The Front Porch by Estrella Publishing

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

June 2021

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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June 2021

Welcome to your June edition! The Front Porch Magazine is in its 5 year of publication. The idea for a community magazine was something I had rolled around for several years before finally reaching out to Estrella Publishing in 2016 about forming a partnership. Catherine and Al Uretsky, the owners of Estrella Publishing, had the resources and experience needed to make this a quality publication and an asset to the community. In a world of digital communication, it is nice to receive something real and tangible once a month! th

The magazine has been a huge success over the years and, aside from the Estrella Publishing, most of the credit for that goes to the amazing neighbors and community members who have so graciously volunteered their time and expertise to contributing meaningful content that is interesting and relevant to our readers. More than anything, · Open every night from 5 pm to 1 am my vision for · Every child seen by a pediatrician · Faster than the emergency room The Front Porch · Online registration to get into queue Magazine was or register for telehealth visit · Telehealth visits from anywhere in AZ for it to be “by · AHCCCS and most major insurance neighbors, for accepted, cash pay rates available neighbors”, and · Easy access off 101 and I-10 the community · Rapid COVID testing available effort toward 623-643-9233 making that GoodNightPeds.com vision a reality has surpassed 10320 W McDowell Rd Bldg. L, my expectations! Avondale Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

Of course, printing and mailing a publication every month comes with a cost, and I am also incredibly grateful to our wonderful advertisers who support the magazine financially by purchasing ad space every month. It is important to note that the businesses who advertise in The Front Porch Magazine, are not just “any” businesses! Most of them are owned by people that I know personally; people who live and work right here in our community. In fact, I can personally vouch for many of them, as I have either utilized their services myself or referred them to my clients over the years. I truly hope that you look forward to receiving The Front Porch Magazine every month and that it has become a fixture on your coffee table or kitchen counter. As you peruse the pages of this month’s issue, take the time to get to know a few of our neighbors through their article contributions. Also, if you would like to contribute your own writing, please contact me; we are always welcoming additional content contributors. In the words of John Sarris, “I return to my front porch to find a place where the air smells sweeter and the sun feels warmer than at any other bend in life’s long road.” See you on The Front Porch!

Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine June 2021

On Our Cover

Jada Allender grew up on a farm, the only child of a single mom, and spent most of her childhood caring for animals. She started middle school at age 9, after skipping a few grades in elementary school. At age 12, she started high school, a full two years before most of her peers. Graduating from high school at age 16, Jada was one of the youngest in her class at the University of Oregon. She finished her undergraduate program in just three years and obtained her bachelor’s degree at age 19. It was late in her college career when Jada decided that she wanted to go to law school. She spent six weeks studying for the LSAT, about half the time the average law school hopeful studies. She took the test in June after graduation. By June, most law schools have already completed their admissions for the year, so Jada applied to Arizona State University, one of the few law schools offering rolling admissions that would allow her to start in August. She – and her mom, Sarah – started packing for a move to Arizona.

During her first two years of law school, Jada worked as a summer associate at Snell & Wilmer, the largest law firm in Arizona. She graduated last month with a JD and Master of Sports Law and Business (MSLB) degree from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU. She has accepted an offer from Snell & Wilmer to return as full-time corporate attorney. Jada and Sarah lived in the Biltmore area during Jada’s first two years of law school but decided to start exploring the valley when the pandemic started. They were looking for a neighborhood with a community feel, lots of parks and outdoor space they could explore while social distancing, and enough trees and grass to remind them of home. After visiting various cities throughout the Valley, Marley Park turned out to be a perfect fit. I asked Jada where she sees herself in ten years. She said she hopes to make partner at her firm, a feat that typically takes longer to accomplish. At just 22 now, there is a good chance she’ll make partner before age 30. Congratulations on your graduation, Jada. We look forward to hearing about your future accomplishments! Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident

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June 2021

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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

June 2021

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June 2021

Home Sweet Home If you are a buyer in the current real estate market, you probably know that competing offers, bidding wars, and shocking rates of appreciation make buying a home right now challenging and stressful. It takes patience and perseverance, an experienced agent, and no small amount of grit to make it happen.

If you are a seller, this market may seem like a dream. Every day your equity appears to be increasing and you can name your terms in any transaction. In every sellers’ market, however, the same mistakes are made repeatedly by overconfident sellers. Accepting an offer on the first day of the listing might seem like a great idea. After all, “sold in one day!” means your home was so desirable that the first buyer who came along couldn’t wait to snatch it up…right? In a highly unbalanced market, however, accepting an offer quickly often means leaving money on the table. It can be much more advantageous to market the property for several days in order to allow time for more showings which usually leads to multiple offers.

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

A good agent will leverage offers against one another and create a bidding war, ultimately obtaining the best price as well as the best terms for the seller. Things like the seller’s ideal closing date, buyer waiving home warranty, paying for HOA transfer, agreeing to pay cash over appraisal, or even offering the seller a free short term post-closing possession can make the whole process of selling and moving much more convenient with higher net proceeds for the seller. In this market, it is critical that you hire an experienced agent that has been through more than one overheated sellers’ market so they know how to play the game to your benefit. In future issues, I’ll be touching on the correct pricing strategies for a sellers’ market, the pitfalls of selling without an agent, and the temptation to accept investor offers. Stay tuned for details on how these things are affected by a strong sellers’ market and what you can do to be sure you are making the most of the current market if you are planning to sell. Submitted by Christie Giannetto| REALTOR® | Arizona Lifestyle Team | HomeSmart

June 2021

Class of 2021 Dear Class of 2021,

The 20-21 school year was arguably one of the toughest school years of all time, for students and teachers alike. After years of hard work toward the milestone of graduation, enduring a senior year full of ever-changing pandemic protocol was a challenge no one expected. As a 2021 graduate, you should be extra-proud of this amazing milestone this year. You did it! Whatever your plans are for the next steps in your life, allow yourself the time and space to acknowledge both the adversities and triumphs of the past year. You and your peers have consistently found new ways learning, doing, accomplishing, and celebrating. As the whole world has been forced to do the same, those skills will be invaluable to you in the years to come. Now, more than ever, we need YOU to contribute to process of adapting, overcoming challenges, and creating new pathways to success. The world needs your strength, your creativity, your

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willingness to accept change, and your ability to find the silver linings among the clouds. You are the generation that will be shaped by the crisis of a global pandemic and you must decide how it will shape you. Thank you for your hard work toward achieving graduation. It means you have taken the next step toward becoming a positive contribution to our society. Remember, in the words of Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop.” You are starting a new chapter in your story… write a good one!

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident

June 2021

Congratulations to these Marley Park residents and members of the Class of 2021! Calysta Csar……….………………....Imagine Prep Caitlin Daly…...……..Willow Canyon High School Ayanna Green…....Sunrise Mountain High School Ashley Herrera……….Independence High School Trinity Johnson…...Raymond S Kellis High School Natalie Laizure………Willow Canyon High School Hayden Larkin…………………Dysart High School Vienna Lopez…….….Shadow Ridge High School Alexandra Ludke…………..Imagine Prep Surprise Bailey Mauss…...……Northern Arizona University Lindsay Mauss…........Shadow Ridge High School Michaela Melara…….Willow Canyon High School Mia Molina………….…………Dysart High School Emily Poling…………Willow Canyon High School Ryan Prunty…………..Shadow Ridge High School Candice Sipe…Estrella Mountain Comm. College Crystal Sipe…..Estrella Mountain Comm. College Dylan Tanderup……………………..Highland Prep

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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

June 2021

Teen Talk

Perfectionism. What is it? When I think of perfectionism, I tend to think of it as a negative thing. But being a perfectionist myself makes me a little biased. I am such a perfectionist I will rewrite my class notes ten times because I do not like the way my handwriting looks. Or I will redo a homework assignment that I just spent an hour completing. One might think “Oh, being a perfectionist is a good thing. An overachiever! What’s wrong with that?” I am here to tell you being a perfectionist is a lot more than just wanting the best for yourself. Research studies have found that perfectionists have an increased chance of developing a bipolar or anxiety disorder. The relationship between mental health problems and perfectionism is close. So, how can we eliminate striving to be perfect? For a long time, I thought there was no hope for me. And do not get me wrong I still am a perfectionist. But I am a lot less intense because I have strengthened my relationship with God.

Nowadays, if I do not meet my impractical goals or if I am not happy with something, I try not to have such a preposterous reaction. It is still difficult for me not to rewrite my school notes after the first draft or to not try to control an event or project so it is perfect. However, I now ask myself “a year from now, am I going to want to remember trying to plan events to a T or am I going to want to remember all of the happy moments that were not controlled?” The answer: I want to remember the happy moments. I also ask myself why I set these impossible standards for myself to be perfect? I am not perfect and that is okay. The only perfect person to walk this earth was Jesus Christ. I would like to leave you with this. If you are anything like me, next time your perfectionist tendencies try to control the way you react, try not to be so hard on yourself. Remember that it is great to have goals but make sure they do not cross the line! You were not meant to be perfect so stop trying to be. Submitted by Riley LeBlanc | Age 15 | Marley Park Resident

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June 2021

Yum Yum

Salad Ingredients:

• Butter lettuce (2 heads) • Mango (2) diced • Cooked chicken breast (2-3) shredded • Cilantro (1/2 bunch) chopped • Green Onions (1/2 c. sliced) • Mint (1/4 c. torn) • Thai Basil (1/4 c. torn) • Thai Chili or Red Bell Pepper (thinly sliced) • Salted roasted peanuts (chopped) Dressing Ingredients: • 1/4 c. vegetable oil • 1/4 c. seasoned rice vinegar (ACV will work too) • 1 Tbsp. fish sauce • 3 Tbsp. smooth peanut butter (microwave until softened)

This salad will also accommodate more vegetables such as sliced cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, carrot shreds, or snap peas. The sky is the limit! Just double the dressing if you are adding more vegetables. Enjoy!

Combine all the dressing ingredients except oil. Microwave until peanut butter is softened. Wisk in 1/4 c. vegetable oil until fully combined and smooth. Toss lettuce, peppers, cilantro, basil, mint, green onions with 3 tablespoons of vinaigrette.

Submitted by Elizabeth Wagher | Marley Park Resident

Arrange lettuce into cup shapes on four plates. Place shredded chicken into the four lettuce cup piles and top with dressed herbs/ peppers. Spoon the rest of the vinaigrette over each plate. Top with peanuts if you want extra crunch.

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

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June 2021

Decorating 411

Nothing comes close to the look and feel of handmade objects. There is an energy exchange between the material and the maker that yields an emotional response both visually (in the way that it attracts the eye) and physically (in how it transforms a room). Rattan wicker is certainly one of those crafts that has always inspired me. I am especially drawn to vintage rattan furniture and décor for their ability to infuse some soul into a space. These pieces will also create visual interest and give an “earthiness” to sleeker, modern spaces. Wicker, rattan, woven pieces, and furniture that

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

incorporates caning are having a major moment in 2021. Luckily, this trend is easy and affordable. Swapping out old lampshades for the rattan variety adds texture and warmth to a space. Adding a rattan accent chair is another great way to get in on the trend. Rattan pieces are everywhere. For more unique and vintage finds look to Etsy, E-Bay, Facebook Marketplace, or The Brass Armadillo (located in Goodyear). If you are still on the fence, simply adding smaller décor pieces, such as a rattan fruit basket, a woven vase or planter, or a basket or two to organize extra blankets or pillows, will help achieve the look. Submitted by Kasey Smith | Marley Park Resident

June 2021

Artist’s Corner Having been quilting for about 50 years, I have been appreciative of the opportunity to participate in virtual quilting groups during the pandemic. For the quilt pictured, the virtual group was led by Alex Anderson who is very well known in quilting circles and co-hosts The Quilt Show website. I have always enjoyed hand appliqué and have wanted to make a basket quilt, a very old pattern, for some time. I have also wanted to do a red and white quilt, so this was the perfect opportunity. For this quilt, I used the suggested fabric line but made my own choices about size, color, and placement of the blocks. I did not have quite enough fabric for the borders, so I improvised the corners. I’m thrilled with how it turned out! Submitted by Sheryl Messenger | Marley Park Resident

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June 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 Puzzle #19 can only Samurai appear once inSudoku every row, column and 3x3 box. Good Luck! Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com 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 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box.

1 5

9 1

8 9

6 3

6 5

5 6

9 2 9

5 8

7 1

3 5

1 7

9 6

8 4

6 8

9 3

6 1

6 7

3 5

2 3

Samurai sudoku grid, symmetric, beginner No 19 Created: https://www.sudoku-puzzles-online.com

Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine

June 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

UNDER CONTRACT

SOLD FOR FULL PRICE

SOLD FOR $25K OVER APPRAISAL

14748 W Surrey Dr

12359 N 152nd Dr

14955 W Alexandria Way

15171 W Andora St

15227 W Bloomfield Rd

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

List Price....................$430,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,010 Lot Sq Ft..........................8,842 Amenities............... 3 Car Garage

List Price....................$360,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,092 Lot Sq Ft..........................4,483 Amenities ............... Bonus Room

List 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 ..............................3-Car Garage

SOLD FOR $15K OVER LIST

SOLD FOR $10K OVER LIST

SOLD FOR $30K OVER LIST

SOLD FOR FULL PRICE

12378 N 153rd Ln

14299 W Valentine St

15306 W Surrey Dr

14973 W Alexandria Way

15145 W Alexandria Way

Sold Price ..................$335,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,353 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,483 Amenities ....... Amazing Backyard

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

Sold Price ..................$430,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,022 Lot Sq Ft........................13,909 Amenities.................. Double Lot

Sold Price ..................$350,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,915 Lot Sq Ft..........................4,483 Amenities ................ Wood Floors

Sold Price ..................$300,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,517 Lot Sq Ft..........................3,968

SOLD

17425 W Willow Ave

15169 W Corrine Dr

14932 W Voltaire St

12730 N 154th Ln

14148 W Willow Ave

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 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

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

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

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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