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, life in Marley Park seems to slow just enough to remind us to soak it all in—sunny mornings, late sunsets, and the rhythms that make this season special in Arizona. July brings its own kind of magic, and in this issue of The Front Porch, we are celebrating all the ways our community makes the most of it.
This month’s featured park review comes from one of our own neighborhood kids, who took a closer look at Portico Park—and let’s just say, their enthusiasm is contagious. If you have not visited lately, you might be surprised by what this little green space has to offer. Our monthly park reviews are a favorite around here, and we love seeing Marley Park through the eyes of its youngest residents.
If you are looking for an easy and impressive summer recipe, we have one in this issue that makes the most of seasonal peaches. It features ripe desert gold peaches—an easy-to-care-for variety that produces delicious fruit perfect for warm-weather meals. This recipe is simple, fresh, and ideal for backyard gatherings or a light summer dinner.
In this issue, we are also highlighting events happening all month long in Surprise, from arts and creative workshops to wellness and family-friendly fun. Whether you are looking for a chance to cool off indoors with a painting class or enjoy a morning stretch with a fitness group, there is something for everyone. And of course, Independence Day in Surprise is always a community favorite. We have included details on this year’s celebrations so you can plan ahead for fireworks, music, and patriotic fun.
As always, The Front Porch is a reflection of our neighborhood and the people who make it special. If you have an idea, a story, or even a favorite photo to share, we would love to hear from you. Our community is at its best when we all take part.
Stay cool, stay connected, and don’t forget to relax. After all, in the words of Sam Keen, “Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.”
See you on the front porch!
Christie Giannetto, Assistant Editor, The Front Porch Magazine
Biz Spotlight
Red, White & Blue... and Paint Too! A Local Veteran Brings Pride to the West Valley
As we celebrate the 4th of July, we also honor those who continue serving their communities long after military duty ends. One of those leaders is Freddy Alvarez, a U.S. Navy Submarine Veteran, longtime West Valley resident, and proud owner of PAINTCORPS of Phoenix West, a veteran-owned painting company serving homeowners and businesses across the West Valley. Freddy and his wife Laura have called Arizona home for over 24 years, raising four sons and investing deeply in their community. A Painting Company Built on Patriotism and Precision, PAINTCORPS of Phoenix West brings military-level discipline and integrity to residential and commercial painting services. As part of the Veteran Service Brands family, PAINTCORPS is exclusive to U.S. military veterans, offering the West Valley a reliable, high-quality painting experience rooted in service values.
From interior and exterior home painting to largescale commercial projects, Freddy and his team approach every job with precision and pride. The business has also expanded into epoxy flooring for garages and patios, and Kool Seal reflective coatings for pool areas, helping customers stay cooler while enhancing their properties. Their latest offerings include heat-reflective (Uniflex) roof coatings, designed to improve energy efficiency, a true Arizona innovation.
Based in Goodyear, the company is truly local and truly family-run. Freddy leads daily operations alongside Laura and business partners Doug and Patty Ostrander, with both families’ children involved in the work. Their deep connection to the West Valley shows
in their customer care and commitment to improving neighborhoods, one home or business at a time.
This Independence Day, the PAINTCORPS family reminds us that patriotism lives not only in uniform but also in how we build, serve, and uplift our local communities. The team is always open for a cup of coffee, ready to share military stories, connect with neighbors, and support fellow veterans, first responders, educators, and hardworking trades professionals.
Wishing you a safe and colorful 4th of July, from our family to yours!
480-468-8883 www.paintcorps.com/phoenix-west-az
Independence Day
Surprise, Arizona is gearing up for its annual Independence Day Celebration, and this year promises to be better than ever. Set to take place on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Mark Coronado Park, this beloved event brings the community together for an evening of patriotic fun, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display.
Festivities begin around 6:00 p.m. and offer something for all ages. Families can enjoy a variety of food trucks, live entertainment, and interactive kids’ activities. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for a relaxing summer evening under the stars.
As dusk approaches, all eyes will turn to the sky for a stunning fireworks show that lights up the night with red, white, and blue bursts. The fireworks typically begin shortly after 8:30 p.m., once it is fully dark. Admission is free, and ample parking is available throughout the Surprise Recreation Campus.
In addition to the fireworks, the event is known for its friendly, small-town atmosphere. Local vendors and organizations set up booths, creating a mini-festival environment where neighbors can catch up, kids can play, and everyone can enjoy the celebration of freedom and community spirit.
The Surprise Independence Day Celebration is one of the city’s largest annual gatherings and a point of pride for residents. Whether you are a longtime local or new to the area, it is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the warmth of summer, support local businesses, and honor the Fourth of July with friends and family.
For the most up-to-date details or weather-related announcements, check the City of Surprise Special Events page or the city’s social media channels.
Parks & Rec
Summer Fun
If you are looking to get inspired this July, Surprise, Arizona is hosting a variety of arts and workshop events perfect for creatives of all skill levels. From musical performances to hands-on crafting classes, the city’s lineup offers an enriching escape from the summer heat.
The month kicks off with a free Broadway & Hollywood music concert on Wednesday, July 9, hosted at the Hollyhock Library. This performance invites residents to enjoy familiar show tunes and film scores in an air-conditioned, family-friendly setting. The event is open to all ages and serves as a great cultural outing without any cost.
For those who prefer to create their own masterpieces, Smitten Paint Party on Saturday, July 12 offers a fun, guided painting session at their Bell Road studio. This laid-back art experience is ideal for date nights, friend outings, or solo painters looking to relax. Tickets typically cost around $25, and all materials are provided.
Looking to try something new? On Tuesday, July 15, the Zentangle BEGIN Workshop introduces
participants to the meditative art of structured doodling. Held at 16551 N Dysart Road, this class helps attendees slow down, reduce stress, and tap into a different kind of creativity—no prior art experience required.
Closing out the month is The Quilted Table Mat Workshop on Saturday, July 26, also at the Dysart Road venue. This sewing class walks participants through crafting a quilted mat from start to finish. It is a great opportunity for beginner and intermediate sewists to sharpen their skills and take home something beautiful.
Together, these events highlight the City of Surprise’s ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement. Whether you are singing along at the library, painting with friends, or trying your hand at quilting, there is something on the calendar to spark your imagination. Be sure to register early, as space is limited for many of these workshops.
Full event details can be found at www.ExploreSurprise.com or on the City of Surprise’s Parks and Recreation calendar.
Yum Yum
We have four Desert Gold peach trees on our property, and I cannot recommend them enough if you are considering planting fruit trees. They are easy to care for, thrive in our climate, and the peaches are absolutely delicious—sweet, juicy, and perfect for summer recipes like this one.
One of our favorite ways to use them is in this grilled peach and burrata salad. It is light, fresh, and ideal for warm Arizona evenings on the patio. Start by halving and pitting four ripe peaches, then brush the cut sides with a little olive oil. Grill them for just a couple of minutes until they have nice char marks and start to soften. Slice them up and set them aside.
On a large platter, arrange about four cups of arugula. Scatter the grilled peach slices across the greens, then gently tear and place two balls of burrata (about eight ounces total) over the top. Tear a few slices of prosciutto into bite-sized pieces and tuck them around the peaches and cheese. Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze and finish with a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper.
This salad checks all the summer boxes—sweet, salty, creamy, and tangy. It looks beautiful on the table, tastes even better than it looks, and requires no oven or complicated prep. Serve it with grilled flatbread or a loaf of crusty bread, and dinner is ready. If you have fresh peaches on hand or you are thinking of planting fruit trees, I cannot say enough good things about Desert Gold. These peaches never disappoint.
Submitted by Christie Giannetto,
July Events
Surprise, Arizona is making it easy for families to stay active, creative, and connected this July with a slate of family-friendly and wellness-oriented events. Whether you are looking for simple weeknight fun or enriching summer programs for kids, the city’s lineup delivers a well-rounded mix of options.
Start the month off right with Family Night at Surprise on Tuesday, July 1, hosted at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. This casual event is a chance for families to unwind, share a treat, and meet other local residents. With food specials, friendly faces, and a welcoming atmosphere, it is a simple but effective way to build community one burger at a time.
For those with budding young artists, KIDS Summer Art Fling II takes place on Thursday, July 3, at 16551 N Dysart Road. This hands-on creative workshop introduces children to mixed media art, giving them a chance to experiment with materials, color, and form. It is the perfect blend of structured learning and creative play, tailored to spark imagination and boost confidence.
Later in the month, from July 7–10, kids can dive deeper into creativity during the PAINT Evening Summer Camp at the Bell Road art studio. This multi-day camp features evening sessions designed for school-aged children, combining painting projects with fun activities in a safe, encouraging environment. It is a great way to keep kids engaged during the summer break without interfering with daytime commitments.
These events are more than just fun—they are intentionally crafted to promote well-being, connection, and personal growth. Whether through sharing a family meal, building confidence through art, or simply making new friends, the City of Surprise continues to support families with events that nourish both hearts and minds.
To register or find additional program information, visit ExploreSurprise.com or check with the Parks and Recreation Department. Early sign-ups are encouraged, as spots for workshops and camps can fill quickly.
Submitted by Christie Giannetto
Winner Winner!
Congratulations to Cindy Buda, winner of our recipe competition. We really enjoyed the easy bake, it is perfect for a celebration on a hot, summer afternoon!
4th of July Boozy Trifle (Or not if serving children)
Syrup:
1/4 Cup — Plus 2/3 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Amaretto (or 1/4 Teaspoon Almond Extract if serving children)
Assembly:
1 Premade Angel Food Cake, Cut Into 1-inch Slices (can use store bought or from scratch recipe)
1 Pound Cream Cheese, at Room Temperature
2 Cups Heavy Cream, at Room Temperature
2 Pints Blueberries
2 Pints Strawberries, Hulled and Sliced
Heat 1/4 cup sugar, the lemon juice and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in the almond extract/Amaretto.
Lightly brush both sides of each slice of cake with the syrup. Cut the slices into 1-inch cubes.
Beat the remaining 2/3 cup sugar and the cream cheese with a mixer on medium speed until smooth and light. Add the cream and beat on medium-high speed until smooth and the consistency of whipped cream.
Arrange half of the cake cubes in the bottom of a 13-cup trifle dish. Sprinkle evenly with a layer of blueberries. Dollop half of the cream mixture over the blueberries and gently spread. Top with a layer of strawberries.
Layer the remaining cake cubes on top of the strawberries, then sprinkle with more blueberries and top with the remaining cream mixture. Finish with the remaining strawberries and blueberries, arranging them in a decorative pattern.
Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Enjoy!
Home Sweet Home
When your home doesn’t sell, it feels like more than just a setback—it feels personal. You invested time, money, and emotional energy into the move. You told your friends and family it was happening. And now, with your listing expired and no buyer in sight, you are left feeling stuck, maybe even a little embarrassed.
Here is something most agents will not say: over 70% of homeowners who relist with a different agent end up selling their home. Relist with the same agent? That drops to just 50%, according to recent data from REDX. That is barely better than flipping a coin. Even more surprising? Only one in three homeowners with an expired listing make a change at all. Most either give up or repeat the same approach, expecting different results. But you deserve a better outcome. Same house, new strategy, completely different result.
Let us look at what might have gone wrong the first time—and what to do now.
1. Pricing Missed the Mark: Buyers are sensitive to price, especially with today’s mortgage rates. Even a slightly overpriced home will sit. And once a listing goes stale, it loses momentum. Pricing your home right the second time—at or slightly below market value—
can attract more buyers and create competition that works in your favor.
2. It Did Not Show Well: Listing photos, staging, and condition matter. Scuffed paint, outdated fixtures, or poorly lit rooms can deter buyers before they even step inside. A few strategic updates—fresh paint, decluttering, or some light staging—can make all the difference.
3. It Lacked Marketing Power: Basic flyers and a listing on Zillow are not enough. Today’s buyers are on social media and search platforms. Your home needs professional photos, video, and targeted digital marketing to reach the right audience.
4. There Was No Flexibility: If you were not open to negotiating repairs, concessions, or closing costs, that may have turned off serious buyers. With home values up significantly over the past five years, there is often room to negotiate while still meeting your financial goals.
If your listing expires, do not give up. You just need a better plan—and maybe a better partner. Re-listing with a fresh strategy can make all the difference.
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
Difficulty: Easy
16th June 2025
Perfect Parks
Portico Park
This month I visited Portico Park, which is at 144th Drive and Charter Oak Road, and let me tell you—it is awesome. The best part? A full-size concrete pingpong table with a metal net and painted lines, just like the real thing. I had never seen a ping-pong table in a park before, and it was definitely my favorite part!
But there’s way more than just ping-pong. If you have little kids, they’ll love the playground. It has a slide, a tunnel, a bridge, lily pads you can jump across, and even a triangle swing that is built into the ground. It looks super fun (even though I’m probably too old for it now).
Next to the playground is a cool sitting area with colorful plastic chairs and couches, plus some tables. It is a great place for parents to hang out while keeping an eye on the kids.
There’s also a grill and a fire pit nearby, so it would be a fun place to have a cookout or just chill at night with s’mores.
Behind the playground, there is a huge grassy field that is perfect for tag, soccer, or just running around. One side even has stone bleachers, which would be great if you’re watching a game or putting on a show.
Overall, Portico Park has something for everyone— little kids, teens, and adults. I think it would be the perfect spot for a birthday party, a neighborhood BBQ, or just a fun afternoon with friends. Marley Park has a lot of great parks, but Portico Park is definitely one of my new favorites!
