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
November 2025
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Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
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
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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MAKING YOUR NEXT MOVE SOMETHING TO BE thankful for.
The Veteran’s Team & Fairway Home Mortgage, proudly serving Sterling Grove. This season of gratitude reminds us that home is where thankfulness grows. John Whalen, your local REALTOR®, neighbor, and Army Veteran, delivers mission-driven service and proven strategies to help you buy or sell with confidence. His local insight and data-driven pricing protect your investment and attract qualified buyers fast.
MORTGAGE STRATEGY THAT FITS YOUR GOALS Partner with The Frederick Team at Fairway Home Mortgage for fast, competitive lending and smooth closings—a combination designed to make your next move one to be thankful for.
This Fall, let’s make your next move one you—and your family—will be thankful for.
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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 Grove 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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Veterans Day
Veterans Day stands as one of America’s most 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.
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.
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The Ultimate Thanksgiving Survival Guide ;) How To... Pre-Dinner Reconnaissance (2:00 PM) Upon arrival, immediately identify escape routes and bathrooms. The bathroom is your Switzerland—a neutral zone where you can hide for exactly seven minutes before someone knocks asking if you’re okay. Any longer and Aunt Linda will diagnose you with something she read about on Facebook. The Political Minefield (3:30 PM) When Uncle Frank starts a sentence with “You know what the problem with this country is,” suddenly become fascinated by the gravy boat. Study it like it holds the secrets of the universe. If cornered, deploy emergency phrases: “Interesting perspective” or “I need to help in the kitchen” (even though you’ve never voluntarily helped before). Kitchen Combat Zone (4:00 PM) The kitchen hosts a delicate power struggle between your mother, grandmother, and whoever foolishly offered to help. Your job is to stand awkwardly near the counter, occasionally moving a pot holder,
and agreeing with everyone simultaneously. Think Switzerland again, but with more passive aggression about whose stuffing recipe is better. The Feast Begins (5:00 PM) Fill your plate strategically. Pile it high enough that you can’t possibly engage in conversation while chewing, but not so high that you can’t claim room for Aunt Carol’s dry pumpkin pie later. When asked about your love life, career, or life choices, take an enormous bite and gesture helplessly at your full mouth. Post-Dinner Interrogation (6:30 PM) The sleepy tryptophan haze is your ally. Position yourself on the couch at a diagonal angle that prevents anyone from sitting next to you. Master the art of the “listening nap”—eyes closed but nodding occasionally. When Grandpa shares his story about walking uphill both ways to school for the eighteenth time, remember: you only have to survive until pie. Exit Strategy (8:00 PM) Blame an early morning. Blame your cat. Blame anything. Take your leftovers and retreat to safety, knowing you’ve lived to fight another Thanksgiving.
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Holiday Travel Tips
Managing the Stress of Thanksgiving Travel
for 25% longer travel time than GPS suggests. These buffers transform potential disasters into manageable inconveniences and give you breathing room. 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 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. 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.
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 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 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 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
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destination No destination is worth driving half asleep. Get there safe, not sorry. is worth half asleep . there safe , not
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Traditional Holiday Favorites To Make Your Season Merry & Bright!
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Cook With Zona Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (Substitute with honey or agave) • 1/3 cup butter, cubed • 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 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!
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. What makes them even better is how effortless they are, 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
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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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The Doctor Is In Doomscrolling: What It Is and How to Stop It
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: * 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? Moving Forward Protect your mental well-being by viewing doomscrolling as a compulsive behavior you can overcome. Prepare a list of healthy distractions for challenging moments—whether
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
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.
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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Pet Therapy
Who let the dogs out? We did! The beloved Pet Therapy Program has returned to Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, bringing wagging tails, wet noses and heartwarming moments back to patients, visitors, and staff. After a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program is once again growing, with more volunteer teams joining to share the healing power of human- animal connection. Among them is Raymond Mushier and his 3-year-old rescue Standard Poodle, Cowboy, who recently completed orientation and made their first hospital rounds. “Cowboy is such a unique looking dog for a Standard Poodle – he turns heads everywhere we go,” says Mushier, who has years of experience in pet therapy. His previous therapy dog served alongside him at Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear before he relocated to Glendale.
“My dogs have served at Sky Harbor Airport and other hospitals. They just love being around people, and the joy they bring to patients is incredible. It really is a win-win for both the dogs and the patients.” Mushier and Cowboy are so popular and talented, they now help mentor and train new pet therapy teams at Abrazo Arrowhead. The program accepts volunteer therapy pets certified through The Alliance of Therapy Dogs and/or Pet Partners, both of which require extensive training, testing, and certification. “The dogs must be at least a year old, fully vaccinated, and pass a strict behavior evaluation. Handlers also undergo background checks,” said Sherry Roueche, CVA, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus. “Therapy dogs like Cowboy provide so much comfort and companionship in a way that humans alone can’t. The smiles and expressions of joy they bring to our patients is truly remarkable,” she says. Abrazo Arrowhead Campus looks forward to welcoming more therapy teams as the program continues to grow, creating moments of comfort and connection throughout the hospital.
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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
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Estrella Publishing - The Grove magazine
Roofs YOU CAN BE THANKFUL FOR.
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