The Front Porch
December 2017
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Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies and article reproductions can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com
Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com All contents Š 2010-present day 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 views of contributing writers 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.
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
Christie Giannetto Assistant Editor
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Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
December 2017
Welcome to your December edition of The Front Porch! ‘Tis the Season! In this issue, a few of our neighbors share some of their favorite holiday traditions. One of my personal favorites is the annual Photos and Cookies with Santa event at the Marley Park Pool House. I take pride in my networking skills and in always having “connections” with people. If you need something, chances are, I can refer a person or business who can fulfill that need! One of my most important connections is to the REAL Santa Clause. Yes, that’s right, I know him personally, and because of my networking relationships, I’ve been able to get Marley Park on his December visitation calendar every year since 2015. This year he’ll be stopping by on December 10th for a few hours of photos, chatting with the kiddos about their wish lists, and, of course, some cookies and milk! As always, Santa has a long list of people and places to visit this year, so his time with us is limited. If you’d like to register for a spot at the event, please contact me! The spots fill up quickly every year and advanced registration is
required. (Oh, and if you’re wondering if he’s really the REAL Santa, just take a look at this month’s cover photo. Yep, that’s him, pictured with Marley Park residents, Landon and Ellasyn McCoy.) Another one of my favorite holiday traditions has always been collecting Christmas ornaments. As a child, I collected the Hallmark Cinnamon Bears, a series of adorable ceramic bears, each holding a traditional Christmas item. We have continued the tradition with our children and we are looking forward to delivering the annual pewter ornament to our Marley Park neighbors for the fourth year this month. The ornaments are custom made and delivered to Marley Park residents as a holiday gift from our family. Each ornament in the collection features a different Marley Park home, intended to showcase the diverse architecture that is represented in our neighborhood and capture just one of the many things that make Marley Park so special. What are YOUR favorite holiday traditions? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a Facebook message or an email and I may submit your story for next December’s issue. Until then, remember, in the words of Jonah Goldberg, “Cultures grow on the vine of tradition.” See you on The Front Porch!
Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine
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Around the Park Holiday Poem
The Front Porch, where steps ascend to a resting place for family and friends, a place to sit, to rock, to swing, to watch leaves fall as autumn sings. Neighbors, friends and family arrive, but so has winter, so we move inside. The Front Porch is not forgotten as people pass by, for Christmas lights are a delight to the eye. With spring come mornings brisk, as coffee and tea grace our lips. The Front Porch is a place to read, to enjoy pots of flowers and birds with song…yes, the early sunrise in our memories is strong. Now is summer’s time as nights roll along; we laugh, we talk and forever carry on. Children play and families pass by, walking and laughing and stopping to say, “Hi.” The moth by the porch light, the cricket we hear, those times we feel peace, on our Front Porch, so secure. The Front Porch is the place you find yourself saying, “Not enough time, we’re too busy to use,” but without it think of the memories you lose. The memories you could have had with family, friends and the stranger that passes by… …so sit on your Front Porch, in your chair, your rocker or swing. Take a deep breath and you will be living this dream… Submitted by Alan Thompson | Rancho Gabriela Resident
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Have you heard? Marley Park Rocks! And December’s Rock-of-the-Month was discovered by 5-year-old Marley Park resident, Eliza McCall in Starlight Park For more fun rock photos or to join in the rocks for kindness movement, search Facebook for “MP Rocks.”
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December 2017
December Events
Dec 1st-2nd Surprise Party Surprise Recreation Campus Friday 5-9pm Saturday 11-5pm Free Admission with canned food or toy donation Dec 6th
AZ History & Culture Speaker Series Ghost Towns City of Surprise Council Chambers 11am-12pm Free Admission
Dec 6th-8th Surprise Community Christmas Cross Church 17475 W Bell Rd 6:30pm $5 Admission Proceed benefit local schools Dec 7th
Tech the Halls Meet local tech entrepreneurs, enjoy refreshments, raffle prizes. AZ TechCelerator 5-7pm
Dec 9th
The Real Christmas Surprise Calvary Chapel Surprise
Maint enance -Repair s -New Ins t al l s - Ins ul at io n Pl umbing -Co mmer cial -Res ident ial
15610 W Greenway Rd 3-9pm Free Admission
Dec 9th
Macaroni Kid Craft Fair Marley Park Heritage Club 9am-1pm Free Admission
Dec 10th
Photos and Cookies with Santa! Marley Park Pool House 10am-1pm Registration Required Email for info: Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com
Dec 10th
Annual Christmas Light Parade 6pm See The Front Porch Group on Facebook for route and details.
Dec 14th
Lunchtime Theater Series A Christmas Carol 12pm-1pm Arts HQ 16126 N Civic Center Plaza Reservations Requred 623-935-6384 $10 Admission
Dec 15th
Ugly Sweater Holiday Party Sierra Montana Rec Center 14861 N Spring Ln 7-10pm Grades 6-8 $5 Admission
This beautiful holiday Front Porch belongs to Marley Park residents, Morgan and Rebekah Connolly. Submit a photo of your decorated Front Porch to Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com and it may be printed in a future issue of The Front Porch Magazine!
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Home Sweet Home As the weather cools and calendars start to heat up for the holidays, I am reminded of one question I receive consistently during this time of year. “Should I try to sell my home during the holiday season?”
The conventional thought in the past was simply, “No, you shouldn’t sell during the holidays.” While there are certainly some obstacles that you must consider this time of the year, if you plan for those challenges in advance, selling your home during the holidays could turn out to be a wise choice. But it’s not all going to be roses. First the cons. Fewer Buyers- The reason the holiday season has traditionally been considered a difficult time to sell? Because it was also usually considered a bad time to buy. Holiday expenses, planning for family travel and other life events make it harder to find a motivated, serious buyer. People in Your House- Let’s face it, the holidays are hectic. From Halloween until the New Year there seems to be something going on almost every day. Having to deal with keeping your house spotless and prepared for showings can be stressful any time of year, much less during the holiday season. The Process Could Be Slower- Banks, real estate agents, title companies, and mortgage offices all take time off during the holiday season. Even if their office is open, a key person needed to get your deal closed may be off for a few extra days. Delays
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will happen, and they can be frustrating. Now the Good News! Less Competition- Being that the traditional train of thought was to wait until after the holidays, many who are thinking about selling will automatically wait until the new year. This delay leads to far less inventory in any given market and with it less competition for the active buyer. More Motivated Buyers- Many buyers during this time of year are in situations where they “have” to find a home. Be it a relocation, the end of a rental agreement or other life-changing events; these consumers will be far more motivated to get into a new home before Christmas morning. Those Buyers Have More Time to Look- One thing most people get during the holidays is more time off. Motivated buyers with some free time could work in your favor if you are part of what will be a light inventory. My best advice is to speak with your local real estate specialist, weigh the pros and cons of selling and make the decision you feel is in your best interest. Don’t make the mistake of delaying your sale merely because of the time of year. If you decide to wait, January is ALWAYS a great time to sell! Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | Arizona Lifestyle Team | HomeSmart
December 2017
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Holiday Traditions
Our family participates in the usual holiday fun that is typical (decorating a holiday tree, lights on the house, Christmas eve mass, making cookies), but there are some random traditions that may (or may not) be different from our neighbors. First, we do an annual countdown to Christmas with a new LEGO advent calendar kit each year. My husband leads the kids in this activity, as my daughters take turns during the 25 days of countdown by opening the advent windows and assembling what awaits behind the marked square on the box. With much anticipation to see what is behind the windows each night in December, often my young daughters prepare for bed really early in the evening. The kids are only allowed assembly of the item only after they successfully put on pajamas and brush teeth, which makes December bedtime routine quick and easy. By the end of the season we have a full display of LEGO holiday characters placed right next to the nativity. With this being our 5th year of assembly, we have quite the collection from years past of Lego snowmen, reindeer, ice skaters, hockey players, holiday packages, and more. Another favorite tradition is the idea that black eyed peas are supposed to bring you luck if you eat them on New Year’s Day. Ever since I could remember my dad would cook up a heaping recipe of Hoppin’ John (aka Texas Caviar) on New Year’s Eve. My father’s Southern born grandmother and his father would always make the recipe for New Years. I’ve carried on the tradition in our home as
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well. Hoppin’ John is essentially Black-eyed peas cooked with rice, pork (ham, hambones or bacon), Cajun seasonings, chopped onions, seasoned with Tabasco sauce and served with a side of fresh corn bread. We make ours in a huge crockpot, and double the recipe since it is sooooo irresistibly good.
Finally, we don’t take down our holiday décor until after Three Kings Day (Epiphany). Our family is Catholic, and this is an observed holy day to attend Mass, celebrating when the three wise men arrived to greet baby Jesus as King (January 6). I typically reserve a special treat from a local Mexican bakery to purchase traditional Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread). A delicious ring-shaped bread filled with dried fruit and frosted. A small plastic baby Jesus is hidden into the bread. The baby symbolizes luck and prosperity to whoever finds it in his/her slice. We usually eat the bread along with hot cocoa. The day for our family is usually spent putting away the nativity, tree, decor and holiday lights, and signifies the official end of the Christmas season. May you and yours enjoy all of your holiday traditions this year, traditional…or not! Submitted by Ingrid Melle | Marley Park Resident
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Peace On Earth Hope vs. Wishing “We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!” We’ve all sung those words. The tune is uplifting and the sentiment is nice. However, I find myself longing for something deeper. ‘Wish’ means to want or desire. There is a lot of wishing this time of year! But is wishing enough? What about ‘hope?’ Hope is believing that what is wanted can occur. I don’t just wish for peace at Christmas, I hope for it. I believe it is possible. I hope in the Lord. “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” (Psalm 33:20) I believe God’s word and God’s promises. God calls each of us to join him in transforming the world. As I write this, there is more news of violent attacks in our country. Such things can paralyze us with fear or cause us to give up hope. We wish things would change but not with any real hope that our wish could come true. When we lose hope, we cease to take up our call to help make a difference. You see, God works both divinely AND through the hands, feet, and heart of his people. We’re invited into the work of restoration and reconciliation. This kind of behavior pops up spontaneously and automatically each December. People give more to those in need, reach out to the homeless and the destitute. People adopt Christmas Angels and buy gifts for strangers.
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There are more ‘random acts of kindness.’ People smile at one another, hold doors open, and express well wishes. People who haven’t been in contact for a time send one another ‘catch up’ cards. People have family and friends over for dinner or parties. All this gives me hope. We do know how to help make the world better and we can do this yearround. It’s been proven that kindness to one tends to be passed on, and on. Imagine if each one of us, people everywhere, did a few intentional, helpful, and good things every day! Yes, transformation can happen. Christmas is the celebration of God’s gift of Jesus, the hope of the world. Jesus came that we can know complete forgiveness and be fully reconciled to God. When we experience that gift, we can’t help but want to pass on the goodness we’ve received by reaching out to our hurting world. Find a church and celebrate the gift of God’s hope. It will restore and rekindle your hope! Submitted by Valerie Fairchild | Pastor of Spirit Song church in Vistancia
December 2017
Pet of the Month December Pet Photo Winner, “Romeo,” owner of Marley Park residents, Francie and Ernesto Ardon. Francie’s hobbies include dreaming by the fire, building snowmen, and walkin’ in a winter wonderland.
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Family Time I love the winter months. The days are filled with joy, laughter, and the sweet smells of holiday baking and cooking. There’s a sort of magic in the air this time of the year, and even more so since having my children. Family traditions are being passed down to the next generations, and I can’t help but to think how lucky I am to be here in this moment. My mother and grandmother taught me to bake at a young age, and I have loved it ever since. Every year we make homemade fudge and peanut butterballs for the holidays. I have since taught my children these goodie secrets, and they love them too. Following our traditions, we go to the Arrowhead Mall each year around Christmas to pick out our ornaments for that year. The kids love doing this as they have free range to choose whatever ornament they like. It’s so fun to see the changes over the years, and wonder what they will choose next! Black Friday is always exciting for us. My favorite thing to do on Black Friday, as silly as it sounds, is go to Walmart and pick up the kids PJs that are on sale for ‘one night only’. There’s something special about them. I have done this every year since my
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kids were born, and it’s become my own little tradition. We then head over to JC Penney and snag the free snow globes at each entrance of the store. As we draw closer to Saint Nick’s big arrival, we head over to Park West and have our Santa photos taken! We have done this since 2013, and it is always pure magic to see the kids’ faces light up when they see Santa. It honestly melts my heart. I am so grateful to be a mother, and most importantly, to have the ability to pass on these traditions to my kids, and create unforgettable memories. Submitted by Crystal Mills | Marley Park Resident
December 2017
Ho Ho Ho!
One of the best Marley Park Holiday Traditions is the annual home decorating contest! This incredible feat of electricity is the work of Marley Park residents, Christopher and Meredith Lawrence, of Starlight Park.
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Yum Yum
When I was a young girl I visited my cousin in Texas and her other Grandma. We were there for the Christmas holidays and Grandma made this Banana Split Cake. It became my forever favorite.
She gave me the recipe and I have made this Banana Split Cake every holiday since. I often double the recipe and make some to give to my neighbors at Christmas. I buy the Keebler graham cracker crust pie tins and use those to give out (I also add more of my own graham cracker crumbs when I use them.) You can add strawberries or really anything you like to this simple, delicious desert!
Spread over graham cracker crumbs. Cut bananas over this. Drain pineapple and spread over bananas. Spread Cool Whip next. Dot with cherries (you can also add sliced stawberries, blueberries, etc) Sprinkle with nuts (if desired) Refrigerate (It’s better the second day!) Submitted by Stephanie Vogel | Marley Park Resident
3 sticks butter, softened 2 c graham cracker crumbs 2 c powdered sugar 2 eggs 4-6 bananas 1 - 15 oz can crushed pineapple 1 - 9 oz container Cool Whip Cherries Nuts
Melt 1 stick butter and mix with graham cracker crumbs, spread in cake pan (I like using Pyrex.) Mix together remaining 2 sticks butter, eggs and powdered sugar. Beat with mixer for 15 minutes (stop if mixer tends to heat).
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Puzzles & Games Cryptogram
Sudoku for December Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
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2 8
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Break the code to solve the list of words. Two letters have been provided for you. Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
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December 2017
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December 2017
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SOLD IN MARLEY PARK
by
Christie Giannetto
You are invited to contact me today for a FREE home value analysis 602.740.2313
More homes sold in Marley Park than any other agent since October 2013!* JUST LISTED
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
15344 W Corrine Dr
14760 W Surrey Dr
15399 W Eugene Ter
15145 W Alexandria Way
13578 N 149th Dr
List Price....................$315,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,090 Lot Sq Ft........................10,226 Pool and 3-car Garage
Sold Price ..................$240,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,764 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,400 Price Sq Ft ........................$136
Sold Price ..................$315,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,773 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,800 Price Sq Ft ........................$115
Sold Price ..................$235,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,517 Lot Sq Ft..........................3,968 Price Sq Ft ........................$155
Sold Price ..................$245,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,766 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,657 Price Sq Ft ........................$139
Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto
Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto
Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
REPRESENTED BUYER
14781 W Surrey Dr
15197 W Larkspur Dr
12730 N 154th Ln
12730 N 154th Ln
3283 N 153rd Ln
Sold Price ..................$235,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,764 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,400 Price Sq Ft ........................$142
Sold Price ..................$281,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,022 Lot Sq Ft..........................8,784 Price Sq Ft ........................$141
Sold Price ..................$260,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,085 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,600 Price Sq Ft ........................$128
Sold Price ..................$260,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,085 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,600 Price Sq Ft ........................$128
Sold Price ..................$245,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,988 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,714 Price Sq Ft ........................$123
SOLD FOR OVER LIST PRICE
UNDER CONTRACT IN 1 DAY
REPRESENTED BUYER
SOLD FOR 98% OF LIST PRICE
UNDER CONTRACT IN 6 DAYS
13609 N 150th Ave
13213 N 153rd Ln
15220 W Bloomfield Dr
13514 N 149th Ave
15211 W Wethersfield Rd
Sold Price ..................$292,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,548 Lot Sq Ft..........................8,100 Price Sq Ft ........................$114
Sold Price ..................$250,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,909 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,961 Price Sq Ft ........................$130
Sold Price ..................$325,000 Sq Ft ...............................3,505 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,600 Price Sq Ft ..........................$93
Sold Price ..................$245,800 Sq Ft ...............................2,092 Lot Sq Ft..........................4,615 Price Sq Ft ........................$120
Sold Price ..................$270,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,907 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,599 Price Sq Ft ........................$143
Arizona Lifestyle Team represented both Buyer and Seller.
Your Marley Park Neighbor and Real Estate Specialist *Information obtained from Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service. Excludes new construction. As of 8/1/17.
Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® Arizona Lifestyle Team HomeSmart 602.740.2313 15543 N Reems Rd | Ste 139 Surprise AZ 85374 Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com AZLifestyleTeam.com
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