Leisure World News

Leisure World News • Community • April 2022 A5 I t’s quite the thrill to step into the role of Editor-in-Chief of our great community newspaper, even if only temporary. I’ve been reading the Leisure World News since 2003, when I began working here, and now find myself with this incredible opportunity at my fingertips beyond my usual submissions for the Lifestyle section. Feel that spring in your step? Birds singing. Trees budding. Flowers blooming. Tell-tale signs that spring is now upon us. Time to act in reducing your carbon footprint, refreshing your home, and renewing your health and fitness goals. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Our fast-paced lives have driven us to look for the easy way out, the quickest meal options, and least amount of work. Every year Earth Day, April 22, helps create awareness in how terrible our habits have become and ways we can help save the planet. Our Leisure World business has taken steps to be more paperless. Personally, my family and I do our best to recycle and reuse or repurpose whenever possible. I pose this question to you: How do you invest in our planet? In this issue, find out ways you can reduce waste (pg. A7). Lemon, baking soda and vinegar. Combined, what do you get? This is your basis for an all-natural household cleaning product. Throw in some flour and eggs and you have the start to a lemon drizzle cake. Win for the planet, win for my belly. If you prefer not to pull from your pantry, there are plenty of more healthful cleaning agents now on the market that are non-caustic, non-corrosive and safer to store under your sink. Do the planet and yourself a favor and look for better options at your local store or online. It’s the perfect time to reevaluate your health and exercise routine. Your New Year’s goals are hopefully now a habit, and it’s time to renew your focus and shake off those winter blues. Spring is the perfect transitional season to reinvigorate your physical health plus promote mental and emotional wellness, too. • Get out and enjoy the sunshine – boosts your Vitamin D levels for healthier bones, immune system, nerve and muscle function and overall well-being. • Enjoy the great outdoors – tying in with the increased exposure to sunshine, you can’t deny that stepping away for a dose of nature and some “me-time” does a body good. • Spring clean your nutrition – grab your favorite tote bag and hit the local farmer’s market to stock up on fresh, in-season produce that is great for your health (and your wallet)! • Freshen up your workout clothes – who doesn’t feel more empowered when wearing brand new shorts and bright new sneakers to work out? In 2012, the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology published a study coining the term “enclothed cognition” to describe the measurable impact that one’s clothes have on their psychological processes. So, take inventory on your closet this spring and go get the new galaxy-print leggings or spin shoes that make you feel like a million bucks. Science says it’s a good idea. • Find your tribe – having a best friend, workout buddy or community of like-minded individuals make it easier and more appealing to make plans, get together for a new workout class or go explore the park. Spring is known as the season of growth and renewal. Let’s all apply that mentality to be the change and help create our best self and better community. Best of health, -Rhonda L Cap, Lifestyle Director, InterimOperations Manager and Guest Editor-in-Chief their table. “The entire table was welcoming,” recalls Cathy. “We had a lot of fun that night,” adds Steve! “Now when we attend dances, I pimp my husband out to ladies who want to dance but don’t have a partner,” laughs Cathy. “She does,” laughs Steve. “But I don’t mind.” The self-proclaimed social butterflies have completely opened themselves to the Leisure World experience. The only downfall is that the working, younger generation is the minority and most of the activities take place before the workday ends. Like many of the working population within the LW community, The Evangelista’s would like to become more involved and would like to see more of a balance throughout the community. “We understand the needs of the community, “says Steve. “However, it would be nice to have more activities in the evening hours.” “We have attended dances and gone into work tired the morning,” laughs Cathy. “A good time is always worth it.” And to this testament, Cathy and Steve have actually called out sick to attend a daytime event. “Oh my goodness,” laughs Cathy! “Steve and I really wanted to participate in the Olympic Pool activity and so we called out sick at work to go!” “Don’t tell our bosses,” chuckled Steve! “Well, we could have been sick,” added Cathy. Along with having later activities, Cathy and Steve suggested more of a variety of current music at dances and also the ability to physically attend the District meetings that normally occur in the morning. “DJ Justin’s Happy Hour is a big hit with the younger crowd,” exclaims Cathy. “We suggested more current music and Justin has been giving us what we ask for. We love to dance!” Cathy and Steve will celebrate twenty-eight years of marriage in June and plan to retire in the next 3.5 years. After retirement, they both plan to fully emerge themselves into the Leisure World community. For people who constantly ask why Leisure World, the answer is simple… “You have no idea what you are missing,” says Cathy! “When that guard gate opens, we are in our own little world. We feel safe and at home here.” “For people in our age group who are here in Leisure World, my best advice is to open yourself up,” concludes Steve. “You never know what will come to you if you are just willing to be open!” Steve and Cathy Evangelista The Ricky and Lucy of Leisure World! continued from A1. Senior One Source Free Senior Living Guidance Senior One Source can match the best communities for individuals based on taste, needs and budget. FREE of cost, hassle, worry and searching! Do You or a Loved One Need More Help Than You Can Get at Home? Louis Johnson Senior Living Advisor 15+ years experience LJohnson@SeniorOneSource.net WEST VALLEY Brittany Jones Senior Living Advisor LMSW 13+ years experience BrittanyJ@SeniorOneSource.net EAST VALLEY Michelle Warren Senior Living Advisor LPN 14+ years experience MichelleW@SeniorOneSource.net EAST VALLEY Find the right Senior Care option. Call today for FREE guidance! 480-300-4539 www.SeniorOneSource.net Expert Knowledge of Senior Housing Options: • Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care • Group Homes The One Source for Senior Living Options Editor’s Note Monster Mash Street Dance 2021.