The Hamlet

�e Hamlet® A magazine for Palm Valley residents

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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

July 2019

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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 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.

Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor

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July 2019

From Me To You...

Have you heard the phrase ‘rooting for the underdog’? It occurred to me the other day that I had been using it at face value for many years without thinking about what it actually means.

easy as eating a piece of pie’ because making pie or cake for that matter is not always simple, for one thing I never have enough eggs in the house...

I was watching my new puppy play with Hank (our 5 year old Goldendoodle) and by play I mean Bandit was pushing his luck and Hank was tolerating the shenanigans. In this scenario you may have thought that Bandit at 20lbs and half a foot tall would be the aforementioned underdog.

But no. Poor Hank has displayed a strong propensity for not being the Alpha Male in this household and as such is losing the fight before it even really gets going. Pretty soon Bandit will out weigh Hank and truly rule the roost. So for now we all pretend that Hank is schooling the puppy as I root for him, the larger, sweeter of the two.

The true underdog.

‘Stab someone in the back’ is a particularly nasty one. I guess the act of betrayal can be as painful as being stabbed, depending on the person and level of trust that is broken. The sneaky suggestion that because it is from behind, you would not see it coming adds to the viciousness of the act.

Having started down this path of understanding, I thought about other phrases and idioms that I have been using at face value. For example ‘a piece of cake’ or ‘easy as pie’. I believe there are a few words missing there. It should read ‘as

Ever think about what ‘quitting cold turkey’ actually means? This idiom is said to have originated in the early 20th century and suggests that a person who suddenly quits something addictive—such as drugs or alcohol—suffers from side effects that make them look and feel like a cold, uncooked turkey. This includes pale (very white) skin and goose bumps. At least that one has an explanation!

Although not a phrase, Oxtail Soup was my favorite meal for many years until one day I realized that I was eating OXTAIL SOUP. Never again.

‘Can’t see the forest for the trees’ is one that happens to me often. I get caught up in the little things and loose sight of the big picture. The minutiae of a thousand small tasks prevents me from seeing that the reason we do all those small things is to be able to enjoy the larger scope of our lives. Family, friends, love and laughter. Hold onto those things when the trees start to crowd in on you

Catherine Uretsky

Editor, The Park Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

July 2019

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On Our Cover

Code Ninjas Center Opens June 22 and Focuses on Building Video Games, Robotics, Drones, and other STEM Activities Say the words “video game” and your kids are bound to stop and listen. The local owners of a new Code Ninjas, a learning center that debuts on June 22 at 13331 W. Indian School Road, Ste. 203, know that video games aren’t only fun, but educational. Code Ninjas will serve the local area by teaching children computer coding and problem-solving skills while having fun building video games.

The Litchfield Park location is owned and operated by local business partners Jana Dutton and Raman Khurana. Before becoming franchisees for the fifth Code Ninjas in Arizona, Raman and Jana were already highly successful in the IT industry. The two co-founded PerfOpt Technologies, a software development company which provides information systems to nonprofit organizations, and Immersive Teaching STEAM Academy (ITSA), a non-profit that offered after-school courses in science, technology, engineering, math, and digital arts. With their backgrounds in IT and familiarity with STEAM education, opening a Code Ninjas was the perfect next step for the pair. Jana and Raman already have plans to open two more Code Ninjas locations after their Litchfield Park opening, one in Peoria and another in Goodyear.

“Last December we decided to really focus on giving back to the community with this new karate-like coding concept,” said Raman. “Code Ninjas drop-in learning style, achievement recognition with the belts, and quality of information taught to the children speaks volumes to the end goal – making sure our next generation has the tools to be successful no matter what career path they choose.”

Litchfield Park children ages 7-14 can look forward to visiting the new Code Ninjas center to learn how to code in a fun, safe, and social learning environment where gaming is celebrated, and STEM is cool. Everything about Code Ninjas is built around fun, which keeps kids coming back. But the center also provides the results that parents are looking for, as their children gain coding and problem-solving skills they’ll need for the jobs of the future.

Code Ninjas accomplishes this with a robust, game-based curriculum made up of nine belts, just like martial arts. The curriculum is self-paced, but not self-taught; kids get immediate help and encouragement from Code Senseis and fellow students as they advance from white to black belt. The program keeps kids motivated with little wins along the way, and “Belt-Up” celebrations where they receive color-coded wristbands to mark their graduation to the next level. By the time a child finishes the program, they will publish an app in an app store.

Code Ninjas offers a variety of opportunities for children to get involved, including a flexible weeknight drop-in program, camps, birthday parties, and Parents Night Out events. For more information about the Litchfield Park Code Ninjas location, please call 623-255-8954 or visit their website (https://www.codeninjas.com/locations/ az-litchfield-park).

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July 2019

Money Matters Once again, it’s time for fireworks, picnics and parades as the nation celebrates Independence Day. Collectively, we enjoy many liberties, but some freedoms can be elusive – and financial freedom is one of them. What actions can you take to help yourself eventually declare your own financial independence?

For starters, you’ll want to determine what financial independence means to you. Is it the liberty to meet all your cash flow needs? The freedom to retire comfortably, at the age you choose? The ability to set up the kind of legacy you’d like to leave? If any or all of these things are important to you, consider the following suggestions: Liberate yourself from oppressive debts. The cost of living is certainly not cheap, so it’s hardly surprising that so many people incur significant debt. Debt might be one of the biggest barriers you face on the road to your financial independence. To avoid piling on too much debt, live within your means. Take steps such as saving for a vacation, rather than putting it all on your credit card, Michael O’Connell and getting just Owner/Operator one more year out of that old “We Don’t Cut Corners, car. And if you We Clean Them” have sizable debts, see if you can consolidate •Tile & Grout Cleaning them and lower •Dryer Vent Cleaning your interest •Upholstery / Mattress Cleaning payments.

in stock prices by selling stocks that still may be fundamentally sound with strong growth potential, you might be much better off by holding your ground. And you’ll be in a better position to do nothing during periods of market volatility when you’ve already done something – namely, built an investment portfolio that reflects your goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. With this type of portfolio in place, you’ll be in a good position to overlook the day-to-day fluctuations in the market and keep your focus on your long-term goals Gaining your financial independence requires time and commitment. But once you’ve achieved this freedom, you’ll know it was worth the effort.

And who knows? You might even want to wave a sparkler or two to celebrate.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Submitted by Chris Carlton, of Edward Jones

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July 2019

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Yum Yum

Cranberry and Cilantro Quinoa Salad * 2 cups water * Pinch salt * 1 cup quinoa, rinsed * 1 cup sweetened, dried cranberries * 1/2 cup minced carrots * 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper * 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper * 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion * 3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro * 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice * 1 tablespoon vegetable oil * 1/4 teaspoon salt

Remove from heat and transfer to a medium bowl. Cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

To the bowl of quinoa, stir in cranberries, carrots, peppers, onion and cilantro until mixed.

In a small bowl, mix together lime juice, oil, salt and ground red pepper and pour over quinoacranberry mixture; toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Does not have to be served cold.

Can’t get enough cranberries? Check out uscranberries.com for more recipes.

* Pinch ground red pepper In a small saucepan, bring water and pinch of salt to a boil over high heat. Stir in quinoa, reduce heat and bring to a low simmer. Cover and cook until all liquid is absorbed (about 13 minutes).

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July 2019

Sanitizing Tips Every parent knows that keeping kids’ rooms and their stuff - sanitary can seem like a losing battle. Between the playdates, trips to the park and going back-and-forth from school to home, parents also worry about the amount of not just dirt, but also potentially harmful bacteria, living on all the toys, clothes and bedding in their children’s rooms.

What are the best ways to make sure children’s items are as clean and sanitary as possible?

Here are some tips for sanitizing common, toughto-clean items in your kids’ rooms.

Babies put everything in their mouths. For the plastic toys your baby loves to carry, mouth and drop, frequent cleaning is essential. For completely plastic toys, with no other materials included, you could just soak and wash them

in hot soapy water, rinsing well and air drying afterward. But to sanitize them, go a step further - put them through the dishwasher. Use the silverware holder or tie into a mesh bag to wash them on the gentlest cycle, then let them air dry.

You may also want to wash plastic bathtub toys, which are not staying clean in the tub with your child. Distilled white vinegar diluted with water helps inhibit mold and mildew growth.

If your child has a favorite stuffed toy they love to live, play and sleep with, you know how hard it is to convince your child to part with it for a spin in the washing machine. You may want to check the toy for rips or holes before washing, so no stuffing falls out. DIY expert Mandi Gubler shares helpful tips for sanitizing and repairing your child’s favorite stuffed animals at her blog, Vintage Revivals.

Gubler recommends using Lysol Laundry Sanitizer. While washing stuffed animals with regular laundry detergent and cold water may clean dirt and add a fresh scent, it might not completely remove bacteria. Wash toys on the gentle cycle, and be careful not to launder toys with batteries or that make sounds.

Wash bedding in hot water for the best results, although it’s a good idea to check care labels for warnings about water temperature. Mattress pads, however, should be washed in warm water.

For special blankets, such as homemade baby blankets, use the gentle cycle for extra care.

You can even wash children’s sneakers in the washing machine. If you remove the shoelaces and soles, you can then wash the shoes in a mesh bag to launder using cold water. It’s probably a good idea to use the gentle cycle and then allow shoes to air dry rather than putting them in the dryer.

There’s no need to surrender in the battle against dirt and bacteria. Set a regular schedule for washing and sanitizing these tough items to help freshen up your child’s bedroom.

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

July 2019

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Summer Fun Keeping young children active and encouraging outdoor play boosts learning

Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggested doctors start prescribing play for young children. “Play supports the formation of the safe, stable, and nurturing relationships with all caregivers that children need to thrive,” the report said.

Summer is a perfect opportunity to take a drive to escape the summer heat and incorporate some outdoor activities that allow toddlers and preschoolers to spend time outside exercising their bodies and minds.

Play in an outdoor, natural environment helps engage a young child’s senses. First Things First reminds families that a nature trip doesn’t have to be a far-off place, it could be a neighborhood park or local splash pads. Here are a few activities to get you started:

• Talk about what you see, hear and smell.

• Observe patterns in a stream or rainbows made by splashing water.

• Have a meal outside.

Parents are also encouraged to allow their child some time for free play, where the child chooses what activities to do that will allow their imagination and creativity to take over.

For more ways on how parents can support their little one’s development through play watch FTF’s short video at http://bit.ly/FTFplay.

About First Things First – First Things First is a voter-created, statewide organization that funds early education and health programs 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 www.FirstThingsFirst.org

• Go on a nature scavenger hunt - think of things you might see while outside then use the list to collect items as you walk.

• Show your child how to explore the forest floor or grassy lawn.

• Point out bugs.

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July 2019

Road Trip

Almost 100 million Americans will go on a family vacation sometime this year, and nearly half of them will choose to make it a road trip, according to AAA. No matter how far you’re driving, or in what kind of vehicle, take these steps to help make sure your trip goes smoothly. With a little extra preparation, you’ll feel ready for any unexpected bumps along the road.

Before leaving for your trip, make time to get caught up on any routine maintenance items like oil changes, tire rotations and the like. Make sure there are no outstanding recalls for your vehicle.

Have your mechanic check all of your vehicle’s fluid levels, the wiper blades, lights and signals, tire tread and PSI, plus, of course, the condition of your brakes.

Because 1 in 3 new cars no longer include a spare tire, the demand for portable tire inflators continues to grow. Tire inflator products are convenient, easy to pack in your trunk, and are widely available at stores and online. They can get you back on the road quickly in case of puncture or other minor issue, keeping your

vehicle going for 3 days or 100 miles, until you can get the damaged tire replaced. Even if you do have a spare tire and jack in your car, if you are unable or reluctant to change your tire for any reason, having a tire inflator along in addition to the spare offers a quicker, easier alternative that can help you out of a roadside jam.

If you’re planning on packing or hauling a lot of extra gear, especially large or heavy items such as a boat, bikes or a trailer, check your towing capacity and/or load limit to be sure your vehicle can handle the extra weight or towing. Make sure any extra load on your vehicle, such as a rooftop cargo carrier, is properly secured.

Bring along everything you and your family might need to stay safe and healthy during the trip, along with items you might need in case of a breakdown or other vehicle emergency.

Be sure to include a standard first aid kit, along with bottled water and protein or energy bars, blankets, flashlights and batteries, a phone charger, jumper cables, plus warning flares or triangles. Be sure to have the number of a roadside assistance service programmed into your phone in case of emergency.

If you take these steps to ensure your vehicle is in top condition and ready to roll, as well as packing what you’ll need in case of an emergency, you’ll know that your vacation will be fun and relaxing. Doing a little preparation ahead of time will give you the peace of mind to sit back and enjoy the journey.

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July 2019

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Be Neighborly

In this age of political and economic uncertainty, many Americans are seeing the value of living in caring neighborhoods and acting as good neighbors.

One recent survey found 75 percent of Americans think it’s important to welcome new neighbors, 58 percent say it’s important for neighbors to socialize and 37 percent are more likely to seek help from a neighbor than a friend when it comes to small projects.

Further, the chance to meet others is often cited as a primary reason why millennials prefer living in urban neighborhoods. The survey found 58 percent of millennials have had face-to-face interactions with their neighbors, while 40 percent wish they were better connected than they already are.

Interested in becoming a better inhabitant of your own neighborhood? Consider these suggestions aimed at promoting a kinder, friendlier environment. * Introduce yourself. Take the first step toward being better acquainted. Instead of avoiding contact when in your yard or out for a walk, shake hands, say hi and make an effort to remember people’s names. Even when in-person contact is brief, it can go a long way toward helping people feel connected and more like friends than strangers.

any other assets you think may be helpful. People will appreciate your insider view into local amenities, and they’ll be more likely to communicate key information to others if their contact info is readily available.

* Organize a neighborhood event. It could be as simple as a front-porch open house or as strategically planned as a neighborhood cleanup, but any gathering that brings people together to socialize is bound to create goodwill and a friendlier neighborhood vibe. * Stay aware of who needs help. When possible, organize meal delivery, dog walking, transportation and/or other assistance for neighbors going through tough times. Teaming up to help others may make your neighbors feel more connected, and people on the receiving end of such kindness tend to pay it forward. * Live by the golden rule. Treat your neighbors as you would like to be treated. Clean up after pets and kids, drive through at reasonable speeds, don’t be overly loud, mow at reasonable hours, return anything you’ve borrowed and generally stay aware of how you’re coming across to others.

In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, it can feel good to live in a neighborhood that feels more like a community than an anonymous collection of strangers. Consider how you can take initiative to create warmth and peace within your own neighborhood.

* Take new neighbors housewarming gifts.

Make newcomers feel wanted and welcome by acknowledging their arrival with a thoughtful gift. * Give new families contact info for neighbors and neighborhood amenities. Include phone numbers for emergency services, doctors’ offices, dentists, schools, babysitters, entertainment options, sources of great takeout food, dry cleaners and 10 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

July 2019

Alzheimer’s Diagnosis After 30 years of painting commercial buildings, Mario Martinez of San Jose, California, had experienced days like this before - grueling hours under a sun-soaked sky, doing back-breaking work. He loved his job, but after spending hours outside he was ready to go home. Mario bent down to pick up his paintbrush, roller and can. Turning back to look at his day’s work, he paused. His heart sank. He knew something was wrong.

“Mario came home and told me he had painted the wrong side of the doors on the building,” his wife Veronica said. “It was alarming because he’s been painting buildings for years and never made this kind of mistake. It worried us both.”

The couple had both noticed that Mario seemed to be more forgetful recently, but neither had shared their concerns with the other. Now that Mario’s memory lapses were interfering with his work, it was time to talk. The couple’s difficult conversation led Mario to his doctor and he was eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mario is not alone. He is one of more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s - a fatal brain disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Despite Alzheimer’s growing impact, many families struggle with discussing the issue. A recent Alzheimer’s Association survey reveals that 72 percent of Americans say that talking to close family members about cognitive decline would be challenging for them. However, having these difficult, but important conversations sooner can improve health options and outcomes.

The “Our Stories” website (alz.org/ourstories) offers families tools and resources, including customizable conversation starters, a list of early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, benefits of early diagnosis, a downloadable discussion guide and other resources.

Whether you’re noticing changes in yourself or a loved one, starting a conversation about Alzheimer’s can be difficult, but it can make a big difference and there are resources to help.

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July 2019

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Old Glory

How to display the U.S. flag with respect and pride In advance of its 100th anniversary this year, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) will celebrate Flag Day with pride, but the organization - which has been around since there were only 48 stars on the flag - believes the American flag should fly high and proud throughout the year and be celebrated every day. It symbolizes the pride of our nation and serves as a constant reminder of those in the military who fight to protect our country and our freedom.

The flag has led our troops into battle, inspired creativity and patriotism, and has served as a symbol of our country, our form of government and our freedom for more than 240 years. It has withstood difficult weather conditions and unimaginable assaults and remains flying outside our businesses, our schools, our government buildings, at our outposts around the world and on the moon.

YOUR DREAM BACKYARD IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

It is

strong and resilient, just like the American people. In a world with so much unrest, our flag serves as an enduring reminder of our strength and the privileges of freedom and stability we enjoy in the United States. As you raise your Old Glory, remember these simple U.S. Flag Code rules: * When hoisting or lowering the flag, salute or place a hand over your heart. * Display the flag vertically from sunrise to sunset, whether indoors or outdoors. * The flag should not be displayed on rainy days, unless it is an all-purpose flag. * When lowered, the flag should never touch anything beneath it.

Last year, ALA members donated 5 million hours of community service to our nation’s veterans.

Members contribute time and funding to advocate on veterans issues, mentor youth, award scholarships, support shelters for homeless veterans and volunteer at local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals.

To learn more about flag etiquette, visit ALAforVeterans.org.

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July 2019

Hardwood Care As you prepare to tidy and organize your home for a summer of get-togethers and cookouts, don’t forget to show a little extra love to those hardwood floors. The floor is the largest surface in your house, so caring for and cleaning your floors is important to keep the home healthy and dust-free. Particularly for hardwood floors, a little care goes a long way in keeping this central feature in your home looking beautiful.

Here are a few easy tips to care for hardwood floors the right way - quickly, efficiently and safely.

1. Clear out the clutter. Clearing out the room not only looks cleaner but will allow fewer places for those dust bunnies to collect. Carefully move large items out of the way, so you can give the room a wall-to-wall, thorough clean.

If you have limited space, move a couple of pieces of furniture at a time. Enlist help from family or friends to avoid scratching your floors and to prevent a back injury. This is also a great opportunity to consider a new furniture arrangement, or to clear out little-used or wornout items to open your space.

2. Banish the dust. Dust, sweep or gently vacuum hardwood floors first to remove all of the loose dust, accumulated pet hair and fine debris. Even small particles of dirt can create micro scratches in the finish.

cleaning. Use a washable, reusable microfiber pad designed for hardwood floors to ensure dirt is lifted and trapped in the pad rather than just pushed around the room. The Bona Microfiber Cleaning Pad, for example, has dualzone cleaning action - the outer fibers break up grime while the inner fibers trap and absorb dirt.

4. Use the right solution. Did you know that some floor cleaners can damage hardwood floor finish? Standard soap and water, and products containing ammonia or vinegar-andwater solutions can strip the finish and dull your hardwood floors - even when diluted with water - making them look and feel less clean. Oil-based cleaning products can leave a residue, making the surface of your floor dangerously slippery.

Instead, look for a residue-free, non-toxic cleaner specially developed to help clean and protect hardwood floors.

5. Protect your floors. After cleaning your hardwood floors, consider using easily washable or vacuumable rugs under furniture to prevent marks or scratches from marring your hardwood floors. Furniture pads are another inexpensive investment to protect the floor finish. Finally, add doormats at key entryways in your home to grab dirt and debris before it ever hits the floor.

The floor is the largest surface in your home, which gets the most wear and tear. A room with a clean floor looks and feels so much better.

With the right tools and little effort, you can get your hardwood floors - and your home - ready for anything.

3. Get the right tools. Not just any old mop will do. Old-fashioned sponge or string mops tend to just push the dirt around, or they can leave streaks of dirty water on your hardwood floors.

For more effective cleaning on any kind of flooring, the Bona Premium Spray Mop is an all-in-one solution with the largest mop head base plate in the industry. That means covering more floor surface in less time. The mop also has rubberized corners to prevent damaging baseboards or furniture during your enthusiastic Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

July 2019

13

Movies

Movies both bring us together and bridge generational divides. They help us relate to each other and understand past eras. Great movies also shape a generation, creating a common experience. They reflect the hopes and dreams of their audiences “Lady and the Tramp,” 1955, tells of two dogs born on opposite sides of the tracks who fall in love. Pampered cocker spaniel Lady feels neglected after her humans have their first baby.

Tramp, a stray, also feels abandoned by humans.

In “Rebel Without a Cause,” 1955, James Dean plays a teen from a middle-class family struggling with his identity and parental criticism.

A more lighthearted look at teen angst, “The Breakfast Club” (1985), follows an unlikely group

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suffering Saturday detention together. Although the teens are from different social cliques, they form a bond.

“When Harry Met Sally,” 1989, asks the question: Can men and women be friends? The comedy follows their friendship over the years, until it blossoms into romance.

In “Some Like It Hot,” 1959, musicians who witnessed a mob massacre escape by dressing as women and joining an all-female band.

Sweeping epic “Lawrence of Arabia,” 1962, is based on real-life British archaeologist and army officer T.E. Lawrence, who led the Arab Revolt against the Turks during WWI. Lawrence falls in love with the Arabian desert as he battles alongside guerrilla fighters in this iconic drama.

Grab a bucket of popcorn and plan a fun movie night with your loved ones.

July 2019

Summer Slide School is out for the summer, and parents everywhere are worried about their kids spending too much time staring at their screens. It’s one thing if they’re just consuming content, it’s another if they’re actually using their screen to be productive. Screens actually can be tools to enhance learning, spark creativity and teach new skills.

Digital parenting expert Leticia Barr has been helping parents navigate the digital age for years.

Her award-winning blog, called Tech Savvy Mama, advises a big part of managing summer screen time is being able to distinguish between active and passive screen time. Barr offers guidelines to help parents search out ways kids can actually learn through screens this summer to keep their minds active and avoid the summer slide.

1) Find games that challenge kids to think.

Games involving problem-solving help kids feel a sense of accomplishment. When they analyze a problem and resolve it successfully, it boosts

confidence.

2) Look for games that require collaboration and teamwork. Games can encourage collaboration, communication skills and create a sense of community.

In-game friendships can expand the world around them. Games rooted in a positive, shared social experience and teamwork encourage collaboration and friendship.

3) Find games that involve reading. Believe it or not, there are games where reading is a healthy part of the process. Barr points to Star Stable, an online horse game geared for today’s tween/ teen girls that has more words than the Lord of the Rings series, and in fact, the storyline for the game evolves each week.

4) Discover a game that encourages design and art. Kids can use games to explore their creative side this summer. These kinds of games can spark a new interest and keep the creative juices flowing during the summer weeks.

“Playing video games is not simply entertainment or an escape; playing video games can be a form of learning and active thinking.” www.techsavvymama.com

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5G Is Here!

By now, you’ve probably heard about the coming launch of 5G. Rolling into the marketplace for the first time this year, it’s the next (fifth) generation of cellular technology, and promises to significantly enhance the speed, coverage and responsiveness of wireless networks.

It’s a major upgrade, and has wireless carriers excitedly rushing to promote the arrivals of their 5G networks and compatible products. As a result, the average cellphone user may well be wondering: How and when will 5G really make an impact on me?

Well, before you feel compelled to rush out and upgrade your phone, consider the following.

A limited rollout Ever since the first field tests of 5G were deployed in 2015, hype for the technology has been building. Tests have delivered responses 10 to 100 times speedier than current 4G cellular connections. The arrival of 5G is predicted to bring phenomenal advancements to the digital landscape, supercharging marvels like selfdriving cars, virtual and augmented reality, and even newly emerging medical services like remote surgery.

when they do, you can expect the technology supporting 4G to remain in place indefinitely. In fact, unless you’re actively seeking to change, you may not even notice that 5G has been turned on in your area for a long time.

How long? Let’s use history as a guide. Just this year, major network providers have begun the final phase-out of 3G technology, which launched in 2001, meaning it’s had a productive lifespan of almost 20 years. 4G launched in 2010, so it will likely still be supported for as much as another decade.

The bottom line is, if you’re comfortable with your current network speeds and performance, you won’t need to change a thing for a long time to come.

Going down a familiar road The best approach for upgrading to 5G may very well be: Wait and see. If you trust your wireless provider, remember that they’ve been through these changes for each successive generation, and have plans in place to make sure customers stay “up to speed,” so to speak.

5G offers a bright future for wireless, and opens an almost unlimited range of technological possibilities. Yet for the average user, and for the foreseeable future, it will be a “nice to have” rather than a “need to have” upgrade, meaning there’s really no rush to decide.

But that magnificent future is just that: the future.

Initially, 5G is only being made available in a small number of launch cities, and even there only to those who’ve already laid out upwards of $1,200 for the first generation of 5G-compatible phones. The rest of us will still be connected to the reliable 4G service we’ve grown used to - and 4G won’t be going away anytime soon.

Check the expiration date It’s estimated that most wireless networks won’t be providing widespread 5G coverage until the end of 2020, at the very earliest. And even 16 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

July 2019

4th of July Safety Set a Good Example for Your Kids this Fourth of July Holiday Happy July! With temperatures climbing across Arizona, we try our best to stay cool. But with Fourth of July, fireworks and backyard barbeques, staying cool can sometimes mean showcasing adult habits that may not seem inherently dangerous, but when observed by kids, can become so.

Drinking is a very common component in social gatherings. For cookouts on national holidays, like Memorial Day or Labor Day, or even just celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other events, often drinking plays a central role.

Independence Day is no exception. In fact, it is the top beer-drinking holiday in the U.S., according to Market Research. And when you’re spending your entire day relaxing and having a good time with friends, you may not realize exactly how much you’re consuming.

Besides the fact that adults should always drink responsibly, it’s important to realize that parents’

behaviors can quickly become learned behaviors by their kids, particularly when it comes to alcohol. As you might expect, drinking alcohol is a completely learned behavior; kids learn to drink by imitating what they see. If a child or teen sees their parent constantly drinking at social gatherings, they may begin to think consistent drinking at these sorts of events is ok. And teens may even begin to partake in it themselves, and at an early age.

The summer is more dangerous when it comes to teen drinking overall; more teens will have their first drink of alcohol on a summer day compared to a day during the school year, according to a survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. And on holidays when drinking is more prevalent, this risk only increases.

Besides seeing an increase in teen drinking and teaching unwanted behaviors, Fourth of July is one of the deadliest days of the year for drivers.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), last year between the evening of July 1 and the morning of July 5, 188 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving drunk drivers.

Parents can show kids that drinking and driving is wrong by not drinking and driving themselves.

Remember that children look to their parents as role models. Although parents may tell their kids “do as I say, not as I do,” kids will still learn from their parents’ behaviors. So this Fourth of July, whether you’re hosting the local neighborhood cookout, heading to the pool with friends, or making your way to the local high school to see the city’s firework display up close, showcase responsible drinking habits, and remember not to drink and drive.

Submitted by Carrie Holmes, program director at Southwest Behavioral & Health Services

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

July 2019

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Puzzles & Games 2 Sudokus for July - Medium & Hard

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

Hard

9 8 5

2

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18 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

July 2019

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