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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
July 2020
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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 Š 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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July 2020
Welcome to your July edition! Well, we are halfway through 2020! Sometimes I wonder how we even made it this far. It has certainly been the strangest year of my 43½ years on this planet! Happily, though, things seem to be settling down a bit. I have found that taking a break from social media and news media helps my mental health, and I encourage you to do the same. Curling up with a good book can be very therapeutic…as can perusing The Front Porch Magazine! This year has, so far, been all about change. We’ve experienced changes in social norms, health and cleaning protocol, lifestyle, priorities, how we work, how we socialize, and even how our children “school.” They say change is the only constant in life, and boy has it been constant this year!
Although some of these changes have been scary and others have been aggravating and frustrating, much of the change has also been good. People are exercising their creativity to meet their own personal needs and the needs of their families and community members. Local businesses especially have had to get creative and “think outside the box” to continue to provide goods and services to their customers during these unprecedented times. Customers have stepped up to support them. As you continue to navigate the changes that the second half of 2020 will inevitably bring, remember, in the words of Brian Tracy, “You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.” See you on The Front Porch!
Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
July 2020
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On Our Cover
When the Higuera family moved in around the corner, we had the pleasure of tasting Lori’s homemade bread before we even had the pleasure of meeting her in person. Her kids, who have become known as the “bread fairies” at our house, dropped some off on our front porch one day, ding-dong-ditch style. It was still warm from the oven and was heavenly! Since then, we’ve been gifted with bread quite often by Lori. I don’t bake, so I’ve found other ways to return the favor…after all, being neighborly is what living in Marley Park is all about, isn’t it? Lori and Israel will be celebrating their 17th anniversary this month…on the same day the US celebrates Independence Day. They’ll also be celebrating their one-year anniversary in their Marley Park home in August. Lori says they’ve always been drawn to Marley Park, but with nine kids, it wasn’t always easy to find a house that met their needs. They lived in several nearby neighborhoods for 16 years before finally moving to their ideal home in Marley. Their home here is perfect for the seven remaining kids still living under their roof.
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Lori and Israel became foster parents in 2011. In the five years they had an active foster care license, they fostered over 40 children. Their five youngest kids were all adopted through the foster care system. When they were an active foster care home, they typically had nine or ten kids at a time, including their biological children. Having come from a family of 13 kids, a big family was nothing new to Israel who worked as a stay-at-home-dad at the time. After all, caring for that many children is more than a full time job! Now that all their kids are school-age, Israel works full-time at Christ Church of the Valley. Lori, who has always worked full-time outside the home, is a sales director for a senior community. According to Lori, the best thing about a big family is that there is NEVER a dull moment. She also says they can clean the entire house in 30 minutes because everyone pitches in! The Higueras’ favorite things to do together as a family include attending church and eating dinner together every night. Although their monthly grocery bill is larger than most families’ mortgage payments, Lori and Israel wouldn’t change a thing. Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident
July 2020
Artists Corner
For the past year or so, I have been thinking about painting something colorful on the inside of our courtyard wall. I am not a gardener and felt like the view from our kitchen and dining room could use some character and color. As months passed by, it took weeks of selfisolation to decide I had the time to start and complete the project! I used acrylic mural paint on the stucco wall and the painting process took about two days. I chose to not seal the paint, as I believe that as the vibrant colors fades the mural will take on a life of its own. I started taking art classes as a child and by the time I was a senior in high school, I was Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
encouraged to take my own ‘independent art class’ as I had completed every other class they offered, from drawing, painting, to jewelry making. As life became more fast paced, with college, career building, marriage, and child rearing, I found less and less time for creative outlets. I only really picked up a paint brush again in the last few years. This mural is the largest scale piece I have worked on. It was a great way to spend some time outside, even if it was in 100 degree plus weather! Submitted by Nicole Ludwick | Marley Park Resident July 2020
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Perspectives of a Teacher Mom We have some time left in the summer before school starts back up, but I know that the new school year is on most parents’ minds one way or another. If I could, I would like to share with you what teachers are hoping for as your children gear up to come back to school. This is, of course, based on my own thoughts, and the thoughts of fellow teachers in my life.
Some teachers are nervous about the virus kicking back up, and what the implications of that would mean. Would we have to go virtual again? Would we (teachers) be more at risk, and will our students also be in danger? Teachers are “take charge” kind of people, and we don’t like the uncertainty of the new school year any more than parents do. Other teachers are filled with concern about the potential learning gaps for many students because of the unprecedented way that our year ended. How can we possibly proceed with new standards, when many of them were not fully covered during the previous school year? How will we ever catch up our students? We dare to hope that parents were concerned too, and that many did what they
could to alleviate the erosion of ‘learning loss’ with things like workbooks, tech-based learning programs or apps, and good old fashioned reading and math practice. Many teachers are afraid that they won’t get a chance to see some of their students face to face from last year. They worry they may never get that sense of closure with their students from the 19/20 school year. We hope we get to see them and to let them know we missed them. Personally, I worry about what the differences will be after such a historical school year end. Will my chosen profession be more appreciated? Will my students’ parents finally have a better understanding of how much I need parental support to foster a student’s best chance at success? My hope is that only good (fantastic good!) can come from all of this. I hope this for my own kids, my students, my colleagues, and our schools. Whatever the coming school year looks like, you can rest assured that teachers will be doing their absolute best. Submitted by Theresa DeLong | Marley Park Resident
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July 2020
Happiness Matters “Don’t fake it till you make it, fake it till you become it.” ~Amy Cuddy This last month has been crazy. Not only are we still coming out of quarantine, but social distancing is still in full effect. Going to familiar places, but having all kinds of new protocols and rules, is new territory for all of us. However, I have still enjoyed the time that a slower pace has given me. I have taken my own advice, from last month’s article, to improve my talents. I continued to work on crocheting, and I also worked on improving my writing skills. I have really enjoyed seeing myself grow. My whole family did last month’s challenge, and we all got better at something. My sister improved her drawing skills and painted some beautiful art, and my brothers learned some trampoline tricks. Even my parents got into it, my mom worked on decorating and my dad did some projects around the house.
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
I have realized through doing these articles, that being happy does not always come simply, nor is it always wanted. This month I want us to ‘fake it till we make it’. This means that even if we are not feeling happy, we should act happy and pretend to be happy. I have noticed that if I wake up in a bad mood and my mom’s voice says, “turn that frown upside down,” I should take her advice. When I do, throughout the day I realize I am genuinely happy. I am not faking happy anymore. To be happier, sometimes we must pretend we are happier in the first place. “If you try to do your best, there is no failure.” ~Mike Farrell Submitted by Olivia Black | Age 15 | Marley Park Resident
July 2020
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Home Sweet Home Summer is the new spring for real estate! The COVID-19 crisis slowed the market this spring, so buyers are jumping back in and making their moves this summer. “People are relying on virtual showings, virtual tours, virtual listings, even virtual open houses. So, having something that looks beautiful with photos and videos is even more important right now,” said Dr. Jessical Lautz, Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights, National Association of REALTORS®.
Check these ten things off your list so your house is ready to sell this season: Gutters: Remove debris and fix any leaks. Exterior: Power wash your stucco and considering having the exterior painted if it has not been done in the past ten years.
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Windows and Screens: Wash all windows and replace damaged screens. Hot Water Heater: Lubricate the circulating pump and motor. Drain to remove sediment. Roof: Replace any missing, loose, or damaged tiles. Porch or Balcony: Stabilize the railings and restain or re-paint as needed. Irrigation: Replace any broken or damaged valves. Landscape: Trim overgrown plants and ensure landscaping meets HOA requirements. Kitchen: Add a tile backsplash to instantly “upgrade” any kitchen. Bathrooms: Replace caulking in showers, tubs, and around sinks. Connect with your local REALTOR® to schedule an inperson or virtual walk-through. An experienced agent will point out any additional items that should be addressed before scheduling a photo/ video shoot. Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | Arizona Lifestyle Team | HomeSmart
July 2020
Yum Yum
Steamed lobster tails with roasted asparagus and corn and zucchini chowder This is an easy dinner that can be done in about 30 minutes. I love the fresh summer corn and zucchini that is offered this time of the year. I also like to stock up when lobster tails go on sale at the local grocery store for $5.00 a piece! For the steamed lobster tails: In a saucepan you will need an inch of liquid (1/2 water and 1/2 dry white wine and 1 lemon wedge was used for lobster pictured). Insert steamer rack and place the butterflied lobster tails on top. Season lobster to taste, cover pot and bring to boil, then immediately turn down heat to low and steam for 6 minutes for 4 oz lobster tails. Remove from steamer rack and serve. For the asparagus: Trim the ends off the
asparagus and place in a roasting pan with 1 to 2 T. olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, tossing to coat. Roast at 425 for 10 minutes. Take out of oven and squeeze on fresh lemon juice if desired. Corn and Zucchini Chowder 1 Tbsp. butter 2 strips bacon, chopped 1 cup chopped yellow onion 2 celery ribs, chopped 1 medium carrot, peeled, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced ½ tsp. dried thyme 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 4 cups low sodium chicken broth 1 bay leaf Kernels from 4 ears of sweet fresh corn 1 medium zucchini, diced into cubes 1 cup half and half salt and fresh ground black pepper chopped fresh parsley, to garnish 1. In a large heavy-duty bottom stockpot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until bacon renders its fat and begins to brown, about 3-4 minutes. 2. Add onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and thyme; cook until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. 3. Add potatoes, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer, then lower the heat back to medium and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are halfway cooked. 4. Add zucchini and corn; season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer for an additional 8-12 minutes or until the vegetables are completely tender. 5. Discard the bay leaf and then puree until mostly smooth with an immersion blender (I like it with more texture). Add the half and half and cook just until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 6. Serve garnished with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of hot sauce (optional). Submitted by Carrie Antaran | Marley Park Resident
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
July 2020
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Family Time
Was Joe Exotic set up? Am I going to run out of toilet paper? Should I create a TikTok? What is a TikTok? Things have changed, and you probably never thought you would be asking yourself questions like these. I certainly did not.
having family game night are all things that have brought our family closer together. The biggest takeaway that I have had during this time as a parent, is that our kids just want to spend time with us.
The current situation has really put things into perspective. It has made many of us reconsider what is important in life. It has made us appreciate the little things that we take for granted daily. Undoubtedly, I feel that we have realized that the most important thing is family. Slowing down and connecting with our family, especially our kids, has been a beacon of hope during these uncertain times.
I have always spent all my free time with my family, but free time wasn’t as easy to come by before the COVID-19 crisis. Often, when I was with my wife and kids, but we were always trying to get somewhere; trying to get to practice, rushing through dinner to get to an event, or checking email and making calls while talking about your day at the table.
As you navigate these unchartered waters, be sure to find something that everyone in your household enjoys doing together. Now is your chance to do many of the things for which you have often wished you had time. Finding something that your kids enjoy is key. Building Legos, taking long bike rides, and
It is not the same now. We are closer now than we have ever been. With all the uncertainty facing us now, this is something I am certain about. I am also certain that I could pull off the Joe Exotic mullet. Submitted by Rene Felix | Marley Park Resident
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July 2020
The Front Porch From time to time, I like to post little “get to know your neighbors” prompts in The Front Porch group on Facebook. Last month, I asked “If you could write a note to your younger self, what would you say in only two words?”
Together, the responses read much like a poem. I felt they were poignant during these trying times, even though the post was scheduled months ago before the COVID-19 crisis started. I thought I would share the responses with you here: Be Happy Invest Wisely Take Chances Stop Caring Be Strong Just Breathe Wear Sunscreen Be Patient
Be Still Love Freely Trust God Be Kind Have Confidence Let Go Speak Up Have Fun
If you’re a Marley Park resident and a Facebook user, you’re invited to join The Front Porch group on Facebook at TheFrontPorchGroup.com. Please be sure to answer the residency verification questions upon requesting to join. Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident
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July 2020
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Teen Time
positive, even if it was something small that I might not have cared about before.
I think that especially now, it is so important to balance out the negative in our lives with “It’s good for you to write down your thoughts. something positive. The purpose of this exercise It’s therapeutic because it forces you to slow is not to vent about all the negative things down and think about life.” ~Katie Kacvinsky happening, because if we only focus on the bad things, then that is all we will begin to see in our I have never been good at journaling. Sometimes lives. We will not notice the positives because we I like to write my thoughts down and read them are so hyper focused on the bad. later, when my mind is clear, but I have never been particularly good at keeping it consistent. So, I encourage you to try writing yourself letters If you are the opposite of me and you are good throughout this next month. It can be once a at keeping a journal, I applaud you; it’s definitely week, or more or less frequently if that is what not my strong suit. Regardless of your ability you need. The letter does not have to be long, to stay consistent in writing your thoughts, I just get your thoughts into writing, face what encourage you to join me this month in keeping you’re feeling, and at the end of the month open a journal. them up and see where your mind has been for Last month, I decided I was going to make a commitment to write myself a letter once a week, every Monday. I addressed it, “Dear Future Self,” and wrote about any notable things happening in the world or my life, and I set them aside until the end of the month. I made a conscious decision to end my letter on a positive note. No matter how I was feeling, I wrote something
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the time. Anyone can do this; it does not matter your age. Just set aside some time to record your thoughts and see where the month takes you. Submitted by Emily Poling | Age 15 | Marley Park Resident
July 2020
Cabin Fever?
It’s not always easy to be at home with kids day after day, but with a little creativity, you can beat cabin fever. Whether you’re in your own backyard or venturing out, there are plenty of things you can do to have fun together. Here are just a few things to try. Play tourist Pretend your car is a tour bus. Let Mom or Dad play tour guide first, modeling what to say (serious and/or funny). Drive by picturesque or unusual locations and make up the “tour” as you go along. Then let your kids take a turn narrating the “sights” as you drive. Enjoy a treat with the family Take a tour to find the best shake or burger. Make washing the car an event Young children will have a blast being in the car during the washing process. Turn up their favorite songs while you sit back and watch the suds and water do their work. Or you could involve the kids in washing the family car in your driveway.
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
Make the most of your own yard You’d be amazed how much kids can appreciate their own yard. * Create an obstacle course using large cardboard boxes, hula hoops, cones or other items from your garage. * Make bubbles with 1 part dish soap to 3 parts water, adding a little sugar. Stir the mixture gently. Use pipe cleaners or cut out the bottom of plastic water bottles to create wands. * Use sidewalk chalk to draw hopscotch and other games, plus pictures and hopeful messages for neighbors walking by. * Find veggies or flowers your kids want to grow and involve them in gardening projects. * Dig through your garage for neglected toys and games. Or make your own games, like jump rope, cornhole or horseshoes, using household items. Take a trip down memory lane Scour your memory and ask grandparents about outdoor games from when they were children. Have grandparents explain how to play their games via phone or FaceTime. Then, video kids playing the games for the whole family to share! Spending time together, outside or in, creates special memories your kids will treasure as they grow up - making all your efforts worthwhile.
July 2020
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Puzzles & Games
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July 2020
Samurai Sudoku for July Samurai sudoku puzzles consist of five overlapping sudoku grids. The standard sudoku rules apply to each 9 x 9 grid. Place digits from 1 to 9 in each empty cell. Every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box should contain one of each digit. Good Luck! Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com 'LIILFXOW\ (DV\
0RQGD\ WK -XQH
ZZZ VDPXUDL VXGRNX FRP
Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
July 2020
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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 in Marley Park than any other agent since October 2013!* SOLD IN 2 DAYS
UNDER CONTRACT IN 2 DAYS
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
15127 W Dahlia Dr
14878 W Georgia Dr
15249 W Georgia Dr
13152 N 147th Ln
15432 W Corrine Dr
Sold Price ..................$415,000 Sq Ft ...............................3,328 Lot Sq Ft..........................8,160 Amenities........................... Pool
List Price....................$315,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,104 Lot Sq Ft........................12,270 Amenities ............... Quarter Acre
Sold Price ..................$363,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,773 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,800 Amenities ...... Pool, 3 Car Garage
Sold Price ..................$412,000 Sq Ft ...............................3,695 Lot Sq Ft........................10,377 Amenities ......Casita, 6 Bedrooms
Sold Price ..................$330,000 Sq Ft ...............................1,907 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,600 Amenities.. Former Builder Model Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto.
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
12653 N 143rd Ln
14924 W Voltaire St
15368 W Dahlia Dr
14881 W Georgia Dr
15221 W Bloomfield Rd
Sold Price ..................$372,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,486 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,800 Amenities ...............3 Car Garage
Sold Price ..................$236,700 Sq Ft ...............................1,353 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,613 Amenities.................3 Bedrooms
Sold Price ..................$255,500 Sq Ft ...............................2,182 Lot Sq Ft..........................3,850 Amenities................ 4 Bedrooms
Sold Price ..................$305,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,104 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,640 Amenities .........4 Bedrooms, Loft
Sold Price ..................$298,600 Sq Ft ...............................2,455 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,680 Price Sq Ft ........................$122
Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto.
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
15115 W Alexandria Way
14555 W Wethersfield Rd
14329 W Voltaire St
14343 W Eugene Terrace
14201 W Valentine St
Sold Price ..................$300,000 Sq Ft ...............................2,076 Lot Sq Ft..........................5,044 Price Sq Ft ........................$145
Sold Price ..................$399,706 Lot Sq Ft..........................7,256
Sold Price ..................$382,790 Sq Ft ...............................3,303 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,360 Price Sq Ft ........................$115
Sold Price ..................$370,190 Sq Ft ...............................3,303 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,390 Price Sq Ft ........................$112
Sold Price ..................$296,590 Sq Ft ...............................2,026 Lot Sq Ft..........................6,061 Price Sq Ft ........................$146
Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto.
Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto.
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 1/1/19.
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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