Mikey is officially 60!

It's no myth, he's really that friendly, he's always the guy looking for ways to help other people succeed, yes, his camera is always attached at the hip, he really is willing to try pretty much anything because he really is that passionate about Livin Life to the fullest every day in every way! Give this man some Love everybody! He deserves it!

So mark your calendars 9/24 for the record. That's Mike big day!

God Bless You Mike!

Thanks to an excellent venue and high quality panel of experts, the topics of Dementia, Driving, and Hoarding was informative and sobering last week at the Tucson Jewish Community Center. The panel included six experts in a range of fields that included a Driving Rehabilitational Specialist, Public Fiduciary, Geriatric Physician, Animal Cruelty Investigator. Prosecuting City Attorney, and Attorney at Law.

This event couldn't have come at a better time. It's no mystery that a large portion of our population is aging and with it so are their phyical capabilities. One expert reference taking away the car keys as the most difficult, because your removing their independence. Think back to when you turned sixteen and the first time your parents allowed you to take the car out with your friends. Wasn't that one of the most liberating experiences in your life? Now imagine removing it. The key Dr. Pifer stated "Start early by talking to your loved ones about the reality that you can't drive forever. The earlier the seed is planted the better". Either way it's a tough decision emotionally for everyone.

Dementia was the fundemental topic of the day. Because it's affects are more than just memory loss it also impairs a person's ability to operate a car. In even some of the mildest cases motor skills deteriorate and it's important to have your loved one tested as soon as possible. One of the most comprehensive is the adaptive driving test, developed by well known Driving Rehabilitation Specialist, Jenny Nordine. She said "rarely do we think about the various skills needed to drive. There are literally dozens of physical and cognitive skills required. In just a 5 mile drive at a speed of 35mph your brain receives one thousand three hundred pieces of information. This alone can be overwhelming, not to mention a driver needs to be aware of other cars and manage the pedals at the same time". Jenny also stated "In that same 5 mile drive 100 decisions have to be made and about half of those decisions require an action.

The final topic of the day focused on hoarding of animals and belongings. These habits frequently occur with seniors according to Animal Cruelty investigator, Mike Duffey. Compromising the health of any animal is a problem, even if it's just one or two. This type of case doesn't get media attention because of it's scale but the threat to an animals life is just as serious. There are two common types of animal hoarders, rescue and exploiters. The one begins by taking in a stray or two and before too long they start a collection of pets and then there's not a place to sit down anywhere in the house. In many cases the people that hoard animals began by hoarding belongings also. Things like newspapers and magazines from 20 years ago are kept just in case they might be needed. At least that's the way some people think. Secondly, are the exploiters. This person has a better chance of making the news, because their usually in it for profit. Puppy mills and incess breeding multiply inventory and pocket books quickly for this hoarder. But before too long, odor or a visit from the elecltric company for routine maintenance sparks some curiosity and then the proper authorities are reached. What an animal cruelty investigator sees in a days work isn't for everyone. The photo's Mike presented were horrible at best. This subject highlighted the need for the public to act when prompted. If you notice that your neighbor only greets you at the street and never let's you near the front door it maybe cause for concern.

This information was provided by Kevin Wood, Realtor and Elder Care Specialist, Tucson, Arizona. Kwood@gotucson.com and 520 260 3123.

With just 49 days until election day I'm surprised more people are not aware of the new tax being proposed. What bothers me more is we, the Realtor population are not out there doing something about it. Many homeowners face challenging financial situations already, this would just add insult to injury. Now's the time to rally our efforts and voice your opinion about an issue that will dramatically effect you and your community.

Start by learning about the Protect our Homes Initiative as soon as possible. And after you're armed with the details get on the phone to your sphere. What better conversation starter is there than this and better yet what homeowner wouldn't want to know about it. You would now be more than just a Realtor. Or perhaps you're new to the business, going door to door to educate homeowners face to face would go a long way to building relationships which could turn into something more. If you market to a farm area this topic could be the title of your next mail piece. Obviously, the options are limitless, but we must ACT. In addition, at the Prop 100 website marketing materials like yard signs and bumper stickers are available that are free of charge. Use these free tools to promote yourself and this cause. Time is running out!

Let's come together and teach the public to vote "YES" to Protect our Homes from Double Taxation.

My son and I love baseball. There's nothing quite like the pace of a ballgame to really enjoy the time with those we love. Sometimes we'll watch a game on the tube, but the ultimate is live. You can hear the crack of the bat hitting the ball or listen to the umpire yell " Strike Three" you're out. A baseball game is absolute drama in every sense of the word.

Tucson fortunately has a replacement for the team that's moving to Reno but most towns aren't so lucky. Next year the Tucson Toro's will return to Tucson Electric Park.

Taking on a sports team requires more than just fan support. We learned this first hand. Prior to moving to Tucson from Toledo the local baseball team there made a major move of their own. And they didn't even have to leave the city limits. It was from an old stadium off the beaten path to brand new ball field in the heart of downtown. Not only did this improve attendance it helped revitalize a section of downtown Toledo. Did it change everything? No. Did it help create new business opportunities? Absolutely.

Baseball remains an integral part spring and our economy. What are we doing to cherish it?

Having a box of kleenex in the car was necessity this weekend as Jonjay and Rich hosted the fifth annual KRQ Cares for Kids Radiothon August 21, 22, and 23rd at Tucson Medical Center .

After talking with my wife Stacie following the final day of the Radiothon it was evident there's a tremendous amount of work that goes into this. Whether it's answering the phone accepting donations or greeting donors as they arrive, each supporter was excited and dedicated to the cause. And that attitude is paramount even before a single dollar is donated. Because each and every dollar doesn't come easy. In fact, I could hear the exasperation in the voices of Jonjay and Rich after three days of asking the Tucson community to support the children. And they did! On Saturday afternoon my wife, a resident labor and delivery nurse rallied her department to give $1600 in a matter of fifteen minutes and that's just one story of how TMC employees contributed more than just their time. In addition, Jonjay and Rich of KRQ spent their nights at the hospital, not far from where the Radiothon took place. What a committment! And they'll be the first to say "Who cares about us, this is all about the kids". How true.