34 AUGUST 2021 W e Arizonans are hearty. We are no shrinking violets, and when the temperatures soar way past triple digits, we say, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” Well, by August, even the most loyal and devoted sun-worshippers may be looking for someplace a few degrees cooler – so here’s an idea: an escape to the Rim Country. Just two hours outside of Phoenix, folks can experience the charm of Payson, Pine and Strawberry, where it’s about 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Highway 87 is the road that leads through the center of the Tonto National Forest, the most visited urban forest in the country. It’s also the largest in Arizona, made up of nearly three million acres stretching from the edge of the Phoenix metro area north to the Mogollon Rim, where passersby can see some of the most rugged, beautiful and diverse scenery in the country. From flat land to highlands, visitors will climb from 1,300 to nearly 8,000 feet in elevation as they make their way to the Mogollon Rim. Saguaros will bow out to towering evergreens in the largest stand of Ponderosa Pines in the world. If you like the calm and peaceful sport that requires a rod, a line and some bait, there are plenty of streams and creeks stocked with trout. By the way, ever wondered why Highway 87 is called the Beeline Highway? It’s because it makes a ‘beeline’ to the heart of Rim Country, Payson, Pine and Strawberry. On our most recent trip to this beautiful part of the state, we went hiking around Fossil Creek, took a bike ride through Pine, and stopped for a treat at the PIEbar in Strawberry. Fossil Creek is one of just two wild and scenic rivers in Arizona and is one of the most diverse riparian areas in the state. Here, there are more than thirty species of trees, shrubs, ferns and moss. Well over a hundred species of birds have been spotted in the area, as well as javelina, snakes, and spiders. Seven different springs feed into Fossil Creek at a constant 76 degrees in winter, spring, summer and fall. Folks who missed the sign saying ‘Entering Strawberry’ along Highway 87 won’t miss the bright red and yellow building just up ahead. Not only is it welcoming, it practically screams at you to stop in. The PIEbar is Strawberry’s sweet and savory spot, serving empanadas to locals and visitors. Owner Kimberly Brennan got her inspiration from a woman in Puerto Vallarta who made two trays of empanadas every morning in her store. She said there was a line at 6 a.m., and if you didn’t get them by 6:30, they were gone. Brennan started with green chili, red chili, and bean and cheese flavors. Once they caught on, she started experimenting and now makes chicken potpie and mushroom stroganoff empanadas along with sweet empanadas like a lemon bar – some say that one is life-changing. While in Strawberry, check out Arizona’s oldest standing school. Strawberry Schoolhouse no longer holds classes but can provide a great history lesson. The real lesson here, however, is that Highway 87 is dotted with roadside stops from kitschy stores to mouthwatering treats, and between the weather, the trails and the eye-catching scenery, there’s no reason not to enjoy one last summer trip to Rim Country. One last summer getaway, just up the road from Phoenix Host and executive producer of Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Robins Adventures Fossil Creek Strawberry Schoolhouse PIEBar 2820 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix • 602.957.7540 www.manuelsaz.com To all our customers: " "We opened our business on July 2, 1964 at the Original Manuel's on 32nd St and Indian School Rd. That's been 57 years ago. We've been serving the East Valley and the Arcadia Area since when it really was the East Valley. Manuel's has grown in the other valley cities as well. Thank you for letting us and our wonderful employees be a part of your family for all these years. We're still one of the few remaining family owned restaurant institutions in this valley. Our hope is to remain that way for your family as well." Sincerely, T The Salazar Family CATARACTS - PREMIUM IOL’S - DIABETIC RETINOPATHY - GLAUCOMA - DRY EYE OCULOPLASTICS & CORNEA - LASIK - MACULAR DEGENERATION - ROUTINE EXAM 300 E. Osborn Rd., # 100 Phoenix, AZ 85012 (Optical Shop Available) 2855 E. Brown Rd. # 10 Mesa, AZ 85213 (Optical Shop Available) 9746 N. 90th Pl., # 101 Scottsdale, AZ 85258 (Optical Shop Available) 7245 E. Osborn Rd., # 4 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (Optical Shop Available) Arizona Eye SPECIALISTS WE’D LIKE TO WELCOME OUR NEWEST PHYSICIAN TO OUR PRACTICE - DR. NICOLAS UZCATEGUI! WWW.ARIZONAEYES.NET CALL 480-994-5012, OPTION 2, TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. 5620 W. Thunderbird Rd., # H-3 Glendale, AZ 85306 4915 E. Baseline Rd., # 114 Gilbert, AZ 85234 13555 W. McDowell Rd., # 102 Goodyear, AZ 85395 Dr. Uzcategui specializes in Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Uzcategui is an author in peer reviewed journals and Oculoplastic textbooks. In his spare time, Dr. Uzcategui enjoys sports, traveling, time with his family and the Arizona outdoors. For his complete bio, go to www.arizonaeyes.net/doctors/nick-uzcategui-m-d/. Nicolas Uzcategui, M.D.

35 AUGUST 2021 By Molly Delgado Residents of Phoenix’s La Siena senior living community celebrated the Tour de France last month by putting their spin on the cycling competition and calling it the Tour de Zest. The 10-day “ride” was hosted by Senior Resource Group – the company that owns La Siena – with residents from their other senior living facilities competing against each other. The race was held June 26-July 5. La Siena boasted 32 competitors, ages 50 to 95, each of whom had a peddling machine and would peddle for 30 minutes to gain as many miles as possible. “My favorite part was coming in every day and just getting it done,” Kay Dries said. “It was great exercise, too!” “I’ve always been a rider. I used to ride my bike to the tennis court, so this came natural,” Sandra Klausner said. “But the camaraderie, us all getting together with the built-up energy and everyone being enthusiastic, made it fun.” Another former cyclist, Fran Garner, was excited about the competition, as well. “I would cycle around the neighborhood when I was in my 30s and, of course, younger, so this was a lot of fun. We are a fun group,” Fran said. Team Captain Vera Downing said that the competition was an excellent way for the residents at La Siena to come together and bond. “After the pandemic, it was so fun and enjoyable to have us all together as a group,” Vera said. “Plus, we like a little competition!” Seema Liston said she joined in on the fun not only for the exercise but also to prove to herself that she could make it through the competition. While they were peddling for the win, residents also followed along with Arizonan Brandon McNulty as he competed in the Tour de France for the first time. Fitness instructor Pam Shedd took on the role of La Siena’s Tour de Zest group leader. She has over 10 years of experience in the cycling industry, leading numerous cross-country bike tours from Oregon to New Hampshire and California to Georgia. When the Tour de Zest idea came about, she jumped at the chance to help, especially since she had just started working at Siena. “This was a nice and exciting way to share my passion for cycling,” she said. “I didn’t know many of the residents when it started, so I was also able to make some new friends!” In the end, Villa Hermosa in Tucson won the trophy, with over 6,000 miles peddled. La Siena residents peddled over 2,100 miles. Although they didn’t win, Pam said the group poured their hearts into the competition and remained in good spirits. Peddlers were treated to a “finish line celebration,” where prizes were given out to the top three participants who gained the most miles: third place was Clara and Diane with 112 miles, second place was Kay with 136 miles, and there was a tie for first: Vera and Francine with 160 miles. The celebration finished with a champagne toast and residents already planning for next year’s competition. Senior community pedals 2,100 miles for Tour de Zest (left) Patricia Schweikert, David Zinder, Lois Goldstein, Millie Batte, Seema Liston, Vera Downing, Clara Stewart, Kay Dries, Francine Garner. Front row: Sandra Klausner, Pam Shedd, Carole Datta, Diane Radloff. (right) Residents aged 50 to 95 participated in the tournament, complete with pom poms and foam fingers to cheer each other on. Local Dentist Helps Uninsured Adults SPONSORED CONTENT Dr. Sophon Heng D.D.S. caters to those people who don’t have dental insurance. Dr. Heng provides comprehensive dental care exclusively to uninsured adults in a modern, yet modest office in Phoenix. Dr. Heng grew up in Seattle and graduated in 2001 from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, and he relocated to Phoenix after graduation. “After watching the dental profession change,” said Dr. Heng, “I felt it had to be done a different way: ‘A Non-insured Way.’ We use the latest technology and treatment, yet we keep our facility modest and control our business overhead, which allows us to offer lower fees to serve the people in the community.” For example, Dr Heng’s office charges $599 for a lifelike crown made with latest materials and technology. His crowns are guaranteed for life against breakage or defects. There is never a charge for a so-called crown build up. Other dental offices could customarily run from $800 to $1200 or more for a similar crown in this area. Also, other general procedures in Dr. Heng’s office run 30-60% less than those typically charged. For example, $599 for a root canal, $499 for immediate denture (each), cleaning starts at $30. Patients often remark they find Dr. Heng’s office a breath of fresh air in an age where profit and greed driven corporations and “banksters” are invading every aspect of our lives, including our health care. “We have had a great response from all of our patients and we have met so many wonderful and appreciative people.” said office manager Channa. “We treat all of our patients like we would our own family.” “We explain to our patients that we don’t cut corners on care, treatment or materials,” said Karen, dental assistant. “We pride ourselves in treating people not just their teeth. We love dentistry and feel great about providing excellent care. We are driven by our desire to help others.” Many of Dr. Heng’s patients are young adults and seniors who have no dental insurance or have only a limited policy that gives them a few benefits and then charges more for their other needs. There is never a charge for an exam and x-ray, consultation and second opinions. Dr Heng offers no gimmicks, just modern quality dentistry at an affordable cost. Sophon Heng D.D.S. 602-703-1195 2600 N. 44th St., Ste. 106 | Phoenix, AZ 85008