Up The Hill is a free, monthly magazine produced by Estrella Publishing for the residents of Estrella & CantaMia.
A magazine for Estrella & CantaMia residents From Your Neighbors, For Your Neighbors Up The Hill
February 2026 1
Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
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2 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine (623) 233-0049
February 2026 lyonsroofing.com
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Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor Talia Uretsky, Assistant Editor 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. 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
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February 2026 3
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4 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
February 2026
From Me To You...
I don’t know about you but I am a devoted list maker. I believe deeply in the power of writing things down. Every morning, I sit at my desk with a fresh piece of paper, ready to conquer the day ahead. Groceries, appointments, that article deadline, the three emails I’ve been avoiding all week. It all goes on the list. I am organized. I am prepared. I am, for approximately sixty minutes, a functional adult.
Sometimes I find my lists later in random places. In the washing machine, slightly damp and illegible. Wedged between the couch cushions with some popcorn kernels and loose change. Once, inexplicably, in the refrigerator next to the butter, I have no idea how that one happened. Why not use my phone like a normal person, you say? Where’s the satisfaction in that? There’s something deeply gratifying about physically crossing items off a paper list. Plus, you can’t lose your phone in the refrigerator. Well, you can, but then you have bigger problems than finding a list. So I persist. Every morning, I make a new list. Every day, I lose it. And without fail you will find me in Fry’s trying to remember if we need milk, while wondering if this is just what being over fifty looks like. Catherine Uretsky Editor, Up The Hill Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541
And then I lose the list.
Not immediately, of course. That would be too simple. No, I lose it right when I need it most, usually while standing in the middle of Fry’s trying to remember if we’re out of milk or if I just saw milk in the fridge this morning. I check my purse. I check my pockets. I check my purse again because surely I missed it the first time. Nothing. The list has vanished into the same mysterious void that claims reading glasses, pens, and that mismatched sock. The irony is not lost on me. I make lists specifically to avoid forgetting things, and then I forget where I put the list. It’s like putting my keys in a special place so I won’t lose them and then forgetting where the special place is.
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February 2026 5
Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
After over thirty years of marriage, I can tell you that love is beautifully weird. It’s spontaneous and overwhelming, yes, but it’s also surprisingly scientific. What poets call fate, researchers call biology mixed with learned behavior and a whole lot of choice. Here’s what nobody tells you when you’re starry-eyed and dating: that butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling has a name. It’s dopamine flooding your brain, the same chemical that makes you check your phone fifty times waiting for his text. Add oxytocin, the bonding hormone released through physical closeness, and you’ve got the perfect cocktail for falling head over heels. This chemical rush is why new love feels intoxicating, like you could stay up talking until 3 AM every night and somehow function the next day. But chemistry only gets you so far. The uncomfortable truth is that our childhood experiences shape how we love as adults. Attachment theory explains why some True Love
of us feel comfortable with intimacy while others panic at the first sign of real closeness. I spent my thirties learning that my need for constant reassurance stemmed from watching my parents’ rocky marriage, not from anything my husband was doing wrong. Understanding these patterns doesn’t erase them, but it helps you recognize when you’re reacting from old wounds rather than present reality. Sustaining love after the dopamine fades requires different skills entirely. It needs communication when you’re exhausted and don’t want to talk. It needs empathy when your partner is being difficult and you’d rather be right than understanding. It needs the ability to say “I’m sorry” and actually mean it. The couples who make it aren’t the ones with the most chemistry. They’re the ones who learned to listen without defensiveness, express appreciation regularly, and resolve conflicts without keeping score. Love is both a feeling and a practice. Biology sparks it, but commitment sustains it. The honeymoon phase eventually ends for everyone. What replaces it, if you’re lucky and intentional, is something deeper. Something built through thousands of small choices to show up, stay present, and keep choosing each other.
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6 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
February 2026
ABT Founder & CEO Kiel Klaphake Returns to the Stage in 42nd Street
Arizona Broadway Theatre presents a major production of 42nd Street, the iconic Broadway musical known for its precision, scale, and relentless energy. For the first time in years, ABT Founder, CEO, and Executive Producer Kiel Klaphake steps back onstage in the commanding role of Julian Marsh — the legendary director who demands excellence
and turns potential into performance, mirroring Klaphake’s own 20 years of building and leading a large-scale professional musical theatre. This 42nd Street features a rare alignment of talent and leadership: nationally cast performers, eight standout local actors , and choreography led by ABT’s Artistic Director Kurtis Overby — all coming together in a production built on discipline, momentum, and classic Broadway spectacle. Driven by tap-heavy choreography and timeless songs like “Lullaby of Broadway” and “We’re in the Money,” 42nd Street delivers the joy, glamour, and scale audiences expect from a flagship production — paired with Arizona Broadway Theatre’s signature dinner-and-show experience for a complete night out. 42nd Street runs January 16 – February 27, 2026 at Arizona Broadway Theatre. Tickets available at azbroadway.org or 623-776-8400 .
JANUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 27, 2026
One small-town girl. One huge Broadway break. 42nd Street is the ultimate showbiz fairly tale—where a single step into the spotlight can change everything.
azbroadway.org | 623.776.8400
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February 2026 7
Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
February invites us to think about connection, compassion, and the quiet ways we show care in everyday life, these actions are rooted in Kindness. True kindness is not just grand gestures; it is found in small, intentional acts that make others feel seen and valued. One of the simplest expressions of kindness is attention. The winter, especially in these early months, many people feel isolated or overlooked. We can all take time to notice someone near us; it is a powerful and easy moment. Actions such as asking a sincere question, recalling their name, or spending time listening without distraction all are ways to show kindness. These actions may seem minor, yet they build trust and emotional safety. Kindness also begins inward. Winter months can be mentally and emotionally heavy for yourself just as much as it is for others. This weight includes self- criticism, and low energy moments. In those moments, we need to treat ourselves with gentleness. As we do so, we are better equipped to extend that same grace outward. From a practical standpoint, kindness strengthens relationships. People who feel valued are more cooperative, more engaged, and more likely to pass kindness along to others. Psychologically, kindness boosts mood and reduces stress. Physiologically, it has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the body’s stress response. These benefits extend to both Kindness
the giver and the receiver, creating a shared sense of wellbeing. February reminds us that kindness does not require a special occasion, or chocolates – although chocolates are always nice to give and receive. Kindness thrives in consistency.
• Holding a door • Offering encouragement • Choosing patience instead of irritation
As winter continues and routines remain demanding, kindness can be the quiet force that softens our days and deepens our connections with one another.
Submitted by Timothy Hunter Mathews, Estrella Resident
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8 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
February 2026
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Superbowl Sunday
Ready, Set, Hike! February has one day that matters. Not Valentine’s Day. Super Bowl Sunday. This is what we’ve been grinding toward since September kickoff. Thirty-two teams started the season. Now it’s down to two, and the rest of us are planted on couches with enough buffalo wings to take down a linebacker. Super Bowl Sunday isn’t just about the game, though the game is everything. It’s about the entire experience. Your buddies crammed into the living room, jerseys on, beer cold, volume cranked. Everyone’s suddenly an expert on defensive schemes and play calling. The refs are blind. The coach is an idiot. Your team would have dominated if they’d just made the playoffs. The prop bets are where it gets good. Forget the spread. We’re betting on the real stuff. Gatorade color dumped on the winning coach? National anthem sung off key over/under? Will someone streak the field? How many times will the announcers mention Tom Brady even though he’s not playing? Loser makes everyone’s plates. Stakes are high.
Food is non-negotiable and requires game-day strategy. Wings are mandatory. Pizza, nachos, sliders, seven- layer dip, mozzarella sticks, anything you can grab with one hand because you’re not missing a play. The debate: order everything and wait three hours because every joint is slammed, or cook it yourself and miss the first quarter? Either way, someone’s taking the loss. Plan accordingly. Commercials have become part of the competition. Some are legendary, some are trash, but we watch every single one and argue about them like they matter. Halftime show? Either epic or a complete train wreck we’ll be roasting for the next decade. The game itself is why we’re here. Fourth quarter, score tied, two-minute warning. This is peak football. One team walks away champions. The other goes home thinking about what could have been. Win or lose, Super Bowl Sunday is what separates football from every other sport. It’s tradition. It’s battle. It’s the biggest stage in sports, and we wouldn’t miss it for anything. Just don’t expect anyone to function at work Monday.
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February 2026
“ Despite her sweet disposition, Camille stands firm when needed and does not waver, thanks to her extensive industry knowledge. … she is truly an expert in the Estrella Community . Her local knowledge was invaluable in helping us go to market at the right price and time. Your home is your biggest investment, and you need to trust your realtor. We highly recommend Camille Trachsel-Smith! ” -Fairways Seller
“ Everything went so smooth! Thank you Camille! You ’ re an awesome lady and Realtor! ” -Fairways Seller
“ Camille treated my home and experience as if I were her only, VIP client . Camille was responsive and answered all of my questions thoroughly. She used any time we had together efficiently. Camille offered sound advice without any pressure … I highly recommend
“Camille is a thoughtful, professional, delightful, intelligent person. We have bought and sold many, many homes over a period of 60 years. Camille is the best Real Estate Agent we have ever dealt with. Camille listened to us, educated us, answered every question we threw at her... We trust her.
using Camille for all of your real estate needs! ” - Glenmont Estate Seller
The entire sale process was flawless because of Camille. As a person and as a Real Estate Agent
“ Camille ’ s professionalism and dedication were truly remarkable ...exceeded all expectations. She worked tirelessly ...ensuring we thoroughly understood the homes and neighborhoods within Estrella. ... her consistent communication kept us informed and reassured throughout the entire process . Relocating cross-country presented unique challenges, but Camille went above and beyond … managing all necessary tasks with care and precision. We are deeply grateful for her expertise and could not have asked for a more outstanding Realtor. ” - Saronno Buyer
she is a treasure.” - Eagle Ridge Seller
“ Best Agent Ever! Camille was amazing to work with. She is reliable, honest, and made me feel valued. She made the whole transaction easy, with no stress. She found me the perfect home and I couldn't recommend her enough! ” - Arroyo Vista Buyer
Happy client testimonials are my favorite L ove L anguage ! I have been selling homes in Estrella for 20 years as a resident agent. I love what I do and would love to help you make your move too! When you’re ready, I’m just a phone call away! 602 616 6502 Are you a resident agent interested in contributing to the Estrella community while advancing your knowledge of the local market? You are invited to join the Estrella Realtor Networking Group! Call me for details.
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
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12 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
February 2026
Go Cards! Cook With Zona Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers
Ingredients • 12-16 ounces pre-cooked sausage sliced into rounds (I prefer Aidells Brand)
• 2 red bell peppers sliced • 2 green bell peppers sliced • 1 medium yellow onion sliced • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper • 3 cloves garlic minced
Sign me up for colorful, delicious sheet pan dinners every weeknight. Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers is filled with protein, vibrant veggies and Italian seasoning. The versatile ways to serve it make it a meal you can come back to every week.
Steps 1. Slice all of the sausage and peppers. Place them on a large baking sheet. 2. Mix the salt, pepper, garlic and Italian seasoning in a small bowl with olive oil until it’s completely combined. 3. Drizzle the seasonings over the sausage and peppers and mix it all together so the season coats everything then spread it out in an even layer. 4. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through. The onions and peppers should be soft and the sausage should be browned and crispy. Serve it as is, over rice, a salad or in a bun! 5. Enjoy!
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: 10 mins | Cook Time: 35 mins | Total time: 45 mins
Want to see previous recipes by Zona? Scan the QR code to see all past recipes on our website!
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Cutest Kid Competition
The Cutest Kids in Estrella Competition.
out to be eligible to win the prize - no exceptions. Entries will not be judged by us - let’s face it I know too many of you and I cannot be trusted to be unbiased. All pictures will be judged by impartial friends (most likely my old crew from New York). All decisions are final. If you entered in the past but didn’t win, try again. Honestly there were some pretty close races and you might be lucky this time!
Do you have the cutest kids or grandkids in Estrella? It’s time to get your cameras out and start snapping! We are looking for Estrella’s cutest kids, funniest kids and just plain adorable kids. Send in your picture (preferably high resolution and vertical so it will print nicely) and you could win a family 4 pack of tickets to the Wildlife World Zoo, and have the picture on a future cover of Up The Hill Magazine! Entries must be received by February 12th, please include your contact information so we can get in touch with you if you win. Digital photos only, emailed to info@estrellapublishing.com Children must be aged between 0 and 18 yrs old, a photo waiver will be emailed to you and must be filled
I love this time of year because I get to see so many smiling faces in my inbox and I love to give out prizes!!
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14 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
February 2026
The Bug Guy Love Bugs and Other Uninvited Valentines in Phoenix
hearing mysterious scratching sounds above your bedroom at midnight. Is it romantic? Only if you’re into horror movies. And don’t even get me started on the pigeons. These flying romantics choose February to scout out prime nesting spots—usually your tile roof or air conditioning unit. They’re basically the reality TV stars of the bird world: loud, messy, and impossible to get rid of once they move in. The good news? A pre-Valentine’s pest control visit is actually more thoughtful than drugstore chocolates. Your partner will appreciate that you value a scorpion- free bedroom more than overpriced roses that’ll die in three days. Plus, pest control professionals work on Valentine’s Day—because love might be patient and kind, but termites definitely aren’t. So this February, show your Valley home some love. Schedule that pest inspection. After all, the only thing that should be bugging you on Valentine’s Day is deciding which restaurant has the shortest wait time. Happy Valentine’s Day from the pest-free zone! Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control.
Ah, February in the Valley—when the temperature hits a perfect 70 degrees, the desert blooms with wildflowers, and the scorpions emerge from winter hiding to crash your romantic dinner. Nothing says “I love you” quite like your partner screaming and jumping on the couch because a bark scorpion just photobombed your couples’ selfie. While you’re planning the perfect Valentine’s evening with chocolate-covered strawberries and candlelight, Arizona’s least romantic residents are planning their own festivities. February’s mild weather is like sending out engraved invitations to every pest in the valley. Ants form conga lines to your kitchen counter, roaches think your pantry is the hottest nightclub in town, and those gorgeous desert roses you planted? The rodents think they’re an all-you-can-eat Valentine’s buffet. Let’s talk about the real love triangle nobody wants: you, your significant other, and the family of roof rats living in your attic. They’ve been up there since December, and now that it’s warming up, they’re feeling frisky. Nothing kills the mood faster than
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
February Events & Meetings* Sunday
*Event/Meeting dates and times subject to change
Monday Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Wednesday
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an elegant evening of champagne, fine dining, live music, and dancing. Enjoy appetizers, a three-course dinner and desserts catered by Lakeside Grill, roses for the ladies, a crooner during dinner, a DJ for dancing, and a photo booth to capture your memories. Cocktail attire encouraged. $150 per couple / Seating is limited. RSVP: Lakeside Grill: (623) 236-3047.
Hosted by:
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Chef’s Dinner Presidio Demo Kitchen 4:00-6:00PM & 6:00-8:00PM Blood Drive Starpointe 9:00AM-1:00PM
EJC Budget Finance Committee Starpointe 3:00PM
Mandala Art Starpointe 5:00-8:00PM
Taco Tuesday Cantina 5:00-7:00PM
First Friday Presidio 6:00-8:00PM
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Food Truck (Date) Night Starpointe 4:30-7:30PM Community Garden Committee Presidio, 4:00PM
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Storytime Starpointe 10:00-11:00AM
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Love is in the Air
Mandala Art Starpointe 5:00-8:00PM
Art Gallery Committee Presidio, 1:15PM Farmers Market Starpointe 10:00AM-1:00PM
A Night of Romance Starpointe 5:30-8:30PM
Spirit Week
Cheers to Us Mixology Class Presidio Demo Kitchen 6:00-8:00PM
Taco Tuesday Cantina 5:00-7:00PM
Meet S’More Friends Presidio Fire Pits 6:00-8:00PM
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Galentine’s Tipsy Tea Starpointe Courtyard 2:00- 4:00PM
Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil Cantina 5:00-7:00PM
Mandala Art Starpointe 5:00-8:00PM
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Cantina Brunch Presidio Demo Kitchen 10:00AM- Noon
Taco Tuesday Cantina: 5:00-7:00PM
Mandala Art Starpointe 5:00-8:00PM
EJC, ECA, VCA Board Meetings Starpointe 6:30PM
Starpointe 6:00-8:00PM
Starpointe 10:00AM-1:00PM
16 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine Contact Information Community Services Office / Estrella Facilities Office: 623-386-1112 Starpointe Residents’ Club: 623-386-1949 / Presidio Residents’ Club: 623-322-7841 Community Website: www.LifeInEstrella.com For a Listing of Estrella Group & Club Meetings, visit: www.lifeinestrella.com/231/Clubs-Groups To Sign Up for Weekly Newsletters, email: estrellacommunications@ccmcnet.com
February 2026
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE . I know I do!
Reach out today for a complimentary home valuation from your local expert. I don’t just sell homes here; I live the lifestyle every day . Whether you’re looking to upsell, downsize, or just want a market update on our neighborhood, I ’ m right around the corner. Happy Valentine ’ s Day, Estrella! Being a resident here gives me a unique perspective that “outside” agents just don’t have.
PASSION. DEDICATION. EXPERIENCE. Rhonda Watson REALTOR ® 602-403-4136 helpmerhonda.watson@gmail.com RhondaWatsonAZ.com
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18 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
February 2026
From The Heart
After years of celebrating Valentine’s Day together, even the most romantic gestures can start feeling routine. Another dozen roses, another box of chocolates, another crowded restaurant with a prix fixe menu. If you’re looking to surprise your partner with something truly memorable this February, read on. Don’t abandon what your partner loves. If they adore receiving flowers, bring the flowers. The familiar gestures still matter. But after five, ten, or twenty years together, those traditions deserve a companion surprise that shows you’re still finding new ways to celebrate your relationship. Think of the classics as your foundation, not your entire plan. ❤ Nothing says “I thought about you” quite like something crafted with your own hands. A heartfelt card detailing specific moments you’ve cherished together carries more weight than any store-bought sentiment. Take time to write about the little things: how she laughs at your terrible jokes, or the way he handles challenges with grace, or when you realized all over again why you chose each other. ❤ Consider your skills when planning something handmade. Woodworking? Create a personalized
keepsake box or cutting board engraved with your anniversary date. Photography enthusiast? Frame a beautifully printed collection of your favorite moments together. Enjoy cooking? Compile a custom recipe book of meals you’ve shared. Even if you’re not naturally crafty, the effort itself becomes the gift. ❤ Sometimes the best surprises don’t come wrapped at all. Skip the overpriced Valentine’s restaurant and recreate your first date meal at home, complete with candlelight and their favorite music. Plan a sunrise hike to a spot with special meaning, bringing thermoses of good coffee and breakfast pastries. ❤ In Arizona, February offers perfect weather for outdoor adventures. Consider a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert, a sunset picnic at Papago Park, or stargazing at a nearby observatory. The most valuable thing you can offer isn’t found in stores or craft supplies. It’s your undivided attention, your thoughtfulness, and your willingness to step outside comfortable routines to show your partner they’re still worth the effort. This Valentine’s Day, give the gift of intentionality.
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Happy Birthday AZ
Every February 14th, while the rest of the country celebrates Valentine’s Day, Arizona has an extra reason to party. On February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th state to join the United States, making it one of the youngest states in the nation. This year marks 113 years of statehood, and there’s plenty to celebrate about the Grand Canyon State. Arizona is massive, stretching across 113,990 square miles of diverse terrain. From the soaring peaks of the San Francisco Mountains in Flagstaff to the low deserts of Yuma, the state’s geography includes everything from pine forests to cacti-studded valleys. The Colorado River carved out the Grand Canyon over millions of years, creating one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders right in Arizona’s backyard. The state chose symbols that reflect its unique character. The saguaro cactus blossom serves as the
official state flower, blooming white and waxy on those iconic giant cacti that can live over 200 years. The cactus wren, a small brown bird that builds nests in cholla and saguaro cacti, became the state bird. Arizona’s state tree is the palo verde, which bursts into brilliant yellow blooms each spring and stays green year-round thanks to chlorophyll in its bark. Kids learning about Arizona discover fascinating geography facts. The state contains parts of four major deserts: the Sonoran, Mojave, Chihuahuan, and Great Basin. Despite its desert reputation, Arizona also has the largest ponderosa pine forest in the United States. The state experiences extreme elevation changes, from just 70 feet above sea level along the Colorado River to 12,633 feet at Humphreys Peak. Arizona’s nickname, the Grand Canyon State, honors its most famous landmark, but the state flag tells its own story. The copper star represents Arizona’s mining heritage, while the red and yellow rays symbolize the state’s spectacular sunsets and Spanish colonial history. As Arizona celebrates another birthday this February, families across the state can take pride in calling this geographically diverse, naturally beautiful, and historically rich place home.
Happy birthday, Arizona!
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February 2026
E-Bike Safety
E-bikes have spread quickly across Arizona. For many teens, they represent freedom and independence. Parents see them as a practical way for kids to get around. All of that has value. The concern begins when speed, weight, and power meet inexperience and inconsistent helmet use. Over the past several months, our organization has seen an increase in teens cited for riding e-bikes without a license. If they’re under 18, they’re cited for a moving violation and sent to traffic survival school. Traditional bikes move at speeds where mistakes are more forgiving. E-bikes change that equation by adding speed and acceleration to riders who are still learning the rules of the road. Many e-bikes weigh more than 50 pounds. Some accelerate rapidly. Class 3 models assist riders up to 28 miles per hour. At those speeds, stopping distance increases and mistakes carry greater consequences. Physicians across the Valley report serious injuries, including head trauma, internal injuries, and multiple fractures. These injuries often stem from everyday riding scenarios such as uneven pavement, sudden stops, or unexpected obstacles. Helmets are frequently absent.
This isn’t to say e-bikes are terrible. They’re not. They’re fun to ride. They reduce barriers like hills and distance. They help people replace car trips with biking. The issue is preparation. Arizona law already distinguishes among three classes of e-bikes, each with different speed limits and expectations for where they belong. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes assist up to 20 miles per hour, with Class 2 allowing a throttle. Class 3 e-bikes assist up to 28 miles per hour and are intended for roadway use. Those distinctions matter, especially for younger riders who may not yet understand how quickly conditions change at higher speeds. Rules alone don’t prepare young riders for speed, traffic, and split-second decisions. Education needs to do more of the work. At a minimum, Arizona should require a basic training course for e-bike riders and for parents purchasing them. Training should cover traffic rules, e-bike classes, braking distance, visibility, helmet fit, and where each class is permitted to operate. For higher-powered models, licensing deserves consideration. When a device reaches speeds similar to other regulated vehicles and carries substantial weight, additional accountability becomes part of the safety conversation. Helmet use also needs clear reinforcement for minors. Speed increases risk. Head injuries are often permanent. Consistent expectations from parents, retailers, and communities make a difference. E-bikes are here to stay. The goal isn’t restriction for its own sake. The goal is to match education and responsibility to the power of the machines young riders are using. When we do that, we protect independence while keeping families and communities safer. Learn more about injury prevention and safety education at www.acnsc.org. Submitted by Rick Murray, President and CEO, Arizona Chapter National Safety Council
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Home Sweet Home
It’s easy to think of Valentine’s Day as a celebration of people, but it’s also a perfect time to reconnect with a place that plays a big role in your everyday life - your home. Just like relationships, our homes go through seasons. What once felt exciting and new can start to feel routine, cluttered, or uninspired over time. The good news? Falling in love with your home again doesn’t require a major renovation or a big budget. Start by noticing what you already love. Maybe it’s the way the morning light fills your kitchen, the cozy spot on the couch where you unwind, or the backyard where memories are made. Pausing to appreciate those details can shift your perspective and remind you why this space felt like “the one” in the first place. Next, focus on small changes that create a big impact. Rearranging furniture can instantly refresh a room and improve how the space functions. Swapping out throw pillows, adding a soft blanket, or updating artwork can bring new energy without overwhelming your schedule or your wallet. Even something as simple as replacing light bulbs with warmer tones can change the mood of a room. Decluttering is another powerful way to reconnect with your home. When surfaces are clear and closets
are organized, rooms feel calmer and more inviting. Letting go of items that no longer serve you makes space for what truly matters and allows your home to better support your daily life. Don’t forget the power of scent and comfort. Fresh flowers, a favorite candle, or the smell of a home cooked meal can instantly make your space feel more welcoming. These small sensory details often create the strongest emotional connections. Finally, remember that your home should grow with you. As life changes, your needs may too, and that’s okay. Whether it’s creating a quiet workspace, enhancing outdoor living, or updating a well-loved room, thoughtful adjustments can renew your connection. This month, take a moment to nurture the place that holds your routines, milestones, and memories. A little attention and care can help you fall in love with your home all over again.
Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor and Estrella Resident
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22 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
February 2026
Valentine’s Day Trunk Show
Join us at Osborne Jewelers to discover the perfect gift for your Valentine—or yourself.
Plus enter our V-Day raffle for a chance to win a John Hardy Spear Bracelet (valued at $1,100).
February 6th 10am–6pm February 7th 10am-5pm
15350 West McDowell Road Goodyear, Arizona 85395
RSVP to unlock a bonus extra raffle ticket! 623-925-1815
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24 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
February 2026
The Doctor Is In
It’s Time to Rewrite Your Narrative We often live our lives according to a personal narrative—an internal script that dictates how we view our worth, our relationships and our potential. For many, this script is filled with self-doubt, patterns of all-or-nothing thinking or the heavy weight of emotional neglect. We tell ourselves, “This is just who I am,” or “I’ve always been this way.” But there is a profound truth we often overlook: If you didn’t talk yourself into your current mindset, you’re going to need help talking yourself out of it. Most of our deepest core beliefs were written long before we had the cognitive tools to edit them. They were drafted in childhood through DNA contributions from our gene pool, our upbringing and the lens of our environment, the reactions of our caregivers and the “invisible” experiences of what we lacked. You didn’t consciously choose to believe you were “too much” or “not enough”; those chapters were written for you by external circumstances. Because you aren’t the sole author of your origin story, it is incredibly difficult to change the plot alone. As we move into 2026, let this be the year you do something different. Attempting to change a narrative you don’t fully understand is like trying to fix a complex machine without a manual. You can’t edit a script if you don’t know where the dialogue came from. This is where professional help becomes the bridge to a new life. Getting help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a strategic move to mind the gap between your past perceptions and your future responses. We weren’t put on a planet of nearly 8 billion people to go it alone! A therapist or counselor acts as a co-editor, helping you identify the “red lights” and “green lights” that have been governing your behavior. Change requires more than just willpower; it requires a new set of tools. If you find yourself hitting the same walls in 2026, acknowledge that the script needs a
fresh set of eyes. You deserve to understand how your narrative was written so that you can finally take the pen and write the rest of the story yourself. You can find all sorts of resources (referrals, training, books, podcasts and more) at www.doctorbellingrodt. com. Feel free to drop me a message there if I can help you get started on this journey or answer any questions you may have.
Submitted by Dr. J. Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D.
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.
At New Life Center, pets reside in the casita with families — not boarded in a separate kennel area — and freely play in New Life Center’s dog park. 50% of assault survivors reportedly delay or refuse to leave a dangerous situation for fear of what could happen to a beloved pet left behind, so welcoming pets eliminates a substantial barrier to seeking safety. ONLY 3% OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS WELCOME PETS — NEW LIFE CENTER IS ONE
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newlifectr.org
February 2026 25
Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
A Match Made in Print
M OUNTAIN R ANCH F AMILY & C OSMETIC D ENTISRTY
Connect with local customers through Estrella Publishing
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February 2026
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Puzzle Time Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com, scan the QR code.
Number Cross Cross out the numbers in each grid so that each row and column add up to the specified number written outside the grid. EASY PUZZLE 4
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February 2026
Fe b ru a r e February Events 2 0 2 6
JANUARY 31- MARCH 29TH
FEBRUARY 13-15TH
Gold Canyon ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Wigwam Resort WIGWAM FINE ART FESTIVAL
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State Farm Stadium MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS
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WestWorld SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN HORSE SHOW SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN HORSE SHOW
ASU Gammage CLUE
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Business Directory
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30 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
February 2026
Roses are red , Violets are blue , If your roof is falling apart… It’s not love — it’s due!
New Construction, Repairs, Recovers, Maintenance Installation of Gutters Shingles, Tile, Built Up Single Ply, Foam & Coatings, Metal, Shake
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