Main Street

February

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.

From Me To You...

“Love is in the air” - the song has been running amok in my brain all day. With the February editions front and center on my computer I keep thinking of Valentine’s Day and love. Not that the two are combined in my head, I get really annoyed at the commercialization of the holiday, and the price gouging that goes along with it. You can’t go to a restaurant or buy flowers or chocolate, without seeing dramatic price hikes just for the occasion.

In the spirit of the upcoming celebration I googled ‘Most romantic movies’ and I was surprised to see that I have not watched that many on the list. Don’t tell anyone but I have yet to watch, or even read, The Notebook. I know, sacrilege! What it boils down to is that I don’t like to cry and these love stories are real tearjerkers. I am sure the plots and characters are great, they must be to make it to the top of all these lists, but I can’t bring myself to watch them because of the crying that will inevitably follow.

I have been binging the TV show Bones recently, and I love the kitschy drama with a side of

schmaltz, but there is one episode I have been dreading. (Warning - Spoiler Alert ahead!) If you have not seen season 10 there is a chance I am about to ruin your day. Just kidding, everyone knows that Sweets is murdered. I hated that episode, not because of his death, but because of the way the writers wrung every sad emotion and angry tear from me. And it continued for the next few weeks! Not content with killing off the character, they also went on to investigate his murder (understandable, it is a crime drama) and then mope around for his funeral. Even worse than that, his girlfriend was heavily pregnant and we had to talk about ‘Lance’ for every moment of the birth. Ruined a perfectly good season.

Don’t get me wrong, crying has its place but why do we need it in a love story? Does every couple have to face adversity to prove their love? Can’t we all just get along? I think for this Valentine’s Day I will be watching a classic, like Mission Impossible, that sounds more appropriate to me.

Catherine Uretsky Editor, Main Street magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623-398-5541

On Our Cover

The fetching ladies on our cover are volunteers at local charity E Beauty. Started by just one person, it has grown to be the largest wig exchange in the nation. In 2011 Leslie was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after chemotherapy caused her to lose her hair, a relative bought her a wig. Did you know that it can take insurance as long as 6 months to approve a wig purchase, if it is even approved at all? And if you wish to just go ahead and get one on your own, they can cost up to $8,000? When you are physically and emotionally at your lowest point, being able to look in the mirror with confidence can make all the difference, and most women do not have the resources to buy their own wig.

A few months after Leslie went into remission another relative was diagnosed with cancer, so Leslie paid it forwards and sent her wig to that relative. An idea was born. What happens to all the wigs that are no longer needed? Many of them lie abandoned in boxes at cancer treatment centers and hospitals or they are simply thrown away. Leslie contacted them and had the discarded wigs sent to her. First the wigs needed to be cleaned and restyled, then they could be sent to women in need. In 2018 EBeauty partnered with Paul Mitchell Schools whose students donate their time to clean and style the wigs, without their help this process would be much more costly.

Speaking of money, none of the costs are passed along to the recipients - any woman who needs a wig is given at least one, and Leslie tries to send supplies along with the wigs. A wig brush, a stand, false eyelashes (because you lose those too) and caps are all part of the package.

The operation has blossomed into a massive venture, thousands of wigs are shipped to ‘base camp’ here in Verrado to be sorted and donated and that takes manpower. EBeauty runs on volunteer power and is always in need of volunteers, people to sort the donations, package them, match the wigs to their requested wigs, and ship them to their destinations. Many women find not only a sense of purpose when they volunteer here but also a community in its own right.

If you have time and a desire to help others then this could be a perfect fit for you. If you don’t have time, but want to help, then donations to offset costs are always welcomed. Visit www.ebeauty.com or scan this QR code with your phone for more information.

Truth Vs Transparency

In my office, when it comes to truth, I always say that there are at least 3 sides to every story: yours, mine and the truth (which is generally somewhere in the middle). Over the years, I’ve come to see truth as largely an intellectual pursuit. Your truth comes out of your perception, which is based on thoughts you have in your mind about a particular situation. It’s a head thing.

Transparency, on the other hand, is the word I use to describe an element of a more evolved or psychologically mature relationship. Transparency involves full disclosure of not just the selfperceived truth but also the emotions that come along with it. It’s a heart thing.

Let’s say you and your spouse have a disagreement regarding parenting. In an effort to resolve it, you each share your perception of events based on the facts as you see them. Your perceptions are quite different, and you become gridlocked in your discussion because you just don’t agree on how things went. You talk more about

what each of your realities is, and, not seeing a mutually acceptable resolution, you agree to disagree. That’s not a bad thing, per se, but it’s not really a solution that is positive for or grows the relationship. To get that, you should also include transparency in your discussion.

Transparency involves stating your truth but also sharing the deeper emotional impact: you state how you see things and then how you feel as a result. That can help you get down to intent, and that’s part of what really matters in relationships. Continuing our example, let’s say you share with your spouse what you thought she was saying to you with her statements (head). Then, you share that her words offended you because they made you feel like you weren’t doing enough as a parent (heart). That gives her an opportunity to state that her intent was not to insult but rather open a discussion about how the two of you can form a better partnership in parenting, demonstrating a more united front.

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.

Submitted

by

Jennifer Bellingrodt, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

Sniffles

Do you suffer from itchy eyes, a runny nose or a scratchy throat during winter? Chances are you may have indoor allergies. Indoor allergies are a year-round problem, but you’ll notice them more during the winter because you spend more time at home. Also, because of the colder weather, you’re likely keeping doors and windows shut to keep the cold out. By doing that, you’re also sealing allergens indoors with you, and your heating system will recirculate the indoor air and any allergy triggers. You don’t have to accept indoor allergies as an inevitable fact of the winter season. Using these tips from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, you can be proactive and manage your winter allergies.

1. Clean regularly

Cleaning house is one of the easiest ways to deal with indoor winter allergies. Dust, mold, pet dander and dust mite and cockroach droppings can hide anywhere and cause sneezing, coughing and congestion.

2. Reduce pet allergy triggers

While you may enjoy snuggling with your pets

before bed, keeping them out of the bedroom will help with any allergies you experience at night that can disrupt your sleep. During the day, keep the door to your bedroom closed, so your furry family members aren’t tempted to go in. When petting your cat or dog, make sure to wash your hands afterward, so you don’t accidentally touch your face and provoke an allergic reaction.

3. Protect your bedding from dust mites

Even if your home is visibly clean, dust mite allergen particles are too small to be seen. Use mite-proof zippered cases for your mattress and pillows to limit your exposure to dust mites. Every week, wash and change your sheets, blankets and other bedding in hot water.

4. Find and prevent indoor mold

Many molds aren’t visible to the naked eye, and mold spores can cause allergic reactions when they become airborne. If you suspect you have indoor mold, it’s best to contact a professional who can find and clean up existing mold in your home.

What If…

What if someone gave you an easy way to become more upbeat, positive, and energized? Would you take advantage of it? Scientists now know people who practice gratitude and appreciation reap many benefits, such as improved physical and psychological health, increased energy, reduced stress, improved quality of sleep, and mental strength. Gratitude reduces negative emotions such as envy, hatred, and anger while increasing positive emotions such as love and empathy. It lowers depression and improves self-esteem. It is important in helping people recover from Substance Use Disorder. It also helps keeps suicidal thoughts and attempts at bay.

Gratitude and appreciation will shift your focus from what is wrong to what is right. For example, what if, for the next 30 days, when you came home, you caught each person in your household doing something right and told them about it? How would that impact them? How would that affect your life?

Here are a few additional ways to make gratitude and appreciation your usual way of being:

1. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple “thank you” or note of appreciation. Handwritten thank you notes or notes of appreciation have a powerful and positive impact on those who receive them.

2. Count your blessings. Write or journal the things that you are grateful for on a weekly (or daily) basis.

3. Pay it forward. Look for ways to benefit others and look out for others. Check on your neighbors and connect with family and friends through calls, texts, or video means. Let them know why you appreciate them.

We can express gratitude through prayer and meditation. And, as you are grateful to others, remember to be kind to yourself and practice self-care.

Submitted by Larry Tracey, founder of Youth4Youth,WOW Coalition Program Director. For additional information, visit www. Youth4Youth.org or http://www.wowcoalition.org

Gardening Adventures with Your Children

If you want your child to grow up to be a gardener, it’s important to remember to share gardening experiences with them throughout their childhood. These include frequent, pleasurable occurrences, designs that include messy, colorful plots and great memories of working together in the garden. Each child’s capabilities and attention span will vary so it’s important to adjust your expectations. The goal is to teach your children to respect and enjoy gardening as well as experience a feeling of “I did it myself” at harvest time.

The Composting Council of Canada developed the following good reasons to foster a lifelong love of gardening in children.

1. Health: Growing your own vegetables makes it easier to get enough servings each day.

2. Exercise: Digging, turning, spreading compost, mulching, hoeing, excavating rocks - all

burn calories, help build muscles and strengthen hearts and lungs.

3. Education: Gardening is terrific for providing hands-on lessons in botany, weather, and cycles of life.

4. Waste Reduction and Recycling: Compost piles transform kitchen scraps, leaves and yard waste into rich soil amendments. Gardeners can reuse of all kinds of cans, cartoons, meat trays and more.

5. Togetherness: Use vegetables grown together to make delicious meals together.

6. Memory Building: Provides great memories for the years to come.

7. Satisfaction: The more time you spend with your children in the garden, the more they will feel the garden is truly theirs and the more eager they will be to take care of it.

Submitted by Nicole Bigham, On-site Owner, The Goddard School in Buckeye-Verrado

Heart Health

February is American Heart Month, and there’s no better time to take control of your heart health. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

Millions of adults are living with some form of cardiovascular disease or the aftereffects of a stroke. The fact that the majority of Americans don’t consider themselves at risk for heart disease is why educating the community on the importance of heart health is so important.

“Heart disease can lead to severe disability that can absolutely destroy quality of life for its victims and their loved ones,” said Dr. Timothy Byrne, medical director of cardiovascular services at Abrazo Health. “Left unchecked, it can lead to a wide array of serious and life-threatening health complications, including heart failure, heart attack, stroke and death.”

Fortunately, new discoveries are making a positive, measurable impact treating on those with heart disease. Breakthrough procedures and

research in treating heart valve disease, coronary artery and vascular conditions, atrial fibrillation and more are propelling the treatment of heart disease to a higher level. Medications and other treatments are also helping to keep the estimated 5 million Americans living with heart failure out of the hospital.

Smoking, poor diet, high stress, obesity, diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle are all things that can contribute to heart disease. “The most tragic thing about these issues is that they are not genetic or hereditary – we are often doing these things to ourselves,” said Dr. Byrne.

The greatest strides in the fight against heart disease will come from you. There are some simple steps you can take to control the effects of heart and cardiovascular conditions or avoid them altogether. Among them: a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, daily exercise, a smokefree lifestyle and techniques for managing stress. Taking charge of your health in this way not only will help you live longer, but also better. Heart Month is also a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on your health screenings which can alert you to health conditions that need addressing sooner rather than later.

Submitted by Abrazo Health

Money Matters

Can you count on Social Security to contribute part of the income you’ll need as a retiree? There’s been an increase in alarming language surrounding the solvency of Social Security, but in reality, its prospects are not nearly as gloomy as you might have heard.

Here’s the story: Under current law, Social Security is estimated to exhaust its trust funds by 2035, after which benefits could be cut by 20%, according to the 2022 Social Security Trustees report. However, the large cost of living adjustment (COLA) (8.7%) for 2023 could cause the trust funds to use up their resources sooner. But this outlook may represent a worst-case scenario. For one thing, the cost of the 2023 COLA will be somewhat offset by higher taxes on workers contributing to Social Security. The maximum amount of earnings subject to the 6.2% Social Security tax jumped from $147,000 in 2022 to $160,200 in 2023. Increasing the payroll tax is another possibility for boosting funding to Social Security. And here’s a political reality: Social Security is a popular program and it’s unlikely that Congress wants to be blamed for

Investing is about more than money.

At Edward Jones, we stop to ask you the question: “What’s important to you?” Without that insight and a real understanding of your goals, investing holds little meaning.

Contact your Edward Jones financial advisor for a one-on-one appointment to discuss what’s really important: your goals.

Wayne Polk, AAMS® Financial Advisor

4252 N Verrado Way Suite 202 Buckeye, AZ 85396 623-386-2821

reducing benefits. Of course, there are no guarantees, but it seems fair to say that you can reasonably expect some benefits from Social Security when you retire.

But perhaps the bigger issue is just how much you should depend on Social Security for your retirement income. On average, Social Security benefits will provide about 30% of a beneficiary’s preretirement earnings, according to the Social Security Administration. But the higher your earnings before you retire, the lower the percentage that will be replaced by Social Security.

Still, you’ll want to maximize the benefits that are available to you — and that means deciding when to start taking Social Security. You can begin as early as 62, but your monthly payments could be as much as 30% lower than your normal (or “full”) retirement age, which will likely be between 66 and 67. Even if you were to wait until your full retirement age before collecting Social Security, you’ll also need to draw on other sources of funding. So, while you are still working, it’s a good idea to keep contributing to your IRA and 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Ultimately, you should be able to count on Social Security as part of your retirement income. You may want to consult with a financial professional to determine when taking Social Security makes the most sense for you and how you can also get the most from your other retirement accounts. You’ll want a retirement income strategy that’s built for the long run.

Submitted by Wayne Polk, AAMS, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones, Verrado resident

In Escrow In Escrow

Ashleigh Herman

W h e t h e r y o u ' r e b u y i n g o r s e l l i n g ,

I ' m h e r e t o h e l p y o u t h r o u g h e v e r y

s t e p o f t h e p r o c e s s a n d

M a k e t h e R i g h t C a l l .

The Bug Guy

Spring will be here before you know it and that means the return of active, spring pests. If you aren’t careful and proactive with your pest prevention, your home and yard could succumb to a pest infestation from a variety of local undesirable pests. Here are some of the most common pests found in our area along with a few tips to stop them from entering your home.

Ants - There are over 40 known ant species in Arizona. Regardless of the species, you don’t want them wandering in and around your home. Ants are driven by pheromones to lead them to food and back to their colonies. Leftover trash or sweets in your kitchen are often the culprit for enticing ants to come inside and stick around. You can play a significant role in preventing an ant infestation by keeping areas clean as well as sanitizing to remove preexisting. Prevention

for the exterior of your home includes regular treatment to reduce the likelihood of infestation.

Scorpions - Arizona has one of the highest concentrations of scorpions in the U.S. There are two common species found here: 1) The bark scorpion. A sting can be very painful, and on very rare occasions, may require medical attention, and 2) The Sonoran Desert scorpion. Largest scorpion found here and can reach up to 10 inches, typically found up to 5 inches long. Scorpions gravitate to areas with moisture, darkness, or food. Typically, scorpions feed on insects like crickets and spiders and are nocturnal creatures. Keeping insect populations away from your home removes their food source.

Spiders - Keep your eye out this spring for spiders. They enjoy dark, cramped areas in both as they feast on tiny insects that may linger there. Most spider species are harmless, but you might encounter a venomous black widow in Arizona. Treat any spider you see as venomous and do your best to keep away from it. Declutter your home, patios, and outdoor living spaces, brighten up areas where you can, and seal off cracks and crevices to prevent spiders. Pests are more active with warmer weather, so be smart this spring. When considering whether to do pest control on your own, think about the knowledge and equipment the professionals can offer. Training and experience can keep you and your family safe.

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Yum Yum

Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me (or Engagement) Chicken has been around since the 80’s, but whatever you call it this dish is so good it will have people falling in love with your cooking.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon dried

oregano

1/4 teaspoon ground

thyme

1/2 cup chicken broth, divided

1/2 pound bacon

1 (16-ounce) package angel hair pasta

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

∞ Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

∞ To butterfly the chicken, place it on a chopping board. Put your palm on top of the chicken and slice it horizontally through the middle, leaving a small section on the other side uncut. Open out

the breast to look like a butterfly.

∞ Melt butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Saute garlic, oregano, and thyme for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add the chicken and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. It doesn’t need to be cooked throughout at this point. Add in 1/4 cup of chicken broth.

∞ Bake for 15 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

∞ While the chicken is baking, brown bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, about 10 minutes. Let it cool on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease, then cut into small pieces.

∞ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta, stirring occasionally until al dente, about 4 minutes. Drain and keep warm.

∞ Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it onto a plate and keep warm.

∞ To make the pasta sauce, place the used skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Whisk flour with remaining chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and whipping cream until combined. Mix in sundried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and salt.

∞ Toss together the sauce and pasta until evenly coated. Top with chicken and bacon. Enjoy!

Furry Friends

Community Paws is constantly working to bring our community fun and exciting events to raise valuable funds for our organization.

On February 25, we will host our first Ruff ’N Royal Drag Queen Show in Phoenix. This combination of spectacular burlesque-style entertainment and comedy performances by talented celebrity impersonators will amaze and delight you. The event will be emceed by Taneka Smith, an award-winning comedian and former Major League Baseball in-game personality. She brings her passion for community service, charitable giving and laughter to create incredible events to benefit great causes such as ours.

You won’t want to miss this event, but you must be at least 21 years of age to attend. More details can be found on our website, CommunityPaws.org, where you can also purchase tickets. If you can’t join us, please consider donating items for the event’s Silent Auction.

On March 18, we will offer our Community Paws’ Rattlesnake Training Course. Rattlesnakes are most active in Arizona from March through October when they venture out during the day. They can hide under shrubs, piles of debris, woodpiles and even pool noodles. In this course, proven techniques will be used to teach your dog to avoid rattlesnakes and warn you of their presence. The best part about seeing your four-legged companion master rattlesnake avoidance training is knowing how he/she will react when encountering a snake. Some dogs will retreat, some bark at a distance and others simply refuse to move forward. Understanding how your dog responds is crucial for avoiding danger. Not only could this training save your dog’s life, but it could also save yours.

For more information and to register for this course, please visit CommunityPaws.org.

If you are considering adding a furry member to your family, please consider fostering or adopting one of the pets on CommunityPaw. org. Each pet is spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed and microchipped by a veterinarian.

Submitted for Community Paws by Lyndie Mason Warner, Verrado resident.

Samurai Sudoku

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. Good Luck! Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Business Directory

ADVERTISING

Main Street magazine

AUTOMOTIVE

Daniel’s Total Car Care

Exclusive Transportation Service

Line X of W Phoenix

Litchfield Auto Repair

EDUCATION

The Goddard School

FINANCIAL/ LEGAL SERVICES

Edward Jones - W Polk

Ganyo Insurance Agency

Johnson Wealth Management

Mahoney Law Office

Prime Accounting Group

HEALTHCARE & BEAUTY

Bailey Orthodontics

Buckeye Dermatology

Elite Senior Services

Goodnight Pediatrics

Goodyear Dental

Healthy Life Family Medicine

Ironwood Acupuncture

Main Street Dental

Majestic Beauty Spa

HOUSEHOLD

1 Buckeye Plumbing

Al’s Plumbing

Arizona Sun Control

Century Glass and Mirror

Consider It Finished Painting

Creative Surface Solutions

Estrella Mountain Pest Control

J & H Appliance Repair

JBS Roofing

State 48 Roofing

The Window Cleaner AZ

West Valley Rock

Younger Brothers Exterminating

PET CARE

Gentle Hearts Animal Hospital

REAL ESTATE

Impresa Real Estate - L Mendoza

Keller Williams - A King

Keller Williams - TK Luxury Group

Keller Williams - T McKenna

Main Street Property Mgmt - K Pellerin

Realty One Group - A Herman

Realty One Group - C Disney

Realty One Group - Wilson/Castiilla

Robson Reserve at PebbleCreek

RETAIL

Arie Layne Boutique

Off The Hook Meat Shop

Pure Patio