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February 2021

ďż˝e Park A magazine for Litchheld Park residents

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

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February 2021

Winter 2021 Activities

Arizona Snowbowl Mountain Skiing 9300 N Snowbowl Rd Flagstaff AZ 86001 928-779-1951 • $47-$107

Lodging

6355 N Highway 180, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928-774-0729 • Check-in: 3:30 p.m. • Check out: 11:00 a.m. • Front Desk Attendant available 7am-8pm www.Snowbowl.ski

Fort Tuthill

Fort Tuthill Recreation Area Flagstaff, AZ, 86001 623-856-3401 • Skiing: $8-$20 • Snowboarding: $20-$25 www.Forttuthill.com/skiing-snowboarding

Wildlife World Zoo

16501 W Northern Ave Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 623-232-8741 • Zoo: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Aquarium: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. • Adult (13+): $41.50 + tax • Child (3-12): $23.00 + tax • 2 & Under: Free www.Wildlifeworld.com

Zoo Lights November 7, 2020 – January 31, 2021 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 602.286.3800

Walk-Thru: •

ZooLights Walk-Thru: November 7, 2020 – January 31, 2021 | 5:30 – 10:30 p.m. (Select Nights Only)

•

5:30-10:0pm (Last entry at 9pm)

•

Members-$16/person

•

General-$20/person

•

Bulk (50+)-$15/person

Cruise: •

Cruise ZooLights: January 3, 4, 9, 10, 15, 16, 21, 22, 27 and 28, 2021 | 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.

•

Last vehicle must be in line at 9:30pm

•

Members-$60/Car

•

General-$75/Car

•

Bulk (50+)-$56/Car

•

Tickets limited

www.phoenixzoo.org/events/zoolights

Sunrise Ski Resort

200 Highway 273 Greer, AZ 85927 855-735-7669 • Tickets: $44-$135 • Season Passes: $150-$559 www.Sunriseskipark.com

Mary Ann Evans “Your Neighborhood Real Estate Specialist”

West USA Realty Direct Line 602-526-3709 info@maryannevans.com

www.MaryAnnEvans1.com

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This information is provided for general informational purposes only, should not be solely relied upon, and is subject to change without notice. If you are currently working with an agent, this is not meant as a solicitation.

FULL SERVICE AUTO REPAIR

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 © 2010-present 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. Some content is provided by Brandpointe and Family Features. 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.

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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.

COVID-19 We are fortunate that both the state and federal governments have identified Pest Control as an essential service; therefore, we are able to continue keeping you safe from infestations. We take your health, seriously and will continue to utilize the accepted rules of “social distancing”.

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www.estrellamtnpest.com Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

February 2021

From Me To You... I had a most wonderful experience recently. It was the occasion of my baby’s 17th birthday, and trying to find a way to celebrate that he would enjoy (and his friends would be able to participate in) during social distancing was quite a challenge. Obviously it had to be an online occasion and that actually had the advantage of opening it up to friends from near and far. I began my search. My son enjoys cooking so I thought that an online cooking class would be a fun thing to do so online I went.

I have used AirBNB on the past for my travel arrangements and had much success with that company so I looked up their online experiences for a cooking class. After many days falling down that rabbit hole I eventually chose Pietro’s Pasta Making Class. Pietro is an Italian living in Milan who has been running this online class for many months now, quite successfully if you read his reviews. I found the most complicated part of the booking experience was figuring out a time that worked for both us and Pietro. As he is in Milan he is 8 hours ahead of us, and incidently he has very young twins, which complicated our schedule too. Eventually a date and time were set and invitations were sent out. The day arrived and I was really anxious. What if it all went horribly wrong? I really wanted my son to have a great time, he has had a heck of a year and I felt that I owed him a fun birthday.

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13575 W Indian School Rd, Outer Suite #900, Litchfield Park Phlebotomist on site. This business is under the direction of a medical director.

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I should not have worried. Pietro was a consummate professional who managed to teach the teenagers how to make pasta from scratch, introduce them to Italy and it’s beauty, and keep them all entertained at the same time. Ross not only learned how to make a wonderful meal, he was able to share the experience with friends in Ohio, Flagstaff, Phoenix and Goodyear. I will add that the pasta was delicious and so easy to make! If you look further in the magazine you will find the recipe so you can make some yourself. I can also tell you that I have been bitten by the online class bug. We have a wine tasting event scheduled for later in February, with adult friends, and I am going to set up a monthly date night. I am thinking of dance classes, how much fun would it be to learn Salsa without the embarrassment of being in a classroom making a fool of yourself? There are so many interesting classes to choose from, GINspiration History and Cocktails, Follow a Plague Doctor Through Prague, Family Magic Show and Magic Lesson, Meet and Draw a Llama, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many ways to learn and have fun that were not available to us before we were hit with this virus. Why not take advantage of a few and have some fun online with your Valentine this year?

Catherine Uretsky Editor, Estrella Publishing info@estrellapublishing.com 623-594-9283

Family owned & operated traditional Butcher Shop. We carry USDA prime grade meats, with a minimum of 30 day aging. Our chicken & pork is all natural with no sodium, nitrates or added solutions. We also have sausage! 14960 W. Indian School Rd, Ste 380 (623) 248-1206 oothehookmeatshop.net

February 2021

Litchheld Park

03/31/21

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February 2021

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February 2021

Overcoming the Mask “With COVID-19 and masks, everyday tasks are a source of frustration, such as asking a question at the grocery store deli or talking to someone from behind a customer service desk,” said Bill Schiffmiller, a lifelong hearing aid user and founder and CEO of Akoio, a hearing wellness company. “It’s a triple threat because masks reduce the loudness of the voice, muffle pronunciation and eliminate visuals like facial expressions and lip reading.” Data shows people who can’t hear others begin to stay away from other people, and social isolation can lead to anxiety and depression. People who have trouble hearing also tend to have higher hospitalization rates and longer hospital stays, according to research published in “JAMA Otolaryngology.” Among those 55 and older who have hearing loss, 58% don’t use hearing aids. In the past, statistics have shown people waiting up to seven years before getting a hearing aid from the time of diagnosis. However, the communication challenges posed during COVID-19 are driving some to address their hearing sooner than they may have otherwise. Help Someone Hear You Better • Consider the mask you’re wearing. Clear masks provide a visual difference, helping with lip reading and facial expressions. The plastic in clear masks, however, can muffle sound too much for some. According to audiologist Dr. Shivani Patel, high-frequency hearing loss is common, making female voices difficult to hear. In this situation, research has found standard medical masks tend to transfer sound best. Try different masks to see what works for you. • Minimize background noise. Music, construction, other conversations, heaters Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

and fans can make it challenging to communicate when wearing a mask. • Avoid “cavernous” rooms. An environment with mostly hard surfaces, such as a large meeting room or gymnasium, offers minimal sound dampening and can make hearing comprehension more difficult. • Maintain eye contact. Look directly at the person you’re speaking to and speak clearly, helping him or her read some of your facial expressions. When using video conference services, look directly into the camera in a well-lit room and ensure you have clear picture quality to help with lip reading. • Be patient. Remember the increased challenges people with hearing loss are facing now. If communication becomes too challenging through a mask, have a backup plan such as pen and paper or a smartphone note-taking app. When You’re Having Trouble Hearing • Talk to your friends and family. Tell them what you’re experiencing and be clear and direct in expressing your thoughts and feelings. Ask whether they have noticed your hearing troubles and listen to their feedback. • Describe specific instances and circumstances when your hearing is affected most. Armed with this knowledge, friends and family can help you manage various situations. • Determine a plan of action. Set an appointment to have your hearing checked by an audiologist. If you wear a hearing aid, be sure to carry extra batteries. Notice ways to adjust your environment to reduce background noise. • Make hearing wellness a priority. Data shows hearing is important to a person’s mental and physical wellness, and untreated hearing loss can have multiple health consequences. Find more hearing resources, downloadable guides and an audiologist finder at akoio.com.

February 2021

4 Tips for a Productive 2021 This year has taught many workers a thing or two about being productive when offices and homes blend into one. As the calendar turns to 2021, consider these key products and processes to stay productive next year. Find a system (and stick to it): Creating an organizing system is an easy way to ensure your at-home workspace is ready for optimal productivity. Designate space to house all your work items – a drawer, cabinet or box – and keep work items organized by type (pens, papers, computer gear, etc.) At the end of each day, transitioning to “offline hours” can be easier when you have a place to stow your work items. Start your day clean: Studies have shown cleanliness has a direct impact on productivity. Yet, many people struggle to find the time and energy to clean, especially at the end of a busy day at home. An option like The DEEBOT T8 from Ecovacs provides a hands-free cleaning experience, complete with the time-saving benefits of an allin-one robot vacuum and floor mop, along with TrueDetect technology to avoid tangling in small objects. Easily controlled via an app, just set it to clean before bed and wake up to a tidy workspace. Break up your day: With so many hours at home in front of a computer, workdays can get a little monotonous. Break up the day to make working from home feel as “normal” as possible – shower in the morning, take a walk or drive to coffee then make time for at least two breaks throughout the day. Some 8

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people have found success with the Pomodoro Technique, which is breaking your day up into 25-minute chunks of work, with 5-minute rest periods. If you continue to work until you feel like taking a break, odds are you’ll overwork yourself until it’s too late to take the “big break” you had in mind. Bookend your days with mindfulness: At the beginning and end of each workday, do a 3-5-minute mindfulness meditation. Before signing on to work for the day, allow your mind to fully focus on the day’s tasks at-hand. Signoff by doing another mediation to end the day and let go of any worries or stresses you might have. Incorporating this tactic into your daily routine can help create a natural boundary from work and home while also restoring peace of mind. Find more solutions to help maintain productivity at Ecovacs.com.

February 2021

GOODYEAR

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Take-Out and Online ordering available!

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February 2021

Pietro’s Pasta Ingredients 2 large eggs 1 cup all purpose flour

Directions • Pour the cup of flour onto a clean work surface and make a well in the middle. • Crack both eggs into the middle of the flour and using a fork lightly whisk the eggs making sure not to break the flour walls. • Gradually incorporate the flour walls into the egg by scraping small amounts into the center and whisking together. • Once the pasta has combined into a ball put the fork aside and start kneading. Don’t worry if not all the flour was used to get to this stage. If your pasta is sticky then add more flour! • Knead until dough bounces back after pressing your fingers into it.

Dr. Lee Harding, D.D.S. Julie Harding, RDH

50 yrs Combined Experience

www.PinnacleDental.com

• Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 mins. • Liberally dust your surface and pasta with flour and roll it until it is thin enough to see through. Keep adding flour to prevent sticking. Traditionally pasta is ready when you can read a newspaper through it! • Cut your pasta into desired shape, we tried squares then pinched the center to create bow ties, and cut into thin strips to create fettuccine ribbons. What ever you do, have fun with it! • Cook in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes • Serve with your favorite sauce or go for a simple butter and Parmesan topping. • Enjoy!

13575 W. Indian School Rd, Suite #150 Litchfield Park, AZ

602-877-8308

Personalized, Affordable, Boutique Dentistry We understand that Dentistry can be stressful - “Nobody wants that!” Therefore, we limit our client base to just 500 “Dental Friends” each year. If you’re looking for a Dentist & Hygenist who care about “You” not just your teeth, give us a call! 10

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February 2021

Decorator DIY

When it comes to home design, color can change everything. From understated, clean hues and calming neutrals to soft greens and mid-tone colors with artistic qualities, a whole new style is just brush strokes away. With the right color palette, you can transform your space to highlight contemporary trends while creating your desired ambiance. These curated Clark+Kensington color palettes, showcasing ontrend looks for 2021, are heavily inspired by nature and natural materials like raw cotton, linen, wood tones and soft, peaceful greens. The colors invite the best of the outdoors inside so you can design a personal refuge where you’re free to relax and unwind. Each of these three collections, assembled by the experts at Ace Hardware, can help conjure a sense of calm and offer inspiration so you can thoughtfully incorporate color into your home. Mindful Living If you want to bring new layers of wellness to your life, the calming neutrals and soft greens that make up this refreshing and cleansing palette may be just what you’re seeking. The muted tone of Fair Isle is a soft neutral that pairs well with a wide range of colors, such as the inviting Blue Spruce green that resembles a richly treed mountainside. Additionally, Swiss Coffee and Natural White offer neutral options that lend a surprising sense of coziness while Smokey Taupe and Playas de Cancun provide alternatives to bring bolder, but still soothing, color to your space. Understated Impact Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

If minimalism and clean lines reflect your desire to simplify your surroundings, you’ll likely be drawn to a “less is more” approach to design. This uncluttered sensibility allows you to focus on key elements of a room that are impactful yet edited. To achieve this look, build your palette around slate-like hues of gray and blue, such as Gothic Iron or a cooler take on slate with Magic Fountain. Options like Silent White and Abstract Gray lend neutral warmth while an earthy burgundy like Red Tulip or the deep, notquite-black tones of Midnight Stroll are ideal for creating a focal point. Creative Escape This palette of mid-tone colors with artistic qualities may be best suited for someone who embraces traditional crafting techniques and delights in working with his or her hands. Striking slate blue Midnight Oil is reminiscent of waves crashing in the dark of night while Subtle Gray offers a softer take on the slate-like tones. As the name suggests, Fiddlehead Fern brings lush vegetation to mind while Act Naturally and Caramel Apple deliver pops of color consistent with streaks of an orange-kissed sunset. The most subtle of this collection, Beach Cottage, features a slightly peach-to-pinkish tint that gives unique character to a neutral selection. Any color in these palettes can be selected and ordered from the comfort of your home online using in-store pickup, curbside pickup or delivery from your local store. Start with color samples to test your colors on your walls in different locations and under different lighting then order your gallons and painting supplies when you’re ready to complete your project. Find more inspiration and all the supplies you need to transform your space with paint at acehardware. com. February 2021 11

Money Matters

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have been forced to work from home. But once we’ve moved past the virus, many workers may continue working from home. This shift to athome work can affect people’s lives in many ways – and it may end up providing workers with some long-term financial advantages.

If you’re one of those who will continue working remotely, either full time or at least a few days a week, how might you benefit? Here are a few possibilities: • Reduced transportation costs – Over time, you can spend a lot of money commuting to and from work. The average commuter spends $2,000 to $5,000 per year on transportation costs. If you are going to work primarily from home, you should be able to greatly reduce these costs. • Potentially lower car insurance premiums – Your auto insurance premiums are partially based on how many miles you drive each year. So, if you were to significantly reduce these miles by working from home, you might qualify for lower rates.

• Lower expenditures on lunches – If you typically eat lunch in restaurants or get takeout while at work, you could end up spending around $3,000 a year. Think how much you could reduce this bill by eating lunch at home during your remote workday. • Lower clothing costs – Despite the rise in “casual dress” days, plenty of workers still need to maintain appropriate office attire. By working from home, you can “dress down,” reducing your clothing costs and dry-cleaning bills. As you can see, it may be possible for you to save quite a bit of money by working from home. You might use part of your savings generated by remote work to help build an emergency fund containing a few months’ worth of living expenses. Without this fund, you might be forced to dip into your retirement accounts to pay for something like a major home repair. Becoming an at-home worker will no doubt require some adjustments on your part – but, in strictly financial terms, it could lead to some positive results. Submitted by Chris Carlton, of Edward Jones This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Come see us at our new store!

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February 2021

Sleep Apnea

If you’re not coping with the symptoms of sleep apnea yourself, you likely know someone who is. The condition caused by interrupted breathing during sleep has become rampant in the past couple of decades. Despite that prevalence 80% of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea cases in the U.S. go undiagnosed. One reason for this is that common myths around sleep apnea create confusion and keep many people from fully understanding the condition. To help better inform people who could unknowingly be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, here’s a roundup of the five most common misconceptions out there. Myth No. 1: Sleep apnea is basically harmless. Not true. Complications of sleep apnea can include high blood pressure, heart problems, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome or liver

problems. Daytime fatigue can also contribute to irritability, difficulty concentrating or depression, and put you at greater risk of motor vehicle and workplace accidents. Myth No. 2: CPAP machines are bulky, cumbersome and a hassle to use. While CPAP machines may have been bulky in the past, newer models are significantly lighter and easier to transport. Myth No. 3: Only obese people get sleep apnea. While more than half of people with sleep apnea are categorized as either overweight or obese, the causes of the sleep disorder are complex and are not boiled down to just one factor. In fact, lean, physically fit people can also develop the condition. Myth No. 4: If you don’t snore, you don’t have sleep apnea. Up to 20% of patients who have sleep apnea don’t snore. Myth No. 5: Only older people suffer from sleep apnea. Not so. While the disorder is more common after age 40, it can affect people of all ages - even children. Sleep apnea can also run in families, making some genetically pre-disposed to it. Sleep apnea can be a serious condition but understanding its symptoms and keeping up on the best treatments available are the first steps toward managing it effectively.

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February 2021 13

Puzzles & Games

PERIODIC TABLE ELEMENTS VOCABULARY WORD SEARCH PUZZLE

Periodic Table of the Elements

( 1 MORE WORD IS HIDDEN IN THE WORD SEARCH GRID BELOW)

H V Y

E N A

U R A L

R A M P

L D E N S

L N E

A S

L A L A

E A M D E

E A

N C L

X O E

B M J

F G B O V P

H K

K P

C M A S

S M

U N E A K A

T O M

K G R L

J N Y A M M V S

R H R S M T

N E G U A A G G T

B A F

O S

N E

T G A S M

P D M P W L

E O

N A O R O P

F C P Y P

J M

U H

R K

J C Z M Q R

D P N L O J

P M D X B C J N

Y X

G J

T Q Q T Z

L C X N V Z

N O H R

S H W Z

L G N

T D R

Q H C J

BOILING POINT

BOILING POINT NONMETAL NONMETAL DUCTILE DUCTILE SYMBOL SYMBOL INERTINERT GASGAS 14

B C

Y M B O L O U

R G S I

F N

I W P

S M

S D A M L O V G P G E B

F Q R G D L Q O R

NOBLE GASES

NOBLE GASES MELTING POINT MELTING POINT ATOMIC MASS ATOMIC MASS ALKALI ALKALI NATURAL NATURAL

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PERIOD

PERIOD PHASE PHASE DENSITY DENSITY MALLEABLE MALLEABLE

ATOMIC NUMBER February 2021

Samurai Sudoku for February Samurai sudoku puzzles consist of five overlapping sudoku grids. The standard sudoku rules apply to each 9 x 9 grid. Place digits from 1 to 9 in each empty cell. Samurai Sudoku Every row, every column, and every 3 x 3Puzzle box should#01 contain one of each digit. Good Luck! Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. There are 5 overlapping grids with one unique solution. Each of 4 corners are shaded. 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.

5 8

8 1

5 4 2

3 5

5 4

2 6 3

2 8

1 7

6 2

2 3

4 7

5 1

6 1

8 5

2 7

8 3

4 2

7 9

Samurai sudoku grid, symmetric, beginner No 1 Created: https://www.sudoku-puzzles-online.com

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February 2021 15

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February 2021