The Hamlet

A magazine for Palm Valley residents ™

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 Uretksy, 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.

From Me To You...

What drives you? Everyone has something that gets them to the finish line - a paycheck, moral obligation, love, the satisfaction of a job well done. For me it is the pressure of a deadline, sure I am nudged by those other things in the list, but the only thing that gets me to complete a project is the looming fear of missing that end point. I always start the month with the best of intentions. I swear I will pace myself and get a little done every day, so that I can ease into the end of the month with no stress. However, in 14 years of creating these magazines I have yet to manage that even once.

Every month I am sitting at my computer well into the night frantically dragging and clicking, typing and editing.

I don’t know why I am wired this way, but it seems that if I am given an option I will procrastinate up to the last minute. There is always something else I would rather be doing. The irony of that mindset is that when I am not working I am thinking about working, then when I sit down to work I am focused on a book I was reading, or a project that I have started.

I remember many projects from the past that I have yet to compete – a scale model of H.M.S. Bounty (anyone remember the classic movie Mutiny on the Bounty?), a counted cross-stitch of children playing in Holland during four different seasons (remember seasons?), a matinee jacket I was knitting for a baby who is now an adult with her own child – and the list goes on.

This month I wanted to watch the movies nominated in the Best Picture category before the Oscars are televised, I managed it once and it made the show more enjoyable. But I can leave that for another day, the show is not on until the 10th. See how easily I am distracted? Now what was I talking about? Oh, my work deadline. I should probably get back to that...

Catherine Uretsky Editor, The Hamlet Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541

Yum Yum

Traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie

What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with some traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie? This comfort meal is perfect for any season. A common misconception about Shepherd’s Pie is that it’s made with beef. However, a Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, while a Cottage Pie uses ground beef. This recipe is easily interchangeable, so you can use whichever meat you prefer. Tip: if you have a large enough cast iron pan USE IT! Nothing feels more homey than a meal in a cast iron pan.

Ingredients (8-10 servings)

Mashed potatoes

3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered

4 tbsp unsalted butter

¾ cup milk

2 tbsp sour cream

Salt and pepper

Filling

4 tbsp unsalted butter

1 1/2 lbs ground lamb, or ground beef if preferred 1 white onion, chopped

1 tbsp fresh thyme (sub 2 tsp dried thyme)

1 tbsp fresh rosemary (sub 2 tsp dried rosemary)

½ cup beef broth

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 cups frozen veggies (peas, carrots, corn)

Steps

• Preheat oven to 400° F

• Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a medium-sized pot filled with water. Add salt and bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.

• While potatoes cook, melt 4 tbsp butter in a large pan on medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, 6-10 min.

• Add ground meat to the pan and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, if necessary—season with salt and pepper. Add your frozen veggies towards the end, as they take very little time to cook.

• Add Worcestershire sauce and beef broth to the pan. Bring to a simmer and reduce to low. Cook uncovered for 10 mins, stirring occasionally. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

• Mash the potatoes, add 4 tbsp of butter, sour cream, and milk. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper.

• Layer the mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture in either an oven-safe pan or a casserole dish. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until browned and bubbling. ENJOY!

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

Colorectal Cancer

Every year the month of March is recognized as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It’s your annual reminder that screenings that can detect polyps or early cancers in the colon can be lifesaving. Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the Unites States, and the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. During the pandemic, many put off their annual screenings, and now is a great time to get back on track.

Nearly all colorectal cancers start with a polyp, which is small area of unchecked growths on the inner lining of the colon. Polyps and colon cancers rarely create symptoms such as pain or bleeding. Early detection and treatment, even before symptoms appear, results in improved survival rates, according to doctors at Abrazo West Campus.

“The colon is the lowest part of the intestine, also called the large intestine. Its inside lining where growths called polyps can appear, and some polyps can grow into colon cancer. Through colonoscopy, doctors can inspect the inside lining of the colon and remove polyps which helps prevent cancers from forming,” explained Dr. Sushil Pandey, a

colorectal surgeon on the medical staff at Abrazo West.

“It’s important to find cancers early or find them as polyps and have them removed, he said. The incidence of colon cancer is increasing among younger people, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that screenings begin at age 45” said Dr Gabie Ong, a colorectal surgeon on medical staff at Abrazo West Campus. “The risk of developing colon polyps and cancer increases as one ages. The majority of colon cancer is found in patients without any symptoms or a family history of colon cancer. We all need a colonoscopy starting at 45 years old unless you have a first-degree relative with colon cancer or polyps, where one should consider being tested earlier than age 45,” said Dr. Carlos A. Esparza, a colorectal surgeon on medical staff at Abrazo West Campus.

If you think you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for you and how often to get tested.

Submitted by Abrazo Health

The Bug Guy

Springtime in the west valley brings with it a fascinating array of bugs and insects that emerge with the warmer weather. As the temperatures rise and nature comes to life, the valley becomes home to a diverse population of insects that play crucial roles in the ecosystem. From buzzing bees to colorful butterflies, chirping crickets to industrious ants, the bug life in the west valley is truly captivating.

One of the most iconic signs of spring in the is the emergence of bees. Bees are vital pollinators, and as the flowers begin to bloom, these industrious insects become a common sight, buzzing from one blossom to the next. They diligently collect nectar and pollen, playing a key role in the pollination of plants and the production of fruits and vegetables. Their presence is a reassuring sign of nature’s renewal and abundance during the spring season.

Butterflies also grace the west valley with their presence during springtime. These delicate and colorful insects flit gracefully among the blossoms, adding a touch of enchantment to the landscape. Their vibrant wings, adorned with intricate patterns, make for a delightful sight as they move from flower to flower, sipping nectar and spreading pollen.

As the days grow warmer, the rhythmic chirping of crickets fills the air in the evenings. These tiny musicians create a symphony of sound, adding an enchanting soundtrack to our spring nights. Their calls create a sense of ambiance and tranquility, signaling the transition from the bustling daylight hours to the calm serenity of the eveningand serving as a

comforting reminder of the natural rhythms that govern the valley’s ecosystem.

Ants also become more active during the spring, bustling with activity as they march in organized lines, foraging for food and building their underground colonies. Their efforts contribute to the balance of the ecosystem, as they play a crucial role in decomposition and soil aeration.

From dragonflies darting over ponds to ladybugs seeking out aphids on plants, the bug life in the valley is a diverse tapestry of colors, shapes, and behaviors. Each insect plays a vital role in the intricate web of life that defines the valley’s ecosystem. As the season unfolds, the diverse and captivating bug life serves as a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature, inviting us to appreciate and celebrate the wonders of the insect world.

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control, Estrella resident

M.O.M. AZ

Mission of Mercy Arizona, a local nonprofit that has been serving the uninsured and underinsured in Maricopa County since 1997, began partnering with the Avondale Baptist Church and Pastor Jack Marslender in 2010 to bring free medical care to underserved families in the West Valley. Since that time, MOM has provided 32,000 free patient visits and distributed 57,500 free prescriptions to neighbors in need at the Avondale clinic alone. No one who comes to MOM in need is ever turned away for an inability to pay. MOM and its nearly all-volunteer medical team restore dignity and treat each patient with the utmost care and value – at MOM, patients are not just a number. MOM’s mission is to “restore dignity, healing through Love, by providing free healthcare” is based on these values:

Care Without Boundaries: We serve all those without medical care regardless of race, color, creed, nationality or citizenship status.

Faith Motivated: We embrace people of all faiths to serve and be served personally and publicly. At MOM, prayer is our lifeline.

Reciprocity: We treat all with unconditional compassion, dignity, gratitude, humility, love and respect because the moment we give is the moment we receive.

Caring: Our focus is one individual at a time. We heal through God’s LOVE and serve as his instruments.

Too many of our neighbors have fallen through the cracks of our healthcare system. They lack insurance or face high deductibles and copays that they cannot afford. In the last half of 2023, MOM

experienced a 109% increase in new patients compared with the same period in 2022. Since the COVID-19 continuous enrollment provision ended in April 2023, an estimated 400,000 Arizonans have been disenrolled from AHCCCS.

MOM’s Avondale clinic, which operates every Monday at Avondale Baptist Church, provides a medical home to approximately 600 patients, many of whom are considered at-risk. More than 90% suffer from at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes or hypertension. MOM patients have a prevalence rate of diabetes of 57% – nearly six times higher than the statewide average of 10%. Without MOM, these patients could find themselves in significant medical debt, unemployed due to health issues, at risk of severe complications, or possibly facing an early death.

Strategic partnerships with Sonora Quest Labs, Banner Estrella Medical Center, and CenterWell Pharmacy strengthen the safety net for patients through pro bono lab testing, imaging services and donated prescription medications.

Additionally, the Avondale clinic has partnered with the American Heart Association-Phoenix Division to launch its Target BP program, providing patients with blood pressure monitors that enable them to track their blood pressure at home, while also receiving education about the dangers of high blood pressure and the steps they can take to lower it.

MOM’s robust collaboration with Avondale Baptist Church has led to a successful 13 years of service.

Ask Dr. Jen

“Why do some people create drama in their lives?”

Everyone has at least one in his or her life. That person who is just “drama” and creates it wherever he or she goes. I use the word “dramamonger” to refer to anyone who deals in drama. So, what compels a person to behave this way? The answers are many:

• It’s what they know. In its familiarity and predictability, it becomes comfortable: there is comfort in discomfort. This may seem odd, but these people often grew up in dramatic, tumultuous, chaotic or even traumatic environments and have come to operate this way. Some have learned fighting = passion = love.

• The ruckus keeps them from taking an honest look at themselves. By reacting so intensely, they may succeed in shutting others down, shirking responsibility and accountability.

• It’s a way to draw attention to themselves. If a person is starved for attention, love or affection, they may create intensity to get these things. The

subconscious premise at work is that bad attention is better than no attention at all.

• They gain a sense of accomplishment when they conquer the drama. This can influence self-esteem in a positive way. For some, this is an effort to recapitulate and master the drama that occurred earlier in life.

• It keeps them stuck in the victim role. The theory is that this will draw attention and caregiving of some sort, even pity at times. The hope is this: If I’m a victim, people will feel sorry for me and care for or nurture me.

• It keeps others’ expectations low. The subconscious idea at work is that if I keep chaos in my life, no one will expect anything from me, which means I can’t fail or let anyone down.

There is hope for dramamongers once they realize that they are the common denominator in all of their failed relationships. Therapy plus firm yet compassionate boundaries from others can yield great rewards. Much therapy for these folks has to do with improving self-esteem. Once basic confidence is established, they can practice new ways of living, starting with small efforts.

Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is a ritual that many people undertake during the month of March. It is a time when we open up the windows, roll up our sleeves, and tackle the accumulated dust and clutter of the past year. However, spring cleaning can often be overwhelming if not approached strategically. Luckily, there are some tips and tricks that can make the process more efficient and effective.

First and foremost, it is important to have a plan of action before diving into spring cleaning. Start by making a checklist of all the areas in your home that need attention. You can prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed by breaking down the task into smaller, manageable parts.

One of the most crucial tips for spring cleaning is to declutter before you start cleaning. Begin by sorting through your belongings and determining what you want to keep, donate, or discard. This not only helps create more tidy living spaces but also allows for easier cleaning and organizing.

For a thorough and efficient cleaning, pay attention to often overlooked areas such as behind appliances, underneath furniture, and inside cabinets and drawers. These hidden spaces can accumulate a surprising amount of dust and dirt over time and cleaning these areas will also improve the air quality inside your home.

Another useful tip for spring cleaning is to freshen up your fabrics. Wash curtains, pillows, cushions, and steam-clean the carpets and upholstery. A little extra effort in refreshing these items will leave your home smelling and looking fantastic!

Finally, take advantage of the spring weather by cleaning your outdoor spaces. Sweep and hose down the patio, clean outdoor furniture, and spruce up your yard by removing debris and dead plants. A well-maintained exterior can greatly enhance the overall appearance of your home.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a well-planned approach and some useful tips and tricks, you can make the process more manageable and rewarding. So roll up your sleeves, turn on some upbeat music or a great podcast, and dive in. Happy spring cleaning!

Puzzle Time

This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box.

Try your hand at the word search and crossword too!

Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Difficulty: Easy Monday, 12th February 2024