Mitch Hanlon of Fullerton has left an indelible mark on the musical theater world and his hometown community through his extensive career as an educator, conductor, and performer. A proud resident of Fullerton, Hanlon earned a Bachelor and Master of Music from prestigious institutions before embarking on a teaching career at California State University, Fullerton. Over 25 years, he not only taught musical theater but also coordinated the Bachelor of Fine Arts program, mentoring students who have since graced Broadway stages.
Outside the university, Hanlon’s talents extended beyond Fullerton to the Hollywood Bowl, where he served as assistant conductor for over a decade. Closer to home, his work with the Mitch Hanlon Singers, a group he founded, has been instrumental in producing Grammy-nominated albums and supporting international tours. His influence both in Fullerton and the broader music community is profound, and his mentorship has inspired a generation of performers.
Beyond his musical contributions, Hanlon is a dedicated community volunteer deeply involved in his beloved Fullerton. His work with the Elks Lodge in Fullerton has resulted in significant grants for initiatives supporting youth literacy and homeless veterans. As he continues his journey, Mitch Hanlon remains a shining example of dedication and excellence in the arts, leaving an enduring legacy in Fullerton and beyond.
Games serve many functions beyond simple entertainment. Crosswords and puzzles appear in newspapers, books, and digital versions, and have the potential to expand participants knowledge and sharpen their problem solving skills. Research also associates these games with specific brain benefits.
A 2022 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) showed that crossword puzzles and similar games boost verbal skills and reasoning. After doing crosswords for 12 weeks, the group under study – who had mild cognitive impairment – showed some improvement. Another study, this one 18 months long, published on Harvard Health agreed with this finding. Adults aged 60 to 80 with mild cognitive issues who played online crosswords showed better cognitive results than those who played other brain-stimulating games. The crossword group also had less brain shrinkage in areas like the cortex and hippocampus, which handle memory and thinking.
Puzzles keep minds sharp through several mechanisms. They provide moderate difficulty that stimulates cognitive effort. Solving crosswords and puzzles regularly and of increasing difficulty also activates multiple brain regions and encourages new neural connections. This process strengthens both short and long-term memory recall. Solving challenging puzzles also releases dopamine, which boosts mood and motivation.
People can choose from many crossword and puzzle options. Classic puzzles like daily, mini, and cryptic crosswords appear every day in publications such as The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and The New York Times. Word games like “Find Today’s Password” from CodyCross, where players must guess а secret word in less than six tries, have become a modern and fun alternative to traditional puzzles.