The Grove

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

March 2026

March 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

March 2026

From Me To You... There was a time, not so long ago, when television ran our lives with an iron fist and we were absolutely fine with that. Your favorite show aired once a week, on a specific channel, at a specific time, and if you missed it, you missed it. No replays. No catch-up apps. Just the cold, silent judgment of your friends on Monday morning. Now? We drop an entire season on a Friday and resurface on Sunday looking like we’ve survived something. “Did you watch it yet?” has replaced every other form of human greeting. Spoilers travel at the speed of light. And somehow, despite having access to everything, we still spend forty-five minutes deciding what to watch.

Enter the VCR, that beautiful, blinking, perpetually- midnight-flashing miracle machine. Taping a show was an act of love and commitment. You had to set the timer, label the cassette, and pray that nobody accidentally recorded over your season finale with a three-hour golf tournament. (Looking at you, Dad.) Taping etiquette was serious business. You did not borrow someone’s tape without asking. You rewound when you were finished. You never recorded over someone else’s tape, and yes, that was absolutely grounds for a family meeting. And the anticipation! Waiting an entire week between episodes built genuine suspense. Cliffhangers were devastating. Water-cooler conversation was everything. We theorized, we argued, we called each other on the phone like civilized people.

Perhaps the greatest plot twist of all is this: we fought for the remote, we programmed the VCR, we scheduled our entire week around thirty minutes of television, and we were, somehow, deeply, ridiculously happy. Not only have we lost that anticipation, we have become a nation where immediate gratification is demanded in all things. As for me and my typewriter, I’ll see you next month - same time, same channel. Catherine Uretsky Editor, The Grove Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541

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

March 2026 3

Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine

Women’s History

Many technologies we use today were shaped by remarkable women whose names rarely make headlines. Their innovations have become so embedded in everyday life that it’s easy to forget they were revolutionary when introduced. The truth is, our modern world would look completely different without these pioneering women. Grace Hopper, a brilliant computer scientist, played a key role in developing early programming languages, which eventually led to COBOL, still used today in banking and government systems worldwide. The next time you complete a smooth banking transaction, remember that Grace had a hand in making it possible. Virginia Apgar transformed childbirth by creating the Apgar Score, a test now used globally to assess newborn health within seconds of birth. Before her innovation, infant mortality rates were significantly

higher, and medical professionals had limited tools for quickly evaluating newborns’ conditions. Today, her systematic approach has become the universal standard in delivery rooms everywhere. Hedy Lamarr was far more than a Hollywood star. During World War II, she helped develop frequency-hopping technology designed to prevent signal jamming in military communications. This invention became the foundation for modern wireless technology, leading directly to WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS systems. Every time you connect your phone to a network, you’re benefiting from Hedy’s wartime innovation. These women worked in fields that often withheld recognition, faced resistance at every turn, and operated under immense pressure where failure could end their careers. Yet their ideas withstood the test of time, reshaping entire industries so completely that their contributions became invisible through familiarity. This March, during Women’s History Month, Estrella Publishing celebrates these innovators alongside countless other women who have made extraordinary contributions throughout history. Their leaps forward in science, medicine, and technology created the foundation for the comfortable, connected lives we enjoy today. They deserve our recognition, gratitude, and our commitment to ensuring future generations of women innovators receive the acknowledgment they’ve earned.

4 Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine

March 2026

B-Ball March Madness is more than just a tournament: it’s an entire cultural experience. The moment brackets are released, time bends, workdays blur, and group chats explode with opinions about matchups, upsets, and potential Cinderella teams. At the center stands the University of Arizona Wildcats, perennial powerhouses who consistently command national attention. Whether entering as top seeds or dark horses, the Wildcats bring Arizona pride to the national stage. The energy at McKale Center reaches far beyond Tucson, and a deep tournament run creates memories that last for generations. For Arizona families, watching the Wildcats compete becomes a shared experience that brings communities together. Arizona State University brings a different energy to March. While the Sun Devils may not always enter as favorites, they thrive on unpredictability. ASU has a history of heating up during crucial stretches, playing with an edge that makes them compelling to watch. When they do earn a tournament berth, they often arrive with something to prove, making them dangerous opponents for any team.

GCU represents Arizona’s newest basketball powerhouse. The Lopes bring fresh energy to Phoenix, building a passionate fan base and drawing national attention to the Valley. Often overlooked in preseason discussions, GCU plays fearlessly, with the intensity of a team carrying an enormous chip on its shoulder. Their presence in the tournament expands Arizona’s basketball footprint and introduces a new generation to March Madness excitement. What makes March Madness truly special isn’t just winning. It’s the shared experiences that unite us: office pools where colleagues become rivals, watch parties that turn living rooms into arenas, and buzzer- beaters that have entire neighborhoods erupting simultaneously. These moments create connections across age groups and backgrounds. Families gather on patios to watch games, sports bars open their outdoor seating, and the tournament becomes backdrop to springtime celebrations throughout the state. March Madness reminds us that sports can bring communities together, creating common ground where everyone shares the thrill of competition and the hope that this year might bring something magical.

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.

March 2026 5

Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine

Competition Time

Cutest Pet Competition Do you have the most adorable bundle of fur, feathers or scales in Sterling Grove? Would you love to see them on the front cover of The Grove? Send us a high resolution picture of Fido, Squawk, or Tiger and you could win bragging rights and a prize. Send in a high resolution photo of your dog or cat or parakeet (there is no restriction, if it is your pet it can be included) by March 12th to info@estrellapublishing.com. The winner will be featured on a future cover of The Grove. The winner will get extra copies to share with family and friends, PLUS 4 passes to KTR or Lumberjaxes. Now for the rules: • One entry per household • Vertical, high resolution digital photos only • Winner will be chosen by a member of our editorial staff • Entry grants Estrella Publishing legal printing rights

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

Spring INTO ACTION

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

623.398.5541 www.EstrellaPublishing.com INFO@EstrellaPublishing.com

6 Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine

March 2026

info@sadd.org

www.sadd.org

SADDNation

FOCUS ON THE ROAD. FOCUS ON THE ROAD. PHONE DOWN. EYES UP. PHONE DOWN. EYES UP.

March 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

March 2026

Cook With Zona

St Patrick’s Day Pudding Cups Prep Time 30 minutes Total Time 30 minutes Serves 4 people I came across this easy St. Patrick’s Day Dessert. Layers of chocolate and vanilla pudding, crunchy Oreo crumbs, and sweet whipped topping make this a winner.

3. In a separate bowl, add the vanilla pudding mix and heavy cream and beat together at low speed. Then gradually increase speed and mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and green food coloring. 4. Place a thin layer of the chocolate pudding into each of your 4 cups. 5. Then layer on some of the green whipped pudding. 6. Next, add a layer of crumbled Oreo cookies. Then a layer of whipped topping. Repeat these layers once more, ending with the whipped topping. 7. Decorate with a rainbow airhead cut in half and arched like a rainbow, a chocolate coin, sprinkles and Oreo crumbs. 8. Place them in the fridge until ready to serve. 9. Enjoy!

Ingredients • 1 (3.9oz.) box instant chocolate pudding • 2 cups whole milk • 1 (3.9oz.) box instant vanilla pudding • 2 cups heavy cream • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or mint • Green food coloring • 8 Oreo cookies feel free to pick your favorite flavor

Want to see previous recipes by Zona? Scan the QR code to see all past recipes on our website!

• 8 ounces whipped topping thawed • Airheads Xtremes Rainbow Candy • Chocolate coins • Sprinkles • Oreo crumbs

VETERAN ADVOCACY

Instructions 1. Add the chocolate pudding mix and milk to a medium mixing bowl and beat for 2 minutes. 2. Place in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to set.

VETERAN LANG

EMPATHETIC & UNDERSTANDING FLEXIBLE COST STRUCTURES DEDICATED TO VETERANS’ RIGHTS CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE VA CASE EVALUATION 13991 W GRAND AVE SUITE 100 | SURPRISE, AZ 85374 480.219.2101 VETERANLANG.COM • 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. • New and Original Claims • Increase Claims

MATTHEW LANG who is an accredited VA attorney, retired army com- bat veteran and former VA employee who spent more than 13 years federal service in multiple VA offices in various positions.

March 2026 9

Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine

The Bug Guy

The Luck of the Irish: Estrella Mountain Pest Control Edition When most people think of St. Patrick’s Day in the West Valley, they picture green beer, shamrock decorations, and maybe a parade down Mill Avenue. But let me tell you what’s really lurking in the Valley on March 17th: scorpions wearing tiny leprechaun hats. Okay, not really—but wouldn’t that make them easier to spot? While Ireland worries about snakes (thanks, St. Patrick), we valley residents have our own crawling concerns. Legend has it that St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland. Here’s the thing: he clearly never visited Arizona. We’ve got rattlesnakes, bark scorpions, cockroaches the size of Volkswagens, and something called a “sun spider” that looks like it escaped from a nightmare factory. You know what we really need? St. Patrick of Goodyear. Someone who can drive out the roof rats, banish the bark scorpions to the desert where they belong, and maybe—just maybe—convince the pigeons that Estrella blvd Street isn’t prime real estate.

The irony isn’t lost on me that on a day celebrating all things green, pest control companies are busier than ever. While you’re dyeing your pool water green for Instagram, there’s probably a family of crickets having a full-blown house party in your garage. They’re not even Irish crickets. They’re freeloaders. Here’s my St. Patrick’s Day wish for the west Valley: may your beer be cold, your sunscreen be SPF 50, and may the only thing you find under your rocks be rocks. No scorpions, no black widows, just boring old minerals. And if you do spot a pest this St. Patrick’s Day, remember: you’re not lucky, you’re just living in Arizona. Call an exterminator, grab a pint, and accept that in the Valley of the Sun, the only snakes St. Patrick’s driving out are the ones slithering through your backyard. Sláinte, desert dwellers. May the odds be ever in your favor. Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control.

We are a family-owned taqueria that strives to serve the authentic and emotive food of Mexico City while delivering outstanding quality and hospitality. We serve margaritas, micheladas, beer, and wine! Visit our www.tacoschilango.com and

Instagram @tacos.chilango for updates & live events. We look forward to serving you!

Please join us for Happy Hour in the bar and patio, Mon-Fri 2-5 PM

CALL TODAY FOR HIGH QUALITY WATER

19425 W. Indian School Rd. Unit 103 14220 W. Elm St. Ste 109, Surprise

ROC#246437 - Licensed, Bonded, & Insured for your protection. www.AlsPlumbingLLC.com

10 Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine

March 2026

St Patrick’s Day

Saint Patrick’s Day: a day filled with parades, community celebrations, and a touch of playful magic. While the holiday has become synonymous with certain traditions, at its heart it’s about celebrating joy, connection, and bringing a little Irish spirit into our lives as March begins. The simplest way to join the fun? Go green. Wearing green has become a cheerful tradition that adds festive flair to the day. Beyond your wardrobe, bring touches of green into your home or workspace with a few well-placed decorations. These simple additions can brighten moods and spark conversations about the holiday’s significance. Food offers another delightful way to celebrate. Consider hosting an Irish-themed meal with friends and family. Traditional dishes like soda bread, shepherd’s pie, and colcannon bring authentic flavor to the table, while green candies satisfy younger guests with a sweet tooth. For breakfast, adventurous families might try green eggs and ham in honor of Dr. Seuss, whose birthday falls during this festive season. For those seeking more active celebration, a backyard scavenger hunt provides entertainment for all ages.

Hide gold coins (chocolate ones work wonderfully) around your yard or home, transforming children into leprechaun hunters for the afternoon. As a bonus, this makes excellent practice for Easter egg hunts just around the corner. Perhaps the most meaningful way to observe Saint Patrick’s Day is through acts of kindness. Challenge family members to perform small good deeds throughout the day: leave encouraging notes for neighbors, donate to a local charity, help someone in need, or reconnect with a friend you haven’t contacted recently. These gestures spread joy far beyond decorations and festivities. Arizona’s beautiful March weather makes celebrating outdoors particularly appealing. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or taking your family to a local parade, the mild temperatures create perfect conditions for community connection. However you choose to celebrate this year, remember that Saint Patrick’s Day is ultimately about finding joy in togetherness, sharing laughter, and embracing a little whimsy along the way.

March 2026 11

Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine

12 Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine

March 2026

Spring Blooms

Spring brings more than warmer temperatures and longer days. The season’s arrival triggers a subtle shift in our emotional well-being, largely influenced by the colors blooming around us. After months of heavy neutral tones and darker clothing, spring’s vibrant palette creates a psychological effect that helps us feel lighter and more optimistic. Green dominates the spring landscape, associated with growth, balance, and renewal, green has a powerful effect on our well-being. Studies show that exposure to green environments decreases stress levels, improves focus, and increases emotional stability. This phenomenon helps explain why Arizona’s parks and outdoor spaces feel particularly inviting as spring arrives. Accompanying nature’s greens are the softer hues of pink, blue, and yellow that reflect significantly more light than winter’s darker shades. These colors deliver measurable boosts to our mood and energy

levels. Pink, for instance, evokes feelings of calmness and compassion, offering a gentle contrast to winter’s intensity. This shift explains why spring fashion collections feel inherently more uplifting than their winter counterparts. Yellow carries associations with optimism and mental stimulation, though its effects work best in moderate doses. Even white becomes more prominent during spring, symbolizing simplicity and fresh possibilities as we emerge from winter’s heavier aesthetic. What makes spring’s color psychology particularly effective is its subtlety. Unlike summer’s bold, saturated palette, spring offers a gentler transition. The season presents an invitation rather than a demand, encouraging experimentation and renewal at a comfortable pace. Arizona’s spring landscape demonstrates this principle beautifully. Desert wildflowers bloom in waves of purple, yellow, and orange, while green growth appears along waterways and in cultivated spaces. These colors remind us that meaningful growth doesn’t require dramatic transformation. Instead, spring teaches us that gradual change can be just as powerful, offering renewal one gentle shade at a time.

New customers who purchase a complete interior, exterior, or cabinet repainting. $250 OFF

Husband & Wife Team Kayla & Jaime Nunez Servicing Arizona’s Painting Needs for over 20 Years!

Interiors ~ Exteriors ~ Cabinets

623-975-2798 623-210-8330 www.NunezPainting.com

No money down. No upfront costs.

March 2026 13

Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine

Puzzle Time Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com, scan the QR code.

14 Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine

March 2026

MARCH EVENTS 2026

MARCH 17-22 BROADWAY’S SIX ASU Gammage MARCH 19-22

MARCH 7 HIGH STREET ARTS FESTIVAL High Street MARCH 13-15 SPRING TEMPE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Downtown Tempe MARCH 14 43RD ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE & FAIRE Downtown Phoenix MARCH 15-16 GREEN FOUNTAIN FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY Fountain Park 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills

SCOTTSDALE FERRARI ART WEEK WestWorld of Scottsdale MARCH 19-22 MLB SPRING BREAKOUT SHOWCASE Greater Phoenix Ballparks

MARCH 21-22 LUKE DAYS AIR SHOW Luke Air Force Base

ALLEN TURNER Loan Officer | NMLS #212762

Cell: 602-290-9392 eFax: 866-448-6845 ALLEN.TURNER@FAIRWAYMC.COM WWW.YOURHOMELOAN.TEAM

March 2026 15

Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine

Your roof waited for luck. Luck never showed up. We always do!

 New Construction, Repairs, Recovers, Maintenance  Installation of Gutters  Shingles, Tile, Built Up Single Ply, Foam & Coatings, Metal, Shake

www.JBSroofingAZ.com

ROC #’s: 061127 - 287012 - 198009 - 082024 - 318282 ROC #’s: 061127 - 287012 - 082024 - 318282

16 Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine

March 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 16

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator