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.

RICHARD TAX SERVICES LLC

From Me To You...

I am planning a getaway for a few days up to the cooler air in the mountains and honestly I can’t wait. There is something about putting yourself in a different place that reenergizes and restores the mind. I recall holidays when the children were young - times that were anything but relaxing - we all felt like we got to start fresh when we straggled back into our house, tired but refreshed.

In today’s fast-paced world, where we often find ourselves caught up in hectic routines and demanding schedules, it’s easy to overlook the significance of taking a break. When we engage in the same activities day in and day out, our minds can become stagnant, and monotony can set in. This lack of stimulation can lead to decreased productivity, creativity, and motivation. However, introducing change into our lives, whether it’s trying a new hobby, exploring a different location, or even altering our daily routine, can provide us with a fresh perspective and reinvigorate our enthusiasm.

Change also allows us to break free from our comfort zones and challenge ourselves. It encourages personal growth, as we learn to adapt to new situations and develop new skills. Stepping outside of our familiar environment and embracing change opens up doors to new experiences and opportunities, expanding our horizons and broadening our knowledge.

By taking a break from our usual routines and engaging in new experiences, we can gain a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm for life. Trying new things together with friends, family, or even strangers can foster bonding and create shared memories. It encourages us to connect with others, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections, ultimately enriching our social lives. Even if you cant get away, you should try incorporating change into your routine this summer. It may lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life and as they say, “a change is as good as a rest.”

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

On Our Cover

What’s the saying? Better late than never? Well, the West Valley has finally received the new golf cart sales store it has been missing for decades, and it took a couple of locals with a deep history rooted in the West Valley to bring the business to life and for Redline Carts to open its doors.

The owners of Redline Carts, Kyle and Julie Johnson, are not only natives to Arizona, but are from right here in the West Valley. More specifically, Kyle and Julie were born and raised in Goodyear and Avondale, respectively. The couple met in 1998 at Agua Fria Union High School and have been together ever since. Over the past 25 years, Kyle and Julie have built a family, they have moved to Texas and back, and have gotten plugged back into being a part of local community. Today they have six beautiful children, live in the Verrado neighborhood of Buckeye and operate multiple businesses that service the Valley.

Redline Carts is their newest venture and is filling a long-standing need for a high-quality, new golf cart dealership in the West Valley that offer the most innovative brands of golf carts in a clean,

modern and friendly environment that people can find the best customer service experience. Kyle and Julie have made Redline Carts not only a great business for the customer, but it is a family business that spans three generations. Their oldest son Kade works full-time at the store, and Kyle’s sister and father also fill critical roles that help provide the best experience possible from initially walking through the front door to the final delivery of a cart to the customer’s front door.

Redline Carts is a proud authorized dealer of ICON EV and EPIC Carts. Through these brands, Redline provides the perfect blend of the industry’s highest quality carts and the best value possible with a premier customer service experience. With a large selection of carts in the showroom, the dealership offers the perfect cart whether for golf enthusiasts, neighborhood cruisers, or commercial/utility purposes, Redline has a cart for everyone. The store also offers a wide range of accessories and upgrades a customer can add to their cart and make it their own. Even current owners of ICON and EPIC brand carts that may not have bought through Redline can purchase and have accessories installed on their carts through Redline.

With the dealership conveniently located right off I-10 at the intersection of Dysart Rd and McDowell Rd (13277 W. McDowell Rd. Ste. 101, Goodyear, AZ 85395), Redline Carts is strategically placed to service the families of the local communities and courses like Pebble Creek, Litchfield Park, Estrella Mountain, Palm Valley, Verrado, Victory and Tuscany Falls. Redline Carts looks to serve all the West Valley communities of Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Avondale, Buckeye and more.

Redline Carts is open Monday through Friday, 9AM-6PM, and on Saturdays 9AM-7PM. Refer to this article and receive $200.00 off the purchase of any new golf cart!

For more information, please visit RedlineCarts. com or call 623.259.9590.

Summer of ‘59

June of 1959 marked the end of my elementary school years. Back then, there were no “graduation” ceremonies until you actually finished High School. The first was actually a near highlight. I had perfect spelling on my Friday spelling tests with only about six weeks to go, tied with the cute little blonde on the other side of class, until I misspelled “tomorrow”. I had two mm’s and one r. So I finished as the second best speller in third grade. I remember it now as TOM OR ROW. The second was in the fifth grade when the DAR sponsored a history exam for the 5th and 6th graders. This one I actually won, smartest history kid in the school. I included that achievement on my resume for years!

My folks sent me off to spend the summer with my grandparents in Port Arthur, Texas. That nearly three months with my grandparents were perhaps the best summer of my life. They had a snack cupboard requiring no permission for me to take a cookie or candy or anything I wanted - I did gain considerable weight that summer. I had a bike to ride the neighborhood, and the folks across the street took me along with their kids

to the country club pool several times a week. I learned to catch crabs in the bayous (you tie a string around a hunk of meat and float it in the water, with a net in your other hand to scoop the crabs into a bucket. We spent Sundays on the Gulf of Mexico near Galveston with Grandad’s coworkers from Gulf Oil. However, one memory sticks with me vividly. One day my Grandmother took me grocery shopping, This was the first time I saw a water fountain labeled “colored”. Thinking it was some brand of Kool Aid, I went and took a big drink which caused quite a stir. To think in my lifetime, we still had stuff like this in our country is disappointing.

Back then, we wrote letters, and I wrote home weekly. I received letters from my Mom and Grandma Gracie. Imagine all the 4 cent stamps my grandparents had to buy, but this was cheaper than making a long distance call back home. As the summer ended, my Grandparents drove back to Pittsburgh to deliver me home. We stopped at those old roadside Motels, visited Mammoth Cave, read all the Burma Shave signs as Grandad motored his new Buick along those single lane highways. We arrived back at my home a week before school began in September, me 35 pounds heavier than when I left! I had assembled a memory album with assorted phots I took with my Brownie Camera. I cut out letters to form “TEXAS” for the cover. That aged album remains in my library to this day, replete with most of the letters.

The summer of 1959 became the demarcation of my whimsical youth from my more rebellious period to follow. I never played organized baseball again, had given up my paper route, and began wearing my Dad’s clothes. It was quite the transition!

Submitted by Michael Roberts, Estrella resident

Help A Child In Need!

We all understand the needs of children who are in foster care, but how often do you get to help them directly? Estrella Publishing is trying to make Back-To-School a little easier for those most at risk this year. We have purchased 125 backpacks and filled them with folders, notebooks, coloring books, and other supplies. We need your help to fill them to the brim!

When you go back to school shopping or even just buying groceries, consider adding a couple of extra items into your cart and we can make the life of a scared child a little better this fall.

Wish List Items: #2 pencils, erasers, glue sticks, kids scissors, pencil sharpeners and water bottles.

If you can help, drop off any of those items at The Sears Group at Elliott Market, they have kindly offered their location as a drop-off point and are donating supplies too! We will finish stuffing the backpacks and deliver them to Child Crisis Arizona on July 7th.

Dad Jokes

* You can’t blame anyone else if you fall in your driveway…it’s your own asphalt.

* I’ve started telling everyone about the benefits of eating dried grapes. It’s all about raisin awareness.

* I’ve started investing in stocks: beef, vegetable, chicken. One day I hope to be a bouillianaire.

* If you boil a funny bone, it becomes a laughing stock. Now that’s humerus.

* I accidentally rubbed ketchup in my eyes. Now I have Heinzsight.

* Did you know muffins spelled backwards is what you do when you take them out of the oven?

* Scientifically, a raven has 17 primary wing feathers, the big ones at the end of the wing. They are called pinion feathers. A crow has 16. So, the difference between a raven and a crow is only a matter of a pinion.

* I was walking in the jungle and saw a lizard on his hind legs telling jokes. I turned to a local tribal leader and said, “That lizard is really funny!” The leader replied, “That’s not a lizard. He’s a stand-up chameleon.

* I tried to come up with a carpentry pun that woodwork. I thought I nailed it but nobody saw it.

* The Black-Eyed Peas can sing us a song but the chick peas can only hummus one.

* How much does a chimney cost? Nothing, it’s on the house.

* My friend said she wouldn’t eat cow’s tongue because it came out of a cow’s mouth. I gave her an egg.

* Ran out of toilet paper and now using lettuce leaves. Today was just the tip of the iceberg, and tomorrow romaines to be seen.

Yum Yum

Tortilla Egg Roll-Ups

Ingredients

4 Large Eggs

4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 whole grain tortillas (6-inch)

Optional mix-ins: finely chopped spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers

Preparation

1. Over medium heat, warm a 6-inch skillet.

2. In small measuring cup, scramble one egg.

3. Add 1 teaspoon of oil to skillet, pour in the egg, and swirl so it covers the bottom of the pan.

4. Sprinkle on 2 tablespoons of cheese and optional mix-ins.

5. Let egg cook about 30 seconds, or until the bottom is cooked, but the top is still a little wet.

6. Press 1 tortilla right on top of the wet egg, and cook another 30 seconds (the egg and tortilla will stick together.)

7. Using a spatula, flip the egg and tortilla over, and cook another 30 seconds until the egg is fully cooked.

8. Remove from pan, let cool slightly, then roll it.

9. Repeat for remaining eggs and tortillas.

10. Eat immediately or store covered in the fridge for up to four days.

You can even make extras to keep in the freezer for up to three months. Using these tips, you’ll be able to throw a crowd-pleasing get-together that your friends and family will be talking about all summer long!

The Bug Guy

Ah, summertime in the West Valley of Phoenix. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the scorpions and spiders are out in full force. Wait, what? Yes, it’s true. Scorpions and spiders love to come out and play during the summer months, which is why you need pest control to keep them at bay.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Why do I need pest control? Can’t I just squish them myself?” Admittedly, squishing a spider or scorpion is quite satisfying. But did you know that some spiders and scorpions are poisonous? Yup, that’s right. Not only will they give you a fright, but they could also send you to the hospital. I don’t know about you, but I prefer to avoid the ER as much as possible.

“But I don’t see any spiders or scorpions in my home,” you say. Well, that’s because they’re sneaky little devils. They like to hide in dark corners, under furniture, and even inside shoes (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve put on a

shoe only to find a spider waiting for me). That’s where pest control comes in. With their expert knowledge and specialized equipment, they’ll find those creepy crawlies and get rid of them for good.

Plus, let’s talk about the psychological impact of seeing spiders and scorpions on the reg. It’s enough to give anyone nightmares. You’ll be jumping at every little movement and checking your bed sheets for stowaways. Save yourself the stress and anxiety by investing in pest control. Your mental health (and sleep schedule) will thank you.

So, in conclusion, if you want to avoid poisonous bites, save yourself the stress of daily spider and scorpion sightings, and protect your home from damage, you need pest control. It’s a no-brainer, really. Don’t let those creepy crawlies take over your summer. Call your local pest control company today and live in peace (and without fear).

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

Puzzles

Did you know that puzzles can improve your overall mental health? Working on jigsaw puzzles can be an effective way to enhance your mental speed, improve short-term and working memory, and promote more positive mood states through the production of dopamine. The act of putting the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle together has many rewards that can benefit your mental wellbeing.

Puzzles Improve Memory - Working on jigsaw puzzles and similar tasks can improve your working and short-term memory as you mentally manipulate the pieces to fit together by size, color, and location, in addition to frequently recalling where pieces go and whether they fit together, or not. This can enhance your memory as you make puzzling a regular activity.

Puzzles Improve Problem-Solving Skills and Concentration - When we are solving puzzles, we are reinforcing synaptic connections in our brain. Puzzles force us to look at different ways to solve a problem. In this process, we improve our capacity to come up with hypotheses, test those hypotheses, and adapt our perspective when it does or does not work out. This problemsolving skill can be applied to real life situations and help us think more critically. Furthermore, the act of finding the puzzle pieces that fit together can improve our perceptual abilities and concentration as we focus on what works and what doesn’t.

Puzzles Reduce Stress and Anxiety and Promote Adaptability - Research indicates that puzzles may be advantageous in delaying symptoms of certain disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease and dementias. Puzzles stimulate regions of the brain that elicit feelings of accomplishment, connection, and comfort to people. These benefits are enhanced when puzzle building is paired with interpersonal interactions, thereby promoting social supports and connectedness; a known protective factor against most physical and mental health conditions.

Simply put, puzzling is a fun and easy way to improve your overall mental wellbeing. Spending time alone with a puzzle is a great way to unwind and reset from a busy day, and working on a puzzle with others can be a great bonding exercise for everyone.

Submitted

by Dr.

William Marsh, licensed Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Director Quality Management, Southwest Behavioral & Health Services

Perception is Reality

Working with couples, I’m often astounded by how two perceptions of the same event can be so different. Each person’s perception is based on their interpretation vs. entirely grounded in a given reality. I always say that there are at least three sides to every story: yours, mine and the truth–the last of which is usually found somewhere in the middle!

Feelings aren’t right or wrong, but the thoughts that come from them are another matter entirely. They can get us into trouble via the generation of assumptions and other bad choices. How we see a given situation or event is open to interpretation. How we respond is within our control, and our responses are often characterdefining moments. The goal is to see things as clearly as possible, with a balance of rational thought and emotion.

Sometimes, we may struggle to see things

other two can result in bad decisions based on positive or negative feelings, originating from the skewed thoughts the lenses create. Rose-colored is the color that Polyanna wears, and these lenses can result in naïveté, being taken advantage of and disappointment when unrealistic expectations aren’t met. For example, trusting too early in a relationship, revealing too much of self and having it used against you by an immature or spiteful person. Seeing through gray glasses can result in sadness, lost opportunities and relationship difficulties. If everything is doom and gloom, self-esteem can be affected, which, in turn, affects motivation and can result in depression or at least chronically negative thinking. Early experiences can create gray lenses that cause us to be more sensitive and take things more personally as well.

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

Stay Cool

While a sunny summer is nice, too much of something is never a good thing. Excessive heat can cause dangerous conditions, such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Here are some ways to beat the summer heat:

1. Wear natural fabrics, such as a loose-fitting, white cotton or linen shirt. Dark fabrics absorb light more than lighter ones.

2. Replace the salt lost from excessive sweating with lemon water.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

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

7. Avoid heat-producing appliances, such as the dryer. Air-dry your clothes instead.

8. Avoid using the oven, try outdoor grilling or use a slow cooker to help keep the heat out

9. Ditch your incandescent lights and make the switch to LED bulbs. LEDs give off cooler lighting, which also means your air conditioner won’t have to run as high during summer.

10. Stay indoors or in an air-conditioned area as much as possible.

With temperatures sky-high this summer, 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.

Staying cool this summer can be easier than it seems. But if you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke or dehydration, go to the nearest hospital or call 911.

Submitted by Abrazo Health

Home Sweet Home

Heat Safety Tips For Pets

Temperatures are rising in the Valley of the Sun, and this summer promises to be another scorcher. Make sure you know the warning signs that your pet might be in distress. By recognizing what our four-legged friends need during these hot summer months, we can keep them happy, safe, and healthy.

• Chaining or tethering your dog outside is dangerous. The Valley’s scorching summer temps turn deadly quickly, and tethered dogs can easily become tangled, trapped without water, food, or shelter.

• The asphalt on Arizona’s Valley streets can reach up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. With temperatures regularly reaching 115° in Phoenix, it’s no wonder pavement burn is a real danger in the southwest between June, July, and August each year. Once outside temperatures surpass 95°, the risk of pavement burn increases for bare skin contact,

including our pets’ paws! Do the “touch-test” by holding your foot on the pavement for 7 seconds, if it’s too hot for bare feet, it’s too hot for paws. Being mindful of hot asphalt, sidewalks, and desert sand (often found on hiking trails), and remaining indoors during the hottest hours of the day, you can help your pet avoid potential third-degree burns that require medical treatment and possible surgery.

• Every year, children and animals tragically die when they are left in hot cars. One death is too many, and the Good Samaritan aims to end hot-car deaths. Your car can become a deadly oven in just minutes. It takes just minutes for temperatures inside your car to rise to extremely dangerous levels. Even on a cool day, temperatures can become deadly.

To learn more about heat safety for animals: Visit azhumane.org

Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor and Estrella Resident

Supporting Seniors

Benevilla, a nonprofit organization based in the West Valley, is looking for compassionate volunteers to help provide essential services to older adults in the community. The organization is seeking summer heroes who can volunteer their time to provide assisted transportation to medical appointments, light handyman services, grocery shopping, in-home friendly visits, and phone pals. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to make a positive impact in their community while gaining valuable experience.

Benevilla is committed to providing highquality services to older adults to ensure they can maintain their independence and quality of life. The organization has been providing these services for over 40 years and has built a strong reputation for its commitment to the community. By volunteering with Benevilla, you will be joining a team of dedicated individuals who are passionate about helping others.

If you are a teacher or a student with free time during the summer, this is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience while making a difference in the lives of others. Likewise, if you are a bus driver or someone who enjoys providing assistance to others, this opportunity could be a perfect fit for you.

Volunteering with Benevilla is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to interact with older adults in the community and learn about their experiences. You will also be able to connect with other volunteers who share your passion for helping others.

To become a Benevilla summer hero, you can contact the organization at 623-584-4999 or apply online at www.benevilla.org. The application process is straightforward, and the organization provides training and support to all volunteers. You will also be able to choose from a range of volunteer opportunities that suit your interests and availability. Apply today and become a Benevilla summer hero!

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

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Up The Hill magazine

AUTO SERVICES

A Plus Automotive Mobile Repair

Daniel Total Car Care

Earnhardt Auto Glass

Exclusive Transportation Services

Litchfield Auto Repair

Redline Carts

Trinity Auto Glass

BUSINESS & LEGAL SERVICES

Facepoint Insurance - V Eguizabal

LaWanda William - Medicare Ins

Mahoney Law Office

Richard Tax Service

State Farm Insurance - D Aaron

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Estrella Family Care & Aesthetics

Good Night Pediatrics

Mane Look - Cuts & Color

Mtn. Ranch Family Dentistry

One Fine Day Massage & Wellness

Ask Him LLC

Budget Blinds of Goodyear

Century Glass & Mirror

CJ Door Company

Consider It Finished Painting

Countywide Plumbing & Sewer

Creative Surface Solutions

Estrella Mountain Pest Control

General Exterminating

Goodyear Flooring

Goodyear Home inspection

Hardy Solar

ICS Contracting

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

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 - 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

Shelf Theory