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
I discovered a startling fact the other day, in Tahiti there is no word for art. The closest translation is ‘I am doing the best that I can.’ The idea is that there is no perfection in creativity, you just try your best, because if you didn’t try there would be nothing.
We are all doing the best that we can with the knowledge we have at the time. Let that sink in for a minute.
The mother, frantic that she is doing everything wrong, or is making the worst decisions for her child. She is doing the best that she can. The intern at his desk, stumbling around, desperate to make a good impression on his boss. He is doing the best that he can. The senior citizen, pausing in front of a supermarket shelf, slowing everyone down in the aisle, not quite sure what beans to buy. He is doing the best that he can.
I am sure you are not perfect in your actions and thoughts either. You don’t know the answers to everything. You don’t know what to do in every situation. And in those moments of self-doubt,
concern and hesitation you wish for a little grace from others. I know I do. Frequently.
The number of times I have looked back at a decision or action and known that if I had more knowledge, insight or even confidence, things would have been different, is staggering. But just as with that fear of failure in beginning a task, the fear of looking bad, or doing the wrong thing in hindsight should not hold us back. As long as there is accountability in your actions. ‘I know that was not the right path, or the right decision, and given the opportunity I will do better next time.’
So hold yourself accountable, admit you were wrong, and move on. Take courage in the knowledge that you are imperfect, we all are, and resolve to keep ‘doing the best that you can.’
Catherine Uretsky Editor, The Hamlet Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com
623.398.5541
Independence Day
Fireworks Safety
If you choose to light fireworks at home the best way to protect your family is to be well educated on how to safely handle fireworks before, during, and after lighting them. To help you prepare for this dazzling holiday event, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 tips for safely handling fireworks.
1. Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water/hose nearby in case of accidents.
2. Designate a safety perimeter. If you have groundbased fireworks like a fountain, observing from at least 35 feet away is best. For aerial fireworks, you’ll want everyone to move back to a distance of around 150 feet.
3. Ditch faulty fireworks. Sometimes fireworks don’t go off, but duds always pose a risk for your safety. The important thing to know is that you should never try to relight or approach a failed firework. Let duds sit for 5
-10 minutes before you put them in a bucket of water. This can prevent injury from a delayed explosion and disarm the firework permanently so you can safely dispose of it.
4. Supervise children when they are handling sparklers. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit; hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet or touching body parts.
5. Don’t forget about your pets! Fireworks can be extremely stressful for pets, but there are ways to help reduce their fear and anxiety. Keep your pets indoors, close the curtains or blinds and turn on the TV to provide some distraction, and give them treats or toys filled with their favorite food (frozen pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and apple sauce are good options).
6. Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
7. Never place a part of your body directly over a firework or hold a firework in your hand when lighting. To safely light fireworks, make sure they are secured on the ground away from people and animals and use a stem lighter such as a grill lighter.
8. Only light one firework at a time. Lighting multiple fireworks at the same time increases the risk of accidents occurring from a fuse burning faster than designed.
9. Avoid alcohol consumption when handling or using fireworks.
10. Consider safe alternatives to fireworks such as party poppers, bubbles, silly string, or glow sticks.
Blue Line Painting
Cabinet Reeinishing Exteriors Interiors
The Bug Guy
Scorching Scorpion Season
July in the West Valley - temperatures soar, and so does the risk of encountering some of the desert’s most notorious residents: scorpions. As the intense heat drives these eight-legged arthropods from their underground lairs in search of cooler spots, they often find their way into our homes and yards.
their entry points is crucial.Next, keep your yard clear of potential scorpion hideouts like woodpiles, rocks, and dense vegetation. A well-manicured landscape leaves these arachnids with fewer places to lurk.
For the brave souls who call this sunbaked region home, scorpion season is an annual rite of passage. It’s a time when we must be ever-vigilant, checking our shoes before putting them on and giving the premises a thorough once-over before letting the kids or pets out to play. But fear not, intrepid Phoenicians! With a few simple precautions, you can keep these stinging menaces at bay and enjoy a (mostly) scorpion-free
If you do spot a scorpion on your property, resist the urge to stomp on it (unless you enjoy impromptu games of twisted ankle roulette). Instead, carefully capture it with a sturdy pair of tongs or a glass jar, and relocate it to a safe distance away. For those seeking extra protection, consider hiring a professional pest control service. These scorpion sleuths can treat your home with targeted insecticides, providing an added layer of security against these venomous trespassers.
So embrace the scorching summer, Phoenix Valley residents! With a little preparation and vigilance, you can enjoy the great outdoors without constantly looking over your shoulder for these pint-sized predators. Just remember: they’re more afraid of you of Estrella Mountain Pest Control, Estrella resident
Cook with Zona
Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet
Chicken Pot Pie is a heavily repeated meal in my home but just like everyone else in the world I get tired of the same old, same old meals and need to switch things up from time to time. I came across this recipe and I just knew it would become a fan favorite in my house! And just as I predicted I’ve become utterly obsessed with this dish and have made it multiple times in the last month. When a recipe is not only delicious but simple and almost impossible to screw up, it’s a big win in my book! Even my husband found this recipe extremely easy to follow along!
Traditional Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food and this Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet (I know, it’s a mouthful) gives off the same energy amplified by 1000! With all the same ingredients as your standard chicken pot pie, minus the crust that we’re essentially substituting with egg noodles. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish to bring to a potluck, this chicken pot pie recipe is sure to impress. So grab your apron and get ready to create a delicious and comforting meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds; or even thirds if we’re talking about my husband.
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.
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 15 mins | Total time: 30 mins
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Sage
• 1/2 teaspoon Thyme
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
Steps
• Cook noodles al dente, according to package directions.
• Cook chicken your preferred way. Oven, stove top, or air fryer.
• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion, garlic, and peas and carrots; season with the salt, pepper, sage, and thyme. Cook until onions are soft and translucent. Stir in the flour until combined.
• Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Drain the pasta and add to the skillet, along with the chicken. Taste and season with a touch more salt and pepper, if necessary.
ENJOY!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your creamy Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet or tag us on social media @EstrellaPublishing.
Home Sweet Home
In Arizona’s hot climate, pools can significantly enhance home value and lifestyle. Here are some things to consider before taking the plunge!
Financial Value: Increased Home Value
Higher Sales Price: Pools can boost home values by 7-10%, making them highly desirable. Buyers often pay a premium for the cooling and recreational benefits.
Investment Return: While installing a pool can cost $60,000 to $100,000+, homes with pools often see increased value compared to homes without pools, which can help offset a large amount of the initial cost.
Faster Sales: Buyer Attraction: Homes with pools tend to sell more quickly. Pools are a sought-after feature, providing a competitive edge in Arizona’s real estate market.
Lifestyle Benefits: Recreation and Relaxation
Entertainment Hub: Pools serve as a focal point for social gatherings, ideal for parties, barbecues, and family activities.
Health Advantages: Swimming offers excellent lowimpact exercise, enhancing cardiovascular health and muscle strength, making a home pool a convenient fitness option.
Heat Relief: Cooling Comfort: With Arizona’s high temperatures, pools offer essential heat relief,
providing a personal oasis to cool down and relax at home.
Considerations: Maintenance Costs
Regular Upkeep: Maintaining a pool involves cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment servicing. Budgeting for these expenses is crucial for keeping the pool in good condition.
Potential Repairs: Long-term costs might include resurfacing or equipment replacement, so planning for future repairs is essential.
Insurance
Increased Premiums: Homeowner’s insurance may be higher due to the liability associated with pools. Ensuring comprehensive coverage for poolrelated risks is important.
Usage: Seasonality: Pools are most valuable in summer but can be used year-round if heated, maximizing their benefit in cooler months.
In short, pools in Arizona offer financial and lifestyle benefits, however, one must balance the advantages with the costs and maintenance needs to ensure adding a pool makes sense.
Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor and Estrella Resident
Reading Village
The Reading Village at EMES
The 1st and 2nd grade teaching teams at EMES (Estrella Mountain Elementary School) use testing data from the beginning, middle and end of the year to determine where each student is on the path to reading at or above grade level. Before, each teacher might split her class into three fairly large reading groups – those reading at grade level, below-level readers and above-level readers. Now, all K-3 resource students and all 1st and 2nd graders are combined, and individual readers are assigned to very small groups that are focused on what each child needs. Groups might be reading at grade level, need specific extra help, or writing and reading above-grade-level literature. A 1st grade reader might work with a group reading at grade 2 level, while a 2nd grader might be in a group focused on phonics.
By combining all 1st, 2nd and K-3 resource students, 6 teachers, including our reading intervention teacher, Amy Johnson, are available to lead groups. Our K-3 resource teacher, Christine Davidson, is also a trained reading interventionist. She and Ms. Johnson work with groups most at risk of falling behind on reading. The classroom teachers and our three “specials” teachers (music, art & PE) work with groups reading above and below grade level, while specially trained volunteers do fluency work with readers who are at grade level. This “village” of educators and volunteers and the effort to meet all readers where they are at and give them exactly what they need to grow and thrive, is truly making a difference for the 1st and 2nd grade readers at EMES.
If you’re interested in volunteering at EMES, contact Suzanne Wold at suzanne@woldsoldhome.com or text to 602-451-4748.
Dementia Care
Caring for the Family with Aging Loved Ones
The percentage of Americans between the ages of 75-84 grew by 25% in the last decade and is expected to grow faster in the next one. Longevity has changed the way we view aging and family dynamics. Research has also shown an increase in cases of dementia. If dementia has entered your family, how does one know when to ask for help? The first step is to let go of the feeling that you need to do this alone, or that asking for outside help somehow means you aren’t caring for your loved one in the way they deserve.
More than seven million Americans have been diagnosed with dementia, with Alzheimer’s Disease responsible for most cases. That’s a lot of adult children, grandchildren, and other family members who are affected by the needs of a loved one with dementia. The life challenges to families of a loved one with dementia are more than meets the eye. They must learn to navigate issues like how to adult-proof a home or ways to talk to young children about what grandma or grandpa may be going through.
For caregivers, the journey can feel lonely and the demands overwhelming. As the cases of dementia continue to rise, community resources are becoming increasingly available to families and caregivers. Resources such as learning from the experiences of others, and in-home care that offers relief to many of the challenges such as hygiene, medication compliance, diet, and even who watches mom while the family takes a much-needed vacation.
As a mental health practitioner, I’ve learned that for many families the cost of accessing outside resources can be difficult. Please know there are affordable options for everything from counseling to full-time or occasional “respite” care, providing in-home primary caregivers some free time without worry. Resources to options for care can be found at Hearts for Dementia or by calling 480.720.9038, emailing info@ heartsfordementia.com, through the Governor’s Office on Aging at https://aging.azgovernor.gov/home and the Arizona Alzheimer’s Association at https://www. alz.org/dsw. Reach out for help, it is there.
Submitted by Lolita Tramel, Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Floating Away
Beating the Arizona Heat with a Day of Salt River Tubing
As the brutal Arizona summer kicks into high gear, us locals are always on the hunt for ways to stay cool and have fun. For me and my friends, there’s no better way to do that than spending a day tubing down the Salt Rivers. The Salt River runs right through the Tonto National Forest, just a short drive out of the Phoenix metro area. During the summer months, the river is the perfect place to chill out and let the current pull you along as you soak up some rays.
Every weekend from May through September, you will find the river’s rocky beaches packed with a variety of people from kids to parents to grandparents looking to escape the concrete jungle for the day. It is an outstanding atmosphere, with tons of people relaxing, laughing, blasting music from portable speakers, and hollering as they drift along on those classic black rubber tubes.
My friends and I always make sure to get to the putting-in spot as early as possible to stake out a prime spot along the water’s edge.
We get our tubes blown up, including an extra tube to squeeze that ice cooler full of snacks and drinks into, and get ready to relax. Some groups even bring their small cooking set-ups and sit back on the small beach areas to hang out.
Once everyone is ready, we hit the water and let the current do the work. Over the next few hours, we will leisurely float along, taking in the beautiful desert scenery and playing games as we go. One of the highlights is always the bouncy rapids section, where the river picks up speed over some minor drops and rocks. It is crazy enough to get your adrenaline pumping without being too strenuous.
By the late afternoon, completely sunkissed and pruned up from hours in the water, we will hit the exit point and make our way back home. The Salt River Tubing experience is an essential Arizona summer tradition for anyone willing to go on an adventure and have an enjoyable time. It is the perfect fusion of nature and party all rolled up into one fantastic day. Just be sure to prepare yourself with plenty of water and (potentially) Aloe vera for the next day!
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.
