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 Christie Gianetto Assistant Editor
Talia Uretsky, Assistant Editor
Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com
As December graces us with its arrival, Marley Park and Homestead at Marley Park transform into a tapestry of twinkling lights, festive wreaths, and the warm glow of holiday cheer. There’s something truly magical about this season in our community. Whether it’s the sparkling lights illuminating the neighborhood or the laughter echoing from our beloved parks, it’s a time when our shared traditions shine the brightest.
This month, we celebrate the spirit of giving, the joy of gathering, and the simple pleasures that make our neighborhoods feel like home. From the festive decorations adorning porches and parks to the sounds of carolers spreading holiday melodies, December reminds us of the connection we all share. It’s a season of togetherness, and nowhere is that more evident than right here in Marley Park.
Of course, this season wouldn’t be complete without moments of gratitude. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who make our community special— the neighbors who lend a hand, the volunteers who make events possible, and the families who fill our streets with joy. Your contributions make Marley Park and Homestead at Marley Park more than just neighborhoods—they make them home.
As we prepare to bid farewell to another year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the memories we’ve created and the connections we’ve fostered. The holidays are a time for gratitude, love, and looking forward with hope. Here’s to the traditions we cherish, the new memories we’ll create, and the bright future ahead for our community.
From our family to yours, wishing you a holiday season filled with joy, warmth, and countless blessings. Thank
you for being part of what makes Marley Park and Homestead at Marley Park such a remarkable place to call home.
Remember, in the words of Norman Vincent Peale, “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
See you on The Front Porch!
Christie Giannetto Assistant Editor The Front Porch Magazine
Meet Your Neighbors
The Blevans Family
Meet Melissa and Elliott Blevans, who have called Marley Park home for the past five years. Born and raised in Arizona, Melissa’s family roots run deep in the state, and after living in other parts of Arizona, they found the perfect fit in this vibrant neighborhood. What drew them to Marley Park initially was its greenery and the abundance of parks. They were looking for a community that felt both welcoming and connected to nature, and Marley Park fit the bill perfectly.
Melissa and Elliott have been married for 10 years, having met through mutual friends. Their relationship has grown strong over the years, now with two children, Adaline (9) and Tristan (8). Their kids are active in the community, with Adaline enjoying cheerleading and Tristan playing baseball. It’s clear that their family values staying active and involved, with the children keeping busy with their favorite sports and activities.
Melissa and Elliott have found fulfillment in their careers as well. Melissa works as a nurse, a career she
is deeply passionate about, while Elliott is a financial regulator, ensuring that financial systems stay secure and efficient.
In their free time, Melissa and Elliott enjoy hobbies that bring them closer as a family. Traveling is a big passion for them, and they love exploring new places whenever they can. Melissa is also an avid gardener and enjoys cooking and baking, often finding joy in creating new meals for her family to enjoy.
One of the highlights of their year is the holiday season in Marley Park. The Blevans family looks forward to the annual Photos and Cookies with Santa event, which has been organized by Christie Giannetto for the past 10 years. It’s become a cherished tradition for their family, providing the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season and make lasting memories with neighbors.
The Blevans family truly thrives in Marley Park, making the most of the parks, green spaces, and the friendly atmosphere around them. Their strong family bond, love for their community, and holiday spirit make them a perfect fit for Marley Park’s welcoming environment.
The House Family
After spending twelve and a half years in Arizona and six and a half years in Marley Park, Mark and Lyn House have firmly rooted themselves in this vibrant community. Their journey to Marley Park began in Glendale, but their connection to the Midwest runs deep, having moved from Nebraska. For the Houses, Marley Park evokes the same warmth and neighborly spirit they cherished back home, with its green spaces and parks reminding them of those familiar roots. Mark and Lyn’s story is one of resilience, love, and faith. Married for 40 years, they met in Englewood, Colorado, where Mark’s father, a pastor, urged him to come back home from New Mexico to meet “a cute new girl at church.” That girl was Lyn, and their love story has been unfolding ever since.
Central to their lives are their three children, Geoff and Steph, Erik and Bethany, and Ryen and Laura, who have blessed them with 11 grandchildren. The grandkids keep Mark and Lyn busy, participating in a range of activities like dance, jiujitsu, gymnastics, soccer, and baseball. Their weekends are often filled with the sounds of their grandkids’ laughter and cheering them on in sports and activities.
But beyond the joys of family, there is a chapter of Mark’s life that speaks to perseverance. In February 1989, at just 26 years old, Mark was diagnosed with leukemia. For two and a half years, he underwent experimental treatments that ultimately failed.
However, hope came in the form of a bone marrow transplant at the newly opened Bone Marrow Transplant Center at Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver. His youngest brother proved to be a perfect match. On August 29, 1991, Mark underwent the life-saving transplant, a trying time for the family with three young boys. Now, more than 30 years later, Mark is a long-time cancer survivor, grateful for every moment he gets to spend watching his grandchildren grow.
Mark, who works as a body shop estimator, enjoys NASCAR and Cornhuskers football. Lyn shares his love for Nebraska athletics but has also dedicated herself to education, helping children become successful readers. Their faith is a cornerstone of their lives, and they stay active in their church, Christ Church of the Valley (CCV). Alongside their Siamese cat, Boba, they continue to cherish the sense of belonging that Marley Park provides and look forward to many more years of making memories in their beloved neighborhood.
Traditions
I have a love-hate relationship with Christmas. It’s my favorite holiday, which is probably why I put so much pressure on myself to get it right. Christmas music must be blaring in the background when we decorate. No one is allowed to change the music to anything else, no matter how sick we are of the same songs. The stockings must, and I mean must, be opened on Christmas Eve! My family gathers at Granny and Poppa’s house on Christmas Day for a roast and mashed potato dinner every year. We take a walk and look at Christmas lights, admiring the decorations. Somewhere in there, we have a Christmas cookie baking contest.
This sounds like an incredibly endearing Christmas routine, doesn’t it? There’s a lot of power and comfort in tradition. Yet, within all the charming customs are oodles of hidden stress.
There are countless trips to the grocery store to buy missing ingredients. I go out of my mind when I hear “Jingle Bell Rock” for the thousandth time, but I keep it playing because it just seems right. The decorations are old and even cracked from the dogs, yet they’re arranged carefully around the house—because, you know… tradition. We rush to the roast and mashed
potato dinner only to find we’re the first to arrive. Starving, we wait for all the stragglers before dishing up. Then we shiver outside someone’s house to see the same decorations as last year. Not to mention the cleanup: burnt cookies, broken ornaments, torn wrapping paper, and the inevitable messes as we watch our checking account go down, down, down.
It’s no wonder statistics show heart attack deaths spike over Christmas, especially on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Maybe it’s time to toss out traditions that no longer work for us. Turn broken ornaments into dumpster food. Switch the Christmas music to country. Create a special family Christmas dinner and visit Granny and Poppa’s later. Replace Christmas cookies with pumpkin pie (or something store-bought). Maybe a Christmas movie under blankets can replace Christmas light gazing. Remember, Christmas isn’t about striving; it’s about celebrating together with joy.
Submitted by Josie Flancbaum Marley Park Resident
Home for the Holidays
This December, step into an island-inspired paradise with the Marley Park Community Association’s (MPCA) Home for the Holidays Luau. On December 7th from 5 to 8 p.m., the Heritage Club at Marley Park will transform into a festive luau venue, offering a delightful blend of holiday cheer and tropical flair.
The event promises a night full of fun, food, and entertainment that is perfect for the entire family. The evening will feature a delicious island-inspired dinner, where attendees can enjoy a variety of tropical dishes while mingling with neighbors and friends. After dinner, get ready to enjoy an exciting live show filled with music and traditional Hawaiian hula dancing, bringing the spirit of the islands right to the heart of Marley Park.
Whether you’re a longtime Marley Park resident or new to the community, the Home for the Holidays Luau is a wonderful way to connect with your neighbors and share in the joy of the holiday season. The event offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where everyone can enjoy great food, lively entertainment, and the chance to celebrate the season in style.
As tickets for this exclusive event are limited, be sure to secure your spot early! Tickets are available only to Marley Park residents, so make sure you are logged in to the MyMarleyPark website to register and purchase your tickets. Visit MyMarleyPark.com to reserve your tickets before they sell out.
The Home for the Holidays Luau will be held at the Marley Park Heritage Club, located at 15210 W Sweetwater Ave in Surprise, AZ.
Mark your calendars and gather your family for a festive evening you won’t want to miss. This luau promises to be the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and make lasting memories with neighbors and friends. Get ready to enjoy delicious food, lively entertainment, and the warmth of our Marley Park community. Don’t wait—tickets are limited, so be sure to reserve yours today!
Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Homeowner
Cook With Zona
Oreo Cream Cheese Balls
The holiday season is all about creating memories with family and friends, and these Oreo Cream Cheese Balls are a fun and interactive treat to make together with kids or grandkids.
Whether you’re preparing them for a Christmas gathering, a New Year’s Eve celebration, or a cozy evening by the fireplace, these bite-sized delights are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dessert that feels special, without spending hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make a batch of these Oreo Cream Cheese Balls—perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring during the most wonderful time of the year.
If you have a recipe you’d like to share with your community email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com to be featured in the magazine!
Prep time: 10 mins | Cool Time: 30 mins | Total time: 40 mins
Ingredients:
1. 1 pack of Oreos - regular, not double-stuffed
2. 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
3. Semi-sweet/dark/white chocolate (your choice; this chocolate is for coating the balls)
4. Toppings of your choice: Candy canes, chocolate drizzle, crushed Oreos
Steps:
1. Crush Oreos into fine crumbs. Use a food processor or mash them up in a ziplock bag.
2. Mix in cream cheese until combined.
3. Scoop dough and roll it into small balls.
4. Place them on a cookie tray, lined with wax paper or parchment paper and chill in the fridge for about 10-20 minutes.
5. Remove from the freezer and dip each ball in a bowl of melted chocolate.
6. Optional: Sprinkle some additional crushed Oreos, or crushed candy canes, or drizzle more chocolate on top before the chocolate sets.
7. Allow the balls to sit in the fridge for 10-20 minutes. Enjoy!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your Oreo Cream Cheese Balls or tag us on social media @EstrellaPublishing.
Home Sweet Home
With the 2024 presidential election now behind us, many wonder how it might impact the housing market. Historically, election years bring a temporary slowdown in home sales, particularly in the fall, and the effects of this year were no exception.
Typically, autumn sees a slight dip in home sales due to seasonal patterns. However, in election years, this trend tends to be more pronounced as uncertainty surrounding the election causes many buyers and sellers to hit pause. BTIG data shows that election years bring a larger dip in sales leading up to Election Day. Buyers, especially first-timers, often delay purchases as they wait to see the election results. A recent survey from Redfin revealed that 23% of firsttime homebuyers were holding off on buying until after the election, suggesting that election-related uncertainty can strongly influence market behavior. Fortunately, this is generally a short-lived pause. History shows that once elections conclude, sales typically rebound as the uncertainty dissipates. In fact, home sales have increased 82% of the time in the year following an election. When the “dust settles,” buyers and sellers regain confidence, feeling more certain about the economic landscape, which encourages them to move forward with their housing plans.
Looking ahead to 2025, the market appears wellpositioned for recovery and growth. Based on recent projections, the housing market is expected to see 5.2 million total home sales next year, a noticeable increase from the estimated 4.6 million sales this year. This aligns with the established post-election trend: as stability returns, home sales usually pick up, benefiting both buyers and sellers.
It’s helpful to keep in mind that the current slowdown isn’t a sign of a longer-term trend. Instead, it reflects a temporary shift common during election years. Just as seen in past cycles, home sales are expected to bounce back in the months to come, providing opportunities for those ready to make their next move.
Election years often bring a short-term dip in housing market activity, but this pause is temporary. Historically, home sales increase the year after a presidential election, and current forecasts suggest 2025 will follow this pattern. For those seeking stability before making a decision, the outlook is favorable for a strong housing market in the year ahead.
Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | ΓEAL Broker
Legal Advice
AVOID PROBLEMS WITH IRA DESIGNATIONS
For 401ks, IRAs and other qualified retirement accounts, the designated beneficiary form directs how the funds will be paid on your death. Common problems that arise with beneficiary designations are: When the “Estate” or no beneficiary is listed, so a probate is needed and the IRA will be not be stretched for 10 years and will be taxed at a higher rate. When a beneficiary dies before you, the financial company rules apply to who gets the deceased beneficiary’s share. When a trust is listed as the beneficiary, your directions are applied.
When the designated beneficiary is a minor, not a trust for the minor, then a costly court conservatorship is need and deferred tax benefit is at risk. When your spouse, who is not your children’s parent, does not sign a spousal waiver, then your spouse is entitled to
half or possibly all of funds. Remember, currently, an inherited IRA must be paid in 10 years, if the beneficiary is not a spouse.
Leaving a portion or all of your qualified retirement account to charity can make sense, because the charity does not pay income taxes and will receive more funds than a family member. Other assets which are not taxable can be left to family or friends.
Sharon Ravenscroft, M. Scott Rowan, Attorneys, The Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, (623) 815-7451 or Sravenscroft@CavanaghLaw.com; legal practice focused on Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. For more information www.sharonravenscroft.com.
Puzzle Time
This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. 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. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
