Up The Hill

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 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.

From Me To You...

I was scrolling on the internet recently and a headline jumped out at me, “3 Scary Noises Your Furnace Shouldn’t Make.” So I immediately thought, “I should read this so I know if my furnace is making any unusual or dangerous noises!” Now I should note that my furnace is not making any odd noises that I am aware of, and if it was I wouldn’t hear them anyway because it is in the garage. But that did not stop me from scrolling to learn all I could - from the font of all wisdom, the internet.

Did you ever think that there would be too much information? That having access to all the knowledge out there would cause more problems than it would fix?

Let me give you another example. Someone in our family recently had regular blood work done. “Not a problem!” You say. Well, have you visited a doctor recently? Gone for any blood tests or scans? Then you too are a victim of the ‘knows too much’ family. Those incomprehensible lists of names you almost know from all those hours of watching Grey’s Anatomy, the scary numbers that

seem so high and low compared to the ‘normal range’ presented to you.

So you do what we all do. Google it. This, my friends, is the rabbit hole of information that always ends with you convinced that you have at the least a serious, if not terminal, diagnosis. Once an actual doctor was consulted there was nothing unusual in the tests, but the temporary terror we experienced was not good for our health. In this world of law suits and commercials claiming that everyone has been exposed to some terrifying chemical or other, it can be hard to reign in the terror that a medical report instills.

A little knowledge is apparently a dangerous thing, and I will try to reduce my internet based research in the future. Now excuse me while I check out my furnace, I swear I heard it making a noise just now...

Catherine Uretsky

Editor, Main Street magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623-398-5541

Happy Hosting

The holidays are coming up, which means your life will be full of family, friends and many delicious meals. To keep everything running along merrily this year, why not take steps to make hosting less stressful, and a lot more joyful? Here are 4 key tips and a few must-have kitchen essentials that can make your holiday hosting easier than ever.

1. Stock your pantry before the holidays

Even before finalizing your holiday menus, ensuring that your pantry staples are well stocked will prevent last-minute panic runs to the store for things like flour, salt, cooking oil and chocolate, lots of chocolate. Take inventory of your cupboards to see if any of those kitchen necessities are running low - then you’ll be ready for all kinds of tasty recipes.

2. Don’t underestimate your prep

time

If your recipe says a dish takes 45 minutes to prepare and cook, build in an extra 30 minutes when scheduling your meal prep time before guests arrive. Even better, prep or cook some items (or components) ahead, so they’re pre-chopped or ready to take from the fridge and reheat. Everything always takes longer than expected, so you’ll relieve a lot of stress if you know you’ll have time to do it well. Then you can relax, put on your favorite music, gather your ingredients and get ready to make holiday magic.

3. Let many hands make light work

Holiday cooking and baking memories with friends and relatives may be some of the best memories from your own childhood, so go ahead and let your family and friends help out with some of your meal preparation, cooking and

table setting. Even little hands can do a few simple tasks to help, and the more the merrier!

4. Clean as you go

If you can do some of the cleanup during the preparation and cooking process, you’ll not only maximize your prep surface, but you’ll also make it a lot easier to finish the cleaning after the festivities have wound down for the day.

There’s nothing more satisfying than collaborating with loved ones to prepare a celebration, so take time to have fun and savor the moment. Taste your own food, spend time with the people you care about and enjoy the wonderful holiday feeling you’ve helped to create.

Ding Dong

When I hear the Salvation Army Holiday Bells ringing, it reminds me that the meaning of the season is not merely about receiving, but more to do with giving. There is so much joy, happiness and blessings that come to those with a generous heart. The Estrella Realtor Networking Group (ERNG) has participated in the Bells of Christmas for the past 3 years and is excited to do it again this year. The members of ERNG thrive on bringing joy to our neighbors, and we are excited for Real Estate Wednesdays as we ring the holiday bells at the Safeway in Estrella.

Each Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. through the month of December, members of ERNG will be ringing the Salvation Army Christmas Bells, and collecting donations in our famous red kettle for people in need. Most often,

at no fault of their own, people are struggling financially, and we want to help bring joy during this magical season.

The Estrella Realtor Networking Group (ERNG) is all about giving back to the community. This year has been a tremendous success as the group launched our annual Socktober event, where you, the community, partnered with us to collect over 1,500 pairs of warm socks for the homeless in Phoenix.

With your help and generosity, we can put a holiday smile on someone’s face by donating to help the people in our community. The Salvation Army provides assistance to those in need 365 days a year. This non-profit organization not only assists those in need of food, but also has a free substance abuse program, helps provide shelter for homeless, domestic violence shelters, Military assistance, a variety of youth mentoring programs and much more.

So be on the lookout for reindeer antlers and some holiday cheer as we ring in the Real Estate Wednesday holidays with you at Safeway in Estrella.

Submitted by Debbie Young, Estrella Realtor Networking Group

Yum Yum

Texas Sheet Cake Cookies (for Santa!)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for COOKIE EXCHANGES! Many of us have been to one or hosted ~ depending on the number of guests, instructions are given for how many cookies to bring so that everyone goes home with a bountiful variety. The recipe I’m sharing this month comes from a neighbor, Kelly, who brought these to last year’s event ~ and they were one of the hits of the party! And what are the origins of Texas Sheet Cake, you ask? A reference for a large chocolate sheet cake published in the Galveston Daily News back in 1936 as well as a 1967 recipe for another chocolate sheet cake with pecans in the frosting that was published in the Huntsville Heritage Cookbook. Yes, Huntsville as in Alabama, not Texas!

Cookie Ingredients:

1 box Devil’s Food Cake Mix

2 Eggs, whisked

1/3 C Vegetable or Canola Oil

Frosting:

½ C unsalted Butter

2 T unsweetened Cocoa Powder

3 T whole Milk

2-1/2 C Powdered Sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine cookie ingredients in a large bowl until mixed thoroughly. Dough will be thick.

Using a medium cookie scoop, place dough on parchment-lined cookie sheets.

Bake for 7-8 minutes; remove from oven then let cool on the cookie sheets for 4-5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.

Combine first (3) frosting ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat and whisk until melted. Remove from heat and add powdered sugar ~ whisk until smooth. Using a small spatula, spread frosting over cookies.

Let frosting set; cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature up to (3) days. Optional: Place a Pecan Half on each cookie after frosting is spread.

Submitted by Maureen Woods

The Bug Guy

Winter is here, at last! With lows in the 40s in November I wonder what December will bring. Could it be cold enough for snow as we get deeper into winter? Maybe, maybe not, we will just have to wait and see. As our winter season progresses it’s important to remember to reach out to your friends and family to stay connected, not just during the holidays, but all year long.

Regardless of whether or not the cooler weather is appealing to you, we anticipate certain insect activity will decrease; however, other ones will increase. I know that we are all enjoying the cooler temperatures and are enjoying the comforts of opening our homes to the fresh air, however, we need to be mindful to keep our window/door screens shut and in good repair to keep the creepy crawlers out of the house.

The cooler weather changes the types of insects that are more prevalent around our homes but doesn’t remove all of them. Be on the lookout for an increase in more flying bugs as well as

spiders. The big jump in the quantity of spiders we will see is primarily based on the increase in their food source, flying insects. Don’t worry though, the dangerous spiders we have like the black widow, shelter down for the winter.

On another positive weather-related note, with our lows below 50 degrees the rattle snakes are trying to stay warm and are mostly not interested in getting out of their den for the season. Keep in mind, however, that a warm day may bring them out of hibernation. So, if you are out on our trails and its warm you should continue to keep an eye out for snakes.

With the return of cooler weather, we also see the return of the great horned owls. Not only are these beautiful raptures, but they will also help control the native rodent population as rodents are their natural prey.

Continue to be mindful of your surroundings to keep your family safe from our typical winter pests. Enjoy your holidays!

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Estrella 411

This time of year has us thinking a lot about what’s most important in our lives. Here are the Top 10 things making Estrella Mountain Ranch an attraction for people of all ages and at different stages of life.

1. WEATHER

This is the best time of year in sunny Goodyear, Arizona. Our Estrella “cool season” averages a daily high temperature around 73°F.

2. SCENIC NEIGHBORHOODS

40+ parks, 50+ miles of trails, two large lakes, an 18-hole golf course, and stunning mountain views attract visitors year-round.

3.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The local schools, HOA, and City of Goodyear offer numerous ways to get involved.

4. BULK TRASH

Monthly bulk trash services keep the streets pristine. Just type in your address at https://www.

goodyearaz.gov/trash to see collection dates.

5. COMMUNITY EVENTS

Farmers’ Markets. Food Truck Nights. Lakeside Music Festival. Ballet Under the Stars. The options for celebrating in Estrella are endless.

6. EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

From STEM to an International Baccalaureate program, students are challenged in the classroom. Estrella Foothills High School offers educational and college readiness programs.

7. SAFETY

The overall crime rate is low. A newly constructed 2nd fire station in south Estrella helps improve response times.

8. WATER RESOURCES

Estrella’s water provider is the City of Goodyear which prioritizes safe drinking water, groundwater pumping, and a robust water portfolio.

9. RETIREMENT & FAMILY HOUSING OPTIONS

On your own? Raising a family? Ready to retire? Housing options for all people can be found in Estrella. Your HOA fees also cover use of residents’ clubs with fitness areas & pools.

10. SMALL-TOWN CHARM WHILE MAINTAINING GROWTH

Here in Estrella Mountain Ranch, the community has approximately 6,400 undeveloped acres. That land will be developed with additional retail, parks, trails and up to 14,000 single and multi-family units.

Most important, though? The people we surround ourselves with. Having family and friends nearby makes this Top 10 list even more enjoyable.Our family wishes you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season! - Martin Sears of WestUSA Realty - Estrella Branch

Home Sweet Home

It’s time to create a joyful, uplifting space with simple comforts and heartwarming family traditions. Here are the biggest design trends for Christmas 2022.

1. Nostalgia: As we look toward a Christmas we’re going to see a return to celebrate the traditional, with red and gold looking to be two of the top trending colors.

2. Glamour: Dramatic mixed metallics of gold with accents of silver are set against the opulence of beads and feathers, as well as crystal garlands that hark back to the Roaring Twenties.

3. Gonks: Gonks, inspired by gnomes and hobgoblins found in Scandinavian and Nordic mythology, are bigger than ever this year. Gonks perch perfectly on steps and stairs, beneath the Christmas tree, or by the fireplace.

4. Nature: A sprinkle of nature will be influencing our Christmas decorations too this year. Go big on foliage and decorate with wildlife-inspired baubles and ornaments.

5. Laser Cut: Laser cut Christmas decorations are great for decorating shelves, mantelpieces or used as part of a tablescape. While using the

latest technology they maintain a distinctly homemade feel.

6. Pink: A pink Christmas? Pink hues have dominated 2022 and will soar next year, so it’s no surprise that it’s made the list as a key Christmas decorating trend.

7. Mantlescaping: This trend offers a great excuse to get experimental with decorating – it’s really about clever styling to make your fireplace a focal point for the room. Invest in a Christmas garland, and then layer up and experiment with height using ornaments, candles and fairy lights.

8. Jeweled: Add decadence to your home this Christmas with a palette of midnight blues, rich emerald greens, deep purples and ruby reds. Soften with copper tones, mirrored elements and crystal glass baubles to make this look truly shine.

9. Doorscaping: Up your curb appeal at Christmas. John Lewis reveals that sales of wreaths and garlands have soared 48 per cent year-on-year as customers plan doorstop displays to delight their neighbors.

Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor and Estrella Resident

a great

develop

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