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 we welcome the warmth of May, this issue of The Front Porch offers a glimpse of the fun and community spirit that make our neighborhood so special. From the start of summer celebrations to heartfelt stories of the families who call Marley Park home, there’s something here for everyone.
In this issue, we’re excited to introduce you to the Nielsen family, who share how their journey—from a chance meeting at Hot Dog on a Stick to raising two daughters—ultimately brought them to Marley Park after years of admiring our Christmas lights.
You’ll also find a charming park review from 12-yearold resident Hannah, who visited Mosaic Park and uncovered a hidden summer gem—the splash pad! Her thoughtful observations remind us how kids often notice the magic in the everyday spaces we might otherwise overlook.
We’re also excited to share details about Cloud 9, a new middle school show choir launching in Surprise this summer. Open to incoming 7th and 8th graders, it’s a fun opportunity to sing, dance, and perform on stage while building confidence and lasting friendships.
Looking ahead, the Lifestyle and Engagement Team has an exciting calendar planned. Mark your mental calendars now for events like the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Grab & Go celebrations, the July Star-Spangled Celebration, and the return of neighborhood favorites like the Boo Bash and Turkey Trot. While dates and details are still being finalized, we’ll keep you updated as plans unfold. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to Kara Lowry at Kara.Lowry@FSResidential.com with any eventrelated questions.
As always, thank you for reading, participating, and being part of what makes Marley Park feel like home. In the words of Robert Brault “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” See you on the Front Porch!
Christie Giannetto Assistant Editor The Front Porch Magazine
On Our Cover
For Holly and Dereck Nielsen, Marley Park wasn’t just a neighborhood—they first saw it as a magical place lit up with holiday lights, perfect for raising a family. Born and raised in Arizona, both have deep roots in the Valley, but it was four years ago they made Marley Park their home, moving from Vistancia in search of a larger yard, more parks, and a family-friendly community. It turns out, they found all that—and so much more.
Married for eight years, the couple’s love story started at an unlikely place: Hot Dog on a Stick. Holly was working her first job at the Metrocenter Mall location when Dereck, a frequent customer and friend of a coworker, caught her eye. Now parents to two girls—Penny (7) and Pearl (4)—they spend their days homeschooling, adventuring around Arizona, and investing in the community they love.
Holly, a former special education teacher with Peoria Unified, has fully embraced homeschooling and even co-founded the Marley Park Homeschool Co-op with her friend Jen. What started as a small idea has grown into a thriving group of more than 50 families, including both longtime and newer Marley Park residents.
Meanwhile, Dereck works as a commercial appliance technician for Hobart and formerly served six years in the Army National Guard.
The Nielsens are the kind of neighbors who quietly make a big impact. Whether it’s helping plan homeschool field trips, organizing a holiday party, or lending a hand with remodeling projects, they show up for their community. Dereck recently completed his first marathon in Flagstaff and is known for his handy skills, often helping neighbors with side projects. Holly bakes sourdough and is always on the lookout for their next Arizona road trip. They also attend CCV church and enjoy events like Muffins with Mom, Trunk or Treat, and the Marley Park murder mystery night.
You might not see a pet when you pass their backyard, but you will find their girls tossing carrots to the local bunnies. It’s just another example of how the Nielsens bring warmth and kindness to every part of their Marley Park life.
Submitted by Christie Giannetto Marley Park Homeowner
Cloud 9
Cloud 9 Middle School Show Choir – Coming This Summer!
Get ready to take the stage with Cloud 9, an exciting new middle school show choir launching this summer in Surprise! This program is open to all incoming 7th and 8th graders who love to sing and dance. Whether you’ve been on stage before or are just starting out, Cloud 9 is the perfect opportunity to build confidence, grow your talents, and make lasting memories.
The fun kicks off on June 3, 2025, and runs for eight weeks of music, movement, and teamwork. Rehearsals will take place every Tuesday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, giving students the chance to develop their vocal skills, learn dynamic choreography, and connect with fellow performers in a fun and supportive environment. Students will be guided through the creative process with an emphasis on self-expression and collaboration.
The season will wrap up in July with a special endof-summer performance at The Vista Center for the Arts. Friends and family are invited to attend and cheer on our amazing young performers as they showcase everything they’ve learned!
If you’re ready to sing, dance, and shine this summer, don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience. Simply scan the QR code or reach out to Preston MacDonald at preston.t.macdonald@dysart.org.
See you on Cloud 9!
Submitted by Tracy McCall Marley Park Resident
Mark Your Calendars
Marley Park’s 2025 Events Are Coming Soon!
From festive favorites to community traditions, the Marley Park Lifestyle Team is planning another year full of fun events for residents of all ages. While official dates and event details will be announced soon, here’s a sneak peek at what’s ahead so you can start marking your calendar and looking forward to the fun.
• May brings a sweet treat for moms with our annual Mother’s Day Grab-and-Go. Whether it’s flowers, sweets, or a small surprise, this is our way of celebrating the amazing mothers in our community with a little something to brighten their day.
• In June, it’s the dads’ turn! The Father’s Day Graband-Go will offer a fun and thoughtful gift for the fathers and father figures in Marley Park. Be sure to stop by and pick one up while supplies last.
• July lights up with one of our most beloved traditions: the Star-Spangled Celebration. This patriotic gathering is the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day—expect festive fun, community spirit, and plenty of red, white, and blue!
• Cool down in August with our Dive-In Movie Night. Bring your floaties for a family-friendly movie under the stars—poolside, of course. It’s the perfect summer send-off as we gear up for the school year.
• In October, the ghosts and goblins return for our annual Boo Bash. This spooktacular event is full of costumes, candy, and community cheer. Whether you’re trick-or-treating or just soaking up the festive atmosphere, it’s always a frightfully good time.
• Lace up your sneakers in November for our Turkey Trot. This casual fun run (or walk!) is a great way to connect with neighbors and get moving before the big Thanksgiving feast.
• We’ll close out the year in December with Home for the Holidays. This event captures the magic of the season and the warmth of community—everything we love most about Marley Park.
More details on each event will be coming soon! In the meantime, if you have questions, feel free to reach out to Kara Lowry at Kara.Lowry@FSResidential.com.
Yum Yum
Front Porch Summer Corn & Herb Fritters
An original recipe inspired by Arizona evenings and neighborly get-togethers.
Ingredients
2 cups corn kernels (fresh or thawed)
½ cup diced red bell pepper
¼ cup chopped green onions
2 tbsp chopped basil
1 tbsp chopped cilantro or parsley
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornmeal
½ tsp baking powder
2 eggs
¼ cup milk
Olive or avocado oil for frying
Optional Dip
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Juice of ½ lime
Pinch of salt & chili powder
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix corn, bell pepper, green onions, herbs, and spices.
2. In another bowl, whisk flour, cornmeal, and baking powder. Add to veggie mix.
3. Stir in eggs and milk until combined.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium. Drop heaping tablespoons of batter and flatten slightly.
5. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Mix dip ingredients and serve on the side.
Great warm or at room temp—perfect for a grab-andgo snack or a laid-back Friday on the porch.
Submitted by Christie Giannetto Marley Park Homeowner
Perfect Parks
This month I picked Mosaic Park to write about. You can find it on the corner of 152nd Avenue and Voltaire. It’s a big park with different sections for all kinds of fun—and one of them was a total surprise!
Mosaic is an awesome park to visit in the summer because there’s a splash pad in the southeast corner! It’s a great way for kids to stay cool while still playing outside. After looking around a little, I found the “on” button. It’s bright orange and just north of the splash pad. Once I pressed it, the water started spraying everywhere!
In the northwest corner of the park, there’s a dry playground for when it’s too cold for water play or if you don’t want to get wet. The play area has a squishy, bouncy floor that’s fun to walk on. There are lily pad steps, a rope climbing net with a little seat at the top, and a spinning toy you can sit on while someone gives you a twirl. Spinners are always a favorite!
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Between the splash pad and the playground, there’s a big grassy field with tall trees that give off lots of shade. This makes it a nice spot to cool off, rest for a bit, or dry off before heading home.
I think Mosaic Park would be a great place for a summer birthday party. You could play in the splash pad and then have games or snacks in the grassy area nearby. It’s also a fun place for a picnic under the trees. If you haven’t been to Mosaic Park yet, you should definitely check it out!
Submitted by Hannah Marley Park Resident
Home Sweet Home
Retirement isn’t just a milestone—it’s the start of something truly special. After years of hard work, it’s finally time to slow down, explore new passions, and live life on your own terms. But with this exciting chapter comes important decisions. One of the biggest? Whether your current home still fits the lifestyle and budget you want moving forward.
That’s a timely question, especially now. In just the past five years, the cost of living has climbed 23%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And with retirement savings needing to stretch further, it’s worth asking: is there a better way to make your money work for you?
Many retirees are finding that relocating is one way to protect their finances. Moving to an area with a lower cost of living—especially if you downsize—can help reduce housing costs, utilities, and taxes. That means more room in your budget for the things that matter most: travel, hobbies, family time, and living life to the fullest.
Of course, relocating isn’t for everyone. But it’s worth evaluating your plans and ensuring your savings align
with your chosen lifestyle. As Go Banking Rates puts it: “How much you should have saved for retirement depends on a few key factors, including your location. Where you choose to spend your golden years is critical.”
You don’t necessarily need to move across the country—even shifting from a city to a nearby suburb can bring major savings. The key is exploring what makes sense for your goals. Whether you’re thinking about downsizing, moving closer to family, or relocating to stretch your budget, a real estate agent can help. From simplifying the sale of your current home to connecting you with trusted agents elsewhere, they’re your partner in this next step.
You’ve worked hard to create a future worth enjoying. If your current home or location no longer fits, it might be time to explore new options. Let’s talk about what retirement looks like for you—and how the right move could make it even better.
Submitted by Christie Giannetto REALTOR® | ΓEAL Broker
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
Kids Competition
Calling all children! Finish this sentenceMy Mom is the Best Mom because... To win a $50 Spa gift certificate or a gift card to a local restaurant for your Mom.
Kids! Finish this sentenceMy Dad is the Best Dad because... To win tickets for you and your Dad to the May 17th Arizona Rattlers game!
Email your answers to info@estrellapublishing.com before May 12th to be entered into the competition.
