The Front Porch by Estrella Publishing

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

November 2021

Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor

Christie Giannetto Al Uretsky Associate Editor 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 © 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.

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November 2021

Welcome to your November edition! Whether you’re new to Marley Park or a longtime resident, I hope you’ve enjoyed receiving The Front Porch magazine in your mailbox every month. As Assistant Editor since the magazine’s inception in 2016, my goal has always been to bring content that is for neighbors and by neighbors. In pursuit of that goal, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know some of the most amazing people in our neighborhood! If you have an idea for a cover photo and story for the magazine, an inside story, or even just a recipe, home improvement idea, or a photo of an adorable pet you’d like to share, please reach out to me at Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com. I’d love to get to know you and share your story with the community too!

In addition to bringing you quality content every month, The Front Porch magazine, as well as a host of other local publications by Estrella Publishing, is also designed to support local businesses through advertising opportunities. In fact, the advertising revenue is what pays for the printing and postage so you can receive the magazine every month at no cost. The next time you need something that a local business could provide, please consider supporting one of our advertisers. Most of the businesses featured are owned by local families living right here in our own communities. If you’re finding yourself with no specific plans for Thanksgiving this year, you’re invited to join the annual Marley Park Thanksgiving Potluck. I’m also looking forward to seeing everyone at the annual Photos and Cookies with Santa event on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Information for both these events can be found in The Front Porch Group on Facebook (TheFrontPorchGroup. com) or by emailing me at Christie@ AZLifestyleTeam.com. It’s nice to be getting back to our normal traditions after all the disruptions and cancellations in 2020! After all, in the words of Rita Barreto Craig, “Traditions touch us, they connect us, and they expand us.” As always, see you on The Front Porch!

Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

November 2021

On Our Cover

My wife Chris and I are so excited about the new fundraising campaign for Spencer’s Place. If you have ever thought about showing your appreciation through a donation, NOW is the time to do so and double your contributions! The Young Living Foundation has selected Spencer’s Place nonprofit organization, Employed and Overjoyed, to be featured as one of their “Passion in You” fundraising campaigns. Young Living Foundation will match dollarfor dollar up to $10,000 in donations (making it $20,000) to further employ young adults with disabilities and help prepare for a future expansion. Why is this so important to us and vital to the Marley Park community? Because Spencer’s Place, is in our backyards!

In 2019, Owner Karin York stepped away from her teaching career in Surprise, AZ to establish Employed and Overjoyed Foundation, a nonprofit that is committed to helping young adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) find and retain employment. They work with local businesses · Open every night from 5 pm to 1 am and day · Every child seen by a pediatrician programs to · Faster than the emergency room help employers · Online registration to get into queue realize the or register for telehealth visit · Telehealth visits from anywhere in AZ benefits of · AHCCCS and most major insurance this untapped accepted, cash pay rates available workforce who · Easy access off 101 and I-10 · Rapid COVID testing available are capable, focused, and 623-643-9233 friendly.

Spencer’s Place is an inclusive neighboring coffee shop supported by Employed and Overjoyed and is designed to employ individuals with IDD. Karin’s mission is to train and empower young adults with IDD and to provide the community with an experience that is heart changing. We have experienced firsthand as have many other Marley Park residents, the warm welcoming atmosphere that facilitates neighborly conversations and an overall feeling of being a part of one big happy family. The positive impacts are evident in the lives of each intern as they celebrate achieved accomplishments in their newfound employment journey. This “Passion in You” fundraising campaign will help provide vocational training courses for new employees, which includes obtaining a food handlers certificate. Funds will also be used to facilitate the internship program for those seeking job-related skills and potential employment at Spencer’s Place. They will also continue to foster business relationships within the surrounding community and opening future locations. Their goal is to empower and provide a sense of purpose that is life altering. We would love to invite you as a Front Porch reader, to consider a tax-deductible donation of any amount supporting Employed and Overjoyed Foundation through the “Passion in You” matching dollars fundraising campaign. https://www.younglivingfoundation.org/passionin-you-fundraiser/employing-adults-withcognitive-and-developmental-disabilities Thank you for being part of their mission. Submitted by Jon Cavaletto | Marley Park Resident

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November 2021

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November 2021

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November 2021

Home Sweet Home As you follow the news, you’re likely seeing headlines discussing what’s going on in today’s housing market. Chances are high that the storylines you’ve come across mention terms like cooling or slowing when talking about where the market is headed. The housing market today is anything but normal, and it’s still an incredibly strong sellers’ market, especially when compared to the few years leading up to the pandemic. The most recent Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) does show a drop of about 2% from July to August. But the month-over-month decline doesn’t provide the full picture. Today’s home sales are well ahead of some of the more normal years that led up to the health crisis. That means buyers are still in the market, which is great news if you’re planning to list your home. When headlines mention the market is slowing, sellers may naturally wonder if their house will sell as quickly as they’d like. According to the most recent Realtors Confidence Index from NAR, homes are still selling at record speed. Again, if we look back at data from previous

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years, we can see the average time on market – 17 days – means homes are selling faster than a normal pace.

The Realtors Confidence Index from NAR also shows a drop in the average number of offers homes are receiving in August, and many headlines simply focus there without providing the important context. It’s important to compare today’s market to trends from recent years. Currently, the average number of offers per listing is higher than 39 of the previous 45 months. That means the likelihood of a bidding war on your home is still high. And the number of offers your house receives can have a major influence on the final sale price. While there are slight declines in month-to-month data, it’s important to keep historical context in mind when determining what’s happening in today’s market. Don’t let headlines make you rethink listing your home this fall. Selling today means you can still take advantage of high buyer demand, multiple offers, and a quick sale. If you’re thinking of selling your house, let’s connect and discuss why this fall is the perfect time to do so. Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | REAL Broker Contact me to see if you qualify for the

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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

November 2021

Veterans Day My kids and I recently visited a local park with a beautiful Veterans Memorial. While we were there, I heard my son saying something behind me, so I turned around and found my boy saying the Pledge of Allegiance with his hand over his heart. He has great faith in our nation and the possibilities that are afforded to him because he lives here. He’s a patriot in the purest form. He’s not an extremist in either direction; he’s simply a boy who saw the flag of is country and wanted to honor it. If you have a chance this month, be sure to thank a Veteran. Freedom isn’t free and our family is grateful to all those of have served and sacrificed for ours. Submitted by April Sweeney | Surprise Resident

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November 2021

Community Cares

It’s that time of year again...The Holidays! It’s a time of joy, good cheer, and sometimes petty crime.

Every year around this time, The Front Porch group and other Facebook groups start seeing an increase in posts about vehicle break-ins, suspicious people roaming the neighborhood, and packages going missing from people’s front porches. There is no need to panic! The neighborhood is not going down the toilet. The riffraff is not taking over. There is no need to start packing your bags for a move to the East Valley (this stuff happens there too). It may be the cooler weather, the holidays themselves, or some weird lunar cycle that scientists haven’t yet discovered, but every year just after Halloween and lasting through January, the interwebs are abuzz with reports of the most recent petty-crime activity in the

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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

‘hood. Of course, petty crime is annoying, can be costly for the victim, and can certainly make you feel less-that-secure in your home and community. It can be avoided, however, with a little (make that a LOT) of common-sense and some very simple habits. It’s especially important this time of year to lock your home and vehicles, avoiding leaving valuables in your car, park in your garage when possible, and keep your homes’ exterior lights on at night. Technology such as wireless cameras and door-bell cameras can also help deter would-be criminals as well as assist police with tracking them down when crimes do occur. Over the years we’ve had well-meaning neighbors offer to organize neighborhood watch groups, some even taking the role of patrolling the neighborhood vigilante-style in their personal vehicles. We’ve had community meetings with members of the Surprise Police Department. We’ve implemented emails chains, phone trains, and of course, ubiquitous social media posts about neighborhood safety. At the end of the day though, the most effective thing you can do is be aware of your surroundings and call the Surprise Police Department nonemergency number at (623) 222-4000 (or 911 when appropriate) if you do see something suspicious in the neighborhood. If we all stay alert, committed to practicing the common-sense tips above, and diligent about reporting to the police, when necessary, we can help keep petty crime in our neighborhood to a minimum so we can all enjoy the holidays together as a community. Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Homeowner November 2021

Pet of the Month Willson is a one-year-old Aussie Doodle named after my mother’s maiden name, Willson.

He loves to go to daycare and play with all his buddies. He adores being outside. He will run until he literally drops for the ball. He has totally won my heart. He is one great thing that came out of being home during COVID. I had the time to spend with him and he sure is amazing company! Submitted by Cathie Wolfgram | Marley Park Resident

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November 2021

Legal Advice

the trust agreement. Then, the revocable Trust must be valid under state law, become irrevocable upon the death of the participant and the beneficiaries have to be identifiable from the trust agreement.

HAVING YOUR WILL WITH IRAs Get in on the ground ﬂoor and see If you are married, then normally your spouse will AND 401Ks be the your initial business beneficiary.succeed. In order for a children or a trust to be listed as the beneficiary, Wills and Trusts generally will Secure your space in White Tanks primary View magazine, federal requires spousal regard coveringlaw Sierra Montana, Waddellconsent Hacienda,inand not govern the distribution Sterling Grove to 401K or other ERISA qualified retirement of your IRA’s or 401k’s. The accounts. Federal law does not require spousal designated beneficiary form directs who will get the benefits consent for IRAs, but Arizona’s community property laws create a presumption that the of a qualified retirement plan. spouse is entitled to one-half of the IRA. If your “Estate” is listed as the designated beneficiary or if there is no designated Submitted by Sharon Ravenscroft, Esq., of The beneficiary, probate will be needed and the IRA will have to be paid in a lump sum, not over time Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices. Contact Sharon at (623) 815-7451 or as an inherited IRA. Sravenscroft@CavanaghLaw.com. Sharon’s practice focuses on estate planning including The benefits of a qualified retirement plan can Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. be distributed through a revocable Trust, over 623-594-9283 For more information www.sharonravenscroft. time, as long as certain precautions are taken. al@estrellapublishing.com com. First, the Trust must be listed as the beneficiary,

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

November 2021

Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is almost here! Although we have moved outside of Marley Park, we are still very connected to the community through the relationships and friendships developed in nearly a decade as residents, and we have decided to continue the long-standing tradition of the Marley Park Community Thanksgiving Potluck. Our family will start Thanksgiving Day around 6:00 a.m. by getting started on three fried turkeys...two for the neighborhood potluck and one for “leftovers” for us. I’ll be putting together my famous scalloped corn, kale salad (don’t knock it until you try it...people rave about it every year!), and a batch of homemade whipped cream, of course! Tablecloths, napkins, napkin rings, dozens of centerpieces, flowers, flatware, serving spoons, paper plates, butter, salt and pepper, drinks, cups, an ice bucket, stacks of togo boxes, and a bunch of toys and games for the kids will be loaded into David’s truck. The Marley Park Thanksgiving potluck has been our annual tradition since 2013. We really missed it last year when it was cancelled due to COVID

and are looking forward to seeing our Marley Park family again this year! Our kids always have a blast running around the with the other kids after dinner...and after the frenzy of planning and organizing everything, I usually find myself happily chatting with neighbors and not really wanting the day to end. It will, of course...and everyone will pitch in to clean up the clubhouse. Aside from 216 pieces of flatware, there will be no mounds of dishes to do or huge messes to clean up when I get home. I’ll wash the tablecloths and napkins, fold them neatly, and store them away for next year. We are lucky to be connected to a community where traditions like this enrich our lives and the lives of our children. If you don’t have plans for Thanksgiving, we’d love to have you join us! Details for the event can be found in The Front Porch group on Facebook (TheFrontPorchGroup.com) or by email at Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com. However you plan to spend the holiday this year, may it be filled with everything that brings you happiness! From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident

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November 2021

Announcements Kaleb Jaxson was born at 5:18 p.m. on September 20th, 2021, to Amber and Matt Karraker. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 20 inches long. He joins his older brother Daniel “DJ” who is two years old. Welcome to Marley Park, Kaleb!

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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

November 2021

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November 2021

Samurai Sudoku This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. There are 5 overlapping grids with one unique solution. Each of 4 corners are shaded. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 Samurai Sudoku Puzzle #04 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box. Good Luck! This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great wayare to engage brain andwww.EstrellaPublishing.com help develop logic skills. There are 5 overlapping grids with one Solutions on ourthewebsite

unique solution. Each of 4 corners are shaded. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box.

6 5

4 3

4 4

2 5

4 9

3 4

3 7

7 9

6 1

2 3

4 5

6 4

9 1 7

Samurai sudoku grid, symmetric, beginner No 4 Created: https://www.sudoku-puzzles-online.com

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

November 2021

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 2013!* Under Contract

Under Contract

15239 W Bloomfield Rd

15228 W Alexandria Way

14884 W Georgia Dr

15451 W Valentine St

14916 W Georgia Dr

List Price.....................$495,000 Sq Ft.....................................1,907 Lot Sq Ft .............................9,789 Amenities ..................... Huge Lot

List Price.....................$495,000 Sq Ft .............................................. Lot Sq Ft ....................................... Amenities .....................................

Sold Price...................$480,000 Sq Ft ....................................2,022 Lot Sq Ft .............................7,898 Amenities............................. Pool

Sold Price....................$710,000 Sq Ft....................................3,468 Lot Sq Ft ...........................10,045 Amenities .............................Pool .........................FOUR car garage

Sold Price ...................$425,000 Sq Ft.....................................1,766 Lot Sq Ft ..............................7,287 Amenities .............................Pool

Sold for $35k Over List

Sold for $30k Over List

Sold for $10k Over List

Sold

Sold for $10k Over List

12667 N 152nd Dr

12867 N 145th Ave

12359 N 152nd Dr

14955 W Alexandria Way

15217 W Georgia Dr

Sold Price ...................$475,000 Sq Ft ....................................2,104 Lot Sq Ft.............................8,540 Across from Founders Park!

Sold Price...................$630,000 Sq Ft ....................................3,420 Lot Sq Ft .............................9,100 Amenities .... THREE car garage

Sold Price...................$430,000 Sq Ft ....................................2,010 Lot Sq Ft .............................8,842 Amenities .....THREE car garage

Sold Price ...................$345,000 Sq Ft ....................................2,092 Lot Sq Ft .............................4,483 Amenities ..............Bonus Room

Sold Price...................$460,000 Sq Ft ....................................2,266 Lot Sq Ft .............................8,946 Amenities... Real Hardwood Floors

Buyer & Seller represented by Christie Giannetto

Sold for $5k Over List Sold for $10k Over List

Buyer & Seller represented by Christie Giannetto

Sold for Full Price

Buyer & Seller represented by Christie Giannetto

Sold for Full Price

Sold for $25k Over Appraisal

Sold for $15k Over List

Sold for $10k Over List

14748 W Surrey Dr

15171 W Andora St

15227 W Bloomfield Rd

12378 N 153rd Ln

14299 W Valentine St

Sold Price...................$450,000 Sq Ft ....................................2,104 Lot Sq Ft.............................5,400 Amenities .............................Pool

Sold Price....................$415,000 Sq Ft ....................................2,607 Lot Sq Ft ..............................5,176 Amenities........... Total Remodel

Sold Price .....................520,000 Sq Ft ....................................2,929 Lot Sq Ft .............................7,680 Amenities ............................ Pool ......................THREE Car Garage

Sold Price ...................$335,000 Sq Ft.....................................1,353 Lot Sq Ft..............................7,438 Amenities..........Amazing Backyard

Sold Price ...................$355,000 Sq Ft .....................................1,915 Lot Sq Ft .............................4,483 Amenities.....................Wood Floors

Sold for $50k Over List

Homestead at Marley Park

Your Marley Park Neighbor and Real Estate Specialist Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® 602.740.2313

CHRISTIE GIANNETTO

Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com

REALTOR®

SurpriseMatters.com

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch * Information obtained from Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service. Excludes new construction. As of 1/1/21.

magazine

November 2021