The Park 11 17

The Park

November 2017

1

From Me To You...

Welcome!

to the November edition of The Park a magazine for Litchfield residents.

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 Park Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283 Don’t forget to visit our website for puzzle solutions, restaurant reviews, coupons and business directories! www.EstrellaPublishing. com

2 The Park

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 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

The Park

Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec

November 2017

3

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

4 The Park

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.

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

Myths And Facts About Depression: MYTH: Depression only affects mood.

FACT: Many people think of depression as simply being sad.

But depression is more than sadness. Other symptoms include loss of interest, tiredness or insomnia, difficulty concentrating, change in appetite or weight, noticeably moving or speaking slowly, or feeling a lot of guilt.

People with depression do not all experience the same symptoms, and the severity, frequency and duration can vary.

MYTH: Most people with depression seek professional help.

FACT: Based on an epidemiology survey, only 50 percent of adults who met the criteria for a depression diagnosis for one year actually receive some form of treatment for their condition.

Mental Health

one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States and nearly 35 million Americans over the age of 18 will experience depression in their lifetime. Many people think depression is just sadness and it’s important people understand all of the symptoms of this complex medical condition.

There are many people who experience symptoms of depression and remain untreated.

Due to the complex nature of depression, some people experience a few symptoms while others may experience many symptoms.

“Symptoms of depression may affect people differently, including the way they think, feel and act, contributing to the complexity of the disorder,” said Dr. Gregory Mattingly, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine. “It’s important that people talk to their doctor about their symptoms and

find a treatment plan that works for them.”

People who may be experiencing symptoms of depression should talk to their doctor.

Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teens or young adults within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Depression or other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. People who have (or have a family history of) bipolar illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions may have a particularly high risk. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, trouble sleeping, aggressive behavior or suicidal thoughts are new, worse or worry you.

MYTH: Depression is not that common.

FACT: There are approximately 14 million Americans ages 18 and older who live with depression annually.

That’s more than 6 percent of U.S. adults.

MYTH: Depression is purely psychological.

FACT: Depression is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

Major depressive disorder (MDD, depression) is The Park

November 2017

5

Yum Yum Winning hacks for a stressfree tailgate If there’s one thing fans look forward to more than the game itself it’s tailgating. This pregame ritual can also involve a lot of planning and organization. This season, if you’re looking for less stress and more fun at your tailgate, it’s time to bring in a fresh playbook.

With the right plays and a few smart hacks, you can streamline your tailgating experience to earn rave reviews without breaking a sweat. To be tailgate MVP, consider revising your pregame plan with these winning plays: 1st play: Know the rules Every tailgate location has its own rules. Know what’s allowed so you’re not caught off guard.

Info on food, drink, music, even electronics and generators is widely available on stadium websites.

2nd play: Plan the menu Forget manning the flames.

Create an extravaganza with Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews’ new Gourmet Burger Bar. The hassle-free, traveling burger

bar is complete with 10 (or more) burgers, with plenty of Yukon kettle chips, a bounty of fresh toppings and mouth-watering condiments to create customized burgers to everyone’s tastes. To order, call your local Red Robin restaurant or visit www.redrobin. com/catering.

3rd: Hydrate Just like your team needs stamina to win, you’ll need it to last an entire day of tailgating. Feel your best by staying hydrated. In addition to your favorite drinks, freeze water bottles to use as ice. As they melt, you’re left with chilled water to quench your thirst.

4th play: Keep organized When your team is flustered, it can cost them the game.

Similarly, when you’re disorganized, it can cause your tailgate to fumble. Stay organized by packing essentials like bottle openers, sunscreen, duct tape, permanent markers and firstaid supplies in a toolbox or craft container.

5th play: Magnets are magical Heavy-duty or industrial magnets are a lifesaver when surface

area is scarce. Stock up so you can adhere banners and garbage bags safely to your car or nearby light posts.

6th play: Stand out Your tailgate buddies will have a hard time finding you in a sea of vehicles. To stand out, go high. Fly a flag or inflate helium balloons with long strings to help direct friends to your location.

7th play: Stay connected The modern tailgater needs to stay connected. Bring a car phone charger so you don’t drain your battery by continuously checking the out-of-town scoreboard.

What’s more, bring multiple extension cords to keep your entire crew charged up.

8th play: Game on As you get closer to kickoff, why not have some friendly competition of your own? Classic tailgate games like cornhole, ring toss and ladder ball will get everyone in the mood to cheer their favorite team to victory.

9th play: Keep clean To make sure a win is the only thing you bring home from the stadium, create a portable handwashing station. Fill an empty laundry detergent dispenser with water, place a bottle of liquid hand soap beside it and hang paper towels with a bungee cord. You’ll keep hands clean for cheering and keep cold and flu bugs at bay.

10th play: Pack the night before If you’re packing in the morning, you’re wasting valuable time while someone else is taking the best tailgating spot. Pack as much as you can the evening prior, leaving only the last-minute essentials for game day.

6 The Park

November 2017

p u e k a M t i n r a e k n y a b Perm

Why Permanent Makeup?

Allergies, skin conditions, failing eyesight,, shaking hands Call Kari for an appointment today!

602-295-7373

On Jackrabbit near Southern Ave check us out online www.softaps.com/my/kari_layton.html www.facebook.com/PMUbykari

The Park

November 2017

7

Life As A Caregiver Caregiver “Rules” They say (“they” being some of the experts) 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 (as I mentioned in an earlier article) 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

8 The Park

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.’

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.

Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident

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.

November 2017

Our cover models this month are members of the Litchfield Park Rotary Club. To learn more about their group, how to join them, and hear about their charity work, read on...

Rotary International is a global service organization whose purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards, and to advance good will and peace around the world.

There are 34,282 Rotary clubs worldwide with a membership of 1.2 million Rotarians.

The Litchfield Park Rotary Club is a fun-loving group of 32 members who meet Friday mornings at 7:00am at the Arizona Kitchen in the Wigwam Resort. Anyone interested in helping to serve the local community is invited to stop by and see what the organization has to offer.

The Park

On Our Cover Internationally, the Club contributes to Polio Plus, a worldwide effort to eradicate polio. Along with the Bill Gates Foundation, Rotary International has contributed over $555 million to wipe out this dreaded disease.

Directly because of the initiative, polio has almost been eliminated, existing in only 3 countries in the entire world.

A main focus of the Club is to increase literacy. As such, it annually raises funds to buy books for the Litchfield Park Elementary School Library.

The Club also strives to have a positive impact on local youth by sponsoring a service club at Millennium High School called Interact, and to award 4-5 college scholarships to deserving local high school students. In addition, the Club issues several Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, which send high school students to a leadership camp in Prescott, AZ.

This year the Club is undertaking a brand new project, by pledging to plant approximately 60 new trees in the parks and pubic areas of Litchfield Park. The planting will take place in the spring of 2018.

Additionally, the Club contributes to several other local organizations such as the Homeless Youth Connection, The New Life Center for domestic violence victims, The Boy Scouts of America, and Arts in the Park.

Submitted by Larry Cevarich, Litchfield Park Rotary Club member.

November 2017

9

WHETHER YOU ARE BUYING OR SELLING

At TK LUXURY GROUP we treat every HOME/CLIENT the same, whether its $200,000 or $2 Million

FEATURED LISTING

4548 North Regent Street - VERRADO | 3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | Den/Office | 4,018 sqft | Pool/Spa | Offered at $1,180,000 www.4548RegentSt.com

• Professional Photography • 3D Matterport Virtual Video • High-Res Digital Video • Zillow Video Tour • High-Res Digital Color Flyers

Tim Klimek

• Real Estate Search Engine Syndication (Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Etc.) • Websites: www.VerradoRealty.com and www.TKLuxuryGroup.com • 24/7 Verrado Customer Service • Inquire About Occupied Owner Program

• Print Advertising (Postcards, Magazines and Brochures) • West Valley Experts • Staging and Decorating • Advise and Consult • Retail Office on Main Street

www.TKLuxuryGroup.com | 623.688.4447 We’re defined by the Luxury Experience we offer The #1 Team in Verrado – TK Luxury Group And the #1 Brokerage in Verrado – Verrado Realty Averaging – ONE sale EVERY 4 days

10 The Park

November 2017

Health & Wellness

Don’t let the flu bug you this year

Flu season is upon us, and many healthcare facilities are urging you to start preparing now with vaccines. Ironically, one of the places where you need to be careful is at the doctor’s office or healthcare clinic.

The number of people in and out of clinics this time of year increases the chance that someone will leave behind a harmful pathogen. Being in close proximity with people who may already have the flu can put you and your family at risk. You can reduce this risk by following some simple instructions from healthcare cleaning experts.

“Healthcare-acquired infections can be a threat to everyone, especially the elderly and young children,” said Steve Zimmerman, director of healthcare services for ServiceMaster Clean. “Most facilities do a good job of sanitizing their waiting areas, but sick people can spread their illnesses through the touch of a door, magazine or pen leaving you vulnerable to pick up germs you can’t see.”

While the vaccine may help protect you from the flu, cleaning experts urge everyone to avoid high-touch areas as much as possible.

What are high-touch areas? In a healthcare setting, Zimmerman defines high-touch surfaces as anything that multiple people will likely touch during their visit. Some high-touch surfaces are hard to avoid, such as door handles and chair armrests.

That’s why it’s wise to wash hands often and use hand sanitizer when necessary. But there are other high-touch areas you can avoid, such as: * Magazines. These are nearly impossible to disinfect once they have been contaminated.

Don’t pick them up while you’re waiting.

* Toys. Bring your own toys to help prevent your child from picking up an illness from another child.

* Restrooms. They can harbor lots of pathogens unless cleaned often. If you must go, limit touching surfaces in the restroom, wash your hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer if it’s available. * Ink pens. Think about how many hands touch the ink pens in facilities - whether signing in or filling out paperwork, bring your own and eliminate the possibility of sharing germs. * Coffee urns. For many Americans, coffee is a must. If you pick up a coffee pot or stop in your favorite coffee shop, take hand sanitizer with you and use immediately after you pour a cup.

Zimmerman also points out that if you schedule visits for the early morning, you are less likely to contract the germs that typically accumulate, since cleaning crews often perform a deep clean at the end of each day.

The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 9 million to 35 million people will get the flu each year, 140,000 to 710,000 will be hospitalized because of it, and 12,000 to 56,000 will die from the illness. The CDC recommends a vaccination each year for those six months of age and older.

The Park

November 2017

11

Going to College?

Paving the way to college: things parents need to know Senior year: It’s a time to finish college applications, solidify friendships and look forward to the freedom and the responsibility that come once that final bell rings. While your son or daughter might be overjoyed to finally fly the coop and live independently, you’ll probably be dealing with your own mix of emotions, and you’ll want to be sure they’re ready to begin college in the fall.

For families with a child headed to college, senior year is best thought of as a transition year.

Plan ahead to make sure your family stays on track.

The journey to college begins early, and by the fall of senior year in high school, your child should be in full transition mode.

They should be finishing campus visits and finalizing the list of colleges where they want to apply. Make sure they’ve spoken with admission counselors, thoroughly researched schools they’re interested in and have everything they need to complete their college applications.

Keep tabs on important deadlines and stay organized to avoid

missing any critical due dates. For example, will they want to apply early decision or early action? If so, make sure you have weighed how this could impact your financial plan for college.

For many parents, one of the biggest anxieties around college is the cost. Don’t forget that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on Oct. 1, and some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure you submit the form as soon as it’s available.

Because everyone has different needs, figuring out how to finance your child’s education requires some research. At College Ave Student Loans, you can find private loan options for parents and students. Calculators are also available to help you explore your options and see how you can customize the loan payments to fit your budget.

Early in the spring, your child will start to receive their first acceptance letters. Once they’ve heard from all of the schools where they applied, they’ll have a big decision to make. They need to do more than just decide which school to attend; they’ll also need to send in a deposit, complete their housing form and accept financial aid packages.

A crucial step in this process is comparing award letters from the colleges where your child has been accepted. In reading these letters, pay close attention to how schools list the total costs. For instance, some schools will subtract the awarded loan amount from the total cost of attendance, while others will not.

This could make the net cost of some schools appear less than others when in reality they are not, so take your time reading the documents.

Before they head to campus, you and your children should create a budget to keep tabs on college bills. This will set the right expectations about how they need to manage their money.You can help by working with them to outline a monthly budget that will take into account expected and unexpected expenses. Take a look at their financial aid packages and any income they might be earning and block out the monthly mandatory expenses.

Then decide how much money they can spend on things like entertainment.

For parents and students, senior year is an exciting period.

Knowing what steps to take and staying ahead of financial matters can help make the transition easier for everyone.

12

12 The Park

November 2017

The Park

November 2017

13

Home Sweet Home 5 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.

To get started, here are five inexpensive projects that can by tackled by any DIYer, each of which will have an impact on the entire home. * 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 breaking the bank. The Unity palette from Sherwin-Williams¬Æ 2018 Colormix Forecast offers unique color choices that pair together perfectly, making it easy for homeowners to create a cohesive look in their space. Try going bold with pops of peacock on an accent wall, such as SherwinWilliams 2018 Color of the Year, Oceanside SW 6496, 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.

14 The Park

November 2017

The Park

November 2017

15

16 The Park

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 Park

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

November 2017

17

Puzzles & Games Thanksgiving Cryptogram

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

2

7

6

7

9 8

6

5 4

6 3

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

9

2 7

6

7

8

5

3

2

9 4

18 The Park

5 4 6

November 2017

Business Directory AUTO SERVICES Desert Princess Carriage Service Litchfield Auto Repair

602.300.7076 623.882.8700

BUSINESS & NETWORKING Estrella Partners Group

623.594.9283

CHURCH, STATE & CHARITIES 623.935.3411 The Church at Litchfield Park FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES 623.386.1940 Edward Jones - Chris Carlton Kramer & Kramer Estate Planning 623.974.1966 State Farm Insurance-T Gremillion 623.386.7767 HEALTHCARE & BEAUTY Active Life Pain Center Healthy Life Family Medicine Permanent Make Up Skincare Extraordinaire HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Beckham Electric Cluff Mechanical Heating & AC Desired Handyman Dirt Busters House Cleaning Estrella Mountain Pest Control J&H Appliance Repair

The Park

623.535.9777 623.889.3477 602.295.7373 623.826.3726

JBS Roofing Lifetime Moving Proficient Pest Specialists The Window Cleaner AZ Urgent Air Younger Brothers Exterminating Xpress Pool Service

623.247.9252 602.344.9988 623.933.2847 623.738.6064 602.377.1999 623.487.3147 623.853.6859

LANDSCAPE & POOLS Jackrabit Nursery Pool & Landscape AZ Xpress Pool Service

623.386.4700 480.999.3348 623.853.6859

REAL ESTATE Realty One Group - Budge Team 623.694.3907 623.688.4447 Verrado Realty - T Klimek RECREATION Eleutheria Wellness

623.986.5110

RETAIL Budget Blinds of Goodyear 480.370.1014 Estrella Ordnance 602.765.COOL Foot Solutions 623.910.5183 Pure Patio 623.977.6725 Steel Shield Security Doors 623.680.6619 623.925.5427

480.629.8854 623.262.2154 623.536.6676 623.299.8000 623.977.3277

November 2017

19

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 Park

www.JBSroofingAZ.com

November 2017