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The Park

December 2017

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From Me To You...

Welcome!

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

‘Tis the season of Joy and Giving. Anyone else feel like ‘tis the season of stuff? Buying stuff, giving stuff, getting stuff. So. Much. Stuff.

The winter season, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus or nothing at all should be all about spreading joy and love.

Seems to me it has become a season of how much you can buy. There were a few years when people fought back, forcing retailers to delay or even cease Thanksgiving Day sales.

Now we are back to selling as much as possible as soon as possible. This year the Black Friday sales started at the beginning of November!

How about this for an idea? Instead of giving things to kids who will love the present for a moment then push it aside for the next gift, giving an experience? Something as simple as tickets to a movie or as elaborate as a tip to a far off destination. Those are the gifts that will leave memories that will last a lifetime.

If your family is anything like mine there is

nothing these children need. Oh there is plenty they want, don’t get me wrong. But nothing they need.

Now if you have smaller children I understand the need to have something to open and play with immediately. Those young ones will not appreciate or even remember the experiences anyway.

My youngest son recently asked when he could visit relatives in Europe and I pointed out our 3 month trip there in the past. He made the case that as he was only 4 he had no real memories of that trip. I have vivid memories of him on that trip myself. Him having a tantrum in a field in Scotland, him having a tantrum in the Louvre, him having a tantrum at the Tower of London. OK I see his point. So there is one thing I need to start saving miles for.

You don’t need to push the boat out that far.

Some of our favorite family memories revolve around inexpensive activities. Apple picking at a local farm, hiking up Piestewa Peak, participating in packing food for the homeless events... you get the idea.

This month I challenge you to find gifts that keep giving. It is certainly easier to go online and click your way through the season, but the rewards of memories shared with loved ones is certainly worth that extra time and effort.

All of us here at Estrella Publishing wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessings to one and all!

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

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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

December 2017

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Money Matters

Time to Review Your Investment Strategy for the Year

As the year draws to a close, it’s a good time to review your progress toward your financial goals.

But on what areas should you focus your attention?

Of course, you may immediately think about whether your investments have done well. When evaluating the performance of their investments for a given year, many people mistakenly think their portfolios should have done just as well as a common market index, such as the Standard & Poor’s 500. But the S&P 500 is essentially a measure of large-company, domestic stocks, and your portfolio probably doesn’t look like that – nor should it, because it’s important to own an investment mix that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance and return objectives. It’s this return objective that you should evaluate over time – not the return of an arbitrary benchmark that isn’t personalized to your goals and risk tolerance.

Your return objective will likely evolve. If you are starting out in your career, you may need your portfolio to be oriented primarily toward growth, which means it may need to be more heavily weighted toward stocks. But if you are retiring in a few years, you may need a more balanced allocation between stocks and bonds, which can address your needs for growth and income.

So, assuming you have created a long-term investment strategy that has a target rate of return for each year, you can review your progress accordingly. If you matched or exceeded that rate this past year, you’re staying on track, but if your return fell short of your desired target, you may need to make some changes. Before doing so, though, you need to understand just why your return was lower than anticipated.

For example, if you owned some stocks that underperformed due to unusual circumstances – and even events such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma can affect the stock prices of some companies – you may not need to be overly concerned, especially if the fundamentals of the stocks are still sound. On the other hand, if you own some investments that have underperformed for several years, you may need to consider selling them and using the proceeds to explore new investment opportunities.

Whether it is the performance of your portfolio or changes in your life, you will find that you always have some reasons to look back at your investment and financial strategies for one year – and to look ahead at moves you can make for the next.

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December 2017

How do you know if a school is right for your child?

Public, private, charter, virtual and more - deciding what school is best for your children can feel overwhelming. You want them to have an education that prepares them for a challenging world while fitting their unique learning styles. How do you know the best option to ensure they thrive?

“The right school will not only help your child learn essential skills but instill a lifelong love of learning,” says Carol Lloyd, award-winning educational writer and editorial director for GreatSchools, a nonprofit school guide. “Bottom line: The school you choose for your child does make a difference.”

Lloyd knows making educational decisions isn’t easy. That’s why she offers her advice on the most important things to consider when researching schools.

Testing scores: How does the school perform on state assessments across grades and subjects?

Look at the percentage of students who score at or above proficiency. How are students like your child doing?

Student progress: Test scores don’t tell the whole story. It’s important that no matter where students start on the educational spectrum, they make progress and continuously learn as time passes.

Understanding student progress can give you important information about how much children are learning at this school from year to year.

School Zone whether the students are getting the classes they need for college and beyond.

Discipline and attendance flags: Does the school have high chronic absenteeism? Do they suspend some groups of students far more often than others? This might be a red flag that you should consider.

College readiness: If you have a high school student, you’re probably starting to think about the future. If you want to ensure your child’s school is preparing them for college, research the high school’s SAT/ACT participation and performance.

To check out schools in your area and learn more about school ratings and data, visit www. greatschools.org. You can quickly view this information and easily compare it against other schools you’re considering, helping you save time while providing you the necessary information to make a confident decision about your child’s education.

“The updated school profiles on GreatSchools display information parents need, and provide support to help them take action,” says Lloyd.

“For example, if a school has a low Equity Rating compared to other schools in their state, parents will find tips on how to discuss improving the education of all students at this school with teachers and administrators. This empowers parents today and in the future so their children can receive the education they deserve.”

Equity: Look at how students from all backgrounds are doing. Is there a big achievement gap between different groups? This helps you understand how schools are serving disadvantaged student groups.

Advanced coursework: To understand the academic rigor of a school, research the advanced courses offered. How many students are enrolling in those courses? What’s the average number of advanced courses a student takes at the school? All these details can paint a picture about The Park

December 2017

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Furry Friends Tips to help your pet have a happy and healthy holiday

The holidays are upon us, and so is the chillier weather. As you bundle up and get cozy with your cocoa, Dr. Jeff Werber, Emmy award-winning celebrity veterinarian, has some tips and tricks on how to ensure your pet has a healthy and happy holiday season.

Baby, it’s cold outside: Keeping warm is easy for us pet parents, as we can layer up and put on an extra sweater or coat.

While battling colder winter temperatures, don’t forget your four-legged family members! It is true that most dogs, and a lot of cats, can adequately thermoregulate in most temperatures, but smaller pets may need some help. Little doggie sweaters or coats, like the Wouapy Outdoor or Bubble Coat, are great solutions for the smaller breeds to keep them warm but still mobile while outside.

Holiday guests ‘Tis the season to party and celebrate by spending quality time with friends and family. This is great for you and your crew, but what about your four-legged kids? After all, they, too, are part of the family and you certainly don’t want to exclude them from the festivities. The fact is, if you’re not careful and don’t plan ahead, they may in fact ruin some of those good times!

This time of year brings a revolving door of guests and the sound of the doorbell constantly ringing. As exciting as it may be to see long-distance relatives, this can bring some unexpected stress on your pets. Whether you are hosting or traveling to the next get-together, consider outfitting your dog with the Calmz Anxiety Relief System, a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that soothes common anxieties to help naturally combat the stress of traveling, loud noises and strangers.

Keep them happy, keep them occupied Decking the halls can be a disaster with curious pets wanting to play with the newly placed ornaments on that “big green climbable thing” in the corner. What’s more, these decorations can be extremely dangerous for your pet. Cats love to bat at sparkling tinsel and carry it in their mouths. Not only does this lead to a big mess, but it can also obstruct their digestive tract if ingested. Distract your playful kitty with a fun toy like the Jackson Galaxy Butterfly Ball, to mentally stimulate your pet and tap into their natural instincts to observe and track prey, rather than taking interest in a fallen glass ornament. In addition, avoid chewing hazards by giving your dog an interactive treat toy like the JW Ho-lee Gourmet, which will encourage them to play with their food rather than a wire from decorative lights.

Don’t forget to give them plenty of exercise! It may be too cold to play fetch outside, but it’s still important to keep them active. Providing regular exercise, especially in winter, helps prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior. Going on a brisk walk with the K9 Control Retractable Leash, the only retractable leash designed to retract in lock or stop position, is a great way to bond with and mentally stimulate your dog while getting them up and moving.

Lastly, even with the best planning and most conscientious care, accidents do happen. Make sure you keep your veterinarian’s number handy as well as your local 24-hour emergency facility just in case.

In addition, provide pets with a comfortable space where they can retreat if they are feeling stressed. Dogs are naturally denning animals, so kennels like the Ultra Vari Kennel are great options for them to retreat to a safe haven while still being part of the festivities.

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December 2017

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December 2017

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Life As A Caregiver Being someone’s caregiver means more than just taking care of them. Oh sure, preparing their meals, keeping them clean & healthy, administering meds, working to keep their minds active…those are all very important duties. But being someone’s caregiver also means being their advocate. Fighting for their rights if those have been lessened or diminished in some way. And constantly staying current on the latest discoveries or ‘remedies’ that can improve their life. It is up to the caregiver to BE that advocate for them. Their voice.

I belonged to an Alzheimer’s support group in my community when I first arrived in Arizona. It was helpful in the beginning, but once I discovered I was further along in my preparations than most of the others (legal affairs, doctors, daily routine, knowledge), I found I could get more specific help and information in other places. But….in starting this journey it was VERY helpful and I highly recommend to everyone that they start with a local support group first.

One of the local agencies that specialize in services for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia in Arizona has become a favorite of mine: Benevilla.

Not only did my mom attend day care services from them when I first moved here, but I have since supported them financially and as a volunteer because of the extraordinary work they do. And the network of caring and knowledgeable people there provide a great deal of support for someone like me. Giving back to them was something I could do for the good of the good.

2040, it is projected that over 100 million people will have the disease throughout the world!

Dementia is NOT a disease. It is a group of symptoms that are associated with a decline of thinking, reasoning and/or remembering. It is an “umbrella” over other memory-related issues.

Alzheimer’s IS a disease and is the most common form of dementia. It is most-often hereditary and sadly, to date, is terminal and without a cure!

Through this Rotary effort, my hope is to bring about awareness of the disease and to raise money for continued research such as ongoing clinical trials and medical breakthroughs.

But my concern and focus are also on the future.

MY future….and hopefully yours! I want very much to know all that I can so that my chances of having Alzheimer’s are kept at a minimal since I am in that high-risk group.

In my last article, I shared with you natural supplements and vitamins that have been PROVEN to delay symptoms if taken as part of a healthy overall diet and lifestyle. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix or wonder pill to take for Alzheimer’s. Not yet. But we mustn’t give up. Not EVER! Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident

But the thing I am most proud of is my involvement in Rotary and our Rotary Alzheimer’s/Dementia Initiative project that I started in my community.

Arizona certainly has the demographic for being at the forefront of Alzheimer’s research and specialized programs. And as we baby-boomers age, the population of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia will soar in the next 20+ years! Here are just some of the staggering statistics: ~ According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.4 million people have been diagnosed with the disease in the United States to date ~ 27 million have been diagnosed world-wide ~ Approximately 1-in-10 people over the age of 65 now suffer from Alzheimer’s ~ Women have a much higher risk than men…almost 2-3 times higher ~ Everyone is at a much higher risk if their immediate family member had it and by the year

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December 2017

Holiday Table

Every holiday season, you invest hours planning and preparing the perfect menu for each celebration you host. While easy and fun may be the name of the game for buffet-style events, when it’s a sitdown soiree, the delightful cuisine you produce deserves a presentation worthy of your efforts. A beautifully set table can elevate your holiday dinner from just great to simply perfect.

“Table-setting is an art form anyone can learn to execute beautifully,” says Mary Bernardo, director of product development at Princess House. “Simple touches like elegant holiday plates, colorful linens and an eye-catching centerpiece ensure a holiday table looks as inviting as the food smells.”

Bernardo and the table decor experts at Princess House offer these tips for creating a beautiful holiday dinner table: Tablecloths, placemats, table runners and chargers not only help protect your table from spills and scrapes, but they also create a lovely backdrop for dishes, glasses, stemware and - of course - the food. Layering these items adds depth and interest to the tabletop.

Consider starting off with a simple white or red tablecloth, and then add either placemats in seasonal patterns or a festive runner. If chargers take up too much room on the table, you can layer dinner and lunch plates to create the same effect.

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Choose dishes with a basic white or cream background accented with a traditional holiday motif. Flatware should also be simple; if your everyday collection is in good condition, feel free to use it for your holiday celebrations. If you don’t have enough pieces, supplement with basic flatware that’s free of embellishment or heavy designs.

Glassware should also be simple and, whenever possible, multi-functional. For example, stemless wine glasses can be used for soft drinks and water, as well as wine.

Even the simplest table setting can feel festive when you add holiday-specific touches, like napkin rings in jewel green or red, a centerpiece filled with evergreen or holly and twinkling candles.

For a centerpiece that’s festive and practical, consider using your favorite holiday serving bowl, such as a crystal bowl, for the foundation. Then add holiday decor items, like mini Christmas packages, your favorite Christmas tree decorations or a pillar candle. Top with a few sprigs of evergreen, holly or fresh flowers and you have an easy, elegant DIY centerpiece.

Finally, don’t overlook the opportunity to extend the table’s festive atmosphere to the chairs as well.

You can add to their elegance by adding simple decoration such as a mini-holiday wreath strung on a piece of ribbon and looped over the back of the chair.

December 2017

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December 2017

You hear about it on the news. You see the signs in the pharmacy windows. Even your friends and coworkers are talking about it. The flu shot is a highly discussed topic, and for good reason!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on average, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu, and tens of thousands of people are hospitalized every year because of it. Further, the flu can strike anyone, and adults aged 18-64 years old are the most likely to get ill, accounting for 60 percent of flu-related hospitalizations.

“Flu-related illnesses are already trending twice as high in 2017 as they were in 2016, and we are seeing an uptick in flu-related visits across the country,” said Dr. Jason Tibbels, MD, board-certified family physician. “This year, officials want at least 70 percent of Americans to get a flu shot; however, fewer than 50 percent were vaccinated against the flu last season.”

How can you protect yourself and your loved ones from the annual flu outbreak? The first step is to understand the benefits and any potential risks of flu vaccination and then - if it’s right for you - go get the flu shot.

It’s also important to understand that while the vaccine is the best defense in protecting against flu, there’s still a chance that with it, you could get sick.

We asked Teladoc’s Dr. Tibbels why the flu shot is so important this year. Here are his top reasons: 1) It keeps you out of the emergency room. The flu shot reduces the risk of hospitalization due to flu by

Flu Facts

approximately 50 to 60 percent.

2) It reduces sick days. Missed time at work due to flu-related illnesses causes an additional $16.3 billion in lost earnings annually.

3) It promotes overall health. The flu vaccine is a helpful tool for people with chronic health conditions. Flu vaccination is associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among people with heart disease, and is also proven to have reduced hospitalizations among people with diabetes and chronic lung disease. Further, vaccination helps protect women during and after pregnancy, reducing the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection by about 50 percent. And getting vaccinated also protects the baby several months after birth.

4) If you do get sick, it may decrease the severity.

The flu vaccination does not guarantee protection against the virus; people who get the shot are still at risk of getting sick. However, if you do get sick, the flu vaccination can make your illness milder. If you start to experience symptoms - whether or not you’ve had the flu vaccine - it’s important to see a doctor. Many people have 24-hour access to boardcertified and licensed physicians seven days a week via telemedicine from home, work or on the road through a phone or tablet, making it easier than ever to get a diagnosis and start treatment.

5) It helps stop flu from spreading. Did you know that the flu virus can be spread to people within three feet of a sick patient when that patient coughs, sneezes or talks? Getting vaccinated doesn’t just help protect you from the flu; the flu shot is the responsible choice for protecting those around you. Vaccination is especially important for protecting more vulnerable populations, such as babies and young children, the elderly, and people with certain chronic health conditions, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

“When it comes to the flu, it’s not wise to take a wait-and-see approach,” said Dr. Tibbels.

“Talk to a doctor! We’re available all day, every day, all through flu season and beyond.”

To learn more about Teladoc and the level of flu risk where you live, visit Teladoc.com/flu.

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December 2017

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Real vs Artificial O Mythmas Tree! Debunking the myths behind the real vs. artificial tree debate

Here comes Santa Claus ... and a sleigh full of confusion about Christmas trees. Better to buy real or better to buy artificial? Popular myths are that real trees are bad for the environment, artificial trees make more financial sense and real trees are just a hassle, but read on for some facts that will set the record straight and some thoughts that might turn your head on some of the more subjective sides of the debate.

If your No. 1 concern is the environment, your No. 1 choice should be a real tree. Growing, using and recycling real Christmas trees is good for the environment. Research shows that when compared on an annual basis, the artificial tree has three times more impacts on climate change and resource depletion than the natural tree. Real Christmas trees are biodegradable and can even be recycled or reused for mulch, and every year the circle of life continues. Artificial trees are petroleum-based products and most are imported from overseas.

Many are thrown away seven to 10 years after they’re purchased, and every year the landfills where they will stay (literally for centuries) get a little bit bigger.

Still don’t like the idea of cutting down a tree?

Remember that just like the Halloween pumpkin you carve with your kids or the fresh-cut flowers you buy for a loved one on special occasions, real Christmas trees are farmer-planted and handharvested specifically for people to enjoy. And, for every real Christmas tree harvested, a new tree is planted.

If it’s your wallet that worries you, keep in mind that it’s no surprise that artificial things frequently

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cost less than real things.

True, not everyone agrees “you get what you pay for,” but there’s a second economic case to be made for buying a real Christmas tree: Real Christmas trees provide real business for real farmers. Fully 100 percent of real Christmas trees sold in the U.S. are grown in North America.

Every choice is a trade-off. What you gain with the ease of an artificial tree, you lose in the experience of a real tree. To be fair, this is subjective. But years from now, which do you think you’ll remember more warmly: assembling a plastic tree you pulled out of the attic that looks exactly the same year after year, or bringing home and decorating a real tree that you enjoyed hunting for with your friends and family? Selecting a real Christmas tree makes memories. The hunt for a real Christmas tree can create an experience - everything from the scent to the search - that simply can’t be manufactured and that no artificial tree can replace.

Ultimately, with all of the myths aside, a real Christmas tree is a choice you can be proud of.

Whether you prefer to shop at a neighborhood store, local farm, seasonal lot or even online, there’s a real Christmas tree available for everyone.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/ ItsChristmasKeepItReal.

December 2017

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December 2017

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Yum!

It’s time to turn our thoughts to all the good things that come with the season, including the warm comfort food.

A longtime cool-weather favorite is the classic grilled cheese sandwich in all its crisp, meltingly gooey varieties. These days, restaurants and athome chefs are serving up the deeply satisfying American concoction with scrumptious toppings designed to pair in perfect gourmet harmony with the flavors of the bread and cheese. The sky is really the limit when it comes to devising new takes on the classic dish. That may mean pairing traditional favorites with seasonal choices such as sliced apples, pumpkin or even holiday dinner leftovers.

Here are a few grilled cheese recipes to kick off the season: * Apple Picker’s Harvest: Thinly sliced freshly picked apples, brie and some smoked ham onto your bread, slathering on a bit of honey and thyme butter before your creation hits the grill or pan. * Nine-Layer Dip: If you’re a fan of the classic seven-layer dip (chopped layers of pepper jack cheese, refried beans, avocado, corn and pickled red onions), you’ll love this savory concoction sprinkled with cilantro and grilled between buttered bread slices. Cook up a warm, gooey batch for

the gang gathering around the TV for the next big game. * Pumpkin Mac: Whip up your favorite mac and cheese recipe, season it with pureed pumpkin, top it with gouda and bacon, add slices of bread and get busy grilling. The sweetness of the pumpkin balances the bacon’s saltiness for a gourmet treat that may well become your family’s new favorite. * Gooey Gobbler: Optimize that mouthwatering leftover turkey by spreading it with cranberry jam, sage butter and gouda slices, perfecting your dream sandwich on the griddle and enjoying every balanced, blended bite.

The Church at Litchfield Park “A House of Prayer for All People”

Celebrate the Christmas Season with us!

Sunday Worship Services 8:00, 9:15 and 10:45 a.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Sunday, December 24 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 p.m.

300 North Old Litchfield Road (623) 935-3411

www.churchatlitchfieldpark.org

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December 2017

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Insurance

The average American driver pays more than $1,300 per year for car insurance, but some pay a third of that average while others pay nearly 30 times that amount, according to research

by The Zebra, an auto insurance search engine.

High prices, wide disparity in rates and a number of misunderstandings could be why a survey by the same company found nearly 61 percent of Americans think their auto insurance is too expensive, and nearly 29 percent think it’s an outright scam.

“Many people don’t understand how insurance companies arrive at the rates they charge,” says Neil Richardson, a licensed insurance agent with The Zebra. “Just as credit rating companies consider a number of factors in determining your credit score, car insurers look at multiple factors in establishing insurance rates. Those risk factors are all aimed at assessing how likely a person is to not cost the company money, that is, whether they’re more likely to file a claim.”

Here are four controllable factors that can influence your car insurance rates: * How you drive - Just one DUI on your record can raise your rates by more than $1,000 per year, The Zebra found. Safe drivers who obey the rules of the road and have no traffic violations generally pay less for insurance than similar drivers who have violations. Practice safe driving habits. Hang up the phone, and don’t speed, drive recklessly or drink and drive - all those behaviors can lead to violations that will significantly increase your annual premium. * Continuous coverage - Keeping consistent insurance coverage without a lapse. One, three and five years of being continuously insured are major milestones to most insurance companies and you

should potentially see a rate decrease after each of those. You don’t have to be insured with the same company continuously - just have the coverage without any gaps. * Your credit score - Car insurance companies use credit scoring information to further assess a driver’s likelihood of a claim. Drivers with higher credit scores tend to have access to the best auto insurance rates, while those whose scores are lower often pay higher rates. Taking steps to increase your credit score by just one tier could save you as much as 17 percent on your auto insurance. * Whether you rent or own your home - While improving your auto insurance rates may not be top-of-mind when you’re thinking of buying a home, auto insurers generally charge lower rates to people who own their homes versus those who rent.

Additionally, these factors can influence car insurance rates. Even though you may not be able to control these factors, knowing them can help you understand how much you’re likely to pay for car insurance: * Where you live - Insurance laws and costs vary from state to state. Location even matters at the ZIP code level because insurance companies consider the crime rates, weather trends, population density and other factors of where you live to predict the risk of you filing a claim. * How old you are - Statistically, age is an indicator of how likely a driver is to have an accident resulting in a claim. That’s why teen drivers pay the most, drivers between the ages of 50-59 pay the least and rates start to rise again after you pass 60. * Your marital status - Married people typically pay less for car insurance than those who are single, divorced or widowed. * How you use your car - Auto insurers look at whether you use your car to drive for business, to and from work, to and from school, or only for pleasure.

The Zebra recently launched Insurability Score(TM) that can help drivers understand the risk factors that affect their individual car insurance rates, and what they can do about it. The company provides the free score and helpful advice on how to improve it only to consumers as an informational tool Visit www.thezebra.com

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December 2017

Living With Faith If it is December it must be Hanukkah and Christmas Each year we all agonize over whether these are religious holidays. Many interfaith households wrestle with the situations of respect and sensitivity to each. And every year there are articles written about how to celebrate, how to identify, so that the spiritual aspect is not lost on the commercialism.

It certainly is a time of lights. There is darkness all around us. The days are short. The nights are long. It is cold and the harshness of winter is fast approaching. Life withers as do trees, and flowers, and people. We sleep, as does nature. Some do not wake. It is the darkest time of the year.

This year, in particular, it is really dark. Gloom and doom seem to be everywhere. We learned that over 5,000 men and women in our armed forces have sacrificed their lives to bring us light. More than 30,000 have been injured or maimed and will never completely see the true light of wholeness again. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? We have such doubts and we struggle to find optimism.

Hanukkah is a time of re- dedication – we saw an example of that when the Maccabees put sword in hand to ensure the survival of the Jewish people and their faith. We cannot recapture the past, but we can use it to ensure the future. The religious freedom that was won some 2200 hundred years ago has been the clarion call for all people throughout history. Every battle for religious freedom has had as its foundation the spark from the candles lit to celebrate the scourge of evil.

Hanukkah helps us understand the eternal struggle of good over evil. We pray for good to survive. We attempt to eradicate evil. What we all want is to be left alone so that we can be secure and free.

What we need are voices that will drown out the hate and animosity. God cannot do this for us – we

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need to do it for ourselves. That is the message of Hanukkah – with faith in the right we lead the battle – not expecting some mighty hand to do it for us. We have been given the ability to survive – all we need to do is grab it and run with it.

And yet, in the final analysis – we still want some Divine intervention to save us from the path of destruction – whether in the Middle East or here at home. And to pray for guidance is not bad – it is necessary – as long as we understand that it is we who must affect the change for good to complete the partnership we all have with God. Hanukkah is also a time of spiritual connection – to our beliefs – to togetherness. It is no different than the understanding of Christmas. Both holidays, to me, indicate the message to set aside petty jealousies and indignations, and concentrate on peace and goodwill among people and nations.

Hopefully the lights of this season, whether a Menorah or a Christmas tree, will remind us to respond to those in trouble so that we can be an instrument in relieving all the pain and suffering.

Perhaps the lights will begin a tomorrow that can be better and that life is cherished above all else. We should all pray that the leaders of our country, The United States of America, receive Divine guidance to ensure that we remain a beacon of light to all people.

And may God continue to bless us all.

Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA

December 2017

17

Puzzles & Games Sudoku for December

Cryptogram

Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!

Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Break the code to solve the holiday phrase.

Two letters have been provided for you. Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

1

3

8

6

2 8

5

7

3

1

2

7

3 6

5 4

3 6

4

2

18 The Park

7 5

9

2 2

3

7

9

3

5

6 8

December 2017

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The Park

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December 2017

19

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December 2017