The Front Porch_1_25

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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

January 2025 1

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 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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2 Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

January 2025

Welcome to your January issue!

As we step into the new year, The Front Porch Magazine is delighted to bring you another issue filled with stories, updates, and essential information tailored for our wonderful neighborhoods of Marley Park and Homestead at Marley Park. We hope this edition finds you well and ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in 2025.

In this issue, we’re excited to highlight some incredible opportunities for our residents to get involved and make a real difference. First and foremost, we have detailed information about upcoming blood donation drives in our community. Donating blood is a simple yet powerful way to give back and save lives. With the critical need for blood donations ever-present, we encourage everyone who is able to consider participating in these lifesaving events. Additionally, we are sharing details about life-saving skills classes being offered locally. These classes provide invaluable

training in CPR, first aid, and emergency response.

By equipping yourself with these skills, you not only protect your loved ones but also become a vital resource for our entire community. Be sure to check out the article and sign up for a class that fits your availability.

As we welcome the new year, let’s celebrate the strong sense of community and togetherness we share. With every passing year, we continue to grow, support one another, and create a vibrant, thriving neighborhood.

Here’s to a year filled with growth, kindness, and new opportunities for all.

We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our advertisers, whose generous support keeps The Front Porch Magazine free for all residents. Their contributions allow us to bring you the content you enjoy and the information you need without any cost to you. Please take a moment to browse through their advertisements and consider supporting these local businesses. By doing so, you help sustain the vibrant, connected community that makes Marley Park such a special place to live.

Thank you for being a part of The Front Porch family.

We look forward to another year of sharing stories, celebrating achievements, and fostering the strong community spirit that defines Marley Park. In the words of Albert Einstein, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.”

See you on the Front Porch!

Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

January 2025 3

Meet Your Neighbors

Meet Ashley and Peter Gossett, who, along with their three young children, have embraced life in Marley Park with open arms. This family of five moved into the neighborhood a little over a year ago, drawn by the warm, family-friendly vibe, tree-lined streets, and inviting front porches that make Marley Park such a welcoming community. Originally from Southern California, they first moved to Arizona four years ago, settling in Anthem before discovering Marley Park, which, according to Ashley, “instantly felt like home.”

Ashley and Peter’s journey together began with a blind date that turned into something extraordinary.

They felt an immediate connection that has kept them inseparable for the past eight years. Together, they are raising three active and spirited children: Hunter, 6, who currently plays soccer with Cross Church in Surprise; Cade, 4; and Summer, who is almost 3. The Gossett family is eagerly looking forward to signing Cade and Summer up for soccer next season so all three can enjoy playing together.

As a stay-at-home mom, Ashley also runs a side business in pediatric sleep consulting, leveraging her background in higher education. Peter, on the other hand, balances his role as Director of IT

for a marketing firm with the demands of his own marketing agency. Outside of their professional lives, the Gossetts keep busy with hobbies that span a wide range of interests. In warmer months, they love paddleboarding on the lake, and Peter enjoys outdoor adventures like off-roading and shooting. While Peter takes on these more adrenaline-fueled hobbies, Ashley prefers the quieter charm of discovering new coffee shops with friends.

The Gossetts are also deeply involved in their faith and find great joy and connection at North Valley Church.

Despite the commute, they feel strongly that their church family is worth the drive. This close-knit, faithcentered life, combined with a shared love for outdoor activities and family-friendly pursuits, truly captures the heart of the Gossetts.

Rounding out the family are their two dogs, Cali, an Australian Shepherd-Lab mix, and Penny, a Maltipoo, both of whom add their own personalities to the lively household. Whether it’s taking the kids to a new park, catching up with neighbors on their front porch, or supporting their church community, the Gossetts have found a perfect fit in Marley Park.

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Be Prepared

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly—it’s a critical financial responsibility that everyone should consider, regardless of age or income level. The key is to approach estate planning as a dynamic process that evolves with your life circumstances.

In Your 20s and 30s: This is the foundation stage of estate planning.

While you might feel invincible, creating basic legal documents is crucial. Start with a simple will that outlines how you want your assets distributed. If you have dependent children, this becomes even more critical. Designate a guardian and create provisions for their care and financial support.

Create a basic healthcare proxy and living will. These documents ensure your medical wishes are respected if you’re unable to communicate. Designate a trusted family member or friend to make medical decisions on your behalf. Additionally, consider basic life insurance, especially if you have dependents or significant debt that could burden your family.

In Your 40s and 50s: As your financial complexity increases, so should your

estate planning sophistication. Review and update your will regularly. Consider establishing a trust to provide more controlled asset distribution and potential tax benefits. This is particularly important if you have children with special needs or want to create specific provisions for inheritance.

Retirement planning becomes critical. Maximize contributions to retirement accounts and ensure beneficiary designations are current. Review life insurance policies to ensure coverage matches your family’s potential financial needs. Consider long-term care insurance as a proactive measure.

In Your 60s and Beyond: Estate planning transitions from accumulation to preservation and distribution. Work with a financial advisor to minimize tax implications for your heirs.

Consider strategies like gifting to reduce estate tax liability. Update your will and trusts to reflect current family dynamics and financial situation.

Comprehensive End-of-Life Planning: Regardless of age, create a comprehensive document that includes: - Detailed will - Healthcare proxy - Power of attorney - List of important financial accounts - Digital asset instructions - Funeral and burial preferences Key Principles for All Ages: - Review documents every 3-5 years - Update after major life events - Communicate your plans with key family members - Keep important documents accessible - Consider digital asset management Estate planning is an act of love and responsibility. It provides peace of mind and protects your loved ones from unnecessary financial and legal complications during difficult times.

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

January 2025 5

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January 2025

Give Blood

As we step into the New Year, January brings a special call to action with National Blood Donor Month.

This initiative, established in 1970, aims to increase blood and platelet donations during one of the most challenging times of the year for maintaining a sufficient blood supply. Winter weather, seasonal illnesses, and busy holiday schedules often lead to a drop in donations, making January a critical period for replenishing blood banks.

Blood donations are essential for a variety of medical treatments, including surgeries, cancer therapies, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. By donating blood, you contribute to saving lives and improving health outcomes for patients in need. The American Red Cross reports that one blood donation can potentially save up to three lives, highlighting the profound impact each donor can make.

For residents of Surprise, Arizona, there are several convenient opportunities to donate blood this January.

Here are some local blood drives where you can make a difference:

On Saturday, January 4, 2025, the Bloodmobile will be at Culver’s Surprise, located at 16145 W Bell Rd, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. You can also donate on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the City of Surprise’s Community Room N1-530, at 16000 N Civic Center Plaza, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Another opportunity is on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the Sun Health Center for Health & Wellbeing’s Founders Room, located at 14719 W Grand Ave Bldg B, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Additionally, there are two blood drives on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The first is at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Community’s Parish Hall, at 17111 West Bell Rd, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The second is at the Sunflower RV Resort, located at 16501 El Mirage Road, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Each of these locations provides a safe and comfortable environment for donating blood. The process is straightforward and usually takes less than an hour. Donors are encouraged to hydrate well and Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

eat a healthy meal before donating. Remember to bring a valid ID and, if possible, make an appointment to ensure a smooth donation experience. To register for a donation appointment, visit https://donors. vitalant.org/.

By participating in National Blood Donor Month, you join a vital community of donors committed to saving lives. Your contribution is not just a donation; it is a gift of life and hope to those in need. Make a resolution this January to give back and support the health and wellbeing of your community through blood donation.

Together, we can ensure that hospitals and patients have the resources they need to thrive.

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Homeowner

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623-398-5541 January 2025 7

Life Saving Skills As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to embrace opportunities for personal growth and learning.

One great way to kick off 2024 is by participating in the City of Surprise’s Community Safety Classes.

Offering a variety of informative and practical courses, these classes provide essential skills that can make a significant difference in emergency situations.

First Fridays with Fire is a monthly initiative hosted by the Surprise Fire-Medical Department. Every first Friday of the month, attendees are invited to learn life-saving skills in a relaxed and approachable setting.

These classes alternate topics every other month and are designed to equip participants with basic emergency response training to know what to do while waiting for emergency responders in critical situations.

The goal is to provide community members with the knowledge and confidence to assist others during lifethreatening emergencies.

Classes are held at the Public Safety Building Auditorium (14250 W. Statler Plz, Suite 101) at 4 p.m. and are open to participants aged 12 and older. However, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. The sessions have a maximum capacity to ensure personalized instruction and a comfortable learning environment.

Pre-registration is required, so make sure to reserve your spot in advance.

The class offered in January is the Stop the Bleed & Narcan Class. This class focuses on teaching two crucial skills that can save lives: how to stop severe bleeding and how to properly administer Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Both skills are critical in emergencies and could mean the difference between life and death. This class is held in January, but also is scheduled to occur other months of the year. Check the website below for additional offerings.

To register for this life-saving class or any other upcoming safety class, visit the City of Surprise’s official website at surpriseaz.gov/1389/Community-SafetyClasses. It’s a great opportunity to begin the year by equipping yourself with valuable skills that could one day save a life. Don’t miss out on the chance to make 2024 the year you become better prepared for emergencies!

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Homeowner Servicing the West Valley for 20 years!

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8 Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

January 2025

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

January 2025 9

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January 2025

Cook With Zona

Loaded Potato Soup

4 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 med onion, finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced ¼ cup all-purpose flour 2 1/2 cups whole milk 2 1/2 cups chicken broth 1 cup mild or sharp cheddar cheese, shredded ¾ cup sour cream green onions, to serve Salt and pepper, to taste

With the weather getting… slightly cooler I decided it’s officially time to start making soups and stew! A fan favorite soup in our house is Loaded Potato Soup. How can you go wrong with potatoes, bacon, cheese, and garlic? Whether you’re curled up at home or hosting a cozy dinner, this soup recipe will surely become one of your favorites too!

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: 15 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total time: 55 mins

2.

Ingredients 6 large potatoes, peeled and cubed 16 oz bacon, bite-sized pieces

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Steps 1.

Place sliced potatoes into a stockpot and completely cover with 1” of water. Season with ½ tsp salt and cook 10-15 minutes or until potatoes pierce easily with a knife then drain.

Meanwhile, saute bacon in a Dutch oven until crispy and then transfer to a plate, reserving 1 Tbsp bacon grease in the pot.

Add 4 Tbsp butter and chopped onions then saute until tender. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Quickly whisk in the flour then slowly add 2 1/2 cups milk and 2 1/2 cups broth, whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a soft boil.

Add drained potatoes and season soup with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper or season to taste.

Stir in 3/4 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and half of your cooked bacon (reserving the rest for serving). Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and serve with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy!

We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your Creamy, Loaded Potato Soup or tag us on social media @ EstrellaPublishing.

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

January 2025 11

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January 2025

Home Sweet Home Over the past eight months, the market has become less advantageous for sellers, transitioning into a buyer’s market. Although areas like Fountain Hills and Chandler still favor sellers, most of the valley is either balanced or tilting towards buyers.

Many sellers blame this shift on low demand, influenced by interest rates around 7% or higher.

However, the core issue is the supply. The Cromford Report states, “The overall number of active listings has grown 34.7% over the past year. The number of active listings without a contract has climbed from 15,574 at the beginning of February 2024 to 21,368 today. That is an increase of 37%, and it means buyers have far more homes to choose from and are therefore less likely to choose the one you are selling. Sellers must compete with each other, and this is leading to frequent and substantial cuts in their list prices.

They are also competing with a good supply of newly built homes, which are only lightly represented in the 21,368 count. New homes have gotten an unusually large share of the contracts signed in the past year.”

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

New construction significantly challenges the resale market due to attractive interest rates and modern features. Builders can offer bundled loans with lower rates by purchasing loans in bulk, unlike resale buyers who pay current market rates. This advantage compels resale sellers to price their homes competitively from the beginning and ensure they are in top condition.

The duration of this buyer’s market remains uncertain.

Buyer markets are rare in Greater Phoenix. According to the Cromford Report, “While the last buyer’s market was in 2022, it only lasted 4 weeks. Before that, 2014 fell just short of reaching a buyer’s market, but maintained a slight buyer’s advantage for 4 months.

Before that, the last buyer’s market was in 2010, which also lasted 4 months. This time around, it depends on whether mortgage rates stagnate or decline once again.” Predicting the length of this buyer’s market is challenging. Regardless of market conditions, a good real estate agent will provide you with strategies that align with the current market dynamics.

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | ΓEAL Broker

January 2025 13

Puzzle Time Difficulty: Easy

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

Monday, 25th November 2024

4 2 5

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1 9

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6 www.samurai-sudoku.com

14 Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

January 2025

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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

January 2025 15

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 than any other agent in Marley Park!* COMING SOON

PRICE REDUCED

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

14196 W Georgia Dr

15170 W Corrine Dr

12744 N 146th Ln

15359 W Corrine Dr

15457 W Corrine Dr

List Price ....................... $425,000 Sq Ft ...................................1,465 Lot Sq Ft..............................3,720 Amenities ..............................Pool

List Price ....................... $579,500 Sq Ft ...................................2,928 Lot Sq Ft..............................7,084 Amenities ..............................Pool

Sold Price ...................... $510,000 Sq Ft ...................................2,470 Lot Sq Ft..............................7,542 Amenities ..............................Pool

Sold Price ...................... $460,000 Sq Ft ...................................2,198 Lot Sq Ft..............................8,400 Amenities ..............................Pool

Sold Price ...................... $412,000 Sq Ft ...................................2,085 Lot Sq Ft..............................6,600 Amenities .......... Three Car Garage

Homestead at Marley Park

Buyer Represented by Christie Giannetto

SOLD

SOLD FOR FULL PRICE

SOLD FOR FULL PRICE

SOLD

SOLD

14925 W Dreyfus St

15239 W Bloomfield Rd

14599 W Wethersfield Rd

12945 N 143rd Dr

14865 W Georgia Dr

Sold Price ...................... $470,000 Sq Ft ...................................2,010 Lot Sq Ft..............................6,057 Amenities ................ 3-Car Garage

Sold Price ...................... $475,000 Sq Ft ...................................1,907 Lot Sq Ft..............................9,789 Amenities ..Across from Founders Park

Sold Price ...................... $525,000 Sq Ft ...................................2,223 Lot Sq Ft..............................6,960 Amenities ..Fully Landscaped Backyard

Sold Price ...................... $585,000 Sq Ft ...................................2,684 Lot Sq Ft..............................6,960 Amenities ..............................Pool

Sold Price ...................... $375,000 Sq Ft ...................................1,559 Lot Sq Ft..............................5,864 Amenities ....Adjacent to Arbor Walk

SOLD FOR OVER LIST PRICE

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

13491 N 153rd Dr

14408 W Bloomfield Rd

15322 W Bloomfield Rd

15439 W Dreyfus St

13368 N 143rd Ave

Sold Price ...................... $575,000 Sq Ft ...................................3,413 Lot Sq Ft..............................9,060 Amenities .......... Three Car Garage

Sold Price ...................... $517,000 Sq Ft ...................................1,961 Lot Sq Ft..............................6,851 Amenities ........... Thee Car Garage

Sold Price ...................... $417,000 Sq Ft ...................................1,805 Lot Sq Ft..............................4,945 Amenities ..Newly Landscaped Backyard

Sold Price ...................... $475,000 Sq Ft ...................................2,334 Lot Sq Ft..............................4,457 Amenities ....Fully Renovated Interior

Sold Price ...................... $510,000 Sq Ft ...................................2,575 Lot Sq Ft..............................5,400 Amenities ..............Five Bedrooms Homestead at Marley Park

Marley Park Homeowner and Real Estate Specialist Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® 602.740.2313 Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com 16 EstrellaSurpriseMatters.com Publishing - The Front Porch magazine *Information obtained from Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service. As of 1/1/24.

January 2025