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The Front Porch

August 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

August 2017

Welcome

to your August edition!

Last month, we spent some time in Michigan visiting family. It was a “working vacation” for me, since real estate agents don’t exactly get vacation days. To give me some time to be productive, my folks took the kids “Up North” for a few days. After finishing my work day one evening, I decided to walk a couple of miles by the lake in my hometown of Cadillac, Michigan.

able to raise our children in a neighborhood that provides a similar hometown atmosphere.

This week, I will walk my son to his first day of school at Marley Park Elementary and my daughter to a neighborhood in-home preschool. I’ll walk through beautiful parks on tree-lined sidewalks.

I’ll pass countless neighbors and friends along the way, and we’ll all smile and wave and commiserate about the heat. This is what I love about Marley Park. I hope our kids grow to have the kind of fond memories of growing up here that I have of my own childhood.

Actor Brandon Routh once said, “There are things about growing up in a small town that you can’t necessarily quantify.” I think the same is true of Marley Park!

During my walk, it struck me just how much Marley Park emulates the small town atmosphere where I grew up. The sidewalk that winds along the shoreline and through canopies of trees, is certainly the inspiration for Marley Park’s Abor Walk. It even leads to a Veterans’ memorial, much like our own Veterans’ Commemorative Plaza on the Marley Park Heritage Campus. I was born in that small town of 10,000 people and I had a fantastic childhood...yet I couldn’t wait to get out of there when I turned 18! Looking back now, I appreciate the character and charm of my hometown much more than I did then…and I appreciate being The Front Porch

Christie Giannetto Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com 602-740-2313

August 2017

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On Our Cover Have you heard the news?

Surprise is now a college town!

Ottawa University Arizona’s campus is currently under construction next to the Surprise Civic Center and will offer a traditional, four-year college experience with undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition to academics, the school offers 21 different athletic programs and is building its inaugural class largely by attracting studentathletes who want to stay in this area, but would otherwise choose to go elsewhere because they want to participate in collegiate sports.

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One such student-athlete is Marley Park’s own Hannah Hunt, a recent graduate of Imagine Prep High School. Hannah has decided to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner at Ottawa University Arizona and has received an athletic scholarship for competitive cheer. Before considering Ottawa, Hannah received multiple scholarship offers at other universities, but Ottawa affords her the opportunity to stay close to home. Hannah states that when she toured Ottawa, it was hard to envision what the campus would be like, but the staff immediately made her feel like she was family.

What separated Ottawa from the rest, was that the university poured into learning her strengths, passions, and areas of weakness.

Ottawa didn’t just look at her as a number but instead, a new

member of their OUAZ family.

Ottawa assured her that she would achieve her educational goals in time for gradation and lead her to her future career.

Most importantly, Ottawa is a private Christian University that also supports her faith. Hannah is excited about her future at Ottawa and cannot wait to see her fellow community members at football games.

OUAZ plans to build student housing that will be available for the 2018-2019 school year.

Phase two of the campus will also include a dining and recreation facility near the current academic building, an indoor activity center, and an athletic facility.

First priority, however, is the athletic field for soccer and football, which they plan to have open by October. Additional extracurricular activities such as music and theater may also be added, according to student interest. The university plans to house 3,000 residential students in the next ten years.

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident

August 2017

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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August 2017

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August 2017

Community Community is most typically defined as a group of people who live in a certain area and interact with one another while sharing common interests or goals. In Marley Park, we have a rather unique opportunity to live out the definition of “community” every day.

Those of us who regularly spend time in a place of business, often find a certain degree of community with co-workers or customers. However, in many neighborhoods, the norm is to enter and exit through the garage, using the ever-faithful garage door opener to close ourselves safely in our homes creating a comfortable barrier from the outside world. But for those who desire more interaction with neighbors, Marley Park offers residents numerous opportunities to create community right where we live. To name just a few, you can meet up with neighbors at one of the parks for recreation or relaxation, or take advantage of volunteer opportunities, participate with other neighbors in Marley Park Leadership or Neighborhood Block Watch, or

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join one of the many clubs created and run by neighbors.

Living in community is both a privilege and a responsibility. Because individual personalities, preferences and standards vary, getting to know and engage with neighbors is often not as easy as we’d like it to be. However, if we’re game to participate, living in community provides numerous opportunities to learn more about ourselves as we learn more about our neighbors. Living in community can also serve as a great teaching tool for children.

As children, we typically learn how to create relationships with others in a family, school or recreational environment. As adults, it’s sometimes a little more difficult to find opportunities to engage. For me, living in a community such as Marley Park, has provided wonderful opportunities to stretch beyond my comfort zone and become as involved as I desire to be.

I’ve encountered occasions to practice tolerance, forgiveness, encouragement and compassion

as well as the privilege of celebrating new babies, new jobs, professional and personal successes and much more with neighbors I genuinely enjoy and care about.

I’ve lived in several neighborhoods throughout my life, in the United States and abroad, but never have I lived in a community where I’ve been privileged to get to know and engage with so many of my neighbors. Creating successful community does involve time, effort and hard work, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Submitted by Valerie Jackson | Marley Park Resident

August 2017

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HOME SWEET HOME If you are an active duty military member (with more than six months of service), veteran, reservist or National Guard member, chances are you are eligible to apply for one of the best home mortgage loan products available: a VA loan.

(Surviving spouses of military members who died while on active duty or due to a serviceconnected disability who have not remarried may also apply.)

Issued by qualified lenders and guaranteed by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs, VA mortgage loans have some incredible benefits for home buyers: • No down payment is required!

Qualified buyers can purchase a home with 100% financing.

• No PMI (private mortgage insurance) is required for mortgage loans with a down payment less than 20%. That means 100% of your mortgage payment goes straight to loan principle and interest, allowing you to build equity faster.

• They offer hard-to-beat interest

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rates. Interest rates on mortgage loans take into consideration risk assumed by the lender. Because the VA guarantees a VA loan, lenders assume less risk and typically offer interest rates that are 0.5 to 1 percent lower than conventional interest rates.

• It’s possible to still qualify for a mortgage with a low credit score.

The VA lenders (rather than the VA itself) set the minimum credit score requirements for VA mortgage loans and most typically want a score of 620 or higher. However, some mortgage lenders will accept a score as low as 580 or higher.

• Eligible buyers may qualify for a VA loan as soon as two years after a bankruptcy or foreclosure.

• There’s no prepayment penalty.

Borrowers can pay off their VA mortgage early without ever having to worry about paying a prepayment penalty.

• Buyers using VA loans are limited in terms of the closing costs they can pay, which usually means a significant savings at the closing table.

VA borrowers do pay one fee at closing that other borrowers do not: a VA loan funding fee.

A basic funding fee of 2.15% is paid to the VA (unless the borrower is exempt due to receiving VA compensation for service-connected disabilities or due to being a surviving spouse).

However, a down payment of 5% or more will reduce the fee to 1.5% and a down payment of 10% or more will reduce it to 1.25%. (The funding fee reductions for Reserve/National Guard borrowers are .25% less, however, at 1.75% and 1.5%, respectively.) Most buyers choose to finance the funding fee into the mortgage loan.

If you are thinking of buying or refinancing a home and you are eligible, it makes sense to talk to your trusted real estate professional about using a VA loan for your next home purchase!

Submitted by Christie Giannetto REALTOR® | Arizona Lifestyle Team | HomeSmart | Marley Park Resident

August 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

August 2017

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Skin Care Tips for Arizona Residents In 2008 I decided to obtain my aesthetician license to further my knowledge and abilities with skincare. It’s my passion and I love helping guide women and men to better skincare practices and purchasing the beneficial products for different skin types.

While I believe having a deep facial every now and then is key, I think choosing the correct skincare to help boost collagen, elastin, and possibly control acne issues is as important because it is something you are doing to your skin every single day!

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The following suggestions work well for both men and women.

Each day you should begin with a gentle cleanser, to clean your skin of anything that has built up while you slept. The next important product would be a vitamin C serum. There are numerous benefits for this product, but the key reasons to add a vitamin C serum are to even out skin tone, correct the skin texture, build hydration in the skin as well as keep the skin looking younger.

The next, and MOST IMPORTANT step in taking care of your skin is SUNSCREEN! As residents of Arizona, this step cannot be skipped. Make sure to not only apply on your face, but on your entire body! Be sure you are using a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB lotion to cover both ultraviolet A and B light. For the ladies, use a

separate sunscreen than the one you’d find in your makeup; this will guarantee extra coverage.

Night time routine is based on your individual needs. Personally, I wash my face of all the makeup first. After my face is clean, I use a retinol to help create cell turnover and create an at home exfoliation. It’s the best form of anti-aging! After that I use a nighttime moisturizer. You want to choose a moisturizer base on the oiliness or dryness of your skin. If your skin is naturally oily, find something oil-free.

It is very important to keep your skin hydrated, especially while living in the dessert. Your skin can become oily because it’s lacking hydration; over producing the oils it needs can lead to acne.

Keep your skin hydrated so your skin isn’t over producing that oil.

That my friends is a day of skincare! Reach out to me if you have any more questions about your personal skincare routine as I love to discuss this topic!

Submitted by Michele Clementi | Marley Park Resident

August 2017

School Zone The Benefits of Being Bilingual Speaking more than one language is always an advantage no matter where you live, but in the United States of America, is definitely a plus. Living in a country with such a wide variety of cultures, being bilingual opens lots of doors. I speak both English and Spanish and some of the advantages I have experienced more job options and opportunities, gained more friends from different countries and cultures, and have had more traveling options without the fear of an unknown language, especially to Spanishspeaking countries.

In addition, studies have shown that learning more than one language has a positive effect on intellectual growth and when learned during childhood, it is beneficial to the child’s overall mental development. It also provides more flexibility in thinking and a greater ability to listen to others. Being bilingual also helps develop more problem-solving skills and mental sharpness. In fact, some studies have shown that speaking

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go back and forth forces the child to develop a greater sense and awareness of changes in his/her environment.

two languages protects against dementia later in life.

Further research has also shown another advantage bilinguals have over monolinguals; a greater ability to monitor their environment. A person who is bilingual might have to constantly change their language depending on the person they are speaking to.

For example, a child who speaks both English and Spanish might speak to Parents in English but switch to Spanish when talking to Grandparents.

This ability to

In conclusion, the more we use our brains and the wider the knowledge we have, the sharper our brains will be. Being bilingual is an advantage not only in the workforce and social settings, but as it turns out, it is one of the best exercises for your mind.

Submitted by Yahima Oquendo | Marley Park Resident

August 2017

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Positive Parenting Protecting Our Children from Substance Abuse As our children go back to school this month, it’s a good time to ask, what can we do to keep our children safe from the everincreasing problems of substance abuse in our communities? There are several things we can do to help our children remain drug free and make good choices. Talk with your children about drugs.

Explain how taking drugs can hurt their health, friends, family, and future. Tell them you don’t want them to do drugs on a regular basis, set very clear expectations and look for teachable moments.

Be a part of their lives. Spend time together, listen to them, ask questions about their day, eat dinner together as often as possible, know their friends and friends’ parents, encourage them to come to you anytime they are uncomfortable. Be empathetic to their issues with friends, and discuss solutions to their problems.

Know where your children are and what they’re doing. Keeping

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track of your children helps you protect them. It gives them fewer opportunities to experiment with drugs. If going to a friend’s, be certain a parent or adult will be home.

Encourage your child to work hard at school. Expect good grades and completed assignments. Maintain a good relationship with their teachers.

Teach your child how to ask teachers and coaches for help and advice.

Set clear rules and enforce them fairly. Kids need rules they can count on. Set rules and consequences when you are both calm. Be loving and respectful, be certain the rules and consequences are clear, follow thru with the consequences, and discuss what can be done differently in the future. Reward good behavior. Praise often.

Be a good example for your children. Kids look up to their parents. Show them how you get along with people and deal with stress. If you drink, do so in moderation, never drink and

drive, don’t use illegal drugs, and use prescription drugs properly.

Teach your children how to refuse drugs. Kids often do drugs to fit in with others. Help them practice how to say no if someone offers them drugs or encourages them to make a poor choice. Let them know they can come to you for assistance and advice.

Provide the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities. Volunteering helps teach compassion, empathy, tolerance, gratitude, and community responsibility. Being active in sports provides physical, mental and emotional benefits, and keeps kids from getting bored. Art, Drama and Music foster creativity and can increase self-confidence.

You can be a powerful influence by setting clear expectations and limits. You can be a loving supporter who encourages your children to pursue their dreams and goals and live a drug free life.

Submitted by Malissa MacDonald | Marley Park Resident

August 2017

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Puzzles & Games Sudoku Solution

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

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August 2017

Business Directory

AUTO REPAIR All About Detail AZ Litchfield Auto Repair

602.832.5717 623.882.8700

CONSULTING SERVICES Estrella Partners Group

623.594.9283

EDUCATION Montessori of Surprise

623.760.7548

FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES CNN Mortgage - Ryan Petersen 480.282.5869 Edward Jones - Chris Carlton 623.386.1940 iMortgage - Tyler Arnaiz 623.806.4645 Moore Insurance Agency 623.556.1576 Succentrix Business Advisors 623.594.9615 Westside Legal Documents 623.888.3079 HEALTH & BEAUTY Active Life Pain Center 623.535.9777 Bailey Orthodontics 623.977.0707 SC Dental Group Surprise Smiles (Feldman Ortho) 623.889.6000 623.544.1334 HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Al’s Plumbing Arrowhead AC & Sprinkler Repair 623.329.5170 623.326.1740 Aud Jobs Handyman Services 623.308.9805

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Before & After Plumbing & Drain Bullfrog’s Garage Doors Cranmore Carpet Cleaning Garza Electric Green Leaf Pest Control High Quality Improvemnets Hodges Happy Cleaning Proficient Pest Service Super Green Solutions The Window Cleaner AZ

602.842.0308 623.628.5558 623.850.3778 623.293.6330 623.399.9970 480.273.7776 480.251.4376 623.933.2847 480.485.8498 623.738.6064

LANDSCAPING/POOL CARE Advant-Edge Landscaping Moorea Pool Care

623.398.6319 480.272.1749

PET CARE Kimbur Pet Wash

623.544.7101

PHOTOGRAPHY Desert Petals Photography

480.229.1128

REAL ESTATE HomeSmart - C Giannetto

602.740.2313

RETAIL Budget Blinds of Goodyear Foot Solutions Steel Shield Security Doors

480.629.8854 623.536.6676 623.977.3277

August 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

UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

REPRESENTED BUYER

SOLD FOR OVER LIST PRICE

14781 W Surrey Dr

15197 W Larkspur Dr

12730 N 154th Ln

3283 N 153rd Ln

13609 N 150th Ave

List Price....................$250,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,764 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,400 Price Sq Ft ........................$142

List Price....................$285,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,022 Lot Sq Ft..........................8,784 Price Sq Ft ........................$141

List Price....................$265,000 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 Price ..................$292,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,548 Lot Sq Ft..........................8,100 Price Sq Ft ........................$114

UNDER CONTRACT IN 1 DAY

REPRESENTED BUYER

SOLD FOR 98% OF LIST PRICE

UNDER CONTRACT IN 6 DAYS

NEW BUILD

13213 N 153rd Ln

15220 W Bloomfield Dr

13514 N 149th Ave

15211 W Wethersfield Rd

12787 N 145th Dr

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

List Price....................$369,788 Sq Ft ...............................3,031 Lot Sq Ft..........................9,620 Price Sq Ft ........................$122 Buyer represented by AZ Lifestyle Team member Alexis Kelleher

Arizona Lifestyle Team representing both Buyer and Seller.

UNDER CONTRACT IN 5 DAYS

SOLD FOR FULL PRICE

REPRESENTED BUYER

13682 N 150th Dr

13175 N 148th Ave

15340 W Surrey Dr

14791 W Pershing St

13717 N 150th Ave

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

Sold Price ..................$282,500 Sq Ft................................2,548 Lot Sq Ft ..........................7,789 Price Sq Ft ........................$111

Buyer represented by AZ Lifestyle Team Member Kelly Lafko

Arizona Lifestyle Team representing both Buyer and Seller.

Arizona Lifestyle Team represented both Buyer and Seller

Buyer represented by AZ Lifestyle Team member Kelly Lafko

UNDER CONTRACT BEFORE MLS UNDER CONTRACT BEFORE MLS

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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August 2017