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Happy Holidays!
Jeffrey Otero ABR, SRES, PSA, RSPS, GRI
PebbleCreek Residential RealtorÂŽ
HomeSmart 2 Viva 623-640-7275 jeffotero@yahoo.com
13166 W McDowell Rd, Ste B, Goodyear, AZ 85395 December 2017 If you are currently working with an agent, this is not meant as a solicitation. This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. MLS # 5679639
Checking out of Scripps to go home
Willy
Diva
Darci
Bella
Family Dinner
Chaffee
Holiday Wishes for YOU!
I would like to take this opportunity to Thank each and every one of you for the huge impact you had on our lives this year. Jack spent 6 months in Scripps Hospital in LaJolla CA for LVAD heart surgery and recovery. We Thank everyone who supported us with calls, prayers, visits & email. Thank you to friends and neighbors who helped with our home and our “Fur Kids”, as I commuted back and forth. Sometimes it takes a village to get through tough times and we have that village right here in PebbleCreek. Holiday Greetings to my PebbleCreek Senior Soft Ball Team & League, The Bocce Ball League – my teams & coaches, Irish American Club, Italian American Club, Fine Dining Club, The Wine Club, Classic Car Club & Kare Bears. I appreciate all of my real estate Clients and Colleagues. Thank You for providing me the opportunity to work with you. We wish you all a Magical Future filled with Loving Wishes & Beautiful Thoughts. May 2018 mark the beginning of a Tidal Wave of Love, Happiness & Bright Futures. To Those who need someone Special, may you find that True Love. To those who need money, May your finances overflow. To those who need Caring, may you find a Good Heart. To those who need friends, WE are here for you. To those who need Life, may you find comfort & Strength in God. Thank you for being our PebbleCreek Extended Family. We Wish you a Happy Blessed Holiday Season & Glorious New Year! Viva
Mary Ann, Jack & the Evans Fur Kids
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From Me To You...
Welcome to the December edition of Viva!
elaborate as a tip to a far off destination. Those are the gifts that will leave memories that will last a lifetime.
‘Tis the season of Joy and Giving. Anyone else feel like ‘tis the season of stuff? Buying stuff, giving stuff, getting stuff. So. Much. Stuff.
If your family is anything like mine there is nothing these children need. Oh there is plenty they want, don’t get me wrong. But nothing they need.
The winter season, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus or nothing at all should be all about spreading joy and love. Seems to me it has become a season of how much you can buy. There were a few years when people fought back, forcing retailers to delay or even cease Thanksgiving Day sales. Now we are back to selling as much as possible as soon as possible. This year the Black Friday sales started at the beginning of November!
Now if you have smaller children I understand the need to have something to open and play with immediately. Those young ones will not appreciate or even remember the experiences anyway.
How about this for an idea? Instead of giving things to kids who will love the present for a moment then push it aside for the next gift, giving an experience? Something as simple as tickets to a movie or as
My youngest son recently asked when he could visit relatives in Europe and I pointed out our 3 month trip there in the past. He made the case that as he was only 4 he had no real memories of that trip. I have vivid memories of him on that trip myself. Him having a tantrum in a field in Scotland, him having a tantrum in the Louvre, him having a tantrum at the Tower of London. OK I see his point. So there is one thing I need to start saving miles for. You don’t need to push the boat out that far. Some of our favorite family memories revolve around inexpensive activities. Apple picking at a local farm, hiking up Piestewa Peak, participating in packing food for the homeless events... you get the idea. This month I challenge you to find gifts that keep giving. It is certainly easier to go online and click your way through the season, but the rewards of memories shared with loved ones is certainly worth that extra time and effort.
M YS U N N Y P R O S . C O M
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All of us here at Estrella Publishing wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessings to one and all! Catherine Uretsky Editor, Viva magazine catherine@estrellapartners.com 623-594-9283
(623) 552-5481 SUPPORT@MYSUNNYPROS.COM ©2017 MR. SUNSHINE’S HOME SERVICES INC.
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Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies and article reproductions can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com
Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com All contents Š 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.
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
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Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
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On Our Cover Our cover model for December is local resident Ruth Walsh. A photographer for over 35 years, Ruth owned a Children and Family photography studio in Albuquerque when she lived there. Moving to PebbleCreek 14 years ago, Ruth took a photo for Mary Couzens Realty group and after bonding with Mary she was asked to join the team. A realtor in California before moving to Albuquerque, Ruth had no time for real estate there but was excited to revisit that career.
of unpopulated vistas, Brookes Falls is so popular for photography that groups were only allowed 45 mins to shoot. I think these images are remarkable and I am not sure I could have kept my nerve in this situation.
A New Yorker born and raised, Ruth has always loved the outdoors and looks forward to many more photography expeditions. She is travelling to Tanzania in August with her daughter, then aims to get to the Charlemagne area of France to “Mary offered me a lifeline when I moved to capture the wild horses there. Future plans include PebbleCreek. The group is a great team and we rely on photographing hummingbirds in Equador and each other.” Ruth would love to capture images of penguins in Patagoinia. The world is her oyster. Ruth loves it here in PebbleCreek, the people are warm and she finds they have a sense of adventure. Once here Ruth maintains that you have to have hobbies in life she moved her parents to Eagles Nest where they had and she works to pay for those hobbies. a fabulous life. Her father particularly enjoyed having orange trees and grapefruit trees right at his fingertips. “You need to be engaged in things in life, and PebbleCreek is an amazing place to do things. There Back to the photography. Although Ruth has always are so many activities you can be involved in, things been drawn to landscapes, she decided to push herself you never knew you could do or even wanted to do! into the realm of wildlife. After meeting a woman from You just wake up and show up, there is always someone Jupiter, FL on a trip to Scotland and getting on so well to show you and teach you how to do everything.” they joined a Bear Expedition to Alaska. Flying in on a tiny plane, they landed on a beach and the adventure began. You can see some of her magnificent photographs on this page but there were so many more to choose from! There were 8 photographers on the expedition and several guides and the most gruelling part from my point of view, they had to carry all their own photographic gear while traipsing through the mud. They had to stay in a tight group for their own safety as well as that of the bears. Although the area has 100,000s of acres
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Living With Faith If it is December it must be Hanukkah and Christmas. Many interfaith households wrestle with the situations of respect and sensitivity to each. And every year there are articles written about how to celebrate, how to identify, so that the spiritual aspect is not lost on the commercialism. It certainly is a time of lights. There is darkness all around us. The days are short. The nights are long. We sleep, as does nature. This year, in particular, it is really dark. We learned that over 5,000 men and women in our armed forces have sacrificed their lives to bring us light. More than 30,000 have been injured or maimed and will never completely see the true light of wholeness again. Hanukkah is a time of re- dedication – we saw an example of that when the Maccabees put sword in hand to ensure the survival of the Jewish people and their faith. We cannot recapture the past, but we can use it to ensure the future. The religious freedom that was won some 2200 hundred years ago has been the clarion call for all people throughout history. Every battle for religious freedom has as its foundation the spark from the candles lit to celebrate the scourge of evil. Hanukkah helps us understand the eternal struggle of good over evil. We pray for good to survive. We
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attempt to eradicate evil. What we need are voices that will drown out the hate and animosity. God cannot do this for us – we need to do it for ourselves. That is the message of Hanukkah – with faith in the right we lead the battle – not expecting some mighty hand to do it for us. We have been given the ability to survive – all we need to do is grab it and run with it. Hanukkah is also a time of spiritual connection – to our beliefs – to togetherness. It is no different than the understanding of Christmas. Both holidays, to me, indicate the message to set aside petty jealousies and indignations, and concentrate on peace and goodwill among people and nations. Hopefully the lights of this season, whether a Menorah or a Christmas tree, will remind us to respond to those in trouble so that we can be an instrument in relieving all the pain and suffering. Perhaps the lights will begin a tomorrow that can be better and that life is cherished above all else. We should all pray that the leaders of our country, The United States of America, receive Divine guidance to ensure that we remain a beacon of light to all people. And may God continue to bless us all. Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
December 2017
You hear about it on the news. You see the signs in the pharmacy windows. Even your friends and co-workers are talking about it. The flu shot is a highly discussed topic, and for good reason!
Flu Facts
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on average, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu, and tens of thousands of people are hospitalized every year because of it. Further, the flu can strike anyone, and adults aged 18-64 years old are the most likely to get ill, accounting for 60 percent of flu-related hospitalizations. “Flu-related illnesses are already trending twice as high in 2017 as they were in 2016, and we are seeing an uptick in flu-related visits across the country,” said Dr. Jason Tibbels, MD, board-certified family physician and director for quality programs at Teladoc. “This year, officials want at least 70 percent of Americans to get a flu shot; however, fewer than 50 percent were vaccinated against the flu last season.” How can you protect yourself and your loved ones from the annual flu outbreak? The first step is to understand the benefits and any potential risks of flu vaccination and then - if it’s right for you - go get the flu shot. It’s also important to understand that while the vaccine is the best defense in protecting against flu, there’s still a chance that with it, you could get sick. We asked Teladoc’s Dr. Tibbels why the flu shot is so important this year. Here are his top reasons:
also proven to have reduced hospitalizations among people with diabetes and chronic lung disease. Further, vaccination helps protect women during and after pregnancy, reducing the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection by about 50 percent. And getting vaccinated also protects the baby several months after birth. 4) If you do get sick, it may decrease the severity. The flu vaccination does not guarantee protection against the virus; people who get the shot are still at risk of getting sick. However, if you do get sick, the flu vaccination can make your illness milder. If you start to experience symptoms - whether or not you’ve had the flu vaccine - it’s important to see a doctor. Many people have 24hour access to board-certified and licensed physicians seven days a week via telemedicine from home, work or on the road through a phone or tablet, making it easier than ever to get a diagnosis and start treatment.
5) It helps stop flu from spreading. Did you know that the flu virus can be spread to people within three feet 1) It keeps you out of the emergency room. The flu of a sick patient when that patient coughs, sneezes or shot reduces the risk of hospitalization due to flu by talks? Getting vaccinated doesn’t just help protect you approximately 50 to 60 percent. from the flu; the flu shot is the responsible choice for protecting those around you. Vaccination is especially 2) It reduces sick days. Missed time at work due to fluimportant for protecting more vulnerable populations, related illnesses causes an additional $16.3 billion in such as babies and young children, the elderly, and lost earnings annually. people with certain chronic health conditions, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 3) It promotes overall health. The flu vaccine is a helpful tool for people with chronic health conditions. “When it comes to the flu, it’s not wise to take a waitFlu vaccination is associated with lower rates of some and-see approach,” said Dr. Tibbels. “Talk to a doctor! cardiac events among people with heart disease, and is Viva
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Yum Yum
leftovers. Here are a few grilled cheese recipes to kick off the season: * Apple Picker’s Harvest: Thinly sliced freshly picked apples, brie and some smoked ham onto your bread, slathering on a bit of honey and thyme butter before your creation hits the grill or pan.
* Nine-Layer Dip: If you’re a fan of the classic seven-layer dip (chopped layers of pepper jack cheese, refried beans, avocado, corn and pickled red onions), you’ll love this savory concoction sprinkled with cilantro and Grilled cheese options take comfort food to the next grilled between buttered bread slices. Cook up a warm, level gooey batch for the gang gathering around the TV for It’s time to turn our thoughts to all the good things that the next big game. come with the season, including the warm comfort * Pumpkin Mac: Whip up your favorite mac and cheese food. recipe, season it with pureed pumpkin, top it with gouda A longtime cool-weather favorite is the classic grilled and bacon, add slices of bread and get busy grilling. cheese sandwich in all its crisp, meltingly gooey The sweetness of the pumpkin balances the bacon’s varieties. These days, restaurants and at-home chefs are saltiness for a gourmet treat that may well become your serving up the deeply satisfying American concoction family’s new favorite. with scrumptious toppings designed to pair in perfect gourmet harmony with the flavors of the bread and cheese. The sky is really the limit when it comes to devising new takes on the classic dish. That may mean pairing traditional favorites with seasonal choices such as sliced apples, pumpkin or even holiday dinner
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* Gooey Gobbler: Optimize that mouthwatering leftover turkey by spreading it with cranberry jam, sage butter and gouda slices, perfecting your dream sandwich on the griddle and enjoying every balanced, blended bite.
December 2017
For many, the pressure of the holiday season can be enough to wear away the glitter and magic. Some 62 percent of American adults define their stress as “very or somewhat” elevated over the holidays, says research cited by Harvard Medical School’s Department of Neurobiology.
Relax
1. Make your list, check it twice. Assign tasks to different days leading up to the event so you can stay on task, factoring in time you’ll need for other holiday happenings.
2. Enlist elves. It’s likely unrealistic to expect yourself to single-handedly master all the cooking, cleaning and But that old chestnut doesn’t have to be true for you. mingling your event will involve. When you plan and keep your expectations reasonable, the season can unfold at an even and enjoyable pace, 3. Bring on (then freeze) the figgy pudding. Let’s making room for new, happy memories. face it, many dishes taste just as good or better when prepared ahead of time and frozen or simply kept in the That’s doubly true when you’re entertaining. When fridge until they’re ready to serve. Save the last hours you’re well-prepared, your event can create holiday leading to your event for recipes that will taste much cheer and goodwill and even strengthen bonds between better freshly made and/or hot out of the oven. friends and family. Consider how these entertaining tips can help you stage a minimal-stress, maximum-impact 4. Save time on sides. Instead of diverting your time event at which your guests can relax this holiday season. peeling and mashing potatoes or shredding cheese, turn to instantly delicious refrigerated side dishes like Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes or Macaroni & Cheese. Rich with real butter and milk, your guests will never guess they’re not homemade. Insider tip: Keep a secret stash on hand for unexpected company. 5. Deck the halls simply. Fresh, sweet-smelling pine boughs tied with red ribbon can be tucked into containers throughout your home, while inexpensive or vintage colored glass bulbs look festive when wound with strings of white twinkle lights and placed in translucent bowls. 6. Tidy the workshop. Assign one room to be the catchall when company is coming, then keep that door closed while entertaining. Sort it out at your own pace after the holidays. 7. Rudolph as remedy. Weariness and/or a bad mood can be hard to sustain when you’re playing festive, upbeat holiday music people have been singing along to since they were kids. The holidays are typically filled with joy and some stress. But when you make a conscious attempt to reduce the busywork, you’re more apt to feel warm and happy about the memories you’ve created. Viva
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May this season bring you the gifts of peace, hope, health and happiness.
The PebbleCreek Real Estate Group™
Corrie Copple 602.741.6446
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Maureen McCann 623.882.6768
Gale Baldasare 623.688.4430
Stu Burge 623.882.6767
Brittany Brown 602.810.2447
Karen Reuland 623.262.4523
December 2017
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Life As A Caregiver Being someone’s caregiver means more than just taking care of them. Oh sure, preparing their meals, keeping them clean & healthy, administering meds, working to keep their minds active…those are all very important duties. And can be exhausting. But being someone’s caregiver also means being their advocate. Fighting for their rights if those have been lessened or diminished in some way. And constantly staying current on the latest discoveries or ‘remedies’ that can improve their life. It is up to the caregiver to BE that advocate for them. I belonged to an Alzheimer’s support group in my community when I first arrived in Arizona. It was helpful in the beginning, but once I discovered I was further along in my preparations than most of the others, I found I could get more specific help and information in other places. But….in starting this journey it was VERY helpful and I highly recommend to everyone that they start with a local support group first. One of the local agencies that specialize in services for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia in Arizona has become a favorite of mine: Benevilla. Not only did my mom attend day care services from them when I first moved here, but I have since supported them financially and as a volunteer because of the extraordinary work they do. And the network of caring and knowledgeable people there provide a great deal of support for someone like me. Giving back to them was something I could do for the good of the good. But the thing I am most proud of is my involvement
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in Rotary and our Rotary Alzheimer’s/Dementia Initiative project that I started in my community. Arizona certainly has the demographic for being at the forefront of Alzheimer’s research and specialized programs. And as we baby-boomers age, the population of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia will soar in the next 20+ years! Here are just some of the staggering statistics: ~ According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.4 million people have been diagnosed with the disease in the United States to date ~ 27 million have been diagnosed world-wide ~ Approximately 1-in-10 people over the age of 65 now suffer from Alzheimer’s ~ Women have a much higher risk than men…almost 2-3 times higher ~ Everyone is at a much higher risk if their immediate family member (mother or father) had it and by the year 2040, it is projected that over 100 million people will have the disease throughout the world! Dementia is NOT a disease. It is a group of symptoms that are associated with a decline of thinking, reasoning and/or remembering. It is an “umbrella” over other memory-related issues. Alzheimer’s IS a disease and is the most common form of dementia. It is most-often hereditary and sadly, to date, is terminal and without a cure! Through this Rotary effort, my hope is to bring about awareness of the disease and to raise money for continued research such as ongoing clinical trials and medical breakthroughs. But my concern and focus are also on the future. MY future….and hopefully yours! I want very much to know all that I can so that my chances of having Alzheimer’s are kept at a minimal since I am in that high-risk group. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix or wonder pill to take for Alzheimer’s. Not yet. But we mustn’t give up. Not EVER! Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident December 2017
Out & About
The holiday season can be the perfect time to travel. With school and work days off, it’s a special way to reconnect with family and friends as you get to bask in that cheerful holiday spirit. Planning a holiday-themed trip is easier than you think, if you keep a few tips in mind. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to making vacation memories that will last a lifetime.
the local bakery or pick up a gingerbread house kit at a local supermarket. Sign up to meet Santa on the beach and get the perfect holiday photo to send back to family and friends. Ask around and you’re sure to find more than a few festive adventures for your travel crew.
Accessibility
Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy traditional holiday fun. Research local celebrations that feature caroling, sleigh rides and treelighting ceremonies. If you’re in Myrtle Beach, visit Ripley’s Aquarium for the Festival of Trees, which includes trees decorated to perfectly represent each of the 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Find your state’s tree to see how well it captures the heart of your home!
Traditional cheer
You’re guaranteed to feel like a Scrooge if you’re stuck on a long flight or gridlocked roads. When planning a holiday trip, look for a location that’s an easy drive or quick flight for everyone. Big cities might be easy to get to, but they are hectic during the holidays. Alternative destinations like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are just as convenient to get to and may not have as much travel congestion. With these five tips you’re sure to have your best holiday yet. Years from now you’ll look back and everyone will Accommodations still be able to talk in detail about their favorite travel experience. It will be your home away from home for the holidays, so be smart when selecting your rental to set your trip up for success. Research accommodations that keep everyone close but comfortable, such as a condotel or beach home. Both these options offer plentiful space, including kitchens, so you can whip up favorite family foods before relaxing to watch a classic holiday movie together before bed. Unique events One of the best parts of the holidays is access to unique events that don’t happen any other time of year. Once you determine a destination, research special events in the area. For example, grab a cup of cider and walk amid the soft glow of more than 5,500 hand-lit candles at the Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens in Myrtle Beach. The breathtaking beauty is enjoyed by couples and families alike. Fun experiences To create a memorable trip, it’s important to add a little holiday magic. Bring your favorite holiday book with you to read before bed. Decorate holiday cookies at Viva
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Real vs Artificial Here comes Santa Claus ... and a sleigh full of confusion about Christmas trees. Better to buy real or better to buy artificial? Popular myths are that real trees are bad for the environment, artificial trees make more financial sense and real trees are just a hassle, but read on for some facts that will set the record straight and some thoughts that might turn your head on some of the more subjective sides of the debate.
Still don’t like the idea of cutting down a tree? Remember real Christmas trees are farmer-planted and hand-harvested specifically for people to enjoy. And, for every real Christmas tree harvested, a new tree is planted.
There’s a economic case to be made for buying a real Christmas tree: Real Christmas trees provide real business for real farmers. Fully 100 percent of real If your No. 1 concern is the environment, your Christmas trees sold in the U.S. are grown in North No. 1 choice should be a real tree. Growing, using America. and recycling real Christmas trees is good for the environment. Research shows that when compared on Years from now, which do you think you’ll remember an annual basis, the artificial tree has three times more more warmly: assembling a plastic tree you pulled out impacts on climate change and resource depletion than of the attic, or bringing home and decorating a real the natural tree. Real Christmas trees are biodegradable tree that you enjoyed hunting for with your friends and and can even be recycled or reused for mulch, and every family? year the circle of life continues. Artificial trees are petroleum-based products and most are imported from Whether you prefer to shop at a neighborhood store, overseas. Many are thrown away seven to 10 years after local farm, seasonal lot or even online, there’s a real they’re purchased, and every year the landfills where Christmas tree available for everyone. they will stay get a little bit bigger.
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Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias is exceptionally demanding, and especially challenging. The caregiving needs of people living with Alzheimer’s are not only often more extensive, but are often needed over many years - even decades. A recent survey by the Alzheimer’s Association indicates many caregivers are not getting the help and support they need - a whopping 84 percent of caregivers say they would like more support in caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. “Too many people are shouldering the caregiving burden alone,” says Ruth Drew, director of information and support services at the Alzheimer’s Association. “Many people want or would welcome help, but they are reluctant or just too overwhelmed to ask.” Providing help and support to caregivers can be easier than most people think. Even little acts can make a big difference, Drew says. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these suggestions: Learn: Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease - its symptoms, its progression and the common challenges facing caregivers. The more you know, the easier it will be to find ways to help.
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Senior Care
Build a team: Organize family and friends who want to help with caregiving. The Alzheimer’s Association Care Team Calendar is a free, personalized online tool that allows helpers to sign up for specific tasks, such as preparing meals, providing rides or running errands. Give a break: Spend time with the person with dementia, allowing the caregiver a chance to run errands, go to their own doctor’s appointment or engage in an activity that helps them recharge. Even one hour could make a big difference in providing the caregiver some relief. Check in: Many caregivers report feeling isolated or alone; make a phone call to check in, send a note or stop by for a visit. Be specific and be flexible: Open-ended offers of support may be well-intended, but are often dismissed. Be specific in your offer. Continue to let the caregiver know that you are there and ready to help. “It’s a mistake to assume caregivers have everything under control,” Drew says. “Most caregivers can use and would appreciate help. No one can do everything, but each of us can do something.”
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Holiday Table Every holiday season, you invest hours planning and preparing the perfect menu for each celebration you host. While easy and fun may be the name of the game for buffet-style events, when it’s a sit-down soiree, the delightful cuisine you produce deserves a presentation worthy of your efforts. A beautifully set table can elevate your holiday dinner from just great to simply perfect.
“Table-setting is an art form anyone can learn to execute beautifully,” says Mary Bernardo, director of product development at Princess House. “Simple touches like elegant holiday plates, colorful linens and an eyecatching centerpiece ensure a holiday table looks as inviting as the food smells.”
simple and, whenever possible, multi-functional. For example, stemless wine glasses can be used for soft drinks and water, as well as wine. Even the simplest table setting can feel festive when you add holiday-specific touches, like napkin rings in jewel green or red, a centerpiece filled with evergreen or holly and twinkling candles.
For a centerpiece that’s festive and practical, consider using your favorite holiday serving bowl, such as a crystal bowl, for the foundation. Then add holiday decor items, like mini Christmas packages, your favorite Christmas tree decorations or a pillar candle in a holiday hue like red, green or snow white. Top with a Bernardo and the table decor experts at Princess House few sprigs of evergreen, holly or fresh flowers and you offer these tips for creating a beautiful holiday dinner have an easy, elegant DIY centerpiece. table: Finally, don’t overlook the opportunity to extend the Tablecloths, placemats, table runners and chargers not table’s festive atmosphere to the chairs as well. You can only help protect your table from spills and scrapes, but add to their elegance by adding simple decoration such they also create a lovely backdrop for dishes, glasses, as a mini-holiday wreath strung on a piece of ribbon stemware and - of course - the food. Layering these and looped over the back of the chair. items adds depth and interest to the tabletop. “The dinner table is where holiday magic occurs,” Consider starting off with a simple white or red Bernardo says. “With a few special touches, you can tablecloth, and then add either placemats in seasonal set a holiday table that’s perfect for the festive and patterns or a festive runner. If chargers take up too welcoming spirit of the season.” much room on the table (or too much of your holiday budget), you can layer dinner and lunch plates to create the same effect. “It’s been said simplicity is the soul of elegance, and that’s certainly true when you’re setting a holiday dinner table,” Bernardo says. Choose dishes with a basic white or cream background accented with a traditional holiday motif. Flatware should also be simple; if your everyday collection is in good condition, feel free to use it for your holiday celebrations. If you don’t have enough pieces, supplement with basic flatware that’s free of embellishment or heavy designs. Glassware should also be
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December 2017
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(623) 261-9943
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Puzzles & Games Sudoku for December Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
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2 8
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Break the code to solve the holiday phrase. Two letters have been provided for you. Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
3 6
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Cryptogram
7 5
9
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Maint enance -Repair s -New Inst al l s- Insul at ion Pl umbing -Commer cial -Resident ial 6 0 2 -7 6 5 -COOL CLUFFMECHANICAL.COM ROC-2 4 2 7 5 5
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December 2017
Furry Friends
The holidays are upon us, and so is the chillier weather. As you bundle up and get cozy with your cocoa, Dr. Jeff Werber, Emmy award-winning celebrity veterinarian, has some tips and tricks on how to ensure your pet has a healthy and happy holiday season.
climbable thing” in the corner. What’s more, these decorations can be extremely dangerous for your pet. Cats love to bat at sparkling tinsel and carry it in their mouths. Not only does this lead to a big mess, but it can also obstruct their digestive tract if ingested. Distract your playful kitty with a fun toy like the Jackson Galaxy Butterfly Ball, to mentally stimulate your pet and tap into their natural instincts to observe and track prey, rather than taking interest in a fallen glass ornament. In addition, avoid chewing hazards by giving your dog an interactive treat toy like the JW Ho-lee Gourmet, which will encourage them to play with their food rather than a wire from decorative lights.
Keeping warm is easy for us pet parents, as we can layer up and put on an extra sweater or coat. While battling colder winter temperatures, don’t forget your four-legged family members! It is true that most dogs, and a lot of cats, can adequately thermoregulate in most temperatures, but smaller pets may need some help. Little doggie sweaters or coats, like the Wouapy Outdoor or Bubble Coat, are great solutions for the smaller breeds to keep them warm but still mobile Don’t forget to give them plenty of exercise! It may be while outside. too cold to play fetch outside, but it’s still important to keep them active. Providing regular exercise, especially ‘Tis the season to party and celebrate by spending in winter, helps prevent boredom, which can lead to quality time with friends and family. This is great for destructive behavior. Going on a brisk walk with the you and your crew, but what about your four-legged K9 Control Retractable Leash, the only retractable kids? After all, they, too, are part of the family and you leash designed to retract in lock or stop position, is a certainly don’t want to exclude them from the festivities. great way to bond with and mentally stimulate your dog The fact is, if you’re not careful and don’t plan ahead, while getting them up and moving. they may in fact ruin some of those good times! Lastly, even with the best planning and most This time of year brings a revolving door of guests and conscientious care, accidents do happen. Make sure the sound of the doorbell constantly ringing. As exciting you keep your veterinarian’s number handy as well as as it may be to see long-distance relatives, this can bring your local 24-hour emergency facility just in case. some unexpected stress on your pets. Whether you are hosting or traveling to the next get-together, consider outfitting your dog with the Calmz Anxiety Relief System, a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that soothes common anxieties to help naturally combat the stress of traveling, loud noises and strangers. In addition, provide pets with a comfortable space where they can retreat if they are feeling stressed. Dogs are naturally denning animals, so kennels like the Ultra Vari Kennel are great options for them to retreat to a safe haven while still being part of the festivities. Decking the halls can be a disaster with curious pets wanting to play with the newly placed ornaments on that “big green Viva
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YOU DECK THE HALLS!
Let Your Residential & Commerical Roofing Contractor Take Care of Your Roof!
“Let Our Family Cover Yours” New Construction, Repairs, Recovers, Maintenance Installation of Gutters & Attic Insulation Shingles, Tile, Built Up, Single Ply, Foam & Coatings, Metal, Shake We’re Here To Answer Your Questions. Give Us A Call!
623.247.9252 24 Viva
December 2017 www.JBSroofingAZ.com
Business Directory
AUTO SERVICES Desert Princess Car Service Litchfield Auto Repair FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES Bergen Financial Group Edward Jones - Chris Carlton Kramer Legacy Documents Fairway Mortgage Jewell Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance - Tina Gremillion The Insurance Lady HEALTH & BEAUTY Active Life Pain Center Healthy Life Family Medicine Permanent Make Up Up Close Skincare HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Beckham Electric Century Glass & Mirror Cluff Mechanical Heating & AC Desired Handyman General Exterminating J&H Appliance Repair JBS Roofing Mr Sunshine Home Services The Window Cleaner AZ Urgent Air
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LANDSCAPING & POOL CARE Buckeye Desert Landscape Jackrabbit Nursery Pool & Landscape AZ 800.915.2502 Xpress Pool Service 623.386.1940 PET CARE 623.974.2272 See Spot Clean 602.524.2421 REAL ESTATE 623.866.2250 HomeSmart - Jeff Otero 623.386.7767 Realty One Group - Budge Team 602.799.8410 Realty One Group - Burkhardt Team Realty One Group - Donna Goranson 623.535.9777 Realty One Group - Karen Reuland 623.889.3477 Realty One Group - Mary Ann Evans 602.295.7373 Realty One Group - Mary Couzens Team 602.515.1146 Realty One Group - PebbleCreek Brokers RE/MAX - Klackle Team 480.370.1014 RECREATION 623.444.6204 Eleutheria Wellness Studio 602.765.COOL RETAIL 623.910.5183 Budget Blinds of Goodyear 623.977.2100 Estrella Ordnance 623.925.5427 Foot Solutions 623.247.9252 Pure Patio 623.738.1829 Steel Sheild Security Doors 623.738.6064 602.377.1999 602.300.7076 623.882.8700
602.527.2818 623.386.4700 480.999.3348 623.853.6859 623.882.9595 623.640.7275 623.694.3907 623.853.5878 623.271.0518 623.262.4523 602.652.3709 623.536.0909 623.377.1803 623.261.9943 623.986.5110 480.629.8854 623.262.2154 623.536.6676 623.299.8000 623.977.3277
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Useful Numbers EMERGENCY SERVICES Emergencies (Police / Fire) Police Non-Emergenc Fire Department Non-Emergency Fire Dept. (Snake Removal) Poison Control Center
911 623.932.1220 623.932.2300 602.253.1190 800.222.1222
HOSPITALS - MEDICAL Banner Estrella Medical Center Cancer Center of America Abrazo West Campus
623.327.4000 800.268.0786 623.882.1500
CITY OF GOODYEAR 24-hr City Information Line City Hall Code Compliance Finance Department Graffiti Removal Public Relations Public Works
623.932.1716 623.932.3910 623.882.7815 623.932.3015 623.882.7815 623.882.7820 623.932.3010
POST OFFICES Avondale Post Office Goodyear Post Office Litchfield Park Post Office
623.925.2664 623.882.9148 623.935.2087
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LICENSES Drivers & Plates Vehicle Emissions Station
602.255.0072 887.692.9227
PUBLIC UTILITIES APS - Electric Company Cox Communications Centuary Link Telephone Southwest Gas Company Trash Pick-up Water/Sewer
602.371.7171 623.594.1072 480.428.1290 877.860.6020 623.932.3010 623.932.3010
COMMUNITY SERVICES Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse Eagles Nest Fitness Center Eagles Nest Golf Club Expressions Gallery Kare Bears House PebbleCreek Main Gate Patrol Toscana’s Restaurant & Lounge Tuscany Falls Clubhouse Tuscany Falls Fitness Center Tuscany Falls Golf Club
623.935.6780 623.935.6783 623.935.6750 623.935.6744 623.536.1200 623.935.0387 623.935.0387 623.935.6753 623.935.6720 623.935.6740 623.935.6757
December 2017
The PebbleCreek Real Estate Group™ Wishing you joy and happiness this holiday season. We are proud to be one of the top-producing teams in PebbleCreek and we sincerely thank you for your business. We Love what we do because of people like You! Merry Christmas from our families to yours... Karen, Brittany, Corrie, Gale, Maureen & Stu
Karen Reuland 623.262.4523
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Brittany Brown 602.810.2447
Corrie Copple 602.741.6446
Maureen McCann 623.882.6768
Gale Baldasare 623.688.4430
If your home is presently listed, this is not intended as a solicitation.
Stu Burge 623.882.6767
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December 2017