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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
Talia Uretsky, Assistant Editor Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com
Although this summer seemed to drag on for years, we have finally entered the blissful ‘My weather is better than yours!’ phase of Arizona life.
Up north, people are stockpiling supplies as if preparing for nuclear winter whenever the forecast whispers “snow flurries.” Here in Arizona, my biggest winter challenge is remembering where I stored my light jacket last March. That’s it. That’s the preparation. I remember how northern weather forecasts sounded like military operations. “Winter Storm Thor approaching! Expect 8-12 inches of accumulation, wind chills of minus ridiculous, and absolute chaos at every grocery store!” In Arizona, our severe winter warnings are more like, “Alert: Temperature might dip below 60°F. Locals may experience mild confusion about appropriate outfit choices.”
The financial differences are laughable too. My northern friends budget for winter like they’re financing a small nation: snow tires, heavy coats, heating bills that could fund a semester of college, and endless car washes to remove that mysterious gray salt crust that appears every winter. Meanwhile, I’m using my “winter savings” for golf rounds in January.
But perhaps the most satisfying moment is when I send them sunny selfies in February, usually featuring a pool or palm tree in the background. It’s petty? Perhaps. Enjoyable? Absolutely. The responses typically include colorful language and creative suggestions about where I can store my sunshine.
So here’s to you, Arizona winter, you beautiful, mildmannered season. You may not give me snow angels, but you also don’t give me back pain from shoveling, the existential dread of starting a cold car at 5 AM or the sweat inducing olympic level sport of shoving children into snowsuits they despise. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Catherine Uretsky Editor, Main Street Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com
623.398.5541
P.S. To my northern friends reading this - yes, I know I’m insufferable. No, I won’t stop bragging. Come visit anytime... preferably between November and February.
On Our Cover
Your Local UPS Store - 7484
As the holiday season approaches, The UPS Store team at Verrado is prepared to help our local community members, and the surrounding communities alike prepare for the upcoming holidays. For many, this means turning to The UPS Store, which offers a variety of essential services.
The UPS Store offers printing services for your custom holiday needs. Whether you’re a business looking to create seasonal marketing materials or an individual sending personalized gifts, The UPS Store’s print services can help you stand out. We can help you with party invitations, brochures, banners, even gift tags and many other print needs.
Throughout the holiday season, The UPS Store enhances its services to accommodate the increased demand. Whether you’re a small business owner or a shopper preparing for the holidays, our team at the Verrado, The UPS Store location and our Watson
Road location has you covered with a range of convenient options for your package needs
Our team at The UPS Store offers professional packing services to help you securely ship your holiday gifts and packages. Their packing experts are trained to pack items of all shapes and sizes, ensuring that your goods arrive safely. If you have fragile, valuable, or oversized items, our custom packing services are a great solution. During peak season, expect longer wait times, so it’s a good idea to plan and take advantage of these services early.
To ensure that your packages reach their destinations on time, it’s important to be aware of The UPS Store shipping deadlines for the 2024 holiday season.
· Ground Shipping (UPS Ground): Deadline: Friday, December 13, 2024
· 2nd Day Air (UPS 2nd Day Air): Deadline: Tuesday, December 19, 2024
· Next Day Air (UPS Next Day Air): Deadline: Thursday, December 21, 2024
If you’re shipping last-minute gifts or documents,.
· International Shipping Deadlines
If you’re sending packages internationally, be aware that shipping deadlines vary by destination. UPS recommends shipping internationally by early December to avoid delays and ensure packages arrive in time for the holidays.
So, during the busy holiday rush, let The UPS Store be your helpers for a successful holiday season.
Wishing our Verrado community The Happiest of Holidays and a prosperous New Year!
From: Sheryl, Onkar and our The UPS Store Family
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Cook With Zona
Oreo Cream Cheese Balls
The holiday season is all about creating memories with family and friends, and these Oreo Cream Cheese Balls are a fun and interactive treat to make together with kids or grandkids. Whether you’re preparing them for a Christmas gathering, a New Year’s Eve celebration, or a cozy evening by the fireplace, these bite-sized delights are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dessert that feels special, without spending hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make a batch of these Oreo Cream Cheese Balls—perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring during the most wonderful time of the year.
Steps
1. Crush Oreos into fine crumbs. Use a food processor or mash them up in a ziplock bag.
2. Mix in cream cheese until combined.
3. Scoop dough and roll it into small balls.
4. Place them on a cookie tray, lined with wax paper or parchment paper and chill in the fridge for about 10-20 minutes.
5. Remove from the freezer and dip each ball in a bowl of melted chocolate.
6. Optional: Sprinkle some additional crushed Oreos, or crushed candy canes, or drizzle more chocolate on top before the chocolate sets.
If you have a recipe you’d like to share with your community email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com to be featured in the magazine!
Prep time: 10 mins | Cool Time: 30 mins | Total time: 40 mins
Ingredients
1. 1 pack of Oreos - regular, not double-stuffed
2. 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
3. Semi-sweet/dark/white chocolate (your choice; this chocolate is for coating the balls)
4. Toppings of your choice: Candy canes, chocolate drizzle, crushed Oreos
Blue Line Painting
7. Allow the balls to sit in the fridge for 10-20 minutes. Enjoy!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your Oreo Cream Cheese Balls or tag us on social media @EstrellaPublishing.
The Bug Guy
Deck the Halls (and Protect Them Too): Pest Control Tips for a West Valley Christmas
As the weather cools and the Christmas spirit fills the air in West Valley, homeowners must also be mindful of unwanted visitors - pests looking to get cozy for the holidays. From rodents seeking shelter to insects hitching a ride on greenery, pest control is an essential part of holiday home preparation in the desert Southwest.
Top of the list are pack rats, a common problem in the West Valley. These rats like areas next to or under outdoor furniture and around the base of cacti, and even the BBQ grill to nest. It’s easy to deny roof rats a warm holiday home. Homeowners should also be on the lookout for rodent droppings and nesting materials.
Another yuletide nuisance, the Sonoran Desert termite, thrives in the mild winters of central Arizona. These wood-munching insects can cause serious structural damage if left unchecked. Regular termite inspections and proper treatment are crucial, especially for homes with wood-based construction.
Decorating with natural greenery also brings increased risk of pests. Spiders, and aphids can easily hitch a ride on live Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands. Carefully inspect all holiday foliage before bringing it inside and consider opting for artificial options if pest problems persist.
While visions of sugarplums dance in residents’ heads, West Valley homeowners must stay vigilant against the realities of seasonal pests. Proactive pest control measures - from sealing entry points to scrutinizing holiday decor - can help ensure a festive and pest-free Christmas in the desert.
From the crew at Estrella Mountain Pest Control, we wish you a spectacular holiday season surrounded by friends and family.
Holiday Plans
Here’s a guide to gracefully handling family holiday gatherings:
When you first arrive, read the room before diving in. Some relatives might be tired from traveling, while others are bursting to share their latest news. Start with light greetings and offer to help with any lastminute preparations – it’s an excellent way to ease into conversations naturally while scoring points with the hosts.
Master the art of the strategic float. Like a social butterfly with a game plan, move between different conversation clusters. When Uncle Bob starts his third rendition of the same political rant, suddenly remember you need to check on those sweet potatoes. If Aunt Linda begins probing about your love life, spot your cousin across the room who “desperately needs your pie-cutting expertise.”
Keep a few universal conversation lifelines handy. Ask about vacation plans, share a funny (but inoffensive) story about your pet, or bring up that new restaurant downtown. Think of these as your conversational escape hatches – when things get tense, deploy them like a social airbag.
Remember that food can be your friend. A full mouth is a perfectly valid reason not to immediately respond to probing questions. Plus, complimenting the cooking can instantly change the subject and make someone’s day. If you’re really stuck, offer to do a coffee run or grab more ice – instant escape plan!
Position yourself strategically. Sitting at the kids’ table might seem like defeat, but it could be a tactical victory. Children rarely ask about your five-year plan or why you changed jobs. Plus, they’re usually delighted to explain their favorite video games or show you their latest art projects.
When sensitive topics arise, deploy the gentle deflectand-redirect maneuver. “That’s an interesting perspective on cryptocurrency, Grandpa. Hey, didn’t
you have some amazing stories about your first job? I’d love to hear those instead!” Sometimes the best way to handle hot topics is to reach into the past.
If you feel overwhelmed, it’s perfectly fine to take short breaks. A brief “bathroom break” can actually be a five-minute breather in the spare room to scroll through your phone or do some deep breathing. Think of them as social intermissions – necessary for pacing yourself through a marathon of family time.
Remember, most relatives are just trying to connect, even if their methods are as subtle as a foghorn. Sometimes nodding along and saying “interesting!” while thinking about your grocery list is the wisest path to family harmony. After all, the gathering will end, but screenshots of your social media rants last forever.
Consider it anthropological research – you’re not dealing with difficult relatives, you’re gathering material for future stories. Sometimes reframing the experience makes it more bearable, even entertaining. Plus, there’s usually pie, and pie makes everything better.
DISCOVER SENIOR LIVING AT ROBSON RESERVE
At Robson Reserve at PebbleCreek, an award-winning independent and assisted living community, you’ll discover a redefined retirement lifestyle. Come experience our resort-style amenities, hospitality, exciting events, and activities. Join us for a personal tour and a complimentary lunch! Call 623.471.5665 to make your reservation. Host your next club meeting with us! Call 623.471.5665 for details.
The Doctor Is In
Ask Dr. Jen: The #1 Ingredient for Success, Part 3
As promised, this month we’re looking at how to tackle the fear behind your lack of confidence so you can stop using it as an excuse. When it comes to fear, you have 2 choices: Stay stuck in it or see it as a call to action. Your brain doesn’t know the difference between anxiety and excitement, so default to the latter and get moving!
When fear creeps in, I want you to ask yourself this question: “What is my fear telling me?” In other words, what does it mean, why is it here RIGHT NOW? Really think about what you’re afraid of, what’s on the other side of that door you’re scared to walk through, whatever that is for you. Then, employ my “Fear to Action Approach,” which includes 4 ways to dispute fear and get over your dang self. There’s not enough space here to go into all 4, so I’ll talk about one of them and direct you to a source for the others.
Method 1: When fear strikes, let go of that “FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real” and instead use your fear as a REMINDER to “FEAR: Factually
Examine Alternative Realities.” This means getting out of your feelings and looking at things differently. It means asking yourself, “What other ways can I see what’s in front of me?” You have to change the way the situation occurs to you to take the power out of it and see it as just another task on your to-do list, like getting gas or picking up the groceries. You can do this by playing devil’s advocate and presenting yourself with an alternative perspective, such as “Maybe I’ll actually succeed to some degree” or “Maybe it won’t be a complete and utter failure.” You can also ask yourself, “What’s another interpretation of events?” or “How else might this play out in a way that’s not life-threatening?” That one should keep you busy for awhile! Very few things are life and death.
You just gotta roll the dice and go for it! Divorce the lie that you can’t do it and marry the truth that you can at least TRY.
Submitted by Jennifer Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist
DISCLAIMER: Material is for informational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional. Material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with written permission of Dr. Bellingrodt.
Money Matters
Like most of us, you may someday want to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Your ability to achieve this goal will depend on how much you save — but it also matters how much you spend. And saving and spending are certainly related: Over many years, even relatively small amounts diverted from spending to saving and investing could add up substantially.
How can you go about potentially reducing your spending? Here are a few suggestions:
• Use a budgeting tool. If you’re not already doing so, you might want to consider using a free online budgeting tool. These apps can reveal redundancies that, once eliminated, could save you money. For example, you might find that you’re spending a notinsignificant amount on streaming services you rarely use.
• Take advantage of employee benefits. If you work for a mid-size or large company, you may have an extensive employee benefit plan, which could include discounts on some products and services. Also, if you are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan through your employer, you might have access to a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), either of which may let you lower your out-ofpocket health care costs by using pre-tax dollars to pay
for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and some other qualified expenses.
• Shop around for insurance. Many people stick with their auto, homeowners and life insurance policies year after year, even though they might be able to save some money by switching to another company. But even if you stay with your current company, you might find ways to save money by taking steps such as adding a home security system.
• Compare credit cards. Ideally, you should pay off the bill each month to avoid interest charges. Sometimes, though, you may need to use your card for other purposes, and it may not always be possible to pay your bill in full. That’s why you’ll want to review credit cards periodically to find one with lower interest rates, a favorable balance transfer offer and a better rewards program.
It’s not always easy to cut down on your spending, but when you do, it can provide more peace of mind — and an opportunity to boost your savings for what could be a long and active retirement.
Submitted by Brian Polk, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones, Verrado resident
Gift Giving
Giving gifts is all about showing someone how much you love and care about them, but picking out the perfect present is no easy task. Gift shopping doesn’t have to be stressful; and remember you don’t have to fork over an arm and a leg when holiday shopping for everyone on your list. Whether you’re shopping for your mom or dad, kids or grandparents, teachers, or anybody else on your list, we have gift ideas for everyone. Whether that be practical or sentimental. We’re here to help!
Remember, it doesn’t always have to be a guessing game. When in doubt, ask them what’s on their holiday wish list!
Mom:
• “Mom, I Want To Hear Your Story” Journal - $12
• Tea Sampler - $20
• Automatic Wine Bottle Opener - $30
Dad:
• Meat Shredder Claws - $9
• Retractable Ratchet Straps - $40
• Fanttik Mini Electric Screwdriver - $70
Kids:
• Fidget Toys - $10
• All the Things: How to Draw Books for Kids - $10
• Karaoke Microphone Machine - $20
Grandparents:
• Framed Family Photos - $15
• Luna Bean Hand Casting Kit - $25
• Personalized Jewelry - $75
Teachers:
• Gift Cards
• Hand sanitizer - $5
• Personalized Spa Gift Basket - $20
All these ideas can be found on Amazon, happy hunting!
Protect Yourself
Don’t Get Snowed by Holiday Scams
Scams are a growing concern during the holiday season. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is launching a campaign to protect consumers from rising criminal activities, including counterfeit postage, phishing, mail theft, and letter carrier robberies.
Counterfeit Postage
Fraudsters are selling fake stamps online at 20% to 50% off face value. These counterfeits appear on social media, third-party websites, and pop-up ads, mimicking real postage designs.
Protect Yourself -
* Buy stamps only from post offices or approved retailers
* Report counterfeit sellers at uspis.gov/report
Phishing/Smishing
Scammers send texts or emails with fake delivery notifications, attempting to:
* Activate viruses
* Steal personal financial information
Protect Yourself -
* Don’t click suspicious links
* Block sender
* Delete suspicious messages
* Report USPS-related scams to spam@uspis.gov or 7726
Mail and Package Safety
Thieves target packages, especially during busy holiday seasons.
Protect Yourself -
* Use USPS Hold Mail service or delivery lockers
* Request signature confirmation and tracking
* Don’t send cash by mail
* File change of address with USPS when moving
* Report suspected mail theft at uspis.gov/report
Letter Carrier Safety
Criminals are becoming bolder, targeting postal workers and stealing mail.
Protect Yourself -
* Call 9-1-1 and postal inspectors (877-876-2455) for suspicious activity
* Secure packages immediately after delivery
* Keep valuables out of sight
Warning Signs of Scams:
* Poor grammar
* Spelling errors
* Requests for personal information
* Deals that seem too good to be true
By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and secure holiday season. Remember, postal inspectors are working hard to protect both customers and employees from these criminal activities.
For more information, visit Project Safe Delivery at uspis.gov.
Out & About
Traveling for the holidays? Tips to protect your home while you are away
The holiday season is a time for joy and relaxation, and the last thing you want to worry about is your home while you’re away. To ensure a worry-free trip, it’s essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your property and enjoy peace of mind.
Prioritize your home security:
If you’ve been considering installing security cameras but haven’t gotten around to it, now is the perfect time to act. Investing in home security cameras will help keep you and your loved ones safe, whether you’re traveling far or staying close to home this season.
Stay connected for peace of mind:
To stay informed about who’s at the door, a Video Doorbell allows you to keep a watchful eye from anywhere. Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or at home preparing for gatherings, a smart doorbell offers video both day and night, two-way audio,
customizable motion alerts and privacy settings. While you’re away, you can easily manage deliveries and welcome guests, and when you’re home, it serves as an extra set of eyes, ensuring you never miss a moment while multitasking and getting ready for holiday festivities.
Illuminate your property:
For added security, consider smart lights. You can schedule your lights inside to turn on and off while you’re hundreds of miles away, creating the illusion that someone is home. If you’re staying local and hosting at home this season, guests always appreciate a little extra light walking up a dimly lit driveway!
Be discreet about your travel plans:
While sharing your vacation in real-time can be tempting, it can inadvertently make your home a target for unwanted visitors. Instead, inform a few trusted people - like a close neighbor or family member - about your plans in person or by phone. They can help keep an eye on your home and packages. Consider asking the post office to hold your mail while you’re away or have someone you trust pick it up for you.
Justa Center
More than 2,000 people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County are 55 and older. Challenges that come with aging can be made worse without the right resources and regular medical care. Justa Center is working to address this as the only nonprofit in Arizona that provides resources and services exclusively to seniors experiencing homelessness.
Judgment-free support, navigation, and hope
“A lot of our Justa Center members have fallen on hard times,” Dean Scheinert, Executive Director of Justa Center, said. “Some of them have jobs but can’t afford rent. Other members have serious mental and physical health challenges or substance use disorder. As you can imagine, a younger person is in a better position to find help than a senior.”
Funding from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement is helping seniors experiencing homelessness in
Maricopa County get the right help and care through Justa Center.
“The funding helps us expand the capabilities of our nurse clinic,” Scheinert added. “One of the biggest issues for our members is that they’re getting pingponged around to different places for their care.
Part of our expansion is bringing in as much of the healthcare we can provide in-house.”
As they work to expand their healthcare capabilities, Justa Center currently provides over-the-counter medication to members and helps with wound and burn treatment. They support members in following doctors’ instructions, taking meds as prescribed, and making lifestyle changes. They also do everything they can to meet the unique needs of their members.
“We had a member who was in a wheelchair, and all he needed was a cane,” Scheinert explained. “We had one for him, and he was able to walk out of the Justa Center on his own. We get to change lives here.”
Justa Center member perspective
“You get treated like a person and that’s because all their workers are very nice and kind to everyone who comes in the door,” Marthe Louis said. “I have a pacemaker, and a Justa Center nurse was attentive. She got on the phone with my doctor’s office when I was in pain. She took the initiative and helped me.”
You can help too! Justa Center is looking for donations, visit their page for a list of current needs and ways you can help: www.justacenter.org
Puzzle Time
This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
