Viva

Published

Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com

Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com

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From Me To You...

There are so many things to watch on TV nowadays. I hesitate to even use the word TV, as most people watch on their phones or tablets instead of using a traditional box in the corner of the living room. We switched from cable to streaming services a few years ago as a cost cutting measure, but with every new channel that has to be added to the subscription list and the unlimited wifi package we needed to handle all the extra data we are using, I am not sure how much money we are actually saving here.

I find myself scrolling and scrolling along, trying to pick the program or film I will commit my time to - and the amount of choice is baffling. As a child (I am going to date myself here) I had a whole three channels to choose from and those were only on for part of the day. Sunday afternoons were devoted to classic movies, Some Like It Hot, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers or The Pink Panther. I loved watching the stories unfold and the actors bumble towards a happy ending. That was the whole afternoon, family gathered together, concentrating on just

the screen in front of us. Now family movie night consists of trying to find something that appeals to everyone, hunting across platforms for a free version. It is $25 on Amazon but Netflix has it for free this month! Then snacks have to be obtained, someone invariably puts popcorn in the microwave, and finally we settle down to watch. By that I mean everyone whips out their cellphone and scrolls or plays games during the film.

I tried to introduce my kids to the classics but they didn’t enjoy them in the way I once did; let’s face it, their idea of a classic is Finding Nemo or The Princess Diaries. One movie we do all agree on is The Princess Bride, a wonderful combination of action, adventure, fantasy and romance. It has something for everyone and if you get a chance to bring your family together I highly recommend it. Just make sure they put their phones away first!

Catherine Uretsky

Editor, Viva magazine catherine@estrellapublishing.com 623-398-5541

Cutest Pets In PebbleCreek

THank you to everyone who entered our competition, who knew there were so many cute pets in PebbleCreek? We were inundated by so many entries that it was almost impossible to choose! In the end we awarded the first prize to Dexter; here is his story sent in by his parents Tammy Rowe and Joan Kelichner who won a Jeep and Winery combo tour for two. Enjoy!

I adopted Dexter during covid times...in fact traveled all the way to LA to retrieve him. I’ve been in Pebblecreek about 10 months, having moved in with my Mom to assist her. Although I brought Dexter along with me he has become an invaluable companion to my Mom Joan. And because I work from home she has become very important to him. He is a love bug and tries to share his time equally between me and my Mom. Although friendly to everyone he is definitely a ladies man. ~

Tammy Rowe

Coming in a close second were Buttercup and Brando (in no particular order) and their parents have each won a relaxing massage at Elements Massage.

We found both Buttercup and her sister Coco in October 2019 through PAWs in Chicago. We had lost two of our fur babies that year and it was time for us to add to our fur family again. And our remaining old man, Merlot, had never been an only child, he desperately needed kittens to love and nurture. We had always been a black cat family so I went in search of rescued black kittens to adopt when I found Buttercup and Coco (she is a black cat). I was mesmerized by Buttercup’s face and eyes and loved that the girls were siblings. As a tiny kitten Buttercup followed us around the house including every trip the the restroom. She would curl up on our feet and fall asleep. As she has gotten older, being in the bathroom with us has turned into an obsession for her. We are not allowed to go without Buttercup and she prefers the other cats stay outit’s her time! She insists on being held, getting kisses, back scratches, belly rubs … you name it. Pretty sure Buttercup believes bathroom visits are all about her and have nothing to do with our business.

~ Dana West

We found Brando after our beloved 8 year old dog, Leonardo was suddenly diagnosed with kidney failure, after a week in the veterinary hospital and meeting with a specialist, we made the heart wrenching decision to euthanise him to end his suffering. Our hearts were shattered by his loss, even though we know we could never replace him, we knew that our other dog Victor needed a playmate to help him with his anxiety issues. After making a few phone calls, we came across Brando who was 13 months old at the time, he was originally placed on a trial basis with someone who had mobility issues, it became clear that Brando’s playfulness and caring for a young puppy was overwhelming, he was given back to the breeder to find his “ Forever Home”. After receiving a photo of him and hearing about his beautiful attributes, we set up a meet and greet the following day in Palm Desert, California. The introduction was a complete success and Brando was headed to his new home in PebbleCreek that same day. Every day he showers us with unlimited love and attention and he has become an integral life force in our household and our hearts have grown by the unlimited amount of love we have for him.

Brando’s favorite activities are going for long walks around PebbleCreek with his Daddy Steve, the occassional visit to the Roscoe dog park and evening car rides where he looks out the window looking for a spirited rabbit running across the road, Brando gets all excited and barks, cries and wags his tail. He also likes to play with his favorite squeaky toy, a mallard duck that we named Daffy, he likes to bring it in the backyard to help him as an accomplice in his explorations. ~

Steve Burns & Gary Spero

Grilling Time

There’s nothing like sunshine, a warm breeze and the smell of delicious food on the grill. If you already have a grill, this is a great time to upgrade, so you can cook more dishes for bigger get-togethers, or to try a different kind of grill, letting you experiment with new techniques like using a smoker. What kind of grill is best for you? It depends on your space, what you like to cook and how you like to prepare it. First, ask yourself the following questions:

• How much time do you want to spend cooking? If you’ve got a busy schedule, you may prefer the convenience of gas or electric grills. However, if you love spending time perfecting the perfect outdoor meal, you may enjoy a charcoal grill, smoker or kamado grill.

• How much space do you have? Do you host frequent large gatherings? Go big on your barbecue size to optimize these special occasions. For a big backyard, a larger grill with a kitchen island can create a focal point for entertaining. But a premium portable or compact grill is your best option for a cabin or other vacation destination with limited space.

• What do you love to cook? Many grills offer extra features for particular foods. Think rotisseries if you love roasted chicken, or side burners for soups and stews. Crave the ‘za? Consider a grill with ample space for pizza stones.

To help you discover your next favorite grill, here are the features of five major grill types to consider when making your choice.

• Gas: If you want convenience and faster meal prep, a gas grill may be right for you. As with your kitchen stove, your food can be ready to cook in 10 minutes - and it’s easy to regulate cooking temperatures.

• Charcoal: If you love being hands-on with the nuances of outdoor grilling, a charcoal grill may be the choice for you. Some say charcoal provides the best flavor experience. You can

use your charcoal grill for classic low and slow cooking - and high heat searing.

• Pellet: This a great option for people seeking optimal flavor. With available pellets in hickory, mesquite and oak, you can enjoy a truly flavorful cooking experience.

• Electric: If simplicity appeals to you most, an electric grill may be your best bet. Designed to produce constant heat and operate without an open flame - without charcoal or propanethey’re especially suited for apartment or condo dwellers.

Few products come in as wide an array of price ranges as grills, so almost anyone who wants a grill can find one that’s within their budget.

Men’s Health Month

June is Men’s Health Month, a reminder that annual exams and screenings may find potentially serious issues early, when your chances for treatment and a cure are better.

Men’s health issues don’t affect only men; they have a significant impact on everyone around them. People may not seek care until it is too late, and men often ignore signs of health issues. Your doctor may recommend various types of screenings based on age, family history and lifestyle choices. In general, some of the most important exams men should be getting are listed below.

Top health screenings for men

· Cholesterol – High cholesterol may increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. It has no signs or symptoms, so it’s important to get it checked to know for sure.

· High blood pressure – High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs. Be sure to get it checked regularly.

· Diabetes – Getting checked for diabetes can help prevent heart disease and stroke. Monitoring your blood glucose may also prevent damage in your eyes, kidneys and nerves.

· Colorectal cancer – If you’re 45 or older, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy. For a less-invasive alternative, you may opt for a stool-based screening every year. Ask your doctor what he or she recommends.

· Prostate cancer – At age 50+, men with average risk should talk to their doctor about whether to get screened for prostate cancer. If you have a higher risk, such as a relative who had prostate cancer, talk with your doctor beginning at age 40.

· Skin Cancer – Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Be sure to report any unusual moles or changes in your skin to your doctor.

· Lung Cancer – More than 80% of people who have lung cancer get it from smoking. If you smoke, the best way to lower your risk is to quit and ask your doctor if you need a screening.

These are just some of the most common health screenings that men should consider in order to keep their health on track. Your doctor may still recommend other screenings, tests or exams depending on your health risks, lifestyle and other relevant aspects of your overall health.

Abrazo Health offers free online health assessments can help you identify issues and areas to discuss with your doctor. Visit abrazohealth.com/health-assessments for information on diabetes, colorectal cancer, heart health and more.

Submitted by Abrazo Health

Supporting Seniors

For many Americans, life today feels typical - we’re back in school, returning to the office and are enjoying our hobbies and social lives. Connecting in-person with friends and family is once again a regular part of our routine.

Unfortunately, seniors (those aged 55+) have been more isolated than younger demographics during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Restricted visitation in assisted and long-term care facilities, lack of community events and lesser access to digital social networks has led to increased social isolation.

Luckily, there are tools caregivers can use to ease the physical and mental effects of social isolation among seniors. Finding safe ways to connect with the elderly and engage them in the latest happenings can do a world of good for those who might be feeling left behind.

Here are some top tips for supporting your aging loved ones in our ‘new normal.’

* Prioritize connecting consistently Does the senior in your life know how to video chat? Conversations held face-to-faceeven through cell phones - can make a huge difference in decreasing feelings of loneliness. Do they prefer to connect the old-fashioned way? Set up a weekly phone call or send friendly notes and gifts through the mail. Reminders that they are loved, appreciated and in your thoughts can boost serotonin and help them feel a sense of inclusion.

* Create welcoming and safe social spaces

COVID-19, now shifting to an endemic stage in the eyes of the federal U.S. government, is still contagious and can be more dangerous for immunocompromised people like our senior population. Take proactive safety measures to make sure all guests, especially seniors, are comfortable when gathering socially.

Just know that the more preparation you do, the more inclined a senior may be to join in on the socializing fun and ‘new normal’ we are learning to embrace.

The Bug Guy

The monsoon season is a quintessential part of Phoenix Valley’s yearly weather pattern. It typically begins in late June and runs through September. The monsoons in Phoenix Valley are characterized by sudden, intense thunderstorms that bring heavy rain, high winds, and lightning. While these storms can be exciting, they can also bring an unwelcome problem: pests.

Monsoons can create an ideal environment for pests to breed and multiply. The combination of high humidity, standing water, and warm temperatures can create the perfect conditions for insect populations to explode. This can be a major problem for homeowners and businesses in Phoenix Valley, especially for those who have not taken the necessary steps to prevent pests from entering their properties.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent pests and keep them from invading your property during the monsoon season. The first step is to inspect your property for potential entry points. Pests can enter your home through

cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and through vents and ducts. Seal any cracks and gaps with caulk, weather stripping or other materials. Also, make sure your screens are in good repair.

Another step you can take to prevent pests during monsoon season is to reduce water sources around your property. Mosquitoes are drawn to standing water and can breed quickly in even small amounts of water. Make sure your gutters, downspouts, and drains are clear and functioning properly.

Finally, consider working with a professional pest control company to help you prevent pests from invading your property during monsoon season. Many pest control companies offer a range of services that can help keep your property pestfree, including pest inspections, preventative treatments, and ongoing monitoring and maintenance. A professional pest control company can also provide advice on how to make your property less attractive to pests and can help you identify and address potential problem areas.

In conclusion, monsoon season in Phoenix Valley can bring its own set of challenges when it comes to pest control. However, with the right preventative measures and help from a professional pest control company, you can keep your property free from pests and enjoy all the excitement and beauty of this unique weather phenomenon. Remember, prevention is the key when it comes to pest control - act early and act before pests become a major problem.

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Legal Advice

NON-STRESS PROBATE WITH A WILL

The Last Will and Testament is the document that allows courts to re-title accounts and assets which are in your name (not a trust) and which do not have a beneficiary designation.

If you are leaving assets to adults (not minors), then you can use beneficiary designations and avoid probate. A Will is still a good idea to have as a backup for any account without a beneficiary; either because a beneficiary was not listed or a financial company lost the beneficiary designation. If your spouse has children which are not also your children, the Will also can assure that your spouse’s half of the community property goes to you. Otherwise, intestate laws apply and your spouse’s children will be entitled to one-half of the community property and one-

half of your spouse’s sole and separate property.

Be sure to keep your Original Will, because using a copy requires a formal court probate hearing. Evidence proving the Will was not revoked is needed when the original cannot be located. Wills need two witnesses and a specially worded affidavit so the Will can be probated without a hearing. A handwritten Will does not need witnesses or a notary if all of the dispositive provisions are in your handwriting and all pages are originals.

Submitted by Sharon Ravenscroft, Esq.

Sharon Ravenscroft, Esq., The Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, (623) 815-7451 or Sravenscroft@ CavanaghLaw.com. Sharon’s practice focuses on Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. For more information www. sharonravenscroft.com.

Yum Yum

Father’s Day Bacon Kebabs

Ingredients

RELISH

6 scallions, thinly sliced

1 serrano chile, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

½ teaspoon finely grated peeled ginger

½ teaspoon light brown sugar

Kosher salt

BACON AND ASSEMBLY

Vegetable oil (for grill)

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons tabasco

1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar

1 teaspoon Sriracha

½ pound thick-cut bacon

Lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1 - Toss scallions, chile, lime juice, oil, ginger, and brown sugar in a medium bowl to combine; season with salt.

Step 2 - Prepare a grill for medium-high, indirect heat (for a charcoal grill, bank coals on one side of grill; for a gas grill, leave one or two burners

off). Oil grates. Combine honey, tabasco, vinegar, and Sriracha in a small bowl; set glaze aside.

Step 3 - Thread bacon onto 6–8 skewers, folding back and forth in accordion style, and grill over indirect heat, turning every minute or so, until browned and crisp, 10–12 minutes. Baste with reserved glaze, turning every 30 seconds or so, until lacquered and slightly sticky, about 3 minutes (move to an even cooler spot if needed to keep glaze from scorching). Serve bacon with relish and lime wedges.

Step 4 - Do Ahead: Glaze can be made 1 week ahead. Cover and chill.

Money Matters

If you save and invest for decades, you’d like to know you can retire without financial worries. Nonetheless, you still have to be aware of some threats to a comfortable retirement — and how to respond to them.

These threats include:

• Inflation – Even a mild inflation rate can seriously erode your purchasing power. In fact, with just a 3% inflation rate, your expenses could double in about 25 years. So, if you’re going to rely on your investment portfolio for a sizable part of your retirement income, you will need to own a reasonable number of growth-oriented investments, such as stocks or stock-based funds, whose potential returns can equal or exceed the inflation rate.

• Excessive withdrawals – Once you retire, you should establish a withdrawal rate for your portfolio — an amount you can take out each year and still feel secure that you won’t run out of money. Your withdrawal rate should be based on several factors, including your age at retirement, the size of your portfolio and the amount of income you receive from other sources, such as Social Security. A financial professional can help you determine a

withdrawal rate that’s appropriate for your needs.

• Market volatility – The financial markets will always fluctuate. When you’re still working, this volatility may not be such a problem, as you have years or decades to recover from short-term downturns. But when you retire, you don’t want to have to sell investments when their price is down. To help prevent this, you can tap into the cash in your portfolio, assuming you have enough to cover several months’ worth of living expenses.

• Unexpected costs – You had them when you were working, and you’ll probably have them when you’re retired: the furnace that breaks down, the car that needs a major repair, and so on. But if you’ve established an emergency fund containing a year’s worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid account, you may be able to “ride out” these costs without jeopardizing your investment portfolio. Be sure to keep these reserves separate from your typical day-to-day accounts to avoid the temptation of spending your emergency money.

• Health – Retirees may face more health concerns than younger people, and those concerns often come with larger medical bills. That’s why it’s important to maximize the benefits from Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan. Also, if you contributed to a Health Savings Account (HSA) while you were working, and you haven’t depleted it, you can use the money in retirement.

Retirement can be a pleasant time in your life — and you’ll enjoy it more if you’re prepared for the challenges that face all retirees.

Submitted by Wayne Polk, AAMS, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones

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

Business Directory

ADVERTISING Viva

Litchfield

FINANCIAL & LEGAL

Cavanagh Law Firm - S Ravenscroft

Facepoint Insurance - V Eguizabal

Fairway Mortgage - D Santalucia

Ganyo Insurance Agency

Right Start Mortgage - B Verschage

HEALTH

Biltmore

J&H

JBS

PET

Gentle

REAL

Coldwell Banker Realty - A Hurwitz

Homesmart - Sheri Spirek

Realty One Group - Burkhardt Team

Realty One Group - Mary Couzens Team

Realty One Group - Sophie Shrum

Realty One Group - Donna Strand

West USA Realty - Judy Coventry

West USA Realty - Leslie Henson

West USA Realty - Todd Young

RETAIL

Arie Layne Boutique

Off The Hook Meat Shop