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March 2018 1
Sold by Jeff Otero
2018
Call Jeff Otero with HomeSmart Today, the #1 Brokerage in Arizona, your local Resident Realtor for a FREE Market analysis. Mention this flyer for a special discount when listing your Home.
Call Jeff at 623-640-7275
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
15013 W MONTEREY WAY Goodyear, AZ 85395
3904 N 151ST AVE Goodyear, AZ 85395
14920 W INDIANOLA AVE Goodyear, AZ 85395
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
14785 W CATALINA DR Goodyear, AZ 85395
3709 N 154TH DR Goodyear, AZ 85395
3548 N 162ND AVE Goodyear, AZ 85395
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
4037 N 155th LN Goodyear, AZ 85395
15491 W PICCADILLY RD Goodyear, AZ 85395
14755 W CATALINA DR Goodyear, AZ 85395
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
3133 N PALMER DR Goodyear, AZ 85395
Jeffrey Otero ABR, SRES, PSA, RSPS, GRI
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PebbleCreek Resident Realtor® HomeSmart Viva 623-640-7275 jeffotero@yahoo.com
2642 N 164TH AVE Goodyear, AZ 85395
15791 W PICCADILLY RD Goodyear, AZ 85395
Your Neighborhood Realtor, Proudly Serving Buyers and Sellers 13166 W McDowell Rd, Ste B, Goodyear, AZ 85395
March 2018
Mary Ann Evans Your Neighborhood Residential Specialist
602-526-3709
info@MaryAnnEvans.com See all MLS listings at www.MaryAnnEvans1.com
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Living, Working & Selling in PebbleCreek PebbleCreek Statistical Market Analysis 21 Homes Sold from 01/01/2018 to 01/31/2018
Sold # Listings
List Volume
Sold Volume
List Price
21
8,621,225
8,395,091
Low Avg High
Sold Price
245,000 235,000 410,535 399,766 740,000 700,000
Sale/List Approx List Price Per Sold Price Per Price SQFT Approx SQFT Approx SQFT 0.94 0.97 1.00
1,269 2,179 3,161
113.73 190.59 293.88
Agent Days On Market
Cumulative Day On Market
2 96 370
7 134 403
109.46 185.59 278.00
19 Homes Sold from 01/01/2017 to 01/31/2017 Sold # Listings
List Volume
Sold Volume
List Price
19
7,760,288
7,529,549
Low Avg High
Sold Price
200,000 199,000 408,436 396,292 789,000 750,000
Sale/List Approx List Price Per Sold Price Per Price SQFT Approx SQFT Approx SQFT 0.95 0.97 1.00
1,269 2,269 3,612
142.21 179.80 242.71
Agent Days On Market
Cumulative Day On Market
3 86 346
0 111 463
135.48 174.83 236.96
Feb 1, 2018 69 PebbleCreek Homes Active in MLS + 16 Homes under Contract Market Reports indicate MLS sales report of existing homes in PebbleCreek from 01/01/2018 to 01/31/2018 with a comparison to sales from 01/01/2017 to 01/31/2017. 2018 PebbleCreek sales continued the 6 year upward trend of the year over year pattern of price increases in the home values since the bottom of the Maricopa County real estate market in 2011. The 2018 January Market was robust with both the Number of Units Sold and Sales Revenue increasing year over year.
If you are selling your home, CALL ME NOW for information about my Listing Discount, Staging & a FREE Market Analysis of your property. I look forward to working with you - Refer to this AD to learn about Discounts and Incentives
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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 © 2010-2018 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
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
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March 2018
From Me To You...
Welcome to the March edition of Viva!
Most people know that this year is the Year of the Dog, well in my house it is the Year of the Weddings. My eldest 2 children are both getting married in 2018 and the pressure is beginning to build. Thankfully I am only organizing one of them as my son and his fiancee have decided that they will be doing everything (including paying for it!) by themselves. I am not so lucky with my daughter. This is a wedding that I get to plan and pay for.
She is so helpful I am thinking of keeping her after the wedding. Don’t know where I should go on vacation? “Danielle!” Need help finding a plumber? “Danielle!” Hard to get reservations for a restaurant on a Saturday night? You guessed it. “Danielle!” But back to the wedding...
Along with seeing my loved ones I also get to invite plenty of people on the other side of the aisle, who I will most likely not speak more than a couple of words to. That seems unfair to me. If I had the nerve I would put out a collection plate. Perhaps a tip jar Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of joy in the event. of sorts. There was a parent I read about who sent a I get to see friends and family who would otherwise bill to people who RSVP’d yes to her son’s party then wait for me to visit them. Luckily we have a pool, and didn’t show up. Part of me, deep down, admires the the wedding is in the summer, so that takes care of Chutzpah of the woman. Because you know there will the entertainment. I am looking forward to summer be people who say they are coming but won’t be there. evenings by the pool with a glass of wine and pleasant Danielle assures me that it will all balance out because company. I am also looking forward to seeing people there are also people who will attend that were not from many parts of my life mingle, to get to know invited, or changed their mind on the day. See? The each other, and hopefully have a great time. woman is a gem! I am sure it will be somewhat frantic as we get close to the date but that is where I have played my Ace. I hired a wedding planner. She knows who to call, who will be there when they are supposed to be, and how to take all my worries away. If I start to panic about when to send the invites for the guests from overseas - Danielle has the answer. If I don’t know who is the best DJ - Danielle has the answer. If I don’t know how much food I need to order - Danielle is there for me too.
I must admit, most of the planning is fun. As many of you may understand, my wedding was not my wedding. What do I mean? Well although I was the one in the big white dress standing at the altar, I chose the dress my Mum preferred, the location my Motherin-law favored and the band my soon to be husband wanted. Now it is my turn. I am steering the bridal couple towards choices I want. They pick the songs, but I chose the DJ. Their choice of food, my caterer. I did put my foot down with the dress. She got what she wanted, even though she tried to pick the dress she thought I liked best... Most of the planning is done at this point and all I have to do is relax and enjoy the big day, once I decide what I am going to wear. “Danielle!” Catherine Uretsky Editor, Viva magazine catherine@estrellapartners.com 623-594-9283
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March 2018 5
On Our Cover
Standing at the mic on our cover we have Mary Couzens, Her mother volunteered with her church and school, Michigan native, Realtor, team player and one of the along with providing a home for exchange students. Her most considerate people I have ever met. father, a dentist did missionary trips all over the world. Mary herself volunteered with the Dominican Sisters of Mary is seen in the picture at her 10th annual Charity the Sick Poor, visiting homes in Detroit needing health Concert that was held at the Tuscany Ballroom in assistance. February, behind her is one of the PebbleRock band who provided the entertainment. Her parents on days off work volunteered at school, served on the School Board, started a summer program Born and raised in Michigan, Mary was the oldest of for children and organized fundraisers for the Ronald seven children and was always Mother’s Little Helper”. McDonald House. All of their efforts were possible She has a history of role models who not only loved to because of a team of like-minded volunteers. help others but didn’t know there was any other way. Her maternal grandfather was involved in starting the Mary gravitated towards Real Estate as an adult because United Auto Workers union and Co-op services in she saw how it helped people. Meeting new people and Detroit while her maternal grandmother worked at the helping them sell and buy homes is all about helping! Detroit House of Correction Women’s Prison. When It must have been a good fit because Mary is celebrating women were released from there she even brought 15 years as a successful Real Estate Broker here in some of them home to live with them and help them get PebbleCreek. on their feet. Mary’s paternal grandparents had a little corner store in Detroit and they would often run a tab The Fun For Charity Concert started as a Client Thank You Party and then Mary decided to use it as an for neighbors in need. opportunity to raise money for charity. “PebbleCreek is an amazing place to live and our homeowners are very generous, I’ve found a way to have fun and help other at the same time! I provide the entertainment and attendees bring a donation for the charity of their choice. This year we have topped $50,000 and supported 28 different Charitable Organizations. That’s my idea of fun! Mary, we couldn’t agree more!
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March 2018
Barn doors moved out of the farmyard and into the house a long time ago. Recently, however, they have become an even more popular and useful feature in residential design. It’s not hard to see why. “ M a n y homeowners hear the term ‘barn door’ and think of reclaimed, rustic wood, which may not be a look they’re interested in,” says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. “But contemporary barn doors offer many more aesthetic choices than their traditional image suggests. We’ve noticed a trend toward the use of solid, fine-milled hardwoods like walnut and cherry for sliding doors,
Home Decor
which not only gives them satisfying heft but is also a great way to bring the warmth and character of natural wood into an interior.” Along with their decorative qualities, barn doors often provide a functional alternative to conventional swing doors. “Barn doors, either singly or in pairs, offer a simple and effective way to divide large spaces - a kitchen from a living-dining area, for example,” says Laguna Beach, California-based designer Lisa McDennon. “They can create instant separation and privacy in even the most open-plan house, which allows for greater flexibility in daily use.” Barn doors offer economic advantages, too. While pocket doors have similar space-saving benefits, installing them requires wall reconstruction - a messy and expensive business. Because barn doors run on hardware installed outside the frame, they need no such preparatory construction, saving time and money. “There’s a terrific selection of barn-door hardware available,” Bohn says. “Use sleek, high-tech tracks in brushed aluminum or satin-finish stainless steel for a modern urban vibe. For a more rustic or industrial statement, think blackened iron or raw steel, both of which look powerfully graphic against natural or painted wood.”
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March 2018 7
Pest Control Keep your home pest free this year
raccoons. Cardboard boxes and trash in your yard can provide shelter for spiders and insects. Yard clutter, Now is a great time to establish year-long goals and such as leaf and wood piles, may be a source of food or resolutions, including home improvement goals you’d shelter for a variety of pests. like to tackle this year. The first step is to create a pest control plan for your home. It’s important to establish Monitor your home good habits early in the year to help prevent potential pest problems. Unchecked, pests can wreak havoc in In the new year, step into a new routine of monitoring your home, but there are several steps homeowners can the exterior and interior of your home for holes, cracks take to help avoid an infestation and keep their home and crevices. But also monitor for droppings, as well safe and their family happy. as chewed or damaged spots in your home. Regular monitoring for visual cues can help quickly address Sanitize pest problems, and prevent future issues. Clean your kitchen, pantry and any other places where food is stored. Remove crumbs and wipe up sticky drink residue to avoid attracting cockroaches and ants. Drains and sinks can be breeding grounds for flies, so keep them clean and clear. Regularly vacuuming and dusting can help prevent pests during the winter months.
Know when it’s time to call a professional
As hard as we work to keep pests out, they are working hard to get in. Even the most vigilant homeowner can experience infestations. To prevent further damage and ensure you are safe in your home, it’s important to know when a pest problem is beyond your control. Repair home damage Professionals are trained to locate the specific sources of infestations and provide treatment options to eradicate Engage in regular home maintenance to help avoid the problem from your home. A trained professional unwanted pest entry. Insects can come in through tiny can use proper techniques and tools that will provide cracks and openings, rodents can squeeze through a hole the best solution to eliminate your pesty problem. the size of a dime and raccoons and squirrels can enter through large holes. Basic maintenance steps include fixing gaps or holes in broken screens, doors and cracks in your walls and repairing any other exterior home damage. Maintain your yard Trim branches and trees touching your home to prevent easy access for pests. As expected by the name, roof rats and even squirrels can crawl across branches and enter your home through the roof. Keep outdoor trash cans secured to reduce the attractiveness to rodents and
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March 2018
I Am What I Am
“That’s not the way it’s supposed to be.” “That’s the way we’ve done it for years.” “It’s always worked that way.” Do any of the phrases sound familiar? They’re common responses in business when there’s…wait for it…CHANGE! Many people don’t like change, some people love it, and others simply go with the flow. My reply to anyone who doesn’t want change: “Resistance is futile.”
Wonder if anyone said, “I’ll keep using the outhouse. I don’t want that thing inside my home!” We would all still be running outside to do “business” if it wasn’t for Mr. Crapper’s idea. In the beginning, only prestigious people had a private toilet. The commoners use public toilets that were also places to socialize. Eew! Glad we have evolved, but that’s because nothing remains the same…thankfully.
Change starts with something new whether it’s an idea, a situation, a person, or event. Weather is a good example of change that’s out of our control. One rainy day out of the 300-plus days of sunshine is a dramatic change. For the people who don’t like change (or the rain), it’s an inconvenience, annoyance, or complete disruption of their routine. Others run outside to dance and twirl to enjoy a change in weather or simply because they like dancing in the rain. I would say, “whatever,” and decide if it’s raining hard enough to put on a coat. We can’t stop the rain, so resistance is futile.
There are many instances when we don’t want things to change. Finding a great spouse, great place to live, great job, great group of friends, and the list goes on of all the great things in our life. Things that make us happy are the things we want to remain the same. The primary reason nothing remains the same is people change. Their needs, wants, desires, goals, dreams, and health are all factors that will change you and everyone else whether you know them or not. Think ‘six degrees of separation’; anyone on the planet is to any other person on the planet through no more than five friends or acquaintances. Social media is very good at making that six-degree connection. Core values should always be unwavering. It’s what makes you the person you are. Anything else that you change is due to an outside force or choice you make. Anyone who isn’t willing to change becomes like Popeye, “I yam what I yam and that’s all that I yam.” If you’re willing to change, you can influence change in the entire world.
John Safin, Goodyear Chamer of Commerce
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March 2018 11
Home Sweet Home
an increasing number of homeowners are taking advantage of the complementary decking and railing pairings afforded by new railing materials in modern, metal finishes, as well as sleek designs inspired by commercial architecture. More homeowners are Trex Company, a maker of premium decking and railing, inspired by outdoor spaces they find in commercial has gleaned insights from contractors, homeowners settings, such as hotels and urban rooftops, and want to and industry experts to compile the following outdoor replicate those looks in their homes. A prime example of this commercial-to-residential trend is the growing living trends that will dominate this year: popularity of horizontal railings such as rod rail - a sleek, industrial look that’s ideal for optimizing a Minimal maintenance, maximum enjoyment panoramic view. Just because people are spending more time outdoors doesn’t mean they’re willing to put in extra hours Hide and chic for upkeep. In fact, high-maintenance materials like wood are seeing a decrease in demand as people are With the increased usage of outdoor living spaces comes opting for offerings that deliver better performance and higher demand for chic decor and privacy. An easy design trick that adds personal style and functionality, sustainability. lattice panels are perfect for enhancing privacy and concealing storage areas or unsightly views. With Comfy cozy styles ranging from romantic to deco, lattice panels Among the hottest design influences right now is can be integrated into any outdoor area and applied to “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) - the Scandinavian term structures such as arbors, trellises and gazebos, or used for a feeling of coziness and comfort. This year, outdoor as decorative wainscoting or deck skirting. spaces will beckon homeowners and their guests to relax and rejuvenate with hygge-inspired accents, from Fun and games plush cushions and throws to protective pergolas, cozy Kids are not the only ones who enjoy playing outside. warming features and outdoor lighting. Outdoor play spaces for all ages are on the rise, including everything from swimming pools and embedded Residential goes commercial sandboxes to regulation cornhole courts, horseshoe pits While railing matched to the decking remains popular, and dedicated spaces for volleyball, badminton and bocce ball. Outdoor living spaces rank first among special function rooms desired by consumers, according to the American Institute for Architects, and so homeowners are expected to be going all-in for the outdoors in 2018.
Beyond yard games, electronics manufacturers now offer televisions and entertainment systems specifically designed for the outdoors, taking into consideration differences in lighting and outdoor acoustics. Meanwhile, new storage options include durable wallmounted television and entertainment centers that beautifully protect pricey electronics from the elements, while concealing all of the unsightly - and potentially unsafe - cords and cables. For more information about outdoor living trends, go to www.trex.com.
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March 2018
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March 2018
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March 2018 15
Life As A Caregiver Anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer’s has been told that the disease effects people differently. Some patients become mean and hard to handle. Others lose themselves in the disease and are quiet and unresponsive. And still others suffer from depression. My mom has stayed pretty true to herself. She has remained fairly coherent, she still has her sense of humor, still adores my dog Buddy and still looks at me adoringly with all the love a mother has for her daughter. But…depression DOES rear its ugly head from time to time. The disease and her inability to do things for herself makes her sad and frustrated. The disease also creates what is called “episodes” from time to time. Episodes where her behavior changes drastically. She had one last week. When they hit, they last for about 24 hours. Mom doesn’t sleep during any of that time. Her daily acute headaches are non-existent for that 24-hour period, she doesn’t eat much, becomes very restless, doesn’t remember that her mother, my father, and her siblings have all died, and asks a million questions. This particular time, though, she thought I had a daughter (which I don’t) named Joyce, was sad that she spoiled a dinner outing with my husband (I haven’t had a husband for a very long time) and thought I was a friend of the family. During this particular episode, she had a very hard time trying to find the words to express herself (a common trait of Alzheimer’s, but not for my mom as of yet). It made me literally sick to my stomach. My mom didn’t know me. She recognized me, but didn’t know why or who I was. This ‘episode’ was a rough one…..seeing her struggle with information that she knew well; having her not know me as her daughter. Oh man! I cried for a good part of the day when she wasn’t with me….partly because of the confusion she was experiencing and partly because I wondered if this was the beginning of the next phase of Alzheimer’s. I had done my homework several years ago and chose a group-home nearby where I thought my mom would be comfortable when the time came to move her. But not yet!! It’s not time YET!!! Or is it?
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What has usually happened when mom has had an ‘episode’ is that after the 24-hours passes, she crashes. She has an enormous headache, she sleeps for almost an entire day and begins to eat normally. Her new normal returns and she knows me and recognizes all of her surroundings. And so it was this time, too. She didn’t remember what had happened and was perfectly content to sleep and regain her strength.
I learned a lot from this ‘episode’. I learned that I can deal with the day-to-day routine of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, but not the extreme behavior changes that occur once in a while. That no matter how much you’ve prepared or understand about what’s happening, seeing someone you love in discomfort is extremely painful. I became SO emotional this time that it really made me look at my behavior during the crisis. I found myself angry and rather irritable in the way I answered my mom’s numerous questions. What I experienced was my lack of control over something negatively effecting someone I love. And when we are used to being in control and taking charge, as caregivers must be, there is nothing worse than NOT being in control. I couldn’t help her. I couldn’t make it better. I couldn’t make the bad stuff go away. And that broke my heart. And made me hate the disease even more!! Once she started feeling better, then I started feeling better. Until the next time. But something she said to me after she had calmed down a bit played over and over in my head. I thought it was pretty insightful. She said, ” I feel like my life is in front of me in a book… and some of the pages are missing.” Indeed they are, mom. Indeed they are. And I’m so sorry! So….lessons learned here? Its normal to be angry with the disease. Its normal to be upset when you see your loved one in discomfort. Its normal to have your emotions rip your heart out. And I’m told we will know when the time is right to take on next steps. I’m counting on THAT! And I will be ready. Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident March 2018
Money Matters
It is a common misconception that a 20 percent down payment is required to buy a home. Advice to wait and save a large down payment is often based on the theory that the cost of mortgage insurance (MI), which is required when you buy with a smaller down payment, should be avoided. This may not be the best advice and is, in fact, not in line with market trends, considering 60 percent of homebuyers buy with a down payment of 6 percent or less, according to the National Association of Realtors.
to save for it. There are other variables in the equation too, such as interest rates. As federal rates rise, so too can the costs associated with financing a mortgage. The savings a borrower might calculate today could be altogether negated by waiting even a few more years. Another factor is that rents are on the rise across the nation, leading to a reduced capacity for many wouldbe homebuyers to save for larger down payments. If you decide to buy today with a low down payment mortgage option, it is true that MI is an added cost on top of mortgage principal and interest, but keep in mind that it is temporary and goes away. Again, it typically lasts about five years. Private MI can be cancelled once a homeowner builds approximately 20 percent equity in the home through payments or appreciation and automatically terminates for most borrowers once he or she reaches 22 percent equity. And when MI is cancelled, the monthly bill goes down. Importantly, the insurance premiums on an FHA mortgage - the 100 percent taxpayer-backed government version of mortgage insurance - cannot be cancelled for the vast majority of borrowers with FHA mortgages.
Yes, you can qualify for a conventional mortgage with a down payment as small as 3 percent of the purchase price. It is also true that you can reduce your monthly mortgage payment by paying for discount points at closing, but that can be 5 or 10 percent of the purchase price - not 20. And because every buyer’s situation is unique, it’s important to do the math. In today’s market, it could take a family earning the national median income up to 20 years to save 20 percent, according to calculations by U.S. Mortgage Insurers using a methodology developed by the Center for Responsible Lending; a lot can change during that time, in the family’s personal finances and in overall mortgage market trends. So, do the math and let the numbers guide you. There are many online mortgage calculators that can help. How can buying now save you money later? Consider you want to purchase a $235,000 home. A 5 percent down payment is $11,750 versus $47,000 in cash for 20 percent down. With a 740 credit score at today’s MI rates, your monthly MI payment would be about $110, which is added to your monthly mortgage payment until MI cancels. MI typically cancels after five years; therefore, you will only have this added cost for a short period of time versus waiting an average of 20 years to save for 20 percent. With home price appreciation, today’s $235,000 home will likely cost more in the years ahead and this will also have an impact on the necessary down payment and length of time required Viva
March 2018 17
Zombies!
Fact #3: One ant species is exclusively female. Researchers have yet to find a male of the species Fact #1: Colonies are bigger than the average ant farm. M. smithii. The queen ant reproduces asexually, so Ant colonies come in literally all shapes and sizes. A all offspring are clones of the queen. This species is few species live in colonies of only a few dozen ants; found in several countries of Central America and most however, the average ant colony contains thousands countries of South America. of individual ants. Smaller colonies live in natural crevices or openings while larger colonies create vast Fact #4: Ants can become zombies. nests and forage for supplies and food. There are also Perhaps the strangest ant fact, there is a species of super colonies around the world that can contain more fungus that infects ants and takes control of their than 300 million individuals. These super colonies have bodies. The fungus finds its way underneath the ant’s been identified in Japan, Australia, the United States, exoskeleton and begins to consume soft tissue. Shortly after, by unknown mechanisms, it causes the ant to and southern Europe. leave its colony. The ant then finds a leaf, bites it with a “death grip,” and dies. A few days later, the fungus Fact #2: Ants have specific jobs. Ants are very social insects, and they divide jobs among releases spores to infect more ants. Some ant species different types of ants in each colony. The queen or have learned to recognize infected colony mates and queens have only one job - to lay eggs. All other female will carry them far away to protect the rest of the colony. ants are workers; they feed the larvae, take out the colony’s trash, forage for food and supplies, or defend Fact #5: Ants can lift 10-50 times their body weight. the nest. Male ants’ only job is to mate with the queen. Because ants are so small, their muscles are thicker relative to their body mass than in larger animals. This allows ants to carry objects much heavier and bigger than them. To put it into perspective, if humans could lift 10 times their weight, a 200-pound man could lift a small car above his head. Everything you always wanted to know about ants!
Despite how fascinating these ant facts may be, ant control and management around the home are important for health and safety reasons. If you suspect an ant infestation, contact a pest control company. Submitted By Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
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March 2018
Bergen Financial Group Presents Power & Protection Strategies For Retirees - - Avoid 10 Pitfalls Made By Retirees!
Using Different Insurance Options Learn How To: ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
Keep your retirement dollars safe with proven strategies Benefit from market ups without any risk to your principal Potentially earn double-digit returns with NO market risk and zero loss of principal Reduce RMD’s on your IRA Earn tax deferred and/or income tax-free2 earnings on your savings Stop or reduce taxes on your social security checks Get long term care and/or home health care without writing a check for it Increase your heirs benefits by 10%, 30% or even 100% Differentiate annuities: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Avoid common mistakes made with wills & trusts3 Get payout rates on annuities as high as 6.75 % and compound rates as high as 6.75% 4 by using income riders
IRA Rollover 10.461 gtd. 1st year
This entitles the holder to RSVP for up to 4 people A COMPLIMENTARY MEAL Sun City Grand - Sonoran Plaza - Palo Verde Room 19375 Remington Drive, Surprise, AZ 85374 Wednesday, March 14th at 5 PM followed by Dinner NOTHING WILL BE SOLD AT THIS FREE WORKSHOP! Your Speakers: Darcy L. Bergen AZ License #155178 Darcy L Bergen is a fiduciary and the founder of Bergen Financial Group. Darcy is an experienced television and radio personality, having hosted radio shows including “Smart Money” and “Safe Money & Income Radio Show with Darcy & Heather.” He has presented hundreds of seminars dealing with all aspects of money, and now focuses on matters associated with retirement. Darcy is a Certified Retirement Financial Advisor (CRFA) and is a NAFA member (National Association for Fixed Annuities).
Bryan Little AZ License #23626 Bryan Little is a fiduciary and specializes in retirement and income planning. Since 1995, Bryan has had a goal in helping his clients achieve their ideal financial retirement. Bryan is a licensed insurance agent, licensed to sell life insurance and annuities. Being an independent advisor, he strives to find the best companies and products to help clients achieve their goals.
Seating is Limited... Call to RSVP 1-800-915-2502 Bergen Financial Group • 20542 N. Lake Pleasant Road, Suite 111 • Peoria, Arizona 85382 This is not intended to be a sales seminar. The purpose of this seminar is to provide you with general information on retirement planning. Neither Bergen Financial Group nor any agents acting on behalf of Bergen Financial Group should be viewed as providing legal, tax or investment advice. Consult with and rely on your own qualified advisor. Annuities: “A surrender during the surrender charge period could result in a loss of premium. Surrender charge structure may vary by state. Please consult your Disclosure Statement for details specific to your state. However, some products have a Return of Premium Guarantee. Issuing companies that have Return of Premium products are Midland National, EquiTrust, National Western and Sagicor. Life Insurance: “Income and growth on accumulated cash values is generally taxable only upon withdrawal. Adverse tax consequences may result if withdrawals exceed premiums paid into the policy. Annuities grow tax deferred and life insurance is tax free under certain circumstances. Withdrawals or surrenders made during a Surrender Charge period will be subject to surrender charges and may reduce the ultimate death benefit and cash value. Surrender charges vary by product, issue age, sex, underwriting class and policy year. 1Interest is based on 10.46% effective August 22, 2017 and is subject to change without notice.” 10.46% First-Year Yield reflects 8% Premium Bonus plus a 2.9%, Fixed Account Rate, and assumes no withdrawals, net of fees. This yield applies only to premiums in the Fixed Account. The Fixed Account Interest Rate is based on current rates and subject to change at the Company’s discretion and based on $250,000 premium.” 2Tax-free refers to income taxfree life insurance. 3Daniel Mazza is our Attorney for Wills and Trusts. His license number is 029570. 4Secure income annuity offered through Security Benefit Life. Insurance products may be presented by Bergen Financial Group, a company that provides insurance products for clients. Fixed annuities guarantee that your money will earn at least a minimum interest rate. Fixed annuities may earn interest at a rate higher than the minimum but only the minimum rate is guaranteed. The issuer of the annuity sets the rates.
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Healthy Living
You can create a profile that serves up content tailored to you. This includes information for your cancer type and where you are in your cancer experience: just Whether you’ve helped a family member through diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or living in remission. treatment or are facing a diagnosis yourself, hearing the word “cancer” can make people feel powerless and Further customize your Cancer.com experience by overwhelmed. For many, the best way to regain control learning more about topics that interest you. Cancer. is to be as educated as possible. This desire to be com topic areas were created based on what patients informed can lead to an endless and exhausting search and caregivers search for the most, including: for relevant, trustworthy, and relatable information. ”Every person’s journey through cancer is different, “People with cancer are overwhelmed by information which makes personalized information an essential part from many disparate sources, however, they need to of the patient’s care plan. We want to help individuals absorb and retain what’s important to them. Curated find the combination of educational and emotional information that is specific to their individual situation support resources that will give them a sense of control.” allows them to focus without having to sift through Hildy Dillon, MPH, Vice President, Education and irrelevant and often inaccurate content.” Ellen Miller- Support Programs, Cancer Support Community Sonet, Chief Strategy and Alliance Officer, CancerCare Cancer.com houses information from key patient That’s why the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of advocacy groups that collaborated on the site: the Johnson & Johnson collaborated with leading advocacy American Cancer Society, CancerCare, and Cancer organizations to develop Cancer.com, a new online Support Community. It is also a gateway to the destination for people impacted by cancer. Cancer.com educational resources and tools featured on these offers educational information, a powerful coaching groups’ websites. Additionally, Cancer.com features tool, and links to relevant blogs and social channels, all a wealth of articles and links to content from reliable sources that include government agencies, medical in one place. centers, and news and academic media. Newly Launched Cancer.com Provides Much Needed Personalized Support for People Impacted By Cancer
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Dry Skin
well as healthy fatty acids may also help reduce the risk of progression. Foods that contain these nutrients include: spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage, romaine and chard, and fatty fish such as salmon, sea bass, herring, whitefish, mackerel, anchovies and sardines. 5) Consider supplements recommended by the National Eye Institute. If you’ve been diagnosed with moderate to advanced AMD, The National Eye Institute recommends taking a specific nutrient formula based on the AREDS 2 study, that may help reduce your risk of progression. Talk with your doctor to see if an AREDS 2 formula eye vitamin is right for you. The ability to see is one of our most precious gifts. Like most things in life, our vision may be impacted as we age. That’s why it’s important to learn about Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Prevalent among older Americans, it affects one in five adults age 65 and older, and is the leading cause of blindness for this population. While there is no cure for this condition, there are steps that you can take to help reduce the risk of progression, including:
To raise awareness of this public health issue, Bausch + Lomb, in collaboration with Prevent Blindness, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight, has launched the Why Eye Fight campaign.
To learn more about AMD, what steps you can take to help fight for your sight or to watch the patient stories or PSA, visit www.WhyEyeFight.com. You can also 1) Schedule routine eye exams. As early stages of AMD join the online conversation and share your story using may not present any symptoms, you may not think to #WhyEyeFight on Facebook and Twitter. consult your eye doctor. Keeping routine eye exams that include eye dilation may help to identify the condition early, as well as help maintain overall eye health. 2) Address symptoms immediately. See your eye care professional right away if you experience sudden or gradual changes in vision quality. As AMD progresses, straight lines may appear distorted, central vision may look dark, blurry or white, or changes in color perception may become noticeable. If you have been diagnosed with AMD, you should also regularly check your eyes with an Amsler grid tool that helps track incremental vision changes. 3) Lead a healthy lifestyle. If you smoke, quit. Regular exercise can also help to maintain eye health and minimize the risk of progression. Other risk factors for AMD include obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. 4) Eat right. A diet rich in green, leafy vegetables as Viva
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Drink Up!
For most of us, a little evening downtime is not a luxury - it’s a necessity. After a hectic day of work, commutes, kids and dinner prep, we deserve to take a moment to slow down and enjoy some hard-earned “me time.” Instead of using this time to stream your favorite show or scroll through social media, try a gentle and relaxing activity that puts your focus on the present moment and makes this time truly enjoyable. “For a relaxing end-of-day activity, there’s nothing quite like preparing and savoring the perfect cup of herbal tea,” says Stephen Twining, whose family founded the the aroma. Twinings offers a range of herbal teas each world-famous tea brand, Twinings of London, in 1706. expertly blended to provide the perfect balance of taste, flavor and aroma. For example, Buttermint has a The steps we take to prepare and enjoy our perfect cup refreshing blend of peppermint leaves combined with of tea can help us unwind and feel refreshed, Twining the creamy flavor of vanilla for a smooth taste and rich says. Tea releases pleasing scents, the warm brew aroma, perfect for helping you unwind.
makes comforting sensations as we wrap our fingers around the mug and take sips, and there’s the deep and 4. Wait for the perfect flavor: Many people make the mistake of thinking that once the brew darkens, it’s satisfying flavors of the tea itself. ready to drink. However, Twining says color merely Of course, when we’re engaged in a mindful activity, it’s washes off the tea leaves early in the process, so don’t that much easier to let go of daily stress and transition let the appearance mislead you. To make sure the flavors into a more relaxed state. Follow these five tips from fully develop, know how much time your tea needs to Twining to brew your favorite cup of herbal tea, and try brew, and keep an eye on the clock. Herbal teas should steep for a full four minutes. making this a part of your end-of-day ritual. 1. Start fresh: The perfect cup of tea starts with a clean mug and a clean kettle of fresh, cold water. Never reuse water that’s already been boiled, because that can weaken the tea’s flavor, Twining says. 2. Don’t over-boil: As soon as the water reaches a boil, it’s time to remove the kettle from the heat source.
5. Customize and enjoy: Hopefully, you will find your perfectly brewed cup of herbal tea needs no embellishment because the expertly blended herbs and flowers will provide all the flavor you need. But as Twining says, “The best cup of tea is the one you like the most,” so feel free to make adjustments.
“I never let the water over-boil because in doing so, you will cause the oxygen in the water to be reduced, making the tea taste ‘flat,’” Twining says. For that reason, he recommends not using a microwave to boil the water. 3. Savor the moment: Set the tea bag in the mug before you add hot water, pouring it directly onto the tea bag. Just then, it starts releasing its herbal scent, so make sure you take a moment to inhale and relax while enjoying
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Puzzles & Games Sudoku Solution
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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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Sudoku for March
WORD SEARCH
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Business Directory AUTO SERVICES Desert Princess Car Service Litchfield Auto Repair
602.300.7076 623.882.8700
FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES Bergen Financial Group Edward Jones - Chris Carlton Fairway Mortgage Kramer Legacy Documents State Farm Insurance - Tina Gremillion The Insurance Lady
800.915.2502 623.386.1940 602.524.2421 623.299.2957 623.386.7767 602.799.8410
HEALTH & BEAUTY Healthy Life Family Medicine Permanent Make Up
623.889.3477 602.295.7373
HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Al’s Plumbing Beckham Electric Century Glass & Mirror Cluff Mechanical Heating & AC Desired Handyman J&H Appliance Repair JBS Roofing The Window Cleaner AZ Urgent Air
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623.329.5170 480.370.1014 623.444.6204 602.765.COOL 623.910.5183 623.925.5427 623.247.9252 623.738.6064 602.377.1999
LANDSCAPING & POOL CARE Buckeye Desert Landscape Jackrabbit Nursery Pool & Landscape AZ
602.527.2818 623.386.4700 480.999.3348
REAL ESTATE HomeSmart - Jeff Otero Realty One Group - Burkhardt Team Realty One Group - Donna Goranson Realty One Group - Karen Reuland Realty One Group - Mary Ann Evans Realty One Group - Mary Couzens Team RE/MAX - Klackle Team United Real Estate Success - P.J. Thayer
623.640.7275 623.853.5878 623.271.0518 623.262.4523 602.652.3709 623.536.0909 623.261.9943 623.229.9464
RECREATION Eleutheria Wellness Studio KFNX 1100AM Radio
623.986.5110 602.277.1100
RETAIL & RESTAURANTS Budget Blinds of Goodyear Estrella Ordnance Haymaker Restaurant Co. Pure Patio
480.629.8854 623.262.2154 623.536.9000 623.299.8000
March 2018
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
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