Main Street A magazine for Verrado & Victory residents
December 2023 From Your For Your Neighbors Estrella Publishing - MainNeighbors, Street magazine
™
December 2023
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December 2023
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SANTA NEEDS YOUR HELP!
JOIN US IN BLESSING OUR LOCAL KIDS IN NEED WITH SOME MUCH NEEDED CHRISTMAS LOVE. CAN YOU IMAGINE AS A CHILD NOT HAVING ANYTHING TO OPEN ON CHRISTMAS? NEITHER CAN WE, WHICH IS WHY WE HAVE PARTNERED WITH HOMELESS YOUTH CONNCETION TO HELP PROVIDE SOME HOLIDAY CHEER TO THOSE KIDS WHO NEED IT MOST!
DONATION ITEMS NEEDED: Gift Cards to Popular Food Chains Popular Kids Snacks Full Sized Hygiene Products
Gift Card Ideas: Raising Canes, Chick Fil A, Chipotle, Jimmy Johns, Subway, Salad and Go, Taco Bell, Culver’s. Snack Ideas: Mac and Cheese Cups, Cereal Cups, Granola Bars, Fruit Snacks, Chips Hygiene Products: Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion, Toothbrush, Tooth Paste, Soap, Razors, Deodorant
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Estrella Publishing - Main Street magazine VERRADO RESIDENTS & SPECIALISTS 623-694-6993
MIKE AND MARY DREFS VICTORY RESIDENTS & SPECIALISTS December 2023 623-693-1505
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December 2023
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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
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Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com
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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.
December 2023
From Me To You... The holidays can be a challenging time, family get togethers are wonderful but they also bring tension. All those personalities in one place can sometimes be more than one room can hold. The uncle who thinks he is funny, the cousin who boasts about everything, the sister you spend your life competing with, these are some of the characters that pop up in most people’s lives. It is so easy in life to see the worst in people, to lean towards the negative in a situation but this month I challenge you to find the glimmer. The opposite of a trigger. Those moments when happiness can shine through the gloom and spark joy not fear. Coined by Deb Dana, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in complex trauma, in her 2018 book “The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy,” “glimmers” refer to small moments when our biology is in a place of connection or regulation, which cues our nervous system to feel safe or calm. So now that Thanksgiving has passed, I challenge you to use the next family gathering to
find the good in people. Those moments that ‘glimmer’ with positivity and joy. Uncle Steven’s jokes may not hit the mark but he is bringing humor and life to the festivities. Your cousin may be boastful, but she is proud of her accomplishments and is looking for affirmation and acknowledgement. And that rivalry with your sister? Perhaps it is time for you to be the bigger person and let that animosity go - you will eventually feel better for it and at the very least you will have ‘won’ the best sister award for the night. In amongst all that positive thinking, save some for yourself. Look inside and see what you have improved on this year. Hold your head up at that family gathering, strong in the knowledge that you are the best version of yourself. That you may not be perfect, but you are a person worthy of love and understanding. Find the glimmer inside, and let it shine.
Catherine Uretsky Editor, Main Street magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623-398-5541
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On Our Cover
Sheryl Rangel-Gethner and Onkar Kang, the local owners of The UPS Store, would like to invite you to stop by and visit their newest location, located at 19445 W Indian School Road (southeast corner of Indian School Rd and Jackrabbit). This location is in addition to our Buckeye location, located at 485 S Watson Rd. Please allow us to introduce our business services to our new community…. As a trusted name in the world of shipping, printing, and small business solutions, The UPS Store is your one-stop destination for all things business-related. Our team at The UPS Store are all local and part of the Verrado community. We understand that the success of your business relies on our seamless operations and reliable services. That’s why we offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and individuals alike. From packing, shipping, printing, mailbox services, notary service, Fingerprinting, Faxing/ scanning, digital file transfers, and USPS services, we’ve got you covered. Our packing and shipping services are second to none. Whether you’re sending important documents, delicate merchandise, or large packages, our expert staff will ensure that your items are securely packed (offering you a pack and ship guarante) and reach their destination safely and on time. With a range of shipping
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December 2023
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College Applications With many moving parts and high stakes involved, it’s essential to approach college applications with a well-thought-out plan. From planning to budgeting to submitting your application, here are seven tips for navigating the typical college application process. * Create a timeline for your college application. When you begin applying, create a timeline with clear deadlines. This way, you’ll know when you need to finish each step and won’t get overwhelmed by the number of tasks ahead. * Identify key milestones related to your applications. Some schools offer Early Decision or Early Action options, with different deadlines from the standard decision deadline. Set personal deadlines too for gathering recommendations, crafting your essays and submitting your transcripts. * Research your schools. Not all colleges are a perfect fit. That’s why it’s important to find a school that aligns with your academic, personal and career goals. Dive into what makes each institution unique and how it may line up with your values and interests. * Figure out your financial aid options. Note the cost of tuition as well as things like room and board, books and program fees. Look into whether the school offers scholarships, grants, financial aid or work-study opportunities. * Build a budget for your college applications. In
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most cases, there are costs involved, including school application fees, fees to send test scores and fees to send high school transcripts. * Prepare your application to help you stand out. Colleges will look at your test scores and GPA, but they also want to know more about who you are as a student and professional. Extra application requirements, such as resumes and essays, showcase your skills and what makes you unique. * Submit your application to the school. As your deadlines approach, double-check your applications for accuracy and ensure you have all the materials you need. Once completed, submit your applications with confidence. Take pride in knowing you’ve put your best foot forward. The college application process is an adventure, but with careful planning, you’ll find the perfect school that fits your goals for the future.
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December 2023
Mental Health It’s the season for family gatherings and resolutions. Family gatherings can bring both joy and stress. Thinking ahead to our goals for the next year, we often focus on self-improvement or showing up for other people in our lives. But there is one action that accomplishes both and can improve our mental health significantly: Deepening connection. The advice here can apply to any space or time, but can create connection and lessen conflict at the holidays.
“Social connection is a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water and shelter,” wrote Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, in his recent advisory Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. He shared the sobering fact that research shows that social disconnection is as bad for our overall health as “smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.” This year, The Jed Foundation (JED), which is focused on promoting mental health and preventing suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, is offering concrete ways to start important and vulnerable intergenerational conversations that are the foundation of strong,
supportive relationships. They can also be life-changing and - sometimes - life-saving.
Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death among 10- to 34-year-olds in the U.S., but it is preventable. Everyone has three key tools they can use to support young people: showing up, being willing to have hard conversations, and listening deeply. Being able to talk openly about suicide opens the door through which people find help. “One of the best ways to care for your emotional health, and the emotional health of those around you, is by connecting to people you care about,” said Dr. Katie Hurley, DSW, a child and adolescent psychologist and Senior Clinical Advisor at JED. “Through social connectedness, you can create a solid foundation for mental wellbeing.” To learn more about how you can invest in your mental health and that of the young people in your life, visit JED’s Mental Health Resource Center and check out JED’s Guides to having tough - but important - conversations. For example, 10 tips to start a conversation with your teens about their mental well-being. https://jedfoundation.org
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December 2023 11
Yum Yum
This Savory Bread Pudding recipe is a perfect side dish for the holidays. The better the bread + cheese you use, the better this recipe comes out. You can also add pieces of ham, cooked bacon, or sausage if you like. Savory Bread Pudding Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees 1 tbs Butter 1 medium Onion (red, yellow or white), diced ½ tsp dried Oregano ½ tsp dried Thyme 1 tbs Olive Oil 8 ounces of Brown Mushrooms, wiped clean and sliced Salt + Pepper ¼ tsp Paprika 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper 2 Cups Milk 3 Large Eggs, beaten 2 tbs sliced Green Onion. 3-4 cups assorted Bread, cut into 1-2 inch cubes 2 cups mixed shredded cheese such as
Provolone, Cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, Jack, Parmesan, or whatever you have on hand. The more the merrier. Sautee onions in butter over medium-high heat. Add herbs and cook until onion is soft. Add the olive oil to the pan, turn up the heat and add mushrooms, cook stirring frequently about 3 minutes. Add ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, Paprika and Cayenne and remove from heat. Beat eggs thoroughly then add milk, ½ teaspoon salt and add green onions. Butter rectangle baking dish and arrange half the bread on the bottom. Top with the mushroom mix, and then half the cheese, then remainder of bread and top with the rest of the cheese. Pour milk mixture over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove cover and continue baking about another 10-15 minutes until custard is set. Don’t worry if some of the bread pieces start getting brown and crusty, it’s a good thing! Remove from oven and let sit about 5 minutes before serving. Serves 4.
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December 2023
Holiday Hosting Gathering together with your loved ones to enjoy the cheer and fun of the season is great, but don’t you wish there were ways to make it easier and less stressfu? Luckily, there are. You can have a blast hosting family and friends by following a few easy principles. Here are ideas for keeping your next holiday party merry and bright from start to finish.
1. Create the kind of party you’d want to attend Start by asking yourself what makes a party a success. Love getting dressed up and sitting down at a fancy table for a formal dinner? If so, that’s the kind of holiday party you should host. If not, think about what you’ve enjoyed at memorable celebrations from your past. Make a quick list of the high points from different shindigs you’ve attended and see if you can include some of them in your party plan.
2. Make it a family affair Get the whole family involved in party preparations by assigning tasks to kids that are appropriate according to their age level, such as making and putting up decorations or decorating cookies. If you have friends who feel just like family, see if they’re willing to come early to help with the setup - and make sure to get them an extra-special holiday goody bag to thank them! 3. Designate specific party rooms Since it may not be possible to make every room in your home 100% clean for the party, make sure the central rooms are in good shape, then mark some rooms “off limits” for partygoers, using festive garlands or funny signs, asking people not to enter. If your front closet has no room for extra coats and bags, designate a guest room or office as a coat room so guests will know where to put their things when they arrive. 4. Add festive decorations Create an immersive holiday atmosphere by decorating your entertaining space. Cover the room in festive decor, such as a decorated fireplace mantel, a special wall decked out in holiday lights, children’s artwork or a doorway framed in holiday greenery. The goal is to create a cheerful ambiance that delights your guests at every turn. Hosting during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. Use these tips to help you relax and enjoy the cheer and fun of the season.
Estrella Publishing - Main Street magazine
December 2023 13
DEC
2-3 DEC
02 DEC
SANTA EXPER IENCE: THE CENTER ON MAIN SAT 9:00AM-6:00PM SUN 9:00AM-3:00PM
VER RADO TR EE LIGHTING: THE VILLAGE GR EEN 7:00PM-8:00PM
Travel through a winter wonderland to create your own magical crafts, sit for a photo with St. Nick, and send your wish list to the North Pole via express service. Register your household in advance. Don’t miss Verrado’s annual tree lighting celebration. Gather with neighbors to kick off the most magical time of th eyear during this charming tradition-the lighting of Verrado’s live tree.
“THE ELF ON A SHELF MUST DIE” 2:00PM-4:00PM
Presented by the Verrado High School 20050 W Indian School Road Tickets are $5.00 and are sold at the door.
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WE HEART CHR ISTMAS TOUR 4:00PM-8:00PM
Tour 6 Christmas decorated homes in Verrado. All proceed go to EBeauty Charity. Wristbands are $20 for each person and can be purchased at any home tour door. For more info, contact Tara McKenna at 623-980-8504
DEC
HANNUKKAH MENORAH LIGHTING: THE CENTER ON MAIN RECURRING EVERYDAY
Join neighbors at The Center on Main patio for the lighting of the 6-foot menorah during Hannukah. The event begins at sundown around 5:15pm. Everyone welcome.
SANTA RUN: THE CENTER ON MAIN 8:00AM-2:00PM
Join neighbors for the 1st annual Buckeye Santa Run! Participants can sign up and choose to walk or run one mile, 5k, or 10k. Come dressed in your North Pole best — the most festive Santa costume will win a prize, plus, all finishers will receive a medal. Please note, no pets are allowed to participate in the run.
02 DEC
7-15 DEC
16
VERRADO HOMEOWNER/RESIDENT SINCE 2005
Anne King
REALTOR ® Keller Williams Elite Realty
480.363.6301 anne@annekingrealtor.com www.annekingrealtor.com If you have a brokerage relationshi p with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation.
14 Estrella Publishing - Main All information deeme d reliable but not guarantee d.Street magazine
December 2023
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Estrella Publishing - Main Street magazine
First Arizona Title Agency has an advertising relationship with this real estate agent. There are many title and escrow companies in Arizona and we would recommend that you shop for a title and escrow company before making a selection. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
December 2023 15
Home Updates
2. Improved energy efficiency. One smart move is upgrading to energyefficient window attachment products. The products will help with regulate home’s indoor temperatures, as well as If you’ve been thinking about making improving comfort for you and your family improvements to your home and dreaming of the - while also helping to reduce your utility bills. possibilities, you may be imagining expensive 3. Ease of use. With today’s advanced renovations or a complete design overhaul. But technology, you can get even more out of your the truth is, you can start with smaller projects window coverings. Motorized and automated that offer a big impact. For example, one options with remote or smart home integration simple but effective and budget-friendly project make adjusting your window treatments easier that’s frequently overlooked is updating your than ever, and you can even make adjustments window coverings. This easy upgrade can have right from your smartphone. As an added bonus, a significant effect on the aesthetics, energy you can even close your blinds remotely while savings and even safety of your living spaces. you’re away from your home, for additional security and privacy. Here are four compelling reasons why you should 4. Safety improvements. Kids in the home? If consider updating your window coverings first. you have corded window coverings, you may 1. Enhanced aesthetics. Window coverings not realize that you have what the Consumer serve as both functional and decorative Product Safety Commission calls one of the “top elements, and they are highly visible both hidden hazards in the home” as they may pose a indoors and from the outside. You’ve probably strangulation risk to infants and young children. already observed how outdated or worn-out It’s important to take notice of the window curtains, blinds or shades can bring down the coverings wherever children live or visit, and overall appearance of a room. By updating your make necessary safety updates. window treatments, you can instantly infuse a Refreshing your window coverings can be a fresh look that will complement your interior straightforward, quick and impactful first step in design style. renovating any of the rooms in your home.
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December 2023
Giving
This holiday season is the perfect time to nurture your little one’s empathy, generosity, compassion and gratitude. Here are four ways, suggested by Joy Turner, Kiddie Academy’s Educational Child Care vice president of education, that parents can seize the holiday spirit and inspire it year round. Discuss the reason for the season Take some time this year to discuss what really makes this season special - quality time with loved ones and meaningful traditions. Consider holiday traditions you loved as a child and how you can share them with your own family. Maybe there’s a special recipe, craft or family outing that you always looked forward to. You can also use the occasion to create new traditions - this is a great opportunity to connect your children to their culture and family and foster a deeper sense of self. Encourage acts of kindness Encouraging children to perform acts of kindness is a great way to teach compassion and empathy. Try striking up a family conversation about
different ways you can show thoughtfulness to others, and invite your children to be active participants. After discussing, challenge them to put their ideas into action - it can be as simple as sharing their toys with siblings or friends or making homemade cards for a local nursing home. Fostering these practices of kindness builds children’s self-esteem and instills values that will last far beyond the holiday season. Redefine gift giving Inspire your children to actively participate in the gift-giving process - which doesn’t always have to include a physical object such as a toy or a gift. Giving can also involve discovering methods to bring joy to others through acts of kindness. For example, teach your children that they can display generosity by helping someone build their block tower or soothing a friend who’s sad. Practice gratitude Conversations of gratitude are often put off until families are gathered around the Thanksgiving table. Instead, try to make it a daily activity. Use this holiday season to kick off a family thankfulness practice. Over time, the practice will become a valuable habit that will continue to serve your children long after the holiday feasts have been eaten.
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December 2023 17
The Bug Guy
As we deck the halls and roast chestnuts on an open fire, uninvited guests may be scheming to crash our holiday parties – pests! Fear not, for I bring you a hilarious guide to keeping those pesky pests away during the most wonderful time of the year. First, let’s talk about the notorious Christmas tree invaders. These sneaky critters love to hitch a ride on your evergreen and unleash chaos in your living room. To combat this, we recommend performing a good old-fashioned Christmas tree shake-down. Vigorously shake that tree and watch as any creepy crawlers make a grand exit. Just make sure your pets are not startled in the process – the last thing you want is your furry friend playing fetch with a spider! While you’re busy putting up decorations, don’t forget to be vigilant against unwanted creepy crawlies that may take up residence in them. Check every nook and cranny for signs of pest infiltration. Imagine hanging mistletoe and finding yourself face-to-face with a spider instead of your significant other! Talk about an unexpected twist in your holiday romance.
comical fruit fly swatting dance. Imagine yourself as a charming conductor, brandishing a fly swatter like a baton, orchestrating a symphony of fruit fly eviction. Finally, should your DIY pest control efforts fall short, it might be time to bring in the big guns – professional pest control experts. These brave souls can handle any pest predicament, and their extermination tales could rival the most gripping holiday blockbusters. Prepare yourself for stories about epic battles with legions of ants or daring squirrel rescues from chimneys. Armed with a sense of humor and these tips, you can chase away those pests and continue celebrating with a jolly heart and a bug-free home. After all, nothing ruins a holiday gathering like an unexpected visit by pests, unless, of course, you’ve invited Cousin Eddie – but that’s a whole other story! Happy holidays and happy pest control adventures! Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
Let’s not overlook the battle against those pesky fruit flies. They seem to have some magical teleportation powers and appear out of thin air once you’ve left some fruit out on the counter. To outsmart these tiny tricksters, we suggest engaging in a 18 Estrella Publishing - Main Street magazine
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December 2023
Covid Safety
Many people feel the need to shield their loved ones from harm’s way and preserve and protect what’s most precious - whether it’s a life partner, children, or elderly parents, and that includes protection from infectious diseases like COVID. Although COVID is no longer considered a public health emergency, it remains an ongoing health concern for Americans. However, COVID vaccine fatigue remains a major obstacle in maintaining immunity and keeping vaccination rates high. COVID vaccines play an important role in helping to protect people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying from COVID. Vaccines are especially important for populations like the elderly and those with weakened immune systems who are at an increased risk for severe outcomes from COVID. “The good news is that we have COVID vaccine options available. As of September 2023, public health officials stated they anticipate
the updated COVID vaccines will be better at fighting currently circulating variants,” said Dr. Jehan “Gigi” El-Bayoumi, MD, FACP, Founding Director, Rodham Institute and Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University School of Medicine. “I recommend that people discuss COVID vaccine options with their healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine the best option for them, including if you’re eligible to get other vaccines, like the flu shot, at the same time.” This season, updated COVID vaccine options are available, including protein-based and mRNA options. It’s important to know that people who received one type of COVID vaccine previously do not have to receive the same kind again. What you can do to help Choose to Protect * Learn more about vaccine options by visiting www.ChooseToProtect.com. * Download the discussion guide to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how to stay upto-date with COVID vaccination. * Share with your family and friends so they can also Choose to Protect. Talk to your healthcare provider about the COVID vaccine option that’s right for you
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Scan
t men
e O h t rna r fo
**All entries regardless of winning will receive a special gift!**
FOR CHILDREN AGES 12 & UNDER LIVING IN VERRADO
Winners to receive a Target Gift Card
1st Place: $50 2nd Place: $25 3rd Place: $15
All ornament entries must be turned in by MONDAY, December 18th by 5pm Voting will take place December 19th-21st on BOTH: Facebook: @AshleighHermanRealtor Instagram: @AshleighFHerman Winners will be announced on Friday, December 22nd & Prizes will be delivered on Saturday, December 23rd! ONLY FIRST NAMES WILL BE SHARED VIA SOCIAL MEDIA WHEN VOTING OCCURS
ALL Entries Must Provide the Information: Full Name of the Parent & Child, E-mail address, Phone Number, and House Address for prize delivery.
Ashleigh Herman
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December 2023
Money Matters You may spend decades contributing to various retirement accounts. But for some accounts, such as a traditional IRA and 401(k), you must start withdrawing funds at a certain point. What should you know about this requirement? Technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs, the rules governing these withdrawals have changed recently. For many years, individuals had to begin taking their RMDs when they turned 70½. The original SECURE Act of 2019 raised this age to 72, and SECURE 2.0, passed in 2022, raised it again, to 73. Not all retirement accounts are subject to RMDs. They aren’t required for a Roth IRA, and, starting in 2024, won’t be re- quired for a Roth 401(k) or 403(b) plan. But if your account does call for RMDs, you do need to take them, because if you don’t, you could face tax penalties. RMDs are taxed as ordinary income, and, as such, they could potentially bump you into a higher tax bracket and possibly even increase your Medicare premiums, which are determined by your modified adjusted gross income.
Are there any ways you could possibly reduce an RMD-related tax hike? You might have some options. Here are two to consider: • Convert tax-deferred accounts to Roth IRA. You could lower your RMDs in the future — while adding funds to an account you’re never required to touch. So, if you don’t really need all the money to live on, you could include the remainder of the Roth IRA in your estate plans, providing an initially tax-free inheritance to your loved ones. what’s known as a qualified charitable distribution, you can move up to $100,000 of your RMDs directly from a traditional IRA to a qualified charity, avoiding the taxes that might otherwise result if you took the RMDs yourself. After 2023, the $100,000 limit will be indexed to inflation. Of course, before you start either a Roth IRA conversion or a qualified charitable distribution, you will need to consult with your tax advisor, as both these moves may not be appropriate for your situation. But it’s always a good idea to know as much as you can about the various aspects of RMDs — they could play a big part in your retirement income strategy. Submitted by Wayne Polk, AAMS, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones
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December 2023 21
Building Protective Factors
In our ongoing mission to foster resilience and fortify the foundations of our families, schools, and communities, the cultivation of protective factors emerges as a potent strategy. Within the framework of our transformative ‘Get in the Way’ campaign, responsible adults in our community take the lead in strategically implementing protective measures, steering our youth away from the pitfalls of drug and alcohol use during their formative years. A pivotal component of this initiative involves active participation in the Arizona Youth Survey (AYS), conducted biennially. The AYS serves as a compass, guiding us toward behaviors that effectively shield our youth from the perils of risk factors. Insights from young individuals who abstain from drugs and alcohol unveil crucial elements that deter them from succumbing to substance use and related issues.
Amidst these positive developments, it is imperative not to overlook critical risk factors. Youth who underestimate the risks of drug use are more prone to engaging in such behaviors. Additionally, those grappling with prolonged feelings of sadness and negative self-attitudes are at an increased risk of substance use. We work to provide adults and youth with the tools to navigate life’s challenges without resorting to drugs or alcohol. Find our ad in this month’s issue, scan the QR code, and discover easily accessible information on youth drug use, drug facts, and guides for constructive conversations with your children and grandchildren. Let’s collectively empower the next generation to embrace a future free from the shackles of substance abuse. Let’s Get in the Way together! Visit: http://www.wowcoalition.org
The influence of family dynamics cannot be overstated, as evidenced by the positive impact of parental praise, encouragement, and active engagement with a child’s achievements. Valuing youth as integral members of the family fabric opens avenues for meaningful participation, contributing to a sense of purpose that acts as a shield against destructive behaviors. The looming threats of academic failure and low commitment can be mitigated within the school environment by affording young people opportunities for meaningful participation in significant school activities. Recognition and reward for their contributions further dissuade involvement in substance use and related problems. Active involvement in positive school and community activities and volunteering efforts emerges as a powerful protective shield for our youth. Notably, regular attendance at religious services is associated with a decreased likelihood of engaging in problematic behaviors. 22 Estrella Publishing - Main Street magazine
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December 2023
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Can’t wait to enjoy the great weather outside? Let us help you get those bugs under control.
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December 2023
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December 2023
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