Compiled by Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Bean bag baseball a hit at LifeStream
When the senior adults faced off against the associates at LifeStream at Youngtown in bean bag baseball, they brought their competitive spirit and their air horns. The faith-based nonprofit LifeStream Complete Senior Living organized this event, which resulted in hilarious banter between the residents and associates.
Bean bag baseball is similar to corn hole or bags, during which competitors throw bean bags from a distance, trying to sink the bag in a hole. This version has more holes denoted as singles, doubles or even a home run.
“The friendly tournament took a fun turn as the residents beat the associates at LifeStream at Youngtown for the first two games,” says Bruce Fischer, LifeStream’s executive director of resident services. “They let it go to their head, and it was hilarious to hear their razzing or heckling throughout the community when they encountered their competitors.”
The third competition was June 12, and it was the first time the associates won.
Genealogical society invites residents to library
The West Valley Genealogical Society and Library is open to the public and offers tools to help search for family — more than 19,000 books, 1,100 maps, 3,400 media and 1,900 periodicals. You can work in the computer lab and make new friends. Nonmembers are asked to make a $5 donation.
The library is located at 12222 N. 111th Avenue, Youngtown.
Info: 623-933-4945 or azwvgs.org
American Association of University Women visit Babbo
More than 40 members of the Northwest Valley-AAUW Women enjoyed lunch at Babbo Italian Eatery in Surprise on June 20.
The restaurant prepared pasta dishes and salads along with its focaccia bread for the Summer Survival Lunch hosted by Betty Merwin. Two more lunches are planned—July and August.
Info: rosemaryd4@cox.net
The Forum at Desert Harbor hosts casino night
Peoria’s The Forum at Desert Harbor drew scores of lucky seniors to the retirement community’s “Vegas Night at The Forum.”
The Forum’s gaming house was on a roll as attendees anted up to a wealth of blackjack, poker and roulette table games hosted by sharp-dressed dealers from Arizona Casino Parties. High rollers cashed in their gambling chips for raffle tickets, which afforded the added chance of winning an assortment of gourmet gift baskets.
Throughout the evening there was a “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” as Elvis Presley impersonator, Bret Kaiser, stacked the deck with the King of Rock and Roll’s chart-topping hits from “Viva Las Vegas” to “Blue Hawaii.” Adoring fans “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with this gem of a “Forever Elvis” tribute.
The Forum at Desert Harbor is located at 13840 N. Desert Harbor Drive, north of Thunderbird Road at 91st Avenue in Peoria.
Info: 623-972-0995 or theforumatdesertharbor.com.
AARP members can save at Radisson Hotels
Radisson Hotel Group is teaming with AARP to offer the 50-and-older organization’s members 10% discount on the best available rate at more than 1,100 participating hotels worldwide.
AARP members will receive a special offer through Radisson Rewards, Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty program. Through December 28, AARP members who are also Radisson Rewards members can fast-track to Gold status through February 2021 when completing four stays at the eligible AARP Member Rate.
Info: radissonrewards.com/joinrewardsft.
Kiva West Bridge Club donates to Alzheimer’s Association
Kiva West Duplication Bridge Club, Sun City West, held its annual fundraiser, “The Longest Day, on June 13 to benefit Alzheimer’s Association.
In conjunction with the American Contract Bridge Association, Kiva West hosted almost 100 people who played bridge and donated more than $2,800 to Alzheimer’s Association. The donations came through game fees, monetary contributions and raffle ticket sales.
Info: jekeane903@gmail.com
Arrowhead Valley Retirement Resort opens
Resort Lifestyle Communities opened Arrowhead Valley Retirement Resort, a new retirement community in Peoria, offering independent living for adults 55 and older.
“Our research indicated there was a significant need for additional independent senior-living communities in Peoria,” says Phil Benjamson, COO of Resort Lifestyle Communities. “Arrowhead Valley offers a life-enriching lifestyle with all the conveniences of home and provides peace of mind to residents’ families and loved ones.”
Located at N. 81st Avenue and West Beardsley Road, Arrowhead Valley offers 128 apartments for rent in studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom options at one monthly price including utilities and no buy-in fee or long-term leases. Included in the monthly rent is on-site professional staff, live-in managers, a 24/7 emergency call system, appointment transportation, concierge services as well as valet parking.
Arrowhead Valley also has an in-house bank, business center, pharmacy, fitness center, game room, 150-seat theater, gift shop and salon. All-inclusive amenities also include a 24-hour chef’s pantry, happy hour lounge, dining room and Freedom Dining program offering a variety of dining experiences including full-service, casual buffet, on-the-go snacks and room service; daily health and wellness programs, social invitations and activities; and a travel program.
Info: 480-482-3000, arrowheadyvalleyretirement.com.
AGEconnect on 7th connects seniors, community services
The Area Agency on Aging has opened AGEconnect on 7th, an Aging Resource Center, at 2950 N. 7th Street in Phoenix for seniors to make connections to community resources and services.
The multipurpose building, constructed in 1970, was recently updated and renovated “to accommodate the growing needs among our older adult population,” says Area Agency on Aging President and CEO Mary Lynn Kasunic. “The building enables us to reach more community residents to help those looking for support and advice.”
AGEconnect on 7th is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Visitors to the first-floor Aging Resource Center can access Medicare counseling through the Area Agency’s Benefits Assistance Program as well as information and connection to community resources from the Senior Help Line staff. Care coordinators will provide support and guidance to caregivers. Legal assistance for low-income seniors age 60 and older is available by appointment.
The Benefits Assistance Program helps individuals navigate the complexities of Medicare benefits for those who are becoming eligible for Medicare as well as for the Medicare Limited Income Program. Information about the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Fraud Patrol is also available.
Info/appointments: 602-264-HELP (4357) to make an appointment.
