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May 2021

A magazine for Litchheld Park residents

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

May 2021

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

May 2021

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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May 2021

From Me To You... I have always considered myself somewhat of a successful amateur gardener. As a young girl I grew plants in pots, I bred spider plants for years, taking the ‘babies’ from the parent plant and re-potting them. I lived in a house with a large garden and there were always veggies to pick and beds to weed. The fact that I was not actually growing or tending anything on a regular basis didn’t bother me at all, I was learning. Once I became a teenager there were bulbs to plant in the fall followed by the joy of seeing flowers pop up in the early spring. As an adult I managed to conquer an entire garden of flowers and even established a raised bed of veggies. That vegetable garden was my pride and joy. I experimented with tomatoes, zucchini and herbs, learning how to use other plants as pest deterrents, and enjoying the bounty of my labors. When we moved to Arizona I set about replicating my successful relationship with the earth. It took me about 2 years of failure to realize that I was not going to be able to garden as I had hoped. My old standbys did not thrive

in this climate, or in this soil. I did have a raised bed for a while, which was mostly capable of producing crops, but the climate and my lack of consistency stymied me at every turn. I did grow the most amazing artichokes and tomatoes - but there are only so many of those you can eat in one season. In the 16 years we have been here almost all of the original plants have died and been replaced with more suitable drought tolerant varieties. The one great success I have had is something I always wanted to grow but ironically was never too successful with. A Jasmine, or Honeysuckle plant. Honeysuckle is a climbing creature that seems to be nothing more than a mass of green leaves for most of the year. Then for two glorious weeks in the spring it explodes with tiny white flowers and the smell is heavenly. I planted my Honeysuckle by the front door, and as luck would have it, that is the perfect place for it to thrive. It has shade and just the right amount of water, and I get to murmur positive words to it as I pass by everyday. Not sure what effect the words have but I am not stopping now. As I write this, spring has well and truly sprung and the Honeysuckle is in full bloom. Even though the combination of circumstances that led to this green thumb moment have very little to do with my abilities, I am still able to pat myself on my back for the next week or so. I get to believe that I can grow things out here in this unforgiving climate, at least for a little while. Of course the Arizona summer is looming and that will knock the confidence right out of me again. The desert will reassert it’s dominance, and I will have to wait another year to be proud of my green thumb.

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

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

May 2021

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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

May 2021

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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

May 2021

Water Damage

There’s nothing quite like owning a home. There’s the pride of achieving a financial goal. There’s the comfort of having a sanctuary and space of your own in which to build a lifetime of memories. Occasionally, as many homeowners can attest to, there’s also the element of surprise when things suddenly break. Water damage is the most common - and unwanted - surprise for homeowners. Show your home a little TLC to protect against water damage by inspecting these three areas in and around it.

1. The bathroom • Periodically check the pipes underneath the bathroom sink for cracks or leaks. A leaky pipe can be a sign of a larger issue that might eventually cause your pipes to burst, like high water pressure or corrosion. • The seal created by the caulk around your sink, tub and shower helps prevent water from seeping into spaces where it doesn’t belong, but it won’t last forever. Ensure the caulk isn’t worn or cracked, and apply a new layer if needed. • If water leaks from the base of your toilet, or it wobbles when you sit, it’s time to replace the wax ring. Wax rings help form a watertight seal between the bottom of a toilet and the sewer pipe. The ring usually lasts the life of the toilet, but it’s possible for it to dry out and fail so pay attention to malfunction signs.

2. The kitchen • Just like in the bathroom, the pipes beneath the kitchen sink need to be checked regularly for leaks and cracks. • Kitchen appliances with hoses that connect to your water supply are another potential source for leaks. Rubber hoses can wear out, blister or crack, and will need to be replaced over time. Consider replacing this type of hose with a steel-braided version as these are less likely to fail. • Your washing machine probably isn’t in your kitchen, but be sure to inspect its hose as well. The hose connection can loosen during wash cycle vibrations, so check to ensure it’s tight. 3. The home’s exterior and roof • Holes, cracks and gaps can be entry points for unwelcome water, which can cause rot or structural damage. Walk the perimeter of your home to look for imperfections in its facade. Inspect the condition of the weather stripping on your windows and doors to ensure they are properly sealed to keep out the elements. Also, look for damaged, missing or loose roof shingles, which can be seen from proper vantage points on the ground.

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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

May 2021

Money Matters Being self-employed has some benefits: You get to choose your own hours, you don’t have to count “vacation days” and you’ll never worry about getting downsized. On the other hand, you’re truly on your own – there’s no employersponsored retirement plan and no benefits package. So, if you’ve recently started a business what can you do to get on the road to financial security? There are several steps you can take, including the following: • Establish a budget. When you’re self-employed you need to keep tight control over where your money is going. So, establish a budget and stick to it. • Open a retirement plan. As a self-employed individual, you can choose a retirement plan, such as a SEP-IRA, a SIMPLE-IRA or an “owneronly” 401(k). You may want to consult with a financial advisor to determine which plan is best for your needs. • Build an emergency fund. When your earnings are uneven, you can be vulnerable to financial stress when you face an unexpected expense. To help protect yourself from these threats, try to

gradually build an emergency fund containing a few months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. • Pay down your debts. Some debts, such as loans to help your business, may be unavoidable. But other debts, especially those that can’t be deducted from your taxes and carry a high interest rate, are far less useful, so you may want to set up a repayment plan. • Put money aside for taxes. Because no employer is withholding taxes from your paychecks, you will likely have to make quarterly estimated payments. Plus, you’re responsible for all your Social Security taxes, which, if you worked for someone else, would be split between you and your employer. • Get proper insurance. You may need some type of business insurance, but if you have a family, you should certainly consider the need for life insurance, and you may also want to consider disability insurance. Self-employment can be quite fulfilling – and you’ll find it even more rewarding when you make the right financial moves. Submitted by Chris Carlton, of Edward Jones This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

May 2021

Pandemic Pounds Since the start of COVID-19, many children have not had access to the nutrition and physical activity they would have received in school. While childhood obesity has been plaguing the United States for years, pediatricians have seen a stark increase in abnormal rates of weight gain over the past year, and it may have lasting effects on children. If you notice any changes in your child’s weight, the first step is to determine the underlying cause. There is a difference between normal body changes that come with routine growth and development of growing children and rapid weight gain that indicates a more serious health issue. If your child suddenly gains 10-20 pounds, this may require a deeper investigation and a consultation with your pediatrician or family practice provider.

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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

Ways to keep your child active and healthy • Replace screen time with family time With the shift to virtual learning, it’s not uncommon for children to sit idle for hours staring at a screen. To combat this, set a daily limit on screen time for all members of the household. Then use that extra time to engage in activities that keep your family physically and mentally active. Building in “movement snacks” such as stretches, jogging in place or dancing during the school day can be a mood booster and get kids moving. • Encourage healthy nutritional habits When kids are at home all day, they’re more prone to excessive snacking. Making healthy options visible and unhealthy options invisible using a ‘this not that’ approach such as carrots and hummus instead of chips or cookies will help set patterns and habits for building healthy choices that have the potential to last a lifetime. • Reestablish a family routine Reestablishing a set of patterns and routines in the new normals as they continue to evolve helps everyone in the household feel a sense of control and understanding of expectations. The bonus is, not only will a bedtime and meal routine help children stay focused during the day, it will also help them maintain a healthy weight. • Supporting your child - no matter what While you help your child on their journey to a healthier lifestyle, remember to demonstrate compassion and understanding to your children as well as yourself. How you approach your child’s weight challenges will ultimately define how they view themselves. Be sure to provide daily encouragement, pointing out what your child is doing well. If you maintain a positive and supportive approach, the results will follow. • Talk to your child’s pediatrician If you’re worried your child is putting on too much weight, reach out to their providers. A pediatrician will consider your child’s history of growth and development in the full context of their medical history. This can help determine if your child’s weight is in an unhealthy range and if more lifestyle changes are needed. May 2021

Perfect Pantry When you open your kitchen pantry, is it streamlined and tidy or more cluttered and chaotic? The state of your home impacts your state of mind, so getting better organized in the kitchen can help you feel calmer in other parts of life. Cleaning and organizing our homes gives us something we can control when we can’t control much of the rest of the world - even with a space as small as a pantry. Stylist, interior designer and TV host Emily Henderson has a few tricks for keeping her pantry clean and user-friendly. Here are her favorite ways to refresh and rearrange pantries and cupboards, to maximize space no matter its size and give your kitchen a more beautiful look: • Buy in bulk: This saves on packaging waste and offers a better glimpse of what foods you have and how much. Plus, this helps prevent lastminute runs to the store for a missing ingredient when you’re in the middle of cooking a meal. • Create a hierarchy: Organize shelves based on ease and accessibility. Keep snacks like pretzels,

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cookies and bars at a lower height, as they’re easier to reach. Everyday cooking items like rice, pasta and dry beans should be placed a bit higher, followed by baking ingredients - and anything else used less often - up top. • Decant: Decanting means moving pantry staples from their original packaging into a different, labeled container. Being able to see what and how much is inside a container makes cooking, packing lunches and baking more efficient - plus, it makes the pantry appear more luxurious. • Adapt to your space: If you keep a system, it doesn’t matter if you have a walk-in pantry or only a few shelves to work with. Choose containers that are modular and stackable to maximize vertical space, then designate sections for certain tasks. Baking might be in one section, breakfast items in another, snacks in a separate space, and so on. Taking time to organize pantry and cupboard spaces now will have long-term benefits. Not only does it make the kitchen more pleasing to look at, but a pantry that’s perfect for you helps save time, reduces potential food waste and frustration - but most importantly, it inspires a more positive state of mind.

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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

May 2021

Act F.A.S.T.

The sudden onset of stroke symptoms can happen to anyone at any time, making education about the signs and symptoms of a “brain attack” the first line of defense to stroke prevention. Stroke is the second leading cause of death and third leading cause of disability worldwide. Today, only 10% of stroke survivors make a full recovery and 25% recover with minor impairments. Forty percent of survivors experience moderate to severe impairments that require special care. Strokes are common and deadly, but the good news is almost all strokes can be prevented. What is stroke? A stroke happens when the blood vessels carrying nutrients to the brain either form a clot or rupture, causing a sudden blockage in the arteries leading to the brain. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die.

In the event of stroke: Act F.A.S.T “Every minute from the time the stroke occurs to when you receive treatment makes a difference,” said neurointerventional radiologist at St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City Jared Halpin, M.D. “Many types of stroke are now treatable with emergency medical interventions to either quickly dissolve or remove the blood clot or stop the bleeding that is causing symptoms.” Seek treatment, F.A.S.T. Follow the acronym below to check for signs of stroke: • FACE drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven or lopsided? • ARM weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? • Speech: Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. • Time to call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately. Eighty million people have survived stroke worldwide. For more information on stroke prevention tips and treatment options, visit the Medtronic Stroke Heroes page at https://global. medtronic.com/xg-en/c/neurological/worldstroke-day.html.

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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

May 2021

Resale Revolution Are you interested in finding attractive, useful and fun furniture and home goods at lower prices? Consider these suggestions for mastering the resale shopping trend and scoring great purchases to enjoy as you work, play, learn and exercise at home. Shop local when possible. Not only do you keep money in your community when you buy from people in your area, but you save money on postage or transport when you opt to pick up items yourself. Further, online payments can make local pick-ups easier and more convenient than ever. Read the fine print. Before committing to a purchase, take time to scrutinize item descriptions and enlarge provided photos so you have a clear idea of the item’s condition and appearance. Still have questions? Contact the seller and (politely) ask for more details or images. Taking that extra step could save time and frustration for both you and the seller. Don’t hesitate to make offers. It’s OK (and even somewhat expected) to negotiate on prices when you’re buying from other individuals. But do that respectfully; instead of complaining about merchandise shortcomings or announcing that the asking price is way too high, politely ask the seller whether he or she may be willing to accept a lesser amount.

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

Follow buying etiquette. Simply put, you should treat sellers as you would like to be treated. Ask and answer questions politely, show up on time for meet-ups and have your payments ready as promised. Thank them for their time, effort and merchandise. Let them know (with plenty of notice) if you’ve changed your mind on a purchase and/or will be unable to meet. Be mindful about safety. Conduct business through online marketplaces that keep profiles of both buyers and sellers to discourage fraud. When possible, meet up to exchange merchandise at local businesses or law enforcement centers that are busy, brightly lit and monitored by video cameras. You may also wish to make payments through online payment venues that allow for stopped payments in the event of disputes.

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May 2021

The Bug Guy

While pest control professionals are well known for their bug-zapping abilities, many homeowners attempt to handle pest infestations by themselves to save money. This is a mistake and there are many reasons why hiring a professional exterminator from the start is the smart choice. 1. You may save money in the long term. Many do-it-yourselfers purchase treatment after treatment in a vain attempt to eliminate pests. Individually the treatment costs may be low, but the total amount spent often exceeds the cost of an exterminator visit. 2. Professional exterminators are trained to safely use chemical pesticides. All chemicals, whether available to consumers or only to professionals, carry certain hazards and risks. If pesticides are applied or stored improperly, it can lead to property damage, ill health effects, or death. 3. Professional pesticides last longer. They provide residual protection for as much as six weeks to five years, depending on the type of pesticide applied.

4. An exterminator can identify the pest that has invaded your home and create a treatment program to target that exact pest. Some species of ant, for example, are attracted to proteinbased baits but will totally ignore sweet baits. 5. Some pests pose a danger to humans through bites or stings. A homeowner may not be aware of how to protect their safety when applying treatments. 6. Professional pest control companies often provide an effectiveness guarantee that their treatment efforts will keep pests at bay for at least 60 days. If pests should return during that time, the exterminator will come back and treat the home again at no charge. 7. When dealing with chemical pesticides, accidents may sometimes occur and damage to property can result. A professional exterminator carries insurance to cover potential damages. 8. Using the services of a pest control professional saves you time and effort. Applying liquid insecticides, placing baits and setting traps are all time-consuming endeavors. Call your pest control professional and let us take care of the work so you can attend to the people and activities that matter most to you. Submitted by Estrella Mountain Pest Control

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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

May 2021

Puzzles & Games

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

May 2021

Samurai Sudoku for May Samurai Sudoku Puzzle #03

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 standard rules every each digit logic fromskills. 1 to There 9 canare only appear once This puzzle samurai use sudoku puzzle issudoku a great way to for engage the9x9 braingrid: and help develop 5 overlapping gridsin with one unique solution. Eachand of 4 corners areGood shaded.Luck! To solve this Samurai puzzle standardwww.EstrellaPublishing.com sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: every row, column 3x3 box. Solutions are on ouruse website each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box.

9 2

2 8

9 7

1 1

3 2

9 5

3 3 2

1 8

3 2

5 4

3 6

9 4

5 5

Samurai sudoku grid, symmetric, beginner No 3 Created: https://www.sudoku-puzzles-online.com Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

6 8

5 9

1 5

4 5

7 1

9 4

3 6

4 6

7 3

4 5

1 4

5 May 2021

1 15

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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

May 2021