David Zapatka We’re doing something different this month. We’re going to explore getting a new word into dictionaries. Reader Debbie M. writes, “Hello, I enjoy your column and want to offer a suggestion. ‘Orbisculate’ is a word not yet in the dictionary. I think we should help the young people who are trying to get…
Category: Features
Features, July 2021
Pet of The Month: My Name Is JJ Miller
Jim Ellison I am called a mini Bernedoodle, but some folks don’t know what mix that is. I am a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. Yep, quite the mixture, but I am a cutie. I am full of energy at two years old and quite the watchdog in our house. However, when I’m out walking…
Features, July 2021
Fireworks Laws and Risks
Marilu Trainor Fireworks can be exciting, but it is important to know the laws and risks associated with their use. According to the National Fire Protection Agency website, an estimated 19,500 fires started by fireworks were reported to local U.S. fire departments in 2018. More fires are reported on the Fourth of July than any other day of…
Features, July 2021
Teamwork Yields Wheelchair Ramps
Marilu Trainor We love it when a plan comes together and helps many people, just from a single thought. It all started in late April when Goodyear Paramedic Captain Mario Santos responded to a 9-1-1 call after a PebbleCreek resident fell. In early May, Santos and his crew responded to a similar request for help…
Features, July 2021
Piccadilly “Taps Across America”
Bill Steffan On Memorial Day at 3 p.m., neighbors from Piccadilly Road came together and celebrated the annual, nationwide performance of “Taps” to honor veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The featured musician was Steve Thomas, who played “Taps” on his clarinet. Other guests included Ray and Kathi Catalono, Ken and Sue…
Features, July 2021
Time for the Red, White, and Blue
Richard Hinkel The back patio umbrellas, cushions, and swing were showing the effects of Arizona summers. They were getting pale. What better time to recover everything than during May, to charge colorfully into the upcoming holidays? Cora Hinkel decided there was no time like the present to give her sewing machine a patriotic workout. A swing, two umbrellas, seven…
Features, July 2021
In Passing
Mimi Birnel It is with sincere sorrow that we announce the passing of Mimi Birnel on May 15. She was a woman of great intelligence, wit, and creativity. Mimi was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y.; the middle child with both an older and younger brother. In her late teens and early twenties, she toured…