Main Street
March 2018
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March 2018
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 Š 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. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Advertisers. Estrella Publishing reserves the right to restrict all advertisement to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy at its sole discretion. Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way.
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
Main Street
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
March 2018
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From Me To You... Welcome! to the March edition of Main Street magazine!
Most people know that this year is the Year of the Dog, well in my house it is the Year of the Weddings. My eldest 2 children are both getting married in 2018 and the pressure is beginning to build. Thankfully I am only organizing one of them as my son and his fiancee have decided that they will be doing everything (including paying for it!) by themselves. I am not so lucky with my daughter. This is a wedding that I get to plan and pay for. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of joy in the event. I get to see friends and family who would otherwise wait for me to visit them. Luckily we have a pool, and the wedding is in the summer, so that takes care of the entertainment. I am looking forward to summer evenings by the pool with a glass of wine and pleasant company. I am also looking forward to seeing people from many parts of my life mingle, to get to know each other, and hopefully have a great time. I am sure it will be somewhat frantic as we get close to the date but that is where I have played my Ace. I hired a wedding planner. She knows who to call, who will be there when they are supposed to be, and how to take all my worries away. If I start to panic about when to send the invites for the guests from overseas - Danielle has the answer. If I don’t know who is the best DJ - Danielle has the answer. If I don’t know how much food I need to order - Danielle is there for me too.
She is so helpful I am thinking of keeping her after the wedding. Don’t know where I should go on vacation? “Danielle!” Need help finding a plumber? “Danielle!” Hard to get reservations for a restaurant on a Saturday night? You guessed it. “Danielle!” But back to the wedding... Along with seeing my loved ones I also get to invite plenty of people on the other side of the aisle, who I will most likely not speak more than a couple of words to. That seems unfair to me. If I had the nerve I would put out a collection plate. Perhaps a tip jar of sorts. There was a parent I read about who sent a bill to people who RSVP’d yes to her son’s party then didn’t show up. Part of me, deep down, admires the Chutzpah of the woman. Because you know there will be people who say they are coming but won’t be there. Danielle assures me that it will all balance out because there are also people who will attend that were not invited, or changed their mind on the day. See? The woman is a gem! I must admit, most of the planning is fun. As many of you may understand, my wedding was not my wedding. What do I mean? Well although I was the one in the big white dress standing at the altar, I chose the dress my Mum preferred, the location my Mother-in-law favored and the band my soon to be husband wanted. Now it is my turn. I am steering the bridal couple towards choices I want. They pick the songs, but I chose the DJ. Their choice of food, my caterer. I did put my foot down with the dress. She got what she wanted, even though she tried to pick the dress she thought I liked best... Most of the planning is done at this point and all I have to do is relax and enjoy the big day, once I decide what I am going to wear. “Danielle!”
Catherine Uretsky
Editor Main Street magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623-594-9283
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March 2018
Main Street
March 2018
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Home Sweet Home Barn doors moved out of the farmyard and into the house a long time ago. Recently, however, they have become an even more popular and useful feature in residential design. It’s not hard to see why.
“Many homeowners hear the term ‘barn door’ and think of reclaimed, rustic wood, which may not be a look they’re interested in,” says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. “But contemporary barn doors offer many more aesthetic choices than their traditional image suggests. We’ve noticed a trend toward the use of solid, fine-milled hardwoods like walnut and cherry for sliding doors, which not only gives them satisfying heft but is also a great way to bring the warmth and character of natural wood into an interior.” New York-based interior designer Laura Bohn agrees. “I’ve installed hardwood barn doors in many projects, both in the city and the country,” she says. “They provide a lot of decorative interest, particularly hung in pairs. I’d choose a clean, sophisticated design in a subtle wood like maple or birch for an urban interior. Poplar planks painted a cheerful color, or characterful woods like hickory
and cypress would be better for doors in a country house.” Along with their decorative qualities, barn doors often provide a functional alternative to conventional swing doors. “Barn doors, either singly or in pairs, offer a simple and effective way to divide large spaces - a kitchen from a living-dining area, for example,” says Laguna Beach, Californiabased designer Lisa McDennon. “They can create instant separation and privacy in even the most open-plan house, which allows for greater flexibility in daily use.” Barn doors offer economic advantages, too. While pocket doors have similar space-saving benefits, installing them requires wall reconstruction - a messy and expensive business. Because barn doors run on hardware installed outside the frame, they need no such preparatory construction, saving time and money. And the tracks themselves are part of the doors’ decorative appeal. “There’s a terrific selection of barn-door hardware available,” Bohn says. “Use sleek, high-tech tracks in brushed aluminum or satin-finish stainless steel for a modern urban vibe. For a more rustic or industrial statement, think blackened iron or raw steel, both of which look powerfully graphic against natural or painted wood.” Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about residential design trends and other applications and products using American hardwoods.
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March 2018
On Our Cover
Our cover models this month are Alex and Sandra Santana and their children Deserae, Nathaniel and Star. Let’s learn a little more about our March cover family. How long have you lived in Verrado? We’ve been living in Verrado for 5 years. Where did you move from? San Fernando Valley in California Why did you move here? My Parents, brothers and sisters moved out to Avondale about 12yrs ago. What do you love about Verrado? We love a lot of things about Verrado. Especially: the tranquility, the friendliness, the greenery, the parks, the peace we feel. What are your favorite Verrado activities? We enjoy having delicious breakfasts and dinners at the local restaurants in Verrado, going for walks with our children, and attending all the community events here in town. What do you and your wife do? We’ve owned our own Financial Services Company for 16yrs. Our 20 yr old daughter, Deserae, is a licensed agent with us as well.
Where do your kids go to school? We have 2 kids that attend local schools. Star is 2 1/2 yrs old and attends a Montessori School in Peoria and Nathaniel is 12 and attends Thomas Heck Middle School in Litchfield Park. What are their favorite subjects? All 4 of our kids love Art, Dance, and Technology. What are some family hobbies? We’re BIG sports fans especially: Baseball (Dodgers), Basketball (Lakers), Football (Mostly Cardinals). We also love attending concerts and enjoying a great movie at our new Goodyear movie theaters. What are your future plans? One of our Goals is to purchase an acre of land and build one of our Dream Homes. We really enjoy our beautiful little town. Our kids are happy, we’re happy, we live a Dream Life. Thank you Verrado!
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Main Street
March 2018
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The Doctor Is In Over-Nutrition in Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease
The excess energy from everything we eat and drink should be stored within our fat but sometimes this storage process fails to operate correctly. The abnormal storage of excessive calories is called over-nutrition and contributes to the ultimate destruction of our organs and brain. Over-nutrition is not necessarily about being overweight, it is the toxic cellular effects that excessive calories or nutrients inflict on the body. When people ingest too many calories they are normally stored in fat until they are released to fuel our body between meals. Calories are a potentially toxic form of nuclear fuel and storage within fat cells is a protective mechanism to protect us from excess energy. Calories are energy similar to electricity and do not weigh anything. Excess calories cause weight gain when stored in fat because they are accompanied by water which is heavy (2.2 lbs. per liter). The water causes weight gain not the calories. But if calories are abnormally stored elsewhere in the body they are not accompanied by water and do not cause a change in a person’s body weight.
response that can reverse some over-nutrition damage. Intermittent fasting is once or twice a week, on non-consecutive days, where women consume 500 and men consume 600 calories per day. The stress of limited calories makes the cells switch into repair mode and helps reverse toxic protein build-up. In addition, restricting carbohydrates to100 grams per day decreases inflammation in the central nervous system and improves brain function. Some people are unable to reduce carbohydrates or intermittent fast because they have chronic autonomic nervous system damage from an old concussion which creates false thirst and hunger. Treating underlying autonomic dysfunction helps turn off snacking cycles that helped create the overnutrition to begin with. © 2018. Nemechek Consultative Medicine, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Submitted by by Dr. Patrick M. Nemechek, D.O. Verrado resident
For a variety of reasons, individuals reach a point where they are unable to store calories in their fat and they stop gaining weight no matter how much they overeat. When no longer able to store excessive calories in fat, they instead flow within the cells of the brain and other organs causing cells to function abnormally. A diabetic’s over-nutrition, where abnormal storage of energy goes into their organs, contributes to their pancreas damage, fatty liver disease, and heart failure. The stress from caloric over-nutrition impairs brain cells from removing damaged or unneeded proteins and lipids collecting within the cells. The internal part of the cell that malfunctions the most due to over-nutrition is the endoplasmic reticulum. Endoplasmic reticulum stress leads to the buildup of intracellular proteins commonly associated with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Macular Degeneration. One way to help reverse ER stress is to improve the cell’s ability to repair and restore normal function. Intermittent fasting triggers the natural repair
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March 2018
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Main Street
March 2018
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Life As A Caregiver Anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer’s has been told that the disease effects people differently. Some patients become mean and hard to handle. Others lose themselves in the disease and are quiet and unresponsive. And still others suffer from depression. My mom has stayed pretty true to herself. But…depression DOES rear its ugly head from time to time. The disease and her inability to do things for herself makes her sad and frustrated. The disease also creates what is called “episodes” from time to time. Episodes where her behavior changes drastically. She had one last week. When they hit, they last for about 24 hours. Mom doesn’t sleep during any of that time. Her daily acute headaches are non-existent for that 24hour period, she doesn’t eat much, becomes very restless, doesn’t remember that her mother, my father, and her siblings have all died, and asks a million questions. This particular time, though, she thought I had a daughter (which I don’t) named Joyce, was sad that she spoiled a dinner outing with my husband (I haven’t had a husband for a very long time) and thought I was a friend of the family. During this particular episode, she had a very hard time trying to find the words to express herself (a common trait of Alzheimer’s, but not for my mom as of yet). It made me literally sick to my stomach. My mom didn’t know me. She recognized me, but didn’t know why or who I was.
behavior changes that occur once in a while. That no matter how much you’ve prepared or understand about what’s happening, seeing someone you love in discomfort is extremely painful. I became SO emotional this time that it really made me look at my behavior during the crisis. I found myself angry and rather irritable in the way I answered my mom’s numerous questions. What I experienced was my lack of control over something negatively effecting someone I love. And when we are used to being in control and taking charge, as caregivers must be, there is nothing worse than NOT being in control. I couldn’t help her. And that broke my heart. Once she started feeling better, then I started feeling better. But something she said to me after she had calmed down a bit played over and over in my head. I thought it was pretty insightful. She said, ” I feel like my life is in front of me in a book… and some of the pages are missing.” Indeed they are, mom. Indeed they are. And I’m so sorry! Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident
This ‘episode’ was a rough one…..seeing her struggle with information that she knew well; having her not know me as her daughter. Oh man! I cried for a good part of the day when she wasn’t with me….partly because of the confusion she was experiencing and partly because I wondered if this was the beginning of the next phase of Alzheimer’s.I had done my homework several years ago and chose a group-home nearby where I thought my mom would be comfortable when the time came to move her. But not yet!! It’s not time YET!!! Or is it? What has usually happened when mom has had an ‘episode’ is that after the 24-hours passes, she crashes. She has an enormous headache, she sleeps for almost an entire day and begins to eat normally. Her new normal returns and she knows me and recognizes all of her surroundings. And so it was this time, too. I learned a lot from this ‘episode’. I learned that I can deal with the day-to-day routine of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, but not the extreme
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March 2018
Furry Friends We had a great turnout for our Movie in the Park last month. A special thanks to all of volunteers and families who joined us at the Village Green to see 101 Dalmatians in support of our Junior Division of Community Paws. If your child love animals, is ten years or older, and would like to be a part of an organized group working alongside like-minded peers and adults, please come by our next monthly meeting on March 20th. Younger participants may be able to join on a case by case basis. Monthly meetings are held at the Center on Main in Verrado and typically run from 4:30pm – 6pm. For more info and the complete 2018 meeting schedule, please visit www.communitypaws.org. Since just last year our Junior Division has attended educational sessions with a trainer, had plenty of puppies to socialize with, took a field trip to the Luke Air Force Base K9 Division, created unique Christmas decorations for the Hometown Holiday event, and were a huge part of our annual Paws on Parade celebration. It’s been so much fun! Our Rattlesnake Avoidance Training with Jim was a huge success with many educated canine graduates
this past February. Dogs can be trained to stay away from rattlesnakes. Proven techniques teach your dog to avoid rattlesnakes and to warn you of their presence. Community Paws hosts this training here in Verrado each spring so if you missed it, consider marking your calendar for next year! In the meantime, please check out the invaluable info at ViperVoidance.com. Please Save the Date… Join us on Sunday, March 25th for the Verrado Founder’s Day Dog Show! This weekend marks Verrado’s 13th annual Founder’s Day Celebration. If you are a dog owner in Verrado, please bring your pups by so that they can strut their stuff in this fun-filled family event. Categories include prettiest eyes, waggiest tail, young handlers, and more! Winners will receive neighborhood points and a prize ribbon. Come cheer on your favorite pup! We hope to see you at Founder’s Park in Verrado at 11am. Did you know? As a reminder, The March of the Fallen takes place on Saturday, March 3rd: This 4.5mile ruck through the Verrado Trailhead honors our fallen brothers and sisters. Community Paws Junior Division will be offering support and water stations along the way. We hope to see you there! Submitted by Kristin Robison, of Community Paws, Verrado resident
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Main Street
March 2018
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Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! You don’t have to live with them. A maintenance program can reduce or stop an infestation in its tracks! Call Larry Cash, to schedule your inspection today! 623.680.6619
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March 2018
The Bug Guy Everything you always wanted to know about ants! Fact #1: Colonies are bigger than the average ant farm. Ant colonies come in literally all shapes and sizes. A few species live in colonies of only a few dozen ants; however, the average ant colony contains thousands of individual ants. Smaller colonies live in natural crevices or openings while larger colonies create vast nests and forage for supplies and food. There are also super colonies around the world that can contain more than 300 million individuals. These super colonies have been identified in Japan, Australia, the United States, and southern Europe. Fact #2: Ants have specific jobs. Ants are very social insects, and they divide jobs among different types of ants in each colony. The queen or queens have only one job - to lay eggs. All other female ants are workers; they feed the larvae, take out the colony’s trash, forage for food and supplies, or defend the nest. Male ants’ only job is to mate with the queen. Fact #3: One ant species is exclusively female. Researchers have yet to find a male of the species M. smithii. The queen ant reproduces asexually, so all offspring are clones of the queen. This species is found in several countries of Central America and most countries of South America.
Fact #4: Ants can become zombies. Perhaps the strangest ant fact, there is a species of fungus that infects ants and takes control of their bodies. The fungus finds its way underneath the ant’s exoskeleton and begins to consume soft tissue. Shortly after, by unknown mechanisms, it causes the ant to leave its colony. The ant then finds a leaf, bites it with a “death grip,” and dies. A few days later, the fungus releases spores to infect more ants. Some ant species have learned to recognize infected colony mates and will carry them far away to protect the rest of the colony. Fact #5: Ants can lift 10-50 times their body weight. Because ants are so small, their muscles are thicker relative to their body mass than in larger animals. This allows ants to carry objects much heavier and bigger than them. To put it into perspective, if humans could lift 10 times their weight, a 200-pound man could lift a small car above his head. Despite how fascinating these ant facts may be, ant control and management around the home are important for health and safety reasons. If you suspect an ant infestation, contact a pest control company. Submitted By Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
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Main Street
March 2018
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Tea Time!
For most of us, a little evening downtime is not a luxury - it’s a necessity. After a hectic day of work, commutes, kids and dinner prep, we deserve to take a moment to slow down and enjoy some hardearned “me time.” Instead of using this time to stream your favorite show or scroll through social media, try a gentle and relaxing activity that puts your focus on the present moment and makes this time truly enjoyable.
2. Don’t over-boil: As soon as the water reaches a boil, it’s time to remove the kettle from the heat source.
“For a relaxing end-of-day activity, there’s nothing quite like preparing and savoring the perfect cup of herbal tea,” says Stephen Twining, whose family founded the world-famous tea brand, Twinings of London, in 1706. The steps we take to prepare and enjoy our perfect cup of tea can help us unwind and feel refreshed, Twining says. Tea releases pleasing scents, the warm brew makes comforting sensations as we wrap our fingers around the mug and take sips, and there’s the deep and satisfying flavors of the tea itself.
3. Savor the moment: Set the tea bag in the mug before you add hot water, pouring it directly onto the tea bag. Just then, it starts releasing its herbal scent, so make sure you take a moment to inhale and relax while enjoying the aroma.
Of course, when we’re engaged in a mindful activity, it’s that much easier to let go of daily stress and transition into a more relaxed state. Follow these tips to brew your favorite cup of herbal tea, and try making this a part of your end-of-day ritual.
5. Customize and enjoy: Hopefully, you will find your perfectly brewed cup of herbal tea needs no embellishment because the expertly blended herbs and flowers will provide all the flavor you need. But as Twining says, “The best cup of tea is the one you like the most,” so feel free to make adjustments.
1. Start fresh: The perfect cup of tea starts with a clean mug and a clean kettle of fresh, cold water. Never reuse water that’s already been boiled, because that can weaken the tea’s flavor.
After a long day, you definitely earned this moment, so make sure you take time to enjoy it.
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“I never let the water over-boil because in doing so, you will cause the oxygen in the water to be reduced, making the tea taste ‘flat,’” Twining says. For that reason, he recommends not using a microwave to boil the water.
4. Wait for the perfect flavor: Many people make the mistake of thinking that once the brew darkens, it’s ready to drink. However, Twining says color merely washes off the tea leaves early in the process, so don’t let the appearance mislead you.
March 2018
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March 2018
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Cancer.com
Newly Launched Cancer.com Provides Much Needed Personalized Support for People Impacted By Cancer Whether you’ve helped a family member through treatment or are facing a diagnosis yourself, hearing the word “cancer” can make people feel powerless and overwhelmed. For many, the best way to regain control is to be as educated as possible. This desire to be informed can lead to an endless and exhausting search for relevant, trustworthy, and relatable information. “People with cancer are overwhelmed by information from many disparate sources, however, they need to absorb and retain what’s important to them. Curated information that is specific to their individual situation allows them to focus without having to sift through irrelevant and often inaccurate content.” Ellen Miller-Sonet, Chief Strategy and Alliance Officer, CancerCare That’s why the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson collaborated with leading advocacy organizations to develop Cancer.com, a new online destination for people impacted by cancer. Cancer.com offers educational information, a powerful coaching tool, and links to relevant blogs and social channels, all in one place.
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You can create a profile that serves up content tailored to you. This includes information for your cancer type and where you are in your cancer experience: just diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or living in remission. Further customize your Cancer.com experience by learning more about topics that interest you. Cancer.com topic areas were created based on what patients and caregivers search for the most, including: Cancer.com houses information from key patient advocacy groups that collaborated on the site: the American Cancer Society, CancerCare, and Cancer Support Community. It is also a gateway to the educational resources and tools featured on these groups’ websites. Additionally, Cancer.com features a wealth of articles and links to content from reliable sources that include government agencies, medical centers, and news and academic media. “As a trusted resource for cancer information, the American Cancer Society is pleased to contribute its expertise and content to ensure people affected by cancer receive the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions about their health.” Chuck Westbrook, Senior Vice President, Cancer Control Programs and Services, American Cancer Society
March 2018
Inspire Your Teen
With mounting pressures and expectations, the high school years can feel overwhelming - for students and parents alike. Teens grapple with questions like: Which colleges should I apply to? What should I choose as a major? What do I really want to do with my life? What if I don’t have a clue? As a parent you naturally want to give advice and steer them in the right direction, but you also know it’s a tricky balance. It’s their life, after all, as they’ll often remind you. So how can you help? Encourage them to explore different interests, with no strings attached. Look for activities beyond the usual choices. Research extracurricular programs at your school, in your community, even overseas so they can see the breadth of what’s out there. Expose them to a range of possibilities and see what they pick. Does your teen already have a clear focus? Look for innovative programs that allow them to dig even deeper in real-world settings. Or maybe your son or daughter is shy or stuck in a rut and needs a gentle nudge to try something new? It’s amazing how a change of scenery can inspire students and tap hidden talents. Over time they’ll gravitate toward one thing or another, and the journey will be rich with self-discovery. Global clubs and activities spark interest in the world at largeMost high schools offer a range of extracurricular opportunities to get involved in a topic of interest or try out something new, from sports and theater to robotics and debate. Many offer programs with an international theme as well. After-school language clubs provide a chance to practice conversational skills in a relaxed environment while joining in cooking and other cultural activities. And bonding with other language
Main Street
enthusiasts inspires many to want to travel to experience different cultures first-hand!
Model UN is another valuable program that teaches students about the world around them, and builds confidence as well as leadership and communication skills. A new activity picked up on a whim may turn into a lifetime source of joy or even a career. If options are limited at school, branch out. Urge your teen to get involved in the local community, meet new people, and bond with others who share similar interests. They’ll see what’s out there in the bigger world while demonstrating to colleges and employers that they’re engaged beyond the standard classroom requirements. Service programs help teens gain valuable perspectiveWhen teens offer their time and talent to nonprofits and worthy causes, they gain more than just real-world experience for their college resumes. They gain maturity, perspective, practical skills and a greater appreciation for what they’ve got. Volunteering can be customized to one’s own interests, whether it means walking dogs at an animal shelter or building a website for an environmental group. Adventurous students can take it one step further by participating in service programs abroad. Whether working to raise social awareness, lending a hand with environmental and conservation project, or mentoring underprivileged youth, teens grow exponentially during a summer far away from their usual routine.
March 2018
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Living With Faith Mercy and humility A man brings some very fine material to a tailor and asks him to make a pair of pants. When he comes back a week later, the pants are not ready. Two weeks later, they are still not ready. Finally, after six weeks, the pants are ready. The man tries them on. They fit perfectly. Nonetheless, when it comes time to pay, he can’t resist a jibe at the tailor. “You know,” he says, “it took God only six days to make the world. And it took you six weeks to make just one pair of pants.” “Ah,” the tailor says. “But look at this pair of pants, and look at the world!” Sometimes when we look at the world around us we seem to despair. There is so much bloodshed, so much famine, so much hopelessness, and there is so much bigotry. We were created to be together in both action and deed. And this closeness often leads to contempt. But then we realize that with just a few kind words or simple gestures we can enhance our lives and those around us. In fact, if we really wanted to get along with others we would not be so judgmental or critical. And yet, there are those who would suggest that our belief systems are different and therefore not worthy of connection. And still others who would submit that salvation is relegated to just a few.
We can, and should take a different approach to indifference. We should resolve to confront it, not with antagonism but with a straightforward appeal to decency and morality. We can propose dialogue and exchange of ideas to remember that as we were created differently so are our thoughts and ideas. We need to propose that there is no one path to knowledge or acceptance but rather many ways to the paths of brotherhood and civility. Perhaps we should take the time to look around and see that while we are all different in appearance, we are the same in the way we were created. Scripture describes the birth of humanity, and the question that is raised relates to the fact that only one man and one woman were the beginnings of everything. Perhaps the answer is too simple, and just maybe it’s simplicity is designed to help us understand that the example is there to remind us that one person Is no better than another for we come from one mother and one father. The one ingredient that can be found in ach of us is simply the gift of choice. We have the ability to be empathetic and sympathetic to the needs of others. We can make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. We must learn that to choose hate over love will lead us into an abyss from which there is no return. Perhaps we should step back and take a long hard look at the world, and know that while all was created in just six days, it will take a lifetime, and many lifetimes to follow to continue to complete the task of creating an appreciation for the value and purpose for the greatest gift given us: Life. As the winter approaches its height, let us resolve to keep the warmth of our spirit and the breath of the impending Spring, the most important aspect of the choices we make: “To do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8) Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
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March 2018
Money Matters
On March 8, we observe International Women’s Day. Right here in the United States, women still face barriers to their financial progress. If you’re a woman, you need to recognize these challenges – and respond to them.
So, what are the key obstacles to financial security for a woman? Probably the first thing that comes to mind is the gender wage gap: Women generally earn around 80 cents for every dollar men earn, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But women also face other threats to their financial security. For one thing, they are far more likely than men to take time away from the workforce to raise a family – and time away means smaller Social Security payments and significantly lower balances in 401(k) plans and other retirement accounts. And women’s roles as caretakers don’t end when their
children are grown – in fact, women are twice as likely as their male siblings to end up caring for an elderly parent, according to a Princeton University study. What, then, can you do to help ensure a comfortable retirement and achieve your other financial goals? Here are a few suggestions:
Take full advantage of your employer’s retirement plan. If your employer offers a 401(k) or similar retirement plan, take full advantage of it. Invest as much as you can afford each year At the very least, put in enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered. Invest for the long term. Some evidence shows that women may be more conservative investors than men. But if you want to reach your long-term goals, you will need to consider some growth-oriented investments in your portfolio, factoring in your risk tolerance and time horizon. You may want to consult with a financial professional about the best way to invest for the long term. Maximize your Social Security. If your spouse is the higher earner, you may want to consider how you can use this disparity to your advantage when you collect Social Security. Specifically, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits based on your spouse’s earnings and Social Security record. You’ll want to consult your tax advisor before making any moves.
Straight talk from someone who knows you Sound financial advice means only making recommendations that line up with your goals and risk tolerance. Thoughtful guidance: It’s how we make sense of investing.
Wayne Polk, AAMS® Financial Advisor
MKT-9650-A
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4252 N Verrado Way Suite 202 Buckeye, AZ 85396 623-386-2821
Main Street
www.edwardjones.com
Member SIPC
Protect yourself from long-term care costs. More than two-thirds of nursing home residents are women, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. And the median rate nationwide for a private room in a nursing home is over $97,000 per year. Medicare generally pays very little for long-term care, so if you ever need these services, you’ll have to find other ways to pay for them. A financial professional can suggest some ideas. As a woman, you face special financial challenges, and striving to overcome them will be a lifelong activity. But it’s worth the effort. Submitted by Wayne Polk, of Edward Jones Investments, Verrado resident March 2018
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March 2018
Puzzles & Games Sudoku for March Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
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March 2018
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Business Directory
AUTOMOTIVE
Desert Princess Car Service Litchfield Auto Repair
602.300.7076 623.882.8700
623.255.3290
FINANCIAL SERVICES Edward Jones - W Polk Estrella Partners Group Homeowner Financial Group Kramer Legacy Documents Mahoney Law Office State Farm Insurance -J Caler State Farm Insurance-T Gremillion
623.386.2821 623.594.9283 480.397.5027 623.500.6259 623.518.3513 623.327.1685 623.386.7556
HEALTHCARE & BEAUTY Dr. Nemechek Healthy Life Family Medicine Majestic Beauty Spa Permanent Make Up by Kari Skincare Extraordinaire
623.208.4226 623.889.3477 623.986.5790 602.295.7373 623.826.3726
HOUSEHOLD 5 Dog Electric Al’s Plumbing Century Glass and Mirror Cluff Mechanical Heating & AC Deb’s Creative Interiors Desired Handyman Estrella Mountain Pest Control
22 Main Street
623.925.5427 602.380.8777 623.738.6064 623.487.3147
LANDSCAPING / POOL CARE
EDUCATION The Goddard School
J & H Appliance Repair Raquel Juliette Drapery Design The Window Cleaner AZ Younger Brothers Exterminating
623.313.5685 623.329.5170 623.444.6204 602.765.COOL 623.594.6415 623.910.5183 623.680.6619
Buckeye Desert Landscape Estrella Owner Services Landscapes Jackrabbit Nursery Pool & Landscapes AZ Waddell Landscape
602.527.2818 623.693.5695 623.386.4700 480.999.3348 623.536.2200
REAL ESTATE Main Street Lofts Main Street Property Management - Anne King Main Street Property Management - Kenneth Pellerin Disney Premier Properties Verrado Realty - Tim Klimek Verrado Realty
623.215.4788 480.363.6301 602.672.7182 623.688.0875 623.688.4447 623.792.5900
RECREATION Cabin in the Woods Eleutheria Wellness Center KFNX 1100AM Radio Vince LaRocca-Tennis Pro
623.341.3943 623.986.5110 602.277.1100 623.377.1870
RETAIL Budget Blinds of Goodyear Estrella Ordnance Pure Patio Steel Shield Security Doors
480.629.8854 623.262.2154 623.299.8000 623.977.3277
March 2018
Main Street
March 2018
23
Your Hometown Real Estate Experts, Located on the corner of Verrado Way and Main Street in the Heart of Verrado.
ASHTON WOODS HOMES – $282,000 21027 W Court Street – Verrado 2,542 Sq. Ft. • 3 Beds • 3 Baths Listed by: Diane Simpson
VALLARTA BY CACHET – $332,500 3466 N Hooper Street – Verrado 2,590 sq. ft. • 3 Beds • 2.75 Baths Listed by: Patricia Redfield
ENGLE TOUSA HOMES – $399,900 3132 N Summer Street – Verrado 3,489 Sq. Ft. • 5 Beds • 3.5 Baths Listed by: Tessie Davis
ENGLE HOMES – $425,000 20484 W Springfield Street – Verrado 3,615 Sq. Ft. • 5 Beds • 3.5 Baths Listed by: Bette Popiel
LENNAR HOMES – $450,000 4676 N 206th Drive – Victory 2,238 Sq. Ft. • 2 Beds – 2 Baths Listed by: Timothy Klimek
CACHET HOME – $499,900 21398 W Mule Deer Way – Verrado 4,893 sq. ft. • 4 Beds • 3.5 Baths Listed by: Brennen Kent
Your neighborhood experts focusing on New Homes, Resale Properties, Custom Homes and Homesites. Dedicated to providing exceptional real estate services in this extraordinary community.
Tim Klimek
Pat Redfield
Aaron Lighter
Diane Simpson
Jennifer Cline Designated Broker
Brennen Kent
Bette Popiel
Tessie Davis
Holly McGinty
Joe Russ
24 Information Main Street herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be verified. If your property is
currently listed, this is not meant as a solicitation. Prices subject to change. © Verrado Realty, LLC.
GREEN STREET
VERRADO WAY
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Call 623.792.5900 or visit VerradoRealty.com to buy, sell or lease property at Verrado Located in the center of Verrado on the corner of Verrado Way and Main Street 4236 N. Verrado Way, Suite 102 Buckeye, AZ 85396 Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm - Sunday 11am - 4pm
MAIN STREET
March 2018