It’s A Grand Life
July 2017
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July 2017
It’s A Grand Life
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From Me To You... Welcome! to the July edition of It’s A Grand Life magazine.
Our cover model is the winner of It’s A Grand Life’s Cutest Pet 2017 competition. Congratulations Colt!
Milk too cold? Shoes too tight or too loose? Parents not allowing the latest death-defying stunt? It was a never-ending guessing game. I felt like a firefighter constantly putting out small fires, hoping none of them grew too big to handle on my own.
As a new parent it is stunning how much I had to learn. I remember leaving the hospital with my first child thinking, “What do I do next?” I mean, when you buy a car they give you multiple books explaining the workings of your new vehicle; where was my New Baby Instruction Manual. Or pamphlet? Anything??
On to the Middle Ages, or as I like to call them The Golden Years. During this halcyon era I knew EVERYTHING. Thanks to Google all I had to do to answer any question was simply type in a few keys and voila! What is the circumference of the sun? 2,713,406 miles. Easy!
I do remember the books I bought to help me figure everything out. One told me to let my baby cry herself to sleep. The other one warned of the dangers of not picking her up immediately! One said “Feed your child whenever she is hungry.” The next, “Put your child on a schedule that suits your lifestyle.” Good Grief Charlie Brown! I managed to figure it all out and despite the confusion both of us felt then, we made it to...
Well now I have teenagers and I am back to knowing nothing. At least that’s what they tell me!
The Terrible Twos! The biggest question in my mind in this stage? “Why is she upset now??”
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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.
July 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 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.
Anne Yost (623) 692-9563 Joe Wristen (480) 369-5804
Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way.
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Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
It’s A Grand Life
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
July 2017
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DATA SHARING Becoming a savvier online shopper Every day, people use data to influence their decision making - from where to go for dinner, to selecting stocks in which they should invest, to where to live. Every Google search we perform, every Yelp review read or written, each item of clothing, houseware or electronic device we put in our virtual cart, is another data point companies can use to personalize our experience with their brands. This begs the question: How do we differentiate between those brands that are using our data the right way, versus those that have a long way to go? Second, how do we help the brands we love understand us better without sacrificing our privacy? 1. Understand which data to share. Think about your favorite shopping app or website. Does it know which brands you prefer? What about your shoe size? Does it have your zip code stored for shipping estimates? Does it make appropriate recommendations? The strongest relationships in life work both ways, so if you want a brand to know what you want from them, perhaps it’s time to share a little. Taking five minutes to fill out some basic profile information in your “preferences” could, at the very least, save you time on future shopping excursions and might even lead to a surprise find. 2. Use data to get the best deals. When you’re shopping online, you can quickly compare prices for the exact item you want to purchase across multiple vendors, and, if you have time to wait, be alerted should the item go on sale. The best example is travel. There seems to be a never-ending list of websites available for booking flights and hotels, but booking the first flight you see without shopping around is rarely going to get you the best deal. Countless studies have shown booking on certain days of the week, or a particular number of weeks ahead of your trip, will yield the best results. From there, one still has to compare prices against different websites to find the best fare. Luckily, some of the top search engines are making this even easier for consumers by indicating whether the price is high or low. The art of finding the best deal is really in comparing the data.
information. Think critically about which data is going to be absolutely necessary to enhance your experience with the companies you rely on. For example, it’s not necessary to share your contact list, your geolocation or (if you’re on a mobile device) access to your camera if you’re using a music or financial app. Some brands ask for too much, and it’s up to each individual to determine which data makes sense to share with each brand and what doesn’t. For example, don’t be too quick to provide broad access to an app you’ve just downloaded. Also, as painful as it may be, do read the privacy policy of the sites you frequent and understand how they use and protect the personal information they collect on you. Ultimately, most companies today are still just scratching the surface when it comes to understanding the impact customer data can have on the profitability and success of their business. There is still a lot of room for growth when it comes to companies effectively using data to address consumer needs. It’s up to each one of us to make sure we are sharing the right data with them, while also using that data to our advantage to get the best deals and online experience possible.
3. Know where to draw the line. At the end of the day, privacy is still important, and it’s prudent not to share too much personal
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July 2017
Fourth of July brings gatherings with family and good friends, including furry friends. It may seem like a rewarding idea to give your pup some scraps from the grill or bring him along to watch the fireworks, yet in reality, such festivities could prove potentially hazardous to him. More pets run away on the Fourth of July than any other day. It is natural for dogs to be afraid of loud noises. The sounds trigger their nervous systems, and they can become anxious or afraid. This does not need to be the case this year. Please take extra steps to ensure the safety of your pets. Here are some helpful tips: • Exercise your pets earlier in the day to tire them out and release any anxious energy. • Keep your pets indoors. Make sure that there is a quiet place, such as a carrier or crate that they can retreat to if need be. Close the curtains and turn on the TV or radio. A Kong filled with a yummy treat may also offer a much needed distraction when the festivities start booming. • If you must bring your pets with you to the fireworks, please make sure they are leashed or in a carrier so that they do not run off. Running away
It’s A Grand Life
Furry Friends
from the noise is a survival instinct for dogs. • Remember, though, while humans communicate with words, dogs communicate with energy, and will look to their pack leader for clues on how they should behave. If you’re not making a big deal or showing excitement about the fireworks, then your pups will learn to be less concerned as well. • Keep a watchful eye on your pets during the fireworks, and make sure that they are wearing proper up-to-date identification tags and are microchipped with current information. This is key. • Keep your pets away from matches, open fires, and fireworks. This may seem like common sense, yet, there are far too many accidents that occur when curious pooches get too close to the flames or try to sniff, or eat, something that they shouldn’t. These simple summer safety tips will help to keep your favorite fur-friends safe and secure this Fourth of July season. And as always, make sure you talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns you may have about your pets handling the hot summer weather.
Submitted by Kristin Robinson, of Community Paws, West Valley resident
July 2017
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July 2017
Wear it with Style!
60-plus? Smart fashion tips to keep you looking
stylish and fabulous
Muumuus and mom jeans or spangled capris and Aloha shirts - is this really all the fashion world has to offer women over the age of 60? Do mature women who desire to dress fashionably for summer really have to choose between “frumpy and fogey” or “too young and trendy?” Not at all, says Catherine Brock, who blogs about style on thebudgetfashionista.com. “Reaching a certain age doesn’t mean you have to give up your love of fashion, or that you can’t be stylish,” Brock says. “In our youth-obsessed society, many fashion trends are geared for young women, but truly stylish clothing can work for women of any age.” Joyce Williams (name changed to protect her privacy), agrees. Williams didn’t leave her lifelong love of fashion behind upon moving into a senior community. Instead, she remains an avid reader of fashion magazines, and designs and makes her own jewelry to accessorize her wardrobe. She happily shares fashion advice with other residents who seek to remain stylish after 60. Here are some of Brock’s and Williams’ favorite tips and insights for senior women: * Senior women can have trouble finding fashion images that feature women who could be their peers, Brock says. Because most clothing is marketed with images of younger models, many older women may worry about their clothes being “age-appropriate.” Don’t be limited by that kind of thinking, she advises. The age of the model wearing the fashion is far less important than whether the style will work for you. * Everyone has certain colors that complement their skin tone, hair and eyes, and others that are less flattering. Determine which ones are yours and emphasize those colors in your wardrobe. Brock also counsels against putting too many colors in a single outfit, and says avoid wild color patterns. Instead, pick one piece in an outfit to make a color statement and use muted, complementary colors in the rest of the outfit to create a backdrop for your statement color. * Just as important as knowing your best colors, you should also know the visual line that looks best for your body type, Williams says. For example, if you’re pear-shaped, a line that draws attention to It’s A Grand Life
your shoulders can be flattering, Brock adds. Appleshaped women may find an A-line skirt flattering since it creates an angle from the shoulder to the waist. * Stay true to your own personal style, regardless of your age. “If you had a well-established personal style when you were younger, it doesn’t need to change just because you’re older,” Brock says. Adapt your younger style to your more mature place in life by focusing on creating outfits that make only one statement at a time, she advises. For example, wear that big, chunky turquoise necklace that you’ve always loved and pair it with an outfit that’s simple and straightforward like a pair of tailored jeans and a white blouse. * Some styles work particularly well for senior women, Brock says. Blazers and cardigans pair well with V-neck tops, sheath dresses, shift dresses and button-down shirts. Every senior woman should have wardrobe staples such as a black blazer, white button-down shirt, dark-wash jeans, straight-leg trousers, neutral-colored cardigans, a collection of dolman-sleeve tops and T-shirts with varying sleeve lengths and necklines. “It’s never too late to discover your personal style,” Brock says. Reacquaint yourself with your body type and go shopping with a friend. Try on different cuts of pants, skirts and dresses until you both agree on which are the most flattering. Find the cuts that look good on you and then start experimenting with colors and textures.”
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Living With Faith
There is light in darkness
Most of us, when we think of darkness cannot understand that there is light in darkness. We tend to concentrate on the concept and perception that darkness leaves us blind to the world around us. Perhaps we could relate better if we were actually blind. People who have lost their sight find the light of day in the emptiness of space – a never-ending journey in the quest for the brightness of life. Such thoughts ran through my mind as I read the following written by an eleven-year old girl and read at her graduation from elementary school to the entire graduating class and visitors: “The darkness is the warm comfort of silence. It is the beautiful color that puts every child to sleep. It is not death, but life. It is the time of rest and relaxation. Darkness is the kiss I receive meaning goodnight. It is the covers pulled over my head as I think of sleep. It is the comfort of the pillow resting below my head. Darkness is my eyes slowly closing. It makes the darkness of the day form into the light of the night. It is the lights turning off meaning sleep and rest. Happiness swims into dreams. It is waking up from a nightmare and sneaking into my parent’s room to sleep once more. It is the dreams that form that will soon be fading from my memory. It is the relief of ending and forming of a new day, and a new opportunity.” Maddie Scharf I read and re-read these words and understood the value of dreams and the marvel of light emanating from darkness – the darkness of our minds as they wander from fantasy to reality.
All of life is about dreams. We dream of what could have been, what might have been, what should have been. Perhaps these lead us into a darkness that never seems to fade. The truth is that dreams change with time, but still we continue to dream because, life as we know it, is filled with all sorts of dreams. This young girl can teach us a very valuable lesson: Darkness may engulf us, but then we reach for the comfort of those whom we love and who love us. The young among us are filled with so many dreams, but they all concentrate on living, and growing, and feeling secure. Are these not the dreams of all ages, not just the young? We may find darkness when our eyes close, but when morning arrives, the light of a new day enhances our belief that light leads us into the true meaning of life, the purpose for which we were created, and the value we bring to those around us. This eleven-year old is my granddaughter. She has taught me a valuable lesson about happiness and sweetness. Her innocence is a testament to the lessons we can all learn from a child reaching for light at the end of the darkness of life. She has taught me, and possibly you as well, that dreams can and do become reality because of perseverance and the will to live. And even when we are gone, the dreams do not disappear – they just become memories. So, as we learn from an eleven-year old – dream on! Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
How many of us dream, wake up and cannot remember the dream? How many of us have dreams of a better life and a better tomorrow? How many of us find our lives shattered because our dreams are not realized? How many of us truly understand that the darkness surrounding us represents the gloom that seems to overpower us?
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PET PARADE Working like a dog: Companies find benefits in going pet-friendly
It’s fair to call Charger a bull in a china shop. Well, at least a pit bull. The charming nine-year-old has a full-time job in the marketing department at dinnerware giant Replacements, Ltd. “Charger’s been coming to Replacements since I rescued him from the side of a road as a puppy, so he’s really grown up here,” says Kevin Boyd. “Coming to work is great for Charger because he’s able to engage with people and other dogs so it’s really helped him become more sociable; he has so many friends who give him treats or want to take him for walks. Having him here helps me relax because I know he’s not home alone and really creates special moments in the day, like having him sit in my lap while I’m working.” Charger is among dozens of pets you’ll find at Replacements. A walk through the warehouse and you’ll see dogs riding on carts pushed by their owners or perhaps encounter a cat or two. An opossum riding high on the shoulder of her human friend even graced the company’s retail store with a visit. Replacements implemented its pet-friendly policy more than 20 years ago, after Founder and CEO Bob Page received a dog for his birthday and couldn’t bear to leave him home alone. Fast-forward
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It’s A Grand Life
two decades, and national and international media have repeatedly recognized Replacements as one of the top pet-friendly businesses in the country. The company invites all employees and customers to bring their pets to work or shop; in fact, Replacements’ front doors read, “All Well-Behaved Pets Welcome.” Gaining scientific support Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University spent a week at Replacements, focusing specifically on the impact of dogs in the workplace. The VCU team monitored stress levels among three test groups: those who brought their dogs to work every day, dog owners who left their pets at home, and those who do not own any pets. “We were surprised to find that stress actually decreased throughout the day among those who brought their dogs to work, while stress levels significantly increased for those who left their dogs at home,” says principal researcher Dr. Randy Barker. “About half of those who bring their dogs to work said their productivity increased with their dog present. Some employees even commented that the presence of pets increases cooperation and builds relationships among coworkers.” Barker also notes employees overall had higher job satisfaction than industry norms. “I think leadership in many organizations may be hesitant to allow animals in the workplace, but our study indicates pet presence may serve as a low-cost wellness intervention that may enhance organizational satisfaction and perceptions of support.” Replacements’ formal pet policy requires all animals must be current on vaccinations, polite to people and other pets, and stay on a leash near their owners unless contained in an office or cubicle space. Owners are also required to clean up after any accidents. Conklin adds pet owners must be sensitive to the fact some people have allergies or may be fearful of animals. “We’ve seen many instances where employees actually got to know each other better through their pets. Seriously, it’s hard not to smile when you’re greeted by a wagging tail and friendly face!” July 2017
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Life As A Caregiver The Other Caregiver
So…..you’re the caregiver to your loved one. Roughly 40 Million Americans devote their lives to caring for their loved ones. It is a noble, loving, commendable and rewarding job. But it is also stressful, heartbreaking, at times exhausting, and a 24/7 commitment. Statistics show that it is the long-term caregiver who often deteriorates (or even dies) before the patient due to the enormity of the task at-hand….(a task that usually comes without any formal training). That is why it is MANDATORY that you find a part-time (at least in the beginning), professional caregiver to assist. I am very fortunate (and lucky) to have found a true angel to help me through this Alzheimer’s journey. Now. But it wasn’t always the case. Back in the Bay Area, when mom was in the early stages of the disease, we had four caregivers over the course of about three years. All of them started out great, but after a few months they weren’t great at all. Of course, the circumstances were different then. Mom didn’t live with me in a casita, I still worked, and she was still pretty functional. All but one caregiver came from an agency. I guess my expectations were quite high because I had interviewed them all thoroughly. But, they eventually turned out to be unacceptable (for various reasons) and not very responsible. The fourth one came from research a friend of mine had done. Again, I interviewed her thoroughly to be sure she understood what I expected. She started out great and really liked my mom. But, after a while, she was more of a handful to me than a help. When we moved to Arizona, I was really at a loss at first hardly knowing anyone. But after a while, someone had recommended a person to me, so I went with them. OMG! Again, she started out fine. So I thought it would be ok for me to take a trip back to the Bay Area to wrap-up some loose ends. I wasn’t gone an hour before the caregiver called me because she had forgotten her key to my mom’s casita and was going to climb through the window. WHAT?!? So much for a stress-free trip. Needless to say, I let her go!
immediately. Her Serbian accent was endearing and her energy and passion for people shined like a beacon. She knew what to do. We have been with Rose now for about two-anda-half years. She and her husband are like part of the family. In fact, Buddy (my dog) considers her part of his “pack”. Because Buddy is such a faithful companion to my mom each and every day, Rose cares for him during her visits, as well. She comes regularly twice-a-week for four hours each, and then when I am going away or am going out, she comes then, as well. Since she lives so close, it works out beautifully. And….she is affordable!!!! (relatively speaking). Her job responsibilities include bathing mom, giving her breakfast and lunch (unless we switch that to lunch and dinner due to my schedule), walking her around, visiting with her…and whatever else needs to be done. What she doesn’t do is laundry, running errands, administering meds (unless I am away), or cleaning the casita. The two of them have developed a strong bond and true love for each other. It is a blessing like you’ll never know. Good caregivers are hard to find. That I know. And they can be very expensive. I know that, too! But they are essential for YOUR sanity, YOUR pieceof-mind, YOUR stress-level…and YOUR health. Hopefully, yours will have a blend of knowledge, kindness and firmness, and a true understanding of the precious cargo she is caring for….like mine does. Your respite; your state-of-mind; your emotional stability: these are ALL essential to doing your best at caring for your loved one…AND yourself. Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident
Then a neighbor recommended Rose. Rose lives around the corner from me with her husband and though not a professional caregiver (she is retired), she has worked in the healthcare industry for many years and has taken care of elders with varying degrees of Alzheimer’s. I took her to lunch so we could talk and get to know each other! I loved her
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July 2017
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Puzzles & Games Sudoku for July
Sudoku Solution
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!
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July 2017
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