Up The Hill by Estrella Publishing

Up The Hill

May 2017

From Me To You... Welcome

to the May edition of Up The Hill magazine!

I went to the mailbox the other day with a sense of anticipation, a feeling similar to childhood birthdays washed over me. What would I get? Would I like it? Would it change my life? I am sure you too have seen or enjoyed the recent rash of subscription box services that have popped up. You can subscribe to a box of make up, clothing, dog toys even your family dinners. Some of these are time savers, others just pander to our childhood love of presents. Because that is what it feels like. Sure I put down my credit card to enjoy this present, but someone else picked it out for me and took the time to wrap it and send it to my door. I will admit that I have, in the past, enjoyed a box of food that I wanted to use to expand my family’s dinner repertoire. The measured and decanted oils and vegetables promised a new experience that we could all enjoy making together. That lasted for the first meal. My imagined evenings of bonding over cooking and sharing meals we prepared together fell to the wayside as the food languished in the fridge. The box delivered on its promises but what it did not

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give me was more time and energy to gather the troops and organise the cooking project. Plus, some of those meals were downright weird. As for the box of dog treats and toys... Well that always delighted my four-legged friend, and he pretty much ate everything that arrived (toys included). The downside of that particular box is that now he thinks every package is his and goes nuts trying to get at my Amazon deliveries. Will I subscribe again? I am sure I will. After all, who doesn’t love getting a present in the mail?

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

Please patronize our advertisers, after all they are the reason you get this magazine for free every month! Don’t forget to visit our website for puzzle solutions, restaurant reviews, coupons, and business directories! www. EstrellaPublishing.com Our cover this month depicts scenes from last year’s Honey Foundation 5K Water Walk. See their ad on page 24 for information and go to the website www.walterwalk5k.com to sign up for this fun event here in Estrella!

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Where To Look 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.

Calendar ~ pg 4 Goodyear 411 ~ pg 8 Positive Parenting ~ 11 Furry Friends ~ pg 12 Take A Chance ~ pg 13 Bug Guy ~ pg 14 School Zone ~ pg 17 Home Sweet Home ~ pg 18 Money Matters ~ pg 21 Puzzles And Games ~ pg 25

Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor

Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec

Business Directory ~ pg 26 Useful Numbers ~ pg 27

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May 2017

May

Calendar

May 2017

◄ April

Sun

1     

Mon

Yom HaZikaron World Lyme Day Bridge 12:45p Mahjong 3p Games Club 6p

Tue

 Yom HAtzma’ut  National Teacher Day  Sisters in Stitches 10a  Canasta 1p  EMR Social Committee 5p

Wed

 World Press Freedom  City Coffee w/ a Cop 8a  Playgroup 9:30a  Ladies of the Lake 12p  Poker 1p  EMES/WES Early Release  Bridge 6p

Thu

Fri

Nat’l Day of Prayer  Cinco De Mayo Hugs & Stitches 9a  Brew & Banter 8:30a Storytime 10:30a EMR Communications Meeting 4:30p  City Arts & Culture Meeting 5:30p  Bunco 7p    

 Kentucky Derby  Farmers Market 9a  EMR Document Shredding 10a  Estrella Badlanders 11a

 Chess Club 4:30p

 Lag B’Omer  Mother’s Day  Estrella Motorcycle Riding Group 11a  Chess Club 4:30p

 Chess Club 4:30p

 National Burger Day  Chess Club 4:30p

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Bridge 12:45p Mahjong 3p Games Club 6p City Council Meeting 6p  LESD Board Meeting    

 Bridge 12:45p  Mahjong 3p  Games Club 6p

 Int’ Biological Diversity  Bridge 12:45p  Mahjong 3p  Games Club 6p  City Council meeting 6p Memorial Day Birdge 12:45p Mahjong 3p EMR Budget Meeting 4p  Games Club 6p    

 Sisters in Stitches 10a  Canasta 1p

 City General Election  Sisters in Stitches 10a  Canasta 1p  EMR New Resident Orientation 6:30p

 Sisters in Stitches 10a  Canasta 1p  EMR HOA Board Meeting 6:30p

 Sisters in Stitches 10a  Canasta 1p

Playgroup 9:30a Book Club 10a Poker 1p EMES/WES Early Release  Bridge 6p  Photo Group 7p    

 Playgroup 9:30a  Poker 1p  EMES/WES Early Release  EMR Art Gallery Meeting 3p  Bridge 6p  City Planning & Zoning Meeting 6p

 National Brothers Day  Playgroup 9:30a  Poker 1p  Bridge 6p

     

 Hugs & Stitches 9a  Writing Group 6p  Photo Group 7p  City SkateFest 2017 7p  EMCC Commencement 7p

 Edward Jones  EMES/WES Last Financial Group 9a Day of School  Hugs & Stitches 9a  Bingo 6p  EFHS Graduation 8p

 Hugs & Stitches 9a  Photo Group 7p

June ►

Sat

 City Farmers Market 9a  EMR Car Club 9a  Water Walk 5k 9a12p  Yacht Club Sailing Class 10a  Armed Forces Day  7th annual Kids to Parks Day 8a  City Farmers Market 9a  USA State Cycling Championship 10a  EMR Farmers Market 10a  Scrapbooking Club 10a  City Farmers Market 8a  Pirates by the Pool Summer Pool Party 5p

Notes: National Bike Month, National Physical Fitness and Sports, National Mental Halth Awareness, Lupus Awareness Month, Lyme Shavuot Disease Awareness Month World No Tobacco Birthstone: Emerald Day Fruits & Veggies: Mangos, Potatoes, Limes Playgroup 9:30a Flower: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn Poker 1p Astrological: Taurus (till 20th) & Gemini (21st+) Bridge 6p Photo Group 7p

May 2017

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May 2017

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May 2017

Tips to reduce your health care expenses (BPT) - Health care costs are in the news all the time. You hear about them at work and when you’re with friends and family. The comments are always the same. Health care is getting more and more expensive and it seems to be outpacing the money you make. Fortunately you’re not helpless when it comes to controlling your health care costs. While some treatments simply have to be done in order to support your health, there are other things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones while looking out for your pocketbook at the same time. Employ these five tips today and you’ll enjoy the care you need without breaking your budget. * Focus on your health first. When it comes to controlling your health care expenses, you actually have more control than you think - a lot more. The decisions you make every day what to eat, whether or not to smoke, how much to exercise - all play a dramatic role in your overall health. So take charge, dine on fruits and vegetables, take a run and kick that nicotine habit for good. Each of these little decisions will benefit your health and your budget. * Be decisive with your deductible. Your insurance deductible is a fixed cost and one you’ll pay every single year before receiving network coverage support. But once it’s paid, you’ll enjoy the full coverage of your plan. Thus, if you have another treatment or procedure coming up, don’t put it off any longer than you have to. Up The Hill

Help Yourself

Undergoing additional procedures in the same year means you get more coverage while paying only one deductible. Many health plans also cover preventive services in full, without going against a deductible. * Be smart about where you go for care. While health care facilities across the country are all capable of delivering compassionate, quality care, they are not all priced the same. According to a Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Health of America Report, 29.8 percent of emergency room visits were for conditions that could have been treated in retail clinics. The same research also found consumers saved money on outof-pocket costs by visiting retail clinics for routine services when compared to doctor’s offices, and the visits were much more inexpensive than receiving the same treatment in the emergency room, according to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

HSA. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) provide a cost-effective way for people who don’t use a lot of health care services, to access care and pay for services up until they reach their deductible. Plus the money you save in your HSA can be used to pay for co-insurance payments or co-pays at your doctor’s office, and it’s also an eligible tax write off, opening the door to further savings. There are ways you can manage your health care spending. Follow the tips above and be an active participant in your role as a health care consumer and you’ll be surprised at how much you save. To learn more about the The Health of America Report, visit www.bcbs. com/healthofamerica.

* Ask questions. Your provider may know best, but it’s all about your health. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, not only about the procedure itself, but about the price of the procedure and if there is anything you can do to reduce the expense. Sometimes there may be something you can do on your own that supports your health and lessens your costs at the same time. * Embrace an May 2017

Goodyear 411 Winter Visitor Home Security Tips The holidays are over, spring training fun is behind us and the temperatures are beginning to rise; it is that time of year, time for winter visitors to start heading back to cooler climates. Goodyear Police Department would like to remind our winter visitors of some home security tips to keep winter homes safe from would-be criminals. If you havenâ€™t already, it is important to get to know the surrounding neighbors. The neighbors can be your eyes and ears while you are away for an extended period of time. Ask neighbors to keep an eye on your home while you are away. Let them know who, if anyone, has permission to come and go from your property. Provide them with a good phone number at which you can be reached in case of questions or if an emergency arises. It is important that your home appear occupied to passersby. Stop all mail and newspapers. Set lights on a timer so that it appears someone is at home during the evenings. Make arrangements for yard maintenance. An overgrown yard is a clear giveaway that the property is unoccupied. Before leaving home for the season, remove all exterior hidden keys to the home. Check and double check that all doors and windows are securely locked. Consider a home security system and video surveillance. Many of these home security systems now allow for homeowners to monitor activity remotely, and some will even send notifications if there is any disruption. Finally, contact the Goodyear Police Department at least three days before leaving to request a home vacation watch. The department offers this free service to its residents in order to provide peace of mind while away for an extended period of time. Visit the departmentâ€™s website at http://www. goodyearaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=1602 to register. Goodyear Police wish its winter visitors safe travels home and look forward to their return to Goodyear next fall. Submitted by Lisa Kutis, M.Ed., Public Information Officer, Goodyear Police Department

Resources: http://www.safewise.com/blog/5-tips-for-securing-your-vacationhome/ https://www.vectorsecurity.com/blog/3-security-tips-for-yourvacation-home

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May 2017

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May 2017

Positive Parenting

Instilling garage logic in your kids

(BPT) - It’s a long-standing tradition performed at the workbench of American garages - passing garage logic to the next generation. From hammering that first nail to changing a car’s oil, the garage is a living laboratory where parents teach their kids life lessons, self-reliance and problem-solving skills. It can even be an incubator where the seeds of a future profession grow. Today, instilling that larger vision requires a break from the small screen. Too often, smartphones and video games dominate the attention of kids, replacing time once craved from their parents. In 2016, National Public Radio reported preteens spend more than four hours per day in front of their screens, and teens spend seven, not including the time spent using these devices for or in school. Replacing the tablet with a tool in kids’ hands requires parents to be creative and focused. Here are some easy ways to start and,

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in the process, create a sense of accomplishment and ownership kids won’t forget when it is their time to pay it forward. Give a garage tool tour

Start with a tour of your tool collection, demonstrating the role each one plays. Chances are you acquired your tools over a lifetime or more, elevating their significance beyond the specific task for which they were initially forged. Some may even carry a special story - the $3 putty knife that saved a $200 damage deposit in your first apartment, or the pipe wrench that stopped a basement flood in your childhood home. Share the stories, and the glory. Contract the kids for your next project Projects with a variety of tasks provide opportunities for all skill levels to get involved. Just one example is maintaining a wood deck or fence. Youngsters can assist with sanding and painting, while teenagers can learn to

clean fences with a Powerhorse Pressure Washer from Northern Tool + Equipment. Keep it interesting by introducing more sophisticated tools as they get older. Keep it clean and safe

Help your children understand the importance of keeping tools and workspaces safe, clean and well maintained. Everything starts with protective gear - safety glasses, earphones, masks and gloves - appropriate for different jobs. Teach them the value of caring for your investments. Preventative maintenance, such as changing oil and checking filters, keeps equipment working better and longer, which ultimately saves money. When the project is done, stress the importance of returning everything to its place for an organized and safe shop. Have fun Most of all, make your garage a place kids want to be. Personalize your garage with conversation pieces, memorabilia from your local sports teams or other things that may not be welcomed inside the house. The ultimate goal is keeping kids interested and wanting to learn more ways to be helpful around the house. Assume the role of mentor, not a drill sergeant. Teach them what they need to know and how to succeed. Finally, when a job is done, make a point to celebrate with refreshments and sincere thanks. This fulfillment will keep them motivated and instill invaluable garage logic that will forever be part of their character.

May 2017

Furry Friends As a lifelong New Englander, this will be my first summer as an Arizona resident. I’ve heard a lot about the heat here, much like we New Englanders talk about the snow! However, there are plenty of reasons to love summers in Arizona… pool parties, less traffic, Chase Field’s retractable roof… to name a few. Yet with the Arizona heat, there are some summer safety tips you may want to take into consideration, especially pertaining to your furry friends. Rattlesnakes are a hot topic (pun intended) for this season. Rattlesnakes tend to be more active in the spring when they first come out of hibernation and in the late summer, early fall when they breed. They typically find shade on sunny days, coming out at dusk when the temperatures are cooler. Rattlesnakes cannot hear you but are alerted to your presence through the vibrations of your step. Dogs can be trained to stay away from rattlesnakes. Community

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Paws offers Rattlesnake Training each Spring. This year, there were 39 canine graduates. If you missed this informative training, check out www.ViperVoidance. com for upcoming sessions. Never, ever leave your furfriends in the car, not even for a quick coffee stop. It only takes minutes for your car’s internal temperature to quickly rise. Heatstroke can lead to brain damage or death. Leaving the windows down does not help. If you see an animal in a car exhibiting signs of heat stress, call your local animal control or police department immediately and take the following steps: 1. Get the vehicle’s license number and enter the nearest store or business to request an emergency announcement be made about a pet left in a hot car. 2. Go back and wait for help to arrive at the vehicle. Think Fluffy needs a summer haircut? Not necessarily… Shaving your dog doesn’t keep him cooler. It may even make

him more susceptible to being sunburned. Dogs’ coats provide insulation from both hot and cold weather. They also protects their largest organ, the skin, from the hot summer heat. When in doubt, always check with your local veterinarian and trusted groomer for their expert opinion on your dog’s unique breed. When considering sunscreen, also ask your vet, as humangrade sunscreen may not be the best option for your canine companion. All in all, make sure your family pets have access to plenty of fresh water, shady reprieves, and are wearing proper ID tags at all times. Consider buying your dog his very own kiddie pool for your backyard too… that’s a sure way to make a splash and beat the summer heat! Submitted by Kristin Robinson, of Community Paws, W Valley resident

May 2017

Take A Chance Unique ideas to be gutsier in life (BPT) - Being human takes guts, but a sense of bold confidence doesn’t come easily for everyone; and often requires you to start from the inside. You may need to overcome mental roadblocks and bulldoze through personal physical barriers that have held you back. Now is the perfect time to break free of those internal boundaries and challenge yourself to live boldly and bravely. Here are some ideas to unlock your potential from the inside out, allowing you to live gutsier at any age: Start with a gut check To be your best self and have the “guts” to tackle whatever lies ahead, get your gut in check and reap the glory. According to a recent Renew Life survey, three out of four women (72 percent) report that they’ve experienced occasional digestive issues in the past 12 months, such as bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Not only may these all be signs your

gut is in need of replenishment and balance, but they’re enough of a reason to sit on the sideline rather than experience a new adventure. Nutrition experts like Ellie Krieger, RD, host of “Ellie’s Real Good Food” show and author of several healthy cookbooks, agree that one of the most efficient and impactful ways to bring balance to the digestive tract for better digestive and immune health is with a daily probiotic like Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotics, recommended for their blends of multiple strains and billions of live cultures, which reflects the natural diversity in the gut. Try something new When you try something you’ve never done before, it stimulates the body and mind. Don’t worry about failure - just keep an open mind and have fun. No matter the outcome, you’ll create lifelong memories.

For example, even if you aren’t crafty, sign up for a pottery class. Always wondered about yoga? Take an intro session. Want to make new friends? Attend that community function. When you get outside Save an average of your comfort zone, you may $ * be surprised I can help you save hundreds by just how much combining your auto and home insurance. fun you have. Get to a better State .

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Eat new foods Expand your nutritional palate with

healthy items that aren’t staples on your daily menu - mix them with dishes you know and try them a couple of times. Training your brain to recognize new flavors and smells requires multiple exposures, and proximity to familiar favorites helps make things safe by association. You never know what might become your next favorite dish. Some healthy foodie trends you may want to try include sea vegetables like dulse, a seaweed, and items that include probiotic cultures, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir and yogurt. You might even consider signing up for a cooking class to learn new skills in the kitchen. Take a spontaneous PTO day Americans wasted 658 million paid vacation days, according to Project: Time Off’s State of American Vacation 2016 report. That means more than half of workers (55 percent) left vacation time unused. Don’t let precious time off slip away, and take a mental health day. Call in on a random day and give yourself the gift of an unplanned day off. Maybe it’s a particularly nice day and you can go hiking or you can surprise your best friend with lunch on her birthday. Take a “me day” and enjoy. Reflect on and be a role model Who do you admire for their guts? Is it someone famous or someone close to you? Think about what they do that inspires you. If you can, tell them why. For example, write your mom a letter about how she’s impacted your life. It’s sure to make her day. While thinking about role models, May 2017

THE BUG GUY Black Widow Spiders Everything You Need to Know About Your Neighborhood Spider Black widow spiders are the creatures of scary stories told on Halloween night – deadly females that kill and eat the males and who are poisonous to anyone that dares come near. While there are elements of truth to these stories, the habits of black widow spiders aren’t any different than the habits of other species of spiders. However, of the spiders that interact with humans, the black widow’s characteristics coupled with its health risk make it one of the most dangerous spiders that can be found in or around the home. Being aware of where to find these spiders and the risks they pose can help protect you and your family from being bitten. How dangerous are black

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widows? Black widow spiders are one of a small number of structureinvading spiders that have both fangs big enough to pierce human skin and venom potent enough to cause severe side effects. The black widow is the most venomous spider in North America. However, bites are very rarely fatal as the amount of venom injected is so small, and very few people have interactions with black widows in which they are bitten. What do black widows look like? The good thing about black widows is that they have a very unique appearance. They can be recognized by most people and are easily identified by an expert. Their characteristic all black body is very round and there is a red hourglass under their abdomen. Where are you likely to find a black widow spider? Black widows are primarily found outdoors. They prefer sheltered and protected areas where potential prey can be caught in their webs. These webs are very irregular and can be about one foot in diameter. Black Widows are partial to protected areas and man-made structures are ideal places for black widows to seek shelter. Common places around your home for these spiders to live are along the foundation wall. How can I

recognize a black widow spider bite? A bite from a black widow spider feels like a pinprick. Pain is usually immediate, but bites are not always felt. If it is not felt, the only evidence will be a slight swelling with two tiny fang marks. Are all black widows bad? Most bites from black widow spiders occur when a spider’s hiding place is discovered or a female is protecting her egg sac. Although they are dangerous, these spiders use their bite as a defense. Black widow spiders do not bite humans instinctively. If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed Pest Management professional immediately. This is the safest way to get rid of black widow spiders around your home and keep your family safe. This information has been provided by the National Pest Management Association and Larry Cash, owner Estrella Mountain Pest Control. Submitted By Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountian Pest Control, Estrella Resident

May 2017

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May 2017

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May 2017

School Zone

6 tips for decoding college financial aid award letters Cut through the chaos with expert tips for understanding college financial aid letters (BPT) - Whether you’re a high school senior or an adult looking to change careers, a college degree can be the key to a bright future. As acceptance letters arrive in the mail, another important document is not far behind: financial aid letters.

“College is a major investment, and many people require financial assistance to pay for it,” says Harlan Cohen, New York Times best-selling author and creator of the Naked Financial Minute. “It’s vital to understand financial aid so you can make informed choices and avoid surprises in the future.” The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2016-2017 school year is $33,480 at private colleges, $9,650 for state residents at public colleges, and $24,930 for out-ofstate residents attending public universities, according to the College Board.

- Sponsored by Chris Carlton of Edward Jones

In order to find out what aid you qualify for, you should start by filing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After your information is processed, and you’ve applied to the colleges of your choice, you’ll receive financial aid award letters in the mail with the results from each school where you were accepted. Not all financial aid letters are the same, so deciphering and comparing them can be confusing. To help get you started, the experts at College Ave Student Loans share tips and tricks for how to easily understand your financial aid letter. Look carefully at symbols and terms: College award letters may use different wording and abbreviations. For instance, rather than spelling out the word “loan” you could see “L” or “LN”. You might also see “net price” and “net cost.” Look carefully at how each school calculates these amounts. Some schools will subtract loan amounts from these figures. Just remember that loans need to be paid back, usually with interest; loans can help you spread the cost of college over time, but they don’t eliminate the expense. Know the difference between gift aid and loans: Gift aid is money that is awarded to qualifying students that isn’t expected to be paid back. Gift aid includes things like scholarships, grants, and housing or tuition waivers. Not all applicants will qualify for gift aid, but most will be eligible for federal loans. As a general rule, you should expect that you’ll need to pay

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loans back, usually with interest. Be aware of the impact of outside scholarships: If a student is awarded a private scholarship, the financial aid letter may list its effect on the amount of money offered by the school or in federal aid because the student’s financial need has already been partially covered. This could impact gift aid, loan amounts, or both. Keep an eye out for work-study offers: If you indicated an interest during the FAFSA application, your financial aid letter may list approval for a work-study job that provides money toward your studies and fits with your class schedule. The money you earn is typically applied directly to your school expenses. Understand your expected family contribution (EFC): Depending on your personal circumstances, there may be a line item for expected family contribution. This is the amount of money your family is expected to contribute toward your college education based on their tax and savings information. This will impact your overall award package. Think about additional costs: Your financial aid letter may not include all of the costs associated with going to school. Think beyond tuition and make sure you have an idea of what you’ll be spending on housing, food, transportation, books, supplies, additional fees, and other living expenses. If you find the amount of financial aid provided isn’t enough (including the amount offered in federal loans), families may want to research and explore private student loans as an option to cover the additional expenses. Look for competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options that match your budget. College Ave Student Loans also offers a calculator that showcases how much families can save with various loan options at www. collegeavestudentloans.com.

May 2017

Home Sweet Home 5 spring DIY craft projects to make old stuff new again

(BPT) - Spring isn’t just the season to clean out old junk from your home, it’s also the perfect time to tackle some DIY craft projects that repurpose household items and give them new life. Repurposing, or “upcycling,” is one of the hottest trends in home decor and design for 2017, according to online DIY community Hometalk.com. Before you throw away an old book case, battered picture frame or wooden industrial spool, why not think of ways to upcycle those items instead? Here are five projects the DIY experts at Arrow Fastener Company recommend to help you add a fresh look to your home while giving new life to old items: Book page wreath - True booklovers find it painful to ever throw away a book, but what can you do with a tome that’s become too worn to read anymore? Turn it into a decorative wreath that

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proclaims your love of the written word. You’ll need wood for a base, an old book and a craft glue gun. Industrial wooden spool seat and bookshelf - You may have no idea where it came from or why it’s in your garage, but that industrial spool can become the perfect place to put up your feet and read a book. A blog post on Pandora’s Craft Box shows you how to turn a wooden spool into a beautiful bookshelf/footstool combo. You’ll need wood stain, pieces of wood to create internal shelving, upholstery materials like batting, foam and fabric, and an Arrow T50 Heavy Duty staple gun to affix the padding to the top of the spool. Wine bottle rustic vase - Every now and then you have a bottle of wine that’s just so good - or the bottle itself is so pretty you just don’t want to give it up. Turning it into a rustic vase is a great way to preserve the memories associated with the

bottle and create a beautiful decorative piece for your home. You’ll need a glass wine bottle, 20-50 feet of sisal rope, scissors, a mini glue gun, glue sticks and optional decorative embellishments. Feline playland - If you have a bored cat and an old book case, you have the makings of magic! The blog My Very Educated Mother offers directions on how to repurpose an old book case by using a staple gun to affix rugged carpet remnants to the interior, shelves and exterior of the case. The shelves are a fun place for kitty to sit, and the carpet gives her somewhere appropriate to sharpen her claws. You can also store toys, treats and even a bed on the shelves. Woodland picture frame - Do you have an old picture frame or a mirror that the glass has broken out of? You can transform the most basic or worn frame into a piece of natural art by using a glue gun to attach sticks in

May 2017

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May 2017

Health & Wellness 5 things you need to know about vaccines (BPT) - No one wakes up in the morning hoping to be sick. Yet despite the angst people have about becoming ill, many forgo one of the easiest, most effective ways to protect themselves and their loved ones from common and even severe illnesses - they choose not to get vaccinated. There are many reasons people choose not to get vaccinated. Often, the decision is caused by incorrect information one may read or hear about vaccinations. Mayo Clinic seeks to eliminate these mistruths and offer correct information about vaccinations so people can make safe, healthy choices for themselves and their families.

1. Are vaccines safe? Safety concerns are the most common question people have regarding vaccines, and itâ€™s also the question where there is the most misinformation. The truth is vaccines are safe and people who receive them enjoy numerous health benefits, including illness prevention. Each vaccine undergoes rigorous testing before being released to the general public to ensure it not only protects against the disease itâ€™s designed to combat, but that it offers no other ill health benefits. Risks associated with vaccines are minor and may include a fever, soreness or skin irritation. 2. Which vaccinations are recommended? Health care providers recommend people receive the following vaccinations: * Diphtheria/ Tetanus/ Pertussis * Haemophilus Influenza B * Hepatitis A &

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B * Human Papilloma Virus * Influenza * Meningococcal * MMR * Pneumococcal * Polio * Rotavirus * Varicella, otherwise known as Chickenpox 3. Should vaccinations be spaced out? The vaccinations above may seem like a large list and itâ€™s natural to wonder if all of these vaccinations should be done at once or spaced out. Sources of misinformation may lead people to believe that tackling several vaccinations at once somehow dilutes them, but there is no evidence of this. In fact, research shows people, even children, are able to take several vaccines at once without any negative effects. Spacing out the vaccines creates unnecessary delays and additional scheduling, while opening a longer window of exposure to illnesses. 4. Understand the difference

May 2017

Give Mom a Gift to Help Her Financial Future With Mother’s Day around the corner, you might wonder if you should go beyond chocolates and flowers this year and give Mom something that can help her far into the future. What sort of financial gift can improve her life? You could, for instance, encourage your mother to fund her IRA. As long as she has any earned income, she is eligible to invest in a traditional or Roth IRA (although a Roth IRA does have income limits which, if exceeded, will reduce and eventually eliminate contributions). In 2017, the IRA contribution limit is $5,500, or $6,500 for individuals 50 or older. Traditional IRA contributions may be deductible, depending on one’s income, and earnings can grow tax deferred. Taxes are due upon withdrawal and withdrawals prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty. Roth IRA contributions are not deductible, but earnings are distributed tax-free, provided an investor has had the account at least five years and doesn’t start taking withdrawals until age 59½. You can’t contribute directly to your mother’s IRA, but you can give her money to use for that purpose, if she chooses. And since she has until April 17, 2018, to fully fund her IRA for the 2017 tax year, your gift now may help make it that much easier for Mom to “max out” on her account. Here’s another suggestion: Consider helping Mom pay one or two months’ worth of insurance premiums. It’s possible that your mother is paying for multiple insurance policies, like life insurance and disability or long-term care insurance, so any financial help on your part would be valuable. You might also want to give

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MONEY MATTERS

Mom some tips on how she can help maintain her financial independence throughout her life. If she ever needed some type of long-term care, such as an extended stay in a nursing home or the services of a home health aide, the costs could be extremely high, and Medicare typically pays little of these expenses. So you might want to connect her mother with a financial professional, who can provide strategies for protecting her from long-term care costs. Here’s one more suggestion: Give a gift to a charitable organization your mother supports. Even though you’re making the gift in Mom’s name, you should be able to reap some benefits yourself, even apart from the good feelings you’ll get by helping a charitable group. As long as the charity has 501(c)(3) status (named after the section of the Internal Revenue Code that governs such groups), your gift can offer you tax advantages. On the most basic level, a gift of cash can earn you a tax deduction. So, for example, if you are in the 25% tax bracket, and you give $1,000 to a qualified charity, you will be able to deduct $250 from your taxes. You may be able to get even more tax benefits if you donate appreciated assets, such as stocks, to a charity. If you

give appreciated stocks you’ve held for more than one year, you can deduct the value of the securities, based on their worth when you make the gift – and neither you nor the charity will have to pay capital gains taxes on the donated investments. Your mother has done a lot for you. This Mother’s Day, show her you appreciate her efforts. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Chris Carlton

May 2017

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May 2017

There is nothing sweeter than a mother’s love. In fact, there is nothing more precious than the attachment that began in the womb and was then drawn into light, still attached. And when the cord is severed a different connection materializes: loyalty, devotion and affection. And that is what is known as a mother’s love. In the Bible, Sarah, the mother of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, gives birth to Isaac in the winter of her life, a time when all things sleep and wither and even die. Her vision of continuity was fulfilled with laughter and tears. And her immortality was ensured because she completed her role in determining the future of the human experience that was woven in the promise of a relationship with the Divine. The details of her passing (Genesis 23) follow the chapter outlining the famous spiritual experience of the faith-filled devotion of a father to answer the call of sacrifice – in this instance, the ultimate sacrifice ( Genesis 22). The binding of Isaac tugged at the very heart of a mother’s bond to her child. Isaac’s unchallenged response to that demand by God was more than a mother could bear. In the ancient writings there is a story, emphasizing this connection, about a dialogue between Sarah and an image of her son Isaac in which she inquires about the happening with his father Abraham. Isaac relates the whole episode of how Abraham took him to the top of a mountain, built an altar, arranged the wood, bound him and took a knife to slaughter him. And then God prevented this from happening. Before the dialogue

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Living With Faith ends, Sarah dies.

There is nothing more heartrending then to witness the death of a child. It is not hard to imagine the despair she felt. Not only had she sacrificed so much to give birth to Isaac, but also now she saw her dreams of the future shattered in an instant of uncompromising faith. The binding of her son was more that her heart could carry. This detail of a mother’s anguish and pain speaks to the suffering we all experience as we journey through life, trying to find our purpose for being. Yet we must all answer the Divine in us. Some more than others. Some with sacrifices beyond imagination. Sarah talks to me in a way that no other human being can. She represents the goodness and kindness and love that a mother has not only for her own but also for all of humanity. Her lesson for us is simple: Sometimes we go through experiences that require us to search for new meanings because of disappointment, a tragedy or an illness, not being able to communicate with a loved one because of something that really is insignificant. And then like Sarah, we are no more. It is a broken heart that finally creates the need for her

story to be told, and particularly at this time of the year when we remember our mothers.

The call to sacrifice Isaac was not a test of faith but rather a calling to a higher purpose. It wasn’t the sacrifice of a person that was its message but an entrance to a spiritual awakening: to love each other and treat each other with dignity and to stand in awe of each other. Sarah could not cope with the thought that God would want such a sacrifice. Her knowledge that human relationships are the foundation of creation causes her to doubt, and it is this doubt that causes her defeat. And this defeat she could not reconcile with her faith. Yes, there is a chapter set aside in the Bible called “The life of Sarah,” because from the moment she dies, Abraham changes and understands that faith in God requires a human vision of life. Perhaps that is the lesson we should take with

May 2017

Life As A Caregiver Face reality Posted on April 27, 2016 Mom has shown numerous changes since we’ve been in Arizona these last four years. But especially in the last year. Deteriorating changes.

When we first moved here, she was able to do various activities in spite of her condition: word puzzles, fold laundry, wash the dishes, do a little ironing, and set the table. She really was into the tv shows she liked and laughed out loud at their stories. But now, there has been what seems to be a consistent decline. She is getting very hard of hearing which makes things even more challenging. She does none of the above-mentioned activities and her focus in general is short and scattered. She now must be told what to do: like brush her teeth, wash her hands, flush the toilet and what clothes to put on. And when told to do these things, she must be told several times because she forgets. Because her focus has diminished, she gets lost in the tv programs and

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becomes oblivious to all that surrounds her.

But what she STILL has is her sense of humor, her ability to laugh at funny things and have interesting conversations. Her opinions are still strong. And so is her love for Buddy…and me. She tells me how much she loves me all the time. I think what I miss the most throughout this journey is her inability to remember what is going on in MY life: where I’ve been or what I’ve done, if I’ve been sick, if I’ve met someone new. The things we used to share all the time. That is the hardest part! Holidays really don’t matter to her any longer because one day is just like all the rest… even if there is celebration. She doesn’t remember. And frankly, that breaks my heart! But we celebrate anyway! Here is a big decision the doctor and I made together. Everyone’s situation is different, of course. But what he and I both felt was best for mom was to lock her

inside her casita when she’s there alone. One of the characteristics of Alzheimer’s is wandering. Fortunately, mom doesn’t have the tendency to wander. But if she did, that would be a horrible thing to deal with. There are so many stories about elders with Alzheimer’s walking aimlessly through their neighborhoods (or beyond), often in their pajamas, not knowing where they are, how they got there or how to get back home. Some have fallen; some have been attacked. That would probably send me over the edge if something like that happened to my mother. So the doctor and I felt that locking her inside was for her own safety (and my pieceof-mind)…especially since she sleeps most of the day, doesn’t walk steadily any longer and lives in a stucco building (with little or no chance of fire). It might sound harsh, but she feels safe and isn’t scared that someone might open the door and come in. The main point to all of this is to know what to expect as a family member battles through Alzheimer’s disease. This is

May 2017

Puzzles & Games Sudoku for May

Sudoku Solution

8 5

4 6 5 9 2 7 8

2 3 4 8 6 9 1

9 2 1 7 3 4 5

2 5

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

8 7

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May 2017

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May 2017

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May 2017

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May 2017