LLAF-Tucson-Mar 2014

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Tucson March 2014

Health Trends 2014

Julio Iglesias Talks Feeling 50 at Age 70.

‘Help, my doctor dropped me!’

What getting that dreaded notice about your doctor dropping Medicare really says about health reform — and about your doctor. : : by Jimmy Magahern

Finish Line Newsletter starts on page 41

Fun & Games & More!

New entertainment section starts on page 22.

page 2 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : March 2014

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Dropped Me” page 16

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6 Sound Off 6 The Curmudgeon 7 The Up Side 9 The Widow’s Corner 11 Ask the Old Bag entertainment

12 Calendar of Events 22 Julio Iglesias Talks Feeling 50 at Age 70 22 Fun & Games Around Tucson 23 Arizona Renaissance Festival 24 Arizona Casino Guide 24 Winner’s Circle 25 Bingo Happenings 27 Tinseltown Talks 30 Expo Wrap-up 33 Trivia Contest 34 Puzzles home improvement

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32 Jan D’Atri 38 Classifieds arizona senior olympics

41 Finish Line News

credits

publishers Steve T. Strickbine Steve Fish executive editor Shanna Hogan managing community editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski features editor Christina Caldwell art director Erica Odello advertising sales director Zac Reynolds advertising sales manager Mike Jiggs account executive Hillary Young account executive Lou Lagrave sales administrator Shannon Fish contributors Jimmy Magahern, Sam Nalven, Drew Alexander, Jan D’Atri, Michael Grady, Terry Ratner, Gayle Lagman-Creswick,

© 2013 by EOS Publishing, LLC. Lovin’ Life After 50 is a monthly publication dedicated to informing, serving and entertaining the active adults of Arizona. It is published by EOS Publishing, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year or $40 for two years. Send check or money order to Lovin’ Life After 50.

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As You Have Grown Older, Do You Often Feel Tired Or Short Of Breath?

Aortic Stenosis, And Not Normal Aging, May Be The Problem

“O

ne day, my dad picked up the phone and I heard him breathing really hard on the other end,” said Mary. “I asked him what was wrong and my dad said he was just out of breath these days. I knew something wasn’t right.” When her father, 80-year-old Conrad, a typically vibrant and active person, began to experience a marked decrease in energy, he didn’t think anything of it until Mary pointed out his shortness of breath. Conrad thought his symptoms were the normal signs of aging, but he soon discovered they were actually caused by a problem with one of the valves in his heart.

In your golden years, you’ve probably come to expect that your hair will turn gray and that you may lose a step or two in your tango. But did you know that feeling extremely tired or short of breath may signal a deeper, underlying problem? Aortic stenosis may be the culprit.

Up to 1.5 million people in the United States suffer from this progressive disease where the aortic valve in the heart narrows. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, including the buildup of calcium in the heart valve, a birth defect, rheumatic fever, or radiation therapy. Approximately 250,000 people suffer from the most severe form of aortic stenosis.

Aortic stenosis symptoms are often mistaken for signs of “normal” aging and may cause you to experience the following: • Chest pain or tightness • Fatigue • Shortness of breath • Lightheadedness, dizziness, and/or fainting • Heart palpitations • Swollen ankles and feet • Difficulty walking short distances or exercising • Sensations of a rapid fluttering heartbeat • The need to sleep sitting upright instead of lying flat in bed • Unable or unfit to engage in physical activities that you used to enjoy If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away as

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The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association guidelines recommend treatment quickly once a person is diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. Once people begin experiencing symptoms, studies indicate that up to 50 percent of those

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opinion Sound Off

Oh boy, is this old grandma mad enough to chew nails.

Having a yard sale where people come by just to donate for the food bank and I never take a nickel of their money. Then there are those who come from out of state pick up something and walk off with it. I tell them it’s free with a small donation to the food bank. They said, “We have our own state food bank.” Shame on you. Shame on you. You just stole $2 worth from someone’s table. Shame on you, you dumb people.

I read the article by Michael Grady, “Attack of the Shadow People,” (February 2014) about his wife getting hit twice in one year by people texting or talking on the phone.

I got hit by someone talking on the phone. He actually said, “Oh, I’m sorry.

I dropped my phone.” It’s been like six months and his insurance company is saying that there are conflicting stories.

He got a ticket. I got rear ended. It’s very, very frustrating. Somebody’s talking on the phone. They get a ticket,

but the insurance company doesn’t want to pay? I feel a sense of simpatico with Michael Grady. That article was really good.

altitudes at the end of the runway and over neighborhoods. They will approve it because of dollars generated. Be ready for more noise.

Oh boy, if the same group of Washington experts are the ones who fix the security system—or supposed to fix the security system—were the ones who set up the medical system, oh God, we’re really in trouble. Get rid of all the hungry millionaires and bring back the grandpas who had a little common sense for a few years anyway.

I live in Wilmette, Ill. I am just vacationing in Tucson. I read one of the Sound Off opinions saying that Drew Alexander should be fired or investigated. I think it’s very ironic that when I’m reading Drew Alexander’s little article he sounds so intelligent and so right on about everything. He’s saying in his article about “1984” that if liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell

Thanks for including The Curmudgeon in your newspaper insert. He reminds me of what I never want to become: a bitter, narrow, finger pointing old white guy who wallows in his own hatred.

Yes we get it—he hates change, hates President Obama and all Democrats, and longs for the happier times of Dwight Eisenhower. The Curmudgeon Award for writing in an echo chamber: Drew Alexander. Hey, Lovin’ Life After 50, how about some fresh ideas?

I was an airline pilot for 34 years. Scottsdale’s request for more fuel for departing aircraft means longer take-off rolls, lower

The Curmudgeon New York, New York, Goodbye, Goodbye

I

: : by Drew Alexander

t’s not often that I visit New York City. But on those few past occasions, it was always a special experience because culturally and historically, there’s no metropolis like it. In a January radio interview, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said I was now persona non grata in his state.

Independent conservatives like me who believe in the sanctity of life in and out of the womb, define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and support the intent of the Second Amendment, are, in the governor’s view, “extremists” and “have no place in the state of New York, because that’s not who New Yorkers are.”

The newly elected mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, was of the same mind, saying, “I agree with

Governor Cuomo’s remarks onehundred percent. He is absolutely right to say what he said.”

This same mayor bluntly told a group of real estate developers that he does not believe in the free enterprise system, and said, “I believe in the heavy hand of government.”

I took my first bite of the Big Apple at age fifteen when I sailed from the Port of New York on a relatively small ocean liner bound for Europe.

On the second day out, the ship was in the thick of a fierce Atlantic storm that nearly claimed the vessel and me with it. Four months later, the return trip was much calmer. As the ship approached American shores, I recall still the joyful sight of Lady Liberty welcoming me to New York, to all of America, and back to my home.

page 6 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : March 2014

people what they don’t want to hear.

Drew Alexander should be writing a national, syndicated column.

Hey, beautiful weather here.

Have you noticed the lack of small northern migrating birds? It’s not the weather up north killing them. It’s the black oil spreading around the farmlands. All you stockholders, you’re cheating your great-grandkids of food for the next century. Do you know that? Well ask some of the migrating farmers who have no farms anymore they’ll tell you ...continues on page 8

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If I were today to see the famed inscription by Emma Lazarus on the pedestal on which the Statue of Liberty stands, I would be reading a different version, something like this: “Don’t give me your politically incorrect, those with whom I disagree, Those huddled masses of conservatives who yearn for everyone to be free, The wretched extremists who dare to step on my sacred liberal shore, Don’t send the pro-lifers, the Constitutionloving right-wingers to me, I lift my hand up high to stop them at my discriminatory door.

What Cuomo and de Blasio are telling me, and all conservatives, is that any variance to their left-wing political philosophies will not be tolerated, and that the First Amendment only applies to them and other Democratic Party New Yorkers.

The previous NYC mayor, Michael Bloomberg, who appears to be more

Write us: Lovin’ Life After 50 3200 N. Hayden Rd., Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

knowledgeable than my cardiologist, dictated the amount of salt I could have in my meals when in his town, that I could only drink soft drinks of a certain volume, and that he was policing the amount of trans-fats in my food.

The Big Apple used to be such an enriching and fun environment to visit—Radio City Music Hall, the museums, Carnegie Hall, the Broadway shows, Battery and Central parks, the Empire State and Chrysler buildings, all iconic American treasures.

Thanks for the memories, New York, and farewell. I won’t be back.

Drew Alexander, also known as “The Curmudgeon,” is a monthly columnist writing about political issues. Send comments to drewalexander@cox.net or to Drew Alexander, in care of Lovin’ Life After 50, 3200 N. Hayden Road, Suite 210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

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The Up Side Birds: A Reality Show : : by Michael Grady

F

orgive me if I seem distracted as I write this. I’m following a developing story.

The Spotted Towhees that inhabit the brush are running roughshod over the wooded hill behind our house. Upon arrival, these intense black-and-scarlet creatures use their superior size to scatter the tiny Mountain Chickadees currently pecking the ground beneath our feeders. It’s a turf war, fought in preening and ground-scraping—not unlike what one sees on the ABC series, “The Bachelor,” but with less sniping and more pooping on the ground.

I never thought I’d be a birdwatcher.

I grew up thinking of birdwatchers as weirdoes with pith helmets, binoculars, khaki accessories and jargon like, “Ooh! Did you see that? A Scissorbellied Flycatcher!” But like many of the stereotypes I learned from “Gilligan’s Island” reruns, this turned out to be untrue.

“I never said, ‘I’m going to be a birdwatcher,’” a Canadian gent once told me. “One day, you notice a bird behaving oddly in your yard. You think, ‘what is that bird?’ So you buy a pair of binoculars to get a closer look.

Then you buy a book because you’re still not sure. Before you know it, you’re up to your eyeballs in binoculars and books and camping out at day break because it’s Brown Thrasher season.”

Bird watching seems an unlikely hobby in the Age of the Satellite Dish.

Why, you might ask, with a thousand cable channels at our disposal, and streaming video that makes the latest adventures of “House Hunters” or “Big Brother” contestants, “Laker Wives” and “Real Housewives of Orange County” available on our big screens, our flat screens and our handheld devices, would I want to focus on the open-ended doings of speechless creatures outside my kitchen window?

I think you’ve answered your own question.

OK, hang on. The sunflower seeds my wife scattered out there have upped the backyard ante. A Spotted Towhee has run down to eat but the Chickadees have pricked up their little black-and-white Mohawks and are NOT surrendering the field. I don’t know if they’re counting on superior numbers or just crazyhigh from Sunflower seed oil.

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I do this to avoid reality shows. Like most of the country, I enjoyed the heck out of reality programs in the early 2000s, when a plucky and thenunknown Kelly Clarkson won the first “American Idol,” and that shifty naked guy won the first “Survivor.” In those days, reality programming was a true phenomenon. I think it was the openended story structure. Audiences were sick of these formulaic narratives, where everybody learned a valuable lesson and the main characters always wound up pretty much the same as when they started. Early reality shows defied easy endings and neat narratives and their unscripted nature meant things could go off the rails at any time.

That’s what made them so captivating.

An aspirant television writer at the time, I moved out in L.A. specifically to write scripted programming. “Worst possible time to come out,” another writer told me. “It’s all reality shows, now. And even when they’re not good, they’re cheap to produce and people watch. So they’ll be around a long time.”

OK, the Spotted Towhee is throwing some pretty aggressive head tilts at the Chickadees, who are all: “Ooh! You’ve got cranky red eyes—but look! There are nine of us!” Then they hop around in a way that can only be seen as sarcastic. The Towhee storms off. This is not over!

It’s cool to dump on reality programs these days. But some had some actual merit. PBS tried the genre on with “The 1900 House,” a kind of improvised “Downton Abbey” where modern folk were recruited to live in a turn-of-the-century estate as either titled aristocracy or the downstairs staff that served them. And even though the participants had the benefit of historical hindsight, it was interesting to watch how the upstairs folk gradually developed a sense of personal entitlement while the servants developed burn marks and a desire to kill everyone upstairs. (Agatha Christie didn’t invent “The butler did it”— that’s rooted in Edwardian society.) My wife and I tried “The Amazing Race” on CBS. But after an hour of watching teams sprint through foreign cities and

scale the walls of Incan Temples, it became hard to explain why it took me all weekend to change a sprinkler head.

As reality programs began flooding the grids of our cable guides, their premises became increasingly contrived (“Let’s lock 12 people in a house 24/7” or “Let’s make a bunch of women fight over a guy holding a rose”) and the people in them less genuine and more craven for attention. About this time I noticed quails in our backyard.

Quails are absurdly overdressed birds—the males, especially, with their white collars, black faces and cowlick feather on top—and they had airs to match. The male, whom we called Mr. Fitzgerald, would descend the branch of our tree like the grand staircase at Versailles. He’d approach the birdfeeder and be shocked— shocked!—at the common sparrows and house finches who dined there.

He’d then peck at the ground, like he was looking for a cuff link, while his wife (Zelda) paced atop our block wall until the riff-raff had gone.

With network and cable programs growing increasing “real” and increasingly unwatchable, my wife and I began assigning narratives to the

birds out back: the blue-black Grackles, fiendishly hogging the birdbath; the surly Towhees, scraping the ground like angry bulls; the yellow-smudged Verdins who can seperate a flower from its nectar like a fool from his money.

And the dull brown female House Finches, who’d spend spring mornings dropping seed into the mouths of children twice their size. “Push them out of the nest!” We’d shout at them over our coffee. “Get those fat kids a job!” That’s when we realized that we were hooked on our yard and the remarkable programming it offers.

And so, I’d like to thank the reality TV genre. Not for the quality of its programming. Reality TV “jumped the shark” several years ago. (You’ll probably see that on the Discovery Channel next week: A man literally jumping on a shark.) But for creating entertainment odious enough to drive us back to nature.

OK, the Towhee is back—this time, with friends. The Chickadees have closed ranks a bit, but they’re still eating … and flinging millet defiantly. I gotta go. This is ON! Michael Grady is a Valley-based freelance writer, reporter and playwright.

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March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 7

Sound Off

... from page 6 the truth. No one in Washington ever “She is battling breast cancer” I have instructed my daughter to never use will. in my obit as I have learned to “live Hi, Terry. I just finished reading daily” with breast cancer. It’s not my your article on hating pink and friend but it’s not my enemy, either, I couldn’t agree more. I am a because I try to keep negativity out of breast cancer victim three times now! my body, soul and spirit. I never give I started writing a book entitled “Don’t advice to victims other than knowledge Let Cancer Get the Breast of You” but is power but you already know that I’m every time I try to finish it, I find I have sure. Stay strong, and know there are to add another chapter. I said I got others like you that are disgusted with breast cancer because pink has always the pink ribbon crap, just find a cure or been my favorite color but like you, I better yet the cause is my fervent hope. hate the ribbons, the month of October I will keep you in my prayers.—Patricia and Komen. I have written scathing Strong letters to drug companies telling them just because their drug takes away side First to the editors. You say effects doesn’t mean cancer treatment limit messages to 100 words. is a picnic like their ads depict. It is A writer that was bloviating just a big commercial enterprise now about the Koch brothers went on and and everyone makes money except the on in a diatribe for around 330 words. victim. I would like to know why more Enough is enough. Next to the writer women have breast cancer today with of the message on the Kochs: Two more money being spent on research words—George Soros. You probably than ever before and yet there is never don’t know this because you are the an answer as to what is causing so many typical leftist loon that only knows what more cases of this rotten disease. I am MSNBC says, but Soros backs at least sorry you are going through this. The one very left websites for the left. He words they use “She lost her battle” or also made 40 or 50 visits to the White

House in Obama’s first year, I think.

And then, strangely enough, he invests a bunch of money in an oil company in Brazil. Funny how three months later Obama decides to loan Brazil and that company $2 billion to explore and drill off-shore wells. You know, the ones that he won’t let the U.S. drill. Another tidbit on Soros. He also spent $700,000 to advertise and promote medical marijuana in Arizona.

The poet Joyce Kilmer tells us, “Only God can make a tree.” Rosemont Copper, a Canadian corporation, is planning on destroying 500,000 trees as they ravage the countryside along scenic Route 83. If they are successful, the beautiful rolling hills will be replaced by another desolate eyesore like the area off of I-19 at Sahuarita. Jobs? How many, how long will they last? How many workers will be imported from Chile and elsewhere?

How many top brass will be U.S. citizens? This mine will dramatically impact air and light quality and water accessibility, not to mention the effect on wildlife and habitat. My message to Rosemont, “Dig up your own back yard.

Fatten your wallet elsewhere, Arizona

doesn’t need you!” Don’t let the forest service and government sell out to big bucks. A few charitable donations by Rosemont will not compensate for the destruction the mine will cause.—Gwen Niemi, Tucson Any election, Mr. or Mrs. Public, if any politicians can be blindsided by their own staff, imagine what Washington and leaders of other countries might do if they were chosen for any higher office.

Celebrate the doubters who question everything. Question yourself before you vote.

Enough. Unfortunately everyone is now seeing results of the hippy revolution that rebelled against good manners and had only do-it-yourself education and then raised their own to be just as careless in public and now on TV with more and more cheap displays of nudity, ignorance and foul language. Thanks for nothing, Woodstock survivors. Back to the drawing board, kiddies. You made a bad start but there’s still time to correct it. ...continues on page 10

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The Widow’s Corner ‘X-Rayted’

: : by Terry Ratner, RN, MFA

T

he fear of cancer is legitimate: how we manage that fear, our responses to it, our emotions around it—can be manipulated, packaged, marketed and sold, sometimes by the very forces that claim to support us. That can color everything from our perceptions of screening to our understanding of personal risk to our choices in treatment.

My diagnosis of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma was followed by a regiment of procedures. The first test, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of both breasts, was performed a week after my initial surgery. I was instructed to lie belly down on the table placing both breasts in a small boxed area for about 35 minutes. My head rested uncomfortably on a hospital pillow. Not only did this position seem awkward, but uncomfortable for my neck and spine. I managed to survive the procedure without any premedication by concentrating on positive thoughts.

The surgeon called me the next day with the results—no additional nodules or inconsistencies in the breast tissue. I jumped up and down and clapped my hands.

There is a traditional path one tends to follow after being diagnosed with breast cancer, for that matter any cancer. It’s a physician-directed protocol usually adhered to in a timely manner. The most common response to a cancer diagnosis is, “I need to do everything. I don’t want to die.”

I took a different route. Instead of following the customary timeframe after being diagnosed, I tended to vacillate with each of my decisions.

Perhaps it was my attempt to make it disappear. If I didn’t start the treatments immediately—a lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy followed by radiation—I could at least pretend it never happened. That only worked for so long. The threat of what might occur if I did nothing became apparent in my conversations with caring friends and family and in my nightmares.

So I dove into a series of discussions with radiation oncologists and talked with other breast cancer patients. My

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homework consisted of reading the latest research on different radiation techniques and their outcomes. Each doctor listed reasons why their method would work the best and what was likely to occur if I decided to try another option. Some of the doctors I interviewed were more like car salesmen than physicians. They would call me on my cell phone once or twice a week wanting to know what I decided. The problem was and still is they criticized each other’s method with scare tactics; telling me I could develop scar tissue, permanent markings, infections and other nasty side effects.

I postponed the lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy for six weeks after my initial diagnosis. My friends would say, “Why don’t you just have it done? Don’t wait. If it were me, I’d do anything to get rid of the cancer.”

These were typical remarks from good friends, people I’d known for years— girlfriends who began to think, “What if this happened to me?”

Cancer in your breast doesn’t kill you.

It’s when the disease metastasizes and spreads to other organs or the bones that it becomes deadly. Early detection is based on the theory that the disease progresses consistently, beginning with a single rogue cell, growing sequentially and at some invariable point making a lethal leap. Curing it, then, assumes to be a matter of finding and cutting out a tumor before the metastasizing happens.

This isn’t necessarily the course of events. There is no evidence that the size of a tumor predicts whether or not the cancer has spread. My tumor is small and the sentinel node pathology report states: one lymph node with micrometastic carcinoma (1 mm), which, according to my surgeon, is considered negative and something to celebrate. I don’t find the word “metastatic” to be worthy of any kind of celebration.

Terry J. Ratner, RN, MFA is a health educator at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. Visit her website at www.terryratner. com. Send comments to info@terryratner.com.

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March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 9

Sound Off

... from page 8 Oh where have all the been started over the unlawful acts by intelligent Republicans I this arrogant president? once knew gone? Gone to the boneyard with the rest of the dogs that Memo to all those people who will not give up? criticize and condemn the Tea Party: Please explain what is Dear Terry, I just finished wrong with holding our government reading your column in the accountable. Please explain what Widow’s Column of Lovin’ Life is wrong with wanting smaller after 50. Finally, there’s another nurse government and wanting all the waste who sees the other side of the “pink and fraud discovered and eliminated. ribbon” campaign. I once heard an Also, have Americans not been “taxed employee of the Komen Foundation enough?” Please, someone, explain who was fired for speaking up regarding why there is so much anger and hatred some of their questionable funding. of ordinary, country-loving Americans This made me a bit leery, but regardless who are fighting to save America. of that fact it is my opinion that we should all be concerned about cancer as How confident can one a broad disease and not simply focus on candidate be? Throw your one aspect of the problem. Although, I hat in the ring for governor have not recently looked at the cancer one day and the next day say you’ll stats, at one point lung cancer was the win. Campaigning in the Republican leading cause of all cancer deaths, and primary start already? I don’t think so. rarely do we hear much about prostate cancer which, although very treatable Oh the push for college takes many lives each year and some of education is a wonderful those lives are young fathers. I also feel advantage. How many will the “pink ribbon” campaign probably replace the lost 10- to- 12-hour has some feminist origins which also minimum wage workers in road gives me pause. So, again thanks for construction, carpentry, plumbing, your bravery in speaking up.—Idris electricians, brick layers, sales clerk, Smith landscaping, bus drivers, etc. Go to the political civic service and guarantee Republicans are so mean. They these people will be paid a living wage, shut down the government acknowledge reality please professor. costing over $50 billion. Now We need all workers educated. The they stop employment costing millions diploma doesn’t buy a thing unless more. In every case these things ruin you’re stupid to use it on other the economy. Do you see a plan here? advantage abilities. Wake up professor, Tear down the economy and then wake up. blame President Obama. What sickos!

Thank you for carrying The Curmudgeon column by Drew All we know about Benghazi Alexander. It’s the first thing I is we didn’t have enough spies there. All we don’t know about turn to when I get to your paper. This “Bridgegate” is who is lying. Figure it man speaks common sense, which is lacking in this nation. out.

Think about the Republicans when you vote. It would be good to see new life in the Republican Party and please vote Republican.

President Obama signed Obamacare into law without reading it. Now he has changed it over 12 times. He acts like a dictator changing laws and issuing executive orders at his whim. Why have impeachment proceedings not

There was quite a long Sound Off in the January issue. This person condemned the Koch brothers for funding conservative causes. Funny, they don’t seem to think twice about George Soros, the billionaire who has spent millions upon millions to support liberal causes.

Here are a few of the ideas which could greatly reduce the budget. (1) Get rid of the Energy Department. It was established

page 10 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : March 2014

to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Our consumption of foreign oil has increased not reduced. (2) Get rid of the Department of Commerce.

It has had no function since trucking was deregulated in 1980; 34 years ago. (3) Get rid of the Department of Education. Their net result is the dumbing down of our children.

(4) Get rid of the Department of Agriculture. Most farming is done by giant corporations who have better crop rotation plans than the feds.

They don’t need subsidies. (5) Get rid of the National Space Agency. Mars is too cold to live on. Why go there?

(6) Bring our 100,000-plus troops back from overseas. The Constitution says they are to protect the United States, not other nations. (7) Combine the FBI, CIA and Secret Service. Why have three competing agencies? (8) Combine the Army and Marines. They have similar functions. (9) Combine the Navy and Coast Guard. (10) Eliminate extraneous recruiting offices. Have one recruiting office for all the armed services instead of one for each. (11) Eliminate all federal, state, county and city retirement programs. Put everyone on Social Security and Medicare. (12) Eliminate the IRS regulations. Tax all people, companies and corporations 10 percent of income. (13) Eliminate twoyear elections. Make terms of office for representatives, four years with threeterm limit. Six years for senators with two-term limits. (14) Set up a board of private citizens to eliminate pork and waste in government with authority to do so.—Pete Davies

here? Shame on the Spanish speakers.

Learn English or else we’re gonna have to translate for the whole world. By the way, the whole world is learning English every single day. Wise up, you Spanish speakers. Are you that dumb that you can’t learn English?

So where are all the politician geniuses who can move all that surplus to the dry California southwest area? Sort of like a countrywide CAP canal. It only took Arizona 50 years to get their share.

Maybe we can work it out again. They built a national highway. They can build a national waterway.

Aren’t the Sunday morning TV pundits amazing? They all rudely talk over each other at once I think listeners are learning what to do as voters. They don’t want you to know what they know or they’d be jobless. Joke’s on us.

For those seniors who think Obamacare will not affect them, they need to realize Obamacare will take $1 trillion out of Medicare to help pay for this destructive plan forced down Americans’ throats by the Democrats.

So John McCain is going to get censured. That should have been done when J.D. (Hayworth) threw his hat in the ring.

Was everyone sleeping?

Why must everything be translated in Spanish? Why not German, Italian, Gaelic or Norwegian? Have they no pride at all in learning English when they get

Drew Alexander remains the solitary smudge on your fine newspaper. The area his column occupies could be put to better use, empty space comes to mind. We know Drew is a staunch Republican Tea Party apologist. He parrots talking points (almost word for word) from the laughable mess known as Fox “News.”

It is odd how many letter writers to this publication sound the same alarms...

Benghazi, Benghazi, Obamacare, Benghazi! You are merely preaching to the choir, Drew. If you want to make a real contribution to this publication, get out of your right-wing echo chamber and post some original content. Last I heard, Curmudgeons are still allowed to think.—J. Wilson, Tucson Hello. This is a message for Betty Jean Parker. I’m just wondering what planet this woman lives on. She thinks President Barack Obama gave us free insurance.

This great man is giving cheap medical insurance to millions of deserving people? She thinks Barack Obama is opening his wallet and giving this out. Betty Jean, I have a word for you.

Our taxpayers are paying this. You and I and everyone else, what are you thinking? Where are you from?

For the 2016 presidential election, two of the candidates talked about are Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush. I think America has had enough of the Clintons and the Bushes.

www.lovinlifeafter50.com

Ask the Old Bag Advice for the Over-50 Crowd

D

: : by Gayle M. Lagman-Creswick

ear Old Bag: Yesterday I told my neighbor that my dear husband who passed away recently was still with me. I told her that I talk to him and I feel him comforting me.

She said she thinks this is unhealthy and that I need counseling. I would like to know what you think. It seems normal to me, although I have never lost someone as close to me as a child or spouse. Signed, Not Psycho

D

ear Not Psycho: It seems like there is always someone to tell us what we should or should not feel, doesn’t it? There is so much we do not know about death and the hereafter.

I do not know if your neighbor has lost a close loved one or not, but over the years I have heard from many people who felt their loved one lingered behind to help them through the tough time. My sister-in-law was almost in a car accident, and she swore my deceased brother took the steering wheel and made her safe. I have felt the presence of my deceased husband who passed away last May. At first it was pretty constant, and now it is occasional. I don’t believe I am crazy.

I am open to let those feelings come in. Some people are not. I say cherish those feelings and consider them a bonus. Like most things, if it becomes excessive or lasts for years, you might consider speaking to someone about it. Here’s to you! Signed, O.B.

D

ear Old Bag: My neighbor is giving seniors a bad name. I live in an over 50 community in a very nice area. This woman entertains men late at night...sometimes all night.

Everyone is talking about it, but they do not do anything about it. It is not always the same man. I feel like it is my duty to tell her that everyone is talking about her. I will go by what you say.

Thank you. Signed, Concerned

D

ear Concerned: I do not think you will like what I am going to say. I must say, “Mind your own business.” I do not believe that it is

www.lovinlifeafter50.com

your duty or obligation to speak to her about this. That is her home and she can entertain at any time. You don’t know what is going on over there.

They could be playing chess for all you know. Even if they are making whoopie, it is not your business. Please do not cast the first stone. Signed, O.B.

D

ear Old Bag: Not so recently you published the Old Bag Rules for Senior Dating. You have spoiled my budget. I used to get taken out by men who paid for my expenses. Now they follow the Old Bag Rules. I wish you had kept your mouth shut. Aren’t there any men out there who feel the man should pay? I am of the old school, and there are plenty women, I’m sure, who agree with me. Signed, Spoiled

D

ear Spoiled: Yes, you are spoiled. Women have wanted equal pay, equal rights, but sometimes they do not want them? We asked for it.

The big reason for the Old Bag Rules was that when we are retired, we are all on a fixed income, and it helps us all if we share the expenses of dating.

It also takes care of that problem, which has been written to me many times, that women say men feel they should have “extra” privileges if they pay the bill. Sorry, Spoiled, you get no sympathy from the Old Bag. Ante up!

Signed, O.B.

D

ear Readers: We seniors are on a mission to teach the juniors the value of human kindness. Last month I took a homeless woman to lunch. It was so interesting to hear her story. My granddaughter was amazed, and said she always wanted to do that.

What did you do this month to further our cause?

If you have a question for The Old Bag, please send it to: Ask the Old Bag c/o Lovin’ Life After 50, 3200 N. Hayden Road, Suite 210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 or lagmancreswick@cox. net.

March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 11

ExpEriEncE thE music, mayhEm and magic of tv’s most bElovEd program!

calendar

March 1 Saturday “Strait Country: Tribute to the Music of George Strait,” 7 p.m., Tucson’s Vail Theater of the Arts, 10701 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way, $17 to $25, www.vtota.org.

German-American Club of Tucson’s Fruhlingtanz (Early Spring Dance) and Dinner, 5 p.m., Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, 3445 N. Dodge Blvd., $7 (dinner), $8 (dance), 546-6663.

Copper Crest’s Annual Arts, Crafts, Bake and Book Sale, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Copper Crest, 7700 W. Bopp Rd., free, 578-9036, jjspigsty@yahoo.com.

March 2 Sunday Bob Kay, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, Singles and Friends Inc., 2447 N. Los Altos, $4, 883-5491. The singing drummer/DJ plays “oldies but goodies” at a nonsmoking dance. Bring snacks for the potluck.

March 3 Monday Knit and Crochet Group, 12:30 p.m., Martha Cooper Branch Library, 1377 N. Catalina Ave., free, 594-5315. The group meets the first and third Mondays of the month.

Art Talk with Sandy Cord, 1:30 p.m., The Forum at Tucson, 2500 N. Rosemont, free, 319-4313. Tucson Museum of Art docent Sandy Cord will give an in-depth presentation on James Abbott McNeill Whistler.

S TA G E D & D I R E C T E D B Y

Rick Sparks

Sirena Irwin as “Lucy” & Bill Mendieta as “Ricky”

STARRING

MARCH 25-30

CENTENNIAL HALL

presented in collaboration with UApresents

TICKETS $29 • $39 • $49 • $55 GOLD CIRCLE $62 and up

BROADWAY IN TUCSON

ONLINE broadwayintucson.com PHONE 800-745-3000 IN PERSON Centennial MEDIA PARTNER Hall Ticket Office GROUPS 10+ 520-903-2929 ext 0

“I LOVE LUCY” ® & © 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Photos by Jeremy Daniel and Justin Barbin. Silhouette Illustration by Grace Powell.

page 12 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : March 2014

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, repeats March 20, 10:30 a.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but reservations required, 324-4345. This ongoing group meets in the classroom and is open to the public.

Write to Heal, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. every other Thursday through May 1, Building Health, 1720 N. Dodge Blvd., $60, 881-2534. Each class focuses on writing exercises for a topic, including Increasing Resiliency, The Body Electric, Visions for Our Bodies and Our Lives, My Healing Journey and Healing Relationships.

March 7 Friday Tour of Homes, 10 a.m., meet at St. Francis in-theValley Episcopal Church, 600 S. La Canada, Green Valley, $20, 625-1370. The event will have shuttles available to all sites from the church.

March 8 Saturday Rails in the Garden Tour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., repeats March 9, throughout Tucson, $5, www.tucsongrs.org.

Take a self-guided tour of nine of members’ outdoor train layouts.

March 9 Sunday Bob Kay, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, Singles and Friends Inc., 2447 N. Los Altos, $4, 883-5491. The singing drummer/DJ plays “oldies but goodies” at a nonsmoking dance. Bring snacks for the potluck.

March 4 Tuesday American Parkinson Disease Association Education Series: Medicare and You, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but registration required, 3244345. Features Lynn Heskett from Pima Council on Aging.

March 10 Monday “Remember Names and Other Things with Ease,” 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., The Forum at Tucson, 2500 N. Rosemont, free, 319-4313. Join the everentertaining Steve Ochoa for a fun presentation on a clever way to never forget a name again.

March 5 Wednesday Healthy Lifestyle Support, 10 a.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but registration required, 324-4345. Support and information to help you stay on track with healthy lifestyle goals.

March 6 Thursday Journey for Control: Diabetes Education, 1 p.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but registration required, 324-4345. A fun, interactive group session where participants learn to manage their diabetes. The four-week educational group session is free and open to the public.

Tucson Community Stroke Support Group, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., University of Arizona Medical Center, Cafeteria Dining Room C, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., free but reservations required, 626-2901. For stroke survivors and caregivers to learn more about stroke, to find positive solutions to shared concerns and to unite in support of each other.

March 11 Tuesday Alzheimer’s Film Series and Discussion: At the Breaking Point: Emotions and Ethics in Family Caregiving, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but registration required, 324-4345. This film gets to the emotional and ethical core of family caregiving.

History Talk with Sue Ward: “Great Decisions— Turkey’s Challenges,” 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., The Forum at Tucson, 2500 N. Rosemont, free, 319-4313. Sue Ward, international relations specialist, will discuss Turkey: A Nation at Crossroads.

March 12 Wednesday Elder Circle, 10:30 a.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but registration required, 324-4345. Join Marney Farrell for a safe place to share life experiences and celebrate the achievements of aging.

Ask the Neurologist, 2 p.m., TMC senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but registration required, 324-4345. Join Dr. David Teeple for a lively session on neurological problems facing adults.

Alzheimer’s Association Younger Onset (Early Onset) Caregiver Support, 5 p.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but reservations required, 322-6601.

Myron Sommerfeld and His Music of the Stars, 5:30 p.m., Quail Creek, 2055 E. Quail Crossing Blvd., Green Valley, $50, 404-4723, www.nbea.com/mso.htm, www.bonniesommerfeld.com. The dinner-dance features this popular act.

March 13 Thursday Pima County School Retirees Meeting, 12 p.m., Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1200 N. Campbell Ave., $9, 748-1720. Program topics include “Legislative Update on Educational/Retiree Concerns” and “Navigating the Journey: Legal Documents, Paying for Long-Term Care.”

National Association of Retired and Veteran Railroad Employees Inc. Meeting, 11 a.m., The Golden Corral, 4380 E. 22nd St., $11, 722-7994, 885-5649. The speaker will be Mathew Schwartz, KVOA’s investigative reporter.

Green Valley Stroke Support Group, 10 a.m., Zuni Room, La Perla at La Posada, 635 S. Park Center Ave., free but reservations required, 626-2901. For stroke survivors and caregivers to learn more about stroke, to find positive solutions to shared concerns and to unite in support of each other.

March 14 Friday Saint-Saens Cello Concerto—Classic 7, 8 p.m., Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave., $27 to $80, (800) 745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Saint-Saens Cello Concerto No.1 is a work designed to show every capability of the cello and one which grabs the listener’s attention from the first few bars with its mellifluous melodies.

March 15 Saturday Celebrity Chef Showcase, 6 p.m., Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa, 245 E. Ina Rd., $125, www.saaca.thundertix.com. The event will feature culinary experts from around the world creating signature food from their latest published cookbooks alongside a local chef.

Tucson Festival of Books, various times, University of Arizona Mall, 1200 E. University Blvd., free, www. tucsonfestivalofbooks.org. The festival attracts more than 100,000 book-lovers to the UA Mall and nearby venues for exhibits, presentations and panel discussions. Toastmasters will make appearances from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the grassy mall.

March 16 Sunday

Mark your calendar... ...for our FREE: •Monthly Lectures •Screenings •Demonstrations and Special Events Designed to help you live a healthier, happier, more active lifestyle.

Bob Kay, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, Singles and Friends Inc., 2447 N. Los Altos, $4, 883-5491. The singing drummer/DJ plays “oldies but goodies” at a nonsmoking dance. Bring snacks for the potluck.

March 17 Monday Stroke Support Group, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but reservations required, 324-4345.

Open to stroke survivors and loved ones.

National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Chapter 1874 Meeting, 11:30 a.m., Golden Corral, 6865 N. Thornydale Dr., $7.95 (senior menu), 400-3456.

Knit and Crochet Group, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Martha Cooper Branch Library, 1377 N. Catalina Ave., free, 594-5315. The group meets the first and third Mondays of the month.

March 18 Tuesday Nutrition and Health Series: The Importance of Nutrition as We Age, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but registration required, 324-4345. Nutritional choices can have a direct effect on a person’s health and ability to enjoy life. Join Linda Rumsey, RD, to learn what changes as we age—and how you can make nutritional adjustments.

APDA Parkinson’s Support Groups, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but reservations required, 3244345. Meets the third Tuesday of each month. People with Parkinson’s meet in Resource Center. Caregivers meet in Seniors Conference Room.

Unless noted, events take place at El Dorado Health Campus.

Go to www.tmcaz.com/CommunityCalendar for details about all of our upcoming events.

Tues., Mar. 4 2:00pm – 3:30pm

American Parkinson Disease Association Education: Medicare and You

Thurs., Mar. 6

Journey for Control: Diabetes Education

1:00pm – 3:00pm

Wed., Mar. 12 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Tues., Mar. 18 10:00am – 11:00am

Wed., Mar. 19 10:00am – 11:30am

Neurological Lecture Series: Ask the Neurologist with Dr. David Teeple Nutrition and Health Series: The Importance of Nutrition as We Age Healthy Lifestyle Series: Strategies for Personal Change

1:00pm – 2:30pm

Diabetes and High Blood Pressure: Medications and Supplements

Thurs., Mar. 27

Take Charge of Your Hospital Stay

Wed., Mar. 26

1:30pm – 3:00pm

March 19 Wednesday

RSVP 324-4345

Healthy Lifestyle Series: Willpower and Motivation, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but registration required, 324-4345. This series will help participants plan, set and achieve their goals.

Pre-registration is required.

For more information call 324-1960.

March 20 Thursday Green Valley Genealogical Society, 1 p.m.to 3 p.m., Valley Presbyterian Church, 2800 S. Camino del Sol, Green Valley, free, 396-4630, joannherbst@cox. net. Charlene Anzalone discusses how she researched her ancestors in Chicago and County Offaly, Ireland. ...continues on page 14

TMC Healthy Living Connections Seniors Classrooms El Dorado Health Campus 1400 N. Wilmot Road When you choose a hospital...

www.tmcaz.com

Choose Well

March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 13

calendar

www.ss-tours.com 866-780-2813

COMING SOON TO THE FOX

DIAMOND RIO MAR 6 | 7:30pm

Sponsored by BeachFleischman

RONNIE MILSAP MAR 17 | 7:30pm

... from page 13

March 21 Friday

March 27 Thursday

A Night with the Stars, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., free, 6157855, eeducation@pima.gov. Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association volunteers provide an introduction to the night sky and set up telescopes for celestial viewing.

Aging and Health: Take Charge of Your Hospital Stay, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but reservations required, 324-4345. Managing your health from home can be a challenge. Managing your health from a hospital bed can be even more challenging, especially if the hospital stay is unplanned. Learn, from inside the hospital, tips and tools for taking charge of your hospital stay.

March 22 Saturday “Life is Rich with Laughter,” 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tucson University Marriott Park Hotel, 880 W. Second St., $65 ($25 tax-deductible), 529-8920, www. sideserttucson.org. The event, sponsored by the Soroptimist International of Desert Tucson, features live and silent auctions, a buffet dinner, raffles and comedians.

Spring Tea and Open House, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., The Forum at Tucson, 2500 N. Rosemont, free, 319-4313.

Enjoy the facility’s signature brews, chef’s freshly baked hors d’oeuvres and indulge in the soothing sounds of the harpist.

March 23 Sunday Bob Kay, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, Singles and Friends Inc., 2447 N. Los Altos, $4, 883-5491. The singing drummer/DJ plays “oldies but goodies” at a nonsmoking dance. Bring snacks for the potluck.

March 24 Monday

IN THE MOOD

MAR 18 | 2pm & 7pm

LILY TOMLIN MAR 23 | 7:00pm

“Schmooz’n and Shpil’n,” 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., The Forum at Tucson, 2500 N. Rosemont, free, 319-4313.

Join a gathering of residents and community members to schmooze, play Jewish games and have fun.

March 25 Tuesday

JOHNNY CLEGG MAY 7 | 7:30pm

JUSTIN HAYWARD MAY 31 | 7:30pm

TAKE THE GRANDKIDS FILM:OLIVER APR 13 2:00pm

LAURIE BERKNER APR 26 1:00pm

17 W. CONGRESSS | 520.547.3040 | FOXTUCSON.COM page 14 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : March 2014

Alzheimer’s Film Series and Discussion: Be with Me Today, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but reservations required, 324-4345. Richard Taylor, PhD, author of “Alzheimer’s from the Inside Out,” is the star of the film.

March 26 Wednesday Diabetes and High Blood Pressure: Medications and Supplements, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but reservations required, 324-4345. Join pharmacist Linda Pelger to learn more about the medications and supplements commonly used to treat diabetes and high blood pressure.

“I Love Books” Group: “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., TMC Senior Services, El Dorado Health Campus, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd., free but reservations required, 324-4345. Join Virginia Wise for a lively, fun, monthly book club featuring central themes of wisdom and aging.

March 28 Friday The Amazing ‘80s: TSO Rocks the Fox, 8 p.m., Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St., $28 to $40, (800) 745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Thrill to the music of Tears for Fears, The Bangles, George Michael, Prince, Heart, Bananarama, The B-52s, Cindy Lauper and more.

March 29 Saturday The League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson’s How to Plan a Forum Workshop, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Housing Center of Pima County, 801 W. Congress St., free but reservations required, 326-3018, 622-0905.

Participants will learn the steps necessary in preparing a successful program, including scheduling, selecting a format and working with co-sponsors.

NAMIWALKS: The Community Mental Health Walk, 7 a.m., Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2805 E. Ajo Way, free registration, 622-5582, namiwalks@namisa.org.

March 30 Sunday The Blenman-Elm 2014 Home Tour, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., meets at Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2331 E. Adams St., $10, (314) 550-9606. The tour will feature seven historic homes, including a quaint bungalow built in the 1930s and one business that underwent a renovation.

March 31 Monday “How to Sell Your Home in 60 Days or Less!” 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., The Forum at Tucson, 2500 N. Rosemont, free, 319-4313. The Tucson Home Team at Long Realty Corp. will present what is “really” happening in the housing market and share tips on how to really sell homes quickly.

invites you to join us for a musical comedy matinée at The Palms Theater in Mesa, AZ: Burt & Me featuring music by Burt Bacharach.

Burt & Me is the story of two high school sweethearts who reunite later in life. Songs you will remember include: “This Guy’s in Love with You,” “The Book of Love,” “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” and more! $65 includes transportation from Tucson, reserved (cabaret-style) seating, wonderful lunch at the theater and all taxes and gratuities.

Contact Sharon at (520) 399-8345 or Fran at (520) 490-3709

Experience the Convenience of All-Inclusive Living and Enjoy…

A research-based wellness and team-building program for corporate teams, senior programs and support groups of all ages.

 Restaurant Style Leisure Dining   Complimentary Transportation, Utilities, Housekeeping & Maintenance Service 

Positive benefits include reduced stress and burnout, reduced turnover and drop-out rate, improved mood, strengthened immune system and improved creativity and bonding.

It’s not about inspiring successful drumming, its about inspiring successful living!

 Caring Live-In Managers Available 24/7 

And Much, Much More!

“Moving into The Manor was the best decision I’ve ever made. I am so happy living here.”

Call now for your group’s introductory session.

520-468-5118

Call Today! (520) 399-7541 Email:TheManor@SunshineRet.com

Gale Holzhauer, Different Drum Learning Designs, LLC

6250 S Commerce Court | Tucson, AZ 85746 | www.ManorAtMidvale.com

This April, Lovin’ Life After 50 will debut its new travel section. The monthly supplement will be written and edited by Ed Boitano. Ed has been a well-known and accomplished travel editor for more than 12 years, sharing his experiences on his travels the world over. Ed brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and will bring you a wide array of destinations near and far. Look for our April issue and be sure to let us know what you think… Lovin’ Life After 50, the world is in your hands.

ontheroadagainforyou@aol.com www.ontheroadagainforyou.com

healthRHYTHMS empowerment drumming

 Movie Theater, Ice Cream Parlor, Pool, Spa & Fitness Center 

Newly Remodeled!

Saturday, April 26, 2014

DifferentDrum234@gmail.com Learn more at remo.com/healthrhythms

Coming in April

Contact Ed at (818) 985-8132 or ed@travelingboy.com

The Best Cool Country Travel :: by Ed Boitano

Garden of the Gods, Colorado

Gallup, New Mexico

Salt Lake City, Utah

Yellowstone National Park

Lake Tahoe, California

Puget Sound, Washington

Skagway, Alaska

Carmel, California

Crazy Horse, South Dakota

Heceta Head, Oregon

Devil’s Tower, Wyoming

March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 15

‘Help, my doctor I dropped me!’

What getting that dreaded notice about your doctor dropping Medicare really says about health reform—and about your doctor.

By Jimmy Magahern

n late 2012, Dr. Natasha Deonarain, a family practitioner who at the time was operating a small urgent care clinic in Prescott, issued a bold announcement to her patients: she had decided to opt out of Medicare.

Her reason? Reimbursements from the government to cover the cost of treating Medicare patients, always tight, were now being cut to amounts roughly half of what doctors normally charge for services.

“Our billing company keeps telling me that Medicare is cutting back, again,” she wrote, in a column published on KevinMD.com, a prominent health care blog for members of the medical profession. “They tell me Medicare won’t pay for this, or that.”

Although Deonarain said it pained her to turn away elderly patients depending on Medicare for new crutches or important meds, it also pained her to know she’d be paying for most of those supplies out of her own pocket, given the steeper cuts.

“It’s the hardest thing as a doctor, a humanitarian, a human being to watch others hobble in for help that you could

give, clutching their plastic bags and know that you can’t give them what they need,” she wrote, leaving new doctors with this sage bit of advice: “Providing what they need would lead to your own financial demise, and the lights in the building would go out.”

It’s hard to tell exactly where Deonarain stands politically. On the one hand, if she ever did favor the Affordable Care Act, she’s clearly soured on all the hope-and-change Kool-Aid. “What is it now, six years after 2008?” she says, with a hearty laugh. “I think the collective mindset is, ‘Oh wow, I guess these outside parties aren’t going to fix it for us. So maybe I should start looking at myself and stop blaming everybody else!’”

On the other hand, she still has hope.

Deonarain studied medicine at the University of Alberta, and started her first practice in rural Canada, where she acknowledges there’s a whole different mindset about universal healthcare.

“The question on the table is, what does this country want?” says ...continues on page 18

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Tuesday, March 4, 2:00 Vocalist Joe Bourne and his La Nouvelle-Orleans Trio Joe Bourne and Friends will bring New Orleans Swing Sound to Mountain View. You will enjoy the jazz sounds of the clarinet, saxophone, bass guitar and more. Call it Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras-We call it FUN!

Wednesday, March 12, 2:00-3:30 Soreo Grief Share Presentation sponsored by people who understand what you are experiencing and want to offer you comfort and encouragement during difficult times.

Tuesday, March 11, 10:30 US Veteran’s Aids Presentation and informational seminar by the VA’s Gary Ochoa.

He will cover VA Aid and Attendance & Burial Services.

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Tuesday, March 18, 10:30 Waves Physical Therapy & Parkinson’s Disease Presentation will include prevalence, causes, motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms and effects of exercise on the brain.

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Deonarain, who now lives and New Status Quo Deonarain isn’t the first Arizona practices in Chandler. “Not what does the individual want. Because we’ve doctor to drop Medicare, only one of been playing the individual game for the most vocal. Other doctors who’ve decades, and this is where it’s got us. made the decision to opt out of the Until everybody here says, ‘This is what system have tried to do so quietly, in we want for all Americans,’ maybe we’ll the form of a confidential letter sent to get there. But right now it’s all about patients informing them of the change.

That’s how the Mayo Clinic Family me—‘I’ve got health insurance, I’m fine.’ When ‘Me! Me! Me first!’ is at Medicine Arrowhead in Glendale did the forefront of a health care delivery it in 2009, sending out a notice to the 3,000 patients in the system informing system, you’ve got a problem.”

Deonarain is more of a new them that Medicare insurance would no longer be accepted apolitical breed of for primary care doctor: the indie doc, physician services by running her own cashthe five doctors at only concierge clinic, that one small clinic. blogging and authoring Conservative pundits books on health care were quick to pounce (her newest, “The 7 on the news, however, Principles of Health: making for headlineYour Call to Health grabbing sound bites.

Consciousness,” is on “The Mayo Clinic, Amazon now), and praised by President founding her own Barack Obama as a Health Conscious national model for Movement, which emphasizes alternative, Dr. Natasha Deonarian is not efficient health care, holistic and natural the first Arizona doctor to stop will stop accepting treatments over the accepting Medicare but is one Medicare patients as “disease management” of the most vocal about why of tomorrow at one of its primary-care model of traditional she made this decision. clinics in Arizona, saying the U.S. healthcare.

Most importantly, she’s doing it government pays too little,” ran the without all the layers of bureaucracy— story in Hot Air, a leading conservative billing companies, insurance blog.

But Mayo was equally quick to derail companies, government entities—that the anti-health reform spin, stressing can impede simply treating people.

“Just doctor and patient, with no one that the “trial” opt-out applied to else in between,” she says. “I only take only five of its roughly 375 physicians private clients, and work with them for at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, and that profound change—in a capacity that overall, Mayo and Medicare were still works to change their entire life, not buddies.

“Mayo Clinic has a long history of play games with Medicare or health serving Medicare patients across the insurance companies.”

Granted, it’s “membership country and will continue to do so medicine,” as critics of concierge now and into the future,” says Michael health care call it, where physicians Yardley, chair of the company’s public care for the smaller population able affairs division. “In fact, across the to pay upfront rather than go through organization, more than half the insurance. But Deonarain says she’d patients Mayo sees are Medicare rather help a small group of patients beneficiaries, making Mayo one of well than have to turn away the droves the largest Medicare providers in the of new Medicare beneficiaries signing country.”

UnitedHealth Group also made on since January 1st.

“I can’t save the masses,” she says. the news when, last November, the “This is a train wreck that is going to company sent termination letters to come. So I’ve chosen, on an individual doctors in 10 states who were part of level, to save the one person I can. To its Medicare Advantage network, the premium, private insurer-run option really help the one person I can.” of the Medicare program that’s being

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but the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR), enacted in 1997 to keep physician fees more in line with the economy (and, coincidentally, trim doctors’ lifestyles down closer to the country’s standard of living). Providers complain that Medicare’s current SGR makes it impossible for doctors to charge a fair price for their services, requiring them to make up the difference in volume (and hence, provide less personal attention to patients). But Spencer says the ACA does provide incentives for doctors who meet all the metrics of what it considers quality care.

“It is generally more difficult for primary care physicians to make a buck than it is for specialists,” he allows. “The ACA did recognize that and put in some additional reimbursement opportunities for primary care physicians working in the Medicare system, to the degree they are emphasizing preventive health care and evaluating their patients for different conditions early so that they can be treated early, at a lower cost.”

“Part of the quality measurement is that the providers are evaluated to see

“...nationwide, 91 percent of physicians accept Medicare.

That means that only 9 percent of physicians don’t!”

Of those 9 percent, many appear to be older doctors who find the changes in health care reform too daunting to learn.

I heard from a lot of older doctors who are just kind of getting out of medicine altogether,” he says. “People who’ve been practicing their whole lives, they’re in their 60s or 70s, and some of them are saying they’re stopping because with health care reform, they just don’t want to learn anything new.

They’re sort of choosing to say, ‘Okay, I just don’t want to do this anymore.

It’s too different from when I started practicing.’ And it is. Make no mistake, health care is changing.”

Part of that change does involve cutting reimbursements, a function not just of the Affordable Care Act

if they are doing these screenings,” says Patricia Stradleigh, a clinic manager with the Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS), a health care safety net that facilitates access to quality medical care for residents at every income level.

“As part of the Medicare program, you also have to be transparent with your practice. Providers have to have an electronic medical records system set up for that. The coverage doctors can offer under Medicare is outstanding, but you do have to have a methodology within your practice to identify how well you’re measuring up to these standards. If you’re not, that’s going to be out there for the public to see.”

Critics warn that the tighter standards, heightened transparencies and lower reimbursements may cause more doctors to opt out of Medicare or even medicine entirely, leaving behind a dangerous shortage of physicians to care for the increased numbers of seniors signing up for the coverage on Healthcare.gov. Not necessarily, counters Spencer.

“All of the medical students who are graduating from medical school today and starting their practices, this will ...continues on page 20 ADAM MORENO

targeted most in the funding cuts. Even with the layoffs, though, UnitedHealth issued a statement reassuring patients that its Medicare Advantage network was forecasted to shrink by no more than 10 to 15 percent by the end of 2014.

In fact, the percentage of doctors opting out of Medicare actually remains relatively small, according to Glen Spencer, who oversees the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) for Maricopa County, a federally funded health benefits counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries mandated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“Yes, the statistics that I have seen of late do definitely indicate that a greater percentage of physicians than in past years are choosing not to accept Medicare—and those numbers are growing,” Spencer says. “That being said, nationwide, 91 percent of physicians accept Medicare. That means that only 9 percent of physicians don’t!”

Of those 9 percent, Spencer says many appear to be older doctors who find the changes in health care reform too daunting to learn. “I was at a presentation yesterday in Sun City, and

March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 19

Dropping Medicare... from page 19 just be status quo for them,” he says.

“This is just the way it is, as far as they’re concerned. At some level, this is just the nature of systems changing.”

“Legacy Moment” In December 2011, Banner Health Network was selected as one of only 32 health care organizations in the country to test the new Medicare model, as one of the program’s “pioneer” Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). By the end of its first year, BHN managed to save over $19 million by better coordinating care, eliminating unnecessary or redundant testing and utilizing advanced technology.

Overall, Banner, which has hospitals and clinics throughout Arizona and six other western states, wound up ranking as one of the top two performing ACOs in the U.S. With such a stellar early track record, Dr. Robert Groves, BHN’s chief medical officer, has little patience for physicians who claim there’s no way to survive under the new Medicare model—although he does understand where they’re coming from.

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“I don’t blame some of the doctors for throwing up their hands in despair,” he says. “Change is always difficult, and to some extent, all of us resist change. Historically, doctors have had a high degree of independence and autonomy, and we have been compensated, by comparison to other professions in society, relatively well.

“But it has to change, the fees have to come down,” Groves adds. “It’s very clear to everyone that our current Medicare system is not sustainable if we stay on the same path. Some look at that and say, ‘It’s time to hang up my shingle and get out of this.’ I take the view that as members of this profession, we have a responsibility to fix this system, and to make health care available to everyone who needs it.”

Groves believes the way to do that is to follow the lead of BHN and the other pioneer ACOs, who’ve already demonstrated success by eliminating wasteful practices and better coordinating care throughout the system.

“I’d say 50 percent of what we do in health care today is wasted effort,” he

physicians need to get paid. The country has to decide: does it want physicians to be around to provide care, and is it willing to place a fair economic value on that? Or do people just want to continue to complain that physicians are too well compensated for the work they provide? The dissatisfaction rate among doctors today is incredible. I can hear it in their tone. And it’s not good when your doctor’s depressed!”

Groves, on the other hand, maintains that making Medicare work under the new system provides doctors a oncein-a-lifetime chance to take part in something uniquely rewarding.

“This is a legacy moment in health care,” he says. “This is the first opportunity we’ve had in 100 years to really make a dent in all of the problems that all of us, on both sides of the political aisle, are aware exist in health care. So that doctors really can do what they signed up to do, which is to be in relationships with patients and participate in care paradigms that actually do serve their needs.

“This,” Groves adds, “is our opportunity to fix it.”

When it comes to the well-being of your family, you can rely on Northwest Allied Physicians. Meet our newest specialists. They are dedicated to helping your family get well and stay that way. They’re accepting new patients, often with same- or next-day appointments available. Visit MyTucsonDoc.com to request an appointment.

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page 20 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : March 2014 74940_NWMC_Specialist_10x5_4c.indd 1

says. “We’re spending time doing a lot of tests that have already been done, asking questions that have already been answered, and, most importantly, doing things that the evidence no longer supports are even necessary. In some cases it doesn’t help patients to do an extra CT scan or MRI, and in some cases it actually hurts patients.

“The good news is, there’s a huge opportunity for us to actually get control of costs and do it while improving both quality and service,” Groves adds. “Docs don’t have to leave the field, they just have to change their mindset to coordinate care as part of a team and deliver highly coordinated and effective care to the right patient at the right time, every time. That drops costs dramatically.”

Whether doctors can get behind Medicare’s increased penny-pinching is another matter—and some, like Deonarain, express some level of indignation in even being asked to devalue their services.

“I left Canada because of this exact same issue in 1997,” she says. “The wealth gap is hitting physicians, too.

This is complex stuff, and this is why

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Entertainment Fun & Games Around Tucson March 2014

‘Latin Legend’ Julio Iglesias Talks Feeling 50 at Age 70 D

Kings of Soul WHEN: Sat., March 1, at 9 p.m.

WHERE: Casino del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson COST: Call for ticket information.

INFO: (855) 765-7829 or www. casinodelsolresort.com Dance along to the Kings of Soul or just watch as others have fun with the band.

::by Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

uring a recent interview with this publication, Latin singer Julio Iglesias jokes that he’s not quite suited for a feature in Lovin’ Life After 50.

After all, the 70-year-old legend known for his hits like “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before,” and father of pop star Enrique Iglesias, feels much younger than the paper’s demographic.

“I don’t know what to say about the living after 50,” Iglesias says in his thick Spanish accent. “When I’m on the stage, I think I can be 20 years old, 25 sometimes, 30, the most. At this moment, for example, I can feel like 49, 50.”

Iglesias handles interviews with a sense of humor, at times using the reporter as the butt of his jokes. But it’s all in good fun for the Spaniard, who comes to Talking Stick Resort’s Salt River Grand Ballroom in Scottsdale at 8 p.m. Friday, March 28.

“I’ve been in Arizona before you was born,” he says with a laugh. “I like the place. I like the people. It’s a place where basically you feel very good. There’s not humidity. It’s just beautiful.”

Legendary Singer Iglesias has set two Guinness World Records: the first of them in 1983, for having sold the most records in the most languages in history, and the second in 2013, for being the best-selling Latin artist in history. On April 1, 2013, in Beijing, he received another historic award: “First and Most Popular Artist of All Time in China.” Success is not formulaic, he explains.

“I think success is not logical. There is not two and two is four; four and four is eight; eight and eight is 16. ... I think

success is a situation of thousands and thousands of little things that come together one day and people accept it.”

Those people, he says, include his puppies, who wag their tails in appreciation of their master.

But now he’s at a point where he needs to impress more than his dogs; he wants to honor his fans.

“What I’m trying to do is tell people ‘thank you very much for giving me the most beautiful opportunity that I ever dreamed to have,’” Iglesias explains.

In his 45-year career, Iglesias has received 2,600 platinum and gold records. He has performed more than 5,000 concerts in 600 cities around the world, and more than 60 million people have seen him perform live.

He says there’s no bigger compliment than returning to a city with a sold-out house.

“When I come back to the places, it’s because the people still care,” he says.

“Going back to the places is the biggest situation for an artist. I would be very happy to play in Arizona again.

“I would be very happy to put people together and to go home and make love like crazy, which is what it’s all about. To put passion in the concert, which is all I have. I’m singing because my passion is singing, that’s why I don’t belong in this magazine. When I go on the stage, I’m 35. Believe me. My body, my heart pump. My passion flows like the river goes to the ocean—perfect.”

Iglesias’ set list could include a sampling of his many hits, including “All of You,” “Nathalie,” “Crazy,” “Hey!” “La Cumparsita,” “When You Tell Me That You Love Me” and “Abrázame.”

page 22 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : March 2014

The date at Talking Stick is part of a never-ending world tour for Iglesias.

This year, he will bounce between Mexico, Venezuela, the United States, The Netherlands, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Spain.

“I don’t stop touring,” Iglesias says. “I don’t have anything else to do. What do you want me to do? Go to fish?

“Touring is comfortable for me. I fly the most contemporary plane in the world with the most beautiful people who take care of me, my family, and then we have fun.”

Iglesias’ personal life has been one for tabloid fodder. The singer, who is planning a live album this year, has been married a couple of times and has even more children. He acknowledges this like he does many topics during an interview—with a laugh.

“I have 27 wives,” he says. Greeted with a reporter’s boisterous laugh, Iglesias says “I love it. I love it. I talk to everyone from Finland to China.

Imagine if I don’t have a sense of humor? The only way to survive is I would like to have the life of the 40s or the 50s. I just became 70. When I look in the mirror—I don’t look very often; once every two months—the mirror said to me, ‘You look young, Julio.’ I take that mirror, I put a number and I say I will keep you in my life.”

Julio Iglesias performs at 8 p.m. Friday, March 28, at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale. Tickets are $35 to $125.

For more information, call (800) 745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Pascua Yaqui Fights WHEN: Sat., March 1, at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Casino del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson COST: $17 to $97 INFO: (855) 765-7829 or www. casinodelsolresort.com Join the casino for mixed martial arts with the World Fighting Federation.

Swinging Tuesdays WHEN: Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Desert Diamond Casino, 1100 W. Pima Mine Rd., Sahuarita COST: Free INFO: www.ddcaz.com/index.php/sahuarita/ entertainment Swing to the beat of the Tom Patrick Band.

Classic Golden Oldies WHEN: Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Desert Diamond Casino, 1100 W. Pima Mine Rd., Sahuarita COST: Free INFO: www.ddcaz.com/index.php/sahuarita/ entertainment Celebrate music of yesterday with Jim Bednarec.

Ron White WHEN: Sat., March 29, at 8 p.m.

WHERE: Desert Diamond Casino, 1100 W. Pima Mine Rd., Sahuarita COST: $45 to $75 INFO: 342-2944 or www.ddcaz.com/index.php/ sahuarita/entertainment The American comedian returns to the Diamond Center for the first time since his sold-out show in 2011. ...continues on page 24

The Renaissance Festival: Where History is Lived Out in Character ::by Lynette Carrington

F

or 26 years, a little village off of U.S. Highway 60 has housed raucous revelry, esteemed ladies, courtly gents, ethereal fairies, gallant knights, a cornucopia of unique shopping experiences and, yes, massive turkey legs.

It’s time again for the annual Arizona Renaissance Festival, which runs Saturdays and Sundays through March 30.

Each year the Arizona Renaissance Festival continues to grow, offering families the chance to party like its 1499. One very important aspect of the beloved event is the more than 500 charming lads and lasses who make up the merry band of cast members that engages event revelers at every turn.

There is no denying that Rebecca Rubinstein is queen of the Arizona Renaissance Festival. In true regal fashion, Rubenstein granted a royal interview and proceeded with full-on majestic regalia.

“I am the queen and have been for the past eight years,” says Rubenstein in a mock English accent. “This will be my ninth year.”

When asked if she has background or training in acting, she responds as the queen, “Indubitably, I do.”

In her regal duties as queen, she gets the chance to do many things.

“While the festival is going, there are many things I do including east hall appearances, I herald over a joust of mine, I knight children, tell them stories…oh so many things,” the queen regales.

Starting at least a month in advance of the event, the queen, her court and the many cast members partake in classes and training to get everyone on

the same page, with many putting in well over 40 hours a week. Rubinstein creates her breathtaking costume by herself.

‘Oh, the children. It’s always the children,” says the queen of her favorite aspect of the Arizona Renaissance Festival. “They warm your heart in so many different ways. They come up with me with their little hearts and they grab on to me and give me great big hugs.”

The queen notes that the entire cast is like an extended family.

“I cannot speak as much for the food handlers, but for the cast alone, we do have a sort of community,” she says.

For tickets to the Arizona Renaissance Festival, located at 12601 E. U.S. Highway 60, Gold Canyon, visit www.royalfaires.com and click on the Arizona festival link. Senior tickets are $19 at the box office. Call (520) 463-2600 for more information.

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March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 23 2/14/14 12:09 PM

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red Wagenhals is one of the Arizona Lottery’s newest millionaires!

The Payson resident claimed the Mega Millions $1-million prize after purchasing a ticket at Giant located at 2010 N. Beeline Hwy. He left the ticket with his brother before leaving town to drive to Scottsdale. A couple of days later, Fred’s brother called and told him about the prize. Fred was so excited he drove directly to Payson and back to Phoenix the same day to redeem his ticket at the Arizona Lottery office.

Fred, who moved to Arizona around 1978 from the Midwest, works with his son in commercial development. He plans to invest his winnings and intends to keep playing the lottery.

Fred Wagenhals Payson, AZ

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Fun & Games Around Tucson Michael Feinstein “The Gershwin and Me”

WHEN: Sun., March 9, at 7 p.m.

WHERE: U.S. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd., Tucson COST: $35 to $105 INFO: 621-3341 or www.uapresents.org Strike Up the Band! Multi-platinum-selling, two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated, pianist and vocalist Feinstein is returning to Tucson!

“I Love Lucy” Live on Stage

WHEN: Tues., March 25 to Sun., March 30, times vary WHERE: Broadway in Tucson at U.S. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd., Tucson COST: $29 to $62 INFO: (800) 745-3000 or www.broadwayintucson.com Witness, firsthand, the side-splitting antics of that crazy redhead in the Ricardo’s New York apartment and thrill to the Cuban sounds of “The Ricky Ricardo Orchestra.”

... from page 22

Lily Tomlin

WHEN: Sun., March 23 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress, Tucson COST: $39 to $114 INFO: 547-3040 or www.foxtucson.com Star of television, movies and theater, Lily Tomlin is one of America’s foremost comediennes.

Ronnie Milsap

WHEN: Mon., March 17 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress, Tucson COST: $24 to $67 INFO: 547-3040 or www.foxtucson.com Country singer and pianist, Ronnie Milsap comes to Tucson.

Got an Event?

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Entertainment Bingo Happenings- March 2014 Desert Diamond Bingo

WHEN: Daily from start times from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE: Desert Diamond Casino, 7350 S. Nogales Hwy., Tucson COST: $4 to $200 INFO: 342-1840 With bingo favorites, new games and levels to buy in, there’s more to win than ever before.

Casino del Sol Bingo

WHEN: Daily with start times from 12 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

WHERE: Casino del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson COST: $1 to $95, depending on package INFO: (855) 765-7829 or www.casinodelsolresort.com Casino del Sol’s spacious bingo hall seats up to 600 players with smoking and nonsmoking sections. There is plenty of leg and elbow room for gamers.

Elks Lodge Bingo

WHEN: Mondays at 1 p.m., and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Elks Lodge, 1800 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson COST: Call for cost

INFO: 299-5105 Join the group for bingo.

Public Bingo

WHEN: 12:45 p.m. every day except Sundays and Wednesdays; and 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays WHERE: Disabled American Veteran, 3455 S. Wilmot Rd., Tucson COST: Call for cost INFO: 747-3333 The public is welcome to play bingo at the Disabled American Veteran.

VFW Bingo

WHEN: Sundays and Tuesdays at 12:45 p.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Casas Adobes Post 10188, 345 Roger Rd., Tucson COST: Call for cost INFO: 293-6023 Bingo is open to the public and located in the back hall.

Host a Bingo Event?

Include it in this list by sending your information to info@lovinlifeafter50.com

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Spring Travel

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Health Trends PUBLISHING APRIL 2014 Things to see and do this summer. Advertising opportunity for cruise and tour companies, college and pro sports teams, resorts with summer discounts, attractions, hiking tours, travel clubs, hostels, educational cruises and more.

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page 26 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : March 2014

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777 Highway 260, Pinetop (800) 929-8744, www.hon-dah.com 1200 S. 56th Street, Chandler (800) 946-4452, www.wingilariver.com

Highway 87, Payson (800) 777-7529, www.777play.com 540 Quechan Dr, Fort Yuma (888) 777-4946, www.paradise-casinos.com 8555 S. Highway 95, Mohave Valley (520) 346-2000 51st Ave and Estrella, Laveen (800) 946-4452, www.wingilariver.com 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler (800) 946-4452, www.wingilariver.com 1500 E. Highway 69, Prescott (800) 756-8744, www.buckyscasino.com

Entertainment Tinseltown Talks

The Other Side of Leonard Nimoy : : by Nick Thomas

A

s “Star Trek”’s Mr. Spock, Leonard Nimoy created one of the most iconic characters in television history.

But for the past two decades, Nimoy has transported his career to the other side of the camera and is now regarded as a leading contemporary American photographer.

Early in his acting career, he recognized photography could be more than just snapshots on location.

“I carried a camera with me wherever I went and began to realize I was missing the place I was in because my eye was behind the camera so much,” Nimoy recalled from his home in Los Angeles. “I had the photographs, but I hadn’t had the experience. So I began using the camera when I was on a specific thematic quest.”

The photography bug eventually bit him hard at the pinnacle of his career.

“I had finished three seasons of ‘Star Trek’ and two seasons of ‘Mission: Impossible,’ and I actually considered changing careers,” Nimoy explained. “I went to school at UCLA to study photography under master art photography Robert Heineken and became very excited about the prospect.”

But with no enthusiasm for commercial photography, he realized a career in fine art photography would be difficult at the time. “So I decided to stay with my acting and directing, although I continued to study photography and work at it.”

Around 1994, he became a fulltime photographer (while continuing to tackle some film and TV projects of interest), producing work that was largely concept driven—themes that told a story, rather than random, individual photos. His diverse subjects include hands, eggs, landscapes, nudes and dancers, all shot with black and white film cameras. “I have two darkrooms and do my own printing up to a 16-inch by 20-inch image. I like to be in touch with the whole process.”

His provocative Full Body project, published in book form in 2007, featured mostly naked full-figured

women. “My original idea was to replicate some rather famous images shot by other photographers who had used fashion models, and to use these women in those same poses.”

More recently, for his Secret Selves project—his first shot in color—he photographed 100 people from all walks of life, each acting out a fantasy identity.

Nimoy, who is represented by R. Michelson Galleries in Northampton, Mass., will have three concurrent exhibitions in the Boston area beginning in late March—when the artist turns 83 (see www.RMichelson. com). “The exhibits cover about 20 years of my career, so it’s quite comprehensive.”

Although Nimoy’s works can be pricey (up to $18,000), more affordable images with a Spock theme (e.g., the

Vulcan hand salute) are sold through it,” he said. “The main difficulty is high a site managed by his granddaughter altitudes. We’ve had a house in Lake Tahoe for 20 years, which is a beautiful (www.shopllap.com).

“She’s quite the entrepreneur and retreat. But at 6,000 feet, I just can’t go operates it like a classy boutique,” there anymore. Other than that, I’m Nimoy said. “There are T-shirts, tote still very active and not ready to cash bags and photographs signed by me. it in yet!”

Despite rumors The things we do for our throughout his acting grandchildren!” career that he resented In February, reports being typecast as Spock, surfaced that Nimoy was Nimoy says he regards the suffering from Chronic character with fondness.

Obstructive Pulmonary “I’ve always been proud to Disease (COPD), a lung be identified with Spock.” ailment that affects some And what if J.J. Abrams, 13 million Americans the producer/director according to the Centers of the new “Star Trek” for Disease Control and films, approached him for Prevention, and caused Leonard Nimoy is shown primarily by smoking. with William Shatner on the another film role?

“I’d take his call, but “Before I stopped set of the iconic 1960s show doubt I’d do any acting,” smoking 30 years ago, I “Star Trek.” was deeply addicted,” he said. “I had he said. “I don’t want to go off on to go through various programs before location again. I’m enjoying life with I quit. But by then, the damage was my family too much.” done. In my late 70s and early 80s, I recognized that I did not have great Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University breathing capacity, so wasn’t surprised at Montgomery, Ala. His features and columns by the COPD diagnosis. have appeared in more than 400 newspapers “I use medication daily and give and magazines and can be reached at his blog: myself a jolt of oxygen when I need http://getnickt.blogspot.com

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March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 27

Life Enhancement Comes to the Community Through TMC/Canyon Ranch Partnership ::by Jennifer Cosenza, M.A., Public Health Communications Manager, and L’Don Sawyer, M.A., TMC Senior Services Director

G

one are the days when older adults sit back and wait for disease to take its toll in an inevitable journey of decline.

Instead, one of the major health trends amongst older adults is proactively seeking community resources to help stay healthy and prevent or manage conditions. TMC launched Healthy Living Connections seven years ago and its wellness programs this past year to respond to the growing trend of healthy lifestyles. And what better partner for the community than Canyon Ranch, a world-class health spa located in our own backyard.

Last year, TMC and the Canyon Ranch Institute, the nonprofit arm of Canyon Ranch, teamed up to provide its Life Enhancement program to members of our community at no cost. The Life Enhancement program, also known as the LEP, focuses on self-discovery, preventive care and positive lifestyle habits that enable the participants to experience a healthy

transformation through personal empowerment and behavioral changes.

The LEP is a 12-week program held on the El Dorado Campus, and delivered by a core team of health professionals with expertise in behavioral health, integrative health, nutrition, physical activity and pharmacology. The program includes weekly classes as well as one-on-one appointments with members of the core team.

At the core of the program is the philosophy that lasting change is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. It is very important for people to create a vision for their health that fits their needs and their lifestyles.

“Having participants set their own realistic goals and then celebrating each success that comes during the journey is very fulfilling,” says Mary Atkinson, TMC director of wellness. “We are trying to shift people’s thinking from what they can’t do to what they can do.”

page 28 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : March 2014

Below two participants share what they now can do and how they are taking control of their health: “The CRI LEP connected me to people who care about my health,” Diane Coleman Before I joined the CRI Life Enhancement Program, I thought I knew what it takes to live a healthy life—what’s good for you, what’s not.

What I really lacked was motivation.

I expected that the structure of the program and classes would help me find that motivation. What I found was that the dedication of the other participants and the health professionals from Tucson Medical Center motivated me to reconnect to health and wellness in my life.

As someone who lives alone and has gotten pretty isolated in life, the group support, caring and shared values was incredibly important to me. Embedding myself amidst such a dedicated health team who strives to go the extra mile with every individual— regardless of someone’s particular challenges—allowed me to make my hopes of becoming healthier a reality, instead of just another “good idea.”

The CRI LEP created an

environment of such strong values, that I knew I could absorb and embrace them simply by participating. It now matters to me and other people how well I’m doing. The sense that someone cares about me improving my health gave me the “jump start” that I needed to lead a healthier life.

Today, I’m working to maintain my healthy habits. I continue to make better food choices, having more fruits and vegetables and overall fewer calories. The program’s emphasis on meditation also helped me to reconnect with myself and my goals.

Daily meditation has made the biggest impact in helping me to stick to my healthy new habits.

When the program was ending, I asked if I could volunteer for the next program at Tucson Medical Center.

I figure staying connected with the program will help me, and maybe I can help other people.

“For the first time in my life, I am doing what I enjoy doing,” Michaela Johnson The past several years have been stressful. After being laid off from the job I had worked in for nearly 20 years, ...continues on page 32

Bone Health & Osteoporosis Osteoporosis literally means porous bone and is the most common type of bone disease. It develops when there is more bone loss than bone formation and, as a result, bones become weaker and are more likely to fracture and break. Most fractures and breaks occur in the hip, spine and wrist causing severe pain. However, small breaks in the spine bones, or vertebrae, may go unnoticed. After several small breaks, individuals may lose height and develop a stooped or hunched posture which can decrease mobility and cause difficulty breathing.

Osteoporosis can develop at any age but is most common among older adults, especially older women. The United States Preventative Service Task Force recommends that women aged 65 and older be screened for osteoporosis, as well as younger women who are at an increased risk for an osteoporosis-related fracture.

leafy vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli; almonds; and foods fortifies with calcium, such as orange juice.

Vitamin D aids in the prevention of bone loss by helping your body absorb calcium. Exposure to sunlight for about 5 to 30 minutes twice a week enables your body to make the recommended daily amount of vitamin D. However, those who have limited exposure to sunlight may require vitamin D supplements.

The NOF recommends those who are 50 years of age and older consume between 800 and 1,000 international units (IU) daily. Food sources of vitamin D include supplements and fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna.

Exercise is important for building and maintaining bone density as well as strengthening muscles and improving balance. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking and dancing, for 30 minutes most days of the week are recommended by the NOF for bone health. Muscle-strengthening exercises,

such as lifting weights, two to three days a week is also recommended.

Smoking and daily consumption of three or more caffeinated or alcoholic drinks have been linked to a decreased absorption of calcium and an increased risk of bone fractures.

Smoking cessation and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake is recommended.

There are also medications available for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. For more information about bone health, speak with you Walgreens pharmacists today!

On medicare part B and have diaBetes?

Risk Factors: There are both uncontrollable and controllable factors linked to the development of osteoporosis.

Uncontrollable risk factors include: advancing age (50 or older), being female, having reached menopause, and having a family history of osteoporosis.

Controllable risk factors include: low or deficient dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D; lack of exercise or sedentary lifestyle; smoking; and longterm use of certain medications such as glucocorticoids.

Prevention: Although bone loss is common among older people, it is not an inevitable part of aging. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as a proper diet and exercise, and medications can help prevent further bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures.

Calcium and vitamin D play important roles in preventing bone loss. Calcium is a major component of bone and getting the recommended amount of calcium helps build and maintain healthy bones. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends that women over age 50 consume 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium daily; men between ages 51 and 70 consume 1,000 mg of calcium daily; and men over age 70 consume 1,200 mg daily. Good sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products, such as milk and yogurt; dark green,

New Medicare changes may limit where you can get your diabetes testing supplies. The good news is that diabetes testing supplies are available at every Walgreens along with: • Easy, direct billing of Medicare Part B and most supplemental insurance • A wide selection of major national brands • Convenient 90-day supplies

It’s easy to switch!

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March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 29 13MB0003_Diabetes_and_You_MedB_Ad.indd 1

3/11/13 3:53 PM

Presents...

What a Great Event!

T

hank you to all the sponsors, exhibitors and attendees of the Lovin’ Life After 50 Expos.

The 24th annual events held in January in Tucson, Sun City and Mesa were a resounding success.

More than 200 vendors with information on retirement, health care, leisure, travel, education and casinos, came out to be part of the expos. And thousands of attendees took part in the free entertainment, prizes and giveaways.

Next year will be our 25th year of hosting expos and we’ll be planning something really special. We will be announcing plans as they are available.

Also sponsored by:

page 30 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : March 2014

Allergies: The Ear Connection How Seasonal Allergies Can Wreak Havoc on Hearing Health ::by The Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the

Hard of Hearing and Arizona Relay Service

W

atery eyes, sneezing and runny noses—these are all symptoms of allergies, but can a change in your ability to hear also be a symptom of allergies? Or is it something else?

More than 40 million people in the United States are affected every year by allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

With the symptoms so similar, knowing how to diagnose your condition can be confusing. When the immune system reacts to an allergen, it produces antibodies that release histamine. This then causes an increased amount of mucus production, creating problems in your ears. As a result, sinus congestion and stuffiness can affect the pressure in your ears.

So, what can a person do?

Treating sinus congestion may help overall discomfort and pain from that pressure. Health experts recommend individuals pay attention more to their ears during allergy season. It is important to know that an ear consists of three parts; the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. It’s also possible for allergies to impact the function of one, two or all three parts of the ear resulting in a hearing loss.

Some of the ear-related symptoms of allergies include: • Chronic itching of the outer ear canal • Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear • Frequent infections of the middle ear • Dizziness, ear fullness and pressure, tinnitus and hearing loss Hearing loss that is the result of seasonal allergies can sometimes only be temporary. However, if not monitored, the effects on the ear can cause permanent damage.

So how do you protect your hearing this spring?

Treating allergies is important to preventing ear problems and longterm hearing loss. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, take the following steps to help maintain your ears:

Blow Your Nose Gently Believe it or not, simply blowing your nose can help alleviate some sinus pressure. Try blocking one nostril while blowing through the other.

Clean Your Hearing Aids Health experts recommend if you use hearing aids, make sure to watch for build-up of allergens in the microphone ports. If this happens, replace the covers of microphone ports. It is easy to do and will help maintain the cleanliness of your device while ensuring debris won’t keep you from hearing what you need to.

See Your Doctor If you find that the hearing problems are still occurring or getting worse, you may want to consider seeing a doctor for further treatment. The doctor may recommend you use over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants to help alleviate some of the congestion and pain from sinuses.

While hearing loss associated with allergies can occur, it’s not often that it will result in permanent hearing loss. If you continue to experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or vertigo (dizziness, or a feeling that things are dizzily turning around you) or if you or someone you know are experiencing a hearing loss, do make sure to make an appointment with the doctor to rule out any other diagnosis.

For more information on the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing visit www.acdhh.org or Arizona Relay Service visit www.azrelay.org About the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing: Established in 1977 to improve the quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing residents, ACDHH serves as a statewide information referral center for issues related to people with hearing loss and aspires to be a national leader in communication access, support services and community empowerment throughout the state. The purpose of the organization, and its commissioners, is to ensure, in partnership with the public and private sector, accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing to improve their quality of life.

dbacks com/senior

March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 31

Life Enhancement I was trying to find a better path for myself and trying to find the joy in my life.

So, when I saw an article in our local newspaper about the community wellness program with Canyon Ranch Institute and Tucson Medical Center, I thought it was a sign.

I was nervous to sign up, not knowing if I could stick with the program. I’ve had asthma and allergies all my life, and I’ve always struggled with my weight.

But I knew that I needed to address my biggest health challenges: eating right and exercising. Today, I’m so glad I did.

Before joining the program at Tucson Medical Center, my workouts were inconsistent or nonexistent. I had so little energy, and didn’t have the motivation to improve my health or lifestyle. Now, I’m more conscientious about what I eat, and I make sure to watch my portions and second servings.

I’m even trying and enjoying new vegetables that I never thought I would.

Perhaps the most rewarding change is that because I feel better I can give back to my community. I’ve found that I love gardening, and it’s actually something

... from page 28 that I can do to bring joy into my life easily. I now volunteer at two different local gardens and also a local ministry.

The program’s focus on the whole person was what renewed my sense of well-being. I enjoyed every single session. And I truly learned something from each person in my group. The program and people helped me build a confidence that I can learn to take care of my whole self, become more active, and find joy in each day.

For people looking to make a positive, impactful change, I would say that this program is a life-changing experience.

I entered it with an open mind, and understand that connecting the spiritual, mental, and physical health makes a world of difference to your overall health. My sister joined the program with me, and now we are encouraging our brother to sign up. I would encourage everyone to try it for themselves!

For more information on the TMC/ CRI Life Enhancement program, email wellness@tmcaz.com. The next 12week session is scheduled for summer 2014.

Coming Next Month:

Spring Travel

ISSUE

Health Trends PUBLISHING APRIL 2014 Things to see and do this summer. Advertising opportunity for cruise and tour companies, college and pro sports teams, resorts with summer discounts, attractions, hiking tours, travel clubs, hostels, educational cruises and more.

LovinLifeAfter5

Phoe nix

0.com

Metro

April 2010

LovinLifeAfter50.

October 2010

h Healts 2010 Trend Visits e

In-Hom

com

Phoen ix Metro

Tod Grandpareay’s nts No rocking chair porch for these on the modern grandparents : : by Jimmy Magan ! ern

ack making a comeb House calls are y-care physicians. among primar comes at a cost.

But convenience ern : : by Jimmy Magah

favorites. : : Vote for your 39! inside on page Your ballot is page 36 tter starts on

Is your business a fit for the Spring Travel issue?

Call us at (480) 348-0343 to place an ad today!

home Mardi Gras Gumbo : : by Jan D’Atri

M

arch is Mardi Gras month.

Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” is the last night of eating rich foods before fasting for lent. So let the indulging begin with this amazing and hearty recipe for seafood and sausage gumbo!

My thanks to Scottsdale resident Kathy Rice for sharing this festival of flavors in a bowl!

Note: Gumbo is a soup, but it is often served over rice as a main course.

Seafood and Sausage Gumbo

3 pounds raw shrimp (16 count) in shell 1 1/2 quarts water 4 onions, 2 of them quartered, the rest diced 4 bay leaves 3/4 cup vegetable oil 1 cup all-purpose flour 5 tablespoons margarine or butter 2 green bell peppers, seeded and minced 4 celery stalks, minced 1 1/2 pounds Andouille sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices 3 cups fresh okra, cut into 1/2-inch slices (may substitute frozen) 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme leaves 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 cup hot pepper sauce (adjust to taste optional) 2 cups chopped, peeled fresh or canned plum tomatoes (I prefer canned) 1 pound fresh crabmeat Boiled rice, to serve Crusty bread for dunking 1. Peel and de-vein the shrimp; reserve the heads and shells. Cover and chill the shrimp while you make the sauce.

2. Place the shrimp heads and shells in a saucepan with the water, 2 quartered onions, and 1 of the bay leaves and bring to a boil. Partly cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and set aside.

3. To make a Cajun roux, heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet. When the oil is hot, add the flour, a little at a time, and blend to a smooth paste.

4. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 25 to 40 minutes until the roux reaches the color of peanut butter. Remove the pan from the heat and continue stirring until the roux cools and stops cooking.

5. Melt the margarine or butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or flameproof casserole. Finely chop the remaining onions and add to the pan with the peppers and celery.

Cook over medium-low heat for 6 to 8 minutes, until the onions are soft, stirring occasionally.

6. Add the sausage, stir well, and cook for 5 minutes longer. Add the okra and garlic, stir, and cook until the okra stops producing white “threads.”

7. Add the remaining bay leaves, the thyme, salt, black and white peppers, cayenne pepper, and hot-pepper sauce to-taste, if using. Stir well then stir in 1 1/2 quarts of the shrimp stock and the plum tomatoes. Bring to a boil, partly cover the pan, lower the heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes.

8. Whisk in the Cajun roux. Raise the heat and bring to a boil, whisking well. Lower the heat again and simmer, uncovered, for 40 to 45 minutes longer, stirring occasionally.

9. Stir in the shrimp and crabmeat.

Cook for at least 3 to 4 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink.

To serve, put a mound of hot, boiled rice in each serving bowl and ladle the gumbo over, making sure each person gets some prawns and some crabmeat.

Serve with crusty bread for dunking.

Serves 10 to 12.

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Check out www.jandatri.com for great recipes, stories and cool places we’re visiting! Come back often!

entertainment

rivia Contest

T

he weather is warming up in Arizona. We’re slowly creeping away from those frigid 60 and 70 degree temperatures and swapping them for 80s and 90s.

We’re putting away the long-sleeved T-shirts and swapping them for tank tops. Yes, we here in Arizona have the winters pretty rough.

Which is just fine by us. We’re willing to brave it. After all, there’s an endless supply of fun in the sun to be had during the spring season—food festivals, hiking adventures, outdoor concerts—even if seasonal allergies are setting in and making being outside less ahh-mazing and more ahh-choo!

Pop a Claritin and get out there!

Everything’s coming up springtime.

Break that cabin fever by stretching your most important muscle—your noggin—with a bit of springtime trivia.

To enter simply:

On a sheet of paper list the correct answers in order 1 through 5.

Include your full name, mailing address, phone number and an email address (if you have one).

Mail your trivia contest entry to: Lovin’ Life After 50 Attn: Trivia Contest 3200 N. Hayden, Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 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!

Contest Prizes

Springtime Trivia

1 2

The first day of spring, which falls on March 20 this year, is called what?

3 4 5

Who originated the idea for Daylight Savings Time?

Which two baseball teams make their home at Salt River Fields during spring training?

A gift certificate to a local restaurant awarded to two individual winners

February 2014 Winners Restaurant gift card Gini McGirr Restaurant gift card Carla Pothier

Legend has it that on the first day of spring, you can balance what on a table?

What is the average high temperature in Phoenix during March?

Last Month’s Answers

1 2

“Venus and Adonis” was the first published work of William Shakespeare

3

According to the book “The General Theory of Love,” researchers believe people fall in love seven times before marriage.

4 5

During the fourth year of marriage people are most likely to divorce.

Actress Mariska Hargitay, famous for her role as Olivia on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” is the child Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay.

The ancient Greeks ascribe the vein in the left hand “ring finger,” which was believed to run to the heart, the Vena amoris, or the “vein of love.”

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March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 33

entertainment

... answers on page 43

Even Exchange by Donna Pettman 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.

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.

Across 1. Its capital is Muscat 5. Recipe direction 9. Grooms comb them 14. “Coriolanus” setting 15. Off-limits (var.)

16. Positive pole 17. Grandstand 18. Wrinkly-skinned fruit 19. Cat-like mammal 20. Former Diamondbacks play-by-play broadcaster 23. IV part 24. Have a tab 25. Arrange systematically 28. Butter dab 30. Penpoint 33. W.W. II ship 34. Pet name 35. Aesop’s laggard 36. March event in Tucson 39. Take off 40. One who might take a bow 41. Like some expectations 42. Genetically close relative 43. Hogwash 44. Calla lilies 45. Form of haddock 47. Former country 48. Sun who made “The Shot” 54. Like a cold fish 55. Work over 56. Toot 58. Plant with yellow flowers usually 59. Swear 60. Ogle 61. Prepare to propose?

62. Tender 63. Swirl around and around Down 1. Venus or Mars 2. Three year old salmon 3. Eastern maid 4. Make a deal

DIFFICULTY THIS MONTH H H H H Moderate HH Challenging HHH HOO BOY! HHHH Put on your helmet!

Crossword by Myles Mellor

5. Short and thick 6. High wave 7. Adroit 8. Financial disaster 9. Avian chatterbox 10. Cartoon art 11. Astronomer’s sighting 12. Fall locale 13. Ready, ___, go 21. Muslim scholar 22. ____ this world 25. Sleeve ends 26. Ancient editorial marks 27. Medical quantities 28. Command 29. Ruckuses 30. Model, Campbell 31. Beset

32. Conquers 34. Casino game 35. Like some mentions 37. Opera writer 38. Eucharist container 44. On land 45. Witch 46. Refuse 47. Dairymaid’s handful 48. Country singer __ Campbell 49. Gold 50. Points in time 51. Rotating to the left (abbr.)

52. Bassoon, e.g.

53. Legal paper 54. Query 57. Be nosy

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!

page 34 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : March 2014

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March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 35

travel

Boomerish : : by Steve Greenberg

www.boomerish.com steve@greenbergart.com

Salinas Valley is the most valuable agricultural land in the world on a per-acre basis.

Agritourism and Adventure in ‘The Valley of the World’ :: by Andrea Gross | photos by Irv Green

I

Lovin’ Life is now

ONLINE! Read it any time!

www.LovinLifeAfter50.com page 36 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : March 2014

’m perched atop a bench of hay, for packaging. A few miles down the which in turn, is sitting atop a road we see them crate the packages flatbed wagon. Our guide, Chris Bunn, for distribution. They move quickly as owner of The Farm, hitches a tractor the greens must reach their destination to the wagon, and we begin our ride before the lettuce wilts or the artichoke along dirt roads bordered by fields of leaves brown. romaine lettuce on one side and rows Oakes explains that the Salinas of strawberries on the other. This is the Valley is lucky. Much of the Salinas fertile landscape of central California’s River, which runs north-northwest Salinas Valley. through the valley, flows underground, In this area, just two hours south thus providing abundant water to of San Francisco, farmers grow an area that gets less than an inch of the majority of the nation’s greens, rainfall between May and September. including 80 percent of the lettuce The river empties into a spot near and most of the spinach, broccoli and Monterey Bay, a few miles north of artichokes. During the next several Salinas, and it’s here, where the fresh days, as we wander through the water of the river meets the salt water fields, roadside stands and farmers of the bay, that we begin our ride markets, I salivate through Elkhorn over gargantuan Slough. Capt. Yohn heads of lettuce, Gideon greets us as delicate bunches we board the 27of broccolini and foot pontoon and artichokes that explains that we’re range from oneabout to embark pound jumbos to on a dual mission. two-ounce minis.

First, we’re going Per acre, Salinas to enjoy ourselves Valley has the (no problem!), and Artichokes with thorns are tastier than the most valuable second we’re going thornless (seed) variety. agricultural land on to collect data for the planet. the California Department of Fish Evan Oakes takes us on an Ag and Wildlife, the Audubon Society and Venture Tour, which helps us other respected institutions. understand how this produce gets to He hands out counters and asks market. At one large farm we watch me to keep track of otters and other men and women cleanse the produce passengers to count sea lions, seals and

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Top: A sea otter prepares a shellfish meal in Elkhorn Slough, one of California’s largest areas of undisturbed wetlands.

Right: Whale watching is a favorite activity in Monterey Bay, where folks can spot humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales and sometimes even orcas.

a variety of birds. We’ve been out less all the farms and the ranches in the than five minutes when Laura, the on- wilder hills...I would like to do it so that board naturalist, spies an otter. Click. it would be the valley of the world.”

A minute later we see an entire raft of To see how Steinbeck achieved his the creatures lounging on a rock. Click, goal, we visit the National Steinbeck click, click, click.

Center, where a variety of exhibits At the end of our tour, he reads our explore the relationship between the totals. In less than two hours we’ve author’s life and writings. One of his seen 68 otters, 24 sea lions, 181 harbor books, the Pulitzer Prize-winning seals and hundreds of birds, including “Grapes of Wrath,” depicts the loons, herons, pelicans, cormorants plight of migrant farmers who, like and shorebirds galore. “Good job,” the grandparents of many of today’s says Gideon, and I puff with pride. most successful producers, came to Now I can add “research scientist” to California in the 1930s. Another, my resume.

“East of Eden,” was written for his We’re equally fortunate the next sons, partly to teach them about good day when we go on a whale watching and evil but also to show them the land expedition. By the time our 45-foot in which their father grew up. It is, he boat is 10 miles from shore, we’re said, “a sort of autobiography of the surrounded—literally surrounded— Salinas Valley.” by whales that are as long as, or even The valley has come a long way since longer than, our boat.

Steinbeck’s time. But as he wished, it We see the blow, the tail and the can, at least agriculturally speaking, be breach—all at close range. One whale called “The Valley of the World.” breaks off from its buddies and dives deep on the left side of our boat only www.destinationsalinas.com to surface a minute later on the right. He’s so close I can see the sheen of its skin, which is marred by scars and has a patch covered with barnacles.

Finally, back on dry land, we delve into the history of Salinas Valley, a place that’s been well documented, albeit in a “novel” way, by renowned author John Steinbeck. Steinbeck, who was born and grew up in the area, told a friend that his goal was Ana Melissa, owner of The Bakery Station, makes it “to write the story of this whole a point to buy strawberries and other produce from local valley, of all the little towns and farmers.

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MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES FOR SALE

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DRAWER LL1471 Tucson DWF 60+, 5’4”, average build, Born-Again. ISO Christian/ Messianic gentleman, NS/ND for LTR. Life-long learner, bible, prayer, ministry, Christian music, classical music, movies, TV, cooking, dining out & work out at gym.

DRAWER LL1472 Tucson, 55 year young, DWF looking for possible LTR. Love dogs and pets in general. Blueeyed, brownish blonde hair. I enjoy music, shooting, movies, and travel. 5’6” tall – TLC. DRAWER LL1473 DWF, 66, 5’10”, fit, fun, thinks young, loves to cook, dance, read, hike, the theater & travel.

Seeking tall N/S, N/D spiritual, adventurous, amorous, curious, awake, alive gentleman for living life large.

How do I Answer a Friendship Ad? Compose your response and address it to: Drawer # ________ Lovin’ Life Newspapers 3200 N. Hayden Rd., Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Classified & Friendship Ad Information Write your ad in the space provided. All ads must be prepaid before each monthly deadline.

Deadline for ads is the 16th of each month. Your name, address and telephone number will not be printed in your ad. We will give it a code. All mail we receive with your code will be mailed to you at least once a week. We reserve the right to edit ads.

Check your type of payment and mail to: Lovin' Life Newspapers Call 480-348-0343 520-297-1220 3200 N. Hayden Rd. Suite #210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 • Call Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Telephone #: Email: o Check/Money Order o Visa o MasterCard o American Express o Discover Acct# _________________________________________________ Card Exp. ____ / ____ /____ CVV#________________________________ Signature ______________________________________ ClASSIFIedS InFoRmAtIon Please check desired circulation: o Tucson

o sun Cities (Metro Phx) o East Valley (Metro Phx) o Phoenix & Glendale o scottsdale

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= Female = Hispanic = non-smoker = Tender Loving Care

w = b = nd = IsO =

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first 30 words. 25¢ per word thereafter Start Issue: _______ End Issue: _______ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ (30) ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

How do I Answer a Friendship Ad? Compose your response and address it to: Drawer # ________ Lovin’ Life Newspapers, 3200 N. Hayden Rd., Suite 210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

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KGVY1080 has the widest variety of music to be found on the radio dial.

Eagles • Beatles • Elton John • Beach Boys Four Seasons • Carpenters • Fleetwood Mac Music isn’t all you can hear on KGVY. Listen to your local community radio station for local news, weather, traffic and upcoming events.

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March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 39

Do You Know Your Risk for a Stroke? : : by Cheryl L. Nelson, MSN RN, Stroke Coordinator, Northwest Medical Center

A

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year. Stroke is one of America’s top killers, taking a life every 4 minutes in the United States. It is also a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. So, if you could avoid having a stroke, wouldn’t you?

In an effort to educate the community on stroke prevention, Tucson-area hospitals are once again partnering to provide free stroke screenings to the public from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 12.

The event, called Stroke Check, is in its 11th year in Tucson.

Leading risk factors for stroke include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight/obesity,

poor diet, inactivity, diabetes, and a family history of the disease. Men have a higher incidence of strokes than women do. If you have any of these risk factors, this brief but valuable screening may be just what you need to make a positive impact on your health.

Because no appointments are necessary, those who want to receive a stroke screening can just “walk-in” to a participating hospital to get their screening. Results of the screening are evaluated on site and discussed privately with the participant immediately afterward. Participants will leave with their results and recommendations for follow up.

Participating hospitals include Northwest Medical Center, Oro

See Clearly Your vision care is our #1 priority!

Screenings vary by hospital. For a pre-recorded message about the screenings offered at each site, call 872-4344.

• Sudden severe headache with no clear cause • Sudden weakness • Paralysis or numbness in the face, arms, or legs, especially on one side of the body • Confusion; trouble speaking or understanding speech • Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes • Breathing difficulty • Dizziness, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, unexplained falls • Loss of consciousness If you think you are having a stroke, call 911 immediately.

Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

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Medications may be taken with water) • Carotid bruit • Risk assessment form • Medical counseling

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Located 25 miles south of Tucson, and just 145 miles south of Phoenix, Green Valley offers the amenities of city life without the traffic and congestion of the cities. Green Valley is recognized as one of the best places to retire in the nation. This active senior community was designed to deliver unparalled recreational, cultural, and social activities. The community has eight championship golf courses, twelve world-class recreation centers, and an abundance of local shopping centers.

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T HE F INISH L INE Arizona’s Leader in Senior Fitness 30th Annual Arizona Senior Olympics Kicks Off 2014 Sponsors “What a beautiful day!” were words enjoying our great weather.” heard time and again at the opening weekend of the 2014 Arizona Senior Olympic Games. Mother Nature blessed the weekend with sunshine and temperature in the 80s.

“It’s days like this that inspire people from all over the country to come to Arizona for our games” said Irene Stillwell, ASO executive director.

“I spoke with a couple from Michigan who were really happy to be

Pistol, high power and small bore rifle, track and field and swimming were held over the weekend. These events can be very uncomfortable for competition when the weather is really cold. Many athletes said that they were expecting to do well in this year’s games due to the comfortable temperatures.

“Maybe we should give a gold medal to Mother Nature!” one athlete commented.

Follow us!

The Finish Line Newsletter is produced by Arizona Senior Olympics, founded by:

in partnership with the cities of Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Scottsdale, Tempe and the communities of Sun City, Sun City West, Sun City Grand

Arizona Senior Olympics P.O. Box 33278 Phoenix, AZ 85067-3278

602-274-7742

web site: www.seniorgames.org

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March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 41

www.seniorgames.org

The Tale of Ali Baba Children around the world remember the story of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. The thieves’ treasure was hidden in a huge cave, but it was only to be entered by those who knew the password. Ali Baba had to know and remember the password in order to win his freedom. What was that ancient password? It was “Open sesame!”

Today, passwords are used as a part of daily life in a technological world. We use passwords to get into our computers, access our email and enter many websites. It can be very confusing for those who grew up in the pre-computer time.

There are people who simply refuse to be a part of our computerdriven society. They remember—and prefer—a simpler time and have no intention of using the technology that dominates the daily lives of Americans. Others would like to get on the bandwagon and use the Internet to keep in touch with family and friends, keep their health records, organize photos and research their ancestry.

In an effort to find a multisport software that would be user friendly

for athletes, Arizona Senior Olympics contracted with an Australian company called FuseSports to adapt for ASO program used by the NSGA for the nationals. The program contains the database of anyone who, in the last several years, has qualified for the national games. This is why many of the athletes registering for the Arizona Senior Olympics found that their name and password were already in the program.

This could have proved to be a great asset to athletes already in the program—except for one thing: Many people tried to register but could not remember their passwords. They couldn’t just whisper “open sesame” and get into the program. Of course they had no way of knowing that FuseSports would be used by ASO this year.

Perhaps the lesson to be learned is that a password can be a valuable thing. There may not be a treasure in a cave to win, but there is work and frustration to be avoided by having a password in a place that can be accessed easily. Here’s an idea: Put your password in your wallet with your other valuables.

Know Your ORDER YOUR ASO Sponsors Did you know that Lovin’ Life After 50 is the longest-running sponsor in the history of Arizona Senior Olympics?

Publisher Steve Fish has served on the board of directors for many years and the organization has supported ASO in many ways through the years.

Having The Finish Line in Lovin’ Life After 50 each month allows ASO to reach hundreds of thousands of people each month.

The Finish Line is delivered every month electronically to everyone who has given us their email address and hard copies can be found every month in Walgreens drug stores on the rack inside the front door of the store.

We Want Your Opinion

YOU’LL LOVE THE COLOR

CALIFORNIA BLUE!

YOU’LL CHUCKLE AT THE HAPPY PROSPECTOR THEME!

During the month of March, the Arizona Lifelong Fitness Foundation will send to every 2014 athlete a survey to obtain their opinions regarding many aspects of the games. Please take part in the survey and make your Arizona Senior Games even better!

HELP WANTED

Arizona Senior Olympics is looking for volunteer mentors from each of our sports who would be willing to be a resource to those who are new to the games or the sport. ASO will provide training.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in the sport Friendliness Able to share your knowledge Willingness to be a resource

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ASO VOLUNTEER MENTOR CALL

(602) 274-7742 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Tues. through Thurs. page 42 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : March 2014

GAMES T-SHIRT TODAY!

SPECIAL 2014 PRICE:

$15 YOU’RE GONNA “STRIKE GOLD” WITH THIS DEAL! SHOW YOUR PRIDE! WEAR YOUR SHIRT AT THE GAMES!

ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.SENIORGAMES.ORG OR CALL 602-274-7742 www.lovinlifeafter50.com

www.seniorgames.org

Minneapolis Representative Visits Arizona Games Bill Lester is not new to sports, having spent his career working with major sports teams. Since he retired, he has been with the Minneapolis Local Organizing Committee to promote the 2015 National Senior Games to be held in Minnesota in the summer of 2015. Minneapolis, St. Paul and Bloomington will host events during the games.

The National Games are set for July 3, 2015, to July 15, 2015, Minnesota has selected them to “Stay Golden.”

As a part of his visit here, Lester handed out yellow wrist bands emblazoned with that theme.

The Arizona Senior Olympics 2014 Games are the state qualifier for those training to compete in the 2015 National Games. During the first weekend, many senior athletes qualified to represent Arizona at the games. Athletes will continue to be added to the team throughout the four weeks of the Arizona Senior Olympics.

q Yes, I would like to be a friend of Arizona Senior Olympics Send your tax-deductible contribution by check, money order, credit card or go online to www.seniorgames.org.

Amount Enclosed $ I am paying by q Check/Money Order qVisa qMastercard qDiscover qAmerican Express. You will be charged by Senior Games Payment Services if paying by credit card. If paying by check, please make it out to the Arizona Lifelong Fitness Foundation.

Credit Card. #: Expiration Date: 3 digit code on back of card: Name as it appears on your credit card: Address: City/State/Zip: Signature:

Mail to: Arizona Lifelong Fitness Association P.O. Box 33278 Phoenix, AZ 85067-3278

Games T-shirts Still Available Due to the strong demand for T-shirts during the 2014 games, ASO will continue to sell the 2013 and 2014 shirts by special order in March. If you

Puzzle Answers

...from page 34

would like to purchase the blue 2013 “I Struck Gold” shirt or the black “Lifelong Fitness Champion” from 2013, call the office at (602) 274-7742.

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NAMPA offers a unique, effective, national print advertising opportunity to reach the wealthiest demographic in America.

To learn more, contact: Scott Stowers Email: advertise@lovinlife.com

480-348-0343 x107 www.lovinlifeafter50.com

Phoenix Metro October 2013

Health & Wellness 2013

Sponsored by:

The Affordable Care Act: How it Will Impact Seniors : : by Alison Stanton

Finish Line Newsletter starts on page 57

www.lovinlifeafter50.com

HMO Charts

Compare available plans on page 38.

March 2014 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 43

Free Points

Extravaganza EVERYONE WINS! Receive up to 5,000 REWARD POINTS*

EVERY UA BASKETBALL GAME

All Club Sol members who visit Casino Del Sol Resort or Casino of the Sun on any UA basketball game days will receive free rewards points.

Not a member? Sign up on game days to receive free rewards points! Make sure to come watch your favorite Pac-12 teams play and take advantage of our great food and drink specials!

Club Sol members wearing UA gear on game days will receive double the rewards points.

Valid now - April 7. One redemption per game day during the promotional period. Points determined by tier level.

Points can be used at restaurants, including 4-star PY Steakhouse, hotel nights, Sewailo Golf Club, Hiapsi Spa, gas, gaming and more!

See Club Sol for details.

more

rewards benefits discounts

I - 1 9, E X I T VA L E N C I A W E S T // E N T E R P R I S E O F T H E PA S C U A YA Q U I T R I B E // 8 5 5 . S O L . S TAY // C A S I N O D E L S O L R E S O R T. C O M

CDSR-AZLovinlife(021814).indd page 44 : : Lovin’ Life1 After 50 : : March 2014

www.lovinlifeafter50.com 2/18/14 2:17 PM

Casin on

Club S days

Point 4-star PY S H