Up The Hill

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...

May is a month full of events; graduations, Mother’s Day and the beginning of summer. The official beginning of summer is Memorial Day and when I first came to America I only knew it as a day of gatherings and picnics, family and egg salad. I soon found that it was so much more. A day to honor those who lost their lives while defending this country. So many have perished in defense of the rights that are set out in the constitution and we should honor their memory, it is the right thing to do.

Another thing May brings is change. We have been empty nesters for the first time this year and the peaceful days of living with nobody’s responsibilities but mine and my husband’s are about to come to a close, at least for a couple of months. The return of my college students, fresh off their first year of living ‘independently’ is upon us. I know the transition back to living at home will not be easy for any of us - I have been down this road before. The conflict between the life where they have been in charge of setting their own rules and boundaries and having to bend to our house rules is always challenging.

Gone are my quiet nights watching TV and sipping a glass of wine, bring on the raucous sounds of laughter and demands for food. The revolving door as childhood friends come calling, the noise levels ratcheting higher as they greet each other and compare college tales - I can’t wait. Even though the peace and quiet will be on temporary hold, and my nights will be longer and louder than I am used to, I am thrilled to see them and know that they are home.

I know this time with them will fly by, the minor irritations will be forgotten as soon as I wave them off to start their next year of adventures. And I am so thankful that they can do all that because of the many who sacrificed for them. Those brave men and women who gave their lives so that all our kids can safely go to college and live their lives in a country that they love. Thank you all.

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

On Our Cover

Founded by Derek Jacobs in 1995, as a small pool cleaning service on the east side of the valley, Aquienta grew as demand for quality pools and landscaping designs increased. In 2019, Aquienta was acquired by Dennis and Christie Boyd. They quickly identified the void in the market of unique pool and landscape designs that reflected their client’s personal lifestyles, rather than just cookie cutter designs. In addition, there were no companies that could design the client’s backyard vision, build it with quality craftsmanship, or manage the entire project plus provide services after completion. Aquienta quickly got to work addressing those needs.

Dennis has over 25 years of experience in construction management and Christie is his complement with the same years in business management. In addition, their son Jonathan manages and performs pool maintenance services. They live in the same neighborhood as their clients, they value family and focus on giving their clients the most outstanding outdoor experience. Their well curated team of experts in pools, hardscaping/landscaping, design and

all things outdoors is unmatched by any other company in the valley. They are a residential and commercially licensed, bonded and insured family & veteran owned company. Their clients include: homeowners, out of towners looking to move to the “Valley of The Sun”, Builders and Landscape Architects.

Aquienta’s approach begins with getting to know you. It starts with a personal consultation at your home and a complete site analysis, capturing every detail of your property. Next, they cast a vision with you to make sure all needs are addressed through an innovative and functional design. Then, it gets virtual! Clients are ‘wowed’ when the virtual “fly-through” presentation of the plan is revealed.

Once approved, the fun begins. Aquienta has proudly launched a new showroom right in the Safeway Plaza in the Estrella community, opening in May. It’s there that you will bring your vision to life customing it with material and finishing selections, while we go to work on permits and HOA communications. Aquienta’s methods, service and craftsmanship are so unsurpassed that they do hardly any advertising because clients do it for them when they rave to their neighbors! Aquienta looks forward to serving you and invites you to meet them at their new showroom on Elliot Road in Estrella.

Estrella Mountain is one of the best neighborhoods for families in Arizona. Mortgage rates continue to trend down & home prices always increase in beautiful Estrella. Now is the time to BUY! The highly desirable Estrella housing market needs more homes to meet the buyers' demand. Now is the time to SELL!

With more than 569 properties closed in 2022 & 141 active listings, we are the most trusted leading team in the Arizona Valley. We have extensive knowledge of the market & the region and have a proven track record of successful sales & smooth transactions We will help you make Estrella Mountain your home.

CURRENT LISTING IN GOOD YEAR, AZ REALTRENDS TOP TEAM

We were honored, once again, to be recognized in 2021 as the top 14th team in the US by volume.

Bill

We moved to Mt Lebanon, a suburb of Pittsburgh when I was eight years old in 1955. I became friends with many neighborhood kids, in particular, Shaun, Greg, Rich and Bill. We all would meet regularly at the playground to play baseball, shoot hoops, even tackle football at times, or just play on the swings and merry-go-round. We rode our bikes around the playground, stopping off at Edwards Drug Store for a Cherry Coke at the Soda Fountain. On occasion we would hike a mile or so to the woods, where we would catch salamanders in the creek, or play War amidst the trees and brush.

Following our sixth grade year, I spent the summer in Texas with my grandparents, but Bill and I wrote one another almost weekly, he relating his adventures of riding the Three Rivers on the Gateway Clipper, me about catching Crabs in the Bayou, or swimming in the Gulf near Galveston. I had been a Cub Scout in elementary school, and when I became a teenager, I joined the local Boy Scout Troop. Of course I wanted Bill to join as well, but his Mom would not let him; too militaristic, she said. Fast forward to 1966. We both joined the Marine Corps, although not together, and went off to Parris Island for boot camp. I am sure his Mom was not happy about that! Bill would go on to serve a tour in Viet Nam, then volunteered to return for another. I had cushy duty providing nuclear weapons security aboard a submarine tender out of Charleston, South Carolina. I was just a few months shy of my discharge date in 1969 and I was reading the Leatherneck Magazine that had just arrived. In shock I read an article about Bill being killed, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which would be presented to his Mother at the White House by President Nixon. A few years later I entered a poem I wrote in his honor in a contest which won first prize. I reprint that poem every Memorial Day in his honor.

It was ’69, You had sixteen years in your belly, Bill and I Five more.

We were in the Corps, Semper Fi, do or die, Bill did and still died.

I never did The Viet Nam tour; Bill did his Then one more.

Bill’s Mom got medals, A flag; Me, memories, mostly pain

Of why not me.

We met at ten, Birthdays with model planes

Christmas

With Lionel trains, On summer’s stage

We played our parts, major leaguers In little league shirts, stick-rifle war;

Boys at play Vocal shots shouted, then one day BANG

Bill bled and died.

It was ’69; Remember to thank Bill next time we kiss.

Submitted by Michael Roberts, Estrella resident

Homeownership

Have you ever wished homeownership came with a user’s manual? There’s only so much you can prepare for, whether you’re buying your starter home, forever home - or something in between. It’s all too common to face unexpected expenses, including ongoing maintenance of your property with hidden added costs. In a new survey conducted in collaboration with OnePoll, TruGreen found that nearly half of homeowners invested more money in their home during the first year of homeownership than they expected. Here are the top three lessons they have learned.

1. Home maintenance is crucial - and will cost you

No matter what type of home you buy - from fixer-uppers to move-in ready - you should expect some repairs and replacements, plus routine maintenance. While this will vary depending on your home’s age, size and condition, rest assured that most homes require regular care to help prevent long-term damage. So, how much maintenance is required when you purchase a home? In the survey, homeowners’

top expenses during their first year as a homeowner were appliance replacements, exterior repairs such as windows and major repairs like roofing. Furthermore, when prioritizing maintenance, homeowners mainly focused on their home’s exterior, such as patios and their yard or lawn. Ensuring you have the means to handle unanticipated repairs and routine maintenance before you buy will help prevent financial stress down the road.

2. Investing in your property to create a home

When you first move into your new house, don’t get discouraged if you don’t initially feel like you’re really “home.” The homeowners surveyed spent an average of two and a half years upgrading their homes before they were pleased with it. Despite the time and money they invested in the property - or perhaps because of it - nearly 71% of homeowners said they now feel like they’ve found their forever home. Your house is more than just a place to call home, it’s also an investment. And if it’s managed properly, your home can also provide a great return on investment.

3. There will always be surprises - so don’t be afraid to call a pro

Even the most prepared homebuyer will encounter surprise expenses after signing on the dotted line. According to the survey, the average homeowner has encountered about four surprises or unexpected costs within their first year of homeownership. Handing maintenance or improvement projects to the pros can be a smart move to ensure the job will be done well. It can prevent future problems and save time you’d rather spend enjoying your home. For example, hiring a professional service to handle your lawn care can allow for more free time to actually enjoy your outdoor space, while giving you a sense of pride in how great it looks.

Graduation season is quickly approaching!

If you are considering graduating to a new home, I am your gal!

The market has continued to shift over the last several months! To learn more, feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have about buying or selling Connect with me today for exceptional service and knowledgeable guidance towards finding your dream home!

PASSIONATELY

RICHARD TAX SERVICES LLC

Yum Yum

Overnight French Toast Casserole

Go ahead and sleep in, because this French Toast Casserole is completely prepped the night before, perfect for Mother’s Day!

Ingredients

8 cups cubed French bread, from a thick, crusty loaf

7 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/4 cups whole milk

1 cup half & half cream

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp almond extract

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup salted butter, melted

1 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

3 TB pure maple syrup

Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping: 1/4 cup sugar, whisked with 1 tsp cinnamon. Serve with pure maple syrup and fresh berries.

Instructions

• Butter a 9x13 baking dish; arrange bread cubes evenly in the dish. Set aside.

• In a large bowl, add all remaining ingredients (except optional topping.) Beat until fully incorporated and no clumps of brown sugar remain. Evenly and slowly pour liquid mixture over the bread cubes, gently tossing to ensure that all bread is coated with egg mixture. Bread cubes should be mostly soaked. Cover with foil and chill overnight.

• Remove casserole from fridge, uncover, and let it rest at room temp while you preheat oven to 350F. Sprinkle top with Cinnamon Sugar Topping, if using.

• Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until French toast is quite puffy and golden brown. Let casserole rest at least 5 min before cutting and serving. Serve with pure maple syrup and fresh berries for a perfect Mother’s Day morning!

The Bug Guy

Pest control is an essential aspect of maintaining a clean and healthy environment, particularly in the West Valley where numerous pests, such as scorpions, spiders, and rodents, thrive. The state of Arizona has a unique set of challenges when it comes to pest control, and it is important to understand the best practices for effectively managing, preventing, and controlling pests.

The first step in effective pest control in the West Valley is prevention. This involves taking measures to eliminate factors that attract pests to your home or business. Clearing debris and other clutter around your property, and maintaining clean and dry environments, are all important measures to ensure pests do not enter your property.

Several effective methods for controlling pests in the Phoenix Valley include physical and chemical options. Physical control involves measures such as trapping, baiting and exclusion, and is often used for rodent and bird control.

Chemical control is a very effective method of pest control and includes the use of pesticides. Pesticides are chemicals that are designed to kill or repel pests and should be applied with caution to prevent harm to humans and pets. In Arizona, the use of pesticides is regulated by the Arizona Department of Agriculture to ensure safe application.

In addition, recent advancements in pest control technology have made it easier to manage pests in the Phoenix Valley. For instance, integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that involves using

several methods simultaneously to manage pest populations. This approach not only maximizes the effectiveness of pest control, but also minimizes the use of harmful chemicals.

In conclusion, pest control is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy and clean environment in the West Valley. By implementing preventative measures, using effective pest control methods, and utilizing the latest advancements in pest control technologies, trained professional technicians, can successfully manage pest populations, and improve the quality of your environment. It is important to seek professional and reliable pest control services to ensure that your home is protected from the various pests that infest the West Valley.

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control, Estrella resident

Moving On

Friendships are an essential part of living a fulfilling life. However, just like any other relationship, some friends are only meant to be part of your life for a reason or a season, rather than a lifetime. The problem is, no one really talks about how to evaluate your friendships and let go of the ones that are no longer adding value to your life.

Danielle Bayard Jackson, Bumble For Friends’ friendship expert, shares her advice on how to intentionally assess your friendships so that you can find peace in letting go of the ones you’ve outgrown. She suggests starting by asking yourself these questions:

Does the friendship feel like an obligation?

Many people have circumstantial friendships, meaning relationships that are mostly based on convenience, such as taking the same classes

or having the same hobbies. When these friendships become obligatory, and you maintain them out of a sense of duty, it’s time to reassess.

Why are you maintaining the friendship?

One of the most common reasons why people hold on to friendships that no longer serve them is that they feel they owe it to history. If the reasons you’ve elected to keep a friendship don’t include a value-add to your life, then it might be time to mend or end the relationship.

What is maintaining the friendship costing you?

Holding on to a friendship that you aren’t genuinely interested in maintaining can lead to resentment, as you’re investing time, energy and emotional bandwidth that you most likely can’t afford. There are only so many hours in the day, so it’s important to focus on friendships that positively impact your life.

If you decide that it’s time to part ways with the friendship, Jackson recommends a three-step formula for approaching the conversation:

* Show that you’re intentional about the decision. Say, “Listen, I’ve been thinking a lot lately....”

* Address your needs without blaming the other person. Use ‘I’ statements as much as you can; rather than “you are never there for me when I need you...,” try saying, “I need friendships in my life that can prioritize and support me in times of need.”

* Tell them how much you appreciate them and what your intention is for moving forward. This could be, “I have appreciated our friendship so much, and you have been such an integral part of my life. However, I won’t be able to show up in this friendship in the same way that I have before.”

“Sometimes letting go is the first step toward creating a stronger friendship circle,” says Jackson. “Ending a friendship that no longer fits doesn’t make you mean or disloyal. Instead, it creates space for the both of you to be better positioned to invite new connections into your lives.”

“

Home Watch +Plus Professional Services

HOME WATCH SERVICES

• We perform weekly detailed home inspections while you are away.

• Long/short term, vacations, VRBO properties.

• Providing you peace of mind.

MAINTENANCE SERVICES

• Skilled and dependable professionals

• *Handyman / Maintenance

• *Housekeeping

• *Landscape Design – Construction – Maintenance

• Irrigation repair

KEY HOLDER SERVICES

• Meet with contractors at your home.

• Provide access and reporting for service providers.

• Greet guests at your home on your behalf and close upon departure.

Out & About

When traveling other travelers expose you to viruses and bacteria. Also, if you have seasonal allergies, you’ll be exposed to more allergens, especially if you’re traveling to new locations during spring. When you combine these two immune disruptors, travel and allergies, you’re looking at a recipe for a miserable time. However, there are things you can do to boost your immune system and manage your allergies during travel. Here are three tips you can employ during your next trip to stay healthy and enjoy your vacation.

1. Stay hydrated

You’ve heard it a million times, but it’s true. Drinking enough water is critical to maintaining your immune system. Staying hydrated is especially important during air travel. Have you ever noticed how thirsty you are during a flight? That’s because airplane cabins are typically kept at low humidity, leading to quicker dehydration. You also may notice that your nasal passages dry out, which can worsen allergies after a flight.

2. Support your gut health

Did you know your gut is home to more than

70% of your body’s immune cells? “One way to support your immune health is through postbiotics. You’ve probably heard about the health benefits of probiotics and prebiotics, but you may not have heard about the newest biotic on the market - postbiotics,” said Keri Gans, registered dietitian nutritionist and author of The Small Change Diet. “

3. Stress less

Stress isn’t just a drain on your mental health. It can also have very real physical effects. Stress can worsen your allergies because it increases the release of histamines, which trigger allergy symptoms. An increase in histamines in the bloodstream can make existing allergies much worse. A few ways you can combat stress every day and during travel include:

* Meditating

* Relaxing exercises like yoga

* Getting plenty of sleep

* Listening to soothing music

* Eating a healthy diet

While it’s impossible to remove all stressors from your life, you can employ these and other strategies to manage your stress at work, home or abroad. And remember, you are on vacation!

Triggering

Have you ever wondered why you react so strongly to certain things? Why someone says a specific thing, acts a certain way toward you or doesn’t do what they say they’ll do and you lose your mind? It’s because at least one of your self-limiting beliefs is being triggered. For instance, you’re in a relationship and your partner goes out with friends, which you agreed to, but then you’re rude and disrespectful to her when she comes home. Or maybe your partner goes out with friends, comes home later than expected and doesn’t call or return your texts when it gets really late and you’re trying to check in with him. When he gets home, you go off on him and rant and rave about him not caring about you, or maybe you even accuse him of cheating. Chances are, those situations are triggering your fears of abandonment. When that fear is triggered, like it or not, you are instantly transported back to when those fears arose. It’s

not a conscious process, but it’s one that will continue if you don’t do something to overcome it by exploring and changing the self-limiting beliefs that lie beneath it.

Or let’s say your friend becomes really successful with an opportunity that was presented to both of you but that you decided not to take because of a fear of failure. When you see her, she talks about how her career is rocketing to the next level and how she’s feeling so fulfilled and motivated, how she’s so happy that her hard work has paid off. You say that you’re happy for her but then you cry on your way home from her house and snark at your spouse or kids when you get home. But aren’t you happy for your friend? Yes, but you’re also jealous, which is triggered by your self-limiting belief of not being worthy or capable of good things. You have to annihilate your self-limiting beliefs in order to respond differently to both the opportunities and the successes of others.

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.

Submitted by Jennifer Bellingrodt, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

Creative Surface Solutions is part of the Younger Brothers Family of Companies

Stroke Awareness

Know the BEFAST tips for recognizing stroke symptoms

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, when health care professionals stress the importance of knowing the warning signs of stroke – a medical emergency and a leading cause of death and long-term disabilities in this country.

Stroke is when the blood vessels to the brain become blocked by a clot or worse, burst open and bleed into your brain. It has no age limits, and younger adults are increasingly affected by stroke and its risk factors, said Lisa Ziomek, Stroke Program Coordinator at Abrazo Health.

Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, and one in six people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime. When it comes to spotting stroke symptoms, use the acronym BEFAST for recognizing a stroke.

B - Balance: Watch for sudden loss of balance

E - Eyes: Check for vision loss

T - Time: Call 911 right away

F - Face: Look for an uneven smile

A - Arm: Check if one arm is weak

S - Speech: Listen for slurred speech

“80 percent of stroke are preventable through healthy lifestyle changes and working with your health care team to control health conditions that raise your risk for stroke such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes,” said Ziomek.

Abrazo offers online health assessments including a stroke quiz to help you identify issues and areas to discuss with your doctor, or for more information on stroke care at Abrazo hospitals or a physician referral, visit AbrazoHealth.com.

Simple lifestyle changes can make a big impact on your risk for stroke such as choosing healthy meal and snack options, lowering your BMI, exercise regularly, limit your alcohol consumption, stop smoking and get regular checkups with your doctor.

Submitted by Abrazo Health

Don’ t just DREAM about a comfortable, pleasant dental visit... Experience it today, right in your own neighborhood!

Home Sweet Home

The Right Way to Store Bagged Salad Leaves

Regardless of the type of leafy green vegetable, the same general storage rules apply. The optimal approach begins before you even get home from the supermarket by storing the greens in an insulated cooler bag, says Randy W. Worobo, professor of food microbiology at Cornell University.

Place unopened bags of leafy greens straight into the refrigerator. Also, make sure your fridge is set to the correct temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, as noted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

After opening the bag of salad leaves, you’ll want to continue minimizing condensation in the container. To do this, place a clean paper towel inside the bag and seal it with a chip clip. The paper towel will help absorb any condensation that might develop during storage.

You Don’t Always Need to Toss Greens by the “Best By” Date

Most bags or boxes of salad leaves have a “best by” date. However, it’s important to note that this date is different from an expiration date. The “best by” date is an indicator for quality, not food safety or science. In contrast, expiration dates refer to food safety, as they tell you the last day it’s safe to eat the food. If the leaves still look firm and [there’s] no visible deterioration of the leaf tissue, you can still use them.

If you want salad leaves or leafy greens to last longer, consider choosing whole heads or bunches, rather than bagged greens. Cutting or chopping produce changes the leaf’s biochemistry, making the tissues vulnerable to bacterial contamination. Specifically, the cells in the tissues release their contents, which serve as food for spoilage microorganisms, says Worobo. And since the leaves in bags and boxes are often pre-cut, they generally have a shorter shelf life (three to five days) than whole heads (one to two weeks) after the date of purchase.

Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor and 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

Business Directory

Budget Blinds of Goodyear

Century Glass & Mirror

Consider It Finished Painting

Countywide Plumbing & Sewer

Creative Surface Solutions

Estrella Mtn Homewatch Services +

Estrella Mountain Pest Control

General Exterminating

Goodyear Home inspection

Hardy Solar

J & H Appliance Repair

JBS Roofing

Nuñez Painting

Screen Mobile

State 48 Roofing

West Valley Fans & Blinds

Younger Brothers Exterminating

LANDSCAPING & POOL CARE

Aquienta Pool & Landscape

Fujiwara Landscape Design

West Valley Rock

REAL ESTATE

CB Realty - Anthony Hurwitz

Elite Mortgage Group - Cindy Givens

HomeSmart Realty - The Lang Group

Keller Williams - The Rider Elite Team

Realty One Group - Jen Polansky

Realty One Group - Tara Rutkowski

Realty One Group - Barbara Tissell

Realty One Group - C Trachsel-Smith

Realty One Group - Rhonda Watson

Robson Reserve at PebbleCreek

West USA Realty, Estrella - M Sears

RETAIL & RECREATION

Arie Layne Boutique

Pure Patio

Off The Hook Meat Shop

Osborne Jewelers