Cathy Merritt Cheers is a social club open to members from Sun Lakes, Springfield, SunBird, and Solera communities. Our current 179 members invite you to become a part of the Cheers family, whether you are a year-round or a seasonal resident. The club offers many activities and programs, including social time, wine tasting, dining out,…
Clubs & Classes, April 2026
Spring and Projects Are Moving Right Along
Blanca Sanchez, Desert Threads Chapter of AQG February was a blink of an eye, and March came in with more amazing quilting and fiber arts projects and upcoming inspiring programs. We will have hosted our third Community Service Retreat project with 3-Yard Quilts patterns the first weekend in March for our service projects, and the…
April 2026, Clubs & Classes
Science and Technology
Karen Vollis Are you interested in science and technology? During the winter, we can attend nature walks to learn about the flora and fauna of the desert. We can volunteer to be Citizen Scientists at the Maricopa Parks (to document the various species of plants, birds, or insects). During the summer, we can stay cool…
April 2026, Clubs & Classes
Cheers Social Group Activities
Cathy Merritt Cheers Trip Opportunities: Several Cheers members took an adventurous river cruise to Columbia, South America. Other than being struck by illness for a couple of days and one of the members having a leak in their cabin, the trip was worth it. They came back talking about the beauty of Columbia and the…
April 2026, Clubs & Classes
Daughters of the American Revolution
Becky Donatelli A few of the Gila Butte Daughters of the American Revolution met for a fun and informative outing. The Desert River Audubon Society gave a guided tour of Veterans Oasis Park, and Liberty Wildlife had two raptors on site. They had two birds of prey: Barbosa, a red-tailed hawk, and Cassidy, a Swainson’s…
Clubs & Classes, April 2026
Winding Up the Season
Ken Duquaine The East Valley Photo Club held its February competition meeting on Feb. 19. First place winners in the three classes of entries were as follows: Class A Open Color Prints, Isabel Guerra Clark; Class B, Donna McGregor and Yvonne Nystrom; Class A Mono Prints, Phillis Peterson and Sandra Kwas; Class B, Donna McGregor;…
April 2026, Features
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Judith Kopp Forgiveness is a power that heals your whole being. It offers release at a deep level. Your heart understands forgiveness as letting go of a tether, a soft unhooking from an old moment that no longer needs to live in your present. Your mind may carry stories, but it’s your heart that chooses…
April 2026, Features
Word of the Month: Portmanteau
David Zapatka Coming from a tech and marketing background, sister and reader, Debbie, recognized a trend in her field that is prevalent today and suggested researching the word, portmanteau. Portmanteau port·man·teau, port-ˈman- tō noun: a word blending the sounds and meanings of two other words Origin and Etymology: From French portemanteau, literally “carry cloak,” a…
April 2026, Features
News from the Sky: Travel Tips From America’s Friendliest Airport
Here are some travel tips and reminders to help passengers enjoy a smooth experience at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Before You Fly * Plan Ahead: Before heading to the airport, passengers and those picking them up or dropping them off should check their flight status with their airline. If flying domestically, arrive at…
Features, April 2026
In Passing – April 2026
Nancy Borden Nancy Ladd Borden, née Chandler, passed away peacefully on Jan. 27, 2026, at Towers Nursing Home in Smithville, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. She was 88 years old. Nancy was born on Dec. 31, 1937, in Omaha, Neb., to Dwight Lamont Chandler and Frances Mae Chandler, née Smith. She grew up with…