The Park by Estrella Publishing

ďż˝e Park A magazine for Litchheld Park residents

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

ÂŽ

February 2020

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 ÂŠ 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

FULL SERVICE AUTO REPAIR

Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec

500 N.Bullard, Suite C-25 & 26 Goodyear, AZ 85338 Master Technicians in Japanese & Domestic Vehicles 2 Year Warranty! SENIOR CITIZEN & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

623-873-0949

Family Owned & Operated

www.DanielsTotalCarCare.com 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

2 Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

February 2020

From Me To You... February is the month of love and there are many things I love in my life; my family, my friends, my job, of course my dogs (when they are not tearing up my house). There are also things that I don’t love that I used to... I remember when I used to love to talk on the telephone. I would rush home from school after spending a whole day with my friends, only to jump right on the phone as soon as possible and spend hours talking to them again. My father would always say “What on earth could you possibly have to talk about when you’ve been with them all day?” I don’t remember what we talked about but I do remember it was fun and I used have to fight for the telephone with my sister and my brother. Now talking on the telephone is more of a chore than a pleasure. I think it started because of work - everything that I communicate in the area of my job has to be done in writing to avoid miscommunication, or when there are questions we have something solid to go back to. So I got in the habit of not talking on the telephone. When my phone rings I barely even hear it! I am constantly changing my ringtone and I even tried to turn the volume up in an attempt to notice when it starts to ring. Even with those modifications, more often than not, I don’t get to it, or answer the calls in time. Just ask my children!

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

Now we have text messages, that is something I do love. Text messages allow you to think before you speak and formulate a crafted thoughtful response. Sometimes I don’t answer a text for a few days which may seem rude, but honestly if I’d shot off an answer based on my initial response it would not have gone well. So if you don’t hear from me immediately it is not always a bad thing. The downside of putting everything in writing is that people decide what tone of voice you’re using when they read it. This can mean that if somebody is having a bad day and they read it in a frame of mind that is not the most positive, they will in all likelihood read the message in a negative way. I try to bear that in mind, myself, when reading emails or texts. If I put a smile on my face before I start reading then the whole message can change. You should give it a try! Getting back to the telephone, if you call me I probably won’t answer, and if I don’t recognize your number I definitely won’t answer! If you want to communicate with me you should text me or send me an email. I promise to read it with a smile on my face and when I send you an answer I hope you will do the same.

Catherine Uretsky

Editor, The Park Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283

February 2020

On Our Cover

Our gorgeous cover model this month is Talulah, a 3 year old Wheaten Terrier along with her owner Scott Hessel. You may know Scott as the drummer of Arizona group the Gin Blossoms but what I found after chatting with him is that he is a genuine, down to earth man, who loves his family and his dog, and holds dear the values instilled in him as a boy growing up here. Scott is a Litchfield Park native, born and raised here. He attended Litchfield Park Elementary school where he fondly remembers band teacher Bruce Spangler. A self taught drummer, Scott was always banging on things around the house. He was given his first drum set at age 12. He thought he was getting a pool table for Christmas and was very disappointed to find the drum set instead. So the drum set languished for a year before Scott began to play along with records. By high school he was more serious, joining a band and in his Senior year he thought that drumming could be his future. Although he was accepted to Pepperdine they wouldn’t let him bring his drums so off

to ASU we went. Playing local gigs began to pay off and in an ironic twist of fate the Gin Blossoms opened for them at one performance something his mother never forgot. Even though Scott was getting attention from labels, his big break was still eluding him. Over the years he paid his dues, playing small venues with local bands - but he always yearned to belong to the local band made good. Mutual friends put in a good word when given the opportunity, but nothing ever came of it. He had reached a point where he thought his big break would never come. Then one night a friend called him and told him he was going to be offered the job as the Gin Blossom’s drummer. A week and a half later he joined the tour, playing in Kansas City, and has been with the band ever since. Although he has toured all over the country and even lived in Los Angeles for a while Scott’s roots are firmly here in Litchfield Park. He returned here to be closer to family - both parents live here - and Talulah calls it home base while Scott is on the road. Scott’s advice for young musicians out there? “Always watch and absorb what you can from other musicians. You can learn something from everyone you meet.”

come see our large selection of outdoor accessories

20 year warranty PATIO FURNITURE OUTDOOR WALL ART Southwest decor METAL CACTI RUGS

shop local 116 E Western Ave | Goodyear | 623-299-8000 NE corner litchfield rd & western ave

4 Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

February 2020

Positive Parenting Volunteer to be a voice for young children in your Arizona community

If you are passionate about children’s issues and want to impact the early childhood programs available to young kids in our community, First Things First (FTF) needs you. FTF is Arizona’s early childhood health and development agency and seeks about 150 volunteers for the opportunity to collaborate with other dedicated community members in local communities across Arizona. This year, FTF has made the application process simple with an easy online application. Volunteering on a regional council is a unique, high-level leadership opportunity to make a positive impact on children and families in our community. Regional council members help define priorities for the local services and supports for young children and their families. By collaborating with other dedicated community members, they provide opportunities for young children to get a strong start in life. Research has shown a child’s early experiences lay the foundation for a lifetime of success in school and beyond. FTF partners with parents and communities to give children birth to age 5 the tools they need to arrive at kindergarten prepared to succeed. Regional councils made up of community volunteers inform decisions

about how First Things First can help strengthen families, expand early learning opportunities and increase access to preventive health services in their area. FTF is accepting applications in the Southwest Maricopa Region from various backgrounds for the following seats that are open either due to vacancy or terms about to expire. Parents of young children and individuals from the business, education, health, faith and philanthropic communities who want to be a voice for children in our community must live or work in the South Maricopa Region. The six regional council seats open in this region are: • Parent • At Large • Philanthropy • Educator • Health Services Provider • At Large If you or someone you know can commit to about 10 hours per month to make a difference in the lives of young children in our community, please visit FirstThingsFirst.org/serve. There, you can learn about the volunteer positions available in our area, read a detailed description of the position, and fill out an application. The job of getting kids ready for school starts the day they are born. Please consider lending your expertise, insight and community spirit to help ensure that all Arizona children are ready to succeed in kindergarten and beyond! First Things First is a voter-created, statewide organization that funds early learning, family support and children preventive health services to help kids be successful once they enter kindergarten. Decisions about how those funds are spent are made by local councils staffed by community volunteers. To learn more, visit FirstThingsFirst.org. Brett Benninghoff, Southwest Maricopa Community Outreach Coordinator O 602.771.4964 | M 480.521.5613

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

February 2020

Better Baking

Measuring, mixing, blending and kneading there is so much that goes into the art of baking. You start with the right materials and techniques, but you also need to be familiar with how your oven works to get the best results. Getting to know your oven could be the difference between a beautiful baked good and a not-so-great one. Here are five questions to ask before you get started on your next batch of goodies.

Gas, electric or convection? This is an important distinction. This not only determines where the heat comes from, but also how it moves around inside the oven. Convection ovens - such as the LG ProBake Oven - are the best for baking as they circulate the air inside the oven for even heat on every rack. They have a bottom heat source but are also equipped with fans to blow the hot air around. Many gas and electric ovens are also heated from the bottom, but the heat is not evenly distributed. When was it last cleaned? Many people go months, or even years, without cleaning their ovens. But months of buildup can cause smoke and ruin your food. Remember to wipe away any spills in the oven after each use or use a drip pan to catch any grease or drippings. Are the nooks and crannies clean? Crumbs and spills hiding in the gaps around your oven can attract pests. One easy way to get these areas clean is to wrap a damp cloth around a butter knife and run it through the cracks, shaking out the dirt and food morsels in the trash as you go. Then, repeat this step with a vinegardampened cloth to ensure the area isn’t a welcoming home to mice, ants or other unwanted guests.

6 Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

Where are your oven racks? The placement of the racks inside your oven is more important than you may think. Most ovens get hotter at the top, so if you have two baking sheets in at once, the one on the higher rack tends to cook faster. For best results, place racks in the middle, and be sure to rotate your pans from front to back and top to bottom.

Do you have an oven thermometer? Many home ovens are off by five to 15 degrees, some even up to 25 degrees or more. It might seem insignificant, but the wrong temperature can affect your final product. Use an oven thermometer to make sure you’re baking at the correct temperature. Get to know your oven. Answer these questions and follow these tips for delicious, successful baking every time.

Discover how 30 minutes can change your life! • Small group personal training • Group training • Speed and agility (youth) • Nutrition • Body composition test

7 FREE DAYS!

oﬀer valid only for the month of February - new clients only

www.bellltnessaz.com

623-536-2537

info@bellltnessaz.com

February 2020

Protect Yourself From Fraud As shoppers increasingly buy everything from clothes to gadgets and groceries through a combination of in-store and online merchants with payment cards, there’s more urgency than ever to make sure everyone is aware of ways they can reduce the likelihood or prevent altogether, falling victim to fraud. “Fraudsters love to prey on distracted and unsuspecting consumers,” said Michael Jabbara, senior director, Global Risk, Visa. “Making smart choices and being vigilant whether shopping online or in stores will make a world of difference.” Below, we’ve outlined several simple steps people can take to protect themselves from fraud when making purchases - no matter where they are or what they’re buying. Keep Your Data Safe Shoppers can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a victim of a major data breach by making smart choices in how they are paying for purchases. Shoppers should use a payment card with a chip or contactless symbol on it to protect their payment card data from being stolen in case of a data breach, and chip-enabled checkout is proven to help reduce fraud by as much as 81%.

Check Out Securely Online Online shopping remains an excellent option for convenient purchases, with many consumers increasingly heading to their favorite websites to get their shopping done. To stay safe when checking out online, it is critical to always check the URL and make sure it begins with “https://”. The “s” at the end confirms a secure connection. Stay Up-to-Date Shoppers should make sure the device they are using, whether it’s a phone, tablet or laptop, has the latest software installed and the latest version of apps loaded to reduce the likelihood of a known vulnerability being present. Shoppers also need to regularly update passwords with strong combinations that are unique to each account. Better yet, switch to biometrics if it’s an option. Using fingerprint or facial recognition for account login and/or payments when available makes it harder for fraudsters to gain unauthorized access to devices, apps and information, but easier and safer for shoppers. Watch Out for Phishing Scams With online shopping continuing to be popular, phishing scams are out in full force to take advantage. Shoppers need to be careful of unsolicited and suspicious emails or phone calls. Also, they should be wary of “one day only” deals or fake delivery tracking emails that direct them to unknown URLs used to steal information like username and password. Keep Your Data to Yourself It’s been said many times over that the best defense is a good offense, and that certainly holds true as fraudsters become more adept and technologically savvy. Over the next 10 years, cybercriminals will likely become more motivated to steal your payment information. It’s crucial for people to know and stay up to date on the best ways to protect themselves, so your data remains yours - and yours only.

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

February 2020

Litchheld Park

Estrella resident serving Estrella residents!

Locally owned and operated.

Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! You don’t have to live with them. A maintenance program can reduce or stop an infestation in its tracks! Call Larry Cash, to schedule your inspection today! 623.680.6619

www.estrellamtnpest.com Your full service pest control company Ask for your new customer discount! Check out “The Bug Guy” article!

8 Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

February 2020

Furry Friends

Dogs are the best. The best welcome home greeters. The best snuggle buddies. And, the best road trip companions. But, just like humans, dogs have ruff days and health problems from aging and their active lives. They don’t always know how to tell us where they hurt or why they are acting differently, but there are some signs that pet parents can watch for. 1. Less pep in their step. It’s natural for dogs to be less active as they age, but with four legs and boundless curiosity, injuries can happen any time. If your fur family member isn’t sprinting around the backyard like normal, or they’re walking up or down stairs instead of running, they may be experiencing leg or paw discomfort. A prolonged change in the way they walk or run could be a sign of hip or joint discomfort indicating a chronic condition, according to veterinarian Elizabeth DeLomba. “Medium to large dog breeds in particular are prone to developing joint issues as they age,” says Dr. DeLomba. “One of the first and best ways to manage these changes is with a daily joint supplement like GlycoFlex from VetriScience.”

2. Missing your snuggle buddy. They’re always curled up beside you during a Netflix binge or keeping your feet warm in bed every night. But, when your best snuggler starts being anti-social, it may be a sign that they need something more than a cuddle. “A dog acting anti-social may be an indication of a physical problem or discomfort that they are trying to hide,” says Dr. DeLomba. A dog acting sensitive to petting or a gentle touch may signal underlying issues. 3. What’s that smell? Doggie kisses are also the best, but not so much with bad doggie breath. If Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

your dog has consistently bad breath despite special treats and regular teeth cleanings, they may have a tooth or gum issue. Likewise, if your dog is needing to “go” more often, or you start finding accidents in the house, it may be an indication of a urinary issue or problem. If Fido isn’t finishing meals or is not that interested in treats, that’s another sign of possible gastrointestinal distress or other internal issues that may not be obvious physically but may be detected with blood work. Talk to your veterinarian if your dog is demonstrating any of the above behaviors. Depending on the circumstance, your dog may

benefit from a simple change such as a new diet or supplement regime. For serious issues, you should always contact your veterinarian, who may need to prescribe medication. If your dog isn’t exactly a champ at swallowing pills when they need them to feel better, Dr. DeLomba recommends new VetriScience Pinchers(TM) pill-hiding treats with probiotics. Dogs love the organic peanut butter flavor and humans love that Pinchers are less greasy than similar products. Our pets are with us for far too short a time. Watch for their signs of discomfort to keep them happy, healthy, and at your side for as long as possible. February 2020

Food Choices Are you sure your dinner is healthy? This is your year to finally lose the weight and get fit…and it all starts with dinner. You may be exercising hard, getting plenty of sleep and staying diligent in your hydration, but if you’re eating the wrong food for dinner then sadly you will never reach your goals. Most dinners are too high in calories to allow you to steadily lose weight and progress towards your ideal body. This goes for restaurant dinners as well as homecooked meals. However, the good news is that it is possible to enjoy wholesome, fitness dinners that support your fat loss results whether out-to-eat or cooking at home. I want to make this as simple as possible for you so that you’ll actually use it to transform the way that you select your nightly meal. Rather than worrying about calories and measurements simply ask these 3 questions before you sit down to eat your next meal and visualize a clock… Fat Burning Question #1: Is there Lean Protein? Your meal should start with a lean source of highquality protein that’s cooked in a healthy way. Choose protein that has been grilled, baked, broiled or steamed. Fish, chicken, turkey, egg, lean red meat and beans all make great choices. Picture your plate as a clock and fill it 10 Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

from 12 o’clock to 4 o’clock with your choice of protein. This is roughly 1/3 of your plate. Fat Burning Question #2: Is it mostly Fibrous Veggies/Greens? Next comes fibrous veggies and greens. Fiber is a huge part of eating healthy and being lean. Fibrous foods will fill you up while delivering vitamins and nutrient in a low-calorie package. Salads and seasonal vegetable make perfect choices for your fat burning meal. Just be sure to watch out for heavy dressings or fattening cooking methods that may add additional calories to the dish. On your plate fill between 4 o’clock and 10 o’clock with these fibrous veggies and greens. This is roughly half of your plate. Fat Burning Question #3: Is the Starch in Moderation? Are you gaining weight or not able to lose weight? Chances are your meals are filled with too many starches, including potatoes, pasta, rice, grains and bread products. To make these starches more fattening, they are often cooked with added fats that increase the calorie count. For your starch stick with wholesome, complex carbs like sweet potatoes, brown rice, sprouted grains and legumes. On your plate fill between 10 o’clock and 12 o’clock with these wholesome starches. This is the smallest portion on your plate for a reason, as these starchy carbs are calorie-dense and just a little goes a long way. Fight the urge to push the line by allowing yourself to eat more starches than you need. I hope that these 3 simple questions make it easier for you to choose your next fat burning meal by cutting through some of the confusion. While there are certainly more specific, measured meal plans that lead to body transformation success, this guide is meant to keep you on track when you aren’t sure what you should be eating. For the most effective results, pair your clean eating with a challenging exercise routine. Margherita Riello, Bell Fitness owner and local body transformation expert February 2020

Your Company Can Grow in 2020 with our Business Coaching Services • One-on-one consultation • Planning tailored to your business • Growth strategies you can use • Mentoring you can trust • 30+ years business experience

info@estrellapartners.com www.estrellapartners.com

623-398-5541

140,000 People are looking at this space call us to put your ad here

(623) 594-9283

info@estrellapublishing.com

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

February 2020

PARTY TRAY

$5 OFF 1 Coupon Per Customer. Not to be combined with other offers. Valid at:

650 N. ESTRELLA PARKWAY, SUITE A5 GOODYEAR, AZ • 85338 • 623.640.2201

Avondale-Midtown-Deer Valley

GOODYEAR

1468 N Litchfield Rd., Ste. #M3 (623) 935-5495

PEORIA PARK WEST

9744 W. Northern Ave Suite #1340 (623) 872-3689

AVONDALE

9945 West McDowell Suite 107 (623) 209-3939

GLENDALE-AZ

5143 W Olive Ave STE 100 (623) 931-3689

ME-DNLD-1806-00-004-04X6

12 Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

February 2020

Men Of Vision

more noble cause nor a more justified example of what freedom meant. Nowhere do we find a people so dedicated to self-determination that they were willing to sacrifice everything they possessed, both physically and economiFebruary is such a dull month. On the one hand cally. “They are endowed by their Creator with we are eagerly awaiting the advent of spring, and certain unalienable rights, that among these are on the other we relish the relief from ‘the warm Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” was weather that is fast approaching. It is like this is not a slogan but a call to the whole world that a the in-between month. But then we look at the new chapter in the history of mankind was on the calendar and realize that we have a great deal to horizon. be grateful for, and February is the reminder. President’s Day: How many remember when we celebrated both George Washington’s birthday and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday in February. Then, some bright minds got together and decided that we should combine the two holidays and incorporate them into one National Holiday – President’s Day – commemorating all the presidents of our great country. These two men, in their own way, and in their own time, contributed to our survival as a nation: George Washington ensured our birth and continued existence by contributing wealth and fortitude to help break the shackles of ingratitude and arrogance as displayed by the treatment received from Great Britain. Can anyone truly imagine how difficult it was to distance ourselves from the one entity that gave us the ability to thrive in a free atmosphere only to have it encroached upon time and again because of greed and duplicity? Nowhere in the annals of history do we find a

Abraham Lincoln kept us together as a nation as we attempted to dissolve this experiment called America. It was a time of brother against brother. It was a time when geography was the determining factor as to whether this nation could survive. It was a time when the conscience of our nation was tested in a racial divide that seemed to tear at the very fabric of our souls. It was a time when the true meaning of the words found in our Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men were created equal” was tested with the ultimate sacrifice of life and limb. “That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and the government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” This was, and remains, the majestic contribution of a simple and humble man. America is still, through all its upheavals, the hope of humanity. The message that was transmitted by these two men through word and action still reverberate around the world. The lamp that lights the way at the entrance to our country remains lit for all to see, for all to enjoy, for all to understand that its glow lights the path to hope. God continue to bless these United States. God bless the memory of George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, and…….. Submitted by Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D.

Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

February 2020

Puzzles & Games 2 Sudokus for February - 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

Easy

2 5 7

2 1

6 5

Medium

3 8

7 9

5 1

3 4

9 3

4 3

4 9

14 Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

February 2020

Business Directory ADVERTISING The Park Magazine

623.594.9283

AUTO SERVICES Daniels Total Car Care Earnhardt Auto Glass Litchfield Auto Repair

623.873.0949 623.463.4371 623.882.8700

FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES State Farm Insurance-T Gremillion

623.386.7767

HEALTHCARE & BEAUTY Bell Fitness Bridgewater Assisted Living Dermacare Cosmetics Healthy Life Family Medicine Massage Envy Permanent Make Up by Kari Skincare Extraordinaire

623.536.2537 602.281.9535 623.535.7050 623.889.3477 623.935.5495 602.295.7373 623.826.3726

HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Al’s Plumbing Beckham Electric

623.329.5170 480.370.1014

Desired Handyman Dirt Busters House Cleaning Fountain Granite J&H Appliance Repair JBS Roofing Younger Brothers Exterminating Younger Brothers Plumbing

623.910.5183 623.977.6725 623.755.3905 623.925.5427 623.247.9252 623.487.3147 623.487.3130

PET CARE Gentle Hearts Animal Hospital See Spot Clean

623.298.4200 623.882.9595

RETAIL & RESTAURANTS Estrella Ordnance Off The Hook Meat Shop Philly Pretzel Factory Pure Patio

623.262.2154 623.248.1206 623.248.1760 623.299.8000

Fountain Granite Kitchen ~ Bathroom ~ Custom Countertops BBQs ~ Showers ~ Jacuzzi ~ Fireplaces Custom Tables & many more! With over 15 years experience working with stone, we oﬀer the best in quality, price & customer satisfaction!

Call for FREE estimates 623-755-3905 or 623-326-0427

www.FountainGranite.com erickniveth@gmail.com Find us on Facebook @ Fountain granite Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

February 2020

A ROOF

Love! YOU’LL

Your Residential & Commercial Roofing Your Residential & Contractor Has You Covered Commercial Roofing Contractor Has You Covered  New Construction, Repairs,

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

“Let Our Family Cover Yours” “Let Our Family Cover Yours”

We’re Here To Answer Your Questions. Give Us A Call!

www.JBSroofingAZ.com

16 Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine

ROC #’s: 061127 - 287012 198009 - 082024 - 318282

February 2020