Up The Hill
March 2018
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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 © 2010-2018 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.
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From Me To You... Welcome
to the March edition of Up The Hill magazine!
Most people know that this year is the Year of the Dog, well in my house it is the Year of the Weddings. My eldest 2 children are both getting married in 2018 and the pressure is beginning to build. Thankfully I am only organizing one of them as my son and his fiancee have decided that they will be doing everything (including paying for it!) by themselves. I am not so lucky with my daughter. This is a wedding that I get to plan and pay for. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of joy in the event. I get to see friends and family who would otherwise wait for me to visit them. Luckily we have a pool, and the wedding is in the summer, so that takes care of the entertainment. I am looking forward to summer evenings by the pool with a glass of wine and pleasant company. I am also looking forward to seeing people from many parts of my life mingle, to get to know each other, and hopefully have a great time. I am sure it will be somewhat frantic as we get close to the date but that is where I have played my Ace. I hired a wedding planner. She knows who to call, who will be there when they are supposed to be, and how to take all my worries away. If I start to panic about when to send the invites for the guests from overseas - Danielle has the answer. If I don’t know who is the best DJ - Danielle has the answer. If I don’t know how much food I need to order - Danielle is there for me too.
If I had the nerve I would put out a collection plate. Perhaps a tip jar of sorts. There was a parent I read about who sent a bill to people who RSVP’d yes to her son’s party then didn’t show up. Part of me, deep down, admires the Chutzpah of the woman. Because you know there will be people who say they are coming but won’t be there. Danielle assures me that it will all balance out because there are also people who will attend that were not invited, or changed their mind on the day. See? The woman is a gem! I must admit, most of the planning is fun. As many of you may understand, my wedding was not my wedding. What do I mean? Well although I was the one in the big white dress standing at the altar, I chose the dress my Mum preferred, the location my Mother-in-law favored and the band my soon to be husband wanted. Now it is my turn. I am steering the bridal couple towards choices I want. They pick the songs, but I chose the DJ. Their choice of food, my caterer. I did put my foot down with the dress. She got what she wanted, even though she tried to pick the dress she thought I liked best... Most of the planning is done at this point and all I have to do is relax and enjoy the big day, once I decide what I am going to wear. “Danielle!”
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, Up The Hill Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283
She is so helpful I am thinking of keeping her after the wedding. Don’t know where I should go on vacation? “Danielle!” Need help finding a plumber? “Danielle!” Hard to get reservations for a restaurant on a Saturday night? You guessed it. “Danielle!” But back to the wedding... Along with seeing my loved ones I also get to invite plenty of people on the other side of the aisle, who I will most likely not speak more than a couple of words to. That seems unfair to me.
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March Calendar
March 2018
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Notes: Women’s History Month, National Nutrition Month Birthstone: Aquamarine, Bloodstone & Jade Fruits & Veggies: Asparagus, Canistel, Grapefruit, Feijpoa, Kiwano Melon, Kiwi, Guava, Tamarillo, Red Banana Flower: Daffodil Astrological: Pisces (til 20th) & Aries (21st+)
1 Purim (Start) Zero Discrimination Day Hugs & Stitches 9am Storytime 10:30am Bunco 7pm
2 Texas Indep Day Holi (Hindu festival) Coffee Social 8:30am Bridge 12:45pm Life Adjustments Group 6pm
3 World Widlife Day Estrella Badlanders 11am
4 Academy Awards
5 Bridge 12:45pm Mahjong 3pm EMR Communications Comm. Meeting 5:30pm Games Club 6pm City Council Meeting 6pm LESD Board Meeting 6:30pm
6 EMR Business Group 8am Sisters in Stitches 10am
7 Ladies of the Lake 12pm Poker 1pm EMES/WES Early Release EMR Budget Comm. Meeting 4:30p Bridge 6pm
8 Int'l. Women's Day World Kidney Day Hugs & Stitches 9am Wine & Design 6:30pm
9 Coffee Social 8:30am
10 EMR Car Club 9am Saling Class 10am Vet & Military Club 12pm
11 Daylight Saving Begins Estrella Motorcyle Riding Group 11am
12 EMES/WES No School Bridge 12:45pm Mahjong 3pm Games Club 6pm
13 EMES/WES No School Sisters in Stitches 10am
14 Pi Day EMES/WES No School Street Sweeping in Gated Communities Book Club 10am Poker 1pm Bridge 6pm Photo Group 7pm
15 World Consumer Rights Day EMES/WES No School Edward Jones Finance Group 9am Hugs & Stitches 9am Sisters Reading Sisters 6pm
16 EMES/WES No School Coffee Social 6pm
17 Saint Patrick's Day 2018 Cruiz’n to the Lake Car Show 9am Estrella Farmers Market 10am Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance 5:30pm
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19 St. Joseph Bridge 12:45pm Games Club 6pm Genealogy Group 6:45pm
20 Spring Begins (Northern Hemisphere) Int’l Day of Happiness Persian New Year EMR Social Comm. Meeting 5pm
21 Int’l Day of Forests World Poetry Day EMES/WES Early Release Bridge 6pm
22 World Water Day Hugs & Stitches 9am Photo Group 7pm
23 Nat’l Puppy Day Coffee Social 8:30am EMR Landscape Comm. Meeting 3pm
24 World Tuberculosis Day Earth Hour
25 Palm Sunday Greek Indep. Day
26 Bridge 12:45pm Games Club 6pm City Council Meeting 6pm
27 WV RC Mariners Practice 12pm EMR HOA Meeting 6:30pm
28 EMES/WES Early Release Bridge 6pm
29 Holy Thursday Hugs & Stitches 9am Cafters Club 6:30pm
30 Good Friday EMES/WES No School Nat’l Doctor Day Coffee Social 8:30am
31 Passover (Start) Ceasar Chavez Day
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On Our Cover Premiere Performance of Estrella Mountain IB Junior High Academy Choir For the first time ever, Choir is an elective at EMES due to the creation of the IB Junior High Academy for Grades 6 through 8. The 73-member Junior High Choir and the EMES Band, under the direction of Monica Landaiche, presented a concert on February 7th, to a very enthusiastic audience. The Choir was accompanied by Barbara Speer, a Cougar Community Volunteer at the school. The musical selections of the concert displayed a variety of styles ranging from Broadway to jazz to pop to a beautiful ballad about finding inner strength. Mrs. Landaiche, the Music & Performing Arts teacher, always wanted to feature Choir as a class, but schedules did not permit it. Now that the IB Junior High Academy offers electives and scheduling flexibility, she meets separately with each of five ensembles (classes) for 45 minutes twice each week. In addition, she teaches four band and five dance classes as junior high electives plus all of the music classes for Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Current Choir students will continue to hone their vocal skills , new members will join for third trimester, and the choir will perform again on May 2.
experiences for EMES students. Mrs. Landaiche speaks of her volunteer accompanist in glowing terms: “Barbara has been an incredible asset. She accompanies us in rehearsals twice per week for 5 hours and also practices at home. Having another musician present gives me a sounding board for ideas and another resource for interpretation. She’s the biggest and best cheerleader we could ask for.” Barbara says that “It is a privilege to accompany the chorus under Monica’s direction. As a pianist and piano teacher, it is wonderful to see what this music program has done for the children. Sitting across from the chorus in rehearsal I see the enthusiasm and joy that the students have in singing music they know, as well as new songs. In ensemble music, the 6th, 7th and 8th graders get to sing together, as well as hone their listening skills. Often, music is overlooked as a key fundamental in education. I am thrilled to see that Estrella Mountain Elementary recognizes the importance of incorporating music education into the curriculum.” To volunteer at Estrella Mtn. Elementary, stop in or call the front office at 623-327-2820. Submitted by Cougar Community Volunteers
The expanded music offerings are part of a “wellrounded education”. They enrich a curriculum designed to provide a variety of educational
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Inspire Your Teen With mounting pressures and expectations, the high school years can feel overwhelming - for students and parents alike. Teens grapple with questions like: Which colleges should I apply to? What should I choose as a major? What do I really want to do with my life? What if I don’t have a clue? As a parent you naturally want to give advice and steer them in the right direction, but you also know it’s a tricky balance. It’s their life, after all, as they’ll often remind you. So how can you help? Encourage them to explore different interests, with no strings attached. Look for activities beyond the usual choices. Research extracurricular programs at your school, in your community, even overseas so they can see the breadth of what’s out there. Expose them to a range of possibilities and see what they pick. Does your teen already have a clear focus? Look for innovative programs that allow them to dig even deeper in real-world settings. Or maybe your son or daughter is shy or stuck in a rut and needs a gentle nudge to try something new? It’s amazing how a change of scenery can inspire students and tap hidden talents. Over time they’ll gravitate toward one thing or another, and the journey will be rich with self-discovery. From local to global, there are many valuable paths that help spark new interests while building self-knowledge, confidence and 21st century skills along the way.
Service programs help teens gain valuable perspectiveWhen teens offer their time and talent to nonprofits and worthy causes, they gain more than just real-world experience for their college resumes. They gain maturity, perspective, practical skills and a greater appreciation for what they’ve got. Volunteering can be customized to one’s own interests, whether it means walking dogs at an animal shelter or building a website for an environmental group. Adventurous students can take it one step further by participating in service programs abroad. Whether working to raise social awareness, lending a hand with environmental and conservation project, or mentoring underprivileged youth, teens grow exponentially during a summer far away from their usual routine. Study abroad transforms the way a teen looks at fields of study - and life. Studying abroad is not just for college. More and more high school students are making the leap overseas for summer programs or for a semester or gap year. As many students, parents and guidance counselors have discovered, this is an opportune time to develop valuable lifelong skills, learn a new language and discover career interests in a way that is not possible in an everyday classroom environment. Perhaps the ultimate opportunity for personal growth, studying abroad also expands communication skills and helps students understand different cultures and ways of living.
Global clubs and activities spark interest in the world at large. Most high schools offer a range of extracurricular opportunities to get involved in a topic of interest or try out something new, from sports and theater to robotics and debate. Many offer programs with an international theme as well. After-school language clubs provide a chance to practice conversational skills in a relaxed environment while joining in cooking and other cultural activities. And bonding with other language enthusiasts inspires many to want to travel to experience different cultures first-hand! A new activity picked up on a whim may turn into a lifetime source of joy or even a career. If options are limited at school, branch out. Urge your teen to get involved in the local community, meet new people, and bond with others who share similar interests. They’ll see what’s out there in the bigger world while demonstrating to colleges and employers that they’re engaged beyond the standard classroom requirements.
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Home Sweet Home Home buyers are encouraged to carry out home inspections and rightly so. Buying a home is one of the largest purchases we’ll ever make, so ensuring you’re not buying a heap of trouble (remember the movie The Money Pit?!) is a smart move - yes, pun intended! Hiring a professional is key. Your real estate professional should have their clients’ best interest at heart and be able to refer a good inspector or you may know someone who’s recently bought a home and worked with an excellent individual or company. Be sure the inspector is bonded and insured and beware of inspectors who have other business interests - roofing, renovations, etc. You’re looking for an honest opinion of the condition of the home, not someone who is trying to sell you other services. Ask what the inspection includes. The main items such as the roof, heating & cooling system, plumbing, electrical, etc., will be part of the inspection but how about the yard irrigation system? Some inspectors will inspect pools and spas but how detailed will these be?
anything under warranty can be addressed. Once the inspection has been completed, you will be invited to attend the “wrap up” during which time the inspector will review with you any main issues that have been discovered. You’ll receive a detailed report a little later - usually late that day or the following day. A good inspector should be open to chatting with you about anything of concern and also even further down the road once you own the home. Hopefully there will be nothing major to address but the report can now serve as a punch list to make corrections once you own the home. Then it will be in tip top condition when your time comes to be the seller, right?! Submitted by Gale Samuelsen, Realtor
Bear in mind, it’s not just older homes that should be inspected. Don’t get talked out of carrying out inspections on a newer home. Builders aren’t foolproof and an inspection should catch any errors made during construction. Actually, it’s good practice for new home buyers to have an independent inspection carried out just before their builder warranty expires. The report can then be delivered to the builder outlining any issues uncovered - and there are always some! - and
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Perception Content or Stagnant? A long time ago in place far away called “Greece,” a philosopher named Heraclitus said, “Change is the only constant in life.” The scientists reading this might argue about the speed of light whether it truly is a universal constant or not. Truth, Hope, and Karma are constants depending on whom you ask, but I don’t think Truth should be on that list. It was true that Pluto was a planet and now it’s not. Death is inevitable rather than a constant. Maybe a parent’s love for their children is a constant. My love of pizza is unremitting! Imagine some cosmic event happens and POOF! The Universe decides to keep everything and everyone the same as they are at that moment forever and ever. Almost like the Bill Murray movie, GROUNDHOG DAY. I would be grateful for never again having to get my haircut, change the oil in my car, polish my shoes, do cleaning chores, or any of the other dull, time-consuming routine responsibilities. There’s an opposite side to all of that. I wouldn’t be able to pick a different pair of shoes, always have the same car, and couldn’t change my hairstyle, not that I would. I like my Chia Pet/Mad Scientist hairdo. Remaining the same can be either ‘content’ or ‘stagnant’. In the first instance, it’s a comfort zone. We’re happy with ourselves, our lives, and our
lifestyles. We do what we want to do, say what we want to say, live how we want to live, play how we want to play, dance how we want to dance, and our world is wonderful. Someone who is content will adapt or go with the flow when something new pops up. While many would be satisfied with the above scenario, others would want to improve their life or intentionally seek out challenges. Otherwise, it would be the same ol’ same ol’ and not everyone wants that. Why anyone would want to fly two miles into the sky and jump out of the plane with a giant bed sheet strapped on their back is beyond me, but millions of people do it. Challenges are how some people feel alive. Some people challenge themselves by learning. I bet there’s at least one person reading this who wants to learn how to skydive. For that person, learning or trying something new is the way he or she enriches their life. It’s actually a good thing nothing remains the same. In a Universe without change, healthy people wouldn’t get sick, but sick people wouldn’t get healthy. Best thing for any of us is to figure out who or what is important enough in our life to be a constant and change the rest. Submitted by John Safin, Southwest Chamber of Commerce
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The Bug Guy Everything you always wanted to know about ants! Fact #1: Colonies are bigger than the average ant farm. Ant colonies come in literally all shapes and sizes. A few species live in colonies of only a few dozen ants; however, the average ant colony contains thousands of individual ants. Smaller colonies live in natural crevices or openings while larger colonies create vast nests and forage for supplies and food. There are also super colonies around the world that can contain more than 300 million individuals. These super colonies have been identified in Japan, Australia, the United States, and southern Europe. Fact #2: Ants have specific jobs. Ants are very social insects, and they divide jobs among different types of ants in each colony. The queen or queens have only one job - to lay eggs. All other female ants are workers; they feed the larvae, take out the colony’s trash, forage for food and supplies, or defend the nest. Male ants’ only job is to mate with the queen. Fact #3: One ant species is exclusively female. Researchers have yet to find a male of the species M. smithii. The queen ant reproduces asexually, so all offspring are clones of the queen. This species is found in several countries of Central America and most countries of South America.
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Fact #4: Ants can become zombies. Perhaps the strangest ant fact, there is a species of fungus that infects ants and takes control of their bodies. The fungus finds its way underneath the ant’s exoskeleton and begins to consume soft tissue. Shortly after, by unknown mechanisms, it causes the ant to leave its colony. The ant then finds a leaf, bites it with a “death grip,” and dies. A few days later, the fungus releases spores to infect more ants. Some ant species have learned to recognize infected colony mates and will carry them far away to protect the rest of the colony. Fact #5: Ants can lift 10-50 times their body weight. Because ants are so small, their muscles are thicker relative to their body mass than in larger animals. This allows ants to carry objects much heavier and bigger than them. To put it into perspective, if humans could lift 10 times their weight, a 200-pound man could lift a small car above his head. Despite how fascinating these ant facts may be, ant control and management around the home are important for health and safety reasons. If you suspect an ant infestation, contact a pest control company. Submitted By Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control, Estrella Resident
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Living With Faith Mercy and humility A man brings some very fine material to a tailor and asks him to make a pair of pants. When he comes back a week later, the pants are not ready. Two weeks later, they are still not ready. Finally, after six weeks, the pants are ready. The man tries them on. They fit perfectly. Nonetheless, when it comes time to pay, he can’t resist a jibe at the tailor. “You know,” he says, “it took God only six days to make the world. And it took you six weeks to make just one pair of pants.” “Ah,” the tailor says. “But look at this pair of pants, and look at the world!” Sometimes when we look at the world around us we despair. There is so much bloodshed, so much famine, so much hopelessness, and there is so much bigotry. We were created to be together in both action and deed. And this closeness often leads to contempt. But then we realize that with just a few kind words or simple gestures we can enhance our lives and those around us. In fact, if we really wanted to get along with others we would not be so judgmental or critical. And yet,
there are those who would suggest that our belief systems are different and therefore not worthy of connection. And still others who would submit that salvation is relegated to just a few. We can, and should take a different approach to indifference. We should resolve to confront it, not with antagonism but with a straightforward appeal to decency and morality. We can propose dialogue and exchange of ideas to remember that as we were created differently so are our thoughts and ideas. We need to propose that there is no one path to knowledge or acceptance but rather many ways to the paths of brotherhood and civility. Perhaps we should take the time to look around and see that while we are all different in appearance, we are the same in the way we were created. Scripture describes the birth of humanity, and the question that is raised relates to the fact that only one man and one woman were the beginning of everything. Perhaps the answer is too simple, and just maybe it’s simplicity is designed to help us understand that the example is there to remind us that one person is no better than another for we come from one mother and one father. We should step back and take a long hard look at the world, and know that while all was created in just six days, it will take a lifetime, and many lifetimes to follow to continue to complete the task of creating an appreciation for the value and purpose for the greatest gift given us: Life. As the winter approaches its height, let us resolve to keep the warmth of our spirit and the breath of the impending Spring, the most important aspect of the choices we make: “To do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8) Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
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Mortgage Facts the national median income up to 20 years to save 20 percent, according to calculations by U.S. Mortgage Insurers using a methodology developed by the Center for Responsible Lending; a lot can change during that time, in the family’s personal finances and in overall mortgage market trends. How can buying now save you money later?
Do the math: Homebuying now may save a lot It is a common misconception that a 20 percent down payment is required to buy a home. Advice to wait and save a large down payment is often based on the theory that the cost of mortgage insurance (MI), which is required when you buy with a smaller down payment, should be avoided. This may not be the best advice and is, in fact, not in line with market trends, considering 60 percent of homebuyers buy with a down payment of 6 percent or less, according to the National Association of Realtors. Yes, you can qualify for a conventional mortgage with a down payment as small as 3 percent of the purchase price. It is also true that you can reduce your monthly mortgage payment by paying for discount points at closing, but that can be 5 or 10 percent of the purchase price - not 20. And because every buyer’s situation is unique, it’s important to do the math. In today’s market, it could take a family earning
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Consider you want to purchase a $235,000 home. A 5 percent down payment is $11,750 versus $47,000 in cash for 20 percent down. With a 740 credit score at today’s MI rates, your monthly MI payment would be about $110, which is added to your monthly mortgage payment until MI cancels. MI typically cancels after five years; therefore, you will only have this added cost for a short period of time versus waiting an average of 20 years to save for 20 percent. With home price appreciation, today’s $235,000 home will likely cost more in the years ahead and this will also have an impact on the necessary down payment and length of time required to save for it. There are other variables in the equation too, such as interest rates. As federal rates rise, so too can the costs associated with financing a mortgage. The savings a borrower might calculate today could be altogether negated by waiting even a few more years. Another factor is that rents are on the rise across the nation, leading to a reduced capacity for many would-be homebuyers to save for larger down payments. If you decide to buy today with a low down payment mortgage option, it is true that MI is an added cost on top of mortgage principal and interest, but keep in mind that it is temporary and goes away. Again, it typically lasts about five years. Private MI can be cancelled once a homeowner builds approximately 20 percent equity in the home through payments or appreciation and automatically terminates for most borrowers once he or she reaches 22 percent equity. And when MI is cancelled, the monthly bill goes down. Importantly, the insurance premiums on an FHA mortgage - the 100 percent taxpayer-backed government version of mortgage insurance - cannot be cancelled for the vast majority of borrowers with FHA mortgages. So, do the math and let the numbers guide you. There are many online mortgage calculators that can help. Check out lowdownpaymentfacts.org to learn more.
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Money Matters On March 8, we observe International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is “Press for Progress,” and events around the world will celebrate women’s advancements in the political, social and cultural arenas. But right here in the United States, women still face barriers to their financial progress. If you’re a woman, you need to recognize these challenges – and respond to them. So, what are the key obstacles to financial security for a woman? Probably the first thing that comes to mind is the gender wage gap: Women generally earn around 80 cents for every dollar men earn, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But women also face other threats to their financial security. For one thing, they are far more likely than men to take time away from the workforce to raise a family – and time away means smaller Social Security payments and significantly lower balances in 401(k) plans and other retirement accounts. And women’s roles as caretakers don’t end when their children are grown – in fact, women are twice as likely as their male siblings to end up caring for an elderly parent, according to a Princeton University
study. What, then, can you do to help ensure a comfortable retirement and achieve your other financial goals? Here are a few suggestions: Take full advantage of your employer’s retirement plan. If your employer offers a 401(k) or similar retirement plan, take full advantage of it. Invest as much as you can afford each year, and every time you get a raise, increase your contributions. At the very least, put in enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered. Invest for the long term. Some evidence shows that women may be more conservative investors than men. But if you want to reach your long-term goals, you will need to consider some growth-oriented investments in your portfolio, factoring in your risk tolerance and time horizon. You may want to consult with a financial professional about the best way to invest for the long term. Maximize your Social Security. If your spouse is the higher earner, you may want to consider how you can use this disparity to your advantage when you collect Social Security. Specifically, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits based on your spouse’s earnings and Social Security record. You’ll want to consult your tax advisor before making any moves. Protect yourself from long-term care costs. More than two-thirds of nursing home residents are women, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. And the median rate nationwide for a private room in a nursing home is over $97,000 per year, according to the Genworth 2017 Cost of Care Survey. Medicare generally pays very little for longterm care, so if you ever need these services, you’ll have to find other ways to pay for them. A financial professional can suggest some ideas. As a woman, you face special financial challenges, and striving to overcome them will be a lifelong activity. But it’s worth the effort. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Chris Carlton
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Winter Skin The daily routine for a parent can be hectic and stressful, and having a child that is living with atopic dermatitis (eczema) can be difficult. If your child has eczema, the following tips may help you care for your child and their skin. 1. Know what to watch for. Eczema may look different on different people, so it’s important to know what to watch for. The face, neck, arms and legs are common sites for many people, depending on their age. Eczema often appears as a rough, red skin rash. If you think your child has eczema, talk with a doctor to learn what to look for and discuss a possible treatment plan. Here’s another tip: consider pajama or bath time as an opportunity to take a moment and check for any changes in your child’s skin. 2. Tame the triggers. For some, eczema may flare, or get worse, when they’re exposed to different triggers, even if they are currently treating their eczema. Food choices, sweat, stress, and clothing types may all be possible triggers for your child’s eczema. Monitor your child’s skin, and if you notice a change, talk to their doctor to find the strategies that may best identify these triggers. 3. Prepare appropriately. As a parent, you’ve probably learned that children never stop moving. Purses are filled with all sorts of things to help keep your child entertained. That preparation can also be applied to eczema. For example, heat and sweat are common causes of flares.
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Try dressing your child in comfortable, loose clothing or uniforms that have been washed before your child wears them. Don’t forget those new gym clothes and soccer jerseys! 4. Adjust bath time routines. Children take baths-for obvious reasons!-but bath time might be a challenge for children with eczema. Try to limit bath time to 5-10 minutes up to once per day with warm, not hot, water. Applying a moisturizer soon after bathing may also help ensure your child’s skin is moisturized. 5. Understand your options. There is no cure for eczema, but there are treatment options available.
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Outdoor Living Outdoor living spaces rank first among special function rooms desired by consumers, according to the American Institute for Architects, and so homeowners are expected to be going all-in for the outdoors in 2018. Trex Company, a maker of premium decking and railing, has gleaned insights from contractors, homeowners and industry experts to compile the following outdoor living trends that will dominate this year: Year-round enjoyment Among the biggest trends is a shift away from seasonality as consumers adopt more of a yearround mindset, no longer restricting outdoor living to spring and summer. Thanks to new high-performance materials and innovative design approaches, homeowners everywhere are transforming their outdoor spaces into multi-seasonal extensions of their homes. For example, Trex contractors have reported an uptick in requests for its RainEscape deck drainage system by clients looking to add multi-seasonal living space underneath an elevated deck. Minimal maintenance, maximum enjoyment Just because people are spending more time outdoors doesn’t mean they’re willing to put in extra hours for upkeep. In fact, high-maintenance materials like wood are seeing a decrease in demand as people are opting for offerings that deliver better performance and sustainability. Unlike wood, high-performance composites resist fading, staining, scratching and mold - and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. No sanding, staining or painting is required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water. Comfy cozy Among the hottest design influences right now is “hygge” (pronounced hoo-
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gah) - the Scandinavian term for a feeling of coziness and comfort. This year, outdoor spaces will beckon homeowners and their guests to relax and rejuvenate with hygge-inspired accents, from plush cushions and throws to protective pergolas, cozy warming features and outdoor lighting. Residential goes commercial While railing matched to the decking remains popular, an increasing number of homeowners are taking advantage of the complementary decking and railing pairings afforded by new railing materials in modern, metal finishes, as well as sleek designs inspired by commercial architecture. More homeowners are inspired by outdoor spaces they find in commercial settings, such as hotels and urban rooftops, and want to replicate those looks in their homes. A prime example of this commercial-to-residential trend is the growing popularity of horizontal railings such as rod rail - a sleek, industrial look that’s ideal for optimizing a panoramic view. Hide and chic With the increased usage of outdoor living spaces comes higher demand for chic decor and privacy. An easy design trick that adds personal style and functionality, lattice panels are perfect for enhancing privacy and concealing storage areas or unsightly views. With styles ranging from romantic to deco, lattice panels can be integrated into any outdoor area and applied to structures such as arbors, trellises and gazebos, or used as decorative wainscoting or deck skirting. Fun and games Kids are not the only ones who enjoy playing outside. Outdoor play spaces for all ages are on the rise, including everything from swimming pools and embedded sandboxes to regulation cornhole courts, horseshoe pits and dedicated spaces for volleyball, badminton and bocce ball. Beyond yard games, electronics manufacturers now offer televisions and entertainment systems specifically designed for the outdoors, taking into consideration differences in lighting and outdoor acoustics. Meanwhile, new storage options include durable wall-mounted television and entertainment centers that beautifully protect pricey electronics from the elements, while concealing all of the unsightly - and potentially unsafe - cords and cables. For more information about outdoor living trends, go to www.trex.com.
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Out & About beach getaway, indulging in one-of-a-kind foodie experiences, (or all three!), there are plenty of places that grant everyone’s wishes. Tip #3: Be proactive about special requirements Keep special needs top of mind when booking accommodations. For example, all U.S. hotels are required to offer wheelchair-accessible rooms, but international hotels follow different guidelines, so be sure to ask. Additionally, if you have a sensitive child who prefers a calmer environment, book a hotel room away from the pool or other entertainment spaces.
Are you dreaming about an incredible family escape your loved ones will always remember? Perhaps your dream vacation is filled with adventure while eating around the world and exploring castles in faraway places, or maybe it’s relaxing on a private island with picturesque views of crystal clear water. Before taking off, you need to tackle the logistics. Fortunately, with a few tips from those in the know, creating an unforgettable getaway can be as magical as taking one. Tip #1: Get the inside scoop
Another common concern for families is food allergies. To ease worries, plan ahead. Experienced jetsetters suggest asking restaurants for their ingredients charts and nutrition information or requesting to speak directly to the chef. You can even call airlines and hotels early to ask about allergy policies. Bottom line: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when planning a family getaway. Each age has different considerations, but with some smart strategizing and advice from the right people, you can create memories to last a lifetime. These three tips will have you well on your way to experiencing an epic family vacation.
No idea where to begin? Talk with a trustworthy resource or fellow parent who has “been there.” The honest and relatable vacation tips you’ll receive are invaluable and can ease the planning process. Tip #2: Find an all-appealing destination You probably have a few ideas of where to go, but brainstorming destinations with your travel crew can provide helpful feedback and insight into everyone’s interests. Maybe your best friends are making brunch a priority for your girlfriends’ getaway. Or Grandma has a few “memory making” ideas for her vacation with the grandkids. Your fickle pre-teen even has a dream destination you might not know of, and your kindergartner is sure to throw a few ideas into the ring. After you make a list of everyone’s thoughts, do some research online. Poke around travel websites, talk with other parents and search www. disneyparksmomspanel.com for guidance. With a little digging, you can find experiences that appeal as much to your toddler as your teenager and even your best friend. The key is to make it a discussion, talk with others who are in the know and overall, enjoy helping you plan your escape. Whether you’re going for a dream Disney vacation, planning a Up The Hill
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Life As A Caregiver Anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer’s has been told that the disease effects people differently. Some patients become mean and hard to handle. Others lose themselves in the disease and are quiet and unresponsive. And still others suffer from depression. My mom has stayed pretty true to herself. She has remained fairly coherent, she still has her sense of humor, still adores my dog Buddy and still looks at me adoringly with all the love a mother has for her daughter. But…depression DOES rear its ugly head from time to time. The disease and her inability to do things for herself makes her sad and frustrated. The disease also creates what is called “episodes” from time to time. Episodes where her behavior changes drastically. When they hit, they last for about 24 hours. Mom doesn’t sleep during any of that time. For that 24-hour period, she doesn’t eat much, becomes very restless, doesn’t remember that her mother, my father, and her siblings have all died, and asks a million questions. This particular time, though, she thought I had a daughter (which I don’t) named Joyce, was sad that she spoiled a dinner outing with my husband (I haven’t had a husband for a very long time) and thought I was a friend of the family. During this particular episode, she had a very hard time trying to find the words to express herself. It made me literally sick to my stomach. My mom didn’t know me.
I learned a lot from this ‘episode’. I learned that I can deal with the day-to-day routine of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, but not the extreme behavior changes that occur once in a while. That no matter how much you’ve prepared or understand about what’s happening, seeing someone you love in discomfort is extremely painful. I became SO emotional this time that it really made me look at my behavior during the crisis. I found myself angry and rather irritable in the way I answered my mom’s numerous questions. What I experienced was my lack of control over something negatively effecting someone I love. And when we are used to being in control and taking charge, as caregivers must be, there is nothing worse than NOT being in control. I couldn’t help her. I couldn’t make it better. I couldn’t make the bad stuff go away. And that broke my heart. And made me hate the disease even more!! Once she started feeling better, then I started feeling better. But something she said to me after she had calmed down a bit played over and over in my head. I thought it was pretty insightful. She said, ” I feel like my life is in front of me in a book… and some of the pages are missing.” Indeed they are, mom. Indeed they are. And I’m so sorry! Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident
This ‘episode’ was a rough one…..seeing her struggle with information that she knew well; having her not know me as her daughter. Oh man! I cried for a good part of the day when she wasn’t with me….partly because of the confusion she was experiencing and partly because I wondered if this was the beginning of the next phase of Alzheimer’s. I had done my homework several years ago and chose a group-home nearby where I thought my mom would be comfortable when the time came to move her. But not yet!! It’s not time YET!!! Or is it? What has usually happened when mom has had an ‘episode’ is that after the 24-hours passes, she crashes. She has an enormous headache, she sleeps for almost an entire day and begins to eat normally. Her new normal returns and she knows me and recognizes all of her surroundings. And so it was this time, too. She didn’t remember what had happened and was perfectly content to sleep and regain her strength.
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Puzzles & Games Sudoku for March
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Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
WORD SEARCH
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Business Directory AUTO SERVICES A Plus Automotive Desert Princess Car Service Litchfield Auto Repair
623.986.1586 602.300.7076 623.882.8700
BUSINESS & LEGAL SERVICES 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
623.594.9283 623.386.1940 623.299.2592 623.518.3513 623.925.9953 480.948.2005 623.386.7767 602.799.8410
HEALTH & BEAUTY Dr. Nemechek Consultative Medicine Healthy Life Family Medicine Mtn. Ranch Family Dentistry Permanent Make Up Skincare Extraordinaire
623.208.4226 623.889.3477 623.327.0231 602.295.7373 623.826.3726
HOUSEHOLD SERVICES 1 Buckeye Plumbing 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 Estrella Mountain Pest Control Hardy Solar Solutions J & H Appliance Repair Merry Maids The Window Cleaner AZ Urgent Air
623.386.0710 623.313.5685 602.422.3648 623.329.5170 480.370.1014 602.574.6760 623.444.6204 602.765.COOL 623.910.5183 623.977.6725 623.910.2202 623.680.6619 206.399.4652 623.925.5427 623.738.1789 623.738.6064 602.377.1999
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Williams Air & Heating Younger Brothers Exterminating Younger Brothers Plumbing
602.549.9222 623.487.3147 623.487.3130
LANDSCAPING & POOL CARE Buckeye Desert Landscape Classic Pool & Spa, LLC Estrella Owner Services Gemstone Landscape Jackrabbit Nursery Lakeside Pools Pool & Landscape AZ
602.527.2818 623.224.3805 623.693.5695 623.695.5338 623.386.4700 602.799.3623 480.999.3348
PET CARE Creatures Companions Estrella In Home Animal Care
623.215.6699 623.476.7074
PHOTOGRAPHY & WEB DESIGN Estrella Partners Web Design
623.594.9283
REAL ESTATE Realty One Group - Gale Samuelsen Realty One Group - Jen Polansky Realty One Group - Tara Rutkowski REMAX Preferred Choice - Estrella West USA Realty - Budge Team West USA Realty - Lisa Sowada
602.327.7938 480.577.3918 623.640.6546 623.850.0005 623.694.3907 623.326.4721
RECREATION Elutheria Wellness Center KFNX 1100AM Radio
623.986.5110 602.277.1100
RETAIL SERVICES & RESTAURANTS Budget Blinds of Goodyear Element Sun Screens Estrella Ordnance Haymaker Restaurant Co Monat Pure Patio
480.629.8854 602.999.4384 623.262.2154 623.536.9000 602.616.5505 623.299.8000
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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
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