The Front Porch

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

Talia Uretksy, 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.

Welcome to the latest issue of The Front Porch magazine! As our vibrant community of Marley Park continues to grow and thrive, we are excited to share with you the latest news, events, and stories that make our neighborhood such a special place to call home.

In this edition, we are thrilled to present our cover story, which shines a spotlight on a unique and heartwarming tale from one of our very own Marley Park families. Their experiences and insights showcase the strong sense of community and belonging that sets our neighborhood apart.

As we look to the future, we invite you to take an active role in shaping our community by participating in the upcoming Board of Directors election. Your involvement and input are essential to ensuring that Marley Park continues to flourish, and we encourage all residents to make their voices heard in this important process.

We are also delighted to extend a warm welcome to our new neighbors, and we encourage everyone to join us at the upcoming new neighbor welcome event. This is a fantastic opportunity to forge new connections and build lasting friendships within our community.

For those seeking to declutter and find new treasures, be sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming community garage sale. It’s the perfect chance to buy, sell, and trade items while enjoying the company of fellow residents.

In the spirit of fostering a close-knit community, we are excited to announce the Coffee in the

Park event. Join us for a casual and welcoming gathering where you can connect with neighbors.

As we approach the spring season, we are eagerly anticipating the Marley Park Easter Festival. Stay tuned for details on this fun-filled event that promises to bring joy and laughter to our neighborhood.

Finally, we are pleased to share news of the relaunch of the Surprise Recycling Program, underscoring our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Your participation in this initiative is invaluable, and we encourage everyone to join us in making a positive impact on our community and the planet.

In the words of Henry Ford, let’s remember that “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.”

See you on The Front Porch!

Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine

Recycling Program

The City of Surprise has announced the return of its curbside recycling program in collaboration with Waste Management, set to commence on March 4. Residents are required to place their trash and recycling bins at the curb by 6 a.m., following specific placement guidelines. To determine their pick-up day, residents can refer to the MySurprise App and sign up for weekly reminders. The city has been actively preparing residents for the program through a pre-launch initiative that began in July.

Accepted recyclables include paper, approved plastics, cardboard, aluminum or tin cans, and glass bottles, all of which should be rinsed and dried. The Public Works team will monitor the bins and provide guidance to residents who are not recycling properly, with violators receiving notices. Additional information can be found at surpriseaz. gov/Recycle.

Residents are advised to adhere to the following guidelines in preparation for their designated

pick-up day: Trash and recycling bins must be placed at the curb by 6 a.m. Position bins on the street against the curb, with the handle side closest to your home. Ensure that both containers are at least four feet apart from each other and from nearby obstacles such as fences, light posts, and mailboxes. Keep all vehicles a minimum of 15 feet away from the bins.

The City of Surprise’s reintroduction of the curbside recycling program in partnership with Waste Management marks an important step towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. By adhering to the specified guidelines for bin placement and recycling practices, residents can contribute to the success of the program and make a positive impact on the community. With the city’s proactive efforts to educate and support residents in their recycling endeavors, this initiative is poised to foster a culture of eco-consciousness and waste reduction. As the program prepares to launch on March 4, the City of Surprise looks forward to the collective efforts of its residents in embracing this opportunity to promote a cleaner, greener future for all.

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Homeowner

Yum Yum

Traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie

What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with some traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie? This comfort meal is perfect for any season. A common misconception about Shepherd’s Pie is that it’s made with beef. However, a Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, while a Cottage Pie uses ground beef. This recipe is easily interchangeable, so you can use whichever meat you prefer. Tip: if you have a large enough cast iron pan USE IT! Nothing feels more homey than a meal in a cast iron pan.

Ingredients (8-10 servings)

• Mashed potatoes

2 tbsp sour cream

Salt and pepper

• Filling

4 tbsp unsalted butter

1 1/2 lbs ground lamb, or ground beef if preferred

1 white onion, chopped

1 tbsp fresh thyme (sub 2 tsp dried thyme)

1 tbsp fresh rosemary (sub 2 tsp dried rosemary)

½ cup beef broth

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 cups frozen veggies (peas, carrots, corn)

Steps

• Preheat oven to 400° F

3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered

4 tbsp unsalted butter

¾ cup milk

• Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a medium-sized pot filled with water. Add salt and bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.

• While potatoes cook, melt 4 tbsp butter in a large pan on medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, 6-10 min.

• Add ground meat to the pan and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, if necessary—season with salt and pepper. Add your frozen veggies towards the end, as they take very little time to cook.

• Add Worcestershire sauce and beef broth to the pan. Bring to a simmer and reduce to low. Cook uncovered for 10 mins, stirring occasionally. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

• Mash the potatoes, add 4 tbsp of butter, sour cream, and milk. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper.

• Layer the mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture in either an oven-safe pan or a casserole dish. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until browned and bubbling. ENJOY!

We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your gorgeous Shepherd’s Pie or tag us on social media @ EstrellaPublishing.

Easter Festival

Mark your calendars, Marley Park Community Association residents, because the highly anticipated Annual Marley Park Easter Festival is just around the corner! On March 30th, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Founders Park will come alive with the joy and excitement of Easter celebrations for the whole family.

The highlight of the event will be the traditional Marley Park Easter Egg Hunt, a beloved activity that promises fun and surprises for children of all ages. As the little ones eagerly search for colorful eggs hidden throughout the park, the air will be filled with laughter and delight.

But that’s not all - the festival will also feature a wide array of additional activities and festivities to keep the Easter spirit going strong. There will be something for everyone to enjoy!

This wonderful community event is made possible by the Marley Park Community Association, who have been working tirelessly to ensure that

this year’s Easter Festival will be an unforgettable experience for all who attend. For more information about the event or to get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Marley Park Community Association. They will be more than happy to provide you with all the details you need to make the most of this special day.

So, gather your family and friends, and come join us at Founders Park for a day of Easter fun and togetherness. Let’s celebrate the joys of the season and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Get ready for a day of laughter, excitement, and community spirit - it’s an event you won’t want to miss! We can’t wait to see you there!

Submitted

by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Homeowner

On Our Cover

Infertility is a deeply personal struggle that impacts one’s identity, aspirations, and emotional wellbeing. It often leads to feelings of sorrow, anger, guilt, and anxiety, with the distress sometimes invisible to others, making it an intensely private pain.

I’ve always envisioned motherhood for myself. My battle with infertility started at 16, due to Stage 4 Endometriosis, Lupus and PCOS, which included a pregnancy loss and an emergency hysterectomy. During the 2020 pandemic, my husband and I looked into alternative paths to parenthood when my best friend offered to become our surrogate.

After three attempts, success: she was pregnant, and I was on my way to becoming a mother—a dream I had long harbored. I reveled in the anticipation of motherhood, knowing the type of mother I would become was less important than the opportunity to love our child unconditionally.

Our son was born on May 30th, a joyous and healthy addition to our family and I was able to be

in the delivery room. I’m eternally grateful for our surrogate’s support and the chance to experience the joys of parenthood, including late-night diaper changes, sleepless nights and playdates fueled by endless cups of coffee.

Our surrogate’s selflessness and strength have been the cornerstone of this journey. She offered an alternative route to parenthood without hesitation, lifting us from despair when all hope seemed lost. Her serene presence has been a beacon of hope and she is more than a friend—she is family.

For our surrogate, facing infertility was something she never knew the pain of being denied the option of pregnancy and childbirth and she can surmise that surrogacy might feel like an inadequate substitute. It’s natural to fear being seen as less of a mother or to feel that you need to overcompensate once the child is home. Yet, the essence of motherhood isn’t solely in the physical act of carrying a child. It’s the heart you give and the bond that forms when you hold your child for the first time.

This pregnancy was like carrying a nephew to her and her ultimate goal was to bring him to his true family. She believes that the real sacrifice in motherhood isn’t the body but the heart. This journey has shown that love, not just biology, is what truly defines a family.

Submitted by Christine Rumpf | Marley Park Resident

Community Garage Sale

The Marley Park neighborhood is buzzing with excitement as the twice-annual Community Garage Sale approaches. Mark your calendars for March 2nd, because this is an event you don’t want to miss! From 7:00 am onwards, the neighborhood will come alive with the sights and sounds of bargain hunters and treasure seekers.

The Community Garage Sale is a beloved tradition in Marley Park, taking place on the first Saturday in March and the first Saturday in November each year. It’s an opportunity for residents to declutter their homes, earn some extra cash, and connect with their neighbors. You can set up your own sale right at your doorstep in your garage, driveway, or yard.

The Marley Park Community Association handles the advertising and provides signs at the main entrances to the community. Residents are also encouraged to create their own directional signs to supplement the official ones, ensuring that shoppers can easily navigate the neighborhood and find all the hidden gems on offer.

One of the highlights of the Community Garage Sale is the beautiful Arizona spring weather. With the scorching summer heat not yet upon us, participants can enjoy a pleasant and comfortable shopping experience. The crisp air and clear skies create the perfect ambiance for strolling through the neighborhood, browsing the array of items for sale, and striking up conversations with fellow residents.

The diversity of goods available at the Community Garage Sale is astounding. From furniture and appliances to clothing and toys, you’re bound to find something that catches your eye. Whether you’re searching for a vintage piece of furniture to add character to your home or looking for gently

used baby items, this event is a treasure trove of possibilities.

Beyond the thrill of finding great deals, the Community Garage Sale fosters a strong sense of community spirit. It provides an opportunity for residents to meet their neighbors, forge new connections, and strengthen the bonds within the Marley Park neighborhood. It’s not just about buying and selling; it’s about coming together and celebrating the unique fabric of this close-knit community.

So, grab your shopping bags and get ready for a day of excitement and exploration at the Marley Park Community Garage Sale. Whether you’re a seasoned bargain hunter or just looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday morning, be prepared to discover hidden treasures that you never knew you needed.

Happy shopping!

Submitted by

Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Homeowner

Legal Advice

Beneficiary Deed: Better Than Probate

If you want one or two adult to receive your home or real estate upon your death, a Beneficiary Deed is an effective, inexpensive way to avoid probate. A Beneficiary Deed is basically a “pay on death designation” for real property.

The Beneficiary Deed is fully revocable. The owner retains control of the property. There is no need to consult the beneficiaries upon sale or be concerned about the beneficiaries’ creditors. This is not the case when the property is owned as joint tenants with right of survivorship.

The Beneficiary Deed is a great tool for people who have all other assets in accounts which have beneficiary designations of some type. The Beneficiary Deed is not a good tool if you want to leave your real property to more than two people, to minors or to adults with special needs receiving government assistance.

In those instances, a trust is the best non-stress way to avoid probate.

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 visit www.sharonravenscroft.com

Home Sweet Home

Based on what you’re hearing in the news about home prices, you may be worried they’re falling. But here’s the thing. The headlines aren’t giving you the full picture. If you look at the national data for 2023, home prices showed positive growth for the year. While this varies by market, and while there were some months with slight declines nationally, those were the exception, not the rule. The overarching story is that prices went up last year, not down. Let’s dive into the data to set the record straight.

If anything, last year marked a return to more normal home price appreciation. To prove it, here’s what usually happens in residential real estate. In the housing market, there are predictable ebbs and flows that take place each year. It’s called seasonality. It goes like this. Spring is the peak homebuying season when the market is most active. That activity is usually still strong in the summer, but begins to wane toward the end of the year. Home prices follow along with this seasonality because prices grow the most when there’s high demand.

For nearly 50 years, home prices have matched typical market seasonality. At the beginning of the year, home prices grow more moderately. That’s because

the market is less active as fewer people move in January and February. Then, as the market transitions into the peak homebuying season in the spring, activity ramps up. That means home prices do too. Then, as fall and winter approach, activity eases again and prices grow, just at a slower rate.

Headlines are going to call attention to the small month-to-month dips instead of the bigger year-long picture. And that can be a bit misleading because it’s only focused on one part of the whole story. Instead, remember last year we saw the return of seasonality in the housing market – and that’s a good thing after home prices skyrocketed unsustainably during the ‘unicorn’ years of the pandemic. And just in case you’re still worried home prices will fall, don’t be. The expectation for this year is that prices will continue to appreciate as buyers re-enter the market due to mortgage rates trending down compared to last year. As buyer demand goes up and more people move at the same time the supply of homes for sale is still low, the upward pressure on prices will continue.

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | REAL Broker

New Residents

Are you a new resident in Marley Park? If so, the Marley Park Community Association has a special invitation just for you. It’s time to step out and meet your neighbors, community representatives, and immerse yourself in the warm and welcoming environment that Marley Park has to offer.

Life Beyond Your Front Door is an event designed to help new residents like you feel right at home. If you’ve moved into your home within the past twelve months, we encourage you to join us for a delightful morning of introductions, information, and refreshments.

The event will take place on March 2nd from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Marley Park Heritage Club. This will be a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with your fellow neighbors and learn more about the vibrant community you’ve become a part of. Whether you’re seeking local recommendations, interested in community activities, or simply want to make new friends, Life Beyond Your Front Door is the perfect place to start.

We invite you to RSVP by contacting the Marley Park Community Association at MarleyParkOfficial@ gmail.com or by calling 623466-8825. By confirming your attendance, you can help us ensure that we have enough refreshments and resources to make your experience as enjoyable and informative as possible.

So, mark your calendar, get ready to mingle, and come join us at the Marley Park Heritage Club. We can’t wait to meet you and extend a warm welcome to the neighborhood.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to us. Welcome to Marley Park – we’re thrilled to have you as part of our community, and we look forward to seeing you at Life Beyond Your Front Door.

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Homeowner

Elections

It’s that time of year again! The Marley Park Community Association is gearing up for its annual Board of Directors election, and we want to make sure all residents are informed about the process. Your participation in this election is crucial to shaping the future of our community, so please take note of the important dates and details below.

If you prefer to vote by mail, be sure to request a mail-in ballot from the Marley Park Community Association office. Completed mail-in ballots must be received by the office no later than 5:00 pm on March 8th. We encourage those who choose this option to plan ahead and submit their ballots in a timely manner.

For residents who prefer the convenience of electronic voting, the electronic voting period will close at 11:59 pm on March 10th. We strongly encourage all eligible voters to take advantage of electronic voting, as it is a quick and efficient way to make your voice heard in the election. The results of the Board of Directors election will

be announced at the Marley Park Community Association Annual Meeting, which will take place on March 13th at 6:00 pm. Meeting are held via Zoom, allowing residents to participate from the comfort of their homes. We hope to see a great turnout at this important event, where we will not only announce the election results but also discuss the future plans and initiatives for our community.

Your participation in the Board of Directors election is vital to ensuring that the voices of all Marley Park residents are heard. By taking part in the election process, you have the opportunity to help shape the direction of our community and contribute to its ongoing success.

We hope to see a strong voter turnout this year, and we encourage all residents to mark these important dates on their calendars. Thank you for your continued involvement in making Marley Park a wonderful place to call home.

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Homeowner

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.

Try your hand at the word search and crossword too!

Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Difficulty: Easy Monday, 12th February 2024