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Up The Hill

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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine

January 2019

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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 2010-present 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. Some content is provided by Brandpointe and Family Features. 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

Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec

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From Me To You... I asked my Dad once, what was the invention during his life that he thinks changed the world the most. Now bear in mind that since he was born we have nuclear reactors, disposable diapers, space travel, car seat belts, disposable contact lenses and microwave ovens. His answer? The internet. He believes that it has radically changed everything it has touched. And he could be right.

The world is constantly changing and evolving and we need to keep up. I spent a very frustrating morning recently helping my dad ‘keep up’ with technology. He loves to have the latest and greatest but unfortunately doesn’t always understand how to use all the gadgets he acquires. You don’t know frustration until you have to help someone in their 70’s install a video doorbell from 6,000 miles away. If it wasn’t for the internet I couldn’t have looked up the instructions and video-chatted with him until we got it sorted out. So perhaps he is right on that one.

he decided that he couldn’t hear me over all the noise so he held the phone up to his ear to improve the connection. The technology was so amazing we could see the individual hairs in his ear canal. At the beginning of a new year I always wonder what marvels will appear in our lives. In ‘73 it was cell phones, in the late 80’s the world wide web, once those two came together everything changed. What is on the horizon for us in our future? I am still holding out for the Hover Boards promised on Back to the Future, assuming I will be young enough to use one when they finally get here!

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

He was also one of the first pensioners to purchase the ‘new fangled’ Apple computer. And I-Phone - although he only turns it on to make phone calls. Along with these purchases Dad also opted to join the Apple Care program, where they hold classes to teach you everything you need to know, and offer unlimited help in the store for the first year. Anyone who knows Apple stores knows that they feature a lot of glass windows and walls. Dad told me that he went in so many times for help that when they saw him strolling towards the store, computer in hand, they would scatter. He thought it was very amusing because he could see them too. Our first Facetime was over Christmas a few years ago and Dad was very proudly showing relatives in America and the UK how amazing his tech was. Wonderful use of the internet. Until Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine

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On Our Cover This month on our cover we have residents gathering for the weekly Game Night.

Every week at 6pm in Starpointe, they come together to play games. Board games, card games, anything they like that day. The group is open to all residents and they would love to see more faces. You can bring a favorite game to play or join in with one that George Peterson brings every time. The games range from Wizard to Hearts, Rummikub to Euchre.

Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine

Game play begins promptly so make sure you are on time, it is no fun to restart a game 20 mins in, and the group is adults only. If you have any questions about the group you can all George at (408) 242-6875 - that is not a typo it is area code 408.

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Kids & Pets

Kids instinctively love animals. Children begin learning about animal species, their habitats and behavior during elementary school, and this is when children also become more interested and involved in caring for family pets. They may even become pet owners for the first time at this age. Learning about animal care is fun for kids, while also teaching them life lessons about empathy, compassion and responsibility. Here are five important facts that children need to know about pet care. * All pets need water Water is essential for every pet, every day (some even live in water). Keep water dishes or bottles clean so their water is always good to drink. * Pets need particular food While some (like rabbits) eat fresh vegetables like you, most pets don’t thrive on people food. Feeding them scraps from your plate is not a good idea, as some food might be bad for them. * Each pet needs a different habitat While cats or dogs share our homes, others

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require special houses. Fish need aquariums with water that’s filtered, at the correct temperature. Smaller pets need cages - they’re not littertrained, and they’re small enough to get lost in your house. Reptiles need glass enclosures called “vivariums” and require heat to be comfortable. Birds need cages to prevent them from escaping. * Pets need socializing Just like people, pets can get lonely. Dogs need lots of human time, and walks to go to the bathroom and exercise. While cats seem like loners, they’re actually quite social. Even a cat who doesn’t want to cuddle may sit nearby. Fish or gerbils are more contented with the presence of an animal of the same species. Adopting two pets together can prevent loneliness. * Just like you, pets need check-ups Finally, most pets need regular check-ups. Vet visits can be costly, so before becoming a pet owner, make sure you’re prepared. Pet ownership is a serious responsibility - their health and care is now up to you. Understanding these important facts about pet care for each type of animal can help every family find the right pet.

January 2019


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Money Matters How can you assess your investment portfolio’s performance in 2018? The year was full of wild swings in the financial markets, so your own results may well have bounced around quite a bit. But you can still get a clear picture of how you did if you keep your investments’ returns in the proper perspective – by making sure your expectations are relevant, realistic and reviewed.

Relevant – Many investors compare their portfolio returns to a popular market index, such as the S&P 500. But this comparison is not really valid for a variety of reasons. For one thing, indexes are typically not diversified across different types of investments. But your portfolio should consist of a broad range of investments: domestic and international stocks, bonds, mutual funds, government securities and so on, appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance. Also, your portfolio’s performance will be affected by your contributions and withdrawals, while market index returns are not. Realistic – Ideally, of course, you’d like really high returns with really low risk – but that’s really not

feasible. To get high returns, you’ll need to invest aggressively, which means you’ll need your portfolio to be heavily weighted in stocks. However, stocks are also riskier than more conservative investments, such as bonds or government securities. So, you’ll need to be realistic in what you can anticipate from your portfolio. Reviewed – The performance of the financial markets will fluctuate from year to year. Consequently, it’s important to review your portfolio’s results and the progress you’re making toward your goals on a regular basis, possibly with the help of a financial professional. In these reviews, you may conclude that you’re doing fine, or you might discover that you need to rebalance your portfolio by realigning your investments with your goals and risk tolerance, or perhaps make other adjustments – such as changing the amount you invest – to get you back on track. As you look back on 2018, and look forward to 2019 and beyond, take a holistic approach to how you evaluate your investments’ performance. By looking for relevance, being realistic about what you can expect, and reviewing your portfolio in the context of your goals, risk tolerance and changing circumstances, you can gain a thorough understanding of where you are, where you want to go – and how you can help yourself get there. Submitted by Chris Carlton of Edward Jones

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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NEW POOL PACKAGE

• 80’ Perimeter play pool 5’ deep up to 400 sq ft / 3’x4’x5’ • Paramount PV3 in-floor cleaning system with 12 heads • Pentair variable speed pump • 420 sq ft filter / 15’ plumbing run • Pentair LED Pool Light • 170 sq ft of standard travertine pavers & 80 ln ft of standard travertine coping or 250 sq ft of acrylic lace deck • 50 ln ft of electrical run • Mini pebble standard colors up to 720 IA • NPT waterline tile (Blue Dot) • Includes permit and trackhoe dig January 2019


The Bug Guy Winter Pest-Proofing Can Keep Rodents Away For many homeowners, pest proofing is a chore relegated to the warmer months of the year. But many pests gain entry into homes in the winter as they seek shelter from the cold weather. In fact, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), rodents alone invade an estimated 21 million homes in the U.S. each winter. With 24% of homeowners reporting mice infestations specifically in the winter, they are among the top pest issues of the season. Mice and rats spread diseases like Salmonella and Hantavirus when they contaminate food, and bring fleas, ticks and lice indoors. Rodents can also cause serious structural damage by chewing through wood and electrical wiring. Other winter invaders pose health threats, as well. Cockroaches and ants contaminate food sources, and cockroaches can trigger asthma attacks in children. Spiders bite when they feel threatened, causing serious reactions in some people.

Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine

“Pests including cockroaches, ants, spiders and especially rodents are common home invaders in the winter,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “An infestation by these pests can cause serious health and property issues if not properly dealt with in a timely manner. However, homeowners can help prevent infestation troubles by taking a proactive approach in eliminating entryways into the home.” To prevent pests from infesting your home this winter, NPMA recommends following these tips: • Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home. • Inspect wires, insulation and walls for gnaw marks, which may indicate a rodent infestation. • Store boxes off of the floor to prevent rodents from residing in undisturbed areas. • Keep branches and shrubbery trimmed away from the home. • Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and five feet off the ground. • If you suspect an infestation, contact a pest professional. Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

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Start Here. Go Anywhere. Your Odyssey Awaits. Five campuses dedicated to preparing our Scholars for success, no matter which path they take in life. The Odyssey Preparatory Family of Schools is now accepting enrollment applications for the 2019-20 school year.

The Odyssey Preparatory Family of Schools

(623) 327-1757

Visit odyprep.com today.

T houghtfully chosen ingredients, assembled with experience. 3100 N. 91st Avenue • Phoenix, AZ 85037 • 623.233.2594

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January 2019


Winter Style With cold weather already here, the winter season has officially started early for most Americans. Here are a few simple tricks to help you cure your winter wardrobe blues and invigorate your sense of fashion:

Clean smart Taking care of your existing winter clothing (and hard-to-clean winter coat) is imperative! After months of storage, a thorough refresh is needed to keep your winter gear in tip-top shape. Look to social media With so many fashion bloggers, it’s easy to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. Search Instagram for fashion bloggers that match your style - bonus points if they live in your area and share outfit inspiration that matches your current climate.

Color coordinate your accessories If you’re bored of your basic, neutral pieces, energize your outfit by choosing a color theme for your accessories. For example, match red shoes to a pair of statement red earrings in an otherwise all-black ensemble or step up a sweater and jeans with a colorful printed scarf. Bold, bright colors reflect your personality. Animal prints and stripes can create an edgy, eclectic look. Declutter your close Many people stand in front of a closet full of clothes every morning but can’t find anything they want to wear. If this is you, it’s time for a closet overhaul. Spend a day going through every item of clothing you own. Keep what you love and wear regularly and donate the rest. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed you feel. You may be counting down the days until spring, but these tips will help you get through another stretch of cold weather. For more information on how to refresh your style and home, visit lg.com.

Cooling & Heating Contractor Installations Sales & Service Preventative Maintenance Residential & Commercial NOT Commissioned-Based NO Gimmicks Quality Products

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602.377.1999 www.urgentair.com Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine

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Financial Planners A recent study finds that 52 percent of American households are at risk of not being able to carry their current lifestyle into retirement. This is an increase from an estimated 45 percent of households in a 2004 study. The estimated retirement savings shortfall amounts to roughly $6.4 trillion.

All of this underscores the importance of being smart with your retirement planning and adjusting your strategy based on your age. A good financial planner can help you do all of that. To find the right financial planner to help you prepare for retirement, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) offers these tips. * Look for a planner who is a fiduciary. Planners who are fiduciaries have a duty of loyalty to their clients and a duty of care. The duty of

loyalty means they must always consider their clients’ interests above their own, even if that interest negatively impacts their own income. The duty of care means an advisor must care for clients as though they were loved ones and provide them with prudent advice. Look for a planner who is a fiduciary and put that duty of care to work for you. * Focus on experience. Your retirement future isn’t something you want to leave to someone without the proper credentials. Look for planners with the CFP(R) certification. This certification means a financial planner has met rigorous professional standards and has agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence. * Focus on financial planning. Your financial future will be dependent on a sound financial plan, so look for a professional who focuses on true financial planning. Ask your planner if they have ever written a financial plan and what the plan might look like for you. Living the life you want in retirement is possible if you start planning for it now. The right financial planner can help you realize your goals, so don’t delay in finding the right planner for you. Visit NAFPA.org for more consumer resources on how to find the right planner for you today.

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January 2019


Immunity Boost The winter months bring cold and flu season, which can take a toll on your health. While flu shots and rest are common advice for prevention, a strong immune system is critical to keeping you healthy all year long. According to Margaret Martin, RD, MS, LDN, CDE, a Registered Dietitian at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, “Your body’s ability to fight infection and disease depends on your immune system.” Margaret offers these important tips to help boost your immune system and keep it running smoothly throughout the year. Choose foods first as your source of vitamins and nutrients. Unless your healthcare team directs you to take a vitamin or supplement, you likely do not need one. The best way to include these nutrients is by eating whole foods. Make sure your meals incorporate a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, legumes, beans, lean protein and healthy fats.

of fluids every day is one of the most effective ways to flush waste from your body and support the health of your immune system.

Fruits, vegetables and other plants contain naturally occurring substances known as phytochemicals. Phytochemicals give fruits and vegetables their color and flavor. Phytochemicals act as soldiers in the immune system to protect the body from damage. Studies show that phytochemicals help support the: * Immune syste * Creation of healthy cell * Death of damaged cells (such as cancer cells) It can be harder for a malnourished body to fight off an illness or infection. Malnutrition results when the body does not receive enough calories and/or nutrients to promote good health and sustain healthy functioning of your body’s systems. When you’re “in the slumps,” it can be easy to avoid eating altogether. Visit www.LLS. org/nutrition for more information.

Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to stay energized and to ensure your body is getting enough calories, proteins and nutrients. Protein acts as a “builder” and the body uses it to build and repair tissues. Protein is also vital for making hormones and enzymes that promote the body’s daily functions and supports a healthy immune system. In addition, drinking eight to 10 glasses

PLANS TO MEET YOUR EVER CHANGING NEEDS

■ Automobile insurance ■ Home insurance ■ Call to see if you can save

PAUL LORENZ Your Local Agent 15655 W Roosevelt St, Suite 237, Goodyear, AZ 85338 plorenz@farmersagent.com agents.farmers.com/plorenz

Call 623.925.9411 today! Get smart about your coverage. Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.

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Vacation Savings

Looking to spend time away without spending a ton of money? Your wanderlust doesn’t have to directly compete with your desire to save. With a few smart tips and tricks, you can cut cost. 1. Pre-pay your hotel stay and save: Plan ahead to get the best rates at hotels

2. Shop and purchase tickets in advance: Consider researching tickets for museums, tours, amusement parks and other travel activities to see if advanced purchase discounts are available.

3. Create a balance between eating in and eating out: The cost of dining out, particularly for a family, adds up. The convenience of having a fully equipped kitchenat your fingertips helps you save money and maintain healthy eating habits by creating home-cooked meals right in your hotel room. Additionally, look for hotels that offer onsite complimentary breakfasts. 4. Bring along furry family members: Boarding pets or hiring a pet sitter can add up quickly. If your hotel is pet-friendly, that can be a big savings. 5. Focus on the essentials you’ll need during your stay: Other hotel necessities to seek out include free Wi-Fi with enhanced speeds, premium cable and on-premise laundry facilities. 6. Be flexible on timing: Weekend rates are typically higher than other days of the week, so consider adjusting your stay when possible or staying longer to take advantage of cheaper rates. Some hotels offer length-of-stay discounts, even during peak travel periods like school breaks and holidays. 7. Take advantage of other discounts and rewards: Hotels and attractions often have a variety of discounts available, so the simple step of asking could unleash hidden savings for seniors, military and government personnel, and even group rates.

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Puzzles & Games 2 Sudokus for January - Medium & Hard

Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Medium

1

5 9

3

8

7

1

2

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9

3

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2 6 9

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1

1 6

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8 2

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Hard

2

9

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4

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2

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6 9 1

6 5

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8 1

2

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8 5

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1 2

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Useful Numbers HOA CONTACTS: Community Services - after hours CCMC Starpointe Residents Club Youth Club Yacht Club Community Patrol

623.386.1112 800.274.3165 480.921.7500 623.386.1949 623.386.1949 623.386.3411 602.329.0462

GOVERNMENT CONTACTS: Animal Control City Hall Code Compliance Finance Department Post Office (Estrella Pkwy & Yuma) Public Relations Public Works State Wildlife Dept

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

602.506.7387 623.932.3910 623.882.7815 623.932.3015 623.882.9143

ESTRELLA GROUPS & CLUBS:

Badlanders Motorcycle Group 602.469.2496 Book Club 623.810.3494 Bridge mmendrick@q.com Bunco 623.242.7877 Car Club estrellamountaincarclub@gmail.com Game Night 408.242.6875 Guitar Club 623.800.3997 Hiking Group 414.940.3733 Hugs & Stitches 623.393.9255 Ladies of the Lake 623.386.4754 623.696.5962 LD04-MC Democrats Group Mah Jong 623.386.5238 Motorcycle Riding Group Lacy.Wetzel@gmail.com Photo Group 623.327.0240 Pickleball 623.262.1437 Play Group 602.803.1389 Poker 602.206.8580 Sisters In Stitches 623.251.7920

Freedom

RELIGIOUS SERVICES: Estrella Mountain Church 623.386.0300 Estrella Foothills Community Church 623.363.7857 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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Business Directory ADVERTISING Up The Hill - Estrella Publishing

623.594.9283

AUTO SERVICES A Plus Automotive Cien Motor Werks Daniel Total Car Care Desert Princess Car Service Earnhardt Auto Glass Litchfield Auto Repair

623.986.1586 623.322.8333 623.873.0949 602.300.7076 623.463.4371 623.882.8700

BUSINESS & LEGAL SERVICES Edward Jones - Christopher Carlton Farmer’s Insurance - P Lorenz Mahoney Law Office Richard Tax Service State Farm Insurance - D Aaron State Farm Insurance -T Gremillion The Insurance Lady AZ - M Jewell The Insurance Lady - M Wilson

623.386.1940 623.925.9411 623.518.3513 623.925.9953 480.948.2005 623.386.7767 602.828.9937 602.799.8410

EDUCATION Odyssey Prep Academy HEALTH & BEAUTY Freedom Audiology Healthy Life Family Medicine Mariposa Point, Assisted Living Massage Envy Mtn. Ranch Family Dentistry PebbleCreek Medical Group Permanent Make Up by Kari Skincare Extraordinaire HOUSEHOLD SERVICES 1 Buckeye Plumbing A Call Painting Albrecht & Sons Al’s Pumbing Beckham Electric Century Glass & Mirror Desired Handyman Dirt Busters House Cleaning Estrella Household Handyman Estrella Mountain Pest Control General Exterminating

623.329.1757 623.696.5817 623.889.3477 833.873.8733 623.935.5495 623.327.0231 623.322.2144 602.295.7373 623.826.3726 623.386.0710 602.422.3648 623.933.4312 623.329.5170 480.370.1014 623.444.6204 623.910.5183 623.977.6725 623.670.2642 623.680.6619 623.977.2100

Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine

Hardy Solar Solutions J & H Appliance Repair SW Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning The Window Cleaner AZ Urgent Air Younger Brothers Exterminating Younger Brothers Plumbing

206.399.4652 623.925.5427 623.363.3536 623.738.6064 602.377.1999 623.487.3147 623.487.3130

LANDSCAPING & POOL CARE ABC Pool Service Buckeye Desert Landscape Estrella Owner Services Gemstone Landscape Lakeside Pools Pool & Landscape AZ Pool Guy AZ

602.571.8747 602.527.2818 623.693.5695 623.695.5338 602.799.3623 480.999.3348 623.986.1530

MOVING SERVICES Atlantic Relocation Systems

602.352.6683

PET CARE Creatures Companions Estrella In Home Animal Care

623.215.6699 623.476.7074

WEB DESIGN Estrella Partners Web Design

623.594.9283

REAL ESTATE My Home Group - Stacia Meeker Realty One Group - Jen Polansky Realty One Group - Tara Rutkowski West USA Realty - Budge Team

623.850.0005 480.577.3918 623.640.6546 623.694.3907

RECREATION Elutheria Wellness Center

623.986.5110

RETAIL & RESTAURANTS Budget Blinds of Goodyear Estrella Ordnance Haymaker Restaurant Co Monat by Jennifer Pure Patio Screen Mobile Shurfire Solar The Textured Closet

480.629.8854 623.262.2154 623.536.9000 602.616.5505 623.299.8000 602.438.8485 623.261.4200 925.494.1104

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