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...
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...
Maricopa seniors should be prepared for disasters to augment city plans
While images of hurricanes and wildfire destruction have been in recent news coverage, homeowners, renters and business owners can ill afford to ignore other...
Smith: Dealing with uncertainty, leave them laughing!
Back when I was hiring employees, I would always add a couple of extra desired skills to the job description— the ability to deal...
Smith: Watch out, I have things on my mind!
I’ve had a bunch of interesting tidbits running through my mind the last few weeks.
InMaricopa magazine’s focus last month on volunteerism struck a nerve...
Master gardener: Keep poinsettias bloomin’ and beautiful through holidays
Poinsettias are one of the most symbolic plants of the holiday season.
So popular, they account for about one-quarter of all flowering potted plant sales.
With...
Siegel: Preparing for rapid technological development
There are many difficult challenges facing the United States, yet one vital problem receives little coverage by politicians or the media — the growing...
Remember seniors who might be alone in your holiday plans
The holidays are upon us. With the chaos of running back and forth getting ready to celebrate, it is important for us to remember...
5 tips to avoid falls, including over your pets
Most of us can’t live without our cats and dogs, but sometimes they literally just get in the way.
About 85,000 people suffer nonfatal injuries...
RAM Academy proof of MUSD override success
In 2016, the voters of Maricopa approved a budget override for the local school system, Maricopa Unified School District. The funds were used to...
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...
Seniors, avoid bone fractures by taking preventive steps
Every year, seniors fall and break their hips or other bones and then face serious potential illnesses and possibly death as a result. The...
Aging expert: More years in good health a gift, not burden
The gift of time is very real. Life expectancy has increased dramatically because people are in much better overall health than prior generations. In...
Expert: How to keep that summer glow
No matter how much we love the feel of the sun on our skin, we must acknowledge the sun can damage our skin. That...
Master gardener: Smile-making sunflowers
Plant sunflowers for a garden that will make you smile!
Find a sunny place with well-drained soil and plant seeds in early spring or fall,...
American Heart Month: Taking care of your ticker
The first American Heart Month was marked in February 1964 following President Lyndon B. Johnson’s proclamation on Dec. 30, 1963. At that time, more...
Holiday gift suggestions
In an attempt to reduce holiday stress, I’m going to provide you with some gift suggestions for friends and loved ones. Of course, in...
Danger in the air for older Americans
Here in Arizona, we are all exposed to desert dust every time the wind blows. This can lead to lung problems such as Valley...
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...
Traveling by air just got easier
Traveling by plane is one of the safest and fastest ways to get to your destination. But crowded airports, long waits at security checkpoints,...
Technology helping more seniors age at home
By Al Brandenburg
Americans are living longer, and most would prefer to age in their own home and community, rather than going to a hospital...
Siegel: Expanding STEM success: 2 simple steps
Last month’s column looked at how the teaching of math in the elementary grades has reduced the number of students taking advanced math classes...
Algebra a tough equation to solve
Algebra (specifically, high school algebra) truly is a gatekeeper to a student’s future.
Non-technical college degrees generally require completing a college algebra course, which might...
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...
Master Gardener: Prepare that new vegetable garden now
It’s August, and we have not quite given up on summer and are wondering when it will end. The temperatures are consistently in the...
Phelps: The pandemic’s emotional toll
School is in session and, hopefully, a routine has been established and the children are adjusting well. But there may be concerns that loom...
Siegel: What does an academic coach do?
Most everyone knows what an athletic coach does, yet many are ignorant about the duties of an academic coach.
By next school year, all Maricopa...
Learning to read in Maricopa schools
For several years, emphasis has been placed on the learning of mathematics and science in the elementary grades, yet nobody disputes that the most...
Hot! Hot! Hot! Gardening in July
By Al Brandenburg
Another year and again I am watching my plants wither in the 100-degree-plus heat. Gardening in Arizona in July can be difficult...
Accelerated learning program to kick off in kindergarten
In recent years, the Maricopa Unified School District has made a concerted effort to improve the assessment of the learning that occurs in its...