�e Park A magazine for Litchheld Park residents
Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine
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December 2019
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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 2010-present Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited. Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned. Some content is provided by Brandpointe and Family Features. 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
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
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December 2019
From Me To You... People have always known who I am. As the daughter of the local vicar (minister) I was never anonymous. There was not one period of my childhood that was not remarked over and scrutinized and that can be challenging.
At the age of 14 we were all allowed to decide if we wanted to attend church anymore. So of course we all quit on our birthdays. What teenager wouldn’t rather stay in bed on a Sunday morning than get up, get dressed and sit on an uncomfortable pew in a cold church for what seemed like hours? The horror of having to explain that to every single parishioner had us all scurrying back to services within a week. Our public personas were compounded and somewhat elaborated on because my father routinely made his sermons about us and the religious lessons the parish could learn from our blunders. There was the time when my boyfriend left the house by performing a wheelie on his motorbike, the time we destroyed a clock, the horror of my excruciating trip down an unvarnished wooden slide... I forget the lessons but remember the mortification of everyone
knowing my business. But it is all I have ever known.
Perhaps that is why I left home and travelled across continents and oceans at 18. Perhaps it was just the push I needed. Whatever the reason, after more than 20 years in the background, I find myself reluctantly back in the public eye as an adult. Notoriety is a strange thing. Being the publishers of our local magazines awards my husband and myself a small amount of notoriety. This means that trips to the supermarket can take over two hours, a quick stop at the gas station becomes a lengthy chat. It can be a problem, but not for the reasons you might think. There is a condition called Prosopagnosia or face blindness where you do not remember people’s faces. You can remember the person but have no idea who they are. I am not saying that I have this condition but I certainly have problems placing people. I have been in situations where I have known someone for many, many years, I can tell you where they grew up, their favorite dessert and how we met. But their name? Nope. Completely blank. Sometimes it helps if they are in the same place as last time. If I meet my child’s teacher at school I can usually get it right - but bump into them at the supermarket and I am at a loss. I have attended many a corporate holiday party where about 15 minutes into a conversation I remembered the person I was talking to and realized what an idiot I was making of myself. So if I meet you in the cereal aisle, or we attend an event together please don’t take it personally if I say something idiotic to you like, “It is so nice to meet you!” Even if we have been to book club together for the last 15 years...
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, The Park Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283
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December 2019
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December 2019
Find us!
A Facebook group is a page created for an organization, community or business to promote activities. Users can then join the group and post their thoughts on a wall and interact through discussion threads.
Park called Litchfield Matters. All residents and people with a connection to the community are welcome to join this FB group. It is highly recommended that you avoid discussions associated with politics, religion and other sensitive topics which can make some group members feel unwelcome or uncomfortable. Standard rules such as Be Kind and Courteous, No Hate Speech or Bullying, No Promotions or Spam, and Respect Everyone’s Privacy.
Groups are a great way to connect with friends and neighbors and have discussions that are relevant to your community such a local business, school activities, criminal activities, lost fur babies, request recommendations, etc.... The main purpose of groups is to help Facebook users socialize around any topic in their community.
The only business promotions that are permitted are those that support and sponsor The Hamlet magazine, bringing it to the community at no charge to the residents.
Once inside the Group, Facebook works only slightly different than your profile. A Group does not use the timeline but rather displays posts in direct chronological order, similar to the pretimeline manner. Also, members of the Group can see who has seen a post, which is a unique feature for Group accounts.
Once you join, you can then SHARE / INVITE your friends, family members, and neighbors.
Please be sure to join us at LITCHFIELD MATTERS Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/LitchfieldMatters.
The Park magazine has established and facilitates a community Facebook Group for Litchfield
Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine
December 2019
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Tis The Season How to decorate for the season without worrying about pests The holiday season is upon us once again and families across the country are getting in the spirit by stringing festive lights, wrapping presents and decorating their homes. While such holiday preparations may seem innocuous, they can provide opportunities for pests like spiders, ticks, ants and mice to be inadvertently brought indoors. One of the most common ways that pests are introduced into homes during the holidays is via Christmas trees, wreaths and firewood. Ants, spiders, ticks and other pests can hide deep in the branches of trees and in crevices of wood. In some cases, insects may even lay eggs in trees or garland. When brought indoors, the eggs will hatch creating a major pest infestation in the home. To prevent bringing pests into you home on live trees and other greenery, take a few minutes to carefully inspect such items before bringing indoors. Look for insects, nests or eggs, and shake off greenery outdoors to rouse any hidden tenants.
outside and inspect all items carefully for signs of pests, droppings, gnaw marks or other damage before bringing them indoors. Pay special attention to strings of lights to ensure that wiring has not been frayed by pests.
Perhaps the most important step you can take to prevent pests during the holidays comes at the end of each season, when it’s time to take down the tree and pack up the decorations. Store holiday décor in hard, plastic bins with tightly sealed lids instead of cardboard boxes or bags that can easily be chewed through. Do not pile discarded live trees or cut firewood near your home, as this can attract mice, termites and other pests. During this busy time of the year, it’s easy to overlook signs of pests in the rush to check another item off of the holiday “to-do” list, but by taking some simple steps you can greatly reduce your chances of battling pests in your home this season. Remember, if you see signs of pests or suspect an infestation this holiday season, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect your home and treat the problem promptly so that you can get back to enjoying the festivities in a pest-free home. This information Provided by Larry Cash, Estrella Mountain Pest Control, and the National Pest Management Association.
Another way that pests can access our homes this time of year is through boxes of decorations, which are often stored in basements, attics, garages and crawlspaces - all favorite hiding spots for pests. Mice and other pests find their way into the boxes of during the off-season. When homeowners unpack their decorations, they may find live or dead pests and droppings inside. Unfortunately, in some cases, they may also find that holiday decorations have been chewed or destroyed by pests. When it’s time to decorate, unpack holiday items 6 Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine
December 2019
Holiday Hacks
Who says you have to do all the work? Ask friends and family to pitch in - a little help goes a long way. A few weeks before your gathering, send a message to your guests inviting them to help with beverages, picking up ice, or bringing a side dish or dessert. And when the meal is over, have a designated clean-up crew with multiple people to get the job done faster.
The holidays are a time to celebrate and make priceless memories with friends and family. However, when you are the person tasked with preparing and cooking for everyone else, you may often have to miss out on all the family fun and those moments that matter most.
Save time by getting creative in the kitchen. If you run out of oven space, the slow cooker is a convenient alternative for baking desserts. You can also find easy no-bake recipes or dishes that can be made quickly in the microwave.
Here are several tips to get you motivated to get out of the kitchen and give you more time to enjoy the company of loved ones without sacrificing any of your delicious holiday traditions. Preparation is key! To begin, make a to-do list of the necessary tasks (i.e., purchasing ingredients) that can be completed ahead of time. For example, set the table the day before to save time on the day of your gathering. Also, be sure you are well stocked on things you may run out of or could dirty easily - from cloth napkins to beverage options - so you don’t stress day-of and can truly relish every minute with family.
When cooking for a crowd, you’re bound to forget an item or two from your grocery list. Avoid unnecessary extra trips to the store by knowing your substitutes. If you run out of butter, you can substitute for olive oil or vegetable oil. Happen to forget the buttermilk? No worries use watered-down yogurt or sour cream. This year, don’t let your holiday cooking duties overtake the joy of the season. Follow these useful tips to make the most of your festive time!
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December 2019
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Peeps!
Are you looking for fun ways to spend time with loved ones this holiday season? Crafting DIY decorations is a perfect way to do so, providing an opportunity for you to get creative and make cheerful and festive pieces you’ll cherish all season long. Another perk of making delightful holiday creations is making memories - which is what the season is really about. So, fill your mugs with cider or hot cocoa and get ready for some holiday happiness with these three easy DIY decor projects the whole family will enjoy! Project 1: PEEPS Marshmallow Trees Centerpiece Pro DIY tip: PEEPS Marshmallow candies aren’t only a tasty treat, but they’re also an adorable addition to crafts and recipes! With seasonal marshmallow shapes such as Snowmen, Trees, Reindeer and Gingerbread Men, the opportunities to craft are endless. This fun and festive centerpiece will adorn your table and be enjoyed by all of your guests this holiday season.
Items needed: * 6x6” glass square vase * Foam insert * Faux or fresh greenery of your choice (evergreens, eucalyptus, etc.) * Pine cones and berries * Three 9ct packages of PEEPS Marshmallow Trees Instructions: 1. Stack PEEPS Marshmallow Trees around the inside of the vase to fill up the sides. 2. Cut the foam insert so it fits nicely at the bottom of the vase. 3. Add your greenery into the foam and arrange. 4. Add pine cones and berries as accent pieces to complete your centerpiece. The holidays are a time to deck the halls and spend quality time with friends and family. With these three projects, you can to do both at the same time! For more craft ideas for the whole family, visit www.peepsbrand.com/recipes-crafts
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December 2019
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December 2019
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December 2019
Binge Wathcing A new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) found that 88% of U.S. adults admitted to losing sleep due to staying up late to watch multiple episodes of a TV show or streaming series. “Choosing to binge on entertainment at night instead of sleeping has serious ramifications,” said AASM President Dr. Kelly A. Carden. “Sleep is essential to health, well-being and safety, and chronic insufficient sleep can lead to an increased risk of health problems, mood disorders and motor vehicle accidents.” Here are a few tips to help binge-watch responsibly: Set an episode limit. Commit to a specific number of episodes at the beginning of your watching session. Get out of the “auto-play” loop. Many streaming services will automatically launch episodes one after another to ensure you keep watching. This makes it easy to think “OK, one more episode,” leading to late nights and sleepy mornings. Check settings to turn off the “auto-play”. Make time on the weekend. If you enjoy streaming for longer periods, set aside part of your weekend to catch up on your favorite shows. Reserving Saturday or Sunday afternoon Family owned & operated traditional Butcher Shop. We carry USDA prime grade meats, with a minimum of 30 day aging. Our chicken & pork is all natural with no sodium, nitrates or added solutions. We also have sausage! 14960 W. Indian School Rd, Ste 380 (623) 248-1206 oothehookmeatshop.net Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine
will provide more time for getting immersed in your shows, while still providing adequate time for sleep.
Filter out blue light at night. If you stream content on a cell phone or tablet, make sure you have altered the device’s blue light setting to minimize the alerting effects of screens at night. Bright light, such as that from a mobile device, sends signals to your brain that indicate you should be awake. This can make it difficult to fall asleep. Streaming from the comfort of bed can also impede your ability to fall asleep. It’s best to keep electronics out of the bed so that you associate your bed with sleep. If you are experiencing ongoing sleep problems, talk to your medical provider, who may direct you to the sleep team at an accredited sleep center for help. For more information and to find a local accredited sleep center, visit www. sleepeducation.org.
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Veterans In Need UP BY THEIR BOOTSTRAPS: HELPING VETERANS IN NEED
It’s a sad fact that many Veterans in our country are under resourced when they come home. The good news? Up BY THEIR BOOTSTRAPS is here to make life a little better for those who have sacrificed so much for our Country. Our Veterans have given some of the best years of their lives in order to protect us and to protect our freedoms. UP BY THEIR BOOTSTRAPS was founded by Jay and Frances Humphrey in 2013 to fulfill his lifelong dream of working with Veterans in need. “It’s our vision that by donating a car and other services to a Veteran in need, we can help them to live a more healthy and fulfilling life…A hand up and not a hand out by furnishing reliable transportation to members of the military, Veterans and their families.” Our goal is to donate at least 1 car every month. On average it costs $1,000 for each vehicle to be acquired, checked and repaired including
things like tires and registration in order to make them “road ready”
To date we have donated 50 vehicles. We have several Veterans waiting for vehicles. We currently have 4 vehicles on hand but just need the funds to be able to make them ready and safe. It is our hope that as business members of our community as well as individuals see how our mission is helping our Veterans, you will offer to donate a car, financial support or maybe even volunteer as we work to get the word out that our Veterans need and deserve our help. We are 100% volunteer driven and every dollar donated goes to support our Veterans. Whether you donate monthly, occasionally or even one time….we appreciate your efforts to help our Veterans in need. If you are interested in helping, please visit our website….upbytheirbootstraps.org. Our Veterans and their families have sacrificed so much; let’s show them just how much we appreciate them.
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December 2019
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Puzzles & Games 2 Sudokus for December - Easy & Medium
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
Medium
Easy
3
8 6
7
1
1
7 5
2
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2
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3 2
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December 2019
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