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 Christie Gianetto Assistant Editor
Talia Uretsky, Assistant
Editor
Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com
As summer settles in and the heat intensifies, it’s important to take extra care of ourselves, our pets, and our outdoor spaces. This month, I wanted to share some essential reminders and tips to help you make the most of this season while staying healthy and happy.
First and foremost, we encourage you to check your outdoor drip system settings to ensure that your landscaping remains vibrant and healthy in the scorching heat. Proper watering is crucial during this time, so take a few moments to adjust your settings and keep a close eye on your plants. If you need a referral to a good landscaper or irrigation repair technician, please reach out!
Hydration is key during the hot summer months, so consider adding electrolyte drops to your beverages to replenish essential minerals and stay hydrated.
Remember, staying hydrated is not just important for us, but for our furry friends as well. Make sure your pets have access to plenty of fresh water and try to take them out for walks during the cooler parts of the day. Don’t forget to use paw booties to protect their sensitive paws from hot pavement.
For our green-thumbed residents, now is the ideal time to start planning your fall planting. Begin prepping your soil, adding necessary amendments, and envisioning the beautiful garden you want to cultivate in the upcoming season.
Lastly, as we spend more time indoors to escape the heat, why not take on some indoor projects? Consider reorganizing your pantry, cleaning out your closet, or tackling any other home improvement tasks you’ve been putting off. A little indoor sprucing up can make a big difference in how you feel about your living space.
We hope these tips and reminders help you navigate the summer months with ease and enjoyment. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and make the most of this beautiful season in Marley Park.
After all, in the words of Jenny Han, “Everything good, everything magical, happens between the months of June and August.”
See you on The Front Porch!
Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine
Dementia Care
Caring for the Family with Aging Loved Ones
The percentage of Americans between the ages of 7584 grew by 25% in the last decade and is expected to grow faster in the next one. Longevity has changed the way we view aging and family dynamics. Research has also shown an increase in cases of dementia. If dementia has entered your family, how does one know when to ask for help? The first step is to let go of the feeling that you need to do this alone, or that asking for outside help somehow means you aren’t caring for your loved one in the way they deserve.
More than seven million Americans have been diagnosed with dementia, with Alzheimer’s Disease responsible for most cases. That’s a lot of adult children, grandchildren, and other family members who are affected by the needs of a loved one with dementia. The life challenges to families of a loved one with dementia are more than meets the eye. They must learn to navigate issues like how to adult-proof a home or ways to talk to young children about what grandma or grandpa may be going through. For caregivers, the journey can feel lonely and the
demands overwhelming. As the cases of dementia continue to rise, community resources are becoming increasingly available to families and caregivers. Resources such as learning from the experiences of others, and in-home care that offers relief to many of the challenges such as hygiene, medication compliance, diet, and even who watches mom while the family takes a much-needed vacation.
As a mental health practitioner, I’ve learned that for many families the cost of accessing outside resources can be difficult. Please know there are affordable options for everything from counseling to full-time or occasional “respite” care, providing in-home primary caregivers some free time without worry. Resources to options for care can be found at Hearts for Dementia or by calling 480.720.9038, emailing info@ heartsfordementia.com, through the Governor’s Office on Aging at https://aging.azgovernor.gov/home and the Arizona Alzheimer’s Association at https://www. alz.org/dsw. Reach out for help, it is there.
Submitted by Lolita Tramel, Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Float Time
Beating the Arizona Heat with a Day of Salt River Tubing
As the brutal Arizona summer kicks into high gear, us locals are always on the hunt for ways to stay cool and have fun. For me and my friends, there’s no better way to do that than spending a day tubing down the Salt Rivers.
There is a Salt River that runs right through the Tonto National Forest, just a short drive out of the Phoenix metro area. During the summer months, the river is the perfect place to chill out and let the current pull you along as you soak up some rays.
Every weekend from May through September, you will find the river’s rocky beaches packed with a variety of people from kids to parents to grandparents looking to escape the concrete jungle for the day. It is an outstanding atmosphere, with tons of people relaxing, laughing, blasting music from portable speakers, and hollering as they drift along on those classic black rubber tubes.
My friends and I always make sure to get to the putting-in spot as early as possible to stake out a prime spot along the water’s edge. We get our tubes blown up, including an extra tube to squeeze that ice cooler full of snacks and drinks into, and get ready to relax. Some groups even bring their small cooking set-ups and sit back on the small beach areas to hang out. Once everyone is ready, we hit the water and let the current do the work. Over the next few hours, we will leisurely float along, taking in the beautiful desert scenery and playing games as we go. One of the highlights is always the bouncy rapids section, where the river picks up speed over some minor drops and rocks. It is crazy enough to get your adrenaline pumping without being too strenuous.
By the late afternoon, completely sunkissed and pruned up from hours in the water, we will hit the exit point and make our way back home. The Salt River Tubing experience is an essential Arizona summer tradition for anyone willing to go on an adventure and have an enjoyable time. It is the perfect fusion of nature and party all rolled up into one fantastic day. Just be sure to prepare yourself with plenty of water and (potentially) Aloe vera for the next day!
New Staff
Homestead at Marley Park residents, get ready to experience a new wave of community engagement and support as the neighborhood welcomes its new Lifestyle Director, Angelique Mogavero!
With over 7 years of experience under her belt, Angelique is set to bring a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the role, enhancing the living experience for all residents.
Having begun her tenure last month, Angelique is available to assist residents from Tuesday to Saturday, between 2:00 PM and 10:00 PM. While the office will be closed on Saturdays, Angelique will be on hand to address your needs and queries throughout the week.
Residents can look forward to a range of services and support from Angelique, including amenity area monitoring, amenity access fobs, dog park keys, reservations, appeal and architectural submissions,
social events coordination, club submissions, and general community inquiries. Meanwhile, Cariann will continue to provide valuable assistance with community monitoring and management, amenity access, reservations, appeals, architectural submissions, and addressing concerns related to violations or CC&Rs.
While Cariann remains the primary point of contact for the community, Angelique will serve as a secondary contact for specific areas outlined above, ensuring that residents receive comprehensive and efficient support for all their needs. This dynamic duo is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and harmonious community environment, where residents can thrive and enjoy the best that Homestead at Marley Park has to offer.
As we embark on this new chapter with Angelique at the helm, we invite all residents to engage with the community, participate in events, and make the most of the amenities available.
Let’s come together to create lasting memories and build a strong sense of belonging within our wonderful neighborhood. Stay tuned for exciting updates and initiatives as we embark on this journey of community growth and enrichment with our dedicated Lifestyle Director leading the way!
Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident
Fireworks
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 tips for safely handling fireworks.
1. Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water/hose nearby in case of accidents.
2. If you have ground-based fireworks like a fountain, observing from at least 35 feet away is best. For aerial fireworks, you’ll want everyone to move back to a distance of around 150 feet.
3. Ditch faulty fireworks. The important thing to know is that you should never try to relight or approach a failed firework. Let duds sit for 5 -10 minutes before you put them in a bucket of water.
4. Supervise children when they are handling sparklers. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit; hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet or touching body parts.
5. Don’t forget about your pets! Fireworks can be extremely stressful for pets, but there are ways to help
reduce their fear and anxiety. Keep your pets indoors, close the curtains or blinds and turn on the TV to provide some distraction, and give them treats or toys filled with their favorite food (frozen pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and apple sauce are good options).
6. Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
7. Never place a part of your body directly over a firework or hold a firework in your hand when lighting. To safely light fireworks, make sure they are secured on the ground away from people and animals and use a stem lighter such as a grill lighter.
8. Only light one firework at a time. Lighting multiple fireworks at the same time increases the risk of accidents occurring from a fuse burning faster than designed.
9. Avoid alcohol consumption when handling or using fireworks.
10. Consider safe alternatives to fireworks such as party poppers, bubbles, silly string, or glow sticks.
Cook with Zona
Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet
Chicken Pot Pie is a heavily repeated meal in my home but just like everyone else in the world I get tired of the same old, same old meals and need to switch things up from time to time. I came across this recipe and I just knew it would become a fan favorite in my house! And just as I predicted I’ve become utterly obsessed with this dish and have made it multiple times in the last month. When a recipe is not only delicious but simple and almost impossible to mess up, it’s a big win in my book! Even my husband found this recipe extremely easy to follow along!
If you have any recipes you’d like to share with me I would love to try them out! Email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com.
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 15 mins | Total time: 30 mins
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Sage
• 1/2 teaspoon Thyme
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
Steps
• Cook noodles al dente, according to package directions.
• Cook chicken your preferred way. Oven, stove top, or air fryer.
Traditional Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food and this Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet (I know, it’s a mouthful) gives off the same energy amplified by 1000! With all the same ingredients as your standard chicken pot pie, minus the crust that we’re essentially substituting with egg noodles. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowdpleasing dish to bring to a potluck, this chicken pot pie recipe is sure to impress. So grab your apron and get ready to create a delicious and comforting meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds; or even thirds if we’re talking about my husband.
• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion, garlic, and peas and carrots; season with the salt, pepper, sage, and thyme. Cook until onions are soft and translucent. Stir in the flour until combined.
• Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Drain the pasta and add to the skillet, along with the chicken. Taste and season with a touch more salt and pepper, if necessary.
ENJOY!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your creamy Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet or tag us on social media @EstrellaPublishing.
July 4th
Let’s Celebrate!
As the sun sets on a warm July 4th evening, the city of Surprise is gearing up for a night of celebration and excitement. This Independence Day, residents and visitors alike are invited to join in the festivities and witness a dazzling fireworks display that will light up the night sky in a symphony of colors and sparks.
The main event of the evening will be the fireworks show, set to commence at 8:45 p.m. Spectators will have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacle from two prime locations, each offering a unique experience to enhance the holiday spirit.
For those looking to make a day out of the celebrations, Mark Coronado Park is the place to be. Located at 15960 N. Bullard Ave., the park will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering live entertainment to keep the crowd engaged and in high spirits. Additionally, a variety of food trucks will be on-site, serving up delicious treats and satisfying hunger pangs as attendees await the main event in the night sky.
Sports enthusiasts and families can head over to
Surprise Stadium at 15850 N. Bullard Ave. to catch a baseball game before the fireworks extravaganza. The Oakland A’s and Texas Rangers minor league teams are set to face off at 5 p.m., with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. Baseball fans can cheer on their favorite players and enjoy the excitement of the game before turning their gaze to the skies for the grand finale.
Following the baseball game, the stadium will remain open for those who wish to watch the fireworks from the comfort of their seats. This offers a unique vantage point to witness the breathtaking display and create lasting memories with friends and family.
Whether you choose to enjoy live entertainment and food at Mark Coronado Park or catch a baseball game at Surprise Stadium, the Independence Day celebrations in Surprise promise to be a memorable experience for all. So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and join in the festivities as the city comes alive with the spirit of patriotism and community on this special day.
Submitted by Christie Giannetto | Marley Park Resident
Home Sweet Home
Housing Conundrum
Many homeowners looking to sell feel like they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. Today’s mortgage rates are higher than the one they currently have on their home, and that’s making it harder to want to sell and make a move. Maybe you’re in the same boat. But what if there was a way to offset these higher borrowing costs? There is. And the money you need probably already exists in your current home in the form of equity.
Think of equity as a simple math equation. Freddie Mac explains: “. . . your home’s equity is the difference between how much your home is worth and how much you owe on your mortgage.” Your equity grows as you pay down your loan over time and as home prices climb. And thanks to the rapid home price appreciation we saw in recent years, you probably have a whole lot more of it than you realize.
After you sell your house, that equity can help you move without worrying as much about today’s mortgage rates. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist
for Realtor.com says: “A consideration today’s homeowners should review is what their home equity picture looks like. With the typical home listing price up 40% from just five years ago, many home sellers are sitting on a healthy equity cushion. This means they are likely to walk away from a home sale with proceeds that they can use to offset the amount of borrowing needed for their next home purchase.”
You can probably find the mortgage balance on your monthly mortgage statement. To understand the current market value of your house, you can pay hundreds of dollars for an appraisal, or you can contact a local real estate agent who will be able to present to you, at no charge, a market value report. Once you’ve connected with a trusted local agent and run the numbers, you’re one step closer to making a move you may not have thought was realistic – all thanks to your equity.
Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | ΓEAL Broker
Legal Advice
AVOID PROBLEMS WITH IRA DESIGNATIONS
For 401ks, IRAs and other qualified retirement accounts, the designated beneficiary form directs how the funds will be paid on your death. Common problems that arise with beneficiary designations are: When the “Estate” or no beneficiary is listed, so a probate is needed and the IRA will be not be stretched for 10 years and will be taxed at a higher rate.
When a beneficiary dies before you, the financial company rules apply to who gets the deceased beneficiary’s share. When a trust is listed as the beneficiary, your directions are applied.
When the designated beneficiary is a minor, not a trust for the minor, then a costly court conservatorship is need and deferred tax benefit is at risk.
When your spouse, who is not your children’s parent, does not sign a spousal waiver, then your spouse is entitled to half or possibly all of funds.
Remember, currently, an inherited IRA must be paid in 10 years, if the beneficiary is not a spouse. Leaving a portion or all of your qualified retirement account to charity can make sense, because the charity does not pay income taxes and will receive more funds than a family member. Other assets which are not taxable can be left to family or friends.
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.
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.
