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
April 2026 1
Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
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April 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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From Me To You...
I have friends who meal plan. Good for them. Truly. They sit down on a Sunday, write out a menu for the entire week, build a shopping list, go to the store, buy exactly what is on that list, and then, here is the part that gets me, they actually follow through with it. Every single day. Like it is nothing.
I am also, it must be said, an impulsive person. I might write a list. I might even take it to the store. But somewhere between the entrance and the checkout, I have lost the plot entirely and come home with three things that were on sale and absolutely nothing that goes together. So I have made my peace with it. After thirty years of cooking for other people, planning meals, catering to preferences, remembering who does not eat onions, I have earned the right to a different approach. My meal plan now consists of opening the freezer, identifying something that can go in the oven, and calling it dinner. Is it a culinary adventure? No. Is it on a menu board with little handwritten labels? Absolutely not. But it is on the table. And at this point in my life, that is enough to make me a five-star chef. Catherine Uretsky Editor, Up The Hill Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541
That is not me.
I could never decide on a Monday what I want to eat on a Thursday. I do not know who that future version of me is, but I can tell you right now she has different feelings about salmon than I do today. The whole system falls apart the moment I walk through the door, open the fridge, and think, I do not want any of this. The problem is that the person who goes grocery shopping and the person who actually eats the food are two completely different people. The shopper is optimistic, organised, and apparently very into roasted vegetables. The eater is tired, standing in the kitchen at 6 p.m., staring at a bag of zucchini like it has personally let her down, and would like someone else to handle this entirely.
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April 2026
Cutest Kid Competition
The Cutest Kids in Estrella Competition Winner - pt 2! They were so adorable we had to pick another one...
Talan’s mom is raising him in Estrella and is determined to continue to offer Talan the amenities of the lakes, recreation, pools etc. that EMR has to offer. His grandparent”s, Bob and Jill Moon, moved to EMR to be close to Mariah and Talan. They have enjoyed the great amenities of the area along with spending time with Talan. Joe and Deb Roberto, Talan’s other set of grandparents, will soon be moving to the area, as well. Young Talan has brought family together to enjoy this desert sanctuary. Talan is an energetic, sweet and fun toddler.
Congratulations to Talen, our second winner of the cutest kid competition! Such a sweet story, and the love shown by grandparents willing to relocate and rally aroud Talen! ~ UTH Talan parent’s, Mariah and Dustin, were married in June of 2023 and learned to love the lakes and amenities of EMR while living here. Talan was born November 21st 2024. His daddy was an LACo Firefighter and paramedic. He commuted from LA so that he could live in this beautiful area. His daddy, Dustin Roberto, did not get to meet sweet Talan because he passed away of cancer a few months before he was born.
Submitted by Jill Moon, Estrella resident & Talen’s grandma
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
The Bug Guy
April Fools’ Day in the West Valley: When the Pests Get the Last Laugh Living in the West Valley means coexisting with some of nature’s most determined party crashers: scorpions, cockroaches, and an ambitious variety of other unwelcome guests. But every April 1st, these little invaders seem to coordinate their own special celebration, turning our desert paradise into their personal comedy club. This year, local pest control companies reported a 300% increase in panicked calls about “giant mutant scorpions” that turned out to be regular scorpions placed next to pennies for scale in elaborate spouse- pranking schemes. One Buckeye resident admitted to gluing googly eyes on a bark scorpion before releasing it near his wife’s coffee maker. The divorce proceedings are still pending.
Meanwhile, a Goodyear family discovered that their teenage son had been collecting the docile desert millipedes that emerge during monsoon season, saving them in a shoebox labeled “NOT SNAKES.” On April Fools’ morning, he released all forty-seven of them in the hallway. His mother’s screams allegedly registered on nearby seismographs. The boy is now grounded until his own children are old enough to pull similar pranks. Perhaps the most elaborate prank involved a Litchfield Park homeowner who hired a pest control technician to perform a “routine inspection” while his roommate was home. The technician, who was in on the joke, emerged from the attic claiming he’d found a family of javelinas living in the insulation. The roommate believed it for approximately ninety seconds before remembering that javelinas cannot, in fact, climb ladders. But the pests themselves seem to have the best sense of humor. One Avondale woman swears that a scorpion climbed into her shower on April 1st, faced her directly, and appeared to wave one of its pincers before scurrying away. Local entomologists confirm this is scientifically impossible but emotionally accurate. The Goodyear Pest Control Association has issued a statement reminding residents that while April Fools’ Day is fun, releasing actual pests for pranks is both illegal and inadvisable, especially concerning Africanized bees, rattlesnakes, or anything described as “surprisingly chill for a scorpion.” Remember: in the Valley of the Sun, the real joke is thinking you’ll ever have a pest-free home. The scorpions moved here first, and they’re not laughing with you.
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control.
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April 2026
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Friday Night Lights
From FCS to FBS: What the newcomers jump means.
Both teams had to pay the piper to get the job done. NDSU has paid the MWC $12.5 million as well as the NCAA $5 million transition fee, and Sac State paid the MAC $18 million to enter, as well as the five million NCAA charge. This is a serious investment requiring a serious motivation to make progress fast. NDSU is opening its first FBS season with a bout against Jacksonville State on August 29th at the Fargodome, and a few weeks later will host none other than the fellow newcomer Sacramento State in what will be an extremely exciting matchup. The biggest hiccup for the year is that neither team will be considered bowl eligible or eligible for the college football playoff until the year 2028 due to the standard 2-year transition period. So until then, the next two years will be about proving these teams belong (or don’t) and building a lasting culture. If history is used as a reference, betting against the Bison is not a good idea. And surely Sac State is eager to prove the same.
The landscape of College Football just got a bit more interesting. Two decorated programs of the FCS, North Dakota State and Sacramento State, are making a big leap to the Football Subdivision in 2026, and the CFB world is anxiously awaiting their adjustment to the jump. NDSU has officially joined the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member, where it will have eight conference opponents as well as four non- conference games. The Bison bring along a legacy that makes them the most deserving of the promotion on paper, including 10 National Championships, a history of beating FBS teams, and even a 27-ranked AP poll rating in 2016, the highest ever for an FCS team. Conversely, Sac State was recently accepted into the Mid-American Conference as a football-only member, a move the school’s president has openly encouraged FCS teams to do, saying that the move is smart and time sensitive.
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April 2026
Sun Safety
Arizona’s sunshine is one of the state’s greatest attractions, but it comes with a serious caveat. As spring arrives and temperatures climb, UV radiation intensifies quickly, and families who spent the winter months indoors can be caught off guard. The sun emits two types of ultraviolet radiation that affect skin: UVA rays, which penetrate deeply and contribute to long-term skin aging and cancer risk, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn and are the primary driver of skin cancer. Arizona’s elevation and low humidity mean UV exposure here is significantly higher than in many other parts of the country. According to the American Cancer Society, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and excessive UV exposure during childhood is one of the strongest risk factors. Sunscreen is the most important tool in your family’s sun safety kit. Choose a broad-spectrum product that
protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it generously to all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. Many parents apply sunscreen once and consider the job done. That single application is not enough, particularly for active kids spending hours outside. Timing matters too. UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whenever possible, plan outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon, especially during April through September when Arizona’s UV index is at its most extreme. On days when the UV index reaches 8 or above, which is common here from spring onward, unprotected skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes. Clothing provides an important additional layer of protection. Lightweight long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses are all worth adding to your routine. Look for clothing labeled with a UPF rating of 50 or higher for the best coverage. Shade structures, umbrellas, and covered play areas all help reduce cumulative exposure during outdoor events and activities. It is also worth knowing what to do when sunburn does happen, because even careful families are not immune. Cool the skin with a damp cloth or cool water, and apply a gentle moisturizer to soothe the affected area. Avoid ice, which can cause further skin damage, and keep burned skin out of the sun entirely until it has fully healed. For young children, blistering sunburn, fever, or signs of heat exhaustion warrant a call to your pediatrician. Over-the-counter pain relief can help manage discomfort, but prevention will always be the better option. Children’s skin is more sensitive than adult skin, which means the habits formed now have long-term consequences. Starting sun-smart routines early, and modelling them as parents, gives kids the best possible foundation for a lifetime of safe time outdoors.
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
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10 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
April 2026
Kindness Corner
April often brings a sense of renewal. Longer days and warmer weather beckon the idea of planting gardens. Fresh beginnings, like bright green sprouts, encourage reflection on growth, both personal and communal. Kindness plays a vital role in this process, serving as the soil in which healthier relationships and communities grow. Growth is rarely comfortable. Learning new skills, adjusting expectations, or embracing change often comes with making mistakes. Kindness allows us to treat these moments as opportunities rather than failures. When we respond with patience and encouragement toward ourselves and others, we create environments where growth feels possible. In our daily lives, kindness can be expressed through encouragement. Acknowledging effort, celebrating progress, and offering reassurance plants hope and understanding. These actions are especially meaningful during times of learning or transition. Your encouragement fosters confidence and motivation that allows individuals to continue to grow even when challenges arise.Kindness also contributes to resilience in three ways: psychologically,
physiologically, and practically. Benefits can be seen and measured in these ways. Psychologically: Kindness promotes optimism and emotional balance. Physiologically: Kindness reduces stress responses and supports overall wellbeing. Practically: Kindness strengthens relationships. April reminds us that growth is a shared experience. When kindness becomes part of how we interact, we create spaces where people feel safe to try, fail, and try again. These conditions allow both individuals and communities to flourish. As the season continues to unfold, kindness offers a simple yet powerful way to nurture renewal. By choosing compassion in our words and actions, we help create lasting growth that extends far beyond the spring season. Take this moment to plant the flower of kindness in your own life. Start with something small. For example, allow yourself space to breathe when you are feeling overwhelmed. Close your eyes and inhale for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of four. Exhale for a count of four. Repeat until you feel your heartbeat slow. Submitted by Timothy Hunter Mathews, Estrella Resident
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Go Cards! Cook With Zona There’s just something about deviled eggs at Easter that feels like home, but this year, I thought it might be fun to switch things up a bit. Instead of the same old filling, why not put out a “deviled egg flight” with a few different flavors to try? A little tangy here, something sweet there—nothing too fancy, just enough to surprise your loved ones. It’s an easy way to freshen up a classic and give everyone something new to enjoy around the table. Hard boil your eggs and get creative with it! Use my topping ideas or come up with your own egg flight toppings with what you have on hand.
Everything But The Bagel: Cream cheese, smoked salmon, and everything but the bagel seasoning.
BLT: Bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
Caprese salad: Mozzarella slice, tomato, fresh basil leaf, and balsamic glaze.
Jalapeno Popper: Chopped bacon, jalapeno, shredded cheddar cheese.
Guacamole: Avocado, lime, cilantro.
Want to see previous recipes by Zona? Scan the QR code to see all past recipes on our website!
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April 2026
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April 2026
Ready, Set, Hunt!
Easter Egg Hunts Around The Valley Easter falls on April 5 this year, and if you are looking to get the kids out for some egg-hunting fun, the west side of the Valley has plenty to offer. From free community events to full-on festival days, there is something for every age group. Here is a round-up to get you started. Goodyear Hop and Hops Easter Festival One of the west side’s most popular events, the Goodyear Hop and Hops Easter Festival takes place on April 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Goodyear Recreation Campus. The evening features egg hunt zones where little ones can search for colorful treasures hidden throughout the campus, plus a peep or treat trail with surprises from community businesses and organizations. It is a great way to kick off the Easter weekend, and the relaxed evening timing means the Arizona spring weather is at its most pleasant. Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park The annual Easter Egg Hunt at Wildlife World Zoo, located at 16501 West Northern Avenue, is free with
zoo admission and open to members as well. Kids can hunt for eggs and prizes in the playground area, with hunts divided by age group, and the Easter Bunny is on hand for free photos. Check wildlifeworld.com for
this year’s confirmed dates and times. Dolly Sanchez Easter Celebration
Now in its milestone 50th year, the Dolly Sanchez Easter Celebration has moved from its longtime home at the Peoria Sports Complex to a new location at the City Hall Campus and Centennial Plaza. Held on the Saturday before Easter, this beloved free community event features Cottontail Lane, where children walk through table stations collecting goodie-filled eggs, toys, trinkets, and crafts, plus photos with the Easter Bunny. The 50th anniversary marks a new chapter for one of the west Valley’s most cherished family traditions. With so many options close to home, there is no need to travel far for Easter fun this year. Always check event websites or local community pages before heading out, as details can change, and remember to bring a basket.
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Passover Primer
Welcome to the Seder Table If you have Jewish friends, neighbors, or colleagues, you may have heard them mention Passover recently. It is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, and understanding a little about it can go a long way toward neighborly connection. Here is a friendly introduction to what it is all about. Passover, known in Hebrew as Pesach, commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The story is told in the Book of Exodus: after centuries of bondage, Moses led his people to freedom, and God sent ten plagues upon Egypt to persuade Pharaoh to let them go. When the Israelites finally fled, they left in such haste that their bread had no time to rise. That unleavened bread, called matzah, has been a symbol of the holiday ever since. Passover begins this year on the evening of April 1 and lasts eight days. The centrepiece of the celebration is the Seder, a special meal held on the first one or two nights. The word seder means “order” in Hebrew, and the meal follows a very specific sequence.
Families and guests gather around the table, read from a book called the Haggadah, and tell the story of the Exodus together. Symbolic foods are placed on a Seder plate, each carrying its own meaning. Bitter herbs represent the bitterness of slavery. A sweet mixture called charoset represents the mortar the Israelites used when building for Pharaoh. A roasted lamb shank recalls the sacrificial offering, and parsley dipped in salt water represents both spring and tears. During the eight days of Passover, many Jewish families remove all leavened bread and grain products from their homes. Matzah replaces regular bread, and you will find a wonderful variety of Passover-friendly foods in stores throughout April. The Seder is a joyful, often lively event, full of songs, questions, and storytelling. Children play a central role, and there is even a tradition of hiding a piece of matzah, called the afikomen, for kids to find. If you are ever invited to a Seder, say yes. It is a beautiful evening, and the welcome mat is always out.
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April 2026
Money Matters
Building Credit: Where to Start If you are in your late teens or twenties, credit might feel like one of those grown-up topics nobody ever properly explained. You know it matters, but the details can seem murky. Here is a straightforward guide to help you get started on the right foot. Your credit score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300 to 850, that tells lenders how reliably you repay money you borrow. The higher the number, the better. A strong score can make a real difference when you apply for an apartment, a car loan, or eventually a mortgage. Some employers even check credit as part of the hiring process. The challenge for young adults is that you need credit history to build a good score, but you need a good score to get credit. It sounds like a catch-22, but there are straightforward ways around it. 1. Start with a secured credit card. This type of card requires a small deposit, usually between $200 and $500, which becomes your credit limit. Use it for small purchases, and pay the balance in full
every month . This builds a positive payment history without the risk of overspending. 2. Become an authorised user. Ask a parent or trusted family member to add you to their credit card account. You do not even need to use the card. Their responsible payment history can help lift your score simply by association. 3. Look into a credit-builder loan. Many local credit unions and community banks offer these specifically for people with no credit history. You make small monthly payments, and the money is held in a savings account until the loan is paid off. You build credit and savings at the same time. Once you have credit, protect it. Pay every bill on time, since payment history is the single biggest factor in your score. Keep your credit card balance below 30 percent of your limit. And check your credit report annually at AnnualCreditReport.com, where you can view your report from each of the three major bureaus for free. Building credit takes time, but starting young gives you a real advantage. A few smart habits now can open doors for years to come.
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Hi Neighbor!
You’ve seen their car in the driveway. You might even know their dog’s name. But if you’re being honest with yourself, could you say much about the neighbor three doors down? Chances are, they couldn’t say much about you either. This is one of the quiet paradoxes of modern living. We are within shouting distance of dozens of people. We share streets, sunsets, and nearly identical daily routines, yet genuine connection between neighbors has become surprisingly rare. A 2023 study found that fewer than one in four Americans say they know most of their neighbors, and nearly a third report they don’t know any of them at all. In a world more digitally connected than ever, the house next door can feel remarkably far away. Arizona communities are no exception to this trend. Rapid growth across the Valley has brought waves of new residents into neighborhoods faster than the social
fabric can comfortably absorb them. Subdivisions fill up quickly, but people living in houses do not automatically make a community. That part takes a little more intention. The encouraging truth is that building connection rarely requires grand gestures. Research in social psychology consistently shows that neighborly relationships are built on something far simpler: repeated, low-stakes interactions. A wave from the driveway. A brief exchange at the mailbox. Learning someone’s name and using it. These small moments accumulate quietly into something that genuinely resembles trust, and trust is the foundation of a neighborhood worth living in. Community organizations across Arizona have begun taking this seriously. Block parties, neighborhood Facebook groups, local buy-nothing networks, and HOA-led welcome initiatives are all gaining traction as practical tools for bringing residents closer together. The research backing these efforts is compelling. People who feel connected to their neighbors report stronger feelings of personal safety, better mental health outcomes, and a higher overall quality of life. Building a more connected neighborhood does not require a budget or a committee. It starts with a decision to look up, step outside, and say hello to the person walking by. Your neighbor is out there, and in all likelihood, they are hoping someone makes the first move too.
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ANOTHER F AIRWAYS AT E STRELLA HOME
E STRELLA A GENT.COM 602-616-6502 direct
I have sold more homes in the Fairways than any other Realtor! Many of my sales have broken records, and I’m especially proud to have delivered million dollar + sales for a couple of my Fairways clients. Even in our ever changing real estate market, I continue to capture terrific wins for my clients. With 10 years in advertising prior to my 20 years of real estate experience, I know how to showcase your home to best appeal to buyers. I professionally market my listings on 1,300+ websites around the world, highlighting the most valuable features of each home I sell, alongside our most desirable Estrella amenities. My husband and partner in real estate, Darin Smith, is a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser with over 20 years of professional experience determining home values. Together we help you set the best sale price, market your home, and negotiate your transaction to accomplish your goals. We provide all the information you need to make a smart move in ANY market. So, give us a call!
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Home Sweet Home
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury charged with safeguarding the U.S. financial system from illicit activity. While it has long worked behind the scenes to combat money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes, new reporting requirements are bringing FinCEN more directly into the real estate conversation, starting March 1, 2026 - impacting both buyers and sellers. Real estate is an attractive asset class for long-term wealth preservation. Unfortunately, that stability can also make it appealing for individuals seeking to conceal illicit funds. Over the past several years, FinCEN has issued Geographic Targeting Orders (GTOs) in select markets, requiring title companies to report information about beneficial owners involved in high-value, all-cash transactions.These efforts aim to identify the true individuals behind legal entities used to purchase property. Traditional homebuyers who are obtaining financing to purchase a property will not see a change. Lenders already require extensive identity verification and financial documentation. However, buyers purchasing a property through a legal entity (such as an LLC or a Trust) and paying all cash will face additional disclosure requirements.
Certain information about the “beneficial owners” of an entity - meaning the individuals who ultimately own or control it - must be reported. Buyers will need to provide several different data points, such as legal names, dates of birth, residential addresses, and tax ID numbers. Sellers are less directly affected but should be aware of potential timing considerations as well as the need to complete additional disclosures. These additional reporting requirements could create slight delays in certain all-cash transactions. For most buyers and sellers, these changes are administrative rather than disruptive. FinCEN’s expanded reporting requirements reflect a broader national effort to promote transparency in financial transactions, including real estate. Buyers - especially those purchasing through LLCs or Trusts with cash - should be prepared for additional documentation. Sellers should work with knowledgeable professionals to ensure smooth compliance. While change can feel uncertain, these measures ultimately support a safer, more secure housing market.
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22 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
April 2026
Look Away
Screen Fatigue: How to Reclaim Your Mental Clarity Put the phone down for a moment and read this, because the odds are good you’ve already glanced at it twice since you sat down. We live in an age of relentless connectivity. The benefits of modern technology are real and obvious, but a growing body of psychological research is raising serious questions about what constant screen exposure is doing to our minds. Screen fatigue, sometimes called digital burnout, is no longer a fringe concern. It has become a shared experience that millions of
Americans navigate every single day, often without fully recognizing it for what it is. The symptoms are easy to miss precisely because they blend so seamlessly into everyday life. Trouble concentrating, irritability, disrupted sleep, emotional dysregulation, and the reflexive urge to check your phone even when nothing has changed since the last time you looked are all signs of an overloaded brain. Psychologists describe it as a depletion of directed attention, the mental resource we depend on for focus, decision-making, and emotional regulation. When screens compete constantly for that resource, they tend to win. For Arizonans, there’s a particular irony at play. We live in one of the most visually stunning landscapes in the country, and research consistently shows that time spent in nature restores attention, lowers cortisol levels, and genuinely improves mood. Yet many of us spend more time scrolling through other people’s outdoor photos than stepping outside ourselves. The good news is that recovery does not require a digital detox retreat or going cold turkey. Small, consistent changes can shift your mental baseline meaningfully.
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Designating phone-free windows during meals or evening walks, or simply leaving your device in another room for stretches of the day, can make a noticeable difference. Local therapists also recommend replacing some screen time with face-to-face social connection, the kind that actually nourishes rather than depletes. Your attention is genuinely your most valuable asset. In 2026, learning to protect it is one of the most worthwhile things you can do for yourself.
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
24 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
April 2026
The Doctor Is In
The Five Question Identity Audit Last time, we looked at basic strategies to respond to your defensiveness in the moment. This month, I’m giving you my Identity Audit for use when you feel the urge to defend your character. To reclaim your agency, run your reaction through these five questions. 1. What exactly am I afraid is being seen? Defensiveness is a smoke screen. Ask: “If I don’t defend myself right now, what will this person think of me?” Are you afraid of being seen as “wrong,” “incompetent,” “lazy” or “mean”? Identifying the specific label you’re running from helps you realize We rarely get defensive over things that are 100% false. If someone accused you of being a purple elephant, you’d laugh. You get angry when the accusation touches a nerve. Ask: “Is there even a 2% grain of truth in what they said?” If you can find it, you can own it. Owning the 2% dissolves your need to defend the other 98%. 3. Am I defending who I am or who I want to be? that a label cannot actually hurt you. 2. Is there a grain of truth in the accusation? Often, we defend our ideal self rather than our actual self. If you want to be a person who’s never late but you were late, you’ll defend the lateness to protect the image. Acknowledge that you’re a human who’s allowed to make mistakes. You don’t need to be perfect to be valuable. 4. What would happen if I simply said, “You’re right”? Visualize the outcome of total surrender to the truth.
Does the world end? Or does the tension in the room immediately drop? Usually, admitting a mistake is the fastest way to end a conflict. It moves you from a
power struggle into problem solving. 5. Does this defense serve my future self?
Ask: “Will defending this mistake today make my life better tomorrow? Or will it just create a gap that I’ll have to bridge later?” If your goal is personal power, the most powerful thing you can do is demonstrate that you’re strong enough to be wrong. Putting it into Practice The next time you catch yourself in a security detail of excuses, stop and remember: The truth just is. Use this audit to strip away the “buts” and “ifs” so you can get back to your agency. 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
New Life Center needs your help, so we can continue to help others. DONATE TODAY BY SCANNING THE QR CODE!
newlifectr.org
April 2026 25
Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Paddle Up!
Picking Up That Pickleball Fever
tournaments, and building friendships that extend well beyond the painted lines. In a world where meaningful connection can feel harder to come by, pickleball is quietly doing its part, getting neighbors talking, laughing, and showing up for one another. If you’ve been considering picking up a paddle, April is an ideal time to start. The weather is perfect, courts are buzzing with activity, and many facilities offer loaner equipment so there’s no upfront commitment required. All you have to do is show up.
Heard about pickleball but not sure it’s for you? It might be time to think again. This paddle-based sport blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong into something fast, fun, and genuinely addictive. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone who hasn’t picked up a racket since high school gym class, pickleball has a way of pulling people in and keeping them there. Arizona has quietly become one of the biggest pickleball destinations in the country, and it’s easy to see why. Year-round sunshine, an ever-growing network of courts, and a community deeply committed to staying active make the Valley a natural home for the sport. From Scottsdale to Surprise, communities have seen a surge in dedicated courts, organized leagues, and weekly drop-in sessions welcoming every skill level and age group. Much of pickleball’s broad appeal comes down to accessibility. It delivers the energy of tennis but on a smaller court, with a slower ball and a gentler
learning curve for newcomers. That combination makes it a natural fit for retirees looking to stay active without the physical toll of higher-impact sports. But don’t mistake accessible for easy. Once you’re on the court, the game is competitive, strategic, and surprisingly intense. Players who expected a relaxed afternoon often find themselves scheduling their next match before they’ve even caught their breath. Beyond the game itself, something genuinely special is happening off the court. Local leagues are beginning to mirror the social culture of golf, with players meeting for coffee after matches, organizing charity
26 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
April 2026
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
M OUNTAIN R ANCH F AMILY & C OSMETIC D ENTISRTY
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28 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
April 2026
Puzzle Time Samurai sudoku puzzles consist of five overlapping sudoku grids. The standard sudoku rules apply to each 9 x 9 grid. Place digits from 1 to 9 in each empty cell. Every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box should contain one of each digit. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com, or scan the QR code.
Difficulty: Easy
Monday, 9th March 2026
495 187
475 682
1 6
4 9
5 3
7 9
8 2
5 1
62
5 4
7
2
8
3
2
8
9 7
6 1
9
4
3
1
4
6
5 3
9 6
4 3
8 7
6 1
3 7 1 2 5
3 1
786 951
2
791 364
7 1
3 5
7 1
5 8
758 394
6
879 562
2 9
8 1 7 3 6
7 5
1 8
6 3
5 2
8 9
5
7
9
7
1
8
1 8
7 9
8
4
5
4
5
1
3 9
7 6
94
1 7
3 4
2 1
3 6
7 8
629 751
581 729
www.samurai-sudoku.com
April 2026 29
Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
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30 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
April 2026
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
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32 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
April 2026
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