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,...
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...
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...
Unpacking the Brian Simmons story
Most of the time, my involvement with a story ends the day we upload the magazine to the printer.
That's simply not the case with...
Plumber: Maintenance helps to extend life of water heater
By Terry Leamon
Do you wonder if water heater flushes are necessary? Do you do regular maintenance on your water heater? Well, if not, you...
How will apartments impact Maricopa’s real estate market?
All housing studies completed in Maricopa have shown the need for multi-family housing, mostly known as apartments. The City’s goal is to have 5,000...
Growing garden veggies in desert all about timing, location
By Al Brandenburg
You may have started to plant your tomatoes, peppers and cukes. Early April in Arizona’s low desert garden is one of the...
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,...
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...
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...
Koczor: Control diabetes before it controls you
More than 34 million Americans have diabetes and one in five don’t know they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Realtor: Shortage of homes for sale strains supply of rentals
Everybody is talking about the seller’s market for real estate sales in Maricopa, but what happens to the local rental market at the same...
Mistletoe: 1,300 species and a holiday tradition
By Beth Sulek-LaHousse
Everyone has heard that if you stand with a loved one under mistletoe you are supposed to kiss that person, but where...
A second COVID-19 wave? Seniors should prepare now
With the holidays upon us, the biggest threat to our health is another wave of COVID-19 cases. We already know our generation is the...
Brandenburg: Keep your heart healthy, live longer
By Al Brandenburg
Our heart is the hardest-working muscle in our body, and heart disease is a leading cause of death. So, it’s important to...
Siegel: More women wanted in engineering
For many years, efforts have been made to entice more women to pursue careers in engineering. Today, if you ask somebody to describe an...
Senior designs for safely entering, exiting your house
When considering safety factors to adapt your home as you grow older, look for good visibility, excellent lighting, accessibility and no trip hazards. Be...
Podiatrist: Prevent this common foot ailment
By Dr. Alex M. Stewart DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Stewart of Maricopa Foot and Ankle Center is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle...
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...
Son’s COVID illness was crash course on misery of isolation
Recently, my family had occasion to experience the world of isolation, one of the biggest challenges for seniors, especially in pandemic times.
Our older son...
3 plants to make your spirits bloom
By Harriet Phelps
The winter weather conditions outside do not matter if you have a blooming plant. I need only light and a blooming plant...
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...
Walk-in tubs: what you need to know
I recently had a reader ask for information regarding walk-in tubs. My experience with them is limited to a neighbor who purchased one for...
2020 tax implications for seniors
Well, 2020 is finally over and, God-willing with the new vaccines, the COVID virus will be trending downward. But there is something new to...
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,...
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...