Viva

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

All contents © 2010-present 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. Some content is provided by Brandpointe. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the content of contributing writers and advertisers 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.

For Lease In Pebblecreek

MLS

Building in the community? Want to try Pebblecreek on before you buy?

This fully furnished rental is for you!

Stunning kitchen with granite counters, center island, gas cooktop and large pantry check all the needs for the chef. Spacious great room with fireplace. Just one step from the views. Extended covered patio and two pergolas give you unlimited options to entertain. Backyard includes water feature and fire pit. Available May 1st, 2024.

From Me To You...

‘Thank you.’ It is a simple phrase, two words that can make such a difference. I feel that in this life we can and should voice those two words more often. The person who holds a door for you, or bags your groceries should be acknowledged; the driver who lets you turn in front of them deserves a wave of appreciation and the customer service rep who helped you get your email working warrants recognition. When you thank someone, you acknowledge their effort, kindness, or assistance. This fosters positive feelings between people and strengthens bonds, whether they are personal or professional.

A culture of gratitude can transform environments, whether it’s at home, work, or within a community. In passing along your gratitude you can start a trickle down effect of happiness and make the world a better place. I know it sounds altruistic and grandiose, but consider how easily your own mood affects your actions. When we are content we are more likely to extend that grace to others, to hold our tongue when we would otherwise snap at a loved one or decide not to take that last cookie at work.

When individuals experience gratitude, they are more inclined to pay it forward and engage in acts of kindness themselves which creates a ripple effect of positivity and generosity. Expressing gratitude has also been linked to increased levels of happiness and satisfaction. It shifts focus away from negativity and cultivates a mindset of abundance and positivity. Being appreciated makes people feel valued and respected

by others. When you express gratitude, it can boost someone’s self-esteem and morale, motivating them to continue their helpful or positive behavior.

In that vein I want to say ‘Thank You’ to all of you. As I meet people and talk about the magazines, many of you have told me that you enjoy reading my words. It means so much to know that I am not writing in an abyss, that some of what I say resonates and sometimes helps people. Those two simple words have made my day better many times so I encourage you to try it for yourself. You never know the difference it could make in someone else’s day!

Catherine Uretsky Editor, The Hamlet Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com

623.398.5541

T.T.T.

Ready to dance to the sounds of the ever-popular Thaddeus Rose Band?

Join T.T.T. Chapter Q on Tuesday, April 30, 6 to 9pm, in the Tuscany Falls ballroom, for a fun evening of dancing, raffles, snacks and more. Thaddeus Rose Band is known for offering the best dance rock hits of all time. Many thanks to Realtor Kathi Cooley who is sponsoring the band. There will be a no-host bar. To reserve tickets, contact your favorite Chapter Q member, or call Edrena Alexander (703) 963-5456. Cost for tickets is $20. We are raising money to send 4th grade Heritage Elementary School girls to summer camp. The funds are used to purchase everything the girls need to attend camp including clothing, sleeping bags, duffel bags, disposable cameras and many other items. The money we raise also is used for holiday gifts and school supplies for the girls.

T.T.T. is a national, nonprofit organization of women devoted to providing a summer camp experience for young girls. We believe that summer camp helps girls learn and grow, developing self-confidence and selfexpression. We also strive to be a supportive presence

in the girls’; lives after camp, creating ongoing relationships that help impact life choices in a positive way.

For questions about T.T.T. Chapter Q, please contact Ellen Stergulz at (815) 549-0252, or email estergulz@cox.net.

Yum Yum

3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies

This recipe is so simple and foolproof, you can whip up these sugar cookies anytime. It’s almost criminal how easy these cookies are to make, but nobody is getting arrested! While vanilla extract and sprinkles are not needed for this recipe to work, the addition of the two make it fun for the whole family!

* This recipe creates slightly crunchy sugar cookies, but they should not be dry or crumbly. For a softer cookie, bake for a minute less and keep an eye on them.

Prep time: 10 min | Cook time: 15 mins | Cool down: 15 mins | Total time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter

⅔ cup + 3 tbsp granulated sugar

2 cups + 1 tbsp all purpose flour

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but recommended) Sprinkles (optional, but recommended -nand fun!)

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper

2. In a medium bowl, beat together butter and ⅔ cup sugar until combined (it will be a little gritty - that’s okay.)

3. Add flour and blend well (add vanilla, if using)

4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.

5. Gently roll the balls in the remaining 3 tbsp of sugar until lightly coated; transfer to a baking sheet 2 inches apart.

6. With the bottom of a cup, press down on the balls to flatten. Add some sprinkles (if using) and lightly press down again just so they stick. They will look pretty small in circumference, but they will spread to normal sized cookies.

7. Bake for 15 mins or until just slightly golden around the edges and on the bottom.

8. Remove from the oven and let rest on the baking sheets for at least 10-15 mins (dont skip this step!) Then eat or transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

ENJOY!

We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your gorgeous cookies or tag us on social media @ EstrellaPublishing.

One Step Beyond

One Step Beyond Empowers Adults Who Have Intellectual Disabilities

Believing her daughter, Dylan, should have post-high school opportunities to contribute to the community and achieve her personal goals, Mimi Rogers—a former teacher—went into action. In 2003, she started One Step Beyond, Inc. (OSBI), with a vision of providing innovative programs that empower adults who have intellectual disabilities, like her daughter, to be independent, to seek and maintain employment and achieve greater social participation in their communities.

Today, OSBI is the Valley’s largest provider of advanced education programs for adults who have intellectual and cognitive disabilities, serving more than 700 individuals at four Phoenix Metro locations.”

The amenities at OSBI are unmatched and enable the organization to provide one-of-a-kind programs unavailable anywhere else:

• Culinary training programs offer food-industry training with an emphasis on customer service, healthy dietary planning, food preparation, and proper sanitation skills that equip participants with the necessary skills to seek employment in the food industry. The culinary program also includes a catering business.

• Life skills programs help members strengthen independent living skills, with an emphasis on money management, functional literacy, social

skills, and safe community access.

• Employment programs provide training and volunteer opportunities for self-reliance that lead to competitive or supported employment.

• Recreation and fine arts programs provide music, art, dance and fitness with an emphasis on personal wellness.

• OSBI also has the first and only campus-based day training program that has a special needs hockey team, The One Step Coyotes.

OSBI partners with its members and their families to identify and provide innovative, individualized, and comprehensive programs. If a desired program isn’t currently offered, the team finds a way to make it happen. One Step Beyond staff is comprised of professionals who have made it their life’s mission to better the lives of adults who have intellectual disabilities.

For more information, visit https://osbi.org

To-Do

Add Medication Inventory To Your To-Do List

As you’re going through your annual spring cleaning, one thing you may consider is taking inventory of your family’s prescriptions. This is crucial information to share in case there’s a medical emergency, say medical professionals at Abrazo West Campus.

Not having this information may cause a delay in care, as paramedics or hospital staff try to confirm current medications before providing that information to the physician. A lack of up-to-date medical information may lead to avoidable medication errors or adverse drug reactions, said Mary Merrill, Director of Pharmacy Services at Abrazo West Campus.

Here are a few things you can do now to help. Keep a historical record. This applies to you, along with your spouse and children, and it’s a good idea to ask your parents to do the same, especially if you may be called to assist them with a health crisis.

You may prefer to document your medications on paper, but a simple Internet search will reveal several apps that are compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones, too.

Be sure to include:

• Allergies to both medications and foods and the type of reaction (e.g., hives, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing).

• Medical history. This may include chronic conditions or recent illnesses.

• Medications, including name, prescribing doctor and pharmacy, date started, dosage and whether it was completed or is ongoing.

• Name and dates of immunizations.

• Vitamin supplements, herbal remedies and other over-the-counter items, such as cough medicine or topical solutions. Remember to be specific regarding dosage.

• Other pertinent health information. For example, you may not be allergic to a certain medication but you had a negative experience, such as an upset stomach.

Update the list when changes occur. It’s important to keep your list current. Even the slightest change, such as adding a vitamin supplement, should be noted.

Here are some suggestions:

• Date your list each time you make a change.

• Don’t rely on health providers to have your most current list. Sometimes digital records are only partially updated and typically do not track whether a medication is no longer being taken.

• Ask your pharmacist to print out a list of medications filled there in the last year. This is particularly helpful if you use more than one pharmacy.

• Make sure someone in your family or circle of friends knows where you keep this list.

Do you have expired prescriptions you no longer need?

Many fire and police stations will accept medications for safe disposal.

Submitted

by Abrazo Health

The Bug Guy

Termites are a significant pest concern in the Phoenix Valley, where the warm climate provides an ideal environment for their proliferation. These insects are known for their wood-consuming habits, which can lead to substantial damage to homes and structures if left unchecked.

In the region, the most common termite species encountered are the Subterranean termites, specifically the native Heterotermes aureus, and the invasive Desert Subterranean termite, Reticulitermes tibialis. These termites live in underground colonies and build distinctive mud tubes to provide moisture while they travel to food sources above ground. These tubes are often the first visible sign of a termite infestation.

Homeowners should be vigilant for other signs of termites, like wood that sounds hollow when tapped, cracked or distorted paint, and termite droppings that resemble sawdust or coffee grounds. Given the elusive nature of termites, professional inspections are recommended, especially since Phoenix’s environment allows termites to remain active year-round.

Preventative measures include reducing soil-towood contact around the home, maintaining proper ventilation to reduce humidity, and regularly inspecting foundations for signs of mud tubes. Termite control typically involves bait systems, soil treatments with termiticides, and direct wood treatments. Quick action and professional management are crucial to preventing the extensive damage these insects can inflict.

Scorpions in the Phoenix Valley are a common sight, especially during the warmer months. Among the most prevalent species is the Arizona bark scorpion, notorious for its venomous sting. Thriving in the arid

desert climate, these arachnids have adapted to the extreme temperatures of the region. Scorpions are nocturnal hunters, using the cover of darkness to ambush their prey. In the Phoenix Valley, they typically feed on insects, spiders, and even other scorpions. Their diet is crucial for controlling pest populations, making them an essential part of the local ecosystem. The anatomy of a scorpion is distinct; they possess a segmented tail that arches over the back, ending with a stinger. Their pincers, called pedipalps, are used to grasp prey and for defense. Scorpions also have eight legs and two eyes, although some species have additional eyes along the top of their heads.

Residents in Phoenix should be aware that these creatures often seek shelter in cool, moist areas, which means they can sometimes be found in homes. Preventive measures include reducing/removing food sources (other pests), sealing cracks, using yellow outdoor lights that attract fewer insects, and ensuring that moisture isn’t accumulating in or around the dwelling. While scorpion stings can be painful and sometimes result in severe reactions, fatalities are rare. It’s crucial for those living in or visiting Phoenix to understand the behavior of scorpions and take preventative measures to minimize encounters with these fascinating but potentially dangerous arachnids.

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Blue Line Painting

Cabinet

Ask Dr. Jen

Why Can’t I Say No?

“I struggle so much with telling people no. I’m pulled in so many different directions that I’m forgetting things and letting people down, not to mention exhausted! Why do I do this?” - Joan B.

One of the best and most valuable lessons the Army taught me was that I was dispensable. You may be thinking, “What? Who wants to be unnecessary?” We all should sometimes because it means the world won’t stop turning when we set boundaries, say no or have to be away. Trust me, dispensability can be a good thing!

Let’s take work. Maybe you feel like you have to take care of everything at the office. Or things will fall apart if you’re not always at the clinic. Or things will only get done right in the shop if you do them. Unless you’re a 2 x 4, the walls won’t collapse if you’re not there. There are exceptions, but generally the place operated just fine before you got there and will be fine long after you’re gone. Ironically, not taking time off can lead to burnout, which decreases your efficiency and productivity.

If you struggle with this idea, ask yourself:

• Why do I put such pressure on myself?

• Why do I need everyone to think I’m so great, the hardest worker around, the one who takes care of everything?

• Why is it so important for me to be invaluable or indispensable?

The answers to these questions are many, but the common thread is self-esteem:

• Some people need to feel needed. Their worth is based on what they do for others.

• Some people have too much ego tied up in their work or can’t let go of self-importance.

• Others get too much of their identity from their work. Without it, they’re not sure who they are;

they worry that they won’t be seen as important or necessary.

Low self-esteem results in seeking validation from outside sources. It’s time to validate yourself. Say no. Go on vacation. Stay home if you’re sick. The walls will still be standing when you get back. And, as my junior high English teacher says, they might have even been painted!

Have a question for Dr. Jen? Email it to AskTheDoc@ EstrellaPublishing.com.

DISCLAIMER: Material is for informational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional. Material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with written permission of Dr. Bellingrodt.

Money Matters

What Should You Do With Your Tax Refund?

If you get a tax refund, what will you do with it? Of course, the answer will depend somewhat on how big your refund is. Last year, the average refund amount was about $2,750, according to the IRS. Whatever the size of your refund, you’ll want to maximize its benefit.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Contribute to your IRA. If you were to receive about $2,750, it would go a long way toward funding your IRA for the year — but any amount would help. You still have until April 15 to contribute to your IRA for the 2023 tax year, but if you’ve already “maxed out” on it, you could use your refund for 2024. And by getting an early start toward fully funding your IRA for the year, you can reduce the pressure of having to come up with large amounts later.

• Build an emergency fund. Your tax refund could help you start or expand an emergency fund. It’s a good idea to keep up to six months’ worth of living expenses in such a fund, with the money kept in a liquid, lowrisk account, separate from the funds you use for your daily expenses. You might need to draw on this fund for unexpected expenses, such as a major home or car repair or a medical bill. Without such an emergency fund in place, you might be forced to dip into your IRA or other retirement accounts, and such a move could be expensive, resulting in taxes, penalties and lost opportunities for growth.

• Contribute to a 529 plan. If you have children or grandchildren and you’d like to help them further their education someday, you might consider investing in a 529 education savings plan. With a 529 plan, earnings and withdrawals are federally tax free, provided the money is used for qualified education expenses. (It is possible that 529 withdrawals could affect financial aid packages, depending on who owns the account.)

• Pay down debts. But which debts should you tackle first? You could follow the “snow- ball” method by paying off the smallest of your loans or debts as quickly as possible. Or you could choose the “avalanche” route by making minimum payments on all debts and using your tax refund — to pay off the debts that carry the highest interest rates. Either method could help you save money in the long term.

Your tax refund can be a valuable asset — so use it wisely.

Submitted by

Wayne Polk, AAMS, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones

Diamonds in the Rough

Helping Others Together (HOT) Community

Foundation will be hosting their Signature Event, the Diamonds in the Rough Golf Tournament on May 2, and the Party with a Purpose on May 3. Both events will take place at Verrado Golf Club in Buckeye, AZ. Party with a Purpose tickets are still available as are Ball Drop tickets, where up to $3,000 will be awarded to a winner who’s purchased golf ball is closest to (or in) the hole when dropped by Buckeye’s Fire Fighters! In addition to the ball drop, the party will feature appetizers, cocktails, live music by The Rusted Nuts, and fun contests. There will also be plenty of fun and unique auction items to win.

Founded in 2019, HOT is a 100% volunteer run organization, a registered 501(c)(3) Arizona nonprofit organization (EIN 84-3079860) and an Arizona Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO 22342). HOT’s Mission is to Bring people together to provide help and hope to struggling children and their families in the West Valley.

The Diamonds in the Rough Golf Tournament and Party with a Purpose are HOT’s primary fundraising events. There are thousands of children attending schools in the West Valley who live below the poverty line. Through HOT’s Sugar Plum Fairies program, they can provide help and hope to some of these struggling children by providing a magical Christmas experience for them and their families.

During the 2023 holiday season, HOT selected 242 children and provided wrapped gifts of clothing, shoes, coats, hygiene essentials, toys for the children, and grocery gift cards for the parents. The goal for 2024 is to select between 275-300 children as recipients of the Sugar Plum Fairies program.

For more information on these events, Helping Others Together (HOT) Community Foundation or to purchase tickets for the Party with a Purpose or Ball Drop, simply scan the QR codes below.

Samurai Sudoku

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.

Good Luck!

Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Difficulty: Easy Monday, 11th March 2024

Spring Crossword

Passover Seder

Chag Sameach!

On April 23, 2024, the PC Shalom Club will hold their annual Passover Seder in the Chianti Room at Tuscany Falls Clubhouse. Cost for the Seder is $48 for Shalom Club members and $58 for non-members. Included will be dinner plus all the traditional foods, and the Haggadah will be read.

If you are a member, please see the Shalom Club website, pcshalomclub.org, to register and indicate your dinner choice for each person of Tuscany Chicken, Grilled Salmon, or stuffed Portobello mushrooms from the drop-down menu. For nonmembers, please contact Myrna Bodner at (408) 6039040 or educatorer@yahoo.com or Irene Faulkner at (623) 399-6991 or Ireneadele47@gmail.com.

Reservations and payment are due by April 13. Payment may be made by check (to PC Shalom Club) and sent or delivered to our treasurer, Lindsay Laven, 3890 N. 162nd Avenue. There is a lockbox next to the front door. Zelle payments may be made to ljl0113@ outlook.com.

If you have seating preferences, please send an email to Myrna Bodner, educatorer@yahoo.com. Tables seat 8-10. Doors open at 5:30. The Shalom Club is open to all residents of PebbleCreek. For information on membership, please contact Barb Peskin at (623) 242-7955 or Shelley Coate at (916) 960-6117.

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Al’s Plumbing

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REAL ESTATE

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