A Snapshot of Life at Trilogy Clubs and Groups
Photo by Scott Fishman
Discover Care Without Compromise
Trilogy Moving Forward
Preparing for the New Year
The 2026 budget is now complete, and budget / assessment letters are being sent to homeowners. Yes, dues are increasing in 2026 to ensure that our facilities and amenities are maintained at a level that is required to support and improve the interest of our community. This Board is committed to ensure that we are obtaining value for our dues and listening to suggestions from our residents and staff.
During the budget process, we balance amenities, level of service, and the operating expenses. Although it might seem to be a small community within one square mile, in terms of HOAs it is a large-scale operation with an operating budget of $4.5 million and major assets worth over $28 million. We understand a desire to keep fees low, but our responsibility is to ensure that Trilogy is operated efficiently and effectively and in compliance with Trilogy governing documents and Federal and State laws. There have been a lot of changes over the past year, and we are working through various items with the expectation of being a stronger community in 2026.
When people talk about an active adult community, what comes to mind? Is it people participating on the sports courts, exercise classes, and riding bikes? We see all those activities,
but it is much more. Neighbors in the clubhouse playing cards, gathering in the parks, and participating in CA and Club events. As a community we are strong when we gather and work towards a common goal. The Board sets the direction based on owner input. However, the Board is a team of 5-7 people and we need the help of our 3,000+ residents in moving the community forward. Everyone has good ideas and needs to be heard to understand the various perspectives.
We value resident feedback and take it into account as we make decisions on behalf of the entire community. We are human and issues / suggestions addressed in a positive manner help to open the dialogue and discover potential options for moving forward.
Thank you for your continued support.
Highly sought after Hermosa model 2405asf, 2 bedrooms,Den, 2 ½ bathrooms + 3 car garage with EV charger built in 2006 situated on a large corner lot! Beautiful condition- $725,000
4598 E Blue Spruce Ln
A note from our happy clients~
Mike and Lani are true professionals who are experts in their field, and they sincerely care about their clients. From the moment we met them, we appreciated that they have vibrant personalities and that it's easy to communicate with them. They were very responsive throughout our time working together, and they were respectful of our particular needs. They are enthusiastic about living in Trilogy themselves, and they are committed to knowing everything there is to know about the community and the real estate market.
We thank them for providing beautiful marketing, along with some staging items that helped our home to look its absolute best. Our property sold within just a few days because their knowledge and skills allow them to communicate clearly with potential buyers about a home's value, resulting in us receiving more than the asking price. Thank you both so much, Mike and Lani. We are grateful for your help, and we know that anyone who works with you will have a successful experience!
Larry & Doreen - Sugarberry Ct
Message From the Board
Steve Loney, Vice President
For me, it is always difficult to author one of these SanTan Press articles. Difficult because I am unable to refer back to my life experience to give you further details on the intricacies of items such as the budget process as our treasurer, Lori, can draw upon past board strategy as Adrian can articulate based upon the many boards on which he has served. So as I look at what I could offer that may be of interest to you, I look back at my 47 years of coaching and how I dealt with a very diverse group of people who came from very different backgrounds yet had a single mission. Looking at our website, it clearly states our mission.
• To provide a well-managed, financially sound, adult-style environment to enrich quality of life, the property value and effective stewardship of our amenities and resources.
• Foster and promote active, healthy lifestyle; inclusive, friendly, engaging social interaction; promote and embrace activities that evolve with the interests and needs of the residents and future residents.
While it is a concise, well written mission for Trilogy, getting everyone on the same page becomes the real challenge. I had two experiences this week that had an impact on me and have become the motivation behind this article.
The first was a message that came from my morning devotional out of the book “New Morning Mercies”. The theme of that day’s message was that every day of your life, you will find reasons to complain and every day of your life you will have reasons to be thankful. These two themes, complaint and gratitude, pull at every one of us. They form fundamentally different ways of viewing the world because they’re rooted in fundamentally different ways of viewing yourself. As I view myself, I find that when I put myself in the center of my world, I care and focus only on my wants, my needs and my feelings. When I realize and focus on how blessed I am, my focus turns
to helping others and the greater good. For me, I am a much happier person when I go through the day being thankful for my blessings rather than living my day with an entitled, “I deserve ______ “ attitude.
That brings me to the second event in the past week that had an impact on me. Many of you haven’t been in the Flex Room but it is a typical work area, not very fancy and showing the effects of heavy traffic with walls that are marked up by the many chairs that have been banged against them. Joyce Mills and her husband took it upon themselves to take white erasers to the walls and to make the improvements that were needed in the room where so many meetings occur. It looks newly painted. All of that was done without expecting any recognition. I know there are more stories where others have contributed to the overall good of our great community and for all of them, I am thankful and grateful. That made me feel good about Trilogy, its residents and gives me great optimism for the future.
Others have talked about committees and I couldn’t agree more with them. This community needs involvement. Involvement with the only agenda being doing whatever is needed to make Trilogy a better place for all.
Elizabeth Ridge President elizabethr@mytpr.com
Lisa Gurtler Secretary lisag@mytpr.com
Steve Loney Vice President stevel@mytpr.com
Adrian Gordon Board Member adriang@mytpr.com
Lori Larson Treasurer loril@mytpr.com
Community Association Contact Information
Main Office Phone: 480-279-2053
Main Office Fax: 480-279-2099
Main Office Email: memberservices@tprcoa.com
Front Desk Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8am to 4pm Saturdays 8am to noon
Gate and After Hours: 6am – 10pm
Gate Phone Number: 480-797-1662
Your Community Association Management Team
Michele Ray-Brethower Executive Director michele@tprcoa.com 480-279-2058
Caryn Lansford Accounting 480-279-2086 Caryn@tprcoa.com
Ryan Knobloch Technology Manager 480-279-2057 Ryan@tprcoa.com
Terri Hagan Member Services/Event Services Manager 480-279-2069 Terri@tprcoa.com
Robin Dastrup Community Manager 480-279-2052 Robin@tprcoa.com
Tammy Rowles Activities Manager 480-279-2054 tammy@tprcoa.com
Jennifer Taylor Fitness Manager 480-279-2052 Robin@tprcoa.com
Joel Schopp ACC 480-279-2064 Joel@tprcoa.com
Chris Clinton Facilities Director 480-279-2059 Chris@tprcoa.com
Dave Brown Special Projects Manager AVL Team Lead 480-279-2070
Executive Director’s Corner
Michele Ray-Brethower
Good Governance is a Necessity
Good governance is imperative for a successful Board here at Trilogy Community Association. What is good governance? Governance is the system used to make decisions and to effectively manage an organization. It involves several key principles and practices to ensure effective oversight, legal compliance, financial responsibility and community engagement.
We recently held a Board retreat, where I trained the Board Members on governance and how to be more effective board members. It’s not the board members’ job to operate the community, it’s their job to ensure the community is operating well. The board members have very defined roles and must understand and fulfill their fiduciary duties, which include the duty of care, loyalty and good faith. This requires the Board to act in good faith, prudently managing the CA’s assets and seeking professional advice from third-party professionals when necessary, avoiding conflicts of interest, complying with laws and governing documents, and ensuring the organization’s activities align with its mission and vision statement. They must act as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. Their duty of loyalty is to always act with reasonable belief in the best interest of Trilogy, not their own personal agendas. The Board should speak with one voice, which means once the Board has voted on an initiative, those in the minority must accept the decision of the majority. Say for instance, if the board voted 3-2 to approve a 5% increase to the budget, all five of the board members would move forward to supporting the 5% increase, and should not say “well, I didn’t think that was the right way to handle it”, or “I didn’t vote for that”. The correct response is the board voted to approve a 5% increase, what the vote breakdown was is no longer relevant. I call it the Three Musketeer philosophy, “It is all for one and one for all.”
Open communication is critical for trust-building within the Association. The Board is trying to foster transparency by communicating important decisions, financial updates and community activities to residents. Not always will the communication come from the Board, as I, the Executive Director, respond to resident inquiries or concerns on behalf of the Board, to ensure we are all speaking with one voice. Meetings are accessible, residents are encouraged to provide feedback while we are working together to foster a culture of inclusiveness and responsiveness. You should have noticed that the staff has been working diligently to improve communication, there has been more and in many different ways. You should have received the new two-page newsletter mid-October, that gives you a bit of an update on Association business activity, as well as all the Lifestyle programming coming up. We are in the midst of a naming contest for the newsletter! Please cast your vote on what it should be named. You should expect to see a new newsletter in your email on the 15th of each month, with
the next issue on November 15. We are also changing the weekly emails on upcoming events and activities you get in the e-blast. We have converted the San Tan Press to a flipbook magazine, and you can find it on the front welcome page on the website. I encourage you to go view the calendar on the website, and you will find all scheduled board meetings, committee meetings, activities, mosquito fogging, etc., on one calendar. You should be able to see everything happening in Trilogy at-a-glance now. I am hopeful these improvements are helpful and would appreciate any feedback you have.
As part of the governance, the Board is responsible for prioritizing financial management, and in conjunction with staff, developing realistic budgets that reflect the community needs. They review financial reports monthly and engage an audit firm to ensure accuracy and accountability. Transparency in financial matters prevents conflicts and ensures the long-term sustainability of the CA. We signed the engagement letter for our 2025 audit with Butler Hanson CPA firm, and they have scheduled the audit findings for the residents next March 2026 upon completion of the audit.
The Board’s roles are clearly defined with distinct duties for board members, officers and committees. Adoption of key governance policies, such as the Ethics policy that was just approved last month, is vital to ensure expectations of Board Members, Committee and Team Members and outlines the acceptable and unacceptable behavior, and consequences for unacceptable behavior. Staff members have an employee manual that outlines their behavior, discrimination, etc.
The governing documents dictate how an association must operate. Failure to understand the hierarchy among the documents can lead to poor decision-making and legal complications.
• Declaration or covenants, conditions, and restrictions: Creates binding obligations for the association and all current and future members of the community.
• Supplemental declaration: Adds or modifies obligations, restrictions, and easements on specific portions of the community.
• Articles of incorporation: Legally establishes the association as a nonprofit corporation and defines its structure, including voting rights for members.
• Bylaws: Governs the internal workings of the association such as elections, meetings, and the roles of officers and committees.
• Design guidelines: Sets standards for original construction and modifications including structures, landscaping, and other changes to individual lots.
• Rules and regulations: Controls the use of association property and the conduct of members, sometimes specifying how lots or units can be used.
• Policies: Establishes Policies and Procedures for day-to-day operations, governance, and creation of committees.
The Board and I are working diligently to improve the organization. We have offered several opportunities for you to review the upcoming Budget, as well as attend committee meetings, and actively participate in Board meetings.
MEET THE SAN TAN PRESS STAFF
If you would like to be part of the Trilogy San Tan Press Staff or have ideas for an article please contact Fran Molleur via email at f.molleur@cox.net.
Terri Hagan Project Manager/Advertising terri@tprcoa.com
Dave Andrews Photographer buckaroo21@cox.net
Lin Eliason Writer linda.eliason@eliasonholding.com
Lori Wilkerson Writer Lori.wilkerson44@gmail.com
Fran Molleur Managing Editor 602-620-5842 f.molleur@cox.net
Marsha Buck Proofreader buckaroo21@cox.net
Shirline Kish Writer shirlinek@gmail.com
Patti Seifert Restaurant Reporter poppy80@cox.net
Helene Shear Club/Group Liaison chezhelene@q.com
Judy Mitchell Proofreader jmitchell63@cox.net
Maribeth Gudgeon Writer thisbroad59@hotmail.com
Mary Ann Eddy Photographer maryanneddy@cox.net
Pam Vander Heyden Writer hermandpam67@gmail.com
Kathy Gerdl Writer kathryng51@yahoo.com
Scott Fishman Photographer sfishman02@gmail.com
Candace Purdy Writer cop3491@sbcglobal.net
Thank You!
Mike Larson is retiring from our staff and we want to thank him for all the wonderful photos and stories of his RVing with his wife Kay that he has shared with us through the years.
"I've always known RENCO Roofing to be a trusted provider, and they continue to live up to that reputation. You can count on them to do great work and truly take care of their clients. One of the homeowners in my community who used RENCO couldn’t stop talking about how pleased he was with the quality of work done on his roof. It's clear that RENCO goes above and beyond to ensure their clients are happy. Highly recommend!"
Ian Welsh
• Give your front porch a mini update, add colorful flowers, plants, accessorize plaque or sculpture
• Replace worn out welcome mats
• Front Door, clean surface, glass or scuffed repaint or refinish doorbell work & doesn't stick
• Yard clean up, add colorful pull weeds, trim trees and branches the house or block a view
• Repair any irrigation leaks and to ensure they work properly water fountain & BBQ grill
• Declutter rooms for an easy personal pictures from walls paint, remove pictures from
• Avoid leaving personal items
have your R/O & soft water around the house that leave a big notice closely at the age of roofs, A/C
w/style (Deanna can help you powerful first impression & to help a
sell faster and fresh paint and new carpet
The Band of Angels
“Trilogy’s Helping Hands”
Reminder:
Band of Angels 25th Anniversary Celebration Open House
Friday, November 7, 9:30-11:30am in the Ballroom Presentation at 10:30am
Here’s how the Band of Angels assists Trilogy residents.
Angel Contact Group
Angel volunteers are available to provide Daily Check In phone call service; and will also make a friendly visit to check in with the residents. This group also helps residents in our community who have been ill, injured, or have experienced the loss of a loved one. Angel Contact Group vol-unteers provide the following types of contacts to Trilogy residents: mail a special hand-made get-well card to a resident experiencing an illness and an angel to a resident who has been seriously ill, injured, or has experienced the loss of a loved one.
A recent addition to the Angels’ services is the meal delivery program. This is a meal purchased by the Angels for a resident whose life has been suddenly affected by health or life change. Also, bowl cozies to safely warm food in the microwave will be available with or without food delivery. If you have a Trilogy friend or neighbor who you think would benefit from a home-delivered meal or any other angel contact, please call Monika Gilbert at 949-300-3961.
Equipment
We have equipment available for residents and their guests to borrow for up to 90 days. This in-cludes commodes, wheelchairs (both transport and traditional), walkers, seated walkers, shower chairs, knee scooters, bed rails, wheelchair ramps, canes and crutches, ice machines, etc. Also available to borrow are room monitors, two with cameras.
Equipment is available for loan and return only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call or text Linda Ray (480-338-3730) for an appointment.
Haircuts for Homebound
Contact hairstylist Anh Snell at 720-335-3106 to make an appointment for her to come to your home in the evening or Sunday for a complimentary haircut.
Minor Home Maintenance
Volunteers help you replace batteries in smoke alarms, replace filters, replace light bulbs, add salt to the water softener, and other simple tasks. Contact Dar Cyr, (480-516-6989) Dick Turpin, (480-240-0995), Craig Messer, (480-722-1000), Steve Halvorsen, (480-620-6082. Brian Gurtier, (480-290-2231), Jim Heidmann (480-250-5683), James Marbury, 480-2766209), or Dan Schott, (602-538-9889).
Resource/Outreach
Angels volunteers can provide help with forms for needed services such as home delivered meals, talking books for the visually impaired, stay at home or transition into assisted living, and more. We have a kiosk in the Trilogy Library for brochures and other community information. Contact Eileen Marshall (480-621-5763)
In addition, we sponsor free outreach presentations involving many aspects of senior living.
The Band of Angels is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Donations are appreciated and tax-deductible. Please place in the Band of Angels mailbox in the Clubhouse lobby. Thank you for your support.
The Aprons We Wear, September 23
Band of Angels You Go Girl Meetup – Ruth Fox, Josie Gionta, Dianna Maynard, and Linda Schaefer. These ladies won the contest for most items in their purses from the list of 24 items!
Band of Angels You Go Girl Meetup Presenter is Carolyn Starr
Band of Angels You Go Girl Meetup
TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return)
Sandra Browne
Why Do We Care About Feral Cats?
It is an important question. With so much need in the world today, why do we choose to dedicate our time, money, and effort to working with fearful and ‘wild’ animals? These animals often require trapping to receive medical care. They must be handled carefully to ensure the safety of both themselves and those assisting them. They can also be considered nuisance animals that fight, howl, stalk birds, and dig up gardens. Additionally, their young, if caught early enough to tame, require a significant amount of time and attention before they are ready for adoption.
The answer is simple: they experience want, fear, hunger, thirst, pain, and yes, love, just like us. They need our help. By caring for these feral cats, we also serve our Trilogy community by managing the cat population to prevent unwanted litters and promote responsible pet ownership.
We provide a practical, humane, and collaborative approach that enables feral cats to coexist with Trilogy residents, allowing these cats to serve as a non-toxic form of pest control for our community. By fixing and feeding these cats, we can reduce nuisance behaviors such as spraying, fighting, howling, and stalking birds. Your ongoing support makes it clear that you want us to help them, whether through donations of food, reporting stray cats, or expressing gratitude for our work. Finally, like all living beings, feral cats have lives
of value and a rightful place in the natural environment, and we feel a responsibility to care for them.
Trilogy’s cat population is currently stable. We have several key players who care for and watch over our ferals. I occasionally receive requests from people who would like to help with the care and feeding of the cats. The first thing to do if you see a cat is to note its condition, (whether it is healthy or sickly), get as many photos of it as possible, and check with your neighbors to see if anyone is familiar with or owns the cat. If you frequently see it in your neighborhood, consider offering food and water in a discreet place on your back patio or front porch that allows an escape path in the event of a predator. If the cat is sickly, underfed, obviously pregnant, a kitten, or obviously in need, please contact me at the number below. The TNR group can set you up with food and also a pan of ‘food-grade’ diatomaceous earth that will prevent ants from invading the food. Fresh cool water is an essential daily requirement. Keep an eye on the cat and report on it as needed. My husband and I feed two ferals that come every evening for dinner and drinks. They repay us occasionally with a dead rat left on the front porch – a just reward.
To report an unfamiliar cat, please contact the Front Desk at (480) 279-2053. To donate food, please contact Sandy Browne at (480) 318-9382.
The Clubs of Trilogy at Power Ranch
CLUBS:
ART
Watercolor is making a splash on our display cabinet in the Trilogy Clubhouse.
You may feel that these bright colors on an octopus are unrealistic, but you may be wrong. An octopus can change colors and texture using specialized skin cells and muscles controlled by their incredible brains. They do this to camouflage themselves from enemies. They expand or contract their pigment-filled sacs called chromatophores to show different colors. So, an orange and blue octopus is totally a possibility.
The Trilogy Art Club is open all year round and welcoming to any level, from beginner to professional. We offer classes for beginners all the way up to ones for more seasoned artists.
For more information on joining the Art Club, contact President Kathleen Bell at tromsew7@gmail.com
This beautiful, colorful octopus is a masterpiece by Mary Dawn Sandlin.
BOARDS & DECKS
Hello to you Trilogy, welcome to November. The Boards and Decks Club Kickoff event is Thursday, November 6 in the Cafe beginning at 3:30 pm. We will have snacks and a presentation about our club. Everyone is invited. The event is open to everyone looking to join a fun and friendly club. Come early to find a seat. Club members who attend please arrive early to pay your 2026 dues. To join the club, the annual dues are $5. Come and join us.
On Sunday, November 23 the club will have our monthly game of Lucky 13. We meet in the Catalina Room starting at 1:30 pm. Bring nine quarters and a single dollar bill to play. Players must be at least 18 years old to participate. Even though this is Thanksgiving weekend, we hope to see you there.
BOCCE
This is a great time of year to be at the bocce courts in the mornings. Snowbirds are returning and the courts fill up. There is plenty of friendly banter. Morning temperatures are wonderful. We roll Monday through Saturday at 8 am. Our leagues, tournaments, and social events are back.
Our Birthday/Anniversary Bash will be held on November 15. Our annual Turkey Shoot will be held on November 22.
The Fall League is underway and will run through mid-December. There are two divisions, one playing on Tuesdays and the other on Thursdays.
The Fall Tournament will take place on November 7 and 8. Bocce 101 is going strong every Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 pm. Come to learn the game or get some tips for improvement from one of our best players.
Pictured are John and Jane Scialdone at the National Bocce Tournament in which Jane participated.
BRIDGE
The Bridge Club is happy to have the return of snowbirds.
The Bridge Club is active year-round. Our year runs from January through December. There is a $5 charge to join the club. This may be paid to our Treasurer, Ray Tennison or left in the club mailbox. This year the Officers are asking you to fill out a form with your $5 registration. These forms may be found in the Catalina Roon on the kitchen counter or will be emailed to members sometime in November. Please include these forms with your $5 registration fee.
There is a $1 charge, per person, for both social (Deb Heim 701269-1725) and duplicate bridge (Anne Stuckey 262-424-0969). We meet in the Catalina Room on Tuesdays and Thursdays (12:30 to 3) for social bridge and Wednesday evenings (6 - 9) or duplicate bridge. The monies are paid out to the top winners for each event.
BUNCO
Bunco is a dice game that is easy to learn and fun to play. No yearly dues or membership is required. Everyone pays $5 each bunco night which goes into the winning payouts that night, so you aren’t really joining the Bunco Club. Everyone is welcome at any time.
Bunco Club generally plays on the last Monday of each month. If a holiday falls on the last Monday, bunco will be played on the prior Monday.
Check-in starts at 6 pm. Bunco starts at 6:30 in the Catalina (card) Room. The game ends at 8:45 or 9 pm.
If you have any questions, contact Gail Martin, President/Secretary, gad3595@aol.com or 708-638-8831.
CERAMICS
Hello Trilogy and Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!!
It’s that wonderful time of the year for turkeys, pumpkin pies and all your favorite fixings! So, when you need a break from your kitchen, come on over to the Ceramics Room and see what we are working on. You ae invited to visit us any Monday, Tuesday or Thursday from 9 to noon. We are always welcoming new members and our annual membership dues are only $10 per year with our annual renewal during the month of December. If you join during November your membership does go thru the following year.
Pictured is one of our weekly Thursday classes that are taught by Julie Schmidt. We worked with clay to create fun ghosts.
Pictured are Tammy Weller, Barbara Nelson, Julie Schmidt (instructor) and Karen Mancuso.
If you have any questions about the club, please contact Julie Schmidt at 480-469-7119 or email at AZJulie3@gmail.com
COMPANY OF FRIENDS
On October 4 Company of Friends hosted an all Trilogy Team Trivia. The evening brought together neighbors and friends for fun and plenty of laughter. Chuck Dog led the goodnatured competition. Pictured here are team members Diane Stevens and Louise Morris.
Mark your calendars for November 7 and join us in the Ballroom from 5:45-8:pm for a Trilogy wide Veterans Day celebration. This event supports one of COF charities: Dogs for Vets. Enjoy an evening of music and dancing to the tunes of Harry Mathews. You may want to bring a snack to share with your table. Tickets are on sale through Purple Pass.
It’s not too early to begin considering a dish you would like to bring to the New Years Around the World Potluck on January 9. Last year this event featured a wonderful variety of flavors and cultural experiences. More details will be available soon.
For more information contact Jim Townsend at 480-720-6658.
COOKING
Hello, Trilogy. Our first Community Breakfast of the season is Saturday November 1. We will be cooking and serving eggs, sausage, blueberry pancakes and buttermilk pancakes, not to mention coffee, tea, orange juice and cran-apple juice. We also have a special each month. Watch for information in the Lifestyle email.
Breakfast is served from 8 to 9 am. The price is $8 cash, no tickets required. Enjoy good food and say hello to your neighbors. We hope to see you there. Also, mark your calendars for the following breakfast: Saturday, December 6.
We are not a gourmet cooking club. We are a club that enjoys getting together to cook and serve meals, both to our Trilogy community and to ourselves. For more information on the Cooking Club, please contact tfmayhew@gmail.com
EUCHRE
November is time to reflect on what we are thankful for. We are thankful for our Euchre Club! We are a fun group that loves to play Euchre.
The club meets in the Catalina Room on Tuesday nights. Play starts at 6:30 pm. Cost is $2 per person. The top four point totals
get payouts. Please sign up in advance for Tuesday play by emailing tpreuchre@gmail.com. Or call 480-256-9487, or Sheila Overturf at 614-558-5543.
Euchre is also played on Thursday afternoons at 1 pm for those wanting to play, learn or brush up your skills. There is no sign up for Thursdays. Come see what we are all about!
Pictured are recent winners: Lance Leach, Ron Kisicki, Gene Edwards, Jerry Novak, and Dave Meyer!
FUN SAVORS
Hi Trilogy Residents, Fun Savors is a club that ‘SAVORS’ fun. Hence the name. We try to offer off-site event opportunities that the residents of Trilogy want to participate in. This is not a travel club for overnight adventures, but we do occasionally offer one.
At this time we are strongly asking residents to text or email, Robin Fitch, 425 870 3772, Robinwafitch@gmail.com, with local activities you would like to do. Our activities usually provide bus transportation to and from events. We want to make the club inviting to you!! There are many new and younger residents in Trilogy. YOU are who we want to hear from.
Our October General Meeting is scheduled for Halloween, October 31, 9:30 am in the Ballroom. Come in costume if you want, or not! You do not have to be a member to attend the General Meetings.
Pictured are Greg Gutierrez & Karen McPherson at the Musical Instrument Museum.
GENEALOGY
If you have been intending to start your Genealogy research, now is the time. Many of our members are able to assist you in your research.
The November meeting of the Genealogy Club will be held on Thursday, November 20 from 9-12 am in the Club Room.
The speaker for the November meeting will be Janna Larson whose presentation will be on Church Records.
Janna’s presentation will include suggestions on how to navigate through these records as they can be one of the best sources for “root tracing.” Locating these records can be a challenge as these records often contain problems and quirks.
Janna has been an avid genealogist for over 40 years and has held many offices with the Arizona History Society and the Arizona Council of Professional Genealogists.
A door prize will be given to a lucky attendee and refreshments will be served. Guests of members are welcome to attend.
For information contact President, Barbara Weichert, at kbweichert@ gmail.com
HIKING
Trilogy at Power Ranch Hiking Club commenced our winter ‘25/’26 hiking season in late October. It’s a fun club open to all active members who wish to safely hike in the Sonoran Desert. We meet in the Clubhouse lobby at 7:45 on Tuesdays and Fridays, from mid-October to early April.
Our Tuesday hikes range from 3-5 miles depending on your skill level. Friday hikes are a little longer at 5-9 miles.
Tuesday hikes in November venture into Tonto National Forest near Granite Reef Dam; Superstition Mountains from Lost Dutchman Trail; Usery Mountain Regional Park to Wind Cave; South Mountain Regional Park from the Javelina Trailhead.
Friday hikes include: Picketpost Mountain Circumference Trail; Superstition Mountains from Peralta Trailhead; Usery Mountain Regional Park on the Pass Mountain Trail; San Tan Mountain Regional Park from the Goldmine Trailhead.
If you wish to try us out, we waive the $20 dues for your first hike with a completed off-site liability waiver. For more information visit our website: trilogyhikers.com or contact President Steve Halvorsen at: halvy51@hotmail.com
LADIES TLGA
Summer Flashback!!! Our honorable President Jan Bittner and member Barb Thompson enjoyed playing together during the ‘snowbird months.’ We are back in action after overseed looking forward to this season’s fun and games!
If you are interested in joining the fun, please contact Lindsey Fonick at 408-858-7322 for more information and a membership application.
LADY NINERS
The new lively season is beginning for the Niners, and we are excited!
The Kickoff Luncheon is November 4, and league play begins on November 5.
We have two new board members this season; Marsha Buck will lead the way as President and Sheila Overturf will be serving as Membership/Hospitality Chair.
Molly Stewart is moving into the Vice-President role. Joyce Cotton will continue as Secretary and Linda Viall will be handling the financials as Treasurer.
We are pleased to add three new members this season, Peggy Endres, Laura Smith, and Jacque Jones. We welcome you to the group. Hopefully, we will have some pictures next month.
One new addition to our program is the new Birdie/Chip-in Tree located on the bulletin board in the pro shop. We will be posting our Birdie and Chip-in accomplishments there for all to see. We are looking forward to a full tree! Thank you, Roberta Skolnik, for your artistic talents and Cheryl LaRoche for your creativity!
LINE DANCE
Dance, Dance, Dance!
Dance isn’t about the steps you know as much as the social time with your friends and the freedom of self-expression and just plain fun!
Don’t waste another minute, go to Purple Pass and purchase tickets for the club’s annual dance Saturday, January 17, featuring Johnny Splash, from 6-9. Tickets are $18 per person, and the good time is priceless.
Enjoy the many benefits of line dancing by attending classes. Tuesday class for intermediate dancers at 1 pm in the Ballroom. Wednesday class for beginners at 1 pm in the San Tan Room (dance studio accessible on the golf course side of clubhouse).
If you are trying us out and want a bit more instruction, come on Wednesday at 12:40 to learn a few basic steps. Your first class is free. After that, you can purchase a $24 punch card before class for six lessons.
MAH JONGG
Currently, there are over 190 club members who play Chinese, Filipino or American versions of Mah Jongg on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from noon to 3 pm in the Catalina (card) Room.
If you are interested in joining the Mah Jongg Club or taking lessons in all Mah Jongg versions played in our club, please text Maribeth Gudgeon, Director of Membership Services, at 480-263-3554.
PICKLEBALL
The Pickleball courts are buzzing with activity as we now have both our full time and part time residents playing. We are especially busy in the mornings and typically need to paddle up to get into a game.
Players use the paddle-up system to queue for games. Each group gets one complete game to 11 points. After finishing, all four players must leave the court and paddle up again if they want another game.
This system ensures fair rotation and gives everyone a chance to play during busy times.
Court hours are as follows: Members only Monday-Friday 6 am to 1 pm. Members/Residents and guests (three max) Weekdays 1 pm to 9:30 pm and all day on the weekends unless there is a prescheduled event. We hope to see you there!
QUILTERS
On November 10, from 9 am to noon, the Quilters Club will have a sidewalk sale in front of the Quilt Studio. We will feature fall and holiday items, such as wall hangings, gift card holders, mug rugs, coasters, microwave bowls (a persistent favorite), and casserole
Pictured are Steve Lambert, Al DeRosa, Dave Foote, Larry Mindel and Rick Gourley
cozies. These all make wonderful gifts and ‘stocking stuffers.’ If you do not see what you want, ask us and we will check our stock for more items. For payment, we accept cash only.
This month we also welcome the return of some members who escaped the summer heat. Our first Quilters Club meeting of the season will be November 14 at 10 am in the Trilogy Café. If you are not a member of the club but want to learn what we do, come to the meeting and hear our plans for the winter months.
SCRAPBOOK
The Scrapbook Club invites all paper crafters and those interested in learning about our hobby to join us at our weekly gatherings. Come and go at any time during the day, Wednesday starting at 9 am and Thursdays after 6 pm. Working on projects in a communal environment encourages creativity, motivates members to try new techniques, and facilitates making new friends.
An advantage of membership is having access to all the club’s supplies. Supplies include paper trimmers, many stamp sets, dies, die cut machines including an older Cricut with many cartridges, embossing folders, inks, and punches plus a variety of card stock and pattern paper and assorted embellishments and stickers for members to use when creating a card or scrapbook page. Just bring your own scissors and adhesives.
Our semiannual crop is scheduled for Sunday, November 9. There will be a couple of make and takes available for all. Stop by our Scrapbook Room Wednesday morning for more information and to sign up.
This month’s card was created by Lynn Peck.
SINGERS
We are excited to announce that tickets for our Singers Club Annual Holiday Concert are now available on Purple Pass, through MyTPR! Don’t miss this festive event filled with beautiful music and holiday cheer. Be sure to get your tickets early and invite your family and friends to join us for a memorable evening.
We’d also like to thank everyone who attended our wonderful fall Opening Social at Slate. It was a great opportunity to gather, share delicious food, and enjoy each other’s company. Thanks to Slate for hosting our gathering.
We look forward to seeing you at the Holiday Concert. Let’s continue making music and memories together!
STAINED GLASS
The Stained Glass Club fall evening class is being held November 10 to 21. We will also be hosting a welcome new members’ luncheon on December 1 at 11:30 am for all members. Our next class will be a day class in March 2026.
The club is considering doing a refresher class for those who have already been trained but just need some review of the basics.
If you are interested on learning more about classes, please contact Nancy Dyer at 202 458-0820 or email nmdpharmd@gmail.com
TENNIS
Want to make some new friends, and get a ‘smoking-hot’ deal on a fabulous meal? Then join the Trilogy Tennis Club. Check out the Clubs tab on mytpr.com and join as a full member or social member.
On November 14, the Trilogy Tennis Club will host our semiannual meeting and dinner. The meeting will start at 4 pm in the Multi-purpose Room.
The chef is Justin from Chef on the Go, and the menu includes round sirloin roasted and sliced in a Demi-Glace sauce, chicken tenders grilled in Marsala sauce, Penne pasta in a marinara sauce, seasonal vegetables, scallop potatoes, and dessert. Non-alcohol beverages will be provided, and bring-your-own beverages are welcomed. The cost per person is $24.
THEATRE
John Mulaney said, “Part of standup is being loose and having a good time yourself and that translates to the audience.”
Speaking of comedy and having a good time, our comedy improv workshop is underway. Our members also enjoyed a great performance of Anastasia at the Hale Theatre last month.
We will soon be announcing the selection of our play for 2026 as the committee has been hard at it, reviewing possible works.
Plans for the December Holiday members event are shaping up, too. We’ll be looking forward to our ‘in-house’ entertainment. Stay tuned!
The Theatre Club meets the second Saturday of the month in the Ballroom at 9 am. Changes will be sent out via email when necessary.
Remember the words of Michael Altshuler, ”The bad news is, time flies. The good news is, you’re the pilot.”
TRAVEL
On Tuesday, November 4 the Trilogy Travel Club will host a Travel Expo open to all Trilogy residents from 1 to 4. Outside travel exports will present information about destinations in Arizona, the U.S. and around the world. Breakout sessions will look at local trips, cruises and exotic locations. Refreshments will be provided, and door prizes will be given . Registration is encouraged.
The next meeting of the club will be on Thursday, December 4, at 4 pm in the Catalina Room. All Trilogy residents are welcome, and there is no dues requirement to attend. Come and meet your fellow Trilogy travelers and share travel information. We will discuss future trips, including the January 2026 Princess cruise along the California and Mexico coast, already one of the most popular trips the Club has featured.
For more information about the Travel Club, please check our website or e-mail Ernie Nervegna at enervegna7@gmail.com or Marc Larson at mthelarson@gmail.com
The Groups of Trilogy at Power Ranch
Resident Gatherings
CHAVURAH
The Chavurah is a group of residents who share, learn, celebrate, and enjoy Jewish life together. There are two dining-out groups: Romeo and Juliets, a men’s and women’s group that meet separately and enjoy dining out monthly. The next Romeos get-together will be on Thursday, November 20 at 6 pm. We will be meeting at one of our favorite places: Sal’s Gilbert Pizza. The time and place for the November Juliets dinner will be announced shortly.
Our group meets the second Saturday of each month from September through May. Our next meeting will be Saturday, November 8 at 10 am in the Catalina Room. Our president, Helene Zimme, will discuss the events and activities forthcoming in the 2025/2026 season.
The Chavurah Book Club, which has been a great success as we move into its second year, is open to new members.
The next holiday celebration will be a traditional Chanukah dinner. It will be held in the Café on Monday, December 15 at 5:30 pm. It promises to be another latke extravaganza!
We welcome new members. It’s a great way to make friends, especially if you are new to Trilogy. Please join us and find out what we are all about! Try out a meeting and enjoy some fresh coffee and yummies to snack on.
For more information about the Chavurah, please contact Helene Zimmerman at 909-229-6572 or hzman24@gmail.com
DEMS & FRIENDS
DEMS & FRIENDS is a group for all Trilogy residents who are interested in maintaining and enhancing our democracy so that it serves all in our town, our state, and our nation.
We meet eight times a year to be informed of issues, to meet candidates for political office, to enjoy the companionship of those who share our political views, and to make our voices heard by elected officials.
If you’re interested in being added to our email list or invited to our private Facebook page, please contact Linda Nelson at lindanelson7@ gmail.com
HORSESHOERS
Our fall and winter days and hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 9 am.
The horseshoe area is open 24/7. Horseshoes are available on-site. So, come out and fellowship while enjoying the game.
ILLINOIS
Are you originally from Illinois—or just love the Land of Lincoln?
Then join our vibrant Illinois Group and connect with fellow Trilogy neighbors who share a common bond in all things Illinois! Our objective is to provide a couple of Potluck Social Gatherings the first on Wednesday, November 12, and the second on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 5 pm until 8 pm, Join us in the Cafe to connect neighbors, grow friendships, and have some fun!
Open to all Trilogy residents with ties to Illinois—or anyone who simply wants to join the celebration! Simply contact Gene Sweeney at 574-849-3120 or genesweeney@comcast.net to let him know you’re interested, and he will put you on the mailing list and make sure that you are contacted.
Please join us!
IOWA
On Saturday, November 8, the Iowa Group will be hosting our first Picnic in the Park; from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The event will be held at the Trilogy Community Park on the corner of S. Peachwood Dr and E. Narrowleaf Dr (5415 S. Peachwood Dr)
Iowans, please bring a dish you would like to share, a chair to relax and BYOB. The Trilogy Iowa Group will provide water, ice, cups, plates, napkins, and utensils. If you have Corn Hole boards and bags, please bring them.
If you have an Iowa connection and are not on our email list, please send an email message to TPR Iowa Group (tpriowagroup@gmail.com) so we can add you to the group. Any email changes or corrections can be sent to the same address as well.
If you are interested in joining our committee to help plan events, contact Jon Luksetich, text 253-347-5596.
MINNESOTA
The Minnesota group invites all Trilogy folks with a Minnesota connection to join us for our fall potluck, Sunday, November 9, from 5-8 pm in the Ballroom. Please bring a ‘heavy appetizer’ to share (with any necessary serving ware.) Plates, napkins and plastic silverware will be provided. Door prizes will be awarded! Additionally, we would like to invite anyone with a Wisconsin connection to join us this fall.
The Minnesota group hosts potlucks twice a year in the Trilogy Ballroom. Our upcoming dates are March 1, 2026, and November 14, 2026.
If you or someone you know is interested in being added to our email list: contact Beth Madson at ottertailbeth@gmail.com or 320808-6492.
NEBRASKA
Twenty-Five Nebraska Cornhuskers fans gathered for pizza and
goodies to watch their favorite football team on September 20. While Nebraska lost to Michigan Wolverines 30-27, everyone still had a great time! Thank you to everyone who joined us. We missed those who couldn’t make it and hope to see you next time.
Stayed tuned for updates on our next event during the first quarter of 2026!
Pictured are Sandy Burry, Doris Carolan, Nancy French and Geri Carolan.
REPUBS AND FRIENDS
The Repubs and Friends mission statement is quite simple: We are a group of conservative, pro-America, civic-minded, mature adults that believe in the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.
We meet every eight weeks to disseminate information that addresses local and national political issues, utilizing the availability of local and national speakers and member input.
Our schedule for the remainder of 2025 is: 11/20.
To become a member and receive email updates from the Repubs and Friends group, please send your request to; Repubs_N_Friends@ reagan.com.
Repubs and Friends has a private Facebook group. If you desire to be a part of that group, please contact Margaret Serafin, whose contact information is on mytpr.com.
We look forward to seeing you at our meetings, and to providing a welcoming environment and a meaningful experience.
Repubs and Friends has a private Facebook group. If you desire to be a part of that group, please contact Margaret Serafin, whose contact information is on mytpr.com
We look forward to seeing you at our meetings, and to providing a welcoming environment and a meaningful experience.
WINE & DINE
Curious about Wine and Dine? We are a friendly, social group. We get together once a month in small groups at each other’s homes, typically 6 to 8 people per home. The Host home provides the entree, side dish, coffee, water and dinnerware. The guests bring one of the following: an appetizer, salad or dessert. Each month, the Host home changes, as do the guests at each home.
Drinking wine is not a requirement. Guests bring their own beverage. Also, you do not need to be a gourmet cook. We have a variety of food themes and meat choices throughout the year to appeal to all types of cooks and appetites. This month, we will have the entire group getting together for an Autumn themed potluck.
We are always happy to welcome new members. For more information or to join, contact our New Member Coordinator, Carol Mueller, dcmueller@cox.net
Beyond Temples and Tuk-Tuks:
Discovering the Heart of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
Scott Fishman
A nineteen-hour flight on Cathy Pacific from Los Angeles to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, didn’t deter me from the excitement I had for my upcoming seventeen-day adventure to Southeast Asia. Fortunately I upgraded to premium economy, which was well worth the extra expense of having more space, better food, and complementary drinks. Arriving in Bangkok at 10:30 pm, I gave a huge sigh of relief when I saw my luggage rotating in the bin. Soon I was greeted by the driver of our bus and after a 45-minute drive was equally relieved to arrive at our first stop…the Ramada Plaza Bangkok. Finally getting to my room after midnight, being able to stretch out on the luxurious queen size bed was a little bit of heaven!
My first day in Bangkok was a memorable one. It started with a delightful breakfast, a buffet of an enormous assortment of food that was both familiar and foreign to me. It had been a while since my last airplane meal and my stomach growled upon seeing the wide variety of colorful fruits, breads, veggies, sushi, and native foods that beckoned me to try. Eating as if it was my last meal, I then moved to the designated hotel meeting room for an orientation with approximately 35 other adventure seekers from across the globe. Our tour leader gave an engaging overview of our two-day exploration of this bustling city of 11 million people, and then we were off for our first full day in ‘The City of Angels’ or as the Thai people call it, Krung Thep Maha Nkhon.
Our journey started with an absorbing day touring this vibrant city. Weaving through the crowded streets that were teeming with vendors, cars, trucks, and motorcycles was impressive. Our bus driver immediately became our hero. What caught my attention almost immediately were the sheer numbers of motorcycles and scooters that filled the streets and parking lots. Entire families precariously balanced on the back of these two-wheelers, which sped down the narrow roads with fearless dexterity. What was equally amazing was their strict adherence to traffic signals. Unlike drivers in the U.S., when a light changed to yellow here, the drivers stopped. Evidently the traffic fines for noncompliance were hefty and punitive.
A fascinating mix of ancient and modern awaited. After a tour of the bustling Chinatown and a visit to the colorful and aromatic Indian Market, we were transported to serene Wat Po, the oldest and largest temple in the city. The temple complex houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, including the famous Reclining Buddha, an enormous and finely detailed Buddha towering 40 feet high and 150 feet long. Many tourist ‘attractions’ aren’t what they are touted to be, but the Reclining Buddha didn’t disappoint! The day ended after a short drive to the Royal Palace in the heart of Bangkok, an impressive complex of administrative buildings, open lawns, courtyards, and lush gardens. Also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Royal Palace houses the majestic Emerald Buddha, one of the most impressive sights in Bangkok. Another ‘do not miss’ work of art, the Emerald Buddha is a Buddhist icon known for its mystical power in bringing prosperity while warding off calamity and is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.
While Bangkok dazzles with its temples and Buddhas, its true magic is found in the everyday moments most travelers overlook. One such place was the Domnoen Saduak floating market, the most popular of five such markets throughout the city. This unique market offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Thai culture as well as a delightful shopping and culinary experience.
Gliding through the narrow canals of Bangkok’s floating markets felt like slipping into another world—one where tradition and life unfold right on the water’s edge. Finding a boat and pilot wasn’t difficult, but stepping into it felt like stepping into a living narrative. My wooden vessel bobbed gently beneath me as vendors leaned from their boats with warm smiles, offering everything from gleaming kitchenware to handwoven scarves. The air was thick with the sweet aroma of freshly prepared coconut pancakes mingled with the savory scent of pad thai and boat noodles, while the golden hue of mango sticky rice glistened in the sun. I marveled as a merchant, draped in a large bright yellow snake like a shimmering scarf, proudly posed for photos. Each stop, each exchange, was more than a transaction—it was a moment of connection, a snapshot of a culture that welcomed me with open arms and a full heart.
The next morning our group embarked on a short flight to our next visit: Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap is not exactly a name every tourist is familiar with, but it is home to one of the highlights of the entire visit: the architectural masterpieces of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Considered the eighth Wonder of the Ancient World, Angkor Wat was a breathtaking temple complex dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. This 12th Century, 500-acre temple was eventually transformed into a Buddhist Temple, where the five lotus-shaped towers represent a sacred mountain in both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. The best experience at Angkor Wat is watching the sunrise over its towers, creating a stunning view with colors of pink, orange, and gold.
From the ancient and mesmerizing temples of Siem Reap, Cambodia, another short flight took us to the largest and most modern city in Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). The first stop on our tour brought us to perhaps the most sobering, yet intriguing experience of the trip: the Cu Chi Tunnels. Part of an underground tunnel network built by the Viet Cong, the tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding places during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches, and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. I reluctantly volunteered to crawl about 150 feet through the cave-like catacomb and couldn’t help but think of the soldiers living and working inside the 125mile serpentine structure, littered with crude traps and explosives in case the Americans followed. I was relieved, exhausted, and sweaty as I surfaced to the glorious sunshine of my awaiting friends.
The Viet Nam War (known as the ‘American War’ by the Vietnamese) was practically synonymous with our next adventure, a tour along the Mekong Delta River at My Tho. Thanks to fertile alluvial soil, the Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s rice bowl, famous for its vast rice paddies and orchards. Due to the region’s strategic importance stemming from its population, economy, and mazelike waterways, the Mekong Delta became a vital battleground for river warfare. There was hardly a day on the U.S. networks that didn’t have riveting feets of muddy soldiers slugging through the rice paddies of the Mekong Delta with M-16’s in tow. Today, the Mekong Delta is a much more peaceful destination, encompassing over 15,000 square miles. We were immersed in Vietnamese culture as our boat meandered down the river passing villages, rice paddies, and agriculture. With stops at a local coconut
factory, handicraft workshop, and honeybee farm, we were not at a loss for photo opportunities or sampling local cuisine.
Ho Chi Minh City didn’t disappoint at night, becoming a blazing palette of neon, motorcycles, vendors, and patrons eating on tiny plastic tables along the sidewalks of the bustling streets. Most notable was the lively Ben Thanh Market, not far from our hotel, where an enormous assortment of wares, food, and crafts attracted residents and tourists to this exhilarating venue.
The following morning our final one-hour flight on Vietnam Air took us to our next destination, Da Nang. One of Vietnam’s major ports and situated on the coast of the South China Sea, Da Nang is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, flavorful Central Vietnamese cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. From the Da Nang airport, our bus waited to transport us to the ancient city of Hoi An, the most important trading port in Southeast Asia during the 15th Century. Hoi An is an artistic jewel, where time seems to slow and beauty reveals itself at every turn. Its ancient architecture and cultural landmarks whisper stories of centuries past, while evenings glow with the soft, magical light of countless lanterns. Strolling through the narrow streets—alive with the hum of scooters, the chatter of vendors, and the scent of sizzling street food—you can’t help but be captivated. This is the place to find hand-crafted lanterns, each one a burst of color and craftsmanship, destined to float gently along the Thu Bon River or hang like glowing jewels above the bustling night markets. As darkness falls and the lanterns flicker to life, the whole city feels transformed into a dreamscape of light, culture, and quiet wonder.
My visit to Vietnam didn’t end here, as more adventures awaited at Hue, Hanoi, and finally Halong Bay, the most impressive natural and picturesque attraction of the journey. Halong Bay is famous for its otherworldly landscape of thousands of limestone rock formations that magnificently rise from the Bay’s emerald waters, its unique geological formations and caves, and its status as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Southeast Asia was truly amazing. But what captured my heart and enjoyment of the journey the most were not the temples, pagodas, architecture, history, or food. What impressed me the most were the people. Warm, appreciative, generous, and kind, I was surprised and fulfilled by the people. I arrived with the belief that the Vietnamese people might still carry resentment and anger toward Americans. That couldn’t have been further from my experience. We have much to learn from our world neighbors, and Vietnam would be a good place to start our study.
“GONE TOO SOON – Rebuilding After Loss”
“Like a fleeting, painted whisper, the butterfly floats through a glorious moment of sunlit dance, forever beautiful and forever brief”…
November is a bittersweet month. We embrace cooler weather and glory in the beauty of Mother Nature, cocooning creation with autumnal shades of gold and crimson. But for some, this most anticipated season brings melancholy. Those of us dealing with “an empty chair…”
With this month’s “glimmer” I share with you the story of Katy Washburne. Our Trilogy neighbor and my “sister” in the club none of us chose to join. For Bob and me, it was losing our son, Andrew; for Katy, and too many of you – the beautiful butterfly with whom you partnered. Know that we see you. We feel for you. My prayer is that Katy’s story will strengthen you.
She lost him too soon. Not nearly enough time for the memories they deserved. But instead of closing her wings, Katy—quiet, strong, luminous Katy—has chosen to fly.
When her plane lifted from far-off Eskisehir, Turkey, Katy said goodbye to that temporary exotic life and the relationship it had held. Gold Canyon, Arizona, the home of her parents, felt as arid as her 30-year-old heart. She was grateful for their company but longed for no one else.
Her loss was not contained only to her heart. Suspecting an extreme Vitamin B12 deficiency, and unable to use her right arm, Katy’s doctor referred her to Physical Therapist, Ted Washburne.
Washburne had a comprehensive, caring practice, but the walls of his apartment mirrored the ones he’d put around his own heart. Katy’s first appointment opened an unanticipated avalanche. “We just clicked. Sparks flew – fireworks for both of us!” Within days they went on “the longest first date in history.” Within two weeks they knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.
Love deepened as Katy moved to California to complete her teaching degree. Producers from a new reality television show
saw an article featuring Katy and contacted her. Inspired by her and Ted’s romance, they offered to film their nuptials. Ted and Katy were married in the Carlsbad flower fields on “A Wedding Story.”
The couple’s love grew through adventure, travel and several home locations including Hawaii, California, Georgia, then Washington. But more than the northwest skies darkened. Ten years after their storybook wedding, Ted was diagnosed with Glioblastoma – an aggressive brain tumor. One month later, Katy’s beloved stepson, Patrick, was killed in an industrial workplace accident. Ted fell to the floor screaming but could not cry. His tumor had already taken over.
Following Ted’s surgery, in which his right frontal lobe was removed, doctors cautioned they could not predict the outcome. This area controls the “executive function” of the brain – decision making as well as emotional expression. The grapefruit-sized tumor was removed, followed by chemotherapy and radiation, which left Ted emotionally blunted. Although retaining physical vitality, Katy saw her gregarious spouse “who used to dance like a pro and make everyone laugh,” cave in on himself. He soon realized he could no longer do the work he loved. Like someone living outside the window, Ted would say he “could feel all the emotions yet not be able to express them.”
Life became a rollercoaster. Given “six to twelve months” – they lived as if every moment were their last. Quarterly MRIs held Katy’s heart on pause. Then, to savor their moments, the couple would travel. Even while enjoying a trip to England, Katy was “trying to learn to live with this different person – although still recognizing the person you love.”
Ted defied his “less than 2% long term survival” prognosis by years, but it took its toll. In 2015 they returned to Arizona to be near family and for Katy to support her parents’ increasing health demands. She gave up her tenured
Lori Wilkerson
professorship to care for Ted when balance issues became critical. A 2019 diagnosis confirmed Parkinson’s Disease; eventually adding dementia – a word Ted was only able to whisper at the very end.
Globetrotting adventures that had brought them such joy were over. Soon they couldn’t go as far as San Francisco. By 2023 the pair accepted their range was quiet walks around Trilogy with their aging dogs. “Each thing that you lose with somebody becomes something new to grieve. You’re just doing it a little bit at a time – for a long time. Walking was what we had left. Eventually we had to stop walking.”
During the 17th year following his diagnosis, it was over. On only his third day in a respite care center, Ted fell. The blunt force injury started his final timeclock – “two days, two weeks or perhaps two months.” This time it was Katy that couldn’t accept it. “He’s coming back home with me. Bring in a hospital bed and Hospice. I’m taking him home.” Staying by his bedside day and night, Katy convinced herself she’d get him up and moving again. Ted tried – for Katy – but slumped back down in his bed.
Just after Thanksgiving, he was gone.
Fighting blinding grief, Katy struggled with being alone –anything could set off her anxiety. She explained, “Grief is a journey, rather than a moment. It was incredibly challenging to get used to Ted not being around. We’d always had a deal, I cooked, and he’d do dishes. For months afterward, I didn’t want to cook meals anymore. I’d break down going to the grocery store.”
“I wasn’t able to get my head around the loss – all those memories were here. I’d read that the best thing you can do is to start something new. Some way you can fill your head with new memories. What I needed was a distraction – something to stop the downward slide.”
Katy found a lifeline through her dear longtime friends. She reconnected with something she and Ted had loved – traveling abroad. She planned a trip to Iceland for June. But in January, with the walls closing in on her, she called and asked, “Who wants to go somewhere?” The friends responded with “Yes!”
They ended up going to Costa Rica, then Iceland, then England. These friends understood that the only way Katy could overcome the crushing loss was to focus on something else – to build new memories. This past summer, her friend called her up and said, “Come to Chicago – then I’m driving you to Wisconsin.” She knew Katy had been to forty-eight states with just Wisconsin and Alaska left.
Grief does not come with a personalized handbook, and not all the things Katy tried were helpful. Too soon she attempted a solo trip back to The Pelican Cove Inn, in Carlsbad, California, a place she and Ted had treasured. “I was 100% on my own in our town where we were married. It only highlighted my loneliness. My advice would be if you are widowed, try someplace new and create a new memory.”
Katy also sought solace through returning to exercise with Pilates and Yoga, strengthening her both physically and emotionally. She opened her heart and home to a new furry friend. She and Ted lost one of their beloved dogs, KC, during his last months. “There were now too many souls missing in our home.” Katy relied on their dog Zoey to “pick out” her new housemate, Patty.
It’s taken time for the healing to settle in. But this past January Katy was able to return to Vancouver, WA to see her friends. “They all adored Ted and we had all been ‘couple friends.’ They accepted me by myself and enveloped me in their caring. I stayed in a different home each of eight nights.”
Katy claims in no way to have a lock on handling grief. But she demurely shared what people got right after she lost Ted. “My friends were very gentle with me. They continued to ask me to go places, to get me out of my house. I didn’t always go – and they accepted that – but it was nice to be asked. Over and over again.”
She quickly learned that she could not quiet the pain. So, Katy didn’t try to. Instead, she developed new memories. Something that didn’t hurt to focus on. Whether it was a trip, or something simple like playing ping pong or experiencing for the first time a sound bath. Friends supported her and helped her find “a new normal.”
As she faces another anniversary, Katy feels more optimistic about the future. Although she still struggles with making big decisions on her own, she feels stronger. “I’m not as fragile as I was before.” She is able to take what she learned and help her parents as they experience their own sunset. “I can be there for them, because I know what they’re going through.” Katy is even making a return trip to Turkey – this time as the guide for her other travel friends. California still beckons, but Katy is taking it one day at a time.
I think I just saw a butterfly flit by…
Planning a Healthier Thanksgiving
Candy Purdy
Thanksgiving traditions often lead to meals high in fat, cholesterol, calories, sugar, and salt, much like in past generations before we understood the importance of healthy choices. As the meal’s preparer, consider these strategies offered by agencies and hospitals to help everyone at your table enjoy a healthier and safer Thanksgiving. Trying just a few can make this year’s meal healthier than last year’s meal.
The Turkey
• Bake instead of frying the bird. Avoid “self-basting” turkeys, which are just injected with fat, salt, and liquid. The USDA does not recommend buying retail stuffed, uncooked turkeys. Only frozen stuffed turkeys inspected by the USDA are safe if cooked from the frozen state.
• Consider cooking just the breast for lean white meat as a protein source.
• Replace butter on the outside and under the skin with olive oil and fresh herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, and/or sodium-free salt substitutes.
• Roast the turkey on a bed of veggies like carrots, cauliflower, and red potatoes.
• Check and re-check the final temperature of meat at the thickest part of the thigh and the breast and check stuffing, seeking a minimum of 165°F. Avoid touching the bone. The oven temperature should be no lower than 325°F. Let it rest 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving because it will continue to heat.
Vegetables
• Roast vegetables, or if using a casserole, opt for sour cream and low-fat or low-salt soup.
• Choose frozen or fresh vegetables over canned--for example, canned creamed corn contains around 700mg of salt, while frozen corn has only 1-10mg. A classic green bean casserole with canned soup may have 191 calories and 932mg of salt per serving, but using frozen beans, low-sodium soup, and almonds or breaded onions heated in vegetable oil drops those numbers to 77calories, 4 mg cholesterol, and 138 mg salt.
• For cheese with veggies, select Swiss cheese over those higher in fat.
• Serve a vegetable tray as an appetizer rather than processed meats like little hot dogs.
• Buy low-salt chips and make a low-fat dip.
• Bake whole sweet potatoes instead of topping them with marshmallows.
• Make mashed potatoes with Greek yogurt for protein and less fat. Use low-fat milk instead of cream. Blend in cauliflower mash for half of the potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes with the skins on for extra fiber. Roasted garlic, chives, and parsley add flavor and vitamins A, C, K, and folate.
• Instant mashed potatoes are not considered healthy due to added sodium, reduced fiber, and preservatives. Processing removes nutrients and adds corn syrup, hydrogenated oils containing trans fats that are harmful to heart health, contribute to obesity, and increase insulin resistance.
Stuffing
• Cooking stuffing inside the turkey can pose a food poisoning risk
because it may not reach 165°F. Instead, bake it in a casserole dish and moisten it with low-calorie, low-salt broth.
• Use whole wheat bread instead of white bread and use a salt substitute.
• Replace sausage with ground turkey or more vegetables, such as onions, celery, carrots, sauteed mushrooms, corn, and black beans. Add fruits or nuts for sweetness. Try apples, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, or pecans.
Cranberry Sauce
• Make homemade cranberry sauce rather than using canned, which contains 21g total sugar and 19g of added high fructose corn syrup. Use fresh cranberries, hand-squeezed orange juice, orange zest, spices, and a minimal amount of maple or brown sugar. The recipe is available at healthecooks.com
Pumpkin Pie: Somehow, it seems like some kind of sin to alter pumpkin pie, but it can be done.
• Consider making a crustless pumpkin pie resembling custard.
• Opt for a lower-fat graham cracker crust or one made of wholewheat flour.
• Reduce the sugar from ¾ cup to ½ cup.
• Use natural sweeteners such as honey or pure maple syrup.
• Substitute lower-calorie almond milk or Greek yogurt for evaporated milk.
• Skip whipped cream and use Greek yogurt with vanilla extract for more protein.
Thoughtful Preparations
As you plan for the dinner and think about the guests, might some of them have special situations you need to consider? Are any of them diabetic, dealing with heart problems, have a history of alcohol use disorder, or on a low salt, low-fat, and/or gluten-free diet? A thoughtful host or hostess will want to make a few accommodations for these folks. Having a container of salt substitute on the table next to the regular salt would be nice and a little hint to everyone. Similarly, provide an artificial sweetener along with regular sugar. If alcohol is being served, have other choices for beverages such as iced tea, diet soda, and, of course, water. You might also provide smaller dinner plates, vegetable trays, and other low-cal appetizers, along with plain vegetables without sauces, for those who want to eat lighter and control their calories and cholesterol.
Safety
Thanksgiving safety includes avoiding food poisoning and fires. Just a few reminders about safe food preparation and a safe holiday.
• Always use different cutting boards for raw meats and other foods, keeping them apart in the refrigerator. It is best if raw meat is on the bottom of the refrigerator, so it won’t drip on foods that will not be cooked. If you prepare stuffing containing raw meat, poultry, or shellfish, cook these ingredients before stuffing the turkey.
• Ask one of the guests to help you refrigerate leftovers as soon as guests have taken “seconds.” All meat should be completely removed from the turkey at carving time so it can easily be cooled in shallow containers after dinner. Gravy, stuffing, creamed dishes, and pies are also vulnerable when in the “Danger Zone” of 40°F to 140°F.
• Remember that leftovers should be reheated to 165°F and not kept in the refrigerator for longer than four days.
• Fire prevention includes not leaving towels on the stove near burners and avoiding wearing loose-fitting clothing (especially
sleeves) near the stove. Have a pot lid nearby to smother a grease fire and test all smoke alarms the day before. Keep the kitchen a “No enter zone” for small children. Deep fryers should be used outdoors.
Time To Eat
If you have made a promise like this resolution, “I want to eat sensibly and not feel guilty or uncomfortable after Thanksgiving dinner because I ate too much,” here is what the Heart Association and dieticians recommend.
• Eat breakfast and lunch on Thanksgiving Day. Avoid going to dinner “starving.”
• Drink lots of water before, during, and even after the meal. It’s a much better choice than nine teaspoons of sugar in a soda or the calories in alcohol.
• Bring a plain veggie dish or tossed salad to share, so you can choose a healthy option.
• Be selective in choosing appetizers. Decide which ONE will be your “naughty” and eat more from the veggie tray.
• If you are planning to drink alcohol, eat first to slow the rise in blood alcohol. Then go light. Alcohol contains empty calories with no nutritional value and lowers your resistance to overeating.
Pure distilled spirits = 97 calories/1.5 oz shot + mix
Light beer =100 calories per 12oz, Regular beer = 150 calories
Wine = 125-130 calories per 5oz. Dessert wines=165-180 calories
Mixed drinks/cocktails with added juice, syrups, or cream can be higher than 400 calories.
• Police your portions and fill one-half of your plate with vegetables, one-fourth with starch (potatoes/stuffing), and one-fourth with protein. Eat salad and non-starchy foods first and then eat protein like 3-4 oz of turkey. This dampens your appetite before you find the fat and carbohydrates.
• After most people have finished eating, you might offer to help take dishes to the kitchen. While you are there, you will probably see the dessert. If you offer to put it on the serving dishes, you will have a chance to select your own serving size (small). Sneaky huh?
• Go for a walk after dinner. A slow to moderate pace is best for digestion, lowering blood sugar, burning calories without upsetting your stomach, and reducing bloating and gas later.
You deserve a Happy Thanksgiving after doing all the above! So remember it’s all about being thankful for friends and family-- not about food!
Resources
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services, US Dept. of Agriculture
“Tips for a Healthier Thanksgiving,” Rush Stories, Rush University Medical Center
“7 Ways to Make Thanksgiving Menu Healthier-and Taste Good Too,” Riverside Health, Nov. 2023.
Merschell, Michael. “Ideas for Keeping Thanksgiving Healthy and Happy,” American Heart Association, Nov. 20, 2023.
The Place Where You Live
Kathy Gerdl
Maricopa County has a total area of 9224 sq. miles. Over half the population of Arizona lives in this county. There are 12 Regional Parks plus the Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant and the Maricopa Trail that connects the parks within the county. The parks are:
Adobe Dam
McDowell Mountains
Buckeye Hills
San Tan Mountain
Cave Creek
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
Estrella Mountain
Usery Mountain
Hassayampa River Preserve
Vulture Mountain Recreation Area
Lake Pleasant
White Tank Mountains
Maricopacountyparks.net has a wealth of information about the parks, projects, events and natural resources. It is very valuable for deciding where to visit. There is a weekly listing of events and programs available at each park. The park system covers 120,000 acres of open space, hundreds of miles of trails, campgrounds, and nature centers. You can hike, bike and horseback ride on trails of all comfort levels. The vision and mission for the park system states:
Our vision is to connect people with nature through regional parks, trails and programs, inspire an appreciation for the Sonoran Desert beauty and natural open spaces, and create life-long positive memories.
Our Mission, through responsible stewardship, is to provide quality parks, trails, programs, services and experiences that energize visitors and create life-long users and advocates.
Visitor Centers at each park provide a wide range of information about the desert we live in, and the creatures and plants that live here with us. There is an entry fee which can be paid for a one-
day use at the park, or you can buy an annual pass that lets you visit all the parks as many times as wanted for a year from the date of purchase.
There are two parks close to Trilogy and the Trilogy Hiking Club uses both parks for several hikes a year:
San Tan Mountain Regional Park is located at 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. The park covers over 10,000 acres of lower Sonoran Desert landscape. There are various species of vegetation and wildlife including reptiles, birds and mammals. The visitors center provides educational information, souvenir items and restrooms. The tortoise habitat across from the center is popular with children. Tortoises prefer warm weather, so the afternoon is a better bet to see them. They are fed every other day. A call to the ranger station (602-506-2930) to find out when feeding is held surely increases your chances. The park hosts many events like San Tan after dark, mountain bike riding, cactus education hikes, and creatures of the desert. There are several easy trails for casual hikers/walkers. The trails are wide and well-marked. Kids love to run down the trail with their list of items to find from the visitor’s center.
Usery Mountain Regional Park is located at 3939 N Usery Pass Rd. Mesa. This park covers 3,648 acres at the western end of the Goldfield Mountains and is adjacent to the Tonto National Forest. A large variety of plants grow in this park. It is the place to be in spring for wildflowers and cactus blooms. The wind cave is a popular feature. The cave was created between volcanic tuff and granite. The alcove seeps water and can support hanging gardens of Rock Daisy. Personal note: it is an interesting feature, but I would not consider it a beginner hike. For beginners and colorful photos, from the Wind Cave trailhead take the Pass Mtn. trail west. You will enjoy a walk through a large stand of Saguaro and Ocotillo along with Red Barrel and hedgehog cacti. There are benches stationed along the trail for breaks. The ranger station often has wildflower walks. Spring is beautiful in this park. It’s a good place to learn what grows naturally here. Maybe you could plant some in your garden and save a lot of water.
Whether you live in Trilogy full or part-time, these parks are a great place to visit, take visitors and learn about The Place Where You Live.
Turtle Habitat
Valley as seen from the Wind Cave
A Beautiful Thanksgiving Day, 1970
Keith Bowen
Those who know me realize I’m not a tech kind of guy. I don’t even have a cell phone; I never saw the need for one. But I haven’t always been that way.
In the late ‘60s, I got my first summer job. I had my eyes set on an AM/FM cassette recorder I had seen in a mail order catalog. No 8 track for me, I was going with the newest format, cassettes! I saved the money from my minimum wage job and when I had amassed a huge fortune, I ordered the recorder. After receiving the recorder, I began recording songs from my town’s AM top forty station. I would listen for the ends of the ads and start the recorder. Sometimes the DJ would go straight to the beginning of the song and sometimes they would make a comment. If I liked the song and had not previously recorded it, I would keep it, otherwise, I would rewind the tape and record over it.
My father just happened to be into the latest gizmo too. He craved an electric knife and got one just before Thanksgiving. He was looking forward to carving the turkey with it.
On Thanksgiving morning, and with the turkey fresh out of the oven, I was in my room recording. The ads ended and I started my cassette. The DJ said, “A beautiful Thanksgiving day, 1970,” and started the song Rainy Day Bells, by The Globetrotters. I liked that song and was glad to be able to record it. I looked out my bedroom window and saw that it was indeed a beautiful sunny day with the temperature about 70. Just as the cassette began recording my father began cutting the turkey with his electric knife. BZZZZZ, came over my recording. I could still hear the song but his knife was making a buzzing sound on my recording. I quickly ran to the kitchen and told Daddy that he was messing up my recording. “Well, I have to cut up the turkey,” was his reply. I knew arguing would get me nowhere. So I went back to my room and every few seconds the BZZZZZ would come back while he was running the knife. My recording was being ruined.
Well, being low tech, I still have that cassette and I still have a player. When I play that cassette and I hear the DJ say “A beautiful Thanksgiving day, 1970,” I am transported back to that long ago day. Once again, I am looking out my window, hearing Rainy Day Bells, and then I am hearing the BZZZZZ of Daddy in the kitchen cutting the turkey. He didn’t mess up my recording. He gave me memories. Thanks Daddy.
TPR Foundation Happenings
Rodger Page, Past President
The Foundation is moving into the most active part of the year. We hosted the dedication of the new Smith Machine in the Fitness Center and will be hosting a remembrance celebration in the Tranquility Garden on Nov. 21. Wine tasting events are being planned for future events, and work is ongoing with various Trilogy clubs to support activities within the community. An example of this shared support is the Mah Jongg Club’s American Mah Jongg Tournament on November 8 in the Clubhouse. The Foundation is also sponsoring the coffee corners in the Clubhouse and Café. We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to sit with a cup of coffee and enjoy conversations with friends and other community members. We invite you to check on the Foundation’s website (tprfoundation.org) to stay informed of the latest events. We want to remind you that it is easy to sign up or register for upcoming events on the website and to learn how the Board assists Trilogy and the Southeast Valley senior community.
Spotlight on Foundation Board Volunteers
Board Member: Don Vangsnes is a North Dakota native who, along with his wife, Marcia, splits time between Trilogy and Minnesota. Don was instrumental in the development and updating of the Foundation’s new website. A life-long educator, Don taught elementary education before moving into higher education administration, and eventually into private business as a research and evaluation consultant. He has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of North Dakota and a PhD from Arizona State University. Don previously served on the Board of Storer Camps (Toledo YMCA) and participated in annual volunteer efforts after working there during his college years. He has worked with numerous non-profit agencies and programs over the years, writing grants for funding and evaluation purposes. Now fully retired, Don is looking forward to contributing to the Foundation’s efforts to support seniors in the Southeast Valley. Much of Don’s leisure time is spent on the golf course.
Update on Foundation Programs and Events:
Fall Wine Tasting Event: The Foundation’s annual fall wine tasting event is scheduled for Monday, November 3, at Slate’s from 4:00-6:00 pm. The wine tasting will consist of five wines paired with five different small courses. This is always a fun event, and we encourage your participation. All profits from this and every event sponsored by the TPR Foundation are used to support senior citizens in the Southeast Valley. Slate
makes a $5 donation to the Foundation for every bottle of wine that is sold at the event. This is an incredibly generous support for our mission. The cost for this event will be $70 per person. Information about the wine tasting and registration is available on the website.
Tranquility Garden Remembrance Service: The annual memorial service for those who are no longer with us will be held in the Tranquility Garden next to the swimming pool on Saturday, November 21 at 10:00 am. Please park in the main parking lot and walk to the Garden. To recognize friends and loved ones, a tree sculpture was designed and placed in the garden, with leaves available for purchase for $200 each. We have placed approximately sixty-two engraved leaves on the tree. There are a total of two hundred leaves on the trees, so there are still plenty of leaves available for purchase. Please contact Linda Anderson (480-688-9551) for information or to purchase leaves. Cookies will be served at this event.
Thanksgiving Meals Delivery: Will you be alone this Thanksgiving? If so, the TPR Foundation would like to brighten your day by providing a Thanksgiving meal for Trilogy residents who will be alone on Thanksgiving. Meals are limited, so please sign up between October 22 and November 17. Please contact Lisa Stowe to sign up at Lmstowe1@icloud. com or by calling 248-310-2197. Meals will be delivered on November 27 between 10:00 am and noon.
Mark these dates on your calendar
Monday, Nov. 3 Fall Wine Tasting Event
Saturday, Nov. 22 Tranquility Garden Remembrance Day
Thursday, Nov. 27 Thanksgiving Meal Deliveries
Monday, Jan. 26: Winter Wine Tasting and Dinner Event
Monday, Mar. 30: Spring Wine Tasting Event
Tuesday, April 7: Bill Katz Annual Golf Event
(THIS IS A CHANGE FROM DEC. DATE)
Additional information about these events will be in the November San Tan Press and on the TPR Foundation website (tprfoundation.org ).
The Foundation’s Mission: To work in partnership with community organizations to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for senior adults living in the Southeast Valley communities, including Trilogy at Power Ranch.
Kathy Gerdl
Well, not me personally. At least not right now. But who knows, in the future I may need blood. In the future you may need blood too. Or someone you know, and love will need blood. Isn’t it great that blood is so available these days. It’s only available because of organizations like Vitalent that do regular blood drives. Those drives require volunteers, like me and you.
Why should you donate? Because blood is needed by someone every two seconds. One blood donation can save three lives because the blood can be separated into red cells, platelets, and plasma. Just imagine saving three lives and it only takes 15-20 minutes of your time.
Vitalent does the drives regularly in our ballroom. They have a long history of ensuring there is a safe and ample blood supply. They are the largest independent nonprofit blood service provider in the U. S. They are also a leader in blood testing, transfusion medicine services and blood safety research.
What’s in it for you other than saving lives? According to Healthline. com, donating blood can lower the viscosity of your blood which helps it flow more easily and reduces strain on the heart, potentially lowering the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease. It also helps regulate iron levels by reducing excess iron which can contribute to the formation of harmful free radicals that damage blood vessels.
When you donate blood, you get a health screening that includes pulse, blood pressure, body temperature and hemoglobin levels. Plus, your blood is tested for several diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, West Nile virus, syphilis and Trypanosoma Crupi.
The Mental Health Foundation says helping others can reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, benefit your physical health, help get rid of negative feelings, provide a sense of belonging and reduce isolation.
All blood types are needed 24/7, 365 days a year. Your donation could save a newborn baby, an accident victim, your neighbor or a loved one.
I have donated many times. When I was seven months pregnant with my daughter, I was severely anemic, along with a couple other issues. I had two transfusions that saved OUR lives. My husband and his fellow workers donated to replace what I received and then some. This inspired me to donate thereafter. You must know someone who has received a transfusion during surgery or for another reason. You may have received a transfusion. Won’t you return the favor so another person in need will get what they need?
Trilogy has regular blood drives. In past years, before COVID, we filled the ballroom with donors. The last few times I’ve donated there were barely a handful of people. Why? Watch for the posting in our weekly Trilogy activities email. SIGN UP! Let’s fill the ballroom again.
Sources: Healthline.com, Vitalent.com Mental Health Foundation.com I
PARKING FOR SPECIAL EVENTS:
When attending a special event at the Clubhouse, such as the Holiday Gala, please try to avoid parking in Unit 1, E Chestnut Lane, E Cassia Lane, and South Peach Willow Lane. If parking in this area, please be considerate of the homeowners and utilize one-side parking.
Listening Assistive System in Ballroom
We have a Listening Assistive System available if you have hearing challenges. If you are interested, please contact the Front Office to make an appointment to learn how to use the system.
Holiday Recipes from the Trilogy Cooking Club
A Snapshot of Life at Trilogy
Can you imagine; Ann Norbut visited Linda Eliason in Yakima, WA, both taking a side trip to Leavenworth, WA and running into Robin Fitch! Three Trilogy Line Dancers in a small world!
Art Club Member Mary Dawn Sandlin’s flowers using watercolor
Art Club Member Mary Dawn Sandlin’s bold flowers
Company of Friends Summer Social Carmen and Lil Indilicato
Company of Friends Summer Social Don Loucks, Cathy and Mark Molampy
Art Club Member Mary Dawn Sandlin’s watercolor girl with umbrella
Niners Golfers Denice Gritchell, Lavonne Walker & Susie Matejcek
Company of Friends Summer Social Vicky Townsend, Etta White, Marty and Walt Hosenfeld & Don White
Nebraska Club Members Mike & Deb Hansen
Nebraska Club Members
Nebraska Club Members Mary Yuska, Carol Waldref & Sandy Burry
Stained Glass Member Louise Lutz with her “Blue Abstract”
Stained Glass Member Ann Norbut’s “Birds on a Vine”
