�e Hamlet® A magazine for Palm Valley residents
From your neighbors, for your neighbors
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
July 2021
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Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
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-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 and Family Features. 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.
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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
July 2021
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
July 2021
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COOL OUTDOOR
ACT IVIin T I EArizona S FISHING, BOATING AND RECREATION Roosevelt Lake
www.go-arizona.com/Roosevelt-Lake/#
Lake Havasu, Havusa City
www.azstateparks.com/lake-havasu
Big Lake
Riggs Flat Lake, Safford
Dogtown Lake, Williams
Oak Creek, Sedona outdoorsman.guide/oak-creek-canyonfishing-guide/
www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/asnf/recarea/?recid=80836
leesferry.com
Lees Ferry, Grand Canyon
www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/kaibab/recreation/ camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=11656&actid=29
Lake Pleasant, Peoria
Lake Powell, Page
outdoorsman.guide/riggs-flat-lake-fishingguide/
Lynx Lake, Prescott
www.prescott.com/lynx-lake
www.lakepleasantcruises.com
www.lakepowell.com
Lake Mead
Sources: fishandboataz.azgfd.com/app/
Saguaro Lake, Mesa
Photo by Sam Goodgame, Lake Powell
www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm
www.desertbelle.com
WATER SPOTS IN THE PHOENIX AREA Salt River Tubing, Phoenix www.saltrivertubing.com Hurricane Harbor, Phoenix www.sixflags.com/phoenix
Golfland Sunsplash Water Park, Mesa
www.golfland.com/mesa/plan-your-visit/ attractions/sunsplash-attractions/
Monsoon Park, Scottsdale monsoonlagoonaz.com
Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, Chandler
www.chandleraz.gov/explore/chandler-aquatics/centers-and-pools/mesquitegroves-aquatic-center Source: www.yelp.com/search?cflt=waterparks&find_ loc=Phoenix%2C+AZ
COOL HIKING SPOTS Mount Lemmon, Tucson www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recarea/?recid=25678
Devil’s Bridge Trail, Sedona
Snowbowl, Flagstaff
Fossil Creek, Payson
www.snowbowl.ski/hiking/
www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/ohv/recarea/?recid=55292&actid=50
Thompson Trail, Bumble Bee hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=613 Photo by Kristina Wagner
www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=75356
Mary Ann Evans “Your Neighborhood Real Estate Specialist”
West USA Realty Direct Line 602-526-3709 info@maryannevans.com
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www.MaryAnnEvans1.com
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine If you are currently working with an agent, this is not meant as a solicitation. This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.
July 2021
From Me To You... Having many choices in life seems like a wonderful thing, but are you like me in that if I have too many choices I am paralyzed by indecision? I always say that if I can choose between three things then I am happy. Any more than that and I just can’t seem to decide. And if my decision affects others, which it most often does, then I am struck even more by the weight of my picks. Take vacations. I love to plan them and dream about the destination and the cute boutique hotel or AirBNB that I will be resting in at the end of a day well spent. I can spend hours, or even days scouring travel sites and reading recommendations looking for that perfect holiday - and mostly enjoy it. Once it gets to making an actual decision I come to a screeching halt. I love this hotel but will my son be OK with sharing a room with his parents again? Or perhaps this house rental would be a better option, again someone will be sleeping on a couch, but it’s just for a few nights...
I usually manage to narrow it down to a few options then the reviews throw me off - there are always good and bad ones. This house has the best ambience! But it is also in a shady neighborhood and we shouldn’t go out at night. This hotel has the largest rooms (very important when traveling with children)! But it doesn’t have a restaurant/ pool on site (also very important when travelling with children). This one is perfect! But it is way out of budget. Sigh. Once accommodation is set then I move on to planning our time. What will we be doing? Everything! Seriously. On our first trip to Disney World, many years ago, I was so wound up with the idea that a vacation that cost the same as a car should give you only the best memories, and that we had to see and do everything, that I almost ruined it for everyone. After 2 days of force-marching the family around the first two parks on a tight schedule, it occurred to me that there was no earthly way ‘to see and do everything’. So I took a deep breath and decided that being in the happiest place on earth meant that we should at least try to be happy ourselves. I gave up control and let the kids guide our days from then on. Did we do the Muppet 4D ride more times in a row than I care to remember? Yes. Did we blow our fast passes on It’s A Small World? Yes we did. Did the kids have the best time? I like to think so. The complaints certainly stopped, so I take that as a win. Our next vacation (the first since Covid) is coming up and I think I have everything set. As long as those darned hurricanes don’t decide to visit the same town as us, we should have a wonderful time. Even I know I can’t choose the weather!
Catherine Uretsky Editor, Estrella Publishing info@estrellapublishing.com 623-594-9283
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
July 2021
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Teenage Dreams Just like that, I lost everything.
I was an average seventeen year old girl. I did well in school, played sports, and attended the usual high school events. I had lots of superficial friends, you know, like those people who tell you your hair looks good and ask, “How are you?” but don’t expect a genuine response. However, my best friends were amazing. Together we gossiped an unhealthy amount, drank way too much coffee, excessively watched scary movies, ate lots of junk food, and always listened to music at the loudest volume possible. Our usual problems consisted of immature boys, perfecting our appearance and family drama. All these experiences, good or bad, I always shared with my mom. She was everyone’s mom and the best person I’ll ever know. We would talk and laugh and had an unbreakable bond. I had gotten into a rhythm, a routine with all of these components in my life, and I was comfortable. I’d become so comfortable that I had even started planning my future. I’d dreamt of playing in the
senior night games with teammates I had grown to love. Fantasized about wild and carefree adventures with my best friends. Envisioned the day my name would be called, and as my principal handed me my diploma, I’d spot my mom in the audience looking at me with happy tears. How naive of me to think these fantasies would become reality. My mom passed away before the school year was over, and with her being a single mom, I had to move. Thankfully, I have been taken in by a family whom I grew up with and that I love greatly, but everything has changed. The life I had is now nothing but a memory. I am the same seventeen year old girl but now I have a new school, a new family, and so many lessons to learn. Follow along with my trials and tribulations as I navigate life as a teenage girl in 2021, let’s make this journey together. I’ll be back next month to share how things are going. If you have any advice, tips or experiences for me that can help me grow and learn, feel free to share! Sincerely, Ace
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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
July 2021
K-12* TUITION-FREE Public Charter School *Adding 11th grade in 2022 and 12th grade in 2023
Now enrolling 9th & 10th Grades Pathfinder’s “growth mindset,” project-based curriculum, and hands-on learning experiences take students beyond academics and prepare them for the jobs of the future. The STEAM+ curriculum at Sequoia Pathfinder adds athletics, entrepreneurship, and innovation to ensure student needs and aspirations are met.
N. Verrado Way
The newly added high school is now enrolling 9th and 10th grade students for this coming school year. Classes will begin August 2, at Summit Community Church across the street from the K-8 campus. The new STEAM+ high school building will include state-of-the-art computers, maker space, and science labs; a synthetic turf field; wood floor gymnasium; performing arts stage; and cafeteria. The high school will move out of Summit Community Church as early as possible in the second semester once the new high school buildings are completed in Spring 2022.
W. Roosevelt St.
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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
July 2021
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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
July 2021
Weekend DIY Virtual birthday parties. Online family game nights. Digital dinners with friends. You’ve done your part to stay connected yet socially distanced, however, as restrictions lift across the country, you’re eager to host friends and family in your home again.
“The problem is after over a year of working, studying and playing at home, many people’s houses are looking a bit drab,” says Jennifer Meska, Director of Merchandising & Design at LL Flooring. “If you want to refresh spaces for future entertaining, start with the floor and work your way up to add both fashion and function to your home.” Meska shares some top DIY projects that can be completed in as little as a weekend so you’re ready to welcome back guests: Update flooring When you think about visual real estate in a home, the flooring truly is the foundation of the aesthetic. Consider updating the flooring with modern options that add style, but are also durable enough to handle guests and everyday demands. Rethink furniture Once the floor is updated, think about how you currently use your furniture and how it might best serve you when entertaining. Consider rearranging furniture to breathe fresh life into Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
a space and encourage guests to mingle comfortably. Prioritize grouping furniture to facilitate conversation and interaction while keeping common traffic areas open for ease of movement. In addition to rearranging furniture, now is the time to address functionality of pieces and swap in multiuse options when appropriate. For example, an ottoman is great for kicking up your feet or as additional seating for guests, especially young children. Create a statement wall Once you decide on an arrangement of furniture, try transforming a focal wall to give the space an elevated interior design. One easy way to do this is to paint one wall different than the others in an accent color, like a blue or yellow. DIY-friendly peel-and-stick wallpaper is growing in popularity and is another fun option if you want to add a pattern on an accent wall. Another way to create a noteworthy accent wall is to design a gallery wall with a collection of treasured items hung in a group. Framed photography is common for creating gallery walls and serves as a wonderful conversation starter when guests arrive. In addition to photographs, you can add other framed items such as typography, children’s artwork, travel keepsakes, mirrors and more. Now is the ideal time to prepare for the revival of entertaining at home. Start with the floor, think beyond the conventional, and make updates that you’ll enjoy whether you’re hosting guests or spending time at home with family.
July 2021
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College Visits If you’re a high school junior or heading into your senior year, college is likely at the top of your mind - and probably your parents’ mind too. A campus visit, virtually or in-person, is a key way to narrow down your college choice. The same is true for students who are considering transferring to a new school to complete their degree. So, where do you begin? 1. Research schools It’s important to give yourself time to explore different colleges. Make a wish list of schools - from the size of the school and location to area of study and post-graduation career opportunities. It’s also a good idea to attend college fairs, so you can talk with college representatives and current students. From your list of schools, check out their options for touring the campus - either in-person or online. By attending campus tours, you’ll get a feel for the campus environment, and ultimately, if a particular college is a good fit for you. 2. Budget for campus visits Expenses for traveling to and from college tours can add up quickly. Know the maximum amount that you are able to spend on these visits. This includes the cost of gas, airfare, food, accommodations and other activities. Consider even setting up a separate bank account for money to use toward college visits. That way, you’ll be prepared to stick to your budget.
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3. Get your questions about classes and campus life answered Most in-person college visits are led by student tour guides - giving you a great opportunity to hear their perspective about academic programs, admissions and student life. Additionally, make use of a college’s offer to talk with current professors and students. If you’re unable to attend in-person, this is a way to still experience the school and people. Other questions to cover can include housing options, sports and extracurricular activities that interest you personally or are unique to a school. 4. Find out what financial aid options are available The College Board reported that tuition and fees reached over $10,560 for in-state students at four-year public colleges and more than $37,650 for students at four-year private colleges in the 2020-21 academic year. Look into financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants and workstudy programs. When federal student loans, grants or scholarships don’t cover your total costs, private student loans are a great way to bridge the gap in funding. Many lenders offer private student loans up to the school-certified cost of attendance, including tuition fees, books, computers, meals and housing.
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
July 2021
Out & About
After a devastating pandemic kept people in their homes for over a year, wanderlust is at an all-time high and more Americans are starting to get back out there. In fact, 92% of Americans will travel, or already have, in 2021, with more than half (52%) going as soon as this summer, according to the Priceline Work-Life Balance report. With that in mind, Priceline looked at how travel has changed and what trends are emerging for the summer peak travel season. 1. Escapism is top of mind When it comes to air travel, hotel stays and car rentals, Americans are prioritizing warm, tropical and entertainment-focused destinations, such as Hawaii, Las Vegas, Mexico and Orlando. Florida, in particular, is a traveler favorite right now. The Sunshine State dominates the top 10 destinations across all three categories with at least four cities on each list.
fewer in 2020 than they did in 2019. Not only did people fly less often, but they also did not travel as far: The average distance dropped by 20% in 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. Instead, Americans are opting to explore locally, with 70% of car rentals used for road trips within their own state and driving an average of 184 miles. Likewise, today’s travelers are booking hotel stays within their own states 10% more than prior years. 3. Wallet-friendly stays abound in the South and West Travel deals are more important than ever. This year, the average hotel stay costs under $125 a night in Las Vegas; the Black Hills, South Dakota; Denver and Orlando, which means you can enjoy a great getaway without blowing your budget. Explore the outdoors at South Dakota’s majestic Black Hills, home to Mount Rushmore, or Pigeon Forge, a 25-minute drive from Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
4. Package deals enable workcations The blurring of work-life boundaries gave rise to the “bleisure” trip or workcation, a hybrid 2. Local exploration matters more than ever of business and leisure travel. As flexible work When the pandemic took hold, flights came to schedules become a long-term possibility for an almost screeching halt. Travelers flew four many, these extended leisure-first trips, which billion miles incorporate remote work as part of the experience, will continue to drive booking preferences. Because of this, Priceline is seeing increased interest in bundled or package trips, which are conveniently booked together and · Open every night from 5 pm to 1 am offer savings. · Every child seen by a pediatrician · Faster than the emergency room · Online registration to get into queue or register for telehealth visit · Telehealth visits from anywhere in AZ · AHCCCS and most major insurance accepted, cash pay rates available · Easy access off 101 and I-10 · Rapid COVID testing available
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As domestic tourism ramps up, expect to see continued preference for beach getaways and entertainment, alongside an ongoing appreciation for the local surroundings and an increased willingness to blend vacations with work.
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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
July 2021
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COVID-19 We are fortunate that both the state and federal governments have identified Pest Control as an essential service; therefore, we are able to continue keeping you safe from infestations. We take your health, seriously and will continue to utilize the accepted rules of “social distancing”.
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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
July 2021
Yum Yum Campfire Cupcakes
INGREDIENTS 1 box Devil’s food cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box 1 1/2 c. butter, softened 6 c. powdered sugar 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1/4 c. heavy cream pinch of kosher salt Orange and yellow food coloring Pretzel sticks, for decoration 48 mini marshmallows 24 toothpicks, for decoration DIRECTIONS • Preheat oven to 350° and line two cupcake pans with cupcake lines.
• Prepare cake batter according to package instructions and divide between cupcake pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle of a cupcake comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Let cupcakes cool completely. • In a large bowl using a hand mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and beat until combined, then add vanilla, heavy cream, and salt and beat until combined. • Divide buttercream between two bowls and dye one bowl of buttercream orange and the other yellow. • Alternating between orange and yellow, fill a large piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe swirled buttercream onto each cupcake. • To decorate, arrange pretzel sticks, standing up, around the buttercream to look like sticks in a bonfire. Skewer two mini marshmallows onto each toothpick and stick a toothpick into each cupcake. • Serve immediately.
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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
July 2021
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Puzzles & Games
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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
July 2021
Samurai Sudoku for July This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. There are 5 overlapping grids with one unique solution. Each of 4 corners are shaded. 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
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
July 2021
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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
July 2021