The Healthy Geezer

Stomach discomfort can be serious

BY FRED CICETTI

Q

I get a lot of stomachaches.

Do you have any tips to prevent them?

A

If you are having recurring abdominal pain, you should see a doctor immediately. This kind of discomfort can be a symptom of a serious ailment. However, if you’re talking about the kind of stomachaches we all get occasionally, there are some things you can do to prevent them: • Eat small meals more frequently.

• Make sure that your meals are well balanced and high in fiber.

• Drink plenty of water each day.

• Exercise regularly.

• Limit foods that produce gas.

The following are gas-generating foods: • Legumes, especially dried beans and peas, baked beans, soy beans and lima beans.

• Dairy products such as milk, ice cream and cheese.

• Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cucumbers, sauerkraut, kohlrabi, asparagus, potatoes, rutabaga, turnips, radishes and onions.

• Fruits such as prunes, apricots, apples, raisins and bananas.

• Foods containing wheat, such as cereals, breads and pastries.

• Fatty foods such as fried chicken and anything in cream sauces and gravies.

• Any carbonated beverage.

Abdominal pain is often caused by overeating. Sometimes an infection is responsible. But pain may be a symptom of something that requires emergency treatment; there are quite a few organs in your abdominal area. The location of the pain is informative to your doctor.

Pain near your navel can be a sign of appendicitis or something wrong in your small intestine.

Stomach problems are found in the upper middle section of the abdomen. Persistent pain in this area may also signal a problem with your gallbladder, pancreas www.LovinLife.com

or the upper part of your small intestine.

It’s unusual to feel pain in the upper left abdomen. Pain in this area may be caused by a problem in the colon, stomach, spleen or pancreas.

Intense pain in the upper right abdomen is often related to inflammation of the gallbladder.

Pain in the lower middle abdomen may be caused by the colon. Women with pelvic inflammatory disease or a urinary tract infection may experience pain in this area.

The lower right abdomen is where inflammation of the colon may cause pain.

Appendicitis pain may also spread to this region.

If you feel pain in the lower left abdomen, you usually have a problem at the end of the colon.

Don’t rely on self-diagnosis based upon these pain guidelines. Abdominal pain has a way of moving around. For example, gallbladder pain can move to your right shoulder.

And abdominal pain can be caused by the lungs and heart. Or it may be caused by muscle strain.

The following are some of the danger signs associated with abdominal pain. If you experience any of the following, get immediate medical attention: • Sudden and sharp pain.

• Pain that radiates to your chest, neck or shoulder.

• Severe, recurrent or persistent pain.

• Pain that worsens.

• Vomiting blood.

• Blood in your stool.

• A swollen and tender abdomen.

• Shortness of breath.

• Dizziness.

• High fever.

JULY 2022

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Gadget Gossip

These products address menopause, back pain and more

BY ANNIKA TOMLIN Welcome back to Gadget Gossip! Here we introduce readers to gizmos that can make life just a little easier — and healthier. Have an idea? Email editor@ lovinlifeafter50.com.

Revelry

Perimenopause and menopause are uncomfortable, let’s face it.

Lilach Mazor Power created her company Revelry with business partner Stef Swiergol to offer a three-product line for women to combat the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Each product is cannabis based.

“Talking about perimenopause and menopause is the stage in womanhood that is this black hole that people don’t talk about,” Power says. “We start at some point where mom will talk about a bra and shaving and then periods. Then there is the time of talking about getting pregnant, do you want to have kids and here is what that looks like to get pregnant, pregnancy and delivery. Every stage in a woman’s cycle we talk about more than this.”

Also the owner of Kindred Cannabis and Giving Tree Dispensary, Power notice an uptick in women looking for relief.

“When we started thinking about what is the product that actually helps with reducing symptoms, we realized that THC is an important part of it,” Power says.

“The THC part of it helps reducing anxiety, irritability, improves sleep. Every symptom that women go through when they go through perimenopause and menopause.”

Power and Swiergol went through various product trials to test the effectiveness on women and tweaking the products as they went along. Power knew that

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the products are “not necessarily going to be the No. 1 seller but it is the product that I am most proud of because I think it can make the most impact for women going through it.”

“Revelry has a day capsule, which combines four types of cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBN), including microdosing of THC,” Power says.

“The purpose of that is really to do what we call ‘tolerate people better.’

Your mood swings that you go through with menopause is kind of taking a step down. You’re not as irritable. It helps with hot flashes. Does not eliminate them, but definitely reduces them in reducing the intensity a bit.”

The 10- or 30-count capsules combine 2.5 mg each of the listed cannabinoids.

Revelry also offers a night capsule that combines 10 mg of THC with 10 mg of CBD. “We always think the biggest benefit of cannabis is being able to sleep and that it helps many people for so many different things,” Power says. “This is just one of them.

“When woman talk about menopause, a lot of times they can’t sleep, or if they can fall asleep, they sleep for two hours.

They have night sweats. Their minds can’t stop thinking so the THC/CBD capsule really helps put them to sleep and stay asleep.”

The night capsule helps break the cycle of exhaustion, irritability, crankiness and then exhaustion again.

“We also have a CBD-based lubricant that helps with women through that stage in our lives that we need lubricant,” Power says. “It’s got CBD, peppermint, which helps with the cooling effect and the blood flow.”

Power — who is working on a midday

capsule — is proud that her product specifically targets perimenopause and menopause.

“The second thing (that sets us apart) is that we are a capsule brand, and I think it really fits women being able to microdose, being able to take cannabis in a way that is accurate dosing every single time,” Power says. “And of course, no sugar, no calories, easy to carry. All the things that women are looking for.”

Revelry is available in 25 Arizona dispensaries, a list of which is found on its website.

“I think the first thing that women ask me when they talk about this product is first of all, you don’t have to go through menopause,” Power says. “It’s also for perimenopause, which for menopause, the average age is around 52 in the United States.

“Perimenopause starts 10 years before that, so we’re going to start having some of those symptoms if it’s just anxiety or irritability or mood swings or hard sleeping, all those symptoms that are starting 10 years before menopause.

“What I say to women is we listen to what women want. This is not going to get you high. You’re probably not going to feel much. Cannabis is shown to really help women going through menopause and perimenopause, and they should give it a try.”

Revelry revelrycannabis.com Products available through dispensaries

extracts provide potent antioxidants and skin-smoothing ingredients for anti-aging properties while zinc oxide and titanium oxide help soothe and replenish exposed skin.

Larkly is water and sweat resistant, although it is recommended to reapply after 30 to 40 minutes of swimming or sweating.

Larkly Powder Sunscreen larkly.com Available on website starting at $32

Gadgets...continues on page 25

Check these out, too:

Larkly Powder Sunscreen

Summer is here, and so is the searing Arizona heat. Rather than caking on thick layers of liquid sunscreen, Larkly offers a lightweight powder option to use for allday easy application.

The powder is transparent, making it suitable for all skin tones. Larkly is infused with antioxidants like resveratrol that interrupts negative environmental influences and brightens a tired-looking complexion. Green tea and licorice root www.LovinLife.com

Gadgets...continued from page 24

ASK US HOW TO GET THE SWIFF

SWIFF is the first long-lasting odor protector. It works on clothes, shoes and anything else that needs to stay fresh. A single bottle of SWIFF can coat armpits of over 15 shirts, and the protection lasts for five or more washes.

SWIFF can also be used on items like bathmats, towels, sofas, upholstery, grout, socks, jackets and yoga mats. The hypoallergenic spray is vegan and fragrance free, without the use of synthetic chemicals, parabens and propellants to make it pet and kid safe.

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For those who sit for long periods of time, the Incredi-belt helps reduce the suffering from lower back pain. Developed by experts from Cabeau — the same company behind an orthopedic surgeon-endorsed neck pillow — comes a featherlight, fully adjustable lumbar belt that moves with the body for continuous support when seated.

The inflatable design adjusts to deliver customized therapeutic relief that helps fill the gap between the lower back and chair. It’s compatible with any chair — at home on the couch, in the car, work or a plane. The portable design allows it to fit in a pocket, purse or glove compartment.

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* as long as appropriate funds are available

JULY 2022

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Biz Box • Classifi • Friendship Ads BizedsBox

THREE EASY WAYS TO PLACE AN AD:

Call: 480-898-6465

Email: class@timespublications.com

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Deadline: 16th of the month for the next publication

Classified & Friendship Ads THREE EASY WAYS TO PLACE AN AD: Call: 480-898-6465 Wanted to Buy Email: class@timespublications.com

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40 Years

HERE IS SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE OUR 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS

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JULY 2022

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE. All Medicare Plan Types, All Entitlements & Eligibilities.

Medicaid/AHCCCS Qualifiers, Rx and Part B Premium Assistance.

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WEATHERPROOFING ROOFING & PAINTING Roof Leaks Fixed. New Roofs. Roof Repairs / Coatings, Exterior House Painting. Senior Citizen Discounts.

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Classifieds 480-898-6465

Appealing to your Good Nature I'm hoping you and I can make a small but significant difference for our veterans and community members that are less fortunate, homeless or in shelters. Should you have gently used clothing to donate to appreciative people, I would be more than happy to pick up and distribute. Just give me a call.

Thank You! Jim Schmidt 480.296.3900

Plumbing

Friendship Ads DRAWER LL1673 WWF ISO SWNSM For A Forever Relationship. I'm "No Spring Chicken (Hen)" Looking for a "No Spring Chicken (Rooster)". I'm a More Happy Loving, Happy Person As A Partner. What About You? RESPOND TO a Friendship Ad: Send your letter to: LLAF - DRAWER # 1900 W Broadway Rd TEMPE, AZ 85282

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PlumbSmart Plumbing Repair and Repipe Free estimates - no trip charge! $49 drain cleaning, $189 garbage disposal includes installation. Affordable full service plumber voted #1 in Mesa. Senior & Vet discounts. Licensed, bonded & insured ROC223709. Call 480-701-4867

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PLAN YOUR DREAM VACATION – FREE DATE CHANGES FROM

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12 days, departs May - September 2023

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— Prepare to be awed as you experience the stunningly red rocks of these 6 iconic southwestern national parks. Travel through deserts, forests, mountains, and to the very edge of the Grand Canyon on this breathtaking tour.

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vistas—if you love the quintessential Americana of Route 66, this is the tour for you. Get your kicks traveling the length of the Mother Road.

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Hawaiian vacation with centrally located lodging in Waikiki on Oahu, and beachfront lodging on the “Big Island” of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui. Guided throughout by our friendly Tour Directors—your local experts. Includes 3 inter-island flights.

CALL 1-855-646-0861

* Prices are per person based on double occupancy plus up to $299 in taxes & fees. Single supplement and seasonal surcharges may apply. Add-on airfare available. Free date changes 100 days before departure for all land tours and cruise tours. Deposits and final payments are non-refundable. Onboard Credit requires purchase of Ocean View or Balcony Cabin. Offers apply to new bookings only, made by 9/30/22. Other terms & conditions may apply. Ask your Travel Consultant for details.

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JULY 2022

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27

SAME-DAY AIR CONDITIONING & PLUMBING SERVICE

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39

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95

Air Conditioning Tune Up & Safety Inspection Limited time offer. Restrictions may apply.

Call for details. Expires 7/31/22

FREE Air Conditioning Service Call

With Purchase of part/repair. Limited time offer.

Restrictions may apply. Call for details.

Expires 7/31/22

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Water Heater Flush

LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED

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Expires 7/31/22

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NO Weekend Charges NO Overtime Charges www.LovinLife.com