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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
Although this summer seemed to drag on for years, we have finally entered the blissful ‘My weather is better than yours!’ phase of Arizona life.
Up north, people are stockpiling supplies as if preparing for nuclear winter whenever the forecast whispers “snow flurries.” Here in Arizona, my biggest winter challenge is remembering where I stored my light jacket last March. That’s it. That’s the preparation. I remember how northern weather forecasts sounded like military operations. “Winter Storm Thor approaching! Expect 8-12 inches of accumulation, wind chills of minus ridiculous, and absolute chaos at every grocery store!” In Arizona, our severe winter warnings are more like, “Alert: Temperature might dip below 60°F. Locals may experience mild confusion about appropriate outfit choices.”
The financial differences are laughable too. My northern friends budget for winter like they’re financing a small nation: snow tires, heavy coats, heating bills that could fund a semester of college, and endless car washes to remove that mysterious gray salt crust that appears every winter. Meanwhile, I’m using my “winter savings” for golf rounds in January.
But perhaps the most satisfying moment is when I send them sunny selfies in February, usually featuring a pool or palm tree in the background. It’s petty? Perhaps. Enjoyable? Absolutely. The responses typically include colorful language and creative suggestions about where I can store my sunshine.
So here’s to you, Arizona winter, you beautiful, mildmannered season. You may not give me snow angels, but you also don’t give me back pain from shoveling, the existential dread of starting a cold car at 5 AM or the sweat inducing olympic level sport of shoving children into snowsuits they despise. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, Up The Hill Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com
623.398.5541
P.S. To my northern friends reading this - yes, I know I’m insufferable. No, I won’t stop bragging. Come visit anytime... preferably between November and February.
On Our Cover
The Estrella Dance Crew is a resident performance group created and directed by Cathy DiLeo. Cathy is a full-time resident volunteer who owned and operated a large dance studio in New Jersey for over 30 years. The group began in Fall of 2017 when Cathy convinced a small group of women that it would be fun to do a Flashmob performance of “Thriller” at the Estrella Mountain Ranch Halloween community event. The performance was so well received that the group continued to surprise the community with more flashmob performances.
As the group’s popularity grew, requests for scheduled performance times came pouring in as residents were disappointed when they missed a Flashmob performance. The flashmob had become a dance group!
In 2022, Cathy named her group “The Estrella Dance Crew”. The performances are all choreographed and staged by Cathy herself. The Estrella Dance Crew has performed at EMR’s Halloween events, Fall Festivals and Christmas Celebrations as well as The Car Club’s Car show and The Realtors Group’s Block Party. The most recent performances include a Halloween “Gypsy medley” complete with tambourines and a
Fall Festival “Wizard of Oz” inspired performance reminding the community that “There’s no place like home…in Estrella”! The Crew’s next performance is scheduled for spring when they will once again perform at the Realtors Group’s Block Party.
The Estrella Dance Crew welcomes anyone with a love for dance. The crew members are all ages. Some have extensive dance experience. Some have no dance experience at all. The goal is to have fun, entertain the community and form lasting friendships. When there is an occasionally rough rehearsal, Cathy will remind the Crew of their mantra, “We got this,” and they always do!!!
In between performances, Cathy and some members of the Crew entertain patients and caregivers at the City of Hope Cancer Center. Cathy also volunteers to call line dances at the annual community Barn Dance. The Estrella Dance Crew is free to join. You must be a resident of Estrella Mountain Ranch and commit to attending all rehearsals. No experience is necessary! In addition to Dance Crew rehearsals, you can find Cathy at the Starpointe Residence Club teaching Dancercise and line dancing classes.
Gift Giving
Giving gifts is all about showing someone how much you love and care about them, but picking out the perfect present is no easy task. Gift shopping doesn’t have to be stressful; and remember you don’t have to fork over an arm and a leg when holiday shopping for everyone on your list. Whether you’re shopping for your mom or dad, kids or grandparents, teachers, or anybody else on your list, we have gift ideas for everyone. Whether that be practical or sentimental. We’re here to help!
Remember, it doesn’t always have to be a guessing game. When in doubt, ask them what’s on their holiday wish list!
Mom:
• “Mom, I Want To Hear Your Story” Journal - $12
• Tea Sampler - $20
• Automatic Wine Bottle Opener - $30
Dad:
• Meat Shredder Claws - $9
• Retractable Ratchet Straps - $40
• Fanttik Mini Electric Screwdriver - $70
Kids:
• Fidget Toys - $10
• All the Things: How to Draw Books for Kids - $10
• Karaoke Microphone Machine - $20
Grandparents:
• Framed Family Photos - $15
• Luna Bean Hand Casting Kit - $25
• Personalized Jewelry - $75
Teachers:
• Gift Cards
• Hand sanitizer - $5
• Personalized Spa Gift Basket - $20
All these ideas can be found on Amazon, happy hunting!
Blue Line Painting
EMES
PTO Math Market at Estrella Mountain Elementary
The EMES K–8 Dreambox Math program helps students fill in math knowledge gaps, become more proficient in grade level math, and even move on to “advanced math’ above their current grade level. With teacher input, our PTO officer-volunteers created Math Market to encourage students to increase the number of extra Dreambox lessons they complete over and above the required number. Dreambox Math participation increases student math proficiency.
In the days prior to Math Market, PTO printed Cougar Cash and filled envelopes for all students based on the number of extra Dreambox lessons they completed. They opened Math Market for 2 hours after school so students could complete another mathrelated action by purchasing trinkets, snacks, minidrinks or squishy stuffed toys with their Cougar Cash.
Tiana Martinez, one of Josh Joyce’s 5th grade students, completed more than 120 extra lessons and earned Cougar Cash totaling 440 dollars. Her prize purchase was a rainbow tie-die squishy stuffed toy. One of her recent lessons was about division with large numbers, like 279 divided by 9.
Nora McVey, who learns math from 4th grade teacher, Angela Duarte, performed an 8th grade math activity with the assistance of Piper Johnson and Liam Perkins, National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) members who are algebra students of Jeff Dougherty. Their intention was to help younger kids learn to love math the way they do.
At their Crazy Cards table, NJHS members Steven Ellison, Isabel James and Cozette Meadows challenged students to answer as many flashcard problems as possible in 1 minute. The cards covered addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Sixth grader, Ayden Zimmerman’s favorite subject is math, which he studies with Amanda Herrera. He completed 272 extra lessons for a cool 800 Cougar Cash dollars. His purchases included a Harkins membership card, a squishy stuffed toy, and candy and snacks.
Math Market incentivized students to exceed their required number of weekly Dreambox lessons and improve their math proficiency. A win for all.
Submitted by Cougar Community Volunteers at Estrella Mountain Elementary
The Bug Guy
Deck the Halls (and Protect Them Too): Pest Control Tips for a West Valley Christmas
As the weather cools and the Christmas spirit fills the air in West Valley, homeowners must also be mindful of unwanted visitors - pests looking to get cozy for the holidays. From rodents seeking shelter to insects hitching a ride on greenery, pest control is an essential part of holiday home preparation in the desert Southwest.
Top of the list are pack rats, a common problem in the West Valley. These rats like areas next to or under outdoor furniture and around the base of cacti, and even the BBQ grill to nest. It’s easy to deny roof rats a warm holiday home. Homeowners should also be on the lookout for rodent droppings and nesting materials.
Another yuletide nuisance, the Sonoran Desert termite, thrives in the mild winters of central Arizona. These wood-munching insects can cause serious structural damage if left unchecked. Regular termite inspections and proper treatment are crucial, especially for homes with wood-based construction.
Decorating with natural greenery also brings increased risk of pests. Spiders, and aphids can easily hitch a ride on live Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands. Carefully inspect all holiday foliage before bringing it inside and consider opting for artificial options if pest problems persist.
While visions of sugarplums dance in residents’ heads, West Valley homeowners must stay vigilant against the realities of seasonal pests. Proactive pest control measures - from sealing entry points to scrutinizing holiday decor - can help ensure a festive and pest-free Christmas in the desert.
From the crew at Estrella Mountain Pest Control, we wish you a spectacular holiday season surrounded by friends and family.
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control, Estrella Resident
Cook with Zona
Oreo Cream Cheese Balls
The holiday season is all about creating memories with family and friends, and these Oreo Cream Cheese Balls are a fun and interactive treat to make together with kids or grandkids. Whether you’re preparing them for a Christmas gathering, a New Year’s Eve celebration, or a cozy evening by the fireplace, these bite-sized delights are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dessert that feels special, without spending hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make a batch of these Oreo Cream Cheese Balls—perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring during the most wonderful time of the year.
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: 10 mins | Cool Time: 30 mins | Total time: 40 mins
Ingredients
1. 1 pack of Oreos - regular, not double-stuffed
2. 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
3. Semi-sweet/dark/white chocolate (your choice; this chocolate is for coating the balls)
4. Toppings of your choice: Candy canes, chocolate drizzle, crushed Oreos
1. Crush Oreos into fine crumbs. Use a food processor or mash them up in a ziplock bag.
2. Mix in cream cheese until combined.
3. Scoop dough and roll it into small balls.
4. Place them on a cookie tray, lined with wax paper or parchment paper and chill in the fridge for about 10-20 minutes.
5. Remove from the freezer and dip each ball in a bowl of melted chocolate.
6. Optional: Sprinkle some additional crushed Oreos, or crushed candy canes, or drizzle more chocolate on top before the chocolate sets.
7. Allow the balls to sit in the fridge for 10-20 minutes. Enjoy!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your Oreo Cream Cheese Balls or tag us on social media @EstrellaPublishing.
Home Sweet Home
The holiday season is here, and with it comes the annual ritual of turning our homes into cozy, festive wonderlands—or at least making a valiant attempt! From untangling last year’s holiday lights (seriously, who ties these knots?) to dusting off family heirlooms and digging out that ancient ornament collection, our homes become stages for laughter, love, and a little chaos. It’s a season of glitter, pine needles, and delicious aromas, and nothing brings that sense of warmth like being home.
For many of us, the holidays are when we start asking those deep, holiday-season questions: Can the living room fit all the cousins? Is there enough table space for all the festive dishes we’ve promised to make? Are there enough chairs in the whole house for everyone coming over? And, maybe most importantly, is there a limit to how many twinkling lights you can plug into a single outlet before the whole room flickers?
Some might dream of a little more room, a bigger dining table, or maybe an extra guest room just for holiday visitors, but honestly, it’s the quirks and coziness that bring the magic. The holiday season isn’t about a perfectly decorated home—it’s about the slightly slanted tree, the ornaments that don’t
quite match, and the excitement (and suspense) of wondering if the dog will knock it over again.
Then there are the inevitable kitchen mishaps. Burnt cookies, gravy that doesn’t quite turn out, or the infamous holiday turkey that comes out of the oven looking… unique. Yet, despite these little “disasters,” each imperfection brings laughter, making the memories even sweeter. Our home, with all its quirks, becomes a place where burnt cookies are just as celebrated as the perfect ones.
So this holiday season, embrace the imperfections— the tangled lights, the crowded rooms, and the unmatched chairs. These are the moments that bring warmth, filling our homes with love, laughter, and holiday spirit. Because, in the end, it’s the messy, joyful chaos that makes the holidays truly feel like home.
Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor and Estrella Resident
Maria Elena
“I was on my knees, in the mud as the rain poured over me, my clothing soaked, my hair dripping wet. I was crying out loud, looking skyward, for God to prove himself…”
I met Maria Elena my freshman year at the University of Arizona in 1965. We both loved to shoot pool and had matching pool cues, each with our initials engraved. We never really dated romantically, but we were close. One evening, after a few games of straight pool, we retired to a corner table in the student union to enjoy sodas and a conversation ensued. We were discussing the existence of God. My position was God had to be real by a process of elimination. I told her because it was impossible to imagine nothing, because even as we tried, nothing was at least still space, a black hole perhaps, and it was “something”. Thus, if impossible to imagine nothing, there must have always been something, and I called that “God”. I was not sure of the personage or shape, just that it was an existence that always was.
At this point, Maria Elena made me promise not to laugh, but she was going to relate an experience she had just the previous spring in her home in Mexico City. She and her family had been plagued by series of misfortunes. She was only 17 at the time, and every experience seemed to have a negative impact on her personally. Her Mother told her to place her troubles in God’s hands. But she was beginning to doubt in God’s existence. Her Mom told her to pray, and one day, in some way, God would prove himself to her.
Maria began yelling at her Mother,. It was storming outside, lightning and Thunder, she explained, now tears actually welling up in her eyes as she spoke. Soon, with her Mother yelling for her to calm down, she burst into their small back yard, not much more than dirt, a small grass area, and her Mother’s flowers. She cried out for God to prove himself, now pounding in the muddy ground, Soon she cupped her face into her hands, bending to the ground. And after a moment, she arose, and walked slowly into her home, her Mother still imploring her as she entered her home.
“I
was completely dry!”
Submitted by Estrella resident, Michael Roberts
If you have a story you would like to see in print email it to us at info@estrellapublishing.com
Green Thumb
Thank You for Joining Us at the Veteran’s Day Flag Ceremony and Ladybug Release!
A big thank you to everyone who attended our Veteran’s Day Flag Ceremony and Ladybug Release! It was a wonderful day of honoring our veterans and celebrating nature together.
We are grateful to report that we collected 53 retired American flags, ensuring they were properly and respectfully retired. Your participation made this meaningful tribute to our nation’s heroes possible. The day also marked a beautiful moment for our community garden, as we released 9,000 ladybugs to help support the health of our plants and the local ecosystem. It was inspiring to see over 85 attendees come together to witness the ceremony and participate in the ladybug release.
A special thank you to the Community Garden Committee for organizing the event, with a heartfelt appreciation for the girls of GO Clubs Troop 2894, who led the flag ceremony and brought extra meaning
to the occasion for all who were present. Looking ahead, our next Community Garden event will be in January, and we hope to see many of you back as we continue to care for our garden and grow our community spirit. Stay tuned for more details!
Thank you again for your support, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Submitted by Denna Walker GO Clubs Troop 2894 Leader Estrella Community Garden Committee Member
Purchasing 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!
Window Wisdom
Choosing the Right Windows for Arizona’s Climate
When replacing your home’s builder-grade windows, it’s crucial to consider factors such as materials, style, and energy efficiency, especially given Arizona’s extreme climate. The right windows can significantly impact your home’s comfort and energy costs.
Popular Window Materials
• Vinyl Windows: Vinyl is a favored choice among homeowners due to its affordability, energy efficiency, and versatility in size and shape. It offers excellent insulation properties, which help keep your home cool during the scorching summer months. When selecting vinyl windows, look for “high-heat” frames that are designed to withstand extreme temperatures without warping or cracking.
• Fiberglass Windows: Although fiberglass windows are equally energy-efficient, they are less commonly chosen because of their higher cost. However, they usually offer a wider range of color options. Fiberglass has a high resistance to thermal expansion and contraction, making it a durable choice for Arizona’s climate.
• Aluminum Windows: While aluminum windows are less energy-efficient than vinyl or fiberglass, they offer a modern, slim profile that can be ideal for specific architectural styles. If you choose aluminum, ensure you select Thermal-Break Aluminum, which provides better insulation by minimizing heat transfer.
When shopping for windows, familiarize yourself with important terms like Low-E Coating, Argon Gas, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, U-Factor, and Visible Light Transmittance. Understanding these terms will empower you to make informed choices about the glass options available. A knowledgeable sales representative can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your needs. Hiring a reputable and experienced window company is essential for ensuring proper installation. Poorly installed windows can lead to drafts, leaks, and decreased energy efficiency, negating the benefits of high-quality products. A well-installed window will enhance your home’s comfort, aesthetics, and energy efficiency for decades.
Now Is the Ideal Time to Install Windows in Arizona, the milder temperatures facilitate efficient installations and allow for the proper setting of caulking and sealants. Upgrading your windows now helps maintain comfort during cooler winter nights without inflating energy bills. Additionally, avoiding the summer monsoon season minimizes the risk of project delays, ensuring timely completion.
New energy-efficient windows not only improve insulation but also enhance your home’s curb appeal, making it more inviting for holiday gatherings. Investing in the right windows is a decision that pays off in comfort, style, and energy savings for years to come.
Submitted by Weathersby Windows & Doors
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
