Bison Ranch Roundup
August 2017
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From Me To You... Welcome
to the August (and first) edition of Bison Ranch Roundup magazine!
Growing up, my father’s favorite phrase was “Silence is golden!” I guess it was his polite was of telling us to shut up, but we blew it off as just one of those funny things Dad said. Although silence is a wonderful thing now, when my children were young silence meant trouble. I knew to fear those moments, especially when the silence was followed by an “Uh oh...” That one usually involved calling a handyman. A family friend once told me that when her 5 children were young she made them sing the whole time they were in the bath. That way she could tend to other things while they played (and got clean). Silence in that situation meant Danger! I must point out that these children were over 4 at this time and several of them went on to become professional musicians. Perhaps she was onto something.
social media and the accessibility of our lives we are constantly being sucked in to the FOMO - Fear Of Missing Out. So we check our phones every few minutes - or seconds. The life that we are watching on our devices is mostly not enriching us, it is distracting us, as real life whizzes by unnoticed. Now that the monsoons are in full swing and some of our mornings are cooling down, I love to sit outside with a cup of coffee and listen to the silence. It is never really silent, there are birds chirping, the occasional car driving past and a dog barking. But in that moment silence truly is golden.
Catherine Uretsky Editor, Up The Hill Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283
As an adult I recognise the beauty of silence. Just being still in the moment is such a rare commodity nowadays. With the onslaught of
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Welcome to your local magazine, if you have any suggestions, want to advertise your business or just have something to say we would love to hear it! On our very first cover of Bison Ranch Roundup we have an iconic view from the ranch. In future editions we would love to show off your photographs of local places and people. If you have a photograph you would like
On Our Cover
to share please send it to us at info@estrellapublishing. com for consideration. Images should be 300dpi, which is a fancy way of saying high resolution. Most modern cell phones have cameras that take great high resolution pictures. (If you are not sure if your picture will work, send it in and I can let you know.) If there are any people in your shot I will need a photo waiver filled out, I can send one to you, or they can be found on our website www.
estrellapublishing.com
We are also looking for writers. If you have something to say about an area of interest to you chances are that others would love to hear it. If you have stories about the area, how you found it, why you live here, let me know. If you cant write but want to tell your story, send me an email and I can interview you and do the writing for you. See how easy this is?
Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies and article reproductions can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com
Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com All contents Š 2009-2017 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. 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.
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor Bison Ranch Roundup
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec August 2017
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Hunting in the High Country Who is required to complete hunter education in Arizona? According to Arizona law, hunters 10 to 13 years old who wish to hunt big game must complete hunter education certification in order to hunt in Arizona. Is completion of the Arizona state agency-approved course required in order to buy a license? Yes, in some cases. In order to buy a license, Arizona requires that hunters who are 10 to 13 years old and intend to hunt big game must first complete a course approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and IHEA-USA. Elsewhere Hunting education is currently required in several U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Reciprocity All U.S. states, provinces, and countries that have mandatory hunter education requirements will accept the Hunter Education Certificate. Likewise, Arizona will accept Hunter Education certifications
that are issued by other jurisdictions that meet official IHEA requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”) Arizona-Approved Hunting Course The Arizona Hunter Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. What Makes a Course Approved? To be approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, a course must teach hunters to become: Safe (by following all hunting safety rules) Responsible (about hunting, wildlife, conservation, and hunting laws) Knowledgeable (by knowing and demonstrating acceptable behavior and attitudes while hunting) Involved (in joining and participating in hunting and conservation organizations) Meets IHEA-USA Standards This Arizona Hunter Ed online hunting education course was developed in accordance with the standards set forth by IHEA-USA and meets the requirements of the Arizona Game and Fish Department hunter safety mandate. About the Standards In 1999 the International Hunter
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Education Association (IHEA-USA) adopted a set of performance guidelines for basic hunter education courses. These standards have been used internationally by hunter education administrators to evaluate minimum core content in hunter education courses. Industry partners, including the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Hunter Ed, have used the revised standards to develop new student manuals and alternative delivery methods for hunter education. Our Commitment to Hunter Education Hunter Ed is committed to making sure Arizona hunter education students learn the skills and information needed to have a safe, successful, and fun hunt. We strive to ensure this Arizona online hunter safety course helps you become a more knowledgeable and ethical hunter. Educated hunters play an important role in making Arizona a leader in conservation and wildlife management. We accomplish that goal by working with Arizona Game and Fish Department and IHEA-USA to produce a course that’s accurate, interesting, and easy to understand. As a new hunter, you can be proud of your contributions to wildlife conservation and your role as a steward of our natural resources. www.hunter-ed.com August 2017
Students to Leaders How today’s youth are preparing for the future You don’t have to grow crops or raise livestock in order to understand the vital role both play within society, nor do you have to reside in rural America to understand the value of the farmers and ranchers that do. From the food we eat to the health of the local environment, the importance of agriculture is boundless. But for agriculture to continue to advance, it’s essential to educate and inspire young minds, invest in the next generation, and turn today’s youth into tomorrow’s agricultural leaders. That’s where youth agricultural organizations come in.
learning invaluable life skills but they’re also having a great time while doing it. Through involvement in youth agricultural programs, students can look forward to the following: Good Friends Agricultural organizations give students the opportunity to be actively engaged in projects and events that involve socializing with friends and meeting new people from across the country. From attending local fairs to competing in contests and career development events, members have the opportunity to travel and work alongside classmates that have similar interests as them.
According to Phil Reiter, vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply Company, members of these organizations are not only
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students about preparation, poise and public speaking. Leadership Opportunities Both 4-H and FFA focus on empowering young people to take on leadership positions within their respective organizations. While in FFA, members elect their own officers and are responsible for planning and conducting activities throughout the year. Civic Responsibility Giving back is a primary component of 4-H and FFA, and throughout the year members spend ample time coordinating various fundraising campaigns to benefit their communities. Recognition Participating in youth agricultural organizations means being surrounded by a variety of adult role models. Throughout the year, members attend events and meet executives from some of the country’s top corporations, through which many members form connections and receive recognition for their hard work.
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Hear Hear 3 pressing reasons to talk hearing health at your next physical exam When was the last time you and your doctor talked about your hearing? The fact is, only about 3 in 10 adults who had a physical exam in the last year say it included a hearing screening, according to research conducted by the Better Hearing Institute. That’s a shame, because research shows that hearing health is more closely tied to whole health and quality of life than previously understood which means that diagnosing and treating hearing loss early may be beneficial on many fronts. To help people take charge of their hearing health, BHI has created a free digital flipbook, “How to Talk to Your Doctor About Hearing Loss,� which anyone can view and download at www. betterhearing.org/news/ how-talk-your-doctor-abouthearing-loss. The flipbook provides pertinent information to help consumers start the discussion, which is especially important because research shows that patients are more likely to initiate the conversation about hearing than their doctors are. To go along with the free flipbook, BHI has put together this short list of reasons to speak up and start the conversation on your hearing: 1. Hearing loss has been Bison Ranch Roundup
linked to other significant health issues. In recent years, a flurry of studies has come out showing a link between hearing loss and other health issues, including depression, dementia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, moderate chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, obesity, an increased risk of falls, hospitalization and mortality, and cognitive decline. 2. Addressing hearing loss often has a positive impact on quality of life. Most people who currently wear hearing aids say it has helped their general ability to communicate, participate in group activities and their overall quality of life, according to BHI research. The research also shows that people with hearing loss who use hearing aids are more likely to be optimistic, feel engaged in life, get more pleasure in doing things, have a strong social network and are more likely to tackle problems actively. Many even say they feel more confident and better about themselves as a result of using hearing aids.
Most hearing aid users in the workforce say it has helped their performance on the job. In fact, BHI research found that using hearing aids reduced the risk of income loss by 90 to 100 percent for those with milder hearing loss, and from 65 to 77 percent for those with severe to moderate hearing loss. People with untreated hearing loss can lose as much as $30,000 in income annually. Health care spending may also be affected. For instance, middleaged adults with diagnosed hearing loss had substantially higher health care costs, according to a study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, indicating that hearing loss may place patients at risk for increased health care use and costs. The study authors suggested that early, successful intervention may prevent future hearingrelated disabilities and decreased quality of life. For more information on hearing loss, visit BetterHearing.org.
3. Leaving hearing loss untreated may come at a financial cost. August 2017
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Home Safe Burglaries peak in summer: Is your home secure? Whether you’re planning a day trip or a month-long extravaganza, summer is full of opportunity for you. But what about your empty house while you’re away? Unfortunately summer months are also peak periods for home burglaries. Seasonal patterns exist in household burglary rates, according the U.S. Department of Justice, with these crimes happening more frequently in the summer than during other seasons of the year because people are traveling more and are away from their homes. Give yourself peace of mind no matter where you are by taking a few proactive steps to protect your home today. Step 1: A smart home is a secure home Law enforcement agencies agree that one of the best ways to protect a home is with a security system. Something as simple as a sign noting an alarm system is onsite can be enough to deter a potential
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theft. Closing and locking all doors and then setting an alarm dramatically decreases burglary odds. Step 2: Avoid signs that show your home is vacant An empty home is an easy target for break-ins. It can be pretty obvious when homeowners are away, especially if they’ve been gone for a while. Stop your mail and newspaper delivery when traveling, and hire a homewatch company to gather these items for you so they don’t accumulate on your property. Keep in mind social media has become a rich resource for criminals. Keep profile settings to private and never post photos or other messages on social media about your vacation while still away. Travel posts are like news alerts that your home is
empty. Step 3: Rid your property of hiding spots and easy points of entry Homes with lots of overgrowth and natural coverage provide hiding spots that make breakins simpler. That means now is the time to trim bushes, hedges and trees, especially around entrance points in the home. Summer should be a time of relaxation instead of worry. These three steps can help you be smart about securing your home so you can actually enjoy that vacation.
August 2017
PET PARADE A happy pet is a hydrated pet It’s a warm summer day - the sun is shining, the sky is blue and the scent of blooming flowers fills the air. As a pet owner, you’re probably planning to take your dog on a walk, maybe even several. Meanwhile, your cat has found that sunny space underneath the windowsill. Sound familiar? If so, then you already know how much cats and dogs enjoy basking in the sun, but just like people, over-exposure to heat can cause our furry friends to become varied versions of themselves. And too often signs of dehydration, which frequently appear in the form of lethargy, dry mouth and loss of appetite, are confused with run-of-the-mill exhaustion. Considering all the things we do know about our pets, it’s hard to believe that we wouldn’t recognize the symptoms that accompany something as serious as dehydration. But the truth is that unless you know which indicators to look for, it can be easy to misdiagnose. That’s why the experts at PetSafe have compiled a list of tips and tricks for making sure your pet is experiencing healthy hydration all year long. Keeping them hydrated Water is without a doubt the single most important
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resource you can provide your animal, especially during hot summer months. Whether outside or inside, dogs and cats should consume around one ounce of water per pound each day. In other words, if you have a 20-pound terrier or a 20-pound tomcat, they should have access to at least 20 ounces of cool, clean drinking water every day. It’s also important to remember that liquid can evaporate quickly in high temperatures, so if your pet’s water source is outside it’s best to check on the amount of available water several times throughout the day or consider purchasing an auto-fill watering bowl like the Drinkwell(R) Everflow Indoor/ Outdoor Fountain by PetSafe. How do I detect dehydration in my pet? The observable signs of dehydration will frequently include one of more of the following symptoms: * Lack of skin elasticity. You can test this by gently pinching or pulling some of their skin. If it doesn’t return to a normal position, your pet is likely dehydrated. * Drop in energy levels * Dry, sticky gums or foam around the mouth * Heavier than average panting * Loss of appetite * Sunken, dry eyes
* Vomiting Treatment and prevention If your dog or cat exhibits any of these behaviors or symptoms, it’s important to seek veterinary attention where they will likely monitor the body temperature of your pet. To prevent dehydration, pet parents should consider taking active measures to encourage pets to drink more water. Products like PetSafe Brand Pet Fountains are designed to continually circulate and filter water. This not only provides dogs and cats with a steady source of fresh water, but relieves owners of the constant hassle of refilling
the bowl. Plus, the sound of flowing water tends to trigger an animal’s desire to drink more. With proper care and precaution, your pet can enjoy every season - even summer - while staying happy, healthy and hydrated. Visit PetSafe. com to find more great tips, products and articles on pet care.
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Taste of Summer Seasoning tips to help you savor a great grilling season Do you know how to best season all the fresh foods you’ll grill this summer? Sure, a dash of salt and pepper may be all you need for some premium cuts of meat, but creative seasoning with organic spices and herbs can enhance the taste of virtually everything you grill. What’s more, the clean simplicity of organic seasonings perfectly complements the natural healthfulness of grilling. The organic seasoning experts at Frontier Co-op offer some tips for using seasonings to achieve greater grilling this spring and summer: Dry or wet? That’s the rub Two of the most common ways to add seasonings to grilled food is through the use of a rub or marinade. What’s the difference between the two? It’s not just that one is dry and the other wet, because some rubs are wet, too. Generally, rubs are mixtures of dry spices that you rub on food to add flavor before cooking. They’re good for high-fat foods like meat, and often contain salt and sugar, which also promotes the formation of a crust on the food when you grill it. Usually, after applying a rub you’ll want to let the food sit an hour or two before grilling it.
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Marinades are typically liquid seasoned with spices to add flavor to food and sometimes tenderize it. You place the food in the liquid and allow it to sit for a set period of time - a few hours to overnight. When you’re ready to cook, remove the food from the marinade and use a brush or rubber spatula to remove excess marinade before placing the food on the grill. Marinades are great for vegetables and meat, poultry or fish that tend to be dry. Other ways to spice things up Of course, seasonings can add flavor to food in multiple ways. For example, if you’re soaking vegetables or fruit before grilling, you can add herbs and spices to the soaking water. In addition to absorbing liquid, the food will also soak up the great flavor of the seasonings. Some foods benefit from basting during the grilling process. You can enhance the flavor of the food by adding seasonings to the butter or liquid you use for basting. If you use foil packets to steam fish, veggies or fruit on the grill, you can add seasonings directly atop the food before folding the foil, or add them to a bit of liquid at the base of the packet. Pairing seasonings with food Some food/seasoning pairings are obvious, like apples and cinnamon or fish and lemon pepper. However, a wide range of seasonings can elevate the flavor of a variety of foods. Here are a few creative
pairings to try this summer grilling season: * Cardamom - Pork, apples, pears, citrus fruits, cabbage and carrots * Cloves - Beef, pork, sweet potatoes, onions, apples, pears, citrus fruits and peaches * Cumin - Hamburgers, pork, chicken (marinades), tofu, tempeh and cabbage * Ginger - Steak, chicken, fish, seafood and fruits * Marjoram - Burgers, chicken, fish, lamp, poultry and vegetables * Poppy seed - Potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions and zucchini * Saffron - Chicken and fish * Turmeric - Lamb, beans and zucchini Try this recipe for Savory Paprika and Chili Rub the next time you grill meat, tofu or vegetables: Ingredients: 1 teaspoon Ground Paprika 1 teaspoon Chili Powder 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin 1 teaspoon Onion Powder 1 teaspoon Ground Cayenne Chili Pepper 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder 4 teaspoons olive oil Directions: Mix all ingredients together and rub into meats, poultry or vegetables. Then refrigerate for one hour before grilling. For more grilling seasoning ideas and recipes, visit www. frontiercoop.com.
August 2017
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Furry Friends One of a pet owner’s biggest fears will always be losing their beloved pet. Back in New Hampshire, I can still remember when my own 16-year-old pup wiggled out of his collar in our backyard. One moment he was lounging in a shady spot enjoying the summer breeze, and just a few moments later there was a secured leash and collar, but no dog! Knowing he was partially deaf as well, this put me into a state of panic for sure. I was lucky to find him a short while later strolling down the middle of our quiet road like nothing had even happened.
While even the most responsible pet parents cannot always prevent the worst from happening, you can take some general precautions to make sure that your reunion is a happy one. · Ensure that your pup has a collar on with
up-to-date tags. There have been instances within our Community where a pet has been found, yet the tag info was outdated. You can also write your phone number on the collar itself.
· Please make sure your pet’s microchip info is current as well. If your pet sneaks out of his collar, this is the next best option for a speedy reunion. · Make sure your dog knows simple commands such as “Come” and “Stay” as this may be helpful in preventing your dog from running off if spooked or chasing a lizard. · Be diligent about the safety of your backyard. Do not leave dogs
unattended for long periods of time outside, especially if you will not be home. There have been plenty of coyote and bobcat sightings in backyards, even with high walls or fences. · When on vacation, please err on the side of caution. Your dog may love to explore a new area, yet it is also an unfamiliar one for him. If someone is caring for your pet while you are away, make sure they know how to enter and leave your home without letting your pup escape unexpectedly. · Even though the Fourth of July is behind us, there are still many outdoor festivities and loud, crowded events that may not be the best place for a pup. Consider leaving your dog at home with some soft music, a Kong-filled treat and the AC. Did you know? If you have lost your pet, place a yard sign in front of your house with a photo of your missing pet and your phone number. People who find a lost pet will often walk or drive around the area trying to find the pet’s owner. Submitted by Kristin Robinson, of Community Paws
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Positive Parenting How much juice should kids drink? What you need to know about juice and serving size Selecting beverages for your children can be tricky. What should they be drinking and how much should they drink? Dr. Lisa Thornton, pediatrician and mother, breaks down new juice guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and answers questions about 100 percent juice in the diet. My kids like to drink juice, but I don’t know how much to serve them. Do you have any suggestions? Like the whole fruit it is squeezed from, 100 percent juice is both delicious and nutritious. It is filled with important vitamins and minerals like potassium, folate and vitamin C, which make it a great beverage to serve your children. A serving of 100 percent juice is also a good option to help children meet their daily fruit serving recommendations. In regards to portion size, follow the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Children ages 1-3 can have up to 4 ounces of juice a day, kids ages 4-6 can drink up to 6 ounces a day and children 7 and older can have up to 8 ounces per day. These new guidelines were put into place to help parents manage their children’s intake.
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Should I be worried about juice and weight gain? Balance is the key to good health for people of all ages, from age 1 to 100. Guidelines and recommendations are put into place by experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help guide you to make the best decisions about the foods and beverages you serve to your family. Scientific studies that analyzed the juice consumption of children and adults found that when juice is consumed in appropriate amounts, there is no association between drinking juice and obesity. If you are worried about the impact of individual foods on your child’s weight, consult with a professional, such as a nutritionist or pediatrician. Does drinking juice impact fruit consumption? I’m concerned that if I serve my children juice, they will be less likely to eat fruit.
sugar in their diet. Drinking juice shouldn’t replace eating whole fruit in the diet; it should complement it. According to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, 100 percent juice is part of the fruit group, which consists of all forms of fruit - fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100 percent juice. More than 75 percent of Americans do not eat the recommended amount of fruit; one serving of fruit juice can help to supplement your family’s intake. Making decisions about what to feed your family shouldn’t be stressful or difficult. Consult with your physician, pediatrician or nutritionist if you are confused about what foods and beverages you should be serving your loved ones. For more information about 100 percent juice and how it fits into an overall balanced diet, visit Juice Central. Juice Central is your source for the latest information about juice, including healthy lifestyle tips, recipes and nutrition science.
Actually, nutrition research shows just the opposite. Children who drink juice tend to have overall better quality diets than those who do not drink juice. This means they eat more whole fruit, less saturated fats and have less added August 2017
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THE BUG GUY Bugs, Bugs, and more Bugs! Pest control…bugs aren’t always visible so why do we need home pest control? Due to our year round climate in Arizona we have an abundance of bugs and pests. Just because we don’t see them, doesn’t mean that they are not in and around our homes. None of us want to live with bugs in our home. It doesn’t matter if it’s an ant, cricket, spider, or even a scorpion! Pests are not only a nuisance, but can be a health risk as well. It’s important to exterminate them fast as well as consistently using proactive treatments to make sure they do not re-infest. Regularly scheduled pest control services, will greatly reduce the amount of insect activity around and inside your home, and in most cases completely eliminate it. This reduction in activity is a consequence of applying the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM consists of the following: 1. Access denial and
exclusion. 2. Habitat and harborage modification. 3. Mechanical and physical control. 4. Targeted pesticide applications. Use these guidelines to find the right company to perform your pest control: 1. Fully implements the principles of Integrated Pest Management. 2. Connected to your service area with a strong commitment to providing very effective pest control service within our community. 3. Protect your rights as a consumer. Ask about licensing as all pest control companies must maintain licensing with the state and the City of Goodyear. 4. The best companies hold a “Quality Pro Certification” from the National Pest Management Association. When evaluating a pest control company you should ask questions about what is included in the service. Pest control maintenance programs should consist
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of the following: 1. Perform an inspection of your property to determine if there are any special areas that need addition applications. 2. Perimeter application of liquid pesticide to the foundation wall, with special attention to the weep screed. 3. Perimeter application of a pesticide dust to void areas along the foundation wall and any points of entry, gas line, water line, or even the AC line. 4. Installation of monitoring devices on both sides of the garage doors, and in other potential entry points. 5. Removal of exterior spider webs with a web brush. It is important to remember that pest control technicians are dealing with a live insect population and treatment may take more than one application to get under control. After careful consideration and evaluation in selecting a pest control company, you can expect to see a significant reduction in pest activity, or possibly no pest activity with bi-monthly pest control services. Submitted By Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountian Pest Control
August 2017
Tax Tips Extension filers with investments It’s a common misconception that if you have investments you need to shell out a large chunk of change to have your taxes prepared by an accounting genius. The truth is, it’s easy and affordable to do your own taxes and maximize tax savings - even if you’re an investor. “First and foremost, gather all of your tax forms and financial information before you get to work on your return.” says Mark Jaeger, of TaxAct. “In addition to tax forms from brokerages, employers and financial institutions, you’ll also want to have all documentation about your transactions readily available. That information will help prevent you from overpaying or underpaying taxes on your investments.” The following helpful tips can help you save time and money when you prepare your tax return next year. 1. Don’t rely solely on your Form 1099s. Verify the information shown
on your Form 1099-Bs aligns with your records. It is a good idea to review cost basis and date acquired. Whether that information is included on your form depends on where the investment originated and how long you’ve held the asset. Keep in mind even if you don’t see your cost basis and acquisition date on your Form 1099-B, you still have to report that information on your tax return. Without it, any sales proceeds without a cost basis will be taxed as a capital gain. If you’re still waiting for 1099s or other investment information, Jaeger recommends preparing as much of your return as possible now, but wait to file until you receive it to avoid amending your return. 2. Make sure you report the correct cost basis. The cost basis is the purchase price of an asset adjusted for stock splits, dividends, return of capital distributions and any other basis adjustments. It is important to use the correct cost basis to accurately report and calculate a capital gain versus a loss, the difference between the asset’s sales proceeds and the cost basis. Even if your cost basis is reported on Form 1099-B, it is a good idea to check your investment records to verify it’s correct. The cost basis reported on your Form 1099-B is based on the information available
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to your brokerage, which may not include data needed to calculate the true cost basis. For example, the sale of certain employer stock options may be reported on your Form W-2 and Form 1099-B. If you don’t adjust your cost basis to account for this, your sale may be taxed as ordinary income and as a capital gain. If you need to report adjustments to cost basis amounts on your tax return, you’ll include the adjusted amounts and an adjustment code next to each that explains the reason for the change. 3. Short- and long-term gains: Make sure you know the difference. Assets held for more than 12 months are considered longterm and benefit from reduced capital gains tax rates of zero, 15 and 20 percent based on your tax bracket. On the other hand, short-term gains for assets held for less than 12 months are taxed at ordinary rates. Verify the asset’s purchase date before selecting the short-term or long-term reporting category for the transaction on your tax return. Remember, the date acquired may not be on Form 1099-B. Incorrectly reporting the term may result in overstating or understating your total tax liability. For future investments, you may want to consider waiting to sell assets with large gains or holding periods approaching one year. For more investment tax tips visit www.irs.gov.
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Life As A Caregiver Stress-relief & the Kindness of Others
As a caregiver there are things that can help you find ways to take care of yourself. One is fairly obvious. Working-out is probably the best stressreliever we have. But that doesn’t mean you have to join an expensive gym or go crazy working-out for hours and hours. Around-thehouse remedies are also very effective: a brisk walk around the block, lifting hand weights in your living room while watching tv, practicing yoga, using a hula hoop or jump rope in the garage, dancing to your favorite fast-paced music, or (like I just did) purchasing a mini trampoline & bounce around. Any one of these can help clear your mind and refresh your body. Craft projects (if you are so inclined) can also relieve stress. I enjoy creating something with my hands (as long as I have a picture or directions to follow) and have done numerous projects which have brought me enormous amounts of pleasure, healthy frustration, and positive reinforcement. You must choose wisely and not overdue it, but using your creative mind is a very healthy way to release stress. As is reading! Nothing says stress-relief like immersing yourself in a good book!!! But the most important thing when going through this Alzheimer’s journey is to let those around you know.
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People can’t help you if they don’t know what you’re going through. In my case, I really do need help from time to time because I am an only child, unmarried and without children. While it’s not a bad thing to be in this on my own, there are times when it would be nice to have someone to lean on when making tough decisions. NOTE: That is only the case if I were to have a harmonious family. I am thankful that I don’t have to fight or argue with siblings or a spouse on how to care for my mother as some people have to endure.
This new Arizona community of mine has been wonderful in offering their support. Many have offered to come and care for mom for a day so I can have some personal time. The ONLY upsides to mom & Buddy staying in her casita most of the day is that she is safe, she is as comfortable as she can be, and it allows me to do fun things with friends. But I’m never too far from home, unless Rose is there.
been lamenting about wanting to do a bit of traveling, so they discussed among themselves about creating a plan to have several Rotarians and friends sign-up to care for my mom for a couple of weeks so that I could do that. When they told me about their plan, I was speechless…and filled with emotion. What a kind, wonderful and selfless gesture…and probably one of the dearest things I have ever had anyone say to me. And who knows….I just might take them up on it! The point here is….find things to do that make you happy and will mentally & physically give you a break. And reach out
for help when you need it. The stronger and calmer you are, the better caregiver you will make and the healthier you will be! Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident
I recently had an amazing offering from one of my favorite Rotary friends and his wife. They knew I had August 2017
School Zone
- Sponsored by Chris Carlton of Edward Jones
The ABCs of back-toschool budgeting
It’s natural to pack all you can into those few precious summer months, but inevitably they’re gone before you know it. As summer vacations, sleepovers and outdoor grilling come to a close, it’s time to start thinking about going back to school. You may be working to pay off summer vacation bills when you realize you need to budget and pay for your child’s school supplies, clothing and other related school expenses. In a recent survey conducted by Coinstar, about half of U.S. parents with kids between ages five and 18 believe school expenses are increasing. Of those surveyed, 57 percent will create a backto-school budget. To ease rising school costs, here are five budgeting tips that will help you get more for your back-to-school dollar: Create a budget. One of the best ways to spend wisely is to create a budget. If you don’t already have one, open a new spreadsheet on your computer or get out a pen and paper. Consider all the potential back-to-school expenses and not just the obvious ones, such as school supplies and clothing. For example, you’ll want to factor in extracurricular or afterschool activities, tutoring, special school trips and even lunch costs. Bison Ranch Roundup
Collaborate with other parents. Consider joining parent groups, either through your school or community. These groups can offer a great support network to share ideas and information. They also serve as a fantastic resource for meeting parents who have items such as sports equipment their kids have outgrown or even musical instruments their children no longer play. This can lead to some serious money-saving deals. Tap your coin jar. With rising school costs, the old saying that every penny counts really is true. You can literally put this into practice by collecting all the loose change around your house or tucked away in your coin jar and bringing it to a Coinstar kiosk. Make a shopping list. Most schools provide a back-toschool list to help you plan and shop for your child. Use this as a starting point to make your own list and then
stick to it! Retailers are set up to encourage impulse buys, but checking to see if something is or is not on your list is one of the most effective ways to avoid purchasing nonessential items and blowing your budget. Embrace the three Rs. Your kids will probably learn about the three Rs in school: reduce, reuse, recycle. This is a great principle to keep in mind when getting them ready for school, especially for backto-school clothes. In addition, consignment stores and online retailers are very popular and offer gently used items that check the “reuse” box. And finally, don’t forget to take advantage of hand-me-downs, whether from older siblings or friends. Going back to school should be an exciting time for you and your kids. With these five budgeting tips, you can help cut the financial stress out of the process and kick the school year off to a great start. August 2017
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Home Ec. 4 laundry personalities: Where do you fit?
Do you know your laundry personality? How you wash the clothes you wear is every bit as personal and unique to you as the clothes themselves. Knowing your laundry personality could help ease the load and make the chore easy and fail-proof.
Does the thought of washing dark jeans and a pink blouse in the same load leave you light-headed? You and 20 percent of Americans prefer to avoid mixing items of different colors in the same load. Some of those surveyed also don’t trust washing items like delicates (52 percent), jackets (49 percent) and blouses (30 percent) in the main wash.
A quarter of American households say they overload their washer most of the time, according to a survey commissioned by LG Electronics. Even people who say they are doing their laundry efficiently still have complaints with the process.
Facilitate your separation efforts by using multiple baskets or hampers in your laundry room. Label them - darks, whites, delicates, workout, etc. - and encourage family members to drop their dirty clothes in the appropriate basket.
Recognizing your laundry personality and choosing products that cater to your unique style will make doing laundry an easy, and perhaps even enjoyable, affair! Here are four common laundry personalities, their identifying traits, and tips for achieving maximum efficiency:
The dumper Do you do minimal separation? You’re joined by a majority of Americans that load up their washer. A recent survey concluded that 80 percent of Americans have purposely overloaded their washer to avoid doing a second load of laundry. Plus, 22 percent of Americans have deemed clothes not properly cleaned because of an overloaded washer. High-efficiency front-load washing machines alleviate both of these problems. Unlike traditional top-load washing machines with agitators, front-load washers offer greater capacity while using much less water, which actually cleans clothes better! It’s a myth that more water equals cleaner clothes. Plus, they have faster spin speeds than their top-load counterparts, which means
The light loader Does your desire to separate and preserve clothes, including those delicate special care items, ever leave you with the only option of running the washer with just one or two items? You’re not alone. According to a recent survey commissioned by LG Electronics, 60 percent of Americans admitted to running a full load of laundry for six items or less. The super sorter
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your clothes come out dryer, saving you time and energy when drying your clothes. Use color-safe detergent and cold water for every load of colors. With today’s superefficient detergents and better washing machines, you don’t need hot or even warm water to get clothes clean; cold will work just fine and will reduce the chance of colors fading or bleeding into each other. The habitual dry cleaner Summer is a busy - and sticky - time, running from work to outdoor barbecues during the hottest months of the year. And refreshing that summer wardrobe between pool parties is key to the habitual dry cleaner looking and feeling their best. Whatever your laundry personality, you can find a washer, dryer and detergent that will make your chore easier and less time consuming. Then, you can spend that time on other things. In fact, Americans surveyed say if they could cut their laundry time in half, they’d spend that extra time hanging out with their kids, watching TV or doing other things they enjoy. August 2017
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Health News This simple test can set you on the road to a lifetime of better health Here’s a sobering statistic for you: 20 percent of all deaths in the United States can be attributed to poor lifestyle factors and behavioral choices. It’s difficult to swallow, but fortunately new research also finds that those who take the time to establish a simple screening routine improve their chances of modifying their behavior toward a healthy lifestyle. The research, appearing in the Journal of Community Medicine and Health Education, shows that individuals who had undergone a cardiovascular screening were more likely to take action to modify their lifestyles after the screening. In addition, these steps toward potential better health appear to exist regardless of the actual screening results. The survey gathered information from 3,267 individuals who were set to receive a cardiovascular screening through Life Line Screening. Participants were predominantly over 50 years of age and mostly women. The survey respondents were divided into two groups: those who were surveyed after they had their cardiovascular screening and those who were screening-na√Øve, meaning they had yet to undergo a cardiovascular screening. Both groups were asked
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questions about their current and future health plans and once the surveys were completed, results from the two groups were then evaluated to determine a participant’s motivation to modify their lifestyles. This evaluation took into account the act of the screening and whether the presence of a completed screening modified behavior. Results of the research show a statistically significant difference between those who had been screened and those who hadn’t with regards to modifying future behavior. These behavior modifiers included healthy initiatives such as enjoying a healthier diet or adding exercise to a person’s daily lifestyle. Perhaps more interesting, researchers found participants were more interested in improving their healthy lifestyle after the screening regardless of their individual screening results. In addition, patients who tested normal, abnormal or even critical during their screening were all more likely to make health changes after the screening when compared to their prescreening counterparts. Those who recorded abnormal or critical results also reported being more likely to follow their doctor’s
exact directions and take all of their medications on the predetermined schedule. You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you are Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States, accounting for roughly one quarter of all deaths according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet despite this shocking statistic, many people remain unaware of their current cardiovascular health. Enrolling in a cardiovascular screening is a fast, easy way to understand your current cardiovascular health and provide you a basis for future health care decisions. It’s an important first step and one that can ultimately lead to a healthier, longer life. To learn more about cardiovascular screening and to find screening options in your area, visit www. lifelinescreening.com.
August 2017
Can You Save for College and Retirement? Few of us have unlimited financial resources — which means that almost all of us need to prioritize our financial goals. Consequently, you’ll have some decisions to make if you’d like to help pay for your children’s college educations someday while, at the same time, saving for your own retirement. Your first step in addressing these objectives is to maintain realistic expectations. Right now, the average four-year cost is about $80,000 for in-state students at public universities and approximately $180,000 for private schools, according to the College Board. And these costs are likely to keep rising in the years ahead. Can you save this much for your kids’ education?
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MONEY MATTERS Instead of committing yourself to putting away this type of money, take a holistic approach to saving for your children’s higher education. Depending on your income and assets, your family might be eligible for some needsbased financial aid awarded by the college. Also, you should encourage your children to apply for as many scholarships as possible — but keep in mind that most scholarships don’t provide a “full ride.” Here’s the bottom line: Don’t assume you will receive so much aid that you don’t need to save for college at all, but don’t burden yourself with the expectation that you need to pick up the full tab for your children’s schooling. On a practical level, you may want to commit to putting a certain amount per month into a college savings vehicle, such as a 529 plan. You can generally invest in the 529 plan offered by most states, but in some cases, you may be eligible for a state income tax incentive. Also, all withdrawals from 529 plans will be free from federal income taxes, as long as the money is used for a qualified
college or graduate school expense of the beneficiary you’ve named.
By starting your 529 plan early, when your children are young, you’ll give the investments within the plan more time to grow. Plus, you can make smaller contributions on a regular basis, rather than come up with big lump sums later on. And by following this approach, you may be in a better financial position for investing in your IRA and your 401(k) or other employersponsored retirement plan. Obviously, it’s to your benefit to contribute as much as you can to these plans, which offer tax advantages and a wide range of investment options. If you’re investing in a 401(k) or similar employerbacked plan, try to boost your contributions every time your salary increases. At the very least, always put in enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered. And once your children are through with college, you can devote more money to your retirement accounts. It can certainly be challenging to save for education and retirement – but with discipline and perseverance, it can be done. So, give it the “old college try.” This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Chris Carlton
August 2017
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3 things to consider when choosing chocolate Few things are better in life than unwrapping and biting into a piece of silky smooth chocolate. With so many options in the candy aisle, it’s important to know not only where your favorite treat originates, but how it impacts the environment and the farmers who grow cocoa. “Americans are more aware than ever of where the products they consume come from and how they’re made,” says Kerry Cavanaugh, brand director for DOVE Chocolate. “They want to know products have been sustainably produced in a manner that has the least possible impact
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on the environment and a positive effect on people at the source.” If chocolate is high on your list of favorite treats, make sure the brand you choose is one that combines pleasure with purpose by asking if it is doing something that will benefit others around the world. Here are three things to consider the next time you reach for chocolate at the store: 1. Helping fight poverty. Cocoa is an industry that affects 6.5 million farmers around the world - the majority of cocoa is grown on small farms operated by independent farmers in developing countries in West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Americas. DOVE Chocolate supports initiatives like the CARE Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) program, a micro-finance program that allows participants, such as cocoa farmers in developing countries, to support each other with lowinterest loans. The loans help cocoa farmers improve their farming
Yum Yum practices, expand their businesses and support their families. DOVE has partnered with CARE to sponsor the VSLA program in Cote d’Ivoire, the world’s top producer of cocoa beans, which has already benefited nearly 3,000 farmers since the program began in 2016. 2. Protecting the environment. According to the Rainforest Alliance, cocoa can be grown in forest settings, under the shade of native trees, rather than in deforested fields. Organizations like the Rainforest Alliance help farmers learn and implement sustainable farming and harvesting practices that protect the wildlife and environment in the region as well as improve their livelihoods and the wellbeing of their families and communities. 3. Female empowerment. Although they contribute to 50 percent of farming activities, women rarely benefit from cocoa-related income. Programs like CARE’s VSLA initiative take on this challenge by providing women with ways to save money and access small loans. With VSLAs, women in farming communities can increase production on their cocoa farms, recover from natural disasters that threaten their livelihoods and achieve greater equality with male farmers. To find out more about the chocolate-making process, visit DoveChocolateJourney. August 2017
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Puzzles Sudoku for August Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!
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6 4 8 7 5 9 2 3 1
Sudoku Solution
& Games
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