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
I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer, filled with cherished moments and relaxation. As we embark on the first day of school, it’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown by. The familiar rhythms of back-to-school preparations are filling the air, reminding us that autumn is just around the corner.
Despite the fact that school is once again in session, let’s make the most of these final weeks of summer. In Arizona, we can still spend our weekends lounging by
the pool or enjoying a barbecue with friends, so let’s savor these moments of warmth and leisure.
Looking ahead, fall will soon grace us with its cooler evenings and exciting activities. It’s a time eagerly anticipated here at Marley Park, not only for its comfortable weather but also for the plethora of festive activities it brings. In the coming issues, we’ll cover all of the upcoming neighborhood events—from Halloween to holiday celebrations—that promise to bring us all closer together.
Speaking of upcoming activities, mark your calendars for one last hot-weather event; our 10th annual Salt River Tubing Trip on August 17th! It’s a fantastic opportunity to relax on the water with friends and enjoy the last days of summer. Please reach out to me for more details on how to join us.
As we bid farewell to summer, let’s remember the words of Albert Camus, “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” Let’s carry the warmth and brightness of summer in our hearts as we embrace the upcoming season.
See you on The Front Porch!
Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine
On Our Cover
An Eagle Scout is a Scout who has reached the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America. It’s a symbol of a Scout’s commitment to their community, their leadership skills, and dedication. Scouts must demonstrate scout spirit, service, and leadership, and earn 21 merit badges to earn this rank. The Eagle project includes planning, organizing, leading, and managing a large service project. The process teaches character development and leadership skills and leaves a positive impact on the scout’s community. Only 6% of eligible scouts earn Eagle rank. Earning the rank can open educational and employment opportunities throughout the scout’s life.
Tyler Mollica, Troop 194 Surprise AZ, started scouting at 6 years old. For his Eagle project, he chose to transform an unused tortoise habitat at his former elementary school into a vegetable garden. He worked with Canyon Ridge Elementary School, the Garden Club and a scout mentor to redesign the space. After
a general clean up and weeding of the space, Tyler then led fellow scouts and the garden club to prepare the soil by tilling and leveling it. Next, they laid pavers for pathways and built dividing walls with concrete blocks. Many donations made the project possible. The concrete blocks, stone pavers and weed cloth were donated by local businesses, David Weekley Homes, San Tan Valley Landscaping and Siteworks. Canyon Ridge School and Troop 194 collected compost materials, and Willow Canyon High School donated dirt from a football field renovation project. The PTA completed the project by donating garden soil and sand. The garden will be used by the Gardening Club to plant vegetables, as well as STEM projects for other classrooms. Students and staff will benefit from his Eagle project for years to come.
Submitted by Tina Mollica | Marley Park Resident
Old Glory
Flying the American flag is a source of pride and patriotism for many individuals across the United States. One of the most fundamental reasons people choose to fly the American flag is to show their love and respect for their country. By displaying the flag in front of their homes, individuals can express their deep-rooted connection to their country and their appreciation for the values it stands for.
Flying the American flag also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of Americans to secure and protect the freedoms we enjoy today. The flag is a symbol of the hard-fought battles and challenges that have shaped the nation. By honoring the flag, individuals pay tribute to the countless men and women who have served in the military, defended the country, and upheld its ideals.
Moreover, the American flag unites people from all walks of life under a common symbol. Regardless of one’s background, beliefs, or experiences, the flag represents a shared identity as Americans. Displaying the flag fosters a sense of community and togetherness, reminding individuals that they are part of something larger than themselves.
Flying the American flag is also a way to celebrate national holidays and commemorate significant events in American history. Whether it is Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Flag Day, the flag takes on added meaning during these
occasions, serving as a symbol of pride, remembrance, and unity. By hoisting the flag on these special days, individuals come together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look towards the future with hope and optimism.
In addition to its symbolic value, the American flag is also a powerful source of inspiration and motivation. Seeing the flag flying high can instill a sense of pride, determination, and loyalty in individuals, reminding them of the values they hold dear and the goals they strive to achieve. The flag serves as a beacon of hope and promise, symbolizing the endless possibilities and opportunities that await those who are willing to work hard and pursue their dreams.
You can purchase an American Flag subscription from Troop194, Surprise for a suggested donation of $100 per year. This includes flag mount, placement and removal. For more information, contact Joel Larson at flags@aztroop194.com. You can sign up and see a list of holidays at http://www.tribesoftroop194.com/.
Submitted by Joel Larson
Eating Well
Eating healthily on a budget
As temperatures soar and wallets shrink, maintaining a healthy diet can seem like a daunting task but with some creativity and planning, you can eat nutritiously without breaking the bank or sweating over a hot stove.
Embrace no-cook meals
When it is too tiring to cook, turn to refreshing nocook options. Try overnight oats for breakfast, loaded with fruits or nuts. For lunch and dinner, experiment with hearty salads, veggie-packed wraps, or cold sandwiches.
Frozen is your friend
Do not underestimate the power of frozen fruits and vegetables. They are often cheaper than fresh, they last longer, and retain most of their nutrients. Use frozen berries in smoothies or frozen veggies for quick stirfries for that nutritious boost.
Hydrate!
Stay hydrated without resorting to expensive, sugary drinks. Infuse water with sliced cucumbers, citrus fruits, or herbs for a refreshing twist.
Bulk up on staples
Buy nonperishable staples like rice and pasta in bulk.
These items are cheap and can form the base of many meals. Combine them with seasonal vegetables for balanced, affordable dishes.
Seasonal and local produce
Take advantage of Arizona’s local produce. Visit farmer’s markets or join a community supported agriculture (CSA) program for fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables.
Meal prep and portion control
Dedicate a few hours each week to meal prep. Cook larger batches and portion them out for the week. This not only saves money but also helps control portions and reduces the temptation for unhealthy snacking.
Snack smart
Keep healthy, budget friendly snacks on hand. Think carrots and hummus, apple slices with peanut butter, or homemade trail mix. These options are nutritious and can help curb cravings for expensive, processed snacks.
Remember, eating healthy on a budget is all about planning, creativity, and making the most of what is available. With these tips, you can nourish your body and mind without emptying your wallet, even during the hottest months of the year. Stay cool and eat well!
Olympic Games
I hope everyone has cleared their schedule because the 2024 Summer Olympic Games have commenced! There’s an event for everyone in the family to enjoy; from Gymnastics and Swimming to Skateboarding and Breaking. This summer we’ll see 10,500 athletes from 206 countries compete in 329 events across 32 sports in.
Yet, the Olympics we know and love today weren’t always the same. The first Olympic Games took place in 776 BC in Athens, Greece and began as part of a religious Greek festival honoring Zeus. The first recorded Olympic Games in 776 BC featured only one event: a 192-meter foot race called the stadion. All free Greek males were allowed to take part, from farm hands to royal heirs, although the majority of Olympians were soldiers. Women could not compete or even attend.
In 393 AD, the Olympic Games were canceled by Emperor Theodosius I, a Roman ruler and Christian. He banned the Greek Olympics as he considered it a pagan festival, due to the religious element of the celebration. So, that was the end of the Olympics until 1896, when Baron Pierre de Coubertin adapted the Games. He called this new event the ‘Modern
Olympics’ - which became the spectacle we know today.
From 1921-1948, artists also participated in the Olympics - painters, sculptors, architects, writers, and musicians took part in the games! They competed for medals by creating works of art that often celebrated the sporting successes going on at that time. While artists stopped officially competing in 1948, many still design posters and other merchandise for the Games.
The Olympic Games are arguably the biggest and most prestigious sporting event on earth. And while competitive spirit is important, the Modern Olympic Games aren’t just for our entertainment and about athletes competing for their country and gaining medals while setting records. The International Olympic Committee was founded on the belief that sports can contribute to peace and the harmonious development of humankind. The Olympic Movement continues to use sports to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sports practice without discrimination of any kind, and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play.
Cook with Zona
Brownie Batter Protein Balls
Hello again, I wanted to say I appreciate everyone who has been reading and recreating my recipes! I am truly feeling the love from these communities! Regarding last month’s Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet recipe I apologize for leaving out the measurements for the egg noodles. For all previous recipes you can visit the recipes page on Estrella Publishing’s website.
If you can’t tell by now, I am nuts about any and all things chocolate. Chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, chocolate milk, chocolate bars, you name it! When I was a child my mother used to make me chocolate cake for breakfast. Granted, now that I think about it, probably not the most nutritious breakfast for a 13 year old, but hey look at me now! Totally fine, I only have a slight chocolate addiction, and it made me love my mother even more than I thought was ever possible! My son developed a peanut intolerance when he was 4 years old, so most dishes I make I stray away from peanut butter, and these Brownie Batter Protein Balls are amazing! If you prefer peanut butter and regular milk you can absolutely sub those in at no measurement change.
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.
Ingredients
1 ¼ cup almond flour (or all purpose flour)
¼ cup cocoa powder
¾ cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
½ cup chocolate protein powder (protein of choice)
¼ cup maple syrup (or honey or agave)
¼ cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
¼ cup chocolate chips
Steps
• Line a tray with parchment paper.
• Mix together the almond flour, cocoa powder, almond butter, chocolate protein powder, maple syrup, and almond milk with a hand mixer or just arm muscle until a play dough like consistency forms.
• Add in the chopped chocolate chunks and mix till evenly incorporated. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form 16-20 1.5”-2” balls. Place them on the prepared tray and freeze for 15 minutes.
• Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge or freezer.
Enjoy!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your Brownie Batter Protein Balls or tag us on social media @EstrellaPublishing.
Home Sweet Home
If you’re thinking about selling your house, here’s something you really need to know. Even though it’s still a seller’s market today, you can’t pick just any price for your listing. While home prices are still appreciating in most areas, they’re climbing at a slower pace because higher mortgage rates are putting a squeeze on buyer demand. At the same time, the supply of homes for sale is growing. That means buyers have more options and your house may not stand out as much, if it’s not priced right. Those two factors combined are why the asking price you set for your house is more important today than it has been in recent years.
And some sellers are finding that out the hard way. That’s leading to more price reductions. Mike Simonsen, Founder and President of ALTOS Research, explains:
“Looking at the price reductions data set . . . It all fits in the same pattern of increasing supply and homebuyer demand that is just exhausted by high mortgage rates. . . As home sellers are faced with less demand than they expected, more of them have to reduce their prices.”
That’s because they haven’t adjusted their expectations to today’s market. Maybe they’re not working with an agent, so they don’t know what’s happening around them. Or they’re not using an agent who prioritizes being a local market expert. Either way, they aren’t basing their pricing decision on the latest data available – and that’s a miss. If you want to avoid making a pricing mistake that could turn away buyers and delay your sale, you need to work with an agent who really knows your local market.
In the end, accurate pricing depends on current market conditions – and only an agent has all the data and information necessary to find the right price for your house. The right agent will use that expertise to develop a pricing strategy that’s based on current market conditions and designed to get your house sold. That way you don’t miss the mark. The right asking price is even more important today than it’s been over the last few years. To avoid making a costly mistake, let’s work together.
Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | ΓEAL Broker
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 nonstress 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 www.sharonravenscroft.com.
Date: November 2nd, 2024
Time: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: Heritage Swim ParK
and
Contac t: Laura@ebeauty.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. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
