The Hamlet

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

November 2023

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Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com 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 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 content of contributing writers and advertisers 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.

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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

November 2023

From Me To You...

Are you a puzzler? I have recently transformed into a committed (easy) crossword fanatic. It all started with my mother who could beat you in scrabble with words that you could not fathom as being real, and yet, every time, we would discover that they were. She passed along her love of words to me and apart from an occasional game of Banangrams and our daily Wordle with the kids that was it as far as family puzzles go.

On a recent trip to visit my stepmother, things ramped up in a surprising way. My adult daughters came along and we found ourselves bonding over the morning quick crossword. (In a real paper that my Dad bought every morning!)

I have always thought of crosswords as a solitary experience but they are so much more fun when you involve the whole room. Conversations are begun, discussions of the merits of one word

over another ensue, and the camaraderie that grows as we groan over a choice of solution is lovely.

I thought that once the visit was over, so would the heady days of family puzzle time, but I woke up a few mornings ago to a text from one of the kids. She had discovered the mini puzzle app from the NY Times and included were Wordle and Mini crosswords. These things are perfect for the micro attention span of today’s Millennials (and let’s face it, most adults). A crossword that takes less than 10 minutes and, the key for our engagement, a timer. You can share not only the win but the time it takes you to get there.

Now my mornings begin with a cup of coffee and the mini crossword, followed by Wordle and then I wait to see who posts the fastest time. The beauty of this is not only connection with my busy-with-their-own-lives kids, but I am exercising my brain at the same time. I know it is a muscle that needs to stretch as much as the rest of me and I am aware of ‘the use it or lose it’ future ahead of all of us. I highly recommend trying it for yourself and let’s be honest, if I can retain brain cells along with family bonding time, who’s to complain?

Catherine Uretsky Editor, Estrella Publishing info@estrellapublishing.com 623-398-5541

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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

November 2023

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Ask Dr Jen

“When I was a kid, my parents were neglectful and even abusive, at times. When I had kids, I was worried about how they’d be with them and watched them like hawks when they interacted with our kids. Thankfully, they proved to be much better grandparents than parents. I’m really grateful, but I still carry some resentment for my parents so it’s kind of tough to watch in a way.

More than anything, I’d really like to understand it. How does this happen?” ~ KT There are many reasons people make better grandparents than parents. You could start by expressing your gratitude to your parents and tactfully asking what’s changed for them, what’s behind their improved behavior.

If you don’t want to do that or they don’t have an answer for you when you do, here are a few possibilities: 1. They learned a few things from raising their own kids. Hindsight being what it is, they’re different now.

2. They’ve mellowed out over the years.

Whatever issues they allowed to contribute to their behavior (or used as excuses for it) have shifted, or maybe they did some therapy or self-help, and they’re psychologically different now.

3. They’ve realized the error of their ways, so they’re working to do things differently and not make the same mistakes.

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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

4. They’ve loosened up because they no longer have the stress of marriage + kids + work + errands + kids in extracurricular activities + household maintenance, etc. They’re in a much more chill space mentally and emotionally now.

5. They’re afraid of your response should they act up, so they’re minding their Ps and Qs. 6. They’re in a position of less responsibility and less pressure when it comes to kids that aren’t theirs, which means they can just focus on having fun with them.

Regardless of the reason, try to focus on the blessing of their improved parenting behavior.

To release yourself from any remaining emotional pain, try to forgive them also.

Have a question for Dr. Jen? Email it to AskTheDoc@EstrellaPublishing.com.

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.

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Adopt A Family Help make the season bright for families across Maricopa County now through Dec. 10.

(Phoenix, Oct. 16, 2023) - Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), a leading human services nonprofit organization in Maricopa County, today announced the return of its annual Adopt A Family program. With a legacy spanning over two decades, this initiative matches families and teens receiving care at JFCS clinics with sponsors who provide gifts for the holidays.

Key Highlights of the Adopt A Family Program: 100% of Donations Go Directly to Families: Every penny donated to the Adopt A Family program is channeled directly to the families in need.

Serving Families for Christmas and Hanukkah: While many families receive gifts specifically for Christmas, JFCS’ Adopt A Family stands out as the only program in Maricopa County that also serves families celebrating Hanukkah.

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Nominated by Professionals: Families and teens benefiting from this program are nominated by JFCS clinicians and caseworkers who know firsthand who in the community is most in need.

Personalized Gifting: Each donor is provided with a detailed family profile, including a wish list of essential items and gifts. This ensures that every gift directly addresses the unique needs and wishes of the adopted family.

“The Adopt A Family program is more than just a holiday drive, it’s a testament to the power of community,” says Kathy Rood, Adopt A Family program director. “By connecting donors directly with families, we’re fostering a sense of unity and shared joy for everyone, regardless of age, faith or background. The support this program brings is invaluable.”

The deadline to participate in this year’s Adopt a Family program is Dec. 10. With a goal to adopt 200 families and raise $8,000, JFCS invites the community to come together and make this holiday season memorable for families in need.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.jfcsaz.org/adopt-a-family.

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Curb Appeal

Are you looking for eye-catching and practical ways to upgrade your home? Consider investing in an outdoor renovation project! These outdoor projects can make your home an inviting space in which you and others will want to spend time.

1. Upgrade your patio A patio or deck can be a wonderful addition to your home. It acts as an extension of your home and provides another livable space to relax and socialize with family and friends. Whether you want to add a patio or upgrade your existing one, doing so also adds value to your home.

According to the National Association of Realtors Research Group (NAR) 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, a new patio typically costs $10,000$10,500. However, homeowners that installed a patio recovered 95% of the value from the project.

2. Invest in landscaping If you want to improve the appearance of your home and get an instant return on investment, upgrade your landscape. Not only does investing in landscaping enhance your home’s curb appeal,

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

but it also extends a warm invitation into your home for visitors.

3. Add shade structures During the warmer months, you’ll want shade structures so you can get the most out of your outdoor space, no matter the temperature.

Pergolas are a popular option because homeowners can choose various materials, styles and colors to fit their layout. A well-designed pergola can boost property values and increase the usability of the backyard.

4. Install an outdoor kitchen Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners and potential buyers.

They allow people to spend as much time outdoors as possible while entertaining and feeding guests. It also means that you don’t heat up your house during the summer months.

Compared to other outdoor home improvement projects, outdoor kitchens offer a substantial return on investment. NARS found that homeowners recovered 100% of the cost of building an outdoor kitchen.

Let these outdoor renovation projects inspire you to upgrade your home, add value to your property and make your home a place you and others want to spend their time.

November 2023

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The Bug Guy Ah, November in the Phoenix Valley, where the temperature finally dips below scorching and the desert breeze starts to sing sweet tunes. But as we swap our tank tops for cozy sweaters, the bugs of the valley have a different plan – infiltrate our homes and parties like uninvited guests. Fear not, brave residents, for I bring you a humorous guide to battling bugs and dodging scorpions during this wild November ride.

First up on our unwelcome guest list is the infamous cockroach. These resilient creatures see your cozy home as a five-star resort, with water, shelter, and a buffet of crumbs. But worry not, for you possess the mighty weapon called the shoe!

Engage in a high-stakes game of cockroach whack-a-mole, and watch as these crafty critters scurry for dear life. Better yet, organize a cockroach Olympics and turn the hunt into a hilariously sporting event. Let the best roach win!

Now let’s talk about those eight-legged terrors – scorpions. They lurk in the shadows, ready to give you an unexpected jolt of adrenaline.

Toss away your fear and channel your inner ninja. Become the Scorpion Sensei, armed with a mighty flip-flop katana, ready to strike at a moment’s notice. Just remember to practice your battle cries, so the scorpions know who’s boss.

Trust me; they’ll think twice before trespassing into your domain again.

pleasant temperatures and make BBQs a battlefield. Impress your guests by showcasing your mosquito dodging skills. Take advice from the great martial arts masters and master the art of the mosquito dance. Move with grace, agility, and above all, swat with precision. Your guests will be in awe as you simultaneously defend your body and bust some killer dance moves.

Finally, an honorary mention goes to the audacious pack rats. These little hoarders love turning your attic into a five-star rat hotel. But fear not, ambitious Valley dwellers, for you are now rat wranglers extraordinaire. Create a diversion by hosting a rat talent show. Watch as they perform jaw-dropping acrobatic feats, hopping through hoops and executing daring jumps. Give them a round of applause, then swiftly relocate them to a more suitable environment – preferably outside of your living quarters.

So, dear Phoenix Valley residents, laugh in the face of these pests and embrace the battle with open arms and maybe a can of bug spray.

Remember, we’re all in this together, fighting the good fight against these uninvited guests.

And who knows, maybe in the process, you’ll discover hidden talents and create a new form of entertaining bug-themed art. Happy pest control adventures and cheers to a critter-free November in the Valley!

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella MountainPest Control, Estrella resident

When it comes to ants, they are like tiny marauders, invading your kitchen and stealing your precious snacks. Wage war on these miniature thieves by becoming an ant whisperer.

Speak to them in their tiny ant language and negotiate peace treaties. Offer them a carrot or two as a truce, and maybe they’ll find another picnic to crash in their ant quest for adventure.

But what about those sneaky mosquitoes? These buzzing bloodsuckers thrive in November’s 8

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

November 2023

Back Pain Not only is it painful, but studies show that back pain can limit your activities and impact your ability to work. In fact, the Health Policy Institute found it to be a leading cause of work-loss days, with 83 million days of work lost per year.

Whether you work from home, the office or a combination of both, it’s important to invest in your musculoskeletal health and protect your back. In recognition of National Ergonomics Month, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) offers three tips to strengthen and protect your back while working.

1. Practice proper posture Let’s get back to basics. Sitting properly is the first step to protecting your back. You may not realize how often you slouch or hunch over your desk while working. Practicing and maintaining proper posture may seem simple, but it will go a long way in preventing back pain and injury.

When sitting, keep your back in a normal, slightly arched position and your head and shoulders erect. Adjust your chair so your elbows are relaxed, your hands are resting comfortably on

the table, your knees are bent at 90º and your feet are flat on the floor.

2. Set yourself up for success Your work environment can have a big impact on your comfort and musculoskeletal health. Instead of forcing your body to fit your workspace, set up your workspace to fit your body. Make sure your working surface is at the proper height, and your computer screen is at eye level, so you don’t have to lean forward. You can also consider using a Swiss ball (or exercise ball) as your desk chair to work your core and protect your back.

3. Take a break If you’ve ever been to a baseball game, you know how nice standing up for the seventhinning stretch feels. Even though it’s a sedentary activity, sitting puts a strain on your back. Once an hour, if possible, take a few minutes and give your back a break by standing up and slowly stretching. A break not only protects your back but can also refresh your mind so you can return to your work with sharp focus.

By maintaining proper ergonomics at our workstations and building the strength of our core stabilizing muscles we can significantly reduce the risk of developing debilitating chronic or debilitating back pain and related conditions.

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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

November 2023

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Snack Attack If snacking helps fuel you through the workday, you’e not alone. But it’s not always easy to find or enjoy a high-quality snack while you’re on the clock. To help find simple solutions to those workday snacking woes, Hillshire Snacking brand recruited Snacktivity Directors to help undersnacked workers everywhere add moments of bliss to their week - one bite at a time.

Here are the top 5 tips from the Hillshire Snacking Snacktivity Directors: 1. Time your snacks thoughtfully While many on-the-go jobs make it hard to take long breaks, you can still make time for quick snacks between meals. Schedule your snacking for the times your energy tends to dip. Opting for small snacks that require no preparation also makes it easier to fit them into a busy workday.

“I always try to bring something convenient and ready to eat on the go,” says Snacktivity Director Taner. “You need something that fits in the confines of the time you realistically have to eat.”

2. Include proteins to keep help energy levels up To help with a short burst of energy that isn’t followed by a crash, it’s best to include some form of protein, like meat, cheese or nuts.

Snacktivity Director Julia says she includes something nutritious to help her avoid an energy crash later: “I always opt for protein - something that helps keep you full for longer periods of time.” Julia also makes sure to carry snacks with her, wherever she goes, just in case she needs a pick-me-up.

3. Ingredients matter Rather than hitting the nearest vending machine when hunger strikes, plan ahead by packing snacks with high-quality ingredients.

“I avoid temptation by keeping myself satiated with foods that are filling and nutritional,” says Snacktivity Director Phil. “Find a carry-over snack that can help you last between your bigger meals.”

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4. Variety is the spice of snacks Satisfying hunger with a variety of flavor and textures is another effective strategy.

Julia says she also satisfies her snack cravings by “including small portions of multiple items, both sweet and savory, as well as something that offers a good crunch.”

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November 2023

Money Matters If you’re a long-term investor, your portfolio may stay fairly stable over time. However, that doesn’t mean you will never sell any investments. But when should you sell — and why?

Here are some scenarios to consider: • If an investment has consistently underperformed – For one reason or another, some investments may not live up to your expectations. Rather than holding these investments in the hope that they will eventually show consistently positive returns, you might be better off selling them and using the proceeds to buy other investments that could help you make progress toward your goals. Keep in mind, though, that short-term price swings are inevitable for virtually all investments, so you may not want to sell an investment after just a few price drops, as it may still have strong fundamentals and good prospects.

• If the investment itself has changed – The nature of some investments, such as stocks, can change over time. Stocks represent companies, and companies can evolve and adapt — or not.

So, you may own shares in a company whose management has changed or whose products are less competitive than they once were. If this company no longer seems like a sound investment, you may consider selling your shares and moving on.

• If an investment is “redundant” – If you do have too many investments that are alike, you risk not having a fully diversified portfolio, and while diversification can’t always protect against all losses or guarantee profits, it can help reduce the impact of market volatility on your holdings. Consequent- ly, you might want to sell an investment that may now be “redundant” to your port- folio and replace it with another one that could boost your diversification efforts.

• If an investment takes up too much space in your portfolio – If you bought an investment years ago, and it’s grown substantially in value, it could eventually take up more space in your portfolio than you had intended, which could expose you to more risk than you’d like — because too much of any single investment may leave you more vulnerable to market downturns.

• If your own needs have changed – You originally created your investment mix to help you reach certain goals, such as a comfortable retirement. And during much of your working life, you could possibly afford to invest primarily for growth, accepting the risk that comes along with that approach, as you knew you’d have time to potentially overcome the short-term volatility that’s part of investing. But as you near retirement, you may want to lower your risk level.

Consequently, you could decide to sell some of your growth-oriented investments and move the money into income-producing ones. However, even during retirement, you’ll still need your portfolio to provide some growth opportunities to help you ahead of inflation.

Generally speaking, you may not want to do a lot of selling (or buying) of investments once you’ve built a portfolio that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. But if you are going to sell investments, make sure you do so for the right reasons.

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

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November 2023

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November 2023

Make Learning Fun Supporting your child’s early learning opportunities isn’t just important for the present.

Doing so can plant the seeds for future success.

According to the National Institute of Children Health and Human Development, studies show that supporting children’s early learning can result in higher test scores from preschool up to age 21, better grades in math and reading, and a better chance that children will stay in school and go to college.

Of course, getting your children interested in learning is easier said than done. Read on to learn four strategies that will make learning an engaging and entertaining experience for kids that can foster a lifelong love of learning.

1. Reward achievements A powerful tool to motivate your kids to learn is positive reinforcement. By offering rewards like stickers, extra playtime or a sweet treat when your child completes a tough assignment or gets a good grade, you can help them enjoy homework and other educational tasks.

2. Plan field trips that inspire

You can extend learning beyond the classroom by taking your kids on inspiring field trips. If they’re learning about local history, check out a museum for exhibits on the topic. Many museums, zoos, botanical gardens, historical sites and science centers offer interactive exhibits, guided tours and other activities that make subjects come to life. It’s these hands-on experiences that make learning fun and help children retain the knowledge they gain throughout the school year.

3. Get crafty When paired with a lesson, crafts are an excellent way to make learning meaningful. Making dioramas, posters and models helps kids create a visual representation of what they’re learning and gives them a hands-on approach to learning.

Parents can transform learning from a chore into an adventure by offering rewards, incorporating snacks, planning field trips and using crafts.

These tips can help you create an environment that encourages your kids’ curiosity and allows them to explore education in a fun and accessible way.

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November 2023

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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

Difficulty: Moderate

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November 2023

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November 2023