The Hamlet
November 2017
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November 2017
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
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All contents Š 2009-2017 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. 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.
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
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Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
November 2017
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From Me To You... Welcome
to the November edition of The Hamlet magazine.
I am by no means what you would consider overweight, however if I put myself on the recommended weight chart, you all know the one, I come out right at the top edge of normal. To look at me you would probably not guess that. I am 6 feet tall and 173lbs. True stats. I maintain that I am ‘big boned’ but that apparently does not fly medically. In fact my doctor even told me that I need to lose some weight to improve my health. So I was bound and determined to lose a few pounds. And I did. Want to know my secret? Eat less and move more. It is that simple, and that hard. I always want to choose desert and soda, so now I try to eat them less frequently and in smaller quantities. Then there is the exercise. I am not a fan. So walking is my go to and I do try to get those elusive 10,000
steps every day.
Did you know that according to Web MD the average American is 23 pounds heavier that his or her ideal body weight? Also a loss of only 5 percent of your weight lowers your risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease? Both good reasons to try. If you were anything like me as a teenager and young adult, weight was not an issue. I used to eat anything and everything and never gain a pound. I actually ate chocolate cake for breakfast most mornings before school and again when I got home later that day. Now however, things are certainly not the same. I look at a piece of cake and gain a pound or more. I had a terrible bout of stomach flu a couple of years ago. I mean it was terrible. I actually googled ‘Dysentery” at one point it was that heinous. Anyway, I lost a good 6 pounds over a couple of days and decided that on balance I would take the weight loss as payment earned. Still feeling a little delicate I decided that a bowl of chicken noodle soup would be a good entrance back into the world of solid food. I was in the bathroom after eating the soup (don’t worry the flu was long gone) and stepped on the scale out of curiosity. 5lbs! 5lbs!!! How is it possible to eat less than a pound of food and gain 5? Good grief! Maintaining a healthy weight is very important to ensure you have a long, happy life. As long as that includes the occasional piece of chocolate cake, count me in!
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, The Hamlet magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623-594-9283
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November 2017
Palm Valley Elementary School Named 2017 National Blue Ribbon School LITCHFIELD PARK, Arizona - The U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, has named Palm Valley Elementary School in the Litchfield Elementary School District a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School for being an exemplary high-performing school. This recognition represents one of the most honorable awards a school can receive nationally for its academic excellence and high levels of achievement. The Blue Ribbon Schools Award is presented to schools across the nation who have the highest achieving students – top 15 percent statewide - in English and Math or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups as measured by state assessments. Palm Valley Elementary School is one of five Arizona schools that will
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On Our Cover
be honored by Secretary DeVos and the Department of Education at a recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C. on November 6-7. Palm Valley Elementary School will host a National Blue Ribbon Award Celebration in the school courtyard at 8:00 AM on Monday, October 30. The school is located at 2801 North 135th Avenue in Goodyear, Arizona. Principal Jennifer Benjamin says,
“We attribute our success as a school to the challenging and interactive environment that engages and motivates our students. We continually address the needs of all learners by systematically identifying students’ needs and making datadriven decisions. We offer an array of programs that challenge all of our Thunderbirds to reach their full potential. Our Traditional Academy is an accelerated program offering students a global and project based approach to learning. Inclusion Revolution provides selfcontained students interactive
opportunities to deepen relationships with their peers in self-contained and general education. A positive school culture is of utmost importance. Our school motto epitomizes our belief that a successful school functions as an all-inclusive family: Once a Thunderbird, Always a Thunderbird.”
Palm Valley Elementary School is one of fifteen schools within Litchfield Elementary School District. The District is one of the highest-ranked elementary school districts in the State and is celebrating its 100th anniversary. With a population of 860 pre-K though 5th grade students, Palm Valley Elementary School is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Principal Benjamin has been an administrator with the District for eight years and the principal at Palm Valley Elementary School for four years.
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Yum Yum 8 tips for navigating holiday food temptations
The holidays throw in a lot of temptations from every direction if dieting or watching your weight. Holiday parties and get-togethers in particular can be a healthful-eating challenge. Caught up in conversation among friends and family, surrounded by tasty food and drinks, it’s easy to lose track of what and how much is being eaten. Registered Dietitian Sarah Galicki offers tips for staying the course through the holidays. “There are a lot of calories packed into this time of year. You’re doing your holiday baking, people are dropping off candy and treats, there are parties with all-you-can-eat buffets and creamy drinks like eggnog, so it’s important to be prepared.
It is possible to navigate the holidays without gaining weight by doing these things.” Eat first. Never go to a party hungry. If you do, chances are you’ll wind up eating too much, too fast. Drink wisely. If you want to indulge a little bit, have some champagne or white wine. A 4-ounce glass has approximately 100 calories. By comparison, a cup of traditional eggnog has 344 calories and 19 grams of fat The best bet is to avoid alcohol altogether if possible. Drink a spritzer made with sparkling water, cranberry and a lime instead. It looks festive, tastes great and has hardly any calories. Fill up on finger foods. Small, bite-size appetizers limit the calorie impact. A good option? Pistachios. 49 have exactly 150 calories, and they satisfy that crunchy craving. Plus, they’re full of nutrients and fill you up. Wrap some up decoratively and take along for a hostess gift to be sure there’s a healthy choice on hand. Survey your options. Mindful eating is always key in any situation. Once the buffet table opens, take a visual sweep past it before jumping in line
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and making your selections. This way you’ll avoid piling one of everything onto your plate needlessly when you eventually pass through. Don’t be first in line. The food in a buffet line looks pretty in the beginning. Once people serve themselves, it’s not as appealing and you’ll eat less. Get a small plate. This trick helps limit portion size. Avoid the white stuff. Given other options, skip the white rice, white pasta and white bread. They’re loaded with calories but no nutrients. Choose items with whole grains instead. They’re full of nutrients and have fiber, which will fill you up so you won’t eat as much. Delight in dessert. Dessert is probably the toughest temptation of all. But there’s no reason to skip. Satisfy that sweet craving with some fresh fruit. To make sure it’s available, bring some as a hostess gift; it’s always welcome. “Overall, pace yourself,” advises Galicki. “Enjoy the food and festivities.”
November 2017
School Zone
Hero delivers coursespecific learning tools. Students can search the app’s more than 18.5 million educational resources by their college and course names to find material that’s specific to their courses.
5 student-friendly apps that beat any college care package Soon after back-to-school season ends, a new one begins for parents of college-age kids: “send-me-something” season lasts for the whole school year. This year, instead of sending your college kid yet another care package filled with cookies and other stuff they may not use (or will have to share with roommates), why not give them these college-friendly apps? Here are five apps that should be on every college student’s musthave list: * Venmo. Keeping track of cash or a credit card can be a hassle for busy college kids. This payments app allows users to pay individuals or businesses using their Venmo account, link a bank account, make payments in other mobile apps, and transfer money into and out of bank accounts. Just be sure kids take proper security precautions with their mobile device to protect their payment app. Visit www.venmo. com to learn more. * Course Hero. While many learning apps provide great general information, Course The Hamlet
Students can also interact with a worldwide educational network of 20 million students and educators, ask tutors for personalized homework help, share study resources and find the best information for hard-tocomplete projects. Learn more at www.coursehero.com, or download the free app in Google Play Store. * Flipboard. Between multiple social media accounts, cable news and newspapers, there’s a lot of information out there. You want your kids to be informed, but you also don’t want them spending half their day scrolling on their devices. Flipboard combines all the feeds from a user’s social media networks and curates news stories in an up-to-date, personalized magazine to help students get rid of the clutter and read the news that matters to them. Find more information at flipboard.com. * Alarmy. College kids can find it hard to drag themselves out of bed in time for that 8 a.m. class, especially if they were up late studying the night before. Sometimes an ordinary alarm just won’t cut
it - it’s too easy to keep hitting “snooze” or just turn it off and go back to sleep. Alarmy forces students to get out of bed by requiring them to take a specific action - such as using their mobile device to take a picture of an item in their living room, or solving a math problem - to turn off the alarm. The app is available at https://alar.my. * MyFitnessPal. “The freshman 15” is not a myth. College kids can find themselves gaining much more than a few pounds over the course of their college careers. Busy schedules, sleep deprivation, convenience foods and lack of exercise can undermine students’ good health. This app helps students track key health factors such as nutrition, diet and exercise. It’s available at www.myfitnesspal.com for either Android or IOS devices. Fortunately, there’s an app for virtually every aspect of college life. And while no one has yet made an app that can replace a parent’s love, gifting your college student with a digital care package is a great way to show your support throughout the school year.
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Tech Savvy Don’t get hacked! Time to get serious about password safety We all know hiding your house key under the doormat is a terrible idea, but we do it anyway because it’s a convenient backup. As families manage their digital information and online accounts, many end up opting for that less secure key-under-the-doormat solution. Some 41 percent of adults with online accounts admit to sharing passwords with friends and family, according to an Americans and Cybersecurity survey by Pew Research Center. Consider the number of security breaches that continue to make national news: * In 2016, we learned the Yahoo data breach compromised 1 billion accounts. * In that same month, we learned 167 million email addresses and passwords were stolen from LinkedIn. * In September 2017, a security breach at Equifax was reported, exposing Social Security numbers and other personal data of 143 million users, which is nearly half the U.S. population. Now more than ever, it’s clear how important it is to protect our personal information online. According to a Verizon 2017 Data Breach Investigations Report, 81 percent of data breaches involve weak, reused or stolen credentials. “If you were to dig into the reasons behind these repeated, overly simple, shared passwords, it’s actually pretty understandable as to how this happens,” according to LastPass Senior Director of Product, Steve Schult. “The average person has some
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200-plus logins. If you were to give each its own strong, unique password, that’s way too many for one person to keep track of and remember, let alone all the other family members that might also use some of those accounts.” But there’s no need to trade security for the convenience of digital access. With a password manager, you can create those strong passwords for all the accounts you use, and store them within a secure vault that’s accessed by a single master password only you know. These digital lockboxes protect your information under multiple layers of security, making it impossible for digital thieves to hack and access. Here are a few ways it can improve your family’s online security and help stop the struggle with passwords. Create rock-solid passwords: Most password managers offer a secure password generator that allows you to set and create a long, strong and unique password for every online account. You can create a password up to 100 characters long, including numbers and symbols. Another way to do it is by using the “passphrase” approach, meaning string together words that create a phrase.
flexible sharing with others in the family. For example, you could put your banking account password into one folder and share access with your spouse, have another folder for your favorite streaming services and securely share access with the whole family. All the while, you can keep your personal accounts private. Use it as a teaching moment: Have a talk with your kids about how passwords are the keys to our digital lives, and how good password habits help protect everything from personal details to finances. It’s an important life skill that will help them protect themselves for years to come. Plan for the digital afterlife: When there’s a death or serious emergency, it turns out that state and federal laws, along with service agreements, can block your family from getting access to your online accounts. With a password manager that allows emergency access, family members can get into your password vault and have access to whatever they need. If you’re interested in learning more about LastPass or LastPass Families, visit LastPass.com.
Safely share passwords with family members: One benefit of a password manager that’s designed for family use is that it lets you safely and conveniently store passwords and valuable documents in folders for
November 2017
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November 2017
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Focus on Thanks The concept of a designated day to give thanks has been around even centuries before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Since the founding of our country, each state in the Union had its own designated day for thanks until President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a November national holiday. Nowadays, over 45 million turkeys are sold for the iconic Thanksgiving dinner according to the federal government. I could continue with more data, strange facts, and even my recipe for White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake. Instead, let’s focus the spirit of the day: Showing gratitude. We always think about the many people who enhance each of our lives. Family and friends are the ones who first come to mind. Even that special, distant relative who could win an annual Darwin Award. For some of us who transplanted here from other areas, friends are our family.
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On Thanksgiving Day, my household gives thanks for the food on the table. For you, that thanks might be directed to God, Mother Nature, the universe, the cook, or the farmers who did the hard work. Go online and search for ‘Paul Harvey farmer’ for a better understanding why we should always thank our farmers and ranchers.
How about the convenience store or dry cleaning worker, the coffee barista, or the other people who are part of our daily routine? I’m sure you say “thank you” every time you interact with them. At the end of every workday, I thank my employees for their efforts. A paycheck gets people to the job, but it’s showing appreciation that helps create a great team. A trend that cycles back again every few years is giving some item as a thank you or sign of encouragement. Recently, I was given a calling card with “SMILE” in bold lettering with a note stating was an anonymous act of kindness and encouraged to
pass it along. It’s like sharing Joy Germs or The Chive’s RAK concept. Gift giving is a way to show thanks and Thanksgiving has become the shopping spree weekend. Of course, the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce reminds everyone to “Shop Small - Shop Big - Shop Local.” Our families, friends, and neighbors are working in our community to help make it a great place. On behalf of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, thank you to our military, police, fire fighters, and other first responders, and everyone working during the holiday. Wishing you a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Thank you for reading my article.
Submitted by John Safin, Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.
November 2017
Living With Faith Who would have imagined? In George Orwell’s Book 1984, written in 1949, he depicts a time when things will certainly be unrecognizable or even possible. “Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten……every statute and street building has been renamed……” Could anyone have imagined what was penned 68 years ago would become reality? Listen to the laughter as people then read the words. Listen to the pundits on radio as they proclaimed then the insanity of such prophecies. Today, 2017 we are living these pronouncements. Today, 2017 we are watching on our television screens scenes that indicate our nation seems to be imploding from the hate and venom uttered by the few to the many. Today, 2017 we are reminded very vividly of the prophetic words of George Santayana, “Those who do not learn from the past, are doomed to repeat it.” Perhaps the year 2017 will surely be remembered as the year of infamy, and it is not even over yet. We ask ourselves, “Why are these things happening?” We search for answers. The right tells us it is because we are to liberal, and the left screams that we are too conservative. Everyone is determined to label our difficulties, but nowhere do we hear or see solutions, just recriminations. The darkness we experience during a solar eclipse will never sufficiently engender the darkness that will permeate our lives for the foreseeable future. In 1776 we proclaimed that our lives should be determined by us, not by others. We gathered numerous times to create a document that would declare our independence, and at the The Hamlet
same time, our dependence on each other and our creator. Painstakingly we debated and argued, and even screamed at each other, the results of which produced the envy of the world to be emulated time and again by so many craving for their right to live in peace and harmony. The one issue that would have destroyed the concept of nationhood lay within the framework of slavery. Economics was the motivation for the disagreement. The concept of slavery was not brought to the forefront, rather the benefit of individual states to determine their future for themselves. Finally, to reach a consensus, the assembly of representatives decided to sweep this one issue under the rug for the greater good, the formation of a nation. Finally, 85 years later, the rug was lifted and the dust brought to the surface. This time, however, no longer could it be ignored (slavery) and a bitter, destructive, Civil War ensued, or as it was referred – the War betweenthe-states. We seem to have embarked on a new civil war, not for territory or economic gain, but for the heart and soul of a nation dedicated to the human spirit. The struggle that has lasted for these many years has now become an obsession. Civility and reason are no longer visible. We now resort to destroying the very essence of our existence, our history, with all its faults are in fragments. Our understanding of nationhood, which could not be destroyed from without, is now witnessing
a new attempt at destruction from within. All the blood soaked battlefields in the world will pale in comparison to the destruction that will result if this country, the United States of America, will no longer remain a beacon to the world because the flame of our message and mission will have been extinguished.
Is this the legacy we want to leave those that follow? Is this what will become of the “light unto the nations?” Are we prepared to ensure that George Orwell’s predictions will become reality? NO, a thousand times NO. We need to stand for the values we inherited. We need to right the wrongs, not with slugfests, but with steadfastness. We need to send a message to our leaders, and the world, that America is alive and well. In the words of the American General, Christopher Gadsden during the American Revolutionary War, “Don’t tread on me” is the message we send to all, domestic and foreign. Let us all pray that God, who, in the past, delivered us from the hands of the tyrants, will deliver us to a brighter new day together. Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
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Safety First Tips to make sure your fire extinguisher is at the ready You check your alarms regularly and practice your family escape plan - but are you overlooking an essential component of home safety? “In America, a fire starts in a residential home every 86 seconds and the rapid protection offered by fire extinguishers can make the difference between minor or insignificant damage and greater tragedy,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert. Follow these tips on fire extinguisher placement and usage to help ensure you and your family are properly prepared in case of emergency:
Select a home fire extinguisher that weighs 3 pounds or less. Other features to look for include a metal valve and trigger, as well as an easy-to-read color-coded gauge for accurate measurement. Select extinguishers that feature longer spray times. Remember, a fire extinguisher that has been discharged is no longer effective, so consider rechargeable extinguishers that can be recharged by a certified professional if the unit is used. When seconds count, having an extinguisher nearby is crucial for rapid response. For this reason, place an extinguisher in each area of the home where a fire could potentially occur. In addition, make sure that every responsible member of your household knows where each fire extinguisher is placed. The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing fire extinguishers close to room exits so that you can discharge it and quickly escape if the fire cannot be controlled. Know your ABCs: Extinguishers with a Class A rating can
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put out fires caused by wood, paper, trash and other common materials, while Class B rated extinguishers are intended for gasoline and flammable liquids. Class C rated extinguishers are meant for fires caused by electrical equipment, such as frayed cords. For general protection, it’s best to select a multirated extinguisher that’s capable of handling most types of household fires. Know how to use it: A simple way to remember proper usage instructions is with the acronym PASS: * Pull the pin on the extinguisher * Aim the nozzle low toward the base of the fire * Squeeze the trigger * Sweep the nozzle from side to side Know when to go: The primary goal should be safe escape. The first step in any scenario should be to call 911. In addition, a fire extinguisher is no substitute for having - and regularly practicing - a home fire escape plan, and ensuring that proper functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed throughout the home. Keep in mind that alarms and fire extinguishers aren’t designed to last forever, and must be replaced at least every 10 years.
November 2017
Goodyear PD Being Thankful November is a time when many of us reflect on the things for which we are thankful. The Goodyear Police Department has so many things for which we are thankful‌the gracious community members with whom we come in contact daily, the beautiful new operations building we are so fortunate to call home, and the many volunteers who choose to serve alongside us, using their unique talents, giving back to the community on a daily basis, just to name a few. Since summer, eight new volunteers, whom we call VIPS, came on board at the Goodyear Police Department, using their diverse skillsets and passion for service to work alongside police, giving back to the community.
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Twelve additional applications are currently being processed and within the next year, the department foresees growing the program to over 40 Volunteers in Police Services. VIPS are volunteers who play an important role in the everyday workings of the Goodyear Police Department. One of the first friendly faces visible when entering the Police Operations Building is that of one of our VIPS, who acts as the front desk greeter and a valuable source of information for the public. VIPs also patrol neighborhoods, enforce parking laws, perform vacation watches, conduct event traffic control, carry out various administrative duties, photography, crime prevention and safety education, perform fingerprinting and staff
information booths at community events, among various other roles. As we enter into the holiday season, let us all take a moment and reflect on the things in our lives that are important and for which we are thankful, like our families, friends and community. From the Goodyear Police Department family to yours, we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a holiday season filled with love, peace, joy and gratitude. Submitted by Lisa Kutis, PIO Goodyear Police Department
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November 2017
Life As A Caregiver Caregiver “Rules” They say there are about “10 Absolutes” of communicating with an Alzheimer’s patient. I read these “absolutes” when our journey first began and felt that they seemed ‘one-size-fits-all’, but decided I would try to abide by them as best I could anyway. Now I have come to learn that all Alzheimer’s patients are NOT the same…at least in the beginning. My mom and I had a discussion about (and still discuss) some of those “absolutes”. And the one thing we both agreed on was that I would ALWAYS tell her the truth…even if it meant it was something she didn’t quite believe or want to hear. It will be the truth, but I would (and do) work very hard on the manner in which I deliver the truth. For example: One of the ‘absolutes’ is: “Never argue; agree instead”. Well, we DO argue from time to time….because I am telling her something that is different from what she believes is true. I have learned to speak
calmly, but sternly, about what that truth is….and she accepts, and trusts, that I am telling her the truth.Two of the “absolutes” I totally agree with: “Never say “remember”; reminisce instead.” And “Never say “I told you”; repeat instead.” I was very guilty of these two missteps in the beginning, as most people are. Then it occurred to me….if they remembered in the first place, they wouldn’t be asking again or doing something and reacting like they never heard of it before. One of the books I read early-on, was entitled “Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s”, by Joanne Koenig Coste. It is clearly a roadmap through this journey and it helps people like me understand and prepare for what is coming. One of the best pieces of advice the book gave me was the following: ‘In talking to a person with Alzheimer’s, the goal is to stimulate conversation and win trust on a personal level before expecting them to open up, because they often stay quiet. The particular subject isn’t all that important; talking about movies we’ve seen (or ones I am going to see), or parties I’ve been to (or are going to) are good. (Sports, weddings, gardening and certainly animals are also good subjects that seem to have impact). Maintain eye contact to assure them you
are truly listening. Be aware of the expression your face is conveying. Every chance you have to nod or pat their arm in affirmation will encourage confidence and help them not be as tentative about speaking.’ She also shares various quotes which I still read as a reminder: “I’ve danced; I’ve sung; I’ve given birth; I’ve laughed; I’ve succeeded. Why is everyone so sad? “I wish there were Cliff Notes to help cheat my way through this disease!” “Thank you for hanging a picture of a toilet on the bathroom door. Thank you for not mentioning it.” “I can no longer make apple strudel, but I can chop pecans or roll the dough or peel the fruit. I am here. I’ve not yet gone.” “I am seeking. I am not lost. I am forgetful. I am not gone! I know my mom gets scared. And sometimes sad. I know she wonders what is happening to her. I try and tell her, but it is not from truly understanding what is inside her or what she’s feeling. She thinks and talks about her mother (my Nana) a lot. More about her mother than my father. Her face lights up when she sees me. And Buddy. And her caregiver, Rose. We are her world; her tribe. She trusts me implicitly! And so I try my best! Each day. That’s all I can do. 12
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Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident November 2017
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DIY DIY home upgrades anyone can do in a day Do-it-yourself home projects are sweeping the nation, and it’s easy to see why. DIY is typically budget-friendly and fulfilling to complete; simply find the right project to match your skill set and needs. * Make a hardware swap. Replacing your kitchen cabinets changes the entire look of your kitchen - but it’s expensive and requires considerable skill. For a simpler, smaller project that can still have a big impact, replace the hardware on your cabinets instead. Select the hardware type first - knobs for doors and pulls for drawers, for example - then move on to style. Crisp, sleek hardware goes best with a modern kitchen, while more detailed offerings work well with classic, traditional kitchens. * Refresh your space with a fresh coat of paint. Repainting a wall or room is the perfect way to showcase your style, without
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breaking the bank. Try going bold with pops of peacock on an accent wall, or you use the palette’s grounded browns to put a new spin on traditional hues. It’s easy to recreate a space that reflects who you are, without making expensive renovations. * Illuminate a simple change. It doesn’t always take a huge change to reinvent a room; it can be as easy as changing the light fixture. You could choose to repaint your existing chandelier, or you could give your ceiling fan a new look by replacing the blades. If you’re on the crafty side, try making your own shade for an existing lamp with some of your favorite fabric. * Invite people to your gallery. Can’t decide on the one perfect image for your wall? Then why not go for several? Gallery walls are a great way to show your favorite prints and photos artistically. Pick the wall and apply a fresh coat of paint before building your gallery - after all, this wall will now be part of the
exhibit. Once the wall is ready, pick your photos or prints and set them in frames you love. Now the fun part lay your works of art on an open floor space and rearrange them until you find the perfect layout. Once you’ve found it, grab your hammer and nails and bring your gallery wall to life. * Bring a new vibe to your existing furniture. If a chair or love seat is starting to show its age, reupholstering it is a great way to give the piece fresh life. Remove the current fabric and replace it with new fabric of your choosing. Apply staples or stitching to hold the new fabric in place, and that old piece of furniture will have a distinctive new look.
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Tips for staying on budget and keeping the holidays jolly If you’re one of those savvy consumers already strategizing how to best fund gifts and other expenses this holiday season, you’re not alone. Fortunately, planning ahead can reduce the risk of overspending. Consider how implementing the following ideas can help you stay on task and on budget when it comes to this year’s holiday expenses. 1. Estimate all of your anticipated holiday expenses, not just gift purchases. Consider costs for decorations, food/alcohol, travel and special events to gain a realistic idea of your cash output. If the total is out of reach, consciously decide where to cut back so you’re less likely to spend impulsively.
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ONE OF ARIZONA’S 100
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Money Matters 2. Reduce your stress by starting your shopping early and taking advantage of sales throughout the year. These strategies will help spread your costs so they don’t all hit at once and reduce your overall holiday spending budget. Looking for bargains and unique gift items at stores, at special events and on websites can even be fun when you’re not in a panic. 3. Think of ways to boost your spending power. One method is turning to the spare change you’ve stashed away in a coin jar, in vehicles and around your home. It’s easy to take your change to one of about 20,000 Coinstar kiosks located at grocery stores throughout the country. 4. Draw names and set gift spending limits for family gift
exchanges. As families grow through marriage or children added to the brood, it’s easy to allow spending and gift giving to get out of control. White elephant exchanges can be great for the kids in the family. 5. Consider gifts big on thoughtfulness and small in cost. Perhaps a handcrafted work of art, homemade baked goods or a meaningful service such as childcare would mean more to some recipients than a storebought electronic gadget or sweater. Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself if you go over budget despite your best efforts. You can always make up for it by cutting expenses outside the holiday season when you may face less temptation and pressure to buy.
Hundreds of your neighbors — and their friends — have trusted me when it was time to buy or sell a home; you can, too! Commitment to my clients resulted in 17 million in gross sales for 2016 and ongoing high client satisfaction* Over 600 homes sold in West Valley since 2006 — Experience matters! Top 1% of agents in Maricopa County, 2012 - 2016 Arizona Association of REALTORS Presidents Circle Award Winner, 2012 - 2016 * 5-Star reviews on Zillow.com and Redfin.com Longtime resident of Goodyear
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Contact me today to get started! 623-853-3380 or martin.sears@cox.net
Martin Sears
Realtor, Co-Owner WestUSA, Estrella Mtn. Office 17750 W Elliot Rd, Ste 116 Goodyear, AZ 85338
FOLLOW ME!
AzWestValleyRealtor
$17,000, 000 in business in 2016 @AzWVRealtor
MARTINSEARS.COM | HOMETEAMESTRELLA.COM November 2017
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Puzzles & Games Sudoku for November Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
8 3 9
5
5
7
6
Break the code to solve the list of Thanksgiving words. Two letters have been provided for you. Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
2
7
6
7
9 8
6
5 4
6 3
Thanksgiving Cryptogram
9
2 7
6
7
8
5
3
2
9 4
18 The Hamlet
5 4 6
November 2017
Business Directory AUTO SERVICES Desert Princess Carriage Service Litchfield Auto Repair
602.300.7076 623.882.8700
BUSINESS & EDUCATION Estrella Partners Group
623.594.9283
FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES American Family Insurance - M Gama Edward Jones - Chris Carlton Estrella Bookkeeping Kramer & Kramer Estate Planning State Farm Insurance - T Gremillion The Insurance Lady
623.535.5836 623.386.1940 623.377.3996 623.974.1966 623.386.7767 602.799.8410
HEALTHCARE & BEAUTY Active Life Pain Center Healthy Life Family Medicine Skincare Extraordinaire Up Close Skincare
623.535.9777 623.889.3477 623.826.3726 602.515.1146
HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Al’s Plumbing Beckham Electric Cluff Mechanical Heating & AC Desired Handyman Dirt Busters House Cleaning Estrella Mountain Pest Control JBS Roofing J&H Appliance Repair Merry Maids
623.329.5170 480.370.1014 602.765.COOL 623.910.5183 623.977.6725 623.680.6619 623.247.9252 623.925.5427 623.738.1789
The Hamlet
Proficient Pest Control The Window Cleaner AZ Urgent Air Younger Brothers Exterminating
623.933.2847 623.738.6064 602.377.1999 623.487.3147
LANDSCAPE & POOL CARE Pool & Landscape AZ Xpress Pools
480.9993348 623.853.6859
PET CARE See Spot Clean
623.882.9595
REAL ESTATE Realty One Group - Budge Team Realty One Group - J Polansky West USA Realty - M Sears
623.694.3907 480.577.3918 623.853.3380
RECREATION Elutheria Wellness Center
623.986.5110
RETAIL SERVICES Estrella Ordnance Foot Solutions Pure Patio Steel Shield Security Doors
623.262.2154 623.536.6676 623.299.8000 623.977.3277
November 2017
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GIVE THANKS!
Thank You for 35 Years as Your Residential and Commerical Roofing Contractor!
“Let Our Family Cover Yours” New Construction, Repairs, Recovers, Maintenance Installation of Gutters & Attic Insulation Shingles, Tile, Built Up, Single Ply, Foam & Coatings, Metal, Shake We’re Here To Answer Your Questions. Give Us A Call!
623.247.9252 20 The Hamlet
www.JBSroofingAZ.com
November 2017