Lovin' Life After 50: Tucson - August 2017 by Times Media Group

inside THIS ISSUE

Stu . We all have some. One of the funniest standup comedy routines of the 1980s was George Carlin’s spiel about “stu ” during the 1986 broadcast of the famine fundraiser show Comic Relief on HBO.

“That’s all your house is: a place to keep your stu . If you didn’t have so much stu , you wouldn’t need a house. You could just walk around all the time. A house is just a pile of stu with a cover on it,” Carlin said. “You can see that when you’re taking o in an airplane. You look down, you see everybody’s got a little pile of stu . All the little piles of stu . And when you leave your house, you gotta lock it up. Wouldn’t want somebody to come by and take some of your stu . They always take the good stu . They never bother with that crap you’re saving. All they want is the shiny stu . That’s what your house is, a place to keep your stu while you go out and get… more stu ! Sometimes you gotta move, gotta get a bigger house. Why? No room for your stu anymore.”

Carlin cracked us up about our attachment to “stu ” decades before television shows like Hoarders, featuring some extreme examples of people who couldn’t part with anything (no matter how worthless), made us all feel better about our reluctance to let go of Grandma’s three sets of china or that collection of cardboard

coasters collected from bars along the Paci c Coast Highway during a road trip in the ’60s.

But while jokes about the absurdity of materialism might have been funny in our younger years, the idea of managing massive collections of stu can become a daunting task as we get older and our lifestyles and priorities change. Downsizing –shu ing o those excess piles of whatever and moving into more compact abodes – sounds like a great solution but isn’t so simple in its execution. That’s where some of the articles in this month’s issue could come in handy. Our regular “Lovin’ Tech After 50” column spotlights some of the spots in cyberspace (from Craigslist and beyond) where you can sell your stu . And our Size Matters feature includes helpful tips and tricks from Tucson companies that o er services ranging from real estate sales to relocation assistance – specically for mature adults who are looking to make lifetsyle changes.

We hope you’ll nd the information in these pages valuable, and maybe even add this issue to your own personal pile of stu

Niki D’Andrea Executive Editor

Bill Straus, Glenda Strickbine, Nick Thomas

Straus’ Place

White Mountains shing saga

BY BILL STRAUS

Some of the happiest days of my youth were spent at summer camp. Camp Wonderland (yep, that was the name) was nestled in the hills just north of Greer, and my memories of those days have stayed with me for over 58 years. And I loved shing up there. Oh, I still do, but don’t get to do it very often anymore. Then, two years ago, I met Patti. I discovered that she, too, loved to sh, and she’d never been to Greer. That’s all I needed! We were heading north and I was going to write this column all about recapturing those old memories.

I’ve been talking up our big trip for almost the whole two years we’ve been together. I raved about the scenery, the daily thunderstorms and, of course, the shing. Finally, in July, we did it.

We arrived at the White Mountains Lodge B&B (awesome place!) and couldn’t wait to sh. So we were o to the Little Colorado River, one of the sites of my most memorable youthful shing accomplishments. We found a spot where they were pulling trout out at an astonishing rate. We, too, had immediate luck, landing three good-size rainbows. Then we discovered why. The trout were literally clumped together in droves. I tried Googling for an explanation of this phenomenon but came up empty. These droves were so large, and the sh so hungry, it was like shing at Fred’s Trout Farm. The shermen there were gleefully

telling us they didn’t even need bait! The trout just jumped at anything and everyone was getting their limit. It wasn’t fun. It wasn’t sport. We became disgusted and left.

The next day, we headed over to Big Lake. Nothing. The manager of the general store there told us it was because of a strong hail storm a day before. Nevertheless, it was very disappointing. But we weren’t through. We shed the Greer Lakes and again, nothing. Nary a bite! But I must add here that we just love the act of shing. Actually catching sh is secondary to the act itself. We also tried to nd the site of my old camp, but again, we were out of luck. This trip was not turning out as I imagined. And then I started to feel sick. I was su ering from altitude sickness (Greer is at 8,400 feet). If you’ve never felt it, you’re lucky. Not fun.

I really wanted to write this column highlighting the successes of our little trip. Successes? It must sound to you like the trip was a total failure. But that was not the case! No, I didn’t recapture those memories I sought. But even with all of the bumps in this particular road, we had fun. We were able to laugh at our frustrations. And we maybe, possibly, hopefully, created some new memories upon which we’ll look back with a smile. We may even go back. But not for a while.

Ask Gabby Gayle Destination weddings are invites, not demands

BY GAYLE LAGMAN-CRESWICK

Dear Gabby Gayle:

My husband and I just returned from our granddaughter’s wedding in another state. It was what they call a “destination wedding.” That is when the bride and groom choose a lovely, expensive place to get married and the family is obligated to go and spend a fortune to witness this blessed event. I guess we are just old-fashioned, but that wedding must have cost upwards of $50,000, not to mention what it cost all the family members. We were surprised that the parents (our daughter) allowed it. Of course, my husband opened his mouth and expressed his opinion to them, which has now created hard feelings. What do you think of destination weddings, and do you think my husband was out of place to say something?

Signed, Old-Fashioned

Dear Old-Fashioned:

I have been to and enjoyed one destination wedding. It was beautiful, lots of fun, and expensive for all concerned. My advice is: 1) It is an invitation, not a demand. If it is too expensive for you, don’t go. 2) If you have read me for a while, you know I stand rm on some things. One is, never criticize or advise your married children or grandchildren – unless you want to damage the relationship. If they ask for your advice, give it very carefully. You are through raising children. Just enjoy them and keep your opinions to yourself. That is what I would do. I have slipped up a few times and regretted it every time!

Dear Gabby Gayle:

I am a 65-year-old widower. After several years of loneliness and my lousy cooking, I have decided to move into an independent retirement community. My friends are constantly chiding me, telling me I am not “ready for that.” I tell them they do not know what they are talking about. Where else can an old guy like me get meals, housekeeping, exercise, friendship, entertainment, and be free to travel without worrying about my house? My friends have some mistaken idea that you go to a place

like that when you need care. Wrong. If you wait until you need care, you have waited too long. You can’t get in! They need to know that one’s life can change in a heartbeat. My wife died of a heart attack at age 60. I wish you would tell them, please.

Signed, MC

A Q Q A A

Dear MC:

Years ago, I spoke to a gerontology class at a university about retirement communities and all they o er. After class, the professor, a woman who was about 50 years old, said to me, “If they had those places for young people like me, I would move there in a minute. I would love to have a meal when I get home without cooking it, a ride to the symphony so I wouldn’t have to ght tra c, have my apartment cleaned, and all that other stu .” I think there is a certain mindset as we grow older to cause us stay away from retirement places, almost as if people think they will catch something... like “old age?” Congrats to you for being a free thinker.

Happy Landings, GG

Dear Gabby Gayle:

My friends are not churchgoers and I am. They are constantly telling me that I don’t have to go to church to be close to God. I have gone to church all my life and I think they are wrong. I believe that church gives me guidance to live a life close to God. What do you think?

Signed, HH

Dear HH:

Oh boy. This is a loaded question. I believe that it is possible to be very spiritual without going to church. I also believe that some regular churchgoers are not very spiritual. I also believe that some churchgoers are very spiritual. I believe the best sign of true spirituality is how you live your life and how you treat others. I’m also sure I will get letters from those who disagree with me. That is okay. I am only one opinion. P.S. You need to do what seems right to you!

Local Opinions Sound O

Questions about weather in your Trivia Contest are fun, I guess, but they are often open to argument or disagreement among entrants, depending on what source one uses. When a question is about a president or a date in history or a certain city, there is ONLY ONE correct answer, usually. And I know it is always hotter in Phx, but I live in Tucson, so I am glad I live down here, where it is much cooler!

To those writing in to tell others to keep quiet, don’t express political opinions, don’t talk about the president, run for o ce if you think you can do better, accept change (even if it’s change for the worse) and support Trump “just because,” I say forget it.

Take a lesson in how democracy works – freedom of speech and press, remember? (Although attempts are being made to erode that and many other principles our country was founded upon). I will not be silent in the face of the wrongdoing I see going on. Dictatorships always

It is obvious that President Trump has an incurable disease. It is called megalomania. And horror of horrors, he said he would “be honored” to meet with another megalomaniac, the leader of North Korea. But this too will he deny when confronted for the whole world to hear. As when he said the President of Mexico said Mexico would build a border wall when he did not. What next?

M.L. Ellis, Green Valley, AZ, 85

Thank you for being there. I’m an old lady watching television in the morning becoming more discouraged with the intelligence of some of the people that I have to look at, especially in the morning with all those o -theshoulders. It’s so distasteful looking; it’s so cheap. Wear your clothes if you’re going to be on TV. O -the-shoulder is for evening, or did your mother never bother to teach you that?

try to silence the people and the media; that is happening right now. I can express my opinions because I live in a free country. I do not have to shut up, run for o ce or move to another country if I don’t like what is happening in this one. I do not have to quietly accept what I feel to be wrong. People died for us to retain this freedom of expression. If anyone does not want to hear or read others’ opinions, skip that page or change the channel. No one is forcing you. If you don’t like what you hear, that’s your business. I urge all who see the harm being done by those in power to speak out. Do not be a silent sheep.

What has happened to the Mesa water? The dishwashers are no longer as e cient as they once were and my clothes are starting to come out sti as a board no matter what I use to wash or rinse. What’s going on with our water system? Just blame it on somebody else, I suppose, or the weather, but whatever it is, try and x it. It’s hard on housewives.

I’m in my 70s and I have to admit that when I rst heard Donald Trump come up with “Make America great again,” I was a little in denial about the fact that America wasn’t so great anymore. I’ve been struggling with that idea. I don’t like the fact that because I’m growing older, things aren’t so great for me anymore. Aging comes with some problems, some decline and as the saying goes, “It’s not for sissies.” But my patriotism took a hit when I started admitting to myself that America’s not all that anymore. I started examining my own outlook, thinking that just because I’m dealing with some catastrophic illness, health insurance problems, my retirement didn’t turn out… Well, whose retirement ever turns out to be exactly as planned? Whose life turns out to be exactly as planned? I really had to struggle with Donald Trump’s “Make America great again.” I thought it was kind of a stab at America. I thought he was

I am a senior that lives at Fellowship Towers in Phoenix and what I do not understand is the fact that we are not allowed to either use medical marijuana, even if it’s prescribed, or have partisan political events here, both due to the fact that there’s a HUD rent subsidy and HUD, in their regulations, denies these rights. Now it seems to me that these rights were

being critical. Certainly what did he have to complain about? If America wasn’t great for Donald Trump, who was it great for? Apparently we all bought into the idea that it wasn’t great anymore and we elected Donald Trump. I’m wondering how many of you are asking yourself: Is it true that America’s not great anymore? Where was the point at which we declined? Was it the failure of the Clintons to use the time they were in o ce to actually produce a healthcare bill that helped us in the future? I still blame them for that. After all, if Clinton hadn’t gotten caught with his pants down and wasted so much time in o ce, we’d be better o , wouldn’t we? Can you believe that Hillary actually loves Bill after such a public shaming? On the other hand, we believe that people shouldn’t get divorced. I grew up in an era where you’re supposed to get married once and for all and have children in a marriage that’s stable. We had all these values once. Is that what Trump means when he says “Make America great again?”

earned by us as seniors. I’m a veteran, I vote and I do not agree with denying our individual rights. I wish someone would look into this, perhaps one of our representatives. Just because there’s a rent subsidy does not mean we should be denied the use of medical marijuana if it’s prescribed and the right to have the bene t of having some partisan political events in the building.

My name is Dale Trier and I live on 92nd St. in Scottsdale, AZ. I have been reading and enjoying your publication for many, many years. ( I am 73) RE: Local Opinions / Sound O . . . You recently begin Omitting (?) the identity on the Opinion giver ? My Opinion = If a person is unwilling to identify themselves along with their opinion = NO CREDIBILITY ! . . . If it is your publications choice to omit the identity / source of the opinion ? ? . . . . Well, to some of us . . smells like “Fake News” . . . again, just my opinion and, My name is Dale Trier and I live on 92nd St. in Scottsdale, AZ. . . . and,

NO SOURCE / NO IDENTITY . . . = . . NO CREDIBILITY ! ! ! . . So, is “Lovin’Life after 50 trying to become another CNN . .or . . are contributors simply no longer willing to “Stand Up” for their opinions ? ? ? Your Answer Please . . . .. . .

Editor’s response: Hi, Dale. Thanks for your opinion. In answer to your question, most readers speci cally request their name not be printed. In a case such as yours, when a reader explicitly requests their name be printed, we do not omit identities. Thank you for being a longtime reader of Lovin’ Life After 50.

Celebrating Tucson Charlotte Look: Customer service ace

BY BARBARA RUSSEK

Did you know that during the course of their working lives, many folks spend an average of ve years in any one position? Charlotte Look, manager of the convenience store at Buck’s Fuel and Service (corner of River Road and First Avenue) is an impressive exception to that rule. She has been living in Tucson for 19 years and working at BFS for 181/2 of them.

Look, 50, is a product of strong Midwestern work values. Born and raised in Peoria, Ill., this upbeat lady learned a lot about life from her father. “He reminded us to always answer the phone with a smile, which shows in your voice,” she says. “If you sound happy, folks will be happy talking to you.” He also taught his six children that “schooling prepares you for a job because you have to show up every day on time and do what is asked of you.”

Speaking of being on time, as conve-

nience store manager, Look arrives to work at 5:45 a.m. even on the coldest winter days. In the past 181/2 years, she has been late only once. “I had to make a detour due to extreme weather conditions,” she explained, almost apologetically.

Juggling a busy personal and professional life, this married mother of two still nds time to garden – her backyard garden oasis blooms with petunias, lavender, and more. Look and her family have also taken some memorable family vacations, including a trip to Hawaii, where she bought back a most unusual souvenir – a plumeria tree (“a stick in a bag, “as she calls it) that is now thriving in her garden. I wanted to know more about Look and her work ethic.

Barbara Russek, a local freelance writer, welcomes comments at Babette2@comcast.net

What are your goals each day at work?

I pride myself on my drawer coming out to the penny every single day. I’m also willing to come in on my days o if need be.

What are some of your duties?

Hiring, completing daily/ monthly reports and doing inventory. Hiring is the most challenging. It’s not easy to nd someone who is dependable, with the skills and availability we need.

Can you explain your amazing track record at work?

I love what I do! The customers are one of the main reasons I love my job. I want to make the day better for each person with whom I come in contact.

Q2 Q3 Q4

Q5 Q6

You are the only woman working with a group of men. What are your secrets for a successful working relationship with a bunch of guys?

I try not to be too “girly” about things… after all, Buck’s is also an automotive repair shop! My father had us take automotive classes growing up, so I know about cars.

How do you maintain your truck in the best possible condition?

I always do the routine maintenance. When you get your oil changed regularly, it gives the mechanic time to look over your vehicle and alert you to a problem before you have to spend a lot of money on a much bigger problem!

You get to work every day at 5:45 a.m. How do you do it? I never hit the snooze button! It also helps that my husband gets up at the exact same time as I do.

SIZE MATTERS

Downsize and right size for your lifestyle

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Downsizing can be cumbersome, yet a relief at the same time. There are mounds of paperwork, trinkets, family heirlooms, furniture and many other possessions to go through.

However, between senior move management companies and real estate agents, there is help.

Caring Transitions, which has branches throughout the state, including in Tucson, o ers senior relocation, downsizing, estate sale and online auction services.

“We help coordinate everything from start to nish,” says Caring Transitions’ marketing director, Ti ny Lutz. “We consider ourselves a concierge service, and we have a lot of networking partners in senior communities and facilities.”

The company sets up appointments for clients to tour communities and once the

location is selected, Caring Transitions coordinates the date and timeline for packing and unpacking.

“Even if there’s a son or daughter out of state, we can coordinate by phone,” she says. “We know all the rules of moving in conscientiously.”

Caring Transitions can even refer real estate agents like 63-year-old Patrick Fennie, a certi ed senior real estate specialist in Tucson.

“I work with a lot of retired and elderly clients,” he says. “The kids will call me and say their mom has Alzheimer’s and she’s in assisted living, and dad needs to move from the home. I can help with that.”

Each downsizing situation is di erent, he says. Sometimes the move hinges on someone’s health or nancial situation. Other times, he works with couples who merely want to “right size” when the kids move out.

They want simple living.”

Agents like him, he adds, can help individualize plans for downsizing or right sizing.

“Sometimes they’ve accumulated so much stu , personal stu from their kids,” he says. “It’s an emotional process to unload it. But when they do, they say, ‘I should have done this years ago.’ Such a burden is lifted.”

Caring Transitions can lend a hand with that, as well.

about making your life better. It’s about reducing expectations and minimizing dreams. We right size people. When it’s done properly, it can be a relief. People wonder why they didn’t do this sooner.”

For information about Patrick Fennie, visit kw.com/kw/agent/patrickfennie.

To nd the local Caring Transitions o ce, visit caringtransitions.com/Locations.

“Each situation is really unique,” he says. “I’ll see people who have fourbedroom homes with swimming pools. The kids are moved out, so I’ll help them downsize into a townhome or a smaller house with low maintenance.

“Other times, it’s assisted living where the meals are cooked, there are no landscaping responsibilities or roofs to maintain.

“We o er the services to liquidate assets,” Lutz says. “So if someone needs to disperse items, we can create an online auction. We can post pictures and sell items through our auction site and host a local pickup. We will mail items, too. We do physical estate sales in the home, also.”

Lutz prefers to use the term “right sizing” in her line of work, over “downsizing.”

“Rightsizing is di erent from downsizing,” she says. “They are very di erent concepts. Right sizing is really about managing possessions and the living space based on behavior modi cations. It’s the process of turning your space into the next stage of your life.

“Downsizing is about being negative. You have space that you no longer need or can a ord. It’s not

Patrick Fennie is a certi ed senior real estate specialist in Tucson. (Special to LLAF)

Caring Transitions o ers relocation and real estate assistance, among other services. (Special to LLAF)

Caring Transitions has branches throughout Arizona. (Special to LLAF)

COMING NOVEMBER 7TH!!

17th Annual KGVY Sr. Info Boomer Fair

Tuesday, November 7th • 9AM to 1PM

FREE FOOD throughout the day by 8 local restaurants!

Desert Hills Lutheran Church

2150 S. Camino del Sol • Green Valley

•FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING •

Over 50 Exhibitors / with information samples, demonstrations & health screenings

•FREE BREAKFAST & LUNCH •

OPENDOORS 9AMAT SHARP

FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS!

Cholesterol • Vascular • Blood Flow • Carotid Artery Check

Skin Cancer Screenings • Hearing Test • Blood Pressure Check

Balance Testing • Flu Shots/Insurance or Cash

Please bring a non-perishable food donation for the Amado - Green Valley - Sahuarita Community Food Bank

2017 Co-Sponsors

1080AM & 100.7FM

WASHROOM REDUX

Nine tips for remodeling bathrooms

COURTESY OF GOLD MEDAL SERVICE

“Many Americans choose to age in their own homes where they are familiar with their environment. People of all ages value their ability to live independently and remodeling a bathroom in preparation for retirement will ensure convenience and safety.”

So says Joe Todaro, director of operations for Gold Medal Service, a New Jersey-based company that o ers bathroom remodeling tips to homeowners who need to adapt their bathrooms so it is safe for someone with limited mobility or physical impairments to use.

Here are a handful of tips from the BBB

A+ rated heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical service company:

Remodel the bathroom on the main oor

If you have a house with multiple levels, consider remodeling the bathroom that is located on the same level as the bedroom of the physically impaired person who will be using it. Having to climb stairs every time they need to use the bathroom is challenging for individuals with limited mobility, and presents an increased risk.

Provide extra space in the bathroom

Make sure there is enough room in

the bathroom to move a wheelchair around. Plan for extended periods of time when the physically impaired person will need a wheelchair, a walking frame or cane, with doorways set to at least 32 inches wide. And ensure there is enough space to position a wheelchair next to the toilet, bath or shower, to enable a safe and easy transfer.

Stick

with non-slip oors

Non-slip tiles are a must to prevent slipping and tripping on the bathroom oor. Loose rugs can be hazardous, so stick with non-slip materials.

Make tubs and showers more accessible

Consider a customized bath wet area. Walk-in tubs are a great solution for the

“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.

physically impaired, and older bath tubs can easily be replaced with a walk-in bathtub. Consider having a seating area in the shower so an individual does not have to remain standing the entire time while showering. And be sure the tub and shower surfaces are non-slip, as well.

Add grab bars

Using towel rails as grab bars is a major safety risk as they will not support a person. Instead, install grab bars, following manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Having grab bars next to the bath, shower and toilet are critical to help support someone when they move around the bathroom.

Mind the lighting

Make sure you have ample lighting in the bathroom with a minimal amount of glare.

Have an elevated toilet seat

People with mobility impairments often nd it di cult to stand up from a lowset toilet. Adapting to an elevated toilet seat is helpful and reduces the stress of sitting and standing. Wheelchair users will also nd that a wide toilet seat is bene cial, as they can then rely on a lateral sliding transfer to move from the wheelchair to the toilet seat and back.

Consider extra accessories

Properly locating things like soap dishes, shaving stands and shower caddies will make using the bathroom more convenient and safe. Having your professional bathroom installer advise you on where to install accessories will eliminate the need to stretch or reach for soap or shaving cream, thus minimizing the risk of falling.

Use lowmaintenance materials

When you remodel your bathroom, consider using modern materials that are easy to clean, mildew-resistant, and have a lifetime guarantee. There are many available options for colors, patterns, and styles.

Having your bathroom remodeled

may appear to be daunting, but certain companies, like Gold Medal Service, can create a fully customized bathroom with minimal di culty in as little as one day. Bathroom remodeling is a timely and cost-e ective solution for homeowners who need to adapt their bathroom to

make it safer and more convenient for someone with physical impairments to use, while increasing a home’s value.

For more tips and advice on oneday bathroom remodeling solutions, contact Gold Medal Service at 800-576-GOLD or visit goldmedalservice.com.

There are several more reasons to have your plan reviewed, including the importance of understanding the plan you have in place and how it will impact those you care about.

Entertainment

Of Friendships and Footwork

‘Dancing with the Stars’ pro cherishes relationship with partner Rashad Jennings.

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

On Dancing with the Stars, the celebrities rely on their professional partners to teach them about hitting the ballroom oor.

But recent rst-time mirror ball trophy winner Emma Slater was the one being schooled by her partner, free agent football player Rashad Jennings.

“Every season you learn about yourself as a celebrity and a pro, most de nitely,” says Slater in her thick Northern England accent.

“This time around, I learned a lot from Rashad. He’s very, very inspirational. It’s easy to want to be like him. I aspire to be like him in so many di erent ways. I’ve spent a lot of time with him. I see how he operates and how he sees the world.”

Their bond is getting stronger while the two tour with Dancing with the Stars: Live!, which comes to the Tucson Music Hall at 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 8.

“We have hours-long conversations about life,” she says. “I learn a lot more about how I want to see things.”

The tour is the perfect way to celebrate not only their friendship, but their season 24 win.

“This is the ultimate experience,” she says, calling from the tour stop in Washington, D.C. “Winning the show in itself was surreal. Doing this tour, it’s like a little victory lap. It’s so much fun. I’m so glad that Rashad gets to come on this tour with me as well.

“It’s an experience not everyone gets. So few people get to do this entire thing –winning and going on tour.”

Dancing with the Stars: Live! is full of high-energy dance numbers, Slater explains. She and Jennings will dance a paso doble in the movie section, a freestyle to Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” and the cha-chacha to “24K Magic.”

“There’s also an audience participation part that goes down really well,” she adds. “There’s a love suite section. There’s an Americana section that pays homage to some great classic American songs. We have a summer/Latin section that has summer-inspired dances to Latin music. That’s the sexier, high-energy part of the show.

“We’re getting a really great response from the audience. It’s fantastic being on stage and performing live. It gives us a chance to see people’s faces. You don’t get to see that with a camera. The energy is fantastic.”

The choreographer isn’t taking it easy on Jennings, either, Slater adds.

“She de nitely pulls out all the stops,” Slater says with a laugh. “She makes sure he’s in the numbers with the boys

and the professional dancers. She didn’t direct down at all. He’s getting the full experience.”

And, Slater adds, Jennings is “loving it. He loves a good challenge. He’s so into it.”

One thing that isn’t challenging is their friendship, which goes deeper than the typical star-dancer relationship. They are true friends.

“He’s one of those people who makes you feel at home,” she says. “He’s so open, so positive and so willing. He never complains.

“I tend to feel comfortable with everyone anyway. We honestly feel like we’ve known each other for years. He’s a jokester. I appreciate how almost therapeutic rehearsals were for me, in particular, as opposed to the other rehearsals. He has this calming, stressfree quality. I think that was the factor that helped us go all the way. Actually, I’m absolutely sure.”

FOR MORE INFO

What: Dancing with the Stars: Live!

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 8

Where: Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Avenue

Cost: $46.50-$178

Info: 791-4101, ext. 1, 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com, tucsonmusichall.org

Calendar of Events

August 1 Tuesday

Rattlesnake Avoidance Training Class, 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 3450 N. Kevin Blvd., $99, http://bit.ly/2tLmD27. Each Rattlesnake Avoidance training class gives dogs the necessary training to help prevent an expensive and potentially deadly snakebite. Tuition for training is $99 per dog, which includes one follow-up session (if necessary). If registering a second dog, the fee is $79 and each dog must be accompanied by a separate handler. Dogs must be at least 6 months old and in good health; vaccinations must be shown at class to participate.

August 2 Wednesday

Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Cochise College Campus, 901 Colombo Ave., Sierra Vista, $45-$250, swwings. org/main-festival. The festival features guided tours, ﬁeld trips, seminars, vendors, displays, lectures, bat stalks, owl prowls, displays, arts & crafts and keynote speakers. The Southwest Wings mission is to promote nature-based tourism and environmental awareness in southeastern Arizona.

Tracy Lawrence, 8 p.m., Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment, 1100 W. Pima Mine Rd., Sahuarita, $10-$25, 294-7777, ddcaz.com/ Sahuarita/entertainment/.

August 3 Thursday

The Tucson Cactus & Succulent Society (TCSS) Meeting, 7 to 9 p.m., Sky Islands Public High School, 6000 E. 14th St., free, 256-2447, tucsoncactus.org. Jan Emming will discuss Chilean plants. Emming, who led a group of TCSS members on a trip to Chile earlier this year, will focus his program on various cacti and succulents found there. He is a cactus and succulent plant grower and seller at his home in Yucca.

Birding Agua Caliente Park, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., free for members, $5 nonmember fee, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, eeduction@ pima.gov, 615-7855. Take a guided walk to look for summer birds of the Sonoran Desert such as warblers, ﬂycatchers, hummingbirds, orioles and vireos. Loaner binoculars available.

Matchbox Twenty, 8 p.m., Casino del Sol Resort/ AVA Amphitheatre, 5655 W. Valencia Rd., $35-$849, casinodelsol.com.

August 4 Friday

Zootopia, 6 p.m., Reid Park, Deemester Outdoor Performance Theater, 920 S. Concert Pl., free, saaca.org. In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy. Attendees can gain access to the movies by entering off Country Club Road.

Let the Good Times Roll Dance Party, 7 p.m., The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, $12.50, 529-1000, gaslightmusichall.com. The Bad News Blues Band performs at this 16-year-old and older party.

August 5 Saturday

Tour of Historic Canoa Ranch, 8:30 to 10 a.m.,

Emma Slater says her dancing partner, Rashad Jennings, has taught her a lot. (Special to LLAF)

Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater are taking their winning team on tour. (Special to LLAF)

Calendar of Events

Calendar...continued from page 12

August 7 Monday

Historic Hacienda de la Canoa, 5375 S. Interstate 19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley, free, online registration required, pima.gov/canoaranch, canoaranch@pima. gov, 724-5220. Join a walking tour of the Canoa Ranch headquarters. Visit the historic buildings and corrals and enjoy the special exhibits of the people of Canoa.

Bats in Flight, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Pima County Rillito River Park, 4200 N. Campbell Ave., free, pima.gov/ nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855. Discover the fascinating lives of Mexican free-tailed bats and watch as hundreds of bats emerge from their daytime roosts under the Campbell Avenue Bridge over the Rillito River. Pima County naturalists and volunteers provide information and family-friendly activities.

Your Cheatin’ Heart: A Tribute to Hank Williams Jr. and Patsy Cline, 7 p.m., The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, $25 with discounts available for kids, students, seniors and military members, 529-1000, gaslightmusichall.com. The audience will be humming along to songs like “Jambalaya,” “Move It on Over” and “Lovesick Blues.”

August 6 Sunday

Somali Cooking Class, noon to 3 p.m., Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Rd., $65 members, $70 nonmembers, 299-3000, ext. 236, tucsonjcc.org. Somali refugee chef Samiro will introduce the class to Somali cuisine and share stories about moving from Somalia to Tucson.

Full Moon Nature Walk, 7 to 9 p.m., Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N. Camino de Oeste, free for members, $5 nonmember fee, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855. Join a Pima County naturalist for this easy two-hour nature walk. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and a ﬂashlight.

August 8 Tuesday

Dancing with the Stars: Live! 7 p.m., Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave., $46.50-$178, 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com, 791-4101, ext. 1, tucsonmusichall. org. This new production showcases every type of ballroom and modern dance seen on ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars, including group numbers, duets and original pieces.

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/canoaranch, canoaranch@pima. gov, 724-5220. Join a walking tour of the Canoa Ranch headquarters. Visit historic buildings and corrals and enjoy the special exhibits of the people of Canoa.

August 9 Wednesday

Lizards of Agua Caliente Park, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., free, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855. Join the group as it searches for whiptail, spiny, ornate tree and other lizards that roam Agua Caliente Park. Binoculars are available for use.

Cesar Lozano: Mujeres Diﬁciles, Hombres and Complicados 2, 8 p.m., Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress, $35-$75, foxtucson.com.

August 10 Thursday

Green Valley Stroke Support Group, 10 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.

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., Arizona Riverpark Inn, 350 S. Freeway, $125, tucsonaudubon.org. Experience Tucson Audubon’s Southeast Arizona Birding Festival with professional trip leaders, an extensive Nature Expo and social hours.

August 11 Friday

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Arizona Riverpark Inn, 350 S. Freeway, $125, tucsonaudubon.org. Experience Tucson Audubon’s Southeast Arizona Birding Festival with professional trip leaders, an extensive Nature Expo and social hours. Nature Expo is noon to 6 p.m. and costs up to $10.

August 12 Saturday

Monsoon Nature Hike, 7 to 9 a.m., Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Rd., free for members, $5 nonmember fee, online registration required, 615-7855, eeducation@pima.gov. During a guided nature hike, the group will explore a riparian area along Cienega Creek in search of native ﬁsh, toads and other wildlife.

Batapalooza, 6 to 9:30 p.m., Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., free, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855. Explore the lives of bats through hands-on family fun activities. Observe live bats up close after sunset as wildlife biologists from Arizona Game and Fish Department catch and release bats as part of an ongoing study.

South Paciﬁc screening, 7:30 p.m., Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress, free, foxtucson.com.

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Arizona Riverpark Inn, 350 S. Freeway, $125, tucsonaudubon.org. Experience Tucson Audubon’s Southeast Arizona Birding Festival with professional trip leaders, an extensive Nature Expo and social hours. Nature Expo is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs up to $10.

August 13 Sunday

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 nonmember fee, 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.

Preventing Heart Disease for 25 Years: What We’ve Learned, 2 to 3:30 p.m., DuVal Auditorium, Banner-University Medical Center, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., free, reservations required, bit.ly/heartseries, 544-3720. The Heart Series celebrates 25 years of continuous instruction by Dr. Charles Katzenberg and registered nurse Edna Silva.

Wynonna and The Big Noise, 7 p.m., Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress, $27-$89, foxtucson.com.

Calendar of Events

Calendar...continued from page 13

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Arizona Riverpark Inn, 350 S. Freeway, $125, tucsonaudubon.org. Experience Tucson Audubon’s Southeast Arizona Birding Festival with professional trip leaders, an extensive Nature Expo and social hours. Nature Expo is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and costs up to $10.

August 14 Monday

Homeward Bound: The Music of Simon and Garfunkel, 7 p.m., The Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway, ticket prices unavailable at press time, thegaslighttheatre.com.

August 15 Tuesday

August 16 Wednesday

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.

August 18 Friday

Stylistics with Carl Carlton, 8 p.m., Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment, 1100 W. Pima Mine Rd., Sahuarita, $15-$35, 294-7777, ddcaz.com/Sahuarita/ entertainment/.

August 19 Saturday

Birding Sweetwater Wetlands, 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Dr., free, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855. Roam this urban birding hotspot with a naturalist to look for wetland and desert birds as well as other wildlife.

Live and Let Die: A Tribute to Paul McCartney, 7:30 p.m., Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress, $24-$58, foxtucson.com.

Lizards of Agua Caliente Park, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., free, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855. Join the group as it searches for whiptail, spiny, ornate tree and other lizards that roam Agua Caliente Park. Binoculars are available for use or bring your own.

Desert Night Shift, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary, Arthur Pack Regional Park, 9101 N. Thornydale Rd., free for children and adult members, $5 nonmember adult fee, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 6157855. While most people are tucked in bed, the desert comes alive. Join Pima County naturalists on an easy hike to discover “who” is out and about in the desert at night. Learn why many animals, and even some plants, are nocturnal and how they manage life in the dark. Bring a headlamp or ﬂashlight.

August 20 Sunday

Late Nite Catechism, 3 p.m., Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress, $37-$84, foxtucson.com.

August 21 Monday

Solar Viewing Spectacular, 9 a.m. to noon, Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Rd., free, pima. gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855. Explore the sun and witness a partial solar eclipse. Volunteers from Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association set up special telescopes for safe solar viewing.

Sing Me Back Home: Merle Haggard Tribute, 7 p.m., The Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway, ticket prices unavailable at press time, thegaslighttheatre.com.

August 22 Tuesday

August 23 Wednesday

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/canoaranch, 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 to 10 a.m., Historic Hacienda de la Canoa, 5375 S. Interstate 19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley, free, online registration required, pima.gov/canoaranch, canoaranch@pima. gov, 724-5220. Learn about Col. Juan Bautista de Anza and the group of Spanish colonial settlers who made their ﬁrst stop at Canoa Ranch, in 1775, as they began an epic 1,200-mile journey from Sonora, New Spain, to colonize the port of what is now San Francisco. A ﬁvemile segment of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail extends through Historic Canoa Ranch.

August 25 Friday

Bats in Flight, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Pima County Pantano River Park, 2500 S. Pantano Pkwy., free, pima.gov/ nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, 615-7855. Discover the fascinating lives of Mexican free-tailed bats and watch as hundreds of bats emerge from their daytime roosts under the 22nd Street bridge over the Pantano Wash. Pima County naturalists and volunteers provide information and family-friendly activities.

Foraging Walkabout, 9 a.m., Oracle State Park, 3820 Wildlife Dr., Oracle, $7 per vehicle plus $10, reservations required, 896-2425. The group will identify and discuss a variety of plants along the trail, plus be offered a treat at the end prepared from foraged foods. Sonoran herbalist and presenter, John

Slattery, will also bring a display of Desert Tortoise Botanicals products for sale, and copies of his new book, “Southwest Foraging.”

August 26 Saturday

All That Jazz screening, 7:30 p.m., Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress, free, foxtucson.com.

Blood, Sweat & Tears, 8 p.m., Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment, 1100 W. Pima Mine Rd., Sahuarita, $20-$37.50, 294-7777, ddcaz.com/ Sahuarita/entertainment/.

August 27 Sunday

Summer Lecture Series: The Aftermath of the Reformation: Women, Minorities, Refugees and the Demand for Social Justice, 10:15 a.m., St. Philips in the Hills Episcopal Church, Bloom Music Center, 4440 N. Campbell Ave., call for ticket prices, 626-5448. The lecture series seeks to illuminate the social consequences of the Protestant movement in 16th-century Europe on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

August 29 Tuesday

Water Walk at Agua Caliente Park, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., free for members, $5 nonmember fee, online registration required, pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@ pima.gov, 615-7855. Take a guided walk to discover how water moves through the landscape, beginning with our namesake spring.

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 nonmember fee, 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 the group searches for hawks, tanagers, warblers, sparrows and many others.

August 31 Thursday

The Phantom of the Opera, various times through Nov. 5, The Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway, ticket prices unavailable at press time, thegaslighttheatre. com. Armen Dirtadian will star Aug. 31 to Oct. 1. David Fanning takes over from Oct. 3 to Nov. 5.

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Tinseltown Talks Singer Judy Collins still vocal on social issues

BY NICK THOMAS

Whether she’s singing her own words or those penned by others, pop/folk singer Judy Collins has been drawing audiences for over 50 years with her sublime vocal talent. But it almost never happened.

“I contracted polio as a child and later tuberculosis when I was in my early 20s,” recalls Collins from her home in New York. “My schoolteachers told me I was su ering from growing pains, but when I was around 11 and the pain became severe, I went to the doctor, who said I had polio. Of course, there was an epidemic throughout the country when this happened in 1950 and I spent two months in hospital. Fortunately, there were no lasting e ects.”

At 23, while performing in Tucson, she was diagnosed with tuberculosis and quarantined for a month before being transferred to a Denver hospital that specialized in treating patients with

TB. “I got the right cocktail of drugs, so I was very lucky to have survived all that illness,” she says.

She would go on to brighten the world with more than 50 albums that included pop hits such as “Send in the Clowns” and “Both Sides Now.” But her own adult world was overshadowed by a darker side, as she dealt with eating disorders, alcoholism, and the death of her only son, who committed suicide in 1992 at age 33.

Battling back again from those desperate challenges, Collins used her voice to promote awareness about social problems including suicide and mental health issues.

“Music is especially an all-embracing art form,” she says. “I’ve written songs about love and war, as well as the loss of my son. In 2007, I published a book about surviving tragedy – The Seven T’s: Finding Hope and Healing in the Wake of Tragedy

Let’s talk about getting you more from Medicare.

Talk

with your local licensed Humana

sales agent today.

Ryan Brown 520 275-5823

Kelly Procaccino 520 329-9652

Mel McKinney 520 203-2756

(TTY: 711)

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*No obligation to enroll.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization and a stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. This information is available for free in other languages. Please contact a licensed Humana sales agent at 855-791-4087 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday – Friday.

English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 855-791-4087 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Y0040_GHHHXDEEN17 Accepted

“I still have a lot to say about mental health issues. We have to keep raising awareness in order to get the stigma removed so that people are not afraid to talk about their problems.”

– which helped me and hopefully others facing similar ordeals.”

In April, she was recognized with the 2017 Beatrice Stern Media Award, given by Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, a leading provider of services since 1942 for people dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues (see didihirsch. org).

“I’m pleased for the honor, but I still have a lot to say about mental health issues,” Collins says. “We have to keep raising awareness in order to get the

stigma removed so that people are not afraid to talk about their problems.”

Collins, who turned 78 in May, continues to perform on the road.

“This summer I’m going on a tour with Stephen Stills for four or ve months and I still do around 120 shows a year,” she notes (see judycollins.com for dates).

“And my latest book, Cravings: How I Conquered Food, was released this year. I’ve survived a lot of di culties, but I’m still hanging in there!”

At 78, Judy Collins still performs around 120 shows a year. (Photo courtesy of Judy Collins)

Judy Collins performing with Tom (left) and Dick Smothers on their television program The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in 1967.

(Photo courtesy of CBS Television)

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization and a stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

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.

19 Hides 21 Contribute to the

“Galloping dominoes” 25 Destroy

26 Proud birds

30 Alias (abbr.)

31 “No man is an island” writer

32 Cravat

33 Maryland city

35 Ill will

36 Wedding shower?

37 Breakfast side dish

38 Part of Hispaniola

40 Tolerate

42 Recede

43 Vibrating part of a microphone

48 Honest politician

49 Rim

50 Always 51 — Moines

52 American Beauty, e.g.

53 Allows DOWN 1 Peculiar

2 Half of XIV

3 Historic period 4 Get back

5 “Once — a time ...”

6 Examination

7 “— was saying, ...”

8 Monastery lodging

9 Science of logic

10 Chevrolet model 11 Union payment

16 Sister

20 “Foucault’s Pendulum” author

21 Bedouin

22 Noble title

23 Bitter speeches

24 Carvey or Delany

26 Sit for a shot

27 Conclusion

28 Narc’s measure

29 Spotted

31 Tie-breaking game, e.g.

34 Smack

35 Keg

37 “Humbug!”

38 Leader

39 French cleric

40 Luggage

41 Duel tool

44 Altar a rmative

45 Rd.

46 Understand

47 Wife’s address

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 idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the gures 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 quares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

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!

Trivia Contest

Time to put on your thinking caps

BY KENNETH LAFAVE

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!

Admit it: You’re happy. Go ahead. I’ll wait.

There. See how easy it was? And appropriate, because August is “Admit You Are Happy Month”!

It’s also “National Back to School Month,” but just how those two can occupy the same 31 days vexes me to no end. By the way, if you’re wondering why August has 31 days instead of 30, blame the month’s namesake, Augustus Caesar. The month was originally called “Sextilis,” which means simply “sixth” (the Roman year began with the month of March) and it contained 30 days. But when the month preceding it was named after Augustus’ adoptive father, Julius Caesar (“July”), Augustus demanded his own month, and further insisted it contain as many days

August Questions:

as dad’s. The day was reportedly stolen from February.

August is National Picnic Month and National Eye Exam Month. August 6 is National Mustard Day, possibly because it was on Aug. 6, 1762 that the Earl of Sandwich asked a servant to bring him a piece of meat between two slices of bread. He was in the middle of a heated card game at the time and didn’t wish to stop and mess with forks and knives. Next time you bite into a Reuben, remember: You have gambling to thank.

August is the birth month of Davy Crockett, Annie Oakley, Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton and Mother Teresa – in other words, ghters, saints, singers and dancers (of the political sort).

If you’re really bad at writing poetry, which day of August is all yours?

What sales-shattering jazz album by which artist was released in August 1959? 1 2

Contest Prizes:

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

July Winners:

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

PHOENIX

TUCSON

Elmer Manaois Liesel Reichert Linda Wolfe Dominic Coppola

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., #219 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!

What important event in the history of publishing happened in August of 1456?

What city was liberated on August 25, 1944?

The country of Hungary was founded on what day and year?

July Answers:

1 July is one of Phoenix’s hottest months, with an average daily high of 106.6 Fahrenheit. What is the average low temperature for Phoenix in July, rounded down to the nearest degree? 83

2 One magical July day in Phoenix, the high was an incredibly low 79 degrees. What day and year did that miracle happen? JULY 1, 1911

3 The Declaration of Independence was formally adopted on July 4, 1776, but on what day was it rst revealed to the people in a public reading? JULY 8

4 July is the seventh month of our year, but it was the fth month of the Roman year, which called it by another name prior to Julius Caesar’s assassination. What was that name? QUINTILIS

5 More U.S. presidents have died in July than in any other month. How many do they number? SEVEN

An Outlaw and a Lady

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Jessi Colter feels she has a task: to maintain the vision and music of her late husband, Waylon Jennings.

“I’m so happy that he left me in a position of trying to keep the ame alive,” says Colter, during an interview at Handlebar-J in Old Town Scottsdale. “The ame is alive in people’s hearts.”

Music, Life with Waylon and the Faith that Brought Me Home.

An Outlaw and a Lady covers Colter’s musical career, from singing in church to performing with Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. An Outlaw and a Lady also traces Jennings’ struggle with addiction and the e ect it had on the couple’s marriage.

The 74-year-old Scottsdale-area resident is a visionary in her own right. She was the rst woman to receive Album of the Year from the Country Music Association. Colter also played an important role in the “outlaw” country movement with Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristo erson, among others.

She is now recalling her musical and spiritual journey in the recently released book An Outlaw and a Lady: A Memoir of

a feeling I’ll never forget. I didn’t feel like I was afraid or shaking. It didn’t make me bold or arrogant. It was the most secure feeling and I knew that’s how it would be in our next world.”

That feeling kept her connected to her performance and her late parents; the same with Jennings and her children, including country singer Shooter Jennings.

“Now God has led me and kept me,” she adds. “The things he does are so natural. It’s hard to describe. With this book, I was just so willing and happy to show how other philosophies didn’t work. I shared what does work and what did work for me.”

Written with David Ritz, the book chronicles Colter’s return to faith, and how Jennings shared that faith with her in the latter stages of his life.

“The whole thing was so out of my control in the sense of the way it came about with David Ritz,” Colter says. “It was almost supernatural intervention. I had no intention of writing after Waylon’s book, which was such a beautiful book about the business.

“I had been approached several times, but I said the only way I would be interested was if it followed my spiritual journey and my heritage. My heritage is Arizona. The book is a homegrown organic book. I guess that’s what I am.”

She calls the process of going through every step of her life and losses“agonizing.”

However, she is at peace when she recalls “one of the most incredibly supernatural experiences.” Fronting a band in Santa Monica early in her career, she knelt to show grace to God and calm her nerves.

“I know what athletes talk about,” she says. “It wasn’t that. It was supernatural.

“I was afraid of coming out, so to speak, and being out front like that. What happened then was so incredible. It was

Colter recently released the album The Psalms and is planning another record for Sony, she says. She’s considering a Bob Dylan covers album or a collection with Shooter Jennings.

“I will de nitely do follow-up work,” she says. “But lately, I’ve been a little lame on writing. Waylon liked to pick a song as if it would be a single – with everything he did. He put it that way and he was serious – a serious card player, a serious musician and a serious gambler. I think about him often.”

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Jessi Colter recounts her life with Waylon Jennings in her new book. (Special to LLAF)

Travel

Exploring the Enchanting Emerald Isle

BY ED BOITANO

My wife and I woke up to the smell of rich morning co ee. It was to be part of breakfast on our rst day in Ireland, always a dream in itself. It has been said that all Irish homes become a bed and breakfast during the summer, and this Donegal County cottage with one spare room was no exception. The owners fussed over us at the table as we enjoyed a full Irish breakfast: eggs, bacon, sausages, black and white pudding, fried potatoes and homemade rolls with

marmalade. They told us of the area’s attrac-

six years, killing over a million men, women and children and causing another million to ee the country. The owner explained how the Irish in the countryside began to live o wild blackberries, nettles, turnips, old cabbage leaves, edible seaweed, shell sh, roots, roadside weeds and, toward the end of the famine, even green grass. The owner added you could always identify famine victims by the green grass stains around their mouths. Later, we followed his instructions and found a famine pot in the middle of a forest, where locals placed food for the displaced victims. It felt like we were living history.

We had already anticipated a trip to Slieve League Cli s on the west coast of Donegal, and were not disappointed once we arrived. Towering over 2,000 feet from the Atlantic Ocean, it is one of the highest sea cli s in Europe. Its visual splendor gets my vote for the most striking site in Ireland. We headed down the road to County Sligo for a pilgrimage to the gravesite of our favorite poet, WB Yeats (1865-1939), and soon found ourselves stuck in the car, avoiding a heavy

traditional Irish music group, while gazing in awe at the stunning green countryside. We read where the lyrical name Emerald Isle arrived from William Drennan in his poem “When Erin First Rose” in 1795. Once the weather cleared, we stumbled upon Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, the largest burial site of Megalithic tombs in Ireland. Built around 4600-3900 BC, the site is characterized by massive polished stones. To this day, no one knows who these people were and how they were able to move such mammoth rocks. We both could feel the power of the setting and something came over us; before we knew it, we were renewing our wedding vows. After a Sunday pub meal of lamb, potatoes and Guinness, we found another B&B, where (once again) we were the only guests. We wanted to take the owner home with us, and to this day remain in contact. The next day, it was a drive through the sweeping Connemara in County Mayo, a place Charles Dickens

(1812-1870) once described as a place of “terrible beauty.” We pulled o the road to study a famine trail known as the Doolough Tragedy of 1849. Hundreds of destitute and starving people staggered through horrendous weather for 15 miles to a manor’s house in the hope of food, only to be turned away. Later, people found corpses by the side of the road with grass in their mouths. Once a year, a famine walk takes place on the trail to commemorate the victims. As we departed down the road, we both commented that we had not seen a single car for over half an hour. A second later there was a rumbling on the road. We had a at, not unusual on these rock-strewn Irish roads. Faced with having to unpack our little rental just to nd the spare tire and equipment was a daunting thought. Before we knew it, two cars, each arriving from the opposite direction, appeared out of nowhere. The drivers both hopped out and quickly changed our tire. They barely stuck around for a handshake. Such is the hospitality of the Irish, con rm-

ing that Ireland is the most welcoming nation on the globe. It was pitch black when we arrived at our next bed and breakfast accommodations. But where were we? In the morning, with the blazing sun illuminating this piece of paradise, we realized our B&B was nestled on the banks of a breathtaking ord. We were in the town of Liane, where the lm The Field (1990) was made. In one of the local pubs, a huge painting of the lm’s star, Richard Harris (RIP 2002), hangs above the replace. Eventually, we made it down to the musical town of Doolin, a coastal shing village in County Clare on the Atlantic coast. Coined the traditional music capital of Ireland, this was for us an adult Disneyland. Three pubs specialized in Irish session music each night. We joined in with locals and like-minded tourists for big pub meals of lamb and potatoes or bacon and cabbage, and then nursed pints of Guinness as we listened to reels, jigs and haunting ballads, many about the famine and emigration. Our daytimes were spent on trips to the Aran Islands, a landscape that once consisted of solid lime-

stone rock with locals having to make their own soil; the windy, yet tranquil Cli s of Moher, standing 702 feet along a stretch of ve miles and featuring panoramic views as far as the eye can see; a massive Dolomite burial site located on a farm; exploring the archaeological sites in the Burren as well as local castles. We now carry the memories with us wherever we go. Erin Go Bragh!

A massive Dolomite burial site in the Burren

Slieve League Cli s is the highest point in Ireland.

Kilcredaun Holy Well

Photos courtesy of Tourism Ireland

A famine walk in the Connemara, which pays homage to the Doolough Tragedy of 1849

THE FALL TRAVEL PLANNER

OUR GUIDE TO THE SEASON’S BEST TREKS, TOURS & DESTINATIONS

v Compiled by Ed Boitano

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

CATHEDRAL ROCK LODGE AND RETREAT CENTER is nestled on a beautiful and lush property amidst trees and gardens at the foot of Sedona’s famous Red Rocks. With three charming spaces available for your getaway, we hope you will enjoy your stay with us surrounded by stunning views and plenty to do. When you stay at Cathedral Rock Lodge, enjoy free swimming in Oak Creek on the private grounds of Camp Avalon. Cathedral Rock Lodge and Retreat Center is the winner of Verde Valley Newspaper’s Reader’s Choice Awards 2005

for “Sedona’s Best Hotel/Motel and Best Place for a Wedding!” (520) 403-6271 or www.cathedralrocklodge.com

ORCHARD CANYON ON OAK CREEK provides a unique experience in an unforgettable setting in the heart of Sedona’s magniﬁcent Red Rock Country. Guests can choose from seventeen cozy cabins nestled on ten lush acres of organic gardens and apple orchards. A stay at Orchard Canyon includes full breakfasts, afternoon tea, and an elegant four course dinner. Oak Creek, a spectacular 16-mile gorge with streams and waterfalls between sheer rock walls, beckons hikers, campers and ﬁshermen. It has been termed one of the eight most scenic drives in America. Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek is a place where magical moments happen. (928) 282-3343. or www. EnjoyOrchardCanyon.com

SEDONA PINES RESORT

– When the sun rises up above the horizon it introduces the best show in Sedona. Sedona is a true oasis, a vacationer’s paradise surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests. Sedona offers jeep tours, hiking, Slide Rock, and Oak Creek Canyon to spiritual healing, massages, psychic readings and energy vortexes, Sedona will have your senses buzzing for days!

Receive your complimentary 3/2 Sedona Getaway simply by calling (480) 269-9453 or sign up at

To advertise in this section, contact Ed Boitano at 818.985.8132 or Ed@TravelingBoy.com sedonapines.com/offers. FIRST 40 SEDONA GETAWAYS RECEIVE 2 JEEP TOUR TICKETS. Terms and conditions apply. Attendance at a 90 Minute Timeshare Sales Presentation Required.

THE

RED AGAVE RESORT – Enjoy a peaceful retreat or an adventure-ﬁlled getaway in the intimate setting of Red Agave Resort in Sedona, AZ. Nestled alongside Conocino National Forest, charming Chalets and Studio Suites each come with the same amazing views of Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte, Sedona’s world-famous red rock formations. Fully equipped kitchens in every unit and access to gas BBQ grills make meal prep a breeze. The beautifully landscaped courtyard which includes a swimming pool, two hot tubs and a ﬁre-pit, offers direct access to miles of trails for every skill level. The Red Agave Resort is the perfect destination for your next retreat or adventure. Bring

your bikes, bring your friends, bring your pets. To book or for more information, visit www.redagaveresort.net or call 877-284-9237.

SEDONA BEAR LODGE is an expansive bed and breakfast in beautiful West Sedona, nestled on almost a full acre of land. When you stay at our B&B, you experience excellent service and the relaxation that you deserve. During your stay, you will awake to the aroma of fresh coffee and a delicious gourmet breakfast each and every morning. After you are done exploring for the day, you can continue to enjoy your day by relaxing in our hot tub or curling up by the ﬁreplace. Above all else, what you’ll ﬁnd at Sedona Bear Lodge is a warm, friendly place where you can unwind and be yourself. Book online at www.sedonabearlodge.com

SEDONA REAL INN & SUITES – Come and see why Autumn in Sedona is famous for unparallelled beauty. Our hotel rooms offer a comfy home away from home waiting when you return from a big day of exploring majestic Sedona. With spacious hotel rooms and suites, ﬂexible layouts including suites with ﬁreplaces and balconies, a sparkling pool, and even a pet friendly park—you’re sure to have a relaxing stay. Whether you choose a standard Sedona hotel room or upgrade to a suite, our delicious hot breakfast bar, speedy Wi-Fi, parking and signature concierge service are always free of charge. (800) 353-1239 or www.sedonareal.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

COCONUT WAIKIKI HOTEL is a family-friendly boutique hotel with classic island-chic style, located in the heart of Waikiki and renovated in Summer 2016. With bright rooms spacious enough for cartwheels, private balconies, complimentary Continental breakfast, a pool with sun deck, and Waikiki Beach just blocks away, this is your island home away from home. Book directly through our website and we will waive the resort fee! (808) 923-8828 or www.coconutwaikikihotel.com

CONDOMINIUM RENTALS HAWAII has been managing quality vacation condos on or across the best beaches for 35 years. Choose from the best locations on both Maui and Kauai. Save up to 25% off now through Dec 20th for as low as $105 per night! Call (800) 3675242 or select your fabulous condo online at www.crhmai.com

MAUI CONDO AND HOME, LLC features over 250 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom condos in more than 20 oceanfront, beachfront and golf course locations in Kihei, Wailea, and Kahana and Kapalua in West Maui. And now they have condos on Hawaii Island, Kauai and Oahu; so booking a multi-island vacation is a breeze. Maui Condo And Home has easy check-in. Just call ahead for your check-in information. With their Keyless entry system, you are able to go straight to your unit at check-in time. (844) 567-8601 or www. mauicondo.com

SHORELINE HOTEL WAIKIKI is a modern boutique hotel with classic island-chic style, just 2 blocks from the beach and upscale shopping. Choose from 135 rooms, designed with sleek, minimalist interior design that accents ample natural light each with their own private lanai. The property features free breakfast, Heavenly Organic Restaurant and lounge and an outdoor rooftop pool with panoramic view of the Paciﬁc Ocean. Shoreline Hotel Waikiki is within two blocks of Royal Hawaiian Center and The International Market Place. Book directly through our website and we will waive the resort fee! www.shorelinehotelwaikiki.com or (808) 931-2444

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

DOLPHIN BAY RESORT & SPA— Escape the ordinary and visit Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in beautiful Pismo Beach. Book your summer stay and receive your 4th night free! With 60 spacious 1 and 2 bedroom suites featuring all the amenities of home, The Spa, Lido Restaurant and an array of activities on the Central Coast, it’s the perfect getaway. (800) 516-0112 or www.thedolphinbay.com

GLORIETTA BAY INN – Nestled just one block from the beach in Coronado, California, the Glorietta Bay Inn combines old-world charm with modern amenities. The eleven-room historic mansion features 89 contemporary inn rooms and suites. Amenities include complimentary expanded continental breakfast, heated swimming pool and spa, ﬂat screen TV, refrigerators, microwaves, complimentary WI-FI, plus afternoon refreshments and more. The Glorietta Bay Inn is just a short stroll to famous Hotel Del Coronado. Check out our August specials or call us at (800) 283-9383 or http://www.gloriettabayinn.com/internet-specials

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

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. As about our fall midweek specials. (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 is home to a number of special attractions including the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Visitors can enjoy shopping at a number of unique boutiques, dining at restaurants with a range of cuisines, or performances at the Fox Entertainment Plaza and other venues. For more information visit www.RiversideDowntown.org or call 951-781-7335.

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 fall in Tahoe by the lake. 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, incredible hiking areas and area attractions. Call and ask about our fall midweek promotion 25% off (Sunday-Thursday) stay 09/04/17-12/14/17 restrictions apply. (800) 448-4577 or www.TahoeLakeshoreLodge.com

ALASKA

KODIAK ISLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU —

Kodiak, Alaska’s Emerald Isle, offers miles of scenic coastline for beachcombing in quiet solitude while eagles soar overhead. World-class ﬁshing, bear viewing, whale watching, birding, and unspoiled scenery make Kodiak the best place to experience pure Alaska. Museums, picturesque harbors, shopping, restaurants serving the freshest seafood and kind hospitality round out your experience in “the real Alaska.” Kodiak - the only way to see Alaska. (800) 789-4782 or Kodiak.org

TOGIAK RIVER LODGE— Located in Togiak, Alaska, we are all about the fishing and keeping you comfortable and well fed. Yes we have the hot tub on the river’s edge, and a sauna too, satellite television for those who must catch up on their sports teams, Wi-Fi Internet, daily room service and more, but it is the world-class Alaska Salmon fishing, King Salmon Fishing, fly fishing Silver Salmon, and Trophy Rainbow Trout fishing that people travel to Togiak, Alaska for. Allow us to take care of you, your family or friends on a remote Alaskan wilderness fishing adventure of a lifetime. (503) 784-7919; www.togiaklodge.com or llchinook@aol.com

UTAH

CANYON SERVICES - Escape the heat, ﬁnd your mountain getaway at Alta/Snowbird Utah. Your vacation rental condominium or

home awaits with close access to Alta Ski Area and Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort with tons of 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! We are just a day drive from many National and Utah State Parks and Monuments. (888) 546-5708 or www.CanyonServices.com

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

RUBY’S INN is located at the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park and offers the closest lodging with everything from luxury hotel rooms to RV parks and campgrounds. Ruby’s Inn is open yearround with a General Store that provides fuel, groceries, camping gear, clothing and gifts. To plan your vacation, visit www.RubysInn. com or call 1-866-866-6616.

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 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

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

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 specialize 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

CRUISEONE specializes in cruise and land vacations to the world’s most exotic 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. Ask about our land packages to Ireland. Contact Joni Notagiacomo in Los Angeles at (800) 600-4548 or www.luv2cruz.com

HERZERL TOURS — Celebrate New Year’s in Vienna like the Imperial Family! If you ever had a dream to celebrate a very special New Year’s Eve in truly royal splendor, then this is for you. First, Waltz lessons in Vienna’s most renowned dancing school, then the

New Year’s Eve Ball “Hofburg Ball” at the Imperial Palace (the winter residence of the Habsburgs) – swaying to the strains of Johann Strauss’ waltz music in the arms of your prince or princess. A oncein-a-lifetime experience and there is much more! Contact Susanne at (800) 684-8488 for details; sms@herzerltours.com or visit www.herzerltours.com/pages/ kaiserball - that’s a direct link!!

TARA TOURS specializes in tours to Latin America with more excitement and mystery one could experience in a lifetime of travel. Tara Tours can take you there, with great service and tour programs, designed with your desires and budget in mind. Experience the majesty of Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro’s “Cidade Maravilhosa,” indigenous market of Chichicastenango; Peru’s Am azon Jungle; the incredibility of the Galapagos Islands, Chile and

Argentina’s Patagonia,the ruins of Tikal, Easter Island, and natural beauty of Costa Rica. (800) 327-0080 or www.TaraTours.com

visit to LAS VEGAS Très Magnifique A

a two-thirds-scale replica of the Arc de Triomphe, a Parisian landmark honoring the soldiers who fought with Napoleon.

Aha! There it is, the Ei el Tower. Around the corner, the Arc de Triomphe. And nearby, a row of quaint shops on a cobblestone street. Voila, this is Paris, n’est-ce pas?

Actually, it’s Paris Las Vegas, a Frenchthemed hotel and casino that’s done a remarkable job of bringing the famous landmarks of the governmental capital of France to the entertainment capital of the United States.

Although at rst it’s a bit disconcerting to see Parisian landmarks sitting amid the high-rise hotels and brightly lit casinos, it’s also trés magni que

The architects and designers responsible for creating the Paris Las Vegas Hotel, which opened in 1999, went to great lengths to make sure the famous landmarks were reproduced as accurately as possible. Their greatest coup was securing the original plans that Gustav Ei el used to build his monument for the Paris Exposition in 1889. The Las Vegas tower is an almost exact half-scale replica, soaring 460 feet (more than 40 stories) into the desert sky.

The major di erence, aside from size, has to do with safety. Rather than joining beams with rivets as in the original, modern builders felt that welding would

produce a stronger structure. Then, to ensure an authentic look, they overlaid the welding with cosmetic rivets.

The concern for accuracy even extended to the lighting system. In 1989, 100 years after the original tower was built, lights were added to brighten the Paris sky. Ten years later, the same experts were hired to install the lights in the Las Vegas reproduction.

The Ei el Tower is the rst sign of Paris that visitors to Las Vegas see when they

Some parts of the hotel have facades that echo famous buildings in Paris. One wall looks like the Paris Opera House, and the exterior of the 34-story hotel itself was designed to look like Paris’ 800-yearold Hôtel de Ville, which now serves as Paris’ City Hall.

The Parisian theme carries to the inside, where touches of France adorn the casino, lobby and, most of all, the shopping promenade. The retail area, which is completely indoors, has “cobblestone” streets, wrought-iron street lamps, and shops fashioned to look distinctly European, with owerboxes and balustrades.

drive

but it’s far

As with the architecture, the hotel’s restaurants pride themselves on authenticity. Many are devoted to French food of one sort or another — from crusty baguettes and delicate crêpes to foie gras and le let de boeuf. Mon Ami Gabi is an upscale café where people can eat outside and watch folks stroll up and down the Strip, except the bow-tied waiters don’t call it “The Strip.” They call it the “Champs-Élysées.”

Diners can start with wild escargot or

onion soup au gratin, move on to chicken grand-mère and nish with a vanilla bean crème brûlée — if, that is, they don’t get sidetracked by some of the 80-plus boutique wine o erings.

But it’s the Ei el Tower restaurant, on the 11th oor of the tower, that is the epitome of Parisian elegance. The prices are nearly as stratospheric as the view, but no one seems to care. After all, this is a restaurant that’s often dubbed one of the most romantic in the country, and what is more French than romance? (Tip: Those who are more pragmatic than romantic can opt to go for brunch or, better yet, go for a tasting.)

The Village Bu et takes diners to the provinces outside Paris to experience the sights and tastes of the countryside. The restaurant has six sections, each of which replicates the architecture and design of a speci c province. Likewise, there are a variety of cooking stations that feature the foods and cooking styles of each region. Guests, who are welcome to gorge themselves with food from all of the provinces, can have crêpes à la Brittany, seafood from Normandy, meats from Burgundy, croissants from Alsace and beverages from Bretagne. (Tip: The bu et isn’t cheap, so go hungry.)

Finally, almost hidden in a corner on the hotel’s north side, Le Cabaret o ers an ooh là là experience during which folks make merry as they sip cocktails and listen to live music.

Now what could be more French than that?

For an expanded version of this story, see traveltizers.com

up the famous Strip,

from the only one. People who are arriving at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel drive around

BY ANDREA GROSS

Photos by Irv Green

The Ei el Tower soars 460-feet into the Las Vegas sky.

The Arc de Triomphe, replicated in two-thirds scale, honors soldiers who fought with Napoleon.

At Mon Ami Gabi cafe, the Strip is often refered to as Champs-Elysees.

Immunizations are important for children, adults

August is National Immunization

Awareness Month. Immunizations (also called vaccines) are necessary throughout the lifespan. Below is an overview of selected Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended immunizations.

Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

Vaccination

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. On average, each year, 5% to 20% of the U.S. population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications; and up to 49,000 people die from flu-related causes. Although the flu season cannot be exactly predicted, it generally starts in October and can continue up until late May. Hence, flu season is fast approaching. Since the vaccine can take about two weeks to take full effect, getting the vaccine as soon as it becomes available is advisable.

Who should get this vaccine? Everyone 6 months of age and older.

Pneumococcal Vaccination

Pneumococcal disease is a severe infection. Most people are only familiar with this infection as pneumonia. However, it also causes infections in the blood stream and brain. Pneumococcal disease leads to death in 1 out of 20 people with pneumonia; 1 in 5 people with a blood stream infection; and 1 in 3 people with an infection in the brain. According to the CDC, this disease is the most preventable cause of death out of all the infections we can vaccinate against.

Who should get this vaccine? Everyone 65 years of age and older should get two distinct pneumococcal vaccines. Other people who should get the vaccine include those under the age of 65 who smoke or have diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease or a weakened immune system.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Vaccination

Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person gets chickenpox the virus stays in the body and can eventually reappear in the form of shingles. Shingles causes a painful skin rash, described as “intense burning,” lasting anywhere from two to four weeks.

Who should get this vaccine? The

vaccine is FDA approved for people 50 years of age and older.

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccination

Tdap is a combination vaccine that provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

Tetanus is a serious condition that leads to death in 20% of cases due to muscle stiffening which limits breathing. People

can be infected with tetanus after getting cut or scraped by an object with the bacteria. After getting infected, it may take one day to several months for a person to show signs of infection.

Pertussis, also known as “whooping cough,” causes severe coughing spells that can lead to hospitalizations and sometimes even death. Although this infection is more of a concern in children, it is important for all adults to receive the vaccine to prevent the spread to infants.

Diphtheria is an infection that causes a thick covering over the back of the throat,

making it difficult to breathe. It can also lead to other serious problems, such as heart failure, paralysis, and even death. Who should get this vaccine? All adults should receive a single dose of Tdap, then a Td booster (containing only tetanus and diphtheria) every 10 years. Pregnant women, however, should receive a Tdap dose with every pregnancy.

To know if you qualify for any of these vaccines, stop by your local Walgreens pharmacy today. Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover vaccines as part of your health benefits.

Dining

Elvira’s Restaurant Cocina Vino Tequila

A culinary legacy arrives in Tucson

STORY & PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA BARRUETA

More than 4,000 hand-blown glass teardrops hang from the ceiling in Elvira’s Restaurant Cocina Vino Tequila. Lit by ever-changing colors, they provide an eye-catching, cascading Aurora Borealis e ect. Like the Aurora Borealis, which is a collision between electrons from the sun’s and Earth’s magnetic elds, Elvira’s is a phenomenon - the result of a collision between modern style and sophistication and a rich family legacy of traditional Mexican dishes.

The restaurant is no stranger to accolades. In 1927, the grandmother of current chef/owner Ruben Monroy opened her namesake restaurant in Nogales, Mexico. Over the following decades, the menu evolved from traditional Sonoran to modern Mexican, drawing crowds both locally and from across the border. In 2008, Elvira’s closed and moved 21 miles north to reopen in Tubac, Arizona in 2009, where it continues to garner awards and delight its loyal guests. In April 2016, Monroy brought a second incarnation of his beloved restaurant to downtown Tucson.

Stepping through the doors of Elvira’s Restaurant Cocina Vino Tequila sets the tone for a memorable experience. Chef Monroy also possesses a degree in interior design and these skills are on display in this vibrant, colorful space. Like the

menu, it’s an artful blend of traditional and contemporary Mexican-in uenced design. There is a small streetside patio and a 116-seat dining room anked by an L-shaped bar and exposed white-washed brick walls. Suspended from the ceiling are beautiful Mexican lanterns and handcrafted light xtures. You’ll note the art scattered throughout, such as a Cantera stone obelisk from Mexico, Michoachan’s famous piña pots, and the number 1927,

an homage to Elvira’s founding year. On weekends, musicians or a DJ playing jazz and bossa nova add to the lively atmosphere.

With chef de cuisine Michael Byrer (formerly of Hotel Congress and Maynard’s Market & Kitchen) at the helm, the food is just as impressive as the setting. Start with classics such as guacamole or queso fundido made with gooey Menonita and Oaxacan cheese, or order shredded beef

mochomos, a specialty from Chihuahua, and garlicky mushrooms ajillo in a buttery sauce spiked with arbol and guajillo chiles. The evolving menu is replete with regional specialties and elevated renditions.

“We are endeavoring to create a new cuisine, paying homage to dishes that encompass the heart of Mexico’s culture while borrowing from traditional French and Asian techniques and dishes,” general manager and sommelier Thomas Spooner explains. You’ll nd this in signature dishes such as rib eye tamarindo featuring Harris Ranch beef draped in the smoky tang of a morita chile and tamarind sauce, the Frida Kahlo, a roasted poblano pepper stu ed with corn and squash blossoms and blanketed in melted Mexican cheese, and ve versions of Mexico’s moles – rich mole poblano, a 34-ingredient mole negro, mole pipian rojo made with pumpkin seeds and guajillo chiles, and the unique mole “manchamantel,” which derives its complex sweetness from dried fruit and plantains.

Look around and you’ll see fellow diners dipping into lava-rock mortars or molcajetes lled with bubbling salsa verde and tender lengua (beef tongue) or juicy ank steak accompanied by cubes of queso panela, grilled jalapeños, green onions and nopalitas (cactus). Seafood also shines in the hands of Chef Byrer. Feast on specialties such as grilled cabrilla grouper with a bright pineapple salsa fresca; shrimp with zesty salsa verde; or the sh of the day, such as fresh halibut wrapped in Spanish serrano ham and creatively gilded with a sweet and spicy jalapeño-strawberry jam. The beverage menu is just as thoughtful, with a carefully curated list of wines, spirits and craft brews. Elvira’s boasts not one,

Elvira’s...continued on page29

Flank steak at Elvira’s, served in a molcajete (mortar bowl)

Elvira’s chef also has a degree in interior design, which is re ected in the restaurant’s ambiance.

Halibut special at Elvira’s Restaurant Cocina Vino Tequila

What’s Cooking? Cobbler cake in a Mason jar

BY JAN D’ATRI

They’re so popular for so many purposes, we sometimes forget that Mason and Ball jars were designed strictly for canning. But these days, they are a favorite in crafting, decorating and, believe it or not, baking a really fun, simple and ultra-transportable cake! Cake in a jar? Yes, that’s right. I said jar. Half-pint wide-mouth jars make perfect single-serving cakes that you can bake in the oven, cool down, seal and take to a party or pack in a lunchbox.

I’ll admit I was skeptical about putting Mason jars in the oven until I researched and discovered that the same jars you use for canning are designed to withstand very high heat and are sturdy enough to bake in.

Then I found out that although the Mason jar has been around since 1858, making cake in a jar is one of the newest baking crazes.

Cobbler Cake in a Jar

For 4 half-pint Mason jars:

- 3 cups fresh or frozen fruits in season

- 3/4 cup our

- 3/4 cup sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 4 tablespoons butter

- Whipped cream for topping

- 1 package dried beans

Directions:

In a bowl, mix together fruits of choice equaling 3 cups. Pour equal amounts of the fruit in each of the four jars. In another bowl, mix together our, sugar and salt until well combined. Pour equal amounts of dry ingredients on top of the fruit. Add one tablespoon of butter on top of dry ingredients. Place the four jars into a square baking dish, a few inches apart. Spread dried beans

(Photo Credit/Jan D’Atri)

With cake in a jar, there’s no need to make the batter to pour into the jar.

Simply spoon the raw ingredients into the jars, add a slice of butter on top and watch the magic happen in the oven. Then serve the tasty treats right from the jar. Here are two variations of my new favorite single-serving sensation.

around the jars to keep them steady while you’re moving them in and out of the oven. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Remove from oven and allow cakes to cool. When cooled, twist on lids and refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with a dollop of whipped cream.

but three sommeliers including GM Spooner, Oscar Saenz and beverage director Eric Harding, who have all collaborated on the 300-bottle wine list with a focus on Mexican wines. Harding has also propelled Elvira’s to a star spot on Tucson’s libation map. Stand-outs include his Elote de la Calle, a nuanced blend of Montelobos mezcal, roasted corn syrup, Ancho Reyes chile liqueur, and fresh lime juice; Mono de Platano, a beautifully crafted union of Monkey Shoulder triple malt whiskey, Disaronno, local Dos Manos honey, lemon and egg white garnished with a banana chip; and a variety of unique gin and tonics served in goblets – the way they’re served in Spain.

“We hope people appreciate the level of art we bring to the table,” Saenz says. “We take a lot of pride in what we do. The goal is not just a great Tucson restaurant, or a

great Arizona restaurant, but to make Elvira’s a destination spot in the Southwest.”

Elvira’s Restaurant Cocina Vino Tequila 256 E. Congress Street, 499-2302, elvirastucson.com

Half-Pint One-Pan Éclair:

For delicious cakes in a jar that don’t need baking, try the half-pint éclair!

Place a graham cracker on the bottom of each jar. Combine one small box of vanilla pudding and one cup of milk, mixing until thickened. Add ½ small tub of Cool Whip and mix until well blended. Spoon a dollop

on graham cracker. Repeat process until layers are just below the neckline. Melt one container of chocolate fudge frosting in microwave for about 45 seconds. Pour several tablespoons of melted frosting over the top of each jar of graham cracker layers. Refrigerate for 24 hours to soften graham crackers before serving.

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The Mono de Plantano cocktail consists of Monkey Shoulder triple malt whiskey, Disaronno, local Dos Manos honey, lemon and egg white garnished with a banana chip.

Aging Today Dog days of summer –are you prepared?

BY BOB ROTH Managing Partner of Cypress Homecare Solutions

People have called this time of the year the “dog days of summer” for a long time. For those of us not aware of this fact, the name comes from the rising of the star Sirius during the late summer months, which Greek and Roman astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs and bad luck. Not so sure about the fever, mad dogs and bad luck, but for those of us that live in the Valley of the Sun, the other descriptions are spot on. Get it? “Spot” on.

Last year I wrote a similar column with the focus on older adults staying cool and hydrating. More particularly, the content of my column was centered on

activities and keeping older adults active but safe during this dangerous time of year. My focus in this column is centered on protecting seniors from the heat, sun, storms and brown/black outs, and the unexpected.

If you have ever lived through a Phoenix summer, you know it takes some preparation to make it bearable. Seniors are more prone to heat-related illnesses because they are more sensitive to heat than younger generations. Aging adults simply fail to see the warning signs of heat-related illnesses or injuries until it is too late. As we age, the response of our bodies to higher temperatures also changes.

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who will personally guide you on your fitness journey. After your initial consultation with a Medical Exercise Specialist, you will receive an assessment and a customized program designed to meet your specific fitness needs and exercise goals. You will receive two guided exercise sessions per week with an Exercise Physiologist or Functional Aging Specialist!

> Splash with friends in our Water Walking or AquaFIT Class.

> Enjoy an early morning hike with our weekly Walking Club.

> Invite your friends to attend our monthly presentations called “Learn a Bit” targeting chronic diseases.

Here are a few tips for this summer:

• Wear protective clothing such as longsleeved shirts and long pants.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears.

• Seek shade whenever possible.

• Wear sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher as well as UVA and UVB protection.

• Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming, perspiring heavily or drying skin with a towel.

• Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

• Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.

• If you need or desire exercise, go to a mall where it is air conditioned and you are protected from the sun.

Another important thing people tend to forget about is how their medication and diet might a ect them. Medications that encourage dehydration and loss of electrolytes need to be combated with lots of water. Low-carb diets also require a lot of water, since the extra protein can cause the body to heat up.

With the monsoons now upon us, we need to remember there are many older adults in our community that are dealing with life’s challenges. Combine this with extreme weather and this can and will only make matters worse. So how do you protect your loved ones from one of these weather events occurring? First, you need to put a plan in place so they are prepared. When the inevitable happens, your aging loved one will know exactly what they need before, during and after the storm. You will rest easy knowing your aging loved one is prepared.

Severe storms aren’t the only weather condition we must prepare for. The items listed below can also help in the case of other emergencies such as a power outage during our sweltering summer heat. We recommend you prepare for an emergency situation by gathering these items in advance:

Emergency kit: includes water (one gallon per person per day for a minimum of three days), food (nonperishable), batterypowered radio with extra batteries, ashlight with extra batteries, rst aid kit, whistle and ares, matches in a waterproof container, face mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape for a shelter-in-place, moist towelettes and toilet paper, garbage bags and plastic ties, wrench or pliers, scissors and knife, manual can opener, local maps, and a cell phone with a solar charger or inverter.

Medical needs and documentation: medications, copies of prescriptions, contact lens supplies or spare eyeglasses, and important legal documents like a copy of your birth certi cate, advanced directives, important phone numbers and insurance policies.

Protective wear and resources: blankets and pillows, one change of clothing and footwear per person, gloves, coats and rain gear.

If some prescriptions your loved one is taking need refrigeration, we recommend you have a small cooler available so you can use ice to keep the medication cold. There are valuable online resources for disaster preparedness, including FEMA and the Weather Channel’s Weather Ready. Just remember the old saying: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A little precaution in our case – planning before a crisis – is preferable to a lot of xing up afterwards.

How do you know if you have a hearing loss?

BY KEN ARCIA Arizona Relay Service

We live in a world where physicals, doctor’s appointments, eye exams and visits to the dentist are an annual occurrence. Amongst all of these e orts to take care of our body as it ages, why aren’t we paying more attention to our hearing health? When was the last time you had your hearing checked?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition in the United States. So it may be surprising to learn that millions of people are living with hearing loss and are not doing anything about it. In fact, a federal study found that about a quarter of people between the ages of 20 and 69 who think their hearing is good or excellent actually show signs of hearing loss. Hearing loss can be tricky to identify because not all sounds register the same way in the ear. Some sounds may be perfectly clear while others are distorted.

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, some major indicators one may be losing their hearing include:

• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves

• Often turning your ear toward a sound to hear it better

• Losing your place in group conversations

• Keeping the volume on your radio or TV at a level that others say is too loud

• Pain or ringing in your ears

• Noticing that some sounds remain clear (often low-pitched sounds such as the bass line in music) while others may seem fuzzy (frequently women’s and children’s high-pitched voices)

For many people, it’s hard for them to justify they may have a hearing loss because their family doctor has failed to mention it. The truth of the matter is, only 14 percent of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical. Whether you have begun to notice these symptoms or someone close to you has, it is

important to make an appointment to get your hearing checked as soon as possible, as nearly 95 percent of people with sensorineural hearing loss can be helped with hearing aids, but if needed, all possible treatment options should all be discussed with an audiologist.

Another common issue surrounding hearing loss is that people believe they can live with it, depending on its severity. While this may seem plausible, it is in fact highly discouraged. If left undiagnosed, hearing loss, no matter the severity, may cause other issues such as anxiety, isolation, paranoia, decreased self-esteem or depression. No matter the issues you may be experiencing, organizations like Arizona Relay Service and Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing can help you through them. If you are having trouble using the phone, Arizona Relay Service o ers a variety of di erent devices that are alternative to the traditional voice-to-voice telephone. Video phones, captioned telephones and teletypewriter (TTY) devices help ensure hearing loss doesn’t prevent a person from being connected and at a volume comfortable for everyone. In addition, the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing has valuable information about hearing solutions as well as connections to a number of other local organizations and resources to help you on your path towards healthier hearing.

Lovin’ Tech After 50 Up-size your bank account while downsizing your home

BY JUSTIN FERRIS

When you start to downsize decades of possessions, two questions inevitably arise. First, how do you decide what needs to go? Second, how do you dispose of your former treasures?

Most people put a lot more thought into the rst question than the second. Unwanted items usually just go to charity or the dumpster. Those work, but don’t forget “make money.” Thanks to the internet, you might get a nice chunk of change for certain unwanted items.

Price Your Stu

Before you sell an item, you need to know its potential worth. You don’t want to sell something for $5 that’s worth $5,000, or waste time on something worth 50 cents. Even if you use one of the setprice hassle-free services we talk about later, it helps to know the ballpark.

To price items, head over to eBay (ebay. com). In the search area at the top, type the name of your item, such as “McDonald’s collector plate” or “Disney VHS” and click “Search.” Next, go to the search options in the left-hand column. Scroll down to “Show Only” and select the “Sold listings” option. Now you can see how much similar items sold for in the past.

As you price items, note the photos and descriptions of the ones that sold for the most. Mimic them in your own listings later to boost your pro ts.

For electronics, check Sage BlueBook (bluebook.sagese.com). It asks you detailed questions about each item to give you a more accurate estimate.

Sell Your Stu

To sell items, eBay works well for most people. It boasts a solid reputation, millions of users, and plenty of tools to help you sell successfully. Just click the “sell” link at the top of the home page.

If you want less hassle, eBay o ers eBay Valet (ebay.com/s/valet) to sell items for you. Just send o your items and it does all the work. Of course, it does take a cut –20 to 75 percent depending on the item’s nal sell price.

Other sites might work better than eBay for certain items. Avoid shipping hassles and use online classi ed site Craigslist

(craigslist.org) to sell larger items, such as furniture and appliances.

For clothes and accessories, consider ThredUp (thredup.com), which bills itself as “the largest online consignment and thrift store.” Amazon Trade-In (http://amzn. to/2q3wWtX) will exchange approved technology and books for Amazon Gift Cards. Likewise, Gazelle (gazelle.com) buys used electronics and specializes in cell phones.

As with valet programs, be aware that trade-ins o er less money in exchange for the convenience.

Stay Safe

If you do sell items yourself, safety and privacy become big factors. Scammers will try to take your money and information, and in-person transactions carry the risk of physical danger.

Ebay’s seller ratings and its use of PayPal – and PayPal’s dispute resolution system –will mitigate some risk. In other situations, only deal in cash or reputable online payment systems like PayPal. Checks, money orders and wire transfers are risky. Brush up on common scams like overpayment, check-cashing, advanced fee, shipping service, and pre-paid label. The Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Information site (consumer.ftc.gov/scamalerts) is a good resource. Frequent online sellers should set up a dedicated bank account so digital scams and payment processing errors don’t impact your primary account.

When dealing online, don't give out your real email address and phone number. Create a dedicated email account on your preferred email services. For disposable phone numbers, check out Burner (burnerapp.com), Hushed (hushed. com) or Sideline (sideline.com).

When conducting in-person transactions, always bring a friend and meet in a public place. Ask your local police station if they provide a monitored transaction area – many do

You can also try O erUp (o erup.com), a Craigslist alternative that veri es the ID of each person who uses the service. It won’t remove all the dangers, but it adds one more layer of protection.

Ask the Expert Osteoporosis

Bone health is a concern for women and men

BY DR. LAWRENCE R. HOUSMAN

It is often assumed that osteoporosis is a health challenge that only a ects women. While the bone disease is a notable challenge for women, it is also a serious health concern for men.

Brittle bones and fractures do not have to be a part of aging. It is important to know the risks and engage opportunities to maintain optimum bone health – for both men and women.

Dr. Lawrence R. Housman is an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in musculoskeletal disease at Tucson Orthopaedic Institute. He sat down with us to discuss the best ways to prevent and treat osteoporosis.

Q Are women at greater risk for osteoporosis?

Women start with a lower bone density

than men and lose bone mass more quickly as they age. Between ages 20 and 80, women will lose about a third of their bone density. Estrogen levels also a ect bone density, and women lose bone mass more quickly in the years immediately following menopause than at any other time of their lives.

Q Does that mean men don’t have to worry about osteoporosis as they age?

No, the incidence of osteoporosis is increasing in men. About 20-25 percent of osteoporotic fractures occur in men. The lifetime risk of an osteoporotic fracture in men older than 50 years of age is 27 percent. Osteoporotic fractures are more common in men and can lead to higher rates of mortality.

Bone Density

Q What can accentuate this risk?

Alcohol in moderation is not a risk factor; however, more than four drinks per day doubles the risk of hip fracture. Long-term use of steroids will double the risk of fracture in women. It should be noted that proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Nexium/Protonix used for stomach disorders such as acid re ux) decrease the absorption of calcium from the stomach.

Bone

(e.g., orange juice), sh (salmon/sardines) and yogurt (6 ounces has 300 mg of calcium) will go a long way in getting vitamin D into the bones.

Q What are the warning signs of the diseaseand when is it time to see a doctor?

While increasing ber, phylates (beans, wheat bran), oxalates (spinach, beet greens, rhubarb) provides other health bene ts; however, excessive amounts can also interfere with calcium absorption. Cola drinks interfere with calcium metabolism.

Q What are the most e ective means of preventing osteoporosis?

Regular exercise is one of the most e ective means of preventing osteoporosis. Thirty minutes per daywalking is excellent, and tai chi reportedly decreases falls by 47 percent and hip fracture by 25 percent.

Nutrition is another important part of maintaining healthy bones. Fruits and vegetables are important. Women ages 19-50 should take in 1,000 mg of calcium daily and women over 51 should get 1,200 mg per day.

Vitamin D is another vital nutrient the body needs to prevent osteoporosis. An individual can get their vitamin D through measured exposure to sunlight or through supplements. A diet with dairy, protein or calcium-forti ed foods

There are usually no warning signs before a fracture occurs; therefore, the most important factor is prevention. A primary care provider is the best person to monitor bone health. Most physicians recommend a DEXA (bone density test) after the age of 50. The DEXA scan is predictive of fracture risk. The DEXA scan report will show whether you have normal bone density, osteopenia (bone is becoming weaker) or osteoporosis (bone is at high risk for fracture).

Q If diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis - what’s next?

With treatment patients can live normal, active and happy lives. There are many types of medications that are now available. They work to reverse and then rebuild the bone loss. With treatment, the risk of a vertebral fracture drops from between 30-70 percent and the risk of a hip fracture drops by up to 40 percent.

Dr. Housman is an orthopaedic surgeon who practices at the Tucson Orthopaedic Institute. He earned a medical degree from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada and completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at the Montreal General Hospital and McGill University. Dr. Housman is fellowship trained in several orthopaedic pursuits and is a past chief of sta at Tucson Medical Center. He has also served as president of the Western Orthopaedic Association and Arizona Orthopaedic Society.

Arizona Greenthumb Fall gardening starts now

BY GLENDA STRICKBINE

It’s time to get rolling on your fall garden. It may not feel like it outdoors, but we are heading toward fall. It’s time to plan your space, get your soil ready and plant the seeds you will eventually transplant into your garden.

I called on Master Gardener Bill Felton for some advice going into such an important growing season, and am glad I did. He had some great advice based on his personal experience and his obvious passion for gardening.

Bill has had success with artichokes, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, green onions, peas and spinach in his fall garden. He recommends holding o on tomatoes until spring because the fall growing season isn’t long enough. If you are a total tomato hound like myself, you can experiment with acclimatized cherry or plum tomatoes because they mature much faster. Planting date for fall transplants is October 15th. If starting your own transplants from seed, plant them inside in late August.

Start by choosing your location. You can start with a container, a small garden or something larger. Choose a location with morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Most fruiting vegetables do best with 6 to 8 hours of full sun and most will tolerate some shade.

Sketch a plan of what you will plant and where. Bill said he now staggers his plants instead of planting all the same kinds together; this keeps the insects guessing. Be sure to plant dill and marigolds in your garden – they are great for keeping insects at bay.

One key to successful gardening, especially in the desert, is to plant vegetables engineered to grow here. These plants may be more heat-tolerant or have a shorter grow season and can make a big di erence in your success. Bill suggests checking out community gardens which may sell plants during growing season or sponsor a seed swap. Just make sure you start with quality seeds or transplants. The soil here needs to be enriched with

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nitrate, potash and potassium. Compost is also an excellent earthy ingredient to mix into your soil. Spend time cultivating your soil so it will provide proper drainage for your plants.

When planting, don’t crowd, and if planting seeds, make sure to plant at the proper depth. Use a start solution of 10 -50 -10 fertilizer to give your new garden a boost and protect new plants from the sun for the rst few days.

Irrigation is an important part of gardening success because of the lack of rainfall here. Try to nd a happy medium – do not overwater but don’t allow your plants to wilt. As your plants take hold, they won’t require so much attention.

You will have to work to control weeds and pests. Put them on notice that entrance into your garden is by invitation only. Weeds and insects really want to come to your party and it will take diligence on your part to ward them o . Remember Bill’s advice to grow marigolds and dill to control insects naturally. Also cultivate between your rows to control weeds and keep mulch down.

Harvest your veggies and enjoy. Take time to write down the things that worked this growing season and what didn’t. Remember they don’t sell vegetables like this at the store, so you have to grow them.

I would like to thank Bill Felton for his expert advice. Bill is a Master Gardener at the University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension, which o ers gardening classes this fall. Visit extension.arizona.edu/ maricopamg.

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Plant marigolds or dill to keep insects away from your garden. (Special to LLAF)

T HE F INIS

Arizona’s Leader in Senior Fitness

2017 National Senior Games Results

Event Age Group Name Result

Archery- Men’s Compound Release 60-64 Larry Butter eld Gold

Badminton-Men’s Doubles 75-79 Phil Brunner/Robert Semon Bronze

Badminton-Women’s Doubles 70-74 Lorna Hunter/Margot Hurst Silver 80-84 Peggy Je erson/Joan Kalfahs Bronze

Badminton-Women’s Singles 70-74 Lorna Hunter Bronze 75-79 Margot Hurst Gold

Badminton-Mixed Doubles 75-79 Margot Hurst/Phil Brunner Silver

Basketball- Women’s Div. II 55+ Texas Crush- Joan Clarke Gold

Cycling – Women’s 5K Time Trial 85-89 Sally Pace Gold

Cycling – Women’s 10K Time Trial 85-89 Sally Pace Gold

Cycling – Men’s 5K Time Trial 85-59 James Rigney Gold

Cycling – Men’s 10K Time Trial 85-89 James Rigney Gold

Cycling – Women’s 20 K Road Race 85-89 Sally Pace Gold

Cycling – Men’s 20 K Road Race 85-89 James Rigney Silver

Cycling – Men’s 40 K Road Race 85-89 James Rigney Silver

Golf-Men’s 80-84 Marvin Selby Silver

Golf- Women’s 75-79 Sallie McCutcheon Bronze

Road Race- Men’s 5K 60-64 Gary Plank Gold

Shu eboard-Open Doubles 65-69 Darlene Salls/Charles Crouse Gold

Shu eboard-Open Doubles 80-84 William Rindone/Thomas Wiehle Silver

Softball-Women’s Div. I 60+ Sharon McCloskey, Cynthia Bronze Lutz, Mary Lou Porter, Nancy Gagnon, Lorraine Hebert, Gloria Smith, Karen Strickland, Eleanore Stavarek

Softball-Women’s Div. I 70+ Juanita Lange, Ella Barnett Silver

Swimming-Women

50 Yd Breaststroke 80-84 Ardeth McLeod Gold

100 Yd Breaststroke 80-84 Ardeth McLeod Gold

50 Yd Butter y 70-74 Wendy Weinberg Bronze 80-84 Ardeth McLeod Gold

100 Yd Butter y 80-84 Ardeth McLeod Gold

100 Yd Individual Medley 80-84 Ardeth McLeod Gold Event

200 Yd Individual Medley 80-84 Ardeth McLeod Gold

Swimming-Men 50 Yd Freestyle 75-79 Richard Kramer-Howe Silver

Kenneth McKinney Bronze

100 Yd Freestyle 75-79 Kenneth McKinney Silver

50 Yd Backstroke 75-79 Kenneth McKinney Silver

50 Yd Breaststroke 70-74 Doug Springer Gold

Levente Batizy Bronze 75-79 Kenneth McKinney Gold

100 Yd Breaststroke 70-74 Doug Springer Gold

Levente Batizy Bronze 75-79

Kenneth McKinney Silver

200 Yd Breaststroke 70-74 Doug Springer Gold

50 Yd Butter y 75-79 Richard Kramer-Howe Silver

100 Yd Individual Medley 70-74 Doug Springer Gold

Levente Batizy Bronze

200 Yd Individual Medley 70-74 Doug Springer Gold

400 Yd Individual Medley 70-74 Doug Springer Gold

Table Tennis-Men’s Doubles 70-74 Dennis Keppen/Don Weems Bronze

Table Tennis- Women’s Doubles 60-64 Yali Carpenter/Yvonne Smart Gold

Table Tennis-Women’s Singles 60-64 Yali Carpenter Silver

Track-Men’s 800 M 60-64 Gary Plank Gold

Track-Men’s 1500 M 60-64 Gary Plank Gold

Field- Men’s Discus 50-54 David Privett Silver

Field- Men’s Javelin 50-54 David Privett Bronze

Field- Men’s Pole Vault 50-54 David Privett Bronze

Field- Women’s Hammer Throw 55-59 Tamara Alegria-Dybvig Gold

Field-Women’s Javelin 55-59 Tamara Alegria-Dybvig Gold

Volleyball- Men’s 70+ Jack du Mace Silver

Volleyball- Women’s 50+ Margo Darris Silver

Marmy Kodras Bronze

60+ Florina Douglas Gold

70+ Rosa Brodersen, Aileen Kucera Silver

75+ Diane Fordney, Douglas Myer (coach) Gold

Easy Steps to Prevent Falls

It’s true that everyone falls. It starts when we are just learning to walk, and it continues throughout our lives. It is also true that seniors are more prone to falling than younger people. So is falling an inevitable part of aging? Is it possible to move through our older years without falling? That depends upon you.

Each month, The Finish Line will feature an article giving tips on practical ways to keep from falling. There are also many resources for learning techniques for fall prevention.

One cause of falling is often inattention or mindlessness. Here are some small steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling.

1. Pay attention to what you carry. Try to balance out the weight that you carry.

2. Don’t try to carry too much at once. Make two trips from the car to your door,

rather than trying to carry more than you can handle. The extra walk will do you good!

3. Never enter a poorly lit or dark room.

4. When you walk, just walk. So often we are doing other things while walking – getting keys out of a purse, reading something, talking on a cell phone, etc.

5. When walking outside, pay attention to the ground. In addition to looking at the road or ground ahead of you, glance at the ground for cracks, holes and other obstacles.

6. Take the long way if you must, rather than walking on uneven or rough terrain.

7. If you take the stairs, use the bannister. If the stairs have no bannister, get help from someone you can hold onto.

8. Don’t worry, but be aware of the risks, and be attentive.

Albuquerque, Here We Come!

The 2019 National Senior Games will be held in Albuquerque and athletes who wish to qualify to compete in those games will do so in 2018. For all those athletes, we will be running a series of articles on the City of Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico in order to help them prepare for the games there. First and foremost to remember is the altitude. Athletes will need to train differently in order to function well at 5,312 feet. To compare, our altitude here in the Valley of the Sun is 1,087 feet. The higher altitude requires the lungs and heart to work harder and athletes should train accordingly. Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, sits in the high desert. Its modern downtown core contrasts with Old

Games Management Team

If you’ve been around the Arizona Senior Olympics for a few years, you’ve heard about the group referred to as the GMT (Game Management Team). This is the group that meets throughout the year to plan the Annual ASO Games. Without the GMT, there would be no games! This dedicated group of people each take on the responsibility of two sports. They work with the Sport Commissioner, who actually runs the event – such as Track and Field or Swimming etc. They act as a resource for the Commissioner and as a liaison between the Commissioner and the ASO o ce. Throughout the year, they are in contact with their Commissioner to work on promotion of the event, seeing that a facility is secured, obtaining the necessary equipment and supplies and seeing that volunteers and o cials are obtained. They are present at the event at the beginning and end to help with

set up and takedown and to see that results are recorded and transmitted to the o ce.

We are now recruiting for members of the GMT. The time commitment is August through March. Meetings are held twice monthly and take about three hours with travel. During the games, the time spent on each of the two sports averages about four hours.

If you are looking to volunteer for something that will require an interest in helping others stay active and healthy; a willingness to drive to lively, fun meetings; and a desire to use your skills to make the ASO Games the best in the nation, then you are GMT material! Please call Irene at the ASO o ce to learn more about becoming a GMT member. Call 602-274-7742 Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We’re counting on you. Call today!

Puzzle Answers

Town Albuquerque, dating to the city’s 1706 founding as a Spanish colony.

Old Town is filled with historic adobe buildings, such as San Felipe de Neri Church, five museums, and shops selling Native American handicrafts. These and many other fascinating places await the athletes that compete in this beautiful city.

FROM PUZZLES ON PAGE 17