Alisa Moore
The members of the PebbleCreek Democratic Club are getting used to meeting on Zoom, although we definitely miss the fellowship of meeting and socializing in-person. It’s challenging to focus on our health after months of streaming movies and TV shows, solving puzzles, baking sourdough bread and other comfort treats, and avoiding the possible contagion of the fitness center.
At the March club meeting, Patricia O’Driscoll and William Norman, physical therapists from Banner Health, discussed the many benefits of, and ways to, exercise at home or outdoors during the current health crisis. They stressed walking, flexibility, and strength training and also noted how significant staying hydrated is here in Arizona, given our coming summer heat.
Linda Fulwiler, North Bank Travel agent, raised the possibility of national and international travel as we are getting vaccinated, restrictions are easing in some places, and numbers are starting to come down. She mentioned that the Real ID (with a star on it) will be required for most air travel starting Oct. 1, even for those who have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. There are still issues regarding travel: 15 states have their own limitations for travelers entering their states, which may include quarantining. Air travel will still require wearing a mask, probably until the end of the year, and she recommends double-masking. At this point, Linda does not encourage international travel. Many countries severely limit entry, restrictions that may last until 2022. However, she did encourage members to consider domestic travel, including cruises (still experiencing some delays) and steamboat expeditions, RV travel and camping, and road trips, from day trips to cross-country.
In other news, the club continues its support of the Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank, having contributed 636 pounds of food and clothing and $1,400 in 2021 to date. Social Committee Chair Frankie Veltri announced that the club will have a trivia night in April, details to follow. The club members were also encouraged to continue their support of LD-13, our legislative district, and its outreach, voter engagement, and communication activities.
The next PebbleCreek Democratic Club meeting is April 7 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The speaker will be Michael Collins, Washington correspondent covering the White House occupants from George W. Bush to Joe Biden. It is a position he has held since 2001, through a number of transitions of media ownership, from Scripps Howard News Service to Journal Media Group and now with the USA Today/Gannett Washington Bureau. Mr. Collins served as bureau chief at The Cincinnati Post for five years and the Night City editor at the Kentucky Post prior to his Washington assignment. He earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Western Kentucky University. His work appears in print, digitally, and on social media, and his appearances on C-Span are available in their video library. For more information on the club and its activities, visit pcdemclub.org. All are welcome.