Up The Hill

Page 1

Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies can be obtained for a fee by contacting 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.

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From Me To You...

I have an issue with quantities, I order too much food at restaurants and my online assessment of sizes leaves much to be desired. There was one amazing deal I found for 100 red solo cups on the internet. Turns out they were red solo cup shot glasses. That incident was over 10 years ago and we still have at least 50 knocking around in the kitchen cabinets somewhere. Then there was the TV console that I bought 3 times before I got the one that was the right size.

My spatial awareness in person, however, is phenomenal. I can buy exactly the right amount of food to fit in our freezer and I can pack anything into a suitcase or car trunk. One time I went on a cruise to Alaska with only a carry on bag, including evening wear, a winter coat and boots. In hindsight though I would not recommend that one, if you are cruising you should not have to limit your clothing options, it takes all the fun out of travelling in style.

As some of you know we have been travelling since January, living out of a small RV and visiting our children who decided that Tennessee and Washington State would be ideal places to live. I planned on bringing a capsule wardrobe and managing with

less. Let me tell you, packing 4 months of clothes in a medium sized suitcase has put even my skills to the test. We have suffered through frozen nights (and pipes - but that is a story for another day), spring showers, hot, humid days, snow (thanks Montana) and even dodged a few tornadoes.

By the time you read this we will be home, (complaining about the heat, I am sure) having travelled across the country and back - and it has been amazing. We have stayed by mountain lakes, in river valleys, on snow capped mountains and checked out a few nice hotels along the way (sometimes you just need to stretch out!). I crossed off a bucket list item and visited Mount Rushmore, well worth the trek, and most importantly got to spend time with our children who moved away. We may not have always been able to get the quantity of time with them that we wanted, but we certainly made up for it in quality; and that my friends, is priceless.

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On Our Cover

IB Night at EMES – A Celebration

The Primary Years Program (PYP) for grades K-5, develops caring and culturally aware students who become active participants in their own learning. One of the highlights of PYP is the 5th Grade Exhibition where small student groups mentored by staff members conduct in-depth inquiries involving collaboration, action, self-reflection and, finally, presentation to an audience. Some of this year’s presentations were about the solar system, engineering, and coding. Our fifth graders are excited and ready to start their Middel Years Program (MYP) journey as they enter 6th grade in August.

MYP students focus on building a solid academic foundation, developing confidence in managing their own learning and making connections between their classroom learning and the “real world”. The 8th grade Community Projects are sustained self-directed

in-depth inquiries into community needs that lead to action and positive results. Two keys to project success are perseverance and working collaboratively with peers.

Melissa Leach investigated a community need at EMES and created her Buddy Bench for the playground. Sitting on the Buddy Bench is a way for students to signal that they may feel a little lonely or shy - or be new at school. The Bench is a way to promote friendship and caring among students. Melissa presented her idea and a request for funding at a PTO meeting last fall. She built the bench, with help from her dad, and then surveyed the entire student body about paint colors. The culmination of Melissa’s Buddy Bench Community Project was sharing its purpose with our classrooms.

Submitted by Cougar Community Volunteers

6 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine June 2024
Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine June 2024 7 Camille direct: 602-616-6502 ESTRELLA RESIDENT & REALTOR® since 2006! To deliver maximum results to my sellers, I maximize my marketing, showcasing my listings on 1,300+ websites around the world! Ready to sell YOUR Estrella home? Call me directly. Just Listed! Just Listed! THEESTRELLATEAM.COM Just Listed! 2,399 SQ FT HOME MOUNTAIN VIEWS BACKS TO FINS HIKING TRAILS COASTAL VIBE WITH STONE FINISHES AND ACCENT LIGHTING THROUGHOUT LAS PALMAS AT ESTRELLA BY ASHTON WOODS HOMES
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The Bug Guy

In the scorching summer days of West Valley, an unseen enemy lurks within the shadows of homes and businesses alike - pests. The brutal heat of the desert only seems to amplify their presence, driving them to seek refuge in the cool comfort of our shelters. But fear not, for there are valiant warriors who have committed themselves to the battle against these invaders - pest control specialists.

Armed with knowledge and experience, these brave men and women navigate the sweltering streets of the West Valley with determination in their hearts and sprays in their hands. From cockroaches scurrying across kitchen floors to ants marching in unison towards forgotten crumbs, no pest is safe from their relentless pursuit. As the sun beats down mercilessly upon the city, the pest control heroes work diligently to protect the homes of the people of the West Valley. With each victory over a swarm of unwelcome guests, they bring peace of mind to those who fear the

invasion of pests. But the battle is far from over. As the summer continues its reign, the pests grow bolder in their attempts to seek refuge from the heat. The call for pest control assistance rings louder and louder, stirring the heroes into action once more. Through their unwavering dedication and expertise, the pest control specialists of West Valley stand as a beacon of hope in the war against pests. Their bravery in the face of adversity shines bright in the sweltering heat, offering relief to those who seek sanctuary within their homes. As the sun sets on another day in the West Valley, the pest control warriors rest knowing that they have once again triumphed over the forces of nature. And as the stars twinkle in the night sky, the people can sleep soundly, knowing that their homes are safe from the invasion of pests - at least for now.

by Larry

Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine June 2024 9
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Stay Cool

Summer is here and excessive heat can contribute to dangerous conditions. Dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are just a few of the things to be aware of, according to the healthcare professionals in the ERs at Abrazo Health hospitals. Staying hydrated is important whether you’re just sitting in the sun, exercising for recreation or playing sports. If dehydration sets in, you may start to feel tired and dizzy, have muscle cramps or lose consciousness, entirely. If you’re active outdoors, try to get outside during the cooler morning hours. This is particularly important for children as well as older adults who are most severely affected by heat-related illnesses.

Here are some tips to stay ahead of your hydration needs, especially for those who have an active lifestyle:

• Before exercise: Drink 17 to 20 ounces of water within 2 to 3 hours

• During warm-up: Drink 8 ounces of water within 20 to 30 minutes

• During exercise: Drink 7 to 10 ounces of water every 10 to 20 minutes

• After exercise: Drink 8 ounces of water within 30 minutes Staying cool this summer can be helped in several other ways. Here are some ideas to beat the summer heat:

• Wear natural fabrics, such as a loose-fitting, white cotton or linen shirt. Dark fabrics absorb light

more than lighter ones.

• Replace the salt lost from excessive sweating with lemon water. One squeezed lemon provides 21% of a person’s daily required dose of vitamin C. The acid in lemons can damage your teeth so don’t forget to use a straw.

• Remember that foods rich in fat and protein take longer for your body to digest and therefore require additional metabolic heat. Go for salads to help you feel light and hydrated.

• Use frozen water bottles to cool down your pulse points including behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow and behind your knee.

• Apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera on sunburned skin. Sunburns slow the skin’s ability to cool itself off.

• Invest in room-darkening curtains to help keep the light and heat out more efficiently.

• Avoid using heat-producing appliances such as the dryer or oven during peak hours.

• Stay indoors or in an air-conditioned area as much as possible. Spending only two hours in an airconditioned space can help reduce your risk of heat stroke.

If you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke or dehydration, go to the nearest hospital or call 911. Please do not delay care.

Submitted by Keith Jones, Abrazo Health Communications Manager

10 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine June 2024

Community Garden

As the second planting season of the Community Garden comes to an end, we are thrilled to announce our plot rental rate as well as our improved rental process for the 2024/2025 season!

Based on the detailed tracking of water usage by the Garden Committee, we have enough data to confidently project water usage. With that being said, we are pleased to announce the rental rate for the upcoming season will be $75.00! We have also streamlined the rental process. You can pick up a rental agreement at either Statpointe or Presidio Residence Center Front Desk starting June 1st. Once your Rental agreement has been approved, you will be asked to submit your 75.00 fee to Mark Gatchel at the HOA office. Rental agreements must be turned in by 7/1/24 to be considered for a plot. Our 2024/2035 Planting Season begins September 1, 2024 and goes until June 30, 2025. All plots are equipped with a timer for irrigation so that your garden bed will thrive.

We have enjoyed introducing Gardeners of all levels to our Community Garden and hope that more of you will join us by renting a plot or participate at one of our Second Saturday events next Season. This past season we had our annual Ladybug release, a Composting Class, the City of Goodyear Water Conservation Department provided free resources and held a Q & A session and of course, a seed starting class! Be watching your email blast from the HOA to see when events will take place starting in September.

The Community Garden is for all levels of gardeners from novice to master gardeners…we have them all! New to the Desert and just looking for community and some tips for our 9B zone…we can help with that! There are 12 plots in our community garden, located at the southeast corner of the Presidio Residence Center Parking lot so if you love to garden or think you might…join us! If you have questions, please feel free to email allysonknappenberger@gmail.com.

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Home Sweet Home

Selling Your Home? It’s Time to Ditch These Habits When it comes to selling your home, there are things you can do that will make the process easier. On the flip side, there are also things that can make the process more difficult, stressful, and time-consuming, or even put your home sale in jeopardy.

So, what things shouldn’t you do if you’re trying to sell your home? A recent article from Realtor.com outlined habits homeowners need to ditch if they want to successfully sell their home, including: Forgoing concessions. In a seller’s market, many sellers feel that they have the upper hand. But while you may have the advantage, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to do anything to woo buyers especially when the interest rates high. Being completely unwilling to negotiate can turn away potential buyers and could make the process of selling your home take longer or even cost you money. So, if a buyer requests a concession, try to be flexible and consider their request.

Pricing your home too high. Obviously, you want to sell your home for as much as possible. However, overpricing your home can make it significantly harder to sell. Home listings get the most activity in the first

30 days after hitting the market. If your home is priced too high, buyers may ignore it, and the longer your home sits on the market, the more likely you are to get lowball offers since buyers see that it’s not selling. If you want to sell your home successfully, make sure to list your house at a realistic and reasonable price. Leaving your pets home during a showing. You love your pets, but not everyone is an animal lover. Leaving your pets at home during showings can be a major turnoff for some buyers, even to the point of not wanting to tour your home. It may take some scheduling and arranging, but it’s worth doing what you can to make sure your pets are out of the house so all buyers can feel comfortable looking at your home. Selling “As-Is.” You might not want to invest a lot of time or money into a property, but not addressing essential repairs that could hinder financing, such as fixing a faulty roof or structural issues can narrow your pool of potential buyers. Remember buyers may not have additional funds to make repairs. Furthermore, stating the house is being sold in as-is conditions can cause buyers to question what is wrong with the home, which can be a turnoff.

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14 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine June 2024

Business Spotlight

Protect Your Home with JBS

Roofing: The Ultimate Shield Against Nature’s Wrath

Your home is more than just a structure; it’s your sanctuary, your haven from the outside world. But what happens when nature unleashes its fury? Leaks, damage, and costly repairs can turn your safe haven into a source of stress and worry. That’s where JBS Roofing comes in, offering unparalleled protection and peace of mind for homeowners across Arizona.

With a legacy dating back to 1982, JBS Roofing (www. jbsroofingaz.com) has been a trusted name in the roofing industry for over four decades. As a familyowned and operated business, we understand the importance of quality, integrity, and personalized service. Our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as one of the leading roofing companies in the region.

At JBS Roofing, we take pride in our craftsmanship and attention to detail. Using only the finest materials and the latest technologies, our skilled professionals deliver roofing solutions that are built to last. Whether you’re in need of a repair, replacement, or new installation, you can trust JBS Roofing to exceed your expectations every step of the way.

What sets JBS Roofing apart is our unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. We believe in transparency and honesty in everything we do, which

is why we offer free, no-obligation consultations and estimates. Our team will work closely with you to understand your needs and preferences, guiding you through the process to ensure your complete satisfaction.

With JBS Roofing, you can rest easy knowing that your home is in the best hands possible. Don’t let worries about your roof weigh you down any longer. Take the first step towards peace of mind and protection for your home with JBS Roofing.

Visit www.jbsroofingaz.com today to learn more and schedule your free consultation. Experience the JBS Roofing difference for yourself and discover why homeowners have trusted us for over 40 years.

Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine June 2024 15

Father’s Day

This year Father’s Day falls on Sunday June 16th. A day dedicated to honoring fathers or the father figure in your life and celebrating fatherhood. The history of Father’s Day dates back to the early 20th century when a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd wanted to honor her father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran who raised his six children as a single parent.

In 1909, Sonora proposed the idea of Father’s Day as a way to show appreciation for all that fathers do for their families. Her idea was embraced by many, and the first Father’s Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington on June 19, 1910. Since then, Father’s Day has become a tradition in many countries around the world.

Father’s Day is a time to acknowledge the important role that fathers play in the lives of their children. Fathers are not only providers and protectors but also mentors, role models, and sources of love and support. They teach their children valuable lessons, instill important values, and offer guidance and encouragement throughout their lives.

On Father’s Day, many people show their appreciation for their fathers by giving them gifts, cards, or spending quality time together. It is a day to celebrate the unique bond between fathers and their children and to recognize the impact that fathers have on their families.

So this Father’s Day, take the time to honor and thank the special fathers in your life. Whether it’s your own father, stepfather, grandfather, or another father figure, let them know how much they mean to you and how grateful you are for all that they do. Happy Father’s Day!

16 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine June 2024
Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine June 2024 17 f o r 2 0 y e a r s ! 15350 W McDowell Rd Goodyear, Az 85395 w w w o s b o r n e j e w e l e r s i n c c o m 6 2 3 - 9 2 5 - 1 8 1 5

Cook With Zona

Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Do you ever have one of those weeks where you decide you’re going to eat really healthy so you buy a bunch of zucchini, and tell yourself you’re going to eat zoodles all week, and then you just eat take out instead because it’s easier? I don’t know, maybe that’s just me, but if that’s you too, take that zucchini and turn it into double chocolate zucchini bread. Chocolate lovers will appreciate the double dose of chocolate from the cocoa in the batter and the generous helping of chocolate chips. The zucchini makes this bread so moist, and has a ridiculously fudgelike texture. In my opinion, I would much rather get my veggies for chocolate bread, than any other way!

If you have any recipes you’d like to share with me I would love to try them out! Email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups zucchini, shredded and pressed

¼ cup greek yogurt

⅓ cup vegetable oil

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 eggs

¾ cup all purpose flour

¾ cup cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided

Steps

Preheat your oven to 350°

Using a cheese grater, finely grate zucchini over a paper towel. Wrap the zucchini in the paper towel and press it to release some of the moisture. Don’t completely dry it out because this is what makes the bread so moist. Firmly press the zucchini into a measuring cup to measure out 1 ½ packed cups.

In a large mixing bowl combine the greek yogurt, oil, and brown sugar. Beat until combined. Add vanilla and eggs. Stir in the zucchini and set aside.

In a separate bowl combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the wet ingredients. Fold in ⅔ cup of chocolate chips, setting the other ⅓ aside for the top of the bread.

Pour the batter into your loaf pan and sprinkle the top with remaining chocolate chips.

Bake for 45 mins, or until the bread springs back when you touch it and with a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.

ENJOY!

We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your gorgeous double chocolate zucchini bread or tag us on social media @ EstrellaPublishing.

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20 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine June 2024
Fathers Day Wordsearch Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
Puzzle Time

Words of Wisdom

College Life: Balancing It All

As a 3rd year student in University, I remember it like it was yesterday when my parents dropped me off at the dorms for that first year. I was nervous but excited to start this new chapter. If I could go back and talk to my parents then, this is what I might say to ease their (and hopefully your) minds.

First off, do not worry – your kid is going to be just fine. College is an amazing experience full of new friends, activities, and learning inside and outside the classroom. It is a time for self-discovery and growth. But I am not going to lie, it can also be overwhelming and stressful at times trying to balance all the different opportunities that come your way.

I decided to join a fraternity my first semester. I will admit I had some reservations at first about the Greek life stereotypes. But my fraternity has turned out to be an incredible group of guys who have become some of my closest friends. We live together, studying together, going out together... It is like having an instant family on campus. Being involved in the fraternity’s leadership and philanthropic activities has also allowed me to develop crucial leadership, communication,

and organizational skills that I know will help me after graduation.

On top of the fraternity, I have also been juggling classes, homework, and an internship in my career field this past year. The internship has been invaluable for getting real-world experience and making connections in my future profession. But it has been a lot of work on top of my full academic schedule.

The key for me has been figuring out how to manage my time effectively and set priorities. Some weeks I must temporarily scale back my fraternity involvement or social activities if I have a big project or exam coming up. Other times, I must be OK with letting my GPA slip temporarily if an internship obligation takes precedence. It is all about balance.

So, to parents sending their kids off this fall – do not worry if they seem overwhelmed at first. There are so many amazing opportunities available, it can be hard to decide what to get involved in. But eventually, they will find their groove and learn how to get the most out of their entire college experience, just like I did. Cherish these years because they will be over before you know it. And who knows, your kid may just end up joining a fraternity like me – Try to keep an open mind!

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Mahoney Law Office

Richard Tax Service

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Healthy Life Family Medicine

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HOUSEHOLD SERVICES

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22 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine June 2024
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