Spring is officially here! It’s time to start planning for the fun of summer! It’s amazing to me how quickly life passes us by. Each month, we go about our regular routines, and experience pretty much the same thing each day. What amazes me, however, is how adjusting one or two things during my daily routine, changes my perspective. Whether it’s trying to have a positive attitude or being more aware of those around me. This month, keep your eyes open for someone who may need a caring word, or a hand up— rather than a hand out.
While a sense of calm has been restored to the Valley of the Sun, now that the Cactus League has gone—it might be time for you to start packing your items, and head back to your summer home. If so, we’ve included a couple of articles on how to clean up and pack up your home prior to leaving it for several weeks or months.
For those of you who are staying for the long haul, I hope you enjoy the shorter lines at the grocery stores, restaurants and your favorite activities. Please don’t forget to visit our local advertisers who make The Grand Season possible.
Have a great month!
Melissa Whitton Editor/Associate Publisher
A CLEAN SLATE
Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.
Robert H. Schuller
Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.
George S. Patton
It always seems impossible until it’s done. Nelson Mandela
Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.
Tony Robbins
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Quality is not an act, it is a habit. Aristotle
If you want to conquer fear, don’t sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.
Dale Carnegie
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
Charles R. Swindoll
With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best.
St. Jerome
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
Confucius
Leaders in Dermatology & Plastic Surgery
About Regency Specialties
Regency Specialties is a trusted name in Arizona for cosmetic and medical excellence. Our team of highly skilled professionals is dedicated to providing top-tier care in both aesthetic and medical services. Whether you are seeking to enhance your natural beauty or address medical concerns, we strive to deliver transformation results that renew confidence and improve overall well-being. At Regency Specialties, your journey to looking and feeling your best starts here.
Our Services
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• Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention
• Skin Cancer Treatment
• Cosmetic Dermatology
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• Regency Lift
• Breast Reconstruction/Augmentation
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• Rhinoplasty
Sclerotherapy
Radio-frequency ablation
Matisse Med-spa
• Facials & Peels
• Aesthetic Injections
• Lasers & Devices
• Waxing, Lashes & Brows
Hair Transplantation
• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
• Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)
• Hairline Restoration
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Dr. Betty Hinderks Davis MD, FAAD
Dr. Jason Mussman MD, FACS
Trying to keep leftover guacamole fresh? Simply put the leftovers in the smallest container possible and tamp down to press out all the air. Then carefully add a thin layer of water. Seal and refrigerate for up to three days. When you are ready to dip, pour off the water and stir.
Has your old cedar chest lost its smell? Removed all the contents and sand it with superfine grit sandpaper. It will help restore the smell.
1. Who originally wrote and first recorded “Little Bitty Pretty One”?
2. Who released “I Had Too Much to Dream Last Night”?
3. Which artist originally wrote and released “Eli’s Coming”?
4. Name the group that released “All Right Now.”
5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “I hear your voice, it’s like an angel sighing, I have no choice, I hear your voice, feels like flying.”
1. Is the book of Rehoboam (KJV) in the Old or New Testament or neither?
2. From Genesis 4, what righteous man started the practice of herding sheep? Adam, Cain, Abel, Job
3. How many times is the word “Bible” mentioned in the biblical scripture? Zero, 3, 49, Over 1,000
4. According to Jesus, what was Satan from the beginning? Deceiver, Evil, Thief, Murderer
5. In biblical times, which was a large unit of money or weight? Levy, Talent, Shekel, Sepulcher
6. Of these, who wasn’t a son of Noah? Shem, Ham, Levi, Japheth
DINING GUIDE
A study has shown that dunking an Oreo in milk for three seconds renders the optimal balance between sogginess and structural integrity.
The term mortician was invented as part of a public relations campaign by the funeral industry, which considered it more customer friendly than undertaker.
Sloths may be the only animals that don’t fart.
When making badminton shuttlecocks, the most prized feathers are said to come from a goose’s left wing.
Sweden is so efficient at waste disposal that only 1% of its garbage goes to landfills.
Viking burials included board games.
In parts of Europe, folks believe that if you light a cigarette from a candle, a sailor will die.
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits any nation from trying to own the moon.
A young man from Arizona saved a woman’s life by using CPR he’d learned from watching an episode of “The Office.”
Spiders recycle webs by eating them.
Polar ice cap temperatures can plunge to a bone-chilling -189.67 degrees Fahrenheit.
SPRING FLING
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to freshen your relationship. Regardless of how long you’ve been married, we’ve all collected old habits that need to be tossed.
Think about it, what can you eliminate in your relationship that will help you and your spouse thrive? Below are some constructive ways to refresh your marriage:
1. Throw out one bad habit. We all have bad habits, things we do without even thinking about it. What’s a bad habit in your marriage you can get rid of? Do you assume the worst about your husband instead of assuming the best? Is your bad habit not giving your wife your full attention when she’s talking to you?
2. Organize your priorities. Our marriages can become cluttered because we are not clear about what’s important to keep doing for the relationship and what’s not.
When we organize our priorities, we can put our marriage front and center where it can get the attention it deserves. Once you’ve prioritized your marriage, then figure out where the rest of your commitments belong.
3. Don’t hang onto grudges. Grudges can blind us to the good things about our spouse. And, when we hold onto a grudge we’ll see everything they do—even the good things—in the light of that grudge because grudges make us bitter. Practice forgiveness to get rid of the grudges you’re hanging on to.
4. Accept the things you can’t change. Unfortunately, there is some clutter in our lives, and in our marriage, we can’t get rid of. Just like that old high school jersey your husband can’t let go, there are things in our marriage that are here to stay. And some things are just not worth fighting over because they are not going to change.
Binder
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Notary Provided
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Specific Bequests
Certificate of Trust
Guideline for Heirs
Organ Donor Form
Schedule of Assets
Revocable Living Trust
Last Will and Testament
Witnesses Provided
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1 Hour Trust Signing
HIPAA Release Form
Death Certificate Form
VA Benefit Instructions
Trust Funding Checklist Last Wishes Instructions Survivor Notification List
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Durable Power of Attorney
Body Donation Information
Funeral/Burial Instructions
Dinner and a Movie!
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RIGHTSIZE YOUR LIFE
Do you really need everything you’ve got? If you want to simplify your life, it’s time to start de-cluttering. Getting started and following through with a plan to declutter can prove challenging. To make it a bit easier, here are some ideas to jumpstart your makeover and unleash your possibilities for a simpler life.
1. Declutter Briefly and Often
A 15-minute stint, performed regularly, delivers surprising results sooner than you might expect. Set a timer and get to work. You’ll be delighted by how much you get done in such a short amount of time.
2. Add Decluttering to Your Calendar
Make it easier to remember to declutter briefly and often
by adding it to your calendar. Daily, weekly, three times a week—do whatever works best for you to get a routine going. Cross it off when you’ve taken care of it.
3. One-In-Two-Out
If you need to purchase something new, you can offset that addition by removing two other items from your home. For example, when buying a new recliner, sell or donate your old recliner and one other piece of furniture in your home that you’re not using.
4. Repurpose Stuff for Charity
Giving meaningful items to loved ones may make it easier to let go of them. Consider donating less sentimental items to charity or to a family in need. You can find a donation drop-off location
online or schedule a pickup, maximizing the ease of giving.
5. Let Clothes Go
If you haven’t worn an item in the past year, you likely don’t need it. If parting with some of your clothes proves too difficult to bear, start small with cheap, easy-to-replace clothing like socks. Many charities accept lightly worn clothing, and you can even use the donation as a write-off on your taxes.
6. Stay Focused
You’ll feel accomplished and motivated to continue when you focus on one room and finish it completely. If you enjoy music, turn on your favorite artists and try to have fun while you declutter. Keep your eye on the end goal to remind you how good it will feel to have an organized, clutter-free home.
Jesse Olmedo, MD
James Barlow, MD Victoria Phan, PA-C
Jillian Goldney FNP-C
Anna Koester FNP-BC
MR. CLEAN SPRING HAS SPRUNG
If you’re dreading spring cleaning, this list will help get you started.
Wash Windows
Be sure to pick a cloudy day to wash windows. “If it’s too sunny, the cleaning solution will dry too fast and you’ll have streaks,” says author Donna Smallin. For a window-washing solution, Smallin combines 1/2 cup of sudsy ammonia (which is a specific type of ammonia), 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, and 1 gallon of water.
Overlooked Surfaces
You may overlook these surfaces on a daily basis, but once a year, give your baseboards, door frames, and walls a good scrub-down.
Deep-Clean Carpets
To maintain a new carpet’s warranty, you may need to have it cleaned professionally every 12-18 months, Smallin says.
Clean Under Furniture & Appliances
Grab a partner and move your sofa and chairs, roll up area rugs, then vacuum the floors. Move your kitchen appliances away from the wall as much as you can.
Refresh Window Treatments
Curtains and draperies aren’t typically dirty enough to launder. Instead, go over them thoroughly with
the upholstery attachment on your vacuum. “To remove dust from sheer curtains, put them in the dryer on low with a fabric-softener sheet,” Smallin says.
Dust Light Fixtures
Use a microfiber or lint-free cloth to dust fixtures and bulbs you can reach. For ceiling fans, skip the ladder and use an extendable duster. To clean grimy bulbs, lightly dampen your cloth with vinegar. Caution: Be sure bulbs are cool to the touch and your hands are dry.
Safety Inspection
Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Perform all required safety checks. If you don’t own a fire extinguisher, purchase one. Learn how to use it, and keep it in the kitchen.
Exterior Paint
Spring is the perfect time to freshen the face of your home with a new paint job. An updated color scheme can take your house from forgettable to traffic-stopping.
Power Wash
Having your home’s exterior and windows powerwashed will just make your home look sharp.
SAVINGS YOU CAN TRUST
Come See Us!
Berger
Big
Diantus
Florencia
Ford’s
Framed Expressions
Ghostlight Theatre
Hole ‘N One Restaurant
Golf Car Superstore
Interiors by Thomas
Pampered Paws West Grooming
Paradise Hearing
Plaza Cleaners
ReThink Real Estate
Safeway
Starface 2
Sun Canyon Bank 8 Pretty Nails
FLASHBACK
Answers from pg. 14
1. Singer-songwriter Bobby Day, in 1957. Over the years, several others released covers of the song, including Clyde McPhatter, The Dave Clark 5, Huey Lewis and the News, and The Doobie Brothers
2. The psychedelic rock band The Electric Prunes, in 1966. The group also released “Get Me to the World on Time.”
3. Laura Nyro, in 1968. But it was Three Dog Night’s 1969 cover that charted.
4. Free, in 1970.
5. “Like A Prayer,” by Madonna in 1989. Madonna’s hit topped the charts around the globe, in the U.S., Canada, Spain, the U.K., Australia and more. Rolling Stone added it to their list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” and Pepsi used the song in a commercial during the Grammy Awards in 1989.
STOP MEDICARE FRAUD
By Matilda Charles
Medicare fraud is one of the big scams that thieves love. Approximately $60 billion per year is stolen from taxpayers through Medicare theft and fraud. Your job is to be the intermediary and foil their attempts.
Here’s how:
Treat your Medicare number as though it’s as valuable as a credit card or access to your checking account. Don’t give the number to anyone but your doctor’s office.
If anyone calls asking for your Medicare card number, hang up. If you receive a text message asking for the number, delete it.
When you get a Medicare summary statement, go over it line by line to be sure that you actually received every service.
It’s true that now and then a service listed on your statement is genuine, even if it doesn’t seem to be. It’s possible that a coding error in the doctor’s office was wrong. Get to the bottom of it by calling them and asking for the billing department to pull your file and determine whether the Medicare statement is correct or not. Ask specific questions about tests and lab work, as these are sometimes lumped together.
Sometimes, if the scammers do contact you, they’ll try to get you to accept delivery of a medical
device that you don’t need in exchange for giving them your Medicare number. Don’t do it. Occasionally, too, you might be contacted with an offer to “review” your medical records to see if you need any additional services or devices or if you “need” genetic testing. Don’t do it. What the scammers are looking for is your personal information and that Medicare number.
Remember: Medicare isn’t going to call you or send text messages or show up at your door.
If you think someone is trying to commit Medicare fraud, report it. Call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).
AAA SENIOR PLACEMENT AZ
A Message from Sue Royer
“I was born and raised in inner city Chicago, the sixth of eighteen children with fifteen brothers. Being the oldest daughter, I was always a caregiver which I believe influenced me to pursue work in the healthcare industry. Today, I have three daughters and five grandchildren.
Years ago, I volunteered for hospice and knew immediately that helping seniors was my calling. I was soon employed by hospice but I felt something was missing. I realized it was the limited time I was able to spend with my clients. Having my own business allows me to provide the intimate hands on service needed in our community. I am committed to our seniors throughout their lives and I thank the community for the opportunity to serve.”
Sue RoyerDirector
About Us
Since 2002, AAA Senior Placement AZ has been offering FREE services helping seniors find safe, affordable and loving assisted living.
When it becomes too difficult for you or your loved ones to safely manage daily living and/or manage medical needs, call Sue Royer for help navigating the many options available.
We are specialists in all levels of assisted living care resources with referrals to Arizona’s best:
• Group Homes
• Assisted Living Communities
• In-Home Primary Care Physicians
• Home Health Care Therapy
• Transportation
• Private Duty In-Home Care
• Respite Care
• Alzheimer’s Care
• Memory Care
• Hospice
• Support Groups
Assisted living resources accepting:
• Private pay
• Arizona Long Term Care-ALTCS
• Medicaid
• VA Benefits
6 Reasons You Should Call
AAA Senior Placement AZ
• We are well known and respected in the medical community.
• All clients are given a thorough assessment to determine proper placement needs.
• There is never a fee charged to the senior or their family for our service.
• We are NOT contractually bound to any outside business. This allows us to serve our clients with only their interests in mind.
• Years of knowledge and experience in the field of senior care.
• AAA Senior Placement AZ is family owned, allowing us to give you quality, personalized service.
