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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.”...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Koczor: Nonprofit offers variety of services to seniors
The nonprofit Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens was incorporated in 1974 and designated an Area Agency on Aging. It is part of a national...
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...
Koczor: C’mon man, it’s time to get healthy
Some men just don't like talking about their health.
Even when they see a doctor, one of five men admit they haven’t been completely honest...
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...
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...
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...
Siegel: Solution to our STEM problem is elementary
In two previous columns, we looked at how the teaching of math in the elementary grades has reduced the number of students taking advanced...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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