�e HamletŽ A magazine for Palm Valley residents
From your neighbors, for your neighbors Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
February 2020
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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
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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 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 and Family Features. 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.
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February 2020
From Me To You... February is the month of love and there are many things I love in my life; my family, my friends, my job, of course my dogs (when they are not tearing up my house). There are also things that I don’t love that I used to... I remember when I used to love to talk on the telephone. I would rush home from school after spending a whole day with my friends, only to jump right on the phone as soon as possible and spend hours talking to them again. My father would always say “What on earth could you possibly have to talk about when you’ve been with them all day?” I don’t remember what we talked about but I do remember it was fun and I used have to fight for the telephone with my sister and my brother. Now talking on the telephone is more of a chore than a pleasure. I think it started because of work - everything that I communicate in the area of my job has to be done in writing to avoid miscommunication, or when there are questions we have something solid to go back to. So I got in the habit of not talking on the telephone. When my phone rings I barely even hear it! I am constantly changing my ringtone and I even tried to turn the volume up in an attempt to notice when it starts to ring. Even with those modifications, more often than not, I don’t get to it, or answer the calls in time. Just ask my children!
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Now we have text messages, that is something I do love. Text messages allow you to think before you speak and formulate a crafted thoughtful response. Sometimes I don’t answer a text for a few days which may seem rude, but honestly if I’d shot off an answer based on my initial response it would not have gone well. So if you don’t hear from me immediately it is not always a bad thing. The downside of putting everything in writing is that people decide what tone of voice you’re using when they read it. This can mean that if somebody is having a bad day and they read it in a frame of mind that is not the most positive, they will in all likelihood read the message in a negative way. I try to bear that in mind, myself, when reading emails or texts. If I put a smile on my face before I start reading then the whole message can change. You should give it a try! Getting back to the telephone, if you call me I probably won’t answer, and if I don’t recognize your number I definitely won’t answer! If you want to communicate with me you should text me or send me an email. I promise to read it with a smile on my face and when I send you an answer I hope you will do the same.
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, The Park Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283
February 2020
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February 2020
Furry Friends 3 signs of discomfort to watch for in your dog
Dogs are the best. The best welcome home greeters. The best snuggle buddies. And, the best road trip companions. But, just like humans, dogs have ruff days and health problems from aging and their active lives. They don’t always know how to tell us where they hurt or why they are acting differently, but there are some signs that pet parents can watch for. 1. Less pep in their step. It’s natural for dogs to be less active as they age, but with four legs and boundless curiosity, injuries can happen any time. If your fur family member isn’t sprinting around the backyard like normal, or they’re walking up or down stairs instead of running, they may be experiencing leg or paw discomfort. A prolonged change in the way they walk or run could be a sign of hip or joint discomfort indicating a chronic condition, according to veterinarian Elizabeth DeLomba. “Medium to large dog breeds in particular are prone to developing joint issues as they age,” says Dr. DeLomba. “One of the first and best ways to manage these changes is with a daily joint supplement like GlycoFlex from VetriScience.”
But, when your best snuggler starts being anti-social, it may be a sign that they need something more than a cuddle. “A dog acting anti-social may be an indication of a physical problem or discomfort that they are trying to hide,” says Dr. DeLomba. A dog acting sensitive to petting or a gentle touch may signal underlying issues. 3. What’s that smell? Doggie kisses are also the best, but not so much with bad doggie breath. If your dog has consistently bad breath despite special treats and regular teeth cleanings, they may have a tooth or gum issue. Likewise, if your dog is needing to “go” more often, or you start finding accidents in the house, it may be an indication of a urinary issue or problem. If Fido isn’t finishing meals or is not that interested in treats, that’s another sign of possible gastrointestinal distress or other internal issues that may not be obvious physically but may be detected with blood work. Talk to your veterinarian if your dog is demonstrating any of the above behaviors. Our pets are with us for far too short a time. Watch for their signs of discomfort to keep them happy, healthy, and at your side for as long as possible.
2. Missing your snuggle buddy. They’re always curled up beside you during a Netflix binge or keeping your feet warm in bed every night.
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February 2020
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Men Of Vision February is such a dull month. On the one hand we are eagerly awaiting the advent of spring, and on the other we relish the relief from ‘the warm weather that is fast approaching. It is like this is the in-between month. But then we look at the calendar and realize that we have a great deal to be grateful for, and February is the reminder.
President’s Day: How many remember when we celebrated both George Washington’s birthday and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday in February. Then, some bright minds got together and decided that we should combine the two holidays and incorporate them into one National Holiday commemorating all the presidents of our great country. These two men, in their own way, and in their own time, contributed to our survival as a nation: George Washington ensured our birth and continued existence by contributing wealth and fortitude to help break the shackles of ingratitude and arrogance as displayed by the treatment received from Great Britain. Can
anyone truly imagine how difficult it was to distance ourselves from the one entity that gave us the ability to thrive in a free atmosphere only to have it encroached upon time and again because of greed and duplicity? Nowhere in the annals of history do we find a more noble cause nor a more justified example of what freedom meant. Nowhere do we find a people so dedicated to self-determination that they were willing to sacrifice everything they possessed, both physically and economically. “They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” was not a slogan but a call to the whole world that a new chapter in the history of mankind was on the horizon. Abraham Lincoln kept us together as a nation as we attempted to dissolve this experiment called America. It was a time of brother against brother. It was a time when the conscience of our nation was tested in a racial divide that seemed to tear at the very fabric of our souls. It was a time when the true meaning of the words found in our Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men were created equal” was tested with the ultimate sacrifice of life and limb. America is still, through all its upheavals, the hope of humanity. The message that was transmitted by these two men through word and action still reverberate around the world. The lamp that lights the way at the entrance to our country remains lit for all to see, for all to enjoy, for all to understand that its glow lights the path to hope. God continue to bless these United States. God bless the memory of George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, and…….. Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D.
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February 2020
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Yum Yum! Anyone who has known me since at least 2017 probably knows that I lost 70 pounds doing the “keto” diet. While I don’t claim to be an expert on the diet/lifestyle, I did amass a nice collection of favorite recipes during the 18 months I spent in ketosis. Although I haven’t been strict “keto” for several years now, I have managed to keep the weight off…well, most of it… by continuing to work those recipes into our family’s monthly meal rotation.
Most of the recipes I use are extremely simple… often just three or four ingredients. Some are recipes I’ve created myself and others are recipes that I’ve adapted from their “non-keto” original versions.
One of our family favorites is called “Salsa Cream Cheese Chicken.” The ingredients are… you guessed it…salsa, cream cheese, and chicken! I use El Sol Homestyle Organic Salsa from Costco (I believe they carry it as Sam’s Club as well). Real homemade salsa would be even better, if you have the time and talent, but the El Sol brand is the closest I’ve found to homemade. Instructions: Place raw chicken thighs in the bottom of a glass casserole dish. (You could use chicken breast, but if you’re following the keto lifestyle, thighs are better because they have a higher fat content. They also just taste better, in my opinion!) Pour salsa over the chicken. I use about half of the 50oz container from Costco, but you’ll have to use your judgment here. come see our large selection of outdoor accessories
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Slice the cream cheese into thin strips (I use Philadelphia brand that comes in 8oz blocks) and place them on top of the salsa. I use two of the 8oz blocks, but again, you’ll have to use your judgment. That’s it! Bake the whole dish, uncovered, at 450° until the chicken is cooked through, usually about 25 minutes. Serve with green beans or salad for a keto-friendly meal or add tortillas and rice for carbs. Enjoy! Submitted by Christie Giannetto, West Valley Resident February 2020
Positive Parenting
Volunteer to be a voice for young children in your Arizona community If you are passionate about children’s issues and want to impact the early childhood programs available to young kids in our community, First Things First (FTF) needs you. FTF is Arizona’s early childhood health and development agency and seeks about 150 volunteers for the opportunity to collaborate with other dedicated community members in local communities across Arizona.
This year, FTF has made the application process simple with an easy online application. Volunteering on a regional council is a unique, high-level leadership opportunity to make a positive impact on children and families in our community. Regional council members help define priorities for the local services and supports for young children and their families. By collaborating with other dedicated community members, they provide opportunities for young children to get a strong start in life. Research has shown a child’s early experiences lay the foundation for a lifetime of success in school and beyond. FTF partners with parents and communities to give children birth to age 5 the tools they need to arrive at kindergarten prepared to succeed. Regional councils made up of community volunteers inform decisions about
services in their area.
how First Things First can help strengthen families, expand early learning opportunities and increase access to preventive health
FTF is accepting applications in the Southwest Maricopa Region from various backgrounds for the following seats that are open either due to vacancy or terms about to expire. Parents of young children and individuals from the business, education, health, faith and philanthropic communities who want to be a voice for children in our community must live or work in the South Maricopa Region. The six regional council seats open in this region are: • Parent • At Large • Philanthropy • Educator • Health Services Provider • At Large If you or someone you know can commit to about 10 hours per month to make a difference in the lives of young children in our community, please visit FirstThingsFirst.org/serve. There, you can learn about the volunteer positions available in our area, read a detailed description of the position, and fill out an application. The job of getting kids ready for school starts the day they are born. Please consider lending your expertise, insight and community spirit to help ensure that all Arizona children are ready to succeed in kindergarten and beyond! First Things First is a voter-created, statewide organization that funds early learning, family support and children preventive health services to help kids be successful once they enter kindergarten. Decisions about how those funds are spent are made by local councils staffed by community volunteers. To learn more, visit FirstThingsFirst.org. Brett Benninghoff, Southwest Maricopa Community Outreach Coordinator
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
February 2020
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PALM VALLEY
Palm Valley
3/31/20
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February 2020
Be Prepared
Fires can occur when you least expect it, leaving little time to plan your escape, so the time to prepare for an emergency isn’t when your alarm sounds. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), only 32% of American households have actually developed and practiced an emergency escape plan. Make time to sit down with your family to plan and practice what you would do in case of a fire or carbon monoxide emergency. Consider the following tips when helping to prepare yourself and your loved ones: 1. Map it out. Begin thinking about a home fire escape plan by first drawing a map of your home, making sure to label each window and door. Identify two ways out of each room and walk through your home to make sure the doors and windows you’ve chosen as exits open easily. If your family’s home has a second floor, consider having escape ladders in each room. 2. Choose a meeting spot. After you have mapped out all of the ways you can exit, pick an outside meeting spot a safe distance away from
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your home, such as across the street or in front of a neighbor’s home. Be sure that your family knows that once they are outside, they need to call 911 and stay outside. Additionally, explain it is important that everyone knows to let a firefighter know if someone is missing. 3. Help your loved ones. Assign someone in your family who can assist infants, seniors or pets during a fire. 4. Check your smoke alarms. Having working smoke alarms on each level of the home and in every sleeping area is key to having a safe home. Check that you have alarms properly installed throughout your home and remember to test all of the alarms regularly and replace them at least every 10 years. If you have children, consider installing a First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with voice and location technology throughout your home, and especially in their bedroom. This alarm will notify your child of an emergency, distinguishing between a fire or carbon monoxide incident, in a human voice as opposed to a regular alarm. This is especially helpful if a fire strikes at night. Studies have shown children may have an easier time waking up to the sound of a human voice rather than an alarm. 5. Plan. Practice. Repeat. Once your escape plan is finalized, your job is not done. Gather your family together and put your plan in action. Practice this plan at least twice a year, so if disaster strikes, your family will feel confident in their ability to exit the home safely. To make the drills as realistic as possible, conduct them both during the day and at night. “Planning ahead can save a life,” added Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert. “Talk with your family to make a plan that fits all of your needs.” For more information about escape planning and fire safety tools, visit www.firstalert.com.
February 2020
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Better Baking Better baking: 5 things to know about your oven
Measuring, mixing, blending and kneading there is so much that goes into the art of baking. You start with the right materials and techniques, but you also need to be familiar with how your oven works to get the best results. Getting to know your oven could be the difference between a beautiful baked good and a not-so-great one. Here are five questions to ask before you get started on your next batch of goodies.
run it through the cracks, shaking out the dirt and food morsels in the trash as you go. Then, repeat this step with a vinegardampened cloth to ensure the area isn’t a welcoming home to mice, ants or other unwanted guests.
Where are your oven racks? The placement of the racks inside your oven is more important than you may think. Most ovens get hotter at the top, so if you have two baking sheets in at once, the one on the higher rack tends to cook faster. For best results, place racks in the middle, and be sure to rotate your pans from front to back and top to bottom.
Do you have an oven thermometer? Many home ovens are off by five to 15 degrees, some even up to 25 degrees or more. It might Gas, electric or convection? seem insignificant, but the wrong temperature This is an important distinction. This not only can affect your final product. Use an oven determines where the heat comes from, but also thermometer to make sure you’re baking at the how it moves around inside the oven. Convection correct temperature. ovens - such as the LG ProBake Oven - are the best for baking as they circulate the air inside Get to know your oven. Answer these questions the oven for even heat on every rack. They have and follow these tips for delicious, successful a bottom heat source but are also equipped baking every time. with fans to blow the hot air around. Many gas and electric ovens are also heated from the bottom, but the heat is not evenly distributed. When was it last cleaned? Many people go months, or even years, without cleaning their ovens. But months of buildup can cause smoke and ruin your food. Remember to wipe away any spills in the oven after each use or use a drip pan to catch any grease or drippings. Are the nooks and crannies clean? Crumbs and spills hiding in the gaps around your oven can attract pests. One easy way to get these areas clean is to wrap a damp cloth around a butter knife and 12 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
February 2020
Kindergarten Prep We are halfway through the 2019/2020 school year, which means we are close to the beginning of many upcoming kindergarteners’ school careers. I remember being so nervous, for both of my children, as their time for kindergarten, edged near. Being an educator, I may have worried about things, that non-educator mamas, didn’t even consider.
First, I packed them a lunch, so that they could practice a few things...right there at our kitchen table! I set a timer for 15 minutes (sadly, that’s about all the time they get to eat at school) so that they could see what having to devour their food in a limited time was like. We worked on using hand sanitizer, opening packages and juice boxes, and discussed eating first and socializing with friends second. We discussed chewing food carefully and not to be jumping around (or laughing) because I didn’t want choking to be an issue. Next, I made sure that my kiddos knew how to tie their shoes before school started. As a teacher who has taught kindergarten, I’ve tied
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about 3 billion shoes! Now, that’s a slight exaggeration, but it sure feels accurate! In all seriousness, you don’t want your child’s shoes to be untied in the restrooms (think about that for a second)! If your kiddo can’t tie their shoes before kinder starts, I implore you to think about velcro during the week. You can help them to keep practicing the laces on the weekends, until they’ve got it. Your child’s teacher will thank you! Lastly, among the obvious things that almost kinder kiddos should have beforehand to make things more smooth for them as they start out (letter sounds, name writing, numbers 0-20, holding a pencil), it’s equally important to make sure that children know your first and last name, along with your phone number. When I was in kindergarten, I remember having to learn those bits of info, along with my address, in class. That isn’t something that most schools do anymore, so think about adding that to your child’s to-do list before Kindergarten starts, just in case. That’s a wrap for this teacher-mom’s perspective! Submitted by Theresa DeLong, West Valley Resident
February 2020
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Health Costs High-deductible plans are increasing in popularity as a way to curb rising health care premiums. Typically, people are offered a plan at a lower monthly cost in exchange for a higher deductible. Out-of-pocket costs often hit people the hardest at the start of the year when coverage is minimal due to reset deductibles. Unmet deductibles typically mean you pay for the full cost of prescriptions, clinic visits, treatments and more. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to manage the influx of health care costs at the start of the year so you can save money and stay healthy: Budget Health care deductibles reset annually, so plan ahead and budget for expected costs. If you or your family members see a health care provider regularly, you can anticipate these expenses and create a budget. If you have access to pretax savings plans, such as a health care savings account, opt in to save by paying with untaxed dollars. Additionally, consider setting some money aside for a rainy-day medical fund.
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Inside Rx Consider using a free Inside Rx card to access medication savings. Inside Rx helps people who need to pay out of pocket for their medication by offering discounts that average 70% on brand and generic medications. Download the free Inside Rx card at insiderx.com. Remember, not all pharmacies charge the same price for medications. While on the website, use the costcomparison tool to learn which local pharmacy offers the best price for your prescription. Use in-network providers Before visiting a doctor or clinic, call your insurance provider and verify that it’s in network so you aren’t surprised by a bill that’s higher than expected. If your provider isn’t in network, you can ask about comparable providers who are, so you can access savings. Payment plans If you do end up with medical expenses and can’t pay the balance all at once, call the clinic’s billing office to work out a payment plan. Health care costs can be financially crippling, but with a few smart steps, you can manage these expenses while keeping yourself and your family healthy.
February 2020
Puzzles & Games 2 Sudokus for February - Easy & Medium
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
Medium
Easy
2 5 7
6 2
1
6 5
7
8
1
4 4
2
1
9
3 8
6
8
8
8
7 9
9 5
9
7
6
3 4
9
9 3
2
4 3
2
6
7
5 1
3 3
2
9
4 9
1
2
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February 2020
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February 2020