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...

I am planning a getaway for a few days up to the cooler air in the mountains and honestly I can’t wait. There is something about putting yourself in a different place that reenergizes and restores the mind. I recall holidays when the children were young - times that were anything but relaxing - we all felt like we got to start fresh when we straggled back into our house, tired but refreshed.

In today’s fast-paced world, where we often find ourselves caught up in hectic routines and demanding schedules, it’s easy to overlook the significance of taking a break. When we engage in the same activities day in and day out, our minds can become stagnant, and monotony can set in. This lack of stimulation can lead to decreased productivity, creativity, and motivation. However, introducing change into our lives, whether it’s trying a new hobby, exploring a different location, or even altering our daily routine, can provide us with a fresh perspective and reinvigorate our enthusiasm.

Change also allows us to break free from our comfort zones and challenge ourselves. It encourages personal growth, as we learn to adapt to new situations and develop new skills. Stepping outside of our familiar environment and embracing change opens up doors to new experiences and opportunities, expanding our

horizons and broadening our knowledge.

By taking a break from our usual routines and engaging in new experiences, we can gain a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm for life. Trying new things together with friends, family, or even strangers can foster bonding and create shared memories. It encourages us to connect with others, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections, ultimately enriching our social lives. Even if you cant get away, you should try incorporating change into your routine this summer. It may lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life and as they say, “a change is as good as a rest.”

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

Peoria 411

Summer Safety Tips

Summer is probably my favorite season of the year – not just because City Council is on break, but because of the time I get to spend together with my family. We are recreational enthusiasts who love to get out on the lake or the trail every chance we get. With these blessings comes a sense of responsibility and it is important to know the dangers associated with these activities, and how to create a safe environment for everyone. Like my family, I’m sure many of you are familiar with the risks and have conversations about how mitigate them, but the unfortunate reality is that accidental drownings continue to rise across the valley, both in public bodies of water and backyard pools. I encourage you to review these safety tips with your family, friends and loved ones to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer.

Swimming Safety

• Supervise your children around any water, not just pools.

• Always swim with a partner. Swimming alone

can be unsafe.

• Never leave young children unattended near water, and do not ask another child to supervise children near water.

• Avoid distractions when supervising children near water, such as reading or phone scrolling.

• All members of the family should learn CPR.

• Children can take swim lessons as young as 6 months.

• Make sure your home pool has a fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate.

• Use a proper flotation device for children who cannot swim yet.Water wings and other “toys” should not be used as personal flotation devices.

• If a child goes missing, always check the water first.

Boating Safety

• Learn the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning such as irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness or dizziness.

• Wear a life jacket/personal flotation device!

• Do not swim near or under the back deck or swim platform.

• Always wear sunscreen and learn the warning signs of heat exhaustion/heat-related illnesses. Firework Safety

• Proper precautions should be taken when using all fireworks (yes, even sparklers).

• Living in a dry environment such as Arizona only increases the potential for fires to start and spread quickly.

• Arizona State Law permits the sale of fireworks May 20 - July 6.

• Consumer firework use is permitted in Peoria June 24July 6.

• Fireworks cannot be used on city property, including parks, streets and sidewalks, or on state land or school property

• Learn more at peoriaaz.gov/ fireworks

Peoria City Councilmember Brad Shafer

Perception is Reality

Each person’s perception is that person’s reality. That’s what makes the world go ’round. This can be problematic, though, if that perception contradicts another’s with whom we have to interact.

Working with couples, I’m often astounded by how two perceptions of the same event can be so different. Each person’s perception is based on their interpretation vs. entirely grounded in a given reality. I always say that there are at least three sides to every story: yours, mine and the truth–the last of which is usually found somewhere in the middle!

Feelings aren’t right or wrong, but the thoughts that come from them are another matter entirely. They can get us into trouble via the generation of assumptions and other bad choices. How we see a given situation or event is open to interpretation. How we respond is within our control, and our responses are often characterdefining moments. The goal is to see things as clearly as possible, with a balance of rational thought and emotion.

Sometimes, we may struggle to see things clearly. The lens through which each person sees is colored by their past events and experiences. Lenses come in 3 colors: clear, rose-colored and gray. Clear is the most accurate color, and the other two can result in bad

decisions based on positive or negative feelings, originating from the skewed thoughts the lenses create. Rose-colored is the color that Polyanna wears, and these lenses can result in naïveté, being taken advantage of and disappointment when unrealistic expectations aren’t met. For example, trusting too early in a relationship, revealing too much of self and having it used against you by an immature or spiteful person. Seeing through gray glasses can result in sadness, lost opportunities and relationship difficulties. If everything is doom and gloom, self-esteem can be affected, which, in turn, affects motivation and can result in depression or at least chronically negative thinking. Early experiences can create gray lenses that cause us to be more sensitive and take things more personally as well.

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

DISCLAIMER: Material is for informational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional. Material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with written permission of Dr. Bellingrodt.

Community Alert

We are seeing a rapid increase in fentanyl overdoses in our area over the past 60 days. We could list more than a dozen reasons why this is happening. There is no one cause, and no one solution will solve this. So let’s not spend time looking at who to blame, what or who is responsible, or why this is happening. Let’s focus our energy on what we can do as individuals and for our families.

What we can do immediately is spread the word. Talk with your family members and circle of friends, and share this information with others. That’s what can change the outcomes in our immediate area. We have made significant progress getting the word out to the community about Narcan, which can reverse a fatal fentanyl/ opioid overdose. Many households now include it as part of their first aid kit.

Find the ad with the “pencil tip” picture in this month’s issue and scan the QR code. That will provide you with valuable resources on this topic, as there is not enough room on this page to address the topic sufficiently.

Here are a few facts: In 2022, the DEA seized more than 50.6 million fentanyl pills. 6 out of 10 pills tested by the DEA contained a deadly dose of fentanyl. Fentanyl overdoses are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-45. The highly addictive drug is responsible for nearly 70% of the United States’ 107,000+ overdose deaths in the past year.

The Peoria Primary Prevention Coalition (3PC) is a group of concerned community leaders and members who provide free information, talks, and training on fentanyl, opioids, vaping, underage drinking, teen marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse in Peoria. Community awareness and education is one of the best ways to address this problem. Contact us to schedule us to talk to your group or organization. We guarantee it will be eye-opening and helpful for all who attend. Our goal is to make it easier for everyone by understanding the power and dangers associated with fentanyl/ opioids and how to put safeguards in place. For additional information or support resources, visit https://www.3PCoalition.org or email us at info@3PCoalition.org to book a talk for your group or organization or become a coalition member.

Yum Yum

Tortilla Egg Roll-Ups

Ingredients

4 Large Eggs

4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 whole grain tortillas (6-inch)

Optional mix-ins: finely chopped spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers

Preparation

1. Over medium heat, warm a 6-inch skillet.

2. In small measuring cup, scramble one egg.

3. Add 1 teaspoon of oil to skillet, pour in the egg, and swirl so it covers the bottom of the pan.

4. Sprinkle on 2 tablespoons of cheese and optional mix-ins.

5. Let egg cook about 30 seconds, or until the

bottom is cooked, but the top is still a little wet.

6. Press 1 tortilla right on top of the wet egg, and cook another 30 seconds (the egg and tortilla will stick together.)

7. Using a spatula, flip the egg and tortilla over, and cook another 30 seconds until the egg is fully cooked.

8. Remove from pan, let cool slightly, then roll it.

9. Repeat for remaining eggs and tortillas.

10. Eat immediately or store covered in the fridge for up to four days.

You can even make extras to keep in the freezer for up to three months. Using these tips, you’ll be able to throw a crowd-pleasing get-together that your friends and family will be talking about all summer long!

Stay Cool

While a sunny summer is nice, too much of something is never a good thing. Excessive heat can cause dangerous conditions, such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Here are some ways to beat the summer heat:

1. Wear natural fabrics, such as a loose-fitting, white cotton or linen shirt. Dark fabrics absorb light more than lighter ones.

2. Replace the salt lost from excessive sweating with lemon water. One squeezed lemon provides 21% of a person’s daily required dose of vitamin

C. The acid in lemons can damage your teeth so don’t forget to use a straw.

3. Remember that foods rich in fat and protein take longer for your body to digest and therefore require additional metabolic heat. Go for salads to help you feel light and hydrated.

4. Use frozen water bottles to cool down your pulse points including behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow and behind your knee.

5. Apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera on sunburned skin. Sunburns slow the skin’s ability to cool itself off.

6. Invest in room-darkening curtains to help keep the light and heat out more efficiently.

7. Avoid heat-producing appliances, such as the dryer. Air-dry your clothes instead.

8. Avoid using the oven, try outdoor grilling or use a slow cooker to help keep the heat out

9. Ditch your incandescent lights and make the switch to LED bulbs. LEDs give off cooler lighting, which also means your air conditioner won’t have to run as high during summer.

10. Stay indoors or in an air-conditioned area as much as possible. Spending only two hours in an air-conditioned space can help reduce your risk of heat stroke.

With temperatures sky-high this summer, staying hydrated is important whether you’re just sitting in the sun, exercising for recreation or playing sports. If dehydration sets in, you may start to feel tired and dizzy, have muscle cramps or lose consciousness, entirely.

Here are some tips to stay ahead of your hydration needs, especially for those who have an active lifestyle:

• Before exercise: Drink 17 to 20 ounces of water within 2 to 3 hours

• During warm-up: Drink 8 ounces of water within 20 to 30 minutes

• During exercise: Drink 7 to 10 ounces of water every 10 to 20 minutes

• After exercise: Drink 8 ounces of water within 30 minutes

Staying cool this summer can be easier than it seems. But if you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke or dehydration, go to the nearest hospital or call 911. Please do not delay care.

Submiitted by Abrazo Health

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.

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