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Mountain View

December 2017

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December 2017

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Mountain View

December 2017

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From Me To You...

Welcome! to the December edition of Mountain View magazine.

‘Tis the season of Joy and Giving. Anyone else feel like ‘tis the season of stuff? Buying stuff, giving stuff, getting stuff. So. Much. Stuff.

The winter season, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus or nothing at all should be all about spreading joy and love.

Seems to me it has become a season of how much you can buy. There were a few years when people fought back, forcing retailers to delay or even cease Thanksgiving Day sales.

Now we are back to selling as much as possible as soon as possible. This year the Black Friday sales started at the beginning of November!

How about this for an idea? Instead of giving things to kids who will love the present for a moment then push it aside for the next gift, giving an experience? Something as simple as tickets to a movie or as elaborate as a tip to a far off destination. Those are the gifts that will leave memories that will last a lifetime.

If your family is anything like mine there is nothing these children need. Oh there is plenty

they want, don’t get me wrong. But nothing they need.

Now if you have smaller children I understand the need to have something to open and play with immediately. Those young ones will not appreciate or even remember the experiences anyway.

My youngest son recently asked when he could visit relatives in Europe and I pointed out our 3 month trip there in the past. He made the case that as he was only 4 he had no real memories of that trip. I have vivid memories of him on that trip myself. Him having a tantrum in a field in Scotland, him having a tantrum in the Louvre, him having a tantrum at the Tower of London. OK I see his point. So there is one thing I need to start saving miles for.

You don’t need to push the boat out that far.

Some of our favorite family memories revolve around inexpensive activities. Apple picking at a local farm, hiking up Piestewa Peak, participating in packing food for the homeless events... you get the idea.

This month I challenge you to find gifts that keep giving. It is certainly easier to go online and click your way through the season, but the rewards of memories shared with loved ones is certainly worth that extra time and effort.

All of us here at Estrella Publishing wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessings to one and all!

Catherine Uretsky

Editor, Mountain View Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283 Our cover model is Chloe Sullivan whom many of you will know passed away recently. Her family sent us a loving tribute which you will find on page 7.

There is a paypal account set up for donations www.paypal.me/sullivanstrong

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December 2017

Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor

Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec

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.

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December 2017

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Peace On Earth Hope vs. Wishing “We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!” We’ve all sung those words. The tune is uplifting and the sentiment is nice. However, I find myself longing for something deeper. ‘Wish’ means to want or desire.

There is a lot of wishing this time of year! But is wishing enough?

What about ‘hope?’ Hope is believing that what is wanted can occur. I don’t just wish for peace at Christmas, I hope for it. I believe it is possible. I hope in the Lord. “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” (Psalm 33:20) I believe God’s word and God’s promises. God calls each of us to join him in transforming the world.

As I write this, there is more news of violent attacks in our country. Such things can paralyze us with fear or cause us to give up hope. We wish things would change but not with any real hope that our wish could come true. When we lose hope, we cease to take up our call to help make a difference.

people everywhere, did a few intentional, helpful, and good things every day! Yes, transformation can happen.

Christmas is the celebration of God’s gift of Jesus, the hope of the world. Jesus came that we can know complete forgiveness and be fully reconciled to God. When we experience that gift, we can’t help but want to pass on the goodness we’ve received by reaching out to our hurting world.

Find a church and celebrate the gift of God’s hope.

It will restore and rekindle your hope!

Claiming hope, Valerie Fairchild, pastor of Spirit Song church in Vistancia Join us Christmas Eve: 9:00a.m. Morning Christmas Eve and candlelight; 6:00p.m. Family and children’s pageant; 7:30p.m. Candlelight Submitted by Rev. Valerie Fairchild, pastor of Spirit Song church meeting in Vistancia

You see, God works both divinely AND through the hands, feet, and heart of his people. We’re invited into the work of restoration and reconciliation.

This kind of behavior pops up spontaneously and automatically each December. People give more to those in need, reach out to the homeless and the destitute. People adopt Christmas Angels and buy gifts for strangers. There are more ‘random acts of kindness.’ People smile at one another, hold doors open, and express well wishes. People who haven’t been in contact for a time send one another ‘catch up’ cards. People have family and friends over for dinner or parties.

All this gives me hope. We do know how to help make the world better and we can do this yearround. It’s been proven that kindness to one tends to be passed on, and on. Imagine if each one of us,

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December 2017

On Our Cover In Memoriam Chloe Elizabeth Sullivan was born August 31, 2003.

She came in to this world giving a thumbs up and a high five.

Chloe grew up surrounded by brothers; one older, three younger. That seemed to be the formula to create the perfect combination of girly-girl and tomboy. Truly a Warrior Princess. She could run just as fast as her brothers, hit just as hard, and do it all in a frilly dress and heels.

donation. Chloe can rest easy knowing that she was able to save many lives with her generosity and gift of life to others.

Fly high Sister Golden Hair, and know that you are loved. Always. #chloeliveson Submitted by the Sullivan family.

From the moment she was born, she made it clear that she was going to be independent. She talked early, walked early, even potty trained herself. She had a level of independence that differed from her brothers and she lived life to the fullest. She played hard, but stayed light-hearted. She had no fear.

She never let nerves or anxiety get in the way of her interests. She was a stranger to no one, and a friend to all. She loved adventure. She loved to travel. She loved the beach. She was not one to sit around idly.

As she got older, she loved to shop, and had a fun style that was definitely her own. She loved doing makeup, and while her brows had to be perfect, that wouldn’t keep her from doing things like jumping on her longboard, or her bike, if she needed to get someplace. She loved animals, particularly broken or lost ones. She loved music and would take over the radio in just about any vehicle she got in. She loved hard and had a way of not letting the challenges of life get her down.

Chloe had an infectious laugh, a giggle that would make anyone smile, a sense of humor and quick wit that allowed her to find comedy in even the darkest of situations.

Obviously there was no way of knowing that our “life of the party” would be with us such a short time, let alone make such an impact on so many lives.

She hit this earth like a meteor. Hard, making an impact that will forever leave a mark on those who knew her, and even touching the hearts of those who didn’t. For those of us lucky enough to call her daughter, sister, or friend, we realize how blessed we were for having her in our lives for even the short time she was able to give. While her loss is tragic, and unimaginable, we take comfort in knowing that not only is she with us in spirit, but her legacy will also live on in the way of organ Mountain View

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Living With Faith If it is December it must be Hanukkah and Christmas Each year we all agonize over whether these are religious holidays. Many interfaith households wrestle with the situations of respect and sensitivity to each. And every year there are articles written about how to celebrate, how to identify, so that the spiritual aspect is not lost on the commercialism.

It certainly is a time of lights. There is darkness all around us. The days are short. The nights are long. It is cold and the harshness of winter is fast approaching. Life withers as do trees, and flowers, and people. We sleep, as does nature. Some do not wake. It is the darkest time of the year.

This year, in particular, it is really dark. Gloom and doom seem to be everywhere. We learned that over 5,000 men and women in our armed forces have sacrificed their lives to bring us light. More than 30,000 have been injured or maimed and will never completely see the true light of wholeness again. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? We have such doubts and we struggle to find optimism.

Hanukkah is a time of re- dedication – we saw an example of that when the Maccabees put sword in hand to ensure the survival of the Jewish people and their faith. We cannot recapture the past, but we can use it to ensure the future. The religious freedom that was won some 2200 hundred years ago has been the clarion call for all people throughout history. Every battle for religious

freedom has had as its foundation the spark from the candles lit to celebrate the scourge of evil.

Hanukkah helps us understand the eternal struggle of good over evil.

We pray for good to survive. We attempt to eradicate evil. What we all want is to be left alone so that we can be secure and free.

What we need are voices that will drown out the hate and animosity. God cannot do this for us – we need to do it for ourselves. That is the message of Hanukkah – with faith in the right we lead the battle – not expecting some mighty hand to do it for us. We have been given the ability to survive – all we need to do is grab it and run with it.

And yet, in the final analysis – we still want some Divine intervention to save us from the path of destruction – whether in the Middle East or here at home. And to pray for guidance is not bad – it is necessary – as long as we understand that it is we who must affect the change for good to complete the partnership we all have with God. Hanukkah is also a time of spiritual connection – to our beliefs – to togetherness. It is no different than the understanding of Christmas. Both holidays, to me, indicate the message to set aside petty jealousies and indignations, and concentrate on peace and goodwill among people and nations.

Hopefully the lights of this season, whether a Menorah or a Christmas tree, will remind us to respond to those in trouble so that we can be an instrument in relieving all the pain and suffering.

Perhaps the lights will begin a tomorrow that can be better and that life is cherished above all else.

We should all pray that the leaders of our country, The United States of America, receive Divine guidance to ensure that we remain a beacon of light to all people.

And may God continue to bless us all.

Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA

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December 2017

Mountain View

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It’s time to turn our thoughts to all the good things that come with the season, including the warm comfort food.

A longtime cool-weather favorite is the classic grilled cheese sandwich in all its crisp, meltingly gooey varieties. These days, restaurants and at-home chefs are serving up the deeply satisfying American concoction with scrumptious toppings designed to pair in perfect gourmet harmony with the flavors of the bread and cheese.

The sky is really the limit when it comes to devising new takes on the classic dish. That may mean pairing traditional favorites with seasonal choices such as sliced apples, pumpkin or even holiday dinner leftovers.

Here are a few grilled cheese recipes to kick off the season: * Apple Picker’s Harvest: Thinly sliced freshly picked apples, brie and some smoked ham onto your bread, slathering on a bit of honey and thyme butter before your creation hits the grill or pan.

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* Nine-Layer Dip: If you’re a fan of the classic seven-layer dip (chopped layers of pepper jack cheese, refried beans, avocado, corn and pickled red onions), you’ll love this savory concoction sprinkled with cilantro and grilled between buttered bread slices. Cook up a warm, gooey batch for the gang gathering around the TV for the next big game. * Pumpkin Mac: Whip up your favorite mac and cheese recipe, season it with pureed pumpkin, top it with gouda and bacon, add slices of bread and get busy grilling. The sweetness of the pumpkin balances the bacon’s saltiness for a gourmet treat that may well become your family’s new favorite. * Gooey Gobbler: Optimize that mouthwatering leftover turkey by spreading it with cranberry jam, sage butter and gouda slices, perfecting your dream sandwich on the griddle and enjoying every balanced, blended bite.

December 2017

How do you know if a school is right for your child?

Public, private, charter, virtual and more - deciding what school is best for your children can feel overwhelming. You want them to have an education that prepares them for a challenging world while fitting their unique learning styles. How do you know the best option to ensure they thrive?

“The right school will not only help your child learn essential skills but instill a lifelong love of learning,” says Carol Lloyd, award-winning educational writer and editorial director for GreatSchools, a nonprofit school guide. “Bottom line: The school you choose for your child does make a difference.”

Lloyd knows making educational decisions isn’t easy. That’s why she offers her advice on the most important things to consider when researching schools.

Testing scores: How does the school perform on state assessments across grades and subjects?

Look at the percentage of students who score at or above proficiency. If possible, look at test scores by student subgroup (race/ethnicity and family income). How are students like your child doing?

Student progress: Test scores don’t tell the whole story. It’s important that no matter where students start on the educational spectrum, they make progress and continuously learn as time passes.

Understanding student progress can give you important information about how much children are learning at this school from year to year.

School Zone school? All these details can paint a picture about whether the students are getting the classes they need for college and beyond.

Discipline and attendance flags: Does the school have high chronic absenteeism? Do they suspend some groups of students far more often than others? This might be a red flag that you should consider.

College readiness: If you have a high school student, you’re probably starting to think about the future. If you want to ensure your child’s school is preparing them for college, research the high school’s SAT/ACT participation and performance.

To check out schools in your area and learn more about school ratings and data, visit www. greatschools.org. You can quickly view this information and easily compare it against other schools you’re considering, helping you save time while providing you the necessary information to make a confident decision about your child’s education.

“The updated school profiles on GreatSchools display information parents need, and provide support to help them take action,” says Lloyd.

“For example, if a school has a low Equity Rating compared to other schools in their state, parents will find tips on how to discuss improving the education of all students at this school with teachers and administrators. This empowers parents today and in the future so their children can receive the education they deserve.”

Equity: Look at how students from all backgrounds are doing. Is there a big achievement gap between different groups?

This helps you understand how schools are serving disadvantaged student groups.

Advanced coursework: To understand the academic rigor of a school, research the advanced courses offered. How many students are enrolling in those courses? What’s the average number of advanced courses a student takes at the Mountain View

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Peoria 411 Peoria Police: Working Daily to Protect our Community

Every single day across America, hundreds of thousands of men and women slide into their protective vests, pull up their boots, and answer the call to selflessly serve their community.

In Peoria, public safety is our top priority and we are proud to be home to one of the very best police departments in the nation. Each day, these officers bring their training, expertise, and courage to the job to ensure Peoria citizens are as safe as possible.

The Peoria Police Department has earned the top award, the Gold Standard for Best Practices in Police Work, by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

As we gear up for our next reaccreditation, we look forward

to demonstrating once again that Peoria exceeds the highest standards and best practices in law enforcement.

Although Peoria is not immune to rising national crime trends, we pride ourselves on an extremely low crime rate; and in fact, Peoria remains one of the safest cities in the Valley, with just 23 total crimes per 1000 residents.

We take crime reduction and prevention very seriously, and year to date, we are pleased to see that property crime is down nearly 10%, and overall crime is down over 8%.

With a community-oriented policing philosophy, Peoria PD is focused on engaging community leaders and proactive problem solving right alongside our residents. Whether at community events and meetings, or by engaging younger residents and guiding them towards positive paths, Peoria Police works daily to strengthen relationships.

This viewpoint is based on the principle that by creating access to and from residents and police, there will be greater safety, security, and public trust.

In line with this, in 2016 all of Peoria’s Patrol Officers were outfitted with Body Worn Cameras, which contributes to a heightened level of transparency, and is in line with our high standards for customer service As a fast growing city, we were proud to unveil the opening of our newest police facility. With an existing police station located near our southern boundary, the new facility will more efficiently serve the ever-expanding population within the northern reaches of our city. This state of the art facility is designed to enable public safety expansion as our population grows, providing reassurance that Peoria citizens will not experience a lag in service due to growth.

As new challenges continue to face us, I am assured by the innovative work of our Police Department, who is always looking for new best practices to serve our growing community.

These officers are changing lives and saving lives every single day, and I am honored to know that Peoria is home to some of the finest men and women, working tirelessly to keep us safe.

Submitted by Cathy Carlat, Mayor of Peoria

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Insurance

The average American driver pays more than $1,300 per year for car insurance, but some pay a third of that average while others pay nearly 30 times that amount. High prices, wide disparity in rates and a number of misunderstandings could be why a survey by the same company found nearly 61 percent of Americans think their auto insurance is too expensive, and nearly 29 percent think it’s an outright scam.

“Many people don’t understand how insurance companies arrive at the rates they charge,” says Neil Richardson, a licensed insurance agent. “Just as credit rating companies consider a number of factors in determining your credit score, car insurers look at multiple factors in establishing insurance rates. Those risk factors are all aimed at assessing how likely a person is to not cost the company money, that is, whether they’re more likely to file a claim.”

Here are four controllable factors that can influence your car insurance rates: * How you drive - Just one DUI on your record can raise your rates by more than $1,000 per year, The Zebra found. Safe drivers who obey the rules of the road and have no traffic violations generally pay less for insurance than similar drivers who have violations. Practice safe driving habits. Hang up the phone, and don’t speed, drive recklessly or drink and drive - all those behaviors can lead to violations that will significantly increase your annual premium. * Continuous coverage - Keeping consistent insurance coverage without a lapse. One, three and five years of being continuously insured are major milestones to most insurance companies and you should potentially see a rate decrease after each of those. You don’t have to be insured with the same

company continuously - just have the coverage without any gaps. * Your credit score - Car insurance companies use credit scoring information to further assess a driver’s likelihood of a claim. Drivers with higher credit scores tend to have access to the best auto insurance rates, while those whose scores are lower often pay higher rates. Taking steps to increase your credit score by just one tier could save you as much as 17 percent on your auto insurance. * Whether you rent or own your home - While improving your auto insurance rates may not be top-of-mind when you’re thinking of buying a home, auto insurers generally charge lower rates to people who own their homes versus those who rent.

Additionally, these factors can influence car insurance rates. Even though you may not be able to control these factors, knowing them can help you understand how much you’re likely to pay for car insurance: * Where you live - Insurance laws and costs vary from state to state. Location even matters at the ZIP code level because insurance companies consider the crime rates, weather trends, population density and other factors of where you live to predict the risk of you filing a claim. * How old you are - Statistically, age is an indicator of how likely a driver is to have an accident resulting in a claim. That’s why teen drivers pay the most, drivers between the ages of 50-59 pay the least and rates start to rise again after you pass 60. * Your marital status - Married people typically pay less for car insurance than those who are single, divorced or widowed. * How you use your car - Auto insurers look at whether you use your car to drive for business, to and from work, to and from school, or only for pleasure.

The Zebra recently launched Insurability Score(TM), that can help drivers understand the risk factors that affect their individual car insurance rates, and what they can do about it. The company provides the free score and helpful advice on how to improve it only to consumers as an informational tool; insurance companies don’t use the score to set rates. Visit www.thezebra.com to get your free Insurability Score.

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December 2017

Real vs Artificial

O Mythmas Tree! Debunking the myths behind the real vs. artificial tree debate

Here comes Santa Claus ... and a sleigh full of confusion about Christmas trees. Better to buy real or better to buy artificial? Popular myths are that real trees are bad for the environment, artificial trees make more financial sense and real trees are just a hassle, but read on for some facts that will set the record straight and some thoughts that might turn your head on some of the more subjective sides of the debate.

If your No. 1 concern is the environment, your No. 1 choice should be a real tree. Growing, using and recycling real Christmas trees is good for the environment. Research shows that when compared on an annual basis, the artificial tree has three times more impacts on climate change and resource depletion than the natural tree. Real Christmas trees are biodegradable and can even be recycled or reused for mulch, and every year the circle of life continues. Artificial trees are petroleum-based products and most are imported from overseas.

Many are thrown away seven to 10 years after they’re purchased, and every year the landfills where they will stay (literally for centuries) get a little bit bigger.

Still don’t like the idea of cutting down a tree?

Remember that just like the Halloween pumpkin you carve with your kids or the fresh-cut flowers

you buy for a loved one on special occasions, real Christmas trees are farmer-planted and handharvested specifically for people to enjoy. And, for every real Christmas tree harvested, a new tree is planted.

If it’s your wallet that worries you, keep in mind that it’s no surprise that artificial things frequently cost less than real things. True, not everyone agrees “you get what you pay for,” but there’s a second economic case to be made for buying a real Christmas tree: Real Christmas trees provide real business for real farmers. Fully 100 percent of real Christmas trees sold in the U.S. are grown in North America.

Every choice is a trade-off. What you gain with the ease of an artificial tree, you lose in the experience of a real tree. To be fair, this is subjective. But years from now, which do you think you’ll remember more warmly: assembling a plastic tree you pulled out of the attic that looks exactly the same year after year, or bringing home and decorating a real tree that you enjoyed hunting for with your friends and family? Selecting a real Christmas tree makes memories. The hunt for a real Christmas tree can create an experience - everything from the scent to the search - that simply can’t be manufactured and that no artificial tree can replace.

Ultimately, with all of the myths aside, a real Christmas tree is a choice you can be proud of.

Whether you prefer to shop at a neighborhood store, local farm, seasonal lot or even online, there’s a real Christmas tree available for everyone.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/ ItsChristmasKeepItReal.

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Life As A Caregiver Being someone’s caregiver means more than just taking care of them. Oh sure, preparing their meals, keeping them clean & healthy, administering meds, working to keep their minds active…those are all very important duties. And can be exhausting.

But being someone’s caregiver also means being their advocate. Fighting for their rights if those have been lessened or diminished in some way. And constantly staying current on the latest discoveries or ‘remedies’ that can improve their life. It is up to the caregiver to BE that advocate for them.

and by the year 2040, it is projected that over 100 million people will have the disease throughout the world!

I belonged to an Alzheimer’s support group in my community when I first arrived in Arizona (where I live full-time). It was helpful in the beginning, but once I discovered I was further along in my preparations than most of the others (legal affairs, doctors, daily routine, knowledge), I found I could get more specific help and information in other places. But….in starting this journey it was VERY helpful and I highly recommend to everyone that they start with a local support group first.

Through this Rotary effort, my hope is to bring about awareness of the disease(who is at risk, why, what can be done to prolong the onset, what can be done to manage the affects, etc) and to raise money for continued research such as ongoing clinical trials and medical breakthroughs.

One of the local agencies that specialize in services for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia in Arizona has become a favorite of mine: Benevilla.

Not only did my mom attend day care services from them when I first moved here, but I have since supported them financially and as a volunteer because of the extraordinary work they do. And the network of caring and knowledgeable people there provide a great deal of support for someone like me. Giving back to them was something I could do for the good of the good.

But the thing I am most proud of is my involvement in Rotary and our Rotary Alzheimer’s/Dementia Initiative project that I started in my community.

Arizona certainly has the demographic for being at the forefront of Alzheimer’s research and specialized programs. And as we baby-boomers age, the population of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia will soar in the next 20+ years! Here are just some of the staggering statistics: ~ According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.4 million people have been diagnosed with the disease in the United States to date ~ 27 million have been diagnosed world-wide ~ Approximately 1-in-10 people over the age of 65 now suffer from Alzheimer’s ~ Women have a much higher risk than men…almost 2-3 times higher ~ Everyone is at a much higher risk if their immediate family member (mother or father) had it

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Dementia is NOT a disease. It is a group of symptoms that are associated with a decline of thinking, reasoning and/or remembering. It is an “umbrella” over other memory-related issues.

Alzheimer’s IS a disease and is the most common form of dementia. It is most-often hereditary and sadly, to date, is terminal and without a cure!

But my concern and focus are also on the future.

MY future….and hopefully yours! I want very much to know all that I can so that my chances of having Alzheimer’s are kept at a minimal since I am in that high-risk group. It is also important to recognize that there are dangerous and false medicines within the world of pharmaceuticals…things you see and hear on tv and at the drug store that declare “this” will improve memory or “that” will cure memory loss. Be careful!! Farma stands to make a ton of money from those supposed wonder drugs.

In my last article, I shared with you natural supplements and vitamins that have been PROVEN to delay symptoms if taken as part of a healthy overall diet and lifestyle.

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix or wonder pill to take for Alzheimer’s.

Not yet. But we mustn’t give up.

Not EVER! Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident

December 2017

Holiday Table

Every holiday season, you invest hours planning and preparing the perfect menu for each celebration you host. While easy and fun may be the name of the game for buffet-style events, when it’s a sitdown soiree, the delightful cuisine you produce deserves a presentation worthy of your efforts. A beautifully set table can elevate your holiday dinner from just great to simply perfect.

“Table-setting is an art form anyone can learn to execute beautifully,” says Mary Bernardo, director of product development at Princess House. “Simple touches like elegant holiday plates, colorful linens and an eye-catching centerpiece ensure a holiday table looks as inviting as the food smells.”

Tablecloths, placemats, table runners and chargers not only help protect your table from spills and scrapes, but they also create a lovely backdrop for dishes, glasses, stemware and - of course - the food. Layering these items adds depth and interest to the tabletop.

Consider starting off with a simple white or red tablecloth, and then add either placemats in seasonal patterns or a festive runner. If chargers take up too much room on the table (or too much of your holiday budget), you can layer dinner and lunch plates to create the same effect. For example, place a Pavillion Berry Dinner Plate from Princess House beneath a Poinsettia Lunch Plate.

The solid deep red of the dinner plate is the perfect

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complement to the elegant creamy background and poinsettia pattern of the lunch plate.

Choose dishes with a basic white or cream background accented with a traditional holiday motif. Flatware should also be simple; if your everyday collection is in good condition, feel free to use it for your holiday celebrations. If you don’t have enough pieces, supplement with basic flatware that’s free of embellishment or heavy designs.

Glassware should also be simple and, whenever possible, multi-functional. For example, stemless wine glasses can be used for soft drinks and water, as well as wine.

For a centerpiece that’s festive and practical, consider using your favorite holiday serving bowl, such as a crystal bowl, for the foundation. Then add holiday decor items, like mini Christmas packages, your favorite Christmas tree decorations or a pillar candle in a holiday hue like red, green or snow white. Top with a few sprigs of evergreen, holly or fresh flowers and you have an easy, elegant DIY centerpiece.

Finally, don’t overlook the opportunity to extend the table’s festive atmosphere to the chairs as well.

You can add to their elegance by adding simple decoration such as a mini-holiday wreath strung on a piece of ribbon and looped over the back of the chair.

December 2017

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18 Mountain View

December 2017

Flu Facts

Top 5 things you need to know about the flu shot this year

We asked Teladoc’s Dr. Tibbels why the flu shot is so important this year. Here are his top reasons:

You hear about it on the news. You see the signs in the pharmacy windows. Even your friends and coworkers are talking about it. The flu shot is a highly discussed topic, and for good reason!

1) It keeps you out of the emergency room. The flu shot reduces the risk of hospitalization due to flu by approximately 50 to 60 percent.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on average, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population - or up to 64.6 million people - gets the flu, and tens of thousands of people are hospitalized every year because of it. Further, the flu can strike anyone, and adults aged 18-64 years old are the most likely to get ill, accounting for 60 percent of flu-related hospitalizations. This number goes up in certain areas, and some states - such as Texas, Florida and California - tend to be hit harder by the flu than others.

“Flu-related illnesses are already trending twice as high in 2017 as they were in 2016, and we are seeing an uptick in flu-related visits across the country,” said Dr. Jason Tibbels, MD, board-certified family physician and director for quality programs at Teladoc, the largest and most trusted telehealth provider in the world. “This year, officials want at least 70 percent of Americans to get a flu shot; however, fewer than 50 percent were vaccinated against the flu last season.”

How can you protect yourself and your loved ones from the annual flu outbreak? The first step is to understand the benefits and any potential risks of flu vaccination and then - if it’s right for you - go get the flu shot.

It’s also important to understand that while the vaccine is the best defense in protecting against flu, there’s still a chance that with it, you could get sick.

2) It reduces sick days. Missed time at work due to flu-related illnesses causes an additional $16.3 billion in lost earnings annually.

3) It promotes overall health. The flu vaccine is a helpful tool for people with chronic health conditions. Flu vaccination is associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among people with heart disease, and is also proven to have reduced hospitalizations among people with diabetes and chronic lung disease. Further, vaccination helps protect women during and after pregnancy, reducing the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection by about 50 percent. And getting vaccinated also protects the baby several months after birth.

4) If you do get sick, it may decrease the severity.

The flu vaccination does not guarantee protection against the virus; people who get the shot are still at risk of getting sick. However, if you do get sick, the flu vaccination can make your illness milder. If you start to experience symptoms - whether or not you’ve had the flu vaccine - it’s important to see a doctor. Many people have 24-hour access to boardcertified and licensed physicians seven days a week via telemedicine from home, work or on the road through a phone or tablet, making it easier than ever to get a diagnosis and start treatment.

5) It helps stop flu from spreading. Did you know that the flu virus can be spread to people within three feet of a sick patient when that patient coughs, sneezes or talks? Getting vaccinated doesn’t just help protect you from the flu; the flu shot is the responsible choice for protecting those around you. Vaccination is especially important for protecting more vulnerable populations, such as babies and young children, the elderly, and people with certain chronic health conditions, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

“When it comes to the flu, it’s not wise to take a wait-and-see approach,” said Dr. Tibbels. “Talk to a doctor! We’re available all day, every day, all through flu season and beyond.”

Mountain View

December 2017

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Puzzles & Games 1

Sudoku for December

Cryptogram

Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!

Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Break the code to solve the holiday phrase.

Two letters have been provided for you. Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

3

8

6

2 8

5

7

3

1

2

7

3 6

5 4

3 6

4

7 5

2

20 Mountain View

9

2 2

3

7

9

3

5

6 8

December 2017

EMERGENCY SERVICES Emergencies (Police / Fire) Police Non-Emergency Fire Department Non-Emergency Fire Dept. (Snake Removal) Poison Control Center Rattlesnakes & Gila Monsters

Useful Numbers 911 623.773.8311 623.773.7279 602.253.1190 602.253.3334 480.894.1625

HOSPITALS - MEDICAL Arrowhead Hospital Cancer Center of America John C. Lincoln - Deer Valley Banner Hospital - Del E. Webb Banner Hospital - Boswell

623.561.1000 800.268.0786 623.879.6100 623.214.4000 623.977.7211

CITY OF PEORIA City Hall Water/Trash Main Library Sunrise Mountain Library Parks and Recreation

623.773.7000 623.773.7160 623.773.7555 623.773.8650 623.773.7137

POST OFFICES Glendale Post Office Peoria Post Office Sun City West Post Office

623.572.0288 623.979.8533 623.546.3990

Mountain View

LICENSES Drivers & Plates Vehicle Emissions Station

PUBLIC UTILITIES APS - Electric Company Cox Communications Qwest (Voice & Internet) ZONA Communications Southwest Gas Company

602.255.0072 887.692.9227 602.371.7171 623.594.1072 800.244.1111 623.455.4555 877.860.6020

SCHOOLS Peoria Unified School District Lake Pleasant Elementary School Vistancia Elementary School Liberty High School Sunrise Mountain High School MISCELLANEOUS Trilogy Golf Club Trilogy HOA Office Vistancia HOA Office Community Patrol

623.486.6040 623.773.6575 623.773.6500 623.773.6525 623.487.5125 623.328.5100 623-215-6258 623.215.8646 480.313.2685

December 2017

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Business Directory AUTO SERVICES Baron Auto Mobil Detail

623.755.3465

CONSULTING Estrella Partners Group

623.594.9283

FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES Bergen Financial Group Kramer Legacy Documents Michael Sweet, CPA Succentrix Business Advisors

800.915.2502 623.974.2272 631.987.8989 623.594.9615

HEALTHCARE & BEAUTY Active Life Pain Center Alycan Design Medispa A Tender Dental Care Legacy Smiles Dentistry

623.535.9777 602.368.8413 623.937.1888 623.223.7589

HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Cluff Mechanical Heating & AC Dirt Busters House Cleaning General Exterminating Green Leaf Pest Control The Window Cleaner AZ Younger Brothers Exterminating Younger Brothers Plumbing Zona Communications

602.765.COOL 623.977.6725 623.977.2100 623.399.9970 623.738.6064 623.487.3147 623.487.3130 623.445.4555

22 Mountain View

REAL ESTATE Coldwell Banker - M & J Morin 623.262.2870 623.476.2491 Friedman Realty Associates RETAIL SERVICES Budget Blinds of Peoria Estrella Ordnance Foot Solutions Pure Patio Steel Shield Security Doors

623.251.5988 623.262.2154 623.536.6676 623.299.8000 623.977.3277

WORSHIP Spirit Song Church

623.824.1357

December 2017

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Mountain View

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zonacommunications.com December 2017 23

Cornerstone Group © 2017

Call 623-455-4555

IT’S A GREAT TIME TO SELL YOUR HOME!

IT’S A SELLER’S MARKET! INVENTORY IS LOW IN VISTANCIA! As of 11/15/17, in Vistancia, per ARMLS statistics—Trilogy: 39 resale homes for sale plus 25 resale homes under contract, Vistancia Village: 47 resale homes for sale plus 21 resale homes under contract, Blackstone: 13 resale homes for sale, no resale homes under contract.

Why We Chose Friedman Realty Associates:

“From their expert market analysis, to their attention to detail in staging, to providing a gorgeous photo gallery of our home, Ted and Lana highlighted our home’s assets. We felt like we joined their team in a joint real estate venture. Lana kept us up-to-date at each step in the journey and provided top-notch, unparalleled, customer service. These dedicated real estate professionals know how to get the job done! Our home sold in record time, allowing us to quickly follow our dreams to the next chapter. Even after the sale, they were there for us.” – Colonel Richard Dupuis USAF, Retired

We get results – we make it happen FOR YOU!

Call or text Friedman Realty Associates for your listing appointment today!

Your Neighborhood Real Estate Company With Global Reach

24 Mountain View

(623) 986-0987

December 2017 If your home is currently listed for sale, this is NOT intended as a solicitation for business.