Take a look at the latest edition of North Valley Pride!
602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com November/December 2022 North Valley Pride
GIVING THANKS WITH A GRATEFUL HEART Thank All and Share With All
Whenever the holiday season approaches, annual traditions and Thanksgiving activities seem to explode! Many events are centered around each special occasion, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Families, friends, and communities gather together to celebrate all their blessings, show gratitude for the past year, and of course, eat delicious food! Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays that is celebrated in the U.S. People gather to share a meal with one another and reflect on everything for which they are grateful - whether good health, prosperity, family and friends, or even the experiences that have molded us into the individuals we are today — we have much for which to be thankful. In September 1620, a small ship called the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers — an assortment of religious separatists seeking a new home where they could freely practice their faith and other individuals lured by the promise of prosperity and land ownership in the “New World.” After a treacherous and uncomfortable crossing that lasted 66 days, they dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod, far north of their intended destination at the mouth of the Hudson River. One month later, the Mayflower crossed Massachusetts Bay, where the Pilgrims, as they are now commonly known, began the work of establishing a village at Plymouth!
In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, individual colonies and states celebrated days of Thanksgiving. In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November!
One of the most favorite holiday traditions is to watch The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! In New York City, thousands of people line the streets of Manhattan to watch. The parade is known for giant inflatable balloons floating between skyscrapers and high above onlookers — and is quite a sight to see. The parade features plenty of marching bands, great music, and performances that everyone can enjoy. The parade first took place in 1924, tying for the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the U.S. with America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. The parade’s workforce is made up of Macy’s employees and their friends and family, all of whom work as volunteers. The three-hour parade ends outside Macy’s Herald Square and has been televised nationally on NBC since 1953. What a great way to kick off the holiday season! It may seem counterintuitive — or maybe even genius — to run a race on one of the biggest food holidays, but turkey trots seem to be a trend on Thanksgiving. In a way, turkey trots are symbolic of Thanksgiving itself — getting together with family and friends in the community to have a feel- good start to your day. This may be a rare occasion for you to have the opportunity to run with your loved ones. Bringing everyone together can create new memories and traditions in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
The holiday is rich in legend and symbolism, and the traditional fare of the Thanksgiving meal typically includes turkey, bread stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. But beyond just eating during this beautiful time of year, people celebrate Thanksgiving in a wide variety of ways - from parades and shopping to running and volunteering.
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In the spirit of giving thanks and helping others, many communities hold food drives to collect nonperishable packaged foods and canned goods for those in need! These organizations sometimes host Thanksgiving dinners to allow everyone a place to enjoy a warm meal. It may seem cliché, but it can be a life- changing experience for many who volunteer at charitable organizations. You might opt to prepare and hand out Thanksgiving dinner to men, women, and children in need, which can be very rewarding, especially if you take time to talk to the visitors. You may be surprised at some of their stories and their positivity despite their situations! Thanksgiving is a time to look around at all you have — your friends, your family, a warm home — and truly give thanks for your
blessings. As you do, remember those who are not as fortunate as well as those who rarely or are unable to celebrate holidays with their loved ones. We find ourselves in a new year at the end of the holidays. While New Year’s resolutions are all the rage, you do not have to wait for the new year to start making a difference. By giving back today or at any point during the holidays, you offer hope to those who need hope the most. You can provide a chance for a better tomorrow for many people! We have a few Thanksgiving traditions of our own that we like to follow. Since we are in the real estate business, we often meet people who are moving to our town without family members living in the area. Every year, we reach out and extend
invitations to those who may be spending Thanksgiving alone to join us at our home for Thanksgiving dinner. One year, we had 22 people accept our invitation. What a wonderful Thanksgiving! Another tradition we enjoy is just before serving the Thanksgiving meal, we invite everyone to join together in a circle around the food that has been prepared. Then we give each person the opportunity to share something for which they are thankful. This tradition has always been a very special time, and we all learn something new about each other. And since the food is right there in front of everyone, the comments are typically brief! We are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to help many people with their housing needs, which in turn, allows us to bless others. As we enter the holiday season, we want to express our sincere gratitude to our clients, associates, friends and families for your business, your referrals and our cherished relationships. We hope the joy that you bring to us shines through what we do every day. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season of giving and sharing in and out of your homes! –Dennis and Lisa
Bûche de Noël “... we give each person the opportunity to share something for which they are thankful. This tradition has always been a very special time, and we all learn something new about each other.”
One of Lisa’s favorite holiday desserts from Newton High School French Club!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Line 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan with foil. Generously grease foil. 3. Place egg yolks in a large bowl. Using a mixer on medium speed, beat yolks 2 minutes. 4. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and continue beating for 2 minutes. 5. Combine flour, cocoa, 1/4 cup sugar,
Cake •
Rum Cream Filling •
4 eggs, separated 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup unsifted all-purpose flour 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa 1/4 cup and 1 tbsp sugar, divided 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp unflavored gelatin 1 tbsp cold water 2 tbsp boiling water 1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 tbsp rum or 1/2 teaspoon rum extract
baking soda, and salt; add alternately with water on low speed until batter is smooth. Add vanilla and set aside.
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Chocolate Frosting •
6. Beat egg whites until foamy and add 1 tbsp sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. 7. Carefully fold in chocolate mixture. Spread batter evenly onto prepared pan.
1/2 tsp salt
6 tbsp butter or margarine, softened 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa 2-2/3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/3 cup water 1 tsp vanilla Red and green candied cherries
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4 to 5 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
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We’re Here for Football
!
Season! Tackling Football Traditions
When: Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. What: Professional Family Photos Where: Dennis & Lisa Jones’ Home Join us for fun, food, and family photos! Call Lisa at 602-677-4130 for details and to schedule your photo shoot! 2022 Annual Client Appreciation Event
Football season is here, and while you may or may not be a diehard fan, many people are already kicking off the season! Whether college, recreational, or professional football, the season brings fans together to celebrate a team about whom everyone is passionate. When you enter a stadium, you are not just a single person anymore — you are a part of something much bigger. You are part of a family who supports their team through thick and thin, and together, you celebrate and commiserate as one. Without the fans and the strong bond between fans and their teams, the teams would not exist!
We feel especially connected to teams if they are from the town or city where we were raised, and a collective euphoria envelops everyone and brings them together. You may bond with those sitting near you in the bleachers or standing next to you on a field, all rooting for the same team and hoping for a win. Football is an American tradition most people enjoy on Friday and Sunday nights. Many people can look back and remember watching the game with their families and participating in various football traditions. From tailgates and Superbowl parties to fantasy football and watching the game in the comfort of your home, something about the anticipation of whether your team will win keeps fans on their toes and shouting out at the television or the field when there is a touchdown. Compared to other sports, no sport can build suspense and excitement for fans like football. Good old-fashioned rivalry comes with many teams to support, bringing out some friendly competition! What a great feeling to watch the game with a friend supporting the opposing team and your team wins. Since football season is here, we are already back in action and rooting for our teams! We can enjoy the season for all the right reasons, with family, friends, traditions, and even those cheering for the other side.
8. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until top springs back when touched lightly. Invert onto towel sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar; carefully remove foil. 9. Immediately roll cake in towel, starting from the narrow end; place on wire rack to cool completely. 10. Prepare rum cream filling: Sprinkle gelatin onto cold water in a small dish. Allow to soften. Add boiling water; stir until gelatin is dissolved. Beat heavy cream with confectioners’ sugar until stiff peaks form; blend in rum or rum extract. Gradually add gelatin mixture, beating until well blended. Chill 10 to 15 minutes or until filling begins to set. 11. Unroll cake and remove towel. Spread with filling, then reroll and place on a serving tray. 12. Prepare chocolate frosting: In a small mixing bowl, cream butter or margarine until softened. Add cocoa and blend well. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar alternately with milk and vanilla and beat to spreading consistency. 13. Frost cake, creating bark-like texture with spatula. Garnish with candied cherries and holly leaves; refrigerate. Serves 8 to 10.
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Building Excitemen Through Good Food, F
IMPRESS THE GUESTS
Football games bring their own excitement and energy to the field, but the tailgate is what kicks off the day! Fans come together to build anticipation for a home game and rally in the stadium parking lot in the back of their cars and trucks — or even tents — to eat, drink, and play games before the game starts. A haze of charcoal smoke fills the air, along with the aroma of classic hotdogs, hamburgers, and all kinds of homemade dishes. Nothing is better than coming together as friends and family, enjoying delicious food, and waiting for the game to begin! As the years have passed, tailgating has become a ritual before the big game, but tailgating is not always about “partying.” This unique tradition that many Americans have included in their game days builds a community. When you are surrounded by
The holidays are rapidly approaching, and soon, we will share laughs while enjoying the festivities with our loved ones. Before the celebrations begin, you must prepare your home for visitors, especially if they stay overnight. Hosting guests in your home can be stressful whether they are your in- laws, best friends, or distant cousins coming to stay with you. You want to leave a good impression, but how do you ensure everyone’s needs are met, including yours? Here are three tips for setting yourself up for a successful holiday, regardless of who stays with you. Stock up on your guests’ favorites. Have you ever stayed with someone who did not have extra food for their guests? Do not put your guests in this situation. Load up your pantry, refrigerator, and cupboards with your guests’ favorite foods and drinks. If you do not know what they are, ask ahead of their visit! Your guests will appreciate your conscientious gesture and will have a much more enjoyable time if they can eat their favorites while visiting. Prepare a guest room. If your guests are staying with you, you need to prepare somewhere for them to sleep. Make sure you make up the bed, have plenty of pillows and blankets on hand, and provide adequate closet space for their clothes. Even if they are not staying in a traditional bedroom, their sleeping area should still be ready when they arrive. Clear off a table for them to use as a nightstand and put sheets on the couch or mattress where they will sleep. With These Holiday Hosting Tips
TAKE A CASSEROLE ELECTION GRATITUDE HARVEST RAKING REMEMBRANCE
Use real dishes. When we have company over for a meal, especially a large gathering, using plastic or paper options is easier and saves on cleanup too! The holidays are not necessarily the time for this shortcut. Break out the fine china or use regular dishes for your guests. Paper products are fine for the kids, but if you want to make a good impression on visiting adults, nicer dishes will dress up the table setting and meal.
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nt for the Big Game Fun, and Community
Break Out the Markers and Crayons THE BENEFITS OF KIDS CREATING ART
people whom all support the same team or even the opposing team, it is an excellent opportunity to socialize with those around you. Family, friends — new and old — and relatives pass along generations worth of traditions that continue to shine through tailgates today. People of all ages can enjoy and attend these gatherings, and you may even see some alums returning home to enact those tailgate rituals. According to legend, the first college football game in 1869 between Princeton and Rutgers universities was also home to the first football tailgate. But instead of coolers, kegs, or deep fryers, sausages were simply grilled at the tail end of a horse, hence the term tailgating. With the rising costs of concessions and lack of viable dining areas to hold the number of football fans, the tailgating alternative came to be. Tailgating can be done for any sport, but the pregame tradition is nowhere near as universal as with football. We recently had the opportunity to attend an Arizona State University football game and had great fun tailgating with clients and friends in the parking lot before the game. Their son is the starting long snapper, and while the Sun Devils fell short, Johnny had a great game!
Creating art is a fun activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. There are many options for kids — they can try creating with clay, drawing, coloring, and even finger painting. Buy your child a new set of markers or crayons, and they will keep themselves entertained for hours. Art is not just for entertainment, though. When kids create under the right conditions, many benefits exist. Young kids can refine their motor skills and some will even show improvement in their cognitive development. Art has the ability to open many doors for kids. Below you will find three major benefits that young children can learn from crafting. Creating art helps kids build necessary skills. One of the most beneficial ways that art benefits children is by helping them work on their motor and problem-solving skills. When kids draw something, they need to think about how they can create what they are picturing in their minds. They may have to fix errors, and working on their drawing skills will help them gain better control over their hands and wrists. Children who cut and glue, finger-paint, or sculpt clay will have improved coordination and dexterity. Art provides kids with another way to communicate. Not all kids are great communicators, and the inability to communicate can hinder their confidence and prevent them from speaking their minds. Art provides an alternative solution to their communication problems. They can draw what they are thinking and share that with others around them. Even when kids are not creating art, being around art helps ignite their imagination. Crafting boosts confidence. When you were a child, did you ever give your parents a picture you drew that they decided was worthy of hanging on the fridge? How did you feel? Chances are you felt pretty good about yourself. When kids create art, they are choosing what they make, which helps boost their self-esteem. When they share their art with others and are met with positive feedback, their confidence skyrockets.
Thank you, Steve, Sally, and Katie Ferlmann, for a great evening of celebrating and cheering on Johnny and the Sun Devils!
–Dennis & Lisa Jones
BREAK SAINTS SQUASH THANKSGIVING TOPAZ TURKEY VETERAN
Art is much more than an activity to entertain your children. Art is an opportunity for them to fine-tune their skills and improve themselves. Encourage your children to create art — you will soon notice the benefits.
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Showing Gratitude to Those Who Served FEATURING OUR ANTHEM VETERANS MEMORIAL The opportunity to commemorate contributions and show our
If you know a veteran (perhaps a relative, friend, or even a neighbor), reach out to them on Veterans Day with a phone call or visit! If they are comfortable discussing, ask a veteran where they served, where they were stationed, or even what specific jobs they did while serving. Take the opportunity to engage beyond just saying thank you. With Veterans Day right around the corner, we had the opportunity to thank several of our veteran clients over the summer by laying pavers for them at the Anthem Veterans Memorial: Jim Rodriguez, double Purple Heart Vietnam Marine veteran, and Master Sergeant Frank and Staff Sergeant Angel Limardo, U.S. Air Force veterans. We are very excited to announce that our next segment of “American Dream TV: Valley of the Sun” segment will be featuring our very own Anthem Veterans Memorial. That segment will air just in time for the Veterans Day Ceremony. Please join us at the Anthem Veterans Memorial on Friday, Nov. 11, for a free pre-ceremony patriotic music concert and Welcome Home Vietnam War veterans pinning ceremony (9:30–10 a.m.) and an incredible ceremony with video tributes from the USS Nimitz, Navy Seals, and U.S. Air Force four-plane F35 flyover (10–11:15 a.m.). We look forward to seeing you at the AVM!
appreciation to veterans for their sacrifice and bravery is something everyone should do. Veterans Day is an important day to honor and show appreciation for all who have served in the United States military — in wartime or peacetime, living or deceased. Whether they served for two years or 40, all veterans sacrificed something to serve their country and, if called upon, to lay down their lives. Nothing nobler exists than risking your life for your country! But beyond the discounts, tributes, and platitudes given to veterans on this day, listening to their stories and genuinely understanding the services they provided might give you a greater respect for the freedoms they ensured for us to enjoy.
A Clean, Clutter-Free Closet MAKE THE MOST OF LIMITED SPACE
Use pegboards for accessories. Jewelry organizers are cute, but they rarely hold every single piece you own. Many items end up in a pile where they are tangled or tucked away in a drawer where you forget about them. Rethink how you store your accessories by taking a cue from your garage. A pegboard with hooks installed in your closet is an inexpensive, comprehensive way to hang your jewelry. With all that sparkle and color, the finished result will be much more upscale than the workbench version, and the accessories you love will receive the attention they deserve. Determine what you do not wear. Many people have a pile of clothing they never wear but keep “just in case.” A little mind trick could change your thinking about all those extra garments. Turn your hangers around so the open part of the hook faces out of the closet. As you wear items, replace the hanger the usual way. After a year, you will have undeniable proof of what is just taking up space and can be donated. Parting with some items may be more difficult, but at least you will have room for new clothes!
Few people will ever have a closet that resembles the ones you see on HGTV, but that is no excuse to leave your wardrobe in disarray. Most of us could stand to be tidier or more organized. And no matter how big your closet may be, you probably wish you had more space. These closet hacks will help you make the most of what you have without breaking the bank for a custom system. Hang more in the same space. Most people will blame a lack of space for their messy closets. When you do not have enough room, you must find a way to cram in everything and make the space work. But you can rethink how you are using your closet. Consider adding a second clothing rod below the items you have already hung. This solution will make sorting clothes easier and neater. Not possible or too much work? Break the tab off a soda can — and slip around the hook on each hanger. You can now use the second hole in the tab to hang another item!
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Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to seeing every child whole in body and spirit. This organization works with food distribution partners that stay within communities for the long haul, empowering them to move from relief to development! The meals are developed by food science and nutrition experts to supplement nutritional needs and reduce problems with malnutrition, which allows children to grow, thrive and develop to their full potential. Through Empowerment of Communities FEEDING KIDS AND SPIRITS
Raising Thankful Children A DAILY DOSE OF GRATITUDE
Their process is quite simple; donations from people like you help fund the necessary meal ingredients! Volunteers then hand-pack meals, which are donated to FMSC food partners around the world.
Most parents want their kids to view Thanksgiving as a meaningful event — not just an opportunity to indulge in turkey and mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, most kids’ eyes will glaze over when their parents launch into a lecture about thankfulness. You will likely find better success by emphasizing the value of gratitude all year long. “What do you say?” is a question we all ask our young children after someone does something nice for them. This practice instills good manners, but should not be confused with teaching gratitude. Imparting the meaning behind the words “thank you” takes something more. If you want grateful children, you need to be grateful parents. Consider how you can incorporate gratitude more into your everyday life. Are you as thankful as you should be? Do you repay favors and write thank-you notes? Do you regularly talk about why you are so fortunate or why you are thankful? Cultivating gratitude in your life sets a good example, and many studies show benefits to your mental health. Next, reflect on how you can encourage your child to consider for whom they are grateful. Acts of kindness and returning the favor to those who have been good to us can inspire kids to put their gratitude into action. Doing some yardwork, sharing a toy, or making a painting as a gift can help children understand the power of outwardly showing our gratitude for other people.
Your financial support makes continuing to provide hope and a promise of a wonderful future possible for children worldwide. Each meal costs less than a quarter to make, and more than 90% of the total donations
go directly toward feeding children.
A single meal that a gracious volunteer hand packs brings us one step closer to ending world hunger.
We became involved with FMSC through our local church, Cross of Christ, when we hosted an annual packing event for several years where they brought a semi-trailer truck full of materials to pack meals onto our church campus. Now that FMSC has a warehouse space in Mesa, our church sends groups to pack meals, and our real estate company, Realty Executives, has our annual holiday packing party at the FMSC Mesa warehouse. Packing meals for children overseas is such a joy, and what an amazing feeling to realize how many meals you can provide with just a couple of hours of your time! We highly recommend FMSC if you are looking for a team-building event or service project.
Consistency is the most crucial factor; try to find ways you can incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine. Children of any age can keep a gratitude journal with their parents’ help. Some families also use a gratitude jar where each family member can write for what they are grateful on a slip of paper and add something different to the jar each week. What a perfect way to keep gratitude front and center.
These lessons may not sink in immediately, but by cultivating these positive habits in our everyday lives, you will see a big difference in the long run.
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Celebrating Thanksgiving With Our Traditions Inside
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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Bûche de Noël
Lisa & Dennis Jones
Client Appreciation Event
3668 W. Anthem Way, Ste. B-158 • Anthem, AZ 85086 602-677-4130 • DLJonesHomes.com
Why Football Is a Beloved American Sport
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How to Impress Visitors This Holiday Season
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The Tradition of Tailgating
3 Benefits Kids Gain From Creating Art
Commemorating Veterans Day
Keeping Your Closet Cleaner
A Daily Dose of Gratitude
Giving Back: Feed My Starving Children
Help Contribute to Circle the City
Healing Homelessness Together! WITH HELPING HANDS, WE CAN PROVIDE SHELTER
Homelessness can take many forms — people living on the streets, in encampments or shelters, in transitional housing programs, or maybe even with family or friends. Regardless, Circle the City founder, Sister Adele O’Sullivan, CSJ, MD, recognized the greater health care needs in these underserved communities.
The nonprofit organization strives to meet patients where they are, without judgment or bias, embracing a culture of dignity and respect for all patients, staff members, and community partners. Circle the City takes a holistic approach to healing, focusing on the important balance of physical, mental, and spiritual health, engaging all patients
physician assistant rotation. Hearing about her daily experiences with the homeless and underserved gave us insight into the current level of homelessness, which is about four times normal right now. With a grant through our church, Cross of Christ, and Thrivent Financial, plus some additional resources from friends and our own, we gathered basic hygiene, clothing, food, and hydration needs to replenish the clinic’s dwindling supplies. While they do not have much storage, filling their shelves and bins allowed us to contribute in a small way to ensure the homeless have some additional supplies and resources.
She noticed a lack of sanitary conditions for wound care, challenges with medication management, and the lack of a place
with the goal of not only providing excellent care, but also assisting them on their journey out of homelessness.
for people to rest and recover from a serious illness or injury.
We recently learned about Circle the City through our daughter, Ashley, who spent seven weeks on their campus
That inspired Sister Adele’s vision for a medical respite center for people facing homelessness.
If you are interested in contributing, please email me at Lisa@DLJonesHomes.com.
–Lisa Jones
on her first family medicine
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