JULY 2019
It’s A Grand Life® A magazine for Sun City Grand residents
Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
July 2019
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Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies and article reproductions can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com All contents © 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.
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Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
July 2019
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From Me To You... Have you heard the phrase ‘rooting for the underdog’? It occurred to me the other day that I had been using it at face value for many years without thinking about what it actually means.
easy as eating a piece of pie’ because making pie or cake for that matter is not always simple, for one thing I never have enough eggs in the house...
I was watching my new puppy play with Hank (our 5 year old Goldendoodle) and by play I mean Bandit was pushing his luck and Hank was tolerating the shenanigans. In this scenario you may have thought that Bandit at 20lbs and half a foot tall would be the aforementioned underdog. But no. Poor Hank has displayed a strong propensity for not being the Alpha Male in this household and as such is losing the fight before it even really gets going. Pretty soon Bandit will out weigh Hank and truly rule the roost. So for now we all pretend that Hank is schooling the puppy as I root for him, the larger, sweeter of the two. The true underdog.
‘Stab someone in the back’ is a particularly nasty one. I guess the act of betrayal can be as painful as being stabbed, depending on the person and level of trust that is broken. The sneaky suggestion that because it is from behind, you would not see it coming adds to the viciousness of the act.
Having started down this path of understanding, I thought about other phrases and idioms that I have been using at face value. For example ‘a piece of cake’ or ‘easy as pie’. I believe there are a few words missing there. It should read ‘as
Ever think about what ‘quitting cold turkey’ actually means? This idiom is said to have originated in the early 20th century and suggests that a person who suddenly quits something addictive—such as drugs or alcohol—suffers from side effects that make them look and feel like a cold, uncooked turkey. This includes pale (very white) skin and goose bumps. At least that one has an explanation! Although not a phrase, Oxtail Soup was my favorite meal for many years until one day I realized that I was eating OXTAIL SOUP. Never again. ‘Can’t see the forest for the trees’ is one that happens to me often. I get caught up in the little things and loose sight of the big picture. The minutiae of a thousand small tasks prevents me from seeing that the reason we do all those small things is to be able to enjoy the larger scope of our lives. Family, friends, love and laughter. Hold onto those things when the trees start to crowd in on you.
Catherine Uretsky Editor, It’s A Grand Life Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283 4 Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
July 2019
Road Trip Prep How to prepare for your next road trip
(BPT) - Almost 100 million Americans will go on a family vacation sometime this year, and nearly half of them will choose to make it a road trip, according to AAA. If your family is one of them, you’ll want to be sure to make adequate preparations before hitting the road. No matter how far you’re driving, or in what kind of vehicle, take these steps to help make sure your trip goes smoothly. With a little extra preparation, you’ll feel ready for any unexpected bumps along the road. Catch up on routine maintenance Before leaving for your trip, make time to get caught up on any routine maintenance items like oil changes, tire rotations and the like. Make sure there are no outstanding recalls for your vehicle. Have your mechanic check all of your vehicle’s fluid levels, the wiper blades, lights and signals, tire tread and PSI, plus, of course, the condition of your brakes. If you’ve noticed any issues at all with how your car is running, now’s the time to mention them so they don’t become a problem when you’re halfway to your destination. Prepare for tire troubles Because 1 in 3 new cars no longer include a spare tire, the demand for portable tire inflators continues to grow. Tire inflator products are convenient, easy to pack in your trunk, and are widely available at stores and online. They can get you back on the road quickly in case of puncture or other minor issue, keeping your vehicle going for 3 days or 100 miles, until you can get the damaged tire replaced. Nearly all commercial tire inflators use Honeywell Solstice Propellant, a nonflammable propellant that helps seal larger punctures than alternative propellants. Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
Honeywell Solstice Propellant also has ultra-low global warming potential. Even if you do have a spare tire and jack in your car, if you are unable or reluctant to change your tire for any reason, having a tire inflator along in addition to the spare offers a quicker, easier alternative that can help you out of a roadside jam. Check your load limit If you’re planning on packing or hauling a lot of extra gear, especially large or heavy items such as a boat, bikes or a trailer, check your towing capacity and/or load limit to be sure your vehicle can handle the extra weight or towing. Your vehicle’s load capacity is usually available in your owner’s manual and/or on the tire information in the driver’s door sill. For information, regulations and resources on towing a trailer, see the National Highway Traffic Safety Association’s website, nhtsa.gov. Make sure any extra load on your vehicle, such as a rooftop cargo carrier, is properly secured. Pack with safety in mind Bring along everything you and your family might need to stay safe and healthy during the trip, along with items you might need in case of a breakdown or other vehicle emergency. Be sure to include a standard first aid kit, along with bottled water and protein or energy bars, blankets, flashlights and batteries, a phone charger, jumper cables, plus warning flares or triangles. Be sure to have the number of a roadside assistance service programmed into your phone in case of emergency. If you take these steps to ensure your vehicle is in top condition and ready to roll, as well as packing what you’ll need in case of an emergency, you’ll know that your vacation will be fun and relaxing. Doing a little preparation ahead of time will give you the peace of mind to sit back and enjoy the journey.
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Yum Yum
Cranberry and Cilantro Quinoa Salad * 2 cups water * Pinch salt * 1 cup quinoa, rinsed * 1 cup sweetened, dried cranberries * 1/2 cup minced carrots * 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper * 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper * 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion * 3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro * 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice * 1 tablespoon vegetable oil * 1/4 teaspoon salt * Pinch ground red pepper
To the bowl of quinoa, stir in cranberries, carrots, peppers, onion and cilantro until mixed.
In a small saucepan, bring water and pinch of salt to a boil over high heat. Stir in quinoa, reduce heat and bring to a low simmer. Cover and cook until all liquid is absorbed (about 13 minutes).
In a small bowl, mix together lime juice, oil, salt and ground red pepper and pour over quinoacranberry mixture; toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Does not have to be served cold.
Remove from heat and transfer to a medium bowl. Cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
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Be Neighborly
In this age of political and economic uncertainty, many Americans are seeing the value of living in caring neighborhoods and acting as good neighbors. Further, the chance to meet others is often cited as a primary reason why millennials prefer living in urban neighborhoods. Interested in becoming a better inhabitant of your own neighborhood? Consider these suggestions aimed at promoting a kinder, friendlier environment.
* Introduce yourself. Instead of avoiding contact when in your yard or out for a walk, shake hands, say hi and make an effort to remember people’s names. Even when in-person contact is brief, it can go a long way toward helping people feel connected and more like friends than strangers. * Take new neighbors housewarming gifts. Make newcomers feel wanted and welcome by acknowledging their arrival with a thoughtful gift.
* Organize a neighborhood event. It could be as simple as a front-porch open house or as strategically planned as a neighborhood cleanup, but any gathering that brings people together to socialize is bound to create goodwill.
* Stay aware of who needs help. When possible, organize meal delivery, dog walking, transportation and/or other assistance for neighbors going through tough times. * Live by the golden rule. Treat your neighbors as you would like to be treated. Clean up after pets and kids, drive through at reasonable speeds, don’t be overly loud, mow at reasonable hours, return anything you’ve borrowed and stay aware of how you’re coming across to others. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, it can feel good to live in a neighborhood that feels more like a community than an anonymous collection of strangers. Consider how you can take initiative to create warmth and peace within your own neighborhood.
* Give new families contact info for neighbors and neighborhood amenities. Include phone numbers for emergency services, doctors’ offices, dentists, schools, babysitters, entertainment options, sources of great takeout food, dry cleaners and any other assets you think may be helpful.
Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
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Old Glory
The flag has led our troops into battle, inspired creativity and patriotism, and has served as a symbol of our country, our form of government and our freedom for more than 240 years. It has withstood difficult weather conditions and unimaginable assaults and remains flying outside our businesses, our schools, our government buildings, at our outposts around the world and on the moon. It is strong and resilient, just like the American people. In a world with so much unrest, our flag serves as an enduring reminder of our strength and the privileges of freedom and stability we enjoy in the United States. On Flag Day, take time as a proud American to show your patriotism, your strength and your support for the veteran community by celebrating our nation’s flag the right way. As you raise your Old Glory this Flag Day, remember these simple U.S. Flag Code rules: * When hoisting or lowering the flag, salute or place a hand over your heart.
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* Display the flag vertically from sunrise to sunset, whether indoors or outdoors. * The flag should not be displayed on rainy days, unless it is an all-purpose flag. * When lowered, the flag should never touch anything beneath it. To learn more about flag etiquette, visit ALAforVeterans.org.
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July 2019
Movie Time
Movies both bring us together and bridge generational divides. They help us relate to each other and understand past eras. Great movies also shape a generation, creating a common experience. They reflect the hopes and dreams of their audiences. Here are 7 movies to help forge connections between parents and children, or grandparents and grandchildren. They will evoke memories and provide lively topics for conversation. “Lady and the Tramp,” 1955, tells of two dogs born on opposite sides of the tracks who fall in love. Pampered cocker spaniel Lady feels neglected after her humans have their first baby. Tramp, a stray, also feels abandoned by humans. In “Rebel Without a Cause,” 1955, James Dean plays a teen from a middle-class family struggling with his identity and parental criticism. When he’s arrested for drunkenness, his bickering parents arrive, revealing their dysfunction. In jail, he befriends a girl who violated curfew and another troubled boy. The three develop a friendship, until
they run into trouble with a gang. A more lighthearted look at teen angst, “The Breakfast Club” (1985), follows an unlikely group suffering Saturday detention together. Although the teens are from different social cliques, they form a bond, learning they have more in common than they first thought. “Marty,” 1955, introduces a middle-aged man badgered by his family to get married. His mother pushes him to go to a dance, where he meets Clara, an “old maid” abandoned by her blind date for being “plain.” Though both are deemed unattractive by society, they overcome criticism from their community and make a connection. “When Harry Met Sally,” 1989, asks the question: Can men and women be friends? The comedy follows their friendship over the years, until it blossoms into romance. Interspersed with their love story are interviews with elderly couples telling how they first met. In “Some Like It Hot,” 1959, musicians who witnessed a mob massacre escape by dressing as women and joining an all-female band. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon star with Marilyn Monroe in a hilarious movie that questions gender stereotypes and myths about romance. Not to be outdone for comedy, “Tootsie,” 1982, also explores gender expectations. An out-ofwork actor with a bad reputation lands a soap opera gig disguised as a woman. Social norms are challenged as he navigates his new life - as a woman - while pursuing his acting career. Grab a bucket of popcorn and plan a fun movie night with your loved ones.
Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
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Retirement
Did you know nearly 1 in 3 people think they’re more likely to learn Bigfoot is real than to save enough to retire comfortably, according to a recent survey from AARP and the Ad Council? But successfully saving for retirement doesn’t have to be a fantasy - or scary. Chances are you’re better at saving than you think. Have you put kids through college? Bought a house? Purchased a car or two? You’re probably better at achieving financial goals than you give yourself credit for. The careful planning and savings skills you’ve already used can help you reach your next big financial goal: a secure retirement. The right tools make it easier. AARP and the Ad Council offer a free online resource to help you get started, where you can create your personal action plan in just a few minutes. Meet your friendly digital retirement coach, Avo, and get started at AceYourRetirement.org today. While everyone’s situation is unique, here are steps you can take today. 1. Take advantage of your employer’s retirement benefits. If your workplace offers a 401(k) or other savings plan, make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. If your employer matches part of your contribution, aim to contribute at least enough to get the full match.If possible, consider boosting your contribution past that employer match by a percentage or two, to increase your savings even more. A long-term goal might be to set aside 10-15% of your income as a contribution to your 401(k). 2. Try to pay down debt. No matter your situation, reducing debt is always smart, as debt you carry eats away at savings you’re trying to set aside. Check interest rates on your current mortgages, car loans, home equity 10 Estrella Publishing - It’s A Grand Life magazine
loans, parent loans or credit cards. Consider working toward paying down loans or cards with the highest interest rates first. Call your credit card companies and ask for a lower interest rate. Some debt may be eligible for refinancing, so consider that option to lower interest rates if possible. 3. Have a family conversation. When it comes to any big financial decision, it helps if everyone is on the same page. You and your spouse could create a budget and incremental goals to work on together. 4. Plan your retirement timing. “As soon as possible” isn’t the best way to decide when to retire. If your health and work situation allow, delaying retirement until your late 60’s or even early 70’s can make a big difference to your long-term financial security. Calculate your Social Security benefits to determine your best strategy at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html 5. Live within your means. Spending only what you can afford is key to financial security. Enjoy life now, but don’t let that enjoyment come at the cost of your future. Saving money consistently every month can help make a secure retirement a reality. These goals are within your control, and you can make progress if you start small, start today and make a plan.
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July 2019
Hardwood Care
Here are a few easy tips to care for hardwood floors the right way - quickly, efficiently and safely.
push the dirt around, or they can leave streaks of dirty water on your hardwood floors. Use a washable, reusable microfiber pad designed for hardwood floors to ensure dirt is lifted and trapped in the pad rather than just pushed around the room.
1. Clear out the clutter. Clearing out the room not only looks cleaner but will allow fewer places for those dust bunnies to collect. Carefully move large items out of the way, so you can give the room a wall-to-wall, thorough clean. If you have limited space, move a couple of pieces of furniture at a time. Enlist help from family or friends to avoid scratching your floors and to prevent a back injury. This is also a great opportunity to consider a new furniture arrangement, or to clear out little-used or wornout items to open your space.
4. Use the right solution. Did you know that some floor cleaners can damage hardwood floor finish? Standard soap and water, and products containing ammonia or vinegar-andwater solutions can strip the finish and dull your hardwood floors - even when diluted with water - making them look and feel less clean. Oil-based cleaning products can leave a residue, making the surface of your floor dangerously slippery. Instead, look for a residue-free, non-toxic cleaner specially developed to help clean and protect hardwood floors.
2. Banish the dust. Dust, sweep or gently vacuum hardwood floors first to remove all of the loose dust, accumulated pet hair and fine debris. Even small particles of dirt can create micro scratches in the finish.
5. Protect your floors. After cleaning your hardwood floors, consider using easily washable or vacuumable rugs under furniture to prevent marks or scratches from marring your hardwood floors. Furniture pads are another inexpensive investment to protect the floor finish. Finally, add doormats at key entryways in your home to grab dirt and debris before it ever hits the floor.
3. Get the right tools. Not just any old mop will do. Old-fashioned sponge or string mops tend to just
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Chronic Illness Being diagnosed with a serious chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease or multiple sclerosis is not only life-changing, it’s also complicated. Just figuring out how to pay for your prescribed medications, making sure your prescriptions are filled and available when you need them and remembering what medications to take and when is almost a full-time job. Dan Klein, president and chief executive officer of the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation, the largest independent charitable organization dedicated to helping people pay out-of-pocket costs for prescribed treatments, offers four tips to help seniors access the treatments they need and effectively control and manage a serious illness. 1. Have a conversation with your healthcare provider about different treatment options and what you can afford. Also, as part of this conversation, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask about the out-of-pocket costs associated with your prescribed medications, and to have a frank discussion about your ability to afford the
treatment. Your healthcare provider may be able to direct you to resources that can help you pay for treatment.
2. Determine how you will afford your medications. * You should review your current Medicare prescription drug plan and make sure that it meets your health and financial needs. There may be other plans that will help you better manage your out-of-pocket drug costs. Visit https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/ to see what options are available to you. * Check if you are eligible for Medicare assistance programs - like the Low-Income Subsidy Program, also known as Extra Help that can significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs. To learn more about the LIS program, visit https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/ prescriptionhelp/. * Sign up for FundFinder, a free web-based app developed by the PAN Foundation, that can help you find financial assistance from charitable foundations for your prescription medications. FundFinder delivers instant notifications via text or email when assistance from disease funds that you follow may be available at any charitable foundation. Living with an illness is stressful enough without the added worries about how to afford and manage costly and complex medications. You can learn more about patient assistance charities like PAN and the ways you can manage your chronic illness at panfoundation.org.
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Puzzles & Games 2 Sudokus for July - Medium & Hard
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
Medium
Hard
9 8 5
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