The Park is a free, monthly magazine produced by Estrella Publishing for the residents of Litchfield Park.
The Park ™ A magazine for Litchfield Park residents From Your Neighbors, For Your Neighbors
November 2025
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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine
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
CALL/TEXT FOR DETAILS - 623.398.5541 INFO@EstrellaPublishing.com Rake in the results later. ADVERTISE WITH ESTRELLA PUBLISHING NOW!
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.
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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine
CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT? You're not alone—SARRC is here to help. Our experts provide answers, support and guidance every step of the way.
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November 2025
From Me To You... As we head towards the holiday season, I can
But like any good relationship, we worked through our issues. I learned that those “extra” screws aren’t actually extra, they’re foreshadowing. I discovered that when the manual shows two people assembling something, it’s not a suggestion, it’s a desperate plea. I figured out that “assembly time: 45 minutes” is code for “block out your entire Saturday.” Now I approach each flat-pack box with the confidence of a seasoned warrior. I lay out all the pieces. I organize the hardware. I actually read the instructions first. Sometimes I even use the Allen wrench they provide instead of losing it immediately and using my own tools. And when I finish? There’s nothing quite like admiring a bookshelf you built yourself, even if it’s technically supposed to hold books rather my Lego masterpieces, which leaves one pressing question: where am I supposed to put my books? Off to the Swedish store again! Catherine Uretsky Editor, The Park Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541
guarantee that the majority of you will be assembling a flat-pack item or two before the end of the year. For those of you who don’t understand the term “flat- pack,” it is an item, usually furniture, that arrives in your house waiting for assembly. By you. Or a helpful spouse. Or that neighbor you suddenly become best friends with when you spot their power drill collection. In our house I am the assembly(wo)man and I love it. I always enjoyed putting Lego sets together as a kid; who’s kidding here, I still do. In fact, I have several thousand-plus piece sets in my house, which my family insists are “decorative” but we all know are really just socially acceptable toys for adults. It was not always plain sailing though. I remember when we first started buying furniture from a certain Swedish store and the many hours I would end the day with splinters and cracked nails, screwdriver- caused blisters and an aching back. Those instruction manuals with their wordless diagrams and mysterious stick figures made me question my intelligence, my life choices, and whether that engineering degree I never got might have been useful after all.
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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine
Happy Thankgiving
A Happy Thanksgiving From Estrella Publishing Thanksgiving is here, everyone! It’s a wonderful time to gather with loved ones, watch the iconic parade balloons float down the streets of New York, share a delicious feast together, and perhaps sneak in a cozy afternoon nap before settling in for the big game. As families prepare their holiday menus, many are discussing which traditional dishes deserve a place at the table. Here are our thoughts on a few Thanksgiving classics: Green Bean Casserole? YES! This beloved side dish brings a touch of vegetables to balance out the indulgent feast. While there’s always someone who claims nobody eats it, we’ve noticed that it tends to disappear from the serving dish pretty quickly—often with certain family members quietly going back for seconds and thirds! Turkey Takes Center Stage Thanksgiving dinner is really turkey’s time to shine. With so many wonderful ways to prepare a beautiful
roasted turkey, why not make it the star of your meal? Whether you use Grandma’s recipe or try something new, a well-prepared turkey is the cornerstone of this special day. Cranberry Sauce? ABSOLUTELY! No Thanksgiving table is complete without cranberry sauce. This sweet-tart accompaniment perfectly complements turkey and adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Whether you prefer the smooth jellied variety or a homemade version with whole berries, cranberry sauce is a must-have that brings that classic Thanksgiving taste everyone expects. There are countless ways to celebrate Thanksgiving; but what truly matters isn’t which dishes you choose or how perfectly everything turns out. It’s about gathering around the table with the people you love, sharing gratitude, and creating cherished memories together. From all of us at Estrella Publishing, we wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, laughter, and joy. Happy Thanksgiving to all our neighbors in the community!
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The Doctor Is In Doomscrolling: What It Is and How to Stop It
* Set time limits by using a timer to enforce boundaries. Curate your feed actively, unfollowing accounts that consistently post distressing content. * Switch to positive inputs by intentionally seeking uplifting material. Follow accounts featuring hobbies, art, humor, or adorable puppies. * Find productive outlets rather than passively consuming news. Take action through donations or volunteering for causes you care about, transforming helplessness into empowerment. * Practice mindfulness when you feel the scrolling urge. Pause and ask yourself honestly: is this helping or just adding stress? doomscrolling as a compulsive behavior you can overcome. Prepare a list of healthy distractions for challenging moments—whether that’s calling a friend, taking a walk, or diving into a good book. Being mindful of your media consumption isn’t about ignoring the world; it’s about engaging with it in healthier, more sustainable ways. Moving Forward Protect your mental well-being by viewing
Doomscrolling means excessively consuming negative content online, like constantly refreshing social media for crisis updates. Understanding why we do it is the first step to breaking free. Why We Can’t Stop Scrolling Three psychological factors drive the doomscrolling cycle. First, our brains are hardwired with a negativity bias, paying more attention to threatening information. Second, scrolling creates an illusion of control—we feel “in the know,” though it often increases helplessness. Third, the dopamine loop kicks in: each refresh offers potential new information, and that anticipation becomes rewarding itself. The Real Cost Studies link doomscrolling to increased anxiety and stress, as distressing content raises cortisol levels, leaving you constantly on edge. Sleep quality suffers too—blue light disrupts melatonin production, and upsetting bedtime reading makes falling asleep difficult. Perhaps most damaging, the overwhelming negativity creates feelings of helplessness that can contribute to depression and apathy. Breaking The Cycle Fortunately, you can reclaim your mental peace with these strategies:
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.
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Holiday Travel Tips
Managing the Stress of Thanksgiving Travel
lost luggage containing the one thing you absolutely needed. Build in Buffer Time The biggest mistake travelers make is cutting timing too close. Add an extra hour to your airport arrival time during Thanksgiving week. For road trips, plan for 25% longer travel time than GPS suggests. These buffers transform potential disasters into manageable inconveniences and give you breathing room when Uncle Bob calls asking you to pick up cranberry sauce. Keep Everyone Fed and Entertained Hungry, bored travelers are stressed travelers. Pack protein-rich snacks like nuts, cheese, and granola bars to maintain energy levels. Download podcasts, audiobooks, or create collaborative playlists before leaving. For kids, new small toys or activity books can work wonders during inevitable delays. Practice Flexible Thinking Flight delayed? Use the time to catch up with traveling companions or explore the airport. Traffic jam? Turn it into a game or use it as phone-free conversation time. Your attitude sets the tone for everyone traveling with you. When plans change—and they will— adapting gracefully reduces everyone’s stress levels. Take Care of Yourself
Thanksgiving travel doesn’t have to feel like a turkey dinner gone wrong. With millions of Americans hitting the roads and skies during the holiday weekend, a little preparation can transform your journey from frantic to festive. Start with Strategic Planning Book your travel as early as possible—ideally six weeks before Thanksgiving. If you’re flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor, consider early morning flights when delays are less common. For road trips, download offline maps and check Arizona Department of Transportation updates before departure, especially if you’re navigating mountain passes where weather can change quickly. Pack Smart, Not Hard Create a packing list two weeks ahead and check it twice. For car travel, prepare an emergency kit with water, snacks, phone chargers, and basic first aid supplies. Flying families should pack essentials in carry-ons: medications, a change of clothes, and entertainment for kids. Nothing amplifies stress like
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Amid the chaos, don’t forget basic self- care. Stay hydrated, take deep breaths when tensions rise, and remember that arriving safely matters more than arriving on time. The turkey will taste just as good whether you arrive at 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. This Thanksgiving, approach travel as part of the holiday experience rather than an obstacle to it. With preparation, patience, and perspective, you’ll arrive at your destination ready to enjoy what truly matters: time with loved ones.
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November 2025
The Bug Guy
Thanksgiving Guests: The Unwanted West Valley Edition Ah, Thanksgiving in the West Valley – where the temperature finally dips below “surface of the sun” and families gather to celebrate gratitude, turkey, and the annual invasion of uninvited guests who definitely weren’t on the seating chart. We’re talking about pests, of course. Those freeloading party crashers who think your holiday feast is an all- you-can-eat buffet. • Nothing says “pass the gravy” quite like a cockroach doing the cha-cha across your kitchen counter. Phoenix roaches have been training all year for this moment, and they’re ready to Olympics-level sprint toward that pumpkin pie the second the lights go out. They’ve even invited their extended family – all 47 of them. • Mice in the Valley don’t need OpenTable to secure a holiday booking. They’ve already RSVP’d “yes” by chewing through your pantry boxes and leaving little “thank you notes” behind the stove. That scratching sound in the walls? That’s just Stuart Little’s entire family showing up for leftovers.
• Sure, scorpions slow down when temperatures drop, but “slow” is relative when one decides your bathroom is the perfect place to contemplate its life choices at 2 AM. Nothing kills a tryptophan nap faster than a surprise arachnid encounter. They’re not interested in your turkey, but they’ll gladly crash your post-dinner bathroom break. • Desert ants are like that one relative who “just stopped by” and then never leaves. One crumb of cornbread on the floor becomes and suddenly you’re hosting the ant equivalent of Black Friday in your kitchen. They work faster than your uncle clearing his third plate. Before you panic-flip the table, remember: professional pest control is cheaper than therapy and more effective than your abuela’s chancla. Schedule that pre- holiday treatment, seal those entry points, and keep food covered tighter than your secret family recipes. This Thanksgiving, be grateful for family, food, and pest control professionals who keep the guest list manageable. Happy Thanksgiving, West Valley – may your turkey be moist and your home pest-free! Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control.
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Cook With Zona Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
• 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/8 teaspoon pepper • Fresh thyme (for garnish, optional) Total Time: 3-4 hrs or 5-6 hrs Steps
There’s always that one side dish that steals the show on Thanksgiving—and these Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots just might be it. They bring a touch of sweetness to the table, balancing out all the savory favorites we wait for all year long. As they simmer away in the slow cooker, the kitchen fills with an aroma that feels like pure Thanksgiving comfort. What makes them even better is how effortless they are. While the turkey roasts and pies bake, your slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple carrots into tender, buttery perfection. These carrots are the kind of side that remind us what Thanksgiving is really about— simple, heartwarming food shared with the people we love most. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! 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! Ingredients • 2 pounds baby carrots • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar • 1/4 cup maple syrup (Substitute with honey or agave) • 1/3 cup butter, cubed
1. In the slow cooker, stir together carrots, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and pepper. Pour in the maple syrup (or honey/or agave) and toss well to coat the carrots evenly. 2. Cut the butter into pats and spread them over the carrots. 3. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours, until the carrots are fork-tender. If possible, stir 1-2 times during cooking. 4. If you want a thicker glaze, remove the lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking (turn the crockpot on high). Just remember to stir a few times during this process. 5. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme before serving warm. 6. Enjoy! We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your thanksgiving sides or tag us on social media @ EstrellaPublishing.
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Estrella Publishing - The Park magazine
Puzzle Time Numbers, Numbers, Numbers!
All the puzzles this month involve numbers, have fun and as always the solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
EASY SUDOKU #1
Find each number in the grid below. Numbers can be oriented horizontall vertically, or diagonally. Numbers may also overlap one another on the gr NUMBER SEARCH PUZZL 10x10 Number Search Find each number in the grid below. Numbers can be oriented horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Numbers may also overlap one another.
Easy Sudoku
PUZZLE 1
5x5 NUMBER CROSS EASY Cross out numbers in each grid so that each row and column of the grid sum to the specified numbers written outside the grid. Number Cross
EASY PUZZLE 1 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 2
Copyright © 2014 puzzles-to-print.com. All rights reserved.
Sarah Carter | @mathequalslove | mathequalslove.net |
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EASY PUZZLE 3
EASY PUZZLE 4
Veterans Day Veterans Day stands as one of America’s most
The timing itself carries profound meaning. The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month represents a moment when the world collectively exhaled after unprecedented devastation. This precise timestamp reminds us that peace, once achieved, must be preserved. The poppy flower has become an enduring symbol associated with Veterans Day, inspired by the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields.” These red blooms grew abundantly on European battlefields, representing both the blood shed and the resilient hope that life continues after conflict. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery serves as another powerful symbol. Guarded continuously since 1937, it represents all service members whose remains were never identified, ensuring that even the nameless are never forgotten. Veterans Day reminds us that freedom isn’t free—it’s protected by ordinary people who make extraordinary commitments. These men and women leave families, interrupt careers, and risk everything to serve something larger than themselves.
significant holidays, honoring the courage and sacrifice of all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which commemorates those who died in service, Veterans Day celebrates all military veterans, living and deceased. The holiday originated as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, an armistice between Allied forces and Germany took effect, silencing the guns of the Great War. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, as the first commemoration, calling it a day to reflect on the heroism of those who died in service and to express gratitude for victory and peace. In 1938, Armistice Day became an official federal holiday, initially dedicated to world peace and honoring World War I veterans. However, after World War II and the Korean War added millions more veterans to America’s ranks, the holiday’s scope felt too narrow. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day, expanding recognition to honor American veterans of all wars.
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