Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
September 2018
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September 2018
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
Christie Giannetto Assistant Editor
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
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. Some content is provided by Brandpointe. 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.
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
September 2018
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Welcome to your September edition of The Front Porch magazine! This month marks the 24th issue of The Front Porch magazine. It’s hard to believe two years have gone by since having coffee with Al Uretsky, owner of Estrella Publishing, to discuss bringing a magazine to Marley Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Astonishingly, it’s been FIVE years since the inception of The Front Porch group on Facebook. While the magazine is for residents of Marley Park as well as those living in bordering neighborhoods, the Facebook group is exclusively for those who live in Marley Park. The group has grown from around 100 members at its inception to almost 1,000 members today. Every month when verifying the residency of those requesting to join the group, those who have moved out of the neighborhood are also removed. This process, while tedious and time consuming, ensures the integrity of the group as a place for those who currently reside within the community to share and connect with each other regarding news, information, referrals, advice, and events relevant to Marley Park residents. The name “The Front Porch” was chosen
because so many of our homes have front porches and because they are so rare in Arizona outside of Marley Park. The name also embodies the spirit of our community. The magazine, of the same name, helps bring the community to life outside of Facebook. By featuring interesting stories about the histories, lives, and talents of our neighbors, as well as content written and submitted by fellow residents, the Front Porch magazine allows us to get to know each other on a level that may not be possible otherwise. If you enjoy receiving The Front Porch magazine every month, please consider patronizing the businesses that advertise within its pages. Without them, it would not be possible. Also, if you have a Facebook account and are not already a member of The Front Porch group on Facebook, please join at TheFrontPorchGroup. com. If you receive the magazine, but are not a resident of Marley Park, you are invited to join the broader Facebook group, Surprise Matters, at SurpriseMatters.com (click “Join the Conversation”). Whether you connect with neighbors, online, in print, or in person, remember… “Community isn’t so much a locale as it is a state of mind.” ~Philip Gulley, Front Porch Tales See you on The Front Porch!
Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine
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September 2018
September 3rd
September Events Labor Day
September 8th
Residential Waste Cleanup Northwest Regional Landfill 7:00am – 1:00pm Free - up to 2,000 lbs
September 14th
Rec Nights - Kick Off Night Sierra Montana Rec Center 7:00-10:00pm Grades 6th – 8th $5.00
September 20th
Lunchtime Theater Mill Ave. Players Chamber Music Concert Arts HQ 12:00-1:00pm Tickets: WestValleyArts.org
September 23
Sunday in the Park Food Truck Festival Mark Coronado Park 4:00-8:00pm Free admission
rd
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
September 28th
Empty Nesters Social Club Marley Park Pool House 6:30-8:30pm Marley Park Residents
September 29th
Movie Night - Cars 3 Surprise Stadium 7:00-9:00pm Free Admission
Submissions of original poetry about “The Front Porch” and photos of your beautiful Marley Park front porches are being accepted and considered for publication. The best poems will be featured in future editions of this magazine, as will pictures of the best front porches (which will be photographed by a professional photographer). Submit your original poem or photo to Christie@ AZLifestyleTeam.com so your version of “the front porch” can be shared with the greater Marley Park community!
September 2018
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On Our Cover
I ran into friend and neighbor, Kara Sehr, at a pool party at a mutual friend’s house on the 4th of July. She had her two adorable kids in tow, Sophia (4) and Beckam (2), but her husband, Trevor, was conspicuously missing. At that point, Kara had been rockin’ the military wife single mom life for almost six months. She made it look easy, but shared with me that she was counting down the days…11 to be exact…until Trevor would return from his first deployment in Kuwait.
Master Sergeant Trevor Sehr has been a firefighter in the United States Air Force Reserves for 20 years. He and Kara found out about his deployment about a year and a half ahead of time while she was expecting their 2nd child,
Beckam. Although there was a lot of time to prepare, Kara says it was still really tough to say goodbye. During his deployment, Kara and the kids stayed in regular contact with Trevor thanks to FaceTime, but they still missed having Daddy around terribly. This month’s cover photo (by Kim Marlatt | Kimberly M Photography) shows Sophia and Beckam eagerly awaiting the moment their hero daddy would step off the plane and back onto American soil. The Sehr Family has lived in Marley Park for ten years and enjoys the many parks, the pool, and the friendly neighbors. When he is not busy with the USAF Reserves, Trevor works as the PE Teacher at Kingswood Elementary School in the Dysart Unified School District. The family is so proud of Trevor for his service to our country. Thank you for your service, Trevor. Your Marley Park family is proud of you too! Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident
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September 2018
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Decorator’s Corner We recently moved into our new Marley Park AW home and our living room was our first “Fixer Upper” style project. We had a huge blank wall cubby just begging for shiplap! We used Pinterest to find a cheap way to use thin plywood cut into 6-inch planks and painted Valspar “Honeymilk” to get that farmhouse look. The shelves and blanket ladder are plumbing pipes painted black. The media console is a chalk painted Living Spaces piece. What a fun project! Submitted by Laurie Haines | Marley Park Resident Photography by Carson Cavaletto | Marley Park Resident
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September 2018
Exploring Arizona
Tombstone: The Town Too Tough To Die!
As modern-day Arizonians, have you ever thought of what life was like in the Arizona Territory in the late 1800s? Well, if your answer is yes, slip into your blue jeans, pull on your cowboy boots, don your cowboy hat, hop in your modern day wagon (SUV), and set your sights on Tombstone, Arizona: The Town Too Tough To Die! Tombstone is the Wild West at its best. Situated in southeastern Arizona, a short distance from “Old Mexico” and only a three-hour drive from our home in Marley Park, the town offers one of our state’s most authentic living historic sites representative of the Old West. Tombstone experienced a great resurgence in interest following the release of the 1993 blockbuster hit “Tombstone” starring Kurt Russell as Marshall Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday along with a host of renowned actors and actresses. The town has a population of only 1,313 residents whose role is to welcome you and provide you with a true experience of life in the Wild West in the late 1800s. Tombstone features several period buildings restored to their original flavor of the days when cowboys, miners, lawmen, and saloon girls strutted along the plank covered sidewalks or rode their horses or buckboards down the dusty streets.
gallows at the Tombstone Courthouse (originally the Cochise County Courthouse), and witness an authentic wild west gunfight. Tombstone is only 217 miles from Surprise via Interstate 10 South to State Road 80 and on to the historic town. The trip can be made as a long one-day venture or, to break it up, you can stay overnight in one of the town’s hotels or combine your travels with a trip to the historic sites of Bisbee or Fort Huachuca in nearby Sierra Vista. Visit TombstoneWeb.com for the latest tourist events and travel information on Tombstone. Submitted By J.J. Marak | Marley Park Resident
Founded in 1879, Tombstone’s elevation is 4,581 feet making it a pleasant getaway from the Valley’s sweltering summer heat. The town boasts several saloons that serve an excellent fair at a reasonable price along with a variety of beverages to include sarsaparilla or a cold beer to quench anyone’s thirst following a long day’s adventure. Big Nose Kates is a personal favorite, though all the establishments I’m sure will meet your fancy. Be sure to visit the O.K. Corral, Bird Cage Theatre, take a stagecoach ride, observe the Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
September 2018
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Home Sweet Home
Building a new home can be complicated and intimidating; a buyer needs someone they can trust to guide them through the process and look out for their best interests. If you’re considering purchasing a new home, you’ll want to contact a local real estate professional BEFORE setting foot inside the builder’s model home office. The real estate agents you’ll meet there are always friendly and inviting, but ultimately their job is to look out for the builder’s best interests. To have your own representation, your agent MUST accompany you on your very first visit. The good news is, the services of a Buyer’s Agent are FREE to the buyer. Buying a house is the biggest financial transaction most people ever make. The decisions you make when building a new home can affect your home’s long-term value. A Buyer’s Agent can advise you when it comes to things like: Lot location. A Buyer’s Agent can help you choose the right lot for you. Do your kids like to play outside? Then a location close to a park or on a cul-de-sac may be perfect for you. Is the extra cost of a corner home worth it? How will
future development affect the lot you choose?
Upgrades. The typical new home buyer spends at least 10% of the base price of the home on upgrades, and many spend 20% or more. A Buyer’s Agent can help you spend your money wisely. Negotiation. Builders typically don’t discount the base price of homes because it’s important to keep prices up in a neighborhood for the sake of future appraisals. They will offer incentives, however, such as closing cost credits, design center credits, appliances, lot premium reductions, or military or civil service discounts. An experienced Buyer’s Agent will know how to get the incentives that will work best for you from the builder. Closing. A Buyer’s Agent will accompany you to your inspection and final walk through as well as work with the builder, lender, and title company to make sure closing goes smoothly. If you are looking to build the home of your dreams, engage the services of an experienced Buyer’s Agent BEFORE you visit the builder models. For more information about new build homes available in Marley Park or greater Surprise, contact your local real estate professional today! Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | Arizona Lifestyle Team | HomeSmart
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September 2018
Book Swap Next time you’re at the Marley Park Heritage Club, be sure to stop by the Book Exchange Nook in the foyer. The Book Nook operates on the “take one, leave one” honor system. Of course, you are welcome to leave more than one if you’re cleaning out your bookshelves at home! All kinds of books for both children and adults are welcome and encouraged. While you’re there, please snap a photo and post it in The Front Porch group on Facebook to update neighbors on the ever-changing available inventory!
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
September 2018
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Pet Of The Month
Lucy, a nine month old labradoodle, was a New Year’s Puppy, born on 1/1/18. She owns Marley Park residents Vivian and Tim Thackrah and their three daughters. Her favorite pasttimes are cuddling with the three Thackrah girls and playing fetch in our beautiful neighborhood parks.
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September 2018
Yum Yum! Chicken Pot Pie
What better way to welcome fall than with a homemade chicken pot pie? 3 cups cooked diced chicken 1 pkg (10oz) frozen mixed vegetables 3T butter 1 small onion, finely chopped ½ cup celery, finely chopped 2T flour 1 ¼ cups chicken broth ¼ tsp Each salt and pepper 1 cup Bisquick ¾ cup milk ¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted Grease shallow 2-quart baking dish; spread in evenly, chicken and vegetables. In skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter. add onion and celery and sauté until tender. Gradually add flour. Slowly stir in broth to make gravy. Stir in salt and pepper. Pour evenly over chicken mixture. Combine Bisquick, milk, and butter in separate bowl; stir until smooth. Pour over chicken and
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
vegetable mixture. Bake at 400 degrees for 45-50 min or until golden brown. Submitted by Renee Gonzalez | Marley Park Resident
September 2018
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Artist Of The Month Marley Park resident, Keli Lara, has been illustrating since she was a child. Her favorite childhood character was Strawberry Shortcake and this is her own personal rendition. Keli incorporated the bees because “bees are life.� The drawing was done with colored pencil. Submitted by Keli Lara | Marley Park Resident
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September 2018
Keeping It Local
There are so many benefits to society when parents, grandparents, family members, and non-family community members volunteer at their local public school. First and foremost, students’ academic performance improves as more community members become involved in local public schools. Students tend to earn higher grades, go to school more frequently, stay in school longer, and enroll in higher education programs as well as having better work ethic in the work place. Evidence of this is true across all socioeconomic backgrounds, family educational background, family income, or racial demographic. Parental, family, and community involvement is key. The success of students in local public schools directly correlates to the success of the community in future generations. There are many ways you can get involved with your local public school. One way you can make a difference is by joining the Marley Park PTA. You don’t have to be a parent to join. You will have a vote in important decisions that affect teachers and students. Please keep in mind that being a member of the PTA does not obligate you
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
to volunteering.
Another way you can make a difference is volunteering at the school. There are several events throughout the year that depend on volunteers to be successful. Fall Festival, book fairs, and even helping teachers in classrooms are all great ways to get involved. You can volunteer once for one event or on a regular basis. At Dysart.org under the community tab, you will find a link for volunteer information. For volunteering more than 5 hours, fingerprint clearance is needed and easily obtained through the school district to keep our students safe. Another great source of volunteer information is through our Marley Park PTA Facebook page where we will let the community know about needed volunteer opportunities on a regular basis. “It is up to us to live up to the legacy that was left for us, and to leave a legacy that is worthy of our children and of future generations.” ~Christine Gregoire Submitted by Hannah Willett | Marley Park Resident
September 2018
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Puzzles & Games Sudoku for September
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
3
4
3 2
1
8
9
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4
1
7
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5 3 7 6 9 8 2
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8 7 6 1 4 2 9
7 5 2 9 3 4 1
1 6 3 7 2 9 8
9 4 1 8 5 7 6
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2
2
9
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3
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1
1
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Sudoku Solution 4
4
8
6
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9
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2
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9
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2
2
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1
1
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September 2018
Backyard Dreaming
We moved into our Marley Park home in October 2017 with a vision to have a pool and a backyard that both adults and kids could enjoy throughout the year. We wanted to have a pool and spa that was large enough to fully enjoy and that was also ideal for the size of our backyard. After gathering ideas from magazines and online photos, I decided to act as my own general contractor. I hired all the sub-contractors for each phase and the whole project took about six weeks to complete. The Pool and spa have travertine 3-piece tile for the MARLEY PARK coping and deck with approximately 1200 square LOAN OFFICER feet of decking surrounding the pool. The interior of the pool is pebble sheen. We used a Belgard Tyler Arnaiz 3-piece Crème Luna Slate Paver to complete the Loan Officer • NMLS # 694462 rest of the backyard. We also added the Brighton 17215 North 72nd Avenue, Suite D-145 Series Belgard fireplace to complete the vision Glendale, AZ 85308 for the winter months. We are looking forward to Mobile: 623-806-4645 enjoying our backyard year-round!
Tyler Arnaiz
Your Local,
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.
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
Submitted by Mike Muller | Marley Park Resident Photography by Carson Cavaletto | Marley Park Resident September 2018
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Legal Advice
HEALTH CARE POWERS OF ATTORNEY
The medical healthcare power of attorney identifies an agent, such as a trusted family member or friend, who can give consent to medical treatment if you cannot. If insurance requires transfer to a skilled nursing facility before going home from the hospital, your agent can arrange that for you.
If a person does not have these healthcare powers of attorney, the court must give authority to act. An attorney is needed for the patient and a different attorney for the petitioner. After a court investigation, a hearing is held in open court— in about 45 days after a petition is filed. Time, money and privacy is saved by appointing an agent through healthcare powers of attorney. Sharon Ravenscroft, Esq., The Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, (623) 815-7451 or Sravenscroft@CavanaghLaw. com. Sharon’s practice focuses on Wills, trusts, domestic partnership agreements and premarital agreements, probate and trust administration. For more information www.sharonravenscroft.com. Submitted by Sharon Ravenscroft, Esq.
Different from other states, the Arizona allows you to authorize your health care agent to follow your instructions for burial or cremation. Otherwise, when there is no surviving spouse, all of the children or other family members may have to be consulted. Another difference from other states is the mental healthcare power of attorney which helps avoid costly court intervention when there is mental illness, brain injury, dementia or Alzheimer’s.
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September 2018
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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
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September 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!* PRICE REDUCED
PRICE REDUCED
UNDER CONTRACT
SOLD
SOLD
15012 W Georgia Dr
12867 N 145th Ave
14897 W Georgia Dr
14785 W Pershing St
14753 W Pershing St
List Price....................$299,900 Sq Ft ...............................2,577 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,600 Price Sq Ft ........................$120
List Price....................$428,000 Sq Ft ...............................3,376 Lot Sq Ft..........................9,100 Price Sq Ft ........................$136
List Price....................$274,500 Sq Ft ...............................1,766 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,640 Price Sq Ft ........................$155
List Price....................$239,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,353 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,970 Price Sq Ft ........................$177
List Price....................$297,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,227 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,406 Price Sq Ft ........................$133 Buyer represented by Arizona Lifestyle Team
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
13394 N 151st Dr
15350 W Eugene Ter
15366 W Old Oak Ln
12612 N 152nd Ave
15266 W Eugene Ter
List Price....................$225,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,679 Lot Sq Ft..........................4,125 Price Sq Ft ........................$134
List Price....................$298,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,415 Lot Sq Ft..........................8,775 Price Sq Ft ........................$123
List Price....................$293,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,085 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,800 Price Sq Ft ........................$141
Sold Price ..................$312,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,022 Lot Sq Ft..........................8,480 Price Sq Ft ........................$154
Sold Price ..................$270,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,743 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,800 Price Sq Ft ........................$155
Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD FOR FULL PRICE
SOLD
SOLD
15106 W Andora St
12731 N 145th Ave
14929 W Georgia Dr
14733 W Surrey Dr
15344 W Corrine Dr
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
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
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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