Columns

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 (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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Many of you have been in your home for a number of years – along with the same major appliances or mechanical systems. Generally, when...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Have you become a backyard gardener because of the coronavirus pandemic? Many of us have turned to growing our own food for a number...

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...

At some point after retirement, we may start questioning what to do with our free time. We may have accomplished some anticipated travel and...

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...

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...

A recent article from Mayo Clinic states we are living longer than previous generations and should prepare ourselves to encounter new health risks, like...

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...

For many years, efforts have been made to entice more women to pursue careers in engineering. Today, if you ask somebody to describe an...

In two previous columns, we looked at how the teaching of math in the elementary grades has reduced the number of students taking advanced...

The gift of time is very real. Life expectancy has increased dramatically because people are in much better overall health than prior generations. In...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Everybody loves tomatoes. Ninety-three percent of all American gardening households grow their own tomatoes. Tomatoes didn’t arrive in the United States until the 1820s, but they...