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It’s A Grand Life

December 2017

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From Me To You...

Welcome! to the December edition of It’s A Grand Life magazine.

‘Tis the season of Joy and Giving. Anyone else feel like ‘tis the season of stuff? Buying stuff, giving stuff, getting stuff. So. Much. Stuff.

The winter season, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus or nothing at all should be all about spreading joy and love.

Seems to me it has become a season of how much you can buy. There were a few years when people fought back, forcing retailers to delay or even cease Thanksgiving Day sales.

Now we are back to selling as much as possible as soon as possible. This year the Black Friday sales started at the beginning of November!

How about this for an idea? Instead of giving things to kids who will love the present for a moment then push it aside for the next gift, giving an experience? Something as simple as tickets to a movie or as elaborate as a tip to a far off destination. Those are the gifts that will leave memories that will last a lifetime.

If your family is anything like mine there is nothing these children need. Oh there is plenty they want, don’t get me wrong.

But nothing they need.

tantrum in the Louvre, him having a tantrum at the Tower of London. OK I see his point. So there is one thing I need to start saving miles for.

You don’t need to push the boat out that far.

Some of our favorite family memories revolve around inexpensive activities. Apple picking at a local farm, hiking up Piestewa Peak, participating in packing food for the homeless events... you get the idea.

This month I challenge you to find gifts that keep giving. It is certainly easier to go online and click your way through the season, but the rewards of memories shared with loved ones is certainly worth that extra time and effort.

All of us here at Estrella Publishing wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessings to one and all!

Catherine Uretsky Editor, It’s A Grand Life Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283

Now if you have smaller children I understand the need to have something to open and play with immediately. Those young ones will not appreciate or even remember the experiences anyway.

My youngest son recently asked when he could visit relatives in Europe and I pointed out our 3 month trip there in the past. He made the case that as he was only 4 he had no real memories of that trip. I have vivid memories of him on that trip myself. Him having a tantrum in a field in Scotland, him having a

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December 2017

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

Anne Yost (623) 692-9563 Joe Wristen (480) 369-5804 Full Time REALTORS® and Residents

Home Warranty with a Sale or Purchase. www.yostrealtyteam.com

All contents © 2010-present day Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited. Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned. 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

It’s A Grand Life

Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec

December 2017

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December 2017

Insurance

Continuous coverage - Keeping consistent insurance coverage without a lapse. One, three and five years of being continuously insured are major milestones to most insurance companies and you should potentially see a rate decrease after each of those. You don’t have to be insured with the same company continuously - just have the coverage without any gaps.

The average American driver pays more than $1,300 per year for car insurance, but some pay a third of that average while others pay nearly 30 times that amount, according to research by The Zebra, an auto insurance search engine. High prices, wide disparity in rates and a number of misunderstandings could be why a survey found nearly 61 percent of Americans think their auto insurance is too expensive, and nearly 29 percent think it’s an outright scam.

“Many people don’t understand how insurance companies arrive at the rates they charge,” says Neil Richardson, a licensed insurance agent with The Zebra. “Just as credit rating companies consider a number of factors in determining your credit score, car insurers look at multiple factors in establishing insurance rates. Those risk factors are all aimed at assessing how likely a person is to not cost the company money, that is, whether they’re more likely to file a claim.”

Learning about auto insurance risk factors can help drivers understand the formula behind rates offered by insurance companies, and allow them to make changes to their behavior to avoid higher premiums, Richardson advises.

Here are four controllable factors that can influence your car insurance rates: * How you drive - Just one DUI on your record can raise your rates by more than $1,000 per year, The Zebra found. Safe drivers who obey the rules of the road and have no traffic violations generally pay less for insurance than similar drivers who have violations. Practice safe driving habits. Hang up the phone, and don’t speed, drive recklessly or drink and drive - all those behaviors can lead to violations that will significantly increase your annual premium. *

* Your credit score - Car insurance companies use credit scoring information to further assess a driver’s likelihood of a claim. Drivers with higher credit scores tend to have access to the best auto insurance rates, while those whose scores are lower often pay higher rates. Taking steps to increase your credit score by just one tier could save you as much as 17 percent on your auto insurance. * Whether you rent or own your home - While improving your auto insurance rates may not be top-of-mind when you’re thinking of buying a home, auto insurers generally charge lower rates to people who own their homes versus those who rent.

Additionally, these factors can influence car insurance rates. Even though you may not be able to control these factors, knowing them can help you understand how much you’re likely to pay for car insurance: * Where you live - Insurance laws and costs vary from state to state. Location even matters at the ZIP code level because insurance companies consider the crime rates, weather trends, population density and other factors of where you live to predict the risk of you filing a claim. * How old you are - Statistically, age is an indicator of how likely a driver is to have an accident resulting in a claim. That’s why teen drivers pay the most, drivers between the ages of 50-59 pay the least and rates start to rise again after you pass 60. * Your marital status - Married people typically pay less for car insurance than those who are single, divorced or widowed. * How you use your car - Auto insurers look at whether you use your car to drive for business, to and from work, to and from school, or only for pleasure.

Visit www.thezebra.com to get your free Insurability Score.

It’s A Grand Life

December 2017

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Peace On Earth Hope vs. Wishing

“We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!” We’ve all sung those words. The tune is uplifting and the sentiment is nice. However, I find myself longing for something deeper.

‘Wish’ means to want or desire.

There is a lot of wishing this time of year! But is wishing enough?

What about ‘hope?’ Hope is believing that what is wanted can occur. I don’t just wish for peace at Christmas, I hope for it. I believe it is possible. I hope in the Lord. “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” (Psalm 33:20) I believe God’s word and God’s promises. God calls each of us to join him in transforming the world.

As I write this, there is more news of violent attacks in our country. Such things can paralyze us with fear or cause us to give up hope. We wish things would change but not with any real hope that our wish could come

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true. When we lose hope, we cease to take up our call to help make a difference.

helpful, and good things every day! Yes, transformation can happen.

You see, God works both divinely AND through the hands, feet, and heart of his people.

We’re invited into the work of restoration and reconciliation.

This kind of behavior pops up spontaneously and automatically each December. People give more to those in need, reach out to the homeless and the destitute.

People adopt Christmas Angels and buy gifts for strangers.

There are more ‘random acts of kindness.’ People smile at one another, hold doors open, and express well wishes. People who haven’t been in contact for a time send one another ‘catch up’ cards. People have family and friends over for dinner or parties.

Christmas is the celebration of God’s gift of Jesus, the hope of the world. Jesus came that we can know complete forgiveness and be fully reconciled to God. When we experience that gift, we can’t help but want to pass on the goodness we’ve received by reaching out to our hurting world.

All this gives me hope. We do know how to help make the world better and we can do this year-round. It’s been proven that kindness to one tends to be passed on, and on. Imagine if each one of us, people everywhere, did a few intentional,

Find a church and celebrate the gift of God’s hope. It will restore and rekindle your hope!

Submitted by Valerie Fairchild, pastor of Spirit Song church in Vistancia Join us Christmas Eve: 9:00a.m. Morning Christmas Eve and candlelight; 6:00p.m. Family and children’s pageant; 7:30p.m.

Candlelight

December 2017

It’s A Grand Life

December 2017

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Holiday Table Every holiday season, you invest hours planning and preparing the perfect menu for each celebration you host. While easy and fun may be the name of the game for buffet-style events, when it’s a sit-down soiree, the delightful cuisine you produce deserves a presentation worthy of your efforts. A beautifully set table can elevate your holiday dinner from just great to simply perfect.

“Table-setting is an art form anyone can learn to execute beautifully,” says Mary Bernardo, director of product development at Princess House. “Simple touches like elegant holiday plates, colorful linens and an eye-catching centerpiece ensure a holiday table looks as inviting as the food smells.”

Bernardo and the table decor experts at Princess House offer these tips for creating a beautiful holiday dinner table: Layers look lovely Tablecloths, placemats, table runners and chargers not only help protect your table from spills and scrapes, but they also create a lovely backdrop for dishes, glasses, stemware and - of course - the food.

Layering these items adds depth and interest to the tabletop.

Consider starting off with a simple white or red tablecloth, and then add either placemats in seasonal patterns or a festive runner. If chargers take up too much room on the table (or too much of your holiday budget), you can layer dinner and lunch plates to create the same effect.

Keep dishware seasonal and simple “It’s been said simplicity is the soul of elegance, and that’s certainly true when you’re setting a holiday dinner table,” Bernardo says.

Choose dishes with a basic white or cream background accented with a traditional holiday motif.

Flatware should also be simple; if your everyday collection is in good condition, feel free to use it for your holiday celebrations. If you don’t have enough pieces, supplement with basic flatware that’s free of embellishment or heavy designs. Glassware should also be simple and, whenever possible, multi-functional.

For example, stemless wine glasses can be used for soft drinks and water, as well as wine.

Add seasonal accents Even the simplest table setting can feel festive when you add holiday-specific touches, like napkin rings in jewel green or red, a centerpiece filled with evergreen or holly and twinkling candles.

For a centerpiece that’s festive and practical, consider using your favorite holiday serving bowl, such as a crystal bowl, for the foundation. Then add holiday decor items, like mini Christmas packages, your favorite Christmas tree decorations or a pillar candle in a holiday hue like red, green or snow white. Top with a few sprigs of evergreen, holly or fresh flowers and you have an easy, elegant DIY centerpiece.

Finally, don’t overlook the opportunity to extend the table’s festive atmosphere to the chairs as well. You can add to their elegance by adding simple decoration such as a mini-holiday wreath strung on a piece of ribbon and looped over the back of the chair.

“The dinner table is where holiday magic occurs,” Bernardo says. “With a few special touches, you can set a holiday table that’s perfect for the festive and welcoming spirit of the season.”

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December 2017

Furry Friends

Tips to help your pet have a happy and healthy holiday

The holidays are upon us, and so is the chillier weather. As you bundle up and get cozy with your cocoa, Dr. Jeff Werber, Emmy award-winning celebrity veterinarian, has some tips and tricks on how to ensure your pet has a healthy and happy holiday season.

Baby, it’s cold outside: Keeping warm is easy for us pet parents, as we can layer up and put on an extra sweater or coat.

While battling colder winter temperatures, don’t forget your four-legged family members! It is true that most dogs, and a lot of cats, can adequately thermoregulate in most temperatures, but smaller pets may need some help. Little doggie sweaters or coats, like the Wouapy Outdoor or Bubble Coat, are great solutions for the smaller breeds to keep them warm but still mobile while outside.

Holiday guests ‘Tis the season to party and celebrate by spending quality time with friends and family. This is great for you and your crew, but what about your four-legged kids? After all, they, too, are part of the family and you certainly don’t want to exclude them from the festivities. The fact is, if you’re not careful and don’t plan ahead, they may in fact ruin some of those good times!

This time of year brings a revolving door of guests and the sound of the doorbell constantly ringing. As exciting as it may be to see long-distance relatives, this can bring some unexpected stress on your pets. Whether you are hosting or traveling to the next get-together, consider outfitting your dog with the Calmz Anxiety Relief System, a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that soothes common anxieties to help naturally combat the stress of traveling, loud noises and strangers.

Keep them happy, keep them occupied

Decking the halls can be a disaster with curious pets wanting to play with the newly placed ornaments on that “big green climbable thing” in the corner. What’s more, these decorations can be extremely dangerous for your pet. Cats love to bat at sparkling tinsel and carry it in their mouths. Not only does this lead to a big mess, but it can also obstruct their digestive tract if ingested. Distract your playful kitty with a fun toy like the Jackson Galaxy Butterfly Ball, to mentally stimulate your pet and tap into their natural instincts to observe and track prey, rather than taking interest in a fallen glass ornament. In addition, avoid chewing hazards by giving your dog an interactive treat toy like the JW Ho-lee Gourmet, which will encourage them to play with their food rather than a wire from decorative lights.

Don’t forget to give them plenty of exercise! It may be too cold to play fetch outside, but it’s still important to keep them active. Providing regular exercise, especially in winter, helps prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior. Going on a brisk walk with the K9 Control Retractable Leash, the only retractable leash designed to retract in lock or stop position, is a great way to bond with and mentally stimulate your dog while getting them up and moving.

Lastly, even with the best planning and most conscientious care, accidents do happen. Make sure you keep your veterinarian’s number handy as well as your local 24-hour emergency facility just in case.

In addition, provide pets with a comfortable space where they can retreat if they are feeling stressed. Dogs are naturally denning animals, so kennels like the Ultra Vari Kennel are great options for them to retreat to a safe haven while still being part of the festivities.

It’s A Grand Life

December 2017

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Yum Yum

Grilled cheese options take comfort food to the next level

your bread, slathering on a bit of honey and thyme butter before your creation hits the grill or pan.

It’s time to turn our thoughts to all the good things that come with the season, including the warm comfort food.

* Nine-Layer Dip: If you’re a fan of the classic seven-layer dip (chopped layers of pepper jack cheese, refried beans, avocado, corn and pickled red onions), you’ll love this savory concoction sprinkled with cilantro and grilled between buttered bread slices. Cook up a warm, gooey batch for the gang gathering around the TV for the next big game.

A longtime cool-weather favorite is the classic grilled cheese sandwich in all its crisp, meltingly gooey varieties. These days, restaurants and athome chefs are serving up the deeply satisfying American concoction with scrumptious toppings designed to pair in perfect gourmet harmony with the flavors of the bread and cheese. The sky is really the limit when it comes to devising new takes on the classic dish. That may mean pairing traditional favorites with seasonal choices such as sliced apples, pumpkin or even holiday dinner leftovers.

Here are a few grilled cheese recipes to kick off the season: * Apple Picker’s Harvest: Thinly sliced freshly picked apples, brie and some smoked ham onto

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* Pumpkin Mac: Whip up your favorite mac and cheese recipe, season it with pureed pumpkin, top it with gouda and bacon, add slices of bread and get busy grilling. The sweetness of the pumpkin balances the bacon’s saltiness for a gourmet treat that may well become your family’s new favorite. * Gooey Gobbler: Optimize that mouthwatering leftover turkey by spreading it with cranberry jam, sage butter and gouda slices, perfecting your dream sandwich on the griddle and enjoying every balanced, blended bite.

December 2017

Living With Faith If it is December it must be Hanukkah and Christmas Each year we all agonize over whether these are religious holidays. Many interfaith households wrestle with the situations of respect and sensitivity to each. And every year there are articles written about how to celebrate, how to identify, so that the spiritual aspect is not lost on the commercialism.

It certainly is a time of lights.

There is darkness all around us. The days are short. The nights are long. It is cold and the harshness of winter is fast approaching. Life withers as do trees, and flowers, and people.

We sleep, as does nature. Some do not wake. It is the darkest time of the year.

This year, in particular, it is really dark. Gloom and doom seem to be everywhere. We learned that over 5,000 men and women in our armed forces have sacrificed their lives to bring us light. More than 30,000 have been injured or maimed and will never completely see the true light of wholeness again. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? We have such doubts and we struggle to find optimism.

Hanukkah is a time of rededication – we saw an example

It’s A Grand Life

of that when the Maccabees put sword in hand to ensure the survival of the Jewish people and their faith. We cannot recapture the past, but we can use it to ensure the future. The religious freedom that was won some 2200 hundred years ago has been the clarion call for all people throughout history. Every battle for religious freedom has had as its foundation the spark from the candles lit to celebrate the scourge of evil.

must affect the change for good to complete the partnership we all have with God.

Hanukkah helps us understand the eternal struggle of good over evil. We pray for good to survive. We attempt to eradicate evil. What we all want is to be left alone so that we can be secure and free. What we need are voices that will drown out the hate and animosity. God cannot do this for us – we need to do it for ourselves. That is the message of Hanukkah – with faith in the right we lead the battle – not expecting some mighty hand to do it for us. We have been given the ability to survive – all we need to do is grab it and run with it.

Hopefully the lights of this season, whether a Menorah or a Christmas tree, will remind us to respond to those in trouble so that we can be an instrument in relieving all the pain and suffering. Perhaps the lights will begin a tomorrow that can be better and that life is cherished above all else. We should all pray that the leaders of our country, The United States of America, receive Divine guidance to ensure that we remain a beacon of light to all people.

And yet, in the final analysis – we still want some Divine intervention to save us from the path of destruction – whether in the Middle East or here at home.

And to pray for guidance is not bad – it is necessary – as long as we understand that it is we who

Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA

Hanukkah is also a time of spiritual connection – to our beliefs – to togetherness. It is no different than the understanding of Christmas. Both holidays, to me, indicate the message to set aside petty jealousies and indignations, and concentrate on peace and goodwill among people and nations.

And may God continue to bless us all.

December 2017

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December 2017

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias is exceptionally demanding, and especially challenging.

“Too many people are shouldering the caregiving burden alone,” says Ruth Drew, director of information and support services at the Alzheimer’s Association. “Many people want or would welcome help, but they are reluctant or just too overwhelmed to ask.”

Providing help and support to caregivers can be easier than most people think. Even little acts can make a big difference, Drew says. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these suggestions: Learn: Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease - its symptoms, its progression and the common challenges facing caregivers. The more you know, the easier it will be to find ways to help.

Build a team: Organize family and friends who want to help with caregiving. The Alzheimer’s Association Care Team Calendar is a free, personalized online tool that allows helpers to sign up for specific tasks, such as preparing meals, providing rides or running

It’s A Grand Life

Senior Care

errands.

Give a break: Spend time with the person with dementia, allowing the caregiver a chance to run errands, go to their own doctor’s appointment or engage in an activity that helps them recharge.

Even one hour could make a big difference in providing the caregiver some relief.

Check in: Many caregivers report feeling isolated or alone; make a phone call to check in, send a note or stop by for a visit.

Be specific and be flexible: Open-ended offers of support may be well-intended, but are often dismissed. Be specific in your offer (“I’m going to the store, what do you need?”).

Help for the holidays: Help caregivers around the holidays by offering to help with cooking, cleaning or gift shopping. If a caregiver has traditionally hosted family celebrations, offer your home instead.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and ways you can support families and people living with the disease, visit www.alz.org

December 2017

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Holiday Decorating Tips for setting the perfect holiday table Every holiday season, you invest hours planning and preparing the perfect menu for each celebration you host. While easy and fun may be the name of the game for buffetstyle events, when it’s a sit-down soiree, the delightful cuisine you produce deserves a presentation worthy of your efforts. A beautifully set table can elevate your holiday dinner from just great to simply perfect.

“Table-setting is an art form anyone can learn to execute beautifully,” says Mary Bernardo, director of product development at Princess House, a leading provider of unique and exclusive cookware, food storage and home and entertainment products. “Simple touches like elegant holiday plates, colorful linens and an eye-catching centerpiece ensure a holiday table looks as inviting as the food smells.”

Bernardo and the table decor experts at Princess House offer these tips for creating a beautiful holiday dinner table:

Layers look lovely Tablecloths, placemats, table runners and chargers not only help protect your table from spills and scrapes, but they also create a lovely backdrop for dishes, glasses, stemware and - of course - the food.

Layering these items adds depth and interest to the tabletop.

Consider starting off with a simple white or red tablecloth, and then add either placemats in seasonal patterns or a festive runner. If chargers take up too much room on the table (or too much of your holiday budget), you can layer dinner and lunch plates to create the same effect. For example, place a Pavillion Berry Dinner Plate from Princess House beneath a Poinsettia Lunch Plate. The solid deep red of the dinner plate is the perfect complement to the elegant creamy background and poinsettia pattern of the lunch plate.

Keep dishware seasonal and simple “It’s been said simplicity is the soul of elegance, and that’s certainly true when you’re setting a holiday dinner table,” Bernardo says.

Choose dishes with a basic white or cream background accented with a traditional holiday motif.

Flatware should also be simple; if your everyday collection is in good condition, feel free to use it for your holiday celebrations. If you don’t have enough pieces, supplement with basic flatware that’s free of embellishment or heavy designs.

Glassware should also be simple and, whenever possible, multifunctional. For example, stemless wine glasses can be used for soft drinks and water, as well as wine.

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Add seasonal accents Even the simplest table setting can feel festive when you add holidayspecific touches, like napkin rings in jewel green or red, a centerpiece filled with evergreen or holly and twinkling candles.

For a centerpiece that’s festive and practical, consider using your favorite holiday serving bowl, such as a crystal bowl, for the foundation. Then add holiday decor items, like mini Christmas packages, your favorite Christmas tree decorations or a pillar candle in a holiday hue like red, green or snow white. Top with a few sprigs of evergreen, holly or fresh flowers and you have an easy, elegant DIY centerpiece.

Finally, don’t overlook the opportunity to extend the table’s festive atmosphere to the chairs as well. You can add to their elegance by adding simple decoration such as a mini-holiday wreath strung on a piece of ribbon and looped over the back of the chair.

“The dinner table is where holiday magic occurs,” Bernardo says. “With a few special touches, you can set a holiday table that’s perfect for the festive and welcoming spirit of the season.”

December 2017

Money Matters Time to Review Your Investment Strategy for the Year As the year draws to a close, it’s a good time to review your progress toward your financial goals.

But on what areas should you focus your attention?

Of course, you may immediately think about whether your investments have done well. When evaluating the performance of their investments for a given year, many people mistakenly think their portfolios should have done just as well as a common market index, such as the Standard & Poor’s 500. But the S&P 500 is essentially a measure of large-company, domestic stocks, and your portfolio probably doesn’t look like that – nor should it, because it’s important to own an investment mix that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance and return objectives. It’s this return objective that you should evaluate over time – not the return of an arbitrary benchmark that isn’t personalized to your goals and risk tolerance.

Your return objective will likely evolve. If you are starting out in your career, you may need your portfolio to be oriented primarily toward growth, which means it may need to be more heavily weighted toward stocks. But if you are retiring in a few years, you may need a more balanced allocation between stocks and bonds, which can address your needs for growth and income.

It’s A Grand Life

So, assuming you have created a long-term investment strategy that has a target rate of return for each year, you can review your progress accordingly. If you matched or exceeded that rate this past year, you’re staying on track, but if your return fell short of your desired target, you may need to make some changes. Before doing so, though, you need to understand just why your return was lower than anticipated.

For example, if you owned some stocks that underperformed due to unusual circumstances – and even events such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma can affect the stock prices of some companies – you may not need to be overly concerned, especially if the fundamentals of the stocks are still sound. On the other hand, if you own some investments that have underperformed for several years, you may need to consider selling them and using the proceeds to explore new investment opportunities.

Whether it is the performance of your portfolio or changes in your life, you will find that you always have some reasons to look back at your investment and financial strategies for one year – and to look ahead at moves you can make for the next.

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Life As A Caregiver Being someone’s caregiver means more than just taking care of them. Oh sure, preparing their meals, keeping them clean & healthy, administering meds, working to keep their minds active…those are all very important duties. And can be exhausting. But being someone’s caregiver also means being their advocate. Fighting for their rights if those have been lessened or diminished in some way. And constantly staying current on the latest discoveries or ‘remedies’ that can improve their life. It is up to the caregiver to BE that advocate for them. Their voice.

I belonged to an Alzheimer’s support group in my community when I first arrived in Arizona (where I live full-time). It was helpful in the beginning, but once I discovered I was further along in my preparations than most of the others (legal affairs, doctors, daily routine, knowledge), I found I could get more specific help and information (and support) in other places. But….in starting this journey it was VERY helpful and I highly recommend to everyone that they start with a local support group first.

One of the local agencies that specialize in services for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia in Arizona has become a favorite of mine: Benevilla.

Not only did my mom attend day care services from them when I first moved here, but I have since supported them financially and as a volunteer because of the extraordinary work they do.

And the network of caring and knowledgeable people there provide a great deal of support for someone like me. Giving back to them was something I could do for the good of the good.

But the thing I am most proud of is my involvement in Rotary and

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our Rotary Alzheimer’s/Dementia Initiative project that I started in my community. Arizona certainly has the demographic for being at the forefront of Alzheimer’s research and specialized programs. And as we babyboomers age, the population of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia will soar in the next 20+ years! Here are just some of the staggering statistics: ~ According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.4 million people have been diagnosed with the disease in the United States to date ~ 27 million have been diagnosed world-wide ~ Approximately 1-in-10 people over the age of 65 now suffer from Alzheimer’s ~ Women have a much higher risk than men… almost 2-3 times higher ~ Everyone is at a much higher risk if their immediate family member (mother or father) had it and by the year 2040, it is projected that over 100 million people will have the disease throughout the world!

Dementia is NOT a disease.

It is a group of symptoms that are associated with a decline of thinking, reasoning and/or remembering. It is an “umbrella” over other memory-related issues.

of the disease(who is at risk, why, what can be done to prolong the onset, what can be done to manage the affects, etc) and to raise money for continued research such as ongoing clinical trials and medical breakthroughs.

But my concern and focus are also on the future. MY future…. and hopefully yours! I want very much to know all that I can so that my chances of having Alzheimer’s are kept at a minimal since I am in that high-risk group.

It is also important to recognize that there are dangerous and false medicines within the world of pharmaceuticals…things you see and hear on tv and at the drug store that declare “this” will improve memory or “that” will cure memory loss. Be careful!!

Farma stands to make a ton of money from those supposed wonder drugs.

In my last article, I shared with you natural supplements and vitamins that have been PROVEN to delay symptoms if taken as part of a healthy overall diet and lifestyle. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix or wonder pill to take for Alzheimer’s. Not yet. But we mustn’t give up. Not EVER! Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident

Alzheimer’s IS a disease and is the most common form of dementia.

It is most-often hereditary and sadly, to date, is terminal and without a cure!

Through this Rotary effort, my hope is to bring about awareness December 2017

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HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Al’s Plumbing Cluff Mechanical Heating/AC General Exterminating In Home Senior Services Jackrabbit Nursery JBS Roofing Loilty Cleaning Service

623.738.6064

623.329.5170 602.765.COOL 623.977.2100 623.584.9599 623.386.4700 623.247.9252 623.225.2002

623.824.1357

RETAIL SERVICES Budget Blinds of Gooodyear Foot Solutions Pure Patio Steel Shield Security Doors

480.629.8854 623.536.6676 623.299.8000 623.977.3277

December 2017

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Puzzles & Games Sudoku for December Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!

Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

1

3

8

6

8

5

3

1

2

7

3 6

5 4

3

2

4

Break the code to solve the holiday phrase. Two letters have been provided for you. Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

2

7

6

Cryptogram

7 5

9

2 2

3

7

9

3

5

18 It’s A Grand Life

6 8

December 2017

YOU DECK THE HALLS!

Let Your Residential & Commerical Roofing Contractor Take Care of Your Roof!

“Let Our Family Cover Yours” New Construction, Repairs, Recovers, Maintenance Installation of Gutters & Attic Insulation Shingles, Tile, Built Up, Single Ply, Foam & Coatings, Metal, Shake We’re Here To Answer Your Questions.

Give Us A Call!

623.247.9252 It’s A Grand Life

www.JBSroofingAZ.com

December 2017

19

20 It’s A Grand Life

December 2017