Mountain View

Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com

Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com

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From Me To You...

They say that “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb”, and we can certainly hope so. This winter has been wet and cold, and I for one am ready for some sweet, warm, lamb-like weather before we rush into the blast furnace that is summer in the desert.

It was March 2004 when we first came to Arizona to look for a house. We left the chill of a New York spring and landed in 82 degree sunshine. At the time we could not imagine it getting any hotter. We kept asking people, “How hot does it get here in the summer? Is it much warmer than this? How will we survive?” I suppose it is all relative. Now, the thought of 82 degrees makes me feel warm and cozy, I would discard my sweater for sure, but would probably not switch to shorts quite yet.

Growing up in the frigid North of England I remember a heat wave in the summer of 1976 when the thermometer made it all the way to 86 degrees! We did not have air conditioning, or even ice cubes for our drinks, but what we did have was thick stone walls and heavy curtains to

keep out the heat. I also had no responsibilities and nowhere to be, so that was a glorious summer for me.

Adapting to the severity of Arizona summers has to be the hardest part of living here. As I drove our car west that first summer, I watched the thermometer climbing and climbing, hardly able to believe it could get so hot. Now I think nothing of going for a walk, or joining a pickleball game on a summer evening when it is 104 degrees or more.

It is amazing how adaptable we are when we have to be. As someone famous once said, “God never gives us more then we can handle”and so far that seems to be true. I will enjoy as many balmy days as I can get before it heats up; and even when summer hits I can relax, knowing that no matter how hot it gets I have access to as many ice cubes as I want.

Catherine Uretsky Editor, Mountain View Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541

On Our Cover

Trilogy Spring Art Walk

The Artisans League at Trilogy in Vistancia is in full gear and presents its Spring Art Walk March 11 & 12, 2023 from 9am to 3pm throughout the community. We will have some artists and makers showing from their homes - actually garages, driveways and courtyards and in addition a larger group gathering together and exhibiting at Trilogy’s Mita Club Artisan Studio and the adjacent breezeway. Maps and directories shall be available at both the Mita and Kiva Clubhouses beginning Monday March 6, 2023. One may also click on the League website at ArtisansLeague.com and view and/or download the map and directory from there. And while we call it an Art Walk, cars, bikes, golf carts come in handy. It’s a big beautiful community and there is so much to see.

Our League has grown since it began in 2005, we are now 140 member strong and growing. Since our beginning, the League has sponsored a Fall and Spring Art event for artists and makers who live in the community and create original handmade treasures. There is an enormous amount of talent and a wide variety of arts and crafts to see. And it’s all right here. It’s a great way to spend the day in the west valley. Come for the art, and perhaps stay for lunch in one of our clubhouses. We hope to see you there.

Trilogy is located at 27980 N Trilogy Blvd, Peoria, Az 85383

Peoria 411

Spring Training is Here!

2023 marks the 30th spring training season at the Peoria Sports Complex with the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. I hope you are able to enjoy some games and activities!

Check out some of the special activities the City has planned for this year.

RESIDENT REWARDS: Exclusively for residents of Peoria,Arizona, save at least 25% on every ticket purchased! Proof of residency required. Limit four tickets per game. May not be combined with other offers. Purchase online or at the ticket office.

SERVICE SAVINGS: All veterans and active-duty service members receive a $2 discount on every ticket purchased! Proof of service required. Limit four tickets per game. May not be combined with other offers. Purchase at the ticket office only

LOYAL LOCALS: Enjoy $1 refills on every fountain drink all season long! Purchase a 32 oz. souvenir cup at your first game at regular price and refill for just $1 during every Peoria spring training game you attend.

HOMETOWN HEROES: February 25 & March 8, 14, 21 All veterans and active-duty service members, first responders, educators, and medical professionals save 25% on every ticket purchased for select games! Proof of service required. Limit four tickets per game. May not be combined with other ticket offers. Purchase at the ticket office only.

BARK AT THE PARK: February 26 & March 3, 17

Brought to you by Petco, sit on the lawn with your dog at a game! $5 dog admission tickets can be purchased at stadium ticket windows only. 100% of dog admission proceeds will be donated to support animal health and wellness. Admission with dogs is located at Gate C. Dogs must remain on a leash.

KIDS RUN THE BASES: March 4, 11, 19, 25 Parks and Recreation encourages all kids ages 12 and under to get active by running the bases after the game! Plus, kids ages 8 to 12 who arrive early on these select games can visit Guest Services near Gate B for a chance to take the field with a player, announce a batter, lead the 7th inning stretch, and more! Activities have limited availability and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Submitted by Councilmember Brad Shafer

Money Matters

Now that we’ve put winter behind us it’s time to do some financial spring cleaning and put your financial house in order. Here are a few suggestions:

• Dust off your investment strategy. As you look around your home, you might find that many items could benefit from a good dusting. And, once you’ve accomplished this, you’ll get a clearer view of all these objects. Similarly, your investment strategy needs to be “dusted off” every so often, so you can see if it’s still working to help you move toward your financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement. Over time, your personal circumstances and risk tolerance can change, and these changes may lead you to reexamine your future financial and investment decisions.

• De-clutter your portfolio. if you took a survey of your home, would you find duplicates or even triplicates of some things — if so, it may be time to do some de-cluttering. And the same could be true of your portfolio — you might have several identical, or substantially identical, investments taking up space. If so, you might want to replace these redundancies with investments that can improve your diversification. While diversification can’t guarantee profits or protect against losses in a declining market, it may help reduce the impact of market volatility on your holdings.

• Get organized. If your closets are overstuffed, with clothes and miscellaneous items crammed on shelves and the floor, you may well have trouble finding what you’re looking for — but with a little straightening up, your searches will become much easier. And when you’re trying to locate financial documents, such as investment statements or insurance policies, you’ll also benefit from having everything organized in one central location. Even if you get most of these documents online, you can save what you

need and keep them in a file on your desktop, laptop or tablet. (And it’s also a good idea to tell your spouse, adult child or another close relative how these documents can be accessed, just in case something happens to you.)

• Protect yourself from dangers. If you look around your garage, shed or other storage area, you may well find some objects — such as gardening tools, paint thinners, engine fluids and leaning ladders — that could be dangerous if they aren’t stored properly. As part of your spring cleaning, you’ll want to remove these hazards to safeguard yourself and your family. But have you addressed the various financial risks that could threaten your loved ones? For example, if something were to happen to you, could your family members maintain their lifestyle? Could your children still go to college? To guard against this risk, you may want to discuss protection strategies with a financial professional.

Spring cleaning can pay off — in a cleaner, safer home environment and in helping ensure your financial strategy continues to work hard for you.

Submitted by Wayne Polk, AAMS, Financial Advisor, with Edward Jones

Yum Yum

Stuffed Peppers - Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground turkey

1/4 pound lean ground deli ham

1 cup of white or brown rice, cooked

6 large bell peppers (any color)

3/4 cup of onion, diced

3 teaspoons of garlic, minced

1 cup of cooked white rice

1 teaspoon of salt

14 ounces canned diced tomatoes

4 ounces of tomato sauce, divided

1/4 cup of golden raisins

1/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds

1 teaspoon of salt to taste

1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon of dried leaf oregano

Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees

* Bring a large pot of water to a boil

* Cut the tops off your peppers and set aside. Carefully pull out the seeds and membranes, creating a cavity inside

* Dip the peppers into the boiling water, letting them cook for just 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, and drain on a paper towel

* Meanwhile, saute the onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of oilil in a skillet for 5 to 7 minutes

until translucent

* Toss in the cooked rice, half of the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, raisins, toasted almonds, seasonings, salt and pepper

* Stir to combine and cook until just heated through

* Lubricate a casserole dish by using a paper towel and a tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking

* Place the peppers in the casserole dish and spoon the meat and vegetable mixture into each of the prepared peppers

* Top each pepper with about a tablespoon of the tomato sauce

* Sprinkle with a little oregano and chopped cilantro, and cover the dish with foil

* Bake for 10 minutes, remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes

* Carefully remove from oven, let cool and enjoy!

Choosing A Therapist

For those seeking a mental healthcare provider, finding the right one can feel much like dating - overwhelming to find someone who shares the same values, meets your needs, and with whom you feel a connection. However, finding an attentive, caring and knowledgeable therapist can pay dividends on your mental well-being. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind that can help you find the right match:

1. Understand your needs first

Determine whether you need a psychiatrist or therapist. Psychiatrists are doctors who can diagnose psychiatric conditions and prescribe medication, while therapists are licensed providers who can assess and support emotional or behavioral health concerns through talk therapy. Doing the research upfront to determine compatibility at the base level will help minimize unexpected issues later.

2. Location doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker

Virtual care has become an increasingly popular option for mental health services, as it provides private and convenient access to quality care in a timely manner. Building an ongoing relationship with a virtual therapist or psychiatrist is just as meaningful as it would be with an in-person provider.

3. Dig deep on the first date

Just like on a first date, you may be apprehensive of asking a ton of questions, but doing so can lead to a trusting and healthy relationship in the long run. Some questions that may help gauge your compatibility include: What is your training and background? Do you have experience with the issues I am facing? How can we work together to achieve my goals? What does a typical session look like?

4. Recognize when it’s time to move on

Sometimes, a provider isn’t the right fit; and that’s OK. If you find that sessions aren’t making you feel better generally, it might be time to find a different provider. No one should be forced to settle in a relationship, romantic or otherwise, if it doesn’t feel quite right.

5. Breaking up isn’t hard to do

There are many fish, er, mental health providers in the sea, so you shouldn’t feel pressured to stay with one simply because you chose them originally. When you do feel it’s time to cut ties with your therapist, it’s important to be transparent - simply explain to your provider that you plan to end your treatment with them in your next session. This offers an opportunity to evaluate your work together and may also help you reflect on what you might need in a future provider.

Recognizing your wants and priorities in a mental healthcare provider can help make the process of finding the right therapist a bit more seamless.

Legal Advice

NON-STRESS PAY ON DEATH DESIGNATIONS

To avoid probate, beneficiary designations work well for accounts and real estate, if you are leaving assets to a few people or charities.

Without a beneficiary designation or trust, you can avoid probate only if the assets do not exceed $100,000 of real property, $75,000 in personal property (cash, accounts and tangible personal property), or you do not expect more than $5,000 in wages in the year after your death.

For accounts, there several terms used: pay on death pay on death (or “POD”) or transfer on death (or “TOD”). For IRAs and 401ks, the terms “designated beneficiary” is used.

Financial institutions do not use the terms POD and TOD interchangeably. If you use one of the terms and are told that the bank does not have that type of designation, then ask for the other type of designation, or even ask whether any beneficiary designation is available.

Remember never to list a minor on a designation for POD, TOD or IRA type account. A minor cannot receive more than $10,000 in a year without a court conservatorship; which is more costly than a probate and distributes the funds when the child reaches 18. In such cases, a revocable trust and Will are more effective and less expensive.

Sharon Ravenscroft, Esq., The Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, (623) 815-7451 or Sravenscroft@CavanaghLaw.com. Sharon’s practice focuses on Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. For more information www.sharonravenscroft.com

Gymtimidation

You know staying active is important, especially as you age, so you’re considering signing up for a local gym. The problem is, a gym can be intimidating! If you’ve put off joining a gym for this reason, here’s what you need to know to feel comfortable and confident.

Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle at every age, but it is particularly important for seniors. Why? Sharlyn Green, a national trainer with SilverSneakers, says it goes beyond physical wellness.

“Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, boost your memory and decrease the risk for some diseases such as Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” she said. “It can help you stay independent and able to keep doing the things you enjoy. It’s time to bust the misconception that gyms are only for younger people and fitness enthusiasts. Gyms are for everyone, no matter their age or abilities.”

To help everyone feel comfortable and confident as a new gym member, Green recommends these steps:

Step 1: Get a tour

Have someone who works for the gym show you where everything is. Don’t expect to understand immediately what it all does or how to use it. You’re simply establishing baseline knowledge so you can build your experience from there. Remember, don’t be afraid to ask questions during or after your tour. Employees at a good gym will take an inclusive approach and be happy to help you by clarifying information or guiding you appropriately.

Step 2: Request a training program

People new to gyms typically get the best results from a personalized program created

by a trainer. Print out the program for reference and to record what you dowhich machines, how much weight, how many times you lift, etc.

Step 3: Know your exercises

It’s important to know where the equipment you need is and how to use it. Work with a trainer if you have questions. This person can guide you on proper techniques so you get the most out of your workouts and prevent accidents. Understanding the equipment and gym etiquette is important for your safety and others’. For example, you don’t want to unintentionally walk into someone’s workout space and cause them to trip, fall or drop heavy weights.

Step 4: Learn how to adjust machines

Understanding the purpose of a machine is the first step, then you need to know how to adjust it to fit your needs. Depending on your height, weight, fitness level and goals, you may need to adjust certain machines every time you use them. When in doubt, ask. It’s better to pause and use a machine correctly than go forward and risk hurting yourself or others. A trainer or gym employee can help you, so don’t be shy.

Step 5: Know how much weight or resistance to use

A good trainer will guide you in finding the appropriate weight or resistance for each exercise and share that information in your program. Use this as a foundation and adjust as needed, keeping in mind that as you progress, you’ll likely make changes to continue your health journey. Again, if something isn’t clear, ask. It’s always better to start easier and adjust up rather than start too difficult and risk hurting yourself.

“The machines and different spaces at the gym can be a great asset for seniors who want to focus on their well-being,” said Green. “Remember to create a well-rounded workout routine that includes stretching, strength training and cardio to help improve flexibility, muscle mass, heart health and much more.”

What If…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Samurai Sudoku

This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box. Good Luck!

Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com