It’s A Grand Life
April 2017
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April 2017
It’s A Grand Life
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From Me To You... Welcome! to the April edition of It’s A Grand Life magazine.
It has come to my attention that many of you don’t know how we choose our cover models. Well let me explain the process... I get a call, or an e-mail (sometimes even a text) from someone who a) wants to be on a cover, b) knows someone who has done something worthy of recognition or c) wants to let the community know about a local club or group for the residents. I will get in touch with them and as long as they live here (or occasionally have a strong connection to our community) I will arrange the photo shoot and cover interview. The whole process is relatively painless, no husbands have been harmed in the photo sessions, and it takes under an hour altogether. Some months I have many covers “in the bag” and other months I am scrambling to find people willing to share their lives with us. There have been instances when a company has requested to purchase the cover as advertising space. It happens, but not very often. In that case it is obviously an advertisement, for example if a political
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candidate has a cover it says on there that it is ‘paid for by ...’ Which leads me to the question of price for residents. There is none. If you are a resident and want to pose for my camera it costs you nothing but time. And of course you will be stopped from time to time when someone recognizes you as the star that you are! I hope that clears up the great mystery of “How to get on a cover” and that perhaps some of you feel inspired to get in touch and become a future cover model yourselves. It is also a great way for fledgling clubs and groups to get the word out there that you exist! As always, our magazines are not associated with any HOA and are not produced using any of your fees. Please patronize our advertisers, after all they are the reason you get this magazine for free every month!
Catherine Uretsky Editor, It’s A Grand Life Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283
Estrella Publishing is a proud member of the Surprise & Peoria Chambers of Commerce and Local First Arizona.
April 2017
Where To Look Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies and article reproductions can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com
Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com All contents Š 2009-2017 Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited. Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Advertisers. Estrella Publishing reserves the right to restrict all advertisement to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy at its sole discretion. Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way.
On Our Cover ~ pg 6 Dr. Irwin & Sandi Wiener Furry Friends ~ pg 7 Leptospirosis Spring Cleaning ~ pg 11 Shortcuts Living With Faith ~ pg 12 America Life As A Caregiver ~ pg 15 Take Care of You Business Directory ~ pg 17
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
It’s A Grand Life
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
Puzzles And Games ~ pg 18 Sudoku & Solution
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On Our Cover Dr. Irwin and Sandi Wiener
Our cover models this month are our own writer Dr. Irwin Wiener and his beautiful wife Sandi. “My wife, Sandi and I moved to the Surprise area in 1998 (part time) and then full time in 2002. We moved here from San Francisco where I was involved with Temple Emanuel and then as a director of a social service agency involved in the Greater San Francisco area.” Most of Dr. Irwin’s career has been spent in Education and Youth Activities, directing religious schools and working with various national Youth organizations and camps. He studied at Rabbi Jacob Joseph Yeshiva and Mesiftha Tifereth Yerushalayim.
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Rabbi Wiener is the Spiritual Leader of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation, Sun Lakes, AZ; educator and writer for various publications both local and national (including this one!). He is a columnist for the National Jewish Post and Opinion and has appeared in the Arizona Republic and contributes Torah Study articles to the Jewish News of Greater Phoenix.
“Originally I intended to retire but then a call came from the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation and I gladly accepted their invitation. I have been with them for 14 years. During this time I introduced programs involving interfaith couples and singles, became president of the Greater Sun Lakes Interfaith Council, have talked at various churches in Sun Lakes and throughout the valley.”
Not content to rest and relax here in Phoenix, his goal is to continue to offer faith in a meaningful way, to outreach to other faiths to encourage fellowship and connection resulting in a better understanding among all people. “Our dream is to one day wake and find that the pronouncement in Scripture indicating that we are obligated to love one another as we do ourselves will become a dream fulfilled. We are all one people, believing in one God, and determined to find fulfillment in the life given to us by an all caring and loving God.” Well said Rabbi Wiener. We at Estrella Publishing wish that all your dreams will come true.
April 2017
Leptospirosis You may have heard the chatter at your local dog park about a new virus that is running rampant amongst our four-legged friends. The reports boast some alarming numbers, dog fatalities, and signs of a possible outbreak. Much like the childhood game of telephone, as the story passes along the content become more and more misconstrued. So, let’s stick to the facts. Leptospirosis is a virus caused by bacteria called Leptospires. This bacterium lives in fresh water, soil, and mud. The first case was documented in the 1800’s so it’s been around for some time. Leptospirosis can affect farm animals and dogs but is rare in cats. The most common way that leptospirosis is spread is through the urine of infected animals,
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Furry Friends
which can get into water or soil. Animals can become infected when they come into direct contact with this contaminated water or soil. The bacteria enter through cuts in the skin or through mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth). Drinking contaminated water may also infect animals.
Awareness and prevention are key. As a pet owner, you know your pet best. You know your pet’s personality, energy level, hunger and thirst levels. If you begin to notice that your pet is acting differently, it would make sense to monitor any signs and symptoms closely, such as: • • • • •
Drinking more than usual Urinating more than usual Lack of urination Redness in the eyes Severe weakness and
depression • Reluctance to eat • Fever over 103.5° F • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Stiffness or severe muscle pain
In terms of prevention, keep a close eye on your dog to ensure he is not drinking from puddles or community water bowls! Not all dogs that come into contact with leptospirosis will contract it either. There are vaccinations available for Leptospirosis. If you think your pet may have leptospirosis, contact your veterinarian immediately. There are specific tests to diagnosis this virus, which is treatable with antibiotics. Submitted by Kristin Robinson, of Community Paws, W Valley resident
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The Doctor Is In Preparing for surgery? These tips could save your life If surgery is in your future, it’s never too early to prepare. Whether you’re having an outpatient procedure or a major operation involving a hospital stay, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) encourages you to take simple steps to be ready for the big day, starting with talking with your physician anesthesiologist, a vital member of your care team. No one understands this more than 18-year-old Hunter Jones, who was diagnosed with a rare case of colon cancer and is grateful her physician anesthesiologist, Mary Herman, M.D., Ph.D., called off her initial cancer surgery. During the preoperative evaluation with Dr. Herman, Hunter mentioned a tingly feeling and numbness in her legs after her previous anesthesia experiences, including not being able to walk for a few days. Her symptoms sounded alarm bells for Dr. Herman, and she sent Hunter for additional tests, which revealed a brain tumor. If Hunter had proceeded with the anesthesia and colon cancer surgery, she might have been permanently paralyzed. “Hunter’s experience illustrates just how important it is to talk to your physician anesthesiologist before a procedure to fully discuss your health, even something you might not think is relevant,” said Jeffrey Plagenhoef, M.D., ASA president. During Patient Safety Awareness Week, ASA offers the following steps to take before surgery to ensure the safest outcome:
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Find out who will provide the anesthesia - Be sure your anesthesia care is led by a physician anesthesiologist. You may ask, “What does a physician anesthesiologist do?” A physician anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in anesthesia, pain and critical care medicine and works with your surgeon and other physicians to develop and administer your anesthesia care plan. Physician anesthesiologists have 12 to 14 years of medical education and 12,000 to 16,000 hours of clinical training to ensure safe, high-quality care. Talk with your physician anesthesiologist - As Hunter can attest, open communication is vital to ensuring the safest care. When you talk with your physician anesthesiologist before the procedure, be sure to discuss: * Your health and medications - Provide your physician anesthesiologist details about your health, including how active you are, if you snore, and whether you have chronic health issues such as heart or lung problems, liver or kidney disease, allergies or any other medical conditions. Bring your full list of medications to the meeting, and don’t forget to include your vitamins and supplements. * Your use of recreational or illicit drugs - The use of recreational or illicit drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, narcotics, and stimulants, among others, should be discussed with your physician anesthesiologist. These substances can have a significant
impact on your reaction to medications used to provide anesthesia and can affect the amount of anesthetic and pain medications you may require * Your experience with anesthesia - If you’ve had a bad reaction with anesthesia, pain medication or anesthesia side effects in the past (or a family member has), it’s important to tell your physician anesthesiologist. * Your fears - Let your physician anesthesiologist know if you’re afraid of surgery or anesthesia. He or she can give you information to help you feel better. * Your questions - Write down your questions and bring them with you when you meet your physician anesthesiologist to be sure everything you’d like to know is discussed. * Your recovery - The physician anesthesiologist continues to care for you after surgery, so ask how any pain will be managed. For more information, download ASA’s Preparing for Surgery: An Anesthesia Checklist. To learn more about the critical role physician anesthesiologists play before, during and after surgery, visit www.asahq.org/ WhenSecondsCount.
April 2017
Tips for hosting a better brunch Love the idea of hosting a brunch, but begin to regret it the moment you’re toiling over a pan of bacon grease while your friends are chatting over mimosas? You’re not alone. Whether you’re planning a simple brunch for a small group or an Easter brunch to wow a crowd, these simple tips and ideas are guaranteed to get you out of the kitchen and into the action. Prepare a game plan. Developing a checklist will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed with to-do’s. Once you know how many people will be attending the brunch, start planning the menu, gather recipes and make a grocery list. Take inventory of your cooking supplies, serving dishes and tableware. While cleaning the house, identify what decorations are needed. Picture the scene the night before. Figure out how to serve the food, decide where to put the drinks, gather extra seating and put all the plates, cups, cutlery and napkins on the table. Also, don’t forget the mugs or cocktail glasses if you plan to serve coffee or mimosas. While it might seem obvious, these little details can easily be overlooked. Last-minute jobs are bound to happen, so conquering the planned details ahead of time will help keep you sane.
YUM YUM! loves a good omelet, but you’re not a short order cook. Instead, opt for low-maintenance recipes that can be prepared the night before and popped in the oven the next morning. You can never go wrong with classic egg-based dishes such as quiche, strata and casserole. If your culinary skills aren’t up for the task of cooking for a crowd, don’t be afraid to choose store-bought or catered dishes. This will help alleviate any unnecessary stress and allow you to enjoy the event. Ditch the pile of dirty dishes in favor of disposable tableware. Instead of standing over the sink cleaning, spend the extra time relaxing with family and friends. Try a line of products that offer the total solution for your tableware needs, including a variety of plate and cup sizes and a serve and store container of cutlery. The Chinet Cut Crystal collection makes entertaining easy with tableware that complement one another and also
earn compliments from guests. All the dishes can be tossed once people are done eating, keeping post-brunch cleanup to a minimum. Plus, all Chinet Cut Crystal products are recyclable - leaving you to only feel guilty about that second scone. Set the table in style. Make sure your brunch is as stylish as it is tasty. For a “hare-raising” reaction from your friends and family, fold Chinet Classic White napkins into the shape of bunnies and display in the center of each plate. A bunny napkin fold can also double as a place setting card. Simply write the name of the guest on one of the bunny ears. It’s a pretty and practical way to add personality to the table.
Create a menu full of makeahead recipes. From drinks to dessert, make sure your menu allows you to spend more times with friends and family and less time in the kitchen. Sure, everyone It’s A Grand Life
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April 2017
Spring Cleaning Shortcuts to make your home sparkle We all know that one person who just adores cleaning. But for the rest of us, it’s a necessary evil that gets old very quickly! Before you tackle that long list of spring cleaning tasks, try some of these cleaning hacks designed to make these chores faster and easier. When cleaning is fun and even effortless, you’ll feel more energized and gain the momentum you need to knock out your list of chores. Afterward, your house will sparkle from top to bottom, which is its own reward! 1. Try natural solutions Commercial cleaning solutions can add extra costs to your deep cleaning session, not to mention the harsh chemicals can leave behind unpleasant odors. Why
It’s A Grand Life
not experiment with everyday pantry items? These often cost less and are just as effective in their cleaning power. A simple solution of warm water and vinegar removes built-up grime from your floors, while leaving a clean, rinse-free finish. Just add a half cup of distilled white vinegar to a gallon of warm water and start mopping. If you dislike the smell of vinegar, add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil - the fresh scent will be like a small reward! 2. Shortcut to shining windows If you want streak-free mirrors and clean windows without the hassle, Cas Aarssen, author of “Real Life Organizing: Cleaning and Clutter-Free in 15 Minutes a Day” has this expert tip: Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to your favorite glass cleaner and
shake until dissolved. Cornstarch improves the cleaning power of the solution and makes streaks a thing of the past, so you’ll get the job done more quickly. 3. Clean up top Dust can collect on those high, hard-to-reach places, such as decorative molding and ceiling fans, making cleaning day more difficult. To clean your ceiling fan without showering dust bunnies everywhere, an old pillowcase is your best tool. Spritz the inside of the pillowcase with a vinegar and water solution and slip it over the blades of the fan, pulling it back to trap the dust. For those tough to reach moldings and corners, use a sturdy rubber band to wrap a microfiber cloth around the end a broom, and give those hard-toreach areas a clean sweep!
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Living With Faith America
In August of 1945, we celebrated VJ Day. After much bloodshed and sacrifices, we finally defeated Japan in a war that still reverberates to this day. The relief that followed also served as a reminder that even in victory there is sadness. The needless waste of resources and humanities’ disdain for the values of life’s gifts caused us to pause and wonder about our purpose. During these difficult times, we Americans came together as never before. The blood drives, the collection of fat, the rationing of things we once took for granted, the purchase of savings bonds, the entertaining of the troops, all taught us that when a nation is in need its citizens rise to the occasion. It certainly was a different time. One thing that stood out, in my mind, was a simple song made famous during that infamous time in our history – “The House I live in.” The house I live in reminded
us of all we hold dear and find precious in this experiment called America. The words resonate with us because they speak to our values and ideals. The entertainers that performed and sang these lyrics of patriotism gave meaning to their significance. They enabled us to realize that only as one people can we ever hope to accomplish the dreams of all the generations that preceded us. The house I live in A plot of earth, the street The grocer and the butcher Or the people that I meet The children in the playground The faces that I see All races and religions That’s America to me
As we examine the simple words of everyday occurrences we are left to understand that America is so diverse and yet so connected. It is the diversity that was and remains the secret strength of this great nation. It is as though God gazed at this creation of young and older, white and black, Jew, Gentile, Muslim, and Hindu – on and on the differences are clear, but the bonds are unbreakable. The place I work in The worker by my side The little town the city Where my people lived and died The howdy and the handshake The air of feeling free And the right to speak your mind out That’s America to me We have just completed a most exhausting and agonizing election. Things have been said that may never be forgotten, but it is over. What is not over is the fact that we are all Americans with the right to speak our minds. We are Americans enjoying
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freedoms that few in the world can truly understand. Now is the time to join together in building an even stronger America. Two hundred forty years has taught us that only as one can we truly benefit from the many different opinions and solutions. Only as one can we overcome the vitriol that seems to have settled in our hearts and minds. Together, we succeed, separate, we fail. It really is that simple. The lyrics end with a startling reminder – “Especially the people, that’s America to me.” Stand next to a friend or relative and look at your reflection in the mirror. The only resemblance is that each has a nose and two eyes, two ears, a mouth. This is where the similarities end because if we look closer we see two different people. This is the strength of America – similar, but different. Now is the time to join with one another and know that through the tears, and the dreams, and the growing, we have developed a country that has never been duplicated, nor will it ever be. August 1945 may have been a different time, but the messages of those offerings are no different today. As we journey into a new chapter in our history perhaps it is appropriate to also remember that by the Grace of God do we flourish. Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
April 2017
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April 2017
Take care of YOU
Life As A Caregiver
In my last article, I wrote about long-term health care and that all of us should have it. I applied for it (and got it) when I first moved to Arizona. But let me prepare you for the process I experienced (in case it will be the same for you) because it can be a bit intimidating, which I didn’t know until the time of the interview. A nurse came to my home for an hour-long interview, which included learning about my health history, taking my vital signs (height, weight, blood pressure, temperature) and giving me an oral memory test! Yes….a MEMORY TEST!!! And that’s when I began to freak out. What if I can’t remember anything? What if I flunk the test? What if they don’t give me the insurance?
Now, I was there when the doctor tested my mom for dementia. Her memory test included being asked to remember three words and to draw the face of a clock with the time showing 10:30 on it. To this day, I remember those three words (table, apple and penny). But, I digress.
So now the nurse explains to me about the memory test. She’s going to tell me 10 words (10 words!!) to remember. Then we will chat. Then she will ask me to repeat the 10 words. Then we will chat again. Then she will ask me to repeat the words again…and so on for three times! So we begin. I remembered eight of them the first time. That’s good… and a little aboveaverage. Then I remembered seven of them the second time. That was pretty average. Then I remembered seven of them again the third time, but a different seven. THEN she says
she’s going to say a list of words and I’m supposed to tell her if any of those were among the original 10. I got those ALL correct!! So the interesting part here is that it is easier for us to distinguish the right words from the wrong words rather than having to recall the whole list of words on our own. This entire word process lasted about 30 minutes….and I passed!!! But I was SO nervous. I guess I’ve always hated tests!
So what does all this really mean? It means, as a caregiver, you not only need to be focused on your family member’s needs, but you also need to be aware of your own. Not just getting enough sleep and exercise, and eating right, and taking time for yourself, and developing interesting things to occupy your body & mind apart from the task at hand. But for long-term preparation, as well. As I mentioned in an earlier article: make sure YOU have a will and a health care directive, make sure YOU have long-term health care, make sure YOU have a Power of Attorney in case something happens to YOU. Because, what if it did? What if it did and your family member is still alive? Who would take care of them? Submitted by Kathy Linton, Sun City Grand Resident
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April 2017
Business Directory CONSULTING SERVICES Estrella Partners Group
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April 2017
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Puzzles & Games
Sudoku for April
Sudoku Solution
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!
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April 2017
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April 2017