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Up The Hill

July 2017

From Me To You... Welcome

to the July edition of Up The Hill magazine!

During this crazy heat it is important to stay hydrated and Estrella Publishing, Estrella Mountain Pest Control, A+ Auto and Chris Carlton of Edward Jones are helping our local firefighters do just that. They donated 400 cases of water to Goodyear Fire Department. Good work guys! As a new parent it is stunning how much you have to learn. I remember leaving the hospital with my first child thinking, “What do I do next?” I mean, when you buy a car they give you multiple books explaining the workings of your new vehicle; where was my New Baby Instruction Manual. Or pamphlet? Anything?? I do remember the books I bought to help me figure everything out. One told me to let my baby cry herself to sleep. The other one warned of the dangers of not picking her up immediately! One said “Feed your child whenever she is hungry.” The next, “Put your child on a schedule that suits your lifestyle.” Good Grief Charlie Brown! I managed to figure it all out and despite the confusion both of us felt then, we made it to...

PUMPS ARE IN!

The Terrible The biggest question in my mind OW AVAILABLE 24 Twos! HOURS! in this stage? “Why is she upset now??”

Milk too cold? Shoes too tight or too loose? Parents not allowing the latest death-defying stunt? It was a never-ending guessing game. I felt like a firefighter constantly putting out small fires, hoping none of them grew too big to handle on my own. On to the Middle Ages, or as I like to call them The Golden Years. During this halcyon era I knew EVERYTHING. Thanks to Google all I had to do to answer any question was simply type in a few keys and voila! What is the circumference of the sun? 2,713,406 miles. Easy! Well now I have teenagers and I am back to knowing nothing. At least that’s what they tell me!

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

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July 2017

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 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.

Dwayne P Aaron Ins Agcy Inc Dwayne Aaron CPCU, Agent www.dwayneaaron.com dwayne@dwayneaaron.com Bus: 480-948-2005

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Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way.

Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor

Up The Hill

Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec

July 2017

June

Calendar

July 2017

◄

Sun

• Chess Club @ 4:30p

Mon

• EMR Star Spangled

Eve @ 6p

9 Estrella Motorcycle Riding Group 11a Chess Club 4:30p

10 Bridge12:45p Mahjong 3p Games Club 6p Trivia Night 6:30p

17 Bridge 12:45p Games Club 6p Genealogy Group 7p

• Nat’l Ice Cream Day • Chess Club 4:30p

• Parents’ Day • Chess Club 4:30p

30 Int'l. Friendship Day • Nat’l Cheesecake Day • Day Against Traffickin in Persons • Chess Club 4:30p

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• Nat’l Tequila Day • Bridge 12:45p • Games Club 6p

• Bridge 12:45p • EMR Budget Meeting

• Games Club 6p

Tue

4 Independence Day • Star Spangled 4th @ Ballpark 6-10p • Red, White & Boom @ Wigwam 6-9p

Wed

• Canasta 1p • HOA Meeting 6:30p

Fri

Sat

1 Canada Day • Patriotic Parade 9:30a • Badlanders @ 11a

• Playgroup 9:30a • Storytime 10:30a • Bridge 12:45p • Ladies of the Lake • Bunco 7p • Life Adjustment

1p • Poker 1p • Bridge 6p 11 12 • World Population Day • Playgroup 9:30a • Sisters in Stitches 10a • Book Club 10a • Canasta 1p • Poker 1p • Bridge 6p • Photo Group 7p 18 19 • Nelson Mandela Day • Nat’l Hot Dog Day • EFHS Registration • EFHS Registration • Canasta 1p • EMR Art Committee 3p 25

Thu

• Photo Group 7p

• EMR Car Club

Group 6p

• Wet & Wild Day

• Photo Group 7p

• EFHS

Registration

• Edward Jones

Financial Group 9a • Bingo 6p 27 • Photo Group 7p

►

14 Bastille Day 15 • Coffe Scoial 8:30a • Bridge 12:45p

• EFHS Registration • Coffee Social

8:30a

• Bridge 12:45p • Comedy Night

5:30p 28 World Hepatitis Day • Coffee Social 8:30a • Bridge 12:45p • Movie Night @ Ballpark 7p

• Nat’l Lasagna

Day

Notes: National Parks Month, National Picnic Month, UV Safety Month Birthstone: Ruby and Onyx Fruits & Veggies: Papaya Mango, Nectarine, and Garlic Flowrs: Larkspur & Water Lily nd rd Astrological Sign: Cancer (til 22 ) & Leo (23 +)

July 2017

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4 Bed I 2 Bath I Phoenix I Pool & View I 2,512 Sq. Ft. I $389,000

3 Bed I 2 Bth I Avondale Sanctuary I Pool I 1,560 Sq. Ft. I $207,000

3 Bed I 2 Bath I Garden Lakes I Spool I 1,754 Sq. Ft. I $185,000

3 Bed I 2 Bath I South Mountain I Pool I 2,310 Sq. Ft. I $365,000

Up The Hill

3 Bed I 2 Bath I Estrella Park View I 2,399 Sq. Ft. I $309,000

3 Bed I 2 Bath I CantaMia I Solar I 1,603 Sq. Ft. I $220,000

4805773918 | JJPREALTY@Gmail.com www.JenniferPolansky.com

July 2017

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July 2017

Monsoon Season Driving Safety Tip Monsoon season is fast approaching in the Valley of the Sun and the Goodyear Police Department would like to remind the public of some important safety tips when driving during this unpredictable season. First and foremost, due to limited visibility, do not hit the road during a dust storm. Wait until the storm passes and visibility is restored before attempting to drive. However, if caught on the road when a dust storm arises, follow these safety tips: · Find a safe place to pull completely off the road · Turn off all vehicle lights

Goodyear 411

a vehicle. Even if the water doesn’t appear to be deep, attempting to walk or drive across flooded roadways or washes can prove to be deadly. Goodyear Police want motorist to be safe, and avoiding this potentially dangerous conditions is a good place to start. Resources: http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/states/az-flood. shtml http://www.pullasidestayalive.org/ Submitted by Lisa Kutis, PIO Goodyear PD

· Keep emergency flashers OFF · Take foot off the break and engage emergency brake · Keep seatbelt on and remain in vehicle until the storm passes and dust clears The key with these tips is to not have vehicles following each other off the road and ultimately crashing into one another. During periods of heavy rain, do not attempt to cross a flooded wash or bypass barricades to enter a flooded roadway. Many people underestimate the power of water. Keep in mind that it only takes 6 inches of swift water to sweep an adult off their feet and 12-24 inches of rushing water to carry away

Up The Hill

July 2017

Home Safe How To Chose A Homewatch Company This may seem like an obvious answer but there are several factors that go into choosing the best Homewatch company for your needs. Accessibility. Is the company based close by? If it is going to take someone an hour to get to your home in case of emergency then they are probably not the right fit for you. If your alarm goes off in the middle of the night can your homewatch company get there before the police leave? If your water tank bursts (happens more often than I care to mention) can someone get there before significant damage occurs? If you are expecting a contractor to be at your home and they need to be let in (and then have your house secured after they leave) is your homewatch company able to do that? Reliability. Has your company been in business for a few years or a few months? Can you be confident that when you leave your home in their hands, everything will be taken care of? Interview them. Talk to them. See if you have that feeling of comfort before you choose your homewatch company. Ask how long they have been in business. How many homes do they lose every year? Home many homes have they been watching since the beginning? Do they have a good relationship with the local Fire/ Police Departments? Who will have access to your property? Is there a back up in case of emergency or vacation. Yes we take vacations too. You need to know the people who will be in your home in any situation. How do they handle and identify your keys, who has access to them and where are they kept? A nice label with your address may seem logical but not if the keys are lost or stolen. A good homewatch company will have a coded system to identify keys and will keep them in a secure place. Also they will ensure that no-one but the company can access them. Do they check your home on the same day and time every visit? Thieves casing a house will note the regular time that homewatch is there and will work around that schedule. If your homewatch company has an erratic and irregular schedule it is almost impossible for burglars to use that to their advantage. Use your instincts and ask questions, these people will be responsible for your most valuable asset.

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July 2017

Are you looking for a meaningful experience?

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PLEASE CALL 623-584-4999 TODAY! VISIT WWW.BENEVILLA.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION. Up The Hill

July 2017

10 Up The Hill

July 2017

Up The Hill

July 2017

Furry Friends Fourth of July brings gatherings with family and good friends, including furry friends. It may seem like a rewarding idea to give your pup some scraps from the grill or bring him along to watch the fireworks, yet in reality, such festivities could prove potentially hazardous to him.

• Remember, though, while humans communicate with words, dogs communicate with energy, and will look to their pack leader for clues on how they should behave. If you’re not making a big deal or showing excitement about the fireworks, then your pups will learn to be less concerned as well.

More pets run away on the Fourth of July than any other day. It is natural for dogs to be afraid of loud noises. The sounds trigger their nervous systems, and they can become anxious or afraid. To your dog, the experience of fireworks is different than other natural loud noises, like thunderstorms.

• Keep a watchful eye on your pets during the fireworks, and make sure that they are wearing proper up-to-date identification tags and are microchipped with current information. This is key.

This does not need to be the case this year. Please take extra steps to ensure the safety of your pets. Here are some helpful tips: • Exercise your pets earlier in the day to tire them out and release any anxious energy. • Keep your pets indoors. Make sure that there is a quiet place, such as a carrier or crate that they can retreat to if need be. Close the curtains and turn on the TV or radio. A Kong filled with a yummy treat may also offer a much needed distraction when the festivities start booming. • If you must bring your pets with you to the fireworks, please make sure they are leashed or in a carrier so that they do not run off. Running away from the noise is a survival instinct for dogs.

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• Keep your pets away from matches, open fires, and fireworks. This may seem like common sense, yet, there are far too many accidents that occur when curious pooches get too close to the flames or try to sniff, or eat, something that they shouldn’t. These simple summer safety tips will help to keep your favorite fur-friends safe and secure this Fourth of July season. And as always, make sure you talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns you may have about your pets handling the hot summer weather. Did you know? The Verrado Coffee Co. has fresh batches of chicken jerky and Fro-you for your pups. For a $2 donation to Community Paws, your dog will devour either of these tasty treats! Submitted by Kristin Robinson, of Community Paws

July 2017

Take A Chance Smarty Pants Some snippets of knowledge that we learn stick with us forever. I’m not talking about basics like tying shoelaces, which can still be a challenge some days. More like bits of wisdom that guide us throughout life. For example, an instructor for one of my college broadcasting courses believed reporters should know something about everything so they can ask sensible questions. For some reason, advice has stuck with me. It helped make me a good reporter and gave me mad skills at Trivial Pursuit. More importantly, it was a push for me to kick it up a notch. “Learn how the magic works” is a maxim I created decades ago because when you know how things work, you can make your own magic. It’s about learning and discovery. Recently, I discovered how to make delicious three-ingredient cookies. Now that I know the recipe, or the magic spell, I added a M&Ms as a fourth ingredient because soft, chewy cookies are so much better with M&Ms. Even the soldiers of G.I. Joe, America’s daring, highly trained, special mission force, said, “Knowing is half the battle.”

guys who found King Tut’s tomb knew there was a hidden tomb and were determined to find it. Not knowing – discovering the unknown - was part of the adventure. It’s the experience and mix of emotions that makes it exciting. To boldly go where no one has gone before. It’s a good idea for using a brand new public toilet. Bad idea when opening an Egyptian pharaoh’s cursed tomb. A less dangerous adventure can be found right outside your door in your own community and around the state. Try a new restaurant without looking up its Yelp rating. Give a helping hand to a local charity or visit someone house-bound. Read to kids at a school, rec center, or Boys & Girls Club. Whatever you decide, just enjoy your new adventure. Submitted by John Safin, President and CEO of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce., Southwestvalleychamber. org.

Let’s look at both sides of being too smart. Is it better or worse to know too much? Ignorance is bliss, but what you don’t know could kill you. The

Up The Hill

July 2017

THE BUG GUY Monsoon Season Is Here!! 1. Slightly Lower High Temperatures Some of the highest temperatures of the year can be recorded just before the onset of the summer monsoon. Humidity levels are low, so the sunâ€™s energy can be used to heat the air rather than being absorbed by water vapor or used for evaporation. In the west valley, we can record high temperatures of 115 degrees or hotter. During much of the summer monsoon period, high temperatures can be around 10 degrees lower, in the 100- to 105-degree range. 2. Increased Humidity Prior to the onset of the summer monsoon, dew point temperatures during the day can be in the 20to 25-degreee range across the Desert Southwest. This may translate to relative humidity levels of 5 to 15 percent due to the excessively hot temperatures. During the monsoon period, the dew point temperatures can rise to the 55- to 65-degree level across the Desert Southwest and the relative humidity can exceed 40 percent. The dew point is a measure of how much moisture is in the air. For example, dew point temperature of 10 degrees is very low. 3. Dust Storms (Haboobs) The increase in humidity levels during the summer

monsoon means that there is more moisture in the air to produce thunderstorms. Thunderstorms across the Desert Southwest are more common in the higher elevations, but can occasionally move into the desert floor. Quite often, these thunderstorms have very little rain with them, but they can produce a haboob. The most intense haboobs can lift dust over 5,000 feet into the air. The storm can travel up to 150 miles in extreme cases. 4. Flash Flooding Thunderstorms across the Southwest can sometimes produce torrential rain in a short period of time. In these situations, rivers, creeks or dry streams (arroyos) can quickly fill and produce high water on roadways, or even in cities like Goodyear and Buckeye. Setup for the Summer Monsoon Although the dates for the summer monsoon may vary a bit across the region, the National Weather Serviceâ€™s Phoenix office has established some guidelines. One example is if the dew point temperature is 55 degrees or higher over a three day period. Also, there are occasional breaks in this pattern during the season. The time period established for the summer monsoon is from June 15 to Sept. 30. The average onset of the monsoon in Phoenix is July 7. Prior to the onset of the monsoon (generally late May and early June), temperatures across the Desert Southwest are extremely hot and humidity levels are quite low. That changes as we move into July and August, and into September. Submitted By Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountian Pest Control, Estrella Resident

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July 2017

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Up The Hill

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July 2017

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July 2017

School Zone

Travel and education

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” - Saint Augustine The benefits of travel have been written about for centuries, connecting the experience with cultivating awareness and expanding perspectives. The story of travel connotes a journey of selfdiscovery. The introduction of every new culture is the beginning of a new mindset. For many, travel is at once a decentering and unifying experience. The encounter of something new leads to being fully present, evaluating preconceptions and rewiring beliefs. The effects of travel on adults is well documented. But how does travel affect children, who rely so much on stability and who, in many ways, already live in the moment, and experience the world with eyes wide open? Does the disruption of place hinder or complement a child’s intellectual development? It’s been eight years since the U.S. Department of Education took a closer look at the effects of travel on childhood education. In a 2009 study, which analyzed findings from the Early Childhood

- Sponsored by Chris Carlton of Edward Jones

Longitudinal Study of the Kindergarten Class database, family life was assessed, as were summer activities and school experiences. The study collected data from 21,600 children from grades K-5; a subset of 5,047 parents also were asked about their family excursions during the summer. Study results showed improved standardized test scores in reading, math and general knowledge from the children who traveled during the summer with their families. The study findings are important because they provide an alternative to learning loss in kids during the long summer months away from school. Kids who don’t engage in activities during the summer are at risk of falling more than four months behind their peers. This statistic goes all the way up the ladder to college students. Today, many parents consider the arc of the travel experience - seeing new places, experiencing new cultures, attending concerts and visiting historic sites, monuments and art museums - as an opportunity to not only enhance the emotional depth and patience of their children, but their academic outcomes as well. As a result, some parents are opting to “world school” their children during the summer, with noted benefits of bonding and spending quality time with family, building an interest and respect for other cultures, and making learning interesting and deeply engaging. Can we simply conclude that vacations make kids smarter? We reached out to travel expert Jim Menge for the answer. “Not necessarily,” Menge says. “But the immersive experience of travel and all the delight and disruption that go along with it can have a real effect on childhood learning. And when kids start early, they broaden their horizons, and develop a real appreciation for the world they live in.” Clearly, travel and education can create powerful combinations. If you have children, consider taking a vacation over school breaks and during summer months. It will add to their development and character. And if you have kids in college, study abroad has become an even more compelling option. The shared experience of travel can bring families together, creating bonds and lifelong memories. It’s time to consider the data that promotes travel as the ticket to a world of increased engagement and enhanced academic performance. Bon voyage!

Up The Hill

July 2017

Job Hunting 5 essential soft skills for a job interview

Picture this: After months of networking and polishing your resume, you managed to make the necessary connections, get in front of the right people and land an interview. You deserve to be here. After all, you have an impressive background, great experience, fantastic references and are confident you can exceed the requirements of the job. The interview is really just a formality. For many, the hardest part of the job hunt is simply getting an interview. However, many top candidates get passed over and are surprised when they are not offered a job. The reason for this is they often spend a lot of time practicing how to answer questions and explaining their qualifications, but forget about the soft skills. A successful interview is about making the right impression, and these five soft skills are essential to making the impression that leads to a job offer. 1. A memorable appearance. We all know you need to dress your best before going into an interview, but you should go the extra mile to ensure the person you meet with remembers you. In addition to looking clean, tidy and professional, dress in a way that makes you feel confident and will make others notice.

4. Keep it positive. How you answer questions is often just as important as the answers you give. Always frame what you say in a positive note. In describing difficult managers or poor work conditions at other companies, frame it as a challenge you were happy to take on, an opportunity to learn and grow. Most importantly, remember to smile! 5. Eat well. You might be nervous and lose your appetite, but be sure you eat well the night before and the morning of the interview. Whole grains and foods loaded with fatty acids, such as salmon, eggs and kale, can help you feel great and relaxed for the interview. Just remember to have a some floss on hand so that energizing meal doesn’t become an unsightly mess in your mouth!

2. Be ready to floss on the go. If someone notices something in your teeth, a piece of spinach or fleck of cereal, they won’t be able to see anything else. 3. Exude confidence. Beyond just making you look good, the big reason behind dressing well and double checking that your teeth are clean and free of gunk is because this will give you confidence. Hiring managers can tell the difference between someone who is confident and someone who is not. Needless to say, they’re more impressed by confidence! So even if you’re nervous, dress up, keep clean, give a firm handshake and-if you have to-fake it until you make it!

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July 2017

Up The Hill

July 2017

DATA SHARING Becoming a savvier online shopper Every day, people use data to influence their decision making - from where to go for dinner, to selecting stocks in which they should invest, to where to live. Every Google search we perform, every Yelp review read or written, each item of clothing, houseware or electronic device we put in our virtual cart, is another data point companies can use to personalize our experience with their brands. This begs the question: How do we differentiate between those brands that are using our data the right way, versus those that have a long way to go? Second, how do we help the brands we love understand us better without sacrificing our privacy? 1. Understand which data to share. Think about your favorite shopping app or website. Does it know which brands you prefer? What about your shoe size? Does it have your zip code stored for shipping estimates? Does it make appropriate recommendations? The strongest relationships in life work both ways, so if you want a brand to know what you want from them, perhaps it’s time to share a little. Taking five minutes to fill out

some basic profile information in your “preferences” could, at the very least, save you time on future shopping excursions. 2. Use data to get the best deals. When you’re shopping online, you can quickly compare prices for the exact item you want to purchase across multiple vendors, and, if you have time to wait, be alerted should the item go on sale. The best example is travel. There seems to be a never-ending list of websites available for booking flights and hotels, but booking the first flight you see without shopping around is rarely going to get you the best deal. Countless studies have shown booking on certain days of the week, or a particular number of weeks ahead of your trip, will yield the best results. The art of finding the best deal is really in comparing the data. 3. Know where to draw the line. At the end of the day, privacy is still important, and it’s prudent not to share too much personal information. Think critically about which data is going to be absolutely necessary to enhance your experience with the companies you rely on. For example, it’s not necessary to share your contact list, your geolocation or access to your camera if you’re using a music or financial app. Some brands ask for too much, and it’s up to each individual to determine which data makes sense to share with each brand and what doesn’t. For example, don’t be too quick to provide broad access to an app you’ve just downloaded. Also, as painful as it may be, do read the privacy policy of the sites you frequent and understand how they use and protect the personal information they collect on you. Ultimately, most companies today are still just scratching the surface when it comes to understanding the impact customer data can have on the profitability and success of their business. There is still a lot of room for growth when it comes to companies effectively using data to address consumer needs. It’s up to each one of us to make sure we are sharing the right data with them, while also using that data to our advantage to get the best deals and online experience possible.

20 Up The Hill

July 2017

Diversify Your Investments But Consolidate Your Providers

MONEY MATTERS

You have probably heard that diversification is a key to investment success. So, you might think that if diversifying your investments is a good idea, it might also be wise to diversify your investment providers – after all, aren’t two (or more) heads better than one? Before we look at that issue, let’s consider the first half of the “diversification” question – namely, how does diversifying your investment portfolio help you? Consider the two broadest categories of investments: stocks and bonds. Stock prices will move up and down in response to many different factors, including good or bad corporate earnings, corporate management issues, political developments and even natural disasters. Bond prices are not immune to these dynamics, but they are usually more strongly driven by changes in interest rates. To illustrate: If your existing bond pays 2 percent interest, and new bonds are being issued at 3 percent, the value of your bond will fall, because no one will pay you full price for it. Here’s the key point: Stocks and bonds often move in different directions. If you only own U.S. stocks, you could take a big hit during a market downturn, but if

you own domestic and international stocks, bonds, government securities, certificates of deposit and other types of investments, your portfolio may be better protected against market volatility, and you’ll have more opportunities for positive results. So, it clearly is a good idea to diversify your investment portfolio. Now, let’s move on to diversifying financial service providers. Why shouldn’t you have one IRA here and another one there, or enlist one advisor to help you with some types of investments and a different advisor assisting you with others? Actually, some good reasons exist to consider consolidating all your investment accounts with one provider. For one thing, you’ll keep better track of your assets. Many people do misplace or forget about some of their savings and investments, but this will be far less likely to happen to you if you hold all your accounts in one place. Also, if you have accounts with several different financial service providers, you might be incurring a lot of paperwork – and many fees. You can cut down on clutter and expense by consolidating your accounts.

But most important, by placing all your accounts with a single provider, possibly under the supervision of a single financial advisor, you will find it much easier to follow a single, unified investment strategy, based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. You won’t get conflicting advice and you’ll receive clear guidance on important issues, such as the amounts you can afford to withdraw each year from your retirement accounts once you do retire. Diversification and consolidation – one is good for building an investment portfolio, while the other can help you invest more efficiently and effectively. Put the two concepts together, and make them work for you. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Chris Carlton

Up The Hill

July 2017

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Salt Cells• Acid Wash• Remodeling• Equipment Repair•

July 2017

There is light in darkness

Living With Faith

Most of us, when we think of darkness cannot understand that there is light in darkness. We tend to concentrate on the concept and perception that darkness leaves us blind to the world around us. Perhaps we could relate better if we were actually blind. People who have lost their sight find the light of day in the emptiness of space – a never-ending journey in the quest for the brightness of life. Such thoughts ran through my mind as I read the following written by an eleven-year old girl and read at her graduation from elementary school to the entire graduating class and visitors: “The darkness is the warm comfort of silence. It is the beautiful color that puts every child to sleep. It is not death, but life. It is the time of rest and relaxation. Darkness is the kiss I receive meaning goodnight. It is the covers pulled over my head as I think of sleep. It is the comfort of the pillow resting below my head. Darkness is my eyes slowly closing. It makes the darkness of the day form into the light of the night. It is the lights turning off meaning sleep and rest. Happiness swims into dreams. It is waking up from a nightmare and sneaking into my parent’s room to sleep once more. It is the dreams that form that will soon be fading from my memory. It is the relief of ending and forming of a new day, and a new opportunity.”

All of life is about dreams. We dream of what could have been, what might have been, what should have been. Perhaps these lead us into a darkness that never seems to fade. The truth is that dreams change with time, but still we continue to dream because, life as we know it, is filled with all sorts of dreams. This young girl can teach us a very valuable lesson: Darkness may engulf us, but then we reach for the comfort of those whom we love and who love us. The young among us are filled with so many dreams, but they all concentrate on living, and growing, and feeling secure. Are these not the dreams of all ages, not just the young?

We may find darkness when our eyes close, but when morning arrives, the light of a new day enhances our belief that light leads us into the true meaning of life, the purpose for which we were created, and the value we bring to those around us. And even when we are gone, the dreams do not disappear – they just become memories. So, as we learn from an eleven-year old – dream on! Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA

- Maddie Scharf I read and re-read these words and understood the value of dreams and the marvel of light emanating from darkness – the darkness of our minds as they wander from fantasy to reality. How many of us dream, wake up and cannot remember the dream? How many of us have dreams of a better life and a better tomorrow? How many of us find our lives shattered because our dreams are not realized? How many of us truly understand that the darkness surrounding us represents the gloom that seems to overpower us?

Up The Hill

July 2017

Life As A Caregiver The Other Caregiver

So…..you’re the caregiver to your loved one. Roughly 40 Million Americans devote their lives to caring for their loved ones. It is a noble, loving, commendable and rewarding job. But it is also stressful, heartbreaking, at times exhausting, and a 24/7 commitment. Statistics show that it is the long-term caregiver who often deteriorates (or even dies) before the patient due to the enormity of the task at-hand. That is why it is MANDATORY that you find a part-time caregiver to assist. I am very fortunate (and lucky) to have found a true angel to help me through this Alzheimer’s journey. Now. But it wasn’t always the case. Back in the Bay Area, when mom was in the early stages of the disease, we had four caregivers over the course of about three years. All of them started out great, but after a few months they weren’t great at all. Of course, the circumstances were different then. Mom didn’t live with me in a casita, I still worked, and she was still pretty functional. All but one caregiver came from an agency. I guess my expectations were quite high because I had interviewed them all thoroughly. But, they eventually turned out to be unacceptable and not very responsible. The fourth one came from research a friend of mine had done. Again, I interviewed her thoroughly to be sure she understood what I expected. She started out great and really liked my mom. But, after a while, she was more of a handful to me than a help.

We have been with Rose now for about two-anda-half years. She is like part of the family. In fact, Buddy (my dog) considers her part of his “pack”. Because Buddy is such a faithful companion to my mom each and every day, Rose cares for him during her visits, as well. She comes regularly twice-a-week for four hours each, and then when I am going away or am going out, she comes then, as well. Since she lives so close, it works out beautifully. Her job responsibilities include bathing mom, giving her breakfast and lunch, walking her around, visiting with her…and whatever else needs to be done. What she doesn’t do is laundry, running errands, administering meds (unless I am away), or cleaning the casita. The two of them have developed a strong bond and true love for each other. Good caregivers are hard to find. And they can be very expensive. But they are essential for YOUR sanity, YOUR piece-of-mind, YOUR stress-level…and YOUR health. Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident

When we moved to Arizona, I was really at a loss at first hardly knowing anyone. But after a while, someone had recommended a person to me, so I went with them. Again, she started out fine. So I thought it would be ok for me to take a trip back to the Bay Area to wrap-up some loose ends. I wasn’t gone an hour before the caregiver called me because she had forgotten her key to my mom’s casita and was going to climb through the window. WHAT?!? Needless to say, I let her go! Then a neighbor recommended Rose. Rose lives around the corner from me and though not a professional caregiver, she has worked in the healthcare industry for many years and has taken care of elders with varying degrees of Alzheimer’s. I took her to lunch so we could talk and get to know each other! I loved her immediately. Her Serbian accent was endearing and her energy and passion for people shined like a beacon. She knew what to do.

24 Up The Hill

July 2017

Puzzles & Games Sudoku for July

Sudoku Solution

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

6 9 4 8 5 3 2

9 7 6 2 4 8 1

1 4 8 5 2 6 7

5 2 1 7 3 9 8

7 6 3 9 1 4 5

Up The Hill

6 9

July 2017

Business Directory AUTO SERVICES A Plus Automotive Cien Motor Werks Desert Princess Carriage Service Litchfield Auto Repair 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 Skincare Extraordinaire HOUSEHOLD SERVICES 5 Dog Electric A Call Painting AC Squad Al’s Pumbing Beckham Electric Benevilla Canyon Lake Construction Century Glass & Mirror Desired Handyman Dirt Busters House Cleaning Eco Maids 4 You Estrella Mountain Pest Control General Exterminating Hardy Solar Solutions J & H Appliance Repair LJ Designs Studio Mr Sunshine’s Home Services Super Green Solutions The Window Cleaner AZ

26 Up The Hill

623.986.1586 623.322.8333 602.300.7076 623.882.8700 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 623.826.3726 623.313.5685 602.422.3648 623.512.1128 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 206.399.4652 623.925.5427 623.332.1060 623.738.1829 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 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 623.594.9283 623.986.5110 480.629.8854 602.799.4384 623.536.6676 623.299.8000 623.977.3277

July 2017

USEFUL NUMBERS HOA CONTACTS: Community Services - after hours CCMC Starpointe Residents Club Youth Club Yacht Club Community Patrol GOVERNMENT CONTACTS: Animal Control City Hall Code Compliance Finance Department Post Office (Estrella Pkwy & Yuma) Public Relations Public Works State Wildlife Dept

623.386.1112 800.274.3165 480.921.7500 623.386.1949 623.386.1949 623.386.3411 602.329.0462 602.506.7387 623.932.3910 623.882.7815 623.932.3015 623.882.9143 623.882.7820 623.932.3010 602.942.3000

MEDICAL / FIRE: Emergencies Police - Non-Emergency Fire Department - Non-Emergency Poison Control Center West Valley Hospital

911 623.932.1220 623.932.2300 800.222.1222 623.882.1500

MISCELLANEOUS: Golf Club of Estrella Players Grill Elliot Market Up The Hill magazine

623.386.2600 623.386.2600 623.386.2111 623.594.9283

RELIGIOUS SERVICES: Estrella Mountain Church Estrella Foothills Community Church

623.386.0300 623.363.7857

ESTRELLA GROUPS & CLUBS: Book Club 623.810.3494 Bridge mmendrick@q.com Bunco 623.242.7877 Car Club estrellamountaincarclub@yahoo.com Crafts & Stuff 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 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 UTILITIES: APS Cox Internet Southwest Gas City - Water/Sewer/Trash

602.371.3614 855.766.9812 602.861.1999 623.932.3010

July 2017

28 Up The Hill

July 2017