The Front Porch

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Our Emotional Support Dog Vader

As we enter the final stretch of summer, we have an exciting lineup of events and stories to share with you. First on the list is the highly anticipated “Decades Dance” happening on September 9th at the Heritage Club. Get ready to boogie the night away as we celebrate the music and fashion of various eras. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes and dress up in your favorite decade-inspired attire for a truly unforgettable night. Next up, mark your calendars for our beloved “Coffee in the Park” event, taking place this month. Join us on September 16th for a delightful gathering where you can savor a freshly brewed cup of coffee while enjoying the company of friends and neighbors. It’s the perfect way to start your weekend and connect with the community.

In this issue, we also shine a spotlight on the art of interior design with a captivating article submitted by one of Marley Park’s own residents. Whether you’re looking to revamp your own living quarters or simply appreciate the artistry behind it, this feature is not to be missed. Our beloved “Pet of the Month” segment introduces you to Kaia, an adorable and playful rescue pup who has captured the hearts of her owners. Get ready for an overdose of cuteness as we delve into Kaia’s heartwarming story and her charming antics that are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Lastly, we would like to remind you of the upcoming “Concert for a Cause” on September 23rd at the Marley Park Heritage Club. This

annual event brings together local musicians and neighbors to raise funds for a charitable cause. It’s an evening of entertainment, unity, and giving back, so be sure to come out and support this fantastic initiative. Before we conclude, we would like to extend our gratitude to Alesha and Neal Nassano for allowing us to use their captivating photo from the last ‘80s Prom event as our cover image. Their vibrant outfits and infectious smiles perfectly captured the spirit of the evening, and we are thrilled to feature them in this issue.

I’ll leave you with the words of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, “There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen.”

See you on The Front Porch!

Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Magazine

Welcome to the September edition of The Front Porch magazine!

Yum Yum

Tailgating Chicken Nacho Dip

We are well into Football Season and dips are a great go-to option when entertaining. Try this one when you have friends over for the next game.

Ingredients

1 pound cheese, cubed (Velveeta is great for this)

1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, drained

2 large cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, shredded

1/3 cup sour cream

1/4 cup diced green onion

2 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper, or to taste (Optional)

1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning mix

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

Directions

Gather all ingredients. Stir cheese, diced tomatoes with chiles, shredded cooked chicken, sour cream, green

onion, jalapeño, and taco seasoning together in a slow cooker.

Cover and cook on High, stirring occasionally, until cheese has melted and dip is hot, 1 to 2 hours.

Stir in black beans and cook until heated through, 15 minutes. Serve with chips.

Tips

If the dip gets too thick, thin it with a small amount of milk.

On Our Cover

A Blast from the Past!

Get ready to step back in time and groove to the beats of the past at the highly anticipated Decades Dance Party! Hosted by the Marley Park Minglers Club, this exciting event promises an evening of nostalgia, entertainment, and community spirit for Marley Park residents. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 9th, and get ready to immerse yourself in the best of the past.

The Marley Park Heritage Club, located at 13423 N Founders Park Blvd, will be transformed into a time machine on September 9th from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Marley Park residents, aged 21 and up, are invited to attend this free event, which promises to be an unforgettable evening of fun and dancing. RSVP to mpminglers1@gmail.com to secure your spot!

Dust off your bell-bottoms, grab your leg warmers, and raid your parents’ closet for that vintage ensemble because this event calls for dressing up! Embrace the spirit of the night by coming dressed as your favorite decade.

Whether you choose the groovy ‘70s, the neonfilled ‘80s, or any other iconic era, be prepared to showcase your impeccable style. Don’t forget to enter the costume contest for a chance to win exciting prizes and bragging rights as the bestdressed time traveler!

No party is complete without delicious food and fantastic music. The Decades Dance Party has got you covered with an array of mouthwatering offerings from local food trucks. Indulge in a variety of delectable treats that will satisfy every craving. A talented DJ will be spinning the greatest hits from each era, ensuring that the dance floor remains packed throughout the night. Get ready to let loose and dance like nobody’s watching!

The Marley Park Minglers Club is thrilled to invite Marley Park residents to the Decades Dance Party—a celebration of the past, community spirit, and good times. With its vibrant atmosphere, themed attire, lively music, and delectable food, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience. Make sure to RSVP early to secure your spot, as this is an event you won’t want to miss. So grab your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready for a night of nostalgia and pure entertainment!

Pet Of The Month

In a heartwarming tale of courage and triumph, Kaia, a 9-year-old Cockapoo, has captured the hearts of her owners and those around her. Rescued from a shelter at the tender age of 8 weeks, Kaia’s journey hasn’t been easy. Afflicted with Parvovirus, a potentially fatal disease, she fought for her life with unwavering determination. Thanks to the dedicated care provided by White Tanks Animal Hospital, Kaia emerged as a healthy and vibrant puppy, defying the odds stacked against her.

Sadly, tragedy struck again when Kaia unexpectedly lost her beloved brother, Mochi, a few months ago. Coping with the loss and adjusting to being the sole canine companion in her household proved to be a challenging task. However, Kaia’s indomitable spirit shone through, reminding everyone of her strength and resilience.

Despite her initial shyness and skittishness around unfamiliar faces and animals, Kaia’s capacity for love knows no bounds. Her intuitive nature enables her to sense the emotions of those around her, offering comfort and solace when it is needed the most.

Whether it’s a gentle nudge or a warm cuddle, Kaia has an innate ability to make everyone feel understood and cherished.

Kaia’s story serves as a reminder of the unbreakable bond between humans and animals, showcasing the power of love, resilience, and second chances. Her journey is a testament to the many incredible tales of survival and unwavering spirit that exist within the animal kingdom, inspiring us all to cherish and care for our furry companions.

Submitted by Madonna De Vlieger | Marley Park Resident

Concert for a Cause

On September 23rd, music enthusiasts and philanthropists alike are eagerly anticipating the Concert for a Cause event, set to take place from 6-9 pm at the picturesque Marley Park Heritage Club. This outdoor event aims to raise funds and awareness for the Valley View Community Food Bank, a vital organization that supports those in need within our community.

While the performer for this year’s event has not been determined as of this writing, anticipation is building as concert-goers eagerly await the announcement. Previous Concerts for a Cause have featured renowned artists, promising an unforgettable evening of live entertainment.

The Marley Park Heritage Club provides a stunning backdrop for the concert, with its lush

lawn and inviting ambiance. The event offers a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together, share their love for music, and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. All food donations will go directly to the Valley View Community Food Bank, going toward providing food and support to individuals and families facing financial hardships.

Mark your calendars for September 23rd. Gather friends, non-perishable food donations, and lawn chairs or blankets. Together, let’s unite for a memorable evening of music, community, and compassion at Concert for a Cause. By attending this event, you’ll not only enjoy a fantastic concert but also contribute to the well-being of our community.

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:

a. 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.

b. 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.

c. 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.

d. 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, Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, Sravenscroft@ CavanaghLaw.com or (623) 815-7451; legal practice focused on Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. Visit www.sharonravenscroft.com for more info.

Home Sweet Home

Even though home prices have moderated over the last year, many homeowners still have an incredible amount of equity. But what is equity? In the simplest terms, equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains how your equity grows over time:

“Housing wealth (home equity or net worth) gains are built up through price appreciation and by paying off the mortgage.”

The equity you build up over the years can be used to your advantage when you sell your current house and buy your next home. If you no longer have the space you need, it might be time to move into a larger home. Or it’s possible you have too much space and need something smaller.

No matter the situation, your equity can be a powerful tool you can use to help you make a move in today’s market. That’s because it may be some (if not all) of what you need for your down

payment on your next home. And how much equity you have may surprise you.

As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist for CoreLogic, says: “While equity gains contracted in late 2022 due to home price declines in some regions, U.S. homeowners on average still have about $270,000 in equity, nearly $90,000 more than they had at the onset of the pandemic.”

If you’re looking to leverage your equity to boost your buying power in today’s market, having a trusted agent by your side makes a difference. A real estate professional can help you better understand the value of your home, so you’ll get a clearer picture of how much equity you are likely to have.

As a recent article from Bankrate says: “Hiring a skilled real estate agent can give you a realistic estimate of home prices in your area and how to price your current home. Using that figure, you can calculate how much equity you have and what your net proceeds will look like, so you can apply that money toward the down payment and closing costs of your new home.”

Having a solid understanding of your equity is key when it comes to making decisions about buying or selling your home. A skilled agent can help you navigate the often-complicated process of selling your house and ensure the transaction goes smoothly.

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | REAL Broker

Interior Design

When our daughters expressed their desire to share a room, we initially opted for bunk beds in their existing space. However, it soon became evident that the room felt cramped, leaving little room for play, toys, and storage. Determined to create a more functional and enjoyable environment for our girls, we embarked on a project to transform our additional living room into a vibrant and spacious shared bedroom. Converting a living room into a bedroom required careful planning and consideration. We began by evaluating the available space and devising a layout that would optimize functionality while maintaining a visually appealing aesthetic. By incorporating smart storage solutions, we were able to create a room that not only accommodates their needs but also fosters a sense of organization and cleanliness.

One of the key elements we wanted to incorporate into the room was a vibrant and uplifting ambiance. We carefully chose a color palette that exudes positivity and energy, using soft pastel shades and pops of cheerful accents.

Prioritizing play and creativity, we ensured that the room had ample space for the girls to explore their imaginations. This project served as a reminder of the importance of functionality in every space within our home. By repurposing our living room, we not only fulfilled our daughters’ wish for a shared bedroom but also created a multifunctional area that caters to their evolving needs.

Submitted by Alexandra Malone | Marley Park Resident

Coffee In The Park

The Marley Park Community Association is excited to announce its upcoming “Coffee in the Park” event on September 16th from 8:30-10 am. This event is aimed at bringing together Marley Park neighbors to meet, socialize, and enjoy coffee provided by the association.

Coffee in the Park is an excellent opportunity for residents of Marley Park to come together and get to know their neighbors. It’s a chance for people to socialize and make new friends while enjoying a warm cup of coffee. This event is open to all Marley Park residents, so whether you’re new to the neighborhood or have been living here for years, we invite you to join us. The event will take place in the beautiful Marley Park, which offers a lovely backdrop for socializing and enjoying the morning.

The Marley Park Community Association is committed to creating a strong sense of community among Marley Park residents, and events like Coffee in the Park are an essential

part of this effort. By bringing people together and providing a relaxed, casual environment, we hope to foster a sense of belonging and encourage people to get to know their neighbors.

So mark your calendars for September 16th from 8:30-10 am and join us for Coffee in the Park. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing a cup of coffee with you.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Marley Park Community Association.

Samurai Sudoku

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. Good Luck!

Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com