The Front Porch

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Welcome to your June issue!

Welcome to the latest issue of The Front Porch Magazine, a community publication designed for the residents of Marley Park and Homestead at Marley Park. In response to your feedback, we are excited to present an edition that includes information tailored to the vibrant community of Homestead at Marley Park.

In the coming weeks, both neighborhoods will be buzzing with art-related events that promise to enrich your life. Homestead at Marley Park residents can look forward to a creative Board and Brush event, while those in Marley Park Community Association (MPCA) will have the opportunity to unwind at a delightful Paint and Sip gathering. For specific details and registration instructions, please turn the pages ahead.

We are also thrilled to highlight the annual StarSpangled Celebration, a cherished tradition that brings

together MPCA residents in a joyous commemoration of our shared values and community spirit. Be sure to delve into the article dedicated to this upcoming event and mark your calendars for a memorable celebration.

As the summer sun shines brightly upon us, we encourage you to make the most of this season of warmth and leisure. Whether you seek respite from the heat with a getaway to scenic northern Arizona or opt for a leisurely stroll amidst the serene beauty of our local parks and greenspaces, let this be a time of rejuvenation and exploration. Remember to embrace the early hours of the day for walks and outdoor activities, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and the tranquil ambiance that morning brings. Let the essence of summer inspire you to connect with nature, engage with your community, and savor the simple joys that each day offers.

We hope this issue of The Front Porch Magazine serves as a valuable resource and a source of inspiration as you navigate the vibrant tapestry of life in Marley Park and Homestead at Marley Park. Wishing you a season filled with warmth, creativity, and memorable moments shared with loved ones.

In the words of Kenny Chesney, “It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine ... It’s summertime!”

See you on The Front Porch!

Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine

Community Event

Star Spangled Celebration

As the summer sun shines bright and the patriotic spirit soars high, Marley Park residents are gearing up for the much-anticipated Annual 4th of July Celebration set to take place on July 4th, 2024. This year’s festivities promise to be bigger and better than ever, offering a day filled with fun, food, and fireworks that are sure to delight attendees of all ages.

Mark your calendars for this star-spangled spectacular event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the picturesque Heritage Pool located at 13423 N Founders Park Blvd. Tickets for this exciting celebration will be on sale from June 17th to June 30th, exclusively on mymarleypark.com. Please note that tickets will not be available for purchase at the gate, so be sure to secure yours ahead of time.

Priced at $7 each for individuals aged 4 and above (with children aged 3 and under enjoying free admission), these non-refundable tickets offer access to a plethora of activities and entertainment throughout the day. The merriment will kick off bright and early at 7 a.m. with a scrumptious Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast at the Heritage Club, followed by the vibrant Annual 4th of July Parade.

At 10 a.m., the main event, the Star-Spangled Celebration, will commence in full swing. Attendees can look forward to a thrilling lineup of water slides, delectable food offerings, lively music, and refreshing Kona Ice treats—all included with the price of admission. It’s a day of wholesome family fun that you wouldn’t want to miss!

This event is exclusively for Marley Park Community Association residents, offering them a chance to come together and celebrate the nation’s independence in a community-centric setting. So gather your friends, family, and neighbors, and get ready to make lasting memories at Marley Park’s most anticipated event of the summer.

Join us as we paint the town red, white, and blue in a dazzling display of patriotism and camaraderie. Let’s come together to honor the land of the free and the home of the brave in style at Marley Park’s Annual 4th of July Celebration!

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident

Paint & Sip

Are you looking for a fun and creative way to spend an evening? Look no further than Marley Park’s upcoming Paint and Sip Night! This exclusive event, reserved solely for Marley Park Community Association (MPCA) residents, promises an evening filled with art, wine, and socializing. Scheduled for June 8 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Heritage Pool House Multipurpose Room, this event is the perfect opportunity to tap into your artistic side in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

For just $30 per person, attendees will have access to all the necessary painting supplies and guidance to create their own masterpiece. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a novice looking to explore your creativity, Paint and Sip Night is open to all ages (over 21) and skill levels. The event encourages residents to bring their favorite wine to enjoy while they paint, as we all know a little wine can help the creative juices flow!

a night of fun, laughter, and artistic expression. However, with limited seating available, interested residents are urged to secure their spots promptly. To register, simply visit mymarleypark.com and navigate to the “Community Events” tab to reserve your place at this highly anticipated event.

As a resident-exclusive event, attendees are required to bring their resident key fob for access. This evening promises not only an opportunity to create art but also a chance to connect with fellow MPCA residents in a vibrant and engaging setting. So, mark your calendars, gather your creative spirit, and get ready to paint the night away at Marley Park’s Paint and Sip Night!

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to unwind, socialize, and unleash your inner artist. Secure your spot today and get ready for a memorable evening of painting and sipping with your fellow Marley Park residents!

Located at Heritage Pool’s Multi-Purpose Room on 13423 N Founders Park Blvd, this event promises

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident

Trivia Night

Residents of Homestead at Marley Park, get ready to put your thinking caps on because the Social Committee is considering hosting a funfilled trivia night on the evening of Tuesday, June 25th. This event promises to be a fantastic opportunity for neighbors to come together, showcase their knowledge, and have a great time in the process.

The committee is hoping to see teams of four compete against each other in a battle of wits and knowledge. Whether you consider yourself a trivia mastermind or are just looking for a fun evening with your neighbors, this event is sure to be a hit for all participants.

fellow residents, the committee will help match you up with likeminded individuals to form a team. Of course, if you already have a group of friends in mind, feel free to bring your own team and show off your collective brainpower.

To express your interest in participating in the trivia night, simply reach out to Cariann Stockard at cfranco@ associatedasset.com. Let her know that you’re eager to join in on the fun, and she will provide you with further details about the event as they become available.

One of the best parts of this trivia night is that you don’t need to assemble your own team to participate. If you’re flying solo and looking to join forces with

This trivia night promises to be a highlight on the Homestead at Marley Park social calendar, offering residents a chance to bond, laugh, and test their knowledge in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Whether you’re a seasoned trivia buff or a newcomer to the game, this event is sure to bring the community together for an evening of friendly competition and camaraderie.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect with your neighbors, flex your mental muscles, and make lasting memories at Homestead at Marley Park’s trivia night. Mark your calendars for June 25th and get ready for an evening of brain-teasing fun!

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident

Let’s Get Crafty

Residents of Homestead at Marley Park, mark your calendars for an exciting upcoming event - the exclusive Board and Brush workshop! Hosted at Board & Brush in Avondale, this creative gathering promises an evening of fun and artistic expression.

Taking place on June 7, 2024, this private event is a fantastic opportunity for residents to unleash their creativity and craft their own unique wooden signs. To secure your spot, make sure to register using the access code “June7” on the Board & Brush website (boardandbrush.com).

A special feature of this event is that it is BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze). Attendees are welcome to bring and enjoy up to 750ml of wine, 40oz of beer, or 4oz of spirits during the workshop. Please note that glass containers are not permitted for safety reasons, so be sure to bring your alcohol in plastic, can, or cardboard containers.

The workshop offers a unique opportunity for residents to socialize, unwind, and tap into their artistic side. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, this event is sure to inspire and entertain. Not only is this workshop a chance to create personalized decor for your home, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors in a fun and relaxed setting. The creative atmosphere and hands-on experience make this event a highlight for many Homestead at Marley Park residents.

So, gather your creative spirit and join us for an evening of crafting, laughter, and community bonding at the upcoming Board and Brush event. Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to bring your artistic visions to life while enjoying a fun and social evening with your neighbors.

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident

Home Sweet Home

Selling your house is a big decision. Your home is one of the biggest investments, and it’s a place where you’ve created countless memories. That combo means there’s going to be a lot of emotions involved. You want someone who understands your perspective, knows what it feels like, and is an expert at helping homeowners just like you navigate the process of selling a home. That’s where a good listing agent, also known as a seller’s agent, comes in.

Some agents are going to use big, fancy real estate terms to try and impress you. But you shouldn’t have to know all the industry jargon to understand what they’re saying. A great agent is going to be very good at explaining what’s happening in the housing market in a way that’s easy to understand. But they’ll take it one step further than that. They’ll explain what’s going on and, specifically, what that means for you. That way you’re always in the loop and it’s a lot easier to feel confident when you’re making a big decision.

While it may be tempting to pick the agent who suggests the highest asking price for your house, that strategy may cost you. It could mean your house will sit on the market longer because the higher price is turning away buyers. Instead, partner with an agent

who’s going to have an open conversation about how they recommend you should price your house. They won’t throw out a number just to win your listing. A great agent will back up their number with solid data, explain their pricing strategy, and make sure you’re both on the same page.

The home-selling process can be emotional, especially if you’ve been in your house for a long time. But that sentimental tie can make it harder to be objective during negotiations. That’s where a trusted professional can really make a difference. They’re skilled negotiators who know how to stay calm under pressure. You can count on them to handle the back-and-forth and have your best interests at heart throughout the process.

Whether you’re a first-time seller or you’ve been through this before, a great listing agent is the key to your success. Let’s connect so you have a skilled local expert by your side to guide you through every step of the process.

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | ΓEAL Broker

Legal Advice

What A Legal Will Needs

The Last Will and Testatement is the document that allows courts to re-title accounts and assets which are in your name (not a trust) and which do not have a beneficiary designation.

If you are leaving assets to adults (not minors), then you can use beneficiary designations and avoid probate. A Will is still a good idea to have as a backup for any account without a beneficiary; either because a beneficiary was not listed or a financial company lost the beneficiary designation.

If your spouse has children which are not also your children, the Will also can assure that your spouse’s half of the community property goes to you. Otherwise, intestate laws apply and your spouse’s children will be entitled to one-half of the community property and one-half of your spouse’s sole and separate property.

Be sure to keep your Original Will because a copy of the Will requires a formal court probate hearing to present evidence that the Original Will was not revoked.

Wills need two witnesses and a specially worded affidavit so the Will can be probated without a hearing. A handwritten Will does not need witnesses or a notary if all of the dispositive provisions are in your handwriting and all pages are originals.

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