It's A Grand Life by Estrella Publishing

Estrella Publishing - Itâ€™s A Grand Life magazine

January 2019

Reverse Osmosis System Tune-Up • • • • • •

Standard Yearly Filters Flush Water Heater Check Water Heater Water Pressure Check Softener Inspection & Test General Plumbing Inspection Membership Price:

$129.00 Normally

Furnace Tune-Up 72 Months

• • • • •

Up to $700 Off

Safety Inspection Calibrate Gas Valve Clean Flame Sensor Electrical Component Test Check and Clean Gas Burner

One of the Highest Ranked TRANE Comfort Specialists in the Nation!

Membership Price:

$79.00 Normally

EXPERTS IN HIGH

Residential and Commercial Electrical Services Available!

Offering Electric and Gas

Tankless Water Heaters • • • •

• • • • •

Enjoy Endless/Instant Hot Water Adjust Using WiFi Connectivity Increase Gas/Electric Savings Little to No Maintenance

High Efficiency LED Lighting Retrofit Energy Monitoring and Management In Home Electric Car Charging Station Whole Home Surge Protection General Service Repair and Installation

Prefer the Older Tech? No Problem. That’s Easy For Us!

2 Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine

AIR

CONDITIONING

•

ELECTRICAL

•

PLUMBING

•

January 2019

WATER

TREATMENT

Computer

TIP TOP PC In-Home Services

$25 Off First Service

Computer Problems? PC Running Slowly? Virus / Spyware Concerns? We come to your home and fix your computer problems. Fixed flat-rate pricing means no surprises and no hourly fees! Skilled • Reliable • On Time • 20 Years Experience (623) 215-4487 www.TipTopPC.net

Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine

January 2019

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 ÂŠ 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. 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

4 Estrella Publishing - Itâ€™s A Grand Life magazine

Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec

January 2019

From Me To You... I asked my Dad once, what was the invention during his life that he thinks changed the world the most. Now bear in mind that since he was born we have nuclear reactors, disposable diapers, space travel, car seat belts, disposable contact lenses and microwave ovens. His answer? The internet. He believes that it has radically changed everything it has touched. And he could be right.

The world is constantly changing and evolving and we need to keep up. I spent a very frustrating morning recently helping my dad ‘keep up’ with technology. He loves to have the latest and greatest but unfortunately doesn’t always understand how to use all the gadgets he acquires. You don’t know frustration until you have to help someone in their 70’s install a video doorbell from 6,000 miles away. If it wasn’t for the internet I couldn’t have looked up the instructions and video-chatted with him until we got it sorted out. So perhaps he is right on that one. He was also one of the first pensioners to purchase the ‘new fangled’ Apple computer. And I-Phone - although he only turns it on to make phone calls. Along with these purchases Dad also opted to join the Apple Care program, where they hold classes to teach you everything you need to know, and offer unlimited help in the store for the first year.

the noise so he held the phone up to his ear to improve the connection. The technology was so amazing we could see the individual hairs in his ear canal. At the beginning of a new year I always wonder what marvels will appear in our lives. In ‘73 it was cell phones, in the late 80’s the world wide web, once those two came together everything changed. What is on the horizon for us in our future? I am still holding out for the Hover Boards promised on Back to the Future, assuming I will be young enough to use one when they finally get here!

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

Photo credit for the wonderful cover goes to Brian Kelly, thank you Brian for doing what Wile E. Coyote couldn’t do - capture the roadrunner!

Anyone who knows Apple stores knows that they feature a lot of glass windows and walls. Dad told me that he went in so many times for help that when they saw him strolling towards the store, computer in hand, they would scatter. He thought it was very amusing because he could see them too. Our first Facetime was over Christmas a few years ago and Dad was very proudly showing relatives in America and the UK how amazing his tech was. Wonderful use of the internet. Until he decided that he couldn’t hear me over all Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine

January 2019

Vacation Savings Looking to spend time away without spending a ton of money? Your wanderlust doesn’t have to directly compete with your desire to save. With a few smart tips and tricks, you can cut costs and make the most out of your trip. 1. Pre-pay your hotel stay and save: Plan ahead to get the best rates at hotels. 2. Shop and purchase tickets in advance: Consider researching tickets for museums, tours, amusement parks and other travel activities to see if advanced purchase discounts are available. Bonus: You’ll have one less thing to do when you get there because you’ll have tickets in hand! 3. Create a balance between eating in and eating out: The convenience of having a fully equipped kitchen at your fingertips helps you save money and maintainby creating home-cooked meals right in your hotel room. Additionally, look for hotels that offer onsite complimentary breakfasts.

6 Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine

4. Bring along furry family members: Boarding pets or hiring a pet sitter can add up quickly. If your hotel is pet-friendly, that can be a big savings.

5. Focus on the essentials you’ll need during your stay: Other hotel necessities to seek out include free Wi-Fi with enhanced speeds, premium cable and on-premise laundry facilities so you can enjoy the comforts of home away from home. 6. Be flexible on timing: Weekend rates are typically higher than other days of the week, so consider adjusting your stay when possible or staying longer to take advantage of cheaper rates. Some hotels offer length-of-stay discounts, even during peak travel periods like school breaks and holidays. 7. Take advantage of other discounts and rewards: Hotels and attractions often have a variety of discounts available, so the simple step of asking could unleash hidden savings for seniors, military and government personnel, and even group rates.

January 2019

Winter Driving

No matter their destination, Americans are more than twice as likely to drive as fly this year, according to Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index Survey.More than one-third of Americans want to travel somewhere involving sand and palm trees, choosing the beach as their ideal winter getaway. Other top destinations include a trip to the mountains or a family reunion. Wherever you are headed, bank on busy roads. Check out these five tips to ensure everything for your trip is well-oiled, well-maintained and, well, worry-free this winter:

1) Check the tires Before settling in behind the wheel, don’t forget to look at your tires. Try the penny test to see if yours are ready for the road, insert the penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down - if you can see all of his head, it’s time to replace your tires. 2) Stay tuned Look under the hood to ensure adequate fluid levels, including antifreeze and wiper fluid; check the headlights, taillights and brake lights to be

Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine

sure no bulbs are burned out; inspect windshield wipers for signs of wear; and make sure there is air in your spare tire.

3) Pack prepared Keeping an emergency kit in the car is always a good idea, especially if you’re driving toward inclement weather. A roadside emergency kit should include first-aid materials, as well as tools that can help in the event of an unexpected breakdown. Be sure you have jumper cables, flashlights and roadside flares, as well as drinking water and non-perishable snacks to get you through any delay. For added peace of mind, double-check that your roadside assistance subscription is current. 4) Map your route While nearly a quarter of Americans have built-in navigation in their vehicles, it’s still a good idea to scout your route before putting the car in drive. At the very least, make sure your passenger has a good sense of direction. Keep your winter travels worry-free with these tips, and here’s to smooth sailing - or rather, driving - all season long!

January 2019

Sports Pain

When participating in your favorite physical activity or trying out a new one for the first time, the last thing you want is for pain to live life for you. Ben Shear, performance trainer and Golf Digest fitness advisor, shares his tips on how to minimize and treat pain resulting from physical activity, so you can get back to performing at your best. 1. Warm Up While warming up is often perceived as something only runners or collegiate or professional athletes need to do, no matter the physical activity you’re partaking in, it is crucial to properly warm up to avoid injury and minimize pain. A good warm-up should increase core body temperature, making the muscles more receptive to stretching, and stretching keeps the muscles pliable and mobile. 2. Massage Up Massages can help muscles recover, stimulate blood circulation and alleviate local inflammation to improve mobility and flexibility.

8 Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine

3. Fuel Up Hydration is crucial when it comes to muscle and joint recovery; however, water isn’t the only fuel source to consider. The foods and drinks we consume can have a direct effect when it comes to minimizing muscle and joint pain post-exercise. Low-fat chocolate milk has the ideal recovery ratio of carbs to protein (4:1), so it can aid in faster muscle recovery. Nuts and seeds, as well as fish like salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation. Moreover, they’re packed with lean protein - a key element of muscle restoration. 4. Switch it Up Yes, you’re a golfer, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore other types of physical activity to up your performance on the course. By introducing other types of workouts, you’ll utilize different muscles and allow overused muscle groups a chance to heal and recover. For the 78 percent of people that participate in physical activity once or more a week, aches and pains are inevitable. Luckily, being equipped with thorough preparatory and recovery plans can make all the difference when it comes to getting back to feeling and performing your best.

January 2019

Immunity Boost While flu shots and rest are common advice for prevention, a strong immune system is critical to keeping you healthy all year long. According to Margaret Martin, a Registered Dietitian at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, “Your body’s ability to fight infection and disease depends on your immune system.”

Margaret she says keeping a healthy immune system is important for everyone. “Boosting your immune system during and after cancer treatment can help you feel better, maintain your strength, avoid treatment delays and speed your recovery. This goes for anyone fighting an illness, or preventing one.” Margaret offers these important tips to help boost your immune system and keep it running smoothly throughout the year.

Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine

Choose foods first as your source of vitamins and nutrients. Unless your healthcare team directs you to take a vitamin or supplement, you likely do not need one.

Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to stay energized and to ensure your body is getting enough calories, proteins and nutrients. In addition, drinking eight to 10 glasses of fluids every day is one of the most effective ways to flush waste from your body and support the health of your immune system. Fruits, vegetables and other plants contain naturally occurring substances known as phytochemicals. Phytochemicals act as soldiers in the immune system to protect the body from damage. Studies show that phytochemicals help support the: * Immune system * Creation of healthy cells * Death of damaged cells (such as cancer cells) The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers PearlPoint Nutrition Services to all cancer patients and caregivers, providing free nutrition education and consultations. Visit www.LLS.org/ nutrition for more information.

January 2019

Violins of Hope Violins of Hope tells the remarkable stories of violins played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust. Today these instruments serve not only as powerful reminders of an unimaginable experience but also reinforce key lessons of tolerance, inclusion, and diversity that are pertinent now as well as for future generations. Violins of Hope will be in Arizona February 3 – March 26, 2019. Israeli violinmaker, Amnon Weinstein, has devoted the last 20 years to locating and restoring the violins of the Holocaust as a tribute to those who were lost, including 400 of his own relatives. He calls these the Violins of Hope. Weinstein has restored more than 60 violins as a way to reclaim his lost heritage, give a voice to the victims, and reinforce positive messages of hope and harmony. The Violins of Hope have been played in concert halls and exhibited in museums throughout the world. They have been featured in books, print, film and television. They have been used in lectures and educational programs and their stories and messages have impacted hundreds of thousands of individuals.

award winning violinist Gil Shaham · Tribute concert honoring Holocaust survivors and their families as well as those that perished · Adult lecture series designed by ASU’s Center for Jewish Studies · Teacher training sessions on the Holocaust by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Bureau of Jewish Education · Photography exhibition at the Cutler- Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center featuring over 70 photos of Amnon Weinstein restoring the Violins of Hope · Book signing and lecture by Violins of Hope author, James Grymes. “In every major US city, except Phoenix, there is a Holocaust museum where people of all religions can go for education and knowledge,” said Julee Landau Shahon, co-chair of Violins of Hope. “In schools, the Holocaust is studied from a historical perspective but not in an in-depth, comprehensive way. Providing education on the Holocaust and relating lessons of the past to present day is key to creating a future where tolerance, hope and peace are valued.” Many events are free or low-cost to encourage participation. For more information: https:// violinsofhopephoenix.com/

Violins of Hope will transcend religious and other barriers to facilitate a community-wide dialogue about music, art, social justice and free expression and the importance of cooperation and collaboration to achieve common goals. The Violins of Hope program will feature: · Education programs for more than 17,000 students in grades 6 and higher in schools throughout the Valley and close to 5,000 students in Flagstaff, Sedona and Tucson · Free, multi-media exhibition of 21 Violins of Hope and their stories at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts · Two orchestral concerts featuring Grammy10 Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine

January 2019

Home Decor

While trends in home decor often change, there is one constant design feature that continues to shine, literally: metals. Today, homeowners can find creative ways to incorporate a regal touch that produces a timeless look with modern appeal. Take the Temperature A first step in implementing metallic decor is understanding the temperature of the metals. Think of brass, copper and gold as warm, while silver and aluminum are cooler, and cast iron or black metals are neutral. When you couple up a warm metal with a cool metal, youâ€™re golden. As a thought starter, step into the kitchen and balance copper or gold fixtures with stainless steel appliances. Heavy Metal Mixing It can be daunting to mix metals the right way, but understanding general rules can open the

Estrella Publishing - Itâ€™s A Grand Life magazine

doors to creative approaches. A key tip is to avoid mixing the same color family - such as gold and brass, or nickel and silver. Rather, choose one metal that can serve as the dominant and another to complement it - remembering your temperatures. And, donâ€™t be afraid to blend the same metal with different finishings to diversify the theme and pull a room together. Add Elements of Luxury A smart way to use metals is to go for the subtle shine. Simple and strategic touches of metal can bring a big impact, such as in picture frames, drawer pulls or door handles, and sink fixtures. You can also add a bit of regal to a room with accents on furniture or other fabric items such as pillowcases or throws, and kitchenware on display. A Gold Medal for Metal Metallics in home decor are as durable and lasting as the elements themselves. Incorporating the shine of brass, the sleek of silvers and the burnish of bronze can give your home an opulent and refined look.

January 2019

Cold Brew

Cold brew coffee is popping up everywhere, poised to be a top food trend in the new year. You may have seen it on the menu of your favorite coffeehouse or in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store, but what exactly is cold brew coffee, and why are people raving about it? Cold brew coffee is commonly confused with iced coffee, but the name comes from how it’s brewed rather than how it’s served. Cold brew coffee is slowly steeped in cold water using coarsely ground coffee beans. While you can brew a pot of traditional hot coffee in a few minutes, cold brew takes hours - 12 or more - to achieve the signature result.

formic, quinic and acetic) are a signature aspect of hot-brewed coffee’s flavor and aroma yet only dissolve in hot water. The cold brew method doesn’t extract the bright flavors associated with these acids but extracts the rich chocolate and caramel notes that result in the rich and smooth beverage with a difference that you can taste. The smooth, rich taste of cold brew can be savored by itself all year long. The caramel and chocolate notes extracted are characteristic features of cold brew and not something you’ll naturally find using other coffee brewing methods.

When you taste a high-quality cup of cold brew coffee, the difference is apparent. Coffee made using the cold brew method has a smoother, naturally sweeter result that tastes less acidic than traditional hot-brewed coffee. The reason for this is the solubility of the organic acids inherent in coffee are extracted at higher brewing temperatures. The organic acids (like citric, malic,

HAYMAKER PEORIA 24672 N Lake Pleasant Pkwy

623 566 1515

HAYMAKERAZ.COM

BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY!

OPEN DAILY AT 7AM

HAPPY HOUR 11-6 EVERYDAY ALL NEW BURGERS NOW! LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

WE DO CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS! TEXT CATERING TO 623.335.0091 TO GET 20% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER OF $300 OR MORE

12 Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine

January 2019

Financial Check It can be easy to lose sight of your financial goals, but this is an ideal time to reflect on your financial plan and review your savings and investing approach. Take these steps to maximize your savings and help position your portfolio favorably for the coming year:

1) Max out retirement savings (if you can): This is a good time to evaluate your overall savings and determine if you can bump up what you’re putting away for retirement. To help build your savings, it’s a good idea to take full advantage of your employee retirement plan, at least to the point of any employer match. You can also use lump sums, like an annual bonus, to give your savings a boost. Also, if you’re age 50 or over, you are allowed to add another $6,000 in catchup contributions, for a total of $24,500 a year in your 401(k). 2) Rebalance your portfolio: According to Schwab’s Modern Wealth Index, only 46 percent of investors have rebalanced their portfolio in the last year. With the increased turbulence in the

Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine

stock market recently, it’s possible your investment portfolios have strayed from their original target asset allocation. Rebalancing simply means selling positions that have become overweight in relation to your target allocation and moving the proceeds to positions that have become underweight. This can be especially important for people nearing or in retirement, who might not be able to withstand sudden volatility. 3) Take advantage of lesser-known savings strategies: If your employer offers a Health Savings Account (HSA) consider opening one. HSAs are tax-advantaged savings and investment accounts available to people with high-deductible health plans. You can set aside money in an HSA, free of federal taxes, to pay for qualified medical expenses like doctor visits and prescription medications. It’s easy to deprioritize your investments, but taking the time to evaluate your success and consider unexplored opportunities can put you on a better path for the coming years. To stay on the right track and make sound financial decisions over time, it’s also important to get a written financial plan in place.

January 2019

Home Sweet Home Whether you’re selling in a few months or a few years, there is one strategy that gets noticed in real estate markets across the United States: green home improvements. Green homes can sell faster and for more money than comparable houses without eco-friendly features.Here are five improvements to consider to green your home and help it stand out from the competition. Solar panels: Solar panels are extremely attractive to buyers who like that a system is already in place, and they can simply move in and enjoy the benefits. Plus, there’s a $5,911 resale increase per installed kilowatt, which means a 3.1 kilowatt system could improve your home’s resale value by about $18,000. Smart water-leak detection: Home water leaks waste 1 trillion gallons of water per year, according to the EPA. Use intelligent-water technology like the Phyn Plus smart water assistant + shutoff, which is installed on the main water line after the meter. Not only can you target invisible water leaks and make repairs to reduce your water footprint, but the device also shuts off the water in an emergency, so you never have to worry about damage from things like a burst pipe.

Homebuyers are sure to like the updated appearance of new windows, plus they’ll appreciate the savings from increased energy efficiency.

Landscaping and treescaping: . Strategically planting trees and shrubbery can provide bountiful eco-friendly benefits. During the hot months, shade from trees and other large plants can help keep a home cooler, so your HVAC systems don’t have to work as hard. By adding the right plants to your yard, you’ll add curb appeal and green resale benefits that go beyond beauty. Smart thermostat: Savvy homeowners looking to get the most out of green home improvements should consider a smart thermostat. They go beyond simple programming and are able to analyze home usage trends, make energyefficient setting suggestions, and can be controlled remotely. Whether you’re moving soon or will some time in the future, green home improvements boost value now. When it comes time to sell, these updates are sure to capture the attention of the modern homebuyer.

New windows: Heat gain and loss through windows are responsible for 25 to 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use, according to the U.S. 14 Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine

January 2019

Puzzles & Games 2 Sudokus for January - 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

5 9

2 6 9

1 6

8 2

6 6

Hard

6 9 1

6 5

8 1

8 5

1 2

Estrella Publishing - Itâ€™s A Grand Life magazine

January 2019

16 Estrella Publishing - Itâ€™s A Grand Life magazine

January 2019

Business Directory ADVERTISING It’s A Grand Life - Estrella Publishing 623.594.9283

623.640.0521 480.770.2471 602.935.0031 623.738.6064 623.215.4487 480.737.7210

J & B Cleaning Service ProSkill Plumbing

FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES Goldsmith Law Health Markets - V LaRocca Johnson & Associates Law Succentrix Business Advisors The Insurance Lady AZ - M Jewell Victory Financial Group - K Johnson

480.322.1088 623.233.2800 623.505.3903 623.594.9615 602.828.9937 623.243.6947

ReNew A Room The Window Cleaner AZ Tip Top PC Repair TLC Handyman & Housesitting

360.770.5998

HEALTHCARE & BEAUTY A Tender Dental Care Alycan Design Medspa In Home Senior Services Sunridge Dental Care Updegraff Clinic

PET CARE Desert Dogs Pet Services

623.556.2828 602.368.8413 623.584.9599 623.544.0700 623.975.4244

REAL ESTATE Arizona Premier Realty

623.692.9563

HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Al’s Plumbing Annihilation Pest Control Atlantic Relocation Systems General Exterminating Ginter Mechanical JBS Roofing

623.322.8881 480.649.6306 623.335.0091

623.329.5170 602.400.6853 602.352.6683 623.977.2100 480.938.8389 623.247.9252

RECREATION & RESTAURANTS Amuse Bouche Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino The Haymaker RELIGION Grace Community Church

623.975.9038

RETAIL SERVICES Budget Blinds of Gooodyear Pure Patio

480.629.8854 623.299.8000

Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine

January 2019

Here’s to a great 2019!

Let Your Residential and Commercial Roofing Contractor Keep Your Family Warm!  New Construction, Repairs, Recovers, Maintenance  Installation of Gutters & Attic Insulation  Shingles, Tile, Built Up Single Ply, Foam & Coatings, Metal, Shake

“Let Our Family Cover Yours”

We’re Here To Answer Your Questions. Give Us A Call!

www.JBSroofingAZ.com ROC #’s: 061127 - 287012 - 198009 - 082024 - 318282

18 Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine

January 2019

WHERE TRIPLE SEVENS EQUAL CLOUD NINE. Jingles. Chimes. Jackpots and cheers. Our gaming floor just expanded to include more slot machines. More tables. A new bingo hall and all the benefits of Total Rewards®. Come play among the thrills and forever run toward a bigger playground.

Play For All harrahsakchin.com

Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.®

January 2019

20 Estrella Publishing - Itâ€™s A Grand Life magazine

January 2019