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...
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...
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...
Koczor: Aging – it happens
Not many like it, but, eventually, it happens to all of us, whether we like it or not.
We get older.
The aging process is long....
Volunteering is mutually beneficial
National Volunteer Month in April celebrates the impact volunteers have on our lives and encourages active volunteerism for generations to come.
An extension of National...
Home construction timelines a revolving door
It seems like a rather innocuous question: How long does it take to build a new home?
The inquiry is certainly relevant with Maricopa remaining...
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...
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...
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,...
Tech careers for non-tech people
It’s no secret that careers based in the technology sector are amongst the most sustainable and future-proof.
What’s not so obvious is that anyone can...
Are you ready for monsoon season?
Monsoon season can be quite a spectacle. It usually includes heavy rain with flashfloods, spectacular lightning strikes, damaging winds and dust storms accompanying extreme...
February is American Heart Month: Is your ticker in good condition?
In the early to mid 1960s, more than half the deaths in the U.S. were caused by cardiovascular disease.
To heighten awareness, the first American...
Siegel: Instead of ending Algebra 2 requirement, redesign it
Earlier this year, the Arizona Legislature considered House Bill 2278, which would end one requirement — Algebra 2 — that causes problems for some...
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...
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...
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...
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...
As the year turns, it’s a good time to rethink how we live our...
This past year brought many challenges. Many of us are dealing with unexpected health issues. COVID-19 left its mark. Inflation had a profound effect.
Several...
Expert: How to play the credit score game
If you know the rules of the game, you will win the game. With credit, the rules are not easy to understand because of...
It’s time for Little Leaguers across Maricopa to play ball
What is it about the smell of fresh-cut grass, the good feeling of a warm afternoon and the pop of a thrown baseball into...
Koczor: Seniors most targeted by con artists, scammers
By Joan Koczor
Persons of any age can become a victim of a scam. Senior citizens are the most susceptible.
Financial scams targeting seniors have become...
Brandenburg: Fend off threats to Social Security now
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many of the issues faced by Social Security, which provides at least 70% of income for about one in six...
Survey challenges conventional wisdom, perception about aging
This past June, American Association of Retired Persons and National Geographic published results of their joint “Second Half of Life Study” in the AARP...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Is your computer getting too old?
When you get a new computer, it seems lightning fast. But after a few years, it gets slower... and slower.
The reasons aren’t a...
Chief: MPD improves way it reports crime
The Maricopa Police Department has officially improved the way we report crime. We recently completed the transition from the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program’s...
Nurtured by nature: Spending time outdoors rejuvenates, calms us
We have our son visiting from the frigid North and he is currently thawing out.
He loves Arizona, mostly for soaking up sunshine and warmer...