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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
Talia Uretsky, Assistant Editor Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com
Here’s a hard question many parents dodge: Do I have a favorite? In my case, absolutely. I’ve always been transparent with my children that the position of favorite is there to be earned at any time.
This philosophy tends to raise eyebrows, but I stand by it. Parenting isn’t a democracy; it’s a meritocracy with occasional bouts of benevolent dictatorship. The “favorite child” slot in our household operates like a prestigious but volatile stock—values can rise and fall based on performance, attitude, and whether someone remembered to take out the trash without being asked.
Last month, my youngest child held the coveted title after spending quality time with his grandfather, watching a football match on the internet together. Earlier in the year, one of my daughters reigned supreme after stepping in to help one of her siblings in a thoughtful and meaningful way without being asked.
My oldest claimed the throne recently, when she created a duck scavenger hunt in my house while I was away. Over 150 mini ducks were hidden all round the house and it has been so much fun looking for them. We are still looking for the last 5 ducks...
The beauty of this system is its transparency. There’s no whispering about who mom loves most—it’s announced at dinner like a quarterly earnings report. “Congratulations to Emma, who maintains her position as favorite for a second consecutive week after handling Grandma’s inappropriate comments at Sunday dinner with remarkable grace.”
Critics might suggest this approach fosters unhealthy competition. To them I say: have you seen the world these children are inheriting? Better they learn about performance reviews in the supportive confines of home than be blindsided later. The unexpected benefit? My children have developed an impressive array of skills in their quest for the top spot. One became a surprisingly competent travel agent, another mastered the art of making restaurant-quality pasta.
So yes, I have a favorite child. Check back later to see who holds the title next.
Catherine Uretsky Editor, Main Street Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com
623.398.5541
On Our Cover
Verrado’s best kept secret is Center Stage Theater Group, a 501(c )(3) nonprofit organization. This group started in 2020, and mainly did radio shows and other small skits for the community. In October 2023 Sheri Castillo took over as the new director. Sheri vowed from day one that she wanted to turn Center Stage Theater into a real community theater by putting on two full length shows a year and providing quality entertainment for the community at an affordable price. Five months later they performed The History of Dating to a sold-out crowd of 300 people. They have since performed Lizzie Borden of Fall River, The Holidays Can Be Murder -an interactive dinner theater performance, and It Happened on Route 66, a comedy that takes place in a 1955 diner along Route 66 in Arizona. In addition, they offer periodic acting classes and have participated in Festival of Trees in 2023 and 2024 where they decorated It’s a Wonderful Life themed tree, and A Charlie Brown Christmas themed tree which were then auctioned off for charity. They also held a free performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas in the courtyard at the Center on Main.
The theater group has a wide range of talent from people with years of theatrical experience, to those that are brand new to acting. Others lend their talent to a myriad of needs that take place behind the
4236 N. VERRADO WAY A-101
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scenes, from locating and managing props, to making costumes, designing sets, marketing, and providing sound and lighting.
They’ve come a long way in 18 months. But Sheri is not done. “I was disappointed that despite all our social media presence on Verrado Facebook pages, most residents have no idea there’s a theater group in Verrado. Hopefully now more folks will know about us and want to be involved or come see our shows”.
Their next performance is Love, Loss, and What I Wore by Nora Ephron. This is a poignant, yet comedic look at the relationship between mothers, daughters, and clothing. This will be performed at 7pm on May 8th and 9th at the Center on Main, just in time for Mother’s Day. Tickets are available at www. ticketsource.us/center-stage-theater-group
If you are interested in auditioning for their fall performance of Sleepy Hollow, or helping out in other ways, you can reach out to centerstagetheater2023@ gmail.com, or call Sheri Castillo at 602-214-6650. You can also follow them on Facebook at https://m. facebook.com/61552661870420/ or at www. centerstagetheatergroup.com for information about shows, auditions and acting classes.
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Cook With Zona
Crockpot Chicken Enchilada
I know we all love an easy weeknight meal! This dish is perfect for when you’re craving something tasty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The chicken gets slow-cooked to perfection, and the blend of spices gives it just the right amount of flavor.
Once it’s ready, the possibilities are endless! You can top your tacos with jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro, or whatever you love. It’s a totally customizable meal that’s perfect for feeding the family or having a casual get-together with friends. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!
Prep time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 6-8 hrs
Ingredients:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion
• 1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15oz) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (10oz) red enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup monterey jack cheese
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla (for serving)
• Sliced jalapenos (for garnish)
Steps:
1. Place the chicken breasts, diced onion, black beans, and corn in the crockpot.
2. Combine red enchilada sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded monterey jack cheese, chili powder, ground cumin, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
5. Serve the chicken enchilada mix in a tortilla or over a bed of tortilla chips. Garnish with sliced jalapeños.
6. Enjoy!
If you have a recipe you’d like to share with your community email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com to be featured in the magazine!
The Bug Guy
The Battle of April: Phoenix Valley’s War on Pests
As temperatures in the West Valley climb faster than property values, April marks the unofficial kickoff of the annual human-versus-pest Olympics. While winter visitors pack up their RVs and head north, local critters are unpacking their tiny suitcases and preparing for their summer invasion.
First on the scene are the scorpions, nature’s proof that evolution occasionally has a dark sense of humor. These prehistoric pincer-wielding nightmares glow under blacklight, creating what pest control veteran Bob Killinsect calls “the world’s least enjoyable rave.” Locals know the drill: shake out shoes, check toilet paper rolls, and maintain a blood pressure-raising vigilance that would impress military commanders.
By mid-April, the ant colonies begin their strategic operations. These industrious insects somehow communicate across vast distances to share the breaking news that you’ve dropped a single crumb in your kitchen. “They move with military precision,” explains entomologist Dr. Maria Bugsworth. “One minute your counter is clean, the next it’s hosting the ant version of Woodstock.”
Not to be outdone, rats—the Valley’s unwanted gentrification experts— begin their springtime search for real estate. These rodents prefer high-end accommodations, often selecting homes in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. “They have expensive taste,” jokes local exterminator Vince Vermin. “They go for the citrus trees and swimming pools—basically looking for the same amenities as California transplants.”
April also welcomes the mosquito season, as these tiny vampires emerge from hibernation with the enthusiastic
hunger of tourists at a casino buffet. Swimming pools left uncleaned transform into mosquito maternity wards faster than you can say “West Nile Virus.”
Meanwhile, cockroaches maintain their year-round presence with the persistence of political campaign ads. These survivalists could outlast nuclear winter but somehow can’t resist the deadly allure of a roach motel.
Valley residents adapt with a distinctive pest control shuffle: the scorpion stomp, the frantic arm-wave mosquito dance, and the universal “something’scrawling-on-me” full-body shudder.
So as April unfolds in the West Valley, remember you’re not just a homeowner—you’re a defender of your domain in the desert’s ancient battle between humans and the creatures that refuse to acknowledge property lines.
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
T
H
E S T E E L E G R O U P
C a m d e n S t e e l e
G l o b a l R e a l E s t a t e A d v i s o r
c a m d e n . s t e e l e @ r u s s l y o n . c o m
c a l l / t e x t : 6 0 2 - 5 7 3 - 2 2 8 8
B r i t a n y S t e e l e
M a r k e t i n g S p e c i a l i s t
b r i t a n y . s t e e l e @ r u s s l y o n . c o m
c a l l / t e x t : 4 8 0 - 9 7 4 - 9 8 1 0
Hello Verrado!
A t T h e S t e e l e G r o u p , w e b e l i e v e i n c r a f t i n g n o t j u s t
t r a n s a c t i o n s b u t e x p e r i e n c e s t h a t r e s o n a t e w i t h t h e
e s s e n c e o f l u x u r y l i v i n g . O u r f a m i l y ' s d e d i c a t i o n t o
p e r s o n a l i z e d s e r v i c e , i n t e g r i t y , a n d i n n o v a t i o n e n s u r e s
t h a t y o u r r e a l e s t a t e j o u r n e y i s n o t o n l y s e a m l e s s b u t
a l s o t a i l o r e d t o y o u r u n i q u e a s p i r a t i o n s .
Camden & Britany Steele
S c a n Q R C o d e t o d i s c o v e r t h e
G o l d e n T o u c h S q u a d P r o f e s s i o n a l
C l e a n i n g C o n c i e r g e s e r v i c e s &
a c c e s s t h e V e r r a d o d i s c o u n t !
Matza
The Bread of Humility
Passover is celebrated in early spring, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Nissan (April 12-20, 2025). This eight-day festival commemorates the liberation of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery, marked by miraculous events including the Ten Plagues and the Splitting of the Red Sea.
After the final plague, Pharaoh urgently sent the Israelites away. They left so hastily that their bread didn’t have time to rise. This is why, during Passover, Jewish tradition prohibits eating leavened bread and instead requires eating Matza – a flat, cracker-like bread made by quickly baking a simple mixture of flour and water without allowing it to rise.
Throughout Passover, Jewish homes are thoroughly cleaned of all leavened products and crumbs. This practice carries deep symbolic meaning: leavened bread, with its height and expansion, represents ego and pride, while the flat, humble Matza symbolizes humility. Jewish tradition refers to Matza as “the bread of faith” because pride leaves little room for higher truths or faith in one’s life, whereas humility creates openness to spiritual growth.
CONCERNED
If Matza represents such virtue, why isn’t it eaten year-round? Both leavened and unleavened bread symbolize necessary qualities for a meaningful life. Self-confidence is essential for creating positive change, but excessive pride prevents growth beyond one’s comfort zone.
The Passover Seder, a fifteen-step traditional feast held on the first two evenings, includes several important elements:
• Eating Matza
• Consuming bitter herbs to remember the harshness of slavery
• Drinking four cups of wine or grape juice to celebrate freedom
• Reciting the Haggadah, which tells the Exodus story
This annual practice balances our year-round confidence with a season of humility, teaching us the paradoxical wisdom of both strength and openness in our development as human beings.
Happy and Kosher Passover!
Submitted by Rabbi Z
You're not alone— SARRC is here to help. Our experts provide answers, support and guidance every step of the way.
Teen Lifeline
National Telephone Day, April 25:
Call or text a teen in yourr life to check in, say hello and let them know you care.
Strong, positive relationships with others can be protective and prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These protective relationships can be especially important this time of year, as research indicates the number of suicides rises during the spring months.
“Please use your phone on April 25th and throughout the next two months – to check in with a teen and see how they are doing. It could save a life. It’s important for teenagers to know that the adults in their lives care about them.” Some teens who are nervous about opening up in person will be more likely to share their feelings through text messages, especially when they are struggling with something,” says Nikki Kontz, clinical director at Teen Lifeline.
Kontz recommends reaching out with simple messages, which could include:
• Just checking in. How are you doing?
• Thinking about you today – how’s it going?
• Doing OK at school?
• Feeling good about finals or do you need some
support?
• I miss you, let’s make plans to see each other soon!
• I love you! How are you today?
During the spring, and all year round, adults are encouraged to pay attention to common warning signs a teen may be considering suicide. These can include:
• Talking about death, wanting to die or feelings of falling apart
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Feeling depressed, sad or hopeless for more than two weeks
• Extreme mood swings
• Isolating or withdrawing from friends, family or usual social activities
Adults who suspect a teen may be having thoughts of suicide should ask the teen about it directly. Asking the question will not plant the idea of suicide and it can give them permission to speak freely. If a teen replies that they have been thinking about suicide, thank them for their honesty and then ask questions about how they’ve been feeling and why.
If a teen is in immediate danger call 911 or take the child to an emergency room. If the teen is not in immediate danger, create a plan to get help by calling Teen Lifeline or seeking a referral to mental health services or counseling. Be sure to minimize suicide risks by locking up all medications, sharp objects and poisonous chemicals and securing all firearms.
For more information, visit TeenLifeline.org
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Blue Line Painting
Money Matters
Time for some financial spring cleaning
Spring is here — which means it’s once again time to wash the windows, organize your cabinets and steam your carpets. This year, in addition to tidying up around your house, why not also consider some financial spring cleaning?
Here are some suggestions to consider:
• “De-clutter” your investment portfolio. Just as you might clean house and find extra blenders or vacuums that you didn’t remember you had, your portfolio might have overlapping stocks or mutual funds. Selling some of these duplicate investments could free up funds to diversify into underrepresented areas, better balancing your portfolio.
• Cut back on “overgrown” investments. Like pruning overgrown shrubs, you may need to cut back on investments that have swelled beyond your comfort zone. For instance, growth-oriented assets might now dominate your portfolio, increasing risk. Selling some and reallocating to other assets can realign your mix with your goals.
• Dust off your investment strategy. More sunlight reveals dusty corners at home; similarly, you may
need to dust off your investment strategy, especially if you’ve recently experienced changes in your life, such as a marriage, addition of children, new job, and so on. And as you move closer to retirement, you may also need to adjust your strategy. For one thing, you might want to adopt a more conservative investment approach in the years immediately preceding your retirement, though you’ll still need to have some growth potential in your portfolio to help keep you ahead of inflation.
• Protect yourself from financial dangers. Spring cleaning might uncover hazards like sharp tools needing safer storage. In life, unexpected costs—home repairs, car troubles, or medical bills—can threaten your stability. Without cash on hand, you might tap retirement savings or rack up debt. To mitigate this, build an emergency fund with several months’ worth of expenses in a liquid account, separate from daily funds.
Of course, some of these moves can take some time — but by getting started on them soon, you can help put your financial house in better shape by the time the next spring cleaning rolls around.
Submitted by Michael Gray & Brian Polk, Financial Advisors, Edward Jones
Autism Awareness
According to the CDC, about 1 in 36 children have been diagnosed with autism. What many don’t know is that autism encompasses multiple neurological disorders, including the rare Rett syndrome. Four years ago, Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen Managing Partner Chris Disney launched the restaurant’s ongoing fundraising campaign for autism research and resources, with no idea that the following year his own daughter Collyns (Colly) would be diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder classified on the autism spectrum. As a baby, Colly was bright, alert, and met her milestones as expected -- just like her three brothers and sister.
When Chris and his wife Angela noticed their daughter wasn’t walking and talking on the same schedule as her older siblings, they became concerned. Their doctor reassured them she was experiencing normal delays, but they knew something wasn’t right. Further evaluations led to a diagnosis of Rett. The Disneys’ world changed in an instant. They learned their daughter would suffer from progressively severe impairments affecting nearly every aspect of her life: challenging her efforts to speak, walk, eat, use her hands, and even breathe.
“Watching your child struggle with this every day is something no parent should have to experience,” says Angela. “But the encouraging news is that researchers know what causes Rett Syndrome, and they’re getting closer to finding a cure that could dramatically improve Colly’s quality of life.”
For now, the Disneys are doing everything possible to provide their daughter with comprehensive occupational therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy, and physical therapy to slow the effects of Rett Syndrome.
“We are so fortunate to have found the team at BloomKidz Wellness & Recreation, a nonprofit clinic where Colly receives daily integrated therapy. The staff at BloomKidz treat our daughter as if she were their own. Therapy is the best thing we can do for her right now, and it’s helping her hold on to her physical capabilities like walking and using her hands, while we wait for her miracle and gene therapy that could dramatically improve the outcome of her life.
Throughout April, in honor of Autism Awareness Month, Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen will donate $1 to BloomKidz for every dessert sold at its six locations in Sedona, Scottsdale, Tempe, Paradise Valley, Arrowhead, and Gilbert. Year-round, Picazzo’s donates $1 for every skillet chocolate chip cookie sold to the Rett Syndrome Research Trust. https://reverserett.org/
Ladies Luxury Day
“A Spring Jewelry Affair”
When: April 23rd, 2025
Girls Day Out:
Bring your girlfriends to experience our Spring Jewelry Collection
Enjoy Refreshments, Hors d'oeuvres & Petit fours
Win Raffle Tickets by attending the event and event activities
-Fill out a Wish List, Make a Purchase & Trade in Old Jewelry for New.
50 Swag Bags Given During the Day
-First 50 ladies that walk through the door will receive a Swag Bag.
Build a floral bouquet for charity
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Buckeye PD
Focus on the Future
March will mark a full year that Chief Bob Sanders has led the Buckeye Police Department in the agency’s top executive role. In that time, Sanders has furthered the agency’s goals to meet the challenges of an increasing population with technology and training.
“We’ve come a long way in developing our Real Time Intelligence Center,” says Sanders. “License plate readers, traffic cameras, connectivity with city assets, local schools and businesses. It’s a work-force multiplier.”
Agencies across the valley have integrated real time information gathering programs of their own. These public safety support hubs not only help agencies quickly get eyes on an emergency situation, but analysts at the helm of these operations are able to communicate critical details to responding officers. “It’s for officer safety and safety for the community,” says Sanders.
He credits the department members behind these advancements. “Our people make us a great agency, and they are my priority,” he says. “We’ve made a lot of headway in implementing programs that support officer wellness and resiliency. I hope to keep building upon that investment in our team.”
The new year started with the introduction of a phone app that connects officers directly to confidential counseling services, reducing the stigma for officers
who can benefit from mental health support. Programs to improve sleep and encourage physical fitness are also in the works. “We’ve been able to engage officers with creative ideas, shared decision-making, and the result has been process improvement, better morale, increased trust and better communication,” Sanders says. “I’ve seen significant buy-in from our team.” Reported crime was down slightly in 2024, a welcoming sign that the agency is keeping pace with population and development. Sanders looks ahead now to a brand new 911 Communications Center expected to open by summer and new training facilities and police department headquarters on the horizon thanks to the Buckeye General Obligation Bond approved by voters last November.
“We appreciate the overwhelming support from our community and council,” Sanders says. “It helps us attract great people to join our team and provide the service our community expects and deserves.”
The Doctor Is In
Set Your Intentions: Part 2
As promised, this month, we’re looking at SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound. Let’s unpack that:
A specific goal forces you to hone in on exactly what you’re after and focus your efforts:
• What needs to be accomplished? Exactly what is it going to take to achieve your goal, ask yourself what specific steps need to be taken.
• Who is involved? Assess who else might be involved what you want or expect from them.
• Why do you want to accomplish this? Why is it important in your overall life and happiness to accomplish your goal.
• Where will the work toward your goal take place? Where are the resources you’ll need to reach your goal?
• Start with an initial evaluation of where you are and create periodic assessments that show your progress toward your goals. Seeing your progress also encourages you to stay the course.
• An achievable goal is a realistic one. Take an honest look at what you can actually accomplish in
the time you give yourself, lest you feel discouraged when you miss the mark.
• Your goal must have relevance to your daily life. Ensure that the timing is realistic. If you’re about to leave on vacation, setting a goal to eat healthy, exercise daily or purge your cabinets isn’t realistic. Make sure your goal aligns with your overall life goals and desires.
• A time-bound goal involves a deadline and includes a plan of attack with a timeline. What needs to happen each day or week to help you stay on track toward goal achievement? Deadlines for smaller objectives within a bigger goal make things more manageable, which means less overwhelm.
Use these guidelines to set solid, realistic goals and increase your odds of success. For instance, saying you want to lose 50 pounds this year is very different than looking at what you can specifically do each week in terms of food intake and exercise to break that goal down into a loss of a pound or two per week.
Submitted by Dr. J. Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D. 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.
It’s Hot!
Get Ready For Summer
As we head into the month of April, temperatures have already hit the 90s, and seasoned residents of Arizona know what’s in store: an inevitable climb into a brutally sweltering summer. Unlike other states that have the liberty to gradually adjust to summer temperatures, the Valley of the Sun requires preparation before we all face the dry, blistering heat.
* Get an early air conditioning check—you never want to be on a waitlist when temperatures soar above 100 degrees and your AC is broken.
* Install sunscreens, fix pool pumps, and test irrigation systems. To avoid price gouging, make an early trip to the hardware store for shade cloth and weather stripping.
* Examine your trees for early trimming to maximize shade coverage for your home. While you’re at it, assess dead plants and consider replacing them with more heat-resistant varieties before the intense summer heat arrives.
* Now is the time to shift your exercise routine to early mornings before the heat becomes unbearable.
* Small businesses should add misting systems and shade structures. After all, few customers will linger outdoors without protection from the scorching heat.
* Prepare your vehicle for extreme temperatures by checking coolant levels, inspecting tire pressure, and installing a sunshade. Consider getting your battery tested, as high temperatures can accelerate failure.
* Stock up on hydration supplies and create a heat emergency kit with electrolyte drinks, cooling towels, and portable fans. Keep these items in your home, car, and workplace to stay prepared for unexpected heat waves.
The key to desert living is preparation. As temperatures inevitably skyrocket, Valley residents know that preparing now could mean the difference between merely surviving and actually thriving during Arizona’s notorious summer months.
IT’S TIME TO GROW
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 Difficulty: Easy
Kids Competition
Calling all artists! Take out your crayons, pencils and paints and make this the most beautiful duck you have ever seen. Have your parents post a picture of your art on our Facebook group, Verrado Matters. One winner will be chosen at random for 2 free tickets to the Wildlife World Zoo and their art will be published in our magazine next month. Good Luck!
