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June 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 20010-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
June 2017
Welcome to your June edition! It’s hard to believe this is the 9th issue of The Front Porch Magazine! The idea for a community magazine come to me back in 2014, but I just never found the time to get it off the ground. I’m so glad that I finally reached out to Estrella Publishing last fall about forming a partnership. Catherine and Al Uretsky, the owners of Estrella Publishing, had the resources and experience needed to make this a quality publication and an asset to the community. In a world of digital communication, it’s nice to receive something real and tangible once a month! The magazine has been a huge success so far and, aside from the Uretskys, most of the credit for that goes to the amazing neighbors and community members who have so graciously volunteered their time and expertise to contributing meaningful content that is interesting and relevant to our readers. More than anything, my vision for The Front Porch Magazine was for it to be “by neighbors, for neighbors”, and the community effort toward making that vision a reality has surpassed my expectations! Of course, printing and mailing a 16+ page publication every month comes with a cost, and I’m also incredibly grateful to our wonderful advertisers who support the magazine financially by purchasing ad space every month. It’s important to note that the businesses who advertise in The Front Porch Magazine, are not just “any” businesses! Most of them are owned by people that I know personally; people who live and work right here
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in our community. In fact, I can personally vouch for many of them, as I have either utilized their services myself or referred them to my clients. I truly hope that you look forward to receiving The Front Porch Magazine every month and that it has become a fixture on your coffee table or kitchen counter. As you peruse the pages of this month’s issue, take the time to get to know a few of our neighbors through their article contributions. And, if you have an idea for an article topic or would like to contribute your own writing, please contact me! I would love to hear your thoughts and am always welcoming additional content contributors. In the words of John Sarris, “I return to my front porch to find a place where the air smells sweeter and the sun feels warmer than at any other bend in life’s long road.”
Christie Giannetto Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com 602-740-2313
June 2017
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June Events What’s happening in our neighborhood! June 3
June 6
Tabletop Kingdom 11-4:30pm Tabletop Games Northwest Regional Library 16089 N Bullard Ave Parenting with Purpose 6-7:30pm Surprise Resource Center SurpriseAZ.gov FREE
June 10
Dive-In Movie Night - Moana 7:30-9:30pm Surprise Aquatic Center 15831 N Bullard Ave $5 for Residents
June 16
Teen Rec Night 7-10pm Sierra Montana 14861 N Spring Ln $5 6th – 8th grade
Thank you to Rebekah & Morgan Connolly for sharing a photo of their beautiful front porch with us!
Special thanks to Marley Park resident, Trish Morris, and her best friend, Red, for this month’s cover photo. Photography by Nicole Brosor with Tilted Tripod.
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On Our Cover Now that the weather is warming up it’s time to start thinking seriously about pet safety! The best way to ensure the safety of your pet is to monitor their whereabouts. If you can, keep your cats indoors! Indoor cats can live to be 17 years old or more; sadly, outdoor cats only live an average of 2 to 5 years. In addition to coyotes, outdoor cats also face danger from cars, other cats (in fights for territory or love!), exposure to fleas, ticks, and worms, as well as often eating spoiled food or household poisons (which can lead to expensive vet bills or even death). Be sure to install locks on all gates and check the locks frequently. Train family members to double check the gate when they go in and out to make sure it is latched and, if you have small dogs, check the space underneath your gate to make sure they can’t dig their way out of the yard. Sometimes accidents happen and pets go walkabout so it’s important to make sure your pets have identification. Both dogs and cats should wear collars with an ID tag. Some people prefer breakaway collars for their cats but in scientific studies the style that had the fewest reports of loss, forelimbs and mouths caught in the collar was the simple buckle collar.
includes registration in a pet recovery database. (It is important to keep your information up to date when you move or change phone numbers.) The procedure is painless and similar to receiving a vaccination. Should your pet become lost (or stolen), the microchip can be scanned and read by a vet or shelter so you can be contacted. Microchipping works! Only 2% of lost cats without microchips were returned home last year. For cats who were microchipped, the return-to-owner rate was over 40% - over 20 times higher! Living in Arizona, it’s also important to take precautions to make sure pets don’t face danger from extreme heat. Never leave your dog in the car on a hot day, even with window down. On a 90 degree day the inside of a vehicle can reach 144 degrees in only 15 minutes! Be sure to check the temperature of surfaces before taking your dog for a walk on a hot day. Place your bare hand on the sidewalk or asphalt; if it is too hot to keep your hand on it for a full 10 seconds you should wait (and walk your dog earlier or later in the day) or invest in booties to protect sensitive feet from the heat. Submitted by Robin McDaniel | Marley Park Resident
For identification that cannot fall off, be removed, or become impossible to read, invest in a microchip for your pet. The average cost to have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian is about $45 and
Self Serve Pet Wash Lowest price, quality pet food Overnight Boarding 17031 W. Bell Road, Suite 103, Surprise AZ 85374
Phone: 623.544.7101 info@kimburpetwash.com www.kimburpetwash.com
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June 2017
Community Heros Robin and Kenneth McDaniel were recently awarded the Marley Park Community Association Volunteers of the Year Award for 2016 and it was welldeserved! Robin is Chairman of the Welcome Committee and the Veranda Park Neighborhood Ambassador. She writes for The Front Porch Magazine and the community newsletter, and helps organize and volunteers her time at community events. Kenneth is a member of the Veterans Commemorative Plaza Committee, the founder of the Marley Park Veterans Community Connection group and also helps organize and volunteers at community events.
here we had moved six times in the 16 years we had been married! We had the opportunity to live in some special places, including Honolulu, but they never really felt like home. The seventh move was the charm, though. Thanks to the people who live here, Marley Park definitely feels like home.” Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident
The McDaniel family moved to Marley Park in August 2015 from Colorado Springs, CO, where Kenneth had taken a job after retiring from the Air Force. Kenneth knew he would be working at the USAA campus in northern Phoenix so they looked at homes in a variety of communities within an hour’s commute before deciding on Marley Park. “I loved everything I had read about it but I just knew on that first drive through that this was where we belonged,” Robin remembers. “Seeing all the homes of different styles surrounded by trees and greenery was great, but it was the residents here who sealed the deal. Seeing everyone out walking their dogs, all the kids playing in the parks, the people who waved to us as we drove by…I didn’t realize how much I had missed the sense of community and belonging we had had all those years, living on Air Force bases. On base, everyone knew each other. Neighbors watched out for each other. We were all a long way from home and we supported each other. I wanted to be part of that kind of community again.” In addition to volunteering with the MPCA, both Robin and Kenneth give their time to other causes as well. Robin is a member of the Committee to Protect Marley Vision, the group organizing resident response to the apartment home complex Christopher Todd Properties wants to build behind Marley Park Elementary School. Kenneth also volunteers for USAA’s VetNET, a resource program for veterans and military spouses, as well as being a Veteran Sponsor Program mentor, assisting recently separated or retired veterans transition to the civilian workplace. The McDaniels plan to be a fixture in Marley Park for a long time to come, according to Robin. “Before we moved The Front Porch
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June 2017
HOME SWEET HOME
Most people know that real estate agents are paid by commission. Commission is negotiable and can be a percentage of the sale price of the home or a flat amount agreed upon in advance. Commission is paid by the seller at closing and is typically split between the listing agent and the agent representing the buyer. Agents don’t get to keep all the commission for themselves, however! Both the buyer’s and seller’s agent will need to pay their brokerage part of their commission; the seller’s agent will also have to cover the cost of marketing the property, including the costs for professional photos, staging, signage, listing the home on real estate sites, and other advertising.
Commission can be a large chunk of a home’s sales price and many sellers may be tempted to simply list their home with the agent who is willing to offer the lowest commission, not realizing that strategy may end up costing them money in the long run. When choosing a listing agent, it is important to focus on the big picture. Rather than focusing on commission, sellers should be focusing in finding the best agent: one who will correctly price the home in the current market and who will negotiate the highest selling price with prospective buyers. Rate of commission should be balanced against other important considerations when choosing a listing agent. When interviewing listing agents, sellers should ask about commission rates but they should also pay close attention to the answers to questions such as:
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• What is the average time your listings stay on the market? • What do you recommend as an asking price for my home based on current market conditions? • What percentage of asking price do you usually attain for sellers? • What experience do you have selling homes in my area? • What, precisely, will you do to sell my home? (Are staging and professional photos included? What kind of advertising will be done?) When choosing a listing agent, it is always better to find an agent you can trust who will sell your house for top-dollar than to work with someone who will list your home for the lowest commission. That $2,000 in commission savings may seem like a bargain now, but it’s not if another agent could have helped you get $5,000 more for your home.
If you’d like to know what your home is worth in the current market as well as an estimate of net profit from the sale after closing costs and commissions, contact your trusted, local real estate agent today! Submitted by Christie Giannetto REALTOR® | Arizona Lifestyle Team | HomeSmart | Marley Park Resident
June 2017
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Smile!
As an orthodontist in the age of social media, I get many questions from parents who are simply confused. They are confused about when children should start braces because they see facebook photos of their friend’s children with braces on at 8 years old. They are confused because their dentists haven’t sent them to an orthodontist yet. Parents are confused because their dentist has told them that they can take care of their children’s orthodontic needs in the dental office and not send them to a specialist. So much conflicting information coming from so many directions. So many questions! Where can parents get honest information to help them make the best decision for their children and their family? Over the past 16 years of orthodontic practice I have seen the number of questions from parents rise over the years. The question that we hear most frequently is, “How do we know if our child needs braces?” According to the American Association of Orthodontics, all children should have their first orthodontic check-up by the age of seven. I would agree with that and add that once children get their first 4 permanent teeth in the front of their mouth it’s a good time for an orthodontist to take a look. By this age, children’s teeth have developed to the point that we can see even small problems that may be associated with such things as emerging teeth or jaw growth.
For most seven year olds, their visit with the orthodontist is nothing more than an exam. We find the majority of children don’t need orthodontic treatment until they develop all of their permanent teeth. However, there are a small number of children, around five to ten percent, who can benefit from what we refer to as “interceptive orthodontics.” Here are some of the possible problems that are commonly noted at an early age: Difficulty with chewing or breathing Jaw alignment problems Losing baby teeth too early or too late Improper jaw alignment Impacted teeth Chipped or fractured teeth Tongue thrusting Severe crowding, with stripping of the teeth through the gum tissue Gum tissue recession Cross bites Thumb-sucking A child’s teeth and smile can have a major impact on their well-being as they grow. With a beautiful smile, they are more likely to be confident and social, as well as gain a host of health benefits. Taking your child to the orthodontist by the age of seven gives you the best head start on identifying and addressing any problems, so your child can have a healthy, beautiful smile! Stay tuned to this column for answers to other important questions like, “How much does orthodontics cost? Do braces hurt? or Am I a candidate for Invisalign.” Submitted by Blair Feldman DMD, MS | Surprise Smiles
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June 2017
Your Family Orthodontist
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
June 2017
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Giving Back
There’s something about giving back to the community that just makes you feel so good inside. That feeling is even better when shared with friends and neighbors. Since 2013, Marley Park neighbors have been getting together a few times per year to volunteer at Valley View Community Food Bank. Last month, a group of us bagged over 500 pounds of donated candy! Candy isn’t something
we typcially see at the food bank, but I’m sure it will put smiles of the faces of a lot of local kids when it comes in their food boxes! There is always something to do at the food bank, even for the youngest helpers! We go, we work, we chat, and sometimes we even sing a few songs together! Our groups usually number between ten and fifteen people, including children of all ages. Our youngest helper last month was a 10-month old on his momma’s back…although he was caught napping on the job! Of course, the young-at-heart are welcome and encouraged to attend as well. With diverse groups of children, teenagers, and adults pitching in, we make short order of very tall boxes of donations! David Redpath, who joined us last month with his wife, Laura, and their two boys, Evan and Mason, said “It was a rewarding family experience and an opportunity to contribute to the community at large in a new way!” If your family would like to join us at our next community service event, please check The Front Porch group on Facebook for details (www. TheFrontPorchGroup.com) or email Christie@ AZLifestyleTeam.com. There is always room for another set of helping hands! Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident
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Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese internal martial art tradition that, today, is mostly practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. It is often referred to as a form of moving meditation. Tai Chi, also called Tai Chi Chuan, is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant integrated motion. There are many different styles, each with its own subtle emphasis on various principles and methods. There are also variations within each style. Some may focus on health maintenance, while others focus on the martial arts aspect of Tai Chi.
Tai Chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because Tai Chi is low impact, it may be especially suitable if you’re an older adult who otherwise may not exercise. You may also find it appealing because it’s inexpensive, requires no special equipment and can be done indoors or out, either alone or in a group Here’s a partial list of the health benefits associated with the practice of Tai Chi: 1. Promotes the integration of mental, emotional and physical health. 2. Increases flexibility, strength and cardiovascular health through low impact aerobic movement. 3. Improves range of motion and balance by promoting flexibility and strength in all joints and rotators. 4. Cultivates strong bones through compression exercises. 5. Cultivates enhanced circulatory function and digestion. 6. Cultivates enhanced nervous system response through movement and continual “hardwiring” of the brain. 7. Reduces stress and increases one’s ability to relax and respond to new or old stressors. 8. Enhances awareness and perceptual capabilities through integrating breath and movement play. Submitted by John Leo | Marley Park Resident
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Puzzles & Games Sudoku Solution
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Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!
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Sudoku for June
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June 2017
Business Directory
AUTO REPAIR All About Detail Litchfield Auto Repair CONSULTING SERVICES Estrella Partners Group EDUCATION Montessori of Surprise FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES CNN Mortgage - Ryan Petersen Edward Jones - Chris Carlton iMortgage - Tyler Arnaiz Moore Insurance Agency Succentrix Business Advisors Westside Legal Documents HEALTH & BEAUTY Active Life Pain Center Bailey Orthodontics Surprise Smiles (Feldman Ortho) HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Al’s Plumbing Arrowhead AC & Sprinkler Repair Aud Jobs Handyman Services Before & After Plumbing & Drain Bullfrog’s Garage Doors Cranmore Carpet Cleaning Garza Electric Green Leaf Pest Control
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602.832.5717 623.882.8700 623.594.9283 623.760.7548 480.282.5869 623.386.1940 623.806.4645 623.556.1576 623.594.9615 623.888.3079 623.535.9777 623.977.0707 623.544.1334 623.329.5170 623.326.1740 623.308.9805 602.842.0308 623.628.5558 623.850.3778 623.293.6330 623.399.9970
High Quality Improvemnets Hodges Happy Cleaning Laura’s Events & Weddings Proficient Pest Service Super Green Solutions Sun Solar Solutions The Window Cleaner AZ LANDSCAPING/POOL CARE Advant-Edge Landscaping Moorea Pool Care PET CARE Kimbur Pet Wash PHOTOGRAPHY Desert Petals Photography REAL ESTATE HomeSmart - C Giannetto RETAIL Budget Blinds of Goodyear Foot Solutions Steel Shield Security Doors
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June 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!* SOLD FOR OVER LIST PRICE
UNDER CONTRACT IN 1 DAY
REPRESENTED BUYER
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
SOLD FOR 98% OF LIST PRICE UNDER CONTRACT IN 6 DAYS
Arizona Lifestyle Team representing both Buyer and Seller.
NEW BUILD
UNDER CONTRACT BEFORE MLS UNDER CONTRACT BEFORE MLS
UNDER CONTRACT IN 5 DAYS
SOLD FOR FULL PRICE
12787 N 145th Dr
13682 N 150th Dr
13175 N 148th Ave
15340 W Surrey Dr
14791 W Pershing St
List Price....................$369,788 Sq Ft ...............................3,031 Lot Sq Ft..........................9,620 Price Sq Ft ........................$122
List Price....................$295,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,918 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,680 Price Sq Ft ........................$101
Sold Price ..................$245,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,104 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,000 Price Sq Ft ........................$119
Sold Price ..................$230,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,612 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,114 Price Sq Ft ........................$143
Sold Price ..................$282,500 Sq Ft................................2,548 Lot Sq Ft ..........................7,789 Price Sq Ft ........................$111
Buyer represented by AZ Lifestyle Team member Alexis Kelleher
Buyer represented by AZ Lifestyle Team Member Kelly Lafko
Arizona Lifestyle Team representing both Buyer and Seller.
REPRESENTED BUYER
REPRESENTED BUYER
REPRESENTED BUYER
SOLD
SOLD FOR FULL PRICE
13717 N 150th Ave
14780 W Surrey Dr
15217 W Wethersfield Rd
12644 N 152nd Ave
12341 N 152nd Dr
Sold Price ..................$282,500 Sq Ft................................2,548 Lot Sq Ft ..........................7,789 Price Sq Ft ........................$111
Sold Price ..................$179,000 Sq Ft................................1,265 Lot Sq Ft ..........................5,811 Price Sq Ft ........................$142
Sold Price ..................$270,000 Sq Ft................................2,010 Lot Sq Ft ..........................6,600 Price Sq Ft ........................$134
Sold Price ..................$260,000 Sq Ft................................2,022 Lot Sq Ft ..........................6,270 Price Sq Ft ........................$128
Sold Price ..................$260,000 Sq Ft................................2,010 Lot Sq Ft ..........................7,835 Price Sq Ft ........................$129
Buyer represented by AZ Lifestyle Team member Kelly Lafko
Buyer represented by AZ Lifestyle Team member Kelly Lafko
Arizona Lifestyle Team represented both Buyer and Seller
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 2/7/17.
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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