Page 34 April 2015 By Jean Hodgson My living room was crowded with women on March 2. It was National Read Across America Day and also the birthday of Theodore Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), but that wasn’t the reason for the gathering. This is what we do the first Monday evening of every month, and what we have been doing since 1999 – meeting to discuss an interesting book and share insights from our common love of reading. That night we talked about Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline, but over the years we have read and discussed more than 180 books! I asked these friends to look over that extensive list and identify some books that had a strong personal connection for them because of their life experiences. This was a daunting task as we have read so many outstanding books, but here are some insights from my “panel of experts” that might resonate with you as well. Sarah’s Key (Tatiana De Rosnay) – It enlightened me on a holocaust that I never knew about in Paris. It tugs at the heart in a poignant story about a sister’s grief and guilt. The Master Butcher’s Singing Club (Louise Erdrich) – As the daughter of a master butcher in post-World War II Germany, I practically grew up with the “Fleischer Gesangsverein Berlin, Gruppe Spandau.” I felt as if I personally knew Fedelis Waldvogel. The book certainly brought back some wonderful memories for me. People of the Book (Geraldine Brooks) and The Book Thief (Marcus Zusak) – Reading books written about books shows us what people have gone through to preserve a historical book and keep others from being destroyed. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (Jamie Ford) – I could identify with the evacuation of the Japanese families from the west coast during WWII. I grew up in southern Idaho where some of the relocation camps were located, and I remember as a child knowing a Japanese family who stayed in that area after the war and worked on my uncle’s farm. These is My Words (Nancy Turner) – Since I’m a history person, I love anything in that genre, especially those about Arizona as I’m born and raised here. Gift from the Sea (Ann Morrow Lindbergh) – I had read this when my children were young and made notes in it. It was motivational to me at the time. When rereading it as an older empty-nester, it brought me much reflection and retrospective insight. The Faustball Tunnel (John Moore) – Four members of our book club live in a residential area that was a German prisoner of war camp in WWII. This book was about its history, with pictures, newspaper clippings, military documents, maps and personal interviews with survivors who tried to escape. It answered many questions about the area we live in and the artifacts we’ve found. Cutting for Stone (Abraham Verghese) – I knew nothing of Ethiopia, so part of the joy of this book was learning some of the rich and long history of the people of this country. Coming from a nursing and medical background, I could relate to the hospital setting and the struggle to give care in a poor facility. The Help (Kathryn Stockett) – My husband and I spent the summer of 1964 in Tallahassee while he attended Florida A&M. We witnessed the turmoil in the South and experienced the discrimination as it is vividly portrayed in this book. One book club member added this comment, “My favorite book is the last one I read and that keeps me going back for more. So many books, so little time.” RETIREMENT NOW WHAT? Jean’s book club has met for over 15 years and has read nearly 200 books. “Fleischer Gesangsverein Berlin, up in southern Idaho where some and medical background, I could while he attended Florida A&M. Longtime book club: So many great books, so little time

Page 35 April 2015 By Michelle Donati-Grayman Henry David Thoreau, American poet and philosopher, said, “Not only must we be good, but we must also be good for something.” Arizona is home to more than 20,000 nonprofits that strive to bring good to our state. The work that these agencies do is made possible, in large part, through charitable contributions and corporate philanthropy. That’s where Arizona Gives Day steps in to help. Held each April since 2012, Arizona Gives Day is a 24-hour online giving experience that encourages Arizonans to donate to their favorite – or a new – nonprofit cause. This year, the statewide day of giving falls on April 7. Spring is a critical fundraising time for nonprofits because it occurs after the traditional holiday giving season, a time when many nonprofits find that resources are decreasing, according to Patrick McWhortor, president and CEO of the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits. “It’s a way to amplify the voice of nonprofits during a time of year when they often don’t get as much attention,” McWhortor said. “It’s a day to come together and make giving back a priority.” Beginning at midnight on April 7, Arizonans can visit azgives.org and pledge their financial support to the nonprofit of their choice. The donation will go directly to their chosen organization. One of the 700 nonprofits participating in Arizona Gives Day this year is Support My Club, a Valley nonprofit that works with 53 Valley high schools that have over 260 clubs and teams. Based in Arcadia, the agency fulfills the needs of high school students in the areas of academics, activities, arts and athletics. “We are thrilled to be participating again this year,” said Heidi Rodriguez, development and operations manager for Support My Club. “The funds from Arizona Gives Day help us continue our program to help high school clubs and teams.” This year, Arizona Gives Day is challenging Arizonans to collectively surpass the $1.5 million raised last year. “We want to step up the game of the philanthropy in Arizona,” McWhortor said. Arizona Gives Day is presented by FirstBank and hosted by the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and the Arizona Grantmakers Forum. It’s a way to amplify the voice of nonprofits during a time of year when they often don’t get as much attention. ” ‘‘ he . I s I e. DUI CLASSES ONLINE! 3200 N Hayden Rd ~ Suite 170 - Just South of Osborn Rd 480.429.9044 WOW! ONLINE DUI SERVICES! SCOTTSDALETREATMENT.COM ARIZONA’S FIRST ONLINE DUI SERVICES HOME • OFFICE • TRAVEL ANYWHERE YOU CAN “LOG ON!” ONLINE SERVICES: MVD • SR-22 ALCOHOL SCREENINGS, EDUCATION & TREATMENT ARIZONA’S FIRST ONLINE DUI SERVICES Compare our rates. CALL US LAST! SERVICES OFFERED: • Micro-current (non-invasive procedure) • Micro toning (facial) • Deep cleansing facial • Face wax • Lip wax • Brow wax • Brown and lash tinting Consultation with complimentary facial. Located inside Elements, 3618 North 24th Street (SW corner of 24th and Weldon) EXPERIENCE FACIALS BY LUNA – Aesthetician Call 602-954-0605 or 480-205-0249 to schedule an appointment. Annual Arizona Gives Day makes giving back a priority