Lovin' Life After 50: Phoenix - October 2017 by Times Media Group

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602.265.9000

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Call for an appointment with our Doctor of Audiology.

– Timmie, Daughter of Resident, Edith

inside THIS ISSUE

There’s something called The Impossible Puzzle. It’s a jigsaw puzzle with 750 pieces – including ve extra pieces and no edge pieces at all. The box doesn’t show the entire puzzle picture. Trying to put it together can be an exercise in frustration, a futile attempt to gure out something that’s designed to not make sense. Navigating health insurance and Medicare can feel a little like trying to solve an impossible possible. It’s more important – and di cult – than ever to keep up with the laws and minutiae of plans, and nd the right (and hopefully a ordable) coverage. Thankfully, there are resources to help, including certi ed Medicare counselors like Greg Dill, who explains in this issue some of the ways to maximize bene ts and maintain coverage, and the HMO charts we publish in this annual “Health & Medicare” issue. More good news: Doctors and scien-

tists are making strides toward solving some of the puzzles and ailments of aging, such as detecting early the presence of proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease, making advances in skin cancer tests, and nding ways to improve bone health. We also cover some of that in this issue. We also caught up with game show host extraordinaire Bob Eubanks, who’s stopping in the Valley on the interactive Hollywood’s Greatest Game Shows tour. Sometimes, puzzles can be fun, especially if there are prizes – and an edge piece in the box. Correction: Our September 2017 issue did not include the Dave Munsey story featured on the cover. It’s in this issue. We regret the error.

Straus’ Place

The Amazing Feeling of Déjà vu

BY BILL STRAUS

I’m guessing that like me, you’ve experienced the feeling of déjà vu. After all, scientists and others that have studied the phenomenon conclude most of us have. It’s a powerful feeling – often exhilarating and creepy at the same time. As much as 70 percent of the population reports having experienced some form of déjà vu. A higher number of incidents occurs in people 15 to 25 years old than in any other age group, so for most of us, we’re way past our déjà vu peak. But what exactly is this amazing feeling? Dr. Judith Orlo , in Psychology Today, describes it as “a common intuitive experience that has happened to many of us. The expression is derived from the French, meaning ‘already seen.’ When it occurs, it seems to spark our memory of a place we have already been, a person we have already seen, or an act we have already done. Since déjà vu occurs in individuals with and without a medical condition, there is much speculation as to how and why this phenomenon happens. Some psychoanalysts attribute déjà vu to simple fantasy or wish

ful llment, while many psychiatrists ascribe it to a mismatching in the brain that causes the brain to mistake the present for the past. Additionally, déjà vu has been rmly associated with temporallobe epilepsy. People su ering a seizure can apparently experience déjà vu during the actual seizure activity or in the moments between convulsions. Many parapsychologists believe it is related to a past-life experience. Obviously, there is more investigation to be done.

MEPHISTO SCOTTSDALE | 7342 E. SHEA BLVD., SUITE 104 SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260

I have had two major déjà vu experiences in my life and maybe a dozen minor ones. The big ones are so memorable that I doubt I’ll ever forget them. The rst was when I was 11 or 12. My Aunt Jean took me to the Agua Caliente Racetrack in Tijuana. And despite never having visited a racetrack before, the moment I saw the layout, I was familiar with the whole scene. Oddly but comfortably familiar. Somehow, and I really don’t know how it was possible, I understood what was going on. I don’t know how much impact this had on me, but I do know that I have been a devoted fan of the game for 52 years and spent nine years working at racetracks.

The other experience was even stranger. I was visiting Catalina Island in 1984 and came upon the Catalina Country Club. We were walking up to the botanical garden there and I looked over at a building and just knew I had been there before… yet I certainly had not. I remarked to the group that I had to look inside to see if there were roses all over the room and sure enough, the walls of the dining room there were splashed with dozens of huge roses. I stood there for about 30 minutes in total puzzlement over the feeling of déjà vu I felt. Powerful. There are so many inexplicable phenomena that impact us. Déjà vu is among the most fascinating.

Local Opinions Sound O

Yesterday, I purchased stamps with J.F. Kennedy’s picture. I worked for him and other Democrats for years; however, the present Democratic party has forgotten working people and now caters to lesbians, homosexuals, transvestites, illegals, freeloaders and those who want big government to dictate how we live. Unfortunately, I see no worthwhile Democratic candidate on the horizon. As Mr. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” – heed his words, you liberal Democrats.

Did you know hearing is part of your health? Most People take it for granted, until they start missing conversation. Then hearing loss becomes a hearing problem. Here are signs your hearing is going.

1. You turn up the TV louder than others need it.

2. You think everyone mumbles, especially children.

3. You ask people to repeat themselves or say “huh” or “what” a lot.

4. You can’t hear your car’s turn signal.

5. Your family and close friends tell you that you’re not hearing them. (because they care about you)

The medical community has thought about how it can affect you - and the research has shown that untreated hearing loss is now associated with early dementia and other cognitive problems, depression due to feeling isolated, and an increased risk of falling. While you’re making a list of priorities for your new insurance plan, put ABHA on your to-do list to evaluate your hearing. We can help you keep your hearing health in good shape, and avoid the life changing problems that come with hearing loss.

Please

Seasonal landscape, season in motion, the failure to complete the job for bicyclists, presents a safety issue. Gravel and stone are introduced from these e orts and remain in the dedicated lanes. Hayden, north of Shea and Scottsdale Road, and north of E. McCormick Parkway, are examples. Clippings left behind can contain thorns and they puncture tires. Stones larger than one-inch diameter will ricochet from a motorist’s tires, and less often, strike a pedaler in the leg. Why can’t these work crews leave these areas as they found them? Debris-free. Sweep the street and leave it as you found it!

I would like to say whomever did the research on the “On the Road” on the RV resorts in the four corners states talking about Munds Park RV Resort, having just stayed there two weeks ago, I would like to point out that the community does have a swimming pool, laundry, showers, power hookups, dog park and general store but the swimming pool is certainly not available to RVers; that’s for people who live at the park only. The power hookups are available, but most of them do not have sewer hookups and one of them has to pay to dump, so I think it’s quite inaccurate leaving that out. Yes, there’s a laundry, there are showers, there’s a small general store, typical junk. I think you’ve given the place an A+ review, which is totally unworthy, plus it’s right next to the interstate, so it’s quite noisy, at least the area where the RVers park.

Ask Gabby Gayle Downsizing can be a big help to your kids

BY GAYLE LAGMAN-CRESWICK

This letter was in response to a letter last month from a person who was having a struggle with downsizing and getting rid of things.

Dear Gabby Gayle:

HOW TO DOWNSIZE: My parents put notes on every item in their apartment that said who the item was from; that item went back to the giver of the gift. If they had bought it, they decided who it went to. My two recent experiences are: 1) After a short illness, my ex passed away. Our children and six helpers spent a month of Saturdays trying to determine what his large estate and jack-of-all-trades tools and equipment were worth. They sorted and priced his furniture, art, and collectibles, Western clothing, boots, etc. I heard them quibble over who gets what. 2) As I helped them and saw the agony and work they had to go through, I said, “That will never happen with my meager belongings.” I went home, emptied closets, drawers, shelves and priced every single item, putting them in boxes sorted as to type, in preparation for a moving sale. Some things they did not even want, though I treasured them! I moved from 1,750 square feet to 550 square feet. Some things I miss and some I cannot remember even having. Hope these processes help many of your readers. Signed, No Name Requested

Dear No Name:

Thank you for writing. Over the years, I have received many emails on this subject. It is a hard thing for seniors to part with things they have treasured over a lifetime. I will reiterate: They are just things. Be glad you had them to enjoy and let them go. I downsized last year myself, and it was di cult. My dear daughter-in-law said, “Mom, if you don’t get rid of all this stu , we are going to have to do it when you are gone.” That did it for me. By the way, my kids wanted very little of my stu . They have their own stu ! Our stu only means something to us.

Dear Gabby Gayle:

Sometimes I am amazed at my fellow seniors. I frequently hear them complain about how they do not like

their doctor. So I ask them why they still go to him. They say something like, “Well, I have been going to him for 15 years and he knows my history.” Another friend says something similar about her hairdresser: “I don’t know why I still go to that gal; she always gets my hair too short and never listens to what I want.” It drives me crazy. If I don’t like something, I change it. I had a husband that was a real piece of work and I got rid of him. How many people are miserable in a marriage and just prefer to stay miserable? What is wrong with people??

Signed, Puzzled

ADear Puzzled:

I had to laugh because I have friends who do the same thing. I guess they are more afraid of the unknown than they are with the status quo. They worry, “What if my new doctor, hairdresser or husband is worse than this? Think I will just stick it out!”

Dear Gabby Gayle:

You are probably going to think I am terrible because my kids certainly do. My husband has Alzheimer’s disease, and I want to admit him to a memory care place. My kids think I should take care of him. They do not know what I have put up with for years and years. He was a womanizer from about the 13th year of our 50-year marriage. New woman every year. We had many ghts behind closed doors but put on a good front in front of the kids. I’m sure if we had a loving relationship, I would want to care for him as long as possible, but I simply do not feel I can, and I refuse to do it. What do I do now? I love my kids.

Signed, Unloving Wife

Dear Unloving:

You either need to explain your marital relationship to your kids or accept their anger. My guess is they know more than you think they do. Good luck.

If you have a question for Gabby Gayle, please email it to lagmancreswick@cox.net.

New device stops a cold as it starts

New research shows you can stop a cold in its tracks if you take one simple step with a new device when you first feel a cold coming on.

Colds start when cold viruses get in your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery.

But scientists have found a quick way to kill a virus. Touch it with copper. Researchers at labs and universities agree, copper is “antimicrobial.” It kills microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, just by touch.

sician’s Assistant Julie. “No more colds for me!”

Pat McAllister, 70, got one for Christmas and called it “one of the best presents ever. This little jewel really works.”

People often use CopperZap for prevention. Karen Gauci, who flies often,

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do.

Researchers say a tiny electric charge in microbe cells gets short-circuited by the high conductance of copper, destroying the cell in seconds.

Tests by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show germs die fast on copper. So some hospitals switched to copper touch surfaces, like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.

The strong evidence gave Arizona inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When he felt a cold coming on he fashioned a smooth copper probe and rubbed it gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold went away completely.” It worked again every time he felt a cold coming on. He says he has never had a cold since.

He asked relatives and friends to try it. They said it worked every time. So he patented CopperZap™ and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it. Nearly 100 percent said the copper stops their colds if used within 3 hours of the first sign. Even up to 2 days, if they still get the cold it is milder and they feel better.

Users wrote things like, “It stopped my cold right away,” and “Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“What a wonderful thing,” wrote Phy-

used to get colds after crowded flights. Though skeptical, she tried it several times a day on travel days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!”

Business owner Rosaleen says when people are sick around her she uses CopperZap morning and night. “It saved me last holidays,” she said. “The kids had colds going around, but not me.”

Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. She tried CopperZap. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had in years.”

The handle is sculptured to fit the hand and finely textured to improve contact. Tests show it kills germs on fingers so you don’t spread illness to your family.

Copper may even stop flu if used early and for several days. In a lab test, scientists placed 25 million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. No viruses were found alive soon after.

Some users also report success in stopping cold sores and warts.

The EPA says the natural color change of copper does not reduce its ability to kill germs.

CopperZap is made in Arizona of pure copper. It carries a 90-day full money back guarantee and is available for $49.95 at CopperZap.com or toll-free 1-888-411-6114.

Research: Copper stops colds if used early.

Features

Alzheimer’s STUDIES Aim to Treat Before It Starts

Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute want you to help nd a cure.

BY KERIDWEN CORNELIUS

Until recently, the strategy for tackling Alzheimer’s was a bit like the strategy for handling hurricanes: Clean up blowndown houses rather than build sea walls. Researchers tested therapies on individuals with cognitive impairment after the majority of their key memory neurons were decimated. More than 99 percent of potential Alzheimer’s drugs failed clinical trials, according to a 2014 study published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy

Now, in their quest to treat Alzheimer’s, researchers are seeking a novel group of recruits: people who don’t have Alzheimer’s.

“The idea that we can try to head o the symptoms before they begin was revolutionary three years ago but is now taking root in the research space as a practice that could become common in the future,” says Dr. Marwan Sabbagh, director of the Alzheimer ’s Disease and Memory Disorder Division at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix.

Associated Retina Consultants Welcomes Dr. Klein to our practice.

and diagnosis of conditions such as:

Macular degeneration

• Diabetic eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy and cystoid edema

• Retinal tears and detachments

• Ocular inﬂammation (uveitis)

• Macular surface abnormalities including macular pucker, macular hole and vitreomacular traction

• Retinal vascular diseases

• Retinitis pigmentosa

• Ocular tumors

• Retinopathy of prematurity and other pediatric eye diseases/conditions

• Inherited retinal dystrophies

• Retinal Electrophysiology including ERG, VEP, EOG, and multi-focal ERG

• Ocular manifestations of systemic diseases, ocular trauma and more

Currently, Barrow is recruiting people ages 65 to 85 with normal memory for an international trial called EARLY. Volunteers will be given a PET scan to screen for amyloid, a protein that clumps into plaque around neurons. Studies have found amyloid can begin to gunk up the brain 20 years before the symptoms of Alzheimer’s appear.

Participants who test positive for amyloid will be given a placebo or an experimental beta amyloid cleaving enzyme inhibitor (BACE) that attempts to reduce amyloid production. They’ll take the oral medication daily for about three years.

EARLY, also known as A5, is the sequel to A4 (Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s), an ongoing study that wound down recruiting at Barrow this summer. A4 is similar, except it’s testing solanezumab, an infusion-delivered drug that scavenges amyloid and removes it from the brain.

A4 and A5, along with three other preventive Alzheimer’s studies taking place around the world, aim to enlist thousands of participants. That’s challenging, since the majority of PET-scanned participants discover they don’t qualify because they test negative for elevated amyloid, Sabbagh says. “It’s the needle in the haystack approach, which the eld is still going to need to re ne.”

Eventually, scientists at Barrow and Arizona State University hope to create a “needle detector.” They’re developing a blood test that detects tau – another prime suspect protein in Alzheimer’s. In addition, ASU scientists are working on a blood test that could reveal signs of presymptomatic

per scan.

All these e orts will be necessary to triumph over this incurable disease that impacts 5.4 million Americans. “I’m very sure that one or many of these approaches will be successful,” Sabbagh says. “The idea that we can prevent or delay the onset of symptoms – 10 years ago I would have said, ‘You’re dreaming.’ Now it’s on our radar.”

However, Sabbagh stresses, “We need people to participate. That’s the only way we’re going to get answers and treatments… Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse. Now is the time to engage.”

To be screened as a possible participant, call 602-406-7165.

Alzheimer’s in RNA. Blood tests would be simpler and far less expensive than PET, which can cost $5,000

Serving the Valley since 1979.

Kendra A. Klein M.D.

Jaime R. Gaitan M.D. Matthew Welch, M.D. Benjamin Bakall, M.D., Ph.D. Rahul K. Reddy, M.D., MHS Henry M. Kwong, Jr. M.D. Stephen A.M. De Souza, M.D.

J. Shepard Bryan M.D. Alan J. Gordon M.D.

Dr. Marwan Sabbagh is director of the Alzheimer ’s Disease and Memory Disorder Division at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. (Photo courtesy Scottsdale Arts)

S“I’ve reviewed about 4,000 shows. None can compare to what I saw tonight.”

“An extraordinary experience.”

—Cate Blanchett, Academy Award–winning actress

hen Yun’s unique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the ﬁve millennia of traditional Chinese culture. This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most

— Richard Connema, renowned Broadway critic

“There is a massive power in this that can embrace the world. It brings great hope… It is truly a touch of heaven.”

—Daniel Herman, Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic

Tucson

distant past. You’ll explore realms even beyond our visible world. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms— classical Chinese dance—along with patented scenographical e ects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom.

“I was uplifted, I was ﬁlled with hope… The world is a better place because of Shen Yun.”

FEB 16–18

“Everything was larger than life. It’s one of the happiest evenings of my life. All my cares just disappeared, and I became one hundred percent positive thinking. ”

—Nancy Brock, former actress, associate producer

— Richard Swett, former U.S. Congressman Prices: $80–$165 Tickets: 800.880.0188 ShenYun.com /AZ Early Bird code: Mag18 Get best seats & waive service fee by Nov. 30, 2017 FEB 6–7

lkeda Theater 1 East Main St., Mesa, AZ 85201

SAGA Unfolds

Speakers announced for conference on aging

BY LLAF STAFF

Several experts on issues confronting seniors have been announced for the Senior Advocacy Group of Ahwatukee (SAGA) 2017 Senior & Family Conference, which is open to Chandler and other East Valley residents.

The free public conference will be 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th Street, Ahwatukee.

It will o er educational sessions with experts on aging, information on local resources, over 30 vendor exhibits, a u and pneumonia shot clinic, breakfast, snacks and ra e prizes.

“Often, older adults and their families don’t know how and where to nd information or services when they need them. SAGA gives the growing 65-plus population a place to go for help,” says Gregg Powell, a SAGA founder.

The conference theme is “Straight Talk! Ways to Combat Loneliness and Isolation

Today” and will o er presentations by local experts on topics related to aging and an interactive roundtable session to allow attendees to ask questions.

SAGA is a nonpro t comprising area businesses and individuals organized to bring needed resources, education and advocacy to seniors and their adult children and caregivers.

Keynote speaker will be Carol O. Long, CEO of Capstone Healthcare, who will discuss “The Secret Sauce for Successful

CATCH A SHUTTLE BUS TO GILA RIVER HOTELS & CASINOS!

Aging: What Are the Ingredients?”

Long will examine healthy aging and how to “rejuvenate and nurture the body, mind and soul. “

Long has presented end-of-life and palliative care training both nationally and internationally in the Middle East, South America, Australia and Asia. She is a fellow in the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association and a fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Nursing.

Special guest presenter will be Amanda Sokan, director of the MS Program in Clinical and Translational Science at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Department.

Sokan will discuss the important di erences between isolation and loneliness for older adults and caregivers and where to nd help.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to speak directly to area experts.

Roundtable presenters include Rev. Dr. Kristin Longenecker Hansen, pastor of Desert Foothills United Methodist Church in Ahwatukee, who will be hosting a session on “Hopeful Living: Navigating Aging and Change.”

“We spend so much of our lives creating a certain lifestyle and environment, but as we grow older, things can change, we may become ill and our bodies aren’t as resilient. I’ll be discussing how to positively manage these changes, our hopes and expectations – and still thrive,” Hansen says.

Donna Lewen, who has worked with aging adults and persons with disabilities for more than 25 years, will be facilitating “Ageless Spirit,” demonstrating ways to combine safe and e ective meditation, breathing and other techniques to foster psychological, physical and spiritual vitality.

Tina Pyykkonen of the YMCA will dis-

cuss innovative programs available to active seniors, including the LIVESTRONG program, which helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being following a diagnosis.

“This program is creating communities among cancer survivors and guiding them through safe physical activity, helping them build supportive relationships, and reducing stress – leading to an improved quality of life,” she says.

Dr. Vanessa McCarthy will discuss how to combat isolation and loneliness as the result of vision loss. “Loss of vision often leads to lost independence. Many lose the ability to drive or feel they can no longer participate in meaningful activities. I’ll be showing how low-vision therapies can help restore engagement driving, reading, seeing faces and even navigating unfamiliar environments,” McCarthy says.

Sponsors of the conference include Ahwatukee Foothills News, Generations at Ahwatukee, Visiting Angels South Phoenix, Spectrum Retirement Communities, Homewatch Caregivers of Phoenix and Tempe, Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee, Hospice of the Valley and Dispatch Health.

Walgreens also will be on hand to provide u and pneumonia shots for people with proof of insurance.

Conference attendees also will receive MedStats packets. MedStats is a special free program developed by SAGA for Ahwatukee residents to help save critical time by providing rst responders with health and contact information in the event of a medical emergency.

The conference is part of an ongoing educational series by the nonpro t. Space is limited. Register: sagaseniors. org. Information: 480-270-8276 or admin@sagaseniors.org.

Amanda Sokan, director of the MS Program in Clinical and Translational Science at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Department, will be a special guest presenter. (Photos special to LLAF)

Carol Long, CEO of Capstone Healthcare, will be the keynote speaker.

Donna Lewen will facilitate an “Ageless Spirit” demonstration.

Dr. Vanessa McCarthy will discuss how to combat isolation and loneliness as the result of vision loss.

On the Surface

Seniors are one of the largest demographics for getting skin cancer

BY DR. CARY SCHNITZER Senior Medical Director, Population Health, OptumCare Arizona

In Arizona, we experience triple-digit temperatures for months. While we don’t hang out outside during the summer months, any time that is spent outside can still be detrimental to our health. Unfortunately, many of us go outside without proper sun protection, which is why melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is also the most rapidly increasing cancer in the United States over the past 40 years.

While everyone is at risk for melanoma, the largest demographic at risk of getting the cancer is the elderly. There are multiple factors that impact this trend, including that the elderly may have a harder time seeing moles in hard-to-view areas for screening (like the scalp or back), loss of a partner’s input on home examinations, poor vision and the fact that early detection programs for melanoma have generally targeted younger age groups.

According to the EPA, about 171 people in Arizona die of melanoma every year. Since 1975, the melanoma death rate in Arizona has risen by an average of about 1 percent per year among residents over the age of 50.

Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the melanocytes, cells that make a brown pigment called melanin, which gives the skin its tan or brown color. Melanin protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Melanoma is caused by UV rays from sunlight or artificial sources such as tanning beds.

The good news is, melanoma is preventable and treatable. The keys are to avoid harmful UV rays from the midday sun (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), wear protective clothing and sunblock and get screened. If detected early, the cure rate for melanoma is around 95 percent.

All people, but especially seniors, need to pay attention and follow these steps (see sidebar) when it comes to the sun, UV rays and melanoma.

It’s time to break the cycle and prevent melanoma. Let’s make a conscious effort to stay protected.

Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours.

Wear a hat, sun glasses and clothes with UV protection.

Avoid midday sun (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) whenever possible. Seek shade whenever possible.

Get checked yearly or as recommended by your physician.

Avoid tanning beds.

See a doctor if a mole is bleeding, scaly, changing shape or color.

Examine your skin on a regular basis and follow the ABCDE rules. If a mole has these traits, it should be checked by a doctor:

Asymmetry: The mole is not symmetrical. Normal moles are symmetrical, meaning the left half matches the right half if you draw a line down the middle of the mole.

Border: The mole’s border is not smooth or even; it may have a notch or look scalloped.

Color: The mole’s color is varied – could be different shades of brown, black, or tan; may have red, blue and white.

Diameter: The diameter is larger than a pencil eraser (about 1/4 inch or 6 mm); rarely can be smaller.

Evolving: The mole is changing in size, color, shape or elevation or is bleeding, itching or crusting.

While everyone is at risk for melanoma, the largest demographic at risk of getting the cancer are senior patients. (Special to LLAF)

WHAT YOU RECEIVE IN CLASS

• 3 hours of interactive classroom instruction

• 30 minute optional Q&A

• Workbook covering all key concepts

• Comprehensive list of online resources and reading material

• Fillable budget worksheets

• Medicare Information Packet

• Estate Planning Guides

YOU RECEIVE AFTER CLASS*

• Social Security - Personalized 20+ page report detailing all available strategies available to you

• Portfolio Stress Test - Stress test of current portfolio against a repeat of 2008 and other custom scenarios you choose

• Taxes - Comparison of ROTH and non-ROTH options including costs, savings, and breakeven points

• Retirement Summary - Year-by-year cash ﬂow analysis including taxes, RMDs, inﬂation, expenses, sources of income, and any additional custom variables

• 401(k) Investment Strategy - Provides a “Win By Not Losing” strategy for those still working and saving into retirement plans

*Requires C.O.R.E. Discovery Sessions at no additional cost

SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE THURSDAY, 10/19 6:30-9:30pm TUESDAY, 11/14 6:30-9:30pm

Saturday, September 30th 8:30 am - 11:30 am

MESA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (SOUTHERN & DOBSON CAMPUS)

Thursday, October 19th 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

SATURDAY, 10/14 8:30-11:30am

Tuesday, November 14th 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

PARADISE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Saturday, December 9th 8:30 am - 11:30 am

SATURDAY, 11/4 8:30-11:30am

MODULE 1 TIME FOR A NEW MODEL

MODULE 2

RETIREMENT PLANNING

MODULE 3

MODULE 5 PROTECTING AGAINST MARKET LOSS

MODULE 6 ESTATE PLANNING / LONG TERM CARE

MODULE 7 HOW TO CHOOSE AN ADVISOR *Full syllabus available on website

RETIREMENT TAX STRATEGIES

MODULE 4

SOCIAL SECURITY PLANNING

Medicare 101

How Medicare covers some home health services and works with other insurance

BY GREG DILL

A couple of years ago, my father, well into his 70s, nally bought himself a highperformance automobile.

The kids and grandkids had all grown up, so there was no need for a larger car. And heck, he had waited a long time to drive something fun.

All was ne with the new car until my mother broke her hip, had surgery and needed extensive outpatient physical and occupational therapy.

Getting into and out of a sporty car isn’t easy for someone using a walker and cane. So I got a phone call asking what could be done. (Actually, I think he was angling for my new minivan, whose video screens would give him something to do during Mom’s therapy sessions.)

But I told him he didn’t need to take Mom to a clinic or hospital. As a Medicare bene ciary, she could receive most of the therapy in her own home.

Medicare covers a variety of health care services that you can get in the comfort and privacy of your home. These include intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology services and occupational therapy. Such services used to be available only at a hospital or doctor’s o ce. But they’re just as e ective, more convenient and usually less expensive when you get them in your home.

To be eligible for home health services, you must be under a doctor’s care and receive services under a plan of care established and reviewed regularly by a physician. He or she also needs to certify that you need one or more home health services.

In addition, you must be homebound and have a doctor’s certi cation to that e ect. Being homebound means leaving your home isn’t recommended because of your condition, or your condition prevents you from leaving without using a cane, wheelchair or walker; arranging special transportation; or getting help from another person.

Also, you must get your services from a Medicare-approved home health agency. If you meet these criteria, Medicare pays for covered home health services for as long as you’re eligible and your doctor certi es that you need them.

For durable medical equipment (like a

walker or wheelchair), you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount.

Skilled nursing services are covered when they’re given on a part-time or intermittent basis. In order for Medicare to cover such care, it must be necessary and ordered by your doctor for your speci c condition. Medicare does not cover fulltime nursing care.

Skilled nursing services are given by either a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse under an RN’s supervision. Nurses provide direct care and teach you and your caregivers about your care. Examples of skilled nursing care include giving IV drugs, shots or tube feedings, changing dressings and teaching about prescription drugs or diabetes care.

Before your home health care begins, the home health agency should tell you how much of your bill Medicare will pay. The agency should also tell you if any items or services it gives you aren’t covered by Medicare and how much you’ll have to pay for them.

This should be explained by both talking with you and in writing. The agency should give you a notice called the Home Health Advance Bene ciary Notice before giving you services and supplies that Medicare doesn’t cover.

What isn’t covered?

Some examples are:

• 24-hour-a-day care at home

• Meals delivered to your home

• Homemaker services like shopping, cleaning and laundry (when this is the only care you need and when these services aren’t related to your plan of care)

• Personal care given by home health aides like bathing, dressing and using the bathroom (when this is the only care you need)

If you get your Medicare bene ts through a Medicare Advantage or other Medicare health plan (not Original Medicare), check your plan’s membership materials. Contact the plan for details about how the plan provides your Medicare-covered home health bene ts.

If your doctor decides you need home health care, you can choose from among the Medicare-certi ed agencies in your area. (However, Medicare Advantage or

other Medicare plans may require you to get services only from agencies they contract with.)

One good way to look for a home health agency is by using Medicare’s “Home Health Compare” web tool, at medicare. gov/HHCompare. It lets you compare agencies by the types of services they o er and the quality of care they provide.

For more details on Medicare’s home health bene t, please read our booklet, “Medicare and Home Health Care.” It’s online at medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10969Medicare-and-Home-Health-Care.pdf.

How Medicare works with other insurance

If your family is anything like mine, everyone has a certain specialty or role in keeping the household running.

Since I wash dishes faster than anyone, I’m the family dishwashing expert. I’m also the point man for paying medical bills. My wife and I have separate health coverage, so I have to make sure our providers have the up-to-date information they need to accurately bill our respective insurance plans.

If you have Medicare as well as other insurance, always be sure to tell your doctor, hospital and pharmacy. This is important because it determines whether your medical bills are paid correctly and on time.

When there’s more than one insurance payer, certain rules determine which one pays rst. These rules are called “coordination of bene ts.”

The primary payer pays what it owes on your bills rst – and then sends the balance to the secondary payer to pay. In some cases, there may also be a third payer.

Medicare is the primary payer for bene ciaries who aren’t covered by other types of health insurance. The primary payer pays up to the limits of its coverage. The secondary payer only pays if there are costs the primary insurer didn’t cover.

But keep in mind that the secondary payer (which may be Medicare) may not pay all the uncovered costs.

If you currently have employer insurance and it’s the secondary payer, you may need to enroll in Medicare Part B before your job-based coverage will pay. (Most people who sign up for Part B for the rst time this year will pay a monthly premium of $134.)

Here’s who pays rst in various situations when you have Medicare and some other type of insurance:

• If you have retiree insurance (coverage from a former job), Medicare pays rst.

• If you’re 65 or older, have group coverage based on your or your spouse’s current employment, and the

employer has 20 or more workers, your group plan pays rst. (If the company has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare pays rst.)

• Your group plan also pays rst when you’re under 65 and disabled, have group coverage based on your or a family member’s current employment, and the employer has 100 or more employees. (Medicare pays rst if the company has fewer than 100 employees.)

• If you have Medicare because of end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure), your group plan pays rst for the rst 30 months after you become eligible for Medicare. Medicare pays rst after this 30-month period. Medicare may pay second if you’re in an accident or have a workers’ compensation case in which other insurance covers your injury or you’re suing another entity for medical expenses.

In such situations, you or your lawyer should tell Medicare as soon as possible. The following types of insurance usually pay rst for services related to each type: No-fault insurance (including automobile insurance)

Liability (including automobile and selfinsurance)

Black Lung Bene ts Worker’s compensation

Medicaid and TRICARE (the health care program for U.S. armed service members, retirees, and their families) never pay rst for services that are covered by Medicare. They only pay after Medicare, employer plans, and/or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) have paid. For more information, read the booklet “Medicare and Other Health Bene ts: Your Guide to Who Pays First.” You can nd it online at medicare.gov/Pubs/ pdf/02179.pdf. Or call us toll-free at 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) and ask for a copy to be mailed to you. TTY users should call 877-486-2048.

If you have questions about who pays rst, or if your coverage changes, call the Bene ts Coordination & Recovery Center toll-free at 855-798-2627. TTY users should call 855-797-2627.

You can also contact your employer or union bene ts administrator. You may need to give your Medicare number to your other insurers so your bills are paid correctly and on time.

Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Paci c Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT

October 15 – December 7

Open Enrollment occurs from October 15 to December 7 of every year and the Area Agency on Aging will help you nd your best Medicare options. If you enroll in a plan during Open Enrollment, your coverage starts January 1. In most cases, Open Enrollment is the only time you can change your Medicare, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan.

Review Your Options – Each year, Medicare bene ciaries, or those who will receive bene ts soon, should carefully consider how they get their Medicare bene ts; most people are allowed to make a change only during Fall Open Enrollment. Here is some tried-and-true advice for bene ciaries. The main point is Review Your Options!

If you have Original Medicare and a supplemental plan (often called a Medigap) and are happy with your coverage, you do not need to make a change—but you should still review your current coverage and know what has changed or is new.

If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you should review all of your coverage options even if you are happy with your current coverage , because plans change their costs and bene ts every year.

Read your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), since many plans make changes every year, and your current plan may not be your best choice for 2018. An Area Agency on Aging Counselor can help you review all of your options.

If you decide to enroll in a new plan, call the Area Agency on Aging at 602-264-HELP (4357) for no-cost help with your enrollment.

Things to Know About MEDICARE YOUR WAY

Medicare Comes in Two Ways –It’s Your Choice

• Original Medicare – Part A for hospitalization and Part B for doctor visits is provided through the Federal government.

• Medicare Advantage – Part C sold through a private insurance company includes coverage for hospitalization and doctor visits and some additional bene ts. Each plan is di erent.

You Share the Cost

• Your share is paid through your monthly premium, deductibles, co-pays or co-insurance regardless of the plan you choose.

Help With Your Share

• Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, sold by private insurance companies, can help with your out-of-pocket expenses.

Prescription Drug Help

• You can enroll in a Part D Prescription Drug Plan.

• Medicare Advantage Plans may include prescription drug coverage–be sure to check.

All States Are Not the Same

• Know the choices available in your state or region.

Know When to Enroll

• You can initially enroll in Medicare three months before your 65th birth month, during your birth month or up to three months after your birth month.

Review Your Choices Annually

• Medicare Open Enrollment is from Oct. 15 through Nov. 7 each year. This is the time to review your coverage and make any changes.

Healthy Aging

7 steps to better bones and a hearty heart

BY LAURA GLENN NMD at Rejuvena Health & Aesthetics

Eating well, exercising daily and drinking water seem to be the holy trinity of staying healthy, but after hitting the big 50, several other things should be kept in mind in order to age well.

Any doctor’s main concern with patients nearing this big milestone is bone strength and heart health. If you’ve lived an active and healthy lifestyle, then these two areas might not be much of a concern, but it does not mean you should disregard them completely.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, one in two Americans over the age of 50 may be at risk for developing the bone disease osteoporosis, which renders bones brittle and weak. Osteoporosis is the most common cause of fractures, and the risk of fracture increases with age, particularly for women. An estimated four in 10

women in the U.S. age 50 or older will experience a fracture some time during the remainder of their lives.

These fractures stem from inevitable accidents and falls that, at a younger age, might have seemed completely inconsequential. Similarly, the symptoms of heart disease begin to manifest after age 50, so take caution to keep your ticker as strong as possible.

At Rejuvena Health & Aesthetics in Scottsdale, I explain the most important ways to maintain good bone density, strength and overall wellness. Following these seven steps in a solid routine can ensure your body stays as healthy as possible.

Step 1: Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These ingredients can help protect your health, and speci cally your heart.

Step 2: Maintain good balance to prevent

falls. Older adults should continue to exercise regularly and engage in exercises that work on balance skills (tai chi, yoga, etc.).

Step 3: Getting enough sleep is vital at any stage. Those who don’t receive su cient rest have a higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes and depression. Sleep gives your body uninterrupted recovery time from the day’s stressors, so don’t skip it. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Step 4: Older adults who have osteopenia (a condition in which the body doesn’t make new bone as quickly as it reabsorbs old bone) or osteoporosis need to be particularly mindful of ensuring appropriate (but not excess) calcium consumption from food and maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels. Remember: Milk is not the only source of calcium –green leafy vegetables are a great source. Supplemental calcium can be bene cial, particularly calcium supplements that contain microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC).

Step 5: Get regular screenings and tests to know exactly how your body is reacting to these changes. Testing blood pressure, cholesterol levels and for diabetes can let you know if you need to make changes and take action. Bone density scans

should be done regularly in adults 65 and older, and can gauge how well treatment is working.

Step 6: Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women can also help minimize further decline in bone density, but bene ts only occur during treatment years and are not maintained when hormones are stopped. Consult with a medical professional about the risks and bene ts of hormone replacement therapy.

Step 7: This might seem obvious, but staying tobacco-free and moderating alcohol intake are crucial. Remember: With age, the body loses its ability to cope with these chemicals, which can result in much more serious health complications, including cancer.

It’s important not to look at these tasks as chores, but instead as healthy habits. Keeping up with all of them can be the di erence between living a happy and healthy life, or living in pain and being bedridden.

Dr. Laura Glenn is a naturopathic physician at Rejuvena Health and Aesthetics in Scottsdale, specializing in women’s health, hormonal imbalances, fertility, fatigue, gastrointestinal conditions, autoimmune and chronic diseases. Her goal is to support the body’s ability to heal, and optimize function and wellness. For more information, visit werejuvenate.com.

“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.

Different Strokes

Retired weatherman Dave Munsey finds a second calling with the YMCA, teaching water safety to families.

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Each night before Dave Munsey retired, he ended his Fox 10 weather report with, “Watch your kids around water.” He didn’t realize this message worked until he left the workforce earlier this year.

Munsey was on the air for 42 years. “I announced my retirement on a Thursday,” says Munsey during an interview at the Goodyear YMCA pool.

“That Saturday was the first time I was able to open my phone. My wife (Bunny) and I went to a restaurant. We had some wine. She was talking to some people we knew in there. She looked over and I was crying my eyes out. The messages were so personal – so personal.”

Nearly all of the messages correctly repeated his trademark line, he says. Some also shared stories of relatives who drowned. Others just admired the work he had done to promote water safety.

One organization that recognized Munsey’s efforts was the Valley of the Sun YMCA, which recently launched Safety Around Water, a program that teaches

parents, caregivers and children about the importance of water safety skills and providing Arizonans access to water safety lessons.

It includes a new national swim lesson curriculum and it aims to impact 35,000 individuals. Armed with these skills, children learn how to reach the water’s surface if they become submerged, safely reach a pool’s edge, exit any body of water and respond to unexpected water situations.

The Valley of the Sun YMCA contacted Munsey and its officials and the former weatherman shared ideas. Still, Munsey wanted to be sure it was the right fit. When he’s approached about potential partnerships, he wants them to “fight the fight.”

“I was just looking to retire,” Munsey says. “I wasn’t looking to do anything other than that.”

“At Channel 10, when people would ask me to appear in water safety ads, I would sit down with management and say, ‘How serious are you? Do you want to make money off dead babies or are you serious?’

“That was the big thing with me. The YMCA is a wonderful place to be, with its history of water safety, boating, life jackets and CPR training. They have years and years of this in their background.”

Munsey explains there are benefits beyond safety to swim lessons. It instills confidence in children, and gives adults the chance to swim with their families. For 37 years, he encouraged adults to watch their kids around water. He knows that doesn’t happen all the time – there are distractions, drugs and alcohol can be involved, food is burning on the stove.

Why look older than you have to? Dental Implant Therapy can improve your quality of life.

T“I tell them to at least teach their kids to swim, then they have a chance,” he says emphatically. “We had an ad once where we said, ‘If you’re missing a child, don’t go to the street.’ They have a chance in the street. That pool will kill your child before it has the chance to think.

“Always go to the pool first. Teach your kids to swim. Why not give him the chance he has in the street? That’s our extra layer of protection.”

In August, the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona honored Munsey during its annual awards breakfast, which recognizes those who make a difference in drowning prevention.

“Dave Munsey has been telling Arizona viewers to ‘Watch your kids around water’ after each and every weather forecast for decades,” says DPCA President Melissa Sutton. “Although we are unable to track the impact of this simple statement, we know countless lives have likely been saved.”

On Munsey’s last day at Fox 10, he stood at his computer and watched emails and social media messages pop up. His boss stopped by. Munsey turned to him and said, “I think I’ve made a little movement here. I think people noticed me in town.” His supervisor responded, “Dave, you’ve made a great big dent.”

Dr. Kevin Gasser

he human condition mandates that we must subject ourselves to certain aspects of aging that are often unavoidable. However, there are some outcomes that are self-inflicted and not really a necessary component of the natural aging process. There is an insidious epidemic that negatively affects the facial appearance of millions of Americans and it is related to the dramatic and aggressive jaw bone shrinkage that follows tooth loss. It is common knowledge that many people suffer from the loss of bone density related to ailments like osteoporosis. However, the general public is almost completely unaware that after teeth are removed from the human jaw, the rapid and severe loss of bone often progresses undetected by the patient until the consequences become evident years or decades later. Without the stimulation of teeth in the

jaw bone, the bone actually ‘melts like soap in a soap dish’ and nothing can stop the progressive bone loss except for dental implants.

People commonly understand that dental implants replace missing teeth rarely comprehend that dental implants also stimulate and therefore preserve jaw bone! The loss of jaw bone leads to a loss of associated muscle attachments that normally support the face. As the bone ‘melts away’, these muscle attachments lose their connection and the result is the unwanted classic sunk-in facial image of the ‘toothless ole lady’ with the ‘witches-chin’ appearance. This outcome is not normal aging but in fact, the unfortunate result of missing teeth and the bone loss that followed their removal.

It is imperative that people who have lost teeth or are going to lose teeth are informed that the bone will shrink away for life unless dental implants are placed in the bone to preserve it. Frequently, people that have dentures for years or even decades demonstrate severe bone loss that can cause severe instability and looseness for removable dentures that cannot

be resolved with adhesives. These patients can end up as ‘dental cripples’ in their final years because the bone is gone and the dentures are unwearable. Furthermore, they often don’t have the bone for dental implants at that stage of advanced bone loss.

Using the advanced technology of dental implants and sedation dentistry, our implant focused dental practice can deliver a life transforming procedure that will restore comfort, function and a cosmetically pleasing appearance while also preserving the normal facial anatomy so the patient can remain confident in social circumstances. Too often, patients wait

too long to take action! “Maybe it will go away” is actually accurate in this case, unfortunately the bone will go away!

Gasser Dental has been “Arizona’s First Choice for Dental Implants” for more than 30 years. For more information on how to preserve your jaw bone and facial support, call 623-972-8217 or visit drgasser.com Gasser Dental Implants is located at 17220 N. Boswell Blvd. Ste. 200W, Sun City, AZ 85373.

Dave Munsey was recently honored by the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona. (Special to LLAF)

Maximum Period of Coverage for Any One Benefit

Skilled Nursing Facility

Medical Coverage for Part B

Outpatient Care

Physician care for hospital or office services, surgery, anesthesia, X-ray, laboratory, injections, splints, casts, dressings, physical and speech therapy, radiology, ambulance, prosthetics, etc.

HMOs Which Assume Responsibility for Medicare Coverage

per

for

1-7 in plan hospital; same cost sharing for non-plan hospital with prior authorization (di erent cost sharing applies to inpatient mental health).

days in calendar year.

$20 per day for days 1-10 in plan skilled nursing facility; $20 per day for days 11-20; $165 per day 21-100 in plan SNF; same cost sharing for non plan skilled nursing facility with prior authorization. No prior hospital stay required. Each stay: $0 copay $0/day: days 1-20: $167/day: days 21-100

$20 per day for days 11-20; Included

$165 per day 21-100 in plan SNF;

$0 Copay for routine nurse practitioner visits / $0 copay for PCP / $0 Copay for specialist Laboratory:$0 copay / physical therapy: $0 copay / X-ray: $0 copay / $0 copay for routine podiatry every three months / $195 copay for ambulance $0 copay for DME if $499 or Less

Physician care for hospital or o ce services: In PCP o ce $0: In specialist o ce $30, Physical therapy and speech therapy $30, home health $0, lab services in physician’s o ce $0: HospOP/ASC facility $20, X-ray services $0, prosthetics 20 percent, ambulatory surgical center (ASC) $0 for colorectal, $0 for colonoscopy, and $150 all other ASC services ambulance ground $250, ambulance air $250, radiation therapy 20 person, MRI, CT, PET: $150 at CMG or contracted Facility. 20 person for nuclear medicine studies.

HMOs Which Assume Responsibility for Medicare Coverage

Medical Coverage for Part B Members must continue to pay Medicare Part B premium. Members must continue to pay Part B premium to Medicare Covered in full after applicable copayments/coinsurance.

Outpatient Care

Physician care for hospital or office services, surgery, anesthesia, X-ray, laboratory, injections, splints, casts, dressings, physical and speech therapy, radiology, ambulance, prosthetics, etc.

Outpatient Prescription Drugs

Physician care for Hospital or O ce services: In PCP o ce $0: In Specialist o ce $25, Physical therapy and Speech therapy $25, Home Health $0, Lab services in Physician’s o ce $0: HospOP/ASC facility $20, X-ray services $0, Prosthetics 20%, Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) $0 for colorectal, $0 for colonoscopy, & $150 all other ASC services Ambulance Ground $200, Ambulance Air $200, Radiation therapy 20%, MRI, CT, PET: $150 at CMG or contracted Facility. 20% for nuclear medicine studies.

One Month Supply: Tier 1 (preferred generic drugs) $2, Tier 2

$0/$20 PCP o ce visit* - $25 Specialist o ce visit - $20 labs/ freestanding in network - Well Dine/meals after hospital of SNF stayAmbulance $265 - Hearing aid Bene t - $399 Flyte Series -$699 Flyte Series - MD Live Telemedicine $10 per encounter - XRAY $0-$100 - *$0 PCP copay for “Preferred Cost Share Provider” - $20 PCP copay for “Standard Provider”

Plan 1: $0 Preventative Screenings. $0 copay for PCP and $45 for specialist. $80 for emergency care, waived if admitted, and 20% for DME. $230 for ambulance - air and land. Outpatient hospital and outpatient surgery is $285. Lab copay $2. Xrays $9. Copays and coinsurance count toward the out of pocket max of $4,900. Plan 2: $0 Preventative Screenings. $0 copay for PCP and $30 for specialist. $80 for emergency care, waived if admitted, and 20 % for DME. $150 for ambulance - air and land. Outpatient hospital and outpatient surgery is $225. Lab copay $2. Xrays $8.Copays and coinsurance count toward the out of pocket max of $4,000.

Entertainment

‘When

you rest, you rust’ Bob Eubanks brings game shows to life in traveling show

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Bob Eubanks has been involved with rodeos, concert production and motivational speaking. But what he loves most is bringing the 90-minute Hollywood’s Greatest Game Shows to fans.

The interactive fun comes to Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino’s Ovations Live Showroom on Saturday, October 28.

“I have so much fun,” says Eubanks, the longtime host of The Newlywed Game. “It’s myself and two ladies on stage. It’s a very high-tech show. We use videos, and the scoring for The Not-So-Newlywed Game is up on a screen.

“It’s not just thrown together. There’s lots of music and lots of fun. I have more fun than anybody, I think.”

Hollywood’s Greatest Game Shows invites more than 40 audience members to the stage to play games similar to “Let’s Make a Deal,” “Card Sharks,” “Minute to Win It,” “Name that Tune” and “Family Feud.” Fans will have a shot to win $1 million.

“The show features nine di erent games,” he says. “It’s 90 minutes of hilarity. We use 42 contestants on stage. Nobody is chosen ahead of time, so everybody has an equal chance to be up there.

“At the end, someone will have the chance to win $1 million. We pray to God that they win it. We would love to have someone win it. I’ve had so many people tell me, ‘I didn’t make it on the stage, but I’ve had more fun than I’ve had in a long time.’”

Eubanks is synonymous with game shows. He says he isn’t the one who makes the programs successful.

“To me, a successful game show host is somebody who takes yourself out of the equation,” he says. “When I started The Newlywed Game, I would sit in the dressing room with four couples ready to bare their soul for a toaster.

“I would say, ‘OK, you guys, we’re going to go out there and have fun.’ I had nothing. I would sit with those couples before the show and ask them questions about their lives and their marriage. I was just a conduit between the audience and the couples.”

Bob Eubanks is synonymous with game shows. (Special to LLAF)

He adds that many hosts, and especially comedians, have a rough time when constants are funnier than them. Eubanks can make people talk, and that de nes a successful game show host.

Born in Flint, Michigan, and raised in California, Eubanks is a bit of a renaissance man. He participated in rodeos, where he met his good friend, Valley automobile dealership mogul Tex Earnhardt.

“Tex Earnhardt is a very good friend of mine,” he says. “That’s no bull.”

During most of the 1960s, he produced concerts, including Merle Haggard at the Arizona State Fair, and Glen Campbell when “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” was a hit.

He booked The Beatles for multiple shows in Los Angeles in the 1960s. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four’s North American circuit, he tours with Bob Eubanks Presents The Beatles, through which he shares memorabilia and memories.

“The only other concert promoter in Los Angeles turned them down,” he says. “He was used to paying $10,000 for Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. The Beatles wanted $25,000. He said, ‘No way.’ I stepped forward, borrowed it on my house and presented The Beatles shows at the Hollywood Bowl in 1964 and 1965, and the 1966 show at Dodger Stadium.”

Besides bringing Hollywood’s Greatest Game Shows to fans, Eubanks works as

a motivational speaker. He focuses on enhancing people skills, team building, relationships, ethnic diversity and the use of humor as a communication skill.

“I do a speech called It’s All About People,” Eubanks says. “It’s a very funny one-hour talk. I play outtakes of The Newlywed Game to make my point.”

He says he feels that Hollywood’s Greatest Game Shows is one of his greatest accomplishments. And he has no qualms about continuing to work.

“A friend of mine said, ‘If you rest, you rust,’” he recalls. “What I do is about as far away from work as you can possibly be and still earn a living. It’s just so much fun.

“With Hollywood’s Greatest Game Shows, I get into town, the couples have a great time. Everybody on stage wins a prize. I’m rooting for them all the way. I would love for someone to win the $1 million. The odds are a heck of a lot better than the lottery. With the show, when you have di erent contestants, you have a di erent show every time. That’s what makes it fun.”

MORE INFO

What: Hollywood’s Greatest Game Shows hosted by Bob Eubanks

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, October 28

Where: Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino’s Ovations Live Showroom, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler

Cost: $30-$55

Info: 800-946-4452, wingilariver.com

Calendar of Events

Entertainment

October 1 Sunday

Ahwatukee Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ahwatukee Community Swim and Tennis Center parking lot, 4700 E. Warner Road, Phoenix, free admission, http://bit.ly/2f00wj2. The market features vendors selling seasonal produce, herbs, ﬂowers, locally made jams, jellies, salsas, fresh-baked breads, natural pork, beef and ﬁsh.

October 2 Monday

Parkinson’s PWR!Moves 2, noon to 1 p.m., repeats October 9, October 16, October 23 and October 30, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, $5, free for members, registration required, 480-481-7090, healthandﬁtness@vojcc.org.

October 3 Tuesday

Let’s Knit, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, free, 480-481-7033, harrietc@vosjcc. org.

Parkinson’s Boxing, noon to 12:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, $70, $50 for JCC members, registration required, 480-481-7015, healthandﬁtness@vosjcc.org. This 45-minute class improves stamina, speed, coordination, postural imbalances and encourages deep breathing.

Parkinson’s PWR!Moves 1, noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, $5, free for JCC members, 480-481-7090, healthandﬁtness@ vosjcc.org.

Tai Chi with Roxanne Reynolds, 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 685 S. Dobson Road, Chandler, call for charge, reservations required, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com.

October 4 Wednesday

Ladies Community Chit and Chat Group Breakfast Meeting, 9 a.m., Oakwood Country Club in the alcove of the Stone and Barrel Restaurant, 25379 S. EJ Robson, Sun Lakes, call for charge, reservations required by October 1, 480-802-0775. Share your ideas and talents with new friends and old friends.

Chair Yoga, 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 685 S. Dobson Drive, Chandler, call for charge, reservations required, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com.

Let’s Talk Current Events Discussion Group, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, free, reservations required, 480-481-7033, harrietc@vosjcc.org. Bill Adler leads the discussion.

East Valley Friends and Neighbors, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., repeats the ﬁrst Wednesday of each

Calendar ...continues on page 23

Calendar...continued from page 22 Calendar

month, Grace United Methodist Church, 2024 E. University, Mesa, free, 480-848-5146, evfanaz.org. A nonreligious and nonpartisan group, East Valley Friends and Neighbors invites residents who wish to get better acquainted with others.

Tai Chi, 1 to 2 p.m., repeats October 18, Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 5810 W. Beverly Lane, Glendale, call for charge, reservations required, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com.

October 5 Thursday

Ostomy Support Group, 2 p.m., Banner Boswell Medical Center, 13180 N. 103rd Drive, Sun City, free, reservations required, 623-582-2446.

Parkinson’s PWR!Circuit 3, noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, $5, free for JCC members, reservations required, 480-481-7090, healthandﬁtness@vosjcc.org.

Green Building Program, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale, free, reservations required, 480-3121700. Anyone considering retroﬁtting their home for energy-efﬁcient features can learn which ones might be important for their home.

October 6 Friday

Valley Engineering, Science & Technology Club Luncheon Meeting, 11:30 a.m., Briarwood Country Club, 20800 N. 135th Avenue, Sun City West, $20, reservations required, 623-544-0942, engineersaz.com. Dr. David Shprecher, movement disorders director at Banner Sun Health Research Institute, will discuss “Progress and Hope Through Parkinson’s Disease Research.”

Let’s Dance!, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Palm Ridge Summit Hall, 13800 W. Deer Valley Drive, Sun City West, $8, $6 members, reservations required, 602-679-4220, rocknroll.scwclubs.com. Host and DJ Kort Kurdi spins the greatest hits from the 1950s and 1960s.

October 7 Saturday

Downtown Mesa Festival of the Arts and Farmers Market, formerly known as MACFest, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., repeats October 21, on Macdonald Street, off Main Street, in downtown Mesa, free admission, drmesafest.com.

Bacon and Beer Classic, 1 p.m., Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale, $49$79, baconandbeerclassic.com. Explore the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants while indulging in all-inclusive suds and grub. Sample more than 50 craft beers from regional breweries, eat over 25 original bacon dishes and unlimited bacon strips, play giant Jenga and cornhole, compete in a bacon-eating contest and more.

Hillcrest Dance and Social Club, 7 to 9:30 p.m., R.H. Johnson Social Hall, 19803 R.H. Johnson Boulevard, Sun City West, hillcrest.scwclubs.com, $6, $4 members. Midnight Moon provides the entertainment.

CUSTOM-BUILT

Karaoke Night, 6 to 9 p.m., Sunland Village Auditorium, 4601 E. Dolphin Avenue, Mesa, 480832-9003, $2 at the door.

Mac and Cheese Fest, noon to 7 p.m., Scottsdale Waterfront, 7134 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, $15 (general admission) and $75 (VIP), macandcheesefestaz.com.

Arizona Coyotes vs. Las Vegas Golden Knights, 6 p.m., Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, nhl.com/coyotes, tickets start at $24.50. The Arizona Coyotes’ ﬁrst home game may feel strange without retired team legend Shane Doan on the starting roster for the ﬁrst time in two decades. This season-opening game is something special, though. It’s against the new Las Vegas Golden Knights.

AZ Battle of the Brews, 5 to 10 p.m., Historic Downtown Glendale, 58th and Glendale avenues, $25-$100, glendaleﬁreﬁghterscharities.com.

Arizona Battle of the Brews brings together craft beer, music, food and games. It features a home-brewing competition, judged by patrons, with firefighters and police officers from around the state. The winner gets a trophy and title of Arizona’s Best Public Service Home-Brewed Beer.

October 8 Sunday

Million Dollar Quartet with Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins Impersonators, 3 p.m., Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, $55-$125, 800-946-4452, wingilariver.com.

October 9 Monday

Prostate Cancer Support Group (USTOO), 7 to 9 p.m., Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 685 S. Dobson Drive, Chandler, call for charge, reservations required, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc. com.

The Sun Lakes Democratic Club Meeting, 7 p.m., Sun Lakes Country Club’s Navajo Room, 25601 E. Sun Lakes Boulevard, Sun Lakes, free, 480-2003322. The speakers are U.S. Senate candidate Deedra Abboud, and Kiana Sears, who is running for Arizona Corporation Commission.

October 10 Tuesday

Ostomy Support Group, 6 p.m., Elite Home Healthcare Services, 2140 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix, free, reservations required, 602-246-8221.

Tai Chi with Roxanne Reynolds, 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 685 S. Dobson Road, Chandler, call for charge, reservations required, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc. com.

Western Dance, 6 p.m., Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, $3, reservations required, 480-312-5810.

Calendar ...continues on page 24

Calendar of Events

Calendar...continued from page 23

Sun Lakes Republican Club Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Sun Lakes Country Club’s Arizona Room, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Boulevard, Sun Lakes, free, 480802-0178, slgop.org. AZ Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Yee will discuss “Preserving Liberty,” while Christina Sandefur, executive vice president of the Goldwater Institute, will talk about “Litigating for Liberty.”

October 11 Wednesday

Cancer Support Group, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., repeats October 25, Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 5810 W. Beverly Lane, Glendale, free, registration required, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc. com.

Chair Yoga, 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 685 S. Dobson Drive, Chandler, call for charge, reservations required, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com.

October 12 Thursday

Lymphoma Support Group, 6 to 8 p.m., Ironwood Cancer and Reserch Center, 8880 E. Desert Cove Avenue, Scottsdale, free, reservations required, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com.

October 13 Friday

Parkinson’s Support Group, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, free, 602-406-3840. Those with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers meet and share resources and support. It is facilitated by Patty Hatton, CTRS, from the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute.

Chair Yoga, 2 to 3 p.m., repeats October 27, Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Avenue, Scottsdale, call for charge, reservations required, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc. com.

Four Peaks Oktoberfest, 5 p.m. to midnight, repeats noon to midnight October 14, and noon to 6 p.m. October 15, Tempe Town Lake, 80 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, free with VIP packages available for purchase, fourpeaksoktoberfest.com.

October 14 Saturday

Hillcrest Dance and Social Club, 7 to 9:30 p.m., R.H. Johnson Social Hall, 19803 R.H. Johnson Boulevard, Sun City West, hillcrest.scwclubs.com, $6, $4 members. The Breeze provides the music at the Oktoberfest-themed dance.

Arizona Taco Festival, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., repeats October 15, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, $12-$100, aztacofestival. com.

October 15 Sunday

What a Night! Jersey Boys Meets Mamma Mia, 3 p.m., Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, $15-$30, 1-800946-4452, wingilariver.com.

October 16 Monday

Let’s Retire, 11 a.m. to noon, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, call for charge, 480-481-7033, harrietc@vosjcc.org. Join David Cohn, retired business owner and investment banker, as he shares his wealth of knowledge for ﬁnding your passion in giving back and planning for a rewarding retirement.

October 17 Tuesday

Let’s Appreciate Art, 11 a.m. to noon, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, free, reservations required, 480-481-7033, harrietc@ vosjcc.org. This month, the group explores Woman in Gold: The Art of Gustave Klimt.

Readers’ Theatre, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, call for charge, 480-599-7198, janet. arnold@jfcsaz.org, jfcsaz.org/creativeaging. The class is taught by Janet Arnold, who has more than 30 years’ experience as an actress, director and producer. The class explores the methods of bringing characters to life with voices and simple movement.

October 18 Wednesday

Tai Chi, 1 to 2 p.m., repeats October 18, Ironwood

Cancer and Research Centers, 5810 W. Beverly Lane, Glendale, call for charge, reservations required, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com.

Chair Yoga, 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 685 S. Dobson Drive, Chandler, call for charge, reservations required, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com.

Taste of Cave Creek, 5 to 9 p.m., repeats October 19, Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, tickets start at $10, tasteofcavecreek. com.

October 19 Thursday

Ostomy Support Group, 12:30 p.m., La Casa de Christo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, free, reservations required, 623-5804120.

Let’s Eat: Mature Mavens Dinner, 5 p.m., call 602371-3744 for more information. Make new friends as you meet for dinner and socialize. Dinner is separate checks.

Discussion with the Rabbi, 11 a.m. to noon, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, free, reservations required, 602-492-7670, chani@ sosaz.org. Gather to chat with Rabbi Levi Levertov for a stimulating discussion on an issue relevant to Judaism in contemporary society.

Storytelling Class, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays for eight weeks, JCC of the Northwest Valley, 12202 N. 101st Avenue, Sun City, call for charge, 480-599-7198, janet.arnold@jfcsaz.org, jfcsaz.org/creativeaging.

October

20 Friday

Caregiver Connect Event, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Bellevue Heights Church, 9440 W. Hutton Drive, Sun City, free, reservations required, 623-5844999, benevilla.org. This free educational event is aimed at providing caregivers with support and education that will help them navigate the many challenges of caregiving. There will be seven presentations. There will be coffee and light refreshments in the morning and a free box lunch provided by Birt’s Bistro. Caregivers will have the opportunity to collect free resources from more than 40 community vendors. A Benevilla C.A.R.E.S. resource specialist will also be available for oneon-one support.

Let’s Dance!, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Palm Ridge Summit Hall, 13800 W. Deer Valley Drive, Sun City West, $8,

$6 members, reservations required, 602-679-4220, rocknroll.scwclubs.com. Host and DJ Kort Kurdi spins the greatest hits from the 1970s and 1980s.

October 21 Saturday

Downtown Mesa Festival of the Arts and Farmers Market, formerly known as MACFest, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Macdonald Street, off Main Street, in downtown Mesa, free admission, drmesafest. com.

Karaoke Night, 6 to 9 p.m., Sunland Village Auditorium, 4601 E. Dolphin Avenue, Mesa, $2 at the door, 480-832-9003.

Dogtoberfest, 9 a.m., Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale, free with one dog food donation to support the Vista Del Camino P.E.T. pantry, reservations required, 480312-1700. Get local resources for your furry friend.

Hillcrest Dance and Social Club, 7 to 9:30 p.m., R.H. Johnson Social Hall, 19803 R.H. Johnson Boulevard, Sun City West, hillcrest.scwclubs.com, $6, $4 members. Michael and Manuel provide the music.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Daughters Shreda-Thon, 9 a.m. to noon, Our Lady of Lourdes Church Parking Lot, 19002 N. 128th Avenue, Sun City West, donations accepted, 623-584-2327. A shredding truck will be on site to securely and safely dispose of documents.

October 22 Sunday

October 23 Monday

Survivor Group, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 685 S. Dobson Road, Chandler, free, reservations required, 480-3146660, ironwoodcrc.com.

October 24 Tuesday

Schmooze & Pastry with Chani, 11 a.m. to noon, Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, free, 602-492-7670, chani@sosaz.org. Enjoy homemade pastries and warm conversation

Calendar ...continues on page 25

Calendar of Events

Calendar...continued from page 24

on a variety of topics led by Chani Levertov.

Frankenstein Program, 6:30 p.m., Scottsdale Civic Center Library Auditorium, 3839 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, free, reservations required, scottsdalelibrary.org. Anthropologist Sharonah Frederick presents tales of this 16th-century alchemist.

Tai Chi with Roxanne Reynolds, 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 685 S. Dobson Road, Chandler, call for charge, reservations required, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc. com.

October 25 Wednesday

Chair Yoga, 10 to 11 a.m., Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 685 S. Dobson Drive, Chandler, call for charge, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com.

October 26 Thursday

Is There Dust on Your Trust?, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Benevilla Surprise Campus, 16752 N. Greasewood Street, Surprise, free, reservations required, 623584-4999, Benevilla.org. This free educational workshop is aimed at giving seniors support and education regarding their choices in home care when the time comes. Expert speakers will provide attendees with options for staying independent at home as health changes arise either with themselves or a loved one. Light refreshments will be served.

Great AZ Challah Bake, 6:45 p.m., Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, free, registration required, 602-469-1606, shabbatprojectaz.com.

October 27 Friday

Chair Yoga, 2 to 3 p.m., Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Avenue, Scottsdale, call for charge, registration required, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc.com.

October 28 Saturday

Catholic Daughters Annual Spaghetti Dinner, 3 to 6 p.m., Prince of Peace St. Michael’s Hall, 14818 W. Deer Valley Drive, Sun City West, $10, 623-3224139. Ticket price includes spaghetti and meatballs plus salad, breadsticks, cake, lemonade and tea.

Halloween Dance, 7 to 10 p.m., Sunland Village Auditorium, 4601 E. Dolphin Avenue, Mesa, $7, 480832-9003. Guilty Pleasures will perform.

Hillcrest Dance and Social Club, 7 to 9:30 p.m., R.H. Johnson Social Hall, 19803 R.H. Johnson Boulevard, Sun City West, hillcrest.scwclubs.com, $6, $4 members. Bobby Freeman and Charlene will perform at the Halloween-themed dance. Costumes are optional.

Healthy Brain Expo II: How to Keep Your Brain Young, Active and Strong, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Building B, Scottsdale, $20 in advance, $30 at the door, 480-488-1090, azfcf.org. This half-day event focuses on positive aspects of engaging the brain

to keep you young, active and strong.

Scottsdale’s Fall Festival, 5 to 9 p.m., Eldorado Park Ballﬁelds, 2311 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale, free admission, scottsdaleaz.gov. Bring the grandkids and take a trip through the Haunted Forest, win candy at game booths and tots area and enter a costume contest.

Goodyear Oktoberfest, 5 p.m. to midnight, Phoenix Goodyear Airport, 1658 S. Litchﬁeld Road, Goodyear, $65, oktoberfestgoodyear.com. In a new location for 2017, Goodyear Oktoberfest will be much larger than last year. The event will feature all-you-can-eat Bavarian food, an Oktoberfest beer mug and even a German Oktoberfest band from Munich.

Hollywood’s Greatest Game Shows, 8 p.m., Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 800.946.4452, wingilariver. com, $30-$55. Attend the show starring Bob Eubanks and have a chance to win $1 million.

October 29 Sunday

Grape Arizona Wine Event, 1 to 5 p.m., Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth Street, Phoenix, $30-$75, grapearizonawineevent.com. Besides the more than 10 participating local wineries, beer will be involved. The three Arizona breweries who will be serving suds are Mesquite River Brewing, Mother Bunch Brewing and Wren House Brewing Company. The event is sponsored by Phoenix Rotary 100 Charities.

October 30 Monday

It’s National Candy Corn Day!

October 31 Tuesday

Tai Chi with Roxanne Reynolds, 4:30 to 5:15 p.m., Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 685 S. Dobson Road, Chandler, call for charge, registration required, 480-314-6660, ironwoodcrc. com.

My Father’s Retirement Ranch has been serving the West Valley since 1979, oﬀering a variety of options for Senior Living. When you become part of our Community, you can expect to be treated as part of our “Ranch Family”.

We are but a short walk to shopping,

public library, movie theatre, restaurants, and a wealth of community services and businesses. You will ﬁnd physical therapy and beauty shop services on site. Golf, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, rodeo, and other recreational opportunities are just minutes away!

• Located in the heart of Prescott on 16 lush acres

• Garden apartments available with walk-out patios

• Beautiful nature park

• Pet friendly walking paths and fenced in dog park area

• Underground parking available

• Restaurant style dining

• Voted “Best of the Best” for 14 years running - proven quality

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

• Assisted living apartments with professional and personal care

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

ﬂoor

Delicious & nutritious meal program in a fine dining setting available Safe & Secure

Lemon Grove offers a quaint, cozy and beautifully maintained community, friendly neighbors, resident social activities and an exceptional staff to assist you or a loved one looking for that special place to call home.

83 One Bdrm Apts. Including four ADA accessible units. Spacious units – approx. 600 sq. ft.

Excellent closet/storage space

Secured building access • Small Pets permitted

Kivel apartments, located in east central Phoenix on a beautifully landscaped campus are specifically designated for income qualified individuals over 62 who want to live independently, with or without assistance, in a well-maintained community with great neighbors!

Each apartment has:

• Kitchen with a stove/oven, full size refrigerator with plenty of freezer space and lots of cabinets

• Spacious bathrooms with grab bars and emergency call pullcords

•Off-duty police security patrol

•24-hr emergency call system

•Automatic ﬁre alarm & sprinkler system

Numerous Social and Recreational Options

•On-site media center & theatre

•Bingo, cards, crafts

•Exercise & Tai Chi

•Discussion groups & book clubs

•Kivel bus for shopping & outings

Kivel Manor is a HUD community where rent is only 30% of adjusted gross income. Included in the rent are all utilities— electric, heat, AC, water, sewage and garbage along with basic cable.

Kivel campus offers a variety of amenities:

• Hair care salon

• Theatre where residents enjoy movies

• Mini-mart for those little things you might need!

• Attractive dining room serving affordable, delicious and nutritious meals. Dietary laws observed.

• On-site dental clinic

• Media center with high-speed internet access

Living at Kivel Manor you can keep active with participation in the many and varied activities arranged by our experienced Activity Staff.

• Bingo is a favorite event but card games, book clubs, crafts, painting classes along with discussion groups offer stimulating and fun things to do.

• Monthly outings aboard the Kivel bus and weekly shopping trips too!

There is a model apartment waiting for you to see so, give Donna a call now at (602) 443-8039 to schedule an appointment!

The annual “Open enrollment period is here. This 7-week window starting on October 15th and ending on December 7th will allow you the opportunity to learn what changes are being made to your current plan, explore other options available to you and choose a new plan if necessary.

PETER YARROW

LUDOVICO EINAUDI

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA With Chick Corea

MONDAY, NOV 27 &

TUESDAY, NOV 28,

Strings Attached

Urban Electra turns classic rock songs into rockin’ classical jams.

BY NIKI D’ANDREA

“Play some Skynyrd! Freebird!”

It’s not unusual to hear somebody drunkenly bellow this familiar heckle at a rock ‘n’ roll show, especially toward a band that primarily plays cover songs. It’s less likely to hear it directed at a string quartet – unless that quartet is Valley-based Urban Electra, in which case, “Freebird” is a frequent request. So is the Charlie Daniels Band’s “Devil Went Down to Georgia” and the Johnny Cash classic “Orange Blossom Special.”

Unlike a traditional string quartet, which consists of two violinists, a viola player and a cellist performing mostly Baroque and Classical music, Urban Electra turn their strings onto classic rock and contemporary alternative rock songs. “We play cover tunes by artists that the average American knows – Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, or something more modern like Muse or U2,” explains Urban Electra violinist Carrie Caruso, who also arranges all the band‘s covers for strings. “We pick music to hopefully

connect with every age group, [and hope] that someone will like at least one song we perform that we’ve arranged.”

Urban Electra plans to play a plethora of crowd-pleasers when they kick o the seasonal Sips and Sounds free concert series at the SHOPS at Gainey Village the evening of Friday, November 2. Visitors to the village can browse the boutique shops before the event (which runs from 6 to 8 p.m.), and then enjoy free sodas while Urban Electra plays tunes by artists such as the Beatles, the Cranberries, Coldplay and even Eminem. Food will be available for purchase from several of the village’s restaurants, including Drexyl, Urban Kitchen, Soi 4 Bangkok Eatery, Pomo Pizza Napoletana, Hash Kitchen and The Living Room.

“I think people love entertainment, especially if it’s free, and if there’s something else there, like a wine tasting or some shopping,” says Caruso, who played with Urban Electra at Gainey Village last year but will be performing

Urban Electra plans to play crowd-pleasers when they kick o the seasonal Sips and Sounds concert series at the SHOPS at Gainey Village. (Photos courtesy Bridges Media Group)

Growing up in Detroit around a musically inclined family, Caruso began playing instruments at a very young age, rst tinkering by ear on the “beat up” family piano in the dining room and eventually starting violin lessons in school when she was 10. A couple of years later, she began taking private violin lessons, and in 1994, she moved to Arizona, where she began performing freelance gigs and studied under the late Dr. Frank Spinosa at ASU.

Formal classical music training can be an intense experience requiring endless hours of listening and analysis, and it was such saturation, Caruso says, that attracted her to rock and roll, R&B and other modern music styles. “You’re really immersed in classical music literature, especially when you’re attending a school of music. You have to listen to classical music, you’re analyzing cassical music, and if I never hear… another Beethoven piano sonata, that would be just ne with me,” she says with a laugh. Her siblings also held some sonic sway. “I’m the youngest of ve children, and my oldest brothers are 11 and 12 years older than me,” Caruso says. “Growing up in the ‘70s, that was a major

Cloud Creations

in uence, because I always heard the classic rock. I just really enjoyed that era – the ‘60s and ‘70s in rock ‘n‘ roll –and surprisingly, it translates very well for a string quartet.”

But rearranging classic and modern rock, pop and hip-hop songs for classical instruments isn’t as straightforward as plugging into an ampli er and reading sheet music. Caruso typically takes the bass guitar in a song and turns it into cello parts, translates rhythm guitar, keyboard or piano parts into viola or second violin and rewrites lead vocals or primary melody for rst violin.

a regular, driving bass rhythm, which is fairly simple in rock ‘n‘ roll, but R&B and hip-hop tunes get a little more interesting for the bass line.”

Caruso’s Urban Electra bandmates – violinist Ikuko Kanda, cellist Melanie Yarger and viola player Verrona Grandil – also are classically trained players who bring a sleek edge to their craft, capable of rendering the Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” into a suspenseful, foot-stomping string jam and morphing Muse’s “Uprising” into a symphonic gallop. One of Caruso’s favorite songs she’s arranged and enjoys performing is Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters.” “That’s kind of a dark piece, but it’s very emotional in the way the arrangement keeps true to the original form of Metallica’s piece, being instrumental,” she says. “It’s been very fun to really create some dissonance and resolutions, to really keep that emotion.”

“To really give it a nice original twist – and interest for the audience so they don’t really know who’s going to be playing what – I like to give a solo or

a verse or a chorus or feature all the members in each of our shows, so each member is just as important as the rst violin,” Caruso says, adding, “So the bass player – or the cello player, in this case – doesn’t get too bored just playing a bunch of ‘footballs,’ as we call them, whole notes or quarter-notes or just

Fans will be pleased to know Caruso has arranged “Orange Blossom Special” (“with a twist of ‘Crazy Train’ by Ozzy Osbourne in there,” she says) as well as “Devil Went Down to Georgia” for performances this season. She hopes to debut them live in the spring.

“Freebird” is still not in their repertoire.

Urban Electra’s album Beautiful Nightmare was released in 2014. (Photos courtesy Bridges Media Group)

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Y0040_GHHHXCFTE18_51 Accepted

Trivia Contest

Time to put on your thinking caps

BY KENNETH LAFAVE

October, the tenth month of the year, has 31 days, is the first full month of autumn, and culminates in the holiday we call Halloween. It has two birthstones, opal and tourmaline, and its flower is the relatively obscure calendula. The name comes from the Latin for “eight,” since for the ancient Romans, it was the eighth month. October is National Cookie Month, National Pizza Month, and National Seafood Month. I don’t know about you, but two foods of the month are enough, so I pick, hmm, let’s see, cookies and pizzas. The tilapia can wait.

More U.S. Presidents were born in October than in any other month. They are: John Adams, Rutherford B. Hayes, Chester Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and

Chubby Checker, Groucho Marx, St. Francis

Questions:

In October of 1976, Chinese authorities arrested a group it called “The Gang of Four.” Whose widow was a member

What philosopher, born on Oct. 15, predicted the 20th century would see “wars such as there have never been

What October-born literary figure said, “There is only one thing worse than being talked about, and that is not

For October, two readers in Tucson and two readers in Phoenix will win a certificate for a

September Winners:

The winners each received a one-night

TUCSON

Kenneth Unwin

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!

of Assisi, Kelly Ripa, Lee Harvey Oswald, Simon Cowell, Kate Winslet, Jesse Jackson, John Lennon, Charlton Heston, Eleanor Roosevelt, Brett Favre, Margaret Thatcher, Eminem, Mickey Mantle, Carrie Fisher, Pablo Picasso, Minnie Pearl, Leon Trotsky, Bill Gates, Jane Pauley and Dizzy Gillespie were all born in October, demonstrating yet again that people born in the same month exhibit similar personality traits.

In the early history of television, October was the typical month for premiering a new series. Among the October debuts: Captain Kangaroo (1955); The Mickey Mouse Club (1955), The Twilight Zone (1959), the Andy Griffith Show (1960), and the Dick Van Dyke Show (1961).

October is rife with history. How many questions about October events can you answer?

On Oct. 26, 1881, Wyatt Earp, two of his brothers and “Doc” Holliday gunned down four people in what was called the “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.” Despite the name, however, the fight actually took place near a photography studio belonging to what then-well known photojournalist?

Oct. 31 is Halloween, but it is also the date on which a certain important event happened in the history of religion in Europe, sparking huge changes in the Roman Catholic Church. Who was the man at the center of this event?

Paul Hayes September Answers: 1 2 3 5 4

The Rolling Stones did its first tour in September of 1963, opening for two headlining artists. One was the Everly Brothers. Who was the other?

BO DIDDLEY

What pastry was invented in September of 1683, to celebrate the victory of Vienna over the Ottoman Empire? THE CROISSANT

What hero of the American Revolution was hanged in September of 1776?

NATHAN HALE

According to historians, Sept. 6, 1963 saw the 100,000th game in professional baseball history. One of the teams was the Cleveland Indians. Who played against them?

THE WASHINGTON SENATORS

On Sept. 9, 1956, who appeared on TV’s The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time? ELVIS PRESLEY

Casinos

Casino Arizona at Salt River

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Casino Arizona at Talking Stick

9700 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale (866) 877-9897

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Cli Castle Casino

555 Middle Verde Rd., Camp Verde (800) 381-7568

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Fort McDowell Gaming Center

Beeline Hwy (SR 87) and Fort McDowell Rd. (800) 843-3678

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Lone Butte Casino 1200 S. 56th St., Chandler (800) 946-4452

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Vee Quiva Casino 51st Ave and Estrella, Laveen (800) 946-4452

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Wild Horse Pass Casino

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Tinseltown Talks

L.Q. Jones re ects on Hollywood journey

BY NICK THOMAS

For over 50 years, L.Q. Jones was a familiar character actor in some 100 lms and hundreds more television shows. Lanky, tough and athletic, he could tackle any role although was often cast as the heavy in Westerns and dramas, projecting the bad guy image with merely a sinister smirk or a menacing twinkle in the eye.

On August 19, Jones turned 90, and two days later hosted a showing of The Wild Bunch at Grauman’s (now the TCL) Chinese Theatre. Born and raised in Texas as Justus McQueen, he lost his mother to a car accident as a young boy and went into the care of relatives.

“I was born in Beaumont, although they may try to disclaim me. But it’s too late now!” Jones says from his home in L.A. “We moved around quite a bit, to Houston to Dallas to Oklahoma City, back to Beaumont, and nally Port Neches. I had a horse by the time I was 8 or 9, and

grew up around tough rodeo people –my uncle was into roping – so Westerns were easy and fun.”

In college, at the University of Texas at Austin, his roommate for over a year was Fess Parker. While the future Daniel Boone actor moved west to Hollywood, Jones headed south and took up ranching in Nicaragua. When Parker sent his buddy a copy of Leon Uris’ war novel Battle Cry, which was about to be lmed, Jones thought one character could be his ticket to fame and was encouraged by Parker to come out to Hollywood.

“Within two days of arriving, I had the part of L.Q. Jones in Battle Cry and probably would never have been in the business had it not been for Fess.”

Despite lacking Hollywood experience, Jones had worked some comedy acts during college to help pay the bills, so he played the comic relief character in

the 1955 war drama like a veteran.

After adopting his screen character’s name, the lad from Texas quickly settled into Hollywood and soon became a favorite supporting actor in Sam Peckinpah’s lms such as The Wild Bunch

“Sam was a genius and I loved him, but he was a basket case. He drove everybody nuts.”

That was evident during the production of Major Dundee with Charlton Heston.

“Heston was using a real saber for one scene. Sam made him so mad, Chuck came within an eyelash of cutting Sam in two – and it scared Chuck because he damn near did it. Sam found a way to get under your skin to get what he wanted

out of you.”

Jones calls The Wild Bunch a “hell of a movie,” but believes Peckinpah’s Ride the High Country was “the best Sam ever made, just gorgeous to watch, although I cry like a baby at the ending.” He says it’s “one of the best Saturday afternoon Westerns you could ever sit and watch over a bowl of popcorn.”

And while he had a few lead roles in lms, Jones was content as a supporting actor. “I suppose I could have worked my way up the acting food chain, but character work was very rewarding and great fun. I loved playing the heavies because I could do what I wanted and got to work with the best in the business, so I consider myself very lucky.”

L.Q. Jones over the years (left to right): in Buchanan Rides Alone (1958, Columbia), Major Dundee (1965, Bresler Productions) and The Patriot (1998, Interlight). (Special to LLAF)

Strother Martin, L.Q. Jones (top bunk) and Robert Ryan in The Wild Bunch (1969). (Photo courtesy Warner Bros.)

L.Q. Jones, right, clowning around in his rst lm, Battle Cry (1955). (Photo courtesy Warner Bros.)

Puzzle page brought to you by

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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.

25 Utah city

27 Elmer Fudd’s weapon

29 Ink producers 31 Cottontail

35 Trumpet part

37 Mexican entree

38 Up to the time that 41 Doctrine

43 Evergreen variety 44 Midday

45 Psychotic, for short 47 Jack Webb series

49 Recipient 52 Type squares 53 Sib

54 Villainous look 55 Scoundrel 56 Train component 57 Aquarium favorite DOWN 1 Pirates’ potable

Blackbird 3 Hosiery style 4 Fuss 5 “Beezer” 6 Centers 7 Dies -8 Freedom, for short 9 Churchly council 10 Source of annoyance 11 Rose oil

Owing 19 Jeopardy 21 Go a-courtin’ 22 Curved line 24 Carte lead-in 26 Not idle

New

Chum 32 Gun attachment 33 Lemieux milieu 34 AAA job 36 Champ 38 Hypnotized

39 Bellini opera

40 Drink to 42 Center 45 Antitoxins

46 Region

48 Peacock network

50 Always, in verse

51 Historic period

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

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!

Alyeska Exploring the Great Land

BY ED BOITANO

Alaska is a big place. With over 3,000 rivers and more than 100,000 glaciers, the state is one- fth the size of the continental United States and two-and-a-half times the size of Texas. A colleague in the cruise industry once said to me, “First you do all the other cruises, then you do Alaska.” She was right. With its pristine ords, sweeping glaciers and endless snowcapped mountains, an Alaska Inside Passage cruise is a tough act to follow. But for me, the cruise experience is also about returning to former ports of call for land packages, which allows more quality time at the state’s remarkable towns and destinations. It can be a daunting task, with vast expanses of wilderness encompassing Alaska’s millions of acres of national parklands and wildlife refuges, many of which are accessible only by boat, train or plane. Fortunately, many cruise companies o er add-on land packages as well as separate ones devoid of a cruise. While exploring the destinations below, it became abundantly clear why the Aleut People refer to the state as “Alyeska,” which means “the great land.” Ketchikan: There’s a saying that only the people in Ketchikan travel to Seattle for

Skagway: Located on the northern tip of the Lynn Canal, Skagway was born as the land entryway for thousands of goldcrazed miners to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. The town is well-preserved and rich in gold rush history. My pick: a trip aboard the vintage White Pass & Yukon Route railway, for a train journey back into time.

the weather. Sure, it can be wet, but a light rain slicker will do the trick when visiting the “Salmon Capital of the World.” If it’s a shing excursion you want, this is the place for it. My own personal pick is a tour of the Totem Heritage Center, which features a collection of carved totem poles and carving demonstrations.

Juneau: Spread along Gastineau Channel, Juneau is the only U.S. capital city inaccessible by road. A trip to Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular excursion, but my pick is the 1,800-foot tramway ride to the top of Mount Roberts for wildlife viewing platforms, Juneau Raptor Center and breathtaking views.

Sitka: My personal favorite of all Alaska’s destinations, Sitka is nestled on Baranof Island and o ers an amazing mix of Tlingit Indian, Russian and American history and culture. The attractions are endless. My pick: Sitka National Historical Park. The 113acre coastal park features the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center, plus beaches, hiking trails and scores of totem poles.

Fairbanks: Based 120 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks is the ideal venue to experience a real living history, highlighted by the majestic midnight sun. As the bustling capital of the north, it has the widest temperature swings in the U.S. My pick: an excursion on a Riverboat Discovery sternwheeler, with a stop at an Athabascan village, for traditional shing, hide tanning and dog sledding demonstrations.

Denali National Park: Denali National Park and Preserve is 6 million acres in size. Larger than the state of Massachusetts, it is one of the world’s last great frontiers for wilderness adventure. Established as a national park in 1917, it remains largely wild and unspoiled, just as the native people knew it. At 20,320 feet, Mount McKinley is the highest mountain in North America and the centerpiece of the park. The mountain was named for President William McKinley, but today it has reverted back to its original Athabascan name of Denali – “the high one.”

Talkeetna: A locale that’s perfect to just bask in the beauty, Talkeetna also offers shing, nature and oat tours, white water rafting and base camp for climbing “the high one.” My pick: a helicopter ride above Denali/Mount McKinley. To experience such a heaven’s view was like being there at the moment of creation.

Anchorage: Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage boasts all the urban pleasures of ne dining, shopping, nightlife and worldclass museums. My pick: the 26-acre Alaska Native Heritage Center, which provides a fascinating insight into the arts, customs and lifestyles of the ve distinct native cultures found in Alaska. Most planes depart for the lower 48 from Anchorage, and it’s not a bad way to end an exploration to Alyeska, the great land.

Visit travelalaska.com for more info.

View from a helicopter of majestic Denali (formerly Mount McKinley). (Courtesy Deborah Roskamp)

Iconic St. Michael’s Cathedral has long been the symbol of Sitka. (Courtesy Sitka Tourism)

THE WINTER TRAVEL PLANNER

NORTH TO ALASKA, RVS, SKIING, WINTER DESTINATIONS, TREKS & TOURS

v Compiled by Ed Boitano

NORTH TO ALASKA

CORDOVA — Off the beaten path, and worth the journey. Cordova, Alaska is an authentic commercial ﬁshing town nestled in the heart of a spectacular wilderness, shaped by its dramatic natural setting, rich cultural heritage and colorful residents. In 2018, let Cordova become your base of operations for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. Go hiking, ﬁshing, birding, boating, kayaking, or travel to other parts of the state. (907) 424-7260 or www.cordovachamber.com

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 Alaska. Contact Joni Notagiacomo in Los Angeles at (800) 600-4548 or www.luv2cruz.com

GRAY LINE ALASKA offers a wide variety of Alaska tours from local experts. Our diversity of Alaska vacation options will bring you unforgettable memories. Breathtaking scenery, wildlife, glaciers and mountains are just a few of the perks you may experience when traveling with Gray Line Alaska. Choose from post or pre cruise options as well as guided and independent travel packages. Book early and save $600 per couple on select tours! Visit graylinealaska.com or call 1-800-544-2206 for reservations.

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.” (800) 789-4782 or www.Kodiak.org

PUFFIN INN is conveniently located near the Ted Stevens International Airport and Lake Hood, just ten minutes from Downtown Anchorage, shopping, flight seeing, fishing and more. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Puffin Inn has four distinct room styles to suit your needs. Enjoy a morning newspaper, free WI-FI and complimentary continental breakfast. Free Airport shuttle available. Book now at 800-478-3346 or www.puffininn.net

SOLDOTNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER - Enjoy the best of Alaska out your doorstep in Soldotna - Alaska’s Kenai River City. World-class ﬁshing, wildlife viewing (including bear viewing), ﬂightseeing, scenic riverwalks, hiking trips, fabulous accommodations, shopping, gourmet dining more await you. while exploring the Kenai Peninsula, you’ll enjoy the very best of Alaska. Get your FREE Soldotna Recreation Guide today. (907) 262-1337 or www.VisitSoldotna.com

TOGIAK RIVER LODGE— Located in Togiak, we are all about the ﬁshing, 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

To advertise in this section, contact Ed Boitano at 818.985.8132 or Ed@TravelingBoy.com

King Salmon fishing, fly fishing Silver Salmon, and Trophy Rainbow Trout fishing that people travel to Togiak 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

ARIZONA

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 800.292.6344

THE RED FEATHER LODGE is located one mile from the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim entrance. Affordable, contemporary lodging and a friendly staff to assist you with area information. Two buildings comprise the Red Feather Lodge: The MOTEL is a two-story building with an outside entrance to each room. The HOTEL has interior corridors, an elevator, and rooms with refrigerator and microwave. All rooms have a coffee maker, cable TV, and free

Wi-Fi. Seasonal outdoor heated pool and spa. The MOTEL is Pet friendly. (800) 538-2345; www.redfeatherlodge.com

SKY RANCH LODGE - Surrounded by Sedona’s magical beauty, Sky Ranch Lodge invites you to linger at our ‘Oasis in the Sky.’ Here, you can enjoy our horizon-to-horizon view of an endless blue sky. From Sky Ranch Lodge, you drink in the beauty of the red rocks as you enjoy the quiet serenity of 6.5 acres of beautiful gardens and our stunning swimming pool. Overlooking Sedona,

Sky Ranch Lodge is 500 feet higher in altitude than Sedona. We offer an array of accommodations including kitchenettes, units with ﬁreplace, and stand-alone cottages. Come up and see. 888.708.6400 or www.skyranchlodge.com

HAWAII

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

CONDOMINIUM RENTALS HAWAII has been managing 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) 367-5242 or select your fabulous condo online at www.crhmai.com

CALIFORNIA

DOLPHIN BAY RESORT & SPA— Escape the ordinary and visit Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in beautiful Pismo Beach. Spend your winter on the water! With 60 spacious 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

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

OAKDALE TOURISM & VISITORS BUREAU - FIND YOUR COUNTRYWhether you’re just passing through or are looking for a laid-back getaway to

kick up your boots, try rustic Oakdale on for size. We’re the Cowboy Capital of the World, chock-full of farmland, fresh and artisan foods, hiking trails and handmade crafts. And, of course, top-of-the-line cowboy hats, horse riding lessons, and the Annual Western Festival (ﬁrst weekend of October.) Oakdale’s got something that folks from all around can enjoy. Now is the time to FIND YOUR COUNTRY! (209) 345-9264 or www.VisitOakdale.com

THE VILLA CAPRI BY THE SEA – Is a charming boutique hotel with on-site concierge management in the tradition of ﬁne small European hotels. Nestled in Coronado, this historic property is conveniently located opposite the Hotel Del Coronado and the Paciﬁc Ocean. Standard rooms include a king size “sleep therapy” pillow top bed, microwave/fridge, Wi-Fi, cable TV and air conditioning. Full kitchen suites are also available. Guests can walk to shops, restaurants, golf, tennis and theatre. Daily, weekly or monthly rates offered. (619) 435-4137 or www.villacapribythesea.com

UTAH

CANYON SERVICES – Experience your mountain get-away at Alta/ Snowbird Utah. Your vacation memories are waiting to be made in one

of our great homes or condos! Enjoy easy access to Alta Ski Area and Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort. Our properties give you spectacular views, access to skiing, and close proximity to Salt Lake City events! With just a day drive to many National and Utah State Parks, this location is perfect for your winter vacation or extended stay! (888) 546-5708 or www.CanyonServices.com

LOGAN, UTAH boasts four seasons of fun off the beaten path. This beautiful high mountain valley offers stunning fall colors mid-September through mid-October. Book now for winter fun. Ski at two resorts, rent snowmobiles or take a wagon ride through a herd of elk. It’s only a 10 minute drive from downtown to hiking and ﬁshing in the Wasatch Cache National Forest. Check out our Signature Products and Foodie Trek, worldclass performing arts, Utah State University sports, living history and so much more. Just 90 minutes north of Salt Lake City and 4.5 hours from Yellowstone. (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. Ru-

by’s Inn is open year-round 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

LATIN AMERICA

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 Ama-

With a rich cowboy heritage & small, western town feel, Oakdale, California is a must stop attraction. Our hospitality is truly “the west at its best.”

zon 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

WESTERN EXPERIENCES

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

RV

THE 65TH ANNUAL RVIA CALIFORNIA RV SHOW is the largest RV Show in the West, featuring 1,400 RVs from hundreds of brands, for guests to explore and purchase. The show, which takes place October 6-15 at the LA Fairplex in Pomona, CA is the longest running RV Show in the country. Spread over 1.2 million square feet of

exhibit space, The California RV Show is the ULTIMATE OPPORTUNITY to shop for your new RV whether you are looking at getting into the RV Lifestyle for the first time or you are a seasoned RV Pro looking to upgrade your unit. Along with our 1,400 RVs of every brand and type on display, a Manufacturer Factory Representatives is onsite, working alongside local dealers to answer any questions on production and features that you may have. Multiple dealers will be competing for your purchase, so it is the ideal place to take advantage of discount pricing and manufacturer incentives that are frequently only available during the show. We will also feature an Exhibitor Tent filled with campgrounds, tourism associations, RV related products and much more! The show is packed with live music, four food courts, free Ferris Wheel rides (compliments of KOA) and the opportunity to ‘meet and greet’ your favorite sport celebrities! Hollywood celebrity, Mario Lopez, and Estrella TV & Radio personality, Don Cheto, will also be available for autographs and selfies! Admission is $15 for adults and kids under 17 and military families get in free. Multi-day adult passes are $20 and $1 off coupons are available. To purchase tickets, view all show seminars, celebrities and exhibitors, or book online, visit TheBestRVShow.com, or email info@TheBestRVShow.com

NEVADA TREASURE RV RESORT – Come and enjoy the most beautiful, well manicured RV resort in Nevada. You and your party will feel spoiled by

the staff, activities and attractions. The RV sites can accommodate large rigs with slides, and are close to the clubhouse and spectacular waterfall featured in pool area. 5-Star amenities include: 204 manicured RV sites, two-level swimming pool, ﬁtness center, full bar & grill and more. (800) 429-6665 or www.NevadaTreasureRVResort.com

OASIS LAS VEGAS RV RESORT - Experience the exciting environment of Las Vegas’ most spectacular RV resort. The Oasis Las Vegas, with its tropical “Casablanca” theme, helps guests relax in sunny Las Vegas by day and see the bright city lights by night. The resort is conveniently located just south of the Las Vegas Strip, only ﬁve minutes from the main hotels. If you are seeking an RV resort that offers numerous champagne-class amenities, affordable luxury and superb customer service, contact us today. (800) 566-4707 or www.oasislasvegasrvresort.com

OUTDOOR RESORT OF INDIO is an active, social, class A motor coach resort, located in Southern California’s Coachella Valley. Start your day with an early morning aqua-ﬁt class, have breakfast at our café, enjoy a game of tennis, and then explore ﬁne art in La Quinta, or enjoy the old world elegance

of Palm Springs. Your active denim to diamonds adult lifestyle is highlighted by friendly neighbors, dinner dances, and endless warm winter sunshine. So stay for a week, or the season, and experience luxury the way it was meant to be at Southern California’s ultimate motor coach resort. (800) 892-2992 or www.orindio.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 a general store, children’s arcade, restaurant, Laundromat, heated pool, bicycle rentals and miniature golf course. The resort offers the ideal location for wineries, golf or Hearst Castle. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort was awarded the 2007/2008 National RV Park of the Year. (888) RV-BEACH or www.PismoCoastVillage.com

High Lonesome

Conservation and preservation at a Colorado ranch

BY ANDREA GROSS

by Irv Green

To say that High Lonesome Ranch, located in the high mesas of northwestern Colorado, is immense is an understatement. With nearly 400 square miles of leased and permitted land, it’s bigger than 25 of the nation’s 59 national parks.

To say it’s lonesome requires some elaboration. It’s not lonesome in the sense of barren, although vegetation is sparse due to the dry climate and high altitude (5,000 to 9,000 feet). But the endless vistas are interspersed with valleys of green, thus creating a landscape both open and welcoming.

It’s also not lonesome in the sense of empty. There are animals aplenty – deer, elk, bear, moose, antelope, mountain lion, bighorn sheep and, more recently, wolves, which returned to Colorado after a 70-year absence.

But the ranch is lonesome in the sense of secluded. Although it’s just a few miles from Interstate 70, the main route across the Rockies, stars shine undisturbed by passing lights, and the night silence is broken only by the rustle of a tree or the distant sound of an animal.

there are rarely more than 20 guests per week.

The decision to open the ranch to wannabe cowboys was as idealistic as it was practical.

Obviously it makes good business sense to bring in paying guests, but more than that, says general manager Scott Stewart, “We want children to experience and appreciate the great outdoors. They are the policy makers of tomorrow, and we want them to understand the importance of land conservation and preservation.”

But while the ranch wants to attract guests and spread its message, seclusion and privacy

My group of 20 was a diverse lot. We ranged in age from 4 to 74, in home location from Colorado to Connecticut and in ability from horse-savvy to horseshy. Our trail boss took pains to t each of us with a horse that had the right temperament as well as the right t. I told her that I wanted a horse that knew what to do, because I didn’t. “No problem,” she said, and she asked one of the wranglers to bring out Giant Bob, who, she said, was

“slow and steady.”

Pretty soon we were all in the arena, ready for our orientation. Those of us who weren’t familiar with horses got lessons in saddling and bridling. Others practiced controlling their horse by leading it around an obstacle course. I practiced not falling o .

Over the next several days, we went on multiple horseback rides. Giant Bob and I plodded along on a few of the easy trails, but by mid-week I decided I’d rather

Photos

Wranglers take people on daily trail rides.

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1:30 p.m. - 10/9, 10/12, 10/13, 10/16, 10/19, 10/23

DENNY’S

3315 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251

4:00 p.m. - 10/19, 10/26

GOLDEN CORRAL BUFFET AND GRILL

1868 N. Power Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205

10:00 a.m. - 10/13, 10/18, 10/27

GOLDEN CORRAL BUFFET AND GRILL

17674 N. Litchﬁeld Rd. Surprise, AZ 85374

9:00 a.m. - 10/16, 10/23, 10/30 1:00 p.m. - 10/16, 10/23

QUEEN CREEK LIBRARY

21802 S. Ellsworth Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85142

10:00 a.m. - 10/11

VILLAGE INN RESTAURANT

575 W. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120

2:00 p.m. - 10/16, 10/30

ARIZONA FAMILY RESTAURANT

80 W. Esperanza Blvd. Green Valley, AZ 85614

10:00 a.m. - 10/18, 10/25

COCO’S BAKERY

7250 N. Oracle Rd. Tucson, AZ 85704

9:00 a.m. - 10/17, 10/24, 10/31

1:00 p.m. - 10/16, 10/20, 10/23, 10/27, 10/30

RADISSON SUITES TUCSON 6555 E. Speedway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85710

9:00 a.m. - 10/19

OPEN ENROLLMENT

ENDS

for attending while supplies last.* SPACE IS LIMITED RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY

1:00 p.m. - 10/19 For times and reservations, call 1-844-608-8830, TTY: 711 Daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. azblue.com/seniorseminars

*Free gift without obligation. Limit one per attendee while supplies last. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Advantage (BCBSAZ Advantage) Medicare Advantage plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) Medicare Supplement and BCBSAZ Medicare Part D plans will be discussed. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-844-608-8830, TTY: 711, daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. By registering for this seminar, a sales representative may contact you. A sales person will be present with information and applications. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Advantage (HMO) is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Advantage depends on contract renewal. Blue MedicareRxSM (PDP) is a Prescription Drug Plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue MedicareRx depends on contract renewal.

do something else. I asked one of the wranglers if I could see the upper reaches of the ranch by car rather than by horse.

“No problem,” he answered. “I’m sure one of us can take you on a personal wildlife safari either today or tomorrow. You’ll be able to go into the back roads and, if we’re lucky, spot some animals.”

No matter what any of us wanted to do, the answer was always the same: “No problem.” The small number of guests allows the staff to customize activities to fit each person.

My granddaughter wanted to picnic with the ponies, my daughter-in-law wanted to fly-fish, my son wanted to hike and my husband wanted to go on a photo shoot. My grandson, who quickly turned out to be the best cowboy among us, wanted to become a good enough rider to participate in the end-of-theweek cattle drive.

The ranch has non-equestrian activities as well, from massages and mountain biking to cooking classes and visits to area wineries to interactive experiences with scientists who are working on nearby conservation and restoration projects.

Meals are ranch-hearty (lots of beef) and heart-healthy (even more fruits and vegetables). Best of all, they include a weekly “Elevated Dining Experience.” For

adults, this means a seven-course dinner replete with beverage pairings. For kids, this means a campfire cookout that, depending on the age of the participants,

can morph into an overnight.

The end of the week came much too soon. After a farewell dinner, we sat around the campfire and each of us made one last, gooey s’more. A ranch hand read cowboy poetry. Then other people chimed in with their thoughts – how they stretched themselves physically and mentally, how they enjoyed the camaraderie as well as the solitude, how they fell in love with the blue sky, brown Earth and thin air.

But it was a 14-year-old girl who cut to the chase. “I had such a good time that I didn’t even miss my cellphone,” she said with a smile that creased her sunburned face.

In just one week, she’d turned from city slicker to real wrangler.

Visit highlonesomeduderanch.com and traveltizers.com for more info.

A legacy of caring.

More than end-of-life care

Palliative Care Services – chronic conditions

Dementia Care – all stages, plus caregiver support

Senior Placement Service – options for senior care

Specialties – pulmonary, cancer, pediatric, perinatal, bicultural care

Community Grief Support

Living Wills

Guests look forward to the end-of-the-week cattle drive.

Dining

Cowboy Cool Cuisine

Dust Cutter takes a stylish Southwestern twist on the hotel restaurant concept

BY NIKI D’ANDREA

Photos by Debby Wolvos/Courtesy Dust Cutter

The term “Dust Cutter” was Old West slang for a cocktail so potent it could knock the dust from your tongue. That was back when there were fewer buildings on the frontiers, thus increasing the likelihood one would have dust on his or her tongue in the rst place (and probably some cow or horse poop on the boots, too – but “Dung Runner” doesn’t sound like a good name for a libation).

Thankfully, Arizona’s become a lot more civilized over the past century, and Dust Cutter now describes a modern American eatery with a Southwestern bent, embedded in the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown. Opened in early June, the restaurant sits to the side of the hotel lobby but feels like a little world unto itself, thanks largely to the design and décor. Large-scale custom wood tables, oversize spurs hanging from railroad beams suspended from thick ropes, and art, including a huge sepia-toned photograph of a cowboy hat, contribute to the quaint but cutting-edge vibe.

Food skews Southwestern with a strong emphasis on Arizona’s heritage grains and locally sourced ingredients. Among the appetizers, house-smoked pork belly and the Hatch chile corn bread skillet stand out. The former dish sees the forktender pork varnished with a glaze made from dates and Arizona’s own Copper City Bourbon, then adorned with candied

Dust Cutter’s daring cocktail menu makes much use of mezcal.

pistachios and pickled watermelon rind before being topped with a decorative yellow nasturtium ower. The latter dish arrives in a heavy cast-iron skillet; made with our from Hayden Flour Mills and served with a side of scrumptious cilantro agave butter, the cornbread could easily feed three people.

Dust Cutter may be the only restaurant in town that has a section on its menu dedicated solely to cheese crisps, and their takes on the humble quesadilla include a amboyant g and prosciutto variation with delectably bright and avorful Humboldt Fog goat cheese, balsamic tomato jam and arugula and the Pamplona Chorizo crisp, loaded with tangy cotija cheese, avocado and blistered tomatoes.

Sandwiches are pretty standard –burger, BLT, pork, chicken – but locavores

will love the Sonoran Sandwich, made with Strauss Farms grass-fed beef, Grand Canyon onions, fried egg from Hickman’s Family Farms in Buckeye, heirloom tomato, Jack cheese, and chipotle pepper aioli on a brioche bun.

Heartier modcowboy fare can be found among the entrees, including a bodacious burrito bowl packed with beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, shredded lettuce and cilantro lime rice; grilled wild salmon; shrimp and Hayden Flour Mills grits; and “Mary’s Chicken & Mesquite Pod Wa es.” The last dish is one of Dust Cutter’s most popular, and the most notable thing about it is the topping – a pile of greens spiked with chunks of pickled yellow watermelon so spicy you might be tempted to take a big swig of the Copper City Bourbon syrup that comes on the side to take the edge o the burn. Go easy on the infernal melons and you should be ne. As for the chicken, it’s pretty at and accid but has decent avor. The wa es, made from mesquite pod our, possess a perfectly spongy texture and an earthy tinge and are made immeasurably better by the delicious bourbon syrup. The dish pairs

perfectly with The Cutter cocktail, a blend of Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon, Ramazzotti Amaro liqueur, Aperol and lemon juice.

Other inventive bar creations include the spicy-sweet Beet Around the Bush (Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, maple beet shrub, maple syrup, lime juice, angostura and ggy pudding bitters) and the smoky Mezcalito with Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, pineapple syrup, passion fruit syrup, Elemakule Tiki Bitters and lime juice. All the beers on the bar’s eight taps are Arizona-made, from the buttery Barrio Blonde out of Tucson’s Barrio Brewing Co. to the creamy, co ee-like Sweet Devil Stout from College Street Brewhouse in Lake Havasu City. The wine menu isn’t massive, but the couple dozen vino selections include some greattasting wines like California’s Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon and the Dos Cabezas Pink from Sonoita, Arizona (both on tap). The dessert menu includes a handful of sweet delights, but two of them vie for the confectionary crown: sopaipillas with ancho chile chocolate sauce and blue agave caramel, and smoked lavender and mesquite honey ice cream with an old-fashioned doughnut. Both explode on the palate like furious, avorful dust storms – and it will take more than a craft cocktail to cut the avor from your mouth or memory.

Old West meets modern chic in the design and décor at Dust Cutter.

(Above) Mary’s Chicken & Mesquite Pod Wa es comes with a side of Copper City Bourbon syrup.

Smoked pork belly in a bourbon-date glaze with pistachios and pickled watermelon rind.

What’s Cooking? Manestra

BY JAN D’ATRI

Christopher Columbus, cover your ears! This Italian girl is going to tip her hat to the Greek Festival this month and a recipe that is the ultimate Greek comfort food: manestra! It’s a beautiful pot full of fall-o -thebone short ribs and orzo pasta. In my Italian family, orzo was always used as the pastina of choice in our homemade chicken soup, so Greek manestra was entirely new to me. There is only one word to describe this hearty meal: Opa! It’s that lovely Greek word meaning to celebrate with exuberance, but the ingredients and avors in manestra are pure soul-food/comfort food in any nationality. It starts with braised and slow-cooked short ribs that create a fantastic red sauce for the orzo to soak up in the pot. It’s absolutely mouthwatering.

For this delectable discovery, I thank popular Valley musicians and recording artists Thano and Demitri Sahnas, known in Arizona as The Sahnas Brothers and Turning Point. Their mom, Kathy Sahnas, had a hidden treasure that had been passed down from generation to generation that is so simple and welcoming, I couldn’t wait to dish it up and then get it into your hands! Enjoy the great avor of this Sahnas family favorite. If you haven’t enjoyed the big Greek

event celebrated in the Valley each year, hope you can make it to the Phoenix Greek Festival (phoenixgreekfestival.org) at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathe-

Greek Manestra

Ingredients:

- 1/8 cup olive oil

- 2 packages bone-in short ribs (approx. 8-10 pieces or 3 to 3-1/2 lbs.)

- Salt and pepper

- 2 bunches mint, nely chopped with stems removed

- 1 large sweet yellow onion, chopped ne

- 6 small (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce

- 1/4 whole cinnamon stick (approx. 1 inch-long)

- 4 whole cloves

- 1 package orzo pasta (approx. 1 lb)

- 1 lemon, squeezed

- 1/2 cube butter, browned

- Chicken broth for thinning mixture, optional

For the Dutch oven method:

1. Generously sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of short ribs.

2. In a hot skillet with olive oil, brown ribs. When browned, add mint and onion, cooking until onions are tender. Add tomato sauce, cinnamon and cloves. Simmer until meat is tender, about three hours. When done, remove

dral, October 13-15. Also check out where the Sahnas Brothers are performing this month at theguitarbrothers.com.

meat and cut up or shred into bite-size pieces. Remove and discard cinnamon stick and cloves.

3. Add orzo to sauce, stirring often to avoid sticking. Cook for about 25 minutes. Add lemon juice. Return meat to pot. In a small saucepan, cook butter until browned. Stir butter into orzo and meat mixture and serve. Serve with a salad and feta cheese as a side. Yields approximately 6-8 servings.

Note: If the mixture becomes too thick, add chicken broth or water, a little at a time.

For the slow cooker method:

In a skillet, brown the seasoned short ribs in olive oil. Add onions and mint, cooking until onions are tender. Transfer ribs and onions to the slow cooker. Cover meat with tomato sauce, cloves and cinnamon. Cook on high for about six hours or until ribs are tender. Remove meat. Cut or shred into bite-size pieces. Add orzo to the sauce. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the meat back to the cooked orzo. Add the melted butter and lemon. Stir and serve.

(Photo courtesy of Jan D’Atri)

Top Chef

Chip Romig juggles kitchen and o ce work at Wild Horse Pass

BY PAUL MARYNIAK

Ronald “Chip” Romig Jr. is as comfortable with a spreadsheet and calculator as he is with a frying pan and spatula.

He has to be.

As executive chef for Wild Horse Pass Casino, he ultimately is responsible for all the gaming complex’s restaurants, from the high-end Shula’s Steak House to the food court.

One minute, he might be presiding over a menu-planning meeting; the next, tasting the latest dishes his team developed.

“For me, it’s really a 24-hour-a-day job,” he says. “The phone on my night stand rings all night long. There are closing reports every night… And if something happens like a power failure, God forbid, I get the call.”

“I just don’t spend time in the kitchen,” Romig notes. “I actually do have o ce work.”

Before he got his position in February 2014, Romig pretty much fed people in a wide variety of settings, gradually taking on the o ce work in addition to kitchen responsibilities.

He’s worked for East Coast small restaurants and boutique hotels from Florida to Philadelphia, served as chef for the Disney complex in Orlando and even oversaw meal preparation for the San Diego Chargers and their support personnel, from cheerleaders to sportswriters, and even fans who showed up at their stadium.

The Philadelphia native, who grew up

next door to the late New Year’s Eve host and American Bandstand icon Dick Clark and near the home of TV personality Ed McMahon, didn’t start out in the kitchen.

The son of a surgeon and a physician whose brother and sister are also doctors, Romig for a time worked in a hospital operating room, taking care of instruments during surgeries.

Then, nally motivated by the memories of his grandmother’s cooking, he made the leap to culinary school and got his rst job cracking string beans for a small restaurant and ended up at a restaurant outside Philly where he served stars like Robert Goulet, Harvey Korman and Tim Conway.

“I’ve been to a lot of great places,” he says.

Dover sole was one of his rst dishes he prepared

a gurehead. I’m also involved with their lives. It makes for great team work.”

His baby is Shula’s, an eight-year presence at Wild Horse that is part of the high-end chain started by Don Shula, the legendary Miami Dolphins coach who in 1972 guided the team to the only undefeated season in NFL history – a record the Dolphins still hold.

Though Shula’s corporate o ce dictates menus and recipes – and runs its own slaughterhouses – Romig still nds time to visit the slaughter operation in Las Vegas to watch how butchers cut meat to the exacting standards developed by the chain’s parent o ce.

He looks at meat in a variety of ways: “Vision, taste, texture.”

as a chef, though he recalls as a youngster how his grandfather gave him a box of Chef Boyardee pizza mix and told him to have at it.

Now he ensures Wild Horse visitors enjoy their lunches, dinners, brunches or meals.

“It’s all about time management,” the cheerful chef remarks. “My time is split up between this restaurant and that restaurant.”

His time is also split among a number of duties, both in the kitchen and the o ce.

“I am in charge of everything food,” he says. “I am involved with ordering, watching over production. I oversee each of the executive chefs at each restaurant. I have biweekly meetings to discuss menu development, special menus, events.”

Despite his busy schedule, Romig makes sure he spends time with all his sta , whether they be cooks, servers or food preparers.

“I’m in every single kitchen every single day, whether it’s to watch dinner or lunch service or graveyard in the cafe,” he explains. “I’m pretty hands-on. It shows my team members I am just not

That attention to detail has paid o : For the sixth consecutive year, Shula’s at Wild Horse Pass has won the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Awards.

It also has won a Readers’ Choice Award as one of the top 100 steak houses in the country – a big deal when you consider there are about 25,000 steak houses in the United States.

And he talks with enthusiasm about Shula’s entrees, but he tells dinner guests to expect an experience that properly should take about two hours and 15 minutes, allowing for cart presentations, adequate preparation of the meat and time for it to rest after being cooked.

Though he calls his job “a labor of love,” he cautions: “It’s not for the faint of heart.”

That’s a lesson the programs on the Food Network might not teach enough. “I interview young culinarians and they expect to be this Food Network star and make a million dollars,” he says. “This is a lot of work.”

House Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino

5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler 520-796-1972 wingilariver.com/shulas

Photos by Kimberly Carrillo

Chip Romig has been executive chef at Wild Horse Pass Casino since 2014.

Shula’s Steak House has won several awards from Wine Spectator

Shula’s Steak

Chef Romig looks at three qualities in meat: vision, taste and texture.

Aging Today Friends are important for your brain

BY BOB ROTH Managing Partner of Cypress Homecare Solutions

In my best Seinfeld imitation, I’d like to divulge my most recent epiphany: As a vital organ, and the body’s control center, the human brain is in the midst of a PR crisis. I don’t get it. From this evolutionary masterpiece we have music, architecture, The Bill of Rights, and love. Why is everybody so enamored with the heart? We love this little red symbolic representation, which by the way is not even the shape of the human heart. The brain does not even have an emoji on the iPhone. I heard it is coming in late 2017. See what I mean?

It’s the brain that is really super sexy as vital organs go. Here it goes, fellow Boomers – I hand you the keys to the

castle. The best advice for keeping command central running at peak e ciency is revealed in the borrowed/recon gured campaign slogan: “This is your brain. This is your brain on friends... Any questions?“

What does brain research tell us about social interactions? Not surprisingly, when it comes to cognitive health, socializing is really bene cial. The selection pressure that shaped our brains during our evolutionary history was likely driven largely by our ability to navigate social relationships in order to build cooperative and bene cial communities. It is a speculative and intriguing hypothesis.

Fossil records show an exponential increase in skull size due to a correspond-

ing increase in brain size at a time when our ancestors started living in larger social groups. British researcher Robin Dunbar found the bigger the social group, the bigger the neocortex, an area of the brain which corresponds to language and other human characteristics.

you need to take that great big bite out of life.

It seems plausible that behaviors which formed parts of the brain are the same behaviors that keep our brain sharp throughout our lifetime. To me this compelling information is both brilliant and common sesnse at the same time.

I am just gonna dance my way around all the neuroscience as I say, "keep the brain healthy by going back to the design specs." Humans evolved as social, interactive members of a community as a response to solve problems in an unstable environment in almost constant motion. As it turns out, evolution does not favor sedentary bodies or minds.

Grab a friend or two and start a walking club or a book club or a gardening club. Go to concerts and cooking classes. If you don’t have lots of old friends, make some new friends. Just take the same advice you gave your kids. If you are going to an activity alone, sit down next the person who smiles back at you rst. The key to all this socializing is the positive interaction you get. In other words, negative social interactions can produce stress hormones which have the opposite e ect on cognitive health. So, if old what’s his name is wearing you down with an abundance of negativity, you may need to consider the consequence this has for your brain. Maybe that Dorothy Downer needs a worship service to get that attitude back in check. O er to go along.

What bathes the brain in all those happiness chemicals: a positive social environment in which you can regularly participate. This social environment should include a wide variety of people engaging in wholesome and enriching activities. Just so we are all on the same page, I am compelled to point out that “wholesome and enriching” is the secret sauce

Now, I would be remiss if I did not emphatically state that what is good for the heart is also good for the head. Healthy diets, lots of movement, su cient sleep, limited amount of alcohol, and tobacco restriction are essential. As we navigate the challenges of the changing world and our role in it as we age, rediscover the connectivity of companionship.

Retirement Report Chasing the S&P

BY GARRY MADALINE CORE Retirement Engineering/United Retirement

As investment advisor representatives (IAR), one of the most di cult parts of our job can be managing client expectation. When the stock market is seemingly hitting new highs every week, it can be dicult for clients to understand why returns are not keeping up with the new highs of the S&P 500 or the Dow. Remember, if your portfolio has been designed properly for the long term, keeping up with the “Dow Joneses” is not part of the plan. Fiscal responsibility takes patience and an understanding that chasing the market is similar to a dog chasing a car: Things usually end badly. A properly designed portfolio should be fashioned to protect you from the potential of downside risk that can eliminate years of gain and is not designed to try and grab the brass ring. While we all want to nd the next Apple or Google, the risk associated with this kind of investment strategy almost always leads to disappointment.

With the new technologies and tactical processes available to investors today, the mantra should be “win by not losing.” It is a proven fact that more risk does not make for more gain. In fact, today’s smart investors understand that less risk equals more long-term gains, and this mentality should be every rational investor’s goal. If your returns are lagging in the market, ask your advisor why. The answer given should be that rules-based safety overlays are built into your portfolio. These overlays are designed to capture most of the market gains but also to

avoid large losses when the market inevitably drops. A portfolio with safety overlays gives you reasonable gains without big losses. Simple asset allocation and diversi cation will not save you from systematic losses like we experienced in 1987, 2001-2002 and 2008. It’s like moving around the deck chairs on the Titanic so you can’t see the iceberg. The problem is that the iceberg still exists. It’s been a while since 2008, but it shouldn’t be forgotten. Don’t be greedy; slow and steady does win the race.

The human brain can be the worst computer to use when investing. Money has no emotions but the human thought process is driven by them – this can be a bad combination when investing. Don’t let greed or the fear of missing out move you from a sound investment plan. Remember, success is realized over the long term of your retirement portfolio and not seen during the short-term peaks that we’ve seen in recently in the market.

To understand more about safety overlays, winning by not losing, tactical approaches to investing and much more retirement info, go to retirementclass. com and register for an upcoming workshop at one of the convenient locations throughout the Valley.

For more information please visit myretirementclass.com.

Legally Speaking The importance of bene ciary forms

BY BECKY CHOLEWKA Estate Planning Attorney

Did you know that a bene ciary form, such as a life insurance bene ciary form, supersedes bene ciaries who are named in someone’s will? Are you surprised?

Recently, I attended a seminar where ve out of six people thought the exact opposite – that a will supersedes a bene ciary form. One attendee commented, “That’s not intuitive. I thought a will trumped everything.”

Unfortunately, many people make the same mistake.

Will my ex-spouse get my retirement account?

Possibly. If the account is regulated on the Employee Retirement Income Act (ERISA) and you did not update your bene ciary form after your divorce to name someone other than your now ex-spouse before you die, the bene ciary form naming your ex-spouse will control. He or she will receive the money.

What if I have a bene ciary form that names my “estate” as the bene ciary?

Naming the estate as the bene ciary of any asset is generally not advised. First, it likely means there now has to be a costly and time-consuming probate. Second, many people make a mistake as to what the result will be.

A recent Yahoo! article told the story of a man who wanted to leave his IRA to his children. Unfortunately, he lled out his bene ciary form incorrectly, naming his “estate” as the bene ciary. His $400,000 IRA was then distributed to his wife of two months through the probate process, and his children received nothing. This also caused tax problems, since there are di erent distribution and tax rules for IRAs that are left to an estate. Won’t my spouse automatically receive my life insurance because we are a community property state?

No. The life insurance will be paid out to whoever is listed on the bene ciary form. The surviving spouse, however, may have a community property interest in the life insurance if community property funds were used to pay for the insurance. To make this claim, the surviving spouse has to litigate against the bene ciary named on the form.

What can I do?

• Make sure you are updating your bene ciary forms after each life event: birth, death, divorce, marriage, etc.

• Name at least one backup bene ciary on each form.

• Take into account monies you leave to family outside of the probate process (which is controlled by your will) if your goal is to have equal monies distributed between your bene ciaries.

• Meet with a proactive estate planning attorney who can advise you and help you structure your estate to meet your goals and avoid probate.

A little work up front can prevent frustration and court costs on the back end and ensure your goals are met.

Estate plans don’t ‘expire.’ However, personal circumstances and laws do change. Reviewing your plan is an opportunity to make sure it still ﬁts your current needs.

You should have your estate plan reviewed if:

Your plan was not created in Arizona; Your plan was created more than four years ago; You are unsure whether your trust addresses potential capital gains and/or income tax issues; or You, your spouse or your named beneficiaries have had a change in circumstances (financial or personal).

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. Call 602-249-1328 to make an appointment for a complimentary review or download a guide on living trusts at morristrust.com/llphx

The doctor’s o ce of the future might already be here

BY JUSTIN FERRIS

Medical technology continues to improve at an astounding rate. From precise surgical robots and minimally invasive diagnostics procedures to low-cost, in-home medical equipment and wearable monitoring gadgets, new wonders appear yearly.

When it comes to standard doctor’s visits, however, the average patient experience has remained largely unchanged from 50 or even 100 years ago. You call your doctor’s o ce, wrangle an appointment far in the future, wait around once you show up and spend little actual face time with the doctor. Then you do the whole thing a few weeks later to follow up on any lab work or other tests. While major hospitals and emergency rooms now o er mobile apps to schedule appointments or ll prescriptions – and apps like ZocDoc (zocdoc.com) can help smaller practices – established medical providers don’t possess the time, money or know-how to create far-reaching tech solutions to streamline the process. They’re focused mainly on medicine – as they should be.

Fortunately, a new wave of medical startups is building high-tech systems that make it easier – and possibly cheaper – to connect with medical professionals.

One Medical Group

nology and medical care. It created its own nationwide network of primary care physicians and boutique clinics that continues to grow.

Using the app or website, you can book appointments, get prescriptions, review your medical records, nd doctors and get email consultations. Thanks to a robust digital appointment system, same-day visits are available and appointments start on time. Plus, no matter which boutique clinic you visit around the country, they will have all your current information.

Of course, the perks aren’t free. You will need to shell out $149-$199 a year for full access. Still, if it saves you from waiting two weeks to visit a doctor, it might be worth it. And it does accept most medical insurance.

Forward

An even more high-tech option called Forward (goforward.com) just started in 2016. It’s the brainchild of employees from Google, Facebook, Uber and other tech heavy hitters.

The futuristic o ce visit starts with self sign-in and a body scanner that can take all your vitals – weight, blood pressure, temperature, etc. – in 45 seconds. There’s also real-time blood testing and a genetic risk assessment available. A comprehensive app o ers access to your medical information, plus regular contact with your doctor and real-time monitoring for vari-

Started in San Francisco in 2007, One Medical Group (onemedical.com) was built from the ground up to merge tech- Future...continued on page 62

Forward provides futuristic medical o ce visits. (Special to LLAF)

Navigating Medicare Part D Enrollment

(Oct. 15 to Dec. 7)

Medicare Part D is a prescription drug coverage plan that can be added to your hospital and medical coverage, better known as Medicare Part A and Part B. Every year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, Medicare allows eligible patients to enroll in, switch or continue with their current Medicare Part D plan. This time-period is known as the Medicare Open Enrollment pe riod.

Prices of medications and copay ments can change from year to year. That is why during this enrollment pe riod, you should reevaluate your plan options to find a Medicare Part D plan that covers all of your medications with the lowest cost to you. When selecting a Medicare Part D plan, you should consider all the associated costs and options including the following:

Premiums: Monthly payments you must make for your prescription plan

Deductibles: An expense you pay before your insurance provides you benefits

Copays: Payment portion that you are responsible for when picking up your prescriptions

Tiers: A copay structure for generic, preferred and non-preferred brand name drugs; medications in higher “tiers” have higher out-of-pocket costs

Penalty: A late fee for not having pre scription drug coverage after the en rollment period

Preferred pharmacy: Pharmacies where you can fill your prescriptions at lower copays

During this year’s open enrollment period, stop by your Walgreens phar macy to obtain more information about selecting a Medicare Part D plan. Our pharmacy staff is happy to assist you by printing a list of your current medi cations. They can also provide you a list of Medicare Part D plans that al low you to conveniently fill your pre scriptions at Walgreens. You are always welcome to ask your Walgreens phar macist to review your medications and see if you can save money by switching to generic or lower-cost brand name medications.

For specific advice of which plan is best for you, contact our new Medicare prescription plan adviser. HealthPlan

One, an independent licensed health insurance agency, can provide you a free evaluation that includes a comparison of multiple Medicare Part D plans. HealthPlanOne advisers provide 4689, or visit www.Walgreens.com/ Medicare-Enroll for more information. You can also contact Medicare directly by visiting Medicare.gov or calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

scription medications compared to other select pharmacies. Walgreens also offers a variety of Medicarecovered pharmacy services such as immunizations. Stop by your nearest

Inclusion Drives Innovation

October Is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

BY KEN ARCIA Arizona Relay Service

This October marks the 72nd anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a national campaign held each year to raise awareness regarding employment for people with disabilities while simultaneously celebrating the diverse and valued contributions of these employees.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor O ce of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the unemployment rate among individuals with disabilities is more than double that of the non-disabled unemployment rate. While Congress signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 in order to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination, there is still a signi cant gap between disabled and non-disabled individuals in the workplace.

With this in mind, NDEAM has determined this year’s theme is “Inclusion Drive Innovation.”

Why inclusion?

Here are just a few reasons:

• Because unemployment rates are higher for persons with a disability than for those with no disability.

• Because workers with a disability are more likely to be self-employed.

• And nally, because only 20.4 percent of people with a disability ages 16 and older participate in the labor force, compared to the 69.2 percent of people without a disability.

It is also important to recognize that not all disabilities are visible. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), there are 48 million Americans – 15 percent of the population – who have hearing loss. This number has doubled over the past 30 years. In Arizona alone, there are more than one million individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Individuals that are hard of hearing or are deaf may require accommodations in the workplace.

Here are some tips from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) on how to

provide accommodations for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in the workplace:

Provide deaf or hard of hearing individuals with relay conference captioning (RCC). This is a free service provided by Arizona Relay Service. Relay conference captioning allows deaf and hard of hearing employees to actively participate in meetings, phone calls, video conferences and multi-party teleconference calls without delays and also have the option to receive transcripts of the meeting after the call is completed. The service uses the same high-quality captioners that produce closed-captioning for television, so the user can receive live, real-time text streamed to internetconnected computers, tablets, or smartphones anywhere in the world.

Provide a quali ed interpreter to individuals who communicate through American Sign Language (ASL). You can nd licensed Arizona interpreters through the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing’s (ACDHH) website at acdhh.org.

If working with an employee who uses American Sign Language (ASL), encourage non-deaf or hard of hearing employees to learn and use basic sign language.

Ask the employee how he/she prefers to be approached when in an o ce setting. For example, installing mirrors may be helpful in order to indicate a person approaching from behind or announce a person’s presence.

Finally, provide sensitivity training to employers and employees so there is an easy integration of an employee who is deaf or hard of hearing into the workplace. This is another free service o ered by ACDHH.

In addition, cost should never be a factor in providing reasonable accommodations to your employees. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does o er the Disabled Access Credit, a nonrefundable tax credit that small businesses can apply to partially reimburse incurred expenses for the purpose of providing access to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. For more information on the Arizona Relay Service, visit azrelay.org; for Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, visit acdhh.org.

T HE F INIS H L INE

Arizona’s Leader in Senior Fitness

Want To Have Some Fun?

Plan now to be a part of the 2018 Arizona Olympic Senior Games!

32 Fun Sports: Alpine skiing, archery, badminton, basketball, basketball throw, billiards, bocce, bowling, cycling, fun walk, golf, handball, pickleball, powerlifting, racquetball, race walk, road races, high power ri e, pistol, sporting clays, trap, skeet, shu eboard, softball, swimming, swim relays, table tennis, tai chi, tennis, track and eld, triathlon and volleyball.

• Make new friends!

• Compete for gold, silver and bronze medals!

• Qualify for the National Senior Games!

• Improve your tness and health!

• Get out! Get t! Get going!

Join the thousands of people 50 and better who are nding the active life is the best life!

Games take place February 17 through March 11, 2018 at venues throughout the Valley of the Sun. For more information, see our website at seniorgames.org or call us at 602-274-7742

ASO adds basketball throw to the 2018 games

OK, so you watch NBA games and cheer for your team to put it in the basket! In fact, you probably think you could sink that basket if you just had the time to practice.

Now is your chance to dust o your basketball and use that hoop in your driveway to practice, because basketball throw will be a part of the Senior Olympics for the rst time this year. Come on out and have a great time making friends

and competing for a gold, silver or bronze medal. Be the rst among your friends to win!

Like all the Senior Olympics sports, basketball throw will be in 5-year age groups starting with 50 – 54, 55- 59 and so on. The event will be open to both men and women.

For more information, look for the Basketball Throw Sports Information Sheet on the ASO web site at seniorgames.org.

Arizona Senior Olympic Games registration opens in October

Don’t miss the opportunity to register for the 2018 Arizona Senior Olympic Games when registration opens October 1. Improvements have been made to simplify the online registration process, which will once again utilize the TopScore software.

The 2018 Games will be the quali ers for the 2019 National Senior Games that will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Irene Stillwell, ASO Executive Director, says,

“We are urging everyone to register early this year and save the $5.00 late registration fee. It is important for us to know early how many athletes will compete so that we are fully prepared to have excellent games.” Registration will be online but those who do not have computers can call the ASO o ce for paper registration forms, which must be completed and post-marked by November 23rd (Thanksgiving).

Everybody can be in the fun walk

WALK, WALK, WALK! We all know that walking is good for us, but getting started isn’t always easy. What you need is a reason to walk, nice people to walk with and a reward at the end.

The Arizona Senior Olympics FUN WALK has all of that and more! You’ll have a great time, your times will be recorded so that you can improve and every nisher will receive a medal! This is not a race. It’s a walk where you set the pace that is comfortable for you. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and enjoy Arizona’s beautiful March weather. You’ll love it!

Swimmers take

the lead in

record-breaking for 2017 games

BY ELLIE KALLAL

This year was not a qualifying year for the Arizona Senior Olympics. Attendance is always a little lighter in the odd-numbered years when the athletes are not trying to qualify to compete in the National Senior Games. However, that does not mean that they were not exciting.

Twenty-nine athletes set new records in 40 events. Yes, that means eight athletes broke multiple records for times and distances.

Ardy McLeod is a swimmer. She is good at earning medals and this year she set three new records for Women 80-84 in the Butter y and the Individual Medley For those of you who are not swimmers, the Butter y is that really tough stroke that catapulted Michael Phelps to fame in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. That’s the one in which our own Ardy McLeod set records. The Individual Medley requires a swimmer to select four di erent strokes in speci c order: the Butter y, the Backstroke, the Breaststroke and Freestyle, what used to be called a Forward, or Australian Crawl.

Robert Sears set four new records in the Men’s 90-94 category in the Backstroke, the Breaststroke and Freestyle.

Our other athletes setting state records in swimming were Wilma Goldman, W9094; Daniel Vargas, M55-59; Cynthia Clutter, W55-59; Yenny Van Dinter, W80-89; Samantha Martoni, W55-59; and Steve Hammond, M60-64, with two records each, and Gloria Tolaro, W85-89; Craig Sha er, M70-74; Doug Springer, M60-64; Al Worth, M80-84; Dave Stranger, M60-64; Joseph Bolze, M75-79; Pam Speer, 65-69;

and Susan Roemer, W75-79; with one record each.

Swimming proved the theory that competition makes everyone better. There were a lot of records broken this year.

In Track & Field, Betty Gaudy W9094, set another record for the 00 Meter Dash (00:35.97). Curtis Woody M55-59, had a great Running Long Jump (16’10”), Lydia Woods W60-63, scored in the Triple Jump (18’25”), and Chris Wallace M60-64, soared 29’ 03.5” in his Triple Jump.

The Triathlon saw Anne King, W60-64; Sally Evans, W70-74; Beverly Linnihan, W75-79; Edward Navarro, M55-59; Robert Underwood, M65-69; and James Noonan, M70-74; set new records combining their skills in swimming, cycling and running. (I have done one of our Triathlons and it is very di cult to get out of a swimming pool, put on some clothes and ride a bike in cold wind when you are still wet from the pool. ARGH!)

Of course, not everyone sets records and some of us don’t even win medals, but the excitement of the competition and the fun mingling and mixing with the other athletes makes it all worth the time and e ort we put in training. As an added bonus, all that training and exercise keeps us t, healthy and active mentally. That’s a sort of triple-crown win.

The Arizona Senior Olympics webpage has all of the results back to 2011 online. Simply go to www.seniorgames.org and click on RESULTS. Soon we will be updating and adding our ASO Records book and you’ll be able to see all the records. Some go way back.

New view of a worrisome problem

Around the world, more than 47 million people su er from dementia, and seven million new cases develop each year, according to researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.

The number of cases of dementia is projected to double every 20 years, and to reach 115 million by 2050. The number of people su ering from Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, is expected to climb to 106 million by 2050, investigators said.

Dementia, an impairment of brain functions marked mainly by memory problems and personality changes, is still one of the most expensive chronic conditions, with a huge impact on patients and families.

James Hendrix, director of global science initiatives at the Alzheimer’s Association,

believes living a healthy lifestyle might help prevent dementia. In fact, a recent study found that if people exercised, ate a healthy diet, stopped smoking and kept chronic medical conditions such as diabetes at bay, 35 percent of dementia cases around the world could be prevented, he said.

Article from Medline Plus – a newsletter

Puzzle Answers

FROM PUZZLES ON PAGE 37

answers

Happy Halloween!

There’s a goblin at my window, A monster by my door

The pumpkin at my table Keeps on smiling more and more. There’s a ghost who haunts my bedroom, A witch whose face is green. They used to be my family, Till they dressed for Halloween.

– By Sandra Liatsos

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ABOUT FUNERAL TRUSTS

Future...continued from page 55

ous take-home sensors.

The rst o ce, in San Francisco, came online back in January, and more are expected to roll out in the near future. Initial pricing costs a steep $149 a month and it doesn’t take insurance. However, as with most tech ventures, expect prices to drop.

Parsley Health

A 2014 startup, Parsley Health (parsleyhealth.com) aims for a more holistic health system. For $150 a month, it o ers ve doctor visits and 24 health coach visits annually, in addition to online care.

Instead of one or two yearly visits, you continually communicate with your health provider to track down problems and build a healthier lifestyle. Unlike the 15-minute visits at many medical o ces, the average visit lasts 50 minutes.

Right now Parsley is only located in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, but it should continue to expand to other major cities. Like Forward, it costs $150 a month. However, you can pay the membership fees through an FSA/HSA and it does take insurance for most tests.

Teladoc

If you don’t want to leave the house,

there are telemedicine services like Teladoc (teladoc.com). Teladoc allows you to talk to, or video chat with, a licensed doctor via web, phone or the mobile app 24/7. Even with 20 million reported members, the average doctor response time is just 10 minutes.

In addition to general medicine, an array of medical specialties, including dermatologists and therapists, is available. Through the app, each doctor can see your medical history so you don’t need to ll them in every time. Plus, they can write prescriptions and you can send it to your preferred pharmacy.

Teladoc pricing depends on your medical insurance co-pay. Some insurance companies also o er limited free use as a perk.

The future

In addition to the companies listed above, there are dozens more already in the marketplace or poised to enter. While that’s good for competition, it does mean some won’t last or might not be that good.

As with any other tech product or service, check the company history and online reviews to make sure it’s right for you before you buy in.

Valley Nursery Directory

Phoenix

All Season Wholesale Growers

6623 S. 32nd St. #4, Phoenix

602-276-0230

Ambius Plants

4014 E. Broadway Rd. #408, Phoenix 800-81-9946

Arcadia Color Garden Nursery

1828 N. 52nd St., Phoenix, 602-955-4500

Arid Solutions Nursery

3815 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix

602-437-5194

Berridge Nurseries

4647 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix

602-952-8080

Dig It Urban Gardens and Nursery

3015 N. 16th St., Phoenix, 602-812-7476

Dream With Colors

3635 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix 602-454-9371

Moon Valley Nurseries

14225 N. 7th St., Phoenix, 602-904-5792

Phoenix Desert Nursery

3525 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix 602-243-7064

Plant Stand of Arizona

6420 S. 28th St., Phoenix, 602-304-0551

Shamus O Leary Tropicals

6441 S. 32nd St., Phoenix, 602-434-5641

SummerWinds Nursery

17826 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix

602-867-1822

Western Tree Co.

3401 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix 602-243-6125

Whit ll Nursery

824 E. Glendale Ave., Phoenix 602-944-8479

Whit ll Nursery

2647 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix 602-268-9096

Scottsdale

Harper’s Landscape Co. and Gardening Centre

2529 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale 480-946-3481

Moon Valley Nurseries

18047 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix 480-374-3964

East Valley

A & P Nursery

6129 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, 480-396-8800

A & P Plant Nurseries

2601 E. Baseline Rd., Gilbert 480-892-7939

Arbor Care

5235 S. Kyrene Rd., Tempe, 480-491-5123

Arizona Cactus Sales

1619 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler 480-963-1061

Desert Horizon Nursery

19250 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek 480-987-3308

Green eld Citrus Nursery

2558 Lehi Rd., Mesa, 480-830-8000

Moon Valley Nurseries

3775 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler 480-648-2555

Moon Valley Nurseries

1875 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler 480-648-0603

Sea of Green Hydroponics

1828 E. University Dr. #11, Tempe 480-967-2045

SummerWinds Nursery

3160 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa 480-892-1469

Treeland Nurseries, Inc.

2900 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa 480-497- 2525

Tropica Mango Rare and Exotic

Tropical Fruit Tree Nursery

10520 E. Apache Trail, Apache Junction 602-576-6948

V&P Nurseries, Inc.

21919 E. Germann Rd., Queen Creek 480-917-9847

Whit ll Nursery

820 N. Cooper Rd., Gilbert, 480-892-2712

West Valley

A & P Nursery

2645 W. Baseline Rd., Mesa, AZ 480-839-5362

Elgin Nursery & Tree Farm 8606 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix 623-936-1100

Moon Valley Nurseries 11320 W. Indian School Rd., Avondale 623-242-0370

SummerWinds Nursery 6426 W. Bell Rd., Glendale, 623-979-5296