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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
In a world where “five more minutes” is the battle cry of the masses, I stand before you as a reformed snooze-button addict to sing the praises of early rising. I seems I’ve crossed over to the dark side - or should I say, the blindingly bright side, of being up early enough to witness the sunrise.
BC (or Before Children) I would struggle out of bed around 8am, get a coffee and a book and burrow back under the covers for a few hours. Not anymore. Now in the AD years (After Divesting the house of college bound kids) I can’t seem to stop the habit of early rising - waking before my alarm clock blares and leaping out of bed, ready to tackle my to-do list with gusto, or at least good intentions.
Early rising does have some interesting benefits you may not have thought of. First and foremost, waking up at the crack of dawn allows you to experience the magic of a quiet house. It’s like being the last survivor in a zombie apocalypse, except instead of the undead, you’re avoiding your family’s morning breath and incoherent grunts. But the real perk? You get to witness the miracle of your coffee maker transforming from a useless hunk of plastic into your personal savior. It’s a religious experience, really.
Let’s not forget the joy of smugly updating your social media status at 5 AM. Nothing says “I’ve got my life together” quite like a photo of your kale smoothie (or in my case, coffee mug) with the caption “Up and at ‘em!” while the rest of the world is still drooling on their pillows. Early rising also gives you the opportunity to tackle your to-do list before your brain realizes what’s happening. It’s like productivity sleepwalking - you’re getting things done, but you’re not entirely sure how or why.
If you are one of those people who hits the snooze button so much there is a dent in your alarm clock, I encourage you to try catapulting yourself out of bed on the first ring. Embrace the eye bags, the coffee addiction, and the smug sense of superiority. After all, the early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. Wait, wrong metaphor. Oh well, I’ve been up since 5 AM - cut me some slack ;)
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, Up The Hill Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com
623.398.5541
On Our Cover
In the heart of Estrella lives a family whose story embodies the spirit of volunteerism, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship. Brian and Lynette, along with their children Kaeleigh, Zachary, and Tyler, moved here from Bolingbrook, Illinois, drawn by a job transfer and the promise of a close-knit community. Attracted by the area’s family-friendly atmosphere, engaged community, and good local schools, they quickly found their place in this desert oasis.
For the family, volunteering is not just an activity— it’s a way of life. Their commitment to giving back was instilled early, with the children participating in various community services from a young age. From tvolunteering with the PTA to Veterans organisations to visiting nursing homes, the family’s ethos of service has been a constant thread in their lives. As they settled into Estrella, they became fixtures at local events. Lynette, in particular, immersed herself in community affairs, joining several committees and taking on roles in local school districts and the City of Goodyear.
The family’s dedication to volunteering laid the foundation for their children’s entrepreneurial spirit. Their extensive community involvement made the children comfortable interacting with adults, a skill that proved invaluable in their business endeavors.
In Illinois, Zachary began with lawn care and snow shoveling. Upon moving to Arizona, both Zachary and Tyler took initiative, going door-to-door offering yard work services. These small beginnings blossomed into a thriving family business, Keating Konnection. The boys managed landscaping, hardscape, and irrigation, while Lynette and Kaeleigh focused on home cleaning and pet sitting. This enterprise not only taught the children valuable lessons in responsibility and time management but also allowed them to achieve significant milestones, like purchasing their own car.
The family’s story is a testament to the power of community engagement and hard work. They believe that introducing their children to volunteering at a young age instilled in them the belief that with dedication, they could accomplish anything. For this family, the rewards of their volunteer work extend beyond community impact. They’ve witnessed their children grow into confident, hardworking individuals, capable of balancing school, sports, and business responsibilities. Their message to others remains clear: get involved, educate yourself, and remember that knowledge and participation are key to making the world a better place—and possibly launching a successful family business along the way.
The Doctor Is In
Ask Dr. Jen: The #1 Ingredient for Success
“I own my own business, and I struggle with doing what it takes to have consistent success…. I know my confidence is somewhat of an issue, but I feel like there’s more to it than that…. What would you say is the primary ingredient for success?” - James M.
I love this question! I know there are lots of entrepreneurs and side hustlers out there, so I’m going to answer this in a multi-part series. Here’s Part 1…
Whatever you’re selling the #1 ingredient for success is enthusiasm. Enthusiasm has 3 components: Excitement, Eagerness and Energy. Excitement is easy when you promote a product you love. Eagerness is fully expressed when you overcome your internal objections and let your passion show. Energy is
cultivated when you know how to overcome external objections and show up in an authentic way.
Entrepreneurs tend to be thinkers, which is good when it comes to generating ideas and making things happen. It’s bad, though, when it leads to overthinking and letting negative thoughts create a lack of confidence. But I’m going to say something about confidence that may shock you: Your lack of confidence is nothing but an excuse…an excuse that you use to keep you from putting yourself out there— asking for a referral, sharing a product, sending a text about your event. This is the difference between you and those you admire. Successful people still put their pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone else. They’re not special; they just don’t use lack of confidence as an excuse. They feel fear like anybody else; they simply feel the fear and do it anyway.
No one is confident all the time. I’ve been a psychologist and coach for over 20 years. I’ve worked with very successful entrepreneurs, surgeons, attorneys, millionaires, even motivational speakers. Trust me, no one is fearless.
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
Submitted by Jennifer Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist
School Board
Voting for elementary school board members is a critical civic duty that often flies under the radar. While national and state elections garner significant attention, local school board elections can have a profound and direct impact on our communities and children’s education. School board members play a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of their districts. They make decisions on curriculum, budgets, policies, and hiring key personnel like superintendents. These choices directly affect the quality of education our children receive and the overall learning environment in schools.
By participating in school board elections, voters have a say in determining educational priorities. Whether it’s emphasizing STEM programs, special needs services, or addressing achievement gaps, board members influence the direction of local schools. They also make decisions on resource allocation, affecting everything from teacher salaries to technology investments and facility maintenance.
School boards also serve as a link between the community and the school system. They represent parents’ concerns and ensure accountability in school administration. Engaged board members can foster better communication between educators and families, leading to more effective partnerships in children’s education. Moreover, school board decisions can have long-lasting effects beyond the classroom. Quality education contributes to higher property values and helps build stronger, more resilient communities. By extension, voting in these elections is an investment in the future of the entire community.
Unfortunately, school board elections often see low voter turnout. This means a small number of voters can have a disproportionate impact on outcomes. By showing up to vote, citizens ensure that school boards truly represent the diverse perspectives and needs of the entire community. Voting is a responsibility to our children and our communities.
zimmermanschmidt4liberty.com
ENDORSED BY PARENTS AND TEACHERS
“After serving 24 years as a principal, I know how important it is to have board members who will always make decisions that are student-centered. As former public school classroom teachers, Kellie and Sarah understand that public school districts must meet the needs of every single student. I am confident that they will use their voices to advocate for the students of this district with every decision they make.”
Robert W. Cobb
“As a retired JCFD deputy fire chief, 9-11 first-responder, and Vietnam Veteran, I deeply understand the importance of great leadership. This is why I am endorsing Kellie Zimmerman and Sarah Schmidt for the Liberty Elementary #25 Governing Board. Kellie and Sarah will be a refreshing addition to the board, bringing integrity back to our district.”
Dave Bogart
Retired Principal
Veteran
Furry Friends
Did you know your favorite dog breed can reveal a lot about your personality? According to celebrity dog trainer and certified pet behavioral expert Nicole Ellis, it can even tell you what kind of wine you’ll enjoy. To find out which wine is your “PAW-fect” match, Ellis evaluated and matched a number of characteristics.
Classic
dogs and classic wine
Golden Retrievers are one of the most beloved, classic American dog breeds. Similar to the Chardonnay, they are versatile and well-loved due to their ability to excel in various roles, from family pets to service dogs.
Strong, loving spirits and robust, complex wine
Staffordshire Terriers often have layered and very endearing personalities. They’re known for their confidence and boldness, too - very similar to the strong characteristics of a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Lively
wine for people who love cheerful dogs
If you enjoy the friendly and cheerful nature of Bichon Frises, then you’ll appreciate the smooth texture and fruity profile of a Sauvignon Blanc. A Bichon Frise’s fluffy white coat and playful personality align perfectly with the refreshing flavor of this wine.
Harmonious
qualities in canine and wine alike
Affable and dynamic are great descriptors for the everpopular poodle mixes known as “Doodles”. Doodles are celebrated for their adaptable temperaments, combining the best traits of their parent breeds, just like the harmonious blend of flavors you’ll find in a Merlot.
Grace
and sophistication
The look and spirited nature of a Sighthound - such as a Greyhound, Whippet or Saluki - turns heads wherever it goes, much like the elegant characteristics of a Zinfandel. With vibrant flavors it complements Sighthounds’ lively and agile nature.
Adaptable wine for mixed breeds
Mixed breeds often rescue their humans as much as their owners rescue them and can be highly adaptable to different environments, much like the diverse yet harmonious tasting notes of Pinot Noir, which pairs well with various foods.
You can purchase these and other wines while helping support Canine Companions by visiting StFrancisWinery.com. Please drink responsibly. For more information, visit Responsibility.org.
The Bug Guy
Spooky Pests and Where to Find Them: A West Valley Halloween Special
As Halloween approaches in the Valley of the Sun, residents are preparing for a different kind of scare – the kind that scuttles, crawls, and sometimes flies. Yes, we’re talking about the creepy-crawly world of pest control in the valley, where the line between Halloween decorations and actual infestations can get frighteningly blurry.
## The Scorpion King: Not Just a Dwayne Johnson Movie: Let’s start with everyone’s favorite arachnid, the scorpion. These little devils are like the ninja warriors of the pest world – stealthy, potentially deadly, and surprisingly good at hide-and-seek. Pro tip: If you’re planning to dress up as a scorpion for Halloween, make sure your neighbors don’t mistake you for the real deal and call pest control on you.
## Rodents: The Unwanted Trick-or-Treaters: Next up, we have roof rats. These furry fiends are the ultimate party crashers, showing up uninvited and refusing to leave. They’re like that one relative who always overstays their welcome during the holidays. This Halloween, consider leaving out some rat traps
alongside your jack-o’-lanterns – you know, just to cover all your bases.
## Termites: The Silent Wood Munchers: Termites are the ninjas of the pest world – silent, deadly (to your home’s structure), and masters of disguise. They’re so good at hiding, you might want to check if that wooden stake you’re using for your vampire costume hasn’t already been turned into a termite buffet.
## Ghostbusters: When faced with these spooky invaders, who you gonna call? No, not the Ghostbusters (although that would be cool). It’s time to dial up your local Phoenix pest control experts. These brave souls are the real-life Van Helsings of the Valley, armed with sprays, traps, and a wealth of knowledge on how to send these creepy critters packing.
So this Halloween remember that the real horror show might be lurking in your walls or crawling across your patio. But fear not, West Valley residents! With a little vigilance you can keep your home free from unwanted guests – both supernatural and six-legged.
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control, Estrella Resident
Cook with Zona
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
I don’t care what the temperature is outside; because inside my home it is officially fall! My house is decorated with fall leaves, pumpkins, and of course my fall themed gnomes. The only thing my home is missing is the glorious scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla! This pumpkin chocolate chip muffin recipe is so simple, you’re going to love it, and no need to get out your mixer. You can also make this recipe dairyfree by substituting with a dairy-free milk. This muffin recipe is very adaptable, add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries; sprinkle with coarse sugar; or leave plain. I hope I’ve convinced you. Now, let’s get baking!
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 21 mins | Total time: 41 mins - including cool down
Ingredients
1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 and 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1 and 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk (dairy or nondairy)
1 cup chocolate chips (other add-ins)
Steps
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ginger, and salt together until combined. Set aside.
3. In a separate medium sized bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk together until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and then fold everything together gently just until combined and no flour pockets remain.
4. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips in the batter right before spooning into your muffin pan.
5. Spoon the batter into liners, filling them all the way to the top.
6. Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F, then, keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Bake for an additional 16–17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The total time these muffins take in the oven is about 21–22 minutes, give or take. Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan before removing.
7. Cover tightly and store at room temperature for up to 1 week.
8. Enjoy!
Home Sweet Home
Halloween Decorating Trends in 2024: Spooky, Stylish, and Green
Halloween decorations are becoming more elaborate and creative, with a shift towards both eco-friendliness and high-tech scares. This year, several trends stand out as people transform their homes into eerie wonderlands.
1. Sustainable Spookiness ~ Eco-conscious consumers are leading the charge in sustainable Halloween decorations. DIY crafts using recycled materials like cardboard, glass jars, and old fabrics are making a comeback. Reusable decor, such as wooden pumpkins and metal lanterns, is also gaining popularity, allowing homeowners to avoid single-use plastic items. LED lights, energy-efficient alternatives to traditional bulbs, are being used to light up porches and yards in festive yet eco-friendly ways.
2. Minimalistic Gothic ~ In contrast to past years’ overly crowded displays, the 2024 trend is sleek and spooky minimalism. Dark hues like black, deep purple, and burgundy set the tone, while a few carefully placed skulls, ravens, or candelabras create a haunting ambiance. This aesthetic is popular for indoor spaces,
where people want to maintain a gothic vibe without overwhelming clutter.
3. Tech-Enhanced Displays ~ For those who love a high-tech scare, projection mapping is a standout trend this year. Homeowners are using digital projectors to cast moving images like ghosts or graveyards onto their homes, adding a 3D element without physical decor. Smart home systems that coordinate flickering lights with spooky sound effects bring a more immersive, interactive experience.
4. Whimsical Horror ~ Not all Halloween decor is designed to terrify. In 2024, there’s a playful approach to horror with whimsical, vintage-inspired decorations. Think cartoonish ghosts, retro witches, and classic movie monsters in bright colors. These items add a nostalgic charm, appealing to families who want fun rather than fright.
Incorporating a mix of sustainability, technology, and personal style, Halloween decorating in 2024 is both creative and conscious, offering a balance between oldworld gothic and futuristic fun.
Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor and Estrella Resident
Autumn Wellness
Nurturing Body and Mind in October
October presents a unique opportunity to focus on personal wellness. This transitional month, bridging the gap between summer’s extreme heat and winter’s introspection, offers the perfect backdrop for nurturing both body and mind.
Embracing Seasonal Nutrition:
October’s harvest brings a cornucopia of nutritious options to our tables. Pumpkins, rich in beta-carotene and fiber, can boost immune function and promote healthy skin. Apples, abundant this time of year, are packed with antioxidants and can help regulate blood sugar. Incorporating these seasonal superfoods into your diet not only supports your health but also connects you to the natural rhythm of the earth.
Mindful Movements in Nature:
The crisp autumn air (hopefully) and stunning foliage (everywhere but southern Arizona...) create an ideal environment for outdoor exercise. Consider swapping your gym routine for nature walks or trail runs. The changing atmosphere potentially provides a feast for
the senses, turning your workout into a more mindful experience. Yoga practitioners can take their mats outside, using this seasonal transition as an inspiration for balance and flexibility in their practice.
Cultivating Mental Clarity:
As the days grow shorter, many find themselves naturally inclined towards introspection. October is an excellent time to start a meditation practice or to journal regularly. The season’s inherent reminder of impermanence can inspire profound reflections on personal growth and life goals. Consider setting aside a few minutes each day for quiet contemplation, perhaps while watching the sunrise or sunset.
Boosting Immune Health:
With cold and flu season approaching. October is the perfect time to fortify your immune system. In addition to a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and D, consider incorporating immune-boosting herbs like echinacea or elderberry into your routine. Adequate sleep becomes increasingly important; use the earlier sunsets as a natural cue to establish a consistent sleep schedule.
Creating Cozy Self-Care Rituals:
As the weather cools, indulging in warm, comforting self-care rituals can nourish both body and should. Try incorporating aromatherapy with seasonal scents like cinnamon or pine into your daily routine. A warm bath infused with essential oils can soothe tired muscles and calm the mind. Don’t forget the power of touch – treat yourself to a massage relieve tension and promote relaxation.
As we navigate the shift into autumn, October invites us to align our wellness practices with the changing season. By embracing this time of transition, we can cultivate resilience, vitality, and inner peace that will carry us through the months ahead.
Fall In AZ
The Wonders of Fall in Arizona
As the intense summer heat finally begins to wane, Arizona transforms into a cooler weathered wonderland. While the state may not be renowned for its autumn foliage like the northern states, those knowledgeable can find pockets of stunning fall beauty if they know where to look.
One of the best places to experience the magic of an Arizona autumn is Sedona. This picturesque red rock town in the high desert is famous for its incredible natural scenery, and the change of seasons only enhances its allure. Throughout October, the oak, sumac, and cottonwood trees lining the canyons and creeks put on a dazzling display, their leaves shifting from deep green to brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red. A hike along the trails of Oak Creek Canyon or a scenic drive up to the viewpoints of Schnelby Hill Road offers breathtaking vistas of the fall foliage set against Sedona’s iconic sandstone formations.
Further north, if you are looking for an even cooler atmosphere, the peaks near flagstaff provide a spectacular autumn showcase. As the aspens high up on the mountain slopes shift to their autumnal yellows and golds. The contrast between the evergreen pines and the rugged, snow dusted peaks are simply
stunning. One of the best ways to experience this is by taking the Arizona Snowbowl’s scenic chairlift ride, which offers panoramic views of the colorful forest canopy below.
Even in the Sonoran Desert region around Phoenix, the changing of the seasons is evident. While palm trees and cacti may not produce the most vibrant leaf displays of other regions, the urban parks and preserves of the valley of the sun come alive with the warm hues of Palo Verde, mesquite, and cottonwood trees. A hike through the trails of South Mountain Park or the Desert Botanical Garden provides a peaceful autumn respite from the city.
Of course, no article about fall in Arizona would be complete without mentioning the iconic saguaro cactus. As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, these giants of the desert begin to bloom with delicate white flowers, providing a unique seasonal contrast to their prickly green forms. Popular destinations like Saguaro National Park offer the perfect opportunity to witness this natural wonder.
This often-overlooked season is truly a special time to explore the state’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
EMES CCV
Celebrating A Breakthrough at EMES
It’s a break through! With few exceptions, CCV (Cougar Community Volunteers) at Estrella Mountain Elementary School tend to avoid math, and there are usually no requests for volunteers at the junior high level. Ms. Sheesley changed all that by requesting volunteers for her 8th grade math class on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Two volunteers, Amy and Michelle, accepted.
Here are the logistics: Ms. Sheesley emails the lesson in advance to the volunteer, who reviews it. The volunteer joins the entire class for the 45-minute 8th grade math curriculum lesson of the day. After a short break, there is a 15-minute review session and students complete their Quiet Exit Tickets. Quiet Exit Tickets are completed silently and show that either the student understands the lesson – or that there are parts of the lesson about which the student is unclear. Ms. Sheesley will focus on the “unclear” areas when she re-teaches the lesson to a small group a few days later.
Then half of the class goes to a different area for 30 minutes to work on Dreambox Math goals with Mr. Dickey, the EMES Instructional Coach. The remaining students spread out to work on their practice problems which reinforce the day’s grade-level math lesson. This time allows students to ask questions and seek clarification around what they have learned that day. The volunteer walks around the room checking in with students about the work they’re doing
on the practice problems and answering questions by citing information from the day’s lesson. This frees Ms. Sheesley to do in-depth work with individual students or small groups. After 30 minutes, this group goes to work on Dreambox Math and the other group comes back to work with Ms. Sheesley and the volunteer.
All of Ms. Sheesley’s math students work on Dreambox Math every day. It’s a program that each student uses independently. Dreambox Math automatically differentiates to meet students where they are, provide support, and adapt to their needs as they master different math concepts. The program provides students with lessons at their 8th grade level, and also adapts to address unfinished learning from prior grades.
Although Ms. Sheesley has all of the math volunteers that she needs for now, there are other volunteer opportunities at EMES. If you are interested in checking out opportunities, RSVP to save a place at one of our October orientations. The dates are October 2 at 1:30; October 9 at 10:00; October 22 at 1:30; and October 28 at 1:30. RSVP to Suzanne Wold by email or text: SuzWold22@gmail.com or 602-451-4748.
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
