CB Living

Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor

623.398.5541

info@EstrellaPublishing.com

Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive

623.398.5541

info@EstrellaPublishing.com

All contents © 2010-present day Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited. Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned. Some content is provided by Brandpointe. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Advertisers. Estrella Publishing reserves the right to restrict all advertisement to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy at its sole discretion. Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way.

From Me To You...

As another summer winds down and schools start back up for the fall did you find any relaxation in the last few months? I look back at the summer and see many people trying to cram as much as possible into their ‘free time’, when the children are home for long stretches and the days lengthen into endless possibilities. But do you really gain anything from all that forced activity? There is value in slowing down, taking it one day at a time, really appreciating the moments. This is probably the last year we will see our children come home for the summer and although I know there are many things we could have done we chose to just focus on a few things. We rewatched all the Indiana Jones movies in anticipation of seeing the latest (and most likely last) installment of the franchise. We set the goal of playing all the Indiana Jones Lego Wii games and getting the highest scores possible. We are taking a float down the Salt River with friends and that is about it.

To be honest that sounds like heaven to me. Having raced through so many summers ferrying kids from one summer camp to another. Making

play dates at the pool and water parks, trying to have the ‘best time’ is it really achievable anyway?

We took a trip to Disney World a few years ago and I planned every second of that trip. After 2 miserable days of forcing the kids from one ride to another I realized that there was no way to see everything so why was I making everyone stressed and miserable? At that point I gave up control and allowed the children to lead the way. Did they ride the Muppets 3D ride over and over again? Yes. Did they have the best time doing that? Absolutely!

I am so looking forward to my float trip in a few days, we can relax and catch up without social media or the pressure of having to be anywhere else. And in the meantime I think I will attack my ‘to-be-read’ pile of books; making a dent in that is as much pressure as anyone should have in the summer.

Catherine Uretsky Editor, CB Living Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541

Are You A Chameleon?

Our perceptions, outlook and even personality are often influenced by the situations and people in our lives. If we too often morph to become what others want, though, we’re not being true to ourselves, and this chameleon behavior comes with consequences. If you think this might be you, I invite you to take a look inside and ask yourself some questions:

• Are the changes I make positive or negative?

• Do the changes I make serve me personally in a good way or are they done just for the benefit of others?

• What kind of energy do I carry around with me? Do I feel down more often than not?

• What kind of vibe do I put out to others? Am I more like a ray of sunshine or a dark cloud when I’m with people?

• If I could step outside myself, how would I describe me?

• How would I describe the people in my life to someone else? Do they build me up, encourage me, support me; or are they negative people who bring me down or surround me with cynicism?

If most of your answers are in the wrong direction, it’s time for a change. It’s very possible that some of the changes you’ve made as a function of being around others are good, they’ve made you happier or made you a better person in some way. Other times, people in our path are there to remind us how not to be.

The bottom line is that you should feel good about who you are whether you are by yourself, with one person or in a crowd. If you don’t, you may need to do the following:

• Eliminate toxic people from your life.

• Do the work to learn to love yourself and be comfortable in your own skin.

• Decrease the demands on your time that

stress you out and make you an unhappy or even angry person.

• Stop changing in ways you don’t like or for people who are not your priority.

• Set boundaries.

It’s time to separate the wheat from the chaff. Ultimately, you want to ensure that your thoughts and behavior align with your personal priorities and goals.

Submitted by Jennifer Bellingrodt, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

DISCLAIMER: Material is for informational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional. Material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with written permission of Dr. Bellingrodt

Aging In Place

“Aging in place” (aka independent living) is the phenomena of older adults remaining in their homes as they age, rather than relocating or moving into an institutional setting. In fact, about 75% of 50+-year-olds would like to stay in their current homes or communities for as long as possible, according to AARP. With age, lifestyle needs change and if staying in your home is important to you, you may have concerns about getting around your home or getting simple tasks done, including personal care. Find suggestions below that can help with some of these worries along with easy ideas to ensure you have a functional home.

Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s important to take the necessary steps now to avoid future issues. One way to plan ahead is to talk to a doctor. Oftentimes, there may be medical conditions that could affect or complicate the way one ages in place or even hinder mobility around the house. While these may be daunting conversations, it’s important to have them with a doctor and discuss best practices for living in your home long-term.

Another way to plan ahead is to create an athome checklist of simple design updates that’ll allow a safe, independent living experience. The easiest way to identify what to change is to walk around the house and take note of anything that could pose a challenge in the near

future. Consider door levers over doorknobs, light switches with a rocker panel versus a toggle switch, or even awning-style windows to make them easier to open and close. Making subtle changes like these can have long-term impacts on your comfortability and ability to stay put.

Tap resources available to you

If one is already having trouble moving around the house, it may be time to outsource assistance. Some people avoid electric scooters or chairs due to the hefty price tag, but what many don’t realize is that some at-home electronic aids are covered by Medicare. Other available resources you can contact if in need of home modifications or low-cost assistive devices include Administration for Community Living, The National Rehabilitation Information Center and AARP.

Having a consultation with an experienced local home designer, or Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), is your best bet! These professionals are trained in meeting the needs of older adults by assisting with aging-in-place home renovations. Resources you can contact for this include Accessible Living, Paul Schumacher Homes and even Care.com. When thinking through ways to create a safer and age-friendly home environment, take advantage of resources available to you and prioritize updating rooms you utilize the most. Focus on the basics and create a well-coordinated and accessible space with fixtures that don’t compromise on aesthetics or functionality.

Wine Tasting Group

Alsatian Wines

The wines from Alsace, France are some of the most intriguing wines in the world. History tells us that Alsace passed back and forth between Germany and France for over a century, however, today, in spite of the German names, Alsace is distinctly French.

In 1962 Alsace received the French AOC (Appelation d’Origine Contrôlée) status. A mere 13 years later the first Grand Cru was named. Today there are 51 Grand Crus with high-quality, predominately white selections.

Alsace, a region 80 miles north to south and only 10 miles wide, in the northeast corner of France, has an extremely complex geology to thank for its special character of wine. A combination of sedimentary layers and river deposits yields over a dozen distinct soil types to include granite, limestone, volcanic and sandstone. This is Alsace’s secret sauce. The Vosges Mountain range blocks Alsace from the normal European maritime weather pattern, giving the region much sun and a long and dry growing season.

Ninety percent of Alsatian wines are white, representing nearly 20% of French still white wine. It is also the only appellation in France that produces predominately single-variety wines, with minimal blending.

There are only three AOC categories in Alsace. The largest sector is AOC Alsace, producing about two-thirds of all Alsatian wines. The second largest category is AOC Crémant d’Alsace. These wines are sparkling wines made in the traditional method, fermenting in the bottle. AOC Crémant d’Alsace wines represent just under 30% of Alsatian wines. The final group is the Alsace Grand Crus.

The Grand Crus often sit at the highest point of the vineyards. The varietal production is very strict, and only Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, and

Gewurztraminer may be bottled as singlevarietal, single-vineyard Grand Crus.

Riesling makes up about 20% of the region’s wines and could be described as the king of Alsatian wines. No other varietal absorbs the unique territory so beautifully. With citrus and floral characters, they develop with rich and honeyed complexity. Gewurztraminer also represents just under 20% of the region’s wines. Look for notes of rose petals, sweet spices, and tropical fruit. We follow with another common Alsatian grape, Pinot Blanc. Known as a food-friendly wine, most of the yield is used for Crémant d’Alsace. We wrap up with Pinot Gris, displaying smokiness and honeyed notes. The Pinot Gris of Alsace, when offered as complex Grand Crus, are some of the best wines in the region.

Nothing beats a chilled Alsatian wine in the heat of Arizona! A quick check at Total Wines and More lists a large assortment of Alsatian wines. My favorites are Trimbach.

Submitted by Jesse D. Young; Corte Bella Resident; Founder, CB Wine Tasting Group

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER �[3�� HOME SOLAR EDUCATION CLASS

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Legal Advice

TRUSTING YOUR TRUST WILL WORK

The proper use of a trust will allow your estate to avoid a court probate. Probates add administrative requirements such as giving notice to all heirs–even heirs you may be omitting from your estate plan.

A trust allows one person to have centralized control to collect your assets, pay last bills and make the distributions the way you plan. A revocable trust can be amended and changed over time – as your goals for family or friends change.

Trusts avoid the need for a court conservatorship when leaving money or property to minors, whether children or grandchildren. A court conservatorship is more costly and burdensome

than a probate. Also, trusts can provide incentives for minors for education and employment.

Estate planning does not need to be complex or confusing. You deserve to have your questions answered when they arise. Our documents are drafted to provide the benefit of avoiding obstacles and disputes, whether you have multiple beneficiaries or one special heir.

Sharon Ravenscroft, M. Scott Rowan, Attorneys, Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, Sravenscroft@CavanaghLaw.com or (623) 815-7451; legal practice focused

Furry Friends

Need A Great Dog Groomer? —- Maybe DIY

As President of the CB Canine Club, many new members ask if I can recommend a good groomer for their fur baby. Two of our recent new members; Dale and Karen Girvan, have the best groomers for Lady and Baxter - they do it themselves!

As many of you know, I “inherited” my Buddy when he was found (by Howard) wandering the CB neighborhood. Neighbors took him in, cleaned him up, and it was decided my little Elsa needed a Buddy. Buddy has been a great “inheritance” to Elsa and I.

Dale and Karen too, “inherited” Lady and Baxter. Their daughter, 3 grandchildren and two lovely dogs (yes, Lady and Baxter) drove up from Texas for a visit during the kid’s spring break last year. Unbeknownst to Dale and Karen, she wanted to leave the dogs with them when they went back home. She asked if they would take her fur babies because she had returned to work full time and was overwhelmed managing 3 kids and the pups. (I can relate having 3 children under the age of 5, working full time, and having 2 dogs myself). She did not want to give them to anyone else and she and the kids wanted to continue to be part of

their lives. Dale and Karen agreed to take them on a 6-month trial basis. (We’ve all been there, a loved one needs help, and we answer.) One week later, they fell madly in love with them and agreed to keep them forever.

Lady and Baxter, a Shih tzu/Bichon mix, were 5 years old and had never been to a professional groomer. Karen brought them to two different groomers and found they were just too “freaked” out. She was concerned with the level of stress they were experiencing and did not want to cause them more stress by changing groomers again and again. Karen, once she makes up her mind, jumps all in. She spent hours on “YouTube University” learning all the tricks of the trade for dog grooming, as well as, researching the best grooming products and tools to use on small dogs. She purchased “Professional” grade equipment and even though the initial set up was expensive, it only took 6 months for the return on her investment.

Today, Karen is very happy with her decision to DIY. It was evident when I visited, Lady and Baxter were very comfortable having Karen groom them. They sat comfortably on the table without any restraints and more importantly zero stress. Not only does she get personal enjoyment grooming them, but it is on her schedule and more convenient.

As I said, Karen jumps all in and having taken in Lady and Baxter, she does not stop at grooming. She brushes their teeth EVERY day (who does that?). Yes, you read that right. That is not all, Dale spends several hours every two weeks on shopping and meal preparation to provide Lady and Baxter with a raw diet (per experts, a raw diet is the best diet for a pet’s overall health and wellbeing). But that is for another article.

Bottom line, if you want your pup to have great health, maybe you should consider DIY!! When I die, I want to come back as one of Karen & Dale’s dogs

Article submitted by Chris Hanson, President of the CB Canine Club

Money Matters

Most investors are aware of the different types of stocks: big-company, small-company, technology, international and so on. And it may be a good idea to own a mix of these stocks as part of your overall investment portfolio. But the importance of diversification applies to bonds, too — so, how should you go about achieving it?

To begin with, individual bonds fall into three main types: municipal, corporate and government. Within these categories, you’ll find differences in the bonds being issued. For example, government bonds include conventional, fixed-rate Treasury bonds as well as inflation-protected ones, along with bonds issued by government agencies. Corporate bonds are differentiated from each other by several factors, but one important one is the interest rate they pay, which is largely determined by the credit quality of the issuer. (The higher the rating grade — AAA, AA and so on — the lower the interest rate; higher-rated bonds pose less risk to investors and therefore pay less interest.) Municipal bonds, too, are far from uniform. These bonds are issued by state and local governments to build or improve infrastructure, such as airports, highways, hospitals and schools. Generally, municipal bonds are exempt from federal tax and often state and local taxes, too. However, because of this tax benefit, municipal bonds

typically pay lower interest rates than many corporate bonds.

How can you use various types of bonds to build a diversified bond portfolio? One method is to invest in mutual funds that invest primarily in bonds. Be aware, though, that bond funds, like bonds themselves, vary widely in some respects. To illustrate: Some investors may choose a low-risk, low return approach by investing in a bond fund that only owns Treasury securities, while other investors might strive for higher returns — and accept greater risk — by investing in a higheryield, but riskier bond fund.

But you can also diversify your bond holdings by owning a group of individual bonds with different maturities: short-, intermediate- and long-term. This type of diversification can help protect you against the effects of interest-rate movements, which are a driving force behind the value of your bonds. When market interest rates rise, the price of your existing, lower-paying bonds will fall, and when rates drop, your bonds will be worth more.

But by building a “ladder” of bonds with varying maturities, you can take advantage of different interest-rate environments. When market rates are rising, you can reinvest your maturing, shorter-term bonds at the new, higher rates. And when market rates are low, you’ll still have your longer-term bonds working for you. (Generally, though not always, longer-term bonds pay higher rates than shorter-term ones.)

A bond ladder should be consistent with your investment objectives, risk tolerance and financial circumstances. But if it’s appropriate for your needs, it could be a valuable tool in diversifying your bond holdings. And while diversification — in either stocks or bonds — can’t always guarantee success or avoid losses, it remains a core principle of successful investing.

Submitted by Wayne Polk, AAMS, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones

What is a Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is an uncommon sound that your doctor may hear between heartbeats. The human heartbeat sounds like “lub-dub,” while heart murmurs produce a swishing or a whooshing sound. In adults, abnormal heart murmurs are usually linked to heart valve problems, diseases or infections. In children, it may be caused by birth defects or congenital heart malformations, which may be corrected with surgery.

• Symptoms of heart failure (at its worst)

For innocent heart murmurs, patients may not need any treatment. For some cases of abnormal heart murmur, you may need to take medications, such as those that may help lower your blood pressure, may help lower your cholesterol levels or anti-coagulants that may help prevent blood clots from forming. If the cause of your heart murmur is a hole in your heart or if your heart valves need to be replaced, you may need surgery, such as a valve repair or valve replacement. Some other non-surgical options may also be recommended by your physician.

Innocent or functional heart murmurs are neither dangerous nor life-threatening. It occurs when your blood flows quicker through the heart than normal. You may experience a heart murmur if you’re anemic, if you’re pregnant, when you’re exercising or doing a physical activity, if you have fever, if you have hyperthyroidism or if you’re a teenager whose body is growing fast.

If you have innocent heart murmurs, you are less likely to experience symptoms. On the other hand, if you have abnormal heart murmurs, symptoms may vary on the cause. But some of its most common symptoms include:

• A cough that won’t go away

• Blue skin around your lips and/or fingertips

• Chest pain

• Decreased tolerance for physical activity

• Dizziness

• Excessive sweating (even without exercising)

• Episodes of rapid heartbeat

• Fainting

• Shortness of breath

Heart murmurs may be harmless and may go away on their own, but some cases require treatment as they may be a sign of a serious heart condition. If you are experiencing heart murmur symptoms, please see a heart doctor, learn more about the root cause of your condition and get the treatment you may need.

Submitted by Abrazo Health

Yum Yum

Taco Puffs

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 30 min. YIELD: 8 servings.

I got this Taco Puffs recipe from a friend years ago. I still make these cheesy sandwiches regularly for dinner alongside a steaming bowl of soup or a fresh green salad. Any leftovers taste even better the next day for lunch. A helpful hint: Plain refrigerated biscuits seal together better than buttermilk types.

—Jan Schmid, Hibbing, Minnesota

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1envelope taco seasoning

2 tubes (16.3 ounces each) large refrigerated flaky biscuits

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, 5-7 minutes, breaking into crumbles; drain. Add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Cool slightly.

2. Flatten half the biscuits into 4-in. circles; arrange on greased 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Spoon 1/4 cup meat mixture onto each circle; sprinkle each with 1/4 cup cheese. Flatten remaining biscuits; place over lling and pinch edges to seal tightly.

3. Bake until golden brown, 12-15 minutes.

The Bug Guy

Ah, August in the West Valley. The scorching sun, the melting pavement, and the delightful company of every pest imaginable. It’s like a summer party where the guests never leave! But fear not, because we have the superheroes of pest control ready to save the day. And let me tell you, their hilarious encounters with these critters are truly a sight to behold.

First up on the list of unwanted guests are the relentless ants. These tiny troops invade with bold confidence, acting like they own the place. But little do they know; the pest control experts are ready to put on their tactical gear and engage in the battle of a lifetime. It’s like watching a miniature ant war, complete with tiny ant-sized tanks and strategic maneuvers. The pest control professionals march in, armed with their arsenal of ant-killing sprays and gels, shouting, “For the glory of ant free living! It’s a comical sight that will leave you rooting for the humans in this epic clash of ant vs. exterminator.

But let’s not forget about the most audacious guest of all – the dreaded scorpion. These stingers seem to have an uncanny ability to appear out of thin air, sending chills down our spines. Yet, the pest control professionals fearlessly enter the battlefield armed with Flowzone Typhoon 2.5 backpacks, as if on a scorpion hunt in the wild. It’s like witnessing a bizarre version of Ghostbusters, where the exterminators are equipped with proton packs specifically designed to kill these arachnid villains. And just when you think they’ve caught them all, one sneaky scorpion manages to escape their clutches, resulting in a chase scene worthy of an action-comedy film.

As the August heat intensifies and the pests multiply in the West Valley, let’s take a moment to appreciate the comedic side of pest control.

Our brave exterminators embrace the heat as they fulfill their role as pest-fighting comedians, turning what could be a nightmare-worthy situation into a sidesplitting spectacle. With their ingenious gadgets, amusing battle cries, and comic mishaps, they can transform the battle against pests into a source of laughter and amusement.

So, my fellow West Valley dwellers, whenever those unwanted visitors come knocking at your door this August, remember to call upon the help of our pest control heroes. Sit back, watch the show, and let the laugh-filled battle against pests light up your summer days. After all, laughter is the best defense against even the peskiest of intruders!

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Exercise Safely

It’s vital to stay active as you age, but how can you keep working toward your fitness goals during the sweltering summer heat? Exercising outdoors as the temps climb may be not only uncomfortable but can risk conditions like heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Before heading out for a brisk power walk or a lively game of pickleball this summer, Andi Kwapien, a SilverSneakers National Trainer offers tips that hold true whether you’re a competitive athlete or just staying active for your overall health.

1. Be informed: When planning outdoor activities, make sure to check the weather. Check not only the temperature and humidity but also the air quality where you live. If there are signs it could be hazardous for you to spend much time in the great outdoors, consider an indoor alternative.

2. Pace yourself: Fitness experts advise warming up and cooling down before and after a workout. Start at a slower pace at first, then cool down gradually a few minutes before you end your session, followed by gentle stretching. Choose activities that are easy to do anywhere and that you can adjust to your own pace, such as walking, or that require less strenuous exertion and strength while keeping you active and cool, such as water exercises. Know your limits and listen to your body’s signals. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can take time for your body to get used to the heat, so start nice and easy, and lower your expectations for how long and hard you exercise. Take breaks, especially if you feel overheated, lightheaded or out of breath.

3. Try an organized exercise program

Getting involved in a fitness program provides many benefits, including expert advice and instruction, plus opportunities to enjoy the social and mental health benefits of fitness.

4. Stay hydrated

Always keep water or beverages containing electrolytes nearby anytime you’re working out, especially out in the heat. Take sips often, even before you feel thirsty, to help you regulate your temperature and replace moisture lost through sweating. The American Heart Association recommends drinking before, during and after your workout to help prevent health problems that could be exacerbated by dehydration.

5. Prepare for heat and sun: The Mayo Clinic also recommends taking other precautions outdoors in the summer, like wearing light-colored, loosefitting clothing and avoiding exertion during the hottest time of day. To avoid too much sun exposure, stay in the shade when possible, wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen.

Using these tips should help you stay active even when it’s hot outside. Commonsense measures can help you enjoy your favorite activities, no matter what the weather.

Diabetes & Heart Health

Diabetes and heart disease have a direct connection, with the diabetic up to four times more likely to die from heart attack. The good news? It’s manageable, even preventable.

High blood sugar is a known risk factor of heart disease, just like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol increase the risk. Because it increases fatty material inside of our blood vessels, the danger of blockage is increased, along with the risk of heart attack or stroke. The vessels also become stiff and hard, making it easier for the fats to stick to the walls of the blood vessels. When a fat deposit hits a curve on its way into the heart, it’s more likely to cause a pile-up of other deposits behind it, much like a car accident at a freeway stack. But there’s another risk most aren’t aware of. Those with diabetes tend to develop heart disease at a younger age than those without the condition.

Diabetes has some rather frightening implications, but Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. Blood sugar levels can be reduced with healthier eating choices, increased physical

activity and medications if necessary. Walking or running are great examples of physical activity, and a great place to stretch those legs is at Sun Health Foundation’s 5K for Women’s Health on Sunday, Sept. 24, at Surprise Stadium. Participation not only supports your health and the women you love but also benefits diabetes prevention education and self-management programs through Sun Health Wellness. To register, visit SunHealthFoundation.org/5K

So why is it important to support diabetes prevention and management programs for women? Diabetes is a serious health concern for women. Did you know that nearly 1 in every 9 adult women is living with diabetes and that a diabetes diagnosis raises women’s risk of heart disease FOUR TIMES? Preventing diabetes is critical, although when that’s not possible, management is the key to prolonging life. Keeping the women in our lives informed and supported is positively life changing.

Submitted by Barbara Mason, Sun Health Vice President of Home and Community Based Services

Financial Scams

Technology can make life convenient, especially with mobile phones that help us stay connected on-the-go. Unfortunately, today’s scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it more difficult to spot suspicious emails, calls or texts. But the good news is there are ways to identify the red flags of a potential scam if you know what to look for and understand the right steps to take - or not to take - when you suspect you’re being scammed. Here are tips to help you and your loved ones be on guard against scammers from the security experts at Bank of America.

1. Didn’t expect it? Don’t click it. Be wary of any message that’s unexpected - no matter who or what company it’s from - especially if it’s about something like a “problem with your account,” “confirmation of an order,” “difficulty delivering a package” or a “virus on your computer.” These messages may come by phone, email, text, direct message or pop-up with a request for personal information or money. Rule of thumb: Never click on a link or open an attachment from any institution or individual unless you were expecting it. If you think the message could be legitimate, take a moment and find the contact information on the company website and then reach out to the institution or person directly and ask if the email, text or call came from them. If not, simply delete it.

2. Be wary of requests that pressure you to act immediately.

If a familiar company or someone you know comes to you with an alarming “emergency” or “problem” where time is of the essence, take a breath and recognize that this urgency may be a scam. Scammers know if they can get your emotions or adrenaline high that you’re less likely to think rationally. And don’t just trust caller

ID to confirm who’s calling since numbers and voices can be easily spoofed or imitated. Even if it seems to be from a relative or friend, call that person directly at the number you’ve always used to contact them in the past to confirm if the message indeed came from them.

3. Asked to pay in an unusual way? Stop and assess the situation.

Scammers often ask for a payment method that can’t be traced or rescinded, such as through a bitcoin, prepaid debit cards or gift cards - this is a major red flag. If you’re asked to provide payment in an unusual way, stop and assess if this may be a scam. Financial institutions will never ask you to transfer money to anyone, including yourself, and will never ask you to transfer money because of possible fraud on your account.

4. When in doubt, don’t give it out. It’s crucial to safeguard your personal and financial information. Be wary if you are asked to provide personal or account information. Keep in mind that a financial institution will never contact you via phone, text or email to request personal information or an account verification code. Never provide this information to anyone unless it was you who initiated the call to the company.

Samurai Sudoku

This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box. Good Luck!

Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Useful Numbers

Business Directory

ADVERTISING

CB Living magazine

FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES

Cavanagh Law Firm - S Ravenscroft

Edward Jones - Wayne Polk

Independent Wealth Management

Moore Insurance Agency

HOUSEHOLD SERVICES

Al’s Plumbing

Camcor Plumbing & Water Treatment

Creative Surface Solutions

Dave Hardy Solar

Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Goodyear Flooring

Home Solar Education - M Shepp

JBS Roofing Nuñez

Phoenician Pools

Shelf Theory

State 48 Roofing

Vintage Painting

Younger Bros Pest Control

REAL ESTATE

Freedom Plaza Arizona

One Luxe Realty One Group - A Herman

Those Real Estate Ladies - S Owens

Those Real Estate Ladies - M Miller

Those Real Estate Ladies - P Barrett Ruiz

RETAIL

Budget Blinds of Surprise Pure