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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
I heard a story once of three older women who had been friends for many years, and as a result often repeated stories that the others had heard before. In order to save embarrassment, and probably a lot of time, they came up with a system. If someone started to tell a story that had already been told the listener would hold up one finger. If she had heard it twice before she held up two fingers, and so on. I thought this was a efficient and kind way to handle the situation.
As we age we will all start to forget things. I have begun to watch my dad carefully to make sure his occasional forgetfulness is not something more serious, but the fact is, I am noticing that I forget or mix things up on a regular basis too.
I often think of things to write when I am driving, or in the shower — you know those times when your mind sometimes wanders. By the time I get to a computer or paper and pen to write down my inspiration, I generally forget to do so and I am left with that niggling feeling of having forgotten what was of course going to be an amazing piece of writing. The forgetting occurs on a regular basis when I go into
a different room, intent on getting something, but once I am there I have no earthly idea what I came in for. Sound familiar?
My greatest fear is that I will end up repeating part (or heaven forbid all) of a previous editorial. I could do as my husband suggested and go into my computer and organize them all. The horror! That is 15 years of writing. After a quick tap on my calculator app, that comes to 180 articles to find, sort, read, title, and store in a file that I will remember to use going forward. That feels insurmountable to me right now. I suppose I will have to attack it at some point, I will just have to think of the quote, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!” That should make it more manageable.
In the meantime I am sure you will tell me if I am repeating myself. Perhaps you could be kind and just hold up one finger.
Catherine
Editor, Up The Hill Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541
Uretsky
Fathers Day
Celebrating Dad: A Father’s Day Reminder
Father’s Day is just around the corner—a perfect opportunity to show the dad in your life the appreciation he deserves. While fathers often dedicate themselves to caring for others without expecting anything in return, even small gestures can make a profound impact on this special day.
In our family, we embraced a tradition that many families share: an early morning round of golf. Each year, my siblings and I would reluctantly rise at dawn, lace up our shoes, pack a cooler with drinks and snacks, and spend the next three hours on the course. My skills rarely kept me on the fairway, but that hardly mattered, spending time together away from distractions was priceless. By the time we completed all 18 holes, stomachs sore from laughing with each other, Mom would be waiting in the parking lot with the car running, air conditioning blasting, and McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches ready to refuel our tired bodies.
What began as a childhood obligation transformed over the years into one of my favorite annual celebrations. These outings provided precious opportunities to express gratitude: “Dad, thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I don’t take any of it for granted and am so grateful to have you in my life.”
This kind of heartfelt appreciation takes practice for many of us. As Father’s Day approaches, consider what you might do—regardless of scale or grandeur— to make your father feel valued. The memories you create during these intentional moments often outlast recollections of the countless hours he spends working to provide for and nurture your family.
The perfect Father’s Day celebration doesn’t require elaborate planning or expensive gifts. What matters most is authentic acknowledgment of his importance in your life. A handwritten note, a favorite meal prepared together, or simply uninterrupted time in each other’s company can speak volumes about your appreciation.
Happy Father’s Day to all fathers and father figures from all of us at Estrella Publishing.
Look Before U Lock
Since 1998, more than 1000 children have died from vehicular heatstroke – 46 in Arizona – with 52% of those incidents involving a parent or caregiver forgetting the child was in the vehicle. And hot cars can hit deadly temperatures quickly. On a 70-degree day, a car’s interior can hit 89 degrees in five minutes and 113 degrees within an hour. On a 90-degree day, the inside of a car can reach 100 degrees in five minutes and 133 degrees in an hour.
ACNSC is urging the community to act immediately to end these preventable deaths. By raising awareness of the danger of vehicular heatstroke and children and emphasizing the three primary circumstances that have led to children dying – a caregiver forgets a child in a vehicle, a child gains access to a vehicle, someone knowingly leaves a child in a vehicle – parents, caregivers and everyone, including bystanders, can play a pivotal role in preventing hot car deaths. “The possibility of a hot car tragedy is often overlooked. No one thinks it can happen to them or
Bright Days Ahead— Keep Them Crash-Free.
their family,” says Rick Murray, ACNSC President and CEO. “That’s why it’s crucial that we all become more aware of this danger to prevent such unthinkable and devastating losses.”
Free resources including tips for parents and caregivers, posters, videos, articles, technology solutions and a legislative report are available at: https://www.nsc. org/road/safety-topics/child-passenger-safety/kidsin-hot-cars. Visitors to the site are strongly encouraged to take NSC’s online course titled “Children in Hot Cars,” designed to raise awareness of the vehicular heatstroke hazard and outline proactive measures to prevent child deaths in hot cars.
LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK!
Create a routine! Check off the tasks you will try today.
Make it a routine to open the back door of your car every time you park.
If you are driving a child, after you correctly buckle them in a car seat or booster seat put something you need at your destination in the back seat so you will open the back door: a cellphone, employee badge, handbag, or other item you need to keep with you
Ask your babysitter or child care provider to contact you if your child hasn’t arrived as scheduled.
Keep a stuffed animal in the child’s car seat. Place it on the front passenger seat as a reminder when the child is in the back seat.
Set the alarm on your cell phone or computer calendar as a reminder to drop your child off at child care. Remember to make the alarm song/sound different from all other alert sounds on your device.
If you have a change in routine, such as your spouse or parent dropping your child off at child care instead of you, make sure you and the other person communicate to confirm the drop-off was made
Consider technology that alerts drivers to check the back seat. (Vehicle and child restraint manufacturers have been working on various evolving alert systems and some technologies are available now!)
The Estrella Community Garden is now accepting applications for the upcoming garden season, and it’s your chance to dig in and grow something beautiful. Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a curious beginner, this is the perfect opportunity to join a vibrant, hands-in-the-dirt community. Applications will be available online from June 1st through June 30th at www.LifeEstrella.com. The cost for the full gardening season—running September 1st through June 30th—is just $75 per plot.
Once the application period closes, plots will be assigned by a lottery system, with winners selected at the July Community Garden Committee meeting. If your name is drawn, you’ll be notified via email with further details on your plot assignment. Payments can be made easily—either online or in person at the HOA office located at Starpointe Residents Club.
The Estrella Community Garden offers a peaceful space to grow flowers, herbs, and produce while connecting with neighbors who share a passion
for sustainable living and fresh, homegrown food. It’s more than just planting; it’s about cultivating friendships, sharing knowledge, and reaping the benefits of community spirit. Plots are limited, so don’t miss your chance to take part in this rewarding experience. Mark your calendar and get ready to apply starting June 1st!
For full details and to access the application, visit www. LifeEstrella.com. Happy gardening!
Submitted by Allyson Knappenberger, Estrella Community Garden Chair
The Bug Guy
Pest Control Crisis: Phoenix Valley’s Summer Sauna Becomes Bug Bonanza
In the relentless June heat of the Phoenix Valley, residents face an annual invasion that makes the scorching temperatures seem like a minor inconvenience by comparison.
“June in Phoenix isn’t just hot—it’s like we’ve created the world’s largest all-you-can-eat buffet for insects,” explains Larry Cash, a veteran exterminator with Estrella Mountain Pest Control. “The scorpions think they’ve died and gone to heaven, which is ironic because Phoenix in summer feels like the opposite of heaven.”
Local homeowner Sandra Wilkins recounts her recent kitchen showdown with a brazen cockroach. “This thing wasn’t just surviving in my kitchen—it was thriving. It had the audacity to look at my can of Raid like I was offering it a refreshing spritz on a hot day.”
Even swimming pools, normally a blessed relief from the heat, become insect graveyards. “I spend more time fishing bugs out of my pool than actually
swimming in it,” laments Dave Thompson of Goodyear. “Last week I found what I’m pretty sure was a scorpion riding on top of a dead cricket like it was a tiny apocalyptic jet ski.”
Cash offers some practical advice: “Check your shoes before putting them on, seal your food properly, and remember that gaps under doors aren’t just letting your expensive AC out—they’re rolling out the red carpet for six-legged squatters.”
As Phoenix residents battle this annual invasion, there’s at least one silver lining according to Cash: “The bugs are so plentiful that we’ve seen a decrease in human snowbirds. Apparently, retirees from Minnesota draw the line at sharing their morning coffee with bark scorpions.”
Until July brings even more brutal temperatures that even the hardiest pests find excessive, Phoenix locals will continue their vigilant defense of territory, armed with nothing but flyswatters, diatomaceous earth, and increasingly creative profanity.
Submitted by
Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
“Camille is truly an expert in the Estrella community. Her local knowledge was invaluable in helping us enter the market at the right price and time.
Despite her sweet disposition, Camille stands firm when needed, and thanks to her extensive industry knowledge, does not waver.
Your home is your biggest investment, and you need to trust your Realtor. We highly recommend Camille Trachsel-Smith!” - Judd & Rebecca
ARROYO VISTA AT ESTRELLA TW LEWIS HILLSIDE HOME
$820,000 POOL, SPA, BBQ I SLAND & PUTTING GREEN
MONTECITO AT ESTRELLA AV HOMES AT S ARONNO
$610,000 POOL, SPA, PUTTING GREEN & BBQ I SLAND
THE FAIRWAYS AT ESTRELLA TW LEWIS BASEMENT HOME
$1,025,000 ON GOLF COURSE WITH POOL & SOLAR
urchasing my first home ignited a passion for real estate that has only grown over time. As both a Realtor and a proud Estrella resident, I’m committed to helping my neighbors achieve the best results, whether they’re buying or selling My goal is to ensure you get the most value from your transaction while helping maintain the beauty and rewards of living in our wonderful community
I’m not just a Real Estate Expert I’m also your Neighbor!
Fore!
Mastering Golf: A Pathway to Professional Success
Golf isn’t just a sport—it’s a strategic career move. While many leave this elegant game to professionals, incorporating golf into your repertoire could significantly enhance your professional trajectory. The connections formed on the green often translate to opportunities in the boardroom.
Why Golf Matters Professionally
In the corporate world, success frequently hinges on relationships rather than just competence. Building rapport with decision-makers in relaxed settings provides invaluable opportunities to showcase your personality beyond the confines of office interactions.
Golf creates the perfect environment for this relationship building. Executives and managers who enjoy the sport appreciate colleagues who can join them for a round. These shared experiences foster personal connections that can influence professional advancement.
Tips to Improve Your Golf Game
1. Master the fundamentals: Focus on proper grip, stance, and posture before worrying about distance.
2. Invest in lessons: Even a few sessions with a professional can dramatically improve your technique.
3. Practice deliberately: Spend time at the driving range working on specific aspects of your game rather than mindlessly hitting balls.
4. Perfect your short game: Putting and chipping around the green often make the biggest difference in your score.
5. Play within your abilities: Don’t try to match your boss’s 250-yard drive if you’re still developing your skills.
6. Learn course etiquette: Understanding proper golf etiquette demonstrates respect for the game and your playing partners.
Beyond Golf
Remember that golf is just one example. If your supervisor prefers tennis, hiking, or chess, showing genuine interest in their passion can be equally effective. The key is finding authentic ways to connect outside the office environment.
Before joining your boss on the course, develop basic proficiency through practice. Nobody expects perfection, but demonstrating effort and improvement shows dedication that resonates beyond the fairway.
Whether it leads to your next promotion or simply enriches your life with a fulfilling hobby, golf offers a unique combination of personal enjoyment and professional networking that few other activities can match.
Blue Line Painting
Cabinet Reeinishing
Cook with Zona
Chicken Stir Fry
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and super tasty dinner, chicken stir fry is a total winner. This meal is a staple meal in my home. It’s so easy, very little prep, extremely customizable, and always tastes so good! Juicy chicken, veggies, and a flavorful sauce—all tossed together in one pan— what’s not to love? The best part? You can mix and match whatever vegetables you have in the fridge. Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms— anything goes! Serve it over rice or noodles, and you’ve got a satisfying meal the whole family will love. It’s perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time but still want something fresh and delicious.
Korean BBQ
• Rice or noodles of choice. e.g. Udon, Cantonese egg noodles, chow mein, low mein
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• Salt pepper and onion powder to taste
Steps
1. Cube the chicken and marinate in Asian sauce of your choice for at least 1 hour.
2. Mince garlic, slice peppers, and chop broccoli into bite size pieces. I use baby carrots out of convenience but you could also use shredded carrots.
3. Add garlic to both pans with a little olive oil.
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: 35 mins | Total Time: 50 mins
Ingredients
• 1 ½ lbs chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 ½ cups carrots
• 1 large head of broccoli
• Asian sauce of choice. e.g. Teriyaki, Kung Pow,
4. Cook chicken in one pan, while cooking all veggies together in a separate pan. You want to be able to easily poke the broccoli. Season both with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
5. Combine cooked chicken and veggies together in one pan. Add a bit more sauce if desired.
6. Cook your noodles according to the package directions and add everything together.
7. Top with sesame seeds or green onions if you’re feeling fancy!
8. Enjoy!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your stir fry or tag us on social media @EstrellaPublishing.
Home Sweet Home
How to Be Energy Efficient During an Arizona Summer
Arizona summers are no joke, with triple-digit temperatures putting homes — and wallets — under pressure. With a mix of indoor and outdoor strategies, you can keep your energy bills in check while staying cool all summer long. Here are several ways to reduce energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
Outside the House
• Planting shade trees on the south and west sides of your home can block intense afternoon sun and reduce the heat that penetrates walls and windows. Consider using drought-tolerant plants instead of heat-absorbing gravel or bare soil. Light-colored gravel or paving can also reflect more sunlight and reduce overall heat buildup around your home.
• If you have windows that receive direct sunlight, install sun shades, solar screens, window awnings or pergolas. These can significantly cut down the amount of heat that enters your home.
Inside the House
• Use a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat to set higher temperatures when you’re away and cooler temps when you’re
home. Keeping it at 78°-80° when you’re home and a few degrees higher when you’re out can make a noticeable difference. For every degree you set your thermostat above 80, you can save approximately 2% to 3% on cooling costs.
• Ceiling fans are a great supplement. They don’t lower the temperature but help circulate air, making you feel cooler. Just remember to turn them off when you leave a room, because fans cool people not rooms.
• Seal any air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork. Poor insulation or leaks force your HVAC system to work harder. Set a reminder to change your filters regularly to increase the efficiency of your unit and ensure its long life.
• Lastly, minimize indoor heat by using energyefficient appliances, cooking outdoors when possible, and keeping blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day.
With these simple changes, you can stay cool and energy efficient all summer long — even in the Arizona heat.
Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor and Estrella Resident
MOUNTAIN RANCH
FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISRTY
The Doctor Is In
Respect is Earned, Not Owed
The way to get respect is to command it, not demand it. The difference is significant. Demanding respect relies on external validation like titles or power, often stemming from insecurity and breeding resentment. Conversely, commanding respect is an “inside job,” rooted in consistent character and observable actions, demonstrating qualities that inspire admiration.
Four fundamental qualities underpin commanding respect: competence, trustworthiness, empathy and humility. Competence signifies knowing your subject and delivering on your promises. Trustworthiness involves dependability, honesty and integrity. Empathy is the willingness to understand others’ perspectives, distinct from sympathy’s shared experience. Humility entails a modest self-view, openness to feedback, and a willingness to apologize.
Crucially, commanding respect begins with self-
respect. This internal confidence arises from valuing oneself, accepting imperfections and practicing self-forgiveness. Cultivating self-respect involves challenging negative thoughts, practicing self-kindness and nurturing positive, balanced relationships where one feels valued. Understanding and honoring personal wants and desires through identifying values, practicing self-care and being assertive are also vital. Commanding respect is about attraction, not expectation. While basic human rights warrant respectful treatment, earning further respect requires conscious effort in six areas. First, know your worth and behave accordingly, projecting confidence and upholding expectations. Second, set and maintain solid boundaries, valuing your time and energy and addressing disrespect immediately. Third, behave honestly and ethically, aligning words and actions, keeping commitments and taking responsibility. Fourth, be an effective communicator through active listening, clear and respectful speech, assertiveness and maintaining composure. Fifth, increase your competence and expertise through continuous learning, decisive action and a strong work ethic. Sixth, treat others with respect through empathy, courtesy and positive interactions.
By focusing on earning respect through your actions, you cultivate genuine admiration and loyalty, a far more sustainable and effective approach than demanding it.
Submitted by Dr. J. Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D.
Crisis to Recovery
From Crisis to Recovery: How Residential Treatment Helps Teen Girls Heal
A Turning Point for Teen Female Mental Health
Across the country, teen girls are facing rising levels of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health challenges. For many families, traditional outpatient therapy simply isn’t enough. That’s where residential treatment begins by offering a deeper level of care in a safe, structured environment. At Horizon Recovery’s Buckeye location, the path to healing begins with compassionate, individualized support specific to teenage girls.
Why Residential Treatment Matters
Residential treatment provides 24/7 care in a setting designed for focus, reflection, and growth. At Horizon Recovery’s Buckeye campus, teen girls are surrounded by a professional team of therapists, counselors, and support staff who understand the complexity of adolescent mental health. The program integrates evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), along with trauma-informed care and skillbuilding sessions that empower girls to take control of their healing journey.
A Healing Environment
Set against the serene backdrop of the Arizona desert, the Buckeye location offers a peaceful and structured environment where teen girls can step away from daily stressors and focus fully on recovery. Daily routines include individual therapy, group discussions, mindfulness practices, and healthy recreational activities. This holistic approach not only addresses symptoms but helps residents rebuild confidence, relationships, and a sense of purpose.
Creating Lasting Change
Residential treatment programs like Horizon Recovery are not quick fixes. They are comprehensive processes focused on long-term stability and wellness. Upon
completion, young women are equipped to build a future grounded in well-being.
For families who have been searching for a way to break the cycle of crisis and despair, Horizon Recovery offers a beacon of hope. It transforms the narrative of crisis into one of opportunity, where healing is not merely a possibility but an expectation. At Horizon Recovery, families find a supportive community and a path toward lasting change, where they can rebuild their lives and relationships with renewed optimism and a shared commitment to well-being.
Submitted by Koren Hudson, MA, LPC, NCC, Clinical Director
ABOUT HORIZON RECOVERY
Horizon Recovery is a leading behavioral health treatment organization exclusively designed to address the unique needs of adolescents seeking recovery from co-occurring disorders. Our comprehensive services offer a holistic approach to healing, combining various treatments and therapies. www.horizonrecovery.com
Supplemental Health
“Shortcuts”: A Guide to Supplements
Before diving in, I should note that there’s no one-sizefits-all approach to fitness—everyone’s body responds differently. As someone who’s invested considerable time in personal fitness, I can share what science supports and what pitfalls to avoid. Consider this guidance, not gospel, as you know your body best. First, a hard-learned lesson: be skeptical of social media supplement ads promising you’ll transform into Vin Diesel within days. Give new products time to undergo proper scientific testing—ideally a year or more—and at minimum, verify they’re FDA approved. Let’s learn from my mistakes and focus on what actually works.
Creatine: The Science-Backed Standard
If muscle gain or fitness improvement is your goal, creatine deserves consideration. This compound of three amino acids naturally occurs in your body and is found in red meats, dairy, and some plant foods. Creatine supports energy production during highintensity exercise and has been extensively studied, showing benefits for:
- Increased muscular endurance
- Enhanced strength gains
- Reduced post-workout fatigue
The primary concerns apply only to those who are pregnant or consume alcohol heavily.
Alternative Evidence-Based Supplements
- Protein powder: Helps meet daily protein requirements for muscle repair and growth, especially
convenient post-workout
- Beta-alanine: Can increase exercise capacity and delay muscle fatigue during high-intensity workouts
- Caffeine: Proven to enhance endurance performance and strength output when consumed before exercise
- Fish oil: Supports recovery through antiinflammatory omega-3 fatty acids
Beyond Supplements
Remember that supplements are exactly that— supplementary to fundamentals. Better than any powder or pill are natural daily habits:
WATER!
This cannot be emphasized enough, especially here in Arizona. Proper hydration is crucial for every bodily function and performance metric. If your urine is yellow, that’s a sign to drink more.
Essential vitamins and minerals: Whether from whole foods or a quality multivitamin, these micronutrients support countless bodily functions essential to health and performance.
When combined with consistent exercise and nutritious eating, these basics will take you further than most trendy supplements ever could. Focus on building sustainable habits rather than searching for shortcuts.
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: Moderate Tuesday, 13th May 2025
Competition
With July 4th just around the corner and the barbecues and picnics, family gatherings and neighborhood pot lucks looming, our thoughts go to that favorite dish. You know the one. The corn bread, wings or potato salad renowned for being the first dish people finish or the desserts full of berries and love. Every family has one or even two.
Well now is your chance to share with the rest of us. Send in your recipe for your favorite crowd pleasing Fourth of July dish (pictures too if you have them). The best of the best will be published in our July editions and be eligible to win a gift card for either Bodega or Salt restaurants in Westgate.
Email your recipes to info@estrellapublishing.com before June 12th to be entered into the competition.
