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Up The Hill

November 2017

From Me To You... Welcome

to the November edition of Up The Hill magazine!

I am by no means what you would consider overweight, however if I put myself on the recommended weight chart, you all know the one, I come out right at the top edge of normal. To look at me you would probably not guess that. I am 6 feet tall and 173lbs. True stats. I maintain that I am ‘big boned’ but that apparently does not fly medically. In fact my doctor even told me that I need to lose some weight to improve my health. So I was bound and determined to lose a few pounds. And I did. Want to know my secret? Eat less and move more. It is that simple, and that hard. I always want to choose desert and soda, so now I try to eat them less frequently and in smaller quantities. Then there is the exercise. I am not a fan. So walking is my go to and I do try to get those elusive 10,000 steps every day. Did you know that according to Web MD the average American is 23 pounds heavier that his or her ideal body weight? Also a loss of only 5 percent of your weight lowers your risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease? Both good reasons to try. If you were anything like me as a teenager and young adult, weight was not an issue. I used to eat anything and everything and never gain a pound. I actually ate chocolate cake for

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breakfast most mornings before school and again when I got home later that day. Now however, things are certainly not the same. I look at a piece of cake and gain a pound or more. I had a terrible bout of stomach flu a couple of years ago. I mean it was terrible. I actually googled ‘Dysentery” at one point it was that heinous. Anyway, I lost a good 6 pounds over a couple of days and decided that on balance I would take the weight loss as payment earned. Still feeling a little delicate I decided that a bowl of chicken noodle soup would be a good entrance back into the world of solid food. I was in the bathroom after eating the soup (don’t worry the flu was long gone) and stepped on the scale out of curiosity. 5lbs! 5lbs!!! How is it possible to eat less than a pound of food and gain 5? Good grief! Maintaining a healthy weight is a very important thing to ensure you have a long, happy life. As long as that includes the occasional piece of chocolate cake, count me in!

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

Cover photo credit: Tracy Chmielecki

November 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 ÂŠ 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

November 2017

November Calendar

November 2017

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December ►

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Notes: National Diabetes Month, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, National Adoption Month, National Native American Heritage Birthstone: Topaz and Citrine Fruits & Veggies: Apples, Plantains, Mustard Greens, Swiss Chard, Cranberry, Collard Greens, Kale, Broccoli Rabe Flower: Chrysanthemum Astrological: Scorpio (till 21st) & Sagittarius (22nd+)

4 G.A.I.N Day

5 Daylight Saving

7 Election Day

11 Veterans Day

12 Nat’l Pizza Day

16 Great American 17 Smokeout • Int’l Day for Tolerance • Edward Jones Financial Group 9am • Hugs & Stitches 9am • Bingo 6pm

• Nat’l UnFriend Day • Coffee Social 8:30am • Bridge 12:45pm

19 Int’l Men’s Day

21 World Hellp

23 Thanksgiving

24 Black Friday

27 Cyber Monday

28 Giving Tuesday

• Guy Fawkes Day • LP Festival of Arts • Holiday Survival Night 6pm

• Estrella Motorcycle Riding Group 11am

• World Toilet Day • LP Concert Series 3pm

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• Mahjong 3pm • EMR Communications Meeting 5:30pm • Games Club 6pm

• World Kindness Day • Mahjong 3pm • Games Club 6pm • City Council Meeting 6pm • LESD Board Meeting 6:30pm • Trivia Night 6:30pm

• Mahjong 3pm • Games Club 6pm • City Council Meeting 6pm • Genealogy Group 6:45pm

• Mahjong 3pm • Games Club 6pm

• EMR Biz Group 8am • Sisterts in Stitches 10am • EMR Social Meeting 5pm • New Residents Orientation 6:30pm

• World Diabetes Day • City Faith & Community Meeting 8:30a • Sisters in Stitches 10am • Cuisine of the World 6pm

Day • World Television Day • Sisters in Stitches 10am • City Water Meeting 6pm

• Sisters in Stitches 10am • WV RC Mariners Practice 12pm • EMR HOA Meeting 6:30pm

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

• Book Club 10am • Poker 1pm • EMES/WES Early Release • Bridge 6pm • City Planning & Zoning Meeting 6pm • Photo Group 7pm

• Coffee w/ a Cop 8am • Poker 1pm • EMES/WES Early Release • EMR Art Meeting 3pm • Bridge 6pm

• EMES/WES No School • Poker 1pm • City Youth Meeting 5:30pm • Bridge 6pm

• Poker 1pm • EMES/WES Early Release • Holiday Tree Lighting 5:30pm • Bridge 6pm • Photo Group 7pm

• Hugs & Stitches 9am • Storytime 10:30am • City Arts & Culture Meeting 5:30pm • Bunco 7pm

• Hugs & Stitches 9am • Photo Group 7pm

Day • EMES/WES No School

• Resident Flu Shots 8am • Coffee Social 8:30am • Brew & Banter 8:30am • Bridge 12:45pm • Life Adjustment Group 6pm

• EMES/WES No School • Science Day for Peace & Development • Cofee Social 8:30am • Bridge 12:45pm • Barn Dance 6pm

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

• EMR Garage Sale 7am • City Farmers Market 9a • Estrella Badlanders 11am • LP Fesitval of Arts • City Fall Concert Series 7pm

• Singles Day • EMR Card Club 9am • Yacht Saling Calss 10am

• Annuan Wag & Tag 10a • EMR Farmers Market 10am • WV RC Mariners Fall Classic 10am-3p

• Small Business Saturday

November 2017

Password Protection Don’t get hacked! Time to get serious about password safety We all know hiding your house key under the doormat is a terrible idea, but we do it anyway because it’s a convenient backup. When it comes to safeguarding passwords, especially in a family setting, people often choose convenience over safety. As families manage their digital information and online accounts, many end up opting for that less secure key-under-the-doormat solution. Consider the number of security breaches that continue to make national news: * In 2016, we learned the Yahoo data breach compromised 1 billion accounts. * In that same month, we learned 167 million email addresses and passwords were stolen from LinkedIn. * In September 2017, a security breach at Equifax was reported, exposing Social Security numbers and other personal data of 143 million users, which is nearly half the U.S. population. Now more than ever, it’s clear how important it is to protect our personal information online. According to a Verizon 2017 Data Breach Investigations Report, 81 percent of data breaches involve weak, reused or stolen credentials. “If you were to dig into the reasons behind these repeated, overly simple, shared passwords, it’s actually pretty understandable as to how this happens,” according to LastPass Senior Director of Product, Steve Schult. “The average person has some 200-plus logins. If you were to Up The Hill

give each its own strong, unique password, that’s way too many for one person to keep track of and remember, let alone all the other family members that might also use some of those accounts.” But there’s no need to trade security for the convenience of digital access. With a password manager, you can create those strong passwords for all the accounts you and your family use, and store them within a secure vault that’s accessed by a single master password only you know. These digital lockboxes protect your information under multiple layers of security, making it impossible for digital thieves to hack and access. If you’re debating whether to make the switch to a digital password manager, here’s a few ways it can improve your family’s online security and help stop the struggle with passwords. Create rock-solid passwords: Most password managers offer a secure password generator that allows you to set and create a long, strong and unique password for every online account. You can create a password up to 100 characters long, including numbers and symbols. Another way to do it is by using the “passphrase” approach, meaning string together words that create a phrase. Be sure to steer clear of birthdays, anniversaries, street names and other specific personal details that can be found through a simple social media search.

There’s an endless number of passwords and sensitive information you can store in your password manager, including banking logins, passport and license numbers, shopping accounts, email and social media passwords and more. Safely share passwords with family members: One benefit of a password manager that’s designed for family use is that it lets you safely and conveniently store passwords and valuable documents in folders for flexible sharing with others in the family. For example, you could put your banking account password into one folder and share access with your spouse, have another folder for your favorite streaming services and securely share access with the whole family. All the while, you can keep your personal accounts private. Use it as a teaching moment: Have a talk with your kids about how passwords are the keys to our digital lives, and how good password habits help protect everything from personal details to finances. Show them how to build a good password, and how tools like a password manager can create a safe way to access and share accounts. It’s an important life skill that will help them protect themselves for years to come.

Secure more than just passwords: November 2017

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November 2017

Holiday Shopping Tips For Staying On Budget And Keeping The Holidays Jolly If you’re one of those savvy consumers already strategizing how to best fund gifts and other expenses this holiday season, you’re not alone. Fortunately, planning ahead can reduce the risk of overspending. Consider how implementing the following ideas can help you stay on task and on budget when it comes to this year’s holiday expenses. 1. Estimate all of your anticipated holiday expenses, not just gift purchases. Consider costs for decorations, food/alcohol, travel and special events to gain a realistic idea of your projected cash output. If the total is out of reach, consciously decide where to cut back so you’re less likely to spend impulsively. 2. Reduce your stress by starting your shopping early and taking advantage of sales throughout the year. These strategies will help spread your costs so they

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don’t all hit at once and reduce your overall holiday spending budget. Looking for bargains and unique gift items at stores, at special events and on websites can even be fun when you’re not in a panic. 3. Think of ways to boost your spending power. One method is turning to the spare change you’ve stashed away in a coin jar, in vehicles and around your home. It’s easy to take your change to one of about 20,000 Coinstar kiosks located at grocery stores throughout the country. 4. Draw names and set gift spending limits for family gift exchanges. As families grow through marriage or children added to the brood, it’s easy to allow spending and gift giving to get out of control. White elephant exchanges can be great for the kids in the family.

and small in cost. Perhaps a handcrafted work of art, homemade baked goods or a meaningful service such as childcare would mean more to some recipients than a storebought knickknack, electronic gadget or sweater. Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself if you go over budget despite your best efforts. You can always make up for it by cutting expenses outside the holiday season when you may face less temptation and pressure to buy.

5. Consider gifts big on thoughtfulness

November 2017

Senior Health Make The Most Of Your Brain As You Age It is important to remember the health of our most complex organ: our brain. While the brain constantly changes throughout our lives, it’s critical that we take steps to help us stay on top of our game as we age. Help give your brain a boost in the right direction by implementing these 10 brainhealthy habits. Studies show that being physically active may help reduce some risks to your brain health. It doesn’t matter what activity you do as long as you get your heart pumping for 30 minutes most days. By watching your diet, you may be able to help increase your chances of staying engaged as you age. Try eating a healthy, low solid-fat diet - one that is low in saturated and trans fats - with lots of veggies and fruits.

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High blood pressure in midlife can have serious effects on your brain health down the road. If your blood pressure is high, talk to your doctor about how to get it under control. Alcohol may affect older adults differently than it had previously and even make them feel “high” without increasing the amount they drink. This can make you more likely to become confused or have accidents. Poor sleep can not only have serious physical effects but can impact memory and thinking, too. Seven to eight hours of sleep a night may help you keep your brain healthy. When you learn new things, you engage your brain and help reduce some risks to it. Challenge your brain on a regular basis by trying something you haven’t done before. Regular engagement in social activities may be good for your brain. Stay connected and make it a point to keep in touch with your

family and friends. As you age, changes in brain function, including short-term memory loss, are expected. If you have questions or concerns, ask your doctor at your next appointment. A medication that didn’t trigger side effects in the past can cause an abnormal reaction and even change your cognitive function as you age. Talk to your doctor about all of your medications. Regular balancing and strengthening exercises may help reduce your chances of a fall-related head injury. Work to improve your balance and talk to your doctor if you fall. To learn more about steps that may help keep your brain healthy, visit BrainHealth.gov.

November 2017

Up The Hill

November 2017

Goodyear PD November is a time when many of us reflect on the things for which we are thankful. The Goodyear Police Department has so many things for which we are thankfulâ€Śthe gracious community members with whom we come in contact daily, the beautiful new operations building we are so fortunate to call home, and the many volunteers who choose to serve alongside us, using their unique talents, giving back to the community on a daily basis, just to name a few. Since summer, eight new volunteers, whom we call VIPS, came on board at the Goodyear Police Department, using their diverse skillsets and passion for service to work alongside police, giving back to the community. Twelve additional applications are currently being processed and within the next year, the department foresees growing the program to over 40 Volunteers in Police Services. VIPS are volunteers who play an important role in the everyday workings of the Goodyear Po-

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lice Department. One of the first friendly faces visible when entering the Police Operations Building is that of one of our VIPS, who acts as the front desk greeter and a valuable source of information for the public. VIPs also patrol neighborhoods, enforce parking laws, perform vacation watches, conduct event traffic control, carry out various administrative duties, photography, crime prevention and safety education, perform fingerprinting and staff information booths at community events, among various other roles.

for which we are thankful, like our families, friends and community. From the Goodyear Police Department family to yours, we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a holiday season filled with love, peace, joy and gratitude.

As we enter into the holiday season, let us all take a moment and reflect on the things in our lives that are important and

November 2017

Live Your Best Life Untraditional Every year at this time, you’ll see stories about the first Thanksgiving or how the day became a national holiday. You can breathe a sigh of relief. This isn’t one of THOSE stories. Yes, the holiday gives us time to reflect and be grateful for what each of us has in our life. A day shared with family and friends over delicious food and warm cheer. Perhaps your family has the Norman Rockwell image Thanksgiving. That’s great! This ain’t gonna be one of those stories either. Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and there are many ways to show gratitude. This will be all about the no limit, no-holdsbarred Thanksgiving celebration. You could go crazy thinking of all the options. Over the years, Thanksgiving has turned into a gluttonous foodathon and anything that looks like food is fair game. It might be a good idea to hide the parakeet. The wilder the food the better. Deep fried turkey became a thing as did 9-1-1 calls to the fire department. The turducken has been the more recent fad and its dessert cousin the pie inside a cake. A camping trip usually seems

like a nice getaway from city life. Now there are thousands who set up camp in front of a retail store days in advance of the big sales. I’m always one to promote commerce and free enterprise. Not sure how to classify Black Friday chaos. Talk about noholds-barred, but some people actually like the excitement that is MMA shopping. Whether your shopping is filled with excitement or an organized endeavor, the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce reminds everyone to “Shop Small - Shop Big - Shop Local.” Our families, friends, and neighbors are working in our community to help make it a great place. Let’s show them our support with our shopping dollars.

terrific places to eat, and lots to do. All the fun without the cost of travel. Giving thanks could mean giving back to the community. There are many charities and religious organizations that need help serving Thanksgiving dinner in our community. One Thanksgiving tradition that will always be in style: On behalf of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, thank you to our military, police, fire fighters, and other first responders, and everyone working during the holiday. Wishing you a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Submitted by John Safin, Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.

How about a real getaway? Over the river and through the woods in the family minivan or two -wheeled steel horse. Maybe jet off to some exciting or relaxing destination. A staycation is always a good thing. The Southwest Valley has great places to stay,

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November 2017

The Bug Guy Top 10 Termite Prevention Tips After the long, hot summer here in the west valley, fall can’t come soon enough for many people. Before we know it, our days will be shorter, children will be spending more time playing outdoors. But, as the weather continues to cool, people may also start to see an unwelcome sign that fall has arrived – the presence of swarmers, or flying termites.

Fall and winter are prime termite season as swarmers emerge to mate and establish new colonies, which often include vulnerable residential properties. Termites can literally eat a home out from under its owners, often without them even knowing until much damage has been done. They have the ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected, 24/7, and can compromise the structural stability of a home within several years depending on the species. In fact, termites cause $5 billion worth of property damage annually. Luckily, there are many steps homeowners can take to help prevent termites from infesting their property. Here

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are 10 tips from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) to protect your greatest investment from termites: 1. Eliminate or reduce moisture in and around the home, which termites need to thrive. 2. Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and exterior AC units. 3. Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles. 4. Replace weather stripping and loose mortar around basement foundation and windows. 5. Divert water away from the house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. 6. Routinely inspect the foundation of a home for signs of mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source), uneven or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.

boards for any noticeable changes. 8. Maintain an 18-inch gap between soil and any wood portions of your home. 9. Consider scheduling a professional inspection annually. Termite damage is not covered by most homeowners’ insurance policies. 10. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house. Termites cannot be controlled with do-it-yourself measures. If you suspect a termite infestation, contact a licensed pest professional immediately to determine the extent of the problem and receive a recommendation of an appropriate course of treatment. This helpful information provided by Estrella Mountain Pest Control and the National Pest Management Association. Submitted By Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control, Estrella Resident

7. Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, doorframes and skirting

November 2017

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November 2017

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November 2017

School Zone Paving The Way To College For families with a child headed to college, senior year is best thought of as a transition year. Plan ahead to make sure your family stays on track. To help you and your child with a successful transition, here’s the essential list of landmarks on the road that will take your child from a senior in high school to a freshman in college. 1. Apply yourself in the fall The journey to college begins early, and by the fall of senior year in high school, your child should be in full transition mode. They should be finishing campus visits and finalizing the list of colleges where they want to apply. Make sure they’ve spoken with admission counselors, thoroughly researched schools they’re interested in and have everything they need to complete their college applications. Keep tabs on important deadlines and stay organized to avoid missing any critical due dates. For example, will they want to apply early decision or early action? 2. Focus on financial aid from the start For many parents, one of the biggest anxieties around college is the cost. Don’t forget that the Free Application for Federal

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Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on Oct. 1, and some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure you submit the form as soon as it’s available. At College Ave Student Loans, you can find private loan options for parents and students. Parents and students can try out the pre-qualification tools to find out if their credit pre-qualifies for a loan, and what interest rates they could expect. Calculators are also available to help you explore your options and see how you can customize the loan payments to fit your budget. 3. Spring time is decision time Early in the spring, your child will start to receive their first acceptance letters. Once they’ve heard from all of the schools where they applied, they’ll have a big decision to make. They need to do more than just decide which school to attend; they’ll also need to send in a deposit, complete their housing form and accept financial aid packages.

- Sponsored by Chris Carlton of Edward Jones

A crucial step in this process is comparing award letters from the colleges where your child has been accepted. In reading these letters, pay close attention to how schools list the total costs. For instance, some schools will subtract the awarded loan amount from the total cost of attendance, while others will not. 4. Tie up everything in the summer Before they head to campus, you and your children should create a budget to keep tabs on college bills. This will help you to stay on track financially and set the right expectations about how they need to manage their money. For parents and students, senior year is an exciting period. Knowing what steps to take and staying ahead of financial matters with useful tools can help make the transition easier for everyone.

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November 2017

Safety First Tips to make sure your fire extinguisher is at the ready

Follow these tips on fire extinguisher placement and usage to help ensure you and your family are properly prepared in case of emergency:

for rapid response. For this reason, place an extinguisher in each area of the home where a fire could potentially occur. In addition, make sure that every responsible member of your household knows where each fire extinguisher is placed. The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing fire extinguishers close to room exits so that you can discharge it and quickly escape if the fire cannot be controlled.

Select a home fire extinguisher that weighs 3 pounds or less. Other features to look for include a metal valve and trigger, as well as an easy-to-read color-coded gauge for accurate measurement. Select extinguishers that feature longer spray times. Remember, a fire extinguisher that has been discharged is no longer effective, so consider rechargeable extinguishers that can be recharged by a certified professional if the unit is used.

Know your ABCs: Extinguishers with a Class A rating can put out fires caused by wood, paper, trash and other common materials, while Class B rated extinguishers are intended for gasoline and flammable liquids. Class C rated extinguishers are meant for fires caused by electrical equipment, such as frayed cords. For general protection, it’s best to select a multirated extinguisher that’s capable of handling most types of household fires.

When seconds count, having an extinguisher nearby is crucial

Know how to use it: A simple way to remember proper usage

You check your alarms regularly and practice your family escape plan - but are you overlooking an essential component of home safety?

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instructions is with the acronym PASS: * Pull the pin on the extinguisher * Aim the nozzle low toward the base of the fire * Squeeze the trigger * Sweep the nozzle from side to side Know when to go: The primary goal should be safe escape. The first step in any scenario should be to call 911. In addition, a fire extinguisher is no substitute for having - and regularly practicing - a home fire escape plan, and ensuring that proper functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed throughout the home. Keep in mind that alarms and fire extinguishers aren’t designed to last forever, and must be replaced at least every 10 years.

November 2017

Mental Health The Myths and Facts About Depression: Be in the Know

About One of the Most Common Mental Health Conditions

There are some myths about major depressive disorder (MDD, depression) that may make it difficult for people experiencing symptoms to reach out for help. It’s time to learn the facts. MYTH: Depression only affects mood.FACT: Many people think of depression as simply being sad. But depression is more than sadness. Other symptoms include loss of interest, tiredness or insomnia, difficulty concentrating, change in appetite or weight, noticeably moving or speaking slowly, or feeling a lot of guilt. People with depression do not all experience the same symptoms, and the severity, frequency and duration can vary.

MYTH: Most people with depression seek professional help.FACT: Based on an epidemiology survey, only 50 percent of adults who met the criteria for a depression diagnosis for one year actually receive some form of treatment for their condition. MYTH: Depression is not that common.FACT: There are approximately 14 million Americans ages 18 and older who live with depression annually. That’s more than 6 percent of U.S. adults. MYTH: Depression is purely psychological.FACT: Depression is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Major depressive disorder (MDD, depression) is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States and nearly 35 million Americans over the age of 18 will experience depression in their lifetime. Many people think depression is just sadness and it’s important

people understand all of the symptoms of this complex medical condition. “After talking to my doctor about all of my symptoms, together we figured out a treatment plan for me. After taking TRINTELLIX¬Æ (vortioxetine), I started to notice an improvement in my overall depression symptoms,” said Ruth, a working mom who was diagnosed with depression. There are many people who experience symptoms of depression and remain untreated. Due to the complex nature of depression, some people experience a few symptoms while others may experience many symptoms. “Symptoms of depression may affect people differently, including the way they think, feel and act, contributing to the complexity of the disorder,” said Dr. Gregory Mattingly, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine. “It’s important that people talk to their doctor about their symptoms and find a treatment plan that works for them.” People who may be experiencing symptoms of depression should talk to their doctor.

M YS U N N Y P R O S . C O M

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November 2017

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Money Matters During Holidays, Be Extra Vigilant About Protecting Financial Data To help achieve your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement, you should save and invest regularly. But that’s only part of the picture. You also need to protect your financial assets in various ways. One such method is guarding your personal information – especially any information that could be linked to your financial accounts. It’s obviously important to be vigilant at any time, but you need to be even more on your toes during the holiday season, when fraudsters are particularly active. So, to help keep your important data under wraps during the holidays, consider these suggestions: Extend your protection to all mobile devices. Identity thieves can now compromise your mobile devices by installing spyware that steals usernames, passwords and credit card information. Fortunately, you can fight back. By doing a little research online, you can find the best mobile security software for your needs. Use multiple passwords. Online security specialists recommend that you use different passwords for each new online shopping site you visit during the holiday season. Although this might seem like a hassle, it can be helpful, because even if identity thieves were to grab one of your new passwords, they still couldn’t use it for other sites you may visit. And you can even find a free online program that can help you keep track of all your passwords.

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Be suspicious of “huge savings.” It happens every holiday season – identity thieves develop fake sites with attractive graphics and stunningly low prices on a variety of items, especially digital devices. If you fall for these pitches, you won’t get any merchandise, but you might get a handful of headaches once the bad guys have your credit card number and other personal information. To prevent this, be wary of any deal that sounds too good to be true, and do some digging on the websites that offer these mega-savings.

Keep your Social Security number to yourself. As a general rule, don’t give out your Social Security number online — to anyone. No legitimate retailer needs this number. Finally, be aware that not all attempts at stealing your personal information will come online. When you’re out shopping at old-fashioned, brick-andmortar stores, consider bringing just one credit card with you — and protect that card from prying eyes. By following these precautions, you should be able to greatly reduce the risk of being victimized by identity thieves and other miscreants. And the more comfortable you are in doing your holiday shopping, the more you can enjoy the season.

Watch for fake shipping notices. During the holidays, when you may do a lot of online shopping, you will probably receive some legitimate shipping notices. But the bad guys have gotten pretty good at generating fake notices designed to resemble those from This article was written by UPS, FedEx and even the U.S. Edward Jones for use by your Postal Service. If you were to local Edward Jones Financial click on the link provided by one Advisor, Chris Carlton of these bogus notices, you could either take on some malware or get taken to a “phishing” website created by the  Don’t leave money on the table  Ensure that your home is shipping notice for your solar home marketed properly to buyers forgers. Your  Solar Leases don’t hinder the  Knowledge about solar is key to best defense: sale of a home if handled selling or buying a home with Only shop correctly solar with legitimate merchants and only use the tracking numbers REALTOR® GREEN with SOLAR Expertise given to you Certified Negotiation Expert in the email you received Tara@RutkowskiHomes.com immediately www.RutkowskiHomes.com after making your purchases.

November 2017

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November 2017

Positive Parenting Real-Mom Life Hacks For An Imperfectly Perfect Life Your house is spotless, your children are well behaved, and every night there’s a beautiful home-cooked meal on the table. Just how do you do it? The answer: You don’t. From 1960s how-to guides portraying the perfect mother to today’s Pinterest-crazed super moms, there’s always been pressure on women to do it all. But in reality, it’s unrealistic, and moms today are saying: “That’s OK.” “Being a mom, you quickly learn to let go of trying to perfect every aspect of your life,” says actress and mom Busy Philipps. “So rather than trying to perfect things, I rely on tools to simplify those chaotic moments, which allows me to enjoy what matters - time with my kids ... and my sanity.” Here are a few secrets for moms for getting things done and enjoying life’s good moments:

my main washer,” says Philipps. “It’s perfect for washing those small laundry loads that are a big deal and can’t wait - from a soccer uniform to delicates and activewear. You can also wash two loads at the same time when you need to: large loads in the main front-load washer and delicates - like my favorite workout clothes - in the LG SideKick, which is a huge time saver.” Cut cooking chaos: “Forget the foodie frenzy,” Philipps stresses. “If you can pull together a simple and nutritious meal for the family, you are a superstar. This doesn’t require slaving away for hours in the kitchen. Internet search onepan recipes. When time is really crunched, there’s no shame in takeout. Trust me, everyone does it.” And her healthy eating tip? “I get my kids to eat healthy by hiding nutritious food - like broccoli pureed into spaghetti sauce - so they don’t even know they are eating it. A page from a book

I swear by: Jessica Seinfeld’s popular cookbook, ‘Deceptively Delicious.’” Create a healthy competition: In a perfect world, your kids would enjoy helping with all the household chores. In the real world this can feel like fighting a losing battle. Philipps’ solution: Try using a little trick psychology. “Think of ways to transform cleaning into a competition,” she says. “Who can toss the dirtiest clothes into the baskets? Who can make their bed faster? Who can match more pairs of clean socks from the laundry in 60 seconds or less? Kids will race to win, all while helping you get those chores done.” “Being a parent can get messy, but obviously we wouldn’t want it any other way,” says Philipps. “Tricks like these help me accept that life’s not perfect, which is okay because life’s good. And good is great!”

Make me-time and them-time: “It’s so important to master metime!” says Philipps. “Nothing beats getting up early for a good workout before starting the day. Want to really maximize a workout? Plug in your headphones, stream your favorite show, and get your heartbeat pumping while catching up on those episodes you missed! Another secret? Include your kids in ‘me-time’ once in a while for a ‘them-time’ session. Manis and pedis with my girls is always a fun outing where we can spend quality time together.” Minimize laundry time: “Neverending laundry is a never-ending headache. I love my LG SideKick washing machine, which is a pedestal washer attached to

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November 2017

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November 2017

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November 2017

Living With Faith Who would have imagined? In George Orwell’s Book 1984, he depicts a time when things will be unrecognizable. “Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten……every statute and street building has been renamed……” Could anyone have imagined what was penned 68 years ago would become reality? Listen to the laughter as people then read the words. Listen to the pundits on radio as they proclaimed then the insanity of such prophecies. In 1776 we proclaimed that our lives should be determined by us, not by others. We gathered numerous times to create a document that would declare our independence, and at the same time, our dependence on each other and our creator. Painstakingly we debated and argued, and even screamed at each other, the results of which produced the envy of the world to be emulated time and again by so many craving for their right to live in peace and harmony. The one issue that would have destroyed the concept

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of nationhood lay within the framework of slavery. Economics was the motivation for the disagreement. The concept of slavery was not brought to the forefront, rather the benefit of individual states to determine their future for themselves. To reach a consensus, the assembly of representatives decided to sweep this one issue under the rug for the greater good, the formation of a nation. Finally, 85 years later, the rug was lifted and the dust brought to the surface. This time, however, no longer could it be ignored and a bitter, destructive, Civil War ensued, or as it was referred – the War between-the-states. We seem to have embarked on a new civil war, not for territory or economic gain, but for the heart and soul of a nation dedicated to the human spirit. The struggle that has lasted for these many years has now become an obsession. Civility and reason are no longer visible. We now resort to destroying the very essence of our existence, our history, with all its faults are in fragments.

Our understanding of nationhood, which could not be destroyed from without, is now witnessing a new attempt at destruction from within. All the blood soaked battlefields in the world will pale in comparison to the destruction that will result if this country, will no longer remain a beacon to the world. Is this the legacy we want to leave those that follow? Is this what will become of the “light unto the nations?” Are we prepared to ensure that George Orwell’s predictions will become reality? NO, a thousand times NO. We need to stand for the values we inherited. We need to right the wrongs, not with slugfests, but with steadfastness. We need to send a message to our leaders, and the world, that America is alive and well. In the words of the American General, Christopher Gadsden during the American Revolutionary War, “Don’t tread on me” is the message we send to all, domestic and foreign. Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA

November 2017

Life As A Caregiver Caregiver “Rules” They say (“they” being some of the experts) there are about “10 Absolutes” of communicating with an Alzheimer’s patient. I read these “absolutes” when our journey first began and felt that they seemed ‘one-size-fits-all’, but decided I would try to abide by them as best I could anyway. Now I have come to learn that all Alzheimer’s patients are NOT the same…at least in the beginning. My mom and I had a discussion about (and still discuss) some of those “absolutes”. And the one thing we both agreed on (as I mentioned in an earlier article) was that I would ALWAYS tell her the truth…even if it meant it was something she didn’t quite believe or want to hear. It will be the truth, but I would (and do) work very hard on the manner in which I deliver the truth. For example: One of the ‘absolutes’ is: “Never argue; agree instead”. Well, we DO argue from time to time….because I

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am telling her something that is different from what she believes is true. I have learned to speak calmly, but sternly, about what that truth is….and she accepts, and trusts, that I am telling her the truth. Two of the “absolutes” I totally agree with: “Never say “remember”; reminisce instead.” And “Never say “I told you”; repeat instead.” I was very guilty of these two missteps in the beginning, as most people are. Then it occurred to me….if they remembered in the first place, they wouldn’t be asking again or doing something and reacting like they never heard of it before. One of the books I read early-on, was entitled “Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s”, by Joanne Koenig Coste. It is clearly a roadmap through this journey and it helps people like me understand and prepare for what is coming. One of the best pieces of advice the book gave me was the following: ‘In talking to a person with Alzheimer’s, the goal is to stimulate conversation and win trust on a personal level before expecting them to open up, because they often stay quiet. The particular subject isn’t all that important; talking about movies we’ve seen (or ones I am going to see), or parties I’ve been to (or are going to) are good. (Sports, weddings,

gardening and certainly animals are also good subjects that seem to have impact). Maintain eye contact to assure them you are truly listening. Be aware of the expression your face is conveying. Every chance you have to nod or pat their arm in affirmation will encourage confidence and help them not be as tentative about speaking.’ She also shares various quotes which I still read as a reminder: “I’ve danced; I’ve sung; I’ve given birth; I’ve laughed; I’ve succeeded. Why is everyone so sad? “I wish there were Cliff Notes to help cheat my way through this disease!” “Thank you for hanging a picture of a toilet on the bathroom door. Thank you for not mentioning it.” “I can no longer make apple strudel, but I can chop pecans or roll the dough or peel the fruit. I am here. I’ve not yet gone.” “I am seeking. I am not lost. I am forgetful. I am not gone! I know my mom gets scared. And sometimes sad. I know she wonders what is happening to her. I try and tell her, but it is not from truly understanding what is inside her or what she’s feeling. She thinks and talks about her mother (my Nana) a lot. More about her mother than my father. Her face lights up when she sees me. And Buddy. And her caregiver, Rose. We are her world; her tribe. She trusts me implicitly! And so I try my best! Each day. That’s all I can do. Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident

November 2017

Puzzles & Games Thanksgiving Cryptogram

Sudoku for November Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

8 3 9

9 8

5 4

6 3

Break the code to solve the list of Thanksgiving words. Two letters have been provided for you. Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

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2 7

9 4

5 4 6

November 2017

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 Kramer Legacy Documents Mahoney Law Office Richard Tax Service 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 Hardy Solar Solutions J & H Appliance Repair

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Mr Sunshine’s Home Services The Window Cleaner AZ Urgent Air Williams Air & Heating Younger Brothers Exterminating 623.251.0821 Younger Brothers Plumbing 623.208.6922 LANDSCAPING & POOL CARE 623.594.9283 Buckeye Desert Landscape 623.386.1940 Estrella Owner Services 623.974.1966 Gemstone Landscape 623.518.3513 Jackrabbit Nursery 623.925.9953 Lakeside Pools 480.948.2005 Pool & Landscape AZ 623.386.7767 Xpress Pool Service 602.799.8410 PET CARE Creatures Companions 623.535.9777 Estrella In Home Animal Care 623.208.4226 See Spot Clean 623.889.3477 PHOTOGRAPHY & WEB DESIGN 623.327.0231 Estrella Partners Web Design 623.889.6823 REAL ESTATE 602.295.7373 DPR Realty - Dolly Rico 623.826.3726 Realty One Group - Budge Team Realty One Group - Gale Samuelsen 623.313.5685 Realty One Group - Jen Polansky 602.422.3648 Realty One Group - Tara Rutkowski 623.329.5170 REMAX Preferred Choice - Estrella 480.370.1014 Russ Lyons Sotheby’s -Art Velenzuela 602.574.6760 West USA Realty - Lisa Sowada 623.444.6204 RECREATION 602.765.COOL Elutheria Wellness Center 623.910.5183 Regina Snipp Music Studio 623.977.6725 RETAIL SERVICES 623.910.2202 Budget Blinds of Goodyear 602.999.4384 Estrella Ordnance 623.680.6619 Foot Solutions 623.977.2100 Krock n’ Roll 206.399.4652 Pure Patio 623.925.5427 Steel Shield Security Doors 623.986.1586 602.300.7076 623.882.8700

623.738.1829 623.738.6064 602.377.1999 602.549.9222 623.487.3147 623.487.3130 602.527.2818 623.693.5695 623.695.5338 623.386.4700 602.799.3623 480.999.3348 623.853.6859 623.215.6699 623.476.7074 623.882.9595 623.594.9283 623.694.4717 602.327.7938 480.577.3918 623.640.6546 623.850.0005 602.980.2473 623.326.4721 623.986.5110 480.427.1384 480.629.8854 623.262.2154 623.536.6676 602.505.1497 623.299.8000 623.977.3277

November 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 Pickleball 623.262.1437 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

November 2017

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November 2017