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Age, Stress Combination Significantly Raise Risk For Heart Disease pg 8

Ask A Health Care Professional

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Printed on recycled paper Volume 32 | Issue 2

PRIME TIME February 2022

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The content you have come to expect will remain largely the same – but with even more local news, information, and resources that will include entertainment and event listings, as well as healthy and tasty recipes. We are also launching a new website for the Family Caregiver Resource Guide (www.CaregiversNM.com) and for Prime Time Monthly Magazine (www.PrimeTimeNM.com), where you will be able to easily read current and past issues, find local entertainment and event updates, search for caregiver listings, and much more. Both sites are anticipated to be live in March. Mostly, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for your loyalty to Prime Time. We look forward to your input and ideas on the content we can provide to help you care for yourself and/or your loved ones. Have a safe and pleasant February!

Home of Prime Time Monthly News Family Caregivers Resource Guide 50+ EXPO Locally Owned Women Owned

Both of us have been working for Prime Time since 2010, providing photography and design for the monthly magazine, the Family Caregivers Resource Guide, and the Prime Time 50+ Expo, our annual health fair. We know Prime Time well and are excited to continue to provide you, our readers, with the publications and events you know and love.

Prime Time Publishing, LLC

s many of you already know, Prime Time Publishing came under new ownership as of January 15. We’d like to welcome you to our first edition and introduce ourselves not only as Prime Time’s publishers, but also as native New Mexicans and sisters. We are Ashley Conner and Dana Benjamin.

Publishers

Ashley Conner Dana Benjamin publisher@primetimenm.com

Advertising Executives Matt Gantner matt@primetimenm.com

Scott Simmons scott@primetimenm.com Christopher Hagen christopher@primetimenm.com

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Ashley Conner publisher@primetimenm.com

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Dana Benjamin publisher@primetimenm.com

With appreciation, Ashley Conner and Dana Benjamin

Copy Editor Autumn Gray

Calendar Editor Liz Otero

Table of Contents FEATURES

COLUMNS

MONTHLY

The Buying Power Of Women: How Women Shape The Economy And Business World

Savvy Senior

Cirque De Soleil’s Ovo Files To Rio Rancho

3 13 15 20 21 22

Adoptable Pets of the Month

16 17 18 19

Classifieds

Shannon Wagers

Contributing Writers Kimberly Blaker Autumn Gray Beckett Nodal Betty J. Kekse Jim Miller Dr. Gerard Muraida Dr. Shellie Rosen Shannon Wagers Dr. Diana Weber

Get news and see event pictures on our new Facebook page at facebook.com/ primetimepublishing

Heart Friendly Sweet Potato Shepard’s Pie New In Albuquerque Dr. Muraida Herb Doc

Crossword Calendar Live Entertainment

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The Publisher does not take responsibility for the accuracy or legitimacy of the advertiser’s message or that of the guest writer/columnists or any aspect of the business operation or conduct of the advertisers in the paper.

ADOPTA B L E PE TS O F TH E MO N TH Mindy

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Courtesy of Animal Humane New Mexico

Suzy is an 11 year old, spayed female with a beautiful soft grey tabby coat. Her owner recently went through a divorce and lost her job so she couldn’t afford to care for me anymore. Small kids make her nervous but she does well with kids that are gentle, calm and treat her with respect. She’s as sweet as can be and just needs a new home of her own again! Pet ID: 19162 Pet type: Cat Gender: Female Age: 11 years old, Senior Breed: Domestic Short Hair Size: Medium, 10.75lbs Location: Kennel #:7

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The Buying Power Of Women: How Women Shape The Economy And Business World By Kimberly Blaker

omen account for or influence 70-80 percent of all buying decisions. The ‘female economy’ was estimated by Forbes in 2017 to be worth $18 trillion, and it continues to grow. These statistics reveal the crucial role women play in keeping the economy afloat—in good times and in bad. While many businesses have taken heed, plenty of industries and companies remain behind the times when it comes to treating women as major consumers. They fail to see the power this segment possesses. For example, most women can attest to occasions when their gender has negatively affected the service and attention they received. Additionally, women are still taken advantage of because of their lack of or

perceived lack of knowledge in certain industries. Women, however, have become increasingly educated consumers, and businesses that don’t recognize this are learning the hard way. Many women, offended by these biases, walk away from a purchase and go elsewhere, demanding to be treated with respect. Advertising and marketing specialists are also catching on. Advertising that stereotypes women and marketing explicitly geared to male audiences don’t sit well in the minds of women today. Stereotyping and the absence of recognizing women as potential consumers for traditionally male products are off-target, offensive, and fail to give these large consumers the information they need.

House and home Women account for well over half of the spending on household goods and personal items. That’s because they take more interest in shopping for these items, especially non-essentials. Women control most of the expenditures not only on décor, linens, and kitchen gadgets, but also on furniture, cabinetry, carpeting, lighting, and more. Furthermore, women play a significant role in the purchase of real estate, the biggest investment most families make. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, “19% of firsttime home buyers and 17% of repeat home buyers were single women,” totaling 36 percent. Single men accounted for only 20 percent of homebuyers in 2020. Married women also markedly influence real estate decisions.

According to David Powers Homes of Houston, Texas, couples ultimately agree on the purchase together. Yet research conducted by the company found women make almost 80 percent of the home-buying decisions in the company’s $180,000 to $500,000 price range. When buying a home, men and women each look for certain features. Women are most concerned with floor plans and designs and how these factors will accommodate their lifestyles. Specific features of importance to women include large closets, kitchen space and design, space needs, and overall comfort. Men focus mainly on technology, energy efficiency, and garage functionality. Probably one of the most underrecognized areas of women’s (continued on next page)

W H E N W E S AY

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The Buying Power Of Women (cont.) (continued from previous page)

buying power, however, is in the tool and home improvement industry. With the surge in doit-yourself remodeling, women have fast become one of the big spenders in tool departments and home improvement aisles. Kimberly Stevens, a staff reporter for The Wall Street Journal, explains, “We’re talking buzz saws, routers and power sanders.” The growth of female tool shoppers isn’t minimal, Stevens points out. A survey by the Home Improvement Research Institute found that women have been outpacing men in their involvement in do-it-yourself projects since at least 2000. According to a female industrial designer at Porter-Cable of Jackson, Tenn., as reported by Daily Gist, “Women are using these tools on a regular basis.” The growth of female tool sales is due, in part, to the significant increase in women working in the construction field, which has nearly doubled over the last 15 years. Health care Women’s voices are gaining prominence in the health care industry, as well. Women make at least two-thirds of the health care decisions in U.S. households, according to Amy Ertel Bellcourt, vice president of corporate communications for MVP Health Plan. So, health care systems are paying particular attention by improving maternity wards and focusing a portion of their marketing on services affecting women. Travel Women are equally important to the travel market. They now make 70 percent of all travel decisions. They’re the larger clientele of adventure travel. But business travel has also seen marked growth by females. Women make up nearly half of all business travel, according to research by Judi Brownell, professor of Cornell University’s Management & Organizational Behaviour Program. More than 75 percent of women traveling for business are collegeeducated and better able than men to articulate their needs. They participate in more leisure activities while traveling on business. They’re also much more

likely to order room service while traveling alone. For these reasons, they have a significant impact on this industry. Investment While the percentage of women who own stocks still lags behind men, ample research has found that women make better investors. In 2017, Fidelity Investments reported after analyzing more than 8 million clients that when it comes to the return on investments, women outperform men. Automotive Another area where women play a crucial role is in the automotive industry. According to a report by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, “Women are not only becoming more influential in deciding what car to buy, they are also taking over the traditionally male-dominated responsibility of maintenance and repair.” Women make up between 65 percent and 80 percent of auto repair and service shop customers. Women are also responsible for almost half of new car sales and slightly over half of the used-car sales, according to Art Spinella of CNW Research. Women influence 80 percent of all transactions. Also, Ford Motor Marketing says that 95 percent of women have the power to “veto” an automobile purchase. What women want from this industry, experts say, is not to be treated differently. They want to be treated with respect. “Women ask more questions, inquire about details, and are more willing to look under the hood, or check out parts,” says Diane Hohman, an automotive aftermarket consultant in Herndon, Va. So, they’re beginning to get the respect they deserve in this market.

consumers, women not only keep the economy from becoming stagnant during times of stability, but they also keep it from collapsing during a recession. This means women are gaining the upper hand in the way the business industry treats them. Women aren’t demanding preferential treatment, but they do expect equal treatment and respect.

Sports and entertainment Furthermore, the women’s sports apparel market is valued at $26.8 billion, nearly a third of the total sports apparel market of $80.1 billion as of 2018, according to the Euromonitor International. In fact, an unexpected 45 percent of National Football League fans are now women, according to the NFL’s 2017 estimate. What this all boils down to is two-fold. Being America’s biggest

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HE A R T H E A LT H

Age, Stress Combination Significantly Raise Risk For Heart Disease Most cardiovascular problems can be treated, even reversed By Autumn Gray

ust when many of us believed we knew how to love our hearts by keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels low, the medical community hits us with this: Stress and age are now leading causes of heart disease. Lest you start stressing about how a person is supposed to avoid either of those, take heart. Cardiovascular disease is manageable and even reversible with innovative treatments, prescription medicine, and/or healthful lifestyle choices. However, to avoid becoming a statistic, individuals should be aware of their risks, take steps to mitigate those risks, and know the symptoms that could indicate a heart condition. “As long as we catch it early enough, we can treat what we need

• • • • • •

to treat, and we can control it. It’s not the death sentence it used to be,” said Dr. Robert Federici, who has been practicing medicine in New Mexico for 25 years and is medical director of Presbyterian Healthcare Services’ cardiovascular program. “I joke with my patients that my job is to make sure you die of something else.” While heart disease-related fatalities have been on the decline nationwide and in New Mexico for the last decade, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the state - accounting for 21 percent of all fatalities. In recognition of American Heart Month in February, the New Mexico Department of Health and local cardiologists are raising awareness about this preventable killer that disproportionately impacts the older population.

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Age and stress About two-thirds of cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths occur in people age 75 and older, and the risk of getting heart disease increases with age, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Among ages 60 to 79, about 68 percent have CVD, but that jumps to about 85 percent for the 80 and older age group. “Age is probably the biggest risk factor for heart disease because if you live long enough, you’re likely to get heart disease,” Federici said. For those who do develop heart issues, stress is the most significant complicating factor leading to death, according to a study released in November by the Journal of the American Medical Association. Combine stress and age, and the result can be a double whammy for the heart. Even so, stress and age are not risk factors commonly quoted to patients in doctor’s offices. “Physicians aren’t bringing it up. There’s not a pill we can give for stress,” Federici said, adding that he believes it should be a routine part of the conversation. Rather, the AHA’s “Simple Seven” take center stage - weight, activity level, smoking, blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and diet. There’s good reason physicians focus on these risk factors, said Dr. Robert Taylor, Optum New Mexico’s chief medical director of cardiology and former president of the AHA’s New Mexico chapter. “The biggest thing we tell people is to know your

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Dr. Robert Taylor

numbers. Know your cholesterol, know your blood pressure. If you know your numbers … and if you hit those goals by the time you’re 60, you can expect to live life without a heart attack. … It’s not an inevitable situation.” In addition to the traditional treadmill stress test, Taylor recommends people receive a heart scan to more fully examine heart health. The noninvasive procedure assesses the level of calcium in the arteries. If a calcium level is elevated, that means the patient is at risk of heart disease or a heart attack. “You can do all the right things and still develop plaque in the arteries,” Taylor said. Love the mind, love the heart Stress is often a component. That’s because stress releases hormones, such as cortisol, that “jack up our (continued on next page)

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Age, Stress Combination Significantly Raise Risk For Heart Disease (cont.) (continued from previous page)

bodies with energy,” Federici said. Their production, an evolutionary fight or flight response to life-ordeath situations, increase heart rate, blood pressure, and inflammation – all of which, over time, contribute to heart disease. To reduce the effects of stress, Federici said, individuals can and should begin by eating a healthful diet and getting regular exercise of at least 30-45 minutes, five times per week. Meditation, prayer, mindfulness exercises, or any activity that calms the mind is also suggested. “Walking is the perfect exercise, especially for people over 50,” he said, “because it’s a routine you can stick to that doesn’t wear out joints or your body.” When lifestyle isn’t enough to curb risks, cholesterol-lowering medications may be the next best approach. Statins, in particular, have been linked to reduced risk for heart disease and stroke.

“Heart attack rates have dropped in half in the last 10 years. But people are not getting thinner in the U.S.; people are still smoking; we don’t have less diabetes, we have more. So, none of the classic risk factors have gone away,” Federici said. “But more patients have been put on cholesterol pills, which can stabilize plaque - one of the biggest factors in terms of maintaining good heart health. “Heart function can even get better with certain medications and therapies. It’s very common to see that.” Cutting-edge therapies Innovative medical procedures are also giving heart patients reason to be optimistic. For example, a relatively new, minimally invasive procedure involving a permanent heart implant offers an alternative for people who either can’t tolerate or fear side effects from blood thinners. The implant, called a Watchman, effectively reduces the risk of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, or AFib,

the most common type of irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots and stroke. Also on the cardiovascular horizon is a groundbreaking treatment for high blood pressure. Called renal denervation, the catheter-based procedure uses radiofrequency ablation to disrupt renal nerves that impact blood pressure, allowing the patient to come off medications. Federici estimates the minimally invasive surgery will be a reality for New Mexico patients soon after it receives U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, likely in the next year to 19 months: “Happily, in the cardiovascular world, (New Mexico) has not been lagging. In terms of innovative technology, we’ve been at the forefront.” Indeed, the biggest hurdle to heart health often lies with the patient. People may not be motivated to take action toward better health, or they ignore symptoms of cardiovascular issues because they are subtle or vague. These could include mild shortness of breath during day-to-day

Dr. Robert Federici

activity or during exercise, excessive sweating, swelling feet, exercise intolerance, and an increased sense of fatigue. “People will blow it off and say, ‘I’m just getting older,’ or ‘I’ve gained five pounds,’ or ‘I’m out of shape,’ and they minimize the symptoms,” Optum New Mexico’s Taylor said. “A lot of people have the misconception that everybody has chest pain, but a lot of people never have chest pain. “The biggest thing I can recommend is if you think there might be problem, have it looked at. There’s never a bad time to start.”

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HE A R T H E A LT H

Ask A Health Care Professional

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Give a littleAtención time.FamilyGet a lot back. Services was founded in 2007

— Jennifer Muller

with the goal of assisting New Mexican families with their home healthcare needs. Albuquerque

moc.secivresylimafnóicnetA@ofni m o c . s e c i v r e s y l i m a f n ó i c n e t A .w w w

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ATENCIÓN Family Services

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pressure lowering medications are very effective at reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage and other illnesses. If you have diabetes, it is very important to receive proper medical attention. You might be able to control diabetes with diet and exercise, but medications may be necessary. Diabetes that is not controlled increases the risk of heart disease. Finally, lowering your heart disease risk includes addressing personal stress and anger. Stress increases the likelihood that you will smoke, exercise less, eat unhealthy food and drink more than a moderate amount of alcohol — all of which contribute to heart disease. It is therefore important that you seek assistance in dealing with the issues that are causing stress. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, spend some time this month developing habits that will improve the health of your heart. For more information, go to the American Heart Association website, www.heart.org. If you have a health question that you would like to be considered in Ask a Health Care Professional, please email AskHealthcareProfessional@ bcsbsnm.com. BCBSNM will select questions that may appear. Questions will not be personally answered. The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of BCBSNM. This column is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. H ETS WN DR onatnoM 0036 02178 MN ,euqreuqublA

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T C AT N O C

“MY FATHER’S CAREGIVERS CHANGED MY LIFE.”

on a diet to decrease inflammation. Inflammation decreasing foods are high in fiber and anti-oxidants, such as leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, tea and coffee. Here are some tips: • Cut down on salt. • Eat less sugar. • Limit saturated fat — found in butter, margarine, fatty meats, dairy fats and processed foods. • Fill up on fruits and vegetables. • Eat modest portions of lean proteins, such as fish —especially salmon or tuna, which is high in good-for-you omega-3 fatty acids — poultry and meat. • Cut back on alcohol. Exercising and modifying your diet will keep you at a healthy weight, which is another way to decrease your heart disease risk. Next, make sure you control your cholesterol levels. High levels can create plaque buildup in the arteries, which blocks blood flow and can raise your risk of a heart attack or stroke. If you have high cholesterol, you will likely benefit from being on a medication that lowers your body’s production of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, and dramatically reduces your risk of heart disease. Work with your doctor or clinician to make sure your blood pressure is at a safe level. Wellcontrolled blood pressure keeps the entire cardiovascular system functioning well. You can take control of your blood pressure by measuring it at home with a monitor. You want to shoot for a blood pressure of 100-120/6080. If it is consistently over this, you may need treatment. Blood S R U O E K I L YL I M AF R U O Y TA E R T E W

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his month we celebrate Valentine’s Day, which is all about hearts. It is fitting that February is also American Heart Month, making this a good time to reflect on how the activities we engage in and the choices we make can impact the health of our hearts and our risk of heart disease. Heart disease is responsible for one in every three deaths for both sexes. Many people don’t recognize this, but heart disease remains the leading cause of death in women as well as men. The good news is that there are factors that you can control and behaviors you can engage in that will significantly lower your risk. What are the risk factors for heart disease? Risk factors can be divided into things you can control and factors that are out of your control. The latter includes age, gender and family history. As we age, our risk for heart disease increases. Women’s risk increases in the postmenopausal period, and women are more likely to have their first heart attack a bit later than men. Males are at greater risk than females, even though, as stated above, heart disease is still a major problem for women. Finally, we can’t do anything about the genetic propensity towards heart disease that we inherit from our families. However, we know that a healthy lifestyle, especially when started at a young age, goes a long way towards preventing cardiovascular disease. So, regardless of whether

you already have risk factors, modifying your lifestyle and taking lifesaving medications can prevent heart disease. How can I reduce my risk for heart disease and heart attacks? In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, you and your partner can work together to improve your heart health. Researchers have found that couples can influence each other in a positive direction. When one partner had good health habits, the other often did as well. So, work on the following habits together, and you will both be healthier. The most important thing you can do is to stop smoking. If you smoke any product, you are more than twice as likely to have a heart attack as nonsmokers, and you’re much more likely to die if you do have a heart attack. Next, start exercising. We know that exercising vigorously for 75 minutes a week or moderately for 150 minutes a week decreases your risk of heart disease and other diseases as well; 150 minutes is 30 minutes five days a week, and you don’t need to join a gym or do high-intensity interval training. Start with a walk around the block and work your way up. Find some time with your valentine to exercise together and improve your health. Now that you are exercising, you can start improving your diet. What we eat is important. Studies have shown that when people eat certain foods that cause inflammation, such as sugary drinks, red and processed meat, and refined carbohydrates, they are 38 percent more likely to develop heart problems than people

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she didn’t have to and this changed At Atención every client has a team of caregivers assigned to them that ensure their continuity everything for my family.” of care. Muller purchased the company after — Jennifer Muller. experiencing Atención’s care giving services firsthand. Muller exemplifies Atención’s compassion Time her Monthly PTPUBCO.com individual| care for every 10 February 2022 | Primethrough “Our caregiver loved my father whenclient— through home visits and constant she didn’t have to and this changed communication with caregivers. everything for my family.” — Jennifer Muller.

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Join the RSVP Volunteer Program. If you are 55+, we will Business Owner, Jennifer Muller purchased the company in 2015 and has since grown the organization and sustained the company mission. connect you with a community-improving organization WE TREAT YOUR FAMILY LIKE OURS where you can volunteer and receive our support benefits At Atención every client has a team of caregivers CONTACT Atención Family Services was founded in 2007 assigned to them that ensure their continuity withincluding the goal of assisting New Mexican families mileage reimbursement, supplemental insurance, of care. Muller purchased the company after with their home healthcare needs. Albuquerque Business Owner, Jennifer Muller purchasedexperiencing Atención’s care giving services firsthand. and volunteer recognition. the educational company in 2015 andopportunities has since grown the

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A Martineztown Landmark Goes Dark By Shannon Wagers

early a century ago, in 1924, Manuel Sánchez opened Manuel’s Food Market at the intersection of Edith Boulevard and Roma Avenue in Albuquerque’s Martineztown neighborhood. The store was in continuous operation by the same family until it closed last year. It was one of the last of the many small family-owned groceries that once dotted the city, before there were big supermarket chains like Smith’s and Albertson’s. But Manuel’s was more than a store. It was a community center, a political hub, and later, a kind of living museum. Manuel’s daughter, Clara Martinez, who died in December at the age of 95, was the proprietor for more years than anyone can remember. Her smiling face behind the counter, hair upswept in a trademark pompadour, was as much of a neighborhood institution as the store itself. Clara ran the business while her father, longtime county chairman of the Democratic Party, devoted himself to politics and community activism. Above the cans of food on the shelves, the walls were lined with vintage political posters and photographs of party dignitaries, including a gigantic portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt that hung above the cash register. In later years, Clara was assisted by her son Rick, a retired PNM electrical engineer and accomplished woodcarver, whose santos and other creations were also on display. Rick died in 2020. Several years ago, I got into the habit of taking an occasional lunch break at Manuel’s, where a couple of tamales, hot from the steamer on the counter, and a can of soda pop cost less than $2.50, and the conversation was free. On nice days I’d wander across the street to Martineztown Park, eat my tamales, and contemplate the neighborhood’s long history. Martineztown, like many other neighborhoods in the older parts of Albuquerque, was originally a discrete, though unincorporated, community that was later engulfed by the growing city. Local lore says that it began as a paraje, or campsite, on a branch of El Camino Real that eventually became today’s Edith Boulevard. In 1832, the Acequia Madre de Barelas was constructed, taking water from the Río Grande to the area and making irrigated farming possible on what had previously been only grazing land. The ditch is long gone,

but Acequia Crossing, a small park next to Manuel’s Market, marks its former location. The first permanent settlement was established by Don Manuel Martín, who began farming there around 1850, or possibly earlier. It is for him that the community is named, although how Martín became Martinez is unclear. Robert Julyan, in his indispensable book, The Place Names of New Mexico, suggests that Los Martínes, the plural form of the family name, somehow morphed into Martinez, hence Martineztown. However it happened, the name wasn’t applied to the area until after 1880. Before that it was commonly called Dog Town, in reference to its large canine population. The area today comprises three contiguous neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, sometimes collectively called Martineztown/ Santa Barbara. It occupies a rectangle of land bounded on the west by Broadway Boulevard, on the east by the sandhills and Interstate 25, and extending from Martin Luther King Boulevard on the south to Odelia Road on the north. The section from MLK north to Lomas Boulevard, known as South Martineztown, consists mostly of tidy townhouses and single-family homes of recent vintage, overshadowed by the imposing Lovelace medical complex, formerly St. Joseph’s Hospital. North of Lomas lies Martineztown proper, site of the original plaza (now gone) and earliest settlement. Narrow winding streets and adobe homes preserve much of the character of the old neighborhood, although commercial development has intruded. The dominant historic structure here is the Second Presbyterian Church, established in 1889. It seems that sometime in the 1880s, several families, including that of community founder Don Manuel Martín, left the Catholic church, became Protestants, and formed the nucleus of the congregation. The present building dates from 1922. Even today, many residents remain Protestant, making the neighborhood something of an anomaly among Hispanic communities. Above Mountain Road, Martineztown grades into Santa Barbara, named for Santa Barbara Cemetery at Edith and Odelia, established in 1869 by the Jesuit fathers who then served San Felipe Neri parish in Old Town. Occupying the neighborhood’s high ground is San Ignacio Loyola Church on Walter Street, an indication that in this section Catholicism is still the

dominant religion. In the early 1970s, Urban Renewal programs, which were responsible for the destruction of many historic buildings in Albuquerque and elsewhere, threatened to transform Martineztown. Declaring the area “blighted” and its housing “substandard,” city officials drew up plans calling for it to be rezoned for industrial/commercial development. Residents were to be relocated to other parts of the city. A grassroots movement sprang up to oppose the plan, led in part by Manuel

Sánchez and other family members. The rallying cry of the movement was ¡Martineztown no se vende! Martineztown is not for sale! The protest culminated in a march on City Hall in May of 1971. The City backed down and the neighborhood remained intact. But now a little piece of it is missing. The future of Manuel’s Food Market is uncertain. Family members have said they are considering turning it into a neighborhood growers’ market, but no plans have been made. For now, it remains closed.

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ear Savvy Senior, Can you give me a brief rundown of Medicare’s enrollment choices along with when and how to sign up? - Approaching 65 Dear Approaching, The rules and timetables for Medicare enrollment can be confusing to many new retirees, so it’s smart to plan ahead. Here’s a simplified rundown of what to know. First, a quick review. Remember that original Medicare has two parts: Part A, which provides hospital coverage and is free for most people, and Part B, which covers doctor’s visits and other medical services, and costs $170.10 per month for most enrollees in 2021. When to Enroll Everyone is eligible for Medicare at age 65, even if your full Social Security retirement age is 66 or later. You can enroll any time during the “initial enrollment period,” which is a seven-month period that includes the three months before, the month of, and the three months after your 65th birthday. It’s best to enroll three months before your birth month to ensure your coverage starts when you turn 65. If you happen to miss the sevenmonth sign-up window for Medicare Part B, you’ll have to wait until the next “general enrollment period,” which runs from January 1 to March 31, with benefits beginning the

Approaching 65? Here’s What to Know About Enrolling in Medicare following July 1. You’ll also incur a 10 percent penalty for each year you wait beyond your initial enrollment period, which will be tacked on to your monthly Part B premium. You can sign up for premium-free Part A at any time with no penalty. Working Exceptions Special rules apply if you’re eligible for Medicare and still on the job. If you have health insurance coverage through your employer or your spouse’s employer, and the company has 20 or more employees, you have a “special enrollment period” in which you can sign up. This means that you can delay enrolling in Medicare Part B and are not subject to the 10 percent late-enrollment penalty as long as you sign up within eight months of losing that coverage. Drug Coverage Be aware that original Medicare does not cover prescription medications, so if you don’t have credible drug coverage from an employer or union, you’ll need to buy a Part D drug plan from a private insurance company (see Medicare.gov/plan-compare) during your initial enrollment if you want coverage. If you don’t, you’ll incur a premium penalty – 1 percent of the average national premium ($33 in 2022) for every month you don’t have coverage – if you enroll later. Supplemental Coverage If you choose original Medicare, it’s also a good idea to get

a Medigap (Medicare supplemental) policy within six months after enrolling in Part B to help pay for things that aren’t covered by Medicare, such as copayments, co-insurance, and deductibles. See Medicare. gov/medigap-supplementalinsurance-plans to shop and compare policies. All-In-One Plans Instead of getting original Medicare plus a Part D drug plan and a Medigap policy, you could sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan instead (see Medicare. gov/plan-compare) that covers everything in one plan. Nearly half of all new Medicare enrollees are signing up for Advantage plans. These plans, which are also sold by insurance companies, are generally available through HMOs and PPOs and often have cheaper premiums; however, their deductibles and co-pays are usually higher. Many of these plans also provide coverage for extra services not offered by original Medicare, like dental, hearing, and vision coverage, along with gym/fitness memberships. Most plans include prescription drug coverage too. How to Enroll If you’re already receiving your Social Security benefits before age 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Part A and Part B,

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February 2022 | Prime Time Monthly | PTPUBCO.com

and you’ll receive your Medicare card about three months before your 65th birthday. It will include instructions to return it if you have work coverage that qualifies you for late enrollment. If you’re not receiving Social Security, you’ll need to enroll either online at SSA.gov/medicare or over the phone at 800-772-1213. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

RECIPES

Heart Friendly Sweet Potato Shepard’s Pie By Betty J. Kekse

his is a heart friendly twist on the traditional Shepard’s Pie recipe. I have always enjoyed sweet potatoes in savory settings, and this recipe lets them shine and play with others. By adding the orange bell peppers, spinach, and tomatoes, you get a hearty vegetable-filled dish with plenty of sweet and savory flavors. I like to pair this dish with my three-ingredient Kale Caesar Salad. If you roast the sweet potatoes an hour or so ahead of the cook time, they are cool and very easy to peel when you need them. I hope you enjoy this recipe, and remember, if the meal doesn’t work out tonight, you will have tomorrow to cook again. Cheers! Sweet Potato Shepard’s Pie Recipe Ingredients: • 2.5 lbs sweet potatoes • 3 TB avocado oil • 1 large sweet onion, diced • 1 lb ground chicken (I like using Keller’s Farm Stores all white meat ground chicken.) • 1 large orange bell pepper, diced • 6-8 cloves of garlic, minced • 1 cup chicken stock • 3 cups fresh spinach • 2 Roma tomatoes, diced (Any type of tomato is fine, I just think Romas have the best taste unless you have garden-grown produce.) • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese • 4 TB chopped fresh parsley • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp oregano • Kosher salt • Black pepper Directions: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Poke holes all over the sweet potatoes with a fork, place on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes until soft and fork tender. Remove from oven and let cool. While the sweet potatoes are baking, chop veggies and collect other ingredients needed. In a large sauté pan with high sides, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, add the onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes until onions are soft and slightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add the ground chicken and cook for 5 minutes, and then add the bell pepper and cook until chicken is fully browned; 8-10 minutes total.

Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken stock, paprika, oregano, and another pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium. Reduce stock by half, then add fresh spinach and cover for 2 minutes or until spinach is wilted. Remove lid, add tomatoes, and cook until all liquid has been reduced. Turn off heat and let the chicken mixture rest. Peel the skin off the sweet potatoes and mash the potatoes with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 4 tablespoons of parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley. In a deep pie dish or square baking pan, fill the bottom with the chicken mixture, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of parmesan and 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley over the top of the chicken mixture. Spread the sweet potato over the top in an even layer, and sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese. Bake at 425 degrees for 5 minutes, then place under the broiler on high for 2 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Top with remaining parsley and serve with kale Caesar salad. Yum! Quick & Easy Kale Caesar Salad Ingredients: • 1 bunch of kale, chopped into bite-sized pieces • Grated or shredded parmesan • Store-bought Caesar dressing (I prefer Newman’s Cesar, regular not creamy.) Directions: In a large bowl, add half of the kale, a few splashes of dressing, and some parmesan. Using tongs, mix all ingredients together until well coated. Add the rest of the kale, dressing, and parmesan to taste, and mix well with tongs.

February 2022 | Prime Time Monthly | PTPUBCO.com

CL AS IFIEDS CAR FOR SALE

2017 Ford Escape Well Maintained. Great 117K $7,800 (505) 710-8244 (leave message or text)

HANDYMAN/YARD/ LANDSCAPE

Handyman - Swamp cooler, winterized, electrical, plumbing, Water Heaters, carpentry. Affordable door and window replacement, bath and kitchen remodels. Free estimates. Call 505 463-4744. HANDYMAN SERVICES Carpentry, decks, doors, electrical, fences, painting, patios, plumbing, porches, rock, sprinklers, tile, windows. Free estimates 505-720-6443 Electrician 30 years’ experience. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Senior rates apply. LIC # 350669 Call Peter @ 505 688-8520 Visit us at: currentsecurityandelectric.com PR Landscaping Lawn care – Tree Trimming Yard Work – Reliable – Honest Call 505-319-8430 Please leave a message.

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WEIGHT LOSS

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VOLUNTEERS

The City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs is committed to providing resources with care and compassion that help our community thrive while embracing aging. Volunteers play a critical role in achieving this mission. Whether you’re a younger resident interested in lending a hand, a group that wants to give back, or a senior hoping to get more involved in the community, the Department of Senior Affairs (DSA) has a volunteer opportunity for you. When you volunteer, you’re not just helping others, you’re helping yourself. Studies show that volunteering promotes a positive outlook on life and helps you live longer!

Volunteers age 54 and younger can get involved with DSA’s nutrition, transportation, administrative, home or social services or recreational and sports and fitness programming. Visit: www.oneabqvolunteers. com/agency/detail/ SeniorAffairs or call (505) 225-5312 Volunteers age 55 and over choose an AmeriCorps Seniors program: AmeriCorps Seniors is a suite of national volunteer programs made up of three programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. AmeriCorps Seniors is funded by AmeriCorps and by the NM Aging & Long-Term Services Department. The City of Albuquerque has sponsored these programs for over 40 years! All three programs offer orientation, travel reimbursements, supplemental insurance while serving, and annual recognition events. Discover the program that’s right for you: RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) Find a service opportunity that fits your passion. RSVP volunteers are assigned to senior centers, city programs, or other partnering nonprofit organizations. With RSVP you can use the skills and talents you’ve learned over the years, or develop new ones. Share your interests and availability with RSVP and find a meaningful way to contribute. Call (505) 767-5225.

Foster Grandparent Program Help kids learn. Guide students to higher academic achievement. Care for infants and toddlers. The Foster Grandparent Program connects role models like you with schools and programs to serve young people with exceptional needs. Volunteers serve an average of 20 hours a week and receive meals while serving. Income-eligible volunteers receive a non-taxable, hourly stipend. Call (505) 764-6412. Senior Companion Program Help a senior live independently. Serve as a friend and provide assistance to seniors who have difficulty with daily living tasks or who are lonely. The Senior Companion Program aims to keep seniors living in their own homes and to provide respite to family caregivers through home visits. Volunteers serve an average of 20 hours a week and receive meals while serving. Income-eligible volunteers receive a non-taxable, hourly stipend. Call (505) 764-1007.

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February 2022 | Prime Time Monthly | PTPUBCO.com

CRO SSWO R D

#5160

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Story’s lesson 6. Move smoothly 10. Quiz 14. Launch vehicle 15. Excellent rating 16. Type of lily 17. Sing like Bing 18. Happen 20. “20 Questions” answer 21. Extended family 23. Unwelcome ones 24. Ring 25. Went down a chute 27. __-eyed; unrealistic 30. Arthurian legend lady 31. Numbers expert: abbr. 34. Projecting piece 35. Cubic meter 36. Scurry 37. Final practices 41. Eur. language 42. Solitary figure 43. South African fox 44. Suffix for calm or cold 45. Skunk’s weapon 46. Bacon serving 48. Copycat 49. Bucks 50. Embarrassment 53. Shade providers 54. Spanish article 57. NASA employee’s field 60. Choose 62. Level 63. Taj Mahal city 64. Jewel-studded item 65. Gaelic 66. Boor 67. Take __; be partial

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 19. 22. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 35. 38. 39. 40. 46. 47.

DOWN 1. Department store founder 2. Bad guy 1

29 35

40 43 46

48 51

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here is a new offering from the high-flying folks at Cirque Du Soleil, and it’s headed to Rio Rancho soon. The show is called Ovo, which is French for egg and a fitting title for the insect-themed production. As is typical for Cirque Du Soleil, this performance promises creative dance, spectacular lighting, and some impossible looking feats performed by an array of colorfully costumed acrobats. Tumblers, jugglers, and aerial dancers will transform into ants, dragonflies and spiders, elevating nature’s small ecosystem to a human scale. This particular 120-minute performance also stuns viewers with moments of darkness and loud noises. “The show plunges the audience into the hidden universe alive at our feet; an ecosystem teeming with life and unseen beings – insects that work, eat, crawl, flutter, feast, fight and court among each other in an ongoing explosion of energy and movement,” according to the Cirque

Du Soleil website. Cirque Du Soleil has been entertaining audiences with its unique approach to circus-type entertainment for decades, with roots in Quebec as a 20-person street-performance group in the early 1980s. The circus producer now employs nearly 4,000. Through the years, the group has brought elements of the circus arts to audiences across the world, with animal-free acts that are both striking and interactive. Cirque has held a residency in Las Vegas, Nev., for more than two decades and are once again bringing their unique skills and new look to cities across the country, including Rio Rancho. The action, which includes a 20-minute intermission, is scheduled to take place at the Rio Rancho Events Center, March 3-6. Ticket costs start at about $45, with discounted family packages available as well. More information is available at cirquedusoleil.com/ovo or by calling 1-877-924-7783.

By Beckett Nodal

24 27

48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 58. 59. 61. 8

Cirque Du Soleil’s Ovo Flies To Rio Rancho

Old Oldsmobiles Mexican year Cavalry soldier Deadly Forsaken, to a poet Stop __ dime Skin tumor Recorded Whitney & Wallach Organize Golf shop purchases Frightener of a nursery rhyme girl Reclined Elected official: abbr. Contemptuous look Italy’s dollar before 2002 Bog plant Weight deductions Turn aside Old anesthetic Freeway disaster Sign of life Goose’s response? Masculine title Skiers’ milieus Was a passenger Cummerbund Horned animal Liabilities’ opposites Love, in Livorno Sneaker feature Quench Will designee Zeus and Hera’s son Beige shade Pioneer Land division Train depots: abbr. Buddy Of bygone times Dealer’s handful

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(solutions on Page 22) February 2022 | Prime Time Monthly | PrimeTimeNM.com

WINTE R C A L E N D A R SENIOR CENTERS

The 50+ Sports and Fitness, Senior, and Multigenerational Centers re-opened for entire operations. Contact your senior or multigenerational center for more information or details, or call the Senior Information Line at 505-764-6400, Monday-Friday, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call the City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs, 714 7th Street SW, (505) 764-6400 or 311. Visit cabq.gov. • Barelas Senior Center, 714 7th Street SW. Call (505) 764-6436. • Bear Canyon Senior Center, 4645 Pitt St NE. Call (505) 767-5959. • Highland Senior Citizen Center, 131 Monroe Street NE. Call (505) 767-5210. • Los Volcanes Senior Citizen, 6500 Los Volcanes Road NW. Call (505) 767-5999. • Manzano Mesa Multigenerational, 501 Elizabeth Street SE. Call, (505) 275-8731. • North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, 7521 Carmel Avenue NE. Call (505) 764-6475. • North Valley Senior Center, 3825 4th Street NW. Call (505) 761-4025. • Palo Duro Senior Center, 5221 Palo Duro Avenue NE. Call (505) 888-8102.

ART

Fridays

The First Friday ARTScrawl is Albuquerque’s citywide, free gallery tour, 5-8 p.m. Featuring gallery openings, artist receptions, demonstrations, and more. Visit artscrawlabq.org.

COMMUNITY EVENTS February 25 & 26

The Annual Council of Albuquerque Garden Clubs (CAGC) Rummage Sale will be from 8am-3pm at the Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE (in Los Altos Park) . Buy from a variety of items (jewelry, collectables, books, electronics, kitchenware, furniture, etc.). Sales benefit the Albuquerque Garden Center. CAGC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contact info: albuquerquegardencenter.org, (505) 296-6020. Admission is free. Masks are required.

February-July

New Mexico Black History Festival/Events – The 11th Annual New Mexico Black History Festival/Events will occur from February– to July 2022, with various events planned throughout the season. Visit nmblc.org.

Saturdays, February 5-November 26

Free Historic Downtown Walking Tour, 10 a.m.-noon. The tours run for 1.5-2 hours. No reservation is necessary. Meet your guide at the southwest corner of 1st and Central, by Tucanos Restaurant. Listen to the stories of the pioneers, merchants, lawmakers, bullfighters, politicians, and more. If you have a group of five or more or want to schedule a week-day tour, call 505-289-0586. Visit albuqhistsoc.org.

February 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Free COVID-19 vaccinations and Flu Shot Clinics from 9 a.m.-noon., all locations. Department of Senior Affairs has partnered with local Best Buy Drugs to provide free COVID19 vaccinations, including a booster and Flu shots at Senior and Multigenerational Centers. Feb. 1, Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center, 501 Elizabeth St. SE; Feb. 2, Bear Canyon Senior Center, 4645 Pitt St. 18

NE; Feb. 3, at Los Volcanes Senior Center, 6500 Los Volcanes Rd. NW; Feb. 4, at Palo Duro Sports and Fitness Center, 3351 Monroe NE; Feb. 7, at Palo Duro Senior Center, 5221 Palo Duro Dr. NE; Feb. 8, North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, 7521 Carmel Ave. NE; Feb. 9, Barelas Senior Center, 714 7th St. SW; Feb. 10, North Valley Senior Center, 3825 4th St. NW; Feb. 11, Highland Senior Center, 131 Monroe St. NE. All ages welcome, no appointment necessary. Call (505) 764-6400 or 311. Visit cabq.gov for more information.

February 25 & 26

16th Annual Carnaval 2022, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Carnaval, the festive season occurring before Lent in many countries, including Latin American and Caribbean nations and parts of the United States, is one of the world’s most widespread celebrations and one of its biggest parties. Admission is $17, $22, $27 with a $2 discount for seniors, children, and members. Covid protocols observed. Call (505) 724-4771. Visit nhccnm.org.

MUSEUMS

February 2, March 2

Free First Wednesdays resume at Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 243-7255 or 311; visit albuquerquemuseum.org or cabq.gov/museum.

February 5

Performance: Cannupa Hanska Luger and Raven Chacon – Albuquerque Museum presents a concert with renowned composer and artist Raven Chacon and visiting artist Cannupa Hanska Luger, Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, 2 p.m. Performance included in the price of general admission. Call 243-7255 or 311; albuquerquemuseum.org or visit cabq.gov/museum.

February 17

Third Thursday: Indigo – On the third Thursday of the month, Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, is “Live After 5” with free admission, music, special programs, and more, 5-8:30 p.m. Galleries open until 8:30 p.m. Call 243-7255 or 311; visit albuquerquemuseum.org or cabq.gov/museum.

February 6, 13, 20, 27

Free Sunday Mornings at Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Call 243-7255 or 311; visit cabq.gov/museum.

MUSIC

February 4

AMP Concerts welcomes Jesse Cook at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, 7:30 p.m. An accomplished guitarist and producer and an equally prolific filmmaker. He composed his first album, Tempest, over 25 years ago. Covid protocols observed. Tickets start at $33. Call (505) 724-4771 Visit ampconcerts.org; nhccnm.org; my.nmculture.org.

February 6

NMPhilharmonic – Song Plays Piazzolla’s Seasons, at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 114 Carlisle Blvd SE, 3 p.m. The NMPhil welcomes Stradivarius International Violin Competition winner Yoonshin Song back to New Mexico as a soloist in a performance of Astor Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons

February 2022 | Prime Time Monthly | PTPUBCO.com

of Buenos Aires. Covid protocols observed. Tickets start at $26. Visit nmphil.org or holdmyticket.com.

February 11

NMPhilharmonic – Coffee Concert: Haydn and Saint-Georges, at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 114 Carlisle Blvd SE, 10:45 a.m. Black French Caribbean-born swordsman, composer, conductor, and violin virtuoso Joseph Bologne—aka the Chevalier de Saint-Georges—commissioned, conducted, and premiered Joseph Haydn’s Paris symphonies in the 1700s with his Le Concert Olympique orchestra. Covid protocols observed. Admission is $20-$40. Visit nmphil.org or holdmyticket.com.

February 19

Popejoy Presents The TEN Tenors, at Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive, 8 p.m. The TEN Tenors celebrate the glory of love, and this show features many of the best love songs, ballads, and arias of all time. Covid protocols observed. Admission is $25-$79. Visit popejoypresents.com.

February 20

Glenn Miller Orchestra, at Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive, 3 p.m. From 1939 to 1944, the band had over 70 Top Ten hits, including “Moonlight Serenade,” “In the Mood,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and many more. Covid protocols observed. Admission is $25-$64. Visit popejoypresents.com.

February 26

NMPhilharmonic – Gavrylyuk Plays Rach 2, at Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive, 6 p.m. Pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk stars in a night of Russian music. Covid protocols observed. Tickets start at $35. Visit nmphil.org.

THEATRE

February 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 13

Agatha Christie’s – A Murder is Announced, at Albuquerque Little Theatre, 224 San Pasquale SW, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon. An announcement in the local paper states the time and place when a murder occurs in Miss Blacklock’s Victorian house. Unfortunately, the victim is not one of the house’s several occupants but an unexpected and unknown visitor. Call (505) 242-4750 for prices and more information. Visit albuquerquelittletheatre.org.

February 6

Rising Appalachia, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, 7:30 p.m. Rising Appalachia has merged multiple global music influences with their southern roots as world travelers for nearly two decades to create new folk music. Admission is $27, $32, $37 with an additional $50 for a special vocal workshop. Covid protocols observed.Tickets are available from the NHCC Box Office in person and by phone at (505) 724-4771. Visit ampconcerts.org; nhccnm.org.

February 13, 16, 18 & 20

Opera Southwest: FRIDA, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, Sundays, 2 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 7:30 p.m. Robert Xavier Rodriguez’ Frida is a fully staged opera with orchestra, sung in Spanish with both Spanish and English translation supertitles. Presented in partnership with the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Frida is based on the life and work of the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Tickets start at $21. Covid protocols observed. Call (505) 7244771. Visit nhccnm.org.

LIVE ENTE R TA I N ME N T Wednesdays

February 4

February 12

Jesse Cook, an accomplished guitarist, producer, and filmmaker, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St SW, 7:30 p.m. Covid protocols observed. Tickets start at $33. Call (505) 724-4771 Visit ampconcerts.org; nhccnm.org; my.nmculture.org.

Tommy Gearhart Sings Notes Of Love, at The Historic Lobo Theater/Lounge, 3013 Central Ave NE, 8:30 p.m. Gearhart sings and swings Notes Of Love with his jazz trio, a string quartet, with a guest soloist. Tickets start at $25. Visit loboabq.com.

El Patron Restaurant, 10551 Montgomery Blvd NE, free live entertainment, Wednesday-Sunday; Saturdays, Mariachi Trio Jalisciense, 5-8 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday, the duet Mariachi Cueto Tiempos Oro performs 5:308:30 p.m. Call (505) 275-0223, visit elpatronabq.com.

February 4-5

February 9

Thursdays and Fridays

February 5

February 11-12; 18-19; 25-26

Nick & Jimmy’s Bar and Grill, 5021 Pan American West Fwy NE, enjoy live music in the Fireplace Room, every Wednesday featuring Freddie Chavez, 6-8:30 p.m. Call (505) 344-9169, visit nickandjimmysrestaurant.com.

Wednesdays-Sundays

M’tucci’s, three locations – M’tucci’s Italian, 6001 Winter Haven Road NW, (Coors & Montaño, 505-503-7327) and M’tucci’s Twenty-Five, 4939 Pan American Highway NW, (Jefferson & I-25, 505-554-2660), enjoy live music every Thursday, both locations, 6:308:30 p.m. – M’tucci’s Moderno, 1908 Wellspring Road SE, Rio Rancho, (Wellspring & Unser/Rio Rancho, 505-891-2432), every Thursday, 6:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays 7:30-8:30 p.m. Visit mtuccis.com.

Fridays Mykonos Cafe & Taverna, 5900 Eubank Blvd NE, featuring live music every Friday, various artists, 6-9:30 p.m. Call (505) 291-1116, visit mykonosabq.com.

February 2

North Mississippi’s Cedric Burnside, at The Historic Lobo Theater Lounge, 8 p.m., 3013 Central Ave NE, Blues artist. Tickets are $22-$27. Visit loboabq.com or ampconcerts.org.

February 3, 10, 24

Safe House Distilling Co., 616 Gold Ave SW, February 3, Vince Hernadez Live Music, 7-9 p.m.; Feb. 10 & 24, RJ Perez Live Music, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Call (505) 318-0150, visit safehousedistilling.com.

Soul Divine will perform at Revel in the Uptown Funk Bar, 4720 Alexander Blvd. NE., no cover charge. 8-11 p.m. Live Music every weekend at Revel. Enjoy Comedy Night every Wednesday, 6:30-10 p.m. Call (505) 379-7686, visit revelabq.com. Son Como Son, Latin Music, at The Historic Lobo Theater - Lounge, 3013 Central Ave NE, 9:30 p.m. Admission is $9.99 plus fees. Visit loboabq.com or ticketmaster.com.

February 5

Drive-By Truckers (New Date), at El Rey Theater, 620 Central Avenue NW, 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 day of show (including all service charges). They are also available by phone through Hold My Ticket at 505886-1251. Visit ampconcerts.org or holdmyticket.com.

Feb. 11-12, The Memphis P. Tails; Feb. 18-19, The Paddle Tramps; Feb. 25-26, H28 Live, at Revel in the Uptown Funk Bar, 4720 Alexander Blvd. NE.; all from 8-11 p.m. No cover charge. Live Music every weekend at Revel. Enjoy Comedy Night every Wednesday, 6:30-10 p.m. Call ( 505) 379-7686, visit revelabq.com.

“Synthesis” presented by Anjo King (21 plus), at Sister, 407 Central Avenue NW, 7-10:30 p.m. Admission is $10. Sister is a live music venue in downtown Albuquerque. Call February 17 (505) 242-4900. Visit sisterthebar.com. The Elvis Tribute Show, at Revel in the Uptown Funk Bar, 4720 Alexander February 6 Blvd. NE., 8-11 p.m. Admission is Rising Appalachia, at the National $5. Tickets at the door; no presale Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th tickets. Live Music every weekend St SW, 7:30 p.m. Rising Appalachia at Revel. Enjoy Comedy Night every have merged multiple global music Wednesday, 6:30-10 p.m. Call influences with their southern roots (505) 379-7686, visit revelabq.com. to create new folk music. Covid protocols observed. February 25-26 Admission is $27, $32, $37. Joey DeFrancesco Trio, at Outpost Call (505) 724-4771 Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, Visit nhccnm.org. 7:30 p.m., both nights. DeFrancesco

February 6, 13

Craig Miller, at The Salt Yard West, 3700 Ellison Road NW, Feb. 6, 4-6 p.m.; Feb. 13, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Miller will be singing and playing your favorite tunes from yesterday and today on five different stringed instruments. Enjoy drinks, food, games, and more. Visit thesaltyardnm.com.

is a five-time Grammy nominee and master jazz organist. General Admission is $35. Visit holdmyticket.com.

D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro, 901 Rio Grande Blvd NW #B100, will begin live entertainment on the weekends beginning the first weekend in May. Call (505) 317-3998, visit lescombeswinery.com.

February 2022 | Prime Time Monthly | PTPUBCO.com

NEW I N A B Q

A New Taste From Dion’s By Beckett Nodal

ocal pizza chain Dion’s has been serving up its own style of tasty pies since the late 1970s, winning over the hearts of Albuquerque area residents not only with toppings like green chile but also with a ranch dressing that has produced a cult following. Now, not wanting to rest on those well-established laurels, the folks behind Dion’s have decided it’s time for something completely different. Tula’s Kitchen, an elevated dining experience that will offer

comfort food classics, is expected to open this summer at Wyoming Boulevard and Paseo Del Norte. “Albuquerque is ripe for a restaurant with a simple, delicious menu that uses high-end fresh ingredients served in a modern atmosphere,” said Dion’s CEO, Mark Herman. “Combined with the first-rate execution and service we’re known for, we are confident Tula’s Kitchen will become a community favorite.” Diners can expect to see menu highlights that include roasted chicken, classic grilled cheese on farmhouse bread, and homestyle crispy chicken strips, along

with signature cocktails and an assortment of local beer and wine. “The restaurant will feature a comfortable, modern aesthetic and will have an outside fire pit for friends and family who want to casually gather over a good meal and drinks,” Herman said.

Tula’s gets its name from the late aunt of Dion’s co-founder Jon Patten, who was known for her flavorful cooking. It is a short version of the Greek name Athenaoula, which is a variation of Athena.

MARBLE STREET STUDIO COMMERCIAL PHOTO GRAPHY

(505) 242-2428 • MarbleStreetStudio.com • Studio@MarbleStreetStudio.com 20

February 2022 | Prime Time Monthly | PTPUBCO.com

Locally Owned

Dr. Gerard Muraida

The Doc Is In Gerard Muraida MD is a Geriatrician and the Medical Director at InnovAge in Albuquerque.

he Covid 19 pandemic has taken its toll on everything from the supply chain to grocery store shelves. Recently, it’s been wreaking havoc on the national blood supply, as our health care system struggles to keep up with daily illnesses compounded by Covid surges. The American Red Cross announced just weeks ago that it is facing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. The reasons for the shortage include a 10 percent decline in blood donations since March 2020; ongoing blood drive cancellations due to illness, weather-related closures and staffing limitations; and a 62

American Red Cross Needs Blood percent drop in college and high school blood drives due to the pandemic. Though campus blood donations typically increase during the spring when students return after the holidays, many colleges and universities are expected to turn to virtual learning again. This could further impact the already precarious blood drought. To avert a greater crisis, the American Red Cross is seeking blood donations from anyone qualified to give. A donor must be in good health and not sick at the time of donation. Donors may be turned away if they are suffering from a cold, flu or other illnesses, and if there is a history of low iron or chronic infections. Donors should also be at weigh at least 110 pounds and be 16 years old, but there is no upper age limit. A study in the journal “Transfusion” recently concluded that “exclusion solely based on older age appears to be unwarranted based on safety concerns such as donor reactions.

Healthy older individuals can continue to safely donate and make a significant contribution to the blood supply past arbitrary age limits.” If a person has traveled outside the U.S. in the last three years to a country considered a malaria risk, that could be cause to exclude the person from donating. Generally, a person can donate blood every 56 days, and you don’t need to know your blood

type to give. Before you go out and roll up your sleeves, please consult with your health care provider to determine if you might be a donor candidate. Meantime, love your community this Valentine’s month by telling your healthy family and friends about the dire need for blood donations. Be safe and stay well!

Now Available!

2022

FAMILY CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDES free

Pick up your guide at most major grocery stores, or you can have one mailed to you for $5.95. Mail a check or money order to Prime Time Publishing P.O. Box 67560 Albuquerque, NM 87193

February 2022 | Prime Time Monthly | PrimeTimeNM.com

Shellie Rosen, DOM

Herb Doc

Shellie Rosen is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. She can be reached via her website at Bodyvolve.com

used to see melatonin as a last resort for getting and staying asleep. I would successfully redirect a patient’s attention to synergistic herbal blends, diet, exercise, and light exposure changes. Times have changed, and so have I. I now routinely recommend melatonin for rest, protection against illness, ANSWER TO #5160

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Getting Yourself To Bed: Rest, Protection, And Recovery With Melatonin recovery while sick, anxiety, mood disorders, and weight management. I encourage the use of melatonin daily. Today I map out why I believe melatonin is critical for rest and the daily prevention, treatment, and healing from illness. Melatonin is a hormone primarily synthesized by the pineal gland from serotonin synthesized from tryptophan. It is called the “hormone of darkness” because it is secreted without light. At night, 10 times more melatonin circulates from the brain throughout the body, playing a significant role in regulating sleep and wake cycles. The use of melatonin in the prevention, treatment, and healing of viral infections has become increasingly common. Protocols that mention taking the supplements vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B complex, zinc, and quercetin also add melatonin to the list of recommendations.

Robert Benjamin

~ New Mexico Landscape Series ~ Limited Edition Giclées by Robert Benjamin www.RobertBenjamin.com RobertBenjaminLandscapes@live.com

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February 2022 | Prime Time Monthly | PTPUBCO.com

Melatonin combats the severity of viral pathogens through its ability to moderate inflammation, immune response (which leads to a cytokine storm), oxidative stress, lung injury, and respiratory distress (ARDSacute respiratory distress syndrome). One example of the dynamic nature of melatonin in immunity is via p21-activated kinases (PAKs) where enzymes assist pathogens infecting cells. Melatonin generates ANTI-PAK assets, which may protect against PAK1 binding and activation. When a pathogen activates PAK1 kinase, several viral disorders and illnesses can manifest in the body. Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant that assists other antioxidants such as glutathione. Glutathione is an amino acid often found deficient in advanced illnesses. Research is ongoing regarding the numerous ways melatonin benefits immunity. In January, the Journal of Medical Virology published a meta-analysis of melatonin randomized controlled trials for COVID-19 patients. The study concluded that melatonin might be a helpful adjuvant therapy to improve clinical outcomes. Melatonin has been included in medical research for decades, demonstrating positive outcomes. The Mayo Clinic refers to it as “generally safe.” (Visit mayoclinic.org for more details regarding melatonin).

Melatonin is a beneficial daily additive to create cellular environments that encourage good health and deep sleep. Consider melatonin a partner in continued immune regulation before, during, and after pathogenic exposure. Acquire natural sunlight by day and avoid artificial light by night to achieve melatonin balance. Foods that naturally increase melatonin include high protein sources with tryptophan such as eggs, fish, and cheese, or vegan options like bananas, tart cherries, pineapple, nuts, and oats. Melatonin supplements can be fashioned from microorganisms, animal products, or synthetically. Find a quality supplier to locate a form of melatonin appropriate for you. Melatonin needs to be taken just before bed. Some people choose a sublingual liquid for quick absorption; others may prefer a pill or a capsule an hour or two before bed. If you wake in the middle of the night, you may decide to change to a “timed-release” version. Begin with 1 mg if you have never used melatonin before. If you are a seasoned user, you may increase up to 10 mg. However, discuss melatonin use and dosage with your health care provider to determine if it is appropriate for you. Abundant Blessings getting yourself to bed and fending off pathogens! Dr. Shellie L. Rosen, PhD, DOM, L.Ac.

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