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Joan Koczor's December Newsletter ".. keeping you informed" has been posted to Joan's Corner for your reading enjoyment.
Included with the December newsletter are events to remember in December, information about the Cinnamon Bear, Christmas Trivia and looks back at Christmas past. Enjoy!
The Community/Senior Center Senior Programming Calendar for December is now available for your use!
Just published the December 2024 edition of the Pinal County Network Newsletter.
As usual, it is full of useful information for county residents including a great introduction to the new name and branding for the former Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens as Central Arizona Aging to better represent the services that they provide.
The Maricopa ARTS Council recently announced that they are partnering with the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center to host a free 2025 lecture series called Inside the Creative Mind.
InMaricopa Magazine recently published an article written by Kylie Werner entitled "Creative minds convene for Maricopa's annual art talks, starting next month." You can either go to InMaricopa Magazine or search for "creative minds" in the above SEARCH box to access this article. For your convenience, all of the event dates have been added to the "What's New" calendar as reminders.
I recently found a most enjoyable article about ageism in greeting cards and how the standard "over the hill" message can be rewritten.
Check out this article that I found on the U of A's Arizona Center on Aging: "Many birthday cards mock getting older. These artists are painting a different picture." Use the Search box above to search for "Many birthday cards" to find this enlightening article! While there you might want to check some of the newly designed greeting cards now available for sale. Celebrate aging! Ageism is prejudice against your future self.
Free COVID tests are available again.
Go to the following site to order: ASPR COVID-19 Testing (covidtests.gov)
EXCITING NEWS! Senior Field Trips are back!
Through a creative collaboration among several senior travel planning volunteers and RIDE347.COM, senior field trips are back!
Check the CATEGORY box on the right for "Senior Field Trips" to find out about upcoming events. Recently added trips include:
In December, sign up for the Holiday Homes on Tour trip! In January we're going to the Mesa Marketplace and Bluegrass Festival, the Desert Botanical Gardens and Organ Stop Pizza! Check out these senior trips!
A bus load of our friends enjoyed a wonderful evening visiting Maricopa's special holiday houses. The trip included several stops with photo opportunities with Santa and his helpers plus a chance for some hot chocolate and cookies. Our last stop was one of Santa's workshops - AWESOME! They even accepted donations of unwrapped toys (totally optional)!
Ride347 will be offering more holiday light tours. Give your holiday spirits a boost!
Check out the following link for a 2nd Senior Only trip on December 19th: HOLIDAY HOMES TOUR - Ride 347 There are still several seats available at only $15.00 a seat!
Additional trips (not exclusive to seniors) are available at both 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the following dates: December 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30th - All of these are also available at only $15.00 a seat.
Post Date:11/21/2024 7:36 AM SOURCE: Maricopa E-news
Maricopa, Arizona, November 21, 2024, The City of Maricopa is committed to the safety of our vibrant community, especially during the bustling holiday season. As celebrations bring festivities and togetherness, the Maricopa Fire/Medical and Police Departments are stepping up to ensure everyone can enjoy the season safely.
Police Chief Mark Goodman and Fire Chief Brad Pitassi would like to share some of their top tips to ensure residents have a safe and happy time this holiday season.
Top 5 Holiday Cooking Safety Tips from the MFMD
“As we gather with loved ones to celebrate the holiday season, our kitchens often become the heart of our homes. Unfortunately, the holidays also bring an increase in cooking-related fires. In fact, cooking is the leading cause of home fires during this time of year. While the joy of preparing holiday meals brings us together, it’s important to remember that safety should always be our top ingredient. By taking a few extra precautions, we can avoid unnecessary accidents and ensure that the holidays remain a time of warmth, laughter, and delicious meals—not unintended emergencies."
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. If you need to step away, turn off the burners.
- Keep flammable items away from heat sources. Ensure dish towels, oven mitts, paper towels, and wooden utensils are kept clear of the stovetop.
- Keep a lid or baking sheet handy. In the event of a small grease fire, cover the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Never use water to put out a grease fire.
- Use timers and check food often. It's easy to lose track of time during holiday festivities, so set timers to remind you to check on your food regularly.
- Ensure children and pets stay a safe distance. Create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and hot appliances to prevent accidental burns or spills.
Top 5 Holiday Safety Tips from the MPD
“During the holiday season, let’s remember that we all have a role in keeping Maricopa one of Arizona’s safest cities,” says Chief Goodman. “Many crimes, like car break-ins and package thefts, are crimes of opportunity. By taking simple steps—like locking your doors, securing your packages, and staying alert—we can prevent these incidents and send a clear message: we won’t give crime a chance."
- Home Security - If you’re leaving on vacation for the holidays, be sure to use timers for lights and radios while you're away and ask a trusted friend or neighbor to watch your home.
- Protect your Packages - Don’t give porch pirates an opportunity, have important packages shipped to your workplace.
- Holiday Scammers - Generosity is common this time of year, Be aware of scams that criminals commit to take advantage of people's generosity during the holidays.
- Properly Dispose of Gift Packaging - Don't advertise expensive toys, electronics, or other gifts received by the boxes left for garbage collections. Compress large boxes and place them in black garbage bags for pick-up.
- Lock Your Vehicles - Always make sure to double check your vehicle is locked when parked on your driveway and/or sidewalk and never leave any valuables inside.
“Maricopa is one of the safest cities in Arizona. Let’s work together to keep it that way and to keep one another safe and secure. Please do not hesitate to report suspicious activity to the police department. We are always here to help," said Chief Goodman.
For non-urgent concerns this holiday season, residents are encouraged to contact the Maricopa Police Department’s non-emergency line at (520) 568-3673. You can also quickly and easily file a non-emergency police report online by clicking this link.
Stay safe, and happy holidays!
If you like this website, please tell a friend. Share the link so that others may be able to take advantage of the content. www.maricopaseniorliving.org
Upcoming Event(s) and Activities -
Movie Matinee Schedule - Maricopa Community Center - Fridays at 1 pm except for the 3rd Friday which is reserved for Lunch & Learn.
Now through December 29th - The World of Illumination in Tempe, AZ - World of Illumination, a drive-thru animated light show synchronized to Christmas music.
Forbes included World of Illumination on its 2019 list of the top holiday light displays in the U.S.
This is a drive-thru light show featuring a milelong light display with 500 installations each with a different theme. The Tempe show is located in Tempe Diablo Stadium at 2200 W. Alameda Drive. Hours are 6-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays (also on the following Mondays: December 9, 16 and 23rd.)
This year's theme at the Tempe World of Illumination is an Enchanted Safari! Guests will follow their guide, Toukie Toucan, to "discover the jingle of the jungle" as they trek over land, sea and air to experience a host of exotic animals from peacocks to piranhas, reindeer to Trexes, and travel through the Tunnel of Tentacles filled with sharks and jellyfish.
World of Illumination tickets cost $39.99-$49.99 depending on the DATE of your visit. One admission ticket per carload. For more information: World of Illumination | Tempe, Arizona
How about Yuletide at Old Tucson 2025 running now until January 4th!
Many know Old Tucson for its film history and desert vistas, but did you know, it is also Santa’s base in the West? This November, our beloved holiday spectacular ‘Yuletide’ returns as Old Tucson is transformed into a western winter wonderland we call The West Pole. Grab yourself a hot cocoa, take a ride on a horse drawn carriage, sing along with our carolers, and experience our holiday stunt shows, original musicals, magic and more.
For more information about hours, activities, events and tickets: Yuletide | Old Tucson
OLD TUCSON is located at 201 Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85735. Parking is available in our on-site lot.
Ak-Chin Indian Community - 2024 MASIK TAS CELEBRATION (birthday celebration) continues this weekend Friday, December 20th - Sunday, December 22nd
Check this site for more information: Entertainment – 2024 Masik Tas Celebration
Some selected highlights!
Friday, December 20, 2024 - Free concert! Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
At 8 p.m. - Buckshot & Bell Bottoms performing in The Luxe Lounge
On Saturday, December 21st, gates opening at 1:30 p.m.- Free Show!
2 p.m. - Los Hermanos Cuatro
3 p.m. - Louis S
4 p.m. - David Lee Garza Los Musicales
6 p.m. - Groupo Metal
8 p.m. - Michael Salgado
After party again at the Luxe Lounge
On Sunday, December 22 - CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT
12 p.m. - Chi'Chino Spirit Traditional Dance Group - Gila River Indian Community
1 p.m. - San Juan Kualiya Group - Ak-Chin Indian Community
2 p.m. - Ak-Chin Baban Kiena Dance Group - Ak-Chin Indian Community
3 p.m. - Anegam Traditional Singers and Dancers - Tohono O'odham Nation
CHICKEN SCRATCH
4:30 p.m. - Chaka & Friends
6 p.m. - Two Rivers
8 p.m. - Gertie & The T.O. Boyz
Clear Bag Policy
Masik Tas will be implementing a clear bag policy for all events. Bags must be made of clear materials, not color/tinted, and the size must not exceed 12x6x12. Only medical and diaper bags will be permitted, but they must be searched, as will lawn chairs/ wagons and blankets.
Saturday, December 21st, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Maricopa Friends of the Library Holiday Pop-up Sale at the Maricopa Library.
Come visit the library for some last-minute gifts for the book lover in your life! It's also an opportunity to renew your membership for 2025 to keep you eligible for the 5 free books at the Spring and Fall Book Sales or even get a new membership for yourself or a loved one. Memberships make a great gift!
If you can't make the sale, remember the Book Nook is always open during library hours for shopping. See you there!
Saturday, December 21st, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.- Nativities from Around the World at 45325 W Honeycutt Ave
Join the Maricopa community in a unique way to celebrate Christ's birth. With crafts for the littles, music from community choirs, and hundreds of beautiful nativities on display, there is something for everyone at this come and go event.
This is a free event, but we need your help stocking the shelves of our local food banks! Bring canned fruit, veggies, beans, or soup to donate at the event.
Wednesday, December 25th - Merry Christmas!!
I hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!
Wednesday, January 1st, 2025!
Happy New Year to everyone! Wishing everyone a wonderful 2025!
Sunday, January 12th - Senior field trip to the Mesa Market Place & Bluegrass Festival. Free admission and music! Enjoy the great shopping!
Tuesday, January 14th - Senior Field Trip to the Desert Botanical Gardens and take advantage of free admission on Community Day!
Saturday, January 18th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - 2025 Senior Info/Expo
The Info/Expo will be at the Maricopa Library & Cultural Center. 18160 N. Maya Angelou Dr., Maricopa, AZ 85138. This is a FREE event.
Join us for a day dedicated to empowering seniors and their families with vital resources and information. The Senior Info/Expo brings together local services, healthcare providers, and community organizations to showcase programs designed specifically for the needs of older adults.
Whether you're seeking information on health and wellness, financial planning, housing options, or social activities, you'll find it all there.
"Age is merely the number of years the world has been enjoying you" - Unknown
Thursday, January 23rd - Senior Field Trip to Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa - Enjoy the giant Wurlitzer Organ!
Also, on Thursday January 23rd, at 5:30 p.m., the Maricopa Arts Council kicks off their 2025 Lecture Series with Author Kay Fisher at the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center.
The five-time author has an extensive background in science, He has taught and programmed computers for more than 40 years and was part of the team that developed one of the fastest computers in the world. In addition, Fisher is an award-winning photographer and aviation enthusiast whose model airplanes have been featured in Scale RC Modeler magazine.
Wednesday, January 29th, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - 2025 State of the City at Desert Sunrise High School
The City of Maricopa is honored to present the 2025 State of the City Address by Mayor Nancy Smith. This year's theme is "Building Stronger Together" and will reflect how far we've grown as a city and community by celebrating our Community Champions.
Desert Sunrise High School is located at 16200 N. Murphy Rd., Maricopa, AZ 85138.
Saturday, February 1st, from 4-6 p.m., abstract artist James Blackburn will present the 2nd Maricopa ARTS Council lecture at the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center.
Blackburn, whom the council refers to as an "abstract master," has works exhibited throughout the Soutwest that have won many prizes including MAC's 2024 Abstract Art Contest. She is also a Harley-Davidson rider and gardener. Blackburn said she is a firm believer that art can be a mirror to society and that she tries to weave narratives filled with emotion, strength and resilience.
Friends of the Library future book sales:
NOTE: Future sales are scheduled for the following Saturdays:
- February 8, 2025 - Mini Sale #1 for 2025
- March 29, 2025 - SPRING SALE (BIG sale!)
- May 10, 2025 - Mini Sale #2
- July 26, 2025 - Mini Sale #3
- September 20, 2025 - Mini Sale #4
- November 15, 2025 - FALL SALE (BIG sale!)
Cash or debit/credit cards accepted
NOTE: The Book Nook is open daily during Library hours. (Pay at the cash box in the book nook)
Thursday, February 20th, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Author Tom Schilling will host the 3rd 2025 lecture of the Winter season for the Maricopa Art Council at the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center.
Schilling's stories cover all things unusual, edgy and weird. He has written 20 novels, three novellas and 67 short stories over the past 11 years. The self-described "neurodivergent competitive writer" has been a finalist in two novel competitions and had works appear in seven literary journals.
Saturday, March 8th from 2-4 p.m. at the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center, author Laura Olivieri will present the 4th lecture in the Maricopa ARTS 2025 winter lecture series.
She has published a book titled Where Are You: A Child's Book About Loss. Besides being a musician and author, Olivieri is also a prize-winning slam poet, videographer and agricultural specialist. She is well-known locally as the director of MAricopa Music Circle chamber orchestra and a key member of the city's Arts Advisory Committee. Olivieri has been on the cover of an issue of InMaricopa magazine.
Saturday, March 22nd form 2-4 p.m., Navajo weaver Tiffany Yazzie will be the 5th and final speaker of the Maricopa ARTS Council 2025 winter lecture series at the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center.
Yazzie comes from a family of weavers and says that her art is "an endeavor to preserve family tradition and a connection to those who have taught me." Her works are inspired by vivid color combinations where she uses traditional as well as her own contemporary designs. Yazzie's textiles can take anywhere from 10 to 200 hours to weave, and she typically does not sketch the design before beginning to weave. Yazzie was also on of MAC's 2024 Abstract Art Contest winners.
Wild West Music Fest returning to Maricopa - April 4-6, 2025, at Copper Sky Regional Park!
This collaboration between the city and Steve LeVine Entertainment & Public Relations is a family-friendly festival that will once again feature national and local entertainment, a variety of carnival rides and games, food trucks, interactive activities and more. This time we will also see an expanded carnival area offering more options for attendees.
"This event offers a fantastic opportunity to unite our community, support local businesses and enhance Maricopa's reputation as an exciting destination for visitors," said Mayor Nancy Smith. "Our goal is to promote all of the many wonderful things we enjoy in Maricopa, encouraging visitors to shop locally and see all Maricopa has to offer while creating lasting memories for our residents."
The city has not yet announced a lineup, but they should be revealing more details soon. Tickets will soon be available at Home - Wild West Music Fest and anyone who wants to stay up to date with the latest about Wild West Music Fest can follow the festival on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Tik Tok.
This information was published in an article on November 14th in Pinal Central by Kenny Quayle, staff writer.
