The Hamlet is a free, monthly magazine produced by Estrella Publishing for the residents of Palm Valley.
A magazine for Palm Valley residents From Your Neighbors, For Your Neighbors The Hamlet
April 2026 1
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
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April 2026
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.
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April 2026
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, The Hamlet 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, organized, 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 5
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Home Sweet Home
New FinCEN Regulations for Home Buyers and Sellers 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. More recently, broader regulations have been introduced to require the reporting of beneficial ownership information in certain circumstances. These efforts aim to identify the true individuals behind legal entities used to purchase property.
Traditional home buyers 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. The intent is not to discourage investment or complicate legitimate homeownership - but to close loopholes that allow bad actors to exploit the system.
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.
Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor
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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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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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8 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet 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 that a label cannot actually hurt you. 2. Is there a grain of truth in the accusation? 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? 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.
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April 2026 9
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
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!
10 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
April 2026
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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12 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
April 2026
The Bug Guy April Fools’ Day in the West Valley: When the Pests Get the Last Laugh
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.
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,
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control.
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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
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
14 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
April 2026
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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April 2026 15
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