The Grove is a free, monthly magazine produced by Estrella Publishing for the residents of Sterling Grove.
A magazine for Sterling Grove residents From Your Neighbors, For Your Neighbors ™ The Grove
April 2026
April 2026 1
Estrella Publishing - The Grove 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
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.
2 Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
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.
That is not me.
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 Grove Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541
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.
PITTS 21 Brackets Tooth Contouring ♦ Gingival Laser 3-D Imaging ♦ Invisalign ♦ Braces
BEFORE & AFTER Braces & Gingival Laser
14997 W. Bell Rd #150 Surprise
4175 N. Pioneer Dr #107 Verrado
*emotional support dog on staff
www.BaileyOrthoAZ.com
April 2026 3
Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
Hi Neighbor!
Meeting the Neighbors You’ve Never Met 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. In a region where many residents have relocated from other states, shared history cannot be assumed, which means community has to be built deliberately. 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. So go ahead and make a batch of brownies to share with your neighbors, they could be your new best friend.
4 Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
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.
At the Ganyo Agency we use technology to streamline the quoting process of buying insurance and make sure we provide you the best rate possible from one of our 35+ Monday - Friday 9am-5pm & by appointment 4252 N Verrado Way, Ste B201 www.GanyoInsurance.com Welcome@GanyoInsurance.com A member of the Atlas Insurance Group a Fortune 5000 Company Auto Insurance • Home Insurance • Business Insurance • Life Insurance Did your rates go up this year? Don’t pay without a 2nd look! (623) 439-2525
Greg Ganyo, Verrado Resident
companies. Imagine saving hundreds of dollars in just 30 seconds, while saving 30 minutes of your valuable time on the phone!
• Scan this QR code or go to https://app.usecanopy.com/c/ganyo-agency • Sign into your current company’s portal. This takes about 30 seconds and we will do the rest. Here is a short how-to video for you as well: http://share.getcloudapp.com/wbu8qwAj Or you can always call us and we will gladly spend the time to meet all your insurance needs.
April 2026 5
Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
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? 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. that a label cannot actually hurt you. 2. Is there a grain of truth in the accusation?
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 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. power struggle into problem solving. 5. Does this defense serve my future self? 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.
YOU NEED A PARTNER YOU CAN TRUST. Not just a CPA. Not just a service provider. But a true partner. An expert to help you make key financial decisions, and a guide to help you navigate complex situations. Partner with a CPA who’s part of your community. Gary Frisch, CPA, MBA 12455 W. Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85378 623.975.7586 | www.LandmarkCPAs.com
6 Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
April 2026
info@sadd.org
www.sadd.org
SADDNation
FOCUS ON THE ROAD. FOCUS ON THE ROAD. PHONE DOWN. EYES UP. PHONE DOWN. EYES UP.
WE'LL HELP YOU RECLAIM YOUR PROPERTY BY MAKING YOUR PEST PROBLEMS A THING OF THE PAST Our Best Services BOOK NOW GENERAL PEST CONTROL TERMITE EXTERMINATION SCORPION EXTERMINATON 623-680-6619 www.estrellamtnpest.com Larry Cash - Veteran Owned & Operated
Discounts! First-Time Customers, First Responders, & Military
April 2026 7
Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
Experience Two Regional Premieres – Only at Arizona Broadway Theatre See it here first!
MARCH 13 THROUGH APRIL 19, 2026
A spirited Hollywood escort takes center stage in this glamorous musical journey of unexpected love, h igh- society sparkle, and the power to rewrite your own fairy tale.
MAY 1 THROUGH MAY 31, 2026
The iconic superstar’s extraordinary life unfolds in this dazzling musical
celebrating six decades of reinvention, resilience, and unforgettable hits.
Don’t miss your chance to see these regional Broadway premieres exclusively at Arizona Broadway Theatre!
azbroadway.org | 623.776.8400
8 Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
April 2026
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!
April 2026 9
Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
The Bug Guy April Fools’ Day in the West Valley: When the Pests Get the Last Laugh
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,
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
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.
Spring INTO ACTION
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS
623.398.5541 www.EstrellaPublishing.com INFO@EstrellaPublishing.com
CALL TODAY FOR HIGH QUALITY WATER
ROC#246437 - Licensed, Bonded, & Insured for your protection. www.AlsPlumbingLLC.com
10 Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
April 2026
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.
April 2026 11
Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
Passover Primer
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 12 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.
12 Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
April 2026
Paddle Up!
Picking Up That Pickleball Fever
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 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
VETERAN ADVOCACY
New customers who purchase a complete interior, exterior, or cabinet repainting. $250 OFF
VETERAN LANG
Husband & Wife Team Kayla & Jaime Nunez Servicing Arizona’s Painting Needs for over 20 Years!
• New and Original Claims • Increase Claims • Supplemental Claims • Higher-Level Reviews • Proposed Reductions • Clear and Unmistakable Errors (CUE) • Board of Veterans Appeals Notice of Disagreements Let Lang’s Legal fight for the benefits you’ve earned! Reach out today to get started. CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE VA CASE EVALUATION EMPATHETIC & UNDERSTANDING FLEXIBLE COST STRUCTURES DEDICATED TO VETERANS’ RIGHTS
MATTHEW LANG who is an accredited VA attorney, retired army combat veteran and former VA employee who spent more than 13 years federal service in multiple VA oces in various positions.
Interiors ~ Exteriors ~ Cabinets
623-975-2798 623-210-8330 www.NunezPainting.com
No money down. No upfront costs.
(480) 219-2101 13991 W Grand Ave, Suite 100, Surprise, AZ 85374
VETERANLANG.COM
April 2026 13
Estrella Publishing - The Grove 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 Grove magazine
April 2026
Specializing in Hunter Douglas shutters, shades & drapery
Upgrade Your View!
• Hunter Douglas Certified Installers • Personal in-home Design Consultation • Limited Lifetime Warranty
Call or Text 623.323.4242 www.DesertViewBlinds.com
April 2026 15
Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
If your roof could
it wouldn’t need you. And you wouldn’t need us.
New Construction, Repairs, Recovers, Maintenance Installation of Gutters Shingles, Tile, Built Up, Single Ply, Foam & Coatings, Metal, Shake
(BUT HERE WE ARE.)
www.JBSroofingAZ.com
ROC #’s: 061127 - 287012 - 198009 - 082024 - 318282 ROC #’s: 061127 - 287012 - 082024 - 318282
16 Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
April 2026
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator