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 Uretsky, Assistant Editor Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com
In a world where “five more minutes” is the battle cry of the masses, I stand before you as a reformed snooze-button addict to sing the praises of early rising. I seems I’ve crossed over to the dark side - or should I say, the blindingly bright side, of being up early enough to witness the sunrise.
BC (or Before Children) I would struggle out of bed around 8am, get a coffee and a book and burrow back under the covers for a few hours. Not anymore. Now in the AD years (After Divesting the house of college bound kids) I can’t seem to stop the habit of early rising - waking before my alarm clock blares and leaping out of bed, ready to tackle my to-do list with gusto, or at least good intentions.
Early rising does have some interesting benefits you may not have thought of. First and foremost, waking up at the crack of dawn allows you to experience the magic of a quiet house. It’s like being the last survivor in a zombie apocalypse, except instead of the undead, you’re avoiding your family’s morning breath and incoherent grunts. But the real perk? You get to witness the miracle of your coffee maker transforming from a useless hunk of plastic into your personal savior. It’s a religious experience, really.
Let’s not forget the joy of smugly updating your social media status at 5 AM. Nothing says “I’ve got my life together” quite like a photo of your kale smoothie (or in my case, coffee mug) with the caption “Up and at ‘em!” while the rest of the world is still drooling on their pillows. Early rising also gives you the opportunity to tackle your to-do list before your brain realizes what’s happening. It’s like productivity sleepwalking - you’re getting things done, but you’re not entirely sure how or why.
If you are one of those people who hits the snooze button so much there is a dent in your alarm clock, I encourage you to try catapulting yourself out of bed on the first ring. Embrace the eye bags, the coffee addiction, and the smug sense of superiority. After all, the early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. Wait, wrong metaphor. Oh well, I’ve been up since 5 AM - cut me some slack ;)
Catherine Uretsky
Editor,
The Park Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541
On Our Cover
The Litchfield Park Little League All Stars made an incredible run in 2024. The team, known as “The Park”, was formed with the best players in Litchfield Park and the surrounding areas within the league’s residency. The players were chosen by the managers within the league and many of the players returned from the 2023 season where they won the Arizona Little League 9-11 State Championship.
The team began their Little League World Series run by competing in the District 2 tournament, hosted by Litchfield Park. The Park faced many difficult opponents but with their strong pitching and deep lineup, they were able to roll through the tournament winning four games with a combined score of 61-1 to be crowned District 2 Champions. This was an amazing accomplishment by itself and set the team up for a returning trip to the Arizona Little League State Championship.
The Park traveled to Sierra Vista, the home of District 8, to compete in the Arizona Little League State Championship. The team would spend the next ten days in Sierra Vista battling the best teams in Arizona in the double elimination tournament. The team saw a repeat from the 2023 season, losing in the quarterfinals to a tough High Desert Little League team. Luckily for “The Park”, this was not uncomfortable
territory, as they lost in the same round in the 2023 season and battled through the loser’s bracket to beat Rincon Little League for the 9–11-Year-Old State Championship. The Park won their next three games, beating Chandler North Little League 6-3, Rincon Little League 8-3, and Canyon View Little League 4-2 to reach the championship. They faced High Desert Little League for a second time and made a statement by beating them twice, 11-2 and 12-1, to be named as the Arizona Little League State Champions for the first time in the league’s history.
As State Champions, this gets the team a bid into the Little League World Series to represent Arizona. The Park traveled to San Bernardino, California, where they competed in what is notably the strongest region in the Little League World Series. The Park first faced a tough Southern California, who made for a tough opponent with strong pitching. The Park struggled to get their bats going and lost 4-0 in the first round. Luckily, the region tournament is a modified double elimination, so they would get a second chance against Northern California who lost to Hawaii. The Park made a come from behind victory winning 3-1 after a strong pitching performance and some clutch hits to take the lead in the fifth inning. In the third round The Park faced Hawaii, who fell to Southern California in round two. The Park had a tough first inning giving up six runs to Hawaii, but battled back through the game keeping it close, but losing 13-9.
Many of The Park team members had played together for years, with many never losing a game in their District All-Star play. The team had many amazing stories, especially for Manager Jason Gibbs and Coach Bill Hill, who had watched their sons grow up in Litchfield Park Little League, starting as just a player in coach pitch and growing into a representative of Arizona in the Little League World Series. It is not often a parent gets to watch their child get to this level, let alone have the opportunity to coach them along the way.
The accomplishments of The Park in 2024 made many dreams come true, and set made new dreams for the future players in Litchfield Park Little League.
Submitted by Coach Hill
Legal Advice
Trusting Your Trust Will Work
The proper use of a trust will allow your estate to avoid a court probate. Probates add administrative requirements such as giving notice to all heirs–even heirs you may be omitting from your estate plan.
A trust allows one person to have centralized control to collect your assets, pay last bills and make the distributions the way you plan. A revocable trust can be amended and changed over time – as your goals for family or friends change.
Trusts avoid the need for a court conservatorship when leaving money or property to minors, whether children or grandchildren. A court conservatorship is more costly and burdensome than a probate. Also, trusts can provide incentives for minors for education and employment.
Estate planning does not need to be complex or confusing. You deserve to have your questions answered when they arise. Our documents are drafted to provide the benefit of avoiding obstacles and disputes, whether you have multiple beneficiaries or one special heir.
Sharon Ravenscroft, M. Scott Rowan, Attorneys, The Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, (623) 815-7451 or Sravenscroft@ CavanaghLaw.com; legal practice focused on Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. For more information www.sharonravenscroft.com.
Cook With Zona
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
This pumpkin chocolate chip muffin recipe is so simple, you’re going to love it, and no need to get out your mixer. You can also make this recipe dairy-free by substituting with a dairy-free milk. This muffin recipe is very adaptable, add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries; sprinkle with coarse sugar; or leave plain. I hope I’ve convinced you. Now, let’s get baking!
Ingredients
1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 and 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1 and 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk (dairy or nondairy)
1 cup chocolate chips (other add-ins)
Steps
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ginger, and salt together until combined. Set aside.
3. In a separate medium sized bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk together until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and then fold everything together gently just until combined and no flour pockets remain.
4. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips in the batter right before spooning into your muffin pan.
5. Spoon the batter into liners, filling them all the way to the top.
6. Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F, then, keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Bake for an additional 16–17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The total time these muffins take in the oven is about 21–22 minutes, give or take. Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan before removing.
7. Cover tightly and store at room temperature for up to 1 week.
8. Enjoy!
Library FAQs
Do we need a new library? The current library was built in 1979. The County Library District operates the Library. Library staff have long complained that the facility does not allow them to meet the needs of the public. Adding on to the current structure would be difficult, very expensive and there are no funds available for this purpose. The Library would most likely need to be closed during any refurbishment so we would lose the Library entirely for a lengthy period.
Who owns & operates the library? The City of Litchfield Park has owned the library facility since 1989. Library operations and staffing are provided by the Maricopa County Library District. The City maintains the building, utilities, etc.
Who would pay to construct a new Library? Maricopa County is offering to fund the construction of the new Library building with the contribution of $5 million to the City with the Library District then paying for finishing the interior of the building as needed to operate a modern library. The Library will be approximately 40% larger so the Library District has also agreed to increase library staff as needed because of the increased size and services.
Where would a new library be located? The proposed location is on Litchfield Road near the historic La Loma hilltop property. See the site layout map. The Library is planned to be one component of a cultural/ education complex on this site.
What residents is the library supposed to serve?
The library is a county library, its operation is funded by the County library district, and it serves all county residents, not just city residents.
What are the pros & cons of the new location?
Pro - New library would be significantly larger, modern and would offer more library services. It would be part of the coming hilltop cultural complex of P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center, hilltop park, the proposed Agua Fria Arts Academy, the proposed Agua Fria Performing Arts Theater and the new library.
Con - The new location would be less accessible for pedestrians than the current location. But this may not continue in the future because there is an existing requirement for Sun Health to construct either an underpass or an overpass over Litchfield Road in this area as part of their La Loma development.
How is the new library different than the current? The new library would be 40% larger and feature larger program space, increased technology and decreased book turnaround times.
What is the timeline? Proposed timeline would begin construction in Summer 2025 with grand opening in Fall 2026.
What would happen to the current library building?
The City would preserve the building and likely move other civic operations in. Some options which have been discussed are constructing a combined Council and community meeting space and moving the City’s pre-school into a portion of this space so that there would be room in the Rec Center to add programing for afterschool rec programs.
Where can I learn more? Visit: https://www. litchfieldpark.gov/362/Litchfield-Park-BranchLibrary
Submitted by Thomas L. Schoaf
Home Sweet Home
Halloween Decorating Trends in 2024: Spooky, Stylish, and Green
Halloween decorations are becoming more elaborate and creative, with a shift towards both eco-friendliness and high-tech scares. This year, several trends stand out as people transform their homes into eerie wonderlands.
1. Sustainable Spookiness ~ Eco-conscious consumers are leading the charge in sustainable Halloween decorations. DIY crafts using recycled materials like cardboard, glass jars, and old fabrics are making a comeback. Reusable decor, such as wooden pumpkins and metal lanterns, is also gaining popularity, allowing homeowners to avoid single-use plastic items. LED lights, energy-efficient alternatives to traditional bulbs, are being used to light up porches and yards in festive yet eco-friendly ways.
2. Minimalistic Gothic ~ In contrast to past years’ overly crowded displays, the 2024 trend is sleek and spooky minimalism. Dark hues like black, deep purple, and burgundy set the tone, while a few carefully placed skulls, ravens, or candelabras create a haunting ambiance. This aesthetic is popular for indoor spaces,
where people want to maintain a gothic vibe without overwhelming clutter.
3. Tech-Enhanced Displays ~ For those who love a high-tech scare, projection mapping is a standout trend this year. Homeowners are using digital projectors to cast moving images like ghosts or graveyards onto their homes, adding a 3D element without physical decor. Smart home systems that coordinate flickering lights with spooky sound effects bring a more immersive, interactive experience.
4. Whimsical Horror ~ Not all Halloween decor is designed to terrify. In 2024, there’s a playful approach to horror with whimsical, vintage-inspired decorations. Think cartoonish ghosts, retro witches, and classic movie monsters in bright colors. These items add a nostalgic charm, appealing to families who want fun rather than fright.
Incorporating a mix of sustainability, technology, and personal style, Halloween decorating in 2024 is both creative and conscious, offering a balance between oldworld gothic and futuristic fun.
Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor and Estrella Resident
Furry Friends
Did you know your favorite dog breed can reveal a lot about your personality? According to celebrity dog trainer and certified pet behavioral expert Nicole Ellis, it can even tell you what kind of wine you’ll enjoy. To find out which wine is your “PAW-fect” match, Ellis evaluated and matched a number of characteristics.
Classic dogs and classic wine
Golden Retrievers are one of the most beloved, classic American dog breeds. Similar to the Chardonnay, they are versatile and well-loved due to their ability to excel in various roles, from family pets to service dogs.
Strong, loving spirits and robust, complex wine Staffordshire Terriers often have layered and very endearing personalities. They’re known for their confidence and boldness, too - very similar to the strong characteristics of a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Lively wine for people who love cheerful dogs
If you enjoy the friendly and cheerful nature of Bichon Frises, then you’ll appreciate the smooth texture and fruity profile of a Sauvignon Blanc. A Bichon Frise’s fluffy white coat and playful personality align perfectly with the refreshing flavor of this wine.
Harmonious qualities in canine and wine alike
Affable and dynamic are great descriptors for the everpopular poodle mixes known as “Doodles”. Doodles are celebrated for their adaptable temperaments, combining the best traits of their parent breeds, just like the harmonious blend of flavors you’ll find in a Merlot.
Grace and sophistication
The look and spirited nature of a Sighthound - such as a Greyhound, Whippet or Saluki - turns heads wherever it goes, much like the elegant characteristics of a Zinfandel. With vibrant flavors it complements Sighthounds’ lively and agile nature.
Adaptable wine for mixed breeds
Mixed breeds often rescue their humans as much as their owners rescue them and can be highly adaptable to different environments, much like the diverse yet harmonious tasting notes of Pinot Noir, which pairs well with various foods.
You can purchase these and other wines while helping support Canine Companions by visiting StFrancisWinery.com.
Please drink responsibly. For more information, visit Responsibility.org.
The Bug Guy
Spooky Pests and Where to Find Them: A West Valley Halloween Special
As Halloween approaches in the Valley of the Sun, residents are preparing for a different kind of scare – the kind that scuttles, crawls, and sometimes flies. Yes, we’re talking about the creepy-crawly world of pest control in the valley, where the line between Halloween decorations and actual infestations can get frighteningly blurry.
## The Scorpion King: Not Just a Dwayne Johnson Movie: Let’s start with everyone’s favorite arachnid, the scorpion. These little devils are like the ninja warriors of the pest world – stealthy, potentially deadly, and surprisingly good at hide-and-seek. Pro tip: If you’re planning to dress up as a scorpion for Halloween, make sure your neighbors don’t mistake you for the real deal and call pest control on you.
## Rodents: The Unwanted Trick-or-Treaters: Next up, we have roof rats. These furry fiends are the ultimate party crashers, showing up uninvited and refusing to leave. They’re like that one relative who always overstays their welcome during the holidays. This Halloween, consider leaving out some rat traps alongside your jack-o’-lanterns – you know, just to cover all your bases.
## Termites: The Silent Wood Munchers: Termites are the ninjas of the pest world – silent, deadly (to your home’s structure), and masters of disguise. They’re so good at hiding, you might want to check if that wooden stake you’re using for your vampire costume hasn’t already been turned into a termite buffet.
## Ghostbusters: When faced with these spooky invaders, who you gonna call? No, not the Ghostbusters (although that would be cool). It’s time to dial up your local Phoenix pest control experts. These brave souls are the real-life Van Helsings of the Valley, armed with sprays, traps, and a wealth of knowledge on how to send these creepy critters packing.
So this Halloween remember that the real horror show might be lurking in your walls or crawling across your patio. But fear not, West Valley residents! With a little vigilance you can keep your home free from unwanted guests –both supernatural and six-legged. Happy Halloween, and may your only visitors be the cute, candy-seeking kind!
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
RESTURANTS & FOOD Off The Hook Meat Shop Roman’s Oasis 480.626.4272
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
AC System Check
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Whole Home Inspection and RO Maintenance for a Year
