The Park

The Park

™

A magazine for Litchfield Park residents

March 2024

From Your Neighbors, For Your Neighbors

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

March 2024

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March 2024

Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor Talia Uretsky, Assistant Editor Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 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. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the content of contributing writers and advertisers 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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March 2024

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From Me To You...

What drives you? Everyone has something that gets them to the finish line - a paycheck, moral obligation, love, the satisfaction of a job well done.

For me it is the pressure of a deadline, sure I am nudged by those other things in the list, but the only thing that gets me to complete a project is the looming fear of missing that end point. I always start the month with the best of intentions. I swear I will pace myself and get a little done every day, so that I can ease into the end of the month with no stress. However, in 14 years of creating these magazines I have yet to manage that even once.

Every month I am sitting at my computer well into the night frantically dragging and clicking, typing and editing.

I don’t know why I am wired this way, but it seems that if I am given an option I will procrastinate up to the last minute. There is always something else I would rather be doing. The irony of that mindset is that when I am not working I am thinking about working, then when I sit down to work I am focused on a book I was reading, or a project that I have started.

I remember many projects from the past that I have yet to compete – a scale model of H.M.S. Bounty (anyone remember the classic movie Mutiny on the Bounty?), a counted cross-stitch of children playing in Holland during four different seasons (remember seasons?), a matinee jacket I was knitting for a baby who is now an adult with her own child – and the list goes on.

This month I wanted to watch the movies nominated in the Best Picture category before the Oscars are televised, I managed it once and it made the show more enjoyable. But I can leave that for another day, the show is not on until the 10th. See how easily I am distracted? Now what was I talking about? Oh, my work deadline. I should probably get back to that...

Catherine Uretsky Editor, The Park Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541

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March 2024

Colorectal Cancer Every year the month of March is recognized as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It’s your annual reminder that screenings that can detect polyps or early cancers in the colon can be lifesaving. Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the Unites States, and the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. During the pandemic, many put off their annual screenings, and now is a great time to get back on track.

Nearly all colorectal cancers start with a polyp, which is small area of unchecked growths on the inner lining of the colon. Polyps and colon cancers rarely create symptoms such as pain or bleeding. Early detection and treatment, even before symptoms appear, results in improved survival rates, according to doctors at Abrazo West Campus.

younger people, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that screenings begin at age 45” said Dr Gabie Ong, a colorectal surgeon on medical staff at Abrazo West Campus. “The risk of developing colon polyps and cancer increases as one ages. The majority of colon cancer is found in patients without any symptoms or a family history of colon cancer. We all need a colonoscopy starting at 45 years old unless you have a first-degree relative with colon cancer or polyps, where one should consider being tested earlier than age 45,” said Dr. Carlos A. Esparza, a colorectal surgeon on medical staff at Abrazo West Campus.

If you think you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for you and how often to get tested.

Submitted by Abrazo Health “The colon is the lowest part of the intestine, also called the large intestine. Its inside lining where growths called polyps can appear, and some polyps can grow into colon cancer. Through colonoscopy, doctors can inspect the inside lining of the colon and remove polyps which helps prevent cancers from forming,” explained Dr. Sushil Pandey, a colorectal surgeon on the medical staff at Abrazo West.

“It’s important to find cancers early or find them as polyps and have them removed, he said. The incidence of colon cancer is increasing among Servicing the West Valley for 20 years!

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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

March 2024

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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

March 2024

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

March 2024

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Legal Advice Beneficiary Deed: Better Than Probate

If you want one or two adult to receive your home or real estate upon your death, a Beneficiary Deed is an effective, inexpensive way to avoid probate.

A Beneficiary Deed is basically a “pay on death designation” for real property.

The Beneficiary Deed is fully revocable. The owner retains control of the property. There is no need to consult the beneficiaries upon sale or be concerned about the beneficiaries’ creditors. This is not the case when the property is owned as joint tenants with right of survivorship.

The Beneficiary Deed is a great tool for people who have all other assets in accounts which have beneficiary designations of some type. The Beneficiary Deed is not a good tool if you want to

leave your real property to more than two people, to minors or to adults with special needs receiving government assistance. In those instances, a trust is the best non-stress way to avoid probate.

Sharon Ravenscroft, M. Scott Rowan, Attorneys, The Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, (623) 815-7451 or Sravenscroft@ CavanaghLaw.com; legal practice focused on Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration.

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March 2024

The Story of St Patrick Celebrated on March 17th each year, St. Patrick’s Day has become a global event, where people from all walks of life deck out in green attire and partake in festivities. But who exactly was St. Patrick, and what is the history behind this iconic figure?

missionary and spread the teachings of Christianity to the very people who had held him captive. His mission was twofold; to minister to the Christians already living in Ireland, and to begin to convert the Irish.

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity’s most widely known figures. At 16 years old St. Patrick, whose birth name was Maewyn Succat, was taken captive by Irish raiders and enslaved for 6 years.

Legend has it that St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock, a native plant of Ireland, to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish people, thereby making it one of the most recognizable symbols associated with Ireland to this day. Patrick persisted, overcoming numerous obstacles and gaining followers, eventually becoming a beloved figure within the Irish community.

During this time, Patrick immersed himself in the Celtic culture, becoming fluent in the Irish language and adapting to the way of life of his captors. During his captivity Patrick worked as a shepherd and had a religious awakening, finding strength in the Christian faith. After 6 years he managed to escape his captors and return to his homeland of Britain.

However, instead of seeking personal vengeance, Patrick had a dream about an angel telling him to return to Ireland as a

Over the centuries, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved from a religious feast day commemorating the saint into a celebration of Irish culture and heritage. Today, St. Patrick serves as a symbol of Ireland’s resilience, spirit, and the enduring power of faith. As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day each year, let us remember the story of the man behind the holiday and the lasting legacy he left behind on the county of Ireland and his heritage.

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

March 2024

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Ask Dr. Jen

“Why do some people create drama in their lives?”

Everyone has at least one in his or her life. That person who is just “drama” and creates it wherever he or she goes. I use the word “dramamonger” to refer to anyone who deals in drama. So, what compels a person to behave this way? The answers are many: • It’s what they know. In its familiarity and predictability, it becomes comfortable: there is comfort in discomfort. This may seem odd, but these people often grew up in dramatic, tumultuous, chaotic or even traumatic environments and have come to operate this way.

Some have learned fighting = passion = love.

• The ruckus keeps them from taking an honest look at themselves. By reacting so intensely, they may succeed in shutting others down, shirking responsibility and accountability.

• It’s a way to draw attention to themselves. If a person is starved for attention, love or affection, they may create intensity to get these things. The subconscious premise at work is that bad attention is better than no attention at all.

• They gain a sense of accomplishment when they conquer the drama. This can influence self-esteem in a positive way. For some, this is an effort to recapitulate and master the drama that occurred

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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

earlier in life.

• It keeps them stuck in the victim role. The theory is that this will draw attention and caregiving of some sort, even pity at times. The hope is this: If I’m a victim, people will feel sorry for me and care for or nurture me.

• It keeps others’ expectations low. The subconscious idea at work is that if I keep chaos in my life, no one will expect anything from me, which means I can’t fail or let anyone down.

There is hope for dramamongers once they realize that they are the common denominator in all of their failed relationships. Therapy plus firm yet compassionate boundaries from others can yield great rewards. Much therapy for these folks has to do with improving self-esteem. Once basic confidence is established, they can practice new ways of living, starting with small efforts.

Have a question for Dr. Jen? Email it to AskTheDoc@EstrellaPublishing.com.

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.

March 2024

Spring Training Spring training in Arizona traces its roots back to the late 1940s when Bill Veeck, owner of the Cleveland Indians, made the pioneering decision to relocate the team’s preseason camp to Tucson in 1947. This move marked the inception of Arizona’s association with Major League Baseball’s preseason preparations.

Initially faced with challenges such as limited facilities and makeshift training grounds, Arizona’s appeal lay primarily in its warm climate and expansive landscapes. Despite the initial hurdles, the allure of Arizona steadily attracted more teams, with the New York Giants joining in 1951 at their own spring training base in Phoenix.

The subsequent decades saw a gradual expansion of spring training facilities across the state. Notable developments include the construction of modern complexes like the Peoria Sports Complex, shared by the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, and the Maryvale Baseball Park, serving as the Milwaukee Brewers’ training ground.

As more teams made Arizona their spring training destination, the popularity of the Cactus League soared. Fans cherished the opportunity to witness

their favorite players up close in a relaxed setting, far removed from the intensity of the regular season. This intimate experience bolstered the league’s reputation and contributed to its enduring appeal.

The arrival of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1998 marked a significant milestone, with the expansion team choosing Tucson as its inaugural spring training location. The Diamondbacks’ subsequent triumph in the 2001 World Series further solidified Arizona’s status as a baseball hub.

Beyond its cultural significance, spring training in Arizona has significant economic implications. The influx of tourists during the spring months provides a substantial boost to local economies, supporting businesses ranging from hospitality and dining to retail and transportation.

Today, Arizona boasts fifteen Major League Baseball teams for spring training, with state-ofthe-art facilities scattered across cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa. The anticipation surrounding spring training each year serves as a symbolic prelude to the baseball season, fostering a deep connection between the sport and the communities it represents.

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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

March 2024

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Sleep Well

First Things First helping West Valley children have a good night’s sleep Arizona’s early childhood agency recently partnered with a West Valley community organization to provide beds for young children in the West Valley.

The First Things First (FTF) Southwest Maricopa Regional Partnership Council sponsored the Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed distribution service project on Feb. 10, which provided new children’s beds for six families in need in Avondale, Goodyear, Tolleson and Litchfield Park.

FTF teamed with non-profit organizations AZ Community Impact and Sleep in Heavenly Peace for the morning of service. FTF volunteers were paired with volunteers from AZ Community Impact and sent across Southwest Valley cities to deliver and assemble beds for children who did not have beds. In addition to new beds and

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bedding, the nine children also received children’s books, crayons and materials for their families provided by FTF. “The regional council is grateful for the opportunity to join hands with organizations like AZ Community Impact that are providing care and support to families with young children in our region,” said FTF Southwest Maricopa Region Chair Aaron White.

One family who received a bunk bed and a single bed originally had three children sharing a couch, said FTF Southwest Maricopa Regional Director Delaney Russell.

“One of the little girls’ face lit up when she saw the bunk bed assembled and asked ‘Can I get the top bunk?’” Russell said.

AZ Community Impact serves as a local chapter of the international organization Sleep in Heavenly Peace. As Arizona’s early childhood agency, FTF is committed to the healthy development and learning of young children from birth to age 5.

“Part of the work in helping children be ready to succeed when they start kindergarten is helping them feel safe and secure in their homes,” Russell said. “FTF has partnered with AZ Community Impact in the past for the same event, but this time, the regional council decided it was important to play a more hands-on role and connect with others who are doing great work in our community.”

March 2024

Yum Yum

Traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with some traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie? This comfort meal is perfect for any season. A common misconception about Shepherd’s Pie is that it’s made with beef. However, a Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, while a Cottage Pie uses ground beef.

This recipe is easily interchangeable, so you can use whichever meat you prefer. Tip: if you have a large enough cast iron pan USE IT! Nothing feels more homey than a meal in a cast iron pan.

Ingredients (8-10 servings) • Mashed potatoes 3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered 4 tbsp unsalted butter ¾ cup milk 2 tbsp sour cream Salt and pepper • Filling 4 tbsp unsalted butter 1 1/2 lbs ground lamb, or ground beef if preferred 1 white onion, chopped 1 tbsp fresh thyme (sub 2 tsp dried thyme) 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (sub 2 tsp dried rosemary) ½ cup beef broth 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 2 cups frozen veggies (peas, carrots, corn)

Steps • Preheat oven to 400° F • Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a medium-sized pot filled with water. Add salt and bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.

• While potatoes cook, melt 4 tbsp butter in a large pan on medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, 6-10 min.

• Add ground meat to the pan and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, if necessary—season with salt and pepper. Add your frozen veggies towards the end, as they take very little time to cook.

• Add Worcestershire sauce and beef broth to the pan. Bring to a simmer and reduce to low. Cook uncovered for 10 mins, stirring occasionally. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

• Mash the potatoes, add 4 tbsp of butter, sour cream, and milk. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper.

• Layer the mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture in either an oven-safe pan or a casserole dish.

Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until browned and bubbling. ENJOY! We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your gorgeous Shepherd’s Pie or tag us on social media @ EstrellaPublishing.

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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

March 2024

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Puzzle Time 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.

Try your hand at the word search and crossword too!

Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com Difficulty: Easy

Monday, 12th February 2024

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March 2024

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

March 2024

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