Welcome to the summer issue of North Valley Magazine, filled with cool suggestions on how you and your family can get the most out of our hottest months. And with the thermometer reaching higher and higher, it looks like we just might be in for our hottest summer yet! Our feature story, “Winning, Yet Still Wanting,” is an up-close and personal interview with Phoenix Suns fan favorite Steve Nash. Read how Steve heats up US Airways Arena with his two NBA Most Valuable Player Awards and explains his personal goals for the Suns. In “My City Guide,” you’ll learn about the various activities, restaurants, and entertainment throughout the Valley that you may not have known about before—each one perfect for a little summer fun. See which stars came out to support Muhammad Ali at Celebrity Fight Night held at the JW Marriot in the North Valley. And, because we’re right in the middle of backyard barbecue and party season, we thought you might need a few ideas on how to accent your patio. Check out “North Valley’s Exploding Design Scene” and decorate a patio that is sure to become the talk of the neighborhood.

One of the greatest things about Valley residents is that we don’t let a little heat stop us from enjoying all that our community has to offer. Outdoor activities are still a huge draw, but if you’re ready to beat the heat for a little while, be sure to read our article on Rocky Point. Rocky Point is a great vacation destination—it’s only a short drive away, and it’s inexpensive and perfect for the whole family!

As always, join us in thanking our writers and interviewees who made this issue possible. Your investment as a reader or advertiser is guaranteed by our audited circulation certified by Verified Audit Circulation, fifty years in business. And to all you proud papas out there: Happy Father’s Day from North Valley Magazine.

So, grab a chair and get out of the sun, because you’re about to dive head-first into North Valley Magazine’s summer issue—no sun block needed!

May 5 >> Cinco de Mayo Festival & Salsa Challenge, El Pedregal, 34505 North Scottsdale Rd.

Photography by Eric Fairchild

Guests enjoyed the music of the Mariachi Tierra del Sol Band and Spanish guitarist Miguel de Maria, and other events like the Salsa Challenge, Tequila Tasting by Partida Tequila, and fine Mexican cuisine.

April 19 >> Lou Grubb Friends Fore Golf Tournament Gala Dinner, Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 East Missouri Ave.

Photography by Mark Susan

With more than 240 players, the Lou Grubb Friends Fore Golf Tournament is one of the best-attended golf events in Arizona. A Valley tradition since 1976, the tournament began donating its proceeds to Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in 1994. Lou Grubb and his wife, Evie, became acquainted with St. Joseph’s and Barrow when Lou suffered a ruptured aneurysm at the Phoenix Open in 1986. When physicians told Evie that Lou had little chance of survival, she insisted that they transfer him to Barrow, where his life was saved. Since 1994, the tournament has raised more than $3 million for the hospital.

April 28 >> “An Evening to Paws”, Scottsdale Hilton Resort & Villas, 6333 North Scottsdale Rd.

Photography by Michelle Pelberg

Arizona’s largest black-tie fund-raiser to benefit homeless dogs and cats is being called a rousing success by the Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA (AAWL). PetSmart was this year’s “Leader of the Pack” event sponsor, and AAWL Chairman of the Board Elizabeth Sharp served as chair for the event. Ingrid Spelts served as honorary event chair.

May 15 >> Mayor’s State of the City Address and Luncheon, Phoenix Convention Center, 111 North 3rd St.

Photography by Eric Fairchild

Mayor Phil Gordon addressed his plans for the city of Phoenix to become the 21st century’s first “Great City.” For more information, visit phoenixchamber.com.

March 24 >> 13th Annual Celebrity Fight Night, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, 5350 East Marriott Dr.

Photography by Eric Fairchild

This power-packed night of excitement not only leaves the audience with unforgettable memories each year, but more importantly provided significant dollars for charities that help many people in need. Throughout Celebrity Fight Night’s twelve-year history, over $45 million have been raised, with the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute as the primary beneficiary. Numerous other charities have benefited and countless lives have been changed, thanks to the tremendous generosity of the supporters.

By Bill Ignacio

When people at social occasions learn that I’m a veterinarian, there’s a standard set of questions I’m bound to be asked. My favorite is, “What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever found in surgery?” The reason I love that question is that the answer is, “The other woman’s panties.”

Long story short: a Doberman pinscher was taken to surgery because of a foreign-body obstruction in his tummy. The culprit? A leopard-print thong. So we cleaned it up a little, stuck it in a plastic baggie, tittered among ourselves a little, and showed it to the dog’s family when they came to discharge him. You already know the punch line—it wasn’t mommy’s. Bad dog, both of you!

It may make for a humorous anecdote, but gastrointestinal obstructions really aren’t funny. In addition to being life-threatening, the cost and inherent risk associated with an invasive surgery like this are exceptional—$20 in cheesy lingerie can quickly turn into more than a grand. We see both dogs and cats in our hospital almost every day with suspected foreign bodies in their stomachs. Because the symptoms are fairly nonspecific, we usually consider foreign-body obstructions. Animals with obstructions usually show a lack of appetite and vomit; but hormonal disorders, gastroenteritis, or organ dysfunction can all look the same in the early stages. It can be frustrating because each of these disorders needs to be treated in very different ways. Standard diagnostics include blood work to rule out metabolic or hormonal disease, and X-rays to discover obvious foreign bodies. But often, even that’s not enough. While bones or rocks show up nice and bright on X-rays, panties don’t. In questionable situations, your veterinarian may perform an ultrasound exam or repeat X-rays after an amount of barium has been administered orally to your pet. Barium will highlight foreign objects we can’t see otherwise. And if there is something blocking the road, that’s usually when it’s time for surgery.

While exploratory surgery is common and more than necessary in certain situations, there’s no denying that it’s invasive. Any time the stomach or intestines needs to be opened, there is a very real risk of infection. Other complications following surgery include heart arrhythmias, blood loss and, of course, pain. It sounds scary, and it is, but the truth is that with proper and prompt care, major complications following a foreign body retrieval surgery are rare.

Here’s a list of some popular objects our furry friends seem to find irresistible. Cats: little pieces of stuffed toys that they stalked for an hour, killed, and then of course ate; string, ribbon, and thread; foam earplugs; and rubber bands. I have even seen a few sewing needles in some kitty tummies. Christmastime and birthday parties are key events for cats to find something shiny and indigestible. Dogs: the list is endless, but beware of bones (chewing does not mean eating), toys and balls, and plastic objects from the trash. And incriminating underwear. They’ll eat those every time.

So, if your pet shows a lack of appetite or is vomiting frequently on an empty stomach (especially if you watched him eat a baseball earlier that day), get him or her into your family veterinarian right away. Waiting with this problem can seriously jeopardize healing and increase costs. In some cases, objects that haven’t left the stomach can be removed with an endoscope, eliminating invasive surgery.

Here are some more weird cases I’ve seen lately. Flynt is a handsome little border collie who decided to get hit by a car, develop pancreatitis, and eat half a tennis ball, all at around the same time. He was with us for nearly ten days before we realized he had a foreign body obstruction. Luckily, Flynt has one of the greatest moms there is; she stuck by him the whole time. Flynt did just fine through surgery, and I’m happy to tell you he’s back in fighting form today.

Then there’s Milo, a little ragdoll kitty who got a giant hairball good and stuck in his tiny little intestines. Hairball obstructions in cats are quite rare, but Milo is the second one I’ve treated this year! He’s also lucky enough to have a world-class mom, and he was home in just a couple of days.

So, know what to watch for, but more importantly, help prevent the problem. And for goodness sake, don’t cheat on your wife. There’s nothing worse than being busted by your dog.

DOGS

Brussle is an adorable Chihuahua mix who just celebrated his second birthday. He weighs 14 pounds and loves to be scratched behind the ears! Brussle could go to a home with children and maybe other dogs, but definitely not cats! His adoption fee is $129, which includes his neuter, microchip, and vaccinations.

Vera is an absolutely beautiful Finnish spitz-mix female. She is three years old and weighs 23 pounds. She is extremely playful and loves people. She could go to a home with children and other dogs, but not cats. Her adoption fee is $95, which includes her spay, microchip, and vaccinations.

Gobi’s great smile is sure to warm anyone’s heart! Gobi is a beautiful pointer/lab mix who weighs 63 pounds. He is two-and-a-half years old and looking for his forever home. He could go to a home with children and other dogs, but he’s definitely not a fan of the feline persuasion! His adoption fee is $95, which includes his neuter, microchip, and vaccinations.

Viola is a playful three-year-old pit bull who weighs 48 pounds. She absolutely loves water and will play with the hose and in the kiddie pool for as long as you’ll let her! When Viola greets you, her whole body wags with joy. Viola is looking for a forever home to call her own. Come down and meet this sweet gal today! Her adoption fee is $95, which includes her spay, microchip, and vaccinations.

CATS

Fraulein is a cuddly little kitty looking for a good home! She weighs just five pounds! She is a seven-month-old domestic shorthair. Her adoption fee is $129, which includes her spay, microchip, and vaccinations.

Erica is a beautiful one-year-old brown tabby who just loves people! She does not usually like other four-legged friends, but might be able to share you with another polite cat. She can be a little shy at first, but once she warms up, she follows you all around the room! Her adoption fee is $95, which includes her spay, microchip, and vaccinations.

Maybe it’s Maybelline! She is a lovely one-and-a-half-year-old domestic shorthair cat who is as confident as can be! She’s equally as comfortable in a room full of cats as she is in a room full of people. She doesn’t mind being picked up for short periods, either. Her adoption fee is $95, which includes her spay, microchip, and vaccinations.

Rita Hayworth lives up to her name—she’s truly a star! This three-year-old orange tabby has supersatiny fur, and is a sassy, silly girl. She always wants the best seat in the house—the one right next to your leg! She enjoys neck rubs and playing with interactive toys. She would be happiest as an only kitty or perhaps sharing your home with just one polite kitty. Her adoption fee is $95, which includes her spay, microchip, and vaccinations.

By Shannon Willoby

Internationally known mezzo-soprano and Arizona native Gail Dubinbaum is set to take culture in Phoenix to a new level. Although Phoenix is an arts and entertainment melting pot abounding with museums, art galleries, fine restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and theaters, Dubinbaum felt there was something missing. Recognizing a strong need for performing arts in the Valley, Dubinbaum, along with her husband, John Massaro, created a not-for-profit opera, better known as the Phoenix Metropolitan Opera, in 2006.

Undertaking such a task would be daunting to many, but not for Dubinbaum. Her musical background began from the time she was born, and has taken her across the world and back several times. Her mother, Ruth Dubinbaum, was an opera singer, and cultivated her daughter’s talent by taking her to theater productions beginning at a very early age. As Dubinbaum got older, she was given leading roles with some of the world’s most prestigious opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna Staatsoper, Israel Opera, and L’Opera de Montreal. In addition to this, she has appeared with Opera Pacific, Detroit Opera, Portland Opera, and Arizona Opera.

Her impressive résumé doesn’t stop there. Dubinbaum has sung with the Los Angeles, Israel, New York, Boston, Cleveland, and San Francisco Orchestras, and performed alongside such renowned conductors as Zubin Mehta, James Levine, Michael Tilson Thomas, Gerald Schwarz, Carlo Maria Giulini, and Leonard Bernstein. Dubinbaum’s television credits include appearances on “In Performance at the White House” and “Live from the Met.” Her DVD recordings include Francesca de Rimini with the Metropolitan Opera, and the Met Centennial Gala.

Thanks to her expert guidance and innate talent, her private studio in Phoenix has continuously produced top-notch singers. Her students win national competitions and land leading roles with major opera companies for close to a decade.

However, it’s her role as artistic director and creative director of the Phoenix Metropolitan Opera that enables her to further Phoenix’s growth. By bringing the finest operatic performances to Arizona, she is hoping to reach new audiences and thrill those who previously had to travel to San Francisco or New York to see a production. The highly anticipated debut performance of the Phoenix Metropolitan Opera is set for December 21–23 at historic Orpheum Theatre.

PMO’s premiere production, La Bohème, is one of the most famous operas of all time and is perfect for both newcomers to opera and avid fans. Tickets go on sale in the fall and the production is sure to pack the house. As the first Phoenix-based opera company, PMO is already generating quite a buzz, and will be an uplifting and positive experience for all involved. If Dubinbaum’s goal is to renew interest in the performing arts throughout Arizona, she is sure to achieve her goal by opening night.

However, bringing the finest traditional opera performances to the Valley doesn’t come without a price. Without generous contributors, December’s upcoming opera debut wouldn’t be possible. Interested parties can contribute to PMO in a variety of ways, including memorial, honorary, and legacy gifts. Donations also help fund trips to senior centers, assisted-living facilities, and nursing homes to ensure opera reaches those who cannot travel to see live performances. The Schuld Family Fund just donated a generous gift of $100,000 to Phoenix Metropolitan Opera, which will be used to support the upcoming performing arts. Dubinbaum, along with educational director Wendy Umbrianna, is also planning an innovative educational program for elementary through secondary Arizona schools. This program will bring opera into our schools, but will also teach history, literature, language, dance, theater, musical instruments, and other essential subjects to cultivate young minds and increase their creativity.

Another aspect of PMO is their upcoming Young Artist Development Program. This one-year program will develop and nurture local talent, ages 20–34, who have demonstrated a possible future as professional operatic singers. Dubinbaum is astonished by and proud of the high degree of talent we have in the Valley, and this program will help introduce these gifted people to the world. Donations to fund this program are needed as well.

Ultimately, gifts provided by supporters of the Phoenix Metropolitan Opera will aid in the construction of a Phoenix opera house, securing the permanent status of opera in the Valley. Until then, Dubinbaum will continue to bring opera to life with traditional performances from popular works from the late 18^th through 20^th centuries. These performances will delight Valley residents and, thanks to Dubinbaum, transform Phoenix into a city that highlights some of the most famous operatic productions and the finest voices in the world.

For more information on how you can donate to the Phoenix Metropolitan Opera, or for details on their upcoming productions, visit phoenixmetropolitanopera.org

Arizona Foundation for Women Honorees

By Leona June Christensen

First Lady Laura Bush

First Lady Laura Bush is living testament that the doors for learning are always open. In America and across the globe, the former school librarian’s ardent love of books inspires women and children to expand their horizons with reading.

In late May, Arizona Foundation for Women (AFW) honored Mrs. Bush with the Sandra Day O’Connor Award for her contributions to children and literacy. As a little girl, Mrs. Bush’s zeal for reading was sparked by an early introduction by her mother to books at the local public library. Since that time, she dreamed of becoming a teacher. Now, she has made her love of books the key message point of her mission to promote literacy. She with a bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Methodist University, and received her master’s degree in library science from the University of Texas at Austin. She achieved her dream of becoming a teacher in the Texas public school system, where she also worked as a librarian.

AFW acknowledges that reading is the key to success and prosperity for women and girls. Few others have worked as tirelessly as the First Lady to ignite a passion for learning and books in the hearts of people at home and abroad.

AFW hosted the eleventh annual Sandra Day O’Connor Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 25 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix. Each year, the organization honors the lives and contributions of women who are inspiring role models. Previous recipients are Elizabeth H. Dole, Tipper Gore, Marian Wright Edelman, Erin Brockovich, Barbara Bush, Sally Ride, Pat Mitchell, and Marlo Thomas.

Last year, the event raised more than $400,000, adding to the almost $2 million since its inception, to finance AFW’s philanthropic efforts to provide innovative solutions for the unmet needs of women and children in Arizona. The organization’s unique programs enhance self-esteem and promote economic self-sufficiency among young women, as well as implement distinctive solutions to problems like child abuse and domestic violence. It has helped more than 1 million Arizona residents.

Mrs. Bush fights on the frontlines in the United States and across the world to promote education, health care, and human rights. As First Lady, her voice calls attention to the global needs of schools, libraries, and teachers. She made more than a dozen visits to the areas left devastated by the Gulf Coast hurricanes. Her philanthropic organization, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries, implemented the Gulf Coast School Library Recovery Initiative.

In her work as an honorary ambassador for the United Nations Literacy Decade, Mrs. Bush is an outspoken advocate for education throughout the world. Her efforts especially benefit women and girls. She travels the country as the leader of President Bush’s Helping America’s Youth initiative and visits mentoring programs, listening to the concerns of youth, their parents, and community leaders as well as highlighting programs that help young people become self-sufficient and productive adults.

Dr. Elizabeth Lee Vliet

The luncheon also paid tribute to Elizabeth Lee Vliet, M.D who received the Voice of Women Award, and MonaLou Callery who was presented with the Marilyn R. Seymann Award.

For women struggling with hormonal issues, Dr. Vliet is a shelter in the storm. She is the founder and medical director for HER Place: Health Enhancement and Renewal for Women, Inc. Her Tucson- and Dallas-based clinics focus on comprehensive evaluations of hormonal changes and how they affect the physical and emotional aspects of women’s lives.

Dr. Vliet is constantly researching solution and options for women facing the effects of hormonal changes in cardiovascular risks, Premenstrual Syndrome, PCOS, migraines, mood syndromes, fibromyalgia/chronic pain, anxiety phenomena, osteoporosis, and urinary problems.

A prolific author, Dr. Vliet’s acclaimed books about women’s health include Screaming to Be Heard: Hormonal Connections Women Suspect—and Doctors Ignore, Women, Weight and Hormones; It’s My Ovaries, Stupid! The Savvy Woman’s Guide to Testosterone, and The Savvy Woman’s Guide to PCOS. Her newest book, The Savvy Woman’s Guide to Estrogen, is slated for release later this year.

Dr. Vliet earned her medical degree and completed her internship in internal medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School. She then completed training in psychiatry and behavioral medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Vliet received her B.S. and M.Ed. degrees from the College of William and Mary.

MonaLou Callery

For survivors of domestic violence, MonaLou Callery is a voice of empowerment. She is also someone who has lived their pain. When she first began advocating for victims of domestic violence more than 25 years ago, it was out of necessity to survive the effects of domestic abuse, and not as a career choice. Since that time, she has been instrumental in developing domestic violence programs in the public, private, and international sectors, including several shelters.

Founded by Callery in 2003, the Support, Education, Empowerment & Directions (SEEDs) caters to the unmet needs of women who have been physically and sexually abused. The SEEDs program accommodates women who would not be eligible for traditional battered-women’s shelters because of their alcohol and drug dependencies. Many of these women use substances to cope with the aftermath of their abuse and relationship with their batterer.

The program offers women a strong support system to help them overcome barriers and reach their personal goals. During their transition from SEEDs to independent living, residents develop and execute a life-action plan while completing job training, maintaining their sobriety and rebuilding their lives

Callery’s program can help up to 16 women at one time. SEED also provides counseling and educational services for the women. The National Advocacy & Training Network (NATN), a nonprofit organization Callery started to offer opportunities to social services providers working with at-risk populations, supervises SEEDs.

North Valley Magazine will include photos from the Sandra Day O’Connor Awards Luncheon in the August/September issue.

For more information about Arizona Foundation for Women, log on to www.azfoundationforwomen.org.

By Jon Kenton

Q. I have a PC that has served me well for the past three years. but recently it has started to run slower and slower. I use it primarily for general office-type applications, letters, e-mails, etc. I also store music and connect to my MP3 player. I recently bought a new digital camera and download my photos on to the PC. Why is it now going so slowly? Is it broken?

A. Your PC is probably not physically broken, as a hardware problem is usually pretty black and white—it either works 100 percent, or it doesn’t. Performance problems are more likely to be software-related. There are two main reasons for a slow PC. First, you may now be overtaxing it and running out of resources. Second, you may have become infected with a virus, Trojan, or other malware.

First, you need to assess whether it runs slowly all the time or only when you are using certain applications. If you have installed and begun using new applications such as photo-editing software (you mentioned a new camera) and it’s when you run these that everything slows down, you are probably low on system resources—most likely memory. A three-year-old system might be a low configuration, with only 256MB of memory. This would be OK for word processing and e-mail, but even a simple photo-editing program would begin to exhibit speed issues with this limited amount of memory. These days, 512MB should be the bare minimum, and I would recommend 1GB or more if you want to do advanced photo work. Check your system properties, and if it shows less than 512MB, consider a memory upgrade.

If your system runs slowly all the time, even directly after it’s turned on, then you may have picked up a virus. No PC should run without virus protection, so if you don’t have any, run out to your local big-box PC store and buy any of the popular products like Norton or MacAfee. Install the software, run a full-system scan, and let it deal with anything it finds.

If things don’t improve, you may need to use tools to check for Trojans or malware. There are a few freeware products available that do a good job. Check out Spybot Search and Destroy (www.safer-networking.org) and Ad-Aware SE Personal from Lavasoft (www.lavasoftusa.com). Download, install, and run one or both of these, and fix whatever they find. I’d say that 98 percent of the problems I see can be fixed by this stage. If you still have problems, then it’s time to call in a professional.

Q. I use Windows XP and have been hearing about Windows Vista. Should I upgrade to this new version?

A. Vista is much more than just a new version of XP. It has a radically different look and feel, and changes many things XP users will be familiar with. In my humble opinion, I would not upgrade a perfectly good working system just for the sake of having Microsoft’s newest offering. The track record of initial releases of Windows products has not been stellar; XP needed to get to SP2 to fix many issues. Unless you have a burning desire to be an early adopter, I would wait until Vista SP1 appears, and only then if there are features that Vista has that you cannot live without.

Vista does have many new features; unfortunately, there is not enough room in this issue to cover them all (look out for a future article). The most obvious one, however, is the desktop, which has had a total revamp with new gadget tools and transparent windows. Security is vastly improved, and if this is a big concern to you, is probably one of the only reasons for considering an upgrade now. If you buy nearly any new PC, it will have Vista installed, but the bottom line for existing systems is hold off for awhile—at least until SP1.

By Maureen Herron

Artist Kim Klass lives the imagery she creates in her custom jewelry designs. Klass integrated the panache of L.A. and the appeal of Western cowgirl into her spirit as she moved in her early years from Southern California to Idaho, then to Nevada, and six years ago to Arizona. The glitz and glamour of over-the-top gems with historic Americana merge in Klass’s designs that range from custom diamond, ruby, or sapphire-gemstone bracelets; custom “brand” jewelry; charm necklaces; filigree cuff bracelets; ornate wedding rings; and saddle and bridle trim featuring pearl conchos.

“Designing and producing jewelry has brought much joy to my life,” Klass says. “I never tire of the constant scrollwork that embellishes every piece. I love the intricate detail. Improving and blending those nostalgic designs of the American West with classic shapes and colorful jewels is the essence of my work. This hardy, made-to-be-worn jewelry elegantly offers a passionate link with the past that can be treasured today and passed on as heirlooms to future generations.”

Klass’s work can be found at Blazing Saddles as well as in select national and international galleries and shops. She also designs a line of jewelry for Extasia, a California-based Victorian-style jewelry company.

“The traditional Western design came from Victorian scroll patterns, which are small and ornate,” Klass said. “The only difference is the size—Western designs are larger and a little more open.” The Kim Klass designs for Extasia feature brilliant colorful glass intaglios, cameos, and whimsical necklaces with a combination of key, horseshoe, star, and lock charms intermingled with pearls.

Klass produces custom work for clients, and will go to great lengths to discuss their specific needs, even traveling on occasion to the client’s home or workplace to finalize design requests and requirements.

Klass enjoys attending cutting horse events in the United States, and deals on a frequent basis with performance-horse enthusiasts. She is a member of the Arizona Cutting Horse Association and the Cave Creek Cutting Horse Association, and often meets with trade clients at the organizations’ shows.

American Beauty is an apt reference for Klass’s life and work—work that can be worn every day, evoking the spirit of Americana that is unique to each American who inspired the creation of a Kim Klass design.

Kim Klass Design is located at 51815 N. Forepaugh Peak Rd. in Wickenburg, Arizona (928) 685-4720. To view and purchase Kim Klass’s designs and contact the artist, visit kimklassdesign.com.

By Keith Jones

Sports are an important part of America’s social fabric. For years, we have looked to sports to uplift us emotionally—and more often than not, sports deliver.

In participating in sports, we are reminded of our youth and vitality. During those hours when we are engaged in our favorite athletic activity, we feel as if we can do anything. And if we do not feel as if we can, we dream about being able to do so. Our strides are longer when we sprint, hand-eye coordination is as sharp as ever when we react, and when we jump, we feel like we can touch the sky. We are totally free.

I find participating in sports to be much more exciting and rewarding than simply watching them, especially team sports. In addition to the fitness and health benefits sports offer, they provide an environment where everyone works together to accomplish an important goal: to win. The people on the team cheer for their teammates. They are hopeful that each individual will perform well enough to secure victory. This atmosphere calls for each person to rise to the occasion.

While the spirit of competition can motivate us to try harder, I invite you to make the experience even more meaningful. The next time you step onto the softball field, take time to help a teammate who is not very confident when it comes to catching pop flies. Teach your teammate how to track the ball with the eyes, to position the body perfectly for the returning sphere, and to extend the arm for the ball as if he or she has made the catch a thousand times. By helping your teammates, you help the team.

Unselfish acts in sports and in life are the things that build true team chemistry. In sports, we have come to believe that there have to be winners and losers. I suggest that there should be only winners. Take it upon yourself to make each practice, each game a win-win for everyone. Do things that make everyone on the team feel valued. Say and do things that heighten everyone’s confidence and self-esteem.

With this new outlook, watch your team’s results grow and spirits soar. And once you master this, I hope that you will inspire other teams to do the same. Teach them what you practice on your team. Make it a win-win for your team and the entire league.

By Heather Vaughan Williams

To get the most gains from your golf game, it is important to understand the fundamental techniques of the golf swing. The golf swing is about feel. It’s how you experience the swing motion through your muscles. Muscles begin the movement; they control the speed and accuracy of the swing. The better the muscles are trained, the more accurate feedback you will receive. Here, we will discuss the role of flexibility, strength, and power, and why endurance in golf is so valuable in perfecting that swing and protecting our muscles.

Flexibility is vital to the game of golf. The prestretch prepares the body for the stress of the game and aids in preventing injuries. The poststretch enhances the golfer’s range of motion for a more efficient shoulder turn. Simple stretching techniques quickly produce dramatic improvements in the range of motion for a player. However, by teaming up with a partner, you can move farther into the stretch position, producing a greater range of motion.

When evaluating your strength and power for golf, machines and free weights are great aids for increasing strength safely and effectively. The keys to safety are having proper form and using the correct speed for each exercise. Studies show that free weights are more versatile, while machines are less risky because the weight is balanced. So, use both types of weights to add variety to your workout.

To maximize your effectiveness of your golf swing, you must use the entire body. Because of this, each muscle group must be equally trained. An efficient golf swing creates less stress on the back, and therefore creates less risk of injury. Overactivity in one particular part of the body can in contrast cause inconsistency, because an unbalanced swing will not be in the same form if done again.

Finally, we will address increasing your endurance for your golf game. Golf is good exercise, especially if you walk and carry your double-strapped bag (this balances the clubs and avoids shoulder and lower-back strain). Not only is it better to walk and keep your muscles warm during a round, but you will also burn 800-plus calories over the four to five hours it takes to play eighteen holes. Sitting in a cart can compress the spine between shots and add to lower-back irritation.

Cardiovascular training can give you the edge to play eighteen consistent holes. Many players experience a decline in endurance by hole 13. Training a minimum of twice a week using an interval format will increase your game and energy levels. There are various pieces of equipment such as the elliptical trainer, treadmill, stairclimber, recumbent bike, and rowing machine to use to challenge your body and prevent boredom. Having a personal trainer or coach can help you track your goals and achieve the results you desire.

Understanding and applying flexibility, strength, power, and endurance to your regimen will give you that consistent swing you have always strived for. This in turn will improve your golf game, making you a more fluid golfer.

Remember to always consult a doctor before you begin any exercise program.