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
This Mother's Day is extra special as I welcome my daughter, Jennah Rioux to join my real estate team. With a shared passion for helping clients find the perfect home, or sell their home for top market value, we're excited to bring a new level of dedication and personal service to our PebbleCreek community. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or invest in PebbleCreek, our family is here to serve your family.
We hope to see you in the neighborhood soon!
From Me To You...
We have always been aware that the time with our children is finite, and that when they are ready to leave the nest it was our duty to make them as capable as possible. To that end we have consciously taught them things that we hoped would help them become responsible, productive adults.
All my children could cook simple meals by the age of 12. This had the added bonus of relieving me from the cooking every night, and a side product was finding out one of our kids is a talented and inventive chef — who knew that bacon was better when covered in hot honey???
Laundry was a massive undertaking in a house with 2 adults and 4 children, so sharing the load (no pun intended) by teaching the whites and colors of it all to the children helped on both sides. Cleaning, keeping and caring for a house were in there too, along with being able to travel, read a map, and navigate an airport by themselves.
Fundamental finances. This is a biggie. Everyone should know how to balance their bank account, understand the importance of credit - how to get it, use it and keep it. To that end we helped them get
credit cards and showed them the importance of paying their balance every month. If you can’t afford to pay for roller skates then you should not get them... As they got older we taught them how to invest in the market, and gave them a small fund to invest for themselves. Sometimes their stocks went up, and sometimes they went down. Each scenario taught them something of worth.
But the most valuable lesson, in my opinion, was teaching them to be respectful and civil to others whilst taking accountability for their own actions. It takes no more effort to be kind than to be rude or hurtful, and it can make all the difference to someone in how they see you, even more so, how they see themselves. On the flip side, being able to admit when you are wrong and remediate the situation goes a long way towards improving how others see you. Hopefully, some of these lessons stuck with our kids (now adults) and made their entry into adulthood a little smoother.
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a technology that enables computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. Think of it as computer systems that can learn from experience, adapt to new information, and perform tasks that normally need human thinking. For seniors, understanding AI can open doors to helpful tools while also raising important considerations.
Benefits of AI for Seniors
• AI-powered devices can significantly enhance independence and safety at home. Voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home can control lights, thermostats, and appliances with simple voice commands, making daily tasks easier for those with mobility issues. These systems can also set medication reminders, make emergency calls, and answer questions instantly.
• Healthcare has been transformed by AI applications that monitor vital signs and detect potential health issues early. Some AI systems can identify changes in movement patterns that might indicate increased fall risk, while others can help manage chronic conditions through personalized recommendations and reminders.
• Social connection improves dramatically with AIfacilitated video calls and communication tools that are designed to be user-friendly. These technologies help bridge distance between family members and reduce isolation, which is particularly important
for seniors living alone.
• For those experiencing memory challenges, AIpowered reminder systems and digital assistants provide gentle prompts for appointments, medications, and daily routines. These tools can reduce anxiety about forgetting important tasks and support continued independence.
• Transportation options have expanded with ridesharing apps that use AI to match riders with nearby drivers, offering greater mobility for seniors who no longer drive. These services provide independence without the responsibilities of car ownership.
Disadvantages and Concerns
• Privacy remains a significant concern with AI systems that continuously collect data about users’ habits, health, conversations, and daily activities. Many seniors feel uncomfortable with this level of monitoring and worry about how their personal information might be used.
• Technology learning curves can be steep, causing frustration when systems don’t understand commands or require complex setup procedures. This technological barrier may discourage some seniors from adopting potentially helpful tools.
• Over-reliance on AI can sometimes reduce human interaction and potentially lead to isolation if technology replaces rather than supplements faceto-face connections. The warmth of human care cannot be fully replicated by artificial systems.
• Security vulnerabilities exist in connected devices that may be susceptible to hacking or scams specifically targeting older adults. Without proper safeguards, these systems could potentially expose sensitive information.
• Cost presents another barrier, as many advanced AI tools require subscriptions, high-speed internet connections, or expensive hardware that may be beyond some seniors’ budgets.
When considering AI adoption, the key is finding the right balance—embracing helpful technologies while maintaining human connections and being mindful of privacy and security.
Nostalgia in AZ
The Arizona Cardinals Welcome Back Legends
For longtime fans of the Arizona Cardinals, the past month has delivered heartwarming moments of nostalgia. Two franchise cornerstones—Patrick Peterson and Calais Campbell—have found their way back to the desert, albeit in different capacities.
Patrick Peterson: A Cardinal Once More
Former cornerback Patrick Peterson has signed a ceremonial contract to retire as a Cardinal. Drafted by Arizona, Peterson spent the majority of his illustrious career with the team before exploring free agency, which led him to stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers—where they attempted to transition him to safety. While this homecoming makes no impact on the current season, having one of the premier cornerbacks in recent NFL history choose to conclude his career as a member of the “Bird Gang” represents a significant addition to the franchise’s legacy. As Peterson himself expressed, he aspires to one day see his name in the team’s Ring of Honor. Regardless of whether that accolade materializes, his identity as a true Cardinal is undeniable.
Calais Campbell: The Prodigal Son Returns
The more substantial development is the return of defensive end Calais Campbell, who has rejoined the active roster after signing a one-year, $5.5 million contract. Like Peterson, Campbell was drafted by Arizona and played for the Cardinals from 2008 to 2016 before testing free agency. His journey then took him through several organizations including the Jaguars, Ravens, Falcons, and Dolphins before his April 1st homecoming. Despite his veteran status, Campbell has expressed confidence in his ability to impact games in the upcoming season. While his precise role and position on the depth chart remain undefined, his presence brings immeasurable value. With Arizona’s defense trending younger, Campbell offers exceptional leadership and experience in a mentorship capacity that can significantly strengthen the program’s future.
The Arizona Cardinals have been methodically preparing for the upcoming season through strategic additions in both free agency and the draft. For Cardinals fans, it’s time to buckle up, grab some popcorn, and enjoy what promises to be an exciting season in the desert.
Cook With Zona
Buttermilk Pancakes
For the past few years I’ve been making my own butter and in my house “We don’t waste anything”. After you’ve made your very own butter not only are you extremely satisfied and thrilled with yourself but you also have buttermilk! *When making butter with 1 pint of heavy whipping cream you’re left with about 2 cups of buttermilk. There are so many recipes you can use buttermilk for but my family’s favorite are fluffy buttermilk pancakes! This pancake recipe is seriously so easy, I guarantee you already have all the ingredients in your house. And personally I think they’re better than store bought pancake mix!
If you have a recipe you’d like to share with your community email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com to be featured in the magazine!
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 large egg
2 cups buttermilk
4 tablespoons butter, melted
Steps:
1. Preheat and lightly grease a large skillet or electric griddle.
2. Mix flour, salt, and baking soda together in a bowl. Add egg, buttermilk, and butter; stir together lightly, but keep it lumpy. The batter should look thick, spongy, and puffy.
3. Drop 1/3 cup of the batter onto the cooking surface. Cook until lightly browned on each side, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
4. Garnish with your favorite fruit and syrup.
5. Enjoy!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your fluffy buttermilk pancakes or tag us on social media @ EstrellaPublishing.
Memory Tips
Ways to Help Memory Loss
Memory decline can significantly impact quality of life for older adults, but numerous strategies can help maintain and even improve cognitive function. Implementing a multi-faceted approach offers the best chance of preserving memory and cognitive abilities as we age.
Regular physical activity stands as one of the most powerful interventions for brain health. Even moderate exercise like daily walking increases blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the growth of new brain cells. Studies show that seniors who exercise regularly experience slower rates of memory decline compared to sedentary peers.
Nutrition plays an equally vital role in brain health. The Mediterranean and MIND diets, rich in vegetables, berries, fish, olive oil, and nuts, have demonstrated protective effects against cognitive decline. These diets provide essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that nourish brain cells and reduce harmful inflammation.
Mental stimulation creates cognitive reserve, helping the brain become more resilient to age-related changes. Activities that challenge the mind—learning new skills, solving puzzles, playing strategy games, or studying a language—create new neural connections. The key is engaging in novel, progressively challenging activities rather than simply repeating familiar routines.
Social connection serves as another powerful protector against memory loss. Regular meaningful interaction with others stimulates various cognitive processes and reduces isolation, which is linked to accelerated cognitive decline. Conversation, group activities, and maintaining close relationships all contribute significantly to brain health.
Memory-specific techniques can also help seniors compensate for difficulties. Visual imagery, association
strategies, organizing information into categories, and using memory aids like calendars, notes, and smartphone reminders all support daily functioning. Establishing consistent routines further reduces cognitive load.
Sleep quality profoundly affects memory consolidation and brain health. Addressing sleep disorders, creating calming bedtime routines, and maintaining regular sleep schedules all support cognitive function in older adults.
Managing chronic health conditions is essential, as conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and depression can worsen memory problems when uncontrolled. Regular medical check-ups and medication reviews help identify issues that may contribute to cognitive changes.
For more significant memory concerns, professional evaluation may be warranted. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, especially for treatable conditions like vitamin deficiencies, medication side effects, or depression that can mimic more serious memory disorders.
Movie Reviews
2025’s Must-See Films
Fantastic Four: A Cosmic Rebirth
Marvel’s first family finally receives the adaptation they deserve. Director Matt Shakman balances cosmic adventure with family dynamics as Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) navigate their newfound powers. This iteration embraces scientific exploration while presenting Galactus as a genuinely threatening cosmic entity. Despite some overwhelming third-act CGI, the Pascal-Kirby chemistry establishes a promising foundation for Marvel’s future.
The Fountain of Youth: Visual Splendor
Olivia Wilde’s latest offers stunning visuals but a weaker narrative. Following researchers who discover a regenerative spring, the film raises fascinating questions about mortality but resolves them too simply.
Jennifer Lawrence and John David Washington deliver strong performances amid breathtaking Costa Rican rainforest cinematography, though the provocative premise ultimately yields to conventional thriller elements.
Elio: Pixar’s Triumphant Return
Pixar reclaims its storytelling magic with this tale of an 11-year-old accidentally chosen as Earth’s ambassador to an alien coalition. The animation dazzles with imaginative designs, while the emotional core examining belonging resonates deeply. America Ferrera’s voice work provides tremendous warmth in this instant classic that balances humor with genuine stakes.
The Life of Chuck: Existential Storytelling
This Stephen King adaptation brilliantly works backward from a man’s death through his defining moments. Tom Hiddleston delivers a career-best performance as Chuck Krantz, capturing both youthful exuberance and elderly wisdom. Director Mike Flanagan crafts a profound meditation on how ordinary lives contain extraordinary meaning in this summer’s essential drama.
F1: High-Octane Authenticity
Director Joseph Kosinski brings “Top Gun: Maverick” energy to Formula 1 racing. Brad Pitt portrays a veteran driver’s final comeback alongside Damson Idris’s ambitious teammate. The racing sequences deliver unprecedented authenticity with cameras mounted on actual F1 cars during Grand Prix events. Despite occasional sports movie clichés, the immersive experience and respect for motorsport create a thrilling ride.
This summer’s diverse lineup offers something for everyone—from the technical innovation of “F1” to the emotional depth of “The Life of Chuck.” While “Fantastic Four” and “Elio” demonstrate that franchises and animation can deliver substance with spectacle, each film makes a compelling case for the theatrical experience in our streaming-dominated era.
Snowbird 101
Preparing Your Arizona Home for Summer Departure: A Snowbird’s Guide
As temperatures climb in the desert, snowbirds prepare for their annual migration north. Before leaving your Arizona home for the summer months, taking proper precautions will protect your property and provide peace of mind during your absence. Follow these essential steps to ensure your desert dwelling remains secure until your return.
1. Interior Preparation
Start by thoroughly cleaning your home—empty refrigerators and pantries of perishables, dispose of trash, and clean surfaces to prevent attracting pests. Set your thermostat to 85-88°F to prevent excessive heat while conserving energy. Though this temperature seems high, it protects your furniture and prevents moisture buildup without running your AC constantly.
Unplug all non-essential electronics and appliances to prevent power surge damage and reduce phantom energy costs. Consider installing timers on select lights to create the appearance of occupancy. Close all blinds and curtains to minimize sun exposure, protecting furnishings from UV damage.
2. Plumbing and Water Systems
Water damage represents one of the biggest risks to vacant homes. Shut off your main water valve and
drain the pipes by opening faucets until water stops flowing. Pour a cup of water into rarely used drains to maintain P-trap seals, preventing sewer gases from entering your home.
If you have an irrigation system, program it appropriately for summer watering needs or engage a landscaping service. For pool owners, arrange regular maintenance or properly prepare your pool for extended vacancy.
3.
Security Measures
Forward your mail or arrange for a service to collect it regularly. Notify trusted neighbors or friends of your departure dates and provide emergency contact information. Consider installing a monitored security system if you haven’t already, and ensure all doors and windows are securely locked.
4.
Professional Services
Arrange for periodic property checks through a management company or trusted individual. Schedule any necessary pest control treatments before departure and throughout your absence. If applicable, inform your HOA of your departure dates and emergency contacts.
By methodically addressing these areas, you’ll return to find your Arizona home just as comfortable and welcoming as when you left it. Safe travels until the desert calls you back in the fall!
The Bug Guy
As the mercury in the valley climbs faster than ticket prices to a Taylor Swift concert, our desert dwelling pests are planning their annual summer invasion. May marks the official kickoff of what locals affectionately call “The Season of Screaming at Things with Too Many Legs.”
Scorpions, having spent the winter perfecting their stealth tactics, are now emerging with what appears to be military-grade night vision and an uncanny ability to appear precisely where your bare foot is about to step. These tiny ninjas with venom have been studying your bathroom habits for months and have determined 2 AM is the optimal time to make you question your life choices.
Meanwhile, roof rats—who frankly should be paying rent given their occupancy levels—have declared your attic the hottest club in Phoenix. With bass-heavy
scurrying between 1-4 AM, these rodent ravers have little respect for your Zoom meetings or sanity.
The ants of Phoenix deserve special recognition for their mathematical precision. These tiny architects can calculate the exact path from the tiniest cookie crumb to their colony three blocks away faster than your GPS can recalculate after a wrong turn on the I-10.
Local pest control companies report call volumes rising faster than housing prices, with homeowners describing encounters in increasingly creative terms. “It wasn’t a spider, it was a furry octopus with attitude,” reported one Scottsdale resident.
Experts recommend the traditional Arizona pest control strategy: a combination of professional services, meticulous cleanliness, and the occasional primal scream into the void of your pantry.
Remember, West Valley residents: in the battle against our multi-legged adversaries, victory isn’t about elimination—it’s about peaceful coexistence. And by “peaceful coexistence,” we mean them staying outside where they belong while you enjoy your airconditioned sanctuary, clutching your shoe, ready for
May the odds be ever in your favor. At least until June, when things get really interesting.
of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
The Doctor Is In
Set Your Intentions - Part 3
This month, we’re wrapping up this series, with a better setup for success than New Year’s resolutions. That setup is the WOTY method.
Some years ago, a friend of mine posted that she was working on her Word of the Year (WOTY). When I first read this, I thought, “Oh, joy, another pop psychology trend to sell special journals. It’ll take over social media for the next 30 days and then disappear overnight like a parking lot carnival.”
But, I have to admit, the idea lingered in my mind…
As I thought about my goals for the new year, I realized that there was actually a theme to them. I’d always been a fan of New Year’s resolutions and often use January as a time for my patients to evaluate their therapy progress and come up with revised or new
goals for the year. But I started really taking to the idea of a one-word mantra that I could repeat whenever I was faced with a challenge that linked up with one of my goals for the year.
So…a few days passed, and I came up with my word for the year: Eliminate. I wanted to eliminate all sorts of things: fear, health challenges, clutter, time suckers, you name it. I started using my word and found it to be really helpful. And my patients have loved it, too!
Here’s how you establish your WOTY:
1. Take a look at various areas of your life: parenting, home, family, faith, work, health, love, finances, friendships and so on.
2. Assess areas for improvement in each category and create SMART goals around them. (If you want help doing this in your marriage, check out Fix Your Freaking Marriage on Amazon and use the 16 elements as your foundation.)
3. Write down a word or short phrase that summarizes each goal.
4. Funnel those words or phrases down to a theme that stands out across all or most of your goals.
5. Turn that theme into an action word or adjective. Some examples include compassionate, brave, focus, assertive, confident, fearless, pursue, relax, breathe, love, change, simplify and strength.
Do something different this year and feel better about slow and steady progress and less disappointed at the end of the year. If you’d also like this information in a podcast, head over to Episode 15 of “The Psych with a Mic Podcast.”
Submitted by Dr. J. Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D.
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.
Home Sweet Home
Soak it Smart: How to Water Wisely This Summer
The triple-digit heat, low humidity, and intense sun can take a toll on your plants, especially if your watering schedule isn’t adjusted for the season.
Water Deep, Not Often
In our desert climate, deep watering encourages roots to grow downward where the soil stays cooler. This helps plants become more drought-tolerant. Rather than watering daily, opt for less frequent but longer sessions to thoroughly soak the root zone.
Timing Is Everything
Water early in the morning—ideally between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m.—to reduce evaporation and give plants a head start before the heat hits. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day when most of the moisture will evaporate.
How Long Should You Water?
The goal is to reach the root zone of each plant type:
• Trees: Water for 4–6 hours using drip irrigation, or 2–3 hours with a hose on a slow trickle, every 7–14 days.
• Shrubs: Drip for 1–2 hours, or use a soaker hose for about 1–1.5 hours, every 5–7 days.
• Groundcovers & Perennials: Water for 30–60 minutes every 3–5 days.
• Lawns (Bermudagrass): Use sprinklers for 15–25 minutes per zone, 2–3 times per week.
• Cacti & Succulents: Water for 30–45 minutes with drip or 5–10 minutes by hand every 3–4 weeks.
• Container Plants: These dry out fast—check them daily and water as needed, typically 5–10 minutes depending on size.
Use the Right Tools
Drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses are ideal for efficient watering. They deliver moisture directly to the roots and minimize waste. Be sure to inspect your system for leaks, clogs, or broken emitters regularly.
Watch for Signs of Stress
Look out for early morning wilting or dry, crumbly soil—these may signal it’s time to water. However, some plants wilt in the afternoon heat and perk back up at night, so monitor them before reaching for the hose.
By adjusting your watering schedule and methods now, you’ll keep your landscape healthy, beautiful, and water-wise through the long Phoenix summer.
Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor
Healthy Habits
Benefits of Beginner Chair Yoga
Chair yoga offers a gentle and accessible approach to yoga specifically designed for seniors with mobility limitations. This modified practice provides numerous physical, mental, and social benefits while eliminating many barriers to traditional exercise.
For older adults, chair yoga serves as an excellent low-impact option that reduces the risk of falls and injuries. The chair provides stability and support, allowing seniors to perform poses safely while building strength and improving balance. Regular practice helps maintain and enhance flexibility in joints that naturally stiffen with age, particularly in the shoulders, hips, and spine.
Beyond physical improvements, chair yoga significantly benefits cardiovascular health. Even gentle movements increase circulation, helping to manage blood pressure and improve heart health. The controlled breathing techniques central to yoga practice deliver more oxygen to tissues while activating the parasympathetic nervous system, producing a calming effect that reduces stress hormones.
Chair yoga also addresses common age-related concerns like arthritis pain. The gentle stretching helps lubricate joints and reduce inflammation, while the mindful movement approach teaches seniors to work with their bodies rather than against them. Many practitioners report decreased chronic pain and improved sleep quality after establishing a regular practice.
The cognitive benefits are equally impressive. Chair yoga encourages mindfulness and presentmoment awareness, which can help reduce anxiety and depression common in older adults. The focus required to coordinate movement with breath stimulates neural connections and may help preserve cognitive function.
Perhaps most importantly, chair yoga classes provide valuable social connection. Group sessions create community and combat isolation, which is particularly crucial for seniors living alone. The shared experience of learning and practicing together fosters relationships and emotional well-being.
For beginners, chair yoga provides an ideal entry point to exercise. The modifications allow seniors of various ability levels to participate meaningfully, building confidence and self-efficacy. As practitioners become more comfortable, they can gradually increase the challenge of poses, experiencing continued growth and improvement.
Chair yoga truly embodies the principle that movement is medicine, offering seniors a holistic approach to wellness that nourishes body, mind, and spirit without overwhelming physical demands.
Puzzle Time
This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
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