Category: Features

In Passing – December 2025

Arlene M. Burkhardt Arlene Marie Burkhardt, an OG resident of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Oct. 19, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on July 22, 1934, in Richfield, Wis., Arlene led a life marked by warmth, dedication, and love for her family and community. Arlene graduated from Pittsville High School, where she…

News from the Sky: Holiday Travel Season Tips

Holiday travel seems to start earlier and earlier each year, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is here for it. We expect the airport to be busy in the weeks leading up to the December holidays. To help de-stress your planning and avoid potential travel pitfalls, here are some PHX travel tips to keep in…

Thank You for the Support

Judy Sadkin A huge thank you to all who came out for the Arts and Crafts Fair and fundraising raffle on Nov. 8. A special thank you to Sun Lakes Chandler Animal Clinic for underwriting the cost of the event room. A big thank you to Post Net Chandler for the pricing help with printing…

Word of the Month: Contronym (Continued!)

David Zapatka Reader JoAnn Weston writes about the October 2025 WOTM column, “Hello David. Here is another contronym for your list: “Bound,” meaning to leap, but also the opposite, tied up. I enjoy your column, very clever! Oh, another one—“Leave” meaning to go and to remain!” In serendipitous fashion, friend and fellow verbivore, Richard Lederer,…

So Many Books, So Little Time

Violetta Armour If you’re wanting to place a good book under the Christmas tree for the readers in your family, I thought I’d share a few of the best books my book clubs read this past year. I belong to two clubs and often ask other clubs, “What was your favorite read?” The three titles…

Celebrating Betty Sanders’ 99th Birthday

Judith Gahide Recently, many friends came to celebrate Betty Sanders on her 99th birthday on the IronOaks Fitness/Racquet Club patio. We are all in awe of her quick wit and lively sense of humor. Betty has been a part of the Sun Lakes community for years, and many of you may know her from her…

Jingle & Mingle Fundraiser at Floridino’s December 2

Join us for the 4th Annual Jingle & Mingle Fundraiser, hosted by the Chandler Business Alliance (CBA), on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta, located at 590 N. Alma School Rd #35, Chandler. This festive community event brings together local businesses, residents, and supporters to celebrate the season while raising funds for meaningful…

Jacquie’s Corner: The Happiest Christmas Ever

Jacqueline M. Ruffino-Platt This story took place almost 20 years ago and brought you, the readers, up to present days. I was blessed and wanted to share with you. Born and raised in New Jersey, I decided to spread my wings to an unknown location. I headed south on the freeway until I reached Virginia,…

Breast Cancer Zumba Fundraiser Was a Wonderful Success

Sandra Melchor I held a Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser/Zumba Party on Oct. 26 at the Cottonwood Palo Verde Fitness Center. I was completely overwhelmed by all the ladies in attendance, their support, and the generous donations by our community. We raised $1,961 to support this important cause and to raise awareness of early detection for…