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The Front Porch

February 2018

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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

February 2018

Welcome to your February edition of The Front Porch magazine!

February is a favorite month of mine because it’s the month of LOVE! Some view Valentine’s Day to be an over-commercialized holiday intended to market flowers and chocolate, but even without contributing to the commercialization of the tradition, you can still hold the spirit of love in your heart this month. The holiday is not necessarily about love between couples, either. Why not extend the love to neighbors, friends, siblings, children, and parents?

Consider delivering cookies to a neighbor, setting aside an afternoon to spend with your kids and letting them choose the activity, or telling a friend a friend or co-worker how much you appreciate them.

You can also show love through your actions this month by blowing the leaves from your neighbor’s lawn, washing your spouse’s car, or replacing the batteries in your parents’ smoke detectors (it should be done every year!). Sometimes even a simple hug or a hand on the shoulder of a friend can convey a message of love when it’s needed most.

Do you LOVE living in Marley Park? Show us by submitting an article, photo, or favorite recipe to share with your neighbors on the pages of The Front Porch Magazine. Or join the Marley Park Community Cares Club and bring a meal to a family with a new baby or a neighbor who has had a recent surgery. (Find out more in The Front Porch group on Facebook at http://TheFrontPorchGroup. com).

Oh, and don’t forget to show some LOVE to our advertisers this month. They are the reason you receive this magazine at no cost!

In a world where political views, religious affiliations, and even football rivalries, can cause tensions to run high, we need to remember, in the words of author Jodi Picoult, “You don’t love someone because they’re perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they’re not.”

See you on The Front Porch!

Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine

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February 2018

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On Our Cover A signature on the dotted line…the ultimate culmination of a nine-year journey of hard work, wins, losses, countless hours of practices, thousands of shots taken, injuries, heartache, hundreds of hours spent driving to games and practices, cross country flights, multi-day tournaments, life lessons, memories, and friends made for a lifetime. Clarissa Rodarte, daughter of Marley Park residents Maria and Anthony Rodarte, has signed her letter of intent to play collegiate basketball for Division 1 California State, Fullerton in Fullerton, California.

Clarissa will be receiving a full ride athletic

scholarship from the university. As a little girl, Clarissa could always be found playing some type of sport. She tried every sport and excelled at them all, but ultimately fell in love with basketball.

She is a 4-year Varsity player for Valley Vista High School. Last year she made All Region First team for Arizona and helped her team win their first 6A State Championship, bringing the first ever girls’ basketball state championship to a Dysart District School. Clarissa and her high school team just started their 2018 season and are on path to defend their state championship title.

Clarissa had interest and offers from other schools, but ultimately chose Cal State Fullerton because of the programs, coaches, and philosophy. The California weather and distance to home helped too.

Clarissa’s ultimate goal is to own her own business.

She’s not sure what type of business that will be yet, but, with her drive and determination, she will, no doubt, be successful.

Clarissa says that basketball has taught her to be herself and to be comfortable with her style of play. “Hard work can get you far, but drive and determination take you the distance”.

Congratulations, Clarissa, on your full ride basketball scholarship to Cal State Fullerton! What an achievement!

Cover Photo by Stephanie Lindsey Photography

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February 2018

Around the Park Cooper, our February Pet-of-the-Month, is an adorable chug (chihuahua and pug mix) who wants to be your date for Valentine’s Day! Cooper lives in Discover Park and owns Marley Park residents, Holly and Phillip Tenore. His favorite pastimes are napping in the sun and hanging out with his human sister, Ella.

Our February Rock-of-the-Month was painted by Marley Park Resident, Joann Leo. Joann has been known to spread her LOVE rocks from Surprise to New York City and everywhere in between. To see more of her work and find out where this Valentine’s Day beauty might be hidden, search Facebook for “MP Rocks” and join the group!

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February 2018

February Events Feb 1

Marley Park Neighborhood Watch Meeting Heritage Club 7:00pm Open to Marley Park Residents

Feb 21

Mayor’s Welcome Back Lunch Welcome back Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals Surprise Stadium 11:00am – 1:00pm

Feb 8

Lunchtime Theater Maestro Cal Kellogg 16126 N Civic Center Plaza 12:00 - 1:00pm

Feb 22

Lunchtime Theater A Chorus Line 16126 N Civic Center Plaza 12:00 - 1:00pm

Our Hearts Craft and Vendor Fair Mariposa Point 16650 N Stadium Way 9:00am – 2:00pm

The Front Porch Magazine is BY neighbors and FOR neighbors!

Feb 10

Feb 11

Second Sundays in the Park Food Truck Festival The Steven P Project

​15960 N Bullard Ave 12:00 - 4:00pm Free to the Public

Feb 16

Feb 17

Feb 18

We are accepting submissions of pet photos, original art, recipes, original poems and stories, photos of found rocks, and photos of homes decorated for all holidays.

We are also always looking for interesting cover photos and stories! If you have an item you’d like to submit for publication, please email it to Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com so we can share it with the greater Marley Park Community!

Poetry Slam at WHAM 16560 N Dysart Rd 6:00 - 8:00pm

West Valley Beer Fest ​ 5960 N Bullard Ave 1 12:00 - 11:00pm Hosted by State 48 Brewery Family Funday Sunday Northwest Regional Library Valentine’s Day Bingo Bash 2:00 - 4:00pm Free | All ages

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February 2018

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Home Sweet Home You’ve probably been contacted by a quick sale real estate company offering to buy your house with no hassle and no stress. Maybe you’ve even contacted one of these companies to get an offer.

It’s no secret that these types of companies are in the business of buying and “flipping” houses and the offer they give you is going to be under market value. But is it worth taking less than market value in exchange for an “easy” sale that doesn’t involve making home improvements, staging, or multiple showings to potential buyers?

To answer this question, you need to know the true market value of your home. A local real estate agent who specializes in your neighborhood will have the experience and expertise necessary to make an accurate assessment of value in the current market. Once you know your home’s true market value, you can start to really consider if the “quick sale” is worth the potential loss of equity.

You’ll need to make sure that you’re factoring in all the fees and costs involved. Most of the quick sale companies charge up to 50% more in fees than typical real estate commissions. These companies are also going to do a very thorough inspection of your home AFTER they have given you an offer and, in most cases, will give you the choice between a long list of repairs or a “repair credit” which can easily reach into the thousands.

to a local real estate agent with lots of contacts in the community and years of experience in the industry, as he or she will have connections with investors looking to purchase homes under market value. These investors will be able to pay cash and close quickly, just like the “quick sale” companies, but won’t charge higher fees or ask for thousands of dollars in repair credits. In most cases, they will view the property before making an offer, which means the offer will have already taken needed improvements into consideration. You’ll pay the commission amount agreed-upon up front and nothing more, so your net profit is likely to be much higher, but still without the stress and hassle of staging and showing the home. You’ll also have a dedicated agent representing YOUR best interests throughout the transaction, something you don’t get when you work directly with a quick sale company.

If you’re considering selling your home, be sure to educate yourself and take everything into considering before deciding which route to take.

Don’t let your hard work and investment become someone else’s profit!

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | Arizona Lifestyle Team | HomeSmart

If you decide that a “quick sale” truly is the best option for your situation, you’ll want to also talk

ANOTHER ONE LISTED

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by Christie Giannetto

12612 N 152nd Ave | Marley Park | Lot Size: 8,480 | Sq Ft: 2,022

As a neighborhood specialist and resident, I know that selling a home in Marley Park requires comprehensive marketing of the house itself as well as our unrivaled community amenities. My goal is always to maximize your profit and to support property value appreciation in our neighborhood. By implementing a proven marketing plan that includes professional photography, a technology-driven call capture program and a web-based syndication marketing system, I will ensure that your home stands out from the rest and is seen by every potential buyer in the area.

YOUR MARLEY PARK NEIGHBOR & REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST Contact me today for a FREE home value analysis!

602.740.2313 AZLifestyleTeam.com

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Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® Arizona Lifestyle Team HomeSmart 15543 N Reems Rd | Ste 139 Surprise AZ 85374 Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com

February 2018

Your Family Orthodontist

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Blair Feldman DMD, MS Orthodontic Specialist

Call for a FREE consultation and ask about our Smile Simulation™ 623-544-1334 www.SurpriseSmiles.com Braces

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Invisalign

Custom Sports Mouthguards

February 2018

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Announcements

Nora Anne Podzius, daughter of Marley Park residents Jim and Janina Podzius, arrived on November 18th, weighing 7 lbs 4 oz and measuring 21” long.

Welcome to Marley Park, Nora!

Jonathan Fredrick Schumann, son of Marley Park residents Frederick and Jessica Schumann, arrived on December 21st, weighing 7lbs 8oz and measuring 19.5” long. Welcome to Marley Park, Jonathan!

KFNX Exclusively Features Laura Ingraham and Michael Savage Ranked Top Ten Shows in the Country

THE LAURA INGRAHAM SHOW

THE SAVAGE NATION WITH MICHAEL SAVAGE

To advertise, host a show, or for more information: Call (602) 277-1100 or visit our website: www.1100kfnx.com

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February 2018

Summer Oakley Hammond, daughter of Marley Park residents, Jessica and Teddy Hammond, arrived on December 23rd, weighing 7 lbs 15oz and measuring 20� long. Welcome to Marley Park, Summer!

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Jameson Jude Panico, son of Marley Park residents, Jenny and Jay Panico, arrived on January 13th at 9:20pm, weighing 8lbs 8oz and measuring 20 inches long. Welcome to Marley Park, Jamie!

February 2018

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Sweet Dreams After tucking my kids in at night when they were little, or sitting at the bottom of their bed as the years rolled on toward their teen years, I would ask them the same question each night: “What is the best thing that happened to you today?” This oneon-one communication only took a few minutes, but it gave me a chance to listen to them. I learned quite a lot from their answers, you know, getting a peek into their day. At the same time, they learned to look for a “best thing” each day, maybe even more so knowing I’d be asking. And I asked right before bed because it’s nice to fall asleep with our thoughts on positive things.

And how about adults? Writing down three moments of joy each night before bed is one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received.

Those favorite moments can be something simple; in fact, they usually are. Opening my little journal randomly, here is a day from last November: “Getting a card in the mail from Sue. The air was cooler this morning. Laughing so hard with Mom & Dad after we took that picture of her with the roses.” You know what?

It made me smile to read that just now. So that’s another benefit - you can look back and remember sweet moments.

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If you can, pick up a little notebook, one for each kid you tuck in at night (it doesn’t have to be anything fancier than the $1.79 spiral kind) and jot down what they say. You don’t even need to write a complete sentence - just a quick blurb of what they said with a date.

I know, we all have so much we do in a day, but I promise, those little notebooks of “best things” will be a treasure to your kids when they are (before you know it) grown into adults themselves. What we focus on expands, and when we pay attention to the best things that happen each day, it’s a great way to honor the life we’re living.

Submitted by Barbara Albright | Marley Park Resident

February 2018

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February 2018

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Artists’ Corner

Our February Photo-of-the-Month was taken on January 15th, 2018 at Surprise Lake by Marley Park resident Peter Jovanovic. Peter was fishing at about 6:00 a.m. when he snapped the shot. He says his wife always tells him he takes lousy pictures, so he’s excited to tell her he’s now a published photographer!

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February 2018

Positive Parenting

A study conducted at the University of California found that despite most mothers now working and most families having to work longer hours than past decades, parents are spending 4-6 more hours a week with children. This is an obvious contradiction to popular belief.

There are many benefits to parents spending more time with children. It strengthens family bonds, develops positive behaviors, builds self-esteem and creates happy memories. However, maybe, in some ways, this became an extreme? For the past two decades we have experienced the helicopter parent phenomenon. Kids haven’t been able to play outside. We cart them to and from school when they only must walk a block, and I continue to see parents do this for their adult children as well. This isn’t because parents do not care. This is because they care so much they’re trying to do the best by their children.

Maybe, when children hit an appropriate maturity level, we should be shoving them out the door and telling them to come back for lunch or when the street lights come on? Maybe we should be allowing them to make more mistakes, get into fights and work a few things out on their own? Maybe something so basic and “old school as playing without parents, is of extreme importance?

There have been many studies on unsupervised/ free play and there are many benefits to it as well.

It builds creativity, independence, decision making skills, fosters social and emotional growth, cooperation among peers, it benefits overall health, including mental, physical, immune and emotional health.

Many parents are trying to incorporate unsupervised play again, because they do care.

I hope we can work toward more balance in our rapidly changing society. I believe that most families moved to Marley Park because they want a healthy and happy upbringing for their children, with a close community. If we give other parents the benefit of the doubt and we realize that children will sometimes be making stupid mistakes, we can foster development of the next generation becoming well rounded adults. We live in a time where we are capable of immediately connecting. We can use this to support each other’s families and the development of our children. If people are willing, we can build each other up, support each other and allow our children to be children. Without parent shaming. We are all trying to navigate the iGeneration, this unknown and rapidly changing digital age that none of us have ever truly experienced. We are lucky enough to live here and have each other.

Submitted by Hannah Willett | Marley Park Resident

We are currently facing a generational epidemic of young adults facing major health issues, mental health issues, lack of independence cooperation and community.

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February 2018

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Yum Yum Whenever we go out to eat, I love to try to recreate the dishes we enjoy! This was a dish similar to one we had at a local restaurant recently, just made a little healthier. It will make the perfect dish for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at home!

Season the ahi filet with white pepper, cayenne pepper, if you like spice, and toasted sesame seeds.

Heat a tablespoon of sesame (or olive) oil. Sear each side for about two minutes.

Mix together, two tablespoons warm water, three tablespoons soy sauce, 1/4 cup mustard powder, and one tablespoon rice vinegar. Warm the sauce in the pan.

For the sautĂŠed veggies, we prefer bok choy, carrots, and peas with this dish. Prepare rice as directed. Plate!

Submitted by Alesha Nassano | Marley Park Resident

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February 2018

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Puzzles & Games Sudoku for February 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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February 2018

Business Directory AUTO All About Detail AZ Litchfield Auto Repair Your Surprise Toyota Guy CONSULTING SERVICES Estrella Partners Group EDUCATION & RELIGION Spirit Song Church

602.832.5717 Arrowhead AC & Sprinkler Repair 623.882.8700 Aud Jobs Handyman Services 251.422.4977 Before & After Plumbing & Drain Cluff Mechanical Heating & AC Cranmore Carpet Cleaning 623.594.9283 Garza Electric Green Leaf Pest Control

623.824.1357 LANDSCAPING/POOL CARE Advant-Edge Landscaping Moorea Pool Care FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES CNN Mortgage - Ryan Petersen 480.282.5869 Pool & Landscape AZ Edward Jones - Chris Carlton 623.386.1940 Kramer Legacy Documents 623.500.6538 PHOTOGRAPHY Loan Depot - Tyler Arnaiz 623.806.4645 Desert Petals Photography Moore Insurance Agency 623.556.1576 Succentrix Business Advisors 623.594.9615 REAL ESTATE Westside Legal Documents 623.888.3079 HomeSmart - C Giannetto HEALTH & BEAUTY Alycan Design MedSpa Bailey Orthodontics Feldman Orthodontics SC Dental Group HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Al’s Plumbing

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RECREATION 602.368.8413 KNFX 1100AM Radio 623.977.0707 623.544.1334 RETAIL 623.889.6000 Budget Blinds of Goodyear Pure Patio Steel Shield Security Doors 623.329.5170

623.326.1740 623.308.9805 602.842.0308 602.765.COOL 623.850.3778 623.293.6330 623.399.9970 623.398.6319 480.272.1749 480.999.3348 480.229.1128 602.740.2313 602.277.1100 480.629.8854 623.299.8000 623.977.3277

February 2018

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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

UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

12612 N 152nd Ave

15106 W Andora St

12731 N 145th Ave

14929 W Georgia Dr

14733 W Surrey Dr

List Price....................$315,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,022 Lot Sq Ft..........................8,480 Price Sq Ft ........................$156

List Price....................$270,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,607 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,955 Price Sq Ft ........................$104

List Price....................$411,100 Sq Ft ...............................3,024 Lot Sq Ft..........................9,620 Price Sq Ft ........................$136

List Price....................$295,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,104 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,068 Price Sq Ft ........................$140

List Price....................$251,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,764 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,464 Price Sq Ft ........................$142

Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto

Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto

UNDER CONTRACT

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

15344 W Corrine Dr

14894 W Valentine St

15310 W Bloomfield Rd

14760 W Surrey Dr

15399 W Eugene Ter

List Price....................$315,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,090 Lot Sq Ft........................10,226 Price Sq Ft ........................$148

Sold Price ..................$275,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,907 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,897 Price Sq Ft ........................$144

Sold Price ..................$200,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,805 Lot Sq Ft..........................4,950 Price Sq Ft ........................$111

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

Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto

Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

15145 W Alexandria Way

13578 N 149th Dr

14781 W Surrey Dr

15197 W Larkspur Dr

12730 N 154th Ln

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

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

Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto

Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto

Your Marley Park Neighbor and Real Estate Specialist *Information obtained from Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service.

Excludes new construction. As of 1/1/18.

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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February 2018