Loving Life After 50 - Scottsdale - December 2020

December 2020

The Art of Genealogy

Home for the Huladays

Ahwatukee man traces family histories

Festive specialty holiday drinks

Inner Rock Star Singers karaoke to meet friends and shed shyness

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Storytelling cookbook puts Arizona spin on the holidays Page 20

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10 Letting Out the Inner Rock Star

Singers karaoke to meet friends and shed shyness

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Leibo At Large Ask Gabby Gayle News Briefs

Features Achieving a Dream

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Home for the Huladays

Turning Genealogy into an Art Form

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Chew On This

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Pointing Toward History

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Living His ‘Dream’

Vi at Grayhawk residents offer scholarship monies to employees

Entertainment

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Festive specialty holiday drinks from Tommy Bahama Be aware of your oral care

Ahwatukee man traces family histories

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Tommy Lee unites female and male energies on new album

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Storytelling cookbook puts Arizona spin on the holidays

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What’s Cooking?

Christmas Cake

Columns

22 Hospice Is Hope 22 The Healthy Geezer Publisher

Steve T. Strickbine

Gordon Wood

Executive Editor

Courtney Oldham

Travel Editor

Tonya Mildenberg

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Senior Account Executive

Vice President Michael Hiatt

24 A Lasting Legacy

Administrator Graphic Designer

Ed Boitano

Planning for a will or trust brings peace of mind Cover Photographer Chadwick Fowler

Contributors

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Lovin’ Life After 50 is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@ azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.

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Opinion Leibo At Large

Election 2020 aftermath taught us a few things

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and fries?

Speaking of pointless, it’s time for the media to stop calling races. On Election Eve, the Associated Press and Fox News called Arizona for Joe Biden while the other networks and CNN did not. This led to widespread confusion and finger pointing.

This is great for the media, who love a dumpster fire, but not great for voters or democracy, which the media claims to serve.

Calling a race serves no official function and has no legal bearing; it simply exists to serve journalists’ need for suspense and to give reporters a chance to feel super important on election night.

Every race call is a prediction—a sophisticated prediction, sure—but still only as good as the underlying math about voter turnout, geography, political preference and human behavior.

Football broadcasters could “call” the Super Bowl early, too, and likely be almost perfect. But the games still get played to the final whistle and election workers still tabulate every ballot. If no one gets to call it quits, what’s the point of calling the race?

We also learned pollsters also are a generally useless bunch. To be fair, the pollsters in Arizona were nowhere near as wrong on the presidential race as pollsters in other states and those making national predictions.

Most Arizona pollsters gave Joe Biden a lead in the range of three or four points on their final polls.

As we know in hindsight, that was wrong—but it was within most polls’ margin of error. Clearly, there’s something pollsters don’t understand about today’s voter turnout and the behavior of Trump voters in particular.

As someone who has paid pollsters for campaigns I’ve run, I think they can help provide insight into trends and the impact of certain messages. But do I believe them like I do my bank balance or a thermometer? Hell no. And neither should you.

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Even before the race for president was official, you could learn some early lessons from Election 2020.

Like: Our need for immediate gratification conflicts deeply with our need for election accuracy.

Every election cycle is a journey that takes four years. The cycle culminates in millions of pieces of paper marked with dozens of selections.

It should not be mystifying that it takes a few days to total those pieces of paper with zero errors.

The ranks of the impatient will scream absurdities like, “If Chick-fil-A was counting this, it would have been done in an hour.” This isn’t whipping up a sandwich and waffle fries, people.

This is thousands of jurisdictions counting millions of ballots in thousands of races under extreme pressure.

If we want the count to be correct—a premise many Americans seem to want only when the count goes their way— then we should give elections officials around the country a break.

If a once-every-four-years presidential election takes, say, four days to tabulate, you’d think we might control ourselves for that brief interval.

We also learned stupid people will do stupid things and elections bring out the dummies.

On Wednesday night after Election Day, hundreds of angry pro-Trump folks gathered to protest outside the Maricopa County vote tabulation center downtown—and even tried to force their way inside.

Naturally, an angry crowd of anti-Trump folks showed up for a tense standoff policed by sheriff’s deputies in SWAT gear. Congressman Paul Gosar, R-Stupid, showed up to add to the clown show.

The mob’s big concern? That we “count every vote!” Which is exactly what elections workers were doing inside the building at the time.

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Ask Gabby Gayle

This is not the year for big holiday parties

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Dear Gabby Gayle: The holidays are coming and we are in the midst of a pandemic. We have a big family and have always gotten together for big holiday dinners. It used to be at mom’s house.

Now she has downsized and is not able to do it. Others have taken on the task. This is the problem: We have not had a big family dinner since the pandemic. We don’t see mom except on family Zoom. None of us want to be responsible for giving her the dreaded COVID-19 virus. She is 81 and has underlying health problems. What do you recommend?

Signed, The Kids

A

Dear Kids: I am reasonably sure your mom understands what is going on and appreciates the care you are extending. I am old and I think this holiday season, as this year has been, will be like no other. This is not the year for big holiday dinners. I suggest that each kid has the holiday within your own “bubble,” which is your kids and those you associate with on a daily basis. I also suggest that you order a nice dinner in for your mom and that each of you FaceTime or Zoom with her on the holiday. Let’s all pray that holidays in 2021 will be a time to rejoice with the whole family.

Signed, GG

Q

Dear Gabby Gayle: When dad passed away, I helped mom package up his things. I was amazed to see the unworn shirts, ties, pajamas, slippers and other new gifts we had given him for the last few years. The poor guy had so many gifts that he could not use or did not want.

Please tell us how we could give more useful gifts to our parents!

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Dear D.M.: I recognize that scenario. Last year, I heard from a daughter that she had given her dad, who lived alone, coupons for 12 homemade pies.

Each month she would bake the pie and take it over and they would have pie and coffee together. Dad said it was the best gift he ever had. Another idea is to write some-

thing for your dad of your remembered youth with him. Something he could read from time to time and enjoy. Most of us old people have the things we need. Another nice gift that I enjoy is gift cards. When I do need something I can’t afford, I use the gift card. Another idea is 12 coupons for a night out with your son or daughter for a nice meal. And after all is said and done, it is the giver who we love—not so much the gift!

Signed, GG

Q

Dear Gabby Gayle: My daughter recently had a hospital experience and I would like to get your reaction. She was in the hospital for a surgery for which she had elected to have a spinal. She was very nervous, and the resident introduced himself. My daughter felt she wanted someone more experienced and said she did not want a student. The anesthesiologist stepped in and corrected my daughter that the resident was a full-fledged doctor and not a student. The nurse, sensing my daughter’s tension, suggested another anesthesiologist, whom she knew would calm my daughter. Long story short: She did get the anesthesiologist who did her spinal and did calm her. While the story had a good ending, I am left with the question: Was she within her rights or should she have just shut up and let the resident do her spinal?

Signed, Mother

A

Dear Mother: While it is true that the resident is a full-fledged doctor, I subscribe to the philosophy that a patient has the right to feel confidence in their practitioner. Patients have the right to speak up. That does not mean they are always right. I feel the first anesthesiologist, in correcting the patient, was in a sense arguing with her—which, in my book, just adds to the patient’s anxiety. The nurse was very intuitive and saw that a better solution needed to be offered. I’m glad your daughter’s story had a good ending. As an old nurse, I was taught: Patients come first!

Signed, GG If you have a question for Gabby Gayle, please send to: lagmancreswick@gmail.com

www.LovinLife.com

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DECEMBER 2020

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News Briefs

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Membership changes to appointment-only service Changes are being made to the membership office at the Recreation Centers of Sun City West.

To improve the experience, membership will be setting appointments for services other than payment of dues, golf card purchases or member credit. Failure to schedule an appointment could result in being asked to wait outside. To help avoid waiting, contact member services at 623-544-6100 for an appointment.

Beginning in January (date to be determined), a new exterior payment window and exterior information window will be installed to handle walk-ups.

This will provide an additional layer of security and safety by limiting the number of people in the membership lobby to four and the box office area to four.

Members who wish to pay in person are encouraged to make payments using the new exterior payment window or the drop boxes located outside the front gate and to the left of the member services door. Members may pay on the member portal (suncitywest.totalintegrated. com)—you must have an email on file with membership to create an online account—or by phone (623-544-6100) using Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Checks may be mailed to RCSCW Member Services, 19803 R.H. Johnson Boulevard, Sun City West, AZ 85375.

Members wishing to add member credit to their accounts may call any golf pro shop seven days a week, or call member services at 623-544-6100 between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. weekdays.

A golf card purchase must be made with member services; call 623-544-6100.

Members wishing to visit the box office, tours or scheduling, or any other administrative department may call for an appointment or check in at the information window for entry.

For further information, call 623-5446000.

Sun Cities Saddle Club ceases accepting new members The Sun Cities Saddle Club has suspended meetings and accepting new members until further notice.

For existing members, Zoom meetings will be held for the board, and members

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DECEMBER 2020

will be emailed with all the current information. Rides will be scheduled. Visit suncitiessaddleclub.com, email SunCitiesSaddleClub@gmail.com or call 509670-9994

Walk your way at the Walk for Women’s Health Join Sun Health Foundation’s for the Walk for Women’s Health at 9 a.m. Sunday, December 6.

Walk the way you want during this fundraising 5K event designed with consideration for participants’ safety. Walk in Surprise at the race site or participate virtually and walk anywhere. Participants can walk individually, or form a team with family, friends, neighbors or co-workers.

Runners are welcome, too.

The walk benefits Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center’s Women and Infant Services through the Generosity for Generations Campaign.

Each pre-registered participant is guaranteed a race shirt, and everyone receives a finisher’s medal. This is a chip-timed 5K. The cost is $25 when registering by December 5, and $30 on race day, plus a processing fee. To register, visit SunHealthFoundation.org/walk or contact Janine McGhee at Janine.McGhee@sunhealth. org or 623-471-8503.

Banner Olive Branch Senior Center joins move to end hunger Banner Olive Branch Senior Center, in partnership with the National Council on Aging, has joined a nationwide effort to fight senior hunger by dramatically increasing participation by eligible seniors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 9.8 million older Americans experienced food insecurity, meaning they lack consistent access to adequate, nutritious food. Today, those numbers are quickly rising. Federal research shows that participation in SNAP, the largest program of its kind, can reduce food insecurity by 30% but only 48% of eligible adults 60 years of age and older participate in the program.

“We know that for many of our seniors getting food, especially healthy, nutritious food, can be very challenging, and

the pandemic has only made it more difficult. Yet healthy food is essential in treating diabetes, heart conditions, depression and fall prevention and many other health problems,” says Dawn Gielau, director of Banner Olive Branch Senior Center, which provides support services to West Valley seniors.

“Many seniors don’t want to talk about this issue or ask for help. But we see eliminating food insecurity as an important part of successful, healthy aging.”

Banner Olive Branch will act as a hub for Banner Health’s efforts to sign up seniors through outreach initiated by social workers, home-health aides and other post-acute team members. If people want to know more about this program, call the senior center at 623-465-6001.

Engaging and enriching virtual programs for older adults Join the JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment (CSE) for Zoom programming exploring music, movement and more during the month of December.

“When COVID became a reality and JFCS had to close our physical CSE, we worried about the isolated older adults in our community,” says Jennifer Brauner, CSE director.

“We are thrilled to present online, enriching programs and to extend our reach throughout the Valley.”

Mondays will showcase Movement with Michelle Dionisio and offer a Schmooze Parlor as well. Everyone is invited to bring information and ideas to share with others at the Parlor, which is hosted by Janet Rees.

Tuesdays offer a different class each week, including Marshall Shore, Arizona’s Hip Historian, the Curriculum Theatre, Jane Przelica presenting Southwest lore, creative writing and also a Yiddish club.

Wednesdays include weekly chair yoga classes.

Thursdays focus on the arts, with music from Nicole Pesce and from the Phoenix Conservatory of Music, talks from the Phoenix Art Museum, and an intriguing three-week program on opera, as well as a book club.

Friday mornings will include a Welcome Shabbat program with inspiration offered from local rabbis and leaders of the Jewish community.

All classes are open to the community. Most are free, and all are available on Zoom. For additional information or to register, contact Jennifer Brauner at se-

niorcenter@jfcsaz.org or 602-343-0192.

Enhanced hospice care for Jewish families Hospice of the Valley has received a prestigious national certification for its long history of providing culturally sensitive care to Jewish families in our community. The National Institute for Jewish Hospice commended the not-for-profit agency for educating staff about Jewish culture, values and traditions; integrating Jewish medical ethics into care; and teaching the unique aspects of Jewish grief and mourning.

“We are so proud of our tailored care to best meet individual needs—from the rabbis we have on staff to our Shabbat Blessings program to the kosher meals we provide to our patients in our inpatient units,” says Rachel Behrendt, senior vice president of operations for Arizona’s largest provider of end-of-life care.

“This certification adds to the confidence our Jewish community has that Hospice of the Valley is committed to enhancing their hospice journey.”

For more information, visit 602-5306900 or hov.org.

SCW Westernaires Chorus plans rehearsal Because of rec center COVID-19 pandemic policies, the 85-member mixed Westernaires Chorus has canceled its fall program and performances.

The chorus will resume in January with rehearsals. The first one is 8 a.m. Thursday, January 7, in the “back 40” of the Stardust Theater.

The Westernaires, one of the oldest chartered clubs in Sun City West, will present its spring shows at the Stardust Theater in March.

SCW residents interested in singing and performing with the Westernaires may contact Director Sylvia Collins at 623-214-6112 for more information.

Get your copy today!

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Primary care, redefined.

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

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

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Features

LETTING OUT

the Inner

Rock Star Singers karaoke to meet friends and shed shyness

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Don’t call Gary Shreffler a karaoke singer. The Tempe resident takes offense to that label.

“There’s a difference between a karaoke singer and singers who do karaoke,” he says. “I’m the latter.”

Typical karaoke singers, he says, go out every once in a while. If they’re avid singers, they may go out once a week and perform the same songs repeatedly.

“They don’t put any work into it,” he adds. “They’re just having fun. The other type—the singers who do karaoke—is someone who takes the art very seriously and spend way stupid money getting good at it.”

Shreffler says he’s not alone. Singers abound in the Valley who perform karaoke to stay tuned up.

“I started out as a karaoke singer,” he admits. “I won’t deny that a bit.”

“I discovered with my second song, ‘Mack the Knife,’ that I could do this,” he says. “Two songs after that, they’re all cheering me on from the corner table.

This sensation came up from my toes— the sensation of power.

“Mentally, I’m going, ‘What in the world? Where is this coming from?’ It just poured out. Because I was living out of

a camping trailer in Tucson. Even in late March nights, it got pretty cold. Karaoke was an excuse to stay out until the bars closed. Then I didn’t have to spend all that alone time in the trailer.”

Soon, karaoke became an addiction.

One particular night, he was performing “smoother stuff.” The crowd was getting amped up, he says, and a “smart karaoke singer plays to the crowd.”

What did he whip out?

“I pulled out Metallica,” he says. “A lot of people poo poo karaoke. Metallica lead singer James Hetfield is extremely easy to do. He has a growl in his voice, and that was the first tool I used way, way back when I started with ‘Mack the Knife.’ But I don’t do crowd-pleasing songs. That’s a cheap way to get applause.”

Chance meeting Cheryl Guy sang in karaoke competitions as a way of meeting new people after she moved to Arizona. It worked. One person she met was Shreffler.

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DECEMBER 2020

Specializing in ’90s alternative Julee Payne vividly remembers the first song she sang—it was a Spice Girls tune.

She specializes in ’90s alternative and ’80s rock, like the Scorpions and Queen.

“I’m all over the place,” Payne says. “But it gets me out of my shell. I’m actually really shy. For me, it’s a way to get to know people and relax after a hard day of work.”

One song she just cannot sing is “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” by Meghan Trainor and John Legend.

“I cannot sing that one,” she says. I would love to, but it’s very hard.”

Couples who sing together

Tricks of the trade Shreffler realized he could only hone his vocal skills so much on his own. Of all the things in his life that he does well, he adds, he does one thing exceptionally— sing.

Now 62, he started karaoke at 37 and took singing lessons from age 45 to 54. In 2007, he attended a professional singing camp in Hollywood.

“You know in these movies how men go through their mid-life crazy stage? I couldn’t afford to buy a car,” he says with a laugh. “My middle-age crazy was to decide to have the voice I didn’t have as a kid. I had a picture in my head about how far I could go. I far exceeded that.”

Shreffler grew up just south of Chicago. When he was 37, he was temporarily homeless and working menial jobs. On St. Patrick’s Day weekend of 1995, friends invited him to karaoke night.

“We just started going with him and got addicted,” Guy says. “I grew up singing in church. I was the church choir soloist. I had the opportunity once to do work on a cruise ship, but I have two boys and we have a business. I maybe would have considered it when I was young.”

Guy was singing on Tuesday nights at the Nestle Café in the West Valley when she was asked to compete. She pauses to think about her forte, then says she sings country, ballads, ’80s rock hits and jazzy songs, like those by Norah Jones.

“I have a big mouth,” she says with a laugh. “I have a hard time quieting my voice. That’s a weakness with me singing.

It probably comes from church, too. I sing a lot of gospel.”

Gary Shreffler considers himself a singer who does karaoke, not a karaoke singer.

(Photo by Chadwick Fowler)

Jim Gill and Allison SyWassink are naturals when it comes to singing. Like Guy, Gill started singing karaoke to meet people after moving here from Milwaukee.

He went to a variety of places because he “didn’t want to be that guy who was singing the same song in the same place.”

The addiction became a monster that just hasn’t stopped, he says.

SyWassink’s story is different. Her background is in classical music, and she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocal performance. She didn’t go to bars in her 20s for fear of smoke ruining her voice.

She did karaoke a handful of times in her life, but after she met Gill, things changed. She went to support him.

“I look at karaoke as just something fun,” she says. “I like to sing, obviously.

I’m a little more comfortable now singing pop music. I appreciate the fact that karaoke is a nice way to give anybody a chance to get up and burst out their inner rock star—from good singers to those who are almost tone deaf.” www.LovinLife.com

Achieving a Dream Vi at Grayhawk residents offer scholarship monies to employees

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Residents of Vi at Grayhawk wanted to honor the employees and their children, so they created a scholarship fund.

Since it was founded in 2003, Vi’s residents have given $2.5 million to caregivers and their dependents.

“The foundation came into being shortly after the community opened,” says Dr. Jane McGrath, Vi resident.

“A group of our residents started talking about how we all had great previous lives, but now that we were in a new life here in our community, we should figure out a way to give back to this group who does so much for us here.”

During discussions, one thing rose to the top—everyone believed in education.

“One of the best ways we could invest in our employees and their dependents was to help further their education,” she says.

The first year, six academic scholarships were awarded, McGrath says. For the 2019-20 school year, Vi awarded 35 schol-

arships totaling $211,286. The next school year they increased it, offering 37 scholarships totaling $267,419.

“We’ve just kind of grown from there,” she adds. “The foundation is a 501(c)(3).

Our residents are just so education and philanthropic minded. Every year, we are astounded, amazed and thrilled that our residents continue to see the value of investing in employees and dependents.”

McGrath knows a thing or two about education. She was a teacher in the Maricopa Community College District, focusing on college reading, study skills, critical thinking and journalism.

She says she’s heard great stories from employees who have gone on to study.

“A dining room server, we were able to support his work through his undergraduate and then continuing through to his master’s degree in social work,” she says.

“We watched him then move into a role as a director of social services for one of our other Vi communities in another state.

It’s great just knowing we had a small part in helping him achieve his dream.”

Liz Kendall, president, left; Eileen Hackenyos, scholarship committee chairwoman; and Dr. Jane McGrath, past scholarship chairwoman, are pleased with the scholarship program, knowing they had a small part in helping students achieve their dreams. (Photo by Larry McGrath)

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Turning Genealogy into an Art Form Ahwatukee man traces family histories Davenport, 75, firmly believes every

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA Helping others trace their family tree family should investigate their genealothrough the generations is a hobby David gy, as it is a history of what has been and may have clues to the present and future.

Davenport has turned into an art form.

“I believe genealogy is important to Although Davenport has already completed 135 genealogy charts, he says he’s ready, willing and able to help others search their family’s sometimes circuitous journey through the decades and often centuries.

He doesn’t charge for his time, though there is a charge for the Utah-based Family Chartmasters service he uses to design the layout and print the genealogy charts.

Davenport’s interest in genealogy and creating these charts began 11 years ago when he decided to track his own family.

“I decided to research David Davenport has already completed my family, and even 135 genealogy charts and is wiling and though I’d done it before, able to help others. (Submitted photo) I saw a chart I liked at a company called Family Chartmakers, so I phoned and talked with all of us. I think we need to know where them,” he recalls. “They have a designer we came from. I think it’s more and more that puts it all together, and they have important to know about our ancestors,” says Davenport, who has lived with his tons of examples.”

Davenport has made two charts for his wife in the same house in Ahwatukee since 1994. family.

Davenport says through researching The first one traced his family beginning with Thomas Davenport, his eighth our ancestors, there are often surprises to great-grandfather on his father’s side be unearthed.

“Maybe I might not look like your dad, who was born in England in 1615 before immigrating to the United States, where but you get a photo of your great-grandfather and you learn you look just like he died in Massachusetts in 1685.

His grandmother, Evelyn Legg Daven- him,” he says. “And you may learn why we port, was born in England in 1870 and do certain things, certain traits.”

When Davenport starts working with a died in 1952 in Rochester, New York.

Three years ago, he and his wife Cheryl new client, he does in-depth research.

If there is no photo available of a longcelebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and Davenport decided to do one of passed relative, through his online rehis own progeny, which made for a large search he’ll find where the person was chart, as the couple has six children, 24 buried and then locate someone in that grandchildren and 11 great-grandchil- area to photograph the gravestone.

“I’m a member of the LDS church, and dren, with numbers 12 and 13 coming recently I put the address of the cemetery soon.

“My wife’s line is also shown on this where someone’s relative was reported chart—her father’s side is from Ireland buried and then found the closest LDS and her mother’s mostly from the U.S.,” chapel. I contacted them by phone. The bishop had someone in his ward go take he says.

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DECEMBER 2020

a photo of the gravestone. I wish I had come up with that 10 years ago,” he says, laughing.

Retired at age 67 in 2013, the last nine employed as a workers’ compensation

specialist for Phoenix-based Swift Transportation, Davenport launched his new hobby.

In the seven years since, he says he’s come across some fascinating history.

“There are so many interesting stories,” he says, citing discoveries of 1800s outlaws and another done for a local man who was 8 months old when his father died in a gun battle with the Roaring ’20s gangster Baby Face Nelson.

“There’s a wide diversity of stories to be found; I’ve run into some that are quite intriguing.”

One of Davenport’s clients is Amy Rulli, a longtime Ahwatukee resident.

Her ancestry chart harks back to Catanzaro and Nusco, Italy, in the 1700s.

“I come from a very large and close family. We all lived close by each other in Pennsylvania. We’re traditionally Italian on both sides,” she says.

“We have so many relatives, we weren’t able to put everyone on the charts. Even my parents’ families were large. There were eight children on my mom’s side and 11 on my dad’s.”

Though her family was close knit, there were surprises when Davenport did his research.

“We just really knew our generation and the one before us, so a lot of things came to light,” she says.

“Dave was able to come up with things we didn’t even know.

“My mother’s family, the Orlandos, lost several children in early childhood, as happened during that time. Dave located a grave marker that revealed an additional child no one alive today knew existed.”

Rulli says passing along her family history to her daughter Blaise means a great deal to her. Among them is an uncovered story behind a substantially sized stained glass window in a Connellsville, Pennsylvania, church that was sent from the city of Nusco, Italy, to the Rulli family, who had settled in Vanderbilt, Pennsylvania, where they owned and operated a hotel.

“It depicts St. Amato, the patron saint of Nusco, watching over the people of the city and the Rulli family who’d left for a new home in America,” she explains.

“Dave is dedicated and skillful in researching the charts, and he’s very well known for his talent in Arizona and Utah.”

Davenport is modest about his work, which he refers to as his hobby.

“I’m retired, and I get a lot of joy out of doing it,” he says.

The majority of his charts run approximately 24 inches by 36 inches, though some can be larger or smaller. He says the size makes it easier to find a ready-made frame at local stores.

Family Chartmasters, which does the design, printing and mailing, charges between $250 to $350.

“They make wonderful, one-of-a-kind gifts for Christmas, weddings and birthdays,” he says.

Davenport can be contacted at davedavenport@cox.net or by phone at 480600-1114. He does not accept texts. www.LovinLife.com

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BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI To improve 2020, Tommy Bahama has created specialty cocktails that are a refreshing combination of mouthwatering seasonal flavors.

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Cook about 10 minutes. Leave one piece of ginger in mix and blend thoroughly.

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DECEMBER 2020

Jalisco Holiday

Huladays Cocktail A mixture of Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, cranberry ginger syrup and lemon juice, finished with a dash of prosecco for a sparkling touch, this cocktail will have you feeling the holiday spirit, one sip at a time.

Ingredients: 1-1/2 parts Mount Gay Black Barrel rum 1 part cranberry ginger syrup 1/2 part lemon juice 1 part prosecco Cranberry ginger syrup: Cook 10 ounces cranberries with 8 ounces of water, 8 ounces of sugar and five thumb-size pieces of peeled ginger (about 1-inch pieces).

A mixture of Milagro Reposada tequila, pomegranate molasses, cinnamon syrup and fresh lime juice adds new flavors to a holiday cocktail.

Ingredients: 2 ounces Milagro Reposado 0.5 ounces Cortas pomegranate molasses 0.5 ounces fresh lime juice 0.5 ounces Monin cinnamon syrup Monin cinnamon syrup: Combine 2 cups of water, 2 cups of sugar and four cinnamon sticks in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks.

Instructions: In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients and shake, with ice, in a mixing tin. Strain over ice into a Collins glass, garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lime peel.

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Chew On This Be aware of your oral care

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ Diabetes.

Cancer.

Alzheimer’s disease.

Respiratory illness.

Not only does the incidence of diagnosis for each of these illnesses increase exponentially as one ages, seniors living with these conditions face some unique challenges, including one right under their noses—literally.

“Oral health is an issue among those living with each of these conditions, as well as an increasingly important area for overall wellness as we age,” says Kristi DeWitt, director of small business and individual sales at Delta Dental of Arizona.

“For example, diabetes reduces the body’s ability to fight infection. Because gum disease is a type of infection in the gums and the bone surrounding gums, people with diabetes can have a harder time getting rid of gum disease than their nondiabetic counterparts.”

According to DeWitt, if you have diabetes, it’s important to make your dentist aware of your condition so they know you have an increased risk for gum disease. You should also pay close attention to your oral health, making sure to brush twice a day, floss daily and visit your dentist regularly for checkups.

“People with diabetes or gum disease may also be eligible for enhanced benefits through their dental plan, which may cover extra cleanings and exams. Some studies have shown that people with diabetes who receive regular oral health care may even lower their overall medical costs from diabetes,” DeWitt says.

Similarly, the treatment for lung cancer, a crucial element of one’s care, can have an impact on oral health, especially in causing dry mouth and taking away your sense of taste, among other things. And with Alzheimer’s, certainly the caregivers of those living with the disease need to assist in ensuring proper oral health care, but in addition to this, according to a 2019 study published in Harvard Men’s Health Watch, the bacteria that cause gingivitis also may be connected to Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that this species of bacteria, called Porphyromonas gingivalis, can move from the mouth to the brain. Once in the brain, the bacteria rewww.LovinLife.com

lease enzymes called gingipains that can destroy nerve cells, which in turn can lead to memory loss and eventually Alzheimer’s.

“Even if you are not living with one of these conditions, as we age, we generally take more medications,” DeWitt says. “Medications can sometimes cause dry mouth. A parched palate can increase bacteria in the mouth, resulting in tooth decay.”

“Whether you have a chronic illness or not, if you are 65 or older, it’s time to think about Medicare and its coverage as it relates to dental care,” says David Luna, co-founder of Connie Health, a local and free Medicare advisory service. “Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care. They only cover dental care if the dental services are required to protect general health.”

Luna notes that Medicare Advantage plans, or Medicare private health care plans, may offer dental coverage including routine dental services, like checkups or cleanings.

“Coverage can vary widely from plan to plan, so be sure to get help, as it can be somewhat overwhelming and confusing,” says Luna. “From now until December 7, anyone 65 or older has the chance to review their services, as it is the open-enrollment period. During this time, it is essential to review items like Medicare Advantage and how they can help to cover the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn’t cover.”

DeWitt adds that individual and family dental policies can be an affordable option for people who don’t have dental coverage through their Medicare plans, so it’s good to check out the different carrier websites to learn more about their offerings for individuals. Older adults with limited income have several options when it comes to dental assistance as well.

“Reduced-cost or free clinics are available across Arizona. Dental schools are also another option,” DeWitt says. “And if considering assisted living care, you have options as well.”

DeWitt recommends asking the following questions if considering an assisted or senior living facility, either from the onset or when nearing a new agreement: • What policies are in place to ensure residents are following their daily oral health care routine?

• What assistance is provided to residents who are unable or unwilling to properly

brush and floss?

• Are dental devices, such as dentures, cleaned and maintained?

• Do residents have access to regular oral health care from trained dental professionals?

• How often do residents receive a dental exam and/or cleaning?

For more, visit deltadentalaz.com or conniehealth.com.

answers

DECEMBER 2020

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15

Entertainment

Tommy Lee is pushing his new album, “Andro,” a mix of electro, hip-hop, funk, dance and industrial music.

Two sides

(Photo by Myriam Santos)

Tommy Lee unites female and male energies on new album

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tommy Lee pops up on Zoom donning a fedora, sunglasses and a black T-shirt that reads “Please Evolve” in his pricey home studio.

“This Zoom thing is so (expletive) cool, because typically we would probably be doing a phone interview,” he says, smiling widely. “It’s been so cool to see people who you’re actually talking to. What a concept.”

Lee is pushing his new album, “Andro,” a mix of electro, hip-hop, funk, dance and industrial music with special guests like Post Malone, Josh Todd (briefly), South African rapper Push Push, Lukas Rossi (from Lee’s former TV show “Rockstar: Supernova”) and Tyla Yaweh.

“I hope people enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it,” he says. “When I do my own thing, genres don’t even exist for me. I love bobbing and weaving through them all, smashing them together when they’re not supposed to go together. I love that stuff.”

“Andro” is represented on the album with the female energy tracks on one side and the male voices on the other, Lee says.

“Boom. That’s where the title ‘Andro’ came. The record clearly has two dominant energies—one male, one female.

Once I separated them, they danced.

They both have their own vibes. I don’t think that’s ever been done. I may be wrong, but I don’t think anybody’s ever

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DECEMBER 2020

done that conceptually. It’s really cool.”

The guest artists came as an afterthought, Lee explains.

“I have a collaboration list of people who I have always wanted to work with.

I’ve admired their stuff. I’ve been following them and checking their stuff out,” he says.

“I’d be like, ‘Oh my God. So and so would just kill this track. They’re perfect.’

I would reach out to them and say, ‘Hey, I got a track. This has your name all over it.’ They would hear it and be like, ‘I’m in.’

Two days later, we’d be here at the studio recording it. It really started with the music, and the music sort of dictated what voice went with the vibe, what lyrics, all that stuff.”

One person with whom he particularly vibed was Julia Sykes of London’s PLYA. She appears on the song “Make It Back.”

“I had this song and I sent her just the music, right, and she loved it,” Lee says excitedly. “She wanted to do it. She comes over and I was like, ‘Julia, what would you like to hear?’ I had taken another girl’s a cappella and I Frankensteined it. I kind of chopped up how I hear the melody going.

“She didn’t want me to play it for her, because she didn’t want to be influenced by it. I said, ‘OK, fair enough. I get it.’ She goes out in the studio and she starts singing. I look at my engineer and I’m like, ‘Dude, what the (expletive).’ It was 98.9% of what I had already heard in my head—

Tommy Lee tommylee.com

and she never heard this. I was freaking out. She killed it. I played her a demo of what I was thinking, and I’ll never forget her face. She was sitting on the couch like this” with mouth agape.

“That’s just rare. Christina, that just does not happen. I love telling people that story ’cause, wow, I still get goosebumps telling it.”

Now was the perfect time for “Andro,” because the Motley Crue stadium tour with Def Leppard and Joan Jett was postponed and, frankly, Lee was over music.

“I was like, ‘OK. I’m going to take a year off. I’m going to clear my head. I don’t want to hear about music. I don’t want to listen to the radio. I don’t want to see it.

I’m just going to remove myself and just

air it out’—and I did that,” he recalls.

He did that for a year until he got antsy and the songs started creeping into his head. Lee thought the songs were “awesome,” and he says he had to put out the music.

“I wasn’t really planning on it,” adds Lee, who had just shot a “seriously ghetto, fabulous” video for his song “Caviar on a Paper Plate.” “I just can’t sit around.”

Lee says “Andro” passed the ultimate test.

“I still listen to it. After you’ve worked on a record for, God, a year and a half, you’re sick of it. You’ve heard it so many times that you’ve just worn it out. I still listen to it, and that’s a really good sign.

That doesn’t happen often.”

www.LovinLife.com

Pointing Toward History Sistine Chapel exhibit gives an unprecedented look at frescoes

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI The COVID-19 pandemic has limited the ability to travel, so Special Entertainment Events Inc. brought a piece of the Vatican to The Croft in Downtown Phoenix.

“Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” began its three-month run on November 20 at the 17,000-square-foot venue, which accommodates physical distancing. Guests will be required to wear a mask at all times after purchasing timed tickets.

The immersive art exhibit features 10,000 square feet of the artist’s frescoes that adorn the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The 34 panels of frescoes were produced in their near-original size. Among these reproductions are masterpieces like “The Creation of Adam” and “The Last Judgment.”

“We are thrilled to bring this exhibit to Downtown Phoenix and the state of Arizona for the first time,” says Martin Biallas, CEO of Los Angeles-based SEE Global Entertainment, producer of the Sistine Chapel exhibit.

“People all over the world have been amazed to see Michelangelo’s work up close in such detail, and we’re glad the people of this state and region will have that opportunity as well.”

Biallas is the original creator of the award-winning “Titanic” and “Star Trek” exhibitions, which visited Scottsdale and Phoenix, respectively.

“We are overjoyed at the opportunity to host this unique experience for the region,” says Angela Karp, co-owner of The Croft Downtown.

“Health and safety remain the highest priority, so our exhibition will be equally as safe as it is spectacular.”

Guests may enhance the experience with a downloadable premium optional audio guide, with accompanying narrative available in English and Spanish.

Adding to the experience, the exhibit features a small theater showing educational videos about Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel.

Finding success Biallas has hosted this exhibit for five years; it opened in Montreal in 2015. He says he wanted to bring it to Phoenix but couldn’t find an appropriate venue.

“I’ve done a lot of projects here in Phoenix, like ‘Titanic’ and ‘Star Trek’ over at the science museum,” he says. “This is not something for the science museum, obviously. We have four units that are touring.”

Biallas is hoping the public isn’t afraid to visit because of COVID-19.

“This is the type of exhibit where you can actually stay distanced,” he says. “We limit the number of people inside per hour.

“This is almost like a sanctuary. You come in here and you just leave everything behind. We have this beautiful music. We have these gorgeous frescoes that Michelangelo worked on for five years.”

At the Sistine Chapel, photos are not permitted. The Croft and the exhibit are allowing cameras. A big hit among visitors is pointing a finger at “The Creation of Adam” or the photo op with angel wings.

“It’s obviously a wonderful experience, the original,” he says. “I came up with the idea after a visit and thought, ‘If we can get the licensing and recreate these in the original size for people to see up

The Sistine Chapel exhibit offers a closer look than the real thing.

(Photos courtesy Knoodle)

close and have a wonderful audio guide, that would be amazing.”

The 90-minute audio guide is available through an app. The exhibit is perfect for anyone who’s stressed over COVID, those who aren’t religious, art patrons and history fans, he says.

“This is almost like you’re walking at 15 feet underneath the ceiling,” he says.

“You’re that close. It’s from a perspective that even a pope has never seen. Obviously, you can’t get up to the scaffolding.”

MORE INFO

What: “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays, through February 14; also closed on Christmas Where: The Croft, 22 E. Buchanan Street, Phoenix Cost: Tickets start at $12 Info: chapelsistine.com

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DECEMBER 2020

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17

Living His ‘Dream’

After living in New York and LA, actor Michael Saquella now calls Mesa home. (Photo by Jay Curtis)

Mesa’s Michael Saquella diverts from his usual gangster role

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Mesa multihyphenate entertainer Michael Saquella is thrilled about small things as well as easy laughs.

“I’m excited that I got out of bed this morning,” Saquella says deadpan.

High on his priority list, though, is “Dream Round,” in which he wrote, produced and stars. The film features Richard Grieco and premiered last month on streaming services.

“It’s a great role for me,” says Saquella, who owns Cactus Blue Entertainment. “I normally play mobsters and gangsters.

In this film, I play a real sweet, innocent gentleman who lost a family.”

He and Grieco have known each other since 1991, when the two worked on the Burt Reynolds vehicle “Forget About It,” which was shot in Mesa.

“We played a lot of golf,” he says. “We’re like brothers.”

Saquella is also looking forward to the release of “Carolina’s Calling,” in which he appears alongside Antonio Sabato Jr. The indie film is “comedy with an alien twist,” he says.

It was filmed in Arizona in mid-June, when the state reopened, and it wrapped principal shooting on July 3. The project continued in the Carolinas this summer.

A major film studio is considering releasing it this winter.

“It’s one of my better projects,” he says. “Besides Antonio Sabato Jr., it has Stacey Dash in it. We’re hoping to do a red carpet event at Harkins and make a big event out of it. We’ll open it up to the public and have paparazzi.”

Saquella grew up in New York but moved to Arizona to attend ASU in 1977.

After that, he relocated to Los Angeles.

He has been entertaining for nearly four decades.

His versatile acting skills have landed him roles in film, television, comedy and live entertainment. Saquella’s career began when he took to the stage as a standup comic, opening for notables such as Charro, Tony Bennett and Rachel Welch.

He showcased his talents when he wrote, starred in and made his directorial debut in the horror film “Blue Lake Butcher.” As an actor he also starred in the movies “Used Cars,” “O’Hara’s Wife,” “Assassin,” “Second Chance,” “Lady Blues,” “News Traveler” and “Desert Rose.”

He directed and wrote the film “Ambush at Peck Canyon,” based on the true story of murdered Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.

A comedian and a blues singer, Saquella does impersonations of the late comedic talent John Belushi in live performances in “Legends in Concert” and “Legendary Superstars.” Saquella’s favorite role was in “Forget About It,” as he and Reynolds have a long-standing relationship.

As a boy, Saquella and his family drove from Los Angeles to La Jolla only to find the beach blocked off because Reynolds was filming “Lucky Lady.”

He went through the yellow caution tape and walked up to Reynolds, who offered an autograph.

“I said, ‘No, I want to know how I get started,’” he says with a laugh. “He said, ‘Figure out what it is to make you want to do that and never quit.’”

Saquella replied, “Mr. Reynolds, I’m going to work with you some day.”

The two ran into each other frequently before they reunited for “Forget About It,” which was filmed at Sunrise Village on McKellips Road.

“We were sitting under the orange trees talking,” he says. “Burt said, ‘I think I remember you.’ His son, Quinton, had the hots for my daughter, Samantha.”

Saquella enjoys living in Arizona, though, because of the cactus and rocks.

“People love the ocean,” he says. “I love the desert. I love Arizona. It’s like home.

I’ve been here 43 years now and I absolutely love this place. I would definitely tell everybody to move here.”

Michael Saquella imdb.com/name/nm1130592

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Puzzles

GOby FIGURE! Linda Thistle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 15

King Crossword ACROSS 1 “Grand” 5 Letterman’s network 8 Out of control 12 Suspend 13 Weeding tool 14 Wise one 15 Killer whale 16 Lineage 18 Astronauts’ descent to Earth 20 Locations 21 Comic DeLuise 22 Satchel 23 “Forget it!”

26 Nation 30 Lawyers’ org.

31 Sly one 32 Nay opponent 33 Racism, e.g.

36 Aden’s land 38 Bill and -39 Adams or Ameche 40 Clean software

43 Turducken, e.g.

47 Immoderate devotion 49 Met melody 50 Taj Mahal city 51 Trouble 52 Ring up 53 Lecherous look 54 Possess 55 Duel tool DOWN 1 Valhalla VIP 2 Aesopian also-ran 3 Formerly 4 Landlocked African nation 5 Amulet 6 Skeletal 7 Moment 8 Delegate 9 Dillon or Damon 10 Shrek, for one 11 Jailer’s janglers 17 Jacob’s brother

19 Plaything 22 Carton 23 Apprehend 24 Japanese sash 25 Witty one 26 Coquettish 27 Scot’s hat 28 Deli bread 29 Longing 31 To and -34 Eye-related 35 Forum garment 36 Second person 37 Intertwine 39 Senior member 40 Soap brand 41 Advantage 42 Drill 43 Front of a ship 44 Snare 45 Irritate 46 New Haven campus 48 Pair

SUDOKU TIME

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

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK H H

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EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

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

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK H

H Moderate HH Challenging HHH HOO BOY!

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

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

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

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DECEMBER 2020

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19

Dining

Elote Café’s Pumpkin Flan

A Taste of History Storytelling cookbook puts Arizona spin on the holidays

BY KRISTINE CANNON This holiday season, add a taste of Arizona to your Christmas spread.

And the Historical League of the Arizona Heritage Center’s latest cookbook, “Tastes & Treasures II: A Storytelling Cookbook of Historic Arizona,” has just the dessert to make this year: Scottsdale resident and Historical League Historymaker Jim Bruner’s homemade vanilla ice cream paired with Sedona-based Elote Café’s famed pumpkin flan.

“Simple homemade ice cream has been a part of the Bruner family for at least 70 years,” Bruner writes in “Tastes & Treasures II.” “We continue the tradition my parents stated and serve it for every birthday and special occasion, even Christmas Eve dinner.”

Bruner and the family made the ice cream the old-fashioned way, too, “with the wooden bucket and hand crank,” he recalls.

“Homemade ice cream makes me recall my early childhood memories,” Bruner says.

As for Elote Café’s pumpkin flan, the rich, creamy dessert is topped with freshly whipped cream and maple-glazed pumpkin seeds and described by the restaurant as “a step above pumpkin pie.”

“Tastes & Treasures II” is a 216-page cookbook curated and written by the Historical League, which celebrates 40 years of support of this Arizona Historical Society Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate.

The cookbook is chock full of recipes and evocative food stories from 24 historic Arizona restaurants and Historymakers, like Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and past President of ASU Dr. Lattie Coor.

“Tastes & Treasures II” is available on the Historical League’s website, historicalleague.org, for $30; and funds from “Tastes & Treasures II” support education programs at the Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park, including National History Day, exhibits, library/archives and capital improvements.

Without further ado, the recipes...

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Sandy Bruner makes her family’s vanilla ice cream over the holidays. “Sandy mixes up the ingredients. My job is to work the machine, adding ice and salt,” Jim Bruner says.

(Photos courtesty of Historical League)

Bruner’s Homemade Ice Cream Ingredients: • 1 large fresh pasteurized egg (or 1⁄4 cup liquid eggs) • 1 cup granulated white sugar • 2-1⁄4 cups whole milk • 1-3⁄4 cups half-and-half • 1-1⁄2 teaspoons La Vencedor Mexican vanilla, if available • Pinch salt Directions: Note: This recipe has been reduced from the original to fit the smaller electric ice cream makers used today. Please follow manufacturer’s directions on pre-freezing the center freezer container. This recipe makes about five cups of delicious vanilla ice cream.

1. In a medium bowl whisk the egg, then slowly blend in the sugar while continuing to whisk.

2. Add the rest of the ingredients and whisk until smooth.

3. Place mixture in refrigerator and chill thoroughly.

4. Pour into the center freezer container and put into an electric ice cream maker, following the freezing directions.

Ingredients: • 1-1/4 cups sugar, for the bottom of the ramekins (or baking dish) • 6 eggs • 2 cups half-and-half • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk • 1 cup from a (14-ounce) can of pumpkin puree • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1 teaspoon ground cañela (or ground cinnamon) • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly ground if possible) • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/2 teaspoon ginger • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 pint fresh raspberries • 1 cup freshly whipped cream • Maple-glazed pumpkin seeds

Elote Café shared its popular Pumpkin Flan recipe in the Historical League of the Arizona Heritage Center’s latest cookbook, “Tastes & Treasures II: A Storytelling Cookbook of Historic Arizona.”

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees and place an oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Have eight 6-ounce ramekins or a 9.5 deep-dish pie plate, a roasting pan (lined with a dish towel) and a source of simmering hot water at the ready.

2. Place the sugar in a medium sauté pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and becomes liquefied. The sugar may look lumpy as it melts; keep stirring and the lumps will dissolve. Once the sugar boils, stop stirring. The sugar is ready when it changes color from clear to rich golden brown and is nutty smelling.

3. Carefully pour the sugar into each individual ramekin. Do this quickly, as the caramel will harden as it cools, coating the bottom of each ramekin with the melted sugar. Set aside to cool.

4. Place the eggs into a blender and puree on low. Add the half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin, vanilla, cañela (or cinnamon), nutmeg, cloves, ginger and salt. Puree on low for 1 minute. Allow the mixture to rest a few minutes, as air bubbles are to be avoided.

5. Place the ramekins into the roasting pan. Gently stir with a spoon, then pour the flan mixture over the caramel, dividing it evenly. Place the roasting pan into the oven. Pour the

simmering hot water into the roasting pan, about halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

6. Bake the flan for about 45 minutes (55 minutes for a deep dish). To test for doneness, gently shake a ramekin; the center of the custard should still jiggle slightly. You may also test by inserting the tip of a knife into the center. If the flan is still liquid, it needs more time in the oven.

7. When done, remove from the oven and let the custard cool on the counter in the roasting pan for 30 minutes.

Transfer to a tray, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for four hours or up to three days.

8. Unmold by going around the inside edge of the ramekin with a very thin paring knife. Then invert the ramekin onto the serving plate; the custard should fall out. If the flan does not release easily, dip the ramekin or dish in warm water for about 1 minute.

9. Serve with a sprinkling of the maple-glazed pumpkin seeds, a few fresh raspberries and a spoonful of fresh whipped cream.

Maple-Glazed Pumpkin Seeds Ingredients: • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg • 1/2 teaspoon allspice • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup • 1 cup raw, shelled pumpkin seeds • 1 teaspoon coconut oil, melted Recipes...continues on page 21 www.LovinLife.com

Recipes...continued from page 20 Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 and place a rack in the bottom third of the oven. Combine spices in a small bowl and set aside. In a separate small heatproof bowl combine the vanilla and maple syrup, then set aside.

2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pumpkin seeds in a small bowl, toss with the melted coconut oil and then spread out evenly on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to the bowl with the maple syrup and vanilla. (You can use the parchment paper as a sling to do this, then return it to the baking sheet.) Stir to evenly coat. Add the spice mixture, stirring well.

3. Return seeds to the oven and roast for 10-12 minutes more, or until golden brown. The seeds are sticky and soft when done but will harden as they cool. Clumps can easily be broken up. Transfer to a container with a lid.

Sprinkle a few of these delicious seeds on the pumpkin flan.

What’s Cooking?

Christmas Cake

BY JAN D’ATRI

It’s a scrumptious sight to behold! This gorgeous Christmas Tree Cake is bedecked with holiday sprinkles and hiding a swirl of surprise color inside. It just couldn’t be easier. All you need to make it happen is a box of white cake mix, a container of white icing and food coloring.

You can make one large Bundt cake or four mini Bundt cakes that say this holiday is magical and mouthwatering.

Happy holidays! I wish you many blessings for the coming New Year!

CHRISTMAS CAKE Ingredients: • 1 box white cake mix • 1 (approx. 3.5 ounces) package Hershey’s white chocolate pudding or instant vanilla pudding • 3 large eggs

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil • 1 cup water • 1 cup sour cream • 1 container white frosting • Green and red food coloring • Decorative sprinkles Directions: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Using shortening or butter, grease 12-cup Bundt pan. (Do not use cooking spray.) Mix together box cake mix, pudding, eggs, vegetable oil, water and sour cream. Pour half of the batter into a medium bowl.

Divide the other half of the batter equal-

ly between two small bowls (about one cup each). Add enough red food coloring to one of the small bowls to achieve bright red color. Mix well. Add enough green food coloring to the second small bowl to achieve bright green color and mix well. Pour half of the white batter from medium bowl into Bundt pan. Spoon red batter over white batter in Bundt pan without mixing the two colors together. Carefully pour green batter over red batter without mixing the red and green colors. Pour remaining white batter from medium bowl over the top.

Bake for about 35 minutes or as directed on box, and when toothpick comes up clean. Let cake cool (about 30 minutes). Turn cake upside down on serving plate.

Divide frosting between two small microwavable bowls. Microwave one bowl for about 10 to 12 seconds. Mix well with spoon until smooth enough to drizzle.

With the spoon, drizzle white frosting over the cake. Microwave second bowl of frosting; stir in green food color. Mix with spoon and drizzle over cake. Immediately sprinkle with decorative sugars before green frosting hardens. Let frosting firm, then cut and serve.

Makes one large Bundt cake or six mini Bundt cakes.

Jan’s Note: (For mini Bundt cakes, I place my cake batter in three separate piping bags— one for the white, red and green. It’s easier to pipe the colors in layers.)

Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com/recipe/christmas-cake

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DECEMBER 2020

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21

Columns

The Healthy Geezer

Hospice Is Hope

Coping with loss this holiday season

BY LIN SUE COONEY

Director of Community Engagement, Hospice of the Valley

The holidays can be challenging for anyone—but that’s especially true if you are grieving the loss of a loved one. Sadness can magnify the stress of the season.

Instead of excitement and joy, you may be feeling a little empty and lost. It seems impossible to carry on with old traditions as if nothing has changed, because the truth is your whole world has changed.

The pandemic is likely to intensify feelings of loss as families suspend traditional big gatherings to keep the virus from spreading. Grief experts like Ellen S. Zinner say it’s never easy to face festivities with an aching heart, but there are ways to survive the holidays in times of great sorrow.

Take it easy When you are grieving, give up perfection and let some things go. Ask others to help you—chances are they will love being able to comfort and support you.

Say no Avoid things that increase your stress— shopping, cooking, decorating, planning.

This year, just say, “No, thank you.”

Make yourself a priority Decide what you really want to do this year—and forget what others think you “should” be doing. Skip the parties if you’d rather stay home. You are in charge of what gets your attention and energy.

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DECEMBER 2020

Hip replacement surgery has a good success rate

BY FRED CICETTI

Q

Practice self-care Get enough sleep. Moderate alcohol intake. Learn relaxation techniques. Exercise—it chases away depression.

Be kind to yourself Show yourself the same tenderness you would give a friend who is grieving someone’s death. Be patient and understand that grieving is an ebb and flow and takes as long as it takes.

Honor and acknowledge You will never forget your loved one.

During this first holiday without him or her, find a way to honor or acknowledge the beautiful memories you will always treasure.

Hospice of the Valley has many more helpful “holiday survivorship skills” to share in our free booklet, “Coping with Grief During the Holidays.” Request a copy by emailing bhawes@hov.org.

Learn to manage the challenges of the holiday season in a healthy way by joining our Zoom presentation, “Mindfulness Practices for Easing the Stress of the Season,” 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, December 10. The Zoom link is https://hov. zoom.us/j/92896300757 Meeting ID: 928 9630 0757 Passcode: 406925 Cost: Free Lin Sue Cooney is director of community engagement for Hospice of the Valley.

I’m considering having a hip replaced. What are the odds that this operation will work?

A

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says joint replacement surgery is successful in more than 9 out of 10 people. And replacement of a hip or knee lasts at least 20 years in about 80% of those who have the surgery.

In the procedure, an arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. Artificial joints are medical devices, which must be cleared or approved by the FDA before they can be marketed in the United States.

The goal of surgery is to relieve the pain in the joint caused by the damage done to cartilage, the tissue that serves as a protective cushion and allows smooth, low-friction movement of the joint. Total joint replacement is considered if other treatment options will not bring relief.

In an arthritic knee, the damaged ends of the bones and cartilage are replaced with metal and plastic surfaces that are shaped to restore knee function. In an arthritic hip, the damaged ball and socket of this joint are replaced by a metal ball and plastic socket. Several metals are usually used, including stainless steel, alloys of cobalt and chrome, and titanium. The plastic material is durable and wear-resistant polyethylene.

The two most common joints requiring this form of surgery are the knee and hip, which are weight-bearing. But replacements can also be performed on other joints, including the ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow and fingers.

After total hip or knee replacement, you will often stand and begin walking the day after surgery. Initially, you will walk with a walker, crutches or a cane.

Most patients have some temporary pain in the replaced joint because the surrounding muscles are weak from inactivity and the tissues are healing, but it will

end in a few weeks or months.

Exercise is an important part of the recovery process. After your surgery, you may be permitted to play golf, walk and dance. However, more strenuous sports, such as tennis or running, may be discouraged.

There can be complications from joint-replacement surgery. These include infection, blood clots, loosening of the prosthesis, dislocation of the joint, excessive wear, prosthetic breakage and nerve injury. There are remedies for all of these complications, but sometimes the correction will take more surgery.

Surgeons are refining techniques and developing new ones such as minimal-incision surgery. In this type of surgery, smaller incisions are used. Minimal incisions reduce trauma, pain and hospital stays. Not all patients are candidates for minimal-incision surgery.

There is a surgical alternative to total hip replacement. It’s called hip resurfacing. The primary difference in hip resurfacing is that the surgeon doesn’t remove the ball at the top of the thigh bone. Instead, the damaged ball is reshaped and then a metal cap is anchored over it.

Hip resurfacing, unlike hip replacement, preserves enough bone to permit a total replacement if it is necessary later. Resurfacing is not recommended for patients with osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones porous and vulnerable to fractures. Some health care experts advise getting a replacement hip joint, not a resurfacing, if you are older than 65. www.LovinLife.com

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DECEMBER 2020

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23

A Lasting Legacy Planning for a will or trust brings peace of mind

BY MATT OSBORN

Wills and Trusts Manager, Desert Financial Credit Union

If you’re closer to the retirement years than the just-starting-out years and haven’t established a will or trust, you’re not alone. However, doing so is easier than you think and comes with something priceless—peace of mind.

About 60% of people don’t have a will or trust. Refraining from planning ahead can wreak financial havoc for those who may have counted on those funds, not to mention create potential for family drama. Planning ahead can make it much easier for those left behind to cope with managing your affairs.

It can seem overwhelming—daunting even—and so often people put off establishing a will or trust until it’s too late.

Most of us aren’t versed in the intricacies of estate planning. And often we don’t want to think about our departures, inevitable as they are.

Often there is a perception that only attorneys can work on wills and trusts and

that the cost is too high. But neither are true. A certified legal document preparer (CLDP) can deliver the services. Attorneys who specialize in estate planning can help with more complex needs or highnet value assets, but for most, CLDPs can provide the expertise you need and service you want.

Avoiding making that call is understandable. But one conversation with an expert and you’ll gain a better understanding of the importance of taking this step if you’re 10 to 15 years from retirement or if you’ve already reached that stage. Planning for what happens next for your spouse, loved ones or charitable causes you care about can help you feel more in control.

Wills vs. trusts In simple terms, a will is a legal document, signed by two witnesses, that establishes your wishes and goes into

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effect as soon as you pass on. A will appoints who will receive your assets and which representative has been named to carry out your wishes. It can work well for some, but upon your death, a will may need to be filed into a court process called probate. An attorney may have to help navigate the process to ensure your wishes are met, and the record is public.

A trust, however, goes into effect as soon as it is established and can be controlled by you during your lifetime.

A revocable trust means you can make changes anytime. It is a legal arrangement through which one person you appoint (or institution such as a law firm or bank), called the “trustee,” manages the legal titles to assets for another person, called a “beneficiary”—usually children or loved ones, charitable organizations or other heirs.

Trust goes on after you pass away, and assets can be controlled and distributed by the trustee. A trust does not require court approval and stays private.

Bear this in mind: A will can avoid probate if all assets, such as bank accounts, investments, life insurance policies, etc., are set up with named beneficiaries. A trust can avoid probate if everything is titled properly to the trust. A will and trust both might require probate if assets are not set up properly. It’s why consulting with an expert to thoroughly investigate

your needs and help you understand your specific circumstances is so important.

Many clients like these make that first call because they’re already members at Desert Financial Credit Union, and we can help anyone who lives in Arizona.

Expertise When searching for any provider, look for a trusted, certified and reputable name. The ideal candidate can deliver a one-stop shop that makes the process easy, including electronic storage. At Desert Financial we take pride in educating our clients about the options so they have the information and resources they need to make sound decisions.

What’s most important is working with someone you connect with and trust to help carry out your wishes for a smooth transfer of assets.

You’ve worked long and hard to build a life you can be proud of. Make the time to carefully plan how the fruits of your labor can go on to make a continued impact.

Taking care of your loved ones and/or making a legacy gift to a charitable organization adds meaning and value to your life.

Matt Osborn is the sales manager at the wills and trusts division at Desert Financial Credit Union. For more, visit desertfinancial.com or call Osborn at 602-695-9104.

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DECEMBER 2020

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25

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Personal Services TIRED OF BEING ALONE? No-one deserves to be lonely.

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

Thank You! Jim Schmidt 480.296.3900

DRAWER LL1712 Attractive 74 y/o SW M would like to meet a fun happy lady to share good time. A good life and the fun of finding and enjoying new adventures together, and with our pets too. Write with phone # (no emails) DRAWYER LL1696 SWF 73 yr. old would like to meet a special man for companionship that could become a happy long term relationship. If interested please write or email. I live in Chandler.

DRAWER LL1584 SWM, 68 Seeking Hiking/Walking Partner in Her 50's-60's For Phoenix & Scottsdale Local Trails DRAWER LL1706 Lovely European man would like to meet a fun outgoing lady for permanent relationship. Intrusted in growth, prefer live together. Free room and board and much more. Like to share good times and different adventures together. Write with phone number.

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Keep your Christmas Sweet!

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