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
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, The Hamlet Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com
623.398.5541
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 slowcooked 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 Ice Thaws
Arizona’s Path Back to the NHL
As NHL playoffs begin to erupt in April, Arizona faces a new and different fight. Now that the Arizona Coyotes’ have relocated to Salt Lake City after the previous season, Maricopa County has mounted an ambitious goal to bring the NHL back to the Arizona heat.
“We’re not giving up on NHL hockey in Arizona,” stated by Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chair Thomas Galvin, who had recently announced the creation of a specialized advisory panel comprised of local political and business leaders. Their mission is clear, being that they want to chart a course for professional hockey’s return to Arizona.
This initiative already has a large amount of traction, with Galvin holding meetings with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, mainly speaking on
estrella publishing.
Now Hiring:
finding not only a suitable ownership but what was the larger struggle, a permanent arena solution.
The arena scenario proved deadly for the former organization, which left Gila River Arena in Glendale after the 2021-22 season due to the termination of their year-to-year leasing arrangement. The team’s subsequent move to Arizona State University’s 5,000seat Mullett Arena was a temporary fix that proved untenable for long-term NHL sustainability.
Enter Mat Ishbia, the billionaire owner of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, who has publicly voiced a desire to bring hockey back to the desert. Ishbia’s anticipated involvement adds significant financial backing as well as the possibility of a shared downtown arena solution that would incorporate hockey into Phoenix’s existing sports environment.
“We have tremendous fan support here,” noted by one committee member. “What has been missing is the organizational stability and infrastructure necessary for an NHL franchise to thrive.”
Although the NHL has stated that there are no immediate plans for an expansion or relocation, the league insiders are still in belief that AZ can still be a viable market given the right conditions are in place. “The arena situation must be solved definitively before serious consideration begins,” one source emphasized.
Responsibilities: Qualifications:
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For Arizona fans of hockey who are craving a return to the league, there’s still a ray of hope remaining. The politics surrounding the issue are working towards a return to the desert, which shows the first step needed in what looks to be a complex but rewarding journey.
This year Arizona faces an unfamiliar position, watching from the sidelines. But with renewed optimism, there’s hope that hockey will make a return to the desert heat.
Autism Support
Empowering Families: A Roadmap for Families Supporting Individuals with Autism
Navigating the journey from an autism diagnosis to independence can be tough for families. Roman Empire Agency provides an outline for families to understand the steps they need to take and the resources available. Early diagnosis and intervention can lead to better social outcomes and greater independence for individuals with autism, and with a clear roadmap, families are equipped with the knowledge, strategies, and tools they need for longterm success.
The journey starts with understanding the autism diagnosis, the importance of early detection, and how evaluations shape future support plans. It’s important for families to learn how timely interventions can make a significant difference in outcome and why laying the groundwork for the services needed is imperative to support their loved ones.
After the diagnosis, families are introduced to a range of support services, including educational programs, speech and occupational therapy, medical care, and social skills development. The next step is for families to assess their loved one’s unique needs and identify the most effective combination of services tailored to those individual requirements.
After the diagnosis, families are introduced to a range of support services, including educational programs, speech and occupational therapy, medical care, and
social skills development. Following, is for families to assess their loved one’s unique needs and identify the most effective combination of services tailored to those individual requirements.
The ultimate goal of the roadmap is to guide the transition to independence, with a focus on long-term planning. This includes preparing for adulthood, securing employment, and finding social integration opportunities. It’s also a crucial time for fostering self-advocacy and developing the skills necessary for individuals to lead fulfilling, independent lives.
Empowering Families for the Future
With the roadmap in hand, families are empowered with the tools and resources to navigate the autism support landscape confidently. Ongoing learning and adaptation ensure they are always equipped to create a bright and successful future for their loved ones with autism.
A clear roadmap is crucial for navigating the autism support journey. Roman Empire Agency is a leading provider, offering families the guidance, tools, and resources they need to create a path to long-term success, while helping ensure individuals with autism have the opportunity to achieve independence and lead fulfilling lives.
Submitted by Gabriela Salcido, J.D., L.L.M., M.Ed, Founder, www.romanempireagency.com
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? Be clear about exactly what it’s going to take to achieve your goal by asking yourself what specific steps need to be taken.
• Who is involved? Assess who else might be involved in your goal achievement and what you want or expect from them.
• Why do you want to accomplish this specific thing? Dig in and ask yourself why it’s 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?
• That which is measured can be improved. 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. Make sure your goal is something you truly care about. 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.
Tune in next month for the final installment in this series. In Part 3, we’ll look at a better setup for success than setting new year’s resolutions.
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
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
The Gentry Foundation
April is Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month
Did you know 1 in 36 children in Arizona are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Early diagnosis, which is crucial to accessing early interventions, significantly helps children develop vital skills like communication and independence. However, many families struggle to access affordable, timely diagnostic services. That’s where The Gentry Foundation for Autism steps in!
Early intervention is key—children’s brains are most adaptable during their early years, making it the perfect time to address developmental concerns. Therapies like speech, behavioral, and occupational therapy can help children gain vital life skills, from socializing to navigating daily routines. Studies show that kids who receive intervention before age five experience greater improvements in cognitive function,
language skills, and overall independence. Founded by husband-and-wife Dr. Joe Gentry, PhD., and Sarah Gentry, M.Ed., BCBA. in 2016, The Gentry Foundation works to provide crucial free diagnostic evaluations to lowincome families, ensuring more children receive the support they need to thrive. But they don’t stop there! The foundation partners with professional pediatric psychologists and family liaisons to guide families toward evidencebased treatments in speech therapy and behavior analysis among other ongoing support services. They also equip parents and caregivers with strategies to support their child’s growth both at home and in the community. So far, they’ve awarded nearly 1,100 scholarships!
By prioritizing early identification, The Gentry Foundation is creating brighter futures for children with autism in Arizona. Every evaluation they provide takes us one step closer to a more inclusive world for families navigating ASD. With continued community involvement, they’re committed to ensuring every child, no matter their financial situation, has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Want to help? Please donate today, attend a community event, and join The Gentry Foundation at their 2025 fundraising gala in September at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, in Phoenix, AZ. It’s a great opportunity to support this amazing cause! For more information, visit: www.thegentryfoundation.org
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.
“Whether it’s finals, graduation or friends moving on and moving away, the end of the school year is more stressful for our teens than we realize,” says Nikki Kontz, clinical director at Teen Lifeline. “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.”
A teen’s cell phone, as Kontz explains, can be an important relationship building tool for parents, caregivers, family members and friends. “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 Kontz.
On National Telephone Day, 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
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, Goodyear 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!
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
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