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
With my children growing up and fleeing the nest, parents aging rapidly (thereby adding to my responsibilities), and a realization of my own mortality, I have decided that something in my life needs to change. I have been traveling more and more frequently - to my hometown to spend as much time with my parents as possible, to the opposite ends of America because that was the only way to hug my grown children, and when I had any time - or air miles - left, to vacation spots with friends. Not to sound too dramatic but I have also developed a growing desire to be somewhere other than Arizona during those burning months of summer that are becoming less and less bearable. Looking back at all this travel, I seem to have accidentally become a modified ‘Snowbird’.
I have called many places home during my life, and whether I moved a few miles down the road or crossed vast oceans, I have put down roots wherever I ended up. This has created a nomad like existence where home is everywhere and nowhere all at the same time. Don’t get me wrong, it can give you so much to enjoy. The expansion of thought by absorbing other cultures and learning that there are many different ways of doing things, the beauty of implementing
that knowledge by deciding which version works for you - despite your own upbringing not because of it. There are also the many friends to be made and experiences to be lived. The flip side of all that for me is not knowing exactly where home is, the question “Where are you from?” is not so simple to answer. I miss people who are no longer a part of my everyday existence when I relocate. It takes a conscious effort, on both sides, to keep a friendship vibrant, and not everyone is willing, or able, to expend that effort.
In this iteration of relocation however, I am not moving away completely, just for a few months at a time. In this way I hope to create a little more stability for myself and provide a little more rhythm to my life. Hopefully, I will finally be able to follow the good weather around the globe, like a respectable snowbird, returning to the nest every fall, refreshed and ready to face the year ahead. Wish me luck!
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, The Hamlet Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com
623.398.5541
Cook With Zona
Joann’s Brownies
I have something truly delicious to share with you all! I recently had a reader send me her homemade brownie recipe, and let me tell you, they are absolutely amazing! Thank you, thank you Joann! The rich, fudgy texture and perfect balance of sweetness have me hooked. Every bite is pure indulgence, and I’m beyond grateful that Joann shared her secret with me. If you’re a brownie lover like I am, you’re in for a real treat. Thank you, Joann, for passing along this incredible recipe to our community—it’s one I’ll be making again and again!
Ingredients
1 and 2/3 cup unsalted butter
13 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
6 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 and 2/3 cup sugar
1 and ½ cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon salt
Steps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1. Line a 9X13 pan with one large sheet of parchment paper.
2. Mix the eggs, sugar and vanilla in a separate bowl and put aside.
3. Measure and sift the flour into another bowl, add the salt and set aside.
4. Melt the butter and chocolate in a large, heavy saucepan, remove from heat and let it cool a bit before adding the egg mixture to the pan.
5. Add the flour mixture and mix with a wooden spoon until smooth.
6. Pour into the lined pan.
7. Bake for 25 minutes.
8. Cut into squares and enjoy!
*A message from Joann: The brownies will be ready when the top appears dried to a paler brown. The middle will be dark, dense and gooey. Brownies will continue to cook while cooling. Do not cut until
completely cool. I make these brownies the day before I need them.
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!
Dementia Care
A Winning Game Plan: A Safe Spring Outing for Your Loved One With Dementia
From Spring Training, the Japanese Friendship Garden or the Phoenix Zoo, there is so much here to explore and enjoy. It’s no wonder many retire to our great state. But I often get asked if it’s safe for a loved one with dementia to partake in outdoor activities like these. Are there risks? For caregivers, the thought of an outing can feel overwhelming, but with thoughtful preparation, it can bring joy and connection.
Here are a few ways to enjoy a day out while prioritizing safety and comfort.
Plan Ahead
At a ballgame, choose seats near an aisle or an exit for easier access. Arrive early to avoid overwhelming crowds and consider quieter games with less fanfare.
Stay Comfortable
Ensure your loved one dresses for spring weather—
layers and a wide-brimmed hat are good options. Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and essentials, like medications or comfort objects, to keep them calm, hydrated and protected.
Use Technology
An ID bracelet with emergency contact information is vital. Consider GPS tracking devices or smartphone apps to quickly locate your loved one if they wander. These tools offer peace of mind and freedom of movement.
Know the Signs
Watch for signs of overstimulation or discomfort— fidgeting, confusion, or agitation. If these arise, take a break in a quieter area, or call it a day. Prioritize quality of time over quantity. Some venues even offer sensory-friendly spaces or cooling zones.
Buddy System
Bring a companion or fellow caregiver to help share responsibilities. Having extra hands can make navigating an event or busy location less stressful.
For more info www.HeartsForDementia.com
estrella publishing.
Now Hiring:
Submitted by Lolita Tramel, Family & Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Founder/CEO Hearts For Dementia
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Submit your CV
March Madness
Arizona’s Seasonal Transformation
March Madness transcends the college arenas, sending ripples through Arizona’s culture, economy, and community spirit. As the tournament approaches, the state undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis that extends far beyond the basketball court.
For Arizona’s collegiate powerhouses - Arizona State, University of Arizona, and Grand Canyon UniversityMarch represents more than basketball excellence. It’s a catalyst for student recruitment, alumni engagement, and institutional pride. The Arizona Wildcats, in particular, consistently see enrollment surges tied to their athletic legacy, including their 1997 national championship. This success continues to resonate in Tucson, where local businesses prepare for gameday revenue spikes as passionate fans fill bars and restaurants to cheer on their Wildcats.
The tournament’s economic impact resonates statewide. Since Arizona legalized sports betting, March Madness has emerged as a betting powerhouse, second only to the Super Bowl in wagering volume. This surge translates into significant tax revenue for the state, bolstering public resources.
When Arizona hosts tournament games, the economic benefits multiply. The influx of visiting fans generates millions in revenue through hotel bookings, tourism activities, and patronage of local businesses. This
basketball-driven tourism creates a ripple effect throughout the service sector.
The tournament’s influence extends to youth sports, where young athletes find inspiration in watching hometown heroes compete on the national stage. This excitement spurs participation in spring and summer leagues, as children envision their own buzzer-beater moments. The tournament’s energy reinvigorates youth basketball programs, nurturing Arizona’s next generation of talent.
March Madness also serves as a powerful community catalyst, spawning watch parties, pickup games, and family-friendly gatherings across the state. These events strengthen neighborhood bonds and create lasting memories. In Arizona, March Madness isn’t just a basketball tournament - it’s a cornerstone of cultural and economic growth that touches everyone in the community.
The Doctor Is In
Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail
If you’re like 80% of new year’s resolution-setters, you’ll fail at your resolutions by February. I know, I don’t like that math either, but the truth is that new year’s resolutions just don’t work. In this 3-part series, we’ll take a look at why this happens, how you’re sabotaging yourself when you set goals, what the heck SMART goals really are and what to do to make real progress this year.
Here are some reasons we may fail at meeting goals:
1. Your goals aren’t SMART. Goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound are more likely to be reached. If it ain’t written down, it won’t happen. Your odds of success are greater when you have a written plan in place. As they say, failing to plan is planning to fail. (More to come on this…)
2. Your goals are overwhelming. Goals that involve small changes that build habits and then discipline over time are more likely to be achieved than grand goals that make change feel more daunting than it already is, which is a setup for failure. Goals that are too lofty are less likely to be achieved. For example, saying you’ll lose 20 pounds in 2 months or that you’ll exercise every single day is just unreasonable. Bigger goals should be broken down into smaller objectives with individual deadlines.
3. You’re impatient.
As you work toward your goals, you may not see the progress that you want, which may then leave you feeling discouraged and less likely to continue toward those goals. Lasting change takes time to create, and goals that are broken down into smaller, clearer and more achievable objectives are more likely to be accomplished. Be sure to celebrate any and all success and forward movement, no matter how small, in order to remain motivated, too.
4. You’re lying to yourself.
If you’re not moving toward your goals, maybe you’re not really ready to change. It’s time to be honest with yourself. Maybe they’re not realistic or maybe they’re not based on your true priorities at the present moment. Think about what you really want. (Part 3 of this series will help with this.)
Come back next month to learn what all the fuss is about SMART goals and what the heck they actually are. Talk soon!
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.
The Bug Guy
Luck of the Scorpions: A St. Patrick’s Day Tale from Estrella Mountain Pest Control Control
While St. Patrick may be famous for driving snakes out of Ireland, pest control experts face a decidedly different challenge every March 17th: convincing inebriated revelers that scorpions aren’t “lucky desert leprechauns.”
“Last St. Patrick’s Day, I got three separate calls about people trying to catch scorpions to ‘get their pot of gold,’” sighs Shamus O’Shaunessy, a veteran pest control specialist. “I had to explain that scorpions don’t actually guard treasure, and that green beer goggles aren’t appropriate safety equipment for arachnid handling.”
The confusion apparently stems from a local urban legend that claims Arizona bark scorpions glow green under blacklight because they’ve been blessed by St. Patrick himself. In reality, they fluoresce due to a protein in their exoskeleton – a fact that’s considerably less magical but much more scientifically sound. Local exterminator Larry Cash recalls his most memorable St. Paddy’s Day call: “This guy had decorated his entire yard with shamrocks to ‘attract friendly scorpions.’ He was convinced they’d bring him good fortune. Instead, he attracted every scorpion in a threeblock radius. The only luck he got was that we had an immediate opening.”
The holiday has even spawned some uniquely Phoenician traditions, like the annual “Scorpion Shuffle” –where pest control technicians race to respond to panicked calls from bar districts as patrons mistake the desert’s most notorious residents for tiny armored leprechauns. “We’ve started handing out pamphlets at Irish pubs,” explains Rodriguez. “They read ‘Scorpions: Not Your Lucky Charm’ and include helpful tips like ‘Gold at the end of the rainbow: Good.
Scorpion in your shoe: Bad.’”
While St. Patrick’s supernatural pest control skills might be legendary, our exterminators prefer to rely on more modern methods. As O’Shaunessy puts it, “Sure, you could try to charm the scorpions away with an Irish jig, but I find that professional-grade pesticide works much better. And you don’t need to wear green to do it.”
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
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
Spring Break
A Parent’s Guide to Making the Most of March
Spring Break is upon us, and parents across America are experiencing a familiar mix of excitement and trepidation. Whether you’re planning an extravagant getaway or embracing a cozy staycation, here’s how to ensure your time off becomes a memorable adventure rather than a logistical challenge.
For those staying close to home, local attractions offer endless possibilities for enrichment and entertainment. Museums, science centers, and cultural institutions provide immersive experiences that can fill a day with wonder and learning. The Phoenix Children’s Museum, for instance, stands out as a particularly engaging destination where young minds can explore and create.
Finding the sweet spot between structure and flexibility is key during this break. While children need time to decompress from their academic and social pressures, maintaining some routine helps everyone stay grounded. Striking this balance can help foster the rejuvenating atmosphere your family needs.
If travel fits your budget, countless destinations offer activities that appeal to both adults and children. While theme parks remain a popular choice, consider exploring state parks for an outdoor adventure that naturally bridges generational gaps. These pristine spaces offer everything from gentle nature walks to challenging hikes, creating opportunities for family bonding in the great outdoors.
Remember, there’s no obligation to fill every moment with structured activities. Unscheduled time is equally valuable, allowing children to pursue their interestswhether that’s diving into a good book, enjoying video games, or simply relaxing with their favorite shows. This downtime often creates natural opportunities for family connection without the usual daily pressures.
For families with teenagers, Spring Break can be an exercise in collaborative planning. Consider inviting your teens to help shape the week’s agenda. This approach not only acknowledges their growing independence but also helps create activities that truly resonate with everyone involved.
Above all, remember that Spring Break serves as a refreshing pause before the final academic push. Whether you’re exploring a new city or marathoning all 19 hours and 39 minutes of Harry Potter (yes, that’s the actual runtime!), focus on quality time with your family. The most cherished memories often stem not from elaborate plans but from shared experiences and genuine connections.
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