Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com
Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor Talia Uretsky, Assistant Editor Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com
Although this summer seemed to drag on for years, we have finally entered the blissful ‘My weather is better than yours!’ phase of Arizona life.
Up north, people are stockpiling supplies as if preparing for nuclear winter whenever the forecast whispers “snow flurries.” Here in Arizona, my biggest winter challenge is remembering where I stored my light jacket last March. That’s it. That’s the preparation. I remember how northern weather forecasts sounded like military operations. “Winter Storm Thor approaching! Expect 8-12 inches of accumulation, wind chills of minus ridiculous, and absolute chaos at every grocery store!” In Arizona, our severe winter warnings are more like, “Alert: Temperature might dip below 60°F. Locals may experience mild confusion about appropriate outfit choices.”
The financial differences are laughable too. My northern friends budget for winter like they’re financing a small nation: snow tires, heavy coats, heating bills that could fund a semester of college, and endless car washes to remove that mysterious gray salt crust that appears every winter. Meanwhile, I’m using my “winter savings” for golf rounds in January.
But perhaps the most satisfying moment is when I send them sunny selfies in February, usually featuring a pool or palm tree in the background. It’s petty? Perhaps. Enjoyable? Absolutely. The responses typically include colorful language and creative suggestions about where I can store my sunshine.
So here’s to you, Arizona winter, you beautiful, mildmannered season. You may not give me snow angels, but you also don’t give me back pain from shoveling, the existential dread of starting a cold car at 5 AM or the sweat inducing olympic level sport of shoving children into snowsuits they despise. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
P.S. To my northern friends reading this - yes, I know I’m insufferable. No, I won’t stop bragging. Come visit anytime... preferably between November and February.
Protect Yourself
Don’t Get Snowed by Holiday Scams
Scams are a growing concern during the holiday season. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is launching a campaign to protect consumers from rising criminal activities, including counterfeit postage, phishing, mail theft, and letter carrier robberies.
Fraudsters are selling fake stamps online at 20% to 50% off face value.
Protect Yourself:
* Buy stamps only from post offices or approved retailers
* Report counterfeit sellers at uspis.gov/report
Phishing/Smishing
Scammers send texts or emails with fake delivery notifications, attempting to activate viruses and steal personal financial information
Warning Signs of Scams:
* Poor grammar
* Spelling errors
* Requests for personal information
* Deals that seem too good to be true
Protect Yourself:
* Don’t click suspicious links
* Block sender
* Delete suspicious messages
* Report USPS-related scams to spam@uspis.gov
Mail and Package Safety
Thieves target packages, especially during holidays.
Protect Yourself:
* Use USPS Hold Mail service or delivery lockers
* Request signature confirmation and tracking
* Don’t send cash by mail
* File change of address with USPS when moving
* Report suspected mail theft at uspis.gov/report
Letter Carrier Safety
Criminals are becoming bolder, targeting postal workers and stealing mail.
Protect Yourself:
* Call 9-1-1 and postal inspectors (877-876-2455) for suspicious activity
* Secure packages immediately after delivery
* Keep valuables out of sight
By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and secure holiday season. For more information, visit Project Safe Delivery at www.uspis.gov.
Cook With Zona
Oreo Cream Cheese Balls
The holiday season is all about creating memories with family and friends, and these Oreo Cream Cheese Balls are a fun and interactive treat to make together with kids or grandkids. Whether you’re preparing them for a Christmas gathering, a New Year’s Eve celebration, or a cozy evening by the fireplace, these bite-sized delights are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dessert that feels special, without spending hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make a batch of these Oreo Cream Cheese Balls— perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring during the most wonderful time of the year.
If you have a recipe you’d like to share with your community email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com to be featured in the magazine!
Prep time: 10 mins | Cool Time: 30 mins | Total time: 40 mins
Ingredients
1. 1 pack of Oreos - regular, not double-stuffed
2. 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
3. Semi-sweet/dark/white chocolate (your choice; this chocolate is for coating the balls)
4. Toppings of your choice: Candy canes, chocolate drizzle, crushed Oreos
Steps
1. Crush Oreos into fine crumbs. Use a food processor or mash them up in a ziplock bag.
2. Mix in cream cheese until combined.
3. Scoop dough and roll it into small balls.
4. Place them on a cookie tray, lined with wax paper or parchment paper and chill in the fridge for about 10-20 minutes.
5. Remove from the freezer and dip each ball in a bowl of melted chocolate.
6. Optional: Sprinkle some additional crushed Oreos, or crushed candy canes, or drizzle more chocolate on top before the chocolate sets.
7. Allow the balls to sit in the fridge for 10-20 minutes. Enjoy!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your Oreo Cream Cheese Balls or tag us on social media @EstrellaPublishing.
Money Matters
Like most of us, you may someday want to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Your ability to achieve this goal will depend on how much you save — but it also matters how much you spend. And saving and spending are certainly related: Over many years, even relatively small amounts diverted from spending to saving and investing could add up substantially.
How can you go about potentially reducing your spending? Here are a few suggestions:
• Use a budgeting tool. If you’re not already doing so, you might want to consider using a free online budgeting tool. These apps can reveal redundancies that, once eliminated, could save you money. For example, you might find that you’re spending a notinsignificant amount on streaming services you rarely use.
• Take advantage of employee benefits. If you work for a mid-size or large company, you may have an extensive employee benefit plan, which could include discounts on some products and services. Also, if you are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan through your employer, you might have access to a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), either of which may let you lower your out-ofpocket health care costs by using pre-tax dollars to pay
for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and some other qualified expenses.
• Shop around for insurance. Many people stick with their auto, homeowners and life insurance policies year after year, even though they might be able to save some money by switching to another company. But even if you stay with your current company, you might find ways to save money by taking steps such as adding a home security system.
• Compare credit cards. Ideally, you should pay off the bill each month to avoid interest charges. Sometimes, though, you may need to use your card for other purposes, and it may not always be possible to pay your bill in full. That’s why you’ll want to review credit cards periodically to find one with lower interest rates, a favorable balance transfer offer and a better rewards program.
It’s not always easy to cut down on your spending, but when you do, it can provide more peace of mind — and an opportunity to boost your savings for what could be a long and active retirement.
Submitted by Brian Polk, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones
Window Wisdom
Choosing the Right Windows for Arizona’s Climate
When replacing your home’s builder-grade windows, it’s crucial to consider factors such as materials, style, and energy efficiency, especially given Arizona’s extreme climate. The right windows can significantly impact your home’s comfort and energy costs.
Popular Window Materials
• Vinyl Windows: Vinyl is a favored choice among homeowners due to its affordability, energy efficiency, and versatility in size and shape. It offers excellent insulation properties, which help keep your home cool during the scorching summer months. When selecting vinyl windows, look for “high-heat” frames that are designed to withstand extreme temperatures without warping or cracking.
• Fiberglass Windows: Although fiberglass windows are equally energy-efficient, they are less commonly chosen because of their higher cost. However, they usually offer a wider range of color options. Fiberglass has a high resistance to thermal expansion and contraction, making it a durable choice for Arizona’s climate.
• Aluminum Windows: While aluminum windows are less energyefficient than vinyl or fiberglass, they offer a
modern, slim profile that can be ideal for specific architectural styles. If you choose aluminum, ensure you select Thermal-Break Aluminum, which provides better insulation by minimizing heat transfer.
When shopping for windows, familiarize yourself with important terms like Low-E Coating, Argon Gas, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, U-Factor, and Visible Light Transmittance. Understanding these terms will empower you to make informed choices about the glass options available. A knowledgeable sales representative can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your needs. Hiring a reputable and experienced window company is essential for ensuring proper installation. Poorly installed windows can lead to drafts, leaks, and decreased energy efficiency, negating the benefits of high-quality products. A well-installed window will enhance your home’s comfort, aesthetics, and energy efficiency for decades.
Now Is the Ideal Time to Install Windows in Arizona, the milder temperatures facilitate efficient installations and allow for the proper setting of caulking and sealants. Upgrading your windows now helps maintain comfort during cooler winter nights without inflating energy bills. Additionally, avoiding the summer monsoon season minimizes the risk of project delays, ensuring timely completion.
New energy-efficient windows not only improve insulation but also enhance your home’s curb appeal, making it more inviting for holiday gatherings. Investing in the right windows is a decision that pays off in comfort, style, and energy savings for years to come.
Submitted by Weathersby Windows & Doors
Justa Center
Senior Homelessness
More than 2,000 people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County are 55 and older. Challenges that come with aging can be made worse without the right resources and regular medical care. Justa Center is working to address this as the only nonprofit in Arizona that provides resources and services exclusively to seniors experiencing homelessness.
“A lot of our Justa Center members have fallen on hard times,” Dean Scheinert, Executive Director of Justa Center, said. “Some of them have jobs but can’t afford rent. Other members have serious mental and physical health challenges or substance use disorder. As you can imagine, a younger person is in a better position to find help than a senior.”
Funding from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement is helping seniors experiencing homelessness in
Maricopa County get the right help and care through Justa Center.
“The funding helps us expand the capabilities of our nurse clinic,” Scheinert added. “One of the biggest issues for our members is that they’re getting pingponged around to different places for their care.
Part of our expansion is bringing in as much of the healthcare we can provide in-house.”
As they work to expand their healthcare capabilities, Justa Center currently provides over-the-counter medication to members and helps with wound and burn treatment. They support members in following doctors’ instructions, taking meds as prescribed, and making lifestyle changes. They also do everything they can to meet the unique needs of their members.
“We had a member who was in a wheelchair, and all he needed was a cane,” Scheinert explained. “We had one for him, and he was able to walk out of the Justa Center on his own. We get to change lives here. You get treated like a person and that’s because all their workers are very nice and kind to everyone who comes in the door,” Marthe Louis said. “I have a pacemaker, and a Justa Center nurse was attentive. She got on the phone with my doctor’s office when I was in pain. She took the initiative and helped me.”
You can help too! Justa Center is looking for donations, visit their page for a list of current needs and ways you can help: www.justacenter.org
The Doctor Is In
Ask Dr. Jen: The #1 Ingredient for Success, Part 3
As promised, this month we’re looking at how to tackle the fear behind your lack of confidence so you can stop using it as an excuse. When it comes to fear, you have 2 choices: Stay stuck in it or see it as a call to action. Your brain doesn’t know the difference between anxiety and excitement, so default to the latter and get moving!
When fear creeps in, I want you to ask yourself this question: “What is my fear telling me?” In other words, what does it mean, why is it here RIGHT NOW? Really think about what you’re afraid of, what’s on the other side of that door you’re scared to walk through, whatever that is for you.
Then, employ my “Fear to Action Approach,” which includes 4 ways to dispute fear and get over your dang
self. There’s not enough space here to go into all 4, so I’ll talk about one of them and direct you to a source for the others.
Method 1: When fear strikes, let go of that “FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real” and instead use your fear as a REMINDER to “FEAR: Factually Examine Alternative Realities.” This means getting out of your feelings and looking at things differently. It means asking yourself, “What other ways can I see what’s in front of me?” You have to change the way the situation occurs to you to take the power out of it and see it as just another task on your to-do list, like getting gas or picking up the groceries. You can do this by playing devil’s advocate and presenting yourself with an alternative perspective, such as “Maybe I’ll actually succeed to some degree” or “Maybe it won’t be a complete and utter failure.”
You can also ask yourself, “What’s another interpretation of events?” or “How else might this play out in a way that’s not life-threatening?” That one should keep you busy for awhile! Very few things are life and death. You just gotta roll the dice and go for it! Divorce the lie that you can’t do it and marry the truth that you can at least TRY.
Have a question for Dr. Jen? Email it to AskTheDoc@ EstrellaPublishing.com.
Submitted by Jennifer Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist
The Bug Guy
Deck the Halls (and Protect Them Too): Pest Control Tips for a West Valley Christmas
As the weather cools and the Christmas spirit fills the air in West Valley, homeowners must also be mindful of unwanted visitors - pests looking to get cozy for the holidays. From rodents seeking shelter to insects hitching a ride on greenery, pest control is an essential part of holiday home preparation in the desert Southwest.
Top of the list are pack rats, a common problem in the West Valley. These rats like areas next to or under outdoor furniture and around the base of cacti, and even the BBQ grill to nest. It’s easy to deny roof rats a warm holiday home. Homeowners should also be on the lookout for rodent droppings and nesting materials.
Another yuletide nuisance, the Sonoran Desert termite, thrives in the mild winters of central Arizona. These wood-munching insects can cause serious structural damage if left unchecked. Regular termite inspections and proper treatment are crucial, especially for homes with wood-based construction.
Decorating with natural greenery also brings increased risk of pests. Spiders, and aphids can easily hitch a ride on live Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands. Carefully inspect all holiday foliage before bringing it inside and consider opting for artificial options if pest problems persist.
While visions of sugarplums dance in residents’ heads, West Valley homeowners must stay vigilant against the realities of seasonal pests. Proactive pest control measures - from sealing entry points to scrutinizing holiday decor - can help ensure a festive and pest-free Christmas in the desert.
From the crew at Estrella Mountain Pest Control, we wish you a spectacular holiday season surrounded by friends and family.
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
Holiday Plans
Here’s a guide to gracefully handling family holiday gatherings:
When you first arrive, read the room before diving in. Some relatives might be tired from traveling, while others are bursting to share their latest news. Start with light greetings and offer to help with any lastminute preparations – it’s an excellent way to ease into conversations naturally while scoring points with the hosts.
Master the art of the strategic float. Like a social butterfly with a game plan, move between different conversation clusters. When Uncle Bob starts his third rendition of the same political rant, suddenly remember you need to check on those sweet potatoes. If Aunt Linda begins probing about your love life, spot your cousin across the room who “desperately needs your pie-cutting expertise.”
Keep a few universal conversation lifelines handy. Ask about vacation plans, share a funny (but inoffensive) story about your pet, or bring up that new restaurant downtown. Think of these as your conversational escape hatches – when things get tense, deploy them like a social airbag.
Remember that food can be your friend. A full mouth is a perfectly valid reason not to immediately respond to probing questions. Plus, complimenting the cooking can instantly change the subject and make someone’s day. If you’re really stuck, offer to do a coffee run or grab more ice – instant escape plan!
Position yourself strategically. Sitting at the kids’ table might seem like defeat, but it could be a tactical victory. Children rarely ask about your five-year plan plus, they’re usually delighted to explain their favorite video games or show you their latest art projects.
When sensitive topics arise, deploy the gentle deflectand-redirect maneuver. “That’s an interesting perspective on cryptocurrency. Hey, didn’t you have some amazing stories about your first job? I’d love to hear those instead!” Sometimes the best way to handle hot topics is to reach into the past.
If you feel overwhelmed, it’s perfectly fine to take short breaks. A brief “bathroom break” can actually be a five-minute breather in the spare room to scroll through your phone or do some deep breathing. Think of them as social intermissions – necessary for pacing yourself through a marathon of family time.
Remember, most relatives are just trying to connect, even if their methods are as subtle as a foghorn. Sometimes nodding along and saying “interesting!” while thinking about your grocery list is the wisest path to family harmony. After all, the gathering will end, but screenshots of your social media rants last forever.
Consider it anthropological research – you’re not dealing with difficult relatives, you’re gathering material for future stories. Sometimes reframing the experience makes it more bearable, even entertaining. Plus, there’s usually pie, and pie makes everything better.
Puzzle Time
This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
Difficulty: Easy Monday, 11th November 2024
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