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Easy as Pie

0 Comments By Gina Santanello on January 19th, 2012
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How many of you out there know that next Monday, January 23 is National Pie Day? Well until today, that date was of no particular significance to me except for being my best friend’s daughter’s birthday. Nonetheless, it is indeed a day of national recognition and locally speaking, one that may very well ignite that inner baker in you.

I never even knew that The American Pie Council was in existence, so for the record, the APC is dedicated to “spreading the word about the benefits of pie for the body and soul, urging Americans to perform ‘random acts of pieness’ in celebration.” To some, this organization may very well be the antithesis of what is being promoted by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, but to others it’s a great way to consider warming up this recent January cold snap.

Now besides being a big fan of SusieCakes located in Newport Beach, I happen to have an affinity towards baking. So their current promotion- a contest targeting Orange County bakers, in conjunction with National Pie Day drew my immediate attention.

From now through January 21st, purchase an uncooked pie crust from any SusieCakes location for $5. Then simply bake a pie using a SusieCakes crust and drop off your entry at a store on Saturday, January 21, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

According to company representatives, “Susie herself will taste each pie and announce a winner at each SusieCakes location on Monday, January 23rd. The winners will then be bestowed the honor of “Best Homemade Pie” and receive a gift card for two nine-inch pies.”

Feel like entering? Well, let’s just see how you fare against my sour cream lemon pie.

The local SusieCakes bakery is located at 2043 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach (near Kean Coffee). For more information, visit their web site at susiecakes.com or call 949.646.6881.

The White House Garden

0 Comments By Gina Santanello on January 12th, 2012
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If a trip to Washington, D.C. is far off in your future plans, you might consider taking advantage of a rare cultural experience debuting today at San Clemente’s magnificent Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.

What will be the only west-coast showing of the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibit “The White House Garden,” is a beautiful and educational presentation that tells the story of the oldest continuously landscaped gardens in the United States. Featuring stunning images and text that focus on the 18 acres of formal gardens, secluded natural retreats and expansive parkland surrounding the White House, the exhibit also references the many presidential families who have resided there through the years. On display now until February 26th, the show is a distinguished opportunity for Orange County, particularly since the gardens are a longstanding source of beauty, tradition and national pride for Americans everywhere.

In 1927, San Clemente founder Ole Hanson built Casa Romantica atop a bluff that overlooks the historic San Clemente Pier. A living demonstration of California history, culture and ecology, and a showplace for the entire Southern California region, the “Casa” as it is sometimes called is a seven bedroom, seven-bath Spanish Colonial Revival Estate designed by Carl Lindbom, who also designed La Casa Pacifica (the former Western White House, which was occupied by President Nixon while away from the official residential White House). It was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1991.

Casa Romantica provides a year-round array of exciting and enriching cultural and educational programs for all ages, special events for the community and visitors to south Orange County, plus tours of the historic estate and its award-winning gardens. It is located at 415 Avenida Granada in San Clemente and is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. There is a nominal entrance fee of $5 for non-members.  Children 12 and under enjoy free admission.

For more information, please visit casaromantica.org or call 949.498.2139.

The City of Tustin…A Most Charming Hamlet in OC

0 Comments By Gina Santanello on December 9th, 2011
Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Communitiy

So much has changed in the city of Tustin since the day I first moved here in the summer of 1971. Long gone are Hillview Bowl and Pharmacy, Mannie’s Restaurant (now Mimi’s Café), Blum’s Candy, Nahas department store and of course, the orange groves which once spanned the acres of land that now encompass the master planned community of Tustin Ranch. But after all these years, you can still catch a ride on the OCTA to Newport Beach from the bus stop at Larwin Square. And purchase or tune up a bike at Don’s Cyclery.

Pride of ownership certainly prevails in the ‘60s-era neighborhood where I grew up in the unincorporated section of town known as North Tustin. And like so many others in this charming hamlet, it remains virtually unchanged. If you’ve ever wondered why Tustin’s popularity is stronger than ever, just ask the natives and newcomers and the many second and third generation families living here. Many will tell you it’s because of its tight-knit small town appeal. Others might say it is suburbia at its best. And then many will comment about the outstanding recreational opportunities available right at your back door.

Bordering the cities of Orange, Santa Ana and Irvine, Tustin and North Tustin bring together a wonderful blend of old, new and well-established. It’s a place where custom and traditional architecture meets modern, vintage and Mediterranean. Where zero lot lines are nearly unheard of and quarter acre ones are commonplace. It’s also a place where award-winning schools raise the bar in education and shopping, golf and tennis draw enthusiasts from all over Southern California.

Founded in 1868 by Philadelphia farmer and entrepreneur Columbus Tustin, the predominantly farming community was slow to develop in comparison to neighboring towns, taking nearly 60 years before its population would reach 500. Though it was incorporated in 1927, the city’s growth didn’t hit its stride until the 1950s with the arrival of freeways and quality schools. Then with a boom in post-war industries, the subsequent population surge prompted the development of homes where those orange groves once grew in abundance. Today, according to the 2010 census, Tustin’s population exceeds 75,000.

If you’re interested in learning more about the city’s history, why not check out celebrated Old Towne where visitors can sign up for a historic walking tour that includes a stop at the local museum. Make an afternoon of it and browse a variety of specialty shops, or dine at any number of popular eateries such as Rutabegorz – located (since 1978) in a landmark building listed on the Register of National Historic Places and built by the son of Columbus Tustin in 1914. There’s also Tustin Marketplace and The District – two of Tustin’s best shopping, dining and entertainment destinations right across town, where you’ll find something fun to do or experience 365 days a year.

To find out more about the special community of Tustin and upcoming events, please visit: www.tustinca.org.

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Seven Gables Extends its Community Outreach During the Holiday Season

1 Comment By Gina Santanello on November 29th, 2011
Tags: , , , , , , ,      Categories: Communitiy

Making a difference in our communities. That’s not only one of Seven Gables’ “Core Values,” but a mantra that’s become a way of life for us and keeps the familial environment around here so tight knit. In addition to our ongoing partnership with Orangewood Children’s Foundation, our company has dedicated the past 15 years to supporting the Salvation Army with their holiday canned food drives and Angel Tree program. And the commitment has always been a mutually rewarding one.

Recognizing that food banks across the county, the state and the nation for that matter are now facing record shortages, Seven Gables and its associates decided this year to reach out to the primary markets it serves and ask others in the community to support its efforts. Our collection started on November 11th and runs through December 12th. To date, there’s been a steady delivery of canned goods and other non-perishable food items to our offices in Anaheim Hills and Tustin. While the efforts thus far have been great, the need is even greater. So we’re hopeful that these next two weeks will bring a windfall of donations for the benefit of so many.

As a way of showing our appreciation for any and all food donations, Seven Gables is having a weekly drawing for a $50.00 Trader Joe’s Gift Card.

Winners over the past two weeks include OC residents Terry McCracken and Helga O’Brien. There are still two more drawings scheduled for this Friday, December 2nd and next Friday, December 9th, so if you are interested in entering to win a Trader Joe’s Gift Card, please stop by either of our offices with any canned or other non-perishable food donation and simply fill out an entry form.

Seven Gables’ North Orange County office is located at 5481 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road in Anaheim Hills, and our Central County location is at 12651 Newport Avenue in the city of Tustin.

For additional information please call: 714.974.7000 or 714.731.3777.

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Seven Gables Real Estate Honored at Spirit of Volunteerism Awards

0 Comments By Gina Santanello on April 21st, 2011
Tags: , , , , , ,      Categories: Communitiy

OneOC (formerly Volunteer Center Orange County) – an organization dedicated to connecting volunteers in Orange County with a number of great causes and to helping nonprofits run more efficiently, hosted its 35th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism Awards Luncheon at the Disneyland Hotel on April 14th. Seven Gables Real Estate was among 446 “Giving as Living” Nominees (comprised of individuals, families, groups or corporate teams), recognized at the event that celebrates philanthropy and the people who make a tangible impact in the lives of families, seniors, children and communities in need.

As a partner of Orangewood Children’s Foundation, the entire Seven Gables organization is so appreciative and honored by the nomination. Kash Master (our OCF Ambassador), Lisa Greubel and I were there to represent Seven Gables among the more than 1,100 other guests in attendance.

Television personality Mindy Stearns, who was the Master of Ceremonies for the elegant luncheon, entertained the audience for the duration of the two hour event with her charm and personality. Known for her comedic talents, especially her spot on animal impersonations, Stearns reprised her famous “cock-a-doodle-doo” for the audience – a talent for which she was discovered in 1996 by Oprah Winfrey. After the Animal and Environment Honorees were announced, she told the audience that she wanted to speak on behalf of those whose voices could not be heard, and then it was literally as if we were on Disney’s Jungle Cruise with elephants, monkeys and wild birds surrounding us. Her good natured fun truly lent itself to all the “goodwill” that was being recognized that day.

As most of you know, Orangewood Children’s Foundation has become an important extension of the Seven Gables family. What we do every month for the benefit of the current and emancipated youth in OC brings forth a mixture of pride and humility for us; efforts that are small in scope, but big in the hearts and minds of Orangewood Children’s Foundation.

So to be recongnized for what we’re doing, which is impacting the lives of these special young adults (in two hours time just once a month) is both rewarding and gratifying.

Our next Orangewood event is scheduled for next Wednesday, April 27th starting at 9:30 a.m. We are looking for Easter Buffet food items and Hygiene supplies as well. If you would like to assist us in any way, please call Kash Master at 714.769.6125 or email him at kashm@sevengables.com.

OneOC (formerly Volunteer Center Orange County), an organization dedicated to connecting volunteers in Orange County with great causes and to helping nonprofits run more efficiently, hosted its 35th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism Awards Luncheon at the Disneyland Hotel on April 14th. Seven Gables Real Estate was among 446 “Giving as Living” Nominees comprised of individuals, families, groups or corporate teams, recognized at the event that celebrates philanthropy and the people who make a tangible impact in the lives of families, seniors, children and communities in need.

As a partner of Orangewood Children’s Foundation, the entire Seven Gables organization was so appreciative and honored by the nomination. There to represent the firm among more than 1,100 other guests in attendance were Kash Master a licensed Realtor and the company’s designated OCF Ambassador, as well as Lisa Greubel, General Manager and Gina Santanello, Director of Communications.

Television personality Mindy Stearns, who was the Master of Ceremonies for the elegant luncheon, entertained the audience for the duration of the two hour event with her charm and personality. Known for her comedic talents, especially her spot on animal impersonations, Stearns reprised her famous “cock-a-doodle-doo” for the audience – a talent for which she was discovered in 1996 by Oprah Winfrey.

According to Ambassador Kash Master, in the year since Seven Gables embraced the opportunity to become a supportive partner of Orangewood Children’s Foundation, the organization has quite literally become an extension of the Seven Gables family.

“What we do every month for the benefit of the curr

OneOC (formerly Volunteer Center Orange County), an organization dedicated to connecting volunteers in Orange County with great causes and to helping nonprofits run more efficiently, hosted its 35th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism Awards Luncheon at the Disneyland Hotel on April 14th. Seven Gables Real Estate was among 446 “Giving as Living” Nominees comprised of individuals, families, groups or corporate teams, recognized at the event that celebrates philanthropy and the people who make a tangible impact in the lives of families, seniors, children and communities in need.

As a partner of Orangewood Children’s Foundation, the entire Seven Gables organization was so appreciative and honored by the nomination. There to represent the firm among more than 1,100 other guests in attendance were Kash Master a licensed Realtor and the company’s designated OCF Ambassador, as well as Lisa Greubel, General Manager and Gina Santanello, Director of Communications.

Television personality Mindy Stearns, who was the Master of Ceremonies for the elegant luncheon, entertained the audience for the duration of the two hour event with her charm and personality. Known for her comedic talents, especially her spot on animal impersonations, Stearns reprised her famous “cock-a-doodle-doo” for the audience – a talent for which she was discovered in 1996 by Oprah Winfrey.

According to Ambassador Kash Master, in the year since Seven Gables embraced the opportunity to become a supportive partner of Orangewood Children’s Foundation, the organization has quite literally become an extension of the Seven Gables family.

“What we do every month for the benefit of the current and emancipated youth in Orange County is mixed with pride and humility; small in scope, but big in the hearts and minds of Orangewood Children’s Foundation,” says Master.

“In just two hours time, once a month we’re able to deliver happiness in the way of fresh food and supplies and in doing so, impact the lives of some very special individuals. That says a lot. And what impresses me even more, is the way we’ve rallied together as a team and a family to make a difference,” he adds.

To learn more about Seven Gables’ partnership with Orangewood Children’s Foundation or to assist them in their efforts, please call Kash Master at 714.769.6125 or Concierge Services at 800.955.7356.

ent and emancipated youth in Orange County is mixed with pride and humility; small in scope, but big in the hearts and minds of Orangewood Children’s Foundation,” says Master.

“In just two hours time, once a month we’re able to deliver happiness in the way of fresh food and supplies and in doing so, impact the lives of some very special individuals. That says a lot. And what impresses me even more, is the way we’ve rallied together as a team and a family to make a difference,” he adds.

To learn more about Seven Gables’ partnership with Orangewood Children’s Foundation or to assist them in their efforts, please call Kash Master at 714.769.6125 or Concierge Services at 800.955.7356.

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A Year of Living Purposely

0 Comments By Gina Santanello on December 30th, 2010
Tags: , , , , , ,      Categories: Communitiy

Reflecting upon this past year, we realize the strides we’ve made as an organization committed to making a difference in our profession by creating excellence at every opportunity and focusing on what matters most to our clients. As a company united on all fronts, we also rallied with determination to contribute more to our communities with particular emphasis on our Orangewood Children’s Foundation partnership. A gratifying year end culmination of those efforts took place yesterday at a celebratory New Year/New Beginnings event hosted by Seven Gables and held at OCF’s headquarters in Santa Ana.

For the past nine months, Seven Gables has participated in thoughtfully orchestrated collection and meal drives to benefit the teens in transition who rely upon OCF for support as they venture out into the world to make a life for themselves. Each month, a different supply drive was promoted either for gently used clothing items, non-perishable pantry goods, toiletries, school supplies or winter warm up gear. And on the last Wednesday of each month, a wonderful themed meal buffet was provided for these young adults.

Do you all remember those classic holiday movies that show Santa’s “behind the scenes” elves busily and joyfully readying toys for Christmas delivery? Well, that’s pretty much how each month through November played out. Our efforts were always appreciated, but since we often left before anyone arrived we never got to see the expressions on the faces of OCF’s beneficiaries or hear their gratitude-filled voices. Yesterday was a different story though, and one that made us all more the appreciative of the opportunity we have to share with others.

We set up a beautiful international buffet that included Mexican, Italian and Indian food with all the trimmings and a dessert station comprised of cupcakes, cookies, muffins and sweet breads. Attendees savored the feast before them; played Bingo for some great door prizes and excitedly awaited a Raffle for some fabulous prize packages. We also provided parting gifts for the attendees – gift bags that included fleece blankets, 2011 day planners, pens, cups and some other useful essentials. And every one of them could not have been more appreciative.

A very special thank you is in order for the following individuals whose time was given lovingly and willingly: Laura, Ryane and Colton Thorne, Lisa Greubel, Pam Huitt, Kash Master, Fred and Kathy Hinojos, our Marketing Team: Sandy Chang, Kristen Mitchell and Tommy Martinez (yes, I was there too), Vanessa Barerra, David and Nancy Smith, Marcia Saunders, Peggy DeSantis, Audrey Blatter, Shelly Paino, Kim Toth and Kathy Sliwinksi and everyone else who cooked, baked, purchased food supplies or simply showed up to lend a hand. We are grateful as ever for your continued support and generous hearts.

As for our friends at Orangewood Children’s Foundation . . . well, I have a stack of “thank yous”  . . . all expressing appreciation for the fun time, delicious food and gifts we provided. The pleasure was all ours.

May the New Year be filled with Abundant Blessings for You All!

View photos from the celebration here.

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‘Tis the Season to Give at Orangewood

0 Comments By Gina Santanello on November 17th, 2010
Tags: , , , , ,      Categories: Communitiy, Uncategorized

The holidays are a sentimental time for so many of us. They prompt us to reflect on life (and the speed at which it passes us by), as well as the time-honored family traditions that bring us great joy. They make us contemplate that for which we are hopeful and inspire us to count our many blessings. Most of all, I think they bring out a wonderful spirit of generosity, which could not have been more evident than today at Orangewood Children’s Foundation.

A Thanksgiving feast, which included turkey, ham and all the trimmings, was prepared for the teens in transition at OCF. Warm weather items such as coats, blankets and sweaters were delivered and hung with care by the countless individuals who volunteered to lend a hand.

As always, the usual suspects were there (inclusive of the management team, some agents and members of our administrative team)…cooking in the kitchen, organizing the food and storage cabinets and setting up the food buffet. Today though (and last month too), we witnessed a surge in our community spirit. Fresh faces, walking in with trays of food and bags of donations, rolling up their sleeves to help and experience for themselves the wonderful sense of purpose that so many others do each month. The outpouring really says so much about our culture – what we value and what matters most.

Some of the youth who benefit from the Foundation’s support showed up today to thank Seven Gables personally for all they have done and continue to do for them. Chris Simonsen, the CFO of OCF also stopped by to express his gratitude for our efforts. Two hours, one day a month, twelve times a year. When you think about it, that’s such a small sacrifice of time in the grand scheme of life.

And in the grand scheme, Seven Gables is making an impact and  difference in the lives of others … one day at a time. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of you who continue to support this worthwhile cause on behalf of the Seven Gables organization.

View photos from this month’s event here.

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Thanksgiving at Orangewood Children’s Foundation…

0 Comments By Amanda Wernick on November 15th, 2010
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We all have our yearly traditions.
We have Easter egg hunts in place of the traditional meaning of Easter.
We have Trick or Treating for Halloween  instead of its traditional meaning.
We have Santa Claus instead of the traditional meaning of Christmas, though even that is widely disputed.

The only tradition that we seem to keep the same is Thanksgiving.  On this holiday, we tend to gather together with friends and loved ones and remember what we have, what we had and what we forgot to be thankful for.  We prepare a massive feast of food that often times sends us into a food coma and we either sit back and watch football or head off to the mall to start Christmas shopping.

That’s what MOST of us do….however there is a large group of people out there that do not have the ability to celebrate Thanksgiving as we do;  they don’t have the stable family life that we associate with when we gather together to celebrate.

We have been blessed to work with one such group this past year:  Orangewood Children’s Foundation.
We go there once a month and stock cabinets with food, clothes, and hygiene supplies.  We think outside of ourselves and we are thankful to them for allowing us to be a part of their ever growing organization. The need is great and we are always hopeful that the givers are greater! Take a look at what we’ve done in the past and see how you can participate in the future.

We are having a Thanksgiving Feast on November 17th and would love your participation.  What can you bring or what can you donate?  With the weather getting cooler, we are looking for blankets, lightly worn jackets and any cold weather accessories to donate to the kids. Won’t you consider being a part of this?

Thankfully Yours,
Amanda

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The Wooden Floor

5 Comments By Amanda Wernick on October 14th, 2010
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,      Categories: Communitiy, Real Estate

Friday, I was on caravan for the city of Santa Ana with Sandy DeAngelis.  She is what I aspire to be when I decide to grow up! She is knowledgeable, resourceful, a true joy to be around and I am thankful to be a part of her Real Estate team. We started talking about Real Estate (what else is new) and then about community.  She then started to share with me about an organization that I had never heard of.  It is called The Wooden Floor. Have you heard of it? She started to bubble over with excitement when she was telling me about who they are and what they do for the community.  I couldn’t help but become inspired and look deeper into who they are.

The Wooden Floor, “Formerly known as St. Joseph Ballet was established in 1983 to serve underprivileged youth in Orange County.”  Watch an 11:00 minute video giving you a glimpse into their cause here.

Hard to imagine that Orange County, one of the richest counties in California would have such a need, but the need is rampant.

On Saturday October 9th, 2010, The Wooden Floor hosted “Keep the Promise,” a wine tasting benefit to raise funds for their community. One young lady involved in the program had the opportunity to give her testimony.  Her name is Meyby.  In her words:

“Through the dance program, I have excelled to the top level 10 class.  The discipline and focus in dance helps me in all areas of my life.  I am enrolled in the tutoring program that also helps me with my homework and keep my grades up. I don’t have to go through the difficulties my parents had.  Here you get to create a new future-one that has never been seen before.  Thank you for supporting The Wooden Floor.”

I was so inspired by seeing the power behind this program that I “liked” them on Facebook and now follow them on Twitter as well (@TheWoodenFloor).

This Saturday, October 16th The Wooden Floor will once again be holding auditions and it is reported that people will line up at the front doors starting at 4:00 IN THE MORNING.

Now there’s an organization filled with hope and inspiration.

Thank you Sandy for opening my eyes, yet again, to such a wonderful cause!

Orangewood- September Food Drive

0 Comments By Amanda Wernick on September 24th, 2010
Tags: , , , , , , , ,      Categories: Communitiy

The time is almost upon us and we are feverishly getting ready for our monthly visit to Orangewood Children’s Foundation next week!

Why am I sharing this with you?  Because this is where YOU come in!

Please contribute to a wonderful cause by donating canned and non perishable food items such as:
Mac & Cheese
Soups
Tuna
Top Ramen
Pasta
Cereal
Oatmeal
Beans
Chili
Stews
These are just a few items to spark ideas in you!

We are also hosting a “Baked Potato Bar” for the kids and need condiments…
What do YOU like on your baked potato?  Bring that!

You can drop off your generous donations on September 29th at:

Orangewood Children’s Foundation
1575 East 17th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
map

OR you can drop off your items at either one of our office locations:

12651 Newport Ave, Tustin map
5481 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills map

Thanks again for your community involvement!

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