The Park

The Park

™

A magazine for Litchfield Park residents From Your Neighbors, For Your Neighbors

August 2024

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

August 2024 1

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August 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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August 2024 3

From Me To You...

Have you ever left the house, then a few minutes later gone back to check that you did indeed turn the stove off, or tried the door handle to make sure it was locked? I know I have, and I am sure many of you have too. I recently read about an extreme case where the person who was afflicted with this particular obsession had devised an ingenious solution. She videoed herself doing all the tasks that she completed in the morning before leaving the house. That way, when her brain tried to convince her that the stove was still on, or the dog had not been fed, she was able to look at the recording and calm her nerves. Now I am not saying that we should go to that extreme, but it is an elegant solution.

We all build rituals into our lives, not usually as a response to a compulsion, but they do help us get through the day, nevertheless. Every morning, I make a cup of coffee and take it into the garden where my manic dog plays fetch with a tennis ball until he is out of breath and ready to start his daily round of napping and trying to eat everything in the house. It is a nice way to wake up and get

my day started. Some rituals are ingrained in us during childhood, sometimes we develop them as we age. I usually have a yearning for a cup of tea and a cookie around 3pm, a result of my English upbringing no doubt. It brings me comfort, and as I sip my tea, I reflect on those who introduced me to this daily habit. It connects me to my heritage in a way that is soothing and grounding.

Some rituals are life-affirming, and some are a way to maintain a connection with those we love, making the trek to Aunt Sally’s house for Thanksgiving dinner for example, or dragging yourself to a monthly Bunco with your besties, no matter how much you would rather be curled up watching a TV show at home. These things are valuable and necessary, and we should honor and cherish all the things that help to get us through the day.

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

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August 2024

Teacher’s Notes Kindergarten Ready?

As the beginning of the school year approaches, many parents wonder what they can do to prepare their little one(s) before entering Kindergarten. There are many things that can be done to prepare for this big change, however there are 2 things that come to mind that would be greatly appreciated.

1. Being able to sit in a seat for a specific amount of time can be quite a challenge, especially during lunch. Practicing the ability to eat their lunch and remaining in a specific seat for approximately 25 minutes doesn’t seem like much but can be difficult for children. I know that lunchtime will be full of excitement and many distractions that can distract a child from the task at hand, but when a child does not eat an adequate amount of food, a majority of the time resulting in classroom behaviors caused by being ‘hangry’.

Hangry is a term referring to the feelings of being angry due to hunger. When a child gets ‘hangry’ it can cause a disruption to their environment and damper their learning ability.

Why not provide a snack when the child appears ‘hangry’? This is not always feasible as there may not be a designated time during the day allotted for snacks as this depends on the school/district policy and/or the teacher’s policy. There is quite a lot that teachers are expected to get through in a single school day, and there might not always be time allocated for snacks.

There might not be food available during the school day unless purchased by the teacher or donated to the classroom by a parent/guardian. (If you want to contribute to this, PLEASE check with the teacher and school to confirm any/all policies in regards to this as it is different for each school.)

2. Good sportsmanship is also important! Being able to interact and play nicely with others can make any experience more enjoyable. You don’t always need to be the first one to the finish line to win. In my classroom I have this mantra with the students: As long as you had fun, you are always a winner!

Mastering these two things will go a long way towards helping your child succeed this year and making it a good one for you both.

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August 2024 5

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.

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 nonstress 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. For more information www.sharonravenscroft.com.

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

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August 2024

Cook With Zona Brownie Batter Protein Balls

Hello again, I wanted to say I appreciate everyone who has been reading and recreating my recipes!

I am truly feeling the love from these communities! Regarding last month’s Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet recipe I apologize for leaving out the measurements for the egg noodles. For all previous recipes you can visit the recipes page on Estrella Publishing’s website.

If you can’t tell by now, I am nuts about any and all things chocolate. Chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, chocolate milk, chocolate bars, you name it! When I was a child my mother used to make me chocolate cake for breakfast. Granted, now that I think about it, probably not the most nutritious breakfast for a 13 year old, but hey look at me now! Totally fine, I only have a slight chocolate addiction, and it made me love my mother even more than I thought was ever possible! My son developed a peanut intolerance when he was 4 years old, so most dishes I make I stray away from peanut butter, and these Brownie Batter

Protein Balls are amazing! If you prefer peanut butter and regular milk you can absolutely sub those in at no measurement change.

If you have any recipes you’d like to share with me I would love to try them out! Email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com.

Ingredients 1 ¼ cup almond flour (or all purpose flour) ¼ cup cocoa powder ¾ cup almond butter (or peanut butter) ½ cup chocolate protein powder (protein of choice) ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey or agave) ¼ cup almond milk (or milk of choice) ¼ cup chocolate chips Steps • Line a tray with parchment paper.

• Mix together the almond flour, cocoa powder, almond butter, chocolate protein powder, maple syrup, and almond milk with a hand mixer or just arm muscle until a play dough like consistency forms.

• Add in the chopped chocolate chunks and mix till evenly incorporated. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form 16-20 1.5”-2” balls. Place them on the prepared tray and freeze for 15 minutes.

• Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge or freezer.

Enjoy!

We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your Brownie Batter Protein Balls or tag us on social media @EstrellaPublishing.

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

August 2024 7

Eating Well

Eating healthily on a budget

meals. Combine them with seasonal vegetables for balanced, affordable dishes.

Seasonal and local produce As temperatures soar and wallets shrink, maintaining Take advantage of Arizona’s local produce. Visit a healthy diet can seem like a daunting task but with farmer’s markets or join a community supported some creativity and planning, you can eat nutritiously without breaking the bank or sweating over a hot stove. agriculture (CSA) program for fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables.

Meal prep and portion control Embrace no-cook meals Dedicate a few hours each week to meal prep. Cook When it is too tiring to cook, turn to refreshing nolarger batches and portion them out for the week. This cook options. Try overnight oats for breakfast, loaded not only saves money but also helps control portions with fruits or nuts. For lunch and dinner, experiment and reduces the temptation for unhealthy snacking. with hearty salads, veggie-packed wraps, or cold Snack smart sandwiches.

Keep healthy, budget friendly snacks on hand. Think Frozen is your friend carrots and hummus, apple slices with peanut butter, Do not underestimate the power of frozen fruits and vegetables. They are often cheaper than fresh, they last or homemade trail mix. These options are nutritious and can help curb cravings for expensive, processed longer, and retain most of their nutrients. Use frozen snacks. berries in smoothies or frozen veggies for quick stirfries for that nutritious boost.

Remember, eating healthy on a budget is all about Hydrate! planning, creativity, and making the most of what is Stay hydrated without resorting to expensive, sugary available. With these tips, you can nourish your body drinks. Infuse water with sliced cucumbers, citrus and mind without emptying your wallet, even during fruits, or herbs for a refreshing twist. the hottest months of the year. Stay cool and eat well!

Bulk up on staples Buy nonperishable staples like rice and pasta in bulk.

These items are cheap and can form the base of many

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August 2024

Out & About

Navigating the Seas of Cruise Booking: 5 Essential Tips

Embarking on a cruise can be an exciting and relaxing way to explore new destinations. However, the process of booking a cruise can sometimes feel overwhelming.

With countless options for itineraries, ships, and amenities, how do you ensure you’re making the best choice? Here are five essential tips to help you navigate the waters of cruise booking and set sail on your dream vacation.

1. Time Your Booking Strategically The timing of your cruise booking can significantly

impact the price and availability. Generally, booking well in advance or at the last minute can offer the best deals. Early bookers often enjoy perks like cabin upgrades or onboard credit, while last-minute bookers might snag deeply discounted fares. However, if you have specific preferences for cabin type or location, booking early is your best bet to get what you want.

2. Research and Compare Cruise Lines Not all cruise lines are created equal. Research different cruise lines to find one that aligns with your travel style and expectations. Read reviews from past cruisers and compare amenities, dining options, and onboard activities to ensure you’re choosing a ship that suits your preferences.

3. Consider the Itinerary Carefully While the ship itself is important, don’t overlook the ports of call. Consider how much time you’ll spend at each destination and what activities are available. Also, pay attention to the number of sea days – if you love onboard activities, more sea days might be appealing, but if you’re eager to explore multiple destinations, look for itineraries with more frequent stops.

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4. Understand the True Cost The advertised cruise fare is rarely the final price you’ll pay. Factor in additional costs such as gratuities, alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi. Always read the fine print and calculate the total cost before booking to avoid surprises.

5. Work with a Travel Agent While it’s possible to book directly with cruise lines, working with a travel agent who specializes in cruises can be invaluable. They can offer insider knowledge, access to exclusive deals, and assistance with complex itineraries. Travel agents can also help you navigate cancellation policies, travel insurance options, and any necessary travel documents.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to book a cruise that meets your expectations and provides the vacation experience you’re seeking. Happy sailing!

August 2024 9

Olympic Games I hope everyone has cleared their schedule because the 2024 Summer Olympic Games have commenced!

There’s an event for everyone in the family to enjoy; from Gymnastics and Swimming to Skateboarding and Breaking. This summer we’ll see 10,500 athletes from 206 countries compete in 329 events across 32 sports in.

Yet, the Olympics we know and love today weren’t always the same. The first Olympic Games took place in 776 BC in Athens, Greece and began as part of a religious Greek festival honoring Zeus. The first recorded Olympic Games in 776 BC featured only one event: a 192-meter foot race called the stadion.

All free Greek males were allowed to take part, from farm hands to royal heirs, although the majority of Olympians were soldiers. Women could not compete or even attend.

In 393 AD, the Olympic Games were canceled by Emperor Theodosius I, a Roman ruler and Christian.

He banned the Greek Olympics as he considered it a pagan festival, due to the religious element of the celebration. So, that was the end of the Olympics until 1896, when Baron Pierre de Coubertin adapted the Games. He called this new event the ‘Modern

Olympics’ - which became the spectacle we know today.

From 1921-1948, artists also participated in the Olympics - painters, sculptors, architects, writers, and musicians took part in the games! They competed for medals by creating works of art that often celebrated the sporting successes going on at that time. While artists stopped officially competing in 1948, many still design posters and other merchandise for the Games.

The Olympic Games are arguably the biggest and most prestigious sporting event on earth. And while competitive spirit is important, the Modern Olympic Games aren’t just for our entertainment and about athletes competing for their country and gaining medals while setting records. The International Olympic Committee was founded on the belief that sports can contribute to peace and the harmonious development of humankind. The Olympic Movement continues to use sports to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sports practice without discrimination of any kind, and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play.

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August 2024

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August 2024 11

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The Bug Guy “Scorpions, Crickets, and Cockroaches, Oh My!

August in the west valley isn’t just about melting steering wheels and sidewalks hot enough to fry an egg – it’s prime time for the creepy-crawly residents to stage their annual takeover attempt. Picture this: You’re enjoying a refreshing iced tea, basking in the artificial chill of your living room, when suddenly you see something scuttle across your floor, looking like it’s on a mission from the underworld. Welcome to August in the west valley, where your home becomes the frontline in the war against nature’s tiny terrors. But with the right tactics, you can turn the tables on these miniature invaders.

your yard. While their chirping might seem charming at first, by day three, you’ll be ready to call security.

Combat these unwelcome musicians by keeping your yard uncluttered and eliminating standing water. No stage, no show!

Let’s not forget the cockroaches – the ultimate survivalists. These critters could probably outlast a nuclear apocalypse, but they won’t survive your strategic cleaning spree. Seal up cracks, keep food in airtight containers, and maintain a spotless kitchen.

Remember, a clean home is a roach’s worst nightmare.

First up: scorpions. These little arachnids are like the ninjas of the pest world – stealthy, potentially painful, and oddly attracted to your shoes. Pro tip: Invest in a blacklight flashlight. At night, scorpions glow like tiny, eight-legged ravers, making them easier to spot and evict.

As you wage war on these tiny terrorists, remember that prevention is key. Seal entry points, declutter your yard, and consider professional pest control services.

After all, in the battle against bugs, sometimes you need to call in the cavalry. So, as you hunker down this August, keep your eyes peeled and your flip-flops at the ready. And remember, when the temperatures finally drop in September, you can proudly declare victory – at least until next summer’s invasion.

Next on the hit list: crickets. August is when these noisy nightclub singers decide to host their concerts in

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August 2024 13

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.

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

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