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From Me To You...

Welcome! to the February edition of Mountain View magazine.

Every month I sit down at my computer to write this piece and I usually have an idea of what I will say. A general theme, some lines thought out in my head. Then I let it fly.

Sometimes it is pretty close to my original plan, sometimes I go off on a tangent. The majority of my articles have an example or a snippit from my life, usually involving my children. Let’s face it, kids do say the darnedest things!

Growing up in England, my childhood was mostly bucolic. I had my moments, trials and tribulations you could say, but it was pretty nice all in all. Except for Sunday mornings.

Yes, church. Not because the pews were uncomfortable - they were. Not because the singing was painful - it was, my mother is tone deaf but refuses to let that stop her from belting out the hymns. Not because the world was beckoning from outside, begging me to play and be free - of course it was. My problem was that my father was the vicar, or minister. He was great at it. His voice rang with conviction, he was kind and gentle with his flock and always sang beautifully. The problem was his sermons.

To get inspiration he looked at his life, and in particular his children. Whatever stupid thing we had done that week was sure to be brought up as a humorous anecdote that he could use to teach the lesson of the day. It was mortifying. We lived with these people and as

well meaning as they were, they would always chuckle over our misadventures and talk to us about them later.

One time I remember Dad told the story of our one and only attempt at clock maintenance.

He had on old clock that I believe he found at a yard sale, intending to wind it up and put it on the mantelpiece. It must have needed more than winding so he gave it to us to see what we could learn from it. As the story goes we gave it back to him pretty quickly in pieces.

Many pieces. It filled a large cardboard box that we found somewhere. I don’t remember the meaning behind this sermon, perhaps that there is more inside us that is apparent on the surface, or not to judge the outside of people as what is inside is so much more. Or don’t give your children a clock to play with. What ever it was I remember squirming on my pew as the congregation chuckled along.

Now I find myself on the other end of the story. Remembering my childhood I try to be sensitive to my children’s feelings but let’s face it, they will most likely never read this, and as 3 out of 4 are now grown with their own lives they might like to hear these stories. It does, however, remind me of a TV show I used to watch. Perhaps you did too. Here is one of my favorite quotes from Friends that seems appropriate in this situation: “Oh my God. I’ve become my father. I’ve been trying so hard not to become my mother, I didn’t see this coming.”

— Rachel Green, The One With Phoebe’s Cookies Catherine Uretsky Editor, Mountain View Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283

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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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Peace On Earth Facing Reality I like fantasy and science fiction. I think it would be great fun to have my own dragon to train and ride, as would traveling through the universe exploring strange new worlds. But, reality… Reality can be pretty harsh. The Bible tells us the world is no longer the way God created it. We know there is great hurt, injustice, and illness.

On the flip side, there is much beauty including warm, caring and serving people making sweet realities of rightness and joy in the middle of challenging struggles. Those who bring hope and encouragement into a situation are great gifts.

I know a woman who suffers from COPD, in her case a condition likely caused by some of her own past choices. It’s a tough reality. If only… If only different choices had been made. I know a man who has some sort of neurological disorder that does not seem related to any past choice of his. He, too, faces a reality of steady decline. Reality often seems unfair.

In cases like these, I long for science fiction. You know, the special Star Trek tricorder that is held

near the ailing body and it is restored in just moments. Accepting the reality of hearing loss, blindness, heart failure, cancers, depression, etc. is no longer necessary in that future. But, it is science fiction. It isn’t our reality. However, in Christ there is an amazing reality that helps us face our circumstances.

2 Corinthians 5:1 reads, “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” This is the reality I believe in. Our bodies were never supposed to last forever. It is our heavenly dwelling that is eternal. I can better face the reality of this life, both for myself and my loved ones, knowing that this is temporary. In Christ, there is an eternal life without pain or tears. (Rev. 21:4) Meanwhile, God is faithful. When we struggle, God gifts us with what we need to make it through the tough times. We grow in perseverance, faith and flexibility. We become powerful pray-ers. We learn to find joy even in the mess and we know the hope that surpasses understanding. Each time we come through a struggle, we are stronger and better equipped to help others facing similar situations.

When a new challenge arises, hindsight reminds us to tap into the strengths God gave us. Yes, we can face our realities with grace and gratitude.

May you be strengthened in your reality.

Submitted by Valerie Fairchild, pastor of Spirit Song church in Vistancia

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College Costs With student debt increasingly becoming a longterm burden on graduates and families, says Peter Gayle, a vice president for Prudential Advisors, it’s never been more important to minimize the out-ofpocket expenses to put a student through college and reduce reliance on student loans.

To put the weight of student debt in perspective, The Federal Reserve Bank of New York noted that in 1995, 54 percent of graduates had loans averaging $11,491. It’s more recent data in 2015 showed 71 percent of graduates joined the workforce with student debt averaging slightly more than $35,000.

What’s more, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York estimates 25 percent of those who owe federal student loans are delinquent or in default.

The good news is that anyone willing to put in the time can likely find programs that help foot the bill - helping to reduce the need to take out loans - so a student’s education won’t break the budget or jeopardize a financial future. According to Gayle, families can take a few initial steps before choosing a school: * Learn how the financial aid process works and get the most out of options that don’t need to be repaid. * Understand each school’s actual net price after financial aid - and set realistic expectations, choosing from the most affordable institutions. * Explore types of financial aid, including grants, work study programs and scholarships; examine the specific types of aid available per school and find out how much of a family’s demonstrated financial need each school will cover. * Understand the kinds of loans available, including a variety of federal loans and private loans, which may be used to fill any financing gaps after exhausting other options. * Understand how parents’ “available income” is used to calculate how much parents are expected to contribute to their child’s education, especially for federal financial aid purposes.

Several guides, including Prudential Financial’s www.prudential.com/payingforcollege, can help families take a carefully considered approach to financing a college education while safeguarding a student’s long-term financial future, including the ability to save for retirement.

loans through new online tools. Since 2010, all new federal loans, except Federal Perkins Loans, have been issued through the U.S. Department of Education, which offers information about borrowing and repaying loans.

There are multiple options to repay federally funded student loans, which generally require repayments to start six or nine months after a student graduates, leaves school or drops to half-time enrollment. A few popular choices for repayment include types of income-driven plans, which calculate payments based on a borrower’s ability to repay. One catch: It’s critical to re-certify income and family size annually to avoid huge monthly payment increases.

When debt becomes too burdensome, some loan programs offer forgiveness through public service, federal government employment, and options like teaching in underserved school districts.

Private loans are trickier since there is no standard: Interest rates and repayment terms vary from lender to lender. It’s also worth considering the need for life insurance to cover the full loan balance to aid co-signers or beneficiaries in the event of the borrower’s death, says Gayle. Financial advisors would be well-equipped to help explore this and other options, Gayle notes.

Employers are also beginning to offer employee student debt benefits to put their employees on a course for financial security. At Prudential Financial, for example, new employees hired through the company’s campus recruitment program beginning in January 2017 could earn an incentive of up to $5,000 toward paying off student loans after one year of service. Other companies match student debt payments with contributions to employee retirement savings plans.

Studies show college education can be worth the price. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that students who attend college can earn nearly twice as much over their lifetimes as those with only a high school diploma. But with college tuition continuing to rise, families must find the most effective way to finance a child’s college education to avoid jeopardizing their ability to save for retirement.

For families that must use student loans, the federal government is making it easier to understand how to borrow, process applications and repay Mountain View

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Living With Faith Most of us, I am sure, have heard over the year’s sermons and lessons regarding life and all its mysteries. Most, I am sure, sit back and think “here we go again” – we are going to hear how to live our lives and what we are doing wrong. Seldom do we hear what we are doing right.

Well, I am not going to disappoint you. However, what I will try to do is explain our understanding of life at this time of in our lives – not how it was years ago when we were strong and virile, but right now as we continue to mature and find it difficult to understand where we fit at this time.

Everyone has their troubles. As the story goes: A pregnant woman goes into labor, and her husband takes her to the hospital. Throughout the night, he hears moans coming from her room. He’s a nervous wreck, pacing back and forth hour after hour, sweat running down his face. Finally the doctor rushes out. “Congratulations! You have a girl.” “Thank God,” the man says. “She’ll never have to go through what I just did.”

We look around and see friends and neighbors who have experienced infirmities and we lend a helping hand and then realize it could be us. There are times when I visit patients in the hospital or attempt to comfort those in Hospice or console those who have lost a loved one, then I think about this.

But then I think about how we can make our lives more meaningful and fulfilling. It certainly isn’t by admonishing some for their lack of respect or consideration.

It certainly isn’t by criticizing people who have differing views about religion or politics. It certainly isn’t by finding fault with some who don’t live up to our expectations.

live and learn. We tend to concentrate on our hurts whether physical or mental.

So how do we gain a better understanding of life at this stage in our lives? Unfortunately that is not so easy to accomplish because for one thing we are products of our previous environments and can’t seem to break out of the mold and for another we feel that as we age we can’t change.

Here are my suggestions that hopefully can steer us on a path of gratification and completion: 1. We need to be more inclusive. We tend to segregate ourselves by associating with people we are comfortable with. That, in itself is not bad except that we shut out people who might enjoy being part of our lives and we theirs.

2. We do have a future and we should be concerned about it. All of us together form a community that needs each other because we share the same values and because we share the same ailments and frustrations.

3. We have the ability to make a difference in our community by setting an example that exemplifies our dedication to survival.

4. Be kind to one another 5. Smile at each other To understand life we should concentrate on the hope and faith that tomorrow will be better because we will it. To understand life we need to remove the nothingness in our lives and replace it with purpose.

The end will come soon enough. Let’s not rush it by destroying ourselves with things that don’t matter.

God is here with us waiting for us to stop hating; to cease saying words that have no meaning and are hurtful; to ignore the urge to break hearts by isolating ourselves from those we love and love us; to remember that we are all created in the image of God which allows us to appreciate each other.

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

We shape our destiny by words and deeds. These actions represent the blessing or the curse that we will discover as we continue to

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Help yourself by helping others: Make a commitment to volunteer Did you know that 35,000 hours of volunteering is the equivalent of working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year with no days off for 17 years?

For American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) member Sarah Brooks, who was recently recognized for volunteering more than 35,000 hours in service to military veterans, those are hours spent offering fellowship, kindness and attention to those who made sacrifices for our freedom. Brooks’ decadeslong dedication to the military community has helped hundreds of veterans in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area. The veterans she serves have become her family, her lifeline and a blessing she never thought she would receive.

How did the 91-year-old come to dedicate her life to serving others? “It starts with a hello,” Brooks said.

Brooks shares her time between a veterans home, ALA-sponsored events and a veterans rehabilitation center. “A hello can be the bridge to a great interaction and a wonderful memory. In my 59 years of volunteering, I can say I don’t have a favorite memory from my volunteer efforts because every day is a new and beautiful experience,” Brooks said.

People can give back in many ways, such as donating material items like canned goods and clothes or offering financial support. But giving time is one of the most unselfish actions we can perform.

By becoming personally involved with others through volunteering, we have the opportunity to deliver simple acts of kindness that can help others find healing, support and a new beginning.

In addition, volunteering has real benefits for the volunteer. It can provide a sense of fulfillment that benefits our minds and bodies. Studies have shown that people who volunteer live longer, healthier and happier lives.

Volunteer

realized I could have an impact on my community just through my actions and donating my time.” In 2012, Pridemore founded ALA Unit 1 in Washington, D.C., to help serve veterans and families in that area.

Now serving as president of the American Legion Auxiliary unit, Pridemore, 33, works with local community organizations to plan monthly volunteer events for ALA members and non-members in the area. Their local activities range from cleaning the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to holding a holiday drive for donations for inpatient veterans to send gifts to their family members. In 2016, ALA Unit 1 helped almost 200 veterans in the D.C. area.

While Sarah Brooks recently received a lifetime achievement award from the ALA for her 59-year commitment to service, Pridemore reminds us that there is no “small” act of kindness and service.

“Every give-back moment is an opportunity to have a real impact,” she said. “A touch, a smile, just a brief conversation can make a difference in someone’s day.

“And, when a group of people do come together for a day of real service, it’s so fulfilling,” Pridemore said. “That is why I believe so strongly in the ALA’s mission ‘In the spirit of Service Not Self.’”

Pridemore and Brooks agree that all it takes is a few hours and a heartfelt commitment to caring to help change someone’s life. To learn how to get involved and volunteer, visit www.ALAforVeterans. org.

“When I returned home from military service in my early 20s,” said Victoria Pridemore, a former truck driver, battalion paralegal and division chief paralegal in the U.S. Army, “I wasn’t sure how I could serve my community since I didn’t have the means to donate monetary gifts to any organization. I Mountain View

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Tax Mistakes Life changes - getting married, having a baby, buying or selling a home, sending a child off to college or retiring - often come with changes to your tax situation. Overlooking these changes when filing your taxes can lead taxpayers to make mistakes that leave money on the table, potentially impacting their refund at a time when the average refund is about $2,800. Here is a list of common tax mistakes to avoid in the 2018 filing season to help ensure you don’t miss any deductions or credits that you deserve.

One of the most common mistakes taxpayers make is selecting the wrong filing status. A taxpayer’s filing status can affect which credits and deductions they’re eligible for, the value of their standard deduction and their tax bracket. One situation that can make choosing a filing status difficult is when more than one filing status seems to fit.

For example, if a taxpayer with children is in the process of getting a divorce, they may not be sure if they should file as married filing jointly or married filing separately or, in some instances, whether they qualify to file as head of household. In this case, the taxpayers should run the numbers to see if filing jointly or separately is more to their advantage rather than guessing.

In addition, common clerical errors such as mixing up names, forgetting to include information reported on your W-2, 1099 or other forms, or even making mathematical errors can also affect your tax benefits.

Most taxpayers file their taxes using the standard deduction, but you may be eligible for a variety of itemized deductions that could possibly save you more. Also, you may be eligible for “abovethe-line” deductions and tax credits, none of which require you to itemize. And it’s important to note that the newly passed tax reform generally does not impact these credits or deductions until you file your 2018 tax return in 2019.

Depending on your academic program, what year the student is in, income and other restrictions, there are federal tax credits that can help offset the costs of higher education for yourself or your dependents.

Itemizing deductions: Itemizing can save taxpayers hundreds of dollars, as only one third of taxpayers itemize but millions more should - especially homeowners. Owning a home is often the key that unlocks itemization, but some taxpayers with high state taxes and charitable contributions may also be able to itemize.

Itemizing enables eligible taxpayers to take deductions such as: * Charitable donations * Medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income * Personal property taxes * State income or sales taxes * Casualty losses such as a fire, hurricane or earthquake * Mortgage interest payments On average, the IRS announces annually that approximately $1 billion goes unclaimed in federal tax refunds. Taxpayers can claim a refund for up to three years after the filing deadline. So, in addition to filing your 2017 return, keep in mind to file your 2015 return by April 17, 2018. If not, you will lose your 2015 refund. There is no late-filing penalty if a taxpayer is due a refund. Also, even if you are not required to file a return, you may be entitled to a refund.

Earned Income Tax Credit for lower-income workers: Twenty percent of eligible taxpayers, particularly lower-income workers, do not claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Depending on their income and the number of children they have, these taxpayers may be eligible for an EITC of $503 to $6,242. Since eligibility can fluctuate based on financial, marital and parental status, taxpayers can be ineligible one year and eligible the next.

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I am Peoria

Mayor’s Desk

When the City of Peoria incorporated in 1954, our city spanned 1.2 square miles and only 1,925 residents called Peoria home. In the past 63 years, we have experienced tremendous growth and we are now the proud home to more than 171,000 residents, spanning 178 square miles.

Every person is part of the unique character that makes up our great City and each of us has a story. With such a large community and so many residents, it can be difficult to know the people and the families who live and work alongside us. There are those who carry the rich history and heritage of the lands that we call home, and others who are emerging and molding Peoria’s future.

Over the next year, I’ll be spending some time helping tell the stories of a few of the people who make our community so special through a program I’m calling, “I am Peoria.” It’s a chance to hear directly from the people who impact our community every single day - and as your Mayor, I wanted to give residents a chance to hear my story, too.

Although I took office as Peoria’s first female Mayor in January 2015, I was first elected to Peoria City Council in 2005 to represent the Mesquite District – Peoria’s largest and fastest growing district. My story, however, and the reason I decided to run for office started much earlier.

I was born in Pennsylvania and my family moved from the cold to the beauty and warmth of Arizona in 1969. I grew up playing in the desert of what was then considered far north Phoenix.

In the early 1980s, hearing that the job market was booming, I moved to north Texas. As time went on, I met and married my husband Dennis, settled in a small town just north of Dallas called Plano, and started a family. While we were busy with the daily cares of a young family, our sleepy suburb began an incredible transformation.

A Texas businessman bought a large swath of land and relocated his corporate headquarters to Plano.

As other companies followed, the changes to the city of Plano were substantial. Property values soared, families enjoyed economic stability, children grew up with the lofty goals and high hopes that quality employment produces.

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These corporations became a contributing part of the community. They donated to schools, parks, cultural programs, public art and of course, because it was Texas, they supported every sport a kid could ever hope to play. With employment opportunities close to home, kids came back after college to work and raise their own families. The community itself became very strong and family-oriented.

After 17 years in Texas, I was ready to come home.

While there were many things I loved about Texas, it was never home. My family was here and I never stopped missing them or the desert.

The Carlat family came home to Arizona in 2001 and settled in Peoria. I took a job at Central Arizona Project, where I met then-Peoria Councilmember Bob Barrett. We became friends and I found our conversations about the issues surrounding municipal government inspiring.

I moved to Peoria because of the beautiful mountains, the vast desert, the amazing home values, and the great schools. I ran for office because I knew the value of my business experience and my vision for a complete community.

Having held executive positions in Texas, working at Central Arizona Project for 13 years, and serving on the Peoria City Council for almost 10 years, I retired to concentrate full-time on being Mayor and building Peoria to its fullest potential.

I believe my roles in the private sector and in business helped me grow to the person I am today, and I am thankful for the opportunity to lead a community with as much opportunity as we have here in Peoria.

Peoria is home to people who enjoy an exceptional quality of life. Each of us is bound together by a common thread - a common interest - which brought us to where we are, and over the next several months, I’m excited to share their “I am Peoria” stories. I hope you’ll join me to hear these unique stories for yourself.

Submitted by Cathy Carlat, Mayor of Peoria

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Home Sweet Home 5 must-have home features for retirees

As we move through the different stages in our lives, our housing needs change too. The home you were excited to move into in your 30s might not be ideal for those now nearing retirement.

According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, between 2015 and 2035, the number of people over the age of 75 living alone will nearly double from 6.9 million to 13.4 million. Being prepared for retirement and aging is important, so we’re going to take a closer look at the specific housing features that would most benefit those who are looking to downsize or find that perfect home to “age in.”

1. Walk-in showers Installing a walk-in bathtub or large shower is a good idea for ease and safety. Having extra room to move is not only aging-friendly, but a timeless trend that is easy to maintain.

2. Wide doors and hallways

Spacious doors and wide hallways do the double duty of making your home look great while providing enough space to maneuver a wheelchair or walker through if needed.

3. Open floor plans A home design trend that is perfect for any homeowner age is an open floor plan. But for boomers, an open floor plan is more than just an aesthetic feature. Having wide spaces that allow you to move around is essential to maintaining your independence as you grow older. It also helps add more natural light and is ideal when gathering with family and friends.

4. Low maintenance Fixing up an older home with good bones might look fun on TV, but it’s not something you will want to deal with in your retirement. Rather than trying to troubleshoot problem after problem, look for a newly constructed home. Not only will you have fewer maintenance issues, but you can design a flexible floor plan that fits your lifestyle.

5. A customizable floor plan The features listed so far are part of what is commonly known as age-in-place design. These home features work for people of all ages, but are designed so you can age into them. In addition, make sure the home you purchase is single-story and fits the lifestyle you want for your future.

As you grow older, you realize there is no one, perfect dream home. Rather, there are different dream homes for different stages of your life.

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If you’re thinking of buying your first home, you’ve probably wrestled with the decision to rent or own your home - and for good reason.

Owning a home is a big commitment. With it comes a lot of responsibility and a long-term financial relationship.

But which is right for you? To answer that, let’s lean into the facts.

The improving housing market Good news! Since the depths of the recession, the housing market has made a heroic comeback. That can be attributed to a number of factors, including a drop in unemployment and a stronger economy.

But as the housing market has recovered, it has experienced some growing pains. With a sharp increase in demand, housing supplies are being strained. This means, among other things, that prices are going up.

For families and individuals still recovering financially, finding affordable housing options can be difficult. This applies to home sales and rentals.

Making the decision With rental and sales markets heading toward record highs, the decision falls back to what is best for you. Specifically, what is financially feasible.

Let’s look at the basic numbers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median gross rent paid from 2012 to 2016 was $949 monthly. Compare that with the median selected monthly owner costs

Rent vs Own with a mortgage, which was $1,491 over the same time period.

Then there are utilities. The median monthly electricity cost for renters in 2015 was $82, with owners paying $117. For piped gas, the median amount renters pay monthly is $42, while owners pay $58.

For renters, it is wise to carry renter’s insurance.

Some landlords will also charge maintenance and other fees. Utility costs will also vary depending on the quality of the structure and materials used as well as size of the rental space.

Homeowners will pay property taxes, insurance and an estimated $500 annually for routine maintenance, according to the Census Bureau.

The benefits of homeownership At a glance, it may seem that renting is the lower cost option. But there are certain benefits to homeownership that may offset the additional regular costs. According to the Tax Policy Center, the primary benefit to owning a home is imputed rental income. Simply put, making a monthly payment on a home that you own is like paying rent to yourself.

While that money is not taxed, it comes with another benefit - potential tax deductions. When you file your federal taxes, you may be able to deduct a portion of the mortgage interest you pay.

Talk to a tax professional for more information on the expenses you can deduct and the limits for those deductions.

Beyond the numbers Homeownership provides a variety of benefits beyond the numbers. For many people, a home is the largest investment they will ever make.

The upgrades, work and care put into the home that you own can add value to your investment.

It also adds a sense of pride knowing that it is yours.

“Having a place to call your own, a place to return to at the end of the day, makes life better,” said Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. President Eric Hamilton. “You can see it from the moment they make the decision - that sense of pride. It’s a life-changing event and a memory that will last a lifetime.”

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This entitles the holder to RSVP for up to 4 people A COMPLIMENTARY MEAL Trilogy at Vistancia Tewa Ballroom 27980 N. Trilogy Blvd., Peoria, AZ 85383 Thursday, February 15th at 5 PM followed by Dinner NOTHING WILL BE SOLD AT THIS FREE WORKSHOP! Your Speakers: Darcy L. Bergen AZ License #155178 Darcy L Bergen is a fiduciary and the founder of Bergen Financial Group. Darcy is an experienced television and radio personality, having hosted radio shows including “Smart Money” and “Safe Money & Income Radio Show with Darcy & Heather.” He has presented hundreds of seminars dealing with all aspects of money, and now focuses on matters associated with retirement. Darcy is a Certified Retirement Financial Advisor (CRFA) and is a NAFA member (National Association for Fixed Annuities).

Bryan Little AZ License #23626 Bryan Little is a fiduciary and specializes in retirement and income planning. Since 1995, Bryan has had a goal in helping his clients achieve their ideal financial retirement. Bryan is a licensed insurance agent, licensed to sell life insurance and annuities. Being an independent advisor, he strives to find the best companies and products to help clients achieve their goals.

Seating is Limited... Call to RSVP 1-800-915-2502 Bergen Financial Group • 20542 N. Lake Pleasant Road, Suite 111 • Peoria, Arizona 85382 This is not intended to be a sales seminar. The purpose of this seminar is to provide you with general information on retirement planning. Neither Bergen Financial Group nor any agents acting on behalf of Bergen Financial Group should be viewed as providing legal, tax or investment advice. Consult with and rely on your own qualified advisor. Annuities: “A surrender during the surrender charge period could result in a loss of premium. Surrender charge structure may vary by state. Please consult your Disclosure Statement for details specific to your state. However, some products have a Return of Premium Guarantee. Issuing companies that have Return of Premium products are Midland National, EquiTrust, National Western and Sagicor. Life Insurance: “Income and growth on accumulated cash values is generally taxable only upon withdrawal. Adverse tax consequences may result if withdrawals exceed premiums paid into the policy. Annuities grow tax deferred and life insurance is tax free under certain circumstances. Withdrawals or surrenders made during a Surrender Charge period will be subject to surrender charges and may reduce the ultimate death benefit and cash value. Surrender charges vary by product, issue age, sex, underwriting class and policy year. 1Interest is based on 10.46% effective August 22, 2017 and is subject to change without notice.” 10.46% First-Year Yield reflects 8% Premium Bonus plus a 2.9%, Fixed Account Rate, and assumes no withdrawals, net of fees. This yield applies only to premiums in the Fixed Account. The Fixed Account Interest Rate is based on current rates and subject to change at the Company’s discretion and based on $250,000 premium.” 2Tax-free refers to income tax3Daniel Mazza is our View February 2018 free life insurance. Mountain Attorney for Wills and Trusts. His license number is 029570. 4Secure income annuity offered through Security Benefit Life. Insurance products may be presented by Bergen Financial Group, a company that provides insurance products for clients. Fixed annuities guarantee that your money will earn at least a minimum interest rate. Fixed annuities may earn interest at a rate higher than the minimum but only the minimum rate is guaranteed. The issuer of the annuity sets the rates.

16

Being an informed health care consumer is hard work. There is information everywhere. But how do you sift through it and make sense of it all? And how do you know what is reliable and what isn’t?

Sorting through the noise when buying hearing aids is no exception.

In the past several months, there has been significant media coverage and social media discussion about the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017, which will make certain types of hearing aids available over the counter in the next several years. At the same time, there are many advertisements about devices called Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs) - which are not hearing aids and are not designed to treat hearing loss - adding to the confusion.

BHI recommends that anyone who is ready to address their hearing loss keep these six points in mind: 1) Addressing hearing loss promptly and appropriately is important for health and quality of life. Research shows that hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline and dementia, depression, an increased risk of falls and hospitalization, and greater health care costs. Hearing loss also is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, moderate chronic kidney disease, obesity, sleep apnea and rheumatoid arthritis, studies show.

2) Hearing loss is not a simple mechanical issue and cannot be remedied as easily as buying a pair of reader glasses at the grocery store. Hearing loss is a complex sensory loss. It involves brain function and frequency losses specific to the individual. Human hearing involves a multifaceted interplay between specific parts of the ears and brain. For this reason, hearing aids - which are designed specifically to compensate for hearing loss - must be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure safety and efficacy.

3) Hearing aids need to be custom-fitted and programmed specifically for the individual so they correctly address those specific frequencies the individual has trouble hearing. The beauty of authentic hearing aids is that they’re tailored - through personalized fitting, programming and follow-up adjustments - to correctly address those specific frequencies the individual has trouble hearing. This gives the wearer the greatest benefit and ensures that the level of amplification is appropriate across the entire frequency spectrum.

Mountain View

Hearing Aids Follow-up hearing aid adjustments, along with training to help consumers adjust to amplification and re-learn how to hear and process sounds they had been missing, further increase user satisfaction.

4) Personal sound amplifiers (PSAPs) are not hearing aids and are not cleared by the FDA to treat hearing loss. Consumers need to be careful not to confuse hearing aids with PSAPs, which simply turn up the volume - sometimes to dangerously high decibel levels - regardless of the individual’s specific hearing needs. Over-amplifying in this way may put the consumer at risk of greater hearing damage.

5) Seeing a hearing care professional is the best safety net for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Going to a hearing care professional helps ensure that any underlying medical issue behind a hearing loss is identified and addressed. It also helps ensure that the person’s hearing loss is safely and effectively treated. Audiologists and hearing aid specialists are expressly trained in all aspects of hearing aids and amplification, and they are state-licensed. They have the most appropriate and accurate equipment to give a precise read of an individual’s current hearing level. Involving a hearing health care professional also means the consumer gets maximum benefit from their hearing aids.

6) Currently, hearing aids are only sold by licensed hearing care professionals. Today, real hearing aids cannot be purchased in the U.S. without the involvement of a licensed hearing care professional.

The way hearing aids are sold, however, will change in a few years due to the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017, which was signed into law in August 2017. Nevertheless, the complex nature of hearing loss will not change.

BHI urges consumers with hearing loss to remain encouraged. Most people with hearing loss can benefit from custom-fitted and programmed hearing aids. In fact, 91 percent of people who purchased hearing aids in the last year say they are happy with their purchase, and 90 percent say they would recommend getting hearing aids to family members and friends, BHI research shows.

For information on types of hearing loss, visit http://www.betterhearing.org/news/heres-whatyou-need-know-about-different-types-hearing-loss.

February 2018

17

Life As A Caregiver I am a pretty positive person by nature. I tend to view things with the glass half full. That doesn’t mean I’m a Pollyanna. But it means I would rather be happy than sad. But dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease sometimes makes being happy a challenge. It not only impacts your day-today existence, but in can creep into how you react to other issues that come up.

made me strong in many ways. But I am also quite emotional at the same time. Not the fall-apart emotional. But the teary and heavy-heart kind. I wasn’t able to cry my eyes out over the loss of my friend until my mom was settled and ready for bed.

I wasn’t able to be quiet and pensive and deep in my thoughts over the stroke my friend had until mom was comfortable and secure for the night.

Take this week, for example. The husband of a very good friend of mine had a severe stroke early in the week. The prognosis is unclear, but he has a very long road ahead of him, if he makes it at all. His wife is just devastated. They both are just wonderful people whom I adore. And there’s nothing I can do to fix this. Oh yes…..I am there for her. I call and comfort and pray and support. And I will make meals and run errands and whatever else I can do to assist. But that’s about it. Doesn’t seem like very much. But I know it is. I am so sad and very teary.

But that’s the way it is. I must be strong for her and not visibly sad or it will only make her sad. For the moment anyway. She won’t remember why I’m sad, but like I said, she & I live in the moment.

So what’s the solution to help keep my sanity and allow me to take care of myself? Working out is good. Taking short respites is also good. And I do both. But my love for my mom is unconditional and watching her go through this brings tears to my eyes as fast as I can snap my fingers.

Then a day later, I found out that a dear friend of mine is under hospice care and is unresponsive.

She had cancer about 2 years ago, beat it and moved back up to Washington state with her husband to be closer to family. Then the bloody cancer came back…with a vengeance. Treatments haven’t worked and all I’ve been able to do (with the help of our two other friends who all paled around together as a group) is declare my love and support through sending cards and texts. There is nothing I can do to fix this. I am so sad and very teary. And then today I learned she died. My dear friend died….way too soon. But at least she is out of her pain and with the angels.

Which is what I wish I could do to rid her of this horrible disease!

Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident

Also today, as I was giving my mom her breakfast, she tried to find a word to express what she wanted me to do. And it wouldn’t come. And she broke down and cried out of total frustration. The inability to find words to express yourself is an effect of Alzheimer’s. She hasn’t had that problem very often, so this could be a sign of continued deterioration. I settled her down, was kind and soft with her and explained that this was a symptom of Alzheimer’s, not about her being stupid (which she claims she is). She snapped out of it quickly and she resumed breakfast. But I couldn’t fix it. And when I left her room, I was sad and teary.

And that’s what happens to caregivers. They take on all the natural burdens of life and have a harder time coping with them because they pile up inside.

I am lucky that I can get through them. God truly

18 Mountain View

February 2018

Healthy Living

A new year brings new opportunities to focus on health and fitness. The following are four easy ways to boost your health in less than five minutes per day.

Drink water before each meal.

Drinking enough water each day helps to boost hydration, improve energy and aid digestion. But drinking before meals may offer another benefit - it can help you to eat less and lose more weight. One study found drinking 16 ounces of water in the half hour before meals led to nearly three pounds of weight loss on average over a 12-week period when compared to those who did not drink before a meal.

Make it a habit to take your multivitamin every morning.

No matter how healthy your diet, you may fall short on essential nutrients day to day. “Taking a multivitamin is one of the best ways to ensure you are meeting all of your nutritional needs consistently,” states Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, and spokesperson for Swisse Wellness. When choosing a multivitamin, not just any option will do.

“Look for brands that have been clinically tested to ensure they can be utilized and absorbed by the body,” points out Palinski-Wade.

Mountain View

Practice belly breathing.

High stress levels can increase blood pressure, affect your immune system and cause you to pack on the pounds. To instantly fight stress, remember to breathe. Practicing deep breathing exercises, such as belly breathing, can reduce heart rate and lower stress hormones quickly, helping to prevent stress from having a negative impact on health.

To practice, place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Breathe in slowly through your nose into your belly. You should feel the hand on your stomach being pushed outward while the hand on your chest remains still. Hold the breath for a few seconds, and then push it out through pursed lips, like you were whistling. Repeat for three slow, deep breaths to instantly feel less stressed.

Pick up the intensity of your workout - for one minute.

Finding time to exercise can be a challenge, but there is good news for those with maxed-out schedules. A recent study found that just one minute of high-intensity exercise may be equivalent to 45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise.

Although you shouldn’t ditch your workout routine completely, when you are short on time, aim to fit in small bursts of exercise throughout the day.

Just make sure your doctor clears you for intense exercise before getting started.

February 2018

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20 Mountain View

February 2018

Shut-Eye

While few people like daily workout routines or kale salad, most everyone loves sleep. And a good night’s sleep loves you, too: It boosts mental and physical well-being. With today’s stressful, highly caffeinated, screen-addicted lifestyles, millions of Americans do not get enough sleep. There are many reasons for this.

How do you get there?

This year, more than 30 percent of Americans reported they slept worse than in 2016.

* Ditch the device: Forty-six percent of self-described “good sleepers” never or rarely bring a device to bed.

A big culprit here is television. Nearly half of all respondents said that television often cuts into their sleep. In fact, 24 percent of millennials and 14 percent of all Americans report that binge watching before bed prevents them from getting enough rest.

* Have a laugh: Those who sleep well are more likely to watch a comedy before going to sleep.

Nearly 70 percent say worry and responsibility are preventing them from getting the sleep they need.

However, putting your own self-care first is often the best way to care for others. Those who sleep well say they have a healthy balance of taking time for themselves and helping others that need them (39 percent versus 26 percent). Of course, if you’re having difficulty sleeping, this might sound easier said than done.

Mountain View

How do you achieve that wonderful, restorative eight hours of sleep?

There’s not one right way to do this, but there are several habits good sleepers have:

* Keep it cool: Forty-five percent say that cooling down the bedroom temperature is the No. 1 thing they do to improve sleep. * Stay tidy: Those who make their bed every morning are less likely to struggle with sleep.

A good night’s sleep can mean the difference between having a wonderful or a horrible day. More and more Americans are realizing this. Sleep is so individualized, and there’s no one right way to do it.

The more you know about how you’re sleeping, the more you can learn what adjustments you should make to sleep better.

February 2018

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Yum Yum Make your chip and dip a little more hip

Savvy hosts and hostesses know that the keys to a successful soiree are a room filled with laughter and delicious treats served. If you’re hosting a special event with friends and family, impress and delight your guests with fresh, new takes on the classics.

Here are some ideas for a simple, yet indulgent, chip buffet: * Vary the chip choices. It’s hard to beat the classic potato chip at any snacking occasion. Make your snacks special by adding crispy kettle cooked chips to the mix. * Play with presentation. Bowls are a tried-andtrue way to serve chips, but try some Pinterestworthy ideas like glass jars for guests to see all the delicious flavors, mini apple baskets with metal scoops for a rustic look or individual take-out boxes for your guests to quickly grab. * Do it up with dip. Dips and spreads dress up a potato chip and when you’re entertaining a crowd, the more the merrier! Serve the classics like French onion, spinach and artichoke and baked brie, all of which are simple to prepare and can even be prepped a day ahead of time. To really impress your guests, mix in a few out-of-the-ordinary recipes such as a Jalapeno Pimento Cheese dip.

Jalapeno Pimento Cheese Ingredients: 1 bag Lay’s Kettle Cooked Chips 8 ounces jalapeno cheddar cheese, grated 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 4-ounce jar of pimentos, drained and chopped 1/4 cup Greek yogurt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 cup pickled jalapenos, drained and chopped 1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper 2 teaspoons lemon juice Directions: Using a food processor or grater, shred cheddar cheese.

Add chopped pimentos, chopped jalapenos, cayenne powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, mayo and 1/4 cup thick Greek yogurt. Mix until combined. Depending on texture you want, add more Greek yogurt.

Stir in lemon juice.

22 Mountain View

February 2018

The ski and snowboard season has arrived, and some areas in the U.S. are already open for business. As snow sports continue to gain popularity, millions of people will be hitting the slopes this winter. With the increase in skier and rider visits, safety is always a top concern.

Substantial growth in the number of skiers and riders wearing helmets has made participation in snow sports safer, along with awareness and education campaigns that emphasize the responsibility each skier and rider has every time they take to the slopes.

Eighty percent of skiers and snowboarders wore helmets during the most recent ski season, setting yet another record for helmet usage at ski areas across the country. While helmets can help to reduce or prevent certain injuries, they are not foolproof, and there are other safety concerns while skiing. Proving that helmets alone do not prevent all injuries, data from Craig Hospital shows an increase in the number of patients admitted each year from snow sports accidents.

As an avid skier, ski racer and one of the early pioneers of adaptive skiing programs, Dr. Thomas E. Balazy, medical director of Craig Hospital, is a strong proponent of helmets. “Helmets can definitely prevent head injuries while skiing or riding,” said Dr. Balazy. “I would never go out without one, and while I believe that everyone who participates in this sport should wear one at all times, responsible, safe skiing and riding is the best way to prevent serious injuries on the mountain.”

Kelli Johnson, along with her daughter Elise, inspired the #RideAnotherDay campaign. On the day before Christmas in 2010, Kelli was skiing in northern Wyoming near their home with her oldest child, Elise, 5. When Kelli stopped to help Elise put her ski back on, a snowboarder traveling at more than 50 mph collided with them. The accident was devastating. Elise and the 23-yearold snowboarder died instantly, and Kelli sustained a traumatic brain injury and paralyzed arm.To honor their daughter and create a lasting legacy, Kelli and her husband, Chauncy, partnered with the NSAA to launch a safety campaign titled #RideAnotherDay.

Stay Safe

Keeping skiers and riders safe while skiing and riding is top of mind for those in the ski industry.

The following tips are from the #RideAnotherDay campaign, which is being promoted at more than 300 ski areas around the country:

* Be ready to avoid objects and other skiers. * Maintain a safe speed and always ski in control. * Stay alert to what’s going on around you, especially other skiers and riders. * Plan ahead and ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails and give others plenty of room when passing.

The explosive growth of terrain parks at ski resorts, has led to the NSAA launching the ParkSmart campaign. Freestyle terrain parks can include jumps, half pipes, rails, ramps and more. Some simple safety and etiquette tips for terrain parks include: * Start small - Work your way up. Build your skills.

Know your limits and ability level and select the appropriate freestyle terrain for you. * Make a plan - Every feature. Every time. Some features are set up to be used one after the other, without stopping, and others individually; jumps are for jumping and rail takeoffs are for using the rail. * Always look - Before you drop. * Respect - The features and other users. * Take it easy - Know your limits.

Learning how to ski and ride safely and understanding the rules and etiquette of the mountain can help ensure a fun, safe season on the slopes. For more information on the #RideAnotherDay campaign or ParkSmart, visit NSAA.org.

“My hope is to get this message out to others,” said Kelli. “If anyone hears this message just once, they will hopefully change how they act and conduct themselves out on the mountain.”

Mountain View

February 2018

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Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Sudoku Solution 9

Sudoku for February

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Valentine Riddles Q: What did the stamp say to the envelope on Valentine’s Day? A: I’m stuck on you!

Q: What travels around the world but stays in one corner?

A: A stamp.

Q: Why is lettuce the most loving vegetable?

A: Because it’s all heart.

Q: What do squirrels give for Valentine’s Day? A: Forget-me-nuts.

Q: What did one volcano say to the other?

A: I lava you.

Q: What is a vampire’s sweetheart called?

A: His ghoul-friend.

Q: Why did the banana go out with the prune?

A: Because it couldn’t get a date.

Q: What happens when you fall in love with a french chef?

A: You get buttered up.

Q: What did the caveman give his wife on Valentine’s Day? A: Ughs and kisses!

Q: Why did the boy put candy under his pillow?

A: Because he wanted sweet dreams.

Q: What did the paper clip say to the magnet?

A: I find you very attractive.

24 Mountain View

February 2018

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

February 2018

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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 623.300.1227 631.987.8989 623.594.9615

HEALTHCARE & BEAUTY Alycan Design Medispa A Tender Dental Care

602.368.8413 623.937.1888

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

602.765.COOL 623.977.6725 623.399.9970 623.738.6064 623.487.3147 623.487.3130 623.455.4555

REAL ESTATE Coldwell Banker - M & J Morin Friedman Realty Associates Realty One Group - A Petrosyan

623.262.2870 623.476.2491 623.759.5000

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RECREATION & RESTAURANTS Haymaker Restaurant Co. 623.566.1515 KNFX 1100AM Radio 602.277.1100 RETAIL SERVICES Budget Blinds of Peoria Estrella Ordnance Pure Patio Steel Shield Security Doors

623.251.5988 623.262.2154 623.299.8000 623.977.3277

WORSHIP Spirit Song Church

623.824.1357

February 2018

GET YOUR HANDS ON THIS VALENTINE’S VALUE

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You’ll love Zona’s Internet! Our Fiber-to-the-Home Network offers the most reliability and fastest speeds. Order new Internet service this month and receive free installation (a $100 value).*

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FOR FREE INSTALLATION! *Service availability and Internet speeds depend on location. Contact us for complete details. Offer good during February 2018 only. Use Mountain View promo code: LOVE.

28620 N El Mirage Rd, Suite 101, Peoria, AZ 85383 623-455-4555 • wwwzonacommunications.com

February 2018

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Cornerstone Group © 2018

623-455-4555

Your Neighborhood Real Estate Company With Global Reach

Office: 623-476-2491 Call/Text: 623-986-0987 BirdieGolfHomes.com

Trilogy at Vistancia Home Sales 2017 and 2016 Comparison

Trilogy at Vistancia Home Sales

Avg Sold Avg List Price Price Price Price Year Listing Volume Sold Volume Avg List Price Per Avg SF Per Avg SF Trilogy at Vistancia Home Sales Avg Sold Avg List 2017 2016 Comparison Price # of Avg Sold Sale/List Avg Price 2017 196* $80,950,930 $79,103,960 $413,015 $403,592 0.98 Sales 2,096 $197.03 $192.52 Trilogy at and Vistancia Home Listings Listing Volume Sold Volume Avg List Price Price Price Sq Ft Year Per Avg SF Per Avg SF Avg Sold Avg List 2016 167** $64,240,635 $62,664,858 $384,674 $375,239 0.98 2,039 $188.60 $183.90 Price # of Avg Sold Sale/List Avg Price 2017 196* $80,950,930 $79,103,960 $413,015 $403,592 0.98 2,096 $197.03 $192.52 Listings Listing Volume Sold Volume Avg List Price Price Price Sq Ft Year Per Avg SF Per Avg SF Note: *205 total homes-9 new builds=196 resales in MLS in 2017. **173 total homes-6 new builds=167 resales in MLS in 2016.

2016 167** $64,240,635 $62,664,858 $384,674 $375,239 0.98 2,039 $188.60 $183.90 2017 196* $80,950,930 $79,103,960 $413,015 $403,592 0.98 2,096 $197.03 $192.52 # of Listings

Sold Sale/List 2017 andAvg 2016 Comparison

Avg Sq Ft

VISTANCIA HOME SALES - 2017 and 2016 Comparison

Avg Days on Market Avg109 Days on Market 120 Avg Days 109 on Market 120 109

Village Home Sales Note: *205 total homes-9 new builds=196 resales in MLSVistancia in 2017. **173 total homes-6 new builds=167 resales in MLS in 2016.

2016 167** $64,240,635 $62,664,858 $384,674 $375,239 0.98 2,039 $188.60 $183.90

120

2017 and 2016 Comparison

Note: *205 total homes-9 new builds=196 resales in MLSVistancia in 2017. **173 total Home homes-6Sales new builds=167 resalesAvg in MLS Listin 2016.Avg Sold Village Price Price # of Sold Sale/List Avg 2017 andAvg 2016 Comparison Per Avg SF Per Avg SF Listings Listing Volume Sold Volume Vistancia Price Home PriceSales Sq Ft Year Avg List Price Village Vistancia Village Home Sales Avg Sold Avg List Price Price # of Avg Sold Sale/List Avg 2017 and$324,949 2016 Comparison 2017 201* $66,397,252 $65,314,817 $330,335 0.98 2,558 $131.98 $129.90 Per Avg SF Per Avg SF Listings Listing Volume Sold Volume Avg List Price Price Price Sq Ft Year Avg Sold Avg List 2016 166** $51,200,956 $50,335,694 $308,439 $303,227 0.98 2,542 $122.50 $120.52 Price Price # of Avg Sold Sale/List Avg 2017 201* $66,397,252 $65,314,817 $330,335 $324,949 0.98 2,558 $131.98 $129.90 Per Avg SF Per Avg SF Listings Listing Volume Sold Volume Avg List Price Price Price Sq Ft Year Note: *244 total homes-43 new builds=201 resales in MLS in 2017. **217 total homes-51 new builds=166 resales in MLS in 2016.

2016 166** $51,200,956 $50,335,694 $308,439 $303,227 0.98 2,542 $122.50 $120.52 2017 201* $66,397,252 $65,314,817 $330,335 $324,949 0.98 2,558 $131.98 $129.90 Note: *244 total homes-43 new builds=201 resales in MLS inBlackstone 2017. **217 total homes-51 Home Sales new builds=166 resales in MLS in 2016.

2016 166** $51,200,956 $50,335,694 $308,439 0.98 2,542 $122.50 $120.52 2017 and$303,227 2016 Comparison

Avg Days on Market Avg70 Days on Market 75 Avg70 Days on Market 75 70

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Blackstone at Vistancia Home Sales

Home Sales new builds=166 resales Avg Sold AvginList Note: *244 total homes-43 new builds=201 resales in MLS inBlackstone 2017. **217 total homes-51 MLS in 2016.

Price Price # of Sold Sale/List Avg 2017 andAvg 2016 Comparison Per Avg SF Per Avg SF Listings Listing Volume Sold Volume Avg List Price Price Price Sq Ft Year Avg Sold Avg List Blackstone Home Sales Price Price # of Avg Sold Sale/List Avg 2017 and$569,630 2016 Comparison 2017 30* $17,657,026 $17,088,888 $588,568 0.97 3,310 $178.58 $173.07 Per Avg SF Per Avg SF Listings Listing Volume Sold Volume Avg List Price Price Price Sq Ft Year Avg Sold Avg List 2016 23** $12,262,794 $11,862,160 $533,165 $515,746 0.97 3,000 $176.48 $170.77 2017 $17,657,026 $17,088,888 $588,568 $569,630 0.97 3,310 $178.58 $173.07 Price Price #30* of Avg Sold Sale/List Avg Per Avg SF PerinAvg SFin 2016.

Listings Price Pricenew builds=23 Sq Ft resales Year Listing Volume Sold Volume Note: *40 total homes-10 new builds=30 resales inAvg MLSList in Price 2017. **35 total homes-12 MLS 2016 23** $12,262,794 $11,862,160 $533,165 $515,746 0.97 3,000 $176.48 $170.77 Per Arizona Multiple Listing Service.

Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

2017 30* $17,657,026 $17,088,888 $588,568 $569,630 0.97 3,310 $178.58 $173.07 Note: *40 total homes-10 new builds=30 resales in MLS in 2017. **35 total homes-12 new builds=23 resales in MLS in 2016.

2016 23** $12,262,794 $11,862,160 $533,165 $515,746 0.97 3,000 $176.48 $170.77

UNDER CONTRACT

Avg Days on Market Avg146 Days on Market

172 146 Avg Days on Market 172 146

Peoria North Wine Classic invites you to

172

That’s Amore!

Note: *40 total homes-10 new builds=30 resales in MLS in 2017. **35 total homes-12 new builds=23 resales in MLS in 2016.

Stunning private backyard!

Renowned ABT Executive Chef Erik Angelo presents timeless Italian cuisine paired with exquisite wines from a guest vintner representing the award-winning Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyserville, CA.

Sat., February 17, 2018

6:00pm • $108 per person (all inclusive)

List Price:

$409,900

Owned solar!

29151 N. 128th Ln., Trilogy at Vistancia Libertas, 1867 SF/2BR+Den/2BA/2-Car Garage

28 Mountain View

Benefitting ABT Youth Programming* & Peoria North Rotary Foundation* *501(c)(3) Charities

Arizona Broadway Theatre 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, AZ 85382 RSVP by phone: 623-776-8400 or at azbroadway.org

www.PeoriaNorthWineClassic.com

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

February 2018