NEIGHBORS

Scottsdale.org

l

@ScottsdaleProgress /ScottsdaleProgress

Scottsdale nurse describes virus horror in Jersey

BY KRISTINE CANNON

Progress Staff Writer

“My wife is a hero.”

This is how Scottsdale resident Jeff

Miller feels about his wife Karen, a nurse helping the overwhelmed hospitals in the New Jersey area.

But Karen humbly laughs it off.

“I don’t feel like I’m a hero,” she said. “I answered a call for something that was desperately needed.”

A critical care nurse with more than 20 years of experience, Karen �lew to her home state of New Jersey in mid-April to work at Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center.

“One of the main reasons I came was because, as a nurse, I know what it’s like to be overworked, and I felt like the staff needed as much help as they could — and boy was I right,” said Karen, who works at Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital.

Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center is a 202-bed nonpro�it hospital located in the township of North Bergen, a “small town close to the Big City” with a population of just over 60,000.

“Every single patient in the hospital had COVID – every single one,” she said.

On June 3, the New Jersey Department of Health reported 18,460 positive test results for COVID-19 and 1,192 deaths in Hudson County, where the hospital is located.

When Karen arrived, however, New Jersey was experiencing its peak of COVID-19 hospitalizations: more than 8,000 across about 70 hospitals.

“It’s been very taxing, physically, because of the fact that the people are very sick, and the staf�ing is not optimal,” she said.

Karen explained that the usual, acceptable ICU ratio is one nurse to two patients. But on her �irst day, she took on four.

“Sometimes we had �ive,” Karen added. “And these patients are critically ill and on life-support, every single one of them.”

Karen works 36-hour assignments – Karen said the majority three 12-hour shifts. of her patients are older with underlying

While the state has seen a drop in COmedical conditions. VID-19 hospitalizations, Karen said that “I know there’s a lot of media hype about when she started, patients were lined up in all these people [who] are walking down the hospital waiting for a place to go. the street, and then next thing you know,

“There literally was nowhere to put they’re short of breath and they’re dead. patients,” Karen said. “There were rapidI’m not saying that that hasn’t happened; response calls continually throughout the I’m just saying that that’s a rarity still. Most day, code blue calls several times a day.” of the people were not very healthy to start

Code Blue refers to a patient who rewith,” she said. quires resuscitation and intervention. Karen credits the decline in hospitaliza

“I have been right in the face of these tions, in part, to residents wearing masks people while they have sputum and and social distancing. sweat and blood. I’m the one suctioning “Everyone was very compliant with the these people. I’m covered with it every guidelines that the government asked for and mandated here. Masks, social distancing: People took it very, very seriously,” Karen said.

single day,” Karen said.

“What’s going on here is, it’s like shoveling snow in a snowstorm,” Karen explained. “We’re working our butts off for 14 hours a day trying to manage what needed to be managed, and everyone did all they could and are still doing.”

The worst part is seeing families unable to say goodbye to loved ones before they die.

“FaceTiming your dead grandma is about the worst thing I’ve ever seen,” she said.

Social workers go around the hospital with an iPad and call dying or dead patients’ relatives.

“We know they’re dying, and we hold the computer up for them to have face time, so they can see them before they’re dead; and we’ve actually FaceTimed Scottsdale nurse Karen Miller fl ew to New Jersey to help a hospital overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients. (Courtesy of Karen Miller) them when they’re dead. It is just heartbreaking,” Karen said.

“Arizona has just been very lucky in the fact that they haven’t had this kind of explosion of this pandemic,” she added. “And if there were any indication that this was starting to happen there, they should use this model as an example as to how to best control it.”

On June 2, the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) reported more than 1,100 new coronavirus cases, the most in a single day.

“In Arizona, people are kind of freaking out because they have to wear a mask. I’ve heard it, I’ve seen it,” Karen said. “Here, masks are required in all public buildings all the time or you can’t go in.”

While it was “very dif�icult” for Karen to leave her family and friends, she said it is her “obligation and privilege to help where people are suffering.”

“That’s what I do. At the end of the day, I take care of sick people, and if I’m able to do that and alleviate stress and share the workload with other colleagues, as well as provide much-needed care to the critically ill, that’s what my obligation is,” Karen said.

Karen is still in New Jersey and plans to return to Arizona later this month.

“I’ve personally experienced so much generosity and almost to the point where I feel a little guilty,” she admitted.

Not only has Palisades Medical Center received food from local businesses, but they’ve also received food from celebrities, including Jessica Chastain and Eli Manning.

“People say, ‘thank you,’ and I just want people to know, ‘you’re welcome.’ I did nothing that I wouldn’t do again if the need arose,” Karen said. “All of us here and all the people from all over the country, as well as everyone that lives here, is dedicated to getting this over with so we can get back to normal.”

22 NEIGHBORS SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 7, 2020

Historical League cookbook keeps raising money

BY KRISTINE CANNON

Progress Staff Writer

The Arizona Heritage Center closed its doors March 21 in response to the coronavirus, resulting in a “signi�icant” loss of revenue from admissions and canceled events, from educational programming to proms and weddings.

But the Historical League has continued to raise money for the center and its museum in an unexpected way: via cookbook sales.

“’Tastes & Treasures II’ continues to sell through Historical League website as people ‘stay home, stay healthy’ and read and cook more. It becomes a family event to try a new recipe,’” said Ruth McLeod, coauthor and Historical League member.

“We like to encourage people to start new family traditions by preparing meals together at home,” McLeod added.

Funds aid important educational programs at Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park, including NationalHistoryDay. org, exhibits, archives, the Historymakers

program and capital improvements.

The 216page “Taste & Treasures II,” published in January 2018, is chock-full of recipes and evocative food stories; it is also the nonpro�it’s second cookbook.

Since “Taste & Treasures II” was published, the League has sold 3,200 copies, amassed more than $38,000 and recently won the Independent Press Award for best regional cookbook.

“Tastes & Treasures II” is the winner of two other awards, the 2019 New MexicoArizona Book Awards and the 2019 Best Book Awards, as well as a �inalist in the Eric Hoffer Book Awards and the National Indie Excellence Awards.

“We are honored to be recognized in this international competition,” McLeod said. “We always felt it was a well-written, unique, and informative book, but to have this validated by a widely recognized company was very rewarding.”

Historical League volunteers spent twoand-a-half years writing “Tastes & Treasures II.”

In addition to sourcing recipes, photos,

34707 N 7th Street Phoenix, AZ 85086 623-234-9100 NOW OPEN ☛ Covered RV and Boat Storage ☛ Air Conditioned Storage ☛ Gated Access ☛ Drive-Up Access ☛ All Ground Floor storage ☛ Individually Alarmed Units ☛ Security Camera Surveillance ☛ Managers live on site www.AzStorage.com

Self-Storage Units For Business And Personal Needs

Historical League members who worked on the cookbook include, from left, Ruth McLeod, Leslie Christiansen, Linda Corderman and Cathy Shumard. (Historical League)

and stories from 24 historical restaurants and resorts from all over the state, the volunteers also tested each recipe three times to ensure they were ready for publication.

“It was truly a labor of love as we are all volunteers,” McLeod said. “It appeals to history buffs, educates, encourages us to get involved in history, and welcomes us to the Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park to learn more.”

The cookbook also features food memories, recipes, and photographs from 19 Arizona Historymakers, including Bennie Gonzales, the Navajo Code Talkers, Barry M. Goldwater and more.

“Besides a cookbook, it’s a travelogue and treasure trove of Arizona stories. You can stroll through these historic establishments via photographs and descriptions,” Lisa Schnebly Heidinger, great-granddaughter of Sedona Schnebly, wrote in the book.

“We know that history shapes us and informs us, but at times like this, we see that history also comforts us. Perhaps it’s because history shows us that the human spirit, despite global pandemics, will endure. ‘Tastes and Treasures II’ connects readers to Arizona’s past while connecting them to those around the dinner table,” said Tawn Downs, director at Arizona Heritage Center.

Downs added that funds raised by the Historical League literally help keep the museum doors open.

She said that last year the League paid for new museum entry doors, exhibit supplies, educational programs and internships and supported the center’s library and archives.

The center also relies on league volunteers to lead school and group tours and host special events.

“In the �irst quarter of 2020, before we were forced to close, we hosted more than 400 school children and opened a brandnew exhibit, ‘Still Marching: From Suffrage to #MeToo,’ which focuses on the powerful and historic impact of women’s collective action. We are incredibly grateful for the Historical League’s support over the last 40 years,” Downs said.

Next February marks the Heritage Center’s 40th anniversary.

While the center remains closed, the Arizona Historical Society will continue to offer its archives and collections on its website.

Those who would like to support the Center can also purchase a ‘Taste & Treasures II’ cookbook on Amazon for $35 and make a recipe.

Information: historicalLeague.org, arizonahistoricalsociety.org

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 7, 2020 NEIGHBORS 23

Sister Cities group helps sibling in need

BY KRISTINE CANNON tains a family of four for about a week. Progress Staff Writer The rest of the non-perishable items, as T he Scottsdale Sister Cities Association continues to seek donations for Alamos, Sonora Mexico, its siswell as bulk purchases of meat, are delivered to Hacienda de los Santos.

In mid-March due to the coronavirus, the week of April 20 by receiving 22,000 the Mayor of Alamos Victor Balderrama pounds of beans and rice from donors in closed the village to outsiders, save for Navojoa and Ciudad Obregón. food deliveries and critical supply trucks. “Thanks to the leadership of Jim Swick

And while the closure has been successard of Alamos and the Hacienda de los ful – resulting in zero COVID-19 cases in Santos, as a community we will work toAlamos – it has left many residents out of gether tirelessly to ful�ill the food need of work and in need of food assistance. the people in our community,” the fundraiser description states.

“The economy is in The association donated $1,000 to the shambles, partially because drive. most people are out of work. To further compound the problems few Mexicans in the village have any The Scottsdale Sister Cities Association may have met their $40,000 fundraising goal for Alamos, Sonora Mexico, Scottsdale’s sister city of more than 50 years, but now they’re “resetting the clock” to zero for a second challenge of raising another $40,000. The money will help Hacienda de los Santos Resort in Alamos feed thousands of families in need. (SSCA/Facebook)

Coordinated by Jim and Nancy, Balderrama, and an Alamos tourism agency, the ter city of more than 50 years. humanitarian effort in Alamos kicked off

Hacienda de los Santos Resort in Alamos stepped up, preparing 130 hot meals a day �ive days a week to those in need, but donations are needed to continue.

“The economy is in shambles, partially because most people are out of work. To further compound the problems few Mex

“Because of old friends — and new friends — like you, we will make a difference for many families in Alamos to avoid hunger,” SSCA writes. To donate: myevent.com/alamossavings, thus on a daily the association launched the Alamos Food So far, 4,000 families, including outlying fooddrive. basis more people are Drive fundraiser on MyEvent last month and villagers, have received said packages. Information: scottsdalesistercities. needing food assistance.” has since met their goal of $40,000. According to Jim, each box of food susorg. But they aren’t stopping there.

Spearheaded by Dale and Jan Gray, the principals of Sustainable Outreach Solutions,

They launched a second fundraiser on June 2 with the same goal of $40,000.

Each contribution is tax deductible.

“Many people of Alamos are in desperate need of food during this COVID-19 crisis. Any donation large or small will make a difference,” the fundraiser’s description states. It’s a new day to play. icans in the village have any savings, thus The money raised is used to purchase on a daily basis more people are needing bulk purchases of food products, includfood assistance,” said Jim Swickard, who ing more than 150,000 pounds of rice, owns Hacienda de los Santos Resort with beans, and corn �lour. his wife, Nancy.

Some non-perishable items are also repackaged by the local social service agency and its volunteers. $ 79 JUNE 1-30 $79 RATE PER NIGHT PLUS RESORT FEE Rooms all month long $30 DINING CREDIT Family managed since 1981 Talking Stick Resort is now open, so once again you can WHOLESALE to the TRADES play in style. With slots, table games, poker and luxurious Four-Diamond accommodations — all in an energizing

480-802-1309 Southern Chandler

23843 S. Cooper Rd. 1/4 Mile S. of Chandler Heights Rd. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. - 5p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Delivery Available Hours: Open Daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS

LOWEST PRICES, LARGEST SELECTION!

HUGE SELECTION OF OVERSIZED POTTERY! PET FRIENDLY!

• • • • • • • • • • Fountains Benches Bird Baths Ceramics Stoneware Wrought Iron Oversized Pottery Metal Wall Decor Indoor/Outdoor Decor Much More!

SCOTTSDALE | 866.877.9897 | TALKINGSTICKRESORT.COM *Food & Beverage credit has no cash value and is only valid at Blue Coyote Café, Ocean Trail, & Blue Coyote Cantina if open. Not applicable with any other offers. Management reserves the right to modify or cancel this promotion at any time. Eligibility restrictions apply. A $25 resort fee will be added to the rate. This resort fee includes wi-fi access, in-room safe, in-room coffee & tea, bottled water and access to our 24-hour fitness center. Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. atmosphere that tells you a new day is finally here!

PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY TRAINING

WHAT CAN GROOVYTEK DO FOR YOU?

GroovyTek empowers you to take control of your personal technology devices. To do that, they provide in-home (house calls) and over-the-phone sessions with empathetic trainers. These trainers are knowledgeable about the questions you have regarding your own technology, and teach you to do it yourself!

By answering your questions, working out your problems, and arming you with knowledge, GroovyTek is an all-in-one technology training solution for anyone who didn’t grow up with a smartphone in their hand.

You can expect your personal agenda to be front and center. With GroovyTek, you won’t have to worry about being talked down to. You also won’t need to deal with trainers pushing products and updates that you don’t want. GroovyTek’s trainers consistently listen to what you want to do, and teach you how to accomplish it yourself.

Once they leave, you’ll be empowered with all the tools you need to have fun with the new tech tips and tricks you’ve learned. GroovyTek trainers give patient demonstrations, take notes for you that outline necessary steps, and make sure your goals have been reached before the session ends!

Experience a service unlike any other! Call today and take advantage of the 3 for 2 introductory pricing.

ENDS FRIDAY 6/12/20

NEW CLIENT SPECIAL PRICING BOOK TODAY, SCHEDULE AT YOUR CONVENIENCE

IN-HOME PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY TRAINING WITH