Up The Hill
June 2017
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From Me To You... Welcome
to the June edition of Up The Hill magazine!
Looking outside my window one day last week I was shocked to see mass destruction in my front yard. OK, perhaps not mass destruction, but something had been having a wild old time in my rocks, and had pushed most of them into the sidewalk. I was immediately incensed. How could someone walk their dog and allow it to make such a mess on someone else’s property?
And boy, is that stuff foul. As I was spreading it among my rocks the wind picked up and I accidentally inhaled some of the dust. 10 minutes later with my eyes still streaming I had managed to get the coughing under control... no worries, I was sure that anything that disgusting would solve the problem. Nope.
Operation “Cease and Desist” was on!
Those critters were not giving up!
Step One: Surveillance
A couple of days later as I ran out of the house to pick up my child from school I saw them. Quail! Quail? That was the problem? Apparently so. The adorable birds with the feather bobbing on top of its head, the cute families that scatter across the road in a demented line of what seems like 20 babies, that was my vandal.
I began to watch our security cameras vigilantly, seeking the culprit. I was thwarted at every turn, the minute I was distracted the rock would be disturbed. I thought I had the miscreant one day but it was just an elderly gentleman walking his dog without a leash. OK I know that is not allowed but he was so old and frail that I worried for his health if I yelled at him. Step Two: Deterrence Off to Lowes I went. Bear Pee, Animal Away, you name it, I bought it. If this animal could not be caught I would make the area so noxious that it would find a better place to mess around.
A quick Google search revealed the answer. Dust baths. The quail are amongst a group of birds who dig holes in the rocks and wallow in the dust they create, it binds to dirt and oil on their feathers and falls away. I have somewhat resigned myself to waiting until quail season is over and in the meantime I can comfort myself with the fact that I probably have the cleanest quail in the neighborhood.
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 Cover models:Zumba class in full swing! These ladies may be working out but you would never know it. With smiles on their faces and a swing in thier step they dance and laugh the whole time. Honestly, if I knew excercise could be this much fun I would have tried it years ago!
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The perfect match. Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies and article reproductions can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com
Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com All contents Š 2009-2017 Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited. Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Advertisers. Estrella Publishing reserves the right to restrict all advertisement to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy at its sole discretion.
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Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
Up The Hill
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
June 2017
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Calendar June 2017
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Notes: National Safety Month, Men’s Health Month, LGBT Pride Month Birthston: Alexandrite, Pearl, & Moonstone Fruits & Veggies: Blueberries, Cherries, Plums, Chinese Cabbage, Lychee, Pluot, Aprium, Radish, Strawberries, Okra, Rhubarb Flower: Rose th st Astrological Sign: Gemini (til 20 ) & Cancer (21 +)
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• Chess Club 4:30p World Enviornment Day • Sisters in • Bridge 12:45 Stitches 10a • Mahjong 4p • Canasta 1p • Games Club 5p
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Playgroup 9:30a Ladies of Lake 1p Poker 1p Bridge 6p
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Nat’l Doughnut Day • Brew & Banter 8:30a • Bridge 12:45p • Life Adjustment Group 6p
Nat’l Bestfriend Day World Oceans Day • Hugs & Stitches 9a • Photo Group 7p
• Bridge 12:45p • Writing Group 6p
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18 Father's Day 19 20 World Refugee Day • Chess Club 4:30p • Bridge 12:45p • EMR Fitness • Mahjong 3p Orientation 9a • Games Club 6p • Sisters in • Genealogy Group 7p Stitches 10a • Canasta 1p
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Hug & Stitches 9a Storytime 10:30a HOA Social Meet 3p HOA Communication Meeting 4:30p • Bunco 7p
• Motorcycle Riding • Bridge 12:45p • Sisters in Group 11a Stitches 10a • Mahjong 4p • Chess Club 4:30p • City Council Meet 5p • Canasta 1p • EMR Has Talent • Games Club 6p Auditions 5p • LESD Board Meeting • Trivia Night 6:30p
• Chess Club 4:30p Day against Drug • Sisters in Abuse/Illicit Trafficking Stitches 10a • Bridge 12:45p • Canasta 1p • Mahjong 3p • HOA Meeting • HOA Budget Meet 4p 6:30p • City Council Meet 5p • Games Club 6p
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• Car Club 9a • Blood Drive 9a • Sailing Class 10a
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Playgroup 9:30a Bok Club 10a Poker 1p Bridge 6p City Planning & Zoning Meeting 6p • Photo Group 7p
• Financial Group 9a • Hugs & Stitches 9a • EMR Fitness Orientation 10a • EMR Fitness Orientation 6p • Bingo 6p
• Bridge 12:45p
• Water Art in the Park 10a • Bridge 1p
Int’l Yoga Day • Playgroup 9:30a • Poker 1p • HOA Art Gallery Meeting 3p • Bridge 6p
• EMR Fitness Orientation 9a • Hugs & Stitches 9a • Photo Group 7p
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Int’l Widows’ Day • Bridge 12:45p • City Movie Night 7p
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June 2017
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5 facts about strokes that could save your life Chances are you know someone who has had a stroke. An estimated 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite how common strokes are, there are a lot of widely believed misconceptions. Unfortunately, not knowing the facts can put a person at bigger risk for experiencing a stroke themselves, or, not being able to help someone else who may be experiencing a stroke. To help separate fact from fiction, the medical experts at Life Line Screening share the truth about the top misconceptions about stroke: Misconception: Strokes only happen to older people Fact:
Help Yourself
Research found 61 percent of strokes happen in people over the age of 65. That means 39 percent of strokes happen to younger people. Misconception: Strokes are not a problem in the United States Fact: You may only know a few people who’ve had a stroke in their life, but someone has a stroke every 40 seconds in the U.S. Misconception: A stroke will kill you Fact: Approximately one out of eight strokes results in death within thirty days. The other seven instances leave the person disabled. Stroke is fatal in about 10 to 20 percent of cases and, among survivors, it can cause a host of disabilities, including loss of mobility, impaired speech, and cognitive problems. Misconception: Strokes cannot be prevented Fact: Up to 80 percent of strokes could be stopped before they start. Health screenings are an effective way to identify and understand risk factors so
they can be properly managed. Research shows nine out of 10 cardiovascular doctors support preventive health screenings for cardiovascular disease (plaque in the arteries) among patients with key risk factors. To learn more, visit http://www.lifelinescreening. com.
Misconception: Only a doctor can identify a stroke Fact: Everyone can and should know the signs and symptoms of stroke. By taking quick action, you could save a life. According to the CDC, the most common signs of stroke are: * Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. * Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech. * Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. * Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination. * Sudden severe headache with no known cause. If you or someone else has any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Understanding the facts about stroke helps empower you to control your own health. Even if risk factors are present, you can take proactive measures to help prevent stroke for yourself and loved ones.
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June 2017
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Home Safe Calling all Snowbirds and part-time residents! Many of you rely on a friendly neighbor to keep an eye on your home when you are away. Let me explain why that is not always the best idea. First of all you are putting pressure on your relationship. The number of people who will willingly drop everything to let in a contractor, check a funny smell, or locate and change smoke detector batteries is few and far between. The number who will, over time, not build up a lingering resentment against you is even less. You don’t want your vacation home to be surrounded by the stress of avoiding that neighbor for years to come once the agreement crumbles. Next what happens when your friend is away on their own vacation? Going to take a risk and hope this is not the week that your water heater springs a leak? If this friend does not do regular inside checks of your home then pests can become a disastrous situation. Have any of you had a termite infestation? Those tubes can spring up and spread like wildfire, causing massive destruction and extensive expense if they are not caught and dealt with immediately. Do you enjoy waiting on line at the post office to pick up your mail on the first day of your vacation? The staff at our local post office are delightful, but I don’t relish waiting up to half an hour to chat to them. A homewatch service will collect your mail on a regular basis, they even sort the bulk and junk and recycle it for you so you can get on with relaxing asap. If an important piece of mail arrives while you are away, your homewatch service will alert you to any necessary action - no one enjoys a power outage in Arizona in the summer... Need a reliable contractor, maid service, handyman, or gardener? Most homewatch services have a list of pre-approved providers, usually at a discount! Is your second home insured? Most insurance companies will offer you a discount if you employ a homewatch service. Contracting with a service that makes it their business to care for your home is worth every penny. The relief of knowing that when you come here on vacation, or for the winter, you can simply relax, is priceless.
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Furry Friends It’s almost monsoon season here in Arizona. I hear it will be raining toads soon – Sonoran Desert toads that is! As a life-long New Englander, I thought the scorpions and rattlesnakes were enough! While these unassuming nocturnal amphibians do ingest large amounts of pesky bugs, they also come with an invisible warning tag-- a potentially deadly neurotoxin quietly tucked away in their glands. If picked up or mouthed by a predator, Sonoran Desert Toads will emit a potent milky white toxin that, if ingested, is capable of deadly harm. Predator or playful pup, these large toads know no difference. When the rains come, they’re just here to eat and breed. While keeping your dog inside after dark is ideal, these toads have a way of popping up in obscure places. These persistent toads have been known to scale a fence or two with ease. They also enjoy hanging out in swimming pools as they call out to their
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mates.
If you see your pet mouthing or ingesting one of these toads, please watch for these signs of intoxication: • mouth irritation • bright red gums • excessive drooling • seizures • weakness and collapse • vomiting or diarrhea Unfortunately the Sonoran Desert Toad’s toxin is not just toxic, it is also hallucinogenic. Rapid intervention is life saving. Following these steps can greatly reduce the health risks for your beloved pet: 1. Wash your pet’s mouth out with water. This can be done using a garden hose for larger dogs, and the kitchen sink for smaller ones. Keep your pet’s head pointing downward and rinse thoroughly for 10-15 minutes. It’s important to note that you want a steady, gentle flow of water across the mouth – the water should be flowing out
the front of your pet’s mouth. This prevents any water from going down your pet’s throat. Rubbing your pet’s gums and wiping of its nose further helps to remove any toxic residue. 2. Seek immediate care at your local vet or emergency hospital. Additional medications or fluids may be needed to ensure optimal health for your pet. By following these immediate actions, most pets respond positively within a couple of hours of treatment. Did you know? Hot Paws! Sidewalk, patio, and sand surfaces can not only burn your dog’s paws, but also can increase body temperature and lead to overheating. Press your hand onto surfaces for 30 seconds to test them before allowing your dog to walk on them. If it is painful for you, it will be painful for your dog. Walk your dog in the morning and at night when outdoor surfaces are coolest. Submitted by Kristin Robinson, of Community Paws
June 2017
Take A Chance Don’t be Gladys Who’s the Gladys Kravitz in your life? In case you don’t remember, Mrs. Kravitz was the nosey neighbor on the television series “Bewitched.” If you haven’t seen the show, Gladys is like overly zealous block watch volunteer. She peeked through curtains and reported her discoveries to Abner, her husband, who only wanted to read the newspaper. Does your neighborhood have someone like that? Is that person you? It’s okay to admit it if that person is you. Humans have always had a fascination with looking without being seen. Many of us have peepholes in our front doors to keep us safe. The Hitchcock movie “Psycho” has the audience peeking through a hole in the wall to watch Marion Crane in the shower. Spying through the curtains is too old fashioned when we have access to drones, webcams, and other technology. I admit I’m one to peer out the window to see what others are doing. It’s usually boring stuff like
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people walking the dog or kids playing. Just once, I’d like to see clowns riding motorcycles going up the street to liven things up.
Higher demand means higher value. So, in theory, property values could increase all from you becoming a nosy neighbor.
There is a line between an observant neighbor and a creepy person. Watching the neighbor from your home through your window is okay. Watching the neighbor in their home through THEIR window is bad. No one likes the busybody, nosey person whether at home or at work.
It’s easy to watch, lurk, and monitor what’s going on in your neighborhood. Mrs. Kravitz had her useful moments, but never seemed happy. Looking from a distant or hidden spot means there’s a barrier between you and the world even if that barrier is a window. It’s much more exciting to be involved. Get out and enjoy your neighborhood and the world!
Being observant of what’s happening in your neighborhood is good. It’s even better when neighbors look out for each other. All of you would keep an eye on each other’s stuff on long trips or whenever you’re not home. Watching over each other helps us become nice neighbors, make the neighborhood better, and build a strong community. Think it to the next steps: A great neighborhood means more people want to live there.
Submitted by John Safin, President and CEO of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce., Southwestvalleychamber.org.
June 2017
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THE BUG GUY Know Before You Go How to Prevent Bringing Bed Bugs Home From Travels Before we know it, summer will be here and millions of people around the country will begin packing their bags to have some fun in the sun. Before embarking on vacations, many of these travelers will create a travel checklist to help them prepare for hitting the road. While packing sunscreen, turning off lights, cleaning out the fridge and locking doors are all likely to make the list, it’s also important for travelers to bring along another type of list to use before and after unpacking from their trips — the bed bug prevention checklist. Even the most seasoned travelers are at a higher risk of encountering bed bugs when traveling because these bloodsucking pests are excellent hitchhikers and are easily transported from one place to another in human belongings like suitcases. As a result, bed bugs continue to remain a problem in lodging facilities. In fact, 75 percent of pest professionals have treated bed bugs in hotels and motels, according to the 2013 Bugs Without Borders Survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky.
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All travelers will benefit from a little bed bug know-how to help ensure they don’t bring them home as an unwanted souvenir. If you and your family are planning on getting away this summer, here is your bed bug prevention checklist:
adjacent and/or directly above/ below the suspected infestation. Bed bugs can easily hitchhike via housekeeping carts, luggage and even through wall sockets. If an infestation is spreading, it typically does so in the rooms closest to the origin.
When You Arrive At The Hotel • Thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking, including behind the headboard, under lights, and inside dressers, drawers, sofas and chairs. • Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams and box springs, particularly at the corners, for pepper-like stains, spots or shed bed bug skins. • Place suitcase in a plastic trash bag during the duration of your trip to ensure that bed bugs cannot take up residence there prior to departure. • Do not place luggage on upholstered surfaces. The safest place is in the bathroom in the middle of a tile floor or on a luggage rack after it has been thoroughly inspected. Do not use a luggage rack if it has hollow legs, where bed bugs may hide unseen.
When You Arrive Home • Inspect your suitcases outdoors before bringing them into the house. • Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly before storing it. Consider using a garment hand steamer to steam your luggage, which can kill any bed bugs or eggs that may have traveled home with you. • Wash and dry all of your clothes - even those that have not been worn – on hot cycles. • Keep clothes that go to the dry cleaner in a sealed plastic bag until they can be transported.
If You Suspect Bed Bugs Are In Your Hotel Room • Notify management and request to change rooms immediately. • Do not move to a room
If you get settled back in at home following a trip and suspect that you may have brought some hitchhiking bed bugs back with you, contact a licensed pest professional in a timely manner. Bed bugs are not a DIY pest and should be left to a professional. Submitted By Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountian Pest Control, Estrella Resident
June 2017
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School Zone
Is your preschooler ready?
When you think back to your own kindergarten experience, it probably involved a halfday program and plenty of fun activities - finger painting, sand play and nap time. Fast forward to today. While kindergarten still offers a fun learning environment, it’s certainly more focused on academic achievement. Kindergartners often know the alphabet and have solid counting skills prior to the first day of school. If students aren’t reading at the beginning of the school year, they’re certainly expected to be doing so by the end. “Kindergarten is the new first grade” isn’t just an anecdote, it’s a fact. Research from the University of Virginia compares kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms between 1998 and 2010, finding that kindergarten classes has increasingly spent more time on academic instruction and higher educational expectations.
To help pre-K kids improve core learning skills and get them excited about school, it’s important to find fun, ageappropriate ways to help them learn. Consider these expert ideas for preparing kids ages 3-6 for kindergarten.
curriculum. One way to prepare your child is to make reading a daily activity. Fostering a love of books can set the stage for learning important reading skills. Visit your local library, stock your bookshelf and download digital books.
Educational apps Children today have a natural knack for technology. While it’s important to monitor and balance screen time, the right technology can help educate kids. The best learning games are constantly adding fresh new learning activities and are always free of ads or hidden in-app purchases.
Additionally, make time for genuine conversation with your child. Both reading and speaking help children expand their knowledge of the English language. They’ll also learn important social skills, and you’ll also find yourself developing a deeper bond with your little one.
Fine motor skills Fine motor skills, also known as dexterity, involve the coordination and control of muscles to create small movements. This usually requires hand-eye coordination as well. Being prepared for kindergarten means having a basic ability to complete fine motor actions like holding a pencil correctly, tying shoes and sorting small objects. One of the easiest ways to support your child’s fine motor development is by providing lots of opportunities to color and write. Make crayons and paper readily available and let kids’ imaginations take off. Reading and conversation Language is a heavy focus throughout the kindergarten
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- Sponsored by Chris Carlton of Edward Jones
Preschool Want kids to be prepared for kindergarten? Enroll in preschool a few days a week. This experience gives children the perfect foundation to prepare them for their educational journey. Preschools provide introductory education in writing and math, but it’s a lot of fun, too. What’s more, kids learn proper social etiquette and how to follow classroom rules. Being able to sit still, listen to the teacher, raise a hand to ask a question and interact respectably among peers are all important skills that kids will need in order to thrive in an academic environment. If preschool isn’t possible, consider joining a playgroup or visiting the library for story time, and encourage social interaction with new kids at the playground. Knowing that kindergarten is more challenging than ever, smart parents are taking charge by introducing age-appropriate educational activities now. From smart apps to reading every day, you’re helping build the brain power that leads to success in kindergarten and beyond.
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Newlyweds Money-saving tips for your first move together
With the average wedding costing upwards of $30,000, starting your new life together takes a lot of careful budgeting. After you’ve finished paying for the flowers, reception hall, caterer, photographer and everything else related to your big day, you may not have much money left over when it comes time to move into a new home together. However, managing your move can be your first big DIY home project together, and it’s one that’s very doable on a budget. Whether you’re moving in together for the first time or moving up from a smaller apartment to the home, you can save money and make your move go smoothly with a few tips: Streamline If you were both living on your own before marriage, you probably have duplicate items you won’t need, such as two
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sets of pots and pans, dishes, glassware and furniture. You also likely received some wedding gifts that can replace old stuff. Don’t take things you don’t need with you to your new home. Instead, streamline by selling or donating excess stuff. Hold on to gift cards If you received gift cards for your wedding, you might be tempted to spend them right away. However, every item you buy before the move is one more thing you’ll have to pack and haul. Put off using gift cards until after the move, when you can use them to help decorate or furnish your new home. Line up your moving truck Renting a truck and doing your own packing and driving are great ways to save money on your move. Generally, moving experts recommend you plan for 150 cubic feet of space for every furnished room you’ll be moving. Be sure to reserve your truck at least two weeks in advance, and
ask about discounts. Pack wisely You’ll need multiple sizes of sturdy boxes to pack and protect your belongings for the move. Start early and pack over time so the job doesn’t feel overwhelming. Label each box with the contents and the room where it will go in your new house, tape it securely and it’s all ready to go onto the truck on moving day. Get help Moving day is a great excuse for a party! Ask friends over to help, and when the job is done treat everyone to take-out in your new home. Moving into your first new home together can be an exciting experience. With some planning and care, you can accomplish your move smoothly and on budget.
June 2017
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MONEY MATTERS
Financial Gifts Can Help Dad for Years to Come
established can give him the gift of knowledge and enjoyment.
Father’s Day is almost here. Dad will probably like any gift you give him, of course, but this year, why not go beyond the ordinary? By presenting your father with an appropriate financial gift, you can bring him some benefits that can keep on giving.
As the owner of a 529 plan, your earnings can accumulate tax free, provided they are used for qualified higher education expenses. (529 plan distributions not used for qualified expenses may be subject to federal and state income tax, and a 10% IRS penalty on the earnings.) Furthermore, if you invest in your own state’s 529 plan, you might be able to deduct the contributions from your taxes.
For starters, how about a backto-school gift for Dad? If you have children, you may already be familiar with 529 plans, which many parents use to help their children pay for college. But 529 plans have no age limits, so there’s nothing stopping you from reversing the usual formula and opening an account for your father. While 529 plans are commonly used to pay for four-year colleges, the money can also go toward most twoyear community colleges and trade schools, so if Dad has a future interest in learning about anything from anthropology to auto repair, the 529 plan you’ve
Here’s another suggestion: Help Dad reach a distant goal. For example, if you know your father will be retiring in, say, 10 years, you could give him some type of bond that matures just when he retires. During those 10 years, he will receive regular semiannual interest payments, and when the bond matures, he’ll get the original principal back. He can then use this money to help fulfill a long-held dream – perhaps one of traveling the world or even opening a small business. Whatever he decides to do with the money, it will make a nice retirement gift. If you’re giving Dad a corporate bond, make sure it’s “investment grade,” which means it has received one of the highest
ratings for safety from one of the major bond-rating agencies. Investment-grade bonds are generally the least likely to default. If your father is in one of the upper tax brackets, he might benefit from a municipal bond, whose interest payments are exempt from federal income taxes and possibly state and local taxes, too. (Some municipal bonds, however, are subject to the alternative minimum tax.) Finally, you may want to help Dad plan his legacy. Although your father may be interested in what sort of legacy he will leave, he may not yet have taken any steps in this area – in particular, he might not have created a comprehensive estate plan.
You might consider giving your father some resources on estate planning, such as books or online articles. Better yet, though, consider setting him up with a consultation with a legal professional. It will take considerable time and effort to create the necessary documents, such as a will, a living trust, a durable power of attorney, and so on – and since the future is not ours to see, it’s best to take care of these tasks sooner, rather than later. Father’s Day is just a blip on the calendar. But by giving Dad some valuable financial gifts, you can help brighten all his days. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Chris Carlton
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June 2017
Optimism All too often we are faced with issues that can, at times, boggle the mind and cause anguish and despair. It is especially true in these trying times. We are witnesses to unimaginable horrors. People are murdered. People are exiled. People are displaced from their homes. Anyone who can muster any type of hope for the future is certainly hard pressed to do so. Yet, there are people who still cling to the belief that with an optimistic approach to life, all will be right. Not long ago I read an article listing “six little stories” in which the value of life and its blessings are depicted attending to our need for confidence and assurance: There was a village where people gathered together to pray for rain. On that day the whole town showed up, but only one boy came with an umbrella. That, my friends, is FAITH. When you throw a baby in the air, he or she will laugh because they understand you will catch them. That’s TRUST. As we journey further into life we go to bed not knowing if we will see the next sunrise, but still we set our alarm to wake us up. That’s HOPE. As time marches on we make plans in spite of not knowing if there is a future. That is CONFIDENCE. We see suffering and misery, but still we get married and have children. That is LOVE. And, then there was an old man who had written on his shirt, “I Up The Hill
Living With Faith am not 80 years old. I am sweet 16 with 64 years of experience.” That is ATTITUDE.
We all have doubts and fears. Our country seems to be lost in some uncontrollable tailspin. The world has gotten away from us. We look at our neighbors with suspicion. Our identity is lost somewhere in the past. Still we celebrate holidays and life cycle events because we have confidence that all will be right. We sit next to each other in our church or synagogue, sing our hymns, mouth our prayers, and feel the love we have for each other. Most of all, we leave these sacred places with the attitude that we can and will be better people. There certainly are episodes of doubt. Some of these doubts boggle the mind, but still we march on. This is what faith is all about.
enthusiasm; we may not be as spry as we once were, but we know that we can take that next step; we have determination to complete our journey with heads held high because we have and continue to contribute to the value of life; we have confidence in ourselves – even though we go through periods of doubt; most of all, we are hopeful – remembering what we were and excited about what we mean to others. We can feel good about ourselves because our attitude tells us that we are relevant – as relevant as we were yesterday, and even more relevant tomorrow. Faith, trust, confidence, love, attitude – all the ingredients necessary for a life of fulfillment. Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
Some will ask, “As we age what is there to hope for, or feel optimistic about? For that matter what kind of love is left for us, or, perhaps what is faith? As we progress in age, these questions preoccupy us to the point of despair. That is, if we allow them. Here is something to dwell on; our vibrancy may have been diminished, but not our
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Life As A Caregiver Food and Meds
I guess in one sense, my mom and I are lucky that she doesn’t take ANY meds other than her Aricept for Alzheimer’s. What that says is that she is in good health for an 88 year-old woman. On the one hand, that’s good, because she used to take an arsenal of meds for her headaches until we all learned that they were dangerous and, after a while, useless. On the other hand, it also means that she could go on and on with Alzheimer’s for a long time. I am positive THAT would not be good. There are several Alzheimer’s drugs that people take. All they really do is possibly slow down the process. None of the drugs out there today do anything to stop it, or even attempt to cure it. At one point, five or six years
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ago, the doctor put her on one of the newer meds, called Namenda. It claimed to even reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer’s in some cases. But for us, all it did for mom was cause a few visual hallucinations and agitation… so we stopped it immediately. But, as I’ve said over and over, everyone is different, which would mean, everyone doesn’t do well with the same drug. In the readings I’ve done, many doctors feel Alzheimer’s is caused, in part, from toxins we ingest, and from the polluted air we breathe. In their opinion, these toxins impact brain tissue and form brain plaque that destroys our cognitive, behavioral and psychological behavior. But no one seems to be sure. If it is food-related, which I tend to think that is largely
true, it may impact those of us who might develop dementia or Alzheimer’s. There is a great book out there, entitled “The Alzheimer’s Prevention Cookbook—Recipes to Boost Brain Health“. It describes the kinds of food we should eat, what we shouldn’t eat, good fat, and how we process our food which could indeed lead to brain tissue erosion. Very interesting reading and I highly recommend it. I try and prepare food that my mom likes. Because let’s face it: she’s 88 years old, she already has Alzheimer’s disease and is in headache pain most of the time. She deserves the pleasure of food. So…she gets to eat what she likes, and I eat what is best for me. Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident
June 2017
Puzzles & Games Sudoku for June
Sudoku Solution
4
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7 1 3 4 6 8 9
6 7 4 5 8 2 1
8 6 1 3 9 5 4
5 8 2 9 3 6 7
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Up The Hill
3
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1
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Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!
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Business Directory AUTO SERVICES A Plus Automotive Cien Motor Werks Litchfield Auto Repair Wilhelm Auto BUSINESS & LEGAL SERVICES ACEA Accounting Allstate Insurance - Peter Zipp Estrella Partners Group Edward Jones - Christopher Carlton Mahoney Law Office Richard Tax Service Signature Documents State Farm Insurance - D Aaron State Farm Insurance -T Gremillion HEALTH & BEAUTY Active Life Pain Center Dr. Nemechek Healthy Life Family Medicine Mtn. Ranch Family Dentistry Permanent Make-Up by Kari Skincare Extraordinaire HOUSEHOLD SERVICES 5 Dog Electric A Call Painting Al’s Pumbing Beckham Electric Benivilla Canyon Lake Construction Century Glass & Mirror Desired Handyman Dirt Busters House Cleaning Eco Maids 4 You Estrella Mountain Pest Control General Exterminating Goodwin Electric Hardy Solar Solutions J & H Appliance Repair LJ Designs Studio Super Green Solutions The Window Cleaner AZ
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623.986.1586 623.322.8333 623.882.8700 623.925.1571 623.251.0821 623.208.6922 623.594.9283 623.386.1940 623.518.3513 623.925.9953 623.974.2272 480.948.2005 623.386.7767 623.535.9777 623.208.4226 623.889.3477 623.327.0231 602.295.7373 623.826.3726 623.313.5685 602.422.3648 623.329.5170 480.370.1014 623.584.4999 602.574.6760 623.444.6204 623.910.5183 623.977.6725 623.910.2202 623.680.6619 623.977.2100 623.326.0564 206.399.4652 623.925.5427 623.332.1060 480.485.8498 623.738.6064
Urgent Air Williams Air & Heating Younger Brothers Exterminating Younger Brothers Plumbing LANDSCAPING & POOL CARE Blue Oasis Pool Service Buckeye Desert Landscape Estrella Owner Services Gemstone Landscape Lakeside Pools Xpress Pool Service MOVING & STORAGE Lifetime Moving & Storage PET CARE Creatures Companions Estrella In Home Animal Care Husse AZ - Pet Food See Spot Clean PHOTOGRAPHY & WEB DESIGN Estrella Partners Web Design REAL ESTATE DPR Realty - Dolly Rico Home & Away Realty - S Peters Realty One Group - Budge Team Realty One Group - Gale Samuelsen Realty One Group - Jen Polansky Realty One Group - Tara Rutkowski REMAX Preferred Choice - Estrella Russ Lyons Sotheby’s -Art Velenzuela West USA Realty - Lisa Sowada West USA Realty - Ryan Welch West Valley Homewatch RECREATION Elutheria Wellness Center RETAIL SERVICES Budget Blinds of Goodyear Element Sunscreen & Blinds Foot Solutions Pure Patio Steel Shield Security Doors
602.377.1999 602.549.9222 623.487.3147 623.487.3130 623.986.8392 602.527.2818 623.693.5695 623.695.5338 602.799.3623 623.853.6859 602.344.9988 623.215.6699 623.476.7074 480.498.8754 623.882.9595 623.594.9283 623.694.4717 602.320.5026 623.694.3907 602.327.7938 480.577.3918 623.640.6546 623.850.0005 602.980.2473 623.326.4721 480.356.3197 623.594.9283 623.986.5110 480.629.8854 602.799.4384 623.536.6676 623.299.8000 623.977.3277
June 2017
USEFUL NUMBERS HOA CONTACTS: Community Services - after hours CCMC Starpointe Residents Club Youth Club Yacht Club Community Patrol GOVERNMENT CONTACTS: Animal Control City Hall Code Compliance Finance Department Post Office (Estrella Pkwy & Yuma) Public Relations Public Works State Wildlife Dept
623.386.1112 800.274.3165 480.921.7500 623.386.1949 623.386.1949 623.386.3411 602.329.0462 602.506.7387 623.932.3910 623.882.7815 623.932.3015 623.882.9143 623.882.7820 623.932.3010 602.942.3000
MEDICAL / FIRE: Emergencies Police - Non-Emergency Fire Department - Non-Emergency Poison Control Center West Valley Hospital
911 623.932.1220 623.932.2300 800.222.1222 623.882.1500
MISCELLANEOUS: Golf Club of Estrella Players Grill Elliot Market Up The Hill magazine
623.386.2600 623.386.2600 623.386.2111 623.594.9283
RELIGIOUS SERVICES: Estrella Mountain Church Estrella Foothills Community Church
623.386.0300 623.363.7857
UTILITIES: APS 602.371.3614 ESTRELLA GROUPS & CLUBS Book Club 623.810.3494 Bridge mmendrick@q.com Bunco 623.242.7877 Car Club estrellamountaincarclub@yahoo.com Crafts & Stuff 623.393.9255 Estrella Badlanders Motorcycle Riding Group 602.469.2496 Estrella Conservative Republican Club emrc9876@gmail.com Estrella Motorcycle Riding Group Lacy.Wetzel@gmail.com Guitar Club 623.800.3997 Hiking Group mhartsfield@cox.net Ladies of the Lake 623.386.4754 LD04-MC Democrats Group 623.696.5962 Photo Group 623.327.0240 623.262.1437 Pickleball Play Group 602.803.1389 Poker 602.206.8580 Sisters In Stitches 623.251.7920 Travel Club 623.327.9730
SCHOOLS: Estrella Mountain Elementary School 623.327.7171 Westar Elementary School 623.327.2840 Estrella Foothills High School 623.327.2470 Cox Internet 855.766.9812 Southwest Gas 602.861.1999 City - Water/Sewer/Trash 623.932.3010
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June 2017