Would you step back in time to relive a special Christmas from days past?
Christmas is almost here.
This magical time of year means so many things as it brings people together. It’s a celebration with family and friends,...
Squash, pumpkins carve out niche in Maricopa-area history
It’s that time of year again, when we give thanks with pumpkin and squash on the holiday table.
Cucurbita, Latin for gourd, is among the...
Options for senior housing, care
When it comes to decisions regarding housing at the time of retirement, most everyone is simply trying to decide where they want to live....
September is Suicide Prevention Month — and perfect time to learn signs, symptoms
Every 11 minutes, a person dies by suicide. In 2020, 45,979 individuals took their own life. Almost as many people who live in the...
CPA: A business owner’s guide to inflation
Everything I need to know about inflation, I learned in grade school — too much money chasing too few goods and services. Supply and...
Morgan: Foreclosures not expected to change the market
Historically speaking, foreclosures have played a role in Maricopa’s housing prices.
A foreclosure, in a nutshell, is when a homeowner falls behind on their payments...
Morgan: While helpful, home warranty only goes so far
Of an estimated 21,000 existing houses in the city limits of Maricopa, nearly 8,000 of them are at least 15 years old.
At that age,...
Chief: Community valued partner on police beat
It has been a few months since my last column on how the Maricopa Police Department is policing your community.
In that column, I discussed...
Coping with stressful news: Keep things in perspective
Today’s news reports have been less than encouraging for exiting a globally traumatic event, such as the COVID crisis, to cope with. While feelings...
What to expect from Social Security in 2022
Over 50 million Americans rely on Social Security for at least a portion of their retirement income. When you consider that 180 million people...
Growing onions in the desert? No need to cry
Perhaps you’ve had the same experience: onion bulbs from the big box stores that never develop into the big, dry ones like you buy...
The Roselle: A tropical plant that’s found a new home in Maricopa
By Amanda Rice
Hibiscus sabdariffa or roselle, is known by a number of names across the world, including Jamaican sorrel, Flor da Jamaica, Florida cranberry,...
Enhancing elementary school learning
The word “elementary” has two seemingly conflicting definitions. For some, elementary means basic or simple as when Sherlock Holmes said, “Elementary, my dear Watson.”...
Meet the Maricopa Master Gardeners – and become one
Let’s explore the Master Gardener program in Maricopa. But first some history on two key related organizations.
The Land Grant College Act of 1862 ceded...
Smith: Sleep – it’s a big deal!
On average, adults need about 7-9 hours of sleep. Researchers say people can survive longer without food than without sleep! It’s a time for...
Dog days of summer cause panting foliage
By Al Brandenburg
Although we've made it through the hot, dry months of June and July, our vegetable gardens have pretty much given up the...
Koczor: Why you may want a home warranty
Many of you have been in your home for a number of years – along with the same major appliances or mechanical systems.
Generally, when...
So, what is backyard orchard culture?
A philosophy advanced by Dave Wilson Nursery in California, wholesale supplier of
fruit trees to many of the better nurseries in Arizona, espouses high-density planting,...
Smith: An involved citizenry strengthens community
What is community engagement?
For some it is civic engagement, or active participation in your community, perhaps voting, volunteering or joining organizations. According to Thomas...
Brandenburg: Long COVID may result from autoantibodies
BY AL BRANDENBURG
An increasing number of COVID-19 survivors are experiencing symptoms weeks or months after the infection has cleared in what is known informally...
A senior center, defined
With a senior center opening soon here in Maricopa, it’s an appropriate time to consider what one should provide.
Senior centers should:
• Serve as a...
Brandenburg: Seniors, are you drinking enough water?
By Al Brandenburg
The triple digits are upon us and the summer forecast promises more scorching temperatures. The extreme heat underscores the need for seniors...
Siegel: A student assesses his MUSD education
Parents of school-age children may ask, “Can schools in the Maricopa Unified School District provide the quality education I want for my child?” This...
Smith: Relationships must be nurtured
For most of us, quality of life is likely determined by relationships, not by things,
according to research.
As we age, life can present harsh realities...
Proper storing of produce preserves flavor, extends life
Have you become a backyard gardener because of the coronavirus pandemic? Many of us have turned to growing our own food for a number...
Koczor: May is a month to celebrate older Americans
Every year in May, older Americans are recognized for their contributions to our
communities and nation.
A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy...
Smith: Steps toward a more meaningful, enjoyable life
At some point after retirement, we may start questioning what to do with our free time. We may have accomplished some anticipated travel and...
The depression danger in aging adults
By Al Brandenburg
Depression is not a normal part of aging, but can develop in later years— and it can be dangerous.
The Centers for Disease...
Siegel: As seniors graduate, plenty of others deserve recognition
It is May and time for graduation ceremonies, which are generally called “a commencement,” meaning a beginning.
This year’s ceremonies will truly be recognition of...
Koczor: preventative measures for a healthy brain
A recent article from Mayo Clinic states we are living longer than previous generations and should prepare ourselves to encounter new health risks, like...