Lovin Life After 50: Scottsdale September 2020

September 2020

A New Outlook

‘Best Time of the Year’

Tortilla Flat’s new ‘caretakers’ are looking to freshen it up

Arizona Restaurant Week offers takeout options this fall

A Life of Sports D-backs’ radio engineer Leo Gilmartin dedicates career to his dad Scottsdale Edition

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Tony Dow tells his life story in a coloring book

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12 A Life of Sports

RETINA CARE

The D-backs’ radio engineer Leo Gilmartin dedicates career to his dad

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Opinion

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Leibo At Large

Ask Gabby Gayle News Briefs

Features

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Celebrating Grandparents Day

Unique ways to stay in touch with family during the pandemic

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Tinseltown Talks

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No Umbrella Needed

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The Tubes’ lead singer goes solo for hard-driving rock record BJ Thomas celebrates 50 years of ‘Raindrops’

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‘Beaver’s’ Tony Dow tells his story in new coloring book

20 A New Outlook

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‘Best Time of the Year’

Arizona Restaurant Week offers takeout options this fall

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What’s Cooking?

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The Healthy Geezer

Taco Lasagne

Columns

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Hospice Is Hope

Publisher

Steve T. Strickbine

Senior Account Executive

Vice President

Gordon Wood

Executive Editor

Courtney Oldham

Travel Editor

Tonya Mildenberg

Michael Hiatt

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Administrator Graphic Designer

Contributors

Fred Cicetti, Lin Sue Cooney, Gayle Lagman-Creswick, Jan D’atri, Elsa Hortareas, David Leibowitz, Marla Levine, John Skelton, Nick Thomas

Ed Boitano

An Ageless Attitude Since 1979

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Opinion

Leibo At Large

Airline passengers divided into four camps

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ If you’ve yet to travel by airplane in the age of COVID-19, you’ve missed out on some terrific people watching.

As we’ve discussed previously in this space, America has reached its most fractured point since, oh, the Civil War. Jet travel is no exception, at least if my recent trip to Florida and back is representative. I spent hours closely observing my fellow travelers, and it appears we have divvied ourselves up into four teams these days, separated by how seriously we’re taking the pandemic.

Here are some thumbnail depictions: Team Obey the Rules: These flyers (and I count myself among them) do what federal authorities and the airlines have mandated for safety nowadays, donning

a face mask and doing their best to observe social distancing while on the rental car shuttle bus and in the airport waiting areas.

They don’t appear too freaked out, but neither do they look entirely comfortable—a feeling I would describe as similar to waking up and discovering that Donald Trump is president of the United States.

There’s nothing you can do about it, so you try not to let it worry you to death.

Still, you know it’s out there, lurking.

Team Defcon Three: These folks take the masking thing a few steps further. I saw a family of five at Sky Harbor traipsing through Terminal Four clad in masks, goggles, plastic face shields and latex gloves.

I didn’t know if they were headed on vacation somewhere or they were a band

of gypsy dental hygienists.

The youngest of the three kids, a boy who looked about 5, apparently hadn’t been fully briefed on the new travel protocols, given that I saw him pick his nose with a gloved index finger.

Team Freakshow: Before flying, I had read news reports of people traveling in full-on plastic hazmat suits.

This is the kind of behavior I typically ascribe to Hollywood celebrities, the ultrarich and a few random germaphobes.

On four flights and four-plus hours spent in various airline terminals, I saw only one person—a 50-something woman from what I could tell—wearing what can only be described as a cross between an ill-fitting body condom and one of those inflatable sumo wrestler costumes.

Sadly, the getup didn’t include a clear plastic astronaut helmet and Prada space booties. On the positive side, she did have a small dog, a mini-Pomeranian who would have looked darling in a matching doggie suit. Alas, the beast had to settle for a tiny sweater.

Team Clint Eastwood: These outlaws seem to revel in defying any and all precautions. They’re the travelers with their American flag masks hooked over one ear

and dangling.

Use a dollop of hand sanitizer in their presence and they roll their eyes, then offer up a stage-whispered critique concerning “sheep” and “fake news fear BS.” They loudly bemoan the lack of in-flight beverage service and crowd the aisle when it’s time to fetch baggage from the overhead bin.

They’re the folks for whom nonsensical talking points like “we wouldn’t have so many COVID deaths if we didn’t test so much” were invented.

If 2020 actually was a blockbuster horror flick—rather than merely feeling that way—members of this team would die in act one, stomped by the dinosaur they denied existed, or slashed by the killer a minute after boasting how they’d love to run into that pansy in a dark alley.

To the extent that travel has been changed by the virus and its spread, it is more entertaining.

Used to be, you worried about engine trouble or terrorism. Now, you and your travel teammates spend the whole flight wondering when someone last disinfected your seat-back compartment.

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995.

Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2020

BY GAYLE LAGMAN-CRESWICK

Q

Dear Gabby Gayle: I read your answer to the woman who realized she was in a miserable relationship for 40 years and wanted out. I am in a similar marriage, and I want to leave this miserable man. I talked to my married kids about it, and they are dead set against it. They say, “Mom, it’s too late.

Dad won’t know what to do without you.”

I say, “What about me?” They said that I am a strong woman and I can manage anything. So, I am supposed to stay put because he won’t know what to do? He is mean enough to manage! Help!

Signed, Fed Up

A

Dear Fed Up: When your kids were little I’m sure you always knew what was best for them, right?

There is a strange thing that happens as we age: Our kids seem to take on that parenting role and think they know what is better for us! As long as you have all your marbles and your thinking process is intact, I feel you should make your own decisions. Perhaps you could do a dry run?

Leave him for a month and see how you both feel? He may come to new realizations about his behavior, and you might think misery is better than loneliness? At least it’s worth a try? Let me know what you decide. Good luck and stay strong!

Signed, GG

Q

Dear Gabby Gayle: I have been in a relationship with a guy for about a year. We met on a dating site and communicated for about six months before meeting and began dating. We got along really well. We were just ready to meet each other’s family, when the pandemic hit. We went back to communicating online, and we have really missed each other. He would like to begin dating again, but there is really no place to go in our area because things are still closed.

Then he said maybe we should just move in together. I am against that because my family has not met him—although they know about him. I would like your honest If you have a question for Gabby Gayle, please send to: lagmancreswick@gmail.com

opinion about what I should do.

His family knows about me as well.

Thank you.

Signed, JJ

A

Dear JJ: It sounds as if you two must know each other very well by now. While I think moving in together might be a bridge too far right now, I don’t see why you can’t “bring him into your bubble.” Your bubble is the people you associate with on a regular basis, such as family members or close ones. If you bring him into your bubble, he could meet whoever else is in your bubble and you could be let into his bubble—then you could continue to see each other until such a time as you either make the relationship permanent or call it off! I am sure you will make the right decision! Good luck.

Signed, GG

Q

Dear Gabby Gayle: I am writing about my mom, who lives alone. I get so mad at her because she has fallen several times because she won’t consistently use her walker. I’m afraid she will fall and break a hip or worse. She is on blood thinners. When I scold her, she gets mad and accuses me of treating her like a child. Well, she acts like one! Any suggestions?

Signed, Frustrated

A

Dear Frustrated: You might want to read my answer to the first question in this column. That may give you a little insight. Also, I think sometimes we old people just get tired and don’t care as much about preserving our lives. As my grandfather used to tell me: “You have to die of something!” And we don’t like to be “scolded” by our kids.

We changed their diapers and stayed up all night with them when they were sick (and when they stayed out all hours). So, it hurts when they “scold” us. This is when we need lots of love and support. When you can’t make us well, just enjoy us the best you can!

Signed, GG www.LovinLife.com

Area Agency on Aging Celebrates

National Grandparents Day Sunday, September 13th

24-Hour Senior HELP LINE

602-264-4357

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A special day for young and old to honor each other with love & care, recognizing the wisdom and guidance offered by older adults SEPTEMBER 2020

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News Briefs

Plaza del Rio Foundation President Gail Poolner, a resident of Freedom Plaza, announces at a previous scholarship awards ceremony last fall 2019, “No one selects the scholars. They select themselves by meeting all requirements.”

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI AND MARLA LEVINE

Erynn Duran

Marlee Burgess

Plaza del Rio Foundation awards record dollars, scholars The Plaza del Rio Foundation awarded $44,000 in scholarships for the fall 2020 semester to 18 employees of Freedom Plaza Retirement Community, Freedom Plaza Care Center and Peoria Post-Acute and Rehabilitation, all located on the Plaza del Rio Campus in Peoria.

Due to ongoing concerns posed by the coronavirus pandemic, for the health and well-being of all involved, Freedom Plaza did not hold its semiannual scholarship awards ceremony this season.

“We are sad that we cannot honor our student recipients at a formal presentation,” says Gail Poolner, president of the Plaza del Rio Foundation. “It has been a difficult year given the closings of so many schools and not being able to interface with our employees.

“Yet, it is our biggest year, both in dollars and number of awardees. We have 18 scholarship recipients and will be providing more than $44,000 to their colleges and universities.”

The fall 2020 scholarship recipients from Freedom Plaza Retirement Community include: business office Kristi Silva; concierge Stephanie Guzman; dining services Lauren Bettino, Hailey Bretall, Jaycee Burgess, Marlee Burgess, Monty Gregory, Cristian Jacobo, Lauren Lucas, Vy Nguyen, Ashleigh Perkins, Jessica Valls and Tara Wilson; and marketing Erynn Duran; as well as staff from Freedom Plaza Care Center caregivers Miyako Herrera and Monica Ruehle; nurse Anivi Dragbovie-Johnson; and Peoria Post-Acute and Rehabilitation dining services Adelyne Gomez.

“I am very proud of the hard work of the scholarship committee,” Poolner

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SEPTEMBER 2020

Kristi Silva

says. “We are very grateful to our executive director, Jai Larman, and Director of Resident Programs Claudette Morrison and the members of her department.”

In addition to Poolner, the Freedom Plaza residents serving on the Plaza del Rio Foundation include Vice President Barbara Donald; scholarship committee Chairman Robert Duncan; Treasurer Doris Young; finance committee Glenn Bennett and Dorothy Weinland; fundraising Pat Giunta and David Mosley; publicity Barbara Eylands and Paul Meeden; Secretary Ruth Ann Ditto; GED committee Chairwoman Kathy Keay; scholarship adviser Mary Koleski; as well as Bill Zimmerman, liaison to Peoria Post-Acute and Rehabilitation.

Founded 23 years ago, the William T. and Laura Lou Riggs Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded 454 scholarships, funding $664,082 for tuition and books since 1997.

The Freedom Plaza Retirement Campus is at 13373 Plaza del Rio Boulevard in Peoria. It features 345 entry-fee independent living apartments, 65 assisted living apartments at The Inn with 20 additional apartments providing specialized Alzheimer’s or dementia care, plus skilled nursing and rehabilitation services at Freedom Plaza Care Center.

Info: 623-815-4013, freedomplazaarizona.com

FSL receives $2 to help with utilities, rent FSL (Foundation for Senior Living) and Wildfire (formerly Arizona Community Action Association) have agreed to help Phoenix residents who need assistance with their rent or mortgage and utility bills, including electric, gas or city of

From left: Nine-time Plaza del Rio Foundation scholarship recipient Erynn Duran, of Freedom Plaza’s marketing team, receives a fall 2020 scholarship as she pursues a Master of Business Administration at Grand Canyon University; Marlee Burgess, of Freedom Plaza’s dining services, receives a Plaza del Rio Foundation fall 2020 scholarship toward her business administration studies at ASU; Six-time scholarship recipient Kristi Silva, with the business office at Freedom Plaza, receives a fall 2020 scholarship toward her studies in the social work program at NAU. (Photos by Marla Levine)

Phoenix water.

These funds were allocated to city of Phoenix under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Phoenix COVID-19 Program is offered through December 30, to mitigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re so appreciative of this opportunity to help those in need throughout our community,” says Tom Egan, president and CEO, FSL. “We know Phoenix residents are in need of assistance. If you have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and are struggling to keep up with your monthly payments, please call us to see if you qualify for assistance through this program.”

FSL also has other funds available for Maricopa County residents who need utility assistance and/or appliance repair/ replacement.

Call FSL’s Care Design Program at 602-285-0505 ext. 180 or email carebydesign@fsl.org to discuss qualifications and eligibility requirements for these financial assistance programs.

To learn more about FSL’s programs or make a donation, visit us at fsl.org. FSL has a dedicated page for updates and support on COVID-19 at fsl.org/covid19.

Sun City West Broadcast Club gives to Banner hospitals The Broadcast Club of Sun City West and 103.1 KSCW made a contribution to the COVID heroes at Banner Hospital.

This was possible through the generous underwriters and friends in the area who support the club and radio station.

With the partnership of Babbo’s Italian

Restaurants and a $2,000 contribution from the club, 225 prepackaged sandwich meals were delivered to Banner Boswell and Banner Del Webb hospitals.

“The doctors, nurses and support staff at these hospitals sacrifice so much to save lives during these trying times. This is a much-needed way that we can say ‘thanks,’” says Joel Piaskowski, KSCW’s director of underwriting.

“Our club’s board of directors, members and area businesses who are an integral part of the Sun City West community created the perfect synergy to show Banner Hospital what they mean to the community,” adds Mark Johnson, president of the Broadcast Club.

New Frontiers for Life-Long Learning fall semester is underway New Frontiers for Life-Long Learning is holding most of its classes online this semester due to coronavirus.

Social opportunities exist with outdoor hiking and discussion groups. An MCC student ID card gives NFLL members discounts on MCC campuses and in the community.

NFLL is a peer-led, self-directed organization of more than 400 members operating under the sponsorship of Mesa Community College.

NFLL classes are one to two hours and in some cases over a period of weeks.

There are no tests, grades or credits. The fee is $60.

For more information call MCC Community Partnership Office at 480-4617497 or visit newfrontiers.mesacc.edu. www.LovinLife.com

Prediabetes Pre-stroke One in three American adults has prediabetes, a condition that comes with a number of associated health risks.

The good news is, it can often be reversed through lifestyle changes, like exercising more and eating healthier.

To ďŹ nd out if you have prediabetes, take the test at azdhs.gov/mission-possible.

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SEPTEMBER 2020

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SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Arizona zip codes turn up silver for residents Sealed Vault Bags full of state silver bars are actually being handed over to the first Arizona residents who find their zip code listed in today’s publication and call before the 48 hour order deadline ends to claim the bags full of pure silver NATIONWIDE – Operators at the National Silver Hotline are struggling to keep up with all the calls.

That’s because Silver Vault Bags loaded with pure .999 State Silver Bars are now being handed over to everyone who beats the 2-day order deadline.

“That’s why Arizona residents will be hoarding all the silver bars they can get their hands on for the next 2 days.

This comes as no surprise after the standard State Minimum set by the Federated Mint dropped to the lowest ever for everyone who gets the Silver Vault Bags making them a real steal,” said Mary Ellen Withrow, the emeritus 40th Treasurer of the United States of America.

“As executive advisor to the private Federated Mint, I get paid to deliver breaking news.

And here’s the best part. This is great news for Arizona residents because it’s the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint,” said Withrow.

The only thing residents need to do is find the first three digits of their zip code on the Distribution List printed in today’s publication. If their zip code is on the list, they just need to call the National Silver Hotline before the 2-day order deadline ends.

And here’s the good news.

Residents who do are getting the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of just $290 for each Arizona Silver Vault Bag which is just $29 per ■ ARIZONA RESIDENTS CASH IN: Calls are pouring in from state residents who are trying to get their hands on the Jumbo Silver bar as long as they call the Ballistic Bags pictured above before the deadline ends. That’s because residents who find their zip code printed in today’s publication National Silver Hotline at; are cashing in on the lowest ever State Minimum price set for the next 2 days by the Federated Mint.

1-800-280-2754 EXT. FMM4134 before the deadline ends.

Phone lines open at preWho gets the Silver Vault Bags: Listed below are the U.S. zip codes that get the Silver Vault Bags. cisely 8:30 A.M. this morning If you find the first three digits of your zip code call: 1-800-280-2754 EXT. FMM4134 and are expected to be flooded by Arizona residents looking to cash in on the lowest ever State Minimum set by the 850 853 856 859 863 865 Federated Mint to date. That’s 852 855 857 860 864 why area residents who find (Continued on next page)

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SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

(Continued from previous page)

their zip code on the distribution list today are being urged to call.

Since this special advertising announcement can’t stop anyone from buying up all the new 2020 Edition Arizona State Silver Bars they can get their hands on, the Federated Mint has not set a limit of how many Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags residents can get – these are the bags pictured above that contain 10 individual Silver Vault Bags each. Everyone who gets these will be glad they did.

“Residents who want to cash in on the lowest ever State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint better hurry.

That’s because after the deadline ends, the State Minimum for these pristine half ounce Arizona State Silver Bars set by the Federated Mint will go up to $50 per bar no matter how many bars people get,” Withrow said.

“We’re bracing for all the calls and we’re doing the best we can, but with just hours left before the deadline ends, residents who find the first three digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication need to call the National Silver Hotline,” Withrow said. ■

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If you find your zip code on the distribution list printed in today’s publication read below then call: 1-800-280-2754 EXT. FMM4134 I keep calling and can’t get through: Keep trying. Right now everyone’s looking to cash in on the lowest State Minimum ever set by the Federated Mint. In fact, we won’t be surprised if thousands of residents order up as many Silver Vault Bags as they can get their hands on before the deadline ends. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint has been slashed to the lowest ever at just $29 for each silver half ounce bar for the next 2 days for everyone who gets the vault bags. And since each Silver Vault Bag contains 10 pristine State Silver Bars for just $290 we’re guessing state residents will be claiming two or more bags while they’re up for grabs. But all those who really want to cash in are taking the Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags containing 100 State Silver Bars before the deadline ends and the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint goes up to $500 per Vault Bag. In fact the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint is reduced even further for those getting the Jumbo Bags so just be sure to ask the National Silver Hotline operator for your discount. So if lines are busy keep trying.

How much are the Silver Vault Bags worth: It’s hard to tell how much these Silver Vault Bags could be worth since they are in pristine condition, but those who get in on this now will be glad they did. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint goes up to $500 per bag after the deadline ends. So you better believe that at just $290 the Silver Vault bags are a real steal for everyone who beats the deadline.

Can I buy one State Silver Bar: Yes. But, the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of just $29 per bar applies only to residents who purchase a Silver Vault Bag(s). That means only those residents who order a Silver Vault Bag(s) or a Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bag get the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint. All single bar purchases, orders placed after the 2-day deadline and all non-state residents must pay the $50 per silver half ounce bar.

Why is the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint so low now: Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to get the silver at the lowest ever State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint. Now all residents who find the first three digits of their zip code on the Distribution List above are getting the Silver Vault Bags for themselves and all the solid .999 pure State Silver Bars found inside.

The price for each Silver Vault Bag after the deadline ends is set at $500 which is $50 per bar, but residents who beat the 2-day deadline only cover the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of just $290 for each State Silver Vault Bag which is just $29 per bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline before the deadline ends at: 1-800-280-2754 EXT. FMM4134. Hotlines open at 8:30 A.M. FRONT VIEW

BACK VIEW INDEPENDENCE: 1776 signifies the year America declared independence proclaiming inalienable rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

SIGNIFICANT: Numbered in the order of which the state ratified the Constitution and was admitted into the Union.

HISTORIC 13 STARS: Each star represents one of the original 13 Colonies arranged in a circle to symbolize the perpetuity of the union as depicted in the “Betsy Ross” flag.

■ SILVER HITS ROCK BOTTOM: I t ’s g o o d n e w s f o r s t a t e residents who get the Silver Vault Bags each loaded with 10 solid .999 pure Silver State Bars. That’s because residents are getting the lowest ever State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint as long as they call before the deadline ends. www.LovinLife.com

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A

Features

LIFE

of

Sports

The D-backs’ radio engineer Leo Gilmartin dedicates career to his dad

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Leo Gilmartin sits high above the players at Chase Field, in a small room with souvenir newspapers peppering the walls. The decor is typical for a journalist, but he’s no ordinary media type.

Reporting and sharing information are in the blood of Gilmartin, who is celebrating his 24th year with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Currently the team’s radio engineer and producer, Gilmartin comes from Arizona royalty. His father is the late, great Joe Gilmartin, the first president of the Professional Basketball Writers Association and a 2014 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.

Gilmartin couldn’t help but enter the sports journalism field.

“Beats working for a living,” Gilmartin says with a laugh.

In short, he produces and engineers the D-backs’ radio broadcasts, taking the audio from the ballpark to the radio station and to the team’s affiliates.

“Everything’s different,” the Chandler resident says. “The game itself is different every day. It keeps things fresh. Every day’s a different storyline, a different conversation, a different outcome. Baseball, more than any other sport, is so unique in how each game is so different, for so many different reasons. I’ve been around sports my entire life.”

Suns fan Following in his dad’s footsteps, Gilmartin was obsessed with basketball.

He started his sports career as a ball boy for the Suns in the mid-1970s.

“I grew up around sports and around the Suns,” he says. “I wanted to be a professional athlete. Basketball was my goal

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when I was a young kid. In junior high, I figured out that probably wasn’t going to happen. I had to figure out other ways I could stay in sports.”

His family spent time in Tempe, a mile from ASU. ASU football head coach Frank Kush lived around the corner. Baseball coach Bobby Winkles lived down the street.

“It was such a different time back then, in terms of the relationship media had with sports,” he says. “We were all close to each other.”

Gilmartin became acquainted with Phoenix Suns player and subsequent coach Paul Westphal, who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer; the Colangelo family; Connie Hawkins and Dick Van Arsdale. Around the late 1970s, early 1980s, Gilmartin started working for the visiting team on the bench and became acquainted with Dr. J, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.

“Sports was everywhere I turned,” he says. “My dad was unassuming about it.

I get a little embarrassed the more I drop the names.”

After graduating from Tempe High School, Gilmartin went to Minneapolis for a year to a broadcasting school recommended by Suns broadcaster Al McCoy. He returned to the Valley and went to ASU, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism in 1991.

Afterward, he coached basketball for nearly a decade at Tempe High, Phoenix College, NAU and Arizona Western Community College. From 1994 to 1996, he worked as the assistant to the director of the Arizona Department of Commerce in Sports Development.

Currently the team’s radio engineer and producer, Leo Gilmartin is celebrating his 24th year with the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Photo by Taylor Jackson/Arizona Diamondbacks)

“The D-backs were born, and the rest is history,” he says. “It’s an evolution. It’s a wild evolution.”

Joining the D-backs Gilmartin joined the D-backs in September 1996 as manager of broadcast services, overseeing the club’s radio and TV network relationships.

Since 2001, Gilmartin has been an integral part of the radio broadcast production team and a full-time member of the travel party.

“I got to be around that entire team,” he says. “Anyone who’s come through the Valley, who has some sort of high profile, I’ve had some sort of relationship with them, absent of the current Suns. I’m on the outside looking in. Al McCoy and their broadcasting group does a fantastic job. I still consider myself connected, and I feel privileged.”

This season, things are different—vastly different. Gilmartin isn’t traveling with the D-backs.

“We’re doing every game from the ballpark—home or road,” Gilmartin says. “It’s the times we live in, and baseball’s doing everything it can to keep the player and the staff safe. We want to keep ourselves safe as well. We’re fine doing it from the ballpark.”

He has his eye on switch-hitter Ketel Marte as an “unbelievable talent and a fun-to-watch player.” He’s rooting for Buckeye native/right fielder Kole Calhoun.

“He’s fun to watch and a real genuine guy,” he says. “Starling Marte is a new addition who plays the game right and is a very good player. He’s very understated.

He’s really good at what he does.

“It’s always great watching Nick Ahmed.

Fortunately for our franchise, we’ve had some really good players—not only really good players, but really good people who are fun to follow, get to know and be around.”

As a child, he grew up watching athletes win championships and celebrate on the field or court or in the locker room.

He always dreamed of joining them.

“Fast forward to 2001, and while I wasn’t on the dogpile, I was able to get in the clubhouse and celebrate with the people I became very close with,” he says.

“I just want to keep doing what I’m doing and being valuable to the D-backs and root for their success. Their success will mean more unbelievable opportunities for me.”

But Gilmartin’s career comes down to his dad.

“I can’t even put into words what he means to me, aside from him being an amazing father,” he says. “The opportunities his career afforded me are just unbelievable. He did inspire me. He had tremendous respect. He was an extremely talented writer. I was just re-reading his Suns book. I was too intimidated to be a sportswriter, too, because of how good he was. But I knew sports was my future.” www.LovinLife.com

Celebrating Grandparents Day Unique ways to stay in touch with family during the pandemic

BY JOHN SKELTON Senior Adviser of Senior Helpers of Tempe

The coronavirus pandemic has put a damper on family gatherings and celebrations, but there are still several unique ways to celebrate Grandparents Day this September or future special occasions.

As Arizona’s leading in-home caregiving provider, Senior Helpers has compiled a list of ideas for families to create new memories while practicing social distancing.

First and foremost, daily video chats are a must. If you have an Apple iPhone, try FaceTime, and if you are an Android user, download Google Duo. These apps make it especially easy to video chat with your loved ones. Your grandkids will be pleasantly surprised to see your face while you talk, and video chatting is as easy as making a regular phone call these days.

If video calls are not the best option because of a time difference, Marco Polo is an app that allows you to stay in touch with the people who matter most by sending prerecorded videos. Think www.LovinLife.com

of it like a “video w a l k i e - t a l k i e .”

Video messages are sent immediately and are available for the recipient to view and respond to almost instantly.

But you do not actually talk in real time.

Instead, you take turns leaving videos for each other.

Snail mail is also an option. In fact, letter writing has helped people meaningfully connect during this period of isolation, grief and unrest. Think of sending a postcard, handwritten letter, a gift, pictures or even a puzzle. Once you are equipped with pens, envelopes and stamps, you might find yourself crafting more letters than you think.

If you have a special event coming up that you will not be able to attend, try Kudoboard (kudoboard.com). It is an online group card for birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, sympathy or other special

occasions. Add a message, photo or video; invite others to post; then deliver. The entire family can participate, no matter their location. This platform can also hold up to 100 posts, so you can really make a statement with a message board.

For new family members, there is a way to introduce yourself by letting them hear your voice, with a voice-recording stuffed animal. Build-A-Bear allows you to create a custom teddy bear online with several cute outfits and a voice recorder.

Just record a special message in your own words and add a personalized sound chip to your stuffed animal. Your voice and your words combine to make a gift that delivers a perfect surprise. Hopefully, the newborn will get to know your voice and recognize it when you are finally able to meet them in person.

With that said, as in-person events continue to be canceled left and right, virtual events are popping up everywhere. Digital art classes are a great way to make memories with your family, and several art studios have moved their in-per-

son classes online, like Carrie Curran Art Studios with an option to pick up an art kit. Book a private virtual event for the whole family, and everyone paints from the comfort of home while a studio artist guides you step by step through the process. The experience is completely interactive, and the lead artist will even take questions throughout the event.

Another idea that the whole family can enjoy is a Netflix party! Download the Google Chrome extension for watching Netflix movies or shows, sync up with others, and the extension includes a built-in chat interface for consistent communication. Besides comedy and action, Netflix has several black-and-white masterpieces available to stream. From the 1930s to the 1960s, stream some of the top flicks during that time, including “His Girl Friday,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Let There Be Light” and “The Stranger.”

One of the coolest ways to connect with family is with a long-distance friendship lamp from Uncommon Goods (uncommongoods.com). Light up a loved one’s life across town or across the country with a long-distance friendship lamp.

You can find these online at sites like uncommongoods.com. When you turn one on with a simple touch of your hand, the other one emits the same ambient glow, no matter where it is and who is on the other end. Each person sets up their lamp via Wi-Fi, then reaches out and touches the lamp whenever they want to let their loved one know they are thinking of them. With every touch, the lamp cycles through a rainbow of colors, one at a time. You can also assign each loved one a color so that when they tap their lamp, yours lights up with their special hue.

If you feel comfortable enough to venture outside, consider decorating your loved one’s front yard with balloons and maybe a sign or two. Finish your gesture off by leaving a homemade treat at their doorstep, or wave to them from your car window. This can be especially fun around holidays or celebrations that have easy decorative themes.

Sometimes our loved ones have difficulty with technology. If that is the case, then a great option is to enlist the help of a caregiver who can help navigate technology and make it more accessible to those who may have challenges using it alone. Visit seniorhelpers.com to find a Senior Helpers location nearest you.

Former NFL player John Skelton is senior adviser of Senior Helpers of Tempe.

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SEPTEMBER 2020

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Entertainment Bringing Families Together ‘Beaver’s’ Tony Dow tells his story in new coloring book

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tony Dow is best known as Wally in the wholesome “Leave It to Beaver,” and as an internationally renowned sculptor and artist.

When he met Fireball Tim Lawrence, he added another description to his name— coloring book author.

Lawrence and Dow teamed up for “The Official Tony Dow Coloring Book” ($9.29/ Amazon). With 19 illustrations and a SCUBA maze, the book joins Fireball Publishing’s family of publications that also celebrate the Camaro, Mustang, Corvette, surfer girls, tiki culture and vintage trailers.

“The Official Tony Dow Coloring Book” encompasses 19 sketches chronicling Dow’s life, accompanied by quotes from him and his wife, Lauren.

“I thought it would be interesting to talk about the pictures a little bit,” Dow says. “I never heard of a coloring book that tells you about a person’s life.

“Fireball is a buddy and has some pretty out-there ideas. But the more we talked, the more fun it sounded. It will be a great way to show what’s been going on in my life, plus share some great memories with the incredible amount of ‘Leave It to Beaver’ fans that still follow the show.

Fireball’s artwork is terrific, and I think kids, young and old, will have a blast coloring them.”

Lawrence says coloring books are a

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perfect match for celebrities who wish to connect with their audience. Coloring also bonds families, expands and enhances the creative process experience and builds a legacy, he adds.

“I’m proud and grateful to be doing an amazing book with my good friend, Tony,” he says. “His Facebook still has a very large following to this day. There is a crowd of people in their 50s and above who watched the show as a kid—and are still watching this show.

The coloring book is a legacy project for Tony.”

“Leave It to Beaver” still airs on classic cable channels, and Dow hasn’t thought about why the black-and-white show appeals today.

“It’s been on the air since it started in 1957—many moons ago,” he says. “I think it was a very unique show and people of all ages could identify with it. Everybody had an Eddie Haskell, too.”

Dow says he’s frequently asked why he never penned an autobiography like his co-stars Jerry Mathers, Frank Bank and Ken Osmond.

“I never really wanted to do a book,” he says. “But this is a very interesting, unique way of doing a small version of a book. All

the paragraphs are relevant to the pictures. We were conscientious about picking out interesting times. I think it’s interesting to learn something about somebody you’re interested in. I never thought anybody was particularly interested in me.”

Lawrence certainly is, and his coloring book is a way of promoting Dow’s endeavors as a sculptor and actor.

“This book is a gift from Tony and myself to other artisans and fans, and it al-

Above: Tony Dow starred as Wally Cleaver on “Leave It to Beaver” from 1957 to 1963. Left: “The Official Tony Dow Coloring Book” features 19 illustrations telling the story of the “Leave It to Beaver” actor’s life.

(Photos courtesy Fireball Publishing)

lows them to express themselves in a unique way,” says Fireball Tim, whose wife and son are sculptors, the latter for the “Star Wars” franchise. “They can color Tony purple or tan. Our creativity stops once the book is sold and the client’s creativity shines.”

“The Official Tony Dow Coloring Book” https://amzn.to/39MIxog

www.LovinLife.com

Tinseltown Talks

Olivia de Havilland: the end of an era

BY NICK THOMAS It’s a sobering thought for fans of classic film. The passing of Olivia de Havilland in late July, just three weeks after her 104th birthday July 1, represents the loss of the last surviving big-screen legend from Hollywood’s Golden Age of the 1930s.

While other actors are still with us who were indeed active in film during the ’30s, de Havilland was truly the last A-list star from that era whose name could be bundled with the likes of Bogart, Gable, Hepburn and so many others. They are simply now all gone.

While I never had the chance to interview de Havilland directly, she did answer some questions by mail in 2009 for a story I was preparing for the Washington Post on the centenary of Errol Flynn’s birth.

The letter arrived by FedEx from France, where she lived for most of her post-Hollywood life, and was hand signed in her glorious flowing script. In it, she shared some memories of the Aussie co-star with whom she was frequently cast.

De Havilland and Flynn (1909-59) were one of the most popular on-screen couples during the early classic film era. The pair worked together in eight movies from 1935 to 1941 and appeared in separate scenes in a ninth film, “Thank Your Lucky Stars,” in 1943.

Flynn, of course, continued to be sensationalized by the press and authors long after his death. Was he mischaracterized, I asked her?

“His roguish reputation was very well-de-

served, as he more than candidly revealed in his remarkable autobiography, ‘My Wicked, Wicked Ways,’” she wrote. “However, through this very same book, we also know that he was a reflective person—sensitive, idealistic, vulnerable and questing. But I think he has been incompletely represented by the press: It vulgarized his adventures with the opposite sex and seldom, if ever, touched upon or emphasized the other facets of his life.”

Despite his popularity, Flynn was never recognized for his acting with even an Oscar nomination (de Havilland was nominated five times and won twice). Was that an oversight, I asked her?

“Unfortunately, at the time when Errol enjoyed his greatest success, the adventure film, as a genre, was not sufficiently appreciated and therefore his appearances therein were not as highly regarded as they might,” she explained. “However, I do feel he played his roles with unmatchable verve, conviction, and style. In doing so, he inherited the mantle of Douglas Fairbanks Sr., who was my favorite film star. No one since Errol has worn that mantle; it is buried with him.”

I was also curious if she ran into Flynn after their time together on-screen. She said that happened only on three occasions, the last one at the Beverly Hilton’s Costumers Ball two years before his death.

“Quite unexpectedly, while I was talking to friends during the cocktail hour, Errol left his own group and asked if he could take

Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn in “The Adventures of Robin Hood.” (Photo courtesy Warner Bros.)

me to dinner,” she recalled. “He seated me on his immediate right and, soon joined by others, took on the role of gracious host with everyone on his left—all the ladies— while I did my best to entertain the gentleman on my right.”

De Havilland’s letter concluded with a delightful postscript indicating a longtime private ritual which she adhered to every

year.

“On June 20 (Flynn’s birthday), I raised a glass of champagne to Errol, as I always do.”

Come next July, many classic film fans will likely repeat that ritual to honor Olivia, too.

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns and interviews for over 800 newspapers and magazines.

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Fee Waybill Rides Again The Tubes’ lead singer goes solo for hard-driving rock record

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI The Tubes’ lead singer, Fee Waybill, says he’s happy his new solo album, “Fee Waybill Rides Again,” has seen the light of day.

It’s been a passion project for him and his longtime writing partner, pop-rock star Richard Marx.

“We’ve been working on this record on and off for seven years, Richard and I,” he says.

“The first song we wrote was ‘Faker.’ I went back and looked at my lyric sheet and it said ‘2013.’ Over the years, we did one here and one there. We had rough versions of some of the songs and then years went by.”

In early 2019, Waybill and Marx decided to do something with the songs.

“We had been dragging this through the dirt here for six or seven years,” he says with a laugh. “We tweaked here and there and redid some stuff, wrote a couple new songs.”

Besides “Faker,” the album features the melodic and soulful “Say Goodbye,” the

hard-charging political commentary on “Promise Land” and the crossover country vibe, “Still You on the Inside,” written

by Marx, Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, and Chris Daughtry.

The talented guests on the album also include Michael Landau, Vertical Horizon singer Matt Scannell and drummer Josh Freese (Nine Inch Nails and Sting).

“Don’t Want to Pull the Trigger” is a hard-driving, relentlessly addictive addition to the album. It begins with a voice memo that Marx sent to Waybill.

“He originally texted me that little intro part and I was listening to it on my phone,” says Waybill, who has written songs with Marx since 1983. “Elizabeth, my wife, heard it and said, ‘That’s so cool.

Why don’t you attach that somehow to the intro of the actual recorded song?’”

Arizona boy Waybill’s album cover—designed by The Tubes’ Prairie Prince—recalls a very Arizona red-and-orange sunset. It makes

ated Hydr y a t S

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Fee Waybill

facebook.com/TheFeeWaybill thetubes.com perfect sense: Waybill moved to Scottsdale in the 1950s and grew up at 68th Street and Osborn Road in Southwest Village. He remembers riding his horse around town and hitching it up in front of drug store or movie theater.

Things have changed.

Now the area is full of hipsters, and parking spots now lie where hitches The Tubes’ lead singer Fee Waybill says he’s happy his new solo album, “Fee Waybill Rides Again’. (Submitted photo) were located.

“I was ensconced in the theater depart“It’s all different, but I grew up on a horse until I was about 16, 17 years old— ment at ASU,” he says. “I still love the theuntil rock ‘n’ roll music took ahold of me,” atrical stage. There’s a little theater in Auhe says. “Until I moved to California, I was gusta, Michigan, called the Barn Theatre, on a horse every day. It’s great to get back it’s the oldest for-profit summer stock to it. Now I can play gigs and ride horses.” theater. I started working there in 1998 He attended ASU, where he hoped doing the ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show.’”

He starred as Frank N. Furter, but his to study oceanography and transfer to Scripps Institution of Oceanography in favorite play is “Spamalot,” for which he plays King Arthur.

San Diego—until he discovered acting.

Waybill was scheduled to return to Scottsdale to play Talking Stick Resort in September for his birthday. The COVID-19 pandemic nixed those plans. He enjoys traveling to Arizona in better times, either to perform or to see his brother, who lives on a ranch in Cave Creek.

He’s looking forward to the time when concerts return. He isn’t interested in streaming shows, although he’s frequently approached to do them.

“I don’t want to do it,” he says. “I keep turning them down. This is not what we do. We try to reach them eye to eye and translate that joy from across the footlights.

“I don’t want to play at a drive-in with everybody sitting in the tailgate of their car with a crappy speaker hanging from the window.”

COVID nearly stopped “Fee Waybill Rides Again” as well.

“The whole music business shut down,” he says. “But we thought everyone is sitting at home quarantining. We thought it would be nice to give them something to listen to, spread the joy a little bit.

“I’m so glad we did. We’ve received such a good response. It has brought a little bit of joy to people who are hunkered down in the house wearing a damn mask.” www.LovinLife.com

No Umbrella Needed

BJ Thomas

BJ Thomas celebrates 50 years of ‘Raindrops’ Singer B.J. Thomas remembers the compromise he made to work with legendary composer Burt Bacharach.

“I had been with Scepter Records for a few years,” he says.

“Their mainstay artist was Dionne Warwick, and Burt Bacharach and Hal David wrote and produced most of her records.

I was aware of them, and I admired them very much.”

Thomas was recording in Memphis when Scepter’s owner asked if he’d move to New York City. He and his wife, Gloria, had just married.

“He said, ‘If you’ll move to New York City, I think I can get you working with Mr. Bacharach.’ That sounded really good to me.”

It, indeed, happened. David and Bacharach wrote the whimsical “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” for the December 1969 film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” This year, the song is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

“I had just had a hit with ‘Hooked on a Feeling,’ and everything was just perfect with that song,” he says. “Burt Bacharach and Hal David are great. It was a wonderful thing to be involved in.”

Fifty years later and the singer and the song continue to be part of the musical fabric. The song has appeared in “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” “Gremlins 2: The New Batch,” “Forrest Gump,” “Spider-Man 2,” “The Simpsons,” “Arrested Development,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Family Guy” and “Feud: Bette and Joan.”

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years since ‘Raindrops’ went No. 1,” Thomas says. “I’ve sold over 70 million records, but I have to say I am most appreciative of this song. It was a career changer for me when it came along. More than that, it was a life changer—a true blessing.

Propelled by the movie’s momentum, “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” remained at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks.

“It was the craziest thing,” Thomas says.

“By mid-March that year, ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head’ sold over 2 million copies. There was a time we were selling 200,000 to 300,000 copies a day. It happened so fast. And then I was asked to perform on the Academy Awards. It was such a big production that I had a hunch ‘Raindrops’ would win the Oscar for Best Original Song; however, when it did, I still went weak in the knees. What a thrill.”

Thomas continued to perform the song until the COVID-19 pandemic cut his tour short. Thomas, who was also set to record in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, in July, and Gloria have been quarantined since March 15.

“We’re not taking any chances,” he says. “We’re just looking to get through this thing and come out healthy. We’re hoping the vaccine is found and becomes available soon so we can get back on the road.

“I’m very thankful she and I are together and we have each other. With masks, I don’t understand that perception that it’s a political thing. If everyone would just observe the protocol, I think we would have been free of this thing as we speak.”

Married for 52 years, Thomas and Gloria “have always been in love, and we’re still in love.”

“We’ve had our drama and our beautiful times and some hard times, but we never gave up on each other,” he says.

“She never gave up on me. We made a vow to each other to love each other and stay together. We lived up to them.“ If Gloria is his great love, music is a close second. The five-time Grammy winner and Hall of Fame inductee has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide with eight No. 1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles throughout his 50 years in the music industry.

As one of Billboard’s Top 50 MostPlayed Artists Over The Past 50 Years, Thomas has scored hits with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” “Hooked on a Feeling,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “(Hey Won’t

BJ Thomas has scored eight No. 1 songs in his five-decade career.

(Photo courtesy 2911)

You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Whatever Happened to Old Fashioned Love” and “New Looks from An Old Lover.”

“Over the past 50 years, I have performed this song (‘Raindrops’) thousands of times, and I never get tired of singing it,” Thomas says. “We’re all going to ex-

perience a little rain in our lives, but if we remember we’re living a free life, then we really don’t have a thing to worry about.

Besides, I have a lifetime of good memories attached to this song. You better believe when I begin touring again in 2021, I will be singing ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,’ and I’ll be loving it as we begin the next 50 years.”

PUZZLE ANSWERS

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

bjthomas.com

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rented to tourists until 1987 when a fire destroyed the entire town. A building that replaced it houses the gift shop and post office.

“Every time it rains, we have a little creek alongside the property,” he says.

“You can see little shiny flecks.”

Other stories revolve around the items that adorn the walls of the saloon.

“One of the funny things is, maybe a month ago, there was a couple here who were like, ‘Hey, that stuff right there is ours—that gun and jacket. We donated that,’” Ellering recalls.

“People are so proud to have their things up on the wall and just be a part of history. There are some really cool, fun stories and things that happen out here.”

Travel

A New Outlook

Self-sufficient

Tortilla Flat’s new ‘caretakers’ are looking to freshen it up

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Katie Ellering, one of Tortilla Flat’s new owners, isn’t about modernizing the remnant of the Old West town.

She and her fiance/operations director, Chris Field, just want to bring a fresh look to the tourist attraction, which boasts a population of six.

“The most important thing to remember is we—the owners—are temporary,” says Field, who lives in Gilbert with Ellering.

“We’re transitioning what Tortilla Flat was into the 21st century. We’re not a sports bar or a strip mall that’s going to be gone in 10 years. This is a historical Arizona property that will be here for another 100 years. Our goal, as caretakers, is property maintenance, and we want to keep the look and the feel and provide programming to make sure we’ll be able to pass it on.”

Ellering has owned it since September with partners Ryan Coady, Tom Misitano and Dale Evans.

“We thought this was such a unique thing, and we were like, ‘Yeah, let’s do this,’” Ellering says. “We got together and made it work.”

So far, the team has upgraded the kitchen and the food on the menu, except— Ellering and Field are quick to add—the famous chili recipe that’s been around since the 1940s.

“It’s a time-honored tradition, and that will not change,” she says.

The chili, which is also found on the chili

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dog, is part of a hearty American menu that includes the Mucho Macho nacho ($15.99); Roosevelt “Dam” Good wings ($7.99 starting price); Gaucho cheesesteak ($12.49); Ol’ Faithful BLT ($11.49); chicken street tacos ($12.59) and fajita salad ($14.39).

“We have great food,” Field says. “We do. Is our food better than what you’ll find elsewhere? Maybe. We’re trying to create an experience. It’s a little gem of an experience.”

After having a meal in the saloon, guests can head to the Tortilla Flat General Store and Ice Cream Shop, where they can enjoy its well-known prickly pear gelato, or take home prickly pear barbecue sauce or a Tortilla Flat “Killer Chili” packet.

Beloved attraction The owners have heard plenty of heartwarming stories from visitors to Tortilla Flat. They see children dressed up as cowboys and cowgirls and the awe on their face when they’re out there.

“They’re used to growing up in the city, and when they come out here, they play in the dirt and see cactus everywhere,” she says. “They have a lot of fun. They have a lot of fun with the dollar bills, too.

“I got a letter a few months ago that had a dollar bill in it. A young kid had taken one of the dollars off of the wall (at Superstition Saloon and Restaurant) and had written us a letter of apology and sent us the dollar bill back. It was really cute.”

The couple have been visited by folks

who have donated the collectibles that fill the saloon, like the saddles that sit atop hand-carved bar stools and worn leather goods that are tacked to the walls.

One of the fun parts of Tortilla Flat is its history and games. Field explained that in the frontier days, if there were more than 100 permanent residents, you were considered a town or settlement and you’re officially on the map.

“Tortilla Flat was never big enough to have that prestige,” he says. “We were big enough to have a post office. Because of that, there’s no real town hall records or building plans. Most of what we know about Tortilla Flat has been assembled by different people who were here.”

No one knows the real story behind the name, Tortilla Flat. But one is believable, Field says. It’s understood that it came from a family who was caught in a monsoon in the 1930s in the area. After being stuck for a couple days, all they had left was masa and water.

“They were down to eating tortillas for the last couple of days,” he says. “So, they called it Tortilla Flat.”

A man who visited in the early 2000s said he lived there when he was a child.

He sketched a picture on a napkin of the town before fires and floods ravaged it. It included the Goldbrick Motel, which was constructed from mud bricks manufactured on-site out of clay in the ground and then mixed with gold dust from the local miners in the Superstitions at the time.

The kitchenettes in the motels were

Tortilla Flat is a self-sufficient little town, according to Ellering.

“We’ve got a sewer plant. We’ve got a water plant. We do process our own water,” she says.

“However, we don’t even have a phone line. We can’t get a landline here. So, when people call us, they don’t know that they’re calling a cellphone because we don’t have a landline. We can’t get the internet.”

Field and the all-female leadership team—Ellering, restaurant manager Renee Lockhart, restaurant supervisor Marba Carroll, kitchen manager Kaleena Gallegos and retail manager Stephany Duarte—are planning some improvements, though. They include painting signs and creating a town newspaper with treasure hunts for kids, a historical crossword puzzle and stories of Tortilla Flat.

“I’ll be all silly advertisements, like period pieces,” Field says. “I have this really fun idea.”

Field says Tortilla Flat, which also houses a museum, is perfect for a day visit for Valley families during the pandemic.

“You don’t have to commit to a day of travel or two days of travel,” he says. “You can spend a half day with us and get away from all the craziness.

“Our goal is to take what’s here and just make sure that it looks fantastic. It’s in repair so people can create memories with their families long after we’re dead and gone.”

Tortilla Flat 1 Main Street, Tortilla Flat tortillaflataz.com www.LovinLife.com

FALLS PREVENTION AWARENESSWEEK WEEK FALLS PREVENTION AWARENESS 21-25 September 21-25 September a normal of aging.

Falling Falling is NOTisaNOT normal part part of aging.

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Go toAgency Area Agency on Aging Go to Area on Aging at at aaaphx.org andon click onFalls the Falls Free aaaphx.org and click the Free Check to determine Check Up linkUp to link determine youryour risk risk of of falling and receive a personalized report falling and receive a personalized report share withcare yourprovider. care provider. to sharetowith your Take your first steps to prevent a fall now!

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For more information on Falls Prevention Awareness For more information on Falls Prevention Awareness Week and the health education classes offered by Week and the health education classes offered by Area Agency on Aging, visit aaaphx.org or call 602-241-5562.

Area Agency on Aging, visit aaaphx.org or call 602-241-5562. www.LovinLife.com

SEPTEMBER 2020

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Dining

‘Best Time of the Year’ Arizona Restaurant Week offers takeout options this fall

BY ELSA HORTAREAS Arizona Restaurant Week is returning this fall, armed with to-go options for those uncomfortable with the dine-in experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Set for September 18 to September 27, the week features 80 restaurants offering three-course meals for $33 or $44.

The Arizona Restaurant Association founded the event 12 years ago under the guidance of Chief Executive Officer Steve Chucri. The Spring Restaurant Week followed.

“Fall Restaurant Week has its own special place, because that is what we led off with,” Chucri says. “It’s the two best times of the year, where restaurants are on sale.”

Some restaurants offer a cocktail event or wine pairing as well at an additional cost.

“Fall Restaurant Week has all types of shapes and sizes as it relates to whatever the diner may or may not want,” Chucri says.

The association’s website has a full list of restaurants and their associated specials. Visit arizonarestaurantweek.com.

Gary Lasko’s Stockyard Steakhouse

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has participating since the beginning. At 9,000 square feet, the legendary restaurant is the perfect place to socially distance. The staff wears masks and the food runners don gloves, too. “Captain COVID” is a busser whose only job is to disinfect the restaurant.

“We were in masks before the mask mandate,” Lasko says.

Stockyard Steakhouse is offering a soup (soup, tenderloin chili or steak soup), salad, entree (8-ounce filet mignon, a 12-ounce prime rib of beef or a skillet salmon) and one side for $44. For dessert, Stockyard offers pecan pie, chocolate mousse or a sour cream cheesecake.

The pandemic makes the restaurant business tough, but Lasko’s spirits are high.

“This is not going to take us down. We are committed to preserving this institution,” Lasko says.

John Banquil owns Ling and Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill. The restaurant has been participating for five years. Its special is $44 for two people: an appetizer (like crispy calamari, cream sweet tacos or chicken lettuce wraps), soup or Caesar salad, and an entree (new wave pad thai,

sizzling platters or Ling’s signature meatloaf with red wine mushroom gravy, wasabi mashed potatoes and Szechuan green beans).

Banquil describes the restaurant as modern Asian cuisine with an American flare. Traditional Asian ingredients and techniques are used in nontraditional ways.

Banquil’s goal is to have fun with the guests.

After all, “We don’t really take ourselves too seriously.”

Mark Smith’s Honey Bears BBQ will offer a wide selection of bar- Gary Lasko’s Stockyard Steakhouse has been participating in Arizona Restaurant Week since the beginning. (Submitted photo) becue items for $33. He founded Honey Bears BBQ in college, first as a catering business in his apartment and then a brick-and-mortar store.

What: Arizona Restaurant Week “Barbecue is good if you sit in and eat When: Friday, September 18, it, but it’s also good if you take it home. to Sunday, September 27 It’s also good the next day. So, I’m in a Info: arizonarestaurantweek.com win-win situation,” Smith says.

MORE INFO

www.LovinLife.com

What’s Cooking?

Taco Lasagne

BY JAN D’ATRI

I think we would love any excuse to enjoy a great Mexican dish!

Well, September 16 is Mexico Independence Day, so there you go!

This taco treat is easy to assemble and can be made ahead. I will guarantee there will not be one bite left in the casserole dish. I’ve recommended using Herdez

Roasted Salsa Roja for the salsa, which is found at Bashas’. It adds a terrific zing to the dish, but you can use your favorite brand of salsa. ¡Ay, qué rico!

Taco Lasagne (9-by-13-inch casserole) Ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large sweet yellow onion, chopped fine - 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced - 2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey - 1 1/2 packages Lowry’s Taco Seasoning Mix - 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped fine - 1 green bell pepper, chopped fine - 1 (4 ounces) can diced green chiles - 2 (15.7 ounces) jars Herdez Roasted Salsa Roja or any red salsa - 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained - 1 (15 ounces) can corn or 1 ear of fresh corn, shaved off the cob - 8 large flour tortillas, divided, or corn tortillas if desired - 1 (15 ounces) can refried beans - 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, or more if desired - 1 (16 ounces) container sour cream For optional toppings: Sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, chopped tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced green onion, sliced jalapenos, diced mini bell peppers Directions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and saute onion and garlic until soft and translucent. Add ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned. Add taco seasoning spice packets, stirring

to combine well. Add cilantro, bell pepper, diced green chiles and salsa and cook for several minutes to soften.

Stir in black beans and corn, combining gently.

Simmer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the casserole dish. Line the bottom of a lightly greased or buttered 9-by-13-inch casserole dish. Cover the bottom with half of the flour tortillas.

(Tip: If you cut the tortillas in half, the cut site will fit nicely into the edges of all four sides of the pan.) Warm the refried beans in the microwave for about 45 seconds for easier spreading.

Lightly spread the refried beans over the tortillas.

Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese over the refried beans. (Use more if desired.)

Spoon one half of the meat mixture over the cheese. Repeat the process for the second layer. Top with remainder of cheese, or more cheese if desired.

Bake in 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. (Optional: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling. Cut into portion and serving for toppings and sour cream on the side.)

Another way to make this dish: For appetizer- or kid-sized portions, line a cupcake or muffin tin with small streetsized flour or corn tortillas. Follow the same directions as the casserole. Bake for about 15-20 minutes.

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Watch my step-by-step video for Taco Lasagne: jandatri.com/jans-recipe/one-minute-kitchen/tacolasagne www.LovinLife.com

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Columns Hospice Is Hope

Innovative Care

Medicare extends HOV’s MediCaring program

BY LIN SUE COONEY

Director of Community Engagement, Hospice of the Valley

Ted Gushee and his wife, Kitty, lead a full and active life. When the 92-yearold was diagnosed with lymphoma and bladder cancer, he vowed to fight back.

Ted and his physician created a treatment plan that included infusion and radiation, along with an innovative program called MediCaring that provides 24/7 support from a specialized care team.

“It’s like an angel on our shoulder,” Kitty exclaims. “I don’t know what we’d do without it.”

MediCaring is a model of care that allows those with life-limiting illnesses to receive hospice care while also seeking curative care. Current Medicare rules require patients seeking hospice to give up

treatment for their terminal condition.

This unique program is designed to evaluate the benefits of receiving both kinds of care simultaneously.

Hospice of the Valley is the only provider in Arizona chosen to participate in the MediCaring pilot program. It was slated to end in December 2020, but Medicare just announced an extension through December 2021.

Since the program began over two years ago, Hospice of the Valley has admitted more than 800 patients, who say quality of life—for them and their families—has been vastly improved.

Kitty has called her MediCaring team five times in the last year, including a mid-

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Ted and Kitty Gushee lead a full and active life, despite Ted being diagnosed with lymphoma and bladder cancer. (Submitted photo)

dle-of-the-night plea for help during the coronavirus pandemic, when Ted was in pain and unable to sleep.

“The nurse came out and worked her magic. An hour later, Ted was emptying the dishwasher!” she laughs. “It’s a wonderful bridge of support for us. With this terrible virus out there, taking Ted to the ER is just not an option.”

Kitty also appreciates how the MediCaring team takes care of her and makes

What are the benefits of MediCaring?

Patients like Ted Gushee are helping Medicare understand the benefits of providing patients with a combination of curative and comfort care.

The data shows that MediCaring has: • Enhanced support at home.

• Improved symptom management.

• Lengthened patients’ lives.

• Reduced expense by eliminating costly ER visits and hospitalizations.

• MediCaring is 100% covered by Medicare with no out-of-pocket expense for the patient. Patients must meet the criteria outlined below.

Who is eligible for MediCaring?

MediCaring is for people who: • Have advanced cancer, congestive heart failure, COPD or HIV/AIDS. • Have been covered by Medicare Part A and Part B for past 12 months.

• Are certified for hospice care by a physician and wish to continue their

sure she feels supported. “They always ask how I am doing. That means a lot. I’m not a nurse, so I don’t always know what to do. MediCaring is very reassuring. It’s wonderful!”

Ted agrees. He is back to living life to the fullest—playing bridge online and directing mini melodramas for his friends at Vi at Silverstone.

Lin Sue Cooney is director of community engagement for Hospice of the Valley.

treatments of choice.

• Have had at least one hospital or ER visit and three office visits with any Medicare-certified provider in the past year.

• Live in a traditional home residential setting.

MediCaring services include: •Home visits from a nurse, social worker, nurse’s aide, volunteer, chaplain and grief counselor.

• Care coordination and case management.

• 24/7/365 access to clinical support.

• Assistance with goals of care and advance care planning.

• Symptom management.

• Covered by Medicare with no out-ofpocket patient fees.

Questions about MediCaring?

For more information on MediCaring, visit hov.org/our-care/medicaring or call Hospice of the Valley at 602530-6920.

MediCaring is a registered trademark of Joanne Lynn, and is being used under the permission of Joanne Lynn and Altarum Institute.

www.LovinLife.com

Puzzles

The Healthy Geezer

Osteoporosis creates an increased risk of fractures

ANSWERS ON PAGE 19

BY FRED CICETTI

Q

How common is osteoporosis?

A

Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. This condition creates an increased risk of fractures.

Our bodies remove old bone and replace it with new bone. During our growth stage, new bone is added faster than old bone is removed. We hit peak bone mass around age 30. After that age, we lose more bone than we form.

Who is at risk of getting osteoporosis?

The chances are greater for women because they have less bone tissue and lose bone faster than men; this is caused by changes from menopause. Small, thin-boned women are at greater risk.

Caucasian and Asian women are at highest risk. Age is a major risk factor because bones become thinner and weaker as you age. Heredity can also increase fracture risk.

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for more than 40 million Americans; about 7 out of 10 of them are women. One out of every 2 women and 1 in 4 men over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

Worldwide, osteoporosis is estimated to affect 200 million women and cause more than 8.9 million fractures annually.

Low calcium intake appears to be associated with bone loss. Good sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products, dark-green leafy vegetables, almonds and foods fortified with calcium, such as orange juice. Some people may need to take a calcium supplement.

Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and in bone health.

It is made in the skin through exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D production decreases in the elderly, in people who are housebound and for people in general during the winter. Depending on your situation, you may need to take vitamin D supplements.

Bone responds to exercise by becoming stronger. Weight-bearing exercise is the best for your bones. Get off the sofa.

Women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen compared to nonsmokers, and they often go through menopause earlier. Smokers also may absorb less calcium from their diets. Quit.

Regular consumption of 2 to 3 ounces a day of alcohol may be damaging to the skeleton. Heavy drinkers are more prone to bone loss and fractures because of poor nutrition and increased risk of falling. Quit or, at least, cut down.

People may not know they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a bump or fall causes a hip to fracture or a vertebra to collapse. See your doctor for a checkup.

Following a comprehensive medical assessment, your doctor may recommend that you have your bone mass measured. A bone mineral density (BMD) test is the best way to determine your bone health. BMD tests can identify osteoporosis, determine your risk for fractures and measure your response to osteoporosis treatment.

A comprehensive osteoporosis treatment program includes a focus on proper nutrition, exercise and safety issues to prevent falls that may result in fractures.

In addition, your physician may prescribe a medication to slow or stop bone loss, increase bone density and reduce fracture risk.

ACROSS 1 4 8 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 26 27 30 31

Early bird?

Said “not guilty” Molt By way of Emanation Rent Work unit Whirl Long-billed wader Sprinter’s device Many millennia Parcel of land Allude (to) Driver’s license datum Foundation Out of control “Oklahoma!” baddie

32 33 34 35 36 37 38 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53

Stead Vat Haw partner Tureen accessory Prohibit Emeril’s shout Extremely exciting Plankton component Love god Dove’s remark Works with New Haven school Choose Not so much Resorts international?

“The Matrix” role

1

Prior nights

DOWN

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 19 20 23 24 25 26 27

Encircle Lady -Cleric Pea-family plant Ms. Brockovich Hung Half a circus clown’s pair Vagrant -- The Red Dilbert’s worksite Stench Go a few rounds Snitch Ostrich’s cousin Pass (off ) Total Auction action

28 29 31 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

Wet wriggler Payable Football garb Genie’s home Chapeau Expires Marching-band section Half of 49-Across’ fight song Booty Otherwise Census statistics Snare PC picture “Unh-unh” Attend

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

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Personal Services Visit our website: www.lovinlife.com TIRED OF BEING Deadline: ALONE? 16th of the month No-one to be lonely. for deserves the next publication We therefore gladly invite you to meet your ideal companion through Companion Outreach. For complete details, simply visit us at: CompanionOutreach.com

Jewelry, Watches- running or not, Antiques & Collectibles We Come to you!

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Wanted to Buy

H COLLECTOR BUYING H

European & American Classic Cars

Personal Assisting & Pet Sitting Service

(All Models, Any Condition,Including Barn Finds)

CALL ROY

Medicare MEDICARE ASSISTANCE AND DIRECTION THROUGH YOUR TRUSTED MEDICARE COMMUNITY ADVOCATE. All Medicare Plan Types, All Entitlements & Eligibilities.

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

No Cost, Complete & Accurate Medicare Guidance.

Call: Jim Schmidt 480-296-3900.

JimSchmidt@ MrMedicareAndYou.com.

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

Thank You! Jim Schmidt 480.296.3900

PORSCHE

• 50’s-90’s • 365 Coupes, Roadsters, 911, 912 ALL MODELS

H 602-810-2179

AUSTIN HEALEY’S • 50’s-60’s •

JAGUARS

• 30’s-70’s • XK, XKE, Coupes, Roadsters, Early Cabriolets

ALFAS

• 20’s-70’s • ALL MODELS ALL INTERESTING

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CLASSIFIEDS

Call us at 480-898-6465 or email class@timespublications.com for details.

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Instructions/Info

ANSWERING ADS:

ABBREVIATION KEY

Kellyutaz@msn.com

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR SPECIALTY IS, WE HAVE A BIZ BOX SPOT FOR YOU!

FRIENDSHIP ADS

3. Mail everything to address below OR e-mail to class@timespublications.co m

Do You Have or Know of a Classic Car? Finder’s Fee Paid! Cash Buyer

We help you Sell your Car, Home, Couch, Lawn Equipment, Advertise your Sale, Place a Lost or Found Ad!

DRAWER LL1710 Beautiful blond in red Tesla from Canada that I met while loading your plants and flowers in Scottsdale (early August) - let's have dinner.

2. Payments can be Check/Money Order, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.

Account # of your credit card, CVV code and expiration.

christinahelps2012@gmail.com MERCEDES

DRAWER LL1640 WWF Young Senior Seeks WWM 78-82 Rio Verde, Scottsdale. I'm Blonde, Slender & Smartly Attired.

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HOW TO PLACE: 1. Include your 30 word ad ($20); $.30 per word thereafter. Your info: Name, Address, Phone, Email address and Payment.

602.228.8413

• 40’s-70’s • 190SL, 230SL, 280SL Early Cabriolet

Friendship Ads

Compose your response with Drawer #________ and email it to address below.

Proudly serving the North Scottsdale, North Phoenix and Glendale areas.

Organize Home/Office Packing/Unpacking for Move In-Home Pet Sitting

Deadline: 16th of the month for the next publication

We can help!

Call

Your newspaper.

Your community.

Your planet.

480-898-6465

Please recycle me.

SWM=Single White Male SWF=Single White Female SHM=Single Hispanic Male SHF=Single Hispanic Female WWM=White Widowed Male WWF =White Widowed Female ISO=In Search Of LTR= Long Term Relationship N/S=Non-Smoking N/D=Non-Drinking

Lovin’ Life After 50 1620 W. Fountainhead Pkwy, Ste. 219 Tempe, AZ 85282 480-898-6465 www.LovinLife.com

Primary care, redefined.

At 4C Medical Group, part of OptumCare®, we deliver the kind of care you need. Primary care, with a team that takes the lead on your overall health. Urgent care and acute care for a spectrum of emergencies. Virtual care for your optimal comfort and convenience. And a focus on your total wellness. So come in to any of our 12 locations—we’ll give you a lot to feel good about.

To learn more, visit 4CMedicalGroup.com

Optum® and OptumCare are trademarks of Optum, Inc. ©2020 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in health programs and activities. We provide free services to help you communicate with us.

Such as, letters in other languages or large print. Or, you can ask for an interpreter. To ask for help, please call 602-799-0896. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español (Spanish), hay servicios de asistencia de idiomas, sin cargo, a su disposición. Llame al 602-799-0896.

(Chinese), 602-799-0896 www.LovinLife.com

SEPTEMBER 2020

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Does Monsoon damage have your roof looking blue?

CALL

JBS Roofing to the rescue!

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www.JBSroofingAZ.com

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ROC #’s: 061127 - 287012 - 198009 - 082024 - 318282

www.LovinLife.com