The Park
July 2017
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From Me To You...
Welcome!
to the July edition of The Park a magazine for Litchfield residents. As a new parent it is stunning how much you have to learn. I remember leaving the hospital with my first child thinking, “What do I do next?” I mean, when you buy a car they give you multiple books explaining the workings of your new vehicle; where was my New Baby Instruction Manual. Or pamphlet? Anything?? I do remember the books I bought to help me figure everything out. One told me to let my baby cry herself to sleep. The other one warned of the dangers of not picking her up immediately! One said “Feed your child whenever she is hungry.” The next, “Put your child on a schedule that suits your lifestyle.” Good Grief Charlie Brown! I managed to figure it all out and despite the confusion both of us felt then, we made it to... The Terrible Twos! The biggest question in my mind in this stage? “Why is she upset now??” Milk too cold? Shoes too tight or too loose? Parents not allowing the latest death-defying stunt? It was a never-ending guessing game.
2 The Park
I felt like a firefighter constantly putting out small fires, hoping none of them grew too big to handle on my own. On to the Middle Ages, or as I like to call them The Golden Years. During this halcyon era I knew EVERYTHING. Thanks to Google all I had to do to answer any question was simply type in a few keys and voila! What is the circumference of the sun? 2,713,406 miles. Easy! Well now I have teenagers and I am back to knowing nothing. At least that’s what they tell me! 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
July 2017
Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies and article reproductions can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com All contents Š 2009-2017 Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited. Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Advertisers. Estrella Publishing reserves the right to restrict all advertisement to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy at its sole discretion. Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way.
The Park
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
July 2017
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4 The Park
July 2017
Best Advice
Too Much Knowledge There’s a maxim that we should always be learning. Always a student even when that student becomes the master. Technology is an example where we have to keep up with learning the new gadget functions or we would quickly fall behind the rest of the world. No matter how smart you might want to be sometimes it’s better NOT to know stuff. The ignorance is bliss mentality has merit. Knowing how hot dogs are processed could be traumatic. That information won’t make a difference to many because hot dogs taste too darn good especially with chili, cheese, and onions. Did you know the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a book on food processing? It makes sense to have some sort of oversight on food production. It’s titled “The Food Defect Action Levels” and it’s on the FDA website if you want to read it. So, would you feel more or less comfortable knowing this guideline includes acceptable levels of bug parts in food production? Think about that next time you eat crunchy peanut butter.
I sort of know how a car engine works. Back in the day, I could even do minor and emergency engine repairs. Today, the combustion engine has the same basic principals, but the design is too strange for me to attempt anything more than adding windshield washing fluid. Do I really care how the engine works? Nope. I have people to fix my stuff (Shameless promotion: You can find great local reapir shops and other businesses at southwestvalleychamber.org). I just want my car and scooter to operational when I’m ready to hit the road. Yes, I ride a scooter and look cool riding it.
What about a family member or friend who has to share their medical issues? Too many post-dinner conversations with the family revolved around someone’s recent or upcoming “procedure.” Of course, I’m concerned when someone close to me is sick. It doesn’t mean me or anyone else really wants to listen to the graphic descriptions about gastrointestinal problems. Euphemisms are much easier to hear and sometimes funny. “Pooh” is a good example unless you’re really talking about a willy, nilly, silly old bear. Someone might say happiness comes from knowing just enough to enjoy life. That information overload happens too frequently and we get buried in too much detail. Nature is all about balance. Find that spot in the middle where you can enjoy hot dogs and not worry too much about the details.
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Then we are your church. 300 N Old Litchfield Rd · LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ 85340 623-935-3411 · CHURCHATLITCHFIELDPARK.org
The Park
July 2017
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DATA SHARING Becoming a savvier online shopper Every day, people use data to influence their decision making - from where to go for dinner, to selecting stocks in which they should invest, to where to live. Every Google search we perform, every Yelp review read or written, each item of clothing, houseware or electronic device we put in our virtual cart, is another data point companies can use to personalize our experience with their brands. This begs the question: How do we differentiate between those brands that are using our data the right way, versus those that have a long way to go? Second, how do we help the brands we love understand us better without sacrificing our privacy? 1. Understand which data to share. Think about your favorite shopping app or website. Does it know which brands you prefer? What about your shoe size? Does it have your zip code stored for shipping estimates? Does it make appropriate recommendations? The strongest relationships in life work both ways, so if you want a brand to know what you want from them, perhaps it’s time to share a little. Taking five minutes to fill out some basic profile information in your “preferences” could, at the very least, save you time on future shopping excursions.
whether the price is high or low. The art of finding the best deal is really in comparing the data. 3. Know where to draw the line. At the end of the day, privacy is still important, and it’s prudent not to share too much personal information. Think critically about which data is going to be absolutely necessary to enhance your experience with the companies you rely on. For example, it’s not necessary to share your contact list, your geolocation or access to your camera if you’re using a music or financial app. Some brands ask for too much, and it’s up to each individual to determine which data makes sense to share with each brand and what doesn’t. Also, as painful as it may be, do read the privacy policy of the sites you frequent and understand how they use and protect the personal information they collect on you. There is still a lot of room for growth when it comes to companies effectively using data to address consumer needs. It’s up to each one of us to make sure we are sharing the right data with them, while also using that data to our advantage to get the best deals and online experience possible.
2. Use data to get the best deals. When you’re shopping online, you can quickly compare prices for the exact item you want to purchase across multiple vendors, and be alerted should the item go on sale. The best example is travel. There seems to be a never-ending list of websites available for booking flights and hotels, but booking the first flight you see without shopping around is rarely going to get you the best deal. Luckily, some of the top search engines are making this even easier for consumers by indicating
6 The Park
July 2017
The Other Caregiver
Life As A Caregiver
So…..you’re the caregiver to your loved one. Roughly 40 Million Americans devote their lives to caring for their loved ones. It is a noble, loving, commendable and rewarding job. But it is also stressful, heartbreaking, at times exhausting, and a 24/7 commitment. Statistics show that it is the long-term caregiver who often deteriorates (or even dies) before the patient due to the enormity of the task at-hand. That is why it is MANDATORY that you find a part-time professional caregiver to assist. I am very fortunate to have found a true angel to help me through this Alzheimer’s journey. Now. But it wasn’t always the case. Back in the Bay Area, when mom was in the early stages of the disease, we had four caregivers over the course of about three years. All of them started out great, but after a few months they weren’t great at all. Of course, the circumstances were different then. Mom didn’t live with me in a casita, I still worked, and she was still pretty functional. All but one caregiver came from an agency. I guess my expectations were quite high because I had interviewed them all thoroughly. But, they eventually turned out to be unacceptable and not very responsible. When we moved to Arizona, I was really at a loss at first hardly knowing anyone. But after a while, someone had recommended a person to me, so I went with them. Again, she started out fine. So I thought it would be ok for me to take a trip back to the Bay Area to wrap-up some loose ends. I wasn’t gone an hour before the caregiver called me because she had forgotten her key to my mom’s casita and was going to climb through the window. WHAT?!? Needless to say, I let her go!
We have been with Rose now for about two-anda-half years. She and her husband are like part of the family. In fact, Buddy (my dog) considers her part of his “pack”. Because Buddy is such a faithful companion to my mom each and every day, Rose cares for him during her visits, as well. She comes regularly twice-a-week for four hours each, and then when I am going away or am going out, she comes then, as well. Since she lives so close, it works out beautifully.
Her job responsibilities include bathing mom, giving her breakfast and lunch (unless we switch that to lunch and dinner due to my schedule), walking her around, visiting with her…and whatever else needs to be done. What she doesn’t do is laundry, running errands, administering meds (unless I am away), or cleaning the casita. The two of them have developed a strong bond and true love for each other. It is a blessing like you’ll never know. Good caregivers are hard to find. And they can be very expensive. But they are essential for YOUR sanity, YOUR piece-of-mind, YOUR stress-level… and YOUR health. Hopefully, yours will have a blend of knowledge, kindness and firmness, and a true understanding of the precious cargo she is caring for….like mine does. Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident
Then a neighbor recommended Rose. Rose lives around the corner from me and though not a professional caregiver, she has worked in the healthcare industry for many years and has taken care of elders with varying degrees of Alzheimer’s. I loved her immediately. Her Serbian accent was endearing and her energy and passion for people shined like a beacon. She knew what to do.
The Park
July 2017
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Positive Parenting Don’t Let Your Kids Graduate…into Financial Ruin For parents of the recently graduated class of 2017 – at every age level – this time might be bittersweet. But, even though class might be over, there is one more lesson parents must ensure their kids learn before the new school year starts. Financial literacy. In an effort to help ease this anxiety-ridden discussion, below are some key areas that should be discussed as we enter this new school year – and some clever ways to address them with kids. Where does money come from? Turns out, money neither grows on trees nor out of parents’ wallets. And, not all money is meant to be for “fun” stuff. But how do you get a kid to understand this? Why not focus on a “money in, money out” budget with them? “So far in their lives, children have most likely focused on money going out. But where does it go? And when? A budget, reviewed with and by a parent each month, can be an easy way to show the value of money on a regular basis,” said Mike Brown of Washington Federal.
“Credit card companies generally offer low limits to young adults entering college. This typically allows for more freshmen to apply and get approved as soon as possible. Some offer incentives to apply,” said Matt Dana, a wealth preservation attorney at Quarles & Brady. “By working with them on credit starting from a young age, they will grow to understand the impact of good or bad credit on one’s life.” Don’t do it alone! Sure, parents are the first – and best – figures to talk about money with children and teens. However, you are not alone! There are resources to help reinforce your messages and lessons. Brown notes that Washington Federal offers the Washington Federal Financial Scholars Program, a financial education curriculum designed to provide students with the critical skills needed to make sound financial decisions. The program provides schools with Everfi’s interactive, web-based financial management education tool at no cost to either the school itself or taxpayers. Submitted by Alison Bailin Batz
The lesson: Sometimes a lifestyle adjustment is required in order to ensure one does not exceed money going out versus money coming in. Credit credits are supposed to be paid back? Professionals like Brown recommend working with children on building credit at a young age, but only if they can do so without maxing out on their available balance, straining to make payments or, worse, defaulting. This is an especially important lesson to be instilling before college.
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July 2017
Home Safe How To Chose A Homewatch Company This may seem like an obvious answer but there are several factors that go into choosing the best Homewatch company for your needs. Accessibility. Is the company based close by? If it is going to take someone an hour to get to your home in case of emergency then they are probably not the right fit for you. If your alarm goes off in the middle of the night can your homewatch company get there before the police leave? If your water tank bursts (happens more often than I care to mention) can someone get there before significant damage occurs? If you are expecting a contractor to be at your home and they need to be let in (and then have your house secured after they leave) is your homewatch company able to do that? Reliability. Has your company been in business for a few years or a few months? Can you be confident that when you leave your home in their hands, everything will be taken care of? Interview them. Talk to them. See if you have that feeling of comfort before you choose your homewatch company. Ask how long they have been in business. How many homes do they lose every year? Home many homes have they been watching since the beginning? Do they have a good relationship with the local Fire/ Police Departments? Who will have access to your property? Is there a back up in case of emergency or vacation. Yes we take vacations too. You need to know the people who will be in your home in any situation. How do they handle and identify your keys, who has access to them and where are they kept? A nice label with your address may seem logical but not if the keys are lost or stolen. A good homewatch company will have a coded system to identify keys and will keep them in a secure place. Also they will ensure that no-one but the company can access them. Do they check your home on the same day and time every visit? Thieves casing a house will note the regular time that homewatch is there and will work around that schedule. If your homewatch company has an erratic and irregular schedule it is almost impossible for burglars to use that to their advantage. Use your instincts and ask questions, these people will be responsible for your most valuable asset. The Park
July 2017
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Living With Faith There is light in darkness Most of us, when we think of darkness cannot understand that there is light in darkness. We tend to concentrate on the concept and perception that darkness leaves us blind to the world around us. Perhaps we could relate better if we were actually blind. People who have lost their sight find the light of day in the emptiness of space – a never-ending journey in the quest for the brightness of life. Such thoughts ran through my mind as I read the following written by an eleven-year old girl and read at her graduation from elementary school: “The darkness is the warm comfort of silence. It is the beautiful color that puts every child to sleep. It is not death, but life. It is the time of rest and relaxation. Darkness is the kiss I receive meaning goodnight. It is the covers pulled over my head as I think of sleep. It is the comfort of the pillow resting below my head. Darkness is my eyes slowly closing. It makes the darkness of the day form into the light of the night. It is the lights turning off meaning sleep and rest. Happiness swims into dreams. It is waking up from a nightmare and sneaking into my parent’s room to sleep once more. It is the dreams that form that will soon be fading from my memory. It is the relief of ending and forming of a new day, and a new opportunity.” -Maddie Scharf
that never seems to fade. The truth is that dreams change with time, but still we continue to dream because, life as we know it, is filled with all sorts of dreams. This young girl can teach us a very valuable lesson: Darkness may engulf us, but then we reach for the comfort of those whom we love and who love us. The young among us are filled with so many dreams, but they all concentrate on living, and growing, and feeling secure. Are these not the dreams of all ages, not just the young? We may find darkness when our eyes close, but when morning arrives, the light of a new day enhances our belief that light leads us into the true meaning of life, the purpose for which we were created, and the value we bring to those around us. And even when we are gone, the dreams do not disappear – they just become memories. So, as we learn from an eleven-year old – dream on! Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
I read and re-read these words and understood the value of dreams and the marvel of light emanating from darkness – the darkness of our minds as they wander from fantasy to reality. How many of us dream, wake up and cannot remember the dream? How many of us have dreams of a better life and a better tomorrow? How many of us find our lives shattered because our dreams are not realized? How many of us truly understand that the darkness surrounding us represents the gloom that seems to overpower us? All of life is about dreams. We dream of what could have been, what might have been, what should have been. Perhaps these lead us into a darkness
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July 2017
Emily & Madison Gidley
On Our Cover
Litchfield Park residents for the last 15 years, Emily and Madison are local girls who have already achieved a great accolade. They both earned their Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor for a Girl Scout. (The equivalent of becoming an Eagle Scout) They both has to conceptualise and create a project that gives back to the community, an endeavor that can take as much as 18-24 months. Considering the average attention span of a teenager is about 30 seconds, that level of commitment is astounding. Emily, who graduated from Trivium Prep Academy this year, based her project around the drama department at school. As a relatively new institution, the school has a stage but no funds to provide sets or decorations. Emily took it upon herself to fund raise and build sets and backdrops that could be used going forwards. She was inspired by her drama teacher and her love of creativity. It took Emily over 107 hours to gather donations from the community, and create the beautiful sets and backdrops that her alma mater can now use. Emily has accepted a place at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to study Multimedia Animation this fall.
The Park
Madison, a current Trivium Prep student, was inspired by her love of gardening. The new building that houses their school sits on the corner of McDowell and Bullard and is quite austere to look at. Madison chose to create a pollinator garden on land donated by the school. The pollinator garden is full of local plants that are not only beautiful to look at they also attract butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. Madison researched which plants would thrive in our desert climate and created pathways so students can walk among them. As part of the garden she also created signs in English and Latin, labelling and describing each plant. Both girls started as brownies when they were young and continued into the girl scouts. They believe that the organization has given them so much to rely on. “Being a Girl Scout has been a great experience, you learn about community and leadership. It teaches you life skills that you don’t get in school.� Congratulations to both Emily and Madison, we are sure you will take this experience and go on to achieve great things in your future!
July 2017
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Furry Friends Fourth of July brings gatherings with family and good friends, including furry friends. It may seem like a rewarding idea to give your pup some scraps from the grill or bring him along to watch the fireworks, yet in reality, such festivities could prove potentially hazardous to him. More pets run away on the Fourth of July than any other day. It is natural for dogs to be afraid of loud noises. The sounds trigger their nervous systems, and they can become anxious or afraid. To your dog, the experience of fireworks is different than other natural loud noises, like thunderstorms. This does not need to be the case this year. Please take extra steps to ensure the safety of your pets. Here are some helpful tips: • Exercise your pets earlier in the day to tire them out and release any anxious energy. • Keep your pets indoors. Make sure that there is a quiet place, such as a carrier or crate that they can retreat to if need be. Close the curtains and turn on the TV or radio. A Kong filled with a yummy treat may also offer a much needed distraction when the festivities start booming. • If you must bring your pets with you to the fireworks, please make sure they are leashed or in a carrier so that they do not run off. Running away from the noise is a survival instinct for dogs.
• Remember, though, while humans communicate with words, dogs communicate with energy, and will look to their pack leader for clues on how they should behave. If you’re not making a big deal or showing excitement about the fireworks, then your pups will learn to be less concerned as well. • Keep a watchful eye on your pets during the fireworks, and make sure that they are wearing proper up-to-date identification tags and are microchipped with current information. This is key. • Keep your pets away from matches, open fires, and fireworks. This may seem like common sense, yet, there are far too many accidents that occur when curious pooches get too close to the flames or try to sniff, or eat, something that they shouldn’t. These simple summer safety tips will help to keep your favorite fur-friends safe and secure this Fourth of July season. And as always, make sure you talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns you may have about your pets handling the hot summer weather. 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
July 2017
The Park
July 2017
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Puzzles & Games Sudoku for July
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Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!
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July 2017
Business Directory AUTO SERVICES Desert Princess Carriage Service Litchfield Auto Repair
602.300.7076 623.882.8700
BUSINESS & NETWORKING Estrella Partners Group
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The Park
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REAL ESTATE REMax- G Sullivan Essential Properties - S Klug West Valley Homewatch
480.818.2222 623.521.0250 623.594.9283
RECREATION Eleutheria Wellness
623.986.5110
RETAIL Budget Blinds of Goodyear Elements Sun Screens Estrella Ordnance Foot Solutions Pure Patio Steel Shield Security Doors
480.629.8854 602.999.4384 623.262.2154 623.536.6676 623.299.8000 623.977.3277
July 2017
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Serving the Valley for Over 30 Years!
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623.247.9252 16 The Park
www.JBSroofingAZ.com
July 2017