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Lovin’ Life Expos return to the Valley
BY ANNIKA TOMLIN Peoria Times Staff Writer
After a 2020 pandemic pause, the Lovin’ Life After 50 Expos are returning.
They are set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, at the Sundial Recreation Center in Sun City, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, at the Mesa Convention Center.
“We’re going to have great entertainment, a lot of informative exhibitors, and it’s just a great way to get out and find out what is going on in the community,” Lovin’ Life After 50 publisher Steve Strickbine said. “It’s a great way to meet lots of people and have some fun.”
Previously, the Lovin’ Life After 50 Expos have attracted thousands of people who network and gather information, as well as participate in the raffle prize giveaway and take a shot at hourly $100 cash prizes.
“These expos were started as just a way to allow organizations in the community to come together with people over 50 to show what they have to offer,” Strickbine said. “To give them information about things that are coming up in their organizations.
“It has become a very good event, though, for entertainment and just a great way for getting out.”
Among the exhibitors that will have booths at both the Sun City and Mesa Expos are 4C Medical Group (Optum Care), Arizona Liver Health, Home Concepts Custom Remodeling, Humana, AFC Physical Medicine and Hospice of the Valley.
Specifically at the Sun City Expo will be Arizona Institute and Cosmetic Laser Center, Edward Jones and MediSolutions LLC.
Unique to Mesa are Bright Health Plan, Mesa Marketplace Swap Meet, Emphasis Advisors and National Cremation Society.
“With COVID-19 we are being very careful with how we proceed, and we are following the CDC guidelines, of course, to make sure that we are operating with best practices to make sure that everybody that does attend stays safe,” Strickbine said.
In terms of entertainment, the Duttons will be returning to the stage once again.
For those who don’t know, “they’re a band that has a theater in Branson, Missouri, where they play during the summer months,” and then they also have a theater in the East Valley (in
SEE EXPOS PAGE 18
Hop on board the Christmas Open House train tour
BY ALLISON BROWN Peoria Times Staff Writer
Arizona Big Train Operators has once again opened its homes for a self-guided Christmas Open Houses event featuring garden-scale train layouts.
The event will be held over two weekends — Saturday, Dec. 11, to Sunday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 18, to Sunday, Dec. 19 — from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. and includes homes in Mesa, Sun Lakes, San Tan Valley, Goodyear, Avondale and Phoenix, as well as the Superstition Mountain Museum in Apache Junction (only open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
“Numerous members of our club opened up their own personal layouts at their houses to the public,” club President Darrell Woolfolk said. “We decorate and put the layouts in full glory. Most of them have some form of Christmas lights, and some of the buildings are lit up. Normally we do an event during the daytime, but people really like to see nighttime viewing of the layouts. It’s just a completely different perspective than you’d normally see.”
A full list of the schedule with addresses can be found on Arizona Big Train Operators’ website. Some displays may not be available one weekend, so Woolfolk said to be sure to check the schedule, as he will update it with any changes. Participants can create their own route and peruse at their own pace. Woolfolk said most of the displays are taken down during the summer and are put up around October in private residences. This annual tour is one of the only ways the public can see the trains up close. While most are more traditional train sets, there are some that stand out.
“There’s one in Mesa with a lot of lights, and that’s decorated with robots and an inflatable Santa Claus that goes with his layout,” Woolfolk said. “It’s just a collection of different things that appeal to all ages. There’s anything from an airport with a running train or running airplanes to dinosaurs and dragons.”
Woolfolk said the organization’s goal is to educate kids. He said he wants to teach them that trains are more than just a toy to play with. They were a major turning point for the development of the United States.
The open house is free, but participants can make tax-deductible donations. Funds will go toward club functions and the maintenance of public train sets at Ryan House and Cardon Children’s Hospital.
All aboard this holiday train tour. (Photo courtesy of Arizona Big Train Operators)
December 2, 2021
Holiday gift giving is all ‘in the cards’
BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF
From enjoying extraordinary meals to catching the sunrise from a hot air balloon, this selection of gift card packages showcases the best deals the Valley has to offer.
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company was created to celebrate hand-crafted, artisanal beers that are inspired by the beautiful and diverse state.
The deal: Buy $50 worth of gift cards and receive a $5 card; buy $100 in gift cards and get a $20 bonus card. Purchases must be made in person. 721 N. Arizona Avenue, Suite 103, Gilbert, 480-497-2739; 201 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, 480-462-1836, azwbeer.com Bourbon & Bones
The Bourbon & Bones menu features hand-selected wet-aged and dry-aged cuts of prime beef, wagyu beef, elegant options for fresh seafood, and an extensive list of bourbons and whiskies. Bourbon & Bones is staffed with expert mixologists who deliver a robust cocktail program and, of course, certified sommeliers who oversee a significant wine list, including Coravin pours by the glass.
The deal: Purchase $100 in gift cards, receive $25 bonus card; buy $250, get $75. 4200 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-629-4922; 2150 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, 480-597-9459, bourbonandbonesaz.com
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
Can’t go wrong with gifts of beer and burgers. Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers’ 12 locations are dubbed the “ideal neighborhood burger joint.”
The deal: Buy two $25 gift cards, get $20 bonus gift card through Dec. 31. Multiple Valley locations, coldbeers. com
Daily Dose Kitchen & Bar
Daily Dose is all about creativity. The entrées are created with the freshest ingredients, but don’t leave out the booze. Specialty cocktails like the spicy watermelon margarita and bacon bloody mary are on the menu, too, as are craft beers.
The deal: Purchase $25 gift card and get a $5 bonus; buy $100, get $20. Good through Christmas. 4020 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 101, Scottsdale, 480-994-3673; 1928 E. Highland Avenue, Suite F107, Phoenix, 602-274-0334; 96 S. Rockford Drive, Suite 105, Tempe, 480-590-6937, dailydosegrill.com Famous 48
Famous 48 just unveiled décor that honors Arizona with a palette of colors borrowed from adobe pink sunsets and pale brown dusty road.
The deal: Purchase two $25 gift cards and get a $20 bonus card. 8989 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 608, Scottsdale, 480-361-4933, famous48. com
Fox Restaurant Concepts
The perfect gift for the foodies in your life, this offer is good for quality time, exceptional experiences, and tasty food and beverages at any Fox Restaurant Concepts location, including The Henry, Blanco, Olive & Ivy and The Arrogant Butcher. (Does not include Flower Child.) Gift cards are available for pur-
SEE CARDS PAGE 19
TOUR FROM PAGE 17
“The Ryan House is a location for kids with long-term illnesses,” Woolfolk said.
“We have a train there that we maintain and operate for the kids. They have complete control, and they run it. They just admire it. It’s something for the kids to keep their illness off their minds. We also do Cardon Children’s Hospital in Mesa. That is our biggest indoor layout that we have. It is truly spectacular. That’s been there for roughly 14 years. If the public is able to see it, once the hospitals open back up for visitors, it is truly something to see.” PT Mesa) where they play during the winter months. They were on ‘America’s Got Talent’ at one point,” according to Strickbine.
The Duttons’ set list includes bluegrass, country and pop music.
“They always attract a big crowd,” Strickbine said.
Ms. Senior Arizona 2022 winner Patricia Person will meet and greet with attendees.
“I think a lot of people are anxious to get back out,” Strickbine said. PT
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Arizona Big Train Operators’ Christmas Open Houses WHEN: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, to Sunday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 18, to Sunday, Dec. 19 WHERE: Homes in Mesa, Sun Lakes, San Tan Valley, Goodyear, Avondale and Phoenix, and the Superstition Mountain Museum in Apache Junction COST: Free admission INFO: azbigtrains.org
EXPOS FROM PAGE 17
IF YOU GO...
WHAT: Lovin’ Life After 50 Sun City Expo WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24 WHERE: Sundial Recreation Center, 14801 N. 103rd Avenue, Sun City COST: Free INFO: lovinlife.com
WHAT: Lovin’ Life After 50 Mesa Expo WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26 WHERE: Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center Street, Mesa COST: Free INFO: lovinlife.com
BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF
The Southwest Family Advocacy Center will host the second Wine and Chocolate Affaire at its facility, 2333 N. Pebble Creek Parkway, Goodyear, 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9.
The center is a child- and family-focused facility dedicated to reducing the stress and trauma of victims of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse, bringing together professionals in law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical forensic assessment and victim advocacy in a comfortable and convenient setting.
The event features chocolates, wine and beer, while learning how law enforcement, the center and a multidisciplinary team collaborate to build stronger investigations for victims.
The center is sponsored by four law enforcement agencies, including the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and the police departments of Buckeye, Avondale and Goodyear.
The Wine and Chocolate Affaire is sponsored by the Friends of SWFAC, the center’s 501(c)(3) adjunct board to fund supplemental needs of victims and staff including comfort items for child victims, clothing and snack items, and unfunded support for staff.
Admission is free to the Wine and Chocolate Affaire; however, donations to the Friends of SWFAC will be accepted. Guests can tour the advocacy center’s public areas.
To register, visit https://bit.ly/ WineChocolateAffaire. PT
ANSWERS PAGE 24
ACROSS
1 Creche trio 5 The whole enchilada 8 Outlet letters 12 Teensy bit 13 Irish actor Stephen 14 Vivacity, in music 15 At the summit of 16 Her bed was too soft 18 Jungle trek 20 Make happy 21 Swindles 23 Workout site 24 Spaghetti topper 28 Whirled 31 Hosp. area 32 Small stream 34 “As I see it,” to a texter 35 Lavish affection (on) 37 Lunar light 39 Family card game 41 Greek letters 42 Regard highly 45 Morals 49 Legume used in Asian cuisine 51 Acknowledge 52 Wax-coated cheese 53 Baton Rouge sch. 54 Country’s McEntire 55 Actress Ward 56 Shrill bark 57 “Hey!”
DOWN
1 “Serpico” author Peter 2 “-- girl!” 3 Blunder 4 Influence 5 How lovers may stroll 6 Meadow 7 Genie’s home 8 Monasteries 9 Slapstick missile 10 “Buenos --!” 11 Apple center 17 H.S. math 19 Eldest Stark child on “Game of Thrones” 22 Sailing vessel 24 Central 25 Green prefix 26 Fall-related 27 Relax 29 Actress Thurman 30 -- de plume 33 Make a scarf 36 Puzzle 38 It’s equivalent to C, in some scores 40 Sphere 42 Iowa city 43 Ranch visitor 44 Slithery 46 Currier’s partner 47 Corn castoffs 48 Smack a baseball 50 “-- was saying ...”
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.
CARDS FROM PAGE 18 chase at participating restaurant locations or online.
The deal: Buy $100, get a $20 bonus card. foxrcgiftcards.com
Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill Ling’s Wok Shop
Serving modern Asian cuisine with American flair, the chefs at Ling & Louie’s use traditional Asian cooking techniques to create bold, craveable flavors that appeal to all tastes. As for Ling’s Wok Shop, it serves healthy and convenient food that boasts crisp veggies and tender meats.
The deal: Purchase $50 in gift cards, get a $5 holiday certificate. Those who buy $100 in gift cards will receive a $15 holiday certificate. Ling’s Wok Shop, 20511 N. Hayden Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale, lingswok. shop; Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill, 9397 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, lingandlouies.com
Los Sombreros
Los Sombreros is an iconic spot to enjoy flavorful bites and refreshing cocktails. With locations in South Scottsdale, Uptown Phoenix and Mesa, Los Sombreros has earned its reputation as the Valley’s ultimate locally owned Mexican food eatery.
The deal: Buy $50, get $10; buy $100, get $25 through Dec. 31. 2534 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-994-1799; 1976 W. Southern Avenue, Mesa, 480-534-6742, lossombreros.com
Macayo’s
Macayo’s strives to use fresh ingredients in its family recipes. Guests can share the taste with their families and themselves.
The deal: Through Dec. 24, gift card purchasers will receive a $10 bonus gift card for every $50 in Macayo’s gift card purchases. Bonus card is valid Saturday, Jan. 1, to Monday, Feb. 28. Multiple Valley locations, macayo. com Ryders’ sunrise hot air balloon ride gift certificate special for the holidays. While prices fluctuate and can soar as high as $225 per person for a 45- to 60-minute group hot air balloon ride, Rainbow Ryders is offering a fixed rate of $169 per person for a shared basket flight. Blackout dates apply. 715 E. Covey Lane, Suite 100, Phoenix, rainbowryders.com
Someburros
The menu’s dishes tell the Vasquez family’s story and that of their first restaurant, Poncho’s. The tradition carries on to Someburros using their time-tested recipes for authentic Sonoran-style Mexican Food. The fast-casual restaurants are offering two gift card promotions for the holidays.
The deals: The “burro bundle” includes a $25 restaurant gift card redeemable at all Someburros locations and a reusable tumbler for $35. For the second promotion, all guests who buy a $25 gift card will receive a $5 kick back card. 101 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, 480-8398226; 7501 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480-443-8226. Other locations at someburros.com.
Taphouse Kitchen
Taphouse Kitchen is getting into the generous spirit of the giving season with a holiday gift card bonus offer. Through Dec. 31, holiday shoppers can get more bang for their buck when they purchase a gift card in restaurant or online.
The deal: For each $100 gift card purchase, guests will receive an additional $25 gift card. 3131 E. Shea Boulevard, Phoenix, 602-482-2800; 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-656-0012, taphousekitchen.com PT
Send your news to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-898-5631 or christina@timespublications.com
