The Front Porch 4 18

The Front Porch

April 2018

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April 2018

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 & Editor

Christie Giannetto Assistant Editor

Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec

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.

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April 2018

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Welcome to your April edition of The Front Porch magazine!

April marks my twentieth month as Assistant Editor of The Front Porch magazine. I like to think I’ve gotten better at it over the past yearand-a-half-or-so. I’ve certainly learned a lot!

One of the biggest challenges of the publishing world is training yourself to constantly think ahead. Editing deadlines for printed materials can be almost a month in advance. I’ve always been a planner, but learning to look for and collect content weeks, and sometimes months, ahead of time has been a challenge! When I took on this role, I pledged that I would strive to provide meaningful content for the readers and avoid the typical “filler” material often seen in free publications. I’m constantly on the lookout for interesting stories about our neighbors and, thankfully, the residents of Marley Park have not disappointed!

I’m especially grateful to all the residents – too many to name – who have contributed photos, articles, recipes, etc. for us to share with neighbors. I’ve said it before, but I can’t say it enough… this magazine would not be possible without all your amazing contributions!

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As you’re perusing our pages this month, please take a moment to check out the Business Directory on page 19. All our advertisers are listed there, and they also make the magazine possible by providing the funds necessary for printing, postage, and administrative expenses so we can all continue to receive it for free. If you’re in need of services this month, please consider supporting our advertisers!

If you’re a member of The Front Porch group on Facebook, you’ll also notice some fun changes there. By popular demand, there is now a weekly post (Thursday mornings at 9:00) where residents can list items for sale or items they are ISO (in search of). This provides neighbors an opportunity to swap/sell without cluttering the group with multiple posts. Additionally, beginning April 1st, there will also be a monthly Book Exchange post where residents can post books they’ve read and are ready to pass on and/ or claim a book they’d like to read. This brings the traditional idea of a physical Book Exchange location to social media with the convenience of Front Porch pick-up. If you’re not a member of The Front Porch group yet, you can find it at TheFrontPorchGroup.com. A Facebook account and residency verification is required.

When you live in Marley Park, this quote seems hold true more than anywhere else…

“Make your front porch a part of your home, and it will make you part of the world.” ~John Sarris See you on The Front Porch!

Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine

April 2018

April Events April 5

April 7

April 8

April 11

Lunchtime Theater Series Forever Plaid 12:00 - 1:00 pm 16126 N Civic Center Plaza $10 - Reservations Required Taste of Surprise 4:00 – 9:00 pm 15930 N Bullard Ave TasteOfSurprise.com/tickets Second Sundays in the Park Mark Coronado Park Food Truck Festival 4:00 – 8:00 pm Free Event

Arizona History & Culture Speaker Series Early Western Songs & Singers 12:00 - 1:00 pm 16000 N Civic Center Plaza Free Event

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April 14

Recycle Fashion Show 10:00 am – 7:00 pm 16560 N Dysart Rd Free Event

April 15

Surprise Pops Band Concert 3:00 - 4:00 pm 15550 N Parkview Place Free Event

April 21

Surprise SciTech Festival 9:00 am – 1:00 pm 1600 N Civic Center Plaza SurpriseAZ.gov/scitech

April 14

Surprise Talent Show 6:00 – 9:00 pm 15550 N Parkview Pl $5 at the door

The Front Porch Magazine is BY neighbors and FOR neighbors! We are accepting submissions of pet photos, original art, recipes, original poems and stories, photos of found rocks, interior design photos, 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!

April 2018

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On Our Cover In the corner of the court during a Marley Park Mavericks basketball game, you’ll find a group of cheerleaders standing in formation reciting chants. One individual stands out among the rest, Cade Connolly, age 13. The only male cheerleader on the team, Cade finds himself involved in a new-found passion. Having done gymnastics with his younger sister, previous experience with ballroom dancing, and involvement in soccer and other sports, Cade’s mother, Rebekah Connolly, says “he is the sort of kid to try anything”. The Connolly family has lived in Marley Park for seven and a half years.

Living a block away from the school allows them the convenience to participate in extracurricular activities.

Before the season started, the team had every intention of making Cade a flyer, the person who is lifted into stunts. Knowing that he would be placed in such a crucial position on the team, Cade began to take what started as a little bit of a joke, as a serious opportunity. Cade suddenly felt pressure to not disappoint. “Some of the challenges I face are my nerves,” Cade says.

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“I have to work through my nerves when I am learning something new or doing something where I could get hurt.”

When it comes to putting oneself in challenging situations, it helps to have a good support system both on the floor and in life. Being held up by team members to perform stunts is not for the faint of heart. There is a visible trust among the unit as they hoist Cade into the air with ease.

Cade is proud to say, “All of the cheerleaders enjoy talking and being together.” Cade is also involved in student council with some of his teammates, so close bonds have been formed across a variety of activities.

Cade says, “A future goal for me would be to work for a full-ride scholarship. That is always a thought in any activity I am involved in. I would enjoy going to the University of Arizona. It would be great to cheer and to be a flyer as a Wildcat.”

Judging from his obvious drive and ambition, Cade is sure to stand out among others and rise above any challenges he faces in the future. With a close community that can share unique stories such as this, there will be no short supply of support from his Marley Park neighbors.

Submitted by Olivia Quinata| Age 16 | Marley Park Resident

April 2018

MS sat me down.

I will

dance

at my daughters’ weddings.

Jim

Dad. Podcaster.

Diagnosed in 1998.

Explore powerful stories of people doing whatever it takes at nationalMSsociety.org/jim

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April 2018

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Announcements

Congratulations to Marley Park resident, Hayden Larkin, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He joins an elite group of young men who complete merit badges, projects, and serve time in leadership positions. Congratulations Hayden!

Lena Jo Jablonowski, daughter of Tonya and Donnie Jablonowski, arrived on January 27th, weighing 6lbs 11 oz and measuring 19.75” long.

Welcome to Marley Park, Lena!

Photo by Marley Park resident, Mary Kriss, Mary Kriss Photography.

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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April 2018

VCP

Would you like to honor a military veteran? Now is the time to purchase your paver for the Veterans Commemorative Plaza (VCP).

Veteran pavers may be purchased for any person who served in any branch of the U.S. military at any time. The cost is $75 and can be inscribed with the veteran’s name, branch of service, and dates of service.

Sponsor pavers may be purchased for any person, family or business who would like to support the VCP. The cost is $200 and they may be inscribed with the name of the family, company, organization, or person.

The pavers will be engraved on April 27, 2018 and placed into the VCP before May 19, 2018, Armed Forces Day. Request your paver as soon as possible to ensure you meet the engraving deadline.

Purchasing a Veterans Commemorative Plaza (VCP) paver is now available on a secure online website using a credit card. Go to www.

MarleyPark.com/VCP and click the ‘Purchase Paver or Donate’ button. Note: When prompted, click the green ‘Tickets’ button. If you want to purchase the paver by check, click the ’Printable

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Form’ link and follow the instructions.

The VCP is open to the public-at-large to purchase a paver. An engraved paver for the Veterans Commemorative Plaza (VCP) is a perfect gift for any occasion.

For more information, go to the www.MarleyPark. com/VCP website. You can also contact Bill Adams, billandespy@cox.net, 623-444-9877.

Also, please “like” the Facebook page: www.

Facebook.com/VCPofWestValley/ Submitted by Bill Adams | Marley Park Resident

April 2018

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Home Sweet Home Recently, I’ve been contacted almost daily by long-term renters who are being displaced from their homes on short notice. A steady increase in home values has caused many landlords to make the decision to sell their properties. In some cases, the market has finally caught up for people who were “upside down” after buying at the peak of the market 10-12 years ago. Many of these folks chose to turn their properties into rentals in lieu of “walking away” via foreclosure or short sale and are now able to sell for a profit after a decade or more of paying down the principal balance and gaining equity. This is great news for the market overall, but it can be very concerning for renters.

In a balanced market, there are plenty of rental properties to choose from, but we are currently seeing a reduced supply of rental homes coupled with a great increase in demand. The result is a frenzied rental market where nearly every property has multiple applications the first day on the market. Many renters are finding themselves desperate to find a home by their move-out deadline and are settling for homes, neighborhoods, and/or locations that are not ideal because they can’t find a quality home to rent in the area or neighborhood they prefer. This trend is also driving rental prices up.

broker can help you develop a specific plan to improve your scores.

3. Timeframe - It is possible to purchase a home within a few weeks. They key is to have a great agent and a great mortgage broker on your side who can ensure that everything is done as quickly an efficiently as possible.

4. Unexpected Expenses – Unexpected maintenance expenses can be challenging for a new homeowner, but home warranties are affordable and can be customized to fit almost any scenario.

Oftentimes, the seller will agree to pay for a home warranty for the first year as well.

Finding your dream home and enjoying the financial benefits and stability of homeownership may be more attainable than you think. If you are currently renting, contact your local real estate professional today to find out what your options may be!

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

So, what can a renter do to avoid this scenario?

Simple; become a homeowner, build equity in your own investment, and enjoy the stability of knowing no one can require you to move on short notice.

Let’s look at some of the common concerns that cause renters to believe home ownership is out of reach: 1. Down Payment – A good real estate agent can recommend a mortgage broker who offers a variety of down payment assistance programs.

2. Credit - If your credit is poor, a mortgage 10 The Front Porch

April 2018

Art & Culture With the Cactus League back in the Phoenix metro area for Spring Training 2018, this just may be the perfect time to look at the art world’s love for something core to our American culture … baseball.

The love affair between the visual artists and baseball has long existed. Beginning about the same time as the origin of baseball, artists have captured an impression of what happens on the ballfield. Interestingly, not only can we follow the development of the sport through the artists’ works but also that of American society.

As early as 1866, Currier & Ives created a print that predates the arrival of the first professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, in 1869 and the first professional league, the National Association, in 1871. The Currier & Ives’ prints depict baseball as casual and rural, but soon after in 1875 the artist Thomas Eakins depicts the sport with uniforms, grandstands, and eager sports fans and characterizes the players as heroic, iconic, and larger than life.

Moving into the 20th century, artists continued their fascination with baseball. In 1949 Jacob

JUST LISTED

by Christie Giannetto

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Lawrence’s cubist-inspired painting titled “Strike” shows the awareness that America had grown into a more dynamic, mechanized, fast-moving, and multi-cultural post-War society.

Then around the 1970’s there was a sudden dearth of artistic images of baseball and sometime around the 1980’s, baseball and art were no longer on friendly terms. Some attribute the break to have been the fault of the era’s culture wars when for a good fifteen or twenty years art and artists were a political commodity.

The good news is the clash did not last. In 1999 a Seattle art critic bemoaned the fact that majorleague stadiums were mostly art-free zones.

About that same time the Mariners dedicated ½ of a percent of Safeco Field’s construction costs, $1.2 million, to art. The art at Safeco Field was comprised of 43 paintings, prints, and photographs by regional artists and about a dozen major works of public art. Since 1999 artists have had a growing presence at many of the new modern ballparks, 14 of which were built between 1999 and 2010.

The presence of art at the ballparks increases as does the natural affinity between artists and the sport they love … baseball.

Submitted by Kathie Morgan | Marley Park Resident

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15266 W Eugene Terrace | Marley Park | Lot Size: 7,800 | Sq Ft: 1,743

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

April 2018

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Artist’s Corner

“Textured Poppy” was taken by Marley Park resident and fine art photographer, Jason Rykiss, while on hiking in the White Tank Mountains.

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April 2018

Tyler Arnaiz

Your Local,

MARLEY PARK LOAN OFFICER Tyler Arnaiz Loan Officer • NMLS # 694462 17215 North 72nd Avenue, Suite D-145 Glendale, AZ 85308

Mobile: 623-806-4645 tyler.arnaiz@fairwaymc.com www.thearnaizteam.com Copyright©2018 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS#2289. 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-877-699-0353. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. All rights reserved. AZ License #BK-0904162.

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April 2018

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April 2018

Pets of the Month

Porkchop, a French bulldog and owner of Marley Park residents Shannon and Nathan Messer, is waiting patiently for the pool to warm up as spring approaches. Aren’t we all?

Mickey, owner of Charles and Danielle Boore, is a one-year-old chocolate Labrador who was the Boore kids’ “special chocolate treat” from the Easter bunny last year. He enjoys finding and destroying the kids socks, anything that involves water, and digging holes in the backyard. The Boores are new to Marley Park and are residents of Wisdom Park. Please welcome them if you see them out and about with Mickey!

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April 2018

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Puzzles & Games Sudoku for April

Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!

Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

4

5

1

6 2

1

5

3

5

8

3

8 2 3

6

1

5

4

6

6

9

2

5

7 8

6 2

2 1

9

3

8

8

9

5

1

Sudoku Solution 8

9

3

7

5

1

6

3

2

5

7

4

1

2

9

8

4

6

4 2 6 1 9 8 5 7 3

3 1 7 2 4 9 8 6 5

6 9 4 5 8 3 7 1 2

5 8 2 7 6 1 4 3 9

2 4 9 8 1 6 3 5 7

1 5 3 9 7 2 6 4 8

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April 2018

7 6 8 4 3 5 9 2 1

Clubs & Groups Visit MarleyPark.com for more information.

Mondays Tai Chi Club

Marley Park Pool House

9:30 – 10:30 am Tuesdays ASL Kids Club

Marley Park Heritage Club

4:00 – 5:00 pm Thursdays ASL Families Club

Marley Park Heritage Club

6:00 – 7:00 pm Saturdays Mindfulness Meditation

Marley Park Pool House

8:15 – 9:00 am

No meetings 3/3 or 3/31 April 11 Kindness Club

Marley Park Heritage Club

4:30 – 5:30 pm

Open to Children ages 5-18 April 18 LGBTQ+ and Allies Club

Marley Park Heritage Club

6:00 – 9:00 pm April 27 Empty Nesters Social Club

Marley Park Pool House

6:30 – 8:30 pm

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Our April cover photo was taken by Marley Park resident, Olivia Quinata.

Olivia is 16 years old and attends Trivium Preparatory Academy. She will graduate in 2019 and hopes to study Museum Professions at Seton Hall Catholic University in New Jersey and build a career in museum field while doing photography on the side. She enjoys anything that allows her to pursue her passion for people and storytelling while serving her community, including writing for The Front Porch Magazine!

April brings to bloom the beautiful Mexican Primrose on the Marley Park Heritage Club lawn. Stop by and smell the primrose! Photo

by Marley Park resident, Jason Rykiss.

April 2018

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April 2018

Business Directory AUTO All About Detail AZ Litchfield Auto Repair

602.832.5717 623.882.8700

EDUCATION & RELIGION Spirit Song Church

623.824.1357

FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES CNN Mortgage - Ryan Petersen Edward Jones - Chris Carlton Kramer Legacy Documents Fairway Mortgage - Tyler Arnaiz Moore Insurance Agency Succentrix Business Advisors

480.282.5869 623.386.1940 623.500.6538 623.806.4645 623.556.1576 623.594.9615

HEALTH & BEAUTY Alycan Design MedSpa Bailey Orthodontics SC Dental Group

602.368.8413 623.977.0707 623.889.6000

HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Al’s Plumbing Arrowhead AC & Heating Aud Jobs Handyman Services Before & After Plumbing & Drain

623.329.5170 623.326.1740 623.308.9805 602.842.0308

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Cluff Mechanical Heating & AC Cranmore Carpet Cleaning Garza Electric Green Leaf Pest Control Younger Brothers Pest Control

602.765.COOL 623.850.3778 623.293.6330 623.399.9970 623.487.3147

LANDSCAPING/POOL CARE Advant-Edge Landscaping Moorea Pool Care Pool & Landscape AZ

623.398.6319 480.272.1749 480.999.3348

PHOTOGRAPHY Desert Petals Photography

480.229.1128

REAL ESTATE HomeSmart - C Giannetto

602.740.2313

RECREATION KNFX 1100AM Radio

602.277.1100

RETAIL Budget Blinds of Goodyear Pure Patio

480.629.8854 623.299.8000

April 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

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD FOR FULL PRICE

15266 W Eugene Ter

12612 N 152nd Ave

15106 W Andora St

12731 N 145th Ave

14929 W Georgia Dr

List Price....................$275,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,743 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,800 Price Sq Ft ........................$158

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

Sold Price ..................$238,500 Sq Ft ...............................2,607 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,955 Price Sq Ft ..........................$91

Sold 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

Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

14733 W Surrey Dr

15344 W Corrine Dr

14894 W Valentine St

15310 W Bloomfield Rd

14760 W Surrey Dr

Sold Price ..................$250,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,764 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,464 Price Sq Ft ........................$142

Sold Price ..................$310,000 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

Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto

Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

15399 W Eugene Ter

15145 W Alexandria Way

13578 N 149th Dr

14781 W Surrey Dr

15197 W Larkspur Dr

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

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

Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto

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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April 2018