Up The Hill 10 17

Up The Hill

October 2017

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From Me To You...

Welcome

to the October edition of Up The Hill magazine!

People who know me well know 3 things about me. I am particular about my chocolate, I can’t order water in a restaurant - not because I don’t want it, but because I never get it. And I love to read. I don’t mean I enjoy a good book, I mean I LOVE to read. At one point I was a member of 4 separate book clubs at the same time and still read for pleasure in addition to those required books.

I learn so much from books, things about my surroundings, things from the past, things that could be the future and how other people think. I immerse myself in books and they always become a part of my life at the time.

For example, when I read about the Second World War I become more resilient, willing to find a way to make things work and last. I find myself considering darning socks and rationing the milk. Luckily for my family I usually resist the urge to use Spam in every meal - I guess that is one of those foods you need to grow up with to appreciate.

Here are some interesting facts from my reading of that time. Did you know that bananas were in such short supply in England during the war that one banana was auctioned off for the equivalent of $125! See? You are learning things already. My uncle was diagnosed with a vitamin deficiency and had a prescription for the yellow fruit. I am sure if he had been able he would have sold them as he hated bananas!

What else was rationed? Nylon stockings.

When the war redirected the product to make parachutes women took to using gravy to paint a look-a-like version on their legs, drawing a line down the back with an eyebrow pencil. My dog would have just loved that.

The rumor about carrots being good for your eyesight was started by the British government during the war. The Royal Air Force had been using newly invented radar technology with great success. To misdirect the Germans the propaganda machine put out the story that the pilots were eating copious amounts of carrots to improve their eyesight at night.

It is amazing what you can learn by picking up a book, or a magazine...

Catherine Uretsky Editor, Up The Hill Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283

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October 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.

Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor

Up The Hill

Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec

October 2017

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October Calendar

October 2017

◄ September

Sun

1 Int’l Coffee Day

World Vegetarian Day

2

Mon

• Bridge 12:45pm • Mahjong 3pm • Games Club 6pm • Paint Your Palette

6:30pm

3

Tue

• Estrella Business

Group 8am • Sisters in Stitches 10am • Social Meeting 5pm

• LESD Board Meeting

8 Sukkot

• Estrella Badlanders

Motorcycle Group 11am

15

22 Nat’l Nut Day • SeaWind Nat’l

Championships 9am • Estrella Holiday Portraits 2pm

29 Nat’l Cat Day

Wed

4 Sukkot

World Animal Day • Ladies of the Lake 12pm • Poker 1pm • Budget Meeting 4:30pm • EMES/WES Early Release • Bridge 6pm

November ►

Thu

5 Sukkot

6 Sukkot

Fri

Sat

Nat’l Poetry Day World Smile Day • Hugs & Stitches • Halloween Decorating 9am Contest 8am • Storytime 10:30am • Brew & Banter @ EFHS 8:30am • Communications • Bridge 12:45pm Meeting 4:30pm • Bunco 7pm • Life Adjustment Group 6pm

7 Sukkot

• Estrella Motorcycle

Riding Group (Badlanders) 11am

9 Sukkot 10 Sukkot Columbus Day World Mental Health Leif Erikson Day • EMES/WES No • EMES/WES No School School • City Faith & • Bridge 12:45pm Community Roundtable 8:30am • Mahjong 3pm • Sisters in Stitches • Games Club 6pm 10am • City Council Meeting 6pm • Trivia Night 6:30pm

11 Sukkot

12 Shemini Atzeret Int’l Day of the Girl World Sight Day • EMES/WES No Come Out Day School • EMES/WES No • Hugs & Stitches School 9am • Book Club 10am • Photo Group 7pm • Poker 1pm • Medicare/Soc Sec 101 Seminar 6pm • Bridge 6pm • City Planning & Zoning Meeting 6pm • Photo Group 7pm

13 Simchat Torah

16 Bosses Day

18

19 Diwali Spirit Day • Edward Jones Financial Group 9am • Hugs & Stitches 9am • Bingo 6pm

20

21

26

27

28

World Food Day • Bridge 12:45pm • Mahjong 4pm • Games Club 6pm • Genealogy Group 6:45p

23 Mole Day

• Bridge 12:45pm

17

• Sisters in Stitches

10am

24

United Nations Day • Sisters in Stitches • Mahjong 3pm 10am • Games Club 6pm • HOA Board Meeting • City Council Meeting 6:30pm 6pm

30

• Bridge 12:45pm • Mahjong 3pm • Games Club 6pm

31 Halloween

• Sisters in Stitches

10am

• WV RC Mariners

Practice 12pm

• EMES/WES Early

Release • Poker 1pm • Art Gallery meeting 3pm • Bridge 6pm

25

• EMES/WES Early

Release • Poker 1pm • City Youth Meeting 5:30pm • Bridge 6pm • Photo Group 7pm

• Hugs & Stitches

9am • Photo Group 7pm

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• EMES/WES No School • SW Valley Relay for • Coffee Social 8:30am • Bridge 12:45pm

Life

• Coffee with a Cop

8am

• EFHS Football v’s

Yuma @ Yuma 7pm

• Estrella Car Club

9am

• Yacht Club Sailing

Class 10am

• Residents Flu Shots

• Blood Drive 8:30am 8am • SeaWind Nat’l • Coffee Social 8:30am Championship 8:30am • Bridge 12:45pm • City Art of Cultures • SeaWind Nat’l Expo 4pm Championships 1pm • Halloween Scream Fest 6pm • EFHS Football v’s Gila Ridge @ EFHS 7pm • Coffee Social 8:30am • Bridge 12:45pm • Halloween Happy

Nat’l Chocolate Day • City Fall Festival 5pm

Hour 6:40pm

• EFHS Football v’s

Buckeye @ Buckeye 7pm

Notes: Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Birthstone: Opal and Tourmaline Fruits & Veggies: Pears, Persimmons, Ginger, Tumeric, Apples, Pumpkin, Galangal Flower: Calendula Astrological: Libra (till 22ns) & Scorpio (23rd+)

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October 2017

5 Bed I 4 Bth I Estrella Golf View I Basemnt I 4,532 Sq Ft I $559,000

4 Bed I 2.5 Bath I Pool I Estrella Views I 2,713 Sq Ft. I $420,000

3 Bed I 2.5 Bth I Palm Valley I Upgraded I 2,664 Sq Ft. I $334,900

4 Bed I 3 Bath I Estrella Custom w Views I 3,175 Sq. Ft I $515,000

3 Bed I 2 Bath I Great Pool I Estrella I 1,873 Sq. Ft. I $268,000

Scenic Views I Estrella I Custom Lot I 45,925 Sq. Ft. I $145,000

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3 Bed I 2.5 Bath I Verrado I Buckeye I 1,926 Sq. Ft. I $246,000

3 Bed I 2 Bth I Pool I North Lake Estrella I 1,805 Sq Ft I $293,000

480­577­3918 | JJPREALTY@Gmail.com www.JenniferPolansky.com

October 2017

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On Our Cover

Gail Ellis

Our cover model this month is Gail Ellis and in case you couldn’t tell from the picture she collects nurse memorabilia. Her collection contains chamber pots, antique wheelchairs (she is sitting in one), over 700 figurines and 300 ornaments displayed on a tree.

Gail started collecting when she was in nursing school. Her Dad gave her the first piece and since then she picked up a thing here and a thing there. Friends and family soon got into the act and Gail estimates that about 60% of the collection was given to her.

Gail did not originally want to be a nurse, her first choice was teaching Kindergartners but in the 70’s there were no teaching jobs to be had. She loved working with kids so the next logical choice for Gail was nursing. She soon found that she loved it and spent the next 33 years in a career that fit her like a glove.

Gail describes her first job as terrifying and wonderful. She was

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placed in a Pediatric Neurology ward where her patients had brain tumors and as she describes it there were miracles and disasters. The nurse who was supposed to orient her to her job that night didn’t show up and her first patient was a 6 month old baby. “If I can survive this I can survive anything!” Gail thought.

Luckily the LPN on staff was incredibly helpful and they are still friends to this day.

Gail met her husband Bernie when she was working at that children’s hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He was a security officer there working nights too. Once Bernie began to work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons his work took them to many places.

In their time together they have lived in Ohio, Alabama, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, California, Washington D.C., Florida, and Arizona (I am sure I missed out a few states there...)

Gail was happy with her career choice as she could always find a job in a new hospital. She worked everywhere from a huge university hospital to a small 24 bed hospital, rotating everywhere from Pediatrics to Acute Rehab.

The hours also allowed her to

be around for their 2 kids and she loved working with the patients.

Gail and Bernie moved to Estrella in 2003 when he had his final transfer before retiring. They love it here and Gail is incredibly busy. She enjoys Power Ball, Water Aerobics and Zumba, is an active member of a book club. She has season ticket to two separate theatres and loves to go to the movies too. Not to leave out sports, Gail enjoys watching football and baseball.

She is often out with her friends visiting museums or having lunch or dinner. Gail also loves to travel, recently she went to the Galapagos Islands on a once in a lifetime trip with her daughter and the pictures were amazing!

Not surprisingly she is often asked for medical advice from her friends and neighbors.

“I am happy to answer their questions and explain things their doctors have said to them.

It keeps me connected to my nursing life. Although I have threatened to put out a shingle and start charging!”

I have known Gail for many years and I can truly say she is one of the kindest, warmhearted, genuine people I know. Gail, thank you for allowing me to share you with our readers.

October 2017

Life AFTER Caregiving

I read Life As A Caregiver every month and find it very informative. Recently it occurred to me that there has not been an article submitted about what happens when the caregiving is “over”. Our mind knows that more than likely the caregiver will out-live their loved one, but we never envision our life when our loved one is no longer with us. Re-inventing oneself is not easy when our time has been spent making sure that our caregiving is at 100%.

word suddenly because, we, as caregivers, do not plan for the next stage of our lives. It feels like we have to find ourselves again. Life can feel so alone, lost... we need to find a new direction.

It seems, suddenly... our life is in for a change. I use the

At the same time, take the next step! Life can be full filling again!

When you are ready, look at options. Put your caregiving skills to use! Volunteer at a library, be a

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First, allow yourself to grieve.

Grief comes in many forms, don’t be afraid to lean on a confidant, someone who understands when the tears flow. Grief does not have a calendar, and you will need a shoulder.....

reader for the youth. Try different committees at your church. Visit assisted living centers, be a resident’s “hug” for the day! You can even broaden your scope and volunteer at the humane society.

The list is abundant of places to volunteer. Fill out the necessary paperwork and begin your next mission. Don’t be discouraged, it takes time, caregiving was, and is, a gift. You were a gift for a loved one, now you will be using those very same gifts to reinvent yourself.

Continue to move forward with your life, your loved one will be in your heart forever and your gift of caregiving will live on!

Submitted by Denise Varns, Canta Mia Resident.

October 2017

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October 2017

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October 2017

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Furry Friends A Dog’s Point of View

Recently, I got really sick. I had just spent a fun-filled week with all my friends at doggie daycare while my family was on vacation.

Shortly after they brought me home, I started coughing a lot. It was really hard to breathe and I started vomiting. I didn’t feel like eating anything and I was tired all of the time. I was miserable.

One of my family members missed a couple days of work to try to nurse me back to health.

One time we spent the whole night in the bathroom hoping the steam from the hot shower would help my nasty cough. I know it was hard for her as she has a busy job, but she was as scared as I was. When it was clear I wasn’t getting any better, my family decided to take me to my veterinarian, who ran some tests and found that I had contracted H3N2, a new strain of canine influenza, also known as dog flu.

We were surprised to learn that H3N2 has been spreading rapidly across the United States since the first case was reported in 2015.

My vet also shared that:

* Social dogs like me, who go to doggie daycare, dog parks, groomers, or really anywhere that dogs, cats and humans come into contact with one another, are at the highest risk for exposure to and contracting dog flu * Because most dogs have no natural immunity to this highly contagious disease, nearly every dog who comes across it will become infected * H3N8, a relatively less intense strain of dog flu, has been in the United States for more than 13 years, but it can also spread very quickly, like the H3N2 strain * In most dogs, dog flu manifests as some coughing, a runny nose and a slight decrease in appetite and energy * H3N2 can also cause respiratory problems and vomiting, and serious cases of either strain can lead to pneumonia and even death in severe cases * The common kennel cough vaccine doesn’t protect against dog flu One of my favorite things in the whole world is running around and playing with my friends at doggie daycare and at the

dog park, as well as when I go get my bath, haircut and nails trimmed. My vet told us that this was probably how I got sick.

Because we can have trouble letting our families know when we’re not feeling well, people may accidentally take contagious dogs out and about, inadvertently causing CIV to spread between dogs that come into contact. Even drinking out of the same water bowl or chewing on community dog toys can expose us to the disease.

However, because it can be contagious for up to three weeks, it was important that I stay home from the dog park, groomer or doggie daycare for a while. I’m so glad my family listened to my vet-I certainly didn’t want to get any of my friends sick!

When my vet gave us my diagnosis, she also said that there is no specific treatment or medicine for dog flu, so the best protection is vaccination. Most veterinarians recommend the dog flu vaccine. There is even a combination vaccine that helps to protect against both strains of dog flu, H3N2 and H3N8, which means one less shot for me!

Before we left my vet, she told us about the If This Dog Could Talk: Tour to Prevent Dog Flu and we downloaded a copy of the new tour album, created in collaboration with Merck Animal Health and The Dogist photographer Elias Weiss Friedman. The album contains hundreds of beautiful pictures of dogs and shares important information with pet parents about the dog flu. We all learned about dog flu the hard way, but hopefully you won’t have to!

Visit dogflu.com to download the free tour album for you and the dog you love.

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October 2017

Live Your Best Life Facing Our Mortality You’ve heard the phrase ‘ Nothing is certain but death and taxes.’

It refers to burdens which are difficult to avoid. I won’t go into the politics of repealing taxes. When you read the word “death,” does an image of a shrouded figure holding a large sickle pointing a skeletal finger suddenly pop into your thoughts?

Movies portrayed Death as a Goth-looking creature from another world. In the upcoming Thor movie, actress Kate Blanchett portrays the character Hela. Even though the character is known as the Goddess of Death, she’s kinda hot. Not everyone can wear a headdress made from six-foot elk horns and make it work.

In reality, death and weather are two things no one on the planet can avoid, at least not yet. In 1900, the average life expectancy in the United States was 47 years. Today, we have people living over 110 years old with the average at 85 years.

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Wait until scientists start making even bigger breakthroughs in robotics, bionics, and genetics.

Not only could you become the $6 billion person, you might be able to change your DNA to make you part cat or dolphin. It would be cool to be turned into a Thundercat.

You might have a chance to live for two hundred years. Would you want to live forever? It would make for a very long bucket list. I bet many people will still say that life is too short to get everything done. Couch potatoes would become sleeper-sofa potatoes with all the extra time on their hands. I cringe to think how many more duck-faced selfies will be forced upon us, but my bucket list as a Thundercat would be amazing.

Let’s get back to the here and now: the average lifespan is 45 million minutes, which includes sleep time. Since we can’t avoid

death and the weather, it’s up to you to make the best life possible for yourself. You need to determine your definition of ‘best life’. Some of having the best life, I believe, is finding a balance between having a purpose – your bucket list – and having fun.

Unless you believe the results of DeathClock.com, we rarely know when our last day will be. Make the most of every day!

Incidentally, if you’re looking for some family fun, the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual trick-or-treat event, A BOOtiful Night at the Chamber, is Thursday October 26, 5:307:00pm. Bring the kids in costume for some safe treats and a SPOOKtacular evening.

Submitted by John Safin, Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.

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THE BUG GUY Keys To Finding A Qualified Pest Professional Discovering a pest problem or infestation that is threatening a homeowner’s property, family’s health and even just their peace of mind can be a major annoyance. The last thing one needs in this situation is the added stress of finding a reputable pest control company to service the problem. However, for preventative and reactive measures alike, finding a qualified pest management professional is easy to do if the homeowner does a little homework.

“Essentially, a person is entrusting a service provider with the well-being of both their home and their family,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “A credible pest professional will protect a homeowner’s property and their family’s health from the damage and diseases associated with pests through responsible and effective service.”

The NPMA offers homeowners these tips for selecting a pest professional: 1. Ask friends and neighbors to recommend pest control companies they have used successfully and how

•Filters •Automation •Tile Cleaning •Weekly Service

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satisfied they were with the service.

2. Be wary of the operator who comes to your home uninvited and offers to give your house a free inspection for pests. He or she may try to scare you into authorizing immediate and costly treatments.

3. If a sizable amount of money is involved, get bids from several pest management firms.

4. Don’t rush a decision.

Since you are paying for professional knowledge, look for someone whose judgment you can trust.

5. Before signing a contract, be sure to fully understand the nature of the pest, the extent of the infestation, and the work necessary to solve the problem.

6. Find out if the pest professional has liability insurance to cover damage to your house or furnishings during treatment.

know what it covers, how long it lasts, what you must do to keep it in force, and what kind of continuing control, prevention and management are necessary.

8. Buy value, not price. Beware of bargains that sound too good to be true.

9. A federal law requires commercial applicators of “restricted use” pest management products to be certified. The certification program is left up to the state. Homeowners can call the Office of Pest Management for information.

10. This helpful information has been provided by Estrella Mountain Pest Control and the National Pest Management Association.

Submitted By Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control, Estrella Resident

7. If a guarantee is given,

Salt Cells• Acid Wash• Remodeling• Equipment Repair•

October 2017

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October 2017

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October 2017

School Zone

3 easy DIY STEM projects students how circuits, sensors and health data can be blended for kids If you’re looking for fun, handson STEM projects to do with your child, 4-H is a tremendous resource! 4-H utilizes exciting topics like robotics, rocketry, computer science and even electrical engineering to teach youth problem solving, creative and critical thinking, and build excitement for technology and STEM careers. To reach more youth with STEM programs, the National 4-H Council has partnered with HughesNet, to help introduce youth to hands-on, community-based STEM learning.

HughesNet is a national sponsor of 4-H National Youth Science Day, the world’s largest youthled STEM challenge. 4-H NYSD projects can be used by local clubs, families, homeschoolers and teachers to give youth a fun way to learn about STEM. Here are three exciting NYSD STEM projects that are so much fun, your child will think it’s playtime, not work time.

Project 1: Incredible Wearables The FitBit and Apple Watch craze have inspired “Incredible Wearables” - the 2017 NYSD experiment. Designed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, this project teaches

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with fashion to create a wearable tech product.

To get started, visit https:// shop4-h.org/ to order an affordable kit that provides everything needed for up to eight kids to make their very own wearable fitness devices. These wearables can track heart rate, steps and more! Best yet, the kits are reusable so they can have fun building, designing and testing their tracker time and time again.

Project 2: Drone Discovery For children excited by aeronautics and design, Drone Discovery enables youth to explore how drone engineering and remote sensing can be used to solve real-world problems, such as helping a community develop climate change resiliency and energy sustainability. To succeed in this challenge, youth need to think like an engineer as they design, build and test drones. There are many different kinds of engineers and different ways to approach a challenge. What kind of engineer do you think you’ll need to be to master drone technology?

The engineering

- Sponsored by Chris Carlton of Edward Jones

design process has three basic steps: define, design and optimize.

Project 3: Rockets to the Rescue Rockets to the Rescue is a competitive project, enabling youth to design and build a rocket that could be used to transport food and deliver supplies to disaster victims. This project, which is incredibly timely with major storms hitting the United States, teaches engineering concepts, math skills, nutrition and how to help solve a relevant, global issue.

From simple building blocks to tackling science kits and constructing robots, there are plenty of STEM projects guaranteed to pique your child’s interest. Not only are you spending quality time with them having fun, but you’re also helping them learn critical STEM skills that will positively impact their future. To learn about other fun STEM activities, visit www. hughesnet.com/4h and www.4h. org.

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Family Tree Any TV viewer nowadays is keenly aware of the upswing in ads for shows like “Who Do You Think You Are,” and using DNA to find out where your family comes from. These are the latest signs that doing your family genealogy is a hot topic right now. Lots of people who have never thought to look into their family beyond their living grandparents are now doing it with renewed vigor.

other folks who share their love for the hobby.

With this in mind, a group has been formed here in Estrella to help researchers from our community in building their family trees. The Estrella Genealogy Forum (EGF), meets on the third Monday evening of the month at the Starpointe Residents Center.

Meetings are held in the Board Room, starting at 7:00 PM, and breaking up around 8:45 PM.

Meeting start with people who are new to the group introducing themselves and sharing their research goals (locations, surnames, etc.). It then moves on to a question and answer session to help those in need of guidance on a stubborn problem in their research. A formal presentation on topics of general interest to the members will sometimes follow. This may cover using DNA to resolve breaks in a family line due to adoption, using online sites such as FamilySearch.org or Ancestry. com to find digital records, and an overview of how to get started in this fast-growing hobby.

The goal of the group is to provide a gathering place for genealogists at all levels of experience (including beginners) to exchange stories about their research, ask for suggestions to break down brick walls, revel in their “eureka” moments, and generally enjoy the company of

The experience levels of the membership range from “just getting started” to individuals who been researching for up to fifty years! With such a breadth of experience, the goal of the group is to help those who are new, or are still early in their search. The interchange can also

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help the experienced members since every researcher has a unique problem to solve. Having a group of people with different approaches to the hobby can provide a wide range of ideas to break down the dreaded brick walls hiding those lost ancestors.

A closed Facebook group facilitates communication among members between meetings, including meeting announcements, and questions to the roster of members. It can be found by searching for the name, “Estrella Genealogy Forum,” from your Facebook page. New members should click on the Join button to alert the site manager, and he will approve your request.

Check the Estrella community calendar in Up The Hill for the next meeting date!

Questions? Contact Michael Phelps, at mphelps3@cox.net or 623-393-8347.

October 2017

Grilling Why the Hype Over Wood Fired Grills?

For years I had struggled to grill a great chicken breast. How hard can it be? Out with my flashlight I’d go, cutting through the middle and spreading it open to see if the inside looked done. More than once I’ve sent it back to the grill for more time. As the burners on my gas grill went out or developed holes in them, I’d find new sweet spots where I could position my food. No flame here, too much there… grilling had become a sport of me vs. the grill. It was more challenging than it was fun and all I wanted to do was eat.

I grew up on a Weber charcoal grill. The food had great flavor and my parents seemed to have the process dialed in. I still love the taste of food cooked over charcoal and the childhood memories that naturally come with it. At some point I got away from charcoal and moved to gas in an effort to save time. As long as I always had a spare propane tank on hand and was willing to babysit the meat, it was fine enough. A few years ago, my gas grill died a slow death. The igniter was the first thing to go, then a burner went out, then the holes in another burner joined together to form a fire trough. Finally, the part that attached to the propane tank broke. It was time for a new grill. And so the search began!

Back to charcoal? Buy a superduper gas grill? Build an island?

How about a kamado grill? One day my family was at a grill store mulling over the options and an older man walked in. He was looking over the seasonings and the different flavors of pellets.

He noticed we were doing some careful analysis and we struck up a conversation. He had been in the restaurant business his whole life and grew his business Up The Hill

to 54 locations. This man knew food. He explained that he recently completed a dream outdoor kitchen at his home and had built a fabulous island with a high quality gas grill. By the time construction was complete, he had discovered wood fired grills. He bought one and cooked on nothing but it ever since. He had just spent $30,000 on his gas grill island and then spent just $1,000 more to get what he wanted all along – great food! He had us salivating in the store as he told stories about the variety of food he was making. He was a tech guy and controlled the grill from his phone. He could change the grilling temperature and check the internal temperature of the meat all while watching the game in his living room. This guy had me at “great food” and my journey with a pellet grill began.

of pellets and seasonings to keep it interesting.

If you’re in the market for a new grill or are tired of battling the flame, check out wood fired grills.

Some call them pellet grills, or smokers. They plug into an outlet and feed wood pellets from an auger to a fire pot beneath your cooking grates. It creates an oven-like environment with a digitally controlled temperature.

You can control it from your phone or get some exercise and walk over to the grill and turn a knob. With grilling season upon us, you have the potential to change the way you eat forever.

Don’t take it from me; take it from the wise man with 54 restaurants and $31,000 in grills under his belt.

Submitted by Anesia St. Clair, of Pure Patio

The first thing we ever cooked was filet mignon.

You could cut it would a fork. Now we regularly cook pizza, brisket, ribs, chicken, steaks, lobster, pulled pork, pork chops, wings, and lots of vegetables.

We can smoke all day or grill quick burgers.

The food doesn’t come into contact with a flame so it’s M YS U N N Y P R O S . C O M impossible to have flare ups.

We cook to a specific internal Electrical • Security Cameras • Smart Home temperature of the meat and For all your home's electrical as a result it’s needs, call Mr. Sunshine's! done perfectly every time. We (623) 552-5481 experiment with SUPPORT@MYSUNNYPROS.COM different flavors ©2017 MR. SUNSHINE’S HOME SERVICES INC.

CR-11 300747

October 2017

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MONEY MATTERS

Here’s Your Retirement Countdown

If you want to enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle, you don’t need to have been born rich or even to have earned scads of money during your working years. But you do need to make the right moves at the right time – which means you might want to start a “retirement countdown” well before you draw your final paycheck.

What might such a countdown look like? Here are a few ideas: Ten years before retirement – At this stage of your career, you might be at, or at least near, your peak earning capacity. At the same time, your kids may have grown and left the home, and you might even have paid off your

mortgage. All these factors, taken together, may mean that you can afford to “max out” on your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. And that’s exactly what you should do, if you can, because these retirement accounts offer tax benefits and the opportunity to spread your dollars around a variety of investments.

Five years before retirement – Review your Social Security statement to see how much you can expect to receive each month at various ages. You can typically start collecting benefits as early as 62, but your monthly checks will be significantly larger if you wait until your “full” retirement age, which will likely be 66 (and a few months) or 67. Your payments will be bigger still if you can afford to wait until 70, at which point your benefits reach their ceiling.

In any case, you’ll need to weigh several factors – your health, your family history of longevity, your other sources of retirement income – before deciding on when to start taking Social Security.

One to three years before retirement – To help increase your income stream during retirement, you may want to convert some – but likely not all – of your growth-oriented

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investments, such as stocks and stock-based vehicles, into income-producing ones, such as bonds. Keep in mind, though, that even during your retirement years, you’ll still likely need your portfolio to provide you with some growth potential to help keep you ahead of inflation.

One year before retirement – Evaluate your retirement income and expenses. It’s particularly important that you assess your health-care costs. Depending on your age at retirement, you may be eligible for Medicare, but you will likely need to pay for some supplemental coverage as well, so you will need to budget for this.

Also, as you get closer to your actual retirement date, you will need to determine an appropriate withdrawal rate for your investments. How much should you take each year from your IRA, 401(k) and other retirement accounts? The answer depends on many factors: the size of these accounts, your retirement lifestyle, your projected longevity, whether you’ve started taking Social Security, whether your spouse is still working, and so on.

A financial professional can help you determine an appropriate withdrawal rate.

These aren’t the only steps you need to take before retirement, nor do they need to be taken in the precise order described above. But they can be useful as guidelines for a retirement countdown that can help ease your transition to the next phase of your life.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Chris Carlton

October 2017

Up The Hill

October 2017

19

Positive Parenting Tips to make family mealtimes more mindful

- or in another room, if that’s practical.

The hectic workday is over. As you pull into your driveway, you feel relief because you’ve finally escaped the cranky co-workers, the deadlines and traffic jams.

Now you can spend the next few hours relaxing at home with your family. What better way to enjoy this time than with a delicious meal together? Sometimes, the lingering stress can be hard to shake, especially if you’re in a rush to get dinner on the table. Consciously ease into the transition from work mode to family mode, and use these tips to make your evening meal more relaxing and mindful.

3. Include the kids.

With devices out of the way, it’s also much easier and more pleasant to focus on the people in the room. If your kids are hanging around the kitchen, take it as a sign they want to be with you, so use this time to connect. A great way to do this is to include kids with the meal preparation. The youngest ones can rinse fruits and vegetables, cut soft foods with a butter knife and tear lettuce. Older kids can help measure ingredients, stir and whisk, and eventually peel foods with a paring knife.

1. Take a breath.

As soon as you get home, just take a few minutes and chill out.

What you’ll want to do is shake off any lingering “fight or flight” stress response that’s making you feel tense and on edge. With deep breathing techniques - the kind that get your belly moving - you’ll lower your heart rate and feel much calmer. Sit in your favorite chair, soften your gaze and start those long, drawn-out inhales and exhales, counting your breath if needed. Just by transitioning into this calmer state, you’ll set the right mood and standard for the rest of the evening.

can prepare with ease.

5. Slow down and savor the food.

Give yourself a few moments for mindful eating. Before earnest conversation begins, put your focus on the food you’ve taken the time to prepare. Put down your fork, and pay attention to the flavors, the textures and how you respond to them. No matter how hungry you are, don’t rush. Mindful eating is all about pacing yourself and staying in the moment to experience the delicious meal you are eating.

4. Simplify your menu.

Eliminate the stress of getting weeknight meals on the table, and build a list of delicious go-to meals that you

2. Give the devices a timeout.

Being mindful is all about staying in the present and following each action with intention and awareness. But when your mobile device is pinging from the latest Facebook update, text message or news alert, that can distract us from this calm and aware state of mind. For now, while you’re preparing and eating the meal, put the devices out of reach

20 Up The Hill

October 2017

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October 2017

21

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22 Up The Hill

October 2017

In God’s Name Many times I hear that another person explains that only he or she understands what God wants.

And just as many times I learn that words spoken and written millennia ago are distorted but these very same people. I have witnessed the hatred that spews from so-called messengers of God. My memory wanders to the 1940’s and 1950’s when religious fanatics used the mass media to demonstrate their hatred for those who appear to be different. Throughout history there have been those who use this convenient scapegoating to denigrate, murder, all in the name of God. Century upon century the history books contain such evildoers as the degenerate Roman Empire, people like the sinister Haman found in the Book of Esther, and the evil of all evils perpetrated by Hitler.

•We can and should bring to the discussion love and connection that is the hallmark of Scripture.

•We can and should bring to the discussion thousands of years of

Up The Hill

Living With Faith history in which the development of the human understanding of togetherness and compatibility are the messages found in our relationships with all people. •We can and should bring to the discussion the willingness to forget and forgive.

•We can and should bring to the discussion the ability to stand firm and denounce hatred in any form, to anyone.

Why? Because we were all created in the image of God. Having the same origin, establishes the undeniable fact that we are all alike in spirit even as we are different on the outside. This same essence of who we are can be found in Moses, Jesus, the Prophets, the Disciples, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Nelson Mandela. Nowhere on this list will we ever find the apostles of destruction.

These demons love to quote Scripture to embrace their contempt, but what they are doing is showing their contempt for God. When Scripture enjoins us to “Love they neighbor as thyself,” it does not specifically

say that only white people should love white people, or black people should love only black people, or Catholics should love only Catholics, or Protestants should only love Protestants, or Jews only love Jews. It is declarative, not suggestive and is universally understood by all.

A resurgence of these destructive forces are again alive and well, and here in our own backyard.

Words that once were erased from human exchanges are now, once again, surfacing and with them age old bigotries. Are we so numb from the past that we refuse to confront the present?

Let us join together to perfect the flaws in our troubled world; to end the shameful and ignorant ranting’s of madmen for no other reason that to create sensationalism and notoriety which caters to the lowest level of human behavior. Then truly we will be speaking in God’s name.

Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA

October 2017

23

Life As A Caregiver Being Normal...

I remember when my father was struggling through cancer. My mom used to say that one of the most frustrating things that would occur was when she’d ask him what he wanted for dinner, he’d tell her, she’d make it, and then he didn’t want it or wouldn’t eat it. He didn’t mean to be difficult, but in his case, it was the chemo that would change his taste buds and food often just didn’t taste good nor was his appetite normal. That would frustrate her terribly because there were so few things she could do to make him comfortable….she was hoping good food would be one. Food was also something she felt she could control as far as quality of life (she was always a great cook and dad was always a good eater). But that was not the case.

That same scenario happens for Alzheimer’s patients, as well.

They often lose much of their appetite in the later stages of the disease. In my mom’s case, she still HAS a good appetite most of the time and will eat just about anything. But there are those times when she says she’s hungry, I cook her dinner, and she only eats a tiny bit of it. It’s very frustrating to me at times, just like it was for her with my dad. And like my dad, she doesn’t not eat it to be mean.

So I have learned to try and let it go. Granted, there aren’t many things we can control about Alzheimer’s, and food is most always a positive element in someone’s life, but we just can’t always expect to get the reaction we hope for in serving their favorite foods. (sigh).

Now, I am generally a strong woman and am always busy.

That has certainly been tested in moving to a brand new

24 Up The Hill

place as well as caring for my mom. But….stress, frustration, depression, and uncertainty has a way of sneaking up on you, and we don’t even see it coming. Which is exactly what happened to ME. About two years ago, I noticed that I seemed to cry for absolutely no reason.

No apparent reason, that is. I knew the feelings I was having weren’t typical for me, even though I consider myself to be an emotional person. So I went to the doctor to check it out. As soon as he walked into the room and I began explaining what I was feeling, I began to cry. That’s when he told me I was normal.

He explained that the stress and the other above-mentioned things I was feeling often don’t impact a person right away. They build-up over time and when we start to feel more in control, that’s often when they hit us. I was experiencing what millions of women experience each and every day: performance anxiety. He prescribed a wonderful medication called Lexapro.

My first response was: what are the side effects?

He laughed and said that with the low dose he was prescribing there wouldn’t BE any side effects.

at hand. No side effects. Not one.

I mentioned it to a few of my girlfriends and came to find out that THEY took it, as well. Wait.

What?? You mean, I was trying to deal and cope with everything ON MY OWN when others had been much smarter and sought help much earlier than me????

So…the lesson here is this.

Women are amazing creatures.

We take on enormous amounts of challenges and work hard to balance all the pieces of our world. And if we even suspect a crack in our armor, we begin to freak out and beat ourselves up instead of asking for help!

Asking for help is NOT a form of weakness….it is absolute strength! And very smart. And we are both!!

Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident

I went home and took the first one. Within 4 days I felt much more in control of my emotions AND with the tasks October 2017

Puzzles & Games

Sudoku for October

Sudoku Solution

Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!

1 8 4 6 3 2 9

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Up The Hill

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Business Directory AUTO SERVICES A Plus Automotive Desert Princess Carriage Service Litchfield Auto Repair BUSINESS & LEGAL SERVICES ACEA Accounting Allstate Insurance - Peter Zipp Estrella Partners Group Edward Jones - Christopher Carlton Mahoney Law Office Richard Tax Service Kramer Legacy Documents State Farm Insurance - D Aaron State Farm Insurance -T Gremillion The Insurance Lady HEALTH & BEAUTY Active Life Pain Center Dr. Nemechek Healthy Life Family Medicine Mtn. Ranch Family Dentistry NextCare Uregent Care Permanent Make Up Skincare Extraordinaire HOUSEHOLD SERVICES 5 Dog Electric A Call Painting Al’s Pumbing Beckham Electric Canyon Lake Construction Century Glass & Mirror Cluff Mechanical Heating & AC Desired Handyman Dirt Busters House Cleaning Eco Maids 4 You Element Sun Screens Estrella Mountain Pest Control General Exterminating Goodwin Electric Hardy Solar Solutions

26 Up The Hill

J & H Appliance Repair Mr Sunshine’s Home Services The Window Cleaner AZ Urgent Air Williams Air & Heating 623.251.0821 Younger Brothers Exterminating 623.208.6922 Younger Brothers Plumbing 623.594.9283 LANDSCAPING & POOL CARE 623.386.1940 Estrella Owner Services 623.518.3513 Gemstone Landscape 623.925.9953 Jackrabbit Nursery 623.974.1966 Lakeside Pools 480.948.2005 Pool & Landscape AZ 623.386.7767 Xpress Pool Service 602.799.8410 MOVING & STORAGE Lifetime Moving & Storage 623.535.9777 PET CARE 623.208.4226 Creatures Companions 623.889.3477 Estrella In Home Animal Care 623.327.0231 See Spot Clean 623.889.6823 PHOTOGRAPHY & WEB DESIGN 602.295.7373 Estrella Partners Web Design 623.826.3726 REAL ESTATE DPR Realty - Dolly Rico 623.313.5685 Realty One Group - Gale Samuelsen 602.422.3648 Realty One Group - Jen Polansky 623.329.5170 Realty One Group - Tara Rutkowski 480.370.1014 REMAX Preferred Choice - Estrella 602.574.6760 Russ Lyons Sotheby’s -Art Velenzuela 623.444.6204 West USA Realty - Lisa Sowada 602.765.COOL West Valley Homewatch 623.910.5183 RECREATION 623.977.6725 Elutheria Wellness Center 623.910.2202 RETAIL SERVICES 602.999.4384 Budget Blinds of Goodyear 623.680.6619 Estrella Ordnance 623.977.2100 Foot Solutions 623.326.0564 Pure Patio 206.399.4652 Steel Shield Security Doors 623.986.1586 602.300.7076 623.882.8700

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October 2017

USEFUL NUMBERS HOA CONTACTS: Community Services - after hours CCMC Starpointe Residents Club Youth Club Yacht Club Community Patrol GOVERNMENT CONTACTS: Animal Control City Hall Code Compliance Finance Department Post Office (Estrella Pkwy & Yuma) Public Relations Public Works State Wildlife Dept

623.386.1112 800.274.3165 480.921.7500 623.386.1949 623.386.1949 623.386.3411 602.329.0462 602.506.7387 623.932.3910 623.882.7815 623.932.3015 623.882.9143 623.882.7820 623.932.3010 602.942.3000

MEDICAL / FIRE: Emergencies Police - Non-Emergency Fire Department - Non-Emergency Poison Control Center West Valley Hospital

911 623.932.1220 623.932.2300 800.222.1222 623.882.1500

MISCELLANEOUS: Golf Club of Estrella Players Grill Elliot Market Up The Hill magazine

623.386.2600 623.386.2600 623.386.2111 623.594.9283

RELIGIOUS SERVICES: Estrella Mountain Church Estrella Foothills Community Church

623.386.0300 623.363.7857

ESTRELLA GROUPS & CLUBS: Book Club 623.810.3494 Bridge mmendrick@q.com Bunco 623.242.7877 Car Club

estrellamountaincarclub@yahoo.com Hugs & Stitches 623.393.9255 Mah Jong 623.386.5238 Estrella Badlanders Motorcycle Riding Group 602.469.2496 Estrella Conservative Republican Club

emrc9876@gmail.com Estrella Motorcycle Riding Group

Lacy.Wetzel@gmail.com Guitar Club 623.800.3997 Hiking Group mhartsfield@cox.net Ladies of the Lake 623.386.4754 LD04-MC Democrats Group 623.696.5962 Photo Group 623.327.0240 623.262.1437 Pickleball Play Group 602.803.1389 Poker 602.206.8580 Sisters In Stitches 623.251.7920 Travel Club 623.327.9730

SCHOOLS: Estrella Mountain Elementary School 623.327.7171 Westar Elementary School 623.327.2840 Estrella Foothills High School 623.327.2470 UTILITIES: APS Cox Internet Southwest Gas City - Water/Sewer/Trash

602.371.3614 855.766.9812 602.861.1999 623.932.3010

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October 2017

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