A magazine for Litchfield Park residents From Your Neighbors, For Your Neighbors
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
We have always been aware that the time with our children is finite, and that when they are ready to leave the nest it was our duty to make them as capable as possible. To that end we have consciously taught them things that we hoped would help them become responsible, productive adults.
All my children could cook simple meals by the age of 12. This had the added bonus of relieving me from the cooking every night, and a side product was finding out one of our kids is a talented and inventive chef — who knew that bacon was better when covered in hot honey???
Laundry was a massive undertaking in a house with 2 adults and 4 children, so sharing the load (no pun intended) by teaching the whites and colors of it all to the children helped on both sides. Cleaning, keeping and caring for a house were in there too, along with being able to travel, read a map, and navigate an airport by themselves.
Fundamental finances. This is a biggie. Everyone should know how to balance their bank account, understand the importance of credit - how to get it, use it and keep it. To that end we helped them get
credit cards and showed them the importance of paying their balance every month. If you can’t afford to pay for roller skates then you should not get them... As they got older we taught them how to invest in the market, and gave them a small fund to invest for themselves. Sometimes their stocks went up, and sometimes they went down. Each scenario taught them something of worth.
But the most valuable lesson, in my opinion, was teaching them to be respectful and civil to others whilst taking accountability for their own actions. It takes no more effort to be kind than to be rude or hurtful, and it can make all the difference to someone in how they see you, even more so, how they see themselves. On the flip side, being able to admit when you are wrong and remediate the situation goes a long way towards improving how others see you. Hopefully, some of these lessons stuck with our kids (now adults) and made their entry into adulthood a little smoother.
Catherine Uretsky Editor, The Park Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com
623.398.5541
The Doctor Is In
Set Your Intentions - Part 3
This month, we’re wrapping up this series, with a better setup for success than New Year’s resolutions. That setup is the WOTY method.
Some years ago, a friend of mine posted that she was working on her Word of the Year (WOTY). When I first read this, I thought, “Oh, joy, another pop psychology trend to sell special journals. It’ll take over social media for the next 30 days and then disappear overnight like a parking lot carnival.”
But, I have to admit, the idea lingered in my mind…
As I thought about my goals for the new year, I realized that there was actually a theme to them. I’d always been a fan of New Year’s resolutions and often use January as a time for my patients to evaluate their therapy progress and come up with revised or new goals for the year. But I started really taking to the idea of a one-word mantra that I could repeat whenever I was faced with a challenge that linked up with one of my goals for the year.
So…a few days passed, and I came up with my word for the year: Eliminate. I wanted to eliminate all sorts of things: fear, health challenges, clutter, time suckers, you name it. I started using my word and found it to be really helpful. And my patients have loved it, too!
Here’s how you establish your WOTY:
1. Take a look at various areas of your life: parenting, home, family, faith, work, health, love, finances, friendships and so on.
2. Assess areas for improvement in each category and create SMART goals around them. (If you want help doing this in your marriage, check out Fix Your Freaking Marriage on Amazon and use the 16 elements as your foundation.)
3. Write down a word or short phrase that summarizes each goal.
4. Funnel those words or phrases down to a theme
that stands out across all or most of your goals.
5. Turn that theme into an action word or adjective. Some examples include compassionate, brave, focus, assertive, confident, fearless, pursue, relax, breathe, love, change, simplify and strength.
Do something different this year and feel better about slow and steady progress and less disappointed at the end of the year. If you’d also like this information in a podcast, head over to Episode 15 of “The Psych with a Mic Podcast.”
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.
CAREER COUNSELING
Snowbird 101
Preparing Your Arizona Home for Summer Departure
As temperatures climb in the desert, snowbirds prepare for their annual migration north. Follow these essential steps to ensure your desert dwelling remains secure until your return.
1. Interior Preparation
Start by thoroughly cleaning your home—empty refrigerators and pantries of perishables, dispose of trash, and clean surfaces to prevent attracting pests. Set your thermostat to 85-88°F to prevent excessive heat while conserving energy. Though this temperature seems high, it protects your furniture and prevents moisture buildup without running your AC constantly. Unplug all non-essential electronics and appliances to prevent power surge damage and reduce phantom energy costs. Consider installing timers on select lights to create the appearance of occupancy. Close all blinds and curtains to minimize sun exposure, protecting furnishings from UV damage.
2. Plumbing and Water Systems
Water damage represents one of the biggest risks to vacant homes. Shut off your main water valve and drain the pipes by opening faucets until water stops
flowing. Pour a cup of water into drains to maintain P-trap seals, preventing sewer gases from entering your home. If you have an irrigation system, program it appropriately for summer watering needs or engage a landscaping service. For pool owners, arrange regular maintenance or properly prepare your pool for extended vacancy.
3.
Security Measures
Forward your mail or arrange for a service to collect it regularly. Notify trusted neighbors or friends of your departure dates and provide emergency contact information. Consider installing a monitored security system if you haven’t already, and ensure all doors and windows are securely locked.
4.
Professional Services
Arrange for periodic property checks through a management company or trusted individual. Schedule any necessary pest control treatments before departure and throughout your absence. If applicable, inform your HOA of your departure dates and contacts info.
By methodically addressing these areas, you’ll return to find your Arizona home just as comfortable and welcoming as when you left it. Safe travels until the desert calls you back in the fall!
Cook With Zona
Buttermilk Pancakes
For the past few years I’ve been making my own butter and in my house “We don’t waste anything”. After you’ve made your very own butter not only are you extremely satisfied and thrilled with yourself but you also have buttermilk! *When making butter with 1 pint of heavy whipping cream you’re left with about 2 cups of buttermilk. There are so many recipes you can use buttermilk for but my family’s favorite are fluffy buttermilk pancakes!
This pancake recipe is seriously so easy, I guarantee you already have all the ingredients in your house. And personally I think they’re better than store bought pancake mix!
Steps:
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!
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins |
Total Time: 30 mins
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 large egg
2 cups buttermilk
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1. Preheat and lightly grease a large skillet or electric griddle.
2. Mix flour, salt, and baking soda together in a bowl. Add egg, buttermilk, and butter; stir together lightly, but keep it lumpy. The batter should look thick, spongy, and puffy.
3. Drop 1/3 cup of the batter onto the cooking surface. Cook until lightly browned on each side, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
4. Garnish with your favorite fruit and syrup.
5. Enjoy!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your fluffy buttermilk pancakes or tag us on social media @ EstrellaPublishing.
Movie Review
2025’s Must-See Films
Fantastic Four: A Cosmic Rebirth
Marvel’s first family finally receives the adaptation they deserve. Director Matt Shakman balances cosmic adventure with family dynamics as Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) navigate their newfound powers. This iteration embraces scientific exploration while presenting Galactus as a genuinely threatening cosmic entity. Despite some overwhelming third-act CGI, the Pascal-Kirby chemistry establishes a promising foundation for Marvel’s future.
The Fountain of Youth: Visual Splendor
Olivia Wilde’s latest offers stunning visuals but a weaker narrative. Following researchers who discover a regenerative spring, the film raises fascinating questions about mortality but resolves them too simply.
CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT?
You're not alone—SARRC is here to help. Our experts provide answers, support and guidance every step of the way.
Jennifer Lawrence and John David Washington deliver strong performances amid breathtaking Costa Rican rainforest cinematography, though the provocative premise ultimately yields to conventional thriller elements.
Elio: Pixar’s Triumphant Return
Pixar reclaims its storytelling magic with this tale of an 11-year-old accidentally chosen as Earth’s ambassador to an alien coalition. The animation dazzles with imaginative designs, while the emotional core examining belonging resonates deeply. America Ferrera’s voice work provides tremendous warmth in this instant classic that balances humor with genuine stakes.
The Life of Chuck: Existential Storytelling
This Stephen King adaptation brilliantly works backward from a man’s death through his defining moments. Tom Hiddleston delivers a career-best performance as Chuck Krantz, capturing both youthful exuberance and elderly wisdom. Director Mike Flanagan crafts a profound meditation on how ordinary lives contain extraordinary meaning in this summer’s essential drama.
F1: High-Octane Authenticity
Director Joseph Kosinski brings “Top Gun: Maverick” energy to Formula 1 racing. Brad Pitt portrays a veteran driver’s final comeback alongside Damson Idris’s ambitious teammate. The racing sequences deliver unprecedented authenticity with cameras mounted on actual F1 cars during Grand Prix events. Despite occasional sports movie clichés, the immersive experience and respect for motorsport create a thrilling ride.
This summer’s diverse lineup offers something for everyone—from the technical innovation of “F1” to the emotional depth of “The Life of Chuck.” While “Fantastic Four” and “Elio” demonstrate that franchises and animation can deliver substance with spectacle, each film makes a compelling case for the theatrical experience in our streaming-dominated era.
The Bug Guy
As the mercury in the valley climbs faster than ticket prices to a Taylor Swift concert, our desert dwelling pests are planning their annual summer invasion. May marks the official kickoff of what locals affectionately call “The Season of Screaming at Things with Too Many Legs.”
Scorpions, having spent the winter perfecting their stealth tactics, are now emerging with what appears to be military-grade night vision and an uncanny ability to appear precisely where your bare foot is about to step. These tiny ninjas with venom have been studying your bathroom habits for months and have determined 2 AM is the optimal time to make you question your life choices.
Meanwhile, roof rats—who frankly should be paying rent given their occupancy levels—have declared your attic the hottest club in Phoenix. With bass-heavy scurrying between 1-4 AM, these rodent ravers have little respect for your Zoom meetings or sanity.
The ants of Phoenix deserve special recognition for their mathematical precision. These tiny architects can calculate the exact path from the tiniest cookie crumb to their colony three blocks away faster than your GPS
can recalculate after a wrong turn on the I-10.
Local pest control companies report call volumes rising faster than housing prices, with homeowners describing encounters in increasingly creative terms. “It wasn’t a spider, it was a furry octopus with attitude,” reported one Scottsdale resident.
Experts recommend the traditional Arizona pest control strategy: a combination of professional services, meticulous cleanliness, and the occasional primal scream into the void of your pantry.
Remember, West Valley residents: in the battle against our multi-legged adversaries, victory isn’t about elimination—it’s about peaceful coexistence. And by “peaceful coexistence,” we mean them staying outside where they belong while you enjoy your airconditioned sanctuary, clutching your shoe, ready for combat at a moment’s notice.
May the odds be ever in your favor. At least until June, when things get really interesting.
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
Money Matters
How should you respond to tariffs? The Trump Administration has announced tariffs on trade with other countries, sparking uncertainty about their economic impact. Tariffs are generally considered inflationary and have already caused volatility in financial markets. How should you respond as a consumer and investor?
As a consumer…
Review your budget. If higher prices due to tariffs strain your cash flow, look for cost-cutting opportunities. Consider eating out less, canceling unused streaming services, or switching to generic brands. You might also negotiate better rates with your cable or internet provider. Build or replenish an emergency fund. Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a liquid, low-risk account. This fund can cover unexpected costs like medical bills or car repairs, and with tariffs potentially driving inflation, it can help manage rising prices for items like auto parts. Accelerate large purchases susceptible to tariffs. If you’re planning a major purchase—like a car, smartphone, or computer—that could be affected by tariffs, consider buying now if it fits your budget.
As an investor…
Diversify. Tariffs may hit industries like automobiles and electronics harder than others, such as healthcare. Instead of reacting impulsively, maintain a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other securities. Diversification can’t guarantee profits or prevent losses, but it helps cushion against market volatility by spreading risk across asset classes. Stick to a long-term strategy. Tariffs are grabbing headlines, but disruptive forces—wars, natural disasters, political unrest—have always existed. Historically, markets recover, and the most successful investors stay committed rather than exiting during turbulence. While you may need to adjust your portfolio occasionally, a strategy aligned with your risk tolerance, time horizon, and goals will better position you to handle market swings. Tariffs introduce uncertainties, but thoughtful planning can bring clarity. By reviewing your budget, securing an emergency fund, timing large purchases wisely, diversifying investments, and staying focused on longterm goals, you can navigate the challenges tariffs may bring with confidence.
Submitted by Michael Gray & Brian Polk, Financial Advisors, Edward Jones
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
Kids Competition
Calling all children! Finish this sentenceMy Mom is the Best Mom because...
To win a $50 Spa gift certificate or a gift card to a local restaurant for your Mom.
Kids! Finish this sentenceMy Dad is the Best Dad because... To win tickets for you and your Dad to the May 17th Arizona Rattlers game!
Post your answers on our Facebook group Litchfield Park Matters before May 12th to be entered into the competition.
AC System Check
Schedule your full end-ofsummer Heating and AC System Check for just $59, and enjoy your winter check for free!
$2,500 OFF Get $2,500 off any new heating & AC system purchase!
Book your tune-up today and receive a free air-quality inspection!
With purchase of 50 gallon deluxe water
Whole Home Inspection and RO Maintenance for a Year
