White Tanks View

White Tanks View® A magazine for Sierra Montana, Waddell Hacienda & Sterling Grove residents

Estrella Publishing - White Tanks View magazine

January 2022

1

You Deserve to be Comfortable

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 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com All contents © 2010-present day Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited. Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned.

Some content is provided by Brandpointe and Family Features. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Advertisers. Estrella Publishing reserves the right to restrict all advertisement to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy at its sole discretion.

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Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way.

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January 2022

From Me To You...

Welcome to your January edition of White Tanks View magazine!

In 2022, we would like to feature local residents on the cover of White Tanks View magazine along with an interesting article about their story.

We are looking for interesting stories about neighbors – people of all ages and all walks of life – to share on our cover and within our pages.

Each monthly issue of the magazine will also include some special sections for pet photos, artists’ corner, recipes, motivational articles, and design trends. We’d love to have your contributions this year. Original poetry and photography are welcome as well, as are photos of homes decorated for holidays, or even just a photo of your favorite front porch!

The goal of White Tanks View Magazine is “BY neighbors, FOR neighbors” and we will strive to bring you interesting content this year that helps you get to know your community and the wonderful people in it. If you have something you’d like to submit for publication, or just a suggestion that might need some polishing,

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please reach out. I’d love to help you turn your ideas into a cover story, article, or even a monthly feature!

As you’re reading this and future issues, please don’t forget to take note of our amazing advertisers. Most of them are local people with whom my husband and I have personally done business. The advertising revenue covers the cost of printing and postage, and without it, White Tanks View magazine wouldn’t be possible. So, the next time you need something, please turn to the businesses features inside this issue. You’ll be supporting a local business and helping to keep the magazine showing up in your mailbox every month.

Remember, “What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year.” ~Vern McLellan See you on The Front Porch!

Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | White Tanks View magazine

January 2022

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On Our Cover White Tanks Views. We have them. Whether you’ve lived here a few months or a few decades, you’ve probably seen the incredible view to our west. I like to think of it as the unofficial boundary of Phoenix’s west valley. In my 25 years here, and most notably over the last few years living in the far west of Surprise, I’ve grown to really appreciate the desert scenery and the most incredible sunsets you can imagine! It’s simply fantastic to have these views right here in our own backyards.

You may already be aware, but White Tank Mountain Regional Park, a part of Maricopa County Parks and Recreation, is located right at the end of Olive Avenue in Waddell. The park is open year-round. What you may not know is that there’s lots to do, both for the novice and the advanced trail hikers and mountain bikers.

There’s a nature center, and several programs designed to introduce residents to our local flora and fauna. Additionally, there’s camping, horseback riding, and several other things to do at this wonderful park. Following White Tank Regional Park or Maricopa County Parks on social media is a great way to learn more about

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White Tanks and our other county parks.

I’d like to take a moment to highlight a county program that I’m particularly fond of. Each year between November 1 and February 8, the county challenges residents to get out and experience the park system in the 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge. As you’re reading this, this year’s challenge is likely wrapping up within the next 30 days or so. Hopefully you’ve had the opportunity to jump in on this self-guided challenge. If not, perhaps you have it in you to race to the finish! Or, maybe next year!

For more details and program guidelines check out The 100 Days Challenge online. There are options for hikers, mountain bike riders and horseback riders. So, have a little fun, get a free t-shirt, and maybe win a prize!

However you choose to enjoy the outdoors and our great neighborhoods, I hope you’ve had time to visit the White Tanks. And, if you haven’t, I hope you find time to do so soon. You won’t regret it. Happy and safe hiking! And, please, leave no trace.

Submitted by Mark DeBord | Surprise Resident

January 2022

Legal Advice

MAKE A WILL, NOT A MISTAKE While there are many forms of estate planning documents available on line, there are just as many ways to make mistakes that could cause problems for you and your loved ones.

Original documents are important.

Financial institutions want to see original powers of attorney and Wills. The court process to probate a copy of a Will can be double the time and cost of probating an original. Legal terms have specific meaning. The term “heir,” when meaning “descendants,” could result in unintended rights to a spouse or sibling.

Powers of attorney should not be contingent on you being incapacitated. Once you are found

incapacitated, you lose your legal rights to handle financial decisions. You should not have to lose your rights, when you just need help on the phone or going to the bank.

Health care powers of attorney should cover mental health as well as medical health care.

Avoid court intervention by having a complete health care power of attorney.

If you have a revocable trust, be sure your assets are titled in the trust or made payable to a trust.

If you do not have a trust, be sure you fully utilize beneficiary designations in order to avoid probate.

Submitted by Sharon Ravenscroft, Esq., The Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, (623) 815-7451 or Sravenscroft@CavanaghLaw.com.

Sharon’s practice focuses on Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. For more information www.sharonravenscroft.com.

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January 2022

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Get in on the ground floor and see your business succeed.

Secure your space in White Tanks View magazine, covering Sierra Montana, Waddell Hacienda, Surprise Farms, and Sterling Grove

623.398.5541 al@estrellapublishing.com

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January 2022

Senior Health As you age, your health needs change. Staying on top of senior wellness activities is important, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Creating a list of health and wellness to-do’s can help you stay organized, so you look and feel your best.

Here is a simple senior-health checklist to help keep you or a loved one focused on wellness: • Annual physical: Even if you see specialists for certain conditions, it’s recommended to get an annual physical. This is an opportunity for important health screenings that may include tests to evaluate blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, bone density and more.

• Vaccinations: Staying current on recommended vaccinations can help you stay healthy and limit the spread of disease. The risk of severe illness from COVID also increases with age. COVID vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness and you can help protect yourself and the people around you by getting vaccinated.

• Physical activity: All seniors eligible for Medicare benefits through a Medicare

Advantage, Medicare Supplement or group retiree plan may be eligible to join SilverSneakers at no additional cost and have access to live and on-demand virtual workouts, including nearly 2,000 activities and classes per week in a variety of lengths and formats. Check eligibility at SilverSneakers.com.

•Social connection: Maintaining friendships and connecting with others is an important component to supporting physical, mental and emotional wellness. Set up coffee with friends.

Join community groups.

• Mental health: Although prioritizing mental health is now more widely accepted, it still can be a challenge for older adults to admit they need help. Talk with your doctor about how you feel and mental health concerns you may have.

• Mental enrichment: Cognitive decline can occur as you age, so it’s important to be proactive to help support brain health through mental stimulation. Read books. Join a weekly game group.

• Nutrition: What you eat fuels your body and mind, so it’s important to pack your pantry and refrigerator with wholesome foods.

Doesn’t it feel good to check a few things off your list? For more ideas on how seniors can stay active and connected, visit SilverSneakers.com.

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January 2022

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Decorator’s Corner

Once the Holidays come to an end, and the decorations are packed away, many of us feel like our homes look empty come January. Winter décor can maintain a sense of coziness and help bring us through the colder winter months. Here are some simple ways to transition your home from the Holidays into winter.

Remove all decor that is overtly “Christmas”, or

Holiday. For me, that includes removing all the red accents. Stick with neutrals for a calming space. Ivory, gray, greens and pops of black are on trend and give a fresh feel. Layer textures like cable-knit and faux fur to create visual interest.

Keep some of the foliage. One of this winter’s biggest trends is creating a snowy, forest feel in your home. If your Christmas tree has white lights, is smaller, or of the sparse Fir variety, consider removing all of the trimmings, but keeping it up a while longer as a decorative accent. Evergreen, birch wood and pinecones pair beautifully with greenery like olive branches and eucalyptus on mantels and banisters.

Finally, keep your cozy pillows and throws, candles, fairy lights and any “snowy” décor to maintain that magical feeling throughout winter.

Submitted by Kasey Smith | Surprise Resident

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January 2022

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Shop Local

There are millions of small businesses in the United States owned by passionate people working hard to make their dreams a reality.

Rather than buying from a big retailer the next time you need something, consider supporting the locally owned businesses around you. When you support a small business, you’re not only helping build your community, but also directly impacting someone’s life. Every customer counts when it comes to small business, which means your dollars can help that small business owner thrive.

This is the perfect time to support your local businesses. Here are three simple ways to support small businesses and have a positive impact this holiday season and beyond: Get to know your community through its businesses While holidays are important times to shop local, your support matters all year long. For many people, this means shifting their mindset to thinking about local options first and getting to know the types of products and services your

Estrella Publishing - White Tanks View magazine

local businesses are providing. Whether you are purchasing items for yourself or someone else, start to understand how these local businesses can fill your needs. Don’t forget, many small businesses offer gift cards, which are wonderful ways to show ongoing support.

Support small business service providers Small businesses aren’t just for tangible goods.

Many provide important services, such as your local mechanic, dentist or insurance agent. So, no matter your needs, try and find businesses that are active in the community.

Share your experience Many small businesses rely on satisfied customers to tell others so they can grow their client base. In fact, more than eight out of 10 people around the world said they completely or somewhat trust the recommendations of friends and family, according to Nielsen. So, tell a friend in person, share a post on social media, or leave a positive review online.

The next time you have a need arise, think of how a small business can help. Every effort counts to build your community, show your support, and ensure you continue to have thriving small businesses near you.

January 2022

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Home Sweet Home

After 15 years in real estate, I’ve come to understand that the one constant in this business is change. Economies, design trends, financing products, and investor interests all change. There is one aspect of real estate that doesn’t change, however, and that is the seasons of the business.

Home sales, like almost every other industry, move with the seasons. In Arizona, many people think that the weather affects market trends in real estate. After all, who wants to look at houses in 100+ degrees, or worse, MOVE in that kind of heat? Surprisingly though, market trends have more to do with the school schedule than with weather.

The best time of year to list a home for sale is always the first half of the year. Because school starts here in August, everyone wants to close escrow by then, so the kids can start school after they are settled into their new home. Once school starts, we see a gradual slowing of the market through fall. As the holidays approach, folks get busy with travel plans, out of town guests, and, for families with children, it makes

more sense to wait until the semester break if a move is planned that will involve switching schools.

January marks the return of the market activity.

All those buyers who put their home searches on hold “until after the holidays” suddenly become active and motivated. We call this pent-up demand. They want to get a head start on their home search, so they can be under contract by March, close escrow by the end of May, move over the summer, and be settled into their new home before school starts.

A lot of variables will come into play when determining when to sell your home, and market trends will not always be the determining factor. I always tell clients that the best time to sell is when the time is right for you and your family. If you’re thinking of selling, but unsure when you should put your home on the market, get in touch with an experienced real estate professional. He or she can help you weigh the pros and cons of market seasons against your own unique needs and goals.

Submitted by Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® | REAL Broker

REACH OUT TODAY! The consultation is always FREE and without obligation.

You should know what your home is worth in today’s market!

Christie Giannetto

| REALTOR® Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com

SurpriseMatters.com

602.740.2313

April 12 Estrella Publishing - White Tanks View magazine

January 2022

Fresh Perspective The start of the New Year is often married to new beginnings, a fresh start, a need for positive change, or creating new habits. As we embark into this time, I urge you to give yourself the gift of living in the moment. Sit with your thoughts and focus on feelings of contentment. Starting your year from a place of gratitude will relish those happy experiences and mentally prepare you to become adaptable in times of adversity.

As you set your goals for yourself this year, whether it’s quitting a bad habit, being more organized, or prioritizing your health, I implore you to step out of your comfort zone with confidence. For many, a resolution tends to last just one month after the New Year and challenges in maintaining momentum and motivation are common. No need to fret, try these tips for keeping with your goals this year: The feeling of motivation comes AFTER the

action. If you are having a hard time staying motivated, try the 5-minute rule. This means, dedicate just 5 minutes towards your goal (working out, cleaning, etc.) and that is enough time to get the momentum started.

Did you know that we are more likely to complete a task when we write it down? Write your goals on paper and place your goal in a highly visible area of your home.

Accountability buddies. Tell your partner or a friend about your goals. Knowing that someone else is going to keep you accountable is highly motivating and can keep you from getting in that rut. Speak about your progress and challenges often.

Set realistic expectations. I suggest starting small. If your long-term goal is to buy a house, save a large sum of money, or to start working towards a degree, a highly productive way to get you there is to create micro-goals which allow you to follow through one small step at a time.

Give yourself grace. Nobody is perfect and we are bound to slip up from time to time. Allow yourself the time and space to have a break before you get back to it. Go easy on yourself and know that is this part of the learning process.

It takes 21 days to create a new habit!

Submitted by Christina Demers, M.S. | Surprise Resident

12/31/2021

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January 2022

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Financial Cryptolist

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January 2022

Samurai Sudoku for January This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. There are 5 overlapping grids with one unique solution. Each of 4 corners are shaded. To solve this Samurai Samurai Sudoku Puzzle #25 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 This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. There are 5 overlapping grids with one unique solution. Each of 4 corners are shaded. 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.

5 7

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3 7

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7 Samurai sudoku grid, symmetric, beginner No 25 Created: https://www.sudoku-puzzles-online.com

Estrella Publishing - White Tanks View magazine

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January 2022

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Homes Sold in

SIERRA MONTANA AND SARAH ANN RANCH You are invited to contact me today for a FREE home value analysis 602.740.2313 SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

18204 W Port Royale Ln

17727 W Wood Dr

17510 W Charter Oak Rd

17570 W Eugene Ter

17214 W Maui Ln

Sold Price .......................$410,000 Sq Ft.......................................2,003 Lot Sq Ft ................................8,524 Amenities ...New AC & Owned Solar

Sold Price .......................$611,000 Sq Ft.......................................3,215 Lot Sq Ft ................................9,470 Amenities...................3-Car Garage

Sold Price .......................$525,000 Sq Ft.......................................2,761 Lot Sq Ft ................................9,274 Amenities.................................Pool

Sold Price .......................$515,000 Sq Ft.......................................2,761 Lot Sq Ft ................................5,853 Amenities.................................Pool

Sold Price .......................$360,000 Sq Ft.......................................2,291 Lot Sq Ft ................................8,899 Amenities.................................Pool

Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

17560 W Crocus Dr

17832 W Voltaire St

17759 W Caribbean Ln

18327 W Caribbean Ln

17588 W Pershing St

Sold Price .......................$499,999 Sq Ft.......................................2,435 Lot Sq Ft ................................7,596 Amenities.................................Pool

Sold Price .......................$485,000 Sq Ft.......................................2,950 Lot Sq Ft ................................7,420 Amenities...................3-Car Garage

Sold Price .......................$467,000 Sq Ft.......................................2,769 Lot Sq Ft ................................6,670 Amenities.................................Pool

Sold Price .......................$550,000 Sq Ft.......................................3,336 Lot Sq Ft ................................8,885 Amenities...................3-Car Garage

Sold Price .......................$448,000 Sq Ft.......................................2,526 Lot Sq Ft ................................7,728 Amenities...................3-Car Garage

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

18134 W Maui Ln

17254 W Country Gables Dr

17749 W Evans Dr

18361 W Becker Ln

17941 W Evans Dr

Sold Price .......................$440,000 Sq Ft.......................................1,737 Lot Sq Ft ................................7,820 Amenities.................................Pool

Sold Price .......................$395,000 Sq Ft.......................................2,291 Lot Sq Ft ................................5,500 Amenities.................................Pool

Sold Price .......................$435,000 Sq Ft.......................................2,215 Lot Sq Ft ................................6,380 Amenities.................................Pool

Sold Price .......................$690,000 Sq Ft.......................................3,644 Lot Sq Ft ................................7,950 Amenities..................Builder Model

Sold Price ....................$1,450,000 Sq Ft.......................................4,933 Lot Sq Ft ..............................48,499 Amenities..................Custom Home

Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto

Buyer represented by Christie Giannetto

Your Surprise Neighbor and Real Estate Specialist Christie Giannetto | REALTOR® 602.740.2313 Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com

SurpriseMatters.com

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Estrella Publishing * Sales data obtained from Arizona Regional Multiple Listing System.

- White Tanks View magazine

CHRISTIE GIANNETTO REALTOR®

January 2022