Surprise Living

Surprise Living

™

From Your Neighbors, For Your Neighbors

August 2024

Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

August 2024 1

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 Talia Uretsky, Associate Editor Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com All contents © 2010-present day 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 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. 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.

NATIONAL SPONSOR

USE CODE PHX10 TO SAVE 10% PHOENIX, AZ . SEPTEMBER 14 8 AM . KIWANIS PARK REGISTER NOW AT 911HEROESRUN.ORG/PHOENIX

(623) 439-2525 Did your rates go up this year? Monday - Friday 9am-5pm & by appointment 4252 N Verrado Way, Ste B201 Don’t pay without a 2nd look! www.GanyoInsurance.com Welcome@GanyoInsurance.com A member of the Atlas Insurance Group a Fortune 5000 Company

Greg Ganyo

Auto Insurance • Home Insurance • Business Insurance • Life Insurance At the Ganyo Agency we use technology to streamline the quoting process of buying insurance and make sure we provide you the best rate possible from one of our 35+ companies. Imagine saving hundreds of dollars in just 30 seconds, while saving 30 minutes of your valuable time on the phone!

• Scan this QR code or go to https://app.usecanopy.com/c/ganyo-agency • Sign into your current company’s portal. This takes about 30 seconds and we will do the rest. Here is a short how-to video for you as well: http://share.getcloudapp.com/wbu8qwAj

Or you can always call us and we will gladly spend the time to meet all your insurance needs.

2 Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

August 2024

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, Surprise Living Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541

Transform your home by changing your window coverings.

623-399-8809

Call for a free in home consultation Blinds • Shutters • Shades • Drapes • Home Automation

35% discount on motorization with Enlightened Style Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

August 2024 3

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.

SUNCITYGARAGE.COM

GET YOUR

GARAGE DOOR BACK ON TRACK!

10% OFF GARAGE DOOR SERVICES

$250.00 OFF NEW GARAGE DOOR

Mention coupon when booking.

Cannot combine offers.

GARAGE DOOR

MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS, AND INSTALLATIONS

CALL NOW FOR SAME-DAY SERVICE

FREE ESTIMATES

15 Years Experience, Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 241688

FINANCING AVAILABLE

480-210-6956

4 Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

August 2024

Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

August 2024 5

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) 6 Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

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.

Your Vision - Our Precision

TILE • LUXURY VINYL QUARTZ • STONE

602-882-5203

Public showroom located at 17058 W. Bell Rd #107, Surprise

TileDynamicsLLC.com

August 2024

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

Got questions about advertising?

Call us for the answers! 623.398.5541 PITTS 21 Brackets Tooth Contouring ♦ Gingival Laser 3-D Imaging ♦ Invisalign ♦ Braces

BEFORE & AFTER

Braces & Gingival Laser 14997 W. Bell Rd #150 Surprise *emotional support dog on staff

Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

4175 N. Pioneer Dr #107 Verrado

www.BaileyOrthoAZ.com August 2024 7

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 specatcle 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.

POWERED BY:

21 OR

BUST info@sadd.org

8 Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

TEENS DO THEIR BEST WHEN PARENTS KNOW BEST!

www.sadd.org

SADDNation

August 2024

Empty Nest

When Kids Leave for College

As summer winds down, many parents face a bittersweet milestone: watching their children leave for college. This transition marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for both parents and students. While it’s a proud moment, it can also be emotionally challenging. Here’s how to navigate this significant life change.

Acknowledge Your Feelings It’s normal to experience a mix of emotions when your child leaves for college. Pride, excitement, and hope for their future may be mingled with sadness, anxiety, and a sense of loss. Allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment. Remember, it’s okay to be happy for your child while also feeling a bit lost yourself.

Stay Connected, But Give Space Technology makes it easier than ever to stay in touch, but resist the urge to constantly check in. Establish a communication routine that works for both of you, whether it’s weekly video calls or daily text messages.

Remember, your child needs space to grow and adapt to their new environment.

Focus on Your Personal Growth Use this time as an opportunity for personal development. Rediscover old hobbies or explore new interests. Consider taking classes, volunteering, or focusing more on your career. This is your chance to redefine yourself beyond your role as a parent.

Maintain Family Connections If you have other children at home, use this time to strengthen your relationships with them. For couples, focus on rekindling your partnership now that you have more time together. Plan family activities to look forward to when your college student returns home for visits.

Prepare for Changes When your child returns home for breaks, be prepared for changes. They may have new habits, opinions, or expectations of independence. Be open to these changes and flexible in adjusting family dynamics.

Remember, this transition is a natural and positive step in your child’s journey to adulthood. By focusing on the opportunities it presents for both you and your child, you can turn this challenging time into a period of growth and new beginnings for the entire family.

SAVE THE DATE! Join EBeauty Community's Premiere Annual Event.

Wigs & Wishes Making wishes come true for women in the Valley undergoing cancer treatment.

COME SUPPORT THE EBEAUTY HOUSE & HAVE A GOOD HAIR-RAISING TIME! Date: November 2nd, 2024 Time: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Location: Heritage Swim ParK

• Faster than the ED with lower copays!

• Open when your doctor is closed 5pm-1am • Register online to save the wait • Telehealth visits available • Easy access off 101 and I-10

623-643-9233

GoodNightPeds.com

10320 W McDowell Rd Bldg. L, Avondale

Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

Featuring Music by TJ Rifkin and Band!

Green Pepper Catering!

Silent Auction | Live Auction | Raf e

TO BECOME A SPONSOR Contact: Laura@ebeauty.com Registration will begin September 1st | $75 per person For more information: www.ebeautycommunity.org

August 2024 9

10 Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

August 2024

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.

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.

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

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.

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control Servicing the West Valley for 20 years!

West Valley’s Leading Garage Door Company 623-693-8677 217 W Main Street, Avondale, AZ 85323

SCAN QR CODE FOR SPECIALS

Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

August 2024 11

Eating Well

Eating healthily on a budget

These items are cheap and can form the base of many meals. Combine them with seasonal vegetables for balanced, affordable dishes.

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

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

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

Hydrate!

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

Buy nonperishable staples like rice and pasta in bulk.

Your future looks

bright at Sun City West Assisted Living!

Award-Winning Assisted Living and Memory Care

Join us and love life. Call (623) 244-7594 to arrange a tour today!

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE 13810 W Sandridge Dr, Sun Cit y West, A Z 85375 PegasusSeniorLiving.com

12 Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

August 2024

Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

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

5

6

Monday, 15th July 2024

9

3

7

6

9

1

1

2 6

9 5

7

5

3

4

7

6

7 6

4

4

6

1

1

9

3

2 9

4

7

8

6

3

7

3

5 9 4

2

5 9

6

9

5

6

5

4 9 2

2

3

5

4

7 1

9 1

7

9

3

9

1 8

7

8

2 2

4

7

3

9

1

9 9

7

8

4

2

2

3

9

7 9

7

4

6

4 9

6

6 2

1

3 9

1

5

3

2

1 3

4

5 8

8

5

6

6 8

4

1

9 9

9 2

7

8

3

3

1

9

3

3

5 5

6

9

www.samurai-sudoku.com

14 Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

August 2024

Spot 10 Differences

Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

August 2024 15

Financing available 9.9% APR *

0

%

financing for 15 months if paid in full*

*Subject to credit approval. Exclusions apply.

Ask for details!

New Construction, Repairs, Recovers, Maintenance Installation of Gutters Shingles, Tile, Built Up Single Ply, Foam & Coatings, Metal, Shake

ROC #’s: 061127 - 287012 - 198009 - 08

www.JBSroofingAZ.com

16 Estrella Publishing - Surprise Living magazine

August 2024