The Front Porch by Estrella Publishing

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

March 2021

MONTHLY SPECIAL Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor

Christie Giannetto Associate 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 © 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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March 2021

Welcome to your March edition! If you are a Facebook user, you may already be a member of The Front Porch group for Marley Park residents. If not, you are welcome to join. You can find the group by searching “The Front Porch” on Facebook and looking for the cover photo with the signature Marley Park tree, or by going to TheFrontPorchGroup.com. The Front Porch group was established in 2013 and has grown to well over 1,000 members. As the creator and administrator of the group, with the support of my husband, our goal

has always been to foster an open forum for residents of Marley Park to share and discuss news, information, referrals, advice, and events relevant to the neighborhoods and their residents. We work hard to keep the atmosphere in group positive so that it can remain a helpful and pleasant place to interact with neighbors. Membership in the group is open to residents of the original Marley Park Community as well as Homestead at Marley Park and the Christopher Todd at Marley Park communities. Residency verification is required to join. 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 the Marley Park communities. The name also embodies the spirit of our collective neighborhoods. There are many, many groups and pages on Facebook that serve a diverse array of purposes and interests. We hope that The Front Porch group serves to bring members of the community together in a positive way and nurture friendships both within the Facebook platform and in real life. One of my favorite Irish Proverbs says, “There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, and may they always be.” See you on The Front Porch!

Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

March 2021

On Our Cover

Jessica and Shawn met in Rocky Point during high school spring break in 1995. Though they had met previously while she was working at Paradise Valley mall, she did not remember him…but to him, she was unforgettable.

Shawn enlisted in the Marines after high school and so did Jessica’s brother. The two were on leave together in 1996 and spent an eventful weekend with their respective girlfriends. As it turns out, Jessica and her future sister-in-law both found themselves expecting, so the two couples were married in Vegas six months later. Shawn and Jessica’s oldest son Jake, now 23, is just 14 days younger than his cousin Joey… and Shawn and Jessica are celebrating their 24th anniversary this month. While in the Marines, Shawn was stationed in North Carolina. He and Jessica moved there with baby Jake, who was soon joined by their second son, Trevor. After four years in the military, they moved back to Arizona. In 2005, Shawn enrolled in the fire academy and was hired by Surprise Fire Department. Later, he earned his Haz-

Mat and Paramedic certifications, promoted to Engineer, and currently holds the rank of Captain. Jessica attended school as their family grew, with Brock and Luke coming along in 2006 and 2009. She graduated from nursing school at GCC in 2016 and has been an RN at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center for almost five years now. The family bought their home in Marley Park in 2010. They moved from a home with acreage in Wittmann because they wanted to be in a neighborhood closer to schools and sports activities. Over the years, they have considered moving out of Marley Park, thinking they might want to go back to owning a home with acreage. During one conversation I had with Shawn, he said that they just couldn’t find anywhere else that gave Jessica “that sunshine in her eyes”. That’s when I knew that I probably wasn’t going to have them as clients after all, but instead I would be keeping them as Marley Park neighbors. Next month, Shawn’s parents will be closing on a beautiful home in Rose Garden Park. After all, there’s no place like Marley Park! Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident

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March 2021

Life Hack

focus on just one thing at a time. If you start to get overwhelmed, take a short break and do something you enjoy. Do not sit and stare at the mess that you now must organize.

“Having a simplified, uncluttered home is a form of self-care,” ~ Emma Schieb.

Third, clean areas that are usually neglected. There are several areas in our houses that get cleaned often, but even areas within those Throughout 2020 we all went through phases of rooms get neglected or you do not realize decluttering and organizing our homes. However, they are dirty. Focus your attention on small, now that we have somewhat gotten back to overlooked areas, such as the microwave, inside normal life, stuff has started accumulating again. the oven, fridge drawers, baseboards, drains, Lately, I am constantly beginning to see small and windows. After you list out these overlooked messes around my bedroom, bathroom, and areas, again just take them one at a time. house. These messes stress me out, so I figured Finally, make cleaning fun. If you enjoy doing I would give you my best spring-cleaning tips something, you are going to get more done. to make sure you are successful this spring at Often, I turn on a show I enjoy or listen to a decluttering and making a happier home. pop playlist to make sure I am in the groove. This almost always helps me get more done. First, work in small increments. Do not try to do Remember these tips this spring, and happy all the rooms at one time. Focus on one area and spring cleaning! organize it. Do not over analyze what is in that area. Instead, figure out what needs doing and Submitted by Olivia Black | Age 15 | Marley Park start to do it. Try not to do everything in one day. Resident Take it slow and take breaks often. Secondly, do not get overwhelmed. I know this one is a tough, because once we look for messes that is all we can see, but you need to

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March 2021

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March 2021

Home Sweet Home As we approach the anniversary of the hardships we’ve faced through this pandemic and the subsequent recession, it’s normal to reflect on everything that’s changed and wonder what’s ahead. While there are signs of economic recovery as vaccines are being issued, we still have a long way to go. It’s at times like these we want exact information about anything we’re doing. That information brings knowledge, and this gives us a sense of relief and comfort in uncertain times.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home today, the same need for information is very real. But, because it’s such a big step in our lives, that desire for clear information is even greater in the homebuying or selling process. Given the current level of overall anxiety, we want that advice to be truly perfect. The challenge is, no one can give you “perfect” advice. Experts can, however, give you the best advice possible. Let’s say you need an attorney, so you seek out an expert in the type of law required for your case. When you go to her office, she won’t

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

immediately tell you how the case is going to end or how the judge or jury will rule. If she could, that would be perfect advice. What a good attorney can do, however, is discuss with you the most effective strategies you can take. She’ll then leave you to make the decision on which option you want to pursue. Once you decide, she can help you put a plan together based on the facts at hand. That’s an example of the best advice possible. The role of a real estate professional is just like the role of a lawyer. An agent can’t give you perfect advice because it’s impossible to know exactly what’s going to happen throughout the transaction – especially in this market. An agent can, however, give you the best advice possible based on the information and situation at hand and lead you to the best offer available. That’s exactly what you want and deserve. If you’re thinking of buying or selling this year, connect with your local real estate expert to make sure you get the best advice possible. Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | Arizona Lifestyle Team | HomeSmart

March 2021

Announcements Catherine Marie Hillman was born on January 25th at 4:34 p.m. to Marley Park Residents, Candy & Casey Hillman. She weighed in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces, and was 20 inches long. She joins big sister, Charlotte, age 4. Welcome to Marley Park, Catherine!

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March 2021

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Marley Park News Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope you are able to get out and safely enjoy some good cheer with your friends and family this month!

Are you looking for a new after 5 location? A great new place called SK Lounge is coming to the Bell and Litchfield area. They are taking over the former Chill’d location and giving it a new look with chandeliers, velvety high-top booths, wine racks and a wine bar/charcuterie-style menu. Be on the lookout for a soft opening in mid-March. Curious about the new multi-tenant shops going up around Costco? Arby’s, Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade, Black Rock Coffee, etc. and Whataburger are all planning to open up there. My Nail Spa and My Barber Shop have opened at Litchfield and Waddell. Goodyear Chiropractic is coming to Reems and Waddell. EOS Fitness is being built behind Freddy’s Steakburgers on Waddell. We have 1000+ new living units proposed for City Center, the square mile that surrounds

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Surprise City Hall. 2021 is shaping up to be the year of new residents at City Center, from the completions of the Royals Player Housing to Mera City Center, six additional residential projects are in planning the area totaling an estimated 1.1 million square feet and $170 million of investment. The Greenway Widening Project is underway from Sarival to Cotton Ln and Greenway Road is closed from February 27th until March 7th. The full project is expected to be complete in late 2021. Our March Council meetings will be on March 2nd and 16th. Live and past Council Meetings can be viewed at https://surprisetv.surpriseaz. gov/. Agendas are posted on our website by the Friday before, so you can see what will be discussed and send me any questions you may have. Anytime you have a question, concern, problem, or idea about the City of Surprise, please contact me directly at chris.judd@ surpriseaz.gov or at 623-222-1326 and I will do what I can to help or get an answer. Submitted by Chris Judd | Vice Mayor | District 6

March 2021

Spiritual Thoughts

Many people say that love is the most powerful of all forces in this world. Personally, I think there is a force that is, if not equal to love, at least a very close second. Discomfort. I have personally done some dangerous and shameful things in the name of discomfort. I have said things I do not believe to get people to like me. I have downed a substantial amount of alcohol to loosen my inhibitions and make awkward conversations a little more tolerable. In my younger years, I permitted physical contact from boys that was humiliating and excruciatingly inappropriate to avoid the even more uncomfortable confrontation. The only solace I get from my struggle with discomfort is that I am not alone. I have heard tragic stories of people being estranged from parents and siblings due to the lack of confrontation from past hurts. I have witnessed an ugly divorce because neither party would initiate the uncomfortable conversation toward healing. Avoiding discomfort is the ultimate

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

relationship poison. Why are we so uncomfortable with being uncomfortable?

Jesus is a man remarkably familiar with discomfort. From the example of his encounters with uneasiness, we learn a particularly important lesson. When we are amid discomfort, we grow the most. People that try to avoid being uncomfortable are missing out on the greatest blessings of life. Jesus tells us the poor in spirit inhabit heaven as well as those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. In other words, when we allow ourselves to experience discomfort in pursuit of love and peace, we discover that we are that much closer to paradise. So, have that uncomfortable conversation. Confront past hurts for the sake of healing. Speak up in the face of injustice. Be content that not everybody is going to want to be your best friend. Let that minor ache in your joints be okay. Be comfortable with discomfort. Submitted by Josie Flancbaum | Marley Park Resident

March 2021

Decorator’s Corner This gorgeous bedroom was designed by Marley Park resident, Kasey Smith.

that when they finally have downtime, that their home and bedroom, feel serene, cozy and relaxing. Pictured here: Bed, West Elm; Nightstands, Z-Gallerie; Chair (nailhead) and Lamps, Pottery Barn; Bench/tree/rugs/pillows, Studio McGee for Target, Drapes and Roman Shades, Overstock.com. The large art piece and wooden chair were finds at an estate sale.

Kasey grew up on the beach in Long Island, NY, and her husband, Ray, went to college in Santa Barbara, CA. They are beach people through and through. Kasey says she likes to bring a relaxed, coastal vibe into their home by incorporating colors and textures that remind her of the beach, including blues, greys, neutrals, natural wood, linen, natural fibers, clean lines, and calming abstract art. She avoids being overtly “nautical”, of course, since we live in the desert!

Kasey has a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from ASU and a Master’s in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. She has graciously agreed to share her design talents and tips with us in a monthly feature, so look forward to seeing more of her amazing work in the future!

Kasey works from home, Ray is a very busy Chef, and they have two young children. It’s important

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident

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March 2021

Perspectives of a Teacher Mom “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” -Dr. Seuss March has been known as a celebratory month for reading, since the late 90s, in conjunction with the famous Theodor Seuss Geisel‘s (AKA Dr. Seuss) day of birth. Dr. Seuss has long been credited with inspiring generations of children to delight in learning to read, and as we find ourselves with more tech advances than ever, I want to encourage you to not forsake reading as a daily necessity of life. Here are a few of my favorite tips for reading with your child. Have a lot of options for reading around the house. Whether you prefer to buy or borrow your reading materials, there are many options for getting books into the hands of your kids. Besides the local library, and retail stores, I enjoy a trip to secondhand stores, for inexpensive books of all kinds. I really love stocking my classroom and my kids’ bookshelves with my awesome book finds from multiple local Goodwill locations.

Do not shy away from requiring a reading time, at home. Kids have so many things competing for their ever-fleeting attentions, that making reading time a rule is a must if you want it to end up a part of their routines. Read together when you can. Although silent reading time is super valuable, reading together, even with older children, is never a bad idea. Life skills (inferencing and reflective thinking, among them) get great practice when families read and discuss together. If possible, read whatever books your kids are reading on their own, so that you can be ready to discuss the content with them. You will not regret the conversations that can be had, by doing that. Last, give your kid a flashlight, and look the other way if they want to read in bed. What better way to be escorted into dream land, than by a book? “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.”—Dr. Seuss Submitted by Theresa DeLong | Marley Park Resident

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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

March 2021

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The rules are the same as with sudoku: 1. The numbers you can use are from 1 to 9. 2. In each row and in each column each number can appear only once. sudoku puzzles havesee thethe same rules as each regular sudoku 3. In a Division region (an area of 3x3 fields bold lines) number canpuzzles. only appears standard once. sudoku rules apply to each 9 x 9 grid. Place digits from 1 to 9 in each empty 4. In some cells you get a clue. Use the answer of the cluecontain to finish theofpuzzle. Every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box should one each digit.

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In some cells you get a clue. Use the answer of the clue to start the puzzle. Good Luck! Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com 3/3

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WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD! 14 Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

March 2021

Crossword

Crossword Puzzle #1 1

23 25

33 37

35 38

48 50

43 47

ACROSS 1 5 9 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 23 24 25 28 31 32 34 36

Collect leaves Clothes Take down Swiss-like cheese __ Lee (pie brand name) Same cite as previous Jewish scribe Thin pancake Peter, for short ___ da Vinci Porcelain clay Sailors "hey" Cat cries Relating to the mail Erases Parlay Italian "dollars" Native ruler South southeast

37 38 39 41 43 44 46 48 49 50 53 57 58 60 61 62 63 64 65 66

Thiefʼs hideout Bullfight cheer Relate List of candidates On top Impure Mother superior Courtyard Parent teacher groups Be plentiful Duress Dirt road Lazy person Fringy Skirt Flawlessness Single Aroma Charts Sleigh

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 20 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 35 40 41 42 43 45 47 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 59

Pull in a fish Wood tool Corn syrup brand Come forth Late Brand of sandwich cookie Breach Money Retort Cain killed him Type of pasta Adam's garden Coiled paper Expression of surprise Admiration Intended Then Beginning Inscribed stone Horror Show emotions Grain storage towers Lazed about Representatives Syrupy alcoholic drink Arena Diner Inflamed area Holy woman Forbid Writers Singing voice Data transmission rate Upon Prune Teen hero Leer at Penury Cell stuff

March 2021

SOLD IN MARLEY PARK

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!* JUST LISTED

JUST LISTED

UNDER CONTRACT ON DAY 1

15145 W Alexandria Way

15306 W Surrey Dr

15227 W Bloomfield Rd

12378 N 153rd Ln

14973 W Alexandria Way

List Price....................$300,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,517 Lot Sq Ft..........................3.968

List Price....................$400,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,022 Lot Sq Ft........................13,909 Amenities.................. Double Lot

List Price....................$545,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,929 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,680 Amenities ........................... Pool ..............................3-Car Garage

Sq Ft ...............................1,353 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,483 Amenities ....... Amazing Backyard

Sq Ft ...............................1,915 Lot Sq Ft..........................4,483 Amenities ................ Wood Floors

UNDER CONTRACT

SOLD

14299 W Valentine St

17425 W Willow Ave

15169 W Corrine Dr

14932 W Voltaire St

12730 N 154th Ln

List Price....................$345,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,915 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,374

Homestead at Marley Park

Sold Price ..................$280,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,382 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,342 Amenities ...... Beautiful Backyard

Sold Price ..................$345,000 List Price....................$340,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,085 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,600 Amenities ............ Mountain View

Homestead at Marley Park

Buyer Represented by Arizona Lifestyle Team Buyer Specialist.

Sold Price ..................$361,500 List Price....................$360,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,418 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,593 Amenities............... 3 Car Garage

SOLD

SOLD FOR FULL PRICE

SOLD IN 2 DAYS

14148 W Willow Ave

15261 W Valentine St

14133 W Valentine St

14797 W Pershing St

14878 W Georgia Dr

Sold Price ..................$350,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,619 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,341 Amenities .............. 3 Car Garage

Sold Price ..................$315,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,104 Lot Sq Ft........................12,270 Amenities ............... Quarter Acre

Sold Price ..................$289,895 Lot Sq Ft..........................3,600

Homestead at Marley Park Buyer Represented by Arizona Lifestyle Team Buyer Specialist.

Sold Price ..................$440,000 Sq Ft ...............................3,394 Lot Sq Ft........................10,680 Amenities .............. 4 Car Garage

Sold Price ..................$334,890 Sq Ft ...............................2,027 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,175

Homestead at Marley Park 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 1/1/21.

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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