If your life is anything like mine, the last month has flown by! Just as I recovered from the chaos of the Super Bowl, Phoenix Open and the Olympics—it’s time for Spring Training, March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter!
Recently, I’ve realized when I get busy, I lose sight of my best self. Instead of being patient, I get a little short. This version of me usually shows up while I’m at Costco. During my last visit to Costco, my mood changed due to the shirt the person standing in front was wearing. It read: Dear person behind me, the world is a better place with you in it! Love, the person in front of you.
Immediately, my brain and body reacted to this kind sentiment— my heart rate seemed to slow, and I didn’t feel irritated at the long check-out line. Instead, I reflected on how one act of kindness can truly change a person’s life.
I hope practicing kindness is one of your daily goals, but if you need additional ideas on how to be kind to those in your life, this month’s The Grand Season is chalked full of great ideas.
Thank you for your support of The Grand Season, and our advertisers!
Happy Easter,
Melissa Whitton Editor/Associate Publisher
Ronnie & Tom
INSPIRE
For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.
Audrey Hepburn
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.
Princess Diana
Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.
Lao Tzu
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
Mark Twain
Together we can change the world, just one random act of kindness at a time.
Ron Hall
Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.
Barbara De Angelis
Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.
Theodore Isaac Rubin
Truth is a deep kindness that teaches us to be content in our everyday life and share with the people the same happiness.
Khalil Gibran
Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.
Albert Schweitzer
Answers on pg. 41
1 What is a bunch of bananas called?
2 Who is Neo’s nemesis in “The Matrix”?
3. The Broadway show “Jersey Boys” is about which music group?
4 In which U.S. city is the sitcom “New Girl” set?
5 What is the name of the helicopter that transports U.S. presidents?
6 The Lake of the Ozarks is in which U.S. state?
7 When did construction begin on the Berlin Wall?
8 What fear is represented in the condition called mageirocophobia?
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1. Is the book of Simeon (KJV) in the Old or New Testament or neither?
2. Whose first chapter begins, “Then Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab”? Exodus, II Kings, Job, Proverbs
3. From Luke 1, what was the name of Elisabeth and Zacharias’ child? Elisabeth, Zacharias, Thomas, John
4. In Genesis 4, who’s considered the father of all musicians? Jeremiah, Joash, Jubal, Job
5. From Luke 7, where did Jesus raise a widow’s son from the dead? Amos, Nain, Lystra, Philippi
6. In Genesis 12, where did Abram go after leaving Ur? Iconium, Nineveh, Haran, Salem
4) Jubal 5) Nain 6) Haran
Olmedo,
James Barlow, MD Victoria Phan, PA-C
Jillian Goldney FNP-C
Anna Koester FNP-BC
FLASHBACK
1. Name the artist who wrote and released “Jump into the Fire.”
2. Who wrote and released “Games People Play”?
3. Name Aerosmith’s first song to reach the charts.
4. Which singer wrote and released “I Go Crazy”?
5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “All the leaves have gone green and the clouds are so low, you can touch them and so, come out to the meadow.”
YOU KINDNESS COUNTS
“Be kind to your body, gentle with your mind and patient with your heart. Stay true to your spirit, cherish your soul and never doubt yourself. You are still becoming, my love, and there is no one more deserving of the nurturing grace of your love.”
— Becca Lee
Being kind to others is natural but being kind to yourself is often the hardest thing you will ever do. Below you’ll discover several ways to be kind to yourself.
1. Carve out some time for yourself. Every day carve out some time for yourself and do something that brings you joy.
2. Give yourself recognition. Often, we’re quick to acknowledge the achievements of others, but slow to acknowledge our own. That has to stop. Become aware of your own achievements and give yourself recognition.
3. Forgive yourself.
We all mess up. If you’re angry at yourself, you need to show yourself kindness: stop blaming yourself, resolve to do better from now on, and forgive yourself.
4. Take good care of yourself.
One of the best ways to show yourself kindness is to take good care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat fruits and vegetables, and get some form of exercise on a regular basis.
5. Respect yourself.
Self-respect is valuing yourself for who you are, and not allowing others to dictate your value. It’s trusting yourself, thinking for yourself, forming your own opinions, and making your own decisions. In addition, it’s refusing to compare yourself to others.
Finally, self-respect is about keeping your promises to yourself and following through on what you tell yourself that you’re going to do. Be kind to yourself by deeply respecting yourself.
6. Believe in yourself.
Part of being kind to yourself is wanting the best for yourself. And in order to get the best, you have to believe in yourself. Have faith in your own abilities and in your own judgment. Think highly of yourself: believe in yourself.
1. What controversial baseball diary, first published in 1970, is pitcher Jim Bouton’s account of his 1969 season with the Seattle Pilots and the Houston Astros?
2. In 2017, UCLA basketball players LiAngelo Ball, Jalen Hill and Cody Riley were arrested and detained after they were accused of shoplifting sunglasses from a Louis Vuitton store in what country?
3. What former NFL wide receiver served as host of the CBS revival of the game show “Hollywood Squares” beginning in 2025?
4. For which team did U.S. Olympic speed skater Brittany Bowe play college basketball from 2006 to 2010?
ANSWERS:
1) “Ball Four: My Life and Hard Times Throwing the Knuckleball in the Big Leagues.”
2) China. 3) Nate Burleson. 4) The Florida Atlantic Owls.
LOVE SMALL THINGS
When we think of random acts of kindness, we usually think about how we can brighten a stranger’s day. But little acts of kindness can go a long way in helping us create a stronger marriage too.
Here’s a list of 30 small acts to inspire you:
1. Draw a heart on the steamy bathroom mirror while your spouse is in the shower.
2. Get up early and make breakfast for your spouse.
3. Clean your spouse’s car.
4. Tell your spouse something you appreciate about him.
5. Call your spouse unexpectedly during the day just to say “I love you”.
6. Give your spouse a scalp massage
7. Watch your spouse’s favorite show or sporting event with him.
8. Arrange a guy’s night for your husband.
9. Surprise your spouse with a warm towel as she finishes her shower.
10. Create a playlist of songs you and your spouse enjoyed listening to when you were dating.
11. Make a list of all the things you love about your husband and leave it on his pillow.
12. Ask your spouse about her day and listen with interest.
13. Make lunch for your spouse.
14. Do one of your husband’s chores for him.
15. Leave a Post-It note on the steering wheel with a nice message.
16. Tell your spouse something you admire about her.
17. Give your wife a neck massage.
18. Read a book your wife has recently read and discuss it with her.
19. Get ready as if you’re going out for a party, just to greet your spouse at the end of a long day.
20. Surprise your spouse with a small gift “just because.”
21. Tell your spouse your favorite memory of the two of you together.
22. Prepare your husband’s favorite dinner.
23. Compliment your spouse.
24. Hide a love note in your spouse’s wallet.
25. Give your spouse a back rub before bed.
26. Help your spouse with a project he is working on.
27. Print photos of you and your spouse and place them around a bedroom or bathroom mirror.
28. Give your spouse a hand or foot massage.
29. Text your spouse throughout the day to let her know you are thinking of her.
30. Plan a date or getaway with your spouse.
DINING GUIDE
According to a poll of 11,000 Americans, 84% of vegetarians and vegans return to eating meat.
Ever wonder where the term “jaywalker” originated? Back in the day, “jay” was slang for a foolish person. So, when pedestrians ignored street signs, to their own peril, they were labeled jaywalkers.
Relative to their body size, barnacles have the largest sex organs in the animal kingdom.
Some beaches in the Maldives glow in the dark.
If you have a daily routine, some scientists believe that your dog can tell when you’re coming home by the amount of your scent that’s left in the house.
As astronauts spend months traveling to Mars, their eyeballs may change shape. Some scientists believe this is due to pressure from fluids that won’t drain from their heads, thanks to low gravity.
During World War II, Charles Richard Drew, a black physician, developed blood banks for military personnel. However, when he discovered that the military was separating blood donations according to race, he quit working for the Red Cross.
In the popular Roadrunner/Wile E. Coyote cartoons, the latter character shouldn’t have been outwitted by his desperately hunted prey, since coyotes typically outpace roadrunners by a good 23 mph.
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SHARE KINDNESS DAILY
1. Smiles are irresistible. Don’t hesitate to smile warmly at friends, family, colleagues and even...strangers.
2. Write hand-written thank-you notes. The notes don’t need to be an essay and people love to receive them. It’s the personal touch.
3. Pay it forward - When you are in a coffee shop, maybe you could buy a coffee or cake in advance for the next customer that comes in.
4. When you see a homeless person, think about how you might be able to help them in some way. Buy a nutritious lunch.
5. That thing you’re going to sell—why not give it away for free?
6. Send flowers to someone unexpectedly.
7. Hold doors open. Even for people who are a little further away from the door than usual.
8. Pay compliments to those you run into.
9. Does someone owe you money? Forgive the debt.
10. When a person is talking to you—really listen to them.
11. Ask a neighbor if they need help.
12. Tell your loved ones that you love them. Regularly.
13. When you are served in a shop, bar, restaurant etc, make eye contact and sincerely thank the employee for their help.
14. If you know that someone is particularly busy, offer to take their dog for a walk.
15. When a thought of generosity arises within you, act on it. Don’t hold back.
16. Take a friend to dinner.
17. Stand up for others.
18. Stop complaining.
19. Standing in line? Let someone go before you.
20. Tell someone that they look nice.
21. Volunteer some time to help a charity or perhaps a homeless shelter.
22. Stop speaking ill of others. Let your words be kind.
23. Think of the people in your life...what help do they need with chores or tasks? Don’t wait to be asked.
24. Be the calm voice in a stressful situation.
25. Donate to your favorite charity.
26. Teach a child something you wish you knew at that age.
27. Encourage someone to pursue their dream.
28. Say, “Please” and “Thank You.”
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TAKE A HIKE
If you’re not planning on living at Spring Training this month, check out these options for a great hike here in the West Valley. Don’t forget plenty of water, and of course, sunscreen.
West Valley hikes in Phoenix include the scenic, familyfriendly Waterfall Trail at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, the challenging, scenic trails at Estrella Mountain Regional Park, and the panoramic views from Sunrise Mountain. These spots offer diverse options ranging from easy, stroller-friendly paths to strenuous climbs, all while featuring stunning Sonoran Desert landscapes.
Best West Valley Hiking Spots
White Tank Mountain Regional Park:
Waterfall Trail (1.8 miles, easy) Features petroglyphs and, at times, a flowing waterfall, making it ideal for families.
Go John Trail (5.8 miles, moderate) Offers scenic desert views, popular for hikers and equestrians.
Black Rock Loop Trail (1.3 mi) A short, scenic loop offering classic Sonoran desert scenery.
Mule Deer Trail (3.6 mi) A gentle, popular route for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers.
Wildlife Trail (0.4 mi) A very short, interpretive trail near the nature center.
Mesquite Canyon Trail Loop (8.4 mi) A difficult, strenuous hike starting with a 700 ft elevation gain in the first mile, offering scenic upper canyon views.
Ford Canyon Trail Loop (9.1 mi) A challenging, rugged hike that traverses canyons and provides panoramic views.
Estrella Mountain Regional Park:
Baseline Trail (2.3 miles, easy/moderate) A popular, accessible trail with views of the mountains.
Rainbow Valley, Dysart, and Toothaker Trail Loop (Moderate) A popular 10-12+ mile, versatile, and scenic route through the heart of the park with gentle elevation changes.
Quail Trail A 2.1-mile out-and-back trail providing a shorter, more accessible, and less strenuous experience.
Pederson Trail An 8.7-mile trail, ideal for those seeking a longer, more challenging, all-day adventure.
Brad Pitt has never rested on his laurels. The 62-yearold superstar elevated his recent sports film “F1,” which became the highestgrossing auto-racing film of all time. “F1” grossed $633.1 million and earned four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Next up, Pitt is in the action-adventure film “Heart of the Beast” with J.K. Simmons. He’s also just wrapped “The Adventures of Cliff Booth,” which was written as a sequel by Quentin Tarantino to “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019).
Pitt’s been dating jewelry executive Ines de Ramon since 2022.
The Chia Pet made its debut in 1977, and there have been many pets that were made to resemble famous people such as Homer Simpson, Sophia of “The Golden Girls,” Oscar the Grouch, Hello Kitty, Abraham Lincoln, The Mandalorian from “Star Wars,” Godzilla, and even our current president!
It’s been announced that they’ll be making a major motion picture starring the Chia Pet!
Jazz up your pancakes by adding pureed frozen blueberries or strawberries. It turns the mix either blue or red, and it’s fun for the kiddos.
Tongs lost their clip? Use the rubber band from a bunch of broccoli to hold the ends together in storage.
Use an old vegetable peeler in the shop to sharpen pencils.
Wrap the metal end of your paintbrush with masking tape before painting. Then you can peel it off and there’s no stuck-on paint.
Store plastic wrap in the refrigerator or even freezer to keep it from sticking to itself.
To distinguish all the cords plugged into a power strip, write the appliance name (TV, game console, etc.) on a plastic bread tab, and attach it to the cord at the plug. A quick look at the power strip and you can unplug any appliance without having to follow the cord through the jungle behind your entertainment center!
Tissue boxes have so many uses after they are emptied of tissues. Try lining one with a plastic grocery bag and keeping it in your car for stray trash.
HEALTH HELP YOURSELF
Kindness and empathy help us relate to other people and have more positive relationships with friends, family, and even perfect strangers we encounter in our daily lives. Besides just improving personal relationships, kindness can actually make you healthier.
Here are 5 ways being kind can improve your health:
Kindness releases feel-good
hormones.
Have you ever noticed that when you do something nice for someone else, it makes you feel better too? This isn’t just something that happens randomly—it has to do with the pleasure centers in your brain. Doing nice things for others boosts your serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of satisfaction and well-being.
Kindness eases anxiety.
Anxiety, whether it’s mild nervousness or severe panic, is an extremely common human experience. While there are several ways to reduce anxiety, such as meditation, exercise, prescription medications, and natural remedies, it turns out that being nice to others can be one of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to keep anxiety at bay.
Kindness is good for
your heart. Making others feel good can “warm” your heart, sure—but being nice to others can also affect the actual chemical balance of your heart. Kindness releases oxytocin. According to Dr. David Hamilton, “oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide in blood vessels, which dilates (expands) the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and therefore oxytocin is known as a ‘cardioprotective’ hormone because it protects the heart (by lowering blood pressure).”
It reduces stress.
In our busy, always-on-the-go lives, we’re constantly looking for ways to reduce stress. Helping others lets you get outside of yourself and take a break from the stressors in your own life, and this behavior can also make you better equipped to handle stressful situations.
Kindness prevents illness.
Inflammation in the body is associated with all sorts of health problems such as diabetes, chronic pain and obesity. According to a study, “volunteering manifested the strongest association with lower levels of inflammation.” Oxytocin also reduces inflammation, and even little acts of kindness can trigger oxytocin’s release.
FOOD RECALLS
By Matilda Charles
If you’ve been keeping an eye on recent food recalls you know that salmonella has been in the news, because salmonella has been in our food.
We have Moringa superfood capsules, the powder of which comes from the leaves of plants in India and Africa, an organic food known for containing healthful antioxidants, protein and minerals ... except it can make us very ill if we get the wrong capsule and salmonella is present in the powder.
Then, there are the organic chia seeds with salmonella. And the pouches of super greens supplements that promote health via kale, barley grass and parsley — with salmonella. And the chocolate candy bars — with salmonella. And the dog biscuits — with salmonella.
But salmonella isn’t all that’s been discovered in our food recently. We have plastic in baby biscuits, specifically in the flour used to make those biscuits for toddlers. We have significant levels of lead in cookware that can cause lead toxicity. We have mold in nasal spray. And there are defective lids on cans of tuna that allowed the food to be contaminated, potentially leading to food poisoning in those who eat the tuna. The current recall on these cans of tuna is a re-do: The cans were in storage because they were already recalled once, a year ago, and the quarantined product was accidentally released to stores.
Several cheese products sold at a number of major locations have tested positive for listeria, as have tamales, burritos and chicken fillets.
Part of taking care of ourselves is to stay on top of these food recalls to be sure we don’t have those items in our home. Make it a point to start your week on Mondays by going to the government’s food safety website. Go to www.foodsafety.gov and click on “Recalls & Outbreaks.” Or see the food safety website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
PLAY BALL CACTUS LEAGUE IMPACT
Here’s a statistical snapshot of the spring training industry’s impact in Arizona:
The 2025 Cactus League season generated an estimated $764 million in economic impact for the state of Arizona, according to a study by Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. The study, which surveyed only out-of-state visitors, also found that the Cactus League generated $450 million for Arizona’s Gross Domestic Product.
The study found that visitor spending reached $378.6 million in 2025.
The Cactus League 221 games drew 1,695,480 fans in 2025. The 2026 season looks forward to including World Baseball Classic teams in our facilities.
The Cactus League created 6,182 annual jobs in 2025, the study found.
Spring training directly generated a total of $32.1 million in taxes for the state.
FLASHBACK
Answers from pg. 14
1. Harry Nilsson, in 1972. The song has been used in several films, including “Goodfellas” (1990) and “A Bigger Splash” (2015).
2. Joe South, in 1968. Even though the only place the song topped the charts was in South Africa, it won both the Grammy Award for Song of the Year (1970) and the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Song (1970).
3. “Dream On,” in 1973.
4. Paul Davis, in 1977. The song went to No. 7 on the Hot 100 chart and has been covered by several others, including Lee Greenwood and Barry Manilow.
5. “Jean,” by Oliver in 1969. The song was used in the film “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” starring Maggie Smith as a teacher at a school in Scotland. The film was nominated for Best Original Song.
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
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• AAA Senior Placement AZ is family owned, allowing us to give you quality, personalized service.
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