The Park
August 2017
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From Me To You...
Welcome!
to the August edition of The Park a magazine for Litchfield residents. Growing up, my father’s favorite phrase was “Silence is golden!” I guess it was his polite was of telling us to shut up, but we blew it off as just one of those funny things Dad said. Although silence is a wonderful thing now, when my children were young silence meant trouble. I knew to fear those moments, especially when the silence was followed by an “Uh oh...” That one usually involved calling a handyman. A family friend once told me that when her 5 children were young she made them sing the whole time they were in the bath. That way she could tend to other things while they played (and got clean). Silence in that situation meant Danger! I must point out that these children were over 4 at this time and several of them went on to become professional musicians. Perhaps she was onto something.
social media and the accessibility of our lives we are constantly being sucked in to the FOMO - Fear Of Missing Out. So we check our phones every few minutes - or seconds. The life that we are watching on our devices is mostly not enriching us, it is distracting us, as real life whizzes by unnoticed. Now that the monsoons are in full swing and some of our mornings are cooling down, I love to sit outside with a cup of coffee and listen to the silence. It is never really silent, there are birds chirping, the occasional car driving past and a dog barking. But in that moment silence truly is golden.
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, The Park Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283
As an adult I recognise the beauty of silence. Just being still in the moment is such a rare commodity nowadays. With the onslaught of
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August 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
August 2017
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August 2017
Best Advice
The Quiet Ones Do quiet people make history? Mother Teresa is an historic figure, but she wasn’t the inyour-face, media-hogging buffoon we see too often today. Keanu Reeves is a well-known, successful actor. There have been news stories and reports that he’s a quiet and humble person. To see for yourself, search for the video where Keanu gives his seat on the subway to a woman who was standing. Good manners have nothing to do with income only quality of character. It does seem like the quiet ones making history are more infamous than famous. The so-called quiet ones turn out to be less wallflower and more serial killers, like Ted Bundy. He was shy in his childhood
years. The Zodiac Killer would be an exception to the “quiet” theory. This person sent coded messages to local newspapers that explained his or her motives and even their identity, which has never been determined. You get the idea, so let’s change to happier thoughts.
Is it only the loud and proud who get the attention? Martin Luther King Jr. spoke many words of wisdom. Even Gandhi wasn’t completely passive. Nikita Khrushchev had his shoe in his hand pounding it on the podium during his United Nations speech in 1960. That was only one way he made history.
History is not only about the world, it’s about you. It’s what makes you who you are right now if we are the sum of our experiences. The world might not care that a teacher gave extra attention to a struggling student. It matters to the student and the student’s parents. The neighbor who pulls weeds out of your • Custom Builds yard so the • Golf Cart Garages association
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doesn’t fine you will never find their name in a history book.
Who are the quiet people in your life who make the world a better place? I bet there are many; even more than the ones who popped into your head after reading the question. Back in the day, I lived in several cities with metered street parking. I’m one of many people who put money in expired parking meters for strangers. I still do that today in the few places that still have parking meters and if I happen to have some coins in my pocket. My actions are minuscule compared to how much Mother Teresa accomplished. The person saved from a parking ticket might be grateful for the actions of a stranger. It became part of their history even for a brief moment. The quiet ones in your life might never be recorded in history books, but they’ve made a difference in your life. Remember: there’s at least one person who thinks you’re the quiet history maker, too. Submitted by John Safin, President and CEO of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Are you looking for a church... that welcomes everyone? With relevant messages? With children’s programs That teach service to others?
Then we are your church. 300 N Old Litchfield Rd · LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ 85340 623-935-3411 · CHURCHATLITCHFIELDPARK.org
The Park
August 2017
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Yum Yum Seasoning tips to help you savor a great grilling season Sure, a dash of salt and pepper may be all you need for some premium cuts of meat, but creative seasoning with organic spices and herbs can enhance the taste of virtually everything you grill. The organic seasoning experts at Frontier Co-op offer some tips for using seasonings to achieve greater grilling this spring and summer: Dry or wet? That’s the rub Two of the most common ways to add seasonings to grilled food is through the use of a rub or marinade. What’s the difference between the two? It’s not just that one is dry and the other wet, because some rubs are wet, too. Generally, rubs are mixtures of dry spices that you rub on food to add flavor before cooking. They’re good for high-fat foods like meat, and often contain salt and sugar, which also promotes the formation of a crust on the food when you grill it. Usually, after applying a rub you’ll want to let the food sit an hour or two before grilling it. Marinades are typically liquid seasoned with spices to add flavor to food and sometimes
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tenderize it. You place the food in the liquid and allow it to sit for a set period of time - a few hours to overnight. When you’re ready to cook, remove the food from the marinade and use a brush or rubber spatula to remove excess marinade before placing the food on the grill. Marinades are great for vegetables and meat, poultry or fish that tend to be dry. Other ways to spice things up Of course, seasonings can add flavor to food in multiple ways. For example, if you’re soaking vegetables or fruit before grilling, you can add herbs and spices to the soaking water. In addition to absorbing liquid, the food will also soak up the great flavor of the seasonings. Some foods benefit from basting during the grilling process. You can enhance the flavor of the food by adding seasonings to the butter or liquid you use for basting. If you use foil packets to steam fish, veggies or fruit on the grill, you can add seasonings directly atop the food before folding the foil, or add them to a bit of liquid at the base of the packet. Pairing seasonings with food Some food/seasoning pairings are obvious, like
apples and cinnamon or fish and lemon pepper. However, a wide range of seasonings can elevate the flavor of a variety of foods. Here are a few creative pairings to try this summer grilling season: * Cardamom - Pork, apples, pears, citrus fruits, cabbage and carrots * Cloves - Beef, pork, sweet potatoes, onions, apples, pears, citrus fruits and peaches * Cumin - Hamburgers, pork, chicken (marinades), tofu, tempeh and cabbage * Ginger - Steak, chicken, fish, seafood and fruits * Marjoram - Burgers, chicken, fish, lamp, poultry and vegetables * Poppy seed - Potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions and zucchini * Saffron - Chicken and fish * Turmeric - Lamb, beans and zucchini
August 2017
Stress-relief & the Kindness of Others
Life As A Caregiver
I talked about taking care of YOU in my last blog as it related to finding a good caregiver to help give you a respite from caring for your loved one. There are other things that can help you find ways to take care of yourself, as well. One is fairly obvious. Working-out is probably the best stress-reliever we have. But that doesn’t mean you have to join an expensive gym or go crazy working-out for hours and hours. Around-the-house remedies are also very effective: a brisk walk around the block, lifting hand weights in your living room while watching tv, practicing yoga, using a hula hoop or jump rope in the garage, dancing to your favorite fast-paced music, or (like I just did) purchasing a mini trampoline & bounce around. Any one of these can help clear your mind and refresh your body. Craft projects (if you are so inclined) can also relieve stress. I enjoy creating something with my hands (as long as I have a picture or directions to follow) and have done numerous projects which have brought me enormous amounts of pleasure, healthy frustration, and positive reinforcement. You must choose wisely and not overdue it, but using your creative mind is a very healthy way to release stress. As is reading! Nothing says stressrelief like immersing yourself in a good book!!!
time because I am an only child, unmarried and without children. While it’s not a bad thing to be in this on my own, there are times when it would be nice to have someone to lean on when making tough decisions. NOTE: That is only the case if I were to have a harmonious family. I am thankful that I don’t have to fight or argue with siblings or a spouse on how to care for my mother as some people have to endure. This new Arizona community of mine has been wonderful in offering their support. Many have offered to come and care for mom for a day so I can have some personal time. The ONLY upsides to mom & Buddy staying in her casita most of the day is that she is safe, she is as comfortable as she can be, and it allows me to do fun things with friends. But I’m never too far from home, unless Rose is there.
about wanting to do a bit of traveling, so they discussed among themselves about creating a plan to have several Rotarians and friends sign-up to care for my mom for a couple of weeks so that I could do that. When they told me about their plan, I was speechless…and filled with emotion. What a kind, wonderful and selfless gesture… and probably one of the dearest things I have ever had anyone say to me. And who knows….I just might take them up on it! The point here is….find things to do that make you happy and will mentally & physically give you a break. And reach out for help when you need it. The stronger and calmer you are, the better caregiver you will make and the healthier you will be! Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident
I recently had an amazing offering from one of my favorite Rotary friends and his wife. They knew I had been lamenting
But the most important thing when going through this Alzheimer’s journey is to let those around you know. People can’t help you if they don’t know what you’re going through. In my case, I really do need help from time to
The Park
August 2017
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Positive Parenting From students to leaders: How today’s youth are preparing for the future You don’t have to grow crops or raise livestock in order to understand the vital role both play within society, nor do you have to reside in rural America to understand the value of the farmers and ranchers that do. From the food we eat to the health of the local environment, the importance of agriculture is boundless. But for agriculture to continue to advance, it’s essential to educate and inspire young minds, invest in the next generation, and turn today’s youth into tomorrow’s agricultural leaders. That’s where youth agricultural organizations come in. According to Phil Reiter, vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply Company, a longtime supporter of AG-centric programs like 4-H and FFA, members of these organizations are not only learning invaluable life skills but they’re also having a great time while doing it.
events that involve socializing with friends and meeting new people from across the country. From attending local fairs to competing in contests and career development events, members have the opportunity to travel and work alongside classmates that have similar interests as them. Growing Confidence Group meetings provide a fun setting for members to interact with both peers and adults. Throughout the year and during fair season, members are often required to address large crowds. Whether it’s presenting animals to a panel of judges or giving a speech, high-pressure situations like these teach students about preparation, poise and public speaking. Leadership Opportunities Both 4-H and FFA focus on empowering young people to take on leadership positions within their respective organizations. While in FFA, members elect their own officers and are responsible for planning and conducting
activities throughout the year. Civic Responsibility Giving back is a primary component of 4-H and FFA, and throughout the year members spend ample time coordinating various fundraising campaigns to benefit their communities. Recognition Participating in youth agricultural organizations means being surrounded by a variety of adult role models. Throughout the year, members attend events and meet executives from some of the country’s top corporations, through which many members form connections and receive recognition for their hard work.
“These programs were designed to be a fun and effective way for students to explore a critically important industry,” said Reiter. “Aside from learning about responsibility and leadership, members also have the ability to form strong, long-lasting relationships with peers that share similar interests and passions.” Through involvement in youth agricultural programs, students can look forward to the following: Good Friends Agricultural organizations give students the opportunity to be actively engaged in projects and
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August 2017
Home Safe Burglaries peak in summer: Is your home secure? Whether you’re planning a day trip or a month-long extravaganza, summer is full of opportunity for you. But what about your empty house while you’re away? Unfortunately summer months are also peak periods for home burglaries. Seasonal patterns exist in household burglary rates, according the U.S. Department of Justice, with these crimes happening more frequently in the summer than during other seasons of the year because people are traveling more and are away from their homes. Give yourself peace of mind no matter where you are by taking a few proactive steps to protect your home today. Step 1: A smart home is a secure home Law enforcement agencies agree that one of the best ways to protect a home is with a security system. Something as simple as a sign noting an alarm system is onsite can be enough to deter a potential theft. Closing and locking all doors and then setting an alarm dramatically decreases burglary odds. Step 2: Avoid signs that show your home is vacant An empty home is an easy target for break-ins. It can be pretty obvious when homeowners are away, especially if they’ve been gone for a while. Stop your mail and newspaper delivery when traveling, and hire a homewatch company to gather these items for you so they don’t accumulate on your property. Keep in mind social media has become a rich resource for criminals. Keep profile settings to private and never post photos or other messages on social media about your vacation while still away. Travel posts are like news alerts that your home is empty. Step 3: Rid your property of hiding spots and easy points of entry Homes with lots of overgrowth and natural coverage provide hiding spots that make break-ins simpler. That means now is the time to trim bushes, hedges and trees, especially around entrance points in the home. Summer should be a time of relaxation instead of worry. These three steps can help you be smart about securing your home so you can actually enjoy that vacation.
The Park
August 2017
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Money Matters 7 tips for balancing retirement savings and paying for college Most people want to help their children pay for a quality college education, but it can be difficult to balance personal financial goals and funding your kids’ educational aspirations. When retirement savings is sacrificed for college costs, it can be a disservice to the entire family. To help guide you in determining the best way to pay for your kids’ college while still funding your retirement savings, personal finance expert and host of the So Money podcast Farnoosh Torabi offers seven smart tips. Tip 1: Don’t put retirement on the back burner. While funding your children’s college education is important, your retirement savings should take priority. Strive to contribute 10 to 15 percent of your takehome pay toward retirement savings. The reality is college is four years and retirement can be 30+ years. Plus, there’s no scholarship for retirement like there is for college! Tip 2: Take the free money. If your workplace retirement plan comes with a match, take it. Contribute the minimum to receive your employer match. At
the end of the day, it’s free money and that’s the best kind. Tip 3: Involve your children in the college cost discussion. College is expensive, so make sure you’re discussing with your kids overall costs and what you’re willing to contribute. Have them help research financial aid and scholarship opportunities, too. Remember, you want to find a school that’s the best fit - so don’t let the initial “sticker price” scare your children from applying. Some private colleges may give the best aid packages, but other times they may not. Tip 4: Don’t take on more than you can afford. While involving your children in the discussion, it’s also important to make sure you’re not setting them up for failure when they graduate. As they research student loan possibilities, make sure they’ll be able to comfortably afford payments once they graduate, and that they’re not taking on too much debt. Tip 5: Consider the college savings plan that’s best for you. Consider opening a 529 that allows flexible spending toward higher education. Should your child choose to
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forgo traditional college education or not require the funds set aside, you can easily change the beneficiary to another child or relative. If you’re skeptical of a 529, consider a Roth IRA if your income limits allow. Tip 6: Starting late? Play catchup. If saving for retirement has not been a priority, it’s time to get aggressive. Pare down costs where possible and take advantage of catch-up contributions. Tip 7: Don’t become the “bank of Mom and Dad.” You want to help your kids, but once you set the precedent that it’s OK for your children to ask for money (or a contribution toward college), they may feel they can frequently approach you later in life for funds. Don’t set the tone that you’ll always be there to financially support them. You want them to grow wings so they can fly independently. While you should talk with your child about potential majors and career paths, it’s important also to add financial conversations into the mix.
August 2017
T.T.T. Society sends Fourth Grade Girls to Summer Camp The National T.T.T. Society is an organization of women who give their time, talent and treasures to send girls to camp. The Society has chapters located in 11 states and Arizona has three of them. Arizona Chapter P, PebbleCreek located in Goodyear, was formed in 2006 and since that time has sent 56 fourth grade girls to camp. The number sent each year depends upon the funding available for that year. In June 2017 six girls were sent on a one week all expenses paid trip to Camp Willow Springs in Prescott, AZ. Chapter P members make a difference in the lives of deserving young girls by providing for them a summer camp experience. Finding the girls who will benefit the most from a week at camp
The Park
On Our Cover
begins with the help of the teachers and counselors at the Barbara B. Robey Elementary School in Litchfield Park. They know the girls and provide a list of 10 year olds whom they feel will get the most out of a week of summer camp. Chapter P’s Camp Committee schedules separate meetings with the teachers and parents to review and complete required paperwork. During this time the girls also get to meet each other at a pizza party hosted by chapter members. Each girl is taken shopping to purchase clothes for camp. All other shopping for everything else they will need for one week at camp is done by Chapter P members.
To provide this all expenses paid trip, Chapter P has two annual fundraisers. We sell poinsettias in the fall and Butter Braids in the spring. We also have a GoFundMe account for donations.
We are always delighted to see the changes in the girls when they return from camp, such as more independence and selfconfidence. We love to hear their stories of their camp experiences and new friendships formed. Our contact does not end with their return from camp, we stay in touch with them and usually plan a Camper Reunion dinner during the fall and send gift cards during the Christmas holidays. Many of them stay in touch with our members to let them know how they are progressing in school and continue to thank them for providing such an opportunity. For more information on the National T.T.T. Society, we invite you to visit our website at nationaltttsociety.org. We are a nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible. We are a 501Š3 registered organization. Cathi Hollis, Arizona Chapter P
August 2017
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Furry Friends Improve your dog’s emotional life
For millions of pet parents, their beloved dog is more than just a four-legged friend - he’s a member of the family. When looking at products for their pet they are willing to explore all options to ensure they provide the very best items. Although our pets are treated as family members there is one issue that is often overlooked and undertreated in dogs - anxiety. After all, we can’t ask our animals how they’re doing. Nonetheless, 75 million dogs in the U.S. experience anxiety, stress or fear at some point in their lives, and about 24 million of them regularly suffer from these potentially debilitating issues. In some instances it’s genetics. But for many dogs, anxiety often arises as a result of a change in routine such as a thunderstorm, fireworks, encounters with strangers, travel and other loud noises. Any of these can trigger
an anxiety event. Dogs show signs of anxiety or fear in many different ways. Sudden barking, hiding, inappropriate urination, digging, chewing, panting and excessive lip licking are the most common signs of emotional stress. While it may be challenging to identify the triggers, it’s important to understand the science of anxiety in order to best alleviate it. Physical effects Stress does more than just make for an unpleasant few hours; it can have long-lasting physiological effects that can be extremely detrimental. To avoid long-term health problems, it is important to be aware of the common signs and symptoms and to treat anxiety when it occurs in companion animals. Solutions Some drugs, like sedatives, mood modifiers and anxiety medications have been recommended in extreme cases, but the results
have been mixed. Wishing to avoid pharmaceuticals, some owners opt for more natural solutions containing chamomile, passion flower, valerian root, poppy or hops. One of the most effective treatments doesn’t involve drugs at all, but rather, focuses on behavior modification to soothe dogs and calm their senses. At the forefront of this innovative approach is the new Calmz(R) Anxiety Relief System for dogs. The innovative system comes complete with an adjustable Comfort Fit Vest that cradles a device over specific acupressure points on the dog’s spine. The dog will hear and feel a therapeutic blend of classical music, tones and vibration. It’s important to visit a veterinarian or a pet behaviorist to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Anxiety is a serious disorder and it is best to get it under control early on.
Gina Sullivan Realtor
The Golfers Choice in Real Estate
(480) 818-2222 gksullivan@cox.net 12 The Park
August 2017
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The Park
August 2017
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Puzzles & Games Sudoku for August
Solution
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!
7
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6 2 9 4 8 1
1 5 7 8 3 6 9
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9 8 6 2 1 3 7
6 4 3 1 2 9 5
2 9 5 7 8 4 6
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3
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2
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August 2017
Business Directory AUTO SERVICES Desert Princess Carriage Service Litchfield Auto Repair
602.300.7076 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 Permanent Make Up Skincare Extraordinaire
623.535.9777 623.889.3477 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
The Park
LJ Designs Studio Proficient Pest Specialists Super Green Solutions The Window Cleaner AZ Urgent Air Younger Brothers Exterminating Xpress Pool Service
623.332.1060 623.933.2847 480.485.8498 623.738.6064 602.377.1999 623.487.3147 623.853.6859
REAL ESTATE REMax- G Sullivan West Valley Homewatch
480.818.2222 623.594.9283
RECREATION Eleutheria Wellness
623.986.5110
RETAIL Budget Blinds of Goodyear Foot Solutions Pure Patio Steel Shield Security Doors
480.629.8854 623.536.6676 623.299.8000 623.977.3277
August 2017
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August 2017