Up The Hill

October 2023

Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com

Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com

All contents © 2010-present Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited. Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned. Some content is provided by Brandpointe. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the content of contributing writers and advertisers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Advertisers. Estrella Publishing reserves the right to restrict all advertisement to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy at its sole discretion. Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way.

RICHARD TAX SERVICES LLC

From Me To You...

There is something mesmerizing about nature. I can watch waves crash on a beach or leaves blowing in the wind for hours. It is soothing and relaxing for me. I can watch the movement and let my thoughts drift. Many years ago I played an online multi-player game, and even though I had to concentrate on my quests (and honestly trying to remember how to move, jump, run and fight) it was equally relaxing. Stepping out of the world we live in and being in a space where your responsibilities fade away can be rejuvenating. Reading can accomplish the same thing but for that I need a quiet room and a comfortable chair - two things I cannot always guarantee in my house.

The game was fun, I eventually rose to become a level 74 Night Elf, which tells many of you exactly which game it was. The amount of detail in the world of gaming is incredible and allows for the suspension of belief. I truly believed I could cast a spell and command my pet to help me fullfil my missions. I did avoid fighting as much as possible, partly because I don’t generally enjoy violence, but mostly because I would panic and forget how to use my sword at the same time

as casting a spell and jumping out of the way of my opponent. My skirmishes usually involved pressing any combination of buttons I could imagine until I either won or was annihilated.

As I think about it, perhaps it was not as relaxing as looking at the wind blow gently through the trees, but it certainly allowed me to escape to another place, even for a short while. Games promise a world where if we follow the rules and try hard enough, anything can be overcome – a comforting idea that particularly resonates when we’re making our way through hard times. Whether your hard times are monetary, familial, or situational I can certainly see the appeal.

Now if I could just remember my username and password for that Night Elf, I suddenly have a hankering to cast a few spells.

Catherine Uretsky

Editor, Up The Hill magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623-398-5541

On Our Cover

A New Club is coming to Estrella!

A new club is starting in the community. Estrella Acoustic Guitar. We are forming an acoustic guitar-oriented social club to bring the musicians within the community together to play music and share ideas in an open forum. The club will meet every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6-8 PM, and is open to all interested individuals within the community; regardless of skill level.

An Idea Was Born

Recently I began looking for local musicians to make music with. It was through this process that I discovered that other communities like Canta Mia, Sun City, and Pebble Creek had active music-oriented social groups but it was something that was lacking within the Estrella community.

Music Is Meant to Be Shared in Community

One of the most frequent things I hear is: “I miss

other musicians. I miss making music with other people.” We live in an electronic world where it is increasingly common for people to experience social isolation. In today’s fast-paced world, genuine connections and community building have become increasingly vital to leading a fulfilling life. Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) consistently strive to foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents. Music has a proven track record as a way to inspire unity, friendship, and personal growth within a community through the shared enjoyment of music.

Building a community through music.

In any community, opportunities to genuinely connect with others are essential. It is through these connections that individuals learn more about their neighbors, establish meaningful friendships, and ultimately feel more at home in their surroundings.

It is our goal that the Estrella Musicians Club can provide residents with the perfect platform for forging connections and lasting friendships. Estrella, a destination for music!

Money Matters

We all make mistakes in many areas of life. These mistakes are usually fairly harmless — we took a wrong turn while driving, used the wrong ingredients in a recipe and so on. But sometimes, our mistakes can be costly — especially those connected to investing. Here are some of the most common investment mistakes:

• Too much buying and selling – Frequent trading can work against you in a couple of ways. First, it can be expensive — you could rack up taxes, fees and commissions. More important, though, excessive purchases and sales can make it difficult to follow a cohesive investment strategy. Such a strategy requires, among other things, careful construction and management of an investment portfolio that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Failing to diversify – If you only owned one type of asset, such as growth-oriented stocks, your portfolio could take a hit when the financial

time. And that’s why it’s usually a good idea to own a mix of investments, which can include domestic and foreign stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs) and government securities.

• Trying to “time” the market – “Buy low and sell high” might be the original piece of investment advice, but it’s pretty hard to follow — because no one can really predict when an investment will reach “low” or “high” points. Trying to “time” the market in this way can lead to bad decisions, such as selling investments whose price has dropped, even if these same investments still have good business fundamentals and strong prospects.

Investing will always have its challenges — but you can help make it easier on yourself by staying away from as many mistakes as possible.

Submitted by Wayne Polk, AAMS, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones

Ask Dr Jen

I am new to Arizona, and I am finding it hard to meet people and make new friends. I had plenty of family and friends where I used to live, and I thought I would find it easy to meet people here but I am struggling to make connections. What am I doing wrong? ~ Shannon

I’m so glad you’re trying to connect, Shannon. On a planet of nearly 8 billion people, we’re not meant to go it alone. In fact, social support is the best protection against mental health problems that is available to humans. It’s all about putting yourself out there. I’m not sure what you’ve tried, but here are some suggestions I use with my patients who are looking to branch out socially:

1. Start close. Reach out to neighbors to get acquainted. Take over baked goods or a house plant or just go say hello. Get to know them and see what they’re interested in. Host a wine tasting, potluck or block party and invite them

over.

2. Go to Meetup.com to search for gatherings in your area: book clubs, brunch, game night, hiking, meditation, stargazing, Bible study, football and so much more. You name it, there’s probably a free Meetup group for it.

3. Check out Groupon.com for offerings for discounted activities and events in your area. Even if you go alone, you’re putting yourself out there in your community, and this creates the opportunity to meet people.

4. Click on the Facebook “Events” tab for information about goings on in your area: concerts, festivals and gatherings of all kinds.

5. Find a local house of worship and attend services. I always tell patients to go 3 times before they make a decision to stay or move on to the next one.

6. Get outside of yourself by finding a place nearby at which you can volunteer and meet kindred spirits.

It’s normal to feel anxious about meeting new people or putting yourself out there socially. There’s no magic, though; you simply have to feel the fear and do it anyway. If you don’t have the confidence to go behind getting out there, act “as if” you do and give it a try. Success breeds confidence breeds success.

Have a question for Dr. Jen? Email it to AskTheDoc@EstrellaPublishing.com.

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

Ah, October in the West Valley! The weather is finally cooling down, pumpkin-spiced everything is in full swing, and oh yes, the pests are on the prowl. It seems like just when you’ve put away your shorts and brought out your cozy sweaters, the unwanted invaders decide it’s time to move in and crash on your couch. But fear not, for we have some hilarious tales and tips on how you can battle these unexpected house guests. First up, we have the notorious spider invasion. Picture this: you’re sitting down to enjoy your favorite scary movie when suddenly, a spider rappels down from the ceiling and lands right on your popcorn. Talk about a jump scare! Make sure to keep your broom handy to send these uninvited guests back to where they belong –outside. And don’t forget the vacuum cleaner for those who decide to take up residence in your cozy corners.

Next on our list are the earwigs – those little critters that crawl out of the woodwork, literally. As soon as the temperature takes a dip, they slither their way inside and make themselves comfortable. It’s like they have a radar for the coziest spots in the house. Remember that time you reached into your slipper to find a creepycrawly surprise? Yeah, that was them. Prevent these uninvited guests by sealing any cracks and crevices around your house. You don’t want them hiding in your underwear drawer!

Last but certainly not least, we have the surprising invasion of rats and mice. As if you needed any extra Halloween scares, these furry little devils decide it’s time to cozy up for the winter, right under your roof. Be prepared for unexplained rustling noises in the walls and the occasional nibble on your favorite sweater. Sealing any entry points and setting up traps should do the trick. So there you have it, folks – the not-so-spooky tales of pest control in the West Valley in October. Remember, laughter is your best weapon against these unwanted house guests. Stay on top of your pest control game, and maybe, just maybe, you can turn these misadventures into hilarious stories to share at your next Halloween party. Happy pest hunting!

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella MountainPest Control, Estrella resident

Home Sweet Home

As Halloween approaches, there’s one age-old question that haunts the minds of homeowners everywhere: Should you give out full-size candy bars or mini treats? It’s a dilemma that has plagued candy enthusiasts for centuries (well, maybe not centuries). Let’s dive into the hilarious world of Halloween candy distribution. Imagine you’re the gatekeeper of Halloween candy. Your porch is the final frontier between costumed kiddos and sugary glory. As you ponder your candy options, you find yourself facing an existential crisis worthy of a Shakespearean soliloquy. Full-size candy bars are like the golden ticket of Halloween. They’re the equivalent of winning the lottery for trick-or-treaters. But beware, dear homeowner, for with great chocolate comes great responsibility. On the other hand, mini candy treats are like the small but mighty superheroes of Halloween. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each:

Pros of Full-Size Candy Bars:

- Earn neighborhood fame as the “cool house.”

- Witness pure joy on children’s faces.

- Your porch might become a secret candy bar club.

Cons of Full-Size Candy Bars:

- Risk a lawn camp-out by eager kids.

- Expect long lines due to your candy bar reputation.

- Financial burden the size of a mortgage

Pros of Mini Candy Treats:

- Quick distribution by the handful, earning you the title of the town’s fastest candy giver.

- Budget-friendly, letting you embrace Halloween without emptying your wallet.

- Lower pressure to impress, as no one expects you to channel Willy Wonka.

Cons of Mini Candy Treats:

- Risk being seen as the Halloween Scrooge, denying kids their sugar dreams.

- Face the heartbreak in a child’s eyes when they realize it’s not a full-size bar.

- Accusations of promoting portion control on a sugar-binging night might surface.

In the end, whether you choose full-size candy bars, mini treats, or a mix of both, the most important thing is to embrace the Halloween spirit. Happy Halloween, candy distributors extraordinaire!

Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor and Estrella Resident

Yum Yum

There’s no better way to welcome the crisp air and colorful leaves of fall than with a comforting bowl of homemade butternut squash soup. Earthy sage and rich browned butter infuse freshly harvested butternut squash in this easy-to-make dish, creating a symphony of fall flavors.

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 8 minutes to soften, but not brown. Stir in apples and butternut squash and cook until they begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to cook evenly.

Once the apples and butternut squash have softened, pour in chicken stock, bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper; cover and cook for about 45 minutes, or until the squash is very tender. Use an immersion blender or pour the soup into a blender, working in batches if necessary, and blend until smooth. Return to the pot and stir in heavy cream.

While keeping your blended mixture warm, melt a stick of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add sage leaves and pan fry for about 30 seconds or until crispy. Drain the sage leaves on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt. Continue to cook the butter until browned and nutty, stirring to avoid burning. Transfer to a bowl after 1 to 2 minutes of cooking.

Once your soup is ready to serve, drizzle with browned butter and sprinkle with optional salted seeds and a few fried sage leaves and enjoy!

Dr Anderson

During my Junior year at Mt Lebanon High School, I was in Dr. Anderson’s English Class. Our first assignment was to write a short autobiography which, she explained, would allow her to get to know us better as well as understand our writing skills. Wanting to make a positive impression, I took an unusual approach, writing the brief story from the third person, naming me “He” instead of Mike. Thus, phrases such as “He’s parents required He did his chores every Saturday before leaving the house, and He’s girlfriend was actually two sisters who lived next door, Ana and Patty Castellanos.”

I completed the assignment, and awaited my sterling grade. Imagine my surprise (or should I say He’s surprise) when my paper was marked “see me” in big red letters! After class, I visited with her and explained the name of the character representing me was He, capital H. Therefore, instead of writing “his” I used He as his name. It was a bit confusing at first, but suddenly the light bulb went off, and she changed it to an A!

Perhaps one of Life’s best lessons was provided to me the following year. I took a psychology course from Dr. Anderson. As we approached finals week, Dr Anderson handed out a sample test for us to review. It was largely multiple choice with a short essay.

Dr. Anderson went through each question. We would raise our hands and, in turn, we would give the answer, such as “B”, and she would say “no, it’s A. As we went through the

test, we realized this was going to be a doozy. We were incorrectly answering most of the questions. DR. Anderson advised us to take the practice test home to prepare. The next day, we took the test. Wow! It was the same test we had reviewed, save for the short essay. Of course, we all breezed through it. The next day, our next to last day of our high school years, she returned the graded tests.

We all had failed! Turns out, she had given us the wrong answers. No-one had challenged her. Noone dared question a PhD.! Dr. Anderson then explained. We had been provided many sources of information, our text books, a wonderful High School Library, the encyclopedia’s sitting on our shelves, a daily newspaper, radio and TV news. But, despite all these sources, and despite our instincts, we readily accepted her incorrect answers. She advised us to investigate what we were being told and not be afraid to challenge when we hear something that did not make sense.

The lesson Dr. Anderson provided me was much like waving a red banner in front of a bull. I think I was born rebellious, but it has served me well, and in these days of internet garbage, conspiracy theories and less than critical thinking, it is an even more critical lesson.

Submitted by Michael Roberts, Estrella Resident

Samurai Sudoku

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. Good Luck!

Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

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