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...

I am planning a getaway for a few days up to the cooler air in the mountains and honestly I can’t wait. There is something about putting yourself in a different place that reenergizes and restores the mind. I recall holidays when the children were young - times that were anything but relaxing - we all felt like we got to start fresh when we straggled back into our house, tired but refreshed.

In today’s fast-paced world, where we often find ourselves caught up in hectic routines and demanding schedules, it’s easy to overlook the significance of taking a break. When we engage in the same activities day in and day out, our minds can become stagnant, and monotony can set in. This lack of stimulation can lead to decreased productivity, creativity, and motivation. However, introducing change into our lives, whether it’s trying a new hobby, exploring a different location, or even altering our daily routine, can provide us with a fresh perspective and reinvigorate our enthusiasm.

Change also allows us to break free from our comfort zones and challenge ourselves. It encourages personal growth, as we learn to adapt to new situations and develop new skills. Stepping outside of our familiar environment and embracing change opens up doors to new experiences and opportunities, expanding our horizons and broadening our knowledge.

By taking a break from our usual routines and engaging in new experiences, we can gain a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm for life. Trying new things together with friends, family, or even strangers can foster bonding and create shared memories. It encourages us to connect with others, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections, ultimately enriching our social lives. Even if you cant get away, you should try incorporating change into your routine this summer. It may lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life and as they say, “a change is as good as a rest.”

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

On Our Cover

What’s the saying? Better late than never? Well, the West Valley has finally received the new golf cart sales store it has been missing for decades, and it took a couple of locals with a deep history rooted in the West Valley to bring the business to life and for Redline Carts to open its doors.

The owners of Redline Carts, Kyle and Julie Johnson, are not only natives to Arizona, but are from right here in the West Valley. More specifically, Kyle and Julie were born and raised in Goodyear and Avondale, respectively. The couple met in 1998 at Agua Fria Union High School and have been together ever since. Over the past 25 years, Kyle and Julie have built a family, they have moved to Texas and back, and have gotten plugged back into being a part of local community. Today they have six beautiful children, live in the Verrado neighborhood of Buckeye and operate multiple businesses that service the Valley.

Redline Carts is their newest venture and is filling a long-standing need for a high-quality, new golf cart dealership in the West Valley that offer the

most innovative brands of golf carts in a clean, modern and friendly environment that people can find the best customer service experience. Kyle and Julie have made Redline Carts not only a great business for the customer, but it is a family business that spans three generations. Their oldest son Kade works full-time at the store, and Kyle’s sister and father also fill critical roles that help provide the best experience possible from initially walking through the front door to the final delivery of a cart to the customer’s front door.

Redline Carts is a proud authorized dealer of ICON EV and EPIC Carts. Through these brands, Redline provides the perfect blend of the industry’s highest quality carts and the best value possible with a premier customer service experience. With a large selection of carts in the showroom, the dealership offers the perfect cart whether for golf enthusiasts, neighborhood cruisers, or commercial/utility purposes, Redline has a cart for everyone. The store also offers a wide range of accessories and upgrades a customer can add to their cart and make it their own. Even current owners of ICON and EPIC brand carts that may not have bought through Redline can purchase and have accessories installed on their carts through Redline.

With the dealership conveniently located right off I-10 at the intersection of Dysart Rd and McDowell Rd (13277 W. McDowell Rd. Ste. 101, Goodyear, AZ 85395), Redline Carts is strategically placed to service the families of the local communities and courses like Pebble Creek, Litchfield Park, Estrella Mountain, Palm Valley, Verrado, Victory and Tuscany Falls. Redline Carts looks to serve all the West Valley communities of Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Avondale, Buckeye and more.

Redline Carts is open Monday through Friday, 9AM-6PM, and on Saturdays 9AM-7PM. Refer to this article and receive $200.00 off the purchase of any new golf cart!

For more information, please visit RedlineCarts. com or call 623.259.9590.

Perception is Reality

Each person’s perception is that person’s reality. That’s what makes the world go ’round. This can be problematic, though, if that perception contradicts another’s with whom we have to interact.

Working with couples, I’m often astounded by how two perceptions of the same event can be so different. Each person’s perception is based on their interpretation vs. entirely grounded in a given reality. I always say that there are at least three sides to every story: yours, mine and the truth–the last of which is usually found somewhere in the middle!

Feelings aren’t right or wrong, but the thoughts that come from them are another matter entirely. They can get us into trouble via the generation of assumptions and other bad choices. How we see a given situation or event is open to interpretation. How we respond is within our control, and our responses are often characterdefining moments. The goal is to see things as clearly as possible, with a balance of rational thought and emotion.

Sometimes, we may struggle to see things clearly. The lens through which each person sees is colored by their past events and experiences. Lenses come in 3 colors: clear, rose-colored and gray. Clear is the most accurate color, and the other two can result in bad decisions based on positive or negative feelings, originating from the skewed thoughts the lenses create. Rose-colored is the color that Polyanna wears, and these lenses can result in naïveté, being taken advantage of and disappointment when unrealistic expectations aren’t met. For example, trusting too early in a relationship, revealing too much of self and having it used against you by an immature or spiteful person. Seeing through gray glasses can result in sadness, lost opportunities and relationship difficulties. If everything is doom and gloom, self-esteem can be affected, which, in turn, affects motivation and can result in depression or at least chronically negative thinking. Early experiences can create gray lenses that cause us to be more sensitive and take things more personally as well.

Tune in next month for how to perfect your perception! Check out free and paid training options at https:// thepsychoeducationacademy. thinkific.com/collections.

Submitted by Jennifer Bellingrodt, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

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.

Biz Buzz

Advertising may not be at the top of your list when you run a small business, but here are 7 reasons why you should consider allocating money to this vital avenue.

1. Increasing Awareness: Advertising helps create awareness about a small business and its products or services. Many potential customers may not be aware of the existence or offerings of a small business without effective advertising.

2. Building Brand Identity: Advertising plays a significant role in establishing and building a brand identity for a small business. Through consistent messaging, visual elements, and a unique value proposition, advertising helps differentiate the business from competitors and creates a recognizable brand. This, in turn, fosters customer loyalty and trust.

3. Generating Sales and Revenue: Effective advertising campaigns can drive customer traffic and lead to increased sales and revenue for a small business. By highlighting the benefits and value of its products or services, advertising encourages potential customers to make a purchase. It can also attract new customers who may become repeat buyers, contributing to sustained business growth.

4. Targeting the Right Audience: Advertising allows small businesses to identify and reach

their target audience more effectively. This targeted approach increases the chances of converting potential customers into actual buyers.

5. Competing with Larger Businesses: Advertising provides a way for smaller businesses to level the playing field and compete effectively. By showcasing their unique offerings, competitive pricing, personalized customer service, or other advantages, small businesses can attract customers who might otherwise choose larger competitors.

6. Creating Customer Relationships: Advertising enables small businesses to establish and nurture relationships with their customers. By consistently communicating with customers through advertising campaigns, businesses can stay top-of-mind and foster a sense of loyalty. Additionally, advertising can be used to promote special offers, discounts, or loyalty programs, encouraging customer engagement and repeat business.

7. Adapting to Market Changes: By monitoring the response to advertising campaigns, businesses can gather valuable insights about customer preferences, market trends, and competitor strategies. This information can be used to stay relevant in a dynamic business environment.

By investing in effective advertising strategies, small businesses can enhance their visibility, attract customers, and ultimately achieve sustainable growth.

Puzzles

Did you know that puzzles can improve your overall mental health? Working on jigsaw puzzles can be an effective way to enhance your mental speed, improve short-term and working memory, and promote more positive mood states through the production of dopamine.

Puzzles Improve Memory - Working on jigsaw puzzles and similar tasks can improve your working and short-term memory as you mentally manipulate the pieces to fit together by size, color, and location, in addition to frequently recalling where pieces go and whether they fit together, or not.

Puzzles Improve Problem-Solving Skills and Concentration - When we are solving puzzles, we are reinforcing synaptic connections in our brain. Puzzles force us to look at different ways to solve a problem. In this process, we improve our capacity to come up with hypotheses, test those hypotheses, and adapt our perspective when it does or does not work out. Furthermore, the act of finding the puzzle pieces that fit together can improve our perceptual abilities and concentration as we focus on what works and what doesn’t.

Puzzles Reduce Stress and Anxiety and Promote Adaptability - Research indicates that puzzles may be advantageous in delaying symptoms of certain disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease

and dementias. Puzzles stimulate regions of the brain that elicit feelings of accomplishment, connection, and comfort to people, as well as provide a sense of control. These benefits are enhanced when puzzle building is paired with interpersonal interactions, thereby promoting social supports and connectedness; a known protective factor against most physical and mental health conditions. In addition, solving puzzles encourages mindfulness states, which may be beneficial for those who struggle with anxiety, depression, and related symptoms.

Simply put, puzzling is a fun and easy way to improve your overall mental wellbeing. Spending time alone with a puzzle is a great way to unwind and reset from a busy day, and working on a puzzle with others can be a great bonding exercise for everyone. It’s important to note that while doing jigsaw puzzles has many benefits, when combined with a healthy support system and consistent care for your diet, exercise, and sleep schedule, this brain-stimulating activity is even more effective.

Submitted

by Dr.

William Marsh, licensed Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Director Quality Management, Southwest Behavioral & Health Services

Stay Cool

While a sunny summer is nice, too much of something is never a good thing. Excessive heat can cause dangerous conditions, such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Here are some ways to beat the summer heat:

1. Wear natural fabrics, such as a loose-fitting, white cotton or linen shirt. Dark fabrics absorb light more than lighter ones.

2. Replace the salt lost from excessive sweating with lemon water. One squeezed lemon provides 21% of a person’s daily required dose of vitamin

C. The acid in lemons can damage your teeth so don’t forget to use a straw.

3. Remember that foods rich in fat and protein take longer for your body to digest and therefore require additional metabolic heat. Go for salads to help you feel light and hydrated.

4. Use frozen water bottles to cool down your pulse points including behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow and behind your knee.

5. Apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera on sunburned skin. Sunburns slow the skin’s ability to cool itself off.

6. Invest in room-darkening curtains to help keep the light and heat out more efficiently.

7. Avoid heat-producing appliances, such as the dryer. Air-dry your clothes instead.

8. Avoid using the oven, try outdoor grilling or use a slow cooker to help keep the heat out

9. Ditch your incandescent lights and make the switch to LED bulbs. LEDs give off cooler lighting, which also means your air conditioner won’t have to run as high during summer.

10. Stay indoors or in an air-conditioned area as much as possible. Spending only two hours in an air-conditioned space can help reduce your risk of heat stroke.

With temperatures sky-high this summer, staying hydrated is important whether you’re just sitting in the sun, exercising for recreation or playing sports. If dehydration sets in, you may start to feel tired and dizzy, have muscle cramps or lose consciousness, entirely. Here are some tips to stay ahead of your hydration needs, especially for those who have an active lifestyle:

· Before exercise: Drink 17 to 20 ounces of water within 2 to 3 hours

· During warm-up: Drink 8 ounces of water within 20 to 30 minutes

· During exercise: Drink 7 to 10 ounces of water every 10 to 20 minutes

· After exercise: Drink 8 ounces of water within 30 minutes

Staying cool this summer can be easier than it seems. But if you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke or dehydration, go to the nearest hospital or call 911. Please do not delay care.

Submitted by Abrazo Health

The Bug Guy

Ah, summertime in the West Valley of Phoenix. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the scorpions and spiders are out in full force. Wait, what? Yes, it’s true. Scorpions and spiders love to come out and play during the summer months, which is why you need pest control to keep them at bay.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Why do I need pest control? Can’t I just squish them myself?”

Admittedly, squishing a spider or scorpion is quite satisfying. But did you know that some spiders and scorpions are poisonous? Yup, that’s right. Not only will they give you a fright, but they could also send you to the hospital. I don’t know about you, but I prefer to avoid the ER as much as possible.

“But I don’t see any spiders or scorpions in my home,” you say. Well, that’s because they’re sneaky little devils. They like to hide in dark corners, under furniture, and even inside shoes

(I can’t tell you how many times I’ve put on a shoe only to find a spider waiting for me).

That’s where pest control comes in. With their expert knowledge and specialized equipment, they’ll find those creepy crawlies and get rid of them for good.

Plus, let’s talk about the psychological impact of seeing spiders and scorpions ‘on the reg’. It’s enough to give anyone nightmares. You’ll be jumping at every little movement and checking your bed sheets for stowaways. Save yourself the stress and anxiety by investing in pest control. Your mental health (and sleep schedule) will thank you.

So, in conclusion, if you want to avoid poisonous bites, save yourself the stress of daily spider and scorpion sightings, and protect your home from damage, you need pest control. It’s a no-brainer, really. Don’t let those creepy crawlies take over your summer. Call your local pest control company today and live in peace (and without fear).

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Legal Advice

NON-STRESS PAY ON DEATH DESIGNATIONS

To avoid probate, beneficiary designations work well for accounts and real estate, if you are leaving assets to a few people or charities. Without a beneficiary designation or trust, you can avoid probate only if the assets do not exceed $100,000 of real property, $75,000 in personal property (cash, accounts and tangible personal property), or you do not expect more than $5,000 in wages in the year after your death. For accounts, there several terms used: pay on death pay on death (or “POD”) or transfer on death (or “TOD”). For IRAs and 401ks, the terms “designated beneficiary” is used.

Financial institutions do not use the terms POD and TOD interchangeably. If you use one of the

terms and are told that the bank does not have that type of designation, then ask for the other type of designation, or even ask whether any beneficiary designation is available.

Remember never to list a minor on a designation for POD, TOD or IRA type account. A minor cannot receive more than $10,000 in a year without a court conservatorship; which is more costly than a probate and distributes the funds when the child reaches 18. In such cases, a revocable trust and Will are more effective and less expensive.

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.

Furry Friends

Play is instrumental for pets’ overall health and physical wellbeing. However, many cat lovers may not realize that there are positive and negative ways to engage cats in play.

“Positive play can lower pets’ cortisol levels, influence brain development and help them gather information to understand boundaries and different ways of communicating,” said Purina Animal Enrichment Specialist Alex Johnson. If you’re craving new ways to interact with your cat, Johnson shares additional insights about the value of play, plus do’s and don’ts to maximize your time together.

DO create routines - Try giving your cat 15 minutes of undivided attention at the same time every day, focusing on your cat’s cues. Connection is the goal, but some cats prefer just hearing your voice as they sit nearby.

DO reinforce positive behavior - For example, if they like to scratch furniture, redirect the behavior by giving them a toy or object that’s acceptable to scratch.

DO provide mental stimulation - If your cat seems bored, Johnson suggests rotating toys or introducing new activities:

DON’T forget to encourage their instincts: Cats love exploring, so making blanket forts or repurposing boxes can be great ways to engage with them. They also love exploring textures and smells, so adding different materials like an old T-shirt or packaging paper in the box or blanket fort each week can help keep them entertained.

DON’T betray your cat’s trust: Cats’ relationships are built around trust, which is vital for their sense of safety. Some social media trends prompt cat owners to seek reactions from cats as a means for entertainment, but this could be damaging to the bonds cats have with their owners.

DON’T overstimulate: Watch for signs of agitation: whipping their tail back and forth, biting, hissing or flattening their ears. If you see these signs, give them space.

Following these guidelines, you’ll learn what works best for encouraging active, positive play with your cat, and you’ll likely have just as much fun as they do!

Yum Yum

Tortilla Egg Roll-Ups

Ingredients

4 Large Eggs

4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 whole grain tortillas (6-inch)

Optional mix-ins: finely chopped spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers

Preparation

1. Over medium heat, warm a 6-inch skillet.

2. In small measuring cup, scramble one egg.

3. Add 1 teaspoon of oil to skillet, pour in the egg, and swirl so it covers the bottom of the pan.

4. Sprinkle on 2 tablespoons of cheese and optional mix-ins.

5. Let egg cook about 30 seconds, or until the bottom is cooked, but the top is still a little wet.

6. Press 1 tortilla right on top of the wet egg, and cook another 30 seconds (the egg and tortilla will stick together.)

7. Using a spatula, flip the egg and tortilla over, and cook another 30 seconds until the egg is fully cooked.

8. Remove from pan, let cool slightly, then roll it.

9. Repeat for remaining eggs and tortillas.

10. Eat immediately or store covered in the fridge for up to four days.

You can even make extras to keep in the freezer for up to three months. Using these tips, you’ll be able to throw a crowd-pleasing get-together that your friends and family will be talking about all summer long!

Money Matters

After spending decades in the workforce, you might look forward to the day you retire. But if you decide, for one reason or another, that you’d like to redefine “retirement” to include part-time work or consulting, you could enjoy exercising your skills and meeting new people. But you can also receive some key financial benefits. Specifically, bringing in some paychecks in your retirement can help you in these areas:

• You could contribute more to your IRA. During your working years, you may have contributed regularly to an IRA, but once you retired, you might have thought those days were over. But there’s no age limit – if you have any earned income, you can contribute to an IRA and boost the financial resources you have available for retirement.

• You could potentially lower your withdrawal rate. Once you’re retired, you will likely need to rely on your investment portfolio to provide you with some – or maybe most – of your income. Consequently, you’ll need to establish an appropriate withdrawal rate – a percentage of your portfolio that you can take out each year without running the risk of potentially outliving your money. Income from parttime work or consulting may lower your dependency on investment income, thereby reducing your annual withdrawal rate and extending the overall longevity of your investment

portfolio.

• You could add to your grandchildren’s 529 plans. When you invest in a 529 education savings plan, the earnings and withdrawals are federally taxfree, provided the money is used for qualified education expenses. As a grandparent, you can contribute to a 529 plan with your grandchildren as beneficiaries. And a 529 plan can be used for more than college – it can fund some programs at trade schools and K-12 expenses in some states. So, by putting some of your earned income to work in a 529 plan, you can help improve your grandchildren’s prospects.

• You could reduce your debts. By the time you reach retirement, you may or may not have retired your mortgage, but you might have other debts on your books. If you can apply some of your earned income to these debts, you can improve your cash flow and possibly avoid dipping into your retirement accounts for shortterm needs.

Of course, you’ll also have to consider some issues if you end up working in retirement, particularly if you bring in a sizable amount of money. For example, if you’re earning income and collecting Social Security before you reach your “full” retirement age – which is likely between 66 and 67 – your monthly benefits will be reduced. (However, these “lost” benefits will be restored once you do reach your full retirement age.) Also, the added income could push you into a higher tax bracket or even cause you to pay the Medicare premium surcharge or the 3.8% surtax on net investment income if your income reaches certain levels. So, before embarking on any employment that may yield a large additional income, consult with your tax advisor.

Overall, though, the financial benefits of parttime employment income during your retirement years may be worth it – so give some thought to “unretiring.”

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

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