™
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...
You always want what you don’t have.
This age-old adage rings true in countless aspects of our lives. It’s a peculiar quirk of human nature that we often find ourselves yearning for the very things that others envy about us. Take, for instance, the realm of hair care. Personally, thinner, smooth hair would be a joy, but I was ‘blessed’ with so much wavy, thick hair that my hairdresser spends as much time thinning it as she does cutting it. While some might consider this a fortunate problem to have, it’s a source of constant frustration for me.
This grass-is-always-greener mentality extends far beyond our physical appearances. When I go to a restaurant, I agonize over choices, knowing full well that whatever I pick, I will inevitably wish I had gone with a different dish. The moment my order arrives, I find myself eyeing the plates of nearby diners, convinced that their selections must be more satisfying than my own. It’s a curious phenomenon that can turn what should be an enjoyable dining experience into an exercise in second-guessing and mild regret.
Of course, social media exacerbates this issue, presenting us with carefully curated glimpses into
others’ lives that seem far more appealing than our own reality. We scroll through endless feeds of perfect hair, exotic vacations, and mouthwatering meals, forgetting that these snapshots rarely tell the whole story.
Ultimately, the pursuit of what we don’t have can be a never-ending journey. There will always be something new to desire or a different path to consider. By recognizing this tendency in ourselves and consciously shifting our perspective, we can find greater satisfaction in our current circumstances while still allowing room for growth and change.
So, the next time you find yourself envying someone else’s straight hair or regretting your dinner choice, pause and reflect. Consider that the very things you’re wishing for might be someone else’s source of discontent. In doing so, you might just discover that what you already have is pretty great after all.
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, The Hamlet Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com
623.398.5541
Cook With Zona
Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner
Ever since I started making this recipe my husband has been OBSESSED with it! Every Sunday my husband and I sit down and decide what meals we would like to eat for dinner that week; and without fail, he always asks if we can add this dish as one of our dinners. I hope your family obsesses over this recipe as much as mine does.
This recipe is totally customizable to you and your families personal preferences. When I first started making this dish I thought broccoli and carrots worked perfectly with the fall inspired flavors, but you can really use any vegetables you like. If you like sweet potato over regular potato, throw that in instead. Such a simple swap. I love the sweet chicken apple sausage used in this recipe, but if that’s not your thing add a different type of chicken sausage. Whatever is your favorite. I absolutely love the maple roasted veggies here, but if you don’t want the sweet just leave out this ingredient.
If you have any recipes you’d like to share with me I would love to try them out! Email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com.
Prep time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 60 mins | Total time: 1 hr 10 mins
Ingredients
4 Chicken Apple Sausage
24 oz Baby Potato Medley
1 cup Baby Carrots
1 large crown Broccoli
2-3 tbsp Maple Syrup
Olive Oil
Seasonings & Spices: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, and Pepper. Measure with your heart.
Steps
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Start by chopping the potatoes and broccoli. Slice the chicken sausage too.
• Toss the chopped potatoes and carrots with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a large sheet pan. Roast for 20 minutes, mixing halfway through.
• While the potatoes are roasting, mix the chopped broccoli with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Move the potatoes & carrots to one side and spread the broccoli on the other side. Roast for 10 minutes.
• Remove the pan again, make room, and add the sliced chicken sausage. Roast for 20 minutes, mixing halfway through.
• Remove the pan once again and add the maple syrup to the broccoli, potatoes, and carrot. Add more salt & pepper. Mix everything and roast for the last 10 minutes.
Enjoy!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner or tag us on social media @EstrellaPublishing.
New Police Chief
“Every day you either get better or worse, but you never stay the same.” That’s one of my favorite quotes from University of Michigan football coach, Bo Schembechler. Change is something I’ve always been familiar with, as it has given me so many opportunities for positive growth, and I could not be more excited for what’s ahead for Goodyear.
It’s the honor of a lifetime to be the new chief of police for the Goodyear Police Department. I’m sure you’re curious about who I am, what my experience is and how I will keep you and your family safe especially during this time of tremendous growth for our city.
Law enforcement is in my blood. My father was a police officer for nearly 30 years, and I knew from an early age that I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself and became an officer, too. Putting on my badge each day is something I don’t take lightly, especially on those really hard days when someone’s life has changed in a tragic way.
In 2001, I joined the Phoenix Police Department. I worked my way up through the ranks before retiring as a commander there after 22 years of service. I oversaw the operations for the Desert Horizon
Precinct in northeast Phoenix and the Traffic Bureau as a commander. I also led the advanced training unit and spent most of my career assigned to the Department’s SWAT team and the Homeland Defense Bureau, where I was attached to the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center.
After leaving the Phoenix Police Department, I worked at the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control as Deputy Director.
Being the police chief in a city that’s so vibrant and growing so rapidly is exciting, and it’s incredibly important that we prioritize the safety of the public during this time of growth. I will do that by looking at where and how the growth is happening to determine where we need to put additional resources, like police stations, and where we need to increase staffing in the department.
I’m positive that the Goodyear Police Department is going to go from being a great police department to an excellent police department. I believe that the experiences I’ve had over the past 23 years will be a great benefit to the city and the police department, which I’m now fortunate enough to lead.
I look forward to building strong relationships within the community and working together to ensure Goodyear remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
Submitted by Brian Issitt, Goodyear Chief of Police
Be Careful Out There
Dementia & Extreme Heat Precautions
The excessive heat warnings we’ve had recently can have a significant impact on safety, but these conditions can be even more stressful for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. If you’re a caregiver, there are certain precautions to help your loved one during the summer.
Expect Mood Changes: Any kind of discomfort, like excessive heat, can trigger altered behaviors in dementia patients. It can also increase confusion. Dementia patients often like routine, such as outdoor walks. But morning or evening walks can be disrupted due to heat. This change can trigger anxiety and agitation. Prepare to see mood changes and make a plan.
Offer Hydration Without Asking: Refrain from asking if they’d like a glass of water. Instead, help them increase water intake by offering more water regularly. Be aware that some medications and dementiarelated illnesses can make dehydration worse, and often they’ll forget to drink.
Provide Sunblock: Provide proper sunblock every day, as you would for a child. Without help, those suffering from memory loss are particularly at risk for dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburn. Also, make sure they have light clothing, sunglasses and a hat.
Check A/C Units: Make sure you are checking A/C units or hire professionals. Many dementia patients cannot regulate their body temperature. Some find it too cold, while others will say it’s too hot. Make sure they are comfortable and safe.
Increase Wellness Checks: If you regularly visit once a day, increase your visits to monitor well-being. If a patient tends to wander, stay calm and follow the path of their dominant hand. If they are right-handed, they might exit the premises to the right. This is a general rule. Wandering can be life-threatening during extreme heat. Have recent photos and medical information ready for emergency responders.
For more information: www.HeartsForDementia.com
Submitted by Lolita Tramel, Family & Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner; Founder of Hearts for Dementia
Extracurriculars
Choosing the right extracurricular activity for your child can be a pivotal decision that influences their development, interests, and social skills. The school year often presents a wealth of options, so it’s essential to approach the selection process thoughtfully. Start by considering your child’s interests and passions. Engage them in a conversation about what they enjoy doing, whether it be sports, arts, music, or science. Understanding their motivations and preferences can guide you toward activities that resonate with them, ensuring they stay engaged and excited throughout the year.
Remember to consider your child’s personality traits. Introverted children might thrive in smaller, less competitive environments such as art clubs or theater groups, allowing them to express themselves comfortably. On the other hand, extroverted kids
may flourish in team sports or debate clubs, where interaction is abundant. It is also important to consider the time commitment and demands of each activity. Balance is crucial; too much involvement can lead to burnout, while too little might not provide enough stimulation or social interaction.
Another key factor is your child’s current commitments. Review their academic workload and family obligations to ensure they can realistically participate without feeling overwhelmed. If time management is an issue, activities with flexible schedules or those that meet less frequently could be an advantage. While children need to engage in activities, ensure they have downtime to relax and pursue their own interests outside structured environments.
It’s important to involve your child in the decisionmaking as much as possible. This collaboration allows for a sense of ownership and helps them feel empowered regarding their choices. Explore various activities together, attend introductory sessions, and meet with coaches. This exposure gives your child a feel for what to expect, enabling them to make an informed decision.
As you narrow down the options, consider the potential for developing skills. Is your child interested in improving leadership skills, teamwork, or creativity? Look for activities that cater to their interests and provide space for growth in areas they might want to develop. Trust your instincts as a parent. If an activity seems overly competitive or stressful, it might not be the right fit, even if it appears appealing on paper.
Finding the right extracurricular activity can boost your child’s confidence and allow them to discover their unique talents, leading to a well-rounded and fulfilling school year. Extracurricular activities intend to enhance your child’s school experience, enrich their life, and help them gain friendships, but most importantly it’s about having fun!
The Bug Guy
Battlin’ Critters on Land and Sea
Ahoy, landlubbers of the West Valley! While ye may not be sailin’ the seven seas, ye’ve got yer own battles to fight against the pesky invaders that be tryin’ to board yer homes and businesses. Aye, we be talkin’ ‘bout pest control in this here desert oasis. The West Valley, with its scorching summers and mild winters, be a veritable treasure trove for all manner of creepy crawlies. From the dreaded scorpions to the sneaky cockroaches, these bilge rats be causin’ havoc faster than ye can say “shiver me timbers!” But fear not, ye scurvy dogs! There be a whole crew of pest control experts in the valley, armed to the teeth with the latest in pest-fightin’ technology. These brave buccaneers stand ready to send those pests to Davy Jones’ locker.
Now, ye might be wonderin’ why the West Valley be such a hotbed for these landlubbin’ pests. Well, matey, it be the climate that draws ‘em in like moths to a flame. The heat be perfect for insects and arachnids, while the monsoon season brings out the rodents faster than ye can hoist the Jolly Roger. But here’s a piece of eight for ye: prevention be the best medicine. Ye can keep yer ship tight by sealin’ up cracks and crevices, keepin’ yer galley clean, and removin’ standin’ water
from yer property. These simple tricks can make yer home as uninvitin’ to pests as a plank over sharkinfested waters.
Now, ye might be thinkin’, “What’s all this talk of pirates got to do with pest control?” Well, me bucko, September 19th be International Talk Like a Pirate Day! It be a day when landlubbers and sea dogs alike can unleash their inner pirate. So why not combine the practical with the fun?
Imagine callin’ yer local pest control company and greetin’ them with a hearty “Ahoy, matey!” Or describin’ yer ant problem as “a mutiny of the tiniest proportion.” So, me hearties, as ye navigate the treacherous waters of pest control in the West Valley, remember to keep yer sense of humor intact. Whether ye be battlin’ scorpions or celebratin’ Talk Like a Pirate Day, a jolly attitude can make even the most challengin’ situations feel like a grand adventure on the high seas. Yo ho ho, and a bottle of pest repellent!
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control,
Giving Back(pack)
This past month, Estrella Publishing was again given the opportunity to collaborate with Child Crisis Arizona and Community Bridges Inc. for their Back-toSchool event on July 27th, 2024. Community Bridges Inc. supported 1,665 individuals at the event and distributed just over 1,000 backpacks to needy children, in time for the school year.
Child Crisis Arizona provides emergency shelter, foster care, adoption, counseling, early education, and parenting support services to Arizona’s most vulnerable children, youth, and families. Their mission
is to provide children and youth in Arizona a safe environment, free from abuse and neglect, by creating strong and successful families.
Estrella Publishing donated 300 backpacks filled with school supplies to Child Crisis Arizona, with a donation value of $11,500. Estrella Publishing loves to give back and is proud to support multiple nonprofit organizations.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you are associated with a charitable organization and would like to be featured in the Estrella Publishing Magazines, as well as on our website.
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. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
