The Park
April 2017
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From Me To You...
Welcome!
to the April edition of The Park a magazine for Litchfield residents. It has come to my attention that many of you don’t know how we choose our cover models. Well let me explain the process... I get a call, or an e-mail (sometimes even a text) from someone who a) wants to be on a cover, b) knows someone who has done something worthy of recognition or c) wants to let the community know about a local club or group for the residents. I will get in touch with them and as long as they live here (or occasionally have a strong connection to our community) I will arrange the photo shoot and cover interview. The whole process is relatively painless, no husbands have been harmed in the photo sessions, and it takes under an hour altogether. Some months I have many covers “in the bag” and other months I am scrambling to find people willing to share their lives with us.
623-536-7004 Exceptional orthodontic care for adults and children. Complimentary consultations, x-rays included. Experience the difference & smile confidently!
13575 W. Indian School Rd #400 Litchfield Park www.olsonortho.com
The Church at Litchfield Park “A House of Prayer for All People” Palm Sunday April 9 8:00 ~ 9:15 10:45 a.m.
Maundy Thursday April 13 ~ 6:30 p.m.
Good Friday April 14 6:30 p.m.
Sunrise Easter Service April 16 ~ 6:00 a.m. Easter Services April 16 8:00 ~ 9:15 10:45 a.m.
There have been instances when a company has requested to purchase the cover as advertising space. It happens, but not very often. In that case it is obviously an advertisement, for example if a political candidate has a cover it says on there that it is ‘paid for by ...’ Which leads me to the question of price for residents. There is none. If you are a resident and want to pose for my camera it costs you nothing but time. And of course you will be stopped from time to time when someone recognizes you as the star that you are! I hope that clears up the great mystery of “How to get on a cover” and that perhaps some of you feel inspired to get in touch and become a future cover model yourselves. It is also a great way for fledgling clubs and groups to get the word out there that you exist! Of course the easiest way to get your kids on a cover is to enter our Cutest Kids In Litchfield Park competition. Send in a high resolution picture of your darlings and the winners will be featured on a future cover. There are also some pretty cool prizes for the family too. Deadline for submissions is April 15th! Please patronize our advertisers, after all they are the reason you get this magazine for free every month! As always, don’t forget to visit our website for puzzle solutions if you get stuck, restaurant reviews, coupons and business directories! www.EstrellaPublishing.com
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, The Park Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283 Estrella Publishing is a proud member of the South West Valley Chamber of Commerce and Local First Arizona.
300 N Old Litchfield Rd. ♦ (623) 935-3411 ♦ www.churchatlitchfieldpark.org
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April 2017
Where To Look 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
Best Advice ~ pg 5 Mom, Dad, & Captain Kirk Life As A Caregiver ~ pg 7 Take Care Of YOU
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.
Spring Cleaning ~ pg 8 Shortcuts
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.
Planning ~ pg 13 Your Wedding
Living With Faith ~ pg 10 America Furry Friends ~ pg 12 Leptospirosis
Puzzles & Games ~ pg 18 Sudoku & Maze Business Directory ~ pg 19
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
The Park
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
April 2017
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Protect Yourself Tips to help protect your identity this tax season Tax season is a busy time for everyone. Unfortunately, it’s also a busy time of year for cybercriminals who swindle sensitive personal information from unsuspecting victims. Take for example, Melissa, a marketing manager from Chandler who last year received an alert from her online tax filing service that her account password had been changed. But she dismissed the notification as a mistake. Thinking this was strange, Melissa followed up with her tax filing service and found that a criminal had accessed her account, stolen enough personal information to open a credit account in her name and redirected her tax return to another account. Fortunately, Melissa was able to
resolve her case but she is just one of a staggering number of individuals who’ve fallen victim to criminals lurking the web. More than 1 million web attacks occurred against internet users every day in 2015. While this statistic may seem shocking, there are things you can do to help protect yourself and your identity from cybercriminals. 1. The sooner you file your taxes, the harder it will be for criminals to file taxes on your behalf for a refund, which a thief can do with only your date of birth and Social Security Number. If you want some extra protection, consider contacting the IRS to see if you’re eligible for an Identity Protection PIN. 2. If you’re filing your taxes online, use a secure Wi-Fi connection or a Virtual Private
Network (VPN), not a public Wi-Fi network. 3. Remember the IRS only communicates through the United States Postal Service. They will never request personal and/ or financial information through email, text messages or social media sites. If you receive a letter in the mail and you’re not sure if it’s legitimate, use the IRS lookup tool to find your letter: www.irs.gov/individuals/ irs-notice-or-letter-for-individualfilers If you believe you’ve been the victim of an IRS scam, you may also report this to the TIGTA at their website: www.treasury.gov/ tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml. Don’t delay in doing so. After all, it’s your identity and it is up to you to protect it every single day.
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State Route 303 and Northern Ave. in the West Valley April 2017
Best Advice Mom, Dad, & Captain Kirk I’m part of the television generation. It’s possible the Howdy Doody kids are the real first-gen couch potatoes. I was in kindergarten when Sesame Street debuted. I enjoyed Mr. Moose’s ping-pong ball pranks on Captain Kangaroo and I was there when video killed the radio star with the launch of MTV. The vast array of television and movie characters, fictional or otherwise, became friends and teachers. Before you think that’s weird, it’s actually a common situation. Back in the 1970s, Marcus Welby, MD was a popular television show. Lead actor Robert Young received letters every week asking him to cure some mysterious ailment. Television
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is intimate; meaning it’s right in your home like a parent and other live-in family members. My parents shared many words of wisdom. TV and movie characters filled the gaps in areas where my parents didn’t have the expertise. For instance, neither of them had been in outer space. The NASA moon launches gave scientific explanations on basic space survival, but the crew on the USS Enterprise who showed how to LIVE in space. Mr. Spock showed logic and thought processing, Dr. McCoy was an icon of caring, and Captain Kirk was a role model on how to be heroic. Sadly, my mom kept me from wearing a bed sheet as a cape to be the neighborhood Caped Crusader. My mom showed how to keep my room clean. The part with me actually cleaning my room was another matter. Hiding things was much easier thanks to Hogan’s Heroes
and Secret Agent Maxwell Smart. Sometimes it worked and other times resulted in me being a bad boy. James Bond also contributed to my espionage skills. Even more important: Bond was the epitome of suave. Kissing the girl one moment and karate chopping the bad guys the next. My dad is a great teacher how to be a gentleman and ways to charm the ladies. Although there was an “Ew!” moment years ago when my mom said he was an octopus while they were dating. Yeah…ew! Television characters continue to be a good teacher even in my adult years. I learned how to do a formal table setting in the 1990s from Animaniacs and “The Etiquette Song.” You can find the video online. We learn things from different people and sources every day. Some of the advice is good, sometimes it leads us to trouble. John Safin is President and CEO of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.
April 2017
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Fit For Life 3 steps to reach 100 feeling youthful and healthy
eating well and maintaining a healthy weight.
What will your life be like when you turn 100? A century ago the question seemed almost flippant, a needless consideration for most people, but today it’s very real. The percentage of people living to 100 has grown almost 66 percent in the last 30 years, according to U.S. News and World Report.
The key to greater longevity is prioritizing your health now - when you’re well - to prevent problems later on. You can start today by asking three questions:
The MDVIP Health and Longevity Survey reveals that more than half of Baby Boomers and Generation Xers want to live past the age of 90. More than a quarter want to live beyond 100. The majority from both generations also believe advances in science and technology are going to keep more people alive past the age of 100. However, these findings come at a time when the life expectancy of Americans has declined for the first time in two decades and one in two adults is living with at least one chronic disease. “To reach their longevity goals, Americans can no longer afford to put their health on the back burner,” says Dr. Andrea Klemes, chief medical officer at MDVIP. “Most people don’t wait until they’re 60 to start saving for retirement. The same should go for their health, where making small investments today can pay big dividends many years down the road.” Many chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, are preventable through simple lifestyle changes. Still, nearly two out of three Boomers and Gen Xers admit they could be doing a better job of exercising regularly,
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What’s your number? When’s the last time you had your blood pressure or cholesterol levels checked? Maintain a current record of your vitals and lab results along with your family history. Make sure you discuss these details with your doctor, who can help identify your risk for certain conditions and suggest lifestyle changes based on the results. These data points serve as an important guide in managing your health and can be the difference between preventing an issue and treating it. What’s up, doc? Going to the doctor is an essential component of maintaining good health but choosing the right doctor directly affects the benefit of each visit. Surprisingly, the survey revealed that one out of three Gen Xers avoid going to the doctor out of fear of finding something wrong. It’s important to find a primary care doctor you trust, who makes you feel at ease and takes the time to know you and your medical history. “Having Dr. Gassner on my side has been the best medicine,” says Rose Demitrack, a 101-year-old patient of Dr. Lawrence Gassner in Phoenix, Arizona. “He spends time with me and makes sure I’m doing the right things. Plus he
always makes me laugh, which is one secret to staying young. I may be older than most, but I still feel young on the inside.” In the current healthcare environment, an appointment with a doctor is usually scheduled weeks in advance, and after a long wait in the waiting room, patients often feel rushed through the visit. Patients deserve better and you should shop around for a doctor whose goal is to build a relationship and keep you well. What’s the plan? Whether your goal is to lose 10 pounds or to lower your blood pressure, you need a plan to get you there. “I tell my patients to think of it as a business plan for their health,” says Dr. Steven Wilson, a family practitioner in Redlands, California. Once you have your plan established, it’s up to you to execute it. Many people don’t stick with a plan because it’s hard to stay disciplined and easy to fall back into old habits. So don’t be afraid to consult your doctor along the way. Your doctor is your partner in your health journey, and working together could give you a better chance at seeing exactly what your life will be like when you reach 100.
April 2017
Take care of YOU
Life As A Caregiver
In my last article, I wrote about long-term health care and that all of us should have it. I applied for it (and got it) when I first moved to Arizona. But let me prepare you for the process I experienced (in case it will be the same for you) because it can be a bit intimidating, which I didn’t know until the time of the interview. A nurse came to my home for an hour-long interview, which included learning about my health history, taking my vital signs (height, weight, blood pressure, temperature) and giving me an oral memory test! Yes….a MEMORY TEST!!! And that’s when I began to freak out. What if I can’t remember anything? What if I flunk the test? What if they don’t give me the insurance? Now, I was there when the doctor tested my mom for dementia. Her memory test included being asked to remember three words and to draw the face of a clock with the time showing 10:30 on it. To this day, I remember those three words (table, apple and penny). But, I digress. So now the nurse explains to me about the memory test. She’s going to tell me 10 words (10 words!!) to remember. Then we
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will chat. Then she will ask me to repeat the 10 words. Then we will chat again. Then she will ask me to repeat the words again…and so on for three times! So we begin. I remembered eight of them the first time. That’s good… and a little aboveaverage. Then I remembered seven of them the second time. That was pretty average. Then I remembered seven of them again the third time, but a different seven. THEN she says she’s going to say a list of words and I’m supposed to tell her if any of those were among the original 10. I got those ALL correct!! So the interesting part here is that it is easier for us to distinguish the right words from the wrong words rather than having to recall the whole list of words on our own. This entire word process lasted about 30 minutes….and I passed!!! But I was SO nervous. I guess I’ve always hated tests!
on your family member’s needs, but you also need to be aware of your own. Not just getting enough sleep and exercise, and eating right, and taking time for yourself, and developing interesting things to occupy your body & mind apart from the task at hand. But for long-term preparation, as well.
As I mentioned in an earlier article: make sure YOU have a will and a health care directive, make sure YOU have long-term health care, make sure YOU have a Power of Attorney in case something happens to YOU. Because, what if it did? What if it did and your family member is still alive? Who would take care of them? Submitted by Kathy Linton, Sun City Grand Resident
So what does all this really mean? It means, as a caregiver, you not only need to be focused
April 2017
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Spring Cleaning Shortcuts to make your home sparkle We all know that one person who just adores cleaning. But for the rest of us, it’s a necessary evil that gets old very quickly! Before you tackle that long list of spring cleaning tasks, try some of these cleaning hacks designed to make these chores faster and easier. Afterward, your house will sparkle from top to bottom, which is its own reward! 1. Try natural solutions Commercial cleaning solutions can add extra costs to your deep cleaning session, not to mention the harsh chemicals can leave behind unpleasant odors. Why not experiment with everyday pantry items? These often cost less and are just as effective in their cleaning power. A simple solution of warm water and vinegar removes built-up grime from your floors, while leaving a clean, rinse-free finish. Just add a half cup of distilled white vinegar to a gallon of warm
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water and start mopping. If you dislike the smell of vinegar, add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil - the fresh scent will be like a small reward! 2. Shortcut to shining windows If you want streakfree mirrors and clean windows without the hassle, Cas Aarssen, author of “Real Life Organizing: Cleaning and ClutterFree in 15 Minutes a Day” has this expert tip: Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to your favorite glass cleaner and shake until dissolved. Cornstarch improves the cleaning power of the solution and makes streaks a thing of the past, so you’ll get the job done more quickly. 3. Clean up top Dust can collect on those high, hard-to-reach places, such as decorative molding and ceiling
fans, making cleaning day more difficult. To clean your ceiling fan without showering dust bunnies everywhere, an old pillowcase is your best tool. Spritz the inside of the pillowcase with a vinegar and water solution and slip it over the blades of the fan, pulling it back to trap the dust. For those tough to reach moldings and corners, use a sturdy rubber band to wrap a microfiber cloth around the end a broom, and give those hard-toreach areas a clean sweep!
April 2017
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April 2017
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Living With Faith America In August of 1945, we celebrated VJ Day. After much bloodshed and sacrifices, we finally defeated Japan in a war that still reverberates to this day. The relief that followed also served as a reminder that even in victory there is sadness. The needless waste of resources and humanities’ disdain for the values of life’s gifts caused us to pause and wonder about our purpose. During these difficult times, we Americans came together as never before. The blood drives, the collection of fat, the rationing of things we once took for granted, the purchase of savings bonds, the entertaining of the troops, all taught us that when a nation is in need its citizens rise to the occasion. It certainly was a different time. One thing that stood out, in my mind, was a simple song made famous during that infamous time in our history – “The House I live in.” The house I live in reminded us of all we hold dear and find precious in this experiment called America. The words resonate with us because they speak to our values and ideals. The entertainers that performed and sang these lyrics of patriotism gave meaning to their significance. They enabled us to realize that only as one people can we ever hope to accomplish the dreams of all the generations that preceded us. The house I live in A plot of earth, the street The grocer and the butcher Or the people that I meet The children in the playground The faces that I see All races and religions That’s America to me
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As we examine the simple words of everyday occurrences we are left to understand that America is so diverse and yet so connected. It is the diversity that was and remains the secret strength of this great nation. It is as though God gazed at this creation of young and older, white and black, Jew, Gentile, Muslim, and Hindu – on and on the differences are clear, but the bonds are unbreakable. The place I work in The worker by my side The little town the city Where my people lived and died The howdy and the handshake The air of feeling free And the right to speak your mind out That’s America to me We have just completed a most exhausting and agonizing election. Things have been said that may never be forgotten, but it is over. What is not over is the fact that we are all Americans with the right to speak our minds. We are Americans enjoying freedoms that few in the world can truly understand. Now is the time to join together in building an even stronger America. Two hundred forty years has taught us that only as one can we truly benefit from the many different opinions and solutions. Only as one can we overcome the vitriol that seems to have settled in our hearts and minds. Together, we succeed, separate, we fail. It really is that simple.
The lyrics end with a startling reminder – “Especially the people, that’s America to me.” Stand next to a friend or relative and look at your reflection in the mirror. The only resemblance is that each has a nose and two eyes, two ears, a mouth. This is where the similarities end because if we look closer we see two different people. This is the strength of America – similar, but different. Now is the time to join with one another and know that through the tears, and the dreams, and the growing, we have developed a country that has never been duplicated, nor will it ever be. August 1945 may have been a different time, but the messages of those offerings are no different today. As we journey into a new chapter in our history perhaps it is appropriate to also remember that by the Grace of God do we flourish. Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
April 2017
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April 2017
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Furry Friends Leptospirosis
You may have heard the chatter at your local dog park or doggie playgroup about a new virus that is running rampant amongst our beloved four-legged friends. The reports boast some alarming numbers, dog fatalities, and signs of a possible outbreak. Much like the childhood game of telephone, as the story passes along the content become more and more misconstrued. So, let’s stick to the facts. Leptospirosis is a virus caused by bacteria called Leptospires. This bacterium lives in fresh water, soil, and mud. It is more commonly found in areas with tropical climates and high annual rainfall. The first case was documented in the 1800’s so it’s been around for some time. Leptospirosis can affect farm animals and dogs but is rare in cats. The most common way that leptospirosis is spread is through the urine of infected animals, which can get into water or soil. Animals can become infected
when they come into direct contact with this contaminated water or soil. The bacteria enter through cuts in the skin or through mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth). Drinking contaminated water may also infect animals. Is my dog at risk? Awareness and prevention are key. As a pet owner, you know your pet best. You know your pet’s personality, energy level, hunger and thirst levels. If you begin to notice that your pet is acting differently, it would make sense to monitor any signs and symptoms closely, such as: •Drinking more than usual •Urinating more than usual •Lack of urination •Redness in the eyes •Severe weakness and depression •Reluctance to eat •Fever over 103.5° F •Vomiting •Diarrhea •Stiffness or severe muscle pain In terms of prevention, keep a
close eye on your dog to ensure he is not drinking from puddles or community water bowls – easier said than done for sure! According to the CDC, dogs may pass the virus to each other; however this is rare. Not all dogs that come into contact with leptospirosis will contract it either. There are vaccinations available for Leptospirosis. Please speak extensively with your veterinarian about the best option for your dog based on his/ her age, present health and any underlining medical conditions. Be sure to ask about the potential risks and side effects so that, together, you can make the best decision in the present moment for the safety and health of your beloved fur-friend. If you think your pet may have leptospirosis, contact your veterinarian immediately. Submitted by Kristin Robinson, of Community Paws, W Valley resident
Gina Sullivan Realtor
The Golfers Choice in Real Estate
(480) 818-2222 gksullivan@cox.net 12 The Park
April 2017
Planning Wedding planner tricks for a polished event on a budget Planning your wedding is one of the most important management jobs you’ll ever take on. A professional wedding planner could help make the day go smoothly, but you can also achieve the same effect yourself for less money. You can still pull off a polished wedding if you borrow a few tactics from a wedding planner’s bag of tricks. Professional wedding planners don’t stockpile wedding items, they rent what they need to make a wedding run smoothly and look great. From tents and outdoor heaters, tables and chairs, to glassware, dishes, dance floors and decor, rental stores supply the wedding industry with the basics, luxuries and everything in between. “Working with rental companies is like being in a fantasyland,” Minneapolis-based wedding professionals Matthew Trettel and
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Bruce Vassar, The Wedding Guys, recently said in an interview. “There are so many endless possibilities, and the only thing holding you back is the event budget.” Professional wedding planners use their organizational skills to ensure weddings go smoothly despite any surprises that arise. You can employ many of the same organizational tricks they use to help yourself manage the numerous details that go into a wedding, including: * Create an inspiration board. Gathering your color choices, theme elements and inspirations in one spot can help your decision-making process. * The budget can be the most challenging aspect to manage, so be sure to talk with your partner about your budget before you sign any contracts. * Numerous types of planning helpers are available, from online worksheets to apps, books and old-fashioned paper planners.
Find one that’s easy for you to use and stick with it. Professional wedding planners have networks of vendors to choose from. You can also network to find vendors for your wedding. Ask family, friends and co-workers for recommendations. Talk to any couples whose wedding you recently attended to see who they recommend. Another trick is to find one professional with whom you really connect - a photographer, florist or entertainer - and ask for referrals to other quality professionals he or she likes working with. Check out their websites and feedback on social media to get an idea of their work. Planning a wedding can be challenging and rewarding. With a few tricks borrowed from professional planners, such as renting what you need, you can create the wedding of your dreams on your real-world budget.
April 2017
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Puzzles & Games
Sudoku for April
Solution
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!
3
2
9
4
5
6
1
7
8
9
6
1
2
7 3
8
4
5
1 7 2 5 6 9
5 8 6 2 4 3
6 4 9 3 8 1 7
5 7 2 4 3 8 6
3 6 1 9 4 5 2
4 8 3 5 7 9 1
9
1
5
8
7
7
3
4
9
6
8
2
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8
7
7
6
4
1
2
1
2
3
9
9
3
4
6
5
5
4
8
3
3
2
2
7
8
1
8
9
8
5
5
1
7
6
3
7
6
3
1
9
4
8
April 2017
Business Directory AUTO SERVICES Litchfield Auto Repair
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 State Farm Insurance-T Gremillion 623.386.7767 HEALTHCARE & BEAUTY Active Life Pain Center Healthy Life Family Medicine Olson Orthodontics Permanent Make Up by Kari Skincare Extraordinaire
623.535.9777 623.889.3477 623.536.7004 602.295.7373 623.826.3726
HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Beckham Electric CTR Construction Desired Handyman Dirt Busters House Cleaning Estrella Mountain Pest Control JBS Roofing Lifetime Moving
480.370.1014 623.680.4878 623.910.5183 623.977.6725 623.680.6619 623.247.9252 602.344.9988
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LJ Designs Studio Proficient Pest Specialists Super Green Solutions The Window Cleaner AZ Urgent Air Younger Brothers Exterminating
623.332.1060 623.933.2847 480.485.8498 623.738.6064 602.377.1999 623.487.3147
REAL ESTATE REMax- G Sullivan West Valley Homewatch
480.818.2222 623.594.9283
RECREATION Eleutheria Wellness Wildlife World Zoo
623.986.5110 623.935.9453
RETAIL Budget Blinds of Goodyear Elements Sun Screens Pure Patio Steel Shield Security Doors
480.629.8854 602.999.4384 623.299.8000 623.977.3277
April 2017
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Serving the Valley for Over 30 Years!
“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 16 The Park
www.JBSroofingAZ.com
April 2017