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Volume 6. number 2www.myhometownestrel la .com

my hometown

february 2012

facebook/myhometownestrel laFollow Estrella on Facebook

estrella residents, Chef michael Cunningham and his wife norma

are the new operators of the Café at the Starpointe residents

Club. The Café, renamed the Starpointe Café at estrella, will be

“Featuring Fresh, Flavorful Food.” Starpointe Café will be serving

breakfast, lunch and dinner specials on a daily basis. Weekends

will also include a focus on the pool menus and exciting specials.

The concept that Chef michael has developed emphasizes call-

ing, emailing or texting your orders for takeout. limited seating

is available in the Café area, and the patio facing the lake and the

pool.

Page 5

Introducing the Starpointe Café...

In response to several residents’ requests, my Hometown estrella is

addressing the concern about bullying within local schools in our

neighborhoods. representatives from three local schools were quick to

respond about their pro-active prevention procedures on this topic.

Page 8

Information on ‘Bullying’

bring your favorite teddy bear for

tea at the Starpointe residents

Club. We will be making Valentine’s

cards while enjoying cakes and

“tea” with your friends. make a

card for your sweetie and then

help to bring a smile to the face

of a sick child by making a special

Valentine’s Day card to donate to

the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

residents of all ages are wel-

comed to attend with or without Ted e. bear.

Page 9

Teddy Bear Tea & Crafts

Specialists in Orthodontics and Pediatric DentistryNow accepting new patients.

Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry

623-536-0079www.hilgerspedo.com

Hilgers Orthodontics

623-935-3908www.hilgersorthodontics.com

Elliott Market in Estrella Mountain Ranch17750 West Elliot Road Suite C Goodyear, Arizona 85338

my hometown: page 3www.myhometownestrel la .com

Volume 6. number 2

february 2012

this month...

Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission is prohib-ited. The Fountain is a monthly publication highlighting house, home and community building. The Fountain accepts freelance contributions, though there is no guarantee that unsolicited material will be returned. The Fountain 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. We reserve the right to restrict all advertisements to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy.

Our mission for My Hometown Estrella is to connect Estrella residents to each other and to key resources with the goal of build-ing community in Estrella and the greater Goodyear area.

My Hometown Estrella is a great example of what can happen when neighbors build strong relationships and get busy putting their ideas and skills together for the good of the community.

We hope you find this community publica-tion reflective of our excitement to be in Estrella and our desire to build something that brings us all closer together. We invite you to join in the fun and get involved.

FountainMediaGroup inc.

publications that build community

my hometown

Discovering Your Passion

Identifying our passions can be tricky. The process of practicing to recognize them is where the fun begins! Typically, finding what we are passionate about begins with observing the small things we are already doing. Maybe you enjoy working with numbers, reading music, or organizing things. Have you ever noticed that you steer conversations towards things you enjoy?

Passionate acts don’t have to be monumental. After all, you’re not responsible for obtaining world peace. But you’ll certainly feel gratified through the smallest gestures involving someone or something outside of your routine list of obligations. An act of passion might be defined as something enjoyable that you would do – for free! The reward is the realization that someone else directly benefits from your efforts. This discovery can create a nourishing feeling of satisfaction that results in development of personal progress, especially when shared with others.

So, in a month centered around love and passion, it seems appropriate to share informational news pieces and features about people and businesses who continue to build social capital in our neighborhoods. Many of this month’s contributors have mastered the process of discovering a passionate purpose. Open the pages and share the excitement of resident chef Michael

Cunningham’s café transformation. The Starpointe Café now offers new menus – one of them exclusively available for poolside service. Accept an invitation to participate in an organized golf tournament, designed to benefit homeless youth in the area. Join the Arizona In ACTION followers as they incorporate with school principals and local celebrities to reward our youth for bicycle helmet safety. Read responses from our local school principals as they address the the topic of bully-ing. Our business and resident spotlights feature indi-viduals who have contributed greatly to our community. Even “Bob” the goose, having taken up residency near the Yacht club, seems to have his own ambition to become involved in Estrella.

When we asked how you’ve contributed in favor-able ways to this community, you replied with an over-whelming response. For each of your influences that continually shape this community, we thank you!

There are plenty of activities stirring in Estrella this month. Enjoy reading about them and then get out there and discover your passion!

KIm AlVArADo, eSTrellA reSIDenT

editor’s corner

health and fitness 13-15

financial 14

community lifestyle

community news

on Your DoorSTeP neWS & eVenTS HAPPenIng In AnD ArounD eSTrellA 5

HoA eVenTS & bulleTIn boArD Your HoA IS HArD AT WorK WITH THeSe Fun reSIDenT eVenTS 9

ClubS, ClASSeS, meeTIngS STArPoInTe reSIDenTS Club ProgrAmS & CommunITY CAlenDAr 10

people in your neighborhood

THe reWerTS FAmIlY neIgHborS & FrIenDS You’D lIKe To meeT 12

business spotlight

oSborne JeWelerS 18

O F F I C E

Fountain Media Group, Inc. 1501 San Elijo Rd. S, Ste. 104-202

San Elijo Hills, CA 92078 (800) 497-1309

www.fountain-inc.com

P u B l I s h E r s

Tim Minjares Publisher

(800) 497-1309 x707 [email protected]

Kim Alvarado Associate Publisher


E d I TO r I a l

Kim Alvarado Community Editor


Mike Minjares Managing Editor


P r O d u C T I O n

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[email protected]

C O n T r I B u T I n g w r I T E r s

Raj Patel MD

wa n T TO a d v E rT I s E ?

Contact Kim Alvarado (800) 497-1309 x705

[email protected] www.myhometownestrella.com

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eSTrellA

on your doorstep

Chef Michael Introduces the starpointe Café, Inside the starpointe residents Club

Estrella residents, Chef Michael Cunningham and his wife Norma are the new operators of the Café at the Starpointe Residents Club. The Café, renamed the Starpointe Café at Estrella, will be “Featuring Fresh, Flavorful Food.” Starpointe Café will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner specials on a daily basis. Weekends will also include a focus on the pool menus and exciting specials. The concept that Chef Michael has developed emphasizes calling, emailing or texting your orders for takeout. Limited seating is available in the Café area, and the patio facing the lake and the pool.

In addition to experienced culinary profes-sionals, culinary students from Estrella Mountain Community College and Estrella Foothills High School will be working at the Café. These stu-dents have the interest, the passion and the com-mitment to fine food. Chef Michael will be shar-ing his 30 years of experience in the culinary field with these students.

Currently, the Café will not provide table ser-vice, instead, pre-order your takeout items or order at the counter and enjoy the limited Café or patio seating. Email blasts and the Café blog will contain the seasonal menus and the Chef ’s Dinner Specials. Sign up for email blasts by emailing [email protected] and see the blog at starpointecafe.blogspot.com. The email blasts and blog will be filled with all the info you need to keep current on upcoming events and special features such as Mexican Night, Soul Food Night and Spring Barbeques. The Café will be open from 7am-2pm for breakfast and lunch and will re-open at 5pm for dinner specials to fulfill takeout and counter orders. The Café will close about an hour before the club closes for the evening.

Starpointe Cafés’ winter menus will provide the community with a taste of what is to come with seasonal menu changes. Chef Michael’s flavor profiles have been celebrated by many valley residents. His desire is to share these flavors with everyone.

Homeless Youth Connection Schedules Fun-raising events

The Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds will play their annual charity game at 1pm on Monday, March 5. The Indians have selected Homeless Youth Connection as their charitable cause, while the Reds have selected AIA. Proceeds from parking, the gate, concessions and team store will be split between the two worthy causes.

On March 15-18 the second annual Homeless Youth Connection Spring Carnival takes place in the Skyway Church parking lot here in Goodyear. It’ll be four days of family fun with rides, food, arcade games, etc. Butler Amusements did a great job for us last year, but unfortu-nately the weather didn’t cooperate. We hope to have a much better turnout this year. Not only will the Carnival coincide with Spring Training, it is spring break for the local schools, as well.

PebbleCreek has hosted a spring golf tournament for the past several years. Last year, they gave half of the proceeds from the event to Homeless Youth Connection. This year, HYC is hosting the event on Saturday, March 24, with the support of four local Rotary Clubs; Goodyear White Tanks, Litchfield Park, Estrella and Buckeye. Half of the proceeds will benefit HYC and the other half will be split between the Rotary Clubs to be used for their charitable works.

Finally, HYC will be hosting its inaugural dinner event and auction at Pebble Creek Golf Club, just prior to the golf tournament. The dinner is set for Friday, March 23. We’ll begin the evening with a silent auction, enjoy a leisurely dinner and move into a live auction. We plan to have a couple of our students share their story of how they became homeless and how HYC has been able to help them. Then, we’ll finish the evening with a couple of hours of music and dancing. For more information on any of these events, people can either call our office at 623-374-3747 or check out our web site at www.hyconnectionkids.org.

love Is In The air

Submitted by Handyman Xtreme

Love is in the air...It’s February and things are heating up, including our weather. This is a great time to start enjoying your back yard. If you’ve put off those home or yard improvements, now is an optimal time to get them completed. Some of our clients install ceiling fans out on their patios, others choose to update their lighting, and some make drastic changes such as bring-ing nature to them with landscap-ing projects. Whatever your proj-ect may be, you’ll love your back yard after you’re finished. As always, Handyman Xtreme is here to help if you need advice or a helping hand simply call 602-773-1973 to consult with a Home Expert at Handyman Xtreme.

Any startup operation is a challenge. The Café is open to your suggestions, and of course, critiques. Service is an important ingredient of any business, and it is the Café’s goal to provide excellent service in addition to outstand-ing food. The Café is open to Estrella residents and to the general public, to

demonstrate to guests that Estrella is a special place to live and work.

Chef Michael, a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, worked in many of the 5-star hotels in New York and California before becoming an art gallery owner in California. Norma, a corporate human resources professional, has experience running the business end of their ventures. Michael and Norma moved to Estrella in 2003 to escape the hustle and bustle of Orange County, California and to grow their art business and continue with the chef ’s culinary interests.

In 2011, Chef Michael was crowned the first Estrella Community Scholar by Estrella Mountain Community College, following his successful cooking classes at Canta Mia. He also taught painting classes at Canta Mia focusing on inspiring the students to release the artist within.

Recently, a young resident had Chef Michael’s cheeseburger. The young man was so taken by the flavor that he has been telling his neighbors and family who live down the hill

that, “It’s worth the drive.” Another Estrella resident attended the Chef ’s class and wrote: “Fresh, Flavorful, Food

describes it exactly, Chef Michael’s food was wonderful, his style fun, and I can’t wait to see what else he will serve. If Chef Michael is cooking, I’m eating!” You can’t pay for endorsements like that!

Starpointe Café is open to Estrella residents as well as non-residents, so call, email or text your orders from the menus, 623-986-8662, [email protected] or just stop by to savor the aromas. Let Chef Michael serve your family!

page 6 : my hometown www.myhometownestrel la .com

eSTrellA

on your doorstep

Production is in full swing at the OK corral. Once again the Creative Arts Academy is presenting an interactive, musi-cal mystery dinner theater original produc-tion written by Kristin Caraway and directed by Daniel Fernihough and Teresa Tally. The cast consists of tried-and-true blood Estrella residents who effortlessly dedicate their time and talents every Saturday over six months to benefit this annual fundraiser for students in the Arts summer program. Ticket sales help fund the classes for children and adults in our community that otherwise cannot afford the opportunity to discover their unique visual and performing art gifts. So join us on a dusty walk down to the corral where we will serve up a four-course BBQ dinner catered by Memphis Best BBQ and dessert by the Academy’s creative culinary instructor Serena Webb. The cast will be performing Trouble in Tombstone: Murder at the Low-Key Corral on two nights, February 24 at 7pm and February 25 at 6pm. Visit www. CAA-AZ.ORG to order tickets.

The venue for this year’s event will be Odyssey Preparatory Academy in Goodyear and will be transformed into the Grits and Grog Saloon! For maps, table sponsoring, hosting a table, purchasing tickets or learning how you can be a member of the Creative Arts Academy, please visit our website for more details.

Legends never Die: Too bad the Men who Make them Do! Come see how your neighbors make legends and knee slappin’ entertainment for us all!

learn to Create harmony & Balance utilizing Feng shui Techniques

It is a 3,000 year old, yet very practical and usable way to balance your environment and improve your life. It literally means “wind” “water” which involves movement and circulation. The intent is to arrange and enhance an area to allow the most favorable flow and thus create the most favorable results. Feng Shui is learning how to inter-pret and change your environment to meet and match with your desired outcome. It is also about realizing that your environment has a direct and not so subtle effect on your physical and emotional state. Feng Shui works whether you consciously believe in it or not, though improvement in desired results come about faster if you yourself add the energy of intent and belief. This method focuses on what are called “cures,” or ways to improve a space for the most effective flow of energy; thus creating a healthy and favorable environment and eliminating stagnant and unfavorable energy.

Friends in Estrella will be presenting a discussion and Q&A on Feng Shui on Wednesday, February 15 at the Starpointe Residents Club at 7pm. Please join us for this interesting and informative presentation. Space is limited. RSVP to Mary Lou Morris at 623-386-2685. To learn more about Friends in Estrella, visit LifeinEstrella.com

LEGENDS NEVER DIE...TOO BAD THE MEN THAT MAKE ‘EM DO

MURDER AT THE LOW KEY CORRAL

the Creative Arts Academy Presents

TROUBLE IN TOMBSTONE

Two performances scheduled for February 24 and February 25

Location: Odyssey Preparatory Academy Auditorium, 17532 W. Harrison, Goodyear.

Visit www.caa-az.org for tickets today!

BBQ DINNER CATERED BYMEMPHIS BEST BBQ

Dulce Vas Introduces matt maloy

Matt Maloy has recently joined the fresh original sounds of local talented musicians becoming the newest member of Dulce Vas. Matt was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California. He began his music career as a drummer in a variety of bands growing up which eventually led to his desire to incorporate the technical side of music. His musical quest brought him to Mesa Community College, which offered a phe-nomenal line up of audio instruction. He now runs live sound for the local spicy sonoran jazz, modern pop group-Dulce Vas. “When I run live sound for them, it is in a very unique manner. Instead of plugging a microphone into a set of speakers, I plug them into my computer, before going into the speakers, which allows me to add many other tricks and effects. It is always a blast working with Dulce Vas, and I am grateful to have become a part of this,” says the group’s new sound expert. Visit www.dulcevas.com to learn more about the latest local sounds of Dulce Vas and to view a list of upcoming performances.

Three rivers Historical Society Invites You

Whether you are an “old timer” or a “new comer” you are welcome to check out the Three Rivers Historical Society. Meetings take place on the third Tuesday of each month at 3pm at the Goodyear Civic Center, 190 N. Litchfield Rd., Suite 117. Each month an interesting guest speaker is fea-tured; someone who talks about an aspect of the history of our area.

The Three Rivers Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the his-tory of the west valley. The name comes from the three rivers that converge in our area, the Agua Fria, the Salt and the Gila Rivers. The centennial project is a new educational and historical trail to be built behind the Nature Center at Estrella Mountain Regional Park. For this project, the society needs many enthusiastic people to help with event planning, fund raising, and publicity. One fund raising project is “A Taste of History,” an Arizona Centennial Community Cookbook. The cookbooks have just arrived from the printers and are available for $10 from Sally Kiko, [email protected]. We have recipes from several people that live in the Estrella community as well as Governor Brewer, Mayor Lord and many others in the west valley.

west usa realty-Estrella Builds Community Capital

You’ve seen them handing out water to thirsty garage sale bargain seekers, popping corn at the Fall-O-Ween festival or com-munity movie nights, raffling a luxury gift basket at our local farmer’s market or provid-ing sponsorship for Goodyear Little League or community camp-out night. They’re the team at West USA Realty and they are involved in promoting our community, adding to the ambience of that ‘small town feel’ that makes each of us passionate about living a resort-style life here in Estrella. West USA Realty has worked closely with our manage-ment company to be present in the events and occasions that are important to you. “West USA Realty is a staple at our movie nights,” reports CCMC Lifestyle Director, Holly Aguilar. “They are always quick to offer sponsor-ship for events within our community,” she added.

Like many of us have done individually, the team at West USA Realty has set a goal for themselves in this new year. In 2012 you’ll see them work together with local schools, offering their support through sponsorship.

Stop into their local office, located at 17750 W. Elliot Rd., to learn about their individualized services, specializing in buying and selling, along with full-service property management. Their family owned and operated team includes Estrella residents, with deep-rooted interests in our commu-nity. My Hometown Estrella asked about your community involvement and West USA Realty quickly responded with enthusiasm!

The Third annual Murder Mystery dinner Theater showdown!

“bob” the goose, who has

recently decided to call north

lake his home, volunteers his

inspection services to Yacht Club

Coordinator, Jeff beuthin.


Spring Training Tickets Available

The Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds have a full month of training games ahead! Grab a group, grab some tickets and enjoy several entertaining ball games and unbeatable weather. Visit www.goodyearaz.gov/ballpark for ticket information and scheduling.

February 4 - RAV performing at Canta Mia

Don’t miss RAV, the local favorite musically-talent-ed couple, Vee Ragone, harpist, and Andy Ragone on vocals, as they play selected favorites from their newest CD, “Velvet Flames.” A special Valentine performance will take place at Canta Mia on Feburary 4, from 6-8pm. The cost is $6 per person and includes a special menu, plus one drink per person. Call 623-474-6960 for more information.

February 8 - Bike Rodeo Kickoff Event Hosted by Arizona In

ACTION

Children of all ages are invited to bring helmets and bicycles to the Starpointe Residents Club West Parking Lot on February 8, from 1:30pm to 6:30 pm for Arizona In Action’s Bike Rodeo. The Bike Rodeo kicks off a new program to promote bicycling safety and get families more active. [email protected] or [email protected]

February 12 - Estrella Travel Club to Attend Singing in the RainJoin the travelers as they make their way to the Arizona Broadway Theatre for dinner and a production special of Singing In the Rain on February 12. The cost is $58.50 per person and can be purchased from Diane Hershberger, 623-691-6356. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Meetings continue for this group at 11am on the Second Saturday of each month. Travel sug-gestions are welcomed and appreciated.

February 28 - Westar Elementary Hosts a Kindergarten Round-Up

Tuesday evening, February 28 Westar will be hosting a Kindergarten Round Up! Parents and future kindergarten students will have the opportunity to visit Westar’s kindergarten classrooms, meet the principal and teachers, and discover many exciting learning opportunities available at Westar to nur-ture a kindergartner’s love for learning. Kindergarten registrations for the 2012-13 school year will be accepted during this event. Check out Westar Elementary’s website at www.liberty.k12.az.us for additional details.

Local Estrella Bunco Group Helps Make

Wishes Come True

Acting as ‘elves’ at Ronald McDonald’s House of Charities Workshop, a local Estrella Bunco group joined employee’s from local McDonald owner/oper-ator organizations, regional and divisional employees, staff at the Grand Canyon University and a handful of winter visitors from Canada to wrap an abundance of gifts for families staying at the Phoenix Ronald McDonald houses. The volunteers wrapped hundreds of gifts donat-ed by a variety of local and national organizations, making holiday wishes come true for a number of families, during their time of hardship.

Enjoy the Comfort of a Quilt

Estrella Resident, Freeda Seltzer, makes quilt tops. “Ah, the cozy comfort of a quilt. Making a quilt top is exciting and can be fulfilling, but finding someone to quilt it so that you can bind it off for a wonderful finished prod-uct is tricky.” Freeda to the rescue! She can be reached at 602-760-4991.

Estrella Business Networking Group Gifted 10 Needy Families

With help from the Estrella community, the group donated books, toys and food. The group’s passion to give back paid off through their networking efforts and brightened the season for less fortunate families. To learn more, visit http://estrellabusiness.com

In a nutshell news Community Tips & newsbriefs In and around Our neighborhoods

eSTrellA

on your doorstepCantamia Celebrates Second Anniversary

As CantaMia celebrates its second anniversary, the active adult commu-nity is bustling with activity. Welcoming new residents every week, CantaMia embraces a robust lifestyle designed to keep the residents feeling younger as they pursue new volunteer, educational and fitness interests, and enjoy an expanded friendship network.“Our vision for CantaMia has become real-ity,” noted Carl Mulac, a home building industry veteran who created the innovative, green and solar community. Mulac, who was recently installed as Chairman of the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, envisioned a fresh approach to active adult living, combined with beautiful, energy-efficient homes designed specifically for the empty nester.

The anniversary fun takes place at 17700 West Star Point Drive, located off of Estrella Parkway, on February 18 and 19 from 11am to 3pm each day. The celebration will include live New Orleans-style brass band music, cook-ing demonstrations, interior design seminar, tai chi demonstration and more.

Estrella Foothills high school softball Clinic

Girls interested in one-on-one practice and skill evaluation won’t want to miss the softball clinic scheduled for Saturday, February 11, from 9am to 4pm at the softball complex at Estrella Foothills High School. Age eligibil-ity for this clinic is for players in grades 5-8, who want to learn more about high school-level play. Participants will learn hands-on skill building, team concepts and game philosophy while working out in a state-of-the-art facil-ity. The cost for this clinic is $50 and includes lunch, a t-shirt and evalua-tion. Pre-registration is required. Registration forms can be found online, by visiting www.packtracks.org or by contacting Varsity Softball Coach, Rick Brundgardt at 602-326-1095.

Westar elementary School music Programs

Submitted by Michael Orme, Music Teacher Westar Elementary

Currently, the following opportunities are offered to Westar Students before and after school:

Chorus: Membership of the Westar School Chorus is open to all students from third grade upwards. There are no auditions, since I firmly believe that all students have the ability to par-ticipate vocally.

Band: Band takes place both during and outside of school hours. Last year Westar received a “VH1 Save the Music Grant.” These funds were used to start a fantastic and energetic Band Program. Students can opt to pursue Band as an elective from fifth grade upwards, and at present there are over 40 fifth and sixth grade students involved in the Band Program. As a result of this program, Band will, in the next two years, have impacted all Grades from 5-8.

Westar After School Music Program: Undoubtedly the best and most effective type of music lessons are those that give the student the opportu-nity to receive one-on-one teaching. Westar has just introduced an exciting new initiative that allows students to do just this! Individual 30-minute les-sons are available on keyboard, piano and band instruments.

Junior Theater Group: Junior Theater Group is run as a partnership between Westar Elementary and Estrella Foothills High School. It provides the opportunity to introduce students to the world of theatre and member-ship is open to all students from sixth grade upwards.

Michael Orme is the director of music at Westar and comes all the way from England with a grand repertoire of experience in both music and teaching!


eSTrellA

school newsInformation on ‘Bullying’

In response to several residents’ requests, my Hometown estrella is addressing the concern about bullying within local schools in our neighborhoods.

representative from three local schools were quick to respond about their pro-active prevention procedures on this topic.

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Sharon marine, Principal at estrella mountain elementary School responded:

Currently, bullying, harassment and intimidation have garnered great attention across the nation. At Estrella Mountain, we continue to focus on being pro-active with prevention and bullying edu-cation. This school year, the Attorney General’s office did a presentation to all seventh and eighth graders that included bullying, harassment and cyber safety. A parent presentation was given in the evening, as well. In addition, the school counselor visits classrooms to provide bullying education throughout the year. Through our educational trainings, students are made aware of the seriousness of bullying. Whenever a student or parent brings to our attention that there has been a possible bullying incident, it is investigated immediately and dealt with according to our District guidelines. The staff is always made aware to look for signs of bullying and is responsible for report-ing it. Being proactive has definitely been a deterrent to bullying taking place on campus. We have received reports of incidents that happen off campus after school hours so then we keep an eye out for any behaviors that might develop from these prior incidents. Any bullying incidents that occur off of school grounds should always be reported the proper authorities.

Bullying is defined as “the repeated acts over time that involve a real or perceived imbalance of power with the more powerful child or groups attacking those who are less powerful. Bullying can be physical in form (e.g. pushing, hitting, kicking, spitting, stealing); verbal (e.g. making threats, taunting, teasing, name calling); or psychological (e.g. social exclusion, spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships).”

Westar elementary School Couselor, melanie Fortino, responded:

The Steps to Respect program defines bullying as follows: Bullying is unfair and one-sided. It happens when someone keeps hurting, frightening, threatening, or leaving someone out on purpose (Committee for Children, 2001, 2005).

Bullying is a national problem affecting students of all ages, genders, and cultures, as well as adults in the workforce. Bullying happens in a variety of settings, as well. Our technology-driven society has increased the avail-ability for bullying to include all different kinds of technology tools. This change makes it difficult for the target to find a safe protected place away from bullying since they often have 24-hour access to technology. It can also make the one who is bullying anonymous (Committee for Children, 2010).

One of the biggest challenges for our children is that many do not report bullying to adults for fear of being labeled a “tattle-tale” or worse. Others may take matters into their own hands and try to fight back with violence, which can make bullying last longer and lead to harm to them-selves or others. The Steps to Respect program teaches our children how to recognize bullying, respond in a safe and assertive way, and report to get the help they need. When children learn problem-solving strategies, such as assertively standing up for themselves or involving an adult when necessary, bullying ends sooner (Committee for Children, 2001,2005).

Liberty School District adopted the research based, Steps to Respect curriculum and it is currently being shared with students in classrooms from grades three through eight. The lower grade levels learn about empathy, prob-lem solving and other important friendship and student skills through a pro-gram called Second Step. Research has shown that friendship plays an impor-

tant role in decreasing bullying. Students who have friends not only feel more protected from bullying, but they are also better able to cope (Committee for Children, 2001,2005).

Westar is celebrating their annual, “Bullying Prevention, Friendship Week”, the week of February 27. This week students will review important anti-bullying strategies and participate in activities related to friendship building. The primary goal of these programs is to help encourage and

create a safe, caring and respectful school in which bullying is not tolerated. This takes all of us working together; staff, teachers, students and parents. The Committee for Children who created the Steps to Respect and Second Step programs has a website, www.cfchildren.org that is a wealth of information for teachers and parents. You will need to enter your information to obtain access to this research-based site. You can also contact your school counselor or principal if you have questions or concerns about bullying.

estrella Foothills High School Principal, leslie Standerfer responded:

The Buckeye Union High School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers, and parents free from harassment, intimidation, and bullying. “Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any intentional written, verbal, or physical act which:

• Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or

• Has the effect of interfering with a student’s education; or

• Creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or

• Has the effect of disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying can take many forms including: slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendos, demeaning comments, drawing cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral, or physical actions.

Counseling, corrective discipline, and/or referral to law enforcement will be used to change the behavior of the bully and remediate the impact on the victim. This includes appropriate intervention(s), restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the violation. False reports or retaliation for harassment, intimidation, or bullying also constitutes violation of this policy.

(source: The Buckeye Union High School District #201 2011-2012 Parent-Student Handbook)

If a student at Estrella Foothills High School is being harassed or bullied, the student and/or parent are encouraged to contact a school administrator or guidance counselor to report the incidence(s) so that action can be taken.


sOld OuT

eSTrellA

hOa eventsTHurSDAY, FebruArY 9

red door spa night

Thursday, February 9thThe Starpointe residents Club 6:00pm to 8:00pmFree

red Door Spa brings an evening of relaxation and fun up the hill Thursday, February 9. Indulge in a choice of services including mini Facials, Parafin Dip with Hand massages, and Chair massages. Complimentary wine and light appe-tizers will be served at this free event for residents. Space is limited to the first 50 residents that sign up in advance. Please rSVP to the Starpointe residents Club 623-386-1949 by Wednesday, February 8.

FrIDAY, FebruArY 10

Yacht Club social

Friday, February 10th7:00pm to 9:00pm, Yacht Club$6 per resident & $11 for guests

romance is in the air. What could be more romantic than a candle lit din-ner by the lake. Invite your Sweetheart to the Yacht Club Pavilion for a dinner by candlelight Friday, February 10 at 7pm. A choice of roast beef or chicken will be served with California vegetable and sides. The cost for this event is only $6 per resident and $11 per guest. Water and coffee will be served, but you are welcomed to bring the beverage of your choice to enjoy with your meal. Tickets to this event can be purchased at the Starpointe residents Club on a first come first serve basis. Seating is limited so please purchase your tickets in advance.

FrIDAY, FebruArY 10

d-votion Trail grand OpeningFebruary 10thThe Starpointe residents Club10:00amFree

experience the newest section of estrella hiking and biking trails, called D-Votion at the ribbon cutting ceremony February 10 at the Starpointe residents Club. There will be shuttle service to and from the lakeside Farmer’s market at 10am. balloons, water, goodie bags and snacks will be provided to those attending. everyone is invited to walk this new section of the estrella loop that runs from Corgett Trail on the north side of elliot road (across from D-Votion athletic field) to San gabriel across from the Starpointe residents Club.

FrIDAY, FebruArY 10

Teddy Bear Tea & CraftsFebruary 10thThe Starpointe residents Club2:00pm$3 in Advance

bring your favorite teddy bear for tea at the Starpointe residents Club. We will be mak-ing Valentine’s cards while enjoying cakes and “tea” with your friends. make a card for your sweetie and then help to bring a smile to the face of a sick child by making a special Valentine’s Day card to donate to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. residents of all ages are welcomed to attend with or without Ted e. bear. The cost for this event is $3 for supplies if you register in advance and $5 the day of the event. Please rSVP at the Starpointe residents Club by Tuesday, February 7.

SATurDAY, FebruArY 11

Farmers MarketSaturday, February 11th10:00am to 2:00pm, Yacht Club PavilionFree

locally grown micro greens; Fresh Certified organic Fruits & Vegetables; Alaskan Seafood; beef & Pork; Fresh eggs; Artisan breads, Pastries, Cakes & Pies; Pastas; Salsas; Queen Creek olive mill; Plus Pottery and metal Work; unique Handcrafted & Specialty gifts; 100% Certified Avocado oil; Kids activi-ties; And muCH more! The estrella lakeside Farmers market will run every second Saturday through April so mark your calendars!

monDAY, FebruArY 13

Trivia night

monday, February 13th6:30pm, The Starpointe resident’s Club$5 in Advance

get your 4-person team together and stretch your brain for this month’s live Trivia night. Do you have what it takes to win 1st place? Come out and challenge your neighbor with three rounds that include general knowledge, history & geography, and entertainment. The cost is $5 per person if you register in advance, or $8 the day of the event. Papa John’s pizza, water, and soda will be provided.

SATurDAY, FebruArY 18

Cocktails & Conversation

Saturday, February 18thThe Starpointe residents Club6:00pm to 8:00pm$10 residents & $15 for guests

February is the month of mardi gras celebrations around the world. estrella will be celebrating in mardi gras style at February’s Cocktails & Conversations February 18 from 7pm to 9pm. Wear purple, green and gold, and come out and enjoy food from Flavors of louisiana, authentic southern louisiana cooking! For just $10 per resident and $15 per guest, you will enjoy the flavors of louisiana, to include gumbo and dirty rice. Cocktails & Conversations sells out fast so pur-chase your tickets to this celebration at Starpointe today. Can’t wait to see “all y’all” there!

TueSDAY, FebruArY 28

BIngO

Tuesday, February 28th6:00pm, The Starpointe resident’s Club

looking for a fun evening with fellow residents, good home-cooked food, and a chance to win big bucks? b.I.n.g.o!! Starpointe will be hosting monthly bingo night “potluck” style. bring your favorite dish to share and water, soda, and coffee will be provided. Potluck begins at 6pm and bingo games will start promptly at 6:30pm. The cost is $5 a card for 10 rounds (additional cards are $5). You must be 21 to play and win. The Pre-Schooners Club will be open for your children to enjoy during the games. See you there!

eVerY FrIDAY

The Estrella Family Breakfast every Friday8:30am to 10:00amThe Starpointe residents Club$2 per Adult & $1 for Children

enjoy coffee, and a continental breakfast while getting to know your neighbors at the weekly estrella Family breakfast. The cost for this event is $2 per person for adults and $1 for children. We hope to see you this Friday from 8:30am to 10am. There are sure to be some sweet treats and a few surprises from the kitchen.


S u n D AY m o n D AY T u e S D AY W e D n e S D AY T H u r S D AY F r I D AY S AT u r D AY

WeeKlY eVenTS

Adult men’s basketball (estrella mountain

elementary School) 8am

www.emrball.weebly.com

leroy baca 623-388-4047

WeeKlY eVenTS


elementary School) 7pm, leroy baca, 623-388-4047 www.emrball.weebly.com

bridge 1–4pm

contact Carl Deierling 623-386-6641 or

Karen Stolp 623-271-8292

WeeKlY eVenTS

nothing Scheduled

WeeKlY eVenTS

Playgroup 9:30–11:30am

contact nicole Yontz 602-400-8373

Poker/games 1pm contact Al Wolfson

623-328-0118

bridge 6pm contact Carl Deierling at 623-

386-6641 or Karen Stolp

623-271-8292

WeeKlY eVenTS


elementary School) 7pm, leroy baca, 623-388-4047 www.emrball.weebly.com

games, games, games 6pm

Alcoholics Anonymous

7pm, estrella mtn. Church, rm 202 Contact Jerry r, 408-505-1326

needle Workers

9:30am-12:30pm Contact mary marshall

623-386-3110

WeeKlY eVenTS

estrella Family breakfast

8:30-10am

WeeKlY eVenTS

Adult golf Clinic 8am

golf Club of estrella 623-386-2600

1ladies of the lake- 1pmCruise night at estrella

At mountain ranch marketplace - 6pm

Trails Committee meeting6pm

Friends in estrella - 6:30pm

2Crafts & Stuff

9am

Photo Club 7pm

3 4

5 6budget Finance

Committee6pm

7emr business group

8am

landscape Committee10am

new resident orientation

6pm

8estrella book Club

10am

Voting member Committee meeting

6:30pm

9Crafts & Stuff - 9am

red Door Spa night

6pm (event reservation capacity is full)

Communications Committee meeting

5pm

10Yacht Club Social

7pm

11Classic Car Club- 9am

Farmers market

(Yacht Club)- 10am

VIT - 10am

CPr Class - 10am

grand opening for a new Trail - 10am

Travel Club- 11am

12 13Trivia

6:30pm

14 15Photo Club- 7pm

Cruise night at estrella

At mountain ranch marketplace- 6pm

Friends in estrella7:30pm

16Crafts & Stuff

9am

bingo 6pm

17

AeFP5:30pm

18Cocktails &

Conversations- 7pm

19Scrapbooking

10am

20Social Committee

meeting5pm

21 22 23Quiddler - 1pm

board of Directors meeting - 6:30pm

24 25

26 27bunco6pm

28 29Friends in estrella

7:30pm

m o n D AY T u e S D AY W e D n e S D AY T H u r S D AY F r I D AY S AT u r D AY

6:00-6:50amF.I.T.T. Boot Camp (Shawn Forzetting)

8:10–9:00am Total Body Conditioning (Dawn Terry)

8:30–9:20am Powerball (Kim Hopkins)

8:10-9:00amTotal Body Conditioning(Dawn Terry)

6:00-6:50amF.I.T.T. Boot Camp (Shawn Forzetting)

8:15–9:15amZumba Fitness (S. Miller)

8:30–9:20am Powerball (Kim Hopkins)

10:00-10:50am Beginning Zumba(Susan Miller)

9:30–10:20am Yoga (Linda Jojola)

6:00–6:50pm Yoga (Linda Jojola)

9:00–10:20am Yoga (Linda Jojola)

9:30-10:20am Ballet II (Linda Purdy)

9:30–10:30am Cardio Splash (Kim Hopkins)

12:00pm-12:50pmTai Chi (Juanelle Wright)

9:30–10:20am - Cardio Splash (Kim Hopkins)

7:00–8:00pmZumba Fitness (Susan Miller)

9:30–10:30am Cardio Splash (Kim Hopkins)

10:30-11:20am Ballet I (Linda Purdy)

5:00–5:50pm Taekwondo (Luis Bentacur)

6:00–6:50pmYoga (Linda Jojola)

5:00-5:45pm Pre-Ballet (Linda Purdy)

5:00–5:50pm Taekwondo (Luis Bentacur)

11:30-12:20pm Pre-Ballet (Linda Purdy)

6:30–7:20pm Cardio Splash (Kim Hopkins)

7:00–8:00pmMaximum Muscle (Bonnie Jansson)

6:00-6:50pm Ballet II (Linda Purdy)

1:30-2:30pmBallroom/Salsa (Tristen Peigne’)

7:00–7:50pm Step & Pump (Linda Jojola)

6:30–7:20pm Cardio Splash (Kim Hopkins)

3:00-4:00pm Junior Ballroom/Salsa (Tristen Peigne’)

7:00-7:50pm F.I.T.T. Boot Camp (Shawn Forzetting)

8:00-8:50pm Belly Dancing (Bea Brumbach)

FebruArY 2012

classes, clubs, meetingsStarpointe residents Club Program

PleASe noTe: events take place at Starpointe residents Club unless otherwise noted. For all Starpointe events, please call 623-386-1949. Please see www.lifeinestrella.com for a comprehensive calendar of events and to be included in reminders/changes related to upcoming events.


eSTrellA

hOa bulletin board

Community services Office hours:

Mon.–Fri.: 8am–5pm Tel: 623-386-1112 Fax: 623-386-5788 After-hours HOA contact number 1-800-274-3165

starpointe residents Club

17665 West Elliot Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85338 623-386-1949

Operating Hours: Mon.–Th. 5:00am–9pm, Fri. 5:30am–8pm Sat. 8am–6pm, Sun. 10am–6pmYouth Club Hours:Mon.-Fri. 3pm-8pmSat.and Sun. 1pm-6pm

Yacht Club hours

Closed WednesdayMonday, Tuesday, Thursday 2pm-7pmFriday, Saturday, Sunday 10am-7pm623-386-3411

Community Patrol’s Phone number

602-329-0462Monday - Friday 6:00 pm to 2:00 amSaturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 2:00 am

Estrella ManagementEstrella is professionally managed by Capital Consultants Mgmt. Corp. (CCMC)

Estrella Management Team Community Manager: Lisa Lundskow

Administrative Coordinator: Sharon Thunstedt

Operations Manager: Debbie Harper

Facilities Director: Dave Smith

ECA Compliance/Design Review Coordinator: Jodi Matlock

VCA Compliance Coordinator: Amy Helms

Administrative Associate - Jana Dutton

Recreation Director: Dean Westover

Recreation Coordinator: Tammy Campbell

Lifestyle Director: Holly Aguilar

Yacht Club Coordinator: Jeff Beuthin

Maintenance Coordinator: Anthony DiGeronimo

assessment Billing address:

Payment Processing Centerc/o CCMC-Western RegionPO Box 105260Atlanta, GA 30348-5260 or pay online at www.ccmcnet.com.

Community association Board Members:

Estrella Joint Committee (EJC) Developer Appointed Board Members: Alper Adli, Mike Heath, Brian Konderik Pete Tieche, Lesle Sweeney

Estrella Community Association (ECA) Developer Appointed Board Members: Alper Adli, Lesle Sweeney, Mike Heath,

Resident Elected Board Members: Bill Zednik, Barbara Ertl

Villages at EMR Community Association (VCA) Developer Appointed Board Members: Alper Adli, Pete Teiche, Lesle Sweeney

Resident Elected Board Members: Dennis Brungardt, Tom Mineo

hOa ContactCelebrating a Special Occasion?With the new Year well underway, do you have a special occa-sion you will be celebrating? The Starpointe residents Club offers many dif-ferent options for our residents and resident-sponsored guest. Your facility offers gorgeous backdrops for weddings to anni-versaries and even baby show-ers. Hold a birthday party at the water park or the entertainment filled Youth Club. To check availability and pricing, please contact Tammy Campbell at 623-386-1949 or [email protected].

REMINDERnew resident orientation is sched-uled for Tuesday, February 7 at 6pm at Starpointe residents Club. All new residents are invited. light refresh-ments will be served. Please rSVP to erin at [email protected] or

623-386-1112. Hope to see you there!

Barking dog Concerns recently the HoA office has been receiving numerous calls regard-ing barking dogs in the community. now that the weather is cooler, residents are spending more time outside as well as their pets. If you have a dog that tends to bark, please consider your neighbor before allowing your dogs “free” access to the back yard. If there is a barking dog that is disturbing, please go to lifeinestrella.com to get a Violation Complaint form. For any questions, call the Association office at 623-386-1112.

New Community PatrolCCmC would like to announce that they have hired “in house” patrol for estrella. This exciting news will bring more patrol hours to estrella and more coverage for the weekends. our new patrol hours are monday – Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

The new employees are David Whitley, David Jech and marlon Southall. Please welcome these new employees to our Community as they will help assist estrella. If you would like to contact Community Patrol for any concerns, please call 602-329-0462 during hours noted above. Please contact the Community Services office monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 623-386-1112, if you need a parking waiver or have questions.

For any emergency issues occurring during the hours the Community Services office or Community Patrol is not on duty, please call the CCmC emergency after hour line at 1-800-274-3154.

Neighborhood Voting Member UpdateThank you to the Volunteers who have submitted applications to be their neighborhood Voting member/Alternate for 2012. neighborhood Voting members and Alternates serve an impor-tant role in the community and help ensure the quality of life that residents in estrella have come to enjoy.

If you are interested in repre-senting your neighborhood, applications are available in the Document library on www.lifein-estrella.com, or at the Starpointe residents Club and Community Services office. For a list of neigh-borhoods not yet represented, please visit www.lifeinestrella.com. Please consider volunteer-ing your experience and expertise to the community.

Important Backyard Landscaping InformationThese guidelines pertain to the landscaping of rear yards enclosed by a view fence or solid wall at least 6’ high pursuant to the Declaration of Covenants, Design and restrictions for estrella. A homeowner with a view fence shall have ninety (90) days from the date of close of escrow to prepare, submit and receive rear yard landscape plan approval from the Design review Committee (DrC), and have completed landscaping improvements per the approved landscape plan. A homeowner with a solid wall enclosed rear yard shall have six (6) months from the date of close of escrow to prepare, submit, and receive rear yard landscape plan approval from the DrC; and twelve (12) months to have complet-ed landscaping improvements per the approved rear yard landscape plan.

The Design review Committee has established the following minimum requirements for the landscaping in rear yards to be installed:

1. landscaping shall collectively consist of trees, shrubs, groundcover and hardscape.

2. The location of planned pools and/or spas shall be noted on the pro-posed landscape plan. rear yard areas planned for pools, built-in grill, built-in fireplace, pond or other similar amenity shall provide mini-mum 2-inches of granite cover if the amenity is not to be part of the initial rear yard landscaping. Any item not to be installed in the initial phase shall be noted as “future phase” on the plan. The granite shall be removed when the pool and/or spa is installed.

3. Hardscape, or non-permeable paving or surfacing, shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the rear yard landscaped area without the prior written approval of the Design review Committee.

4. Planted landscaped areas shall not be covered with hardscape. Irrigated turf rear yards must contain no fewer than one 15-gallon tree, and six 5-gallon shrubs.

5. All areas not consisting of pools, spas or hardscape must be covered by either irrigated turf and/or 2-inches of decomposed granite. rear yard with or without turf must contain no fewer than one 15-gallon tree, and six 5-gallon shrubs.

6. Installation of an automatic underground irrigation system to prop-erly water all plants, shrubs or groundcover is required. This shall be part of the rear yard landscape plan proposal.

7. Installation of trees shall be no closer than five (5) feet from rear yard property walls, house or patio foundation.

8. Alternative submittals may be approved by the DrC.

Community Pool Open Year Round!Starpointe is pleased to announce, that after many requests and much research, the pool is now open year round.

Just a few things to keep in mind:

• Normal pool rules apply

• Water slides and big dipper are only available for use during specific times during the year

• Lifeguards will only be on duty when the water slides and big dipper are open for use.

For questions or concerns please contact Dean Westover or Tammy Campbell at 623-386-1949.


WHo Are THe

people in your neighborhood

When it comes to civic influence, the Rewerts are a standout family. Being involved with their children and designing new career paths with community in mind are two of the reasons that Bret, Julie and their children are a prevalent choice for introduction in our community building issue of My Hometown Estrella.

The Rewerts came to Estrella in 2002 after living in Southern California, where Bret met and married his wife, Julie, and had their three children. John, age 15, loves to bull ride (yes, real bulls), he is a fisher-man, motorcycle rider and described by his parents as a “real outdoors man.” His younger brother, Jake, age 13, enjoys basketball, playing X-Box games, riding motorcycles and is fascinated by computers. He is looking forward to playing football next year when he becomes a fresh-man. Joycelynn (Sissy), age 11, wants to be an Oceanographer. Her parents said that she keeps evidence of her career dreams scattered throughout her bedroom, including a hibernating hermit crab along with the tranquility of a fish aquarium, revealing hints of her vision of studying sea life.

We initially introduced Julie, Liaison for the Homeless Youth Connection, and commended her for her role in helping homeless youth in our November 2011 issue. She shares the excitement of community involve-ment with her husband, Bret – an Arizona native, who has designed a new business that encourages family involvement. The new business is “Elevated

The rewerts Family- bret, Julie, Joycelynn, Jake and John

Sports Videos,” and offers films of sporting events such as soccer, football, basketball, lacrosse, triathlons and more. “I was worried with the current economy that our kids would have a hard time finding a job to have spending money, so we created one for them,” says Bret. “It’s a way for us to work together as a family, with everyone playing their own part in the business, from filming to editing or making multiples of DVDs. It’s been a great learning experience for the kids and us, as well,” he says of himself and Julie.

Elevated Sports Video’s has given the Rewerts family the opportunity to get involved in community events. “We film games and events from a customized 25-foot tripod. You may have spotted us at the Estrella Foothills High School Homecoming festivities or the Estrella Kid’s Triathlon.” The video imaging is seen from an elevated perspective, allowing the viewer to see plays as they develop. Currently, Bret is putting together highlight reels that parents can send to college recruiters, helping market local young athletes. A business goal is to purchase additional tripod units to cover multiple games that will create jobs for young adults to help pay their way through college. You can find out more about this family’s newest busi-ness at elevatedsportsvideos.com, by e-mail at [email protected], or by calling (623) 980-6634.

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Estrella Home Monitoring Offers a Wide Range of Services including:• Home Monitoring Services (visit our website for details)• House Cleaning• Grocery Stocking• Airport Pick-up/Drop-off• Coordination and monitoring of maintenance and delivery services•Vacation rental services (visit our website for details)


COMMunITY lIFEsTYlE: FITnEss

COMMunITY lIFEsTYlE: hEalTh

SubmITTeD bY eSTrellA STuDenT - mICHAel rAgone

More often than not, students who need tutoring need help with math. More often than not, those who need help with math struggle with functions. Remember algebra? Yawn. You know, the class where the teacher rambled for an hour because he didn’t really understand it himself? He might say something like, “A function is a pattern that relates an independent variable (usually x) to a resulting dependent variable (usually f(x)or y). Sometimes they look like this: y=-x+5. Maybe this: f(x)=-16x2+60x+100. Or even this: y=2x+9.”

English, please? First of all, letters like x or y are known as variables – what that means is they can be any real number. “X” could be 1, 2300, or -329 for that matter. “X” is just the mathematician’s way of saying that we can use any number we want instead of being limited to one specific number.

To explain what a function is, I like to use the analogy of a Dr. Seuss

Tutor Tips: What in the World Do These Equations Mean?machine – you know, the one where you pop in something ran-dom and something totally new comes out? So, a number (rep-resented by “X”) goes in, and that cool machine changes it into another number (“Y”). The machine could change the number through multiplication, addition, or pretty much any other opera-tion. The major requirement is that if you plug in one number (“X”), you should only get one number back (“Y”).

Let’s break apart the function y=3x+5. This type of function is called a linear function (a function that is only a straight line) because “x” is only raised to the first power (other functions, i.e. parabolas, will have x’s to dif-ferent powers, like x2). So what does this machine do? First, “x” multiplies by 3, and then it adds five to that product. We can take any number and find its respective “y” by following the changes called for by the machine. Make sense now?

You know from experience that your friends and neighbors will notice any change you make that varies from your normal pattern. If you dye your hair blue, they will make critical remarks, but if you make personal changes that cause them to be envious, the talk will be very favorable and endless. You will be the envy of the

neighborhood. For the new year, you may have resolved to exercise more and to lose

weight and that’s great, but it may take several months for the results to be noticed. Why not also do some things that offer quick results while bolster-ing your confidence and causing positive feedback from your friends.

Let’s look at accomplishing some quick results that will be noticed by friends and neighbors.

• Do you have forehead creases, frown lines between your eyebrows or crow’s feet? These can be erased with Botox. The results are evident in 3-7 days and last about 3-4 months.

• Do you have nasal folds “smile lines” from nose to corner of the mouth? Juvéderm can fill these lines. The results are evident imme-diately and last 12+ months.

• Does your face have rough skin, enlarged pores, discoloration or unwanted hair? You should consider a deep cleansing facial, a hydra-tion facial, a micro-dermabrasion and permanent laser hair reduction.

Want to Get the Neighbors Talking?You will look and feel better after the first treatment, but you may need several treatments to get ahead of the years.

• Have you been spending more time applying makeup, but are still not happy with the results? Did you know that in the U.S. makeup need only have three percent mineral content to be called “mineral makeup?” Ask about our Jane Iredale 100 percent mineral makeup. We can color match and apply mineral makeup that is actually good for your skin.

• Need to de-stress and relax from your busy life? Try a massage, body wrap or scrub. You may even want to try a UV-free tanning for that just-back-from-the-beach look.

With your selected treatments above, your friends will be asking, “Have you lost weight?” This seems to be the reaction to a quick, noticeable improvement when they aren’t sure what you did. Your answer, of course, is that you are exercising more and watching your weight. Then tell them about Déjà Vu.

Déjà Vu Med Spa is owned and operated by medical professionals who live in Estrella. Our website will provide additional information. Call Deja Vu with questions or to make an appointment.

SubmITTeD bY bYron grAHAm; DIreCTor oF mArKeTIng, DéJà Vu meD SPA;


COMMunITY lIFEsTYlE: hEalTh

As an investor, you know that 2011 was a somewhat “choppy” year, with the financial markets going through many ups and downs. So, what can you expect in 2012?

As baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra is quoted as saying: “It’s hard to make predictions – especially about the future.” And these words are certainly applicable for anyone who would like an accurate forecast of the investment climate.

Yet we do know of some factors that may affect your portfolio in the months ahead. Here are a few of them: • Strong business fundamentals — This past year, all the noise about the

debt ceiling debate, the size of the U.S. deficit and the European financial situation tended to drown out some fairly good news: U.S. businesses’ bal-ance sheets were strong for the most part, borrowing costs remained low, and corporate profits were good – and corporate profitability remains a key driver of stock prices. Heading into 2012, these fundamentals continue to look positive, which may bode well for investors.

• Europe’s debt crisis — Greece’s economic problems made a lot of news in 2011, but they weren’t the end of the story in Europe, as Italy, Spain, Portugal and Ireland also face major financial difficulties. It’s by no means clear how these problems will be resolved, so don’t be surprised to see them lead to intermittent, if short-lived, shocks to the markets.

• Election-year patterns — As you’re well aware, we’re voting for president in 2012. But you might be surprised to learn that the S&P 500 index has

What Does Investment Landscape Look Like in 2012?

SubmITTeD bY CHrISToPHer CArlSon, eDWArD JoneS FInAnCIAl ADVISor

shown negative returns in only three of the last 21 presidential election years. Coincidence? No one can say for sure – and at this point, no one can say if this pattern of positive returns will continue during this election year. Still, it’s an interesting phenomenon. So there you have it: the good, the bad and the quirky. Take them all together, and you still may not be able to foresee what will happen with the markets this year, but you’ll have a lot to think about.

But instead of trying to predict what will happen in 2012, you may be better off following these tried-and-true investment strategies:• Diversify your holdings. By spreading your money among a wide range of

investments, you can reduce the effects of volatility on your portfolio. Keep in mind, though, that diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee profits or protect against loss.

• Don’t ignore your risk tolerance. If you worry excessively about market fluctuations, you may have too much risk in your portfolio, which means you may need to make some changes.

• Always look at the “big picture.” Financial markets will always fluctuate. But if you can keep your focus on your long-term objectives, and make decisions accordingly, you can avoid overreacting to short-term events.

Like other years, 2012 will bring with it periods of both turbulence and smooth sailing. But by making the right investment moves, you can still chart a course that can allow you to move ever closer to your future goals.

An Evening of Music

CantaMia® Invites You ToFebruary Events

A Time To Celebrate!

Please join us as we celebrate our 2-year Anniversary! See how CantaMia is growing, and learn more about the exciting growth in the Southwest Valley.

February 18 & 19, 11 am - 3 pmSaturday, February 4, 6 - 8 pm

This is not an offer in states and jurisdictions where prior registration is required and void where prohibited by law. No offer for sale or lease can be made and no offer to purchase can be accepted prior to issuance of the final Arizona Public Report. A public report is available on the Arizona state real estate department website located at www.re.state.az.us. JCH Construction LLC. ROC 256789. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. CANTAMIA, is an exclusive trademark of Avatar Properties Inc. Subject to availability.

Innovative Active Adult Living at Estrella with homes starting in the $150’s. Visit CantaMia.com or call 623-474-6960 to learn more. Take I-10 to Estrella Parkway, south 14 miles to the community. An APS Energy Star Community Open Daily 9am-6pm

Get in the Valentine’s spirit with an Evening of Music featuring RAV. RAV specializes in revisiting many of the old Jazz standards with a new Latin Southwestern feel.

Admission is $6 and includes a special Valentine buffetand one drink.


COMMunITY lIFEsTYlE: FITnEss

Last spring, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) pub-lished a policy statement officially recommending that it is safest to remain in a rear-facing car seat until at least the age of two years or until reaching the highest weight and height allowed by the manufacturer. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children remain in a rear-facing seat until they have reached this weight and height

limit, even if it is past two years of age. While there is solid evidence sup-porting these recommendations, many parents are struggling to implement it – leading to lively discussions on blogs, in playgroups, and even in a recent front-page article in the Washington Post.

Rear-facing car seats provide more even support to the head, neck, and torso for young children, as anyone who has seen a child asleep in their for-ward facing car seat with their head slumped over can attest. Interestingly, in Sweden, it is common practice to remain in rear-facing car seats until the age of four years, also with reported reductions in injury.

Still, some parents report a reluctance to follow these recommendations – but why?

New Car Seat Recommendations “My child’s legs seem cramped, and I’m worried they might be

injured.” Lower extremity injuries are extremely uncommon in children who are in rear-facing car seats during crashes. In fact, this type of injury is likely more common in children facing forward, as their legs swing and thrash about, banging into things. Additionally, a toddler’s natural sitting position often involves them curling up their legs, and so bending their knees to fit into a rear-facing car seat is not uncomfortable to them.

“My child screams nonstop while facing backward in their car seat, and it is distracting while I drive.” Although this may certainly be true, what is most likely is that one-year olds often hate being in any car seat – whether it faces forward or backward! Try to distract and entertain your child while in the car. And if this doesn’t work (which it sometimes doesn’t), you should know that it is okay to let your child cry, and eventually he or she will get the idea that it just isn’t going to change anything.

“I have a compact car, and the car seat just doesn’t fit well backwards.” This also can be true and can be difficult to address. Please do careful research before buying a convertible car seat to ensure you buy the one that fits best in your car; both AAP and NHTSA have resources families can use. Also, don’t be afraid to use local car seat fitting stations as a resource, as they have training in addressing difficult car seat fit situations.

SubmITTeD bY rAJ S. PATel, m.D. , PeDIATrICIAn, eSTrellA FAmIlY meDICAl


BusInEss dIrECTOrY

We Watch Your Home While You’re AwayGoodyear HomeWatch

Debbie Hudson Owner623-225-9560877-318-5351

[email protected] for a customized list of services

CARPETTILEUPHOLSTERY

Cleaning Solutions

QUALITY SERVICE AT REASONABLE RATESSTATE OF THE ART STEAM CLEANINGFAST DRYING TIME — NO RESIDUENO HIDDEN COSTS

FEEL FRESH!With a Carpet /Tile

Cleaning Before, Duringand After your Favorite

Holiday or Occasion!

- Owner / Operator- Estrella Resident Since 2004- 20 Years Experience- Honest, Professional, Reliable

AL WILKINSON

623623--935935--79997999

COMPUTER REPAIRS

HOME THEATER SERVICE EMR resident

duVal Goley

(623)-547-2050 email:[email protected]

Burton’s Bead Blasting& Pool Service

Tile & Pebbletec CleaningWeekly Full Service

Paul LooneyP.O. Box 2067Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

623-986-1450

INCOME TAX PREPARATION IN ESTRELLA

RALPH D SNYDER E.A.ENROLLED TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE I.R.S. B.S.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS - CHICAGO

ACCOUNTING

BY APPOINTMENT: (623) 242-8518

18140 W WILLOW DRIVE GOODYEAR, AZ 85338

CAN-DO MOVING Office & Residential

www.candomovingaz.com

Mike Brown

602-803-6350 [email protected]

• Water Heaters• Slab Leaks• Water Leaks• Toilet Repair• All Plumbing Repairs• Owner Operated

• Water Heaters

• All Plumbing RepairsROC Lic#138051

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • Long Warranties

1616 N. Litchfield Rd Suite #170 Goodyear, AZ 85395

Greg Marthaler Short Sale Specialist

CALL me today to find out if a Short Sale is right for you.....

623 760-6434

2 Questions to ask a real estate Agent before you choose them to list your property as a Short Sale.....

How many Short Sales have you CLOSED in the past year ??Many agents claim to be "Experts" with the Short Sale transaction, when in reality,they have closed less than 5 deals ever. Taking a few hour class and receiving a CDPE (certified distressed property expert) or similar certification, does not make you an "Expert". Only consider agents if they have closed over 20 listings last year.

Do YOU yourself work with our lenders to get the Approval Letter ??Most sellers are not aware that the majority of agents, only just take the listing.They then "job out" the negotiation of the transaction to an uninterested third party, such as an attorney, or even a Title Company. The third party does the work for a fee.

Having an experienced Short Sale Agent makes the difference between closing and foreclosure


BusInEss dIrECTOrY

share Your story!

Do you have a story or

article idea you’d like to

see in my Hometown

estrella? give our editor,

Kim Alvarado, a call at

800-497-1309 x705 or

kim@myhometown-

estrella.com.

We look forward to

sharing your story with

the community!

Matt Nicodemus - Estrella Resident

623-221-2004www.ConsiderItFinishedPainting.com

Interior&

Exterior Painting

1616 N. Litchfield Rd Suite #170 Goodyear, AZ 85395

Greg Marthaler Short Sale Specialist

CALL me today to find out if a Short Sale is right for you.....

623 760-6434

2 Questions to ask a real estate Agent before you choose them to list your property as a Short Sale.....

How many Short Sales have you CLOSED in the past year ??Many agents claim to be "Experts" with the Short Sale transaction, when in reality,they have closed less than 5 deals ever. Taking a few hour class and receiving a CDPE (certified distressed property expert) or similar certification, does not make you an "Expert". Only consider agents if they have closed over 20 listings last year.

Do YOU yourself work with our lenders to get the Approval Letter ??Most sellers are not aware that the majority of agents, only just take the listing.They then "job out" the negotiation of the transaction to an uninterested third party, such as an attorney, or even a Title Company. The third party does the work for a fee.

Having an experienced Short Sale Agent makes the difference between closing and foreclosure

Estrella PaintingThe

Company500 N Estrella Parkway, Suite B2-485 Goodyear, AZ 85338

(602) 460-9749

Interior / Exterior Free Estimates Residential & Commercial

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Keith GagnonProject Manager

(602) 460-9749 [email protected]

www.EstrellaPainting.com

Fine craftsmanshipand customer satisfaction

is our priority!



(602) 460-9749







is our priority!



(602) 460-9749







is our priority!



(602) 460-9749







is our priority!


eSTrellA

business spotlight

Osborne Jewelers is in the busi-ness of turning diamonds into spe-cial moments for many special occa-sions, including Valentine’s Day. Are you wishing you could surprise a loved one with diamonds this month? That dream could become reality with the help of Ken and Joanne Osborne and their profes-sional team of jewelers. The staff is dedicated to helping you work within your budget when deciding on that perfect diamond or jewelry surprise for your sweetheart.

The experts at Osborne Jewelers will tell you that, “Deciding on a carat size is really about striking a balance between size and quality.” Ken Osborne, Gemologist and Custom Design Specialist, said, “Color and clarity are two factors that determine a diamond’s value. Small fingers can enhance 1-carat diamonds, making it look proportionately large and depending on the set-ting that you choose, your diamond can look stunningly immense.” Because diamonds are slightly yellowish in color range, those lacking color are the most prized. The deep blue Hope diamond and blue Eugenie diamond, both in the Smithsonian collection, are examples of two of the most cherished.

Ken leads the team of experts at Osborne Jewelers. His interest in jewelry began at age 14, when we worked in his brother’s jewelry store in Alabama. After high school, he enrolled at the Gemological Institute of America and became a Graduate Gemologist. His wife, Joanne, developed

her appreciation for fine jewelry after meeting Ken. She handles the business side of Osborne Jewelers, which includes the inventory and business manage-ment. Joanne is easily recognized as a Goodyear City Council Member. She is currently the Vice Mayor, having been re-elected for her second four-year term to the council last year. Her first election

to the city council was in 2007. Continual service to the community includes participation in the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, where Joanne was named “Outstanding Chamber Member of the Year in 2003.” Joanne is credited for helping shape the future vision of Goodyear as a member of Economic Development’s Focus Future II in 2003. However, she says her most rewarding work is being the founder and leader of the YMCA Teen Action Council.

Joanne and Ken have four children, three of them currently attending college and one in high school. They have been residents of Goodyear since 1998, and business owners in the valley for more than 21 years.

Osborne Jewelers is located at the Northwest corner of Litchfield Road and Van Buren offering custom design, repair services and appraisals with full-time jewelers on staff. Their extensive inventory includes special design-ers including Makur Designs, H. Weiss, Galatea, Dove’s and Pandora jew-elry, setting them above many competitors. Visit them locally for sweetheart specials this month.

Osborne Jewelers

Lose up to 20 lbs. in a month. Book your FREE consultation now. Prices start at $70/mo. Price includes any prescribed medication.

Vaser Permanent Fat Removal has virtually no down time! Buy two areas, Get $1,000 off. Buy 3+ areas save 20% off the total.

Reinvent Yourself with Hormone Rebalancing at Déjà Vu Med Spa. Find the answers to all your questions on our website.

Additional 10% Discount Every Thursdayfor Estrella Mountain Ranch Residents

14411 W McDowell Rd., Suite C-102(S.E. Corner of 145th Avenue & McDowell)

Goodyear, Arizona

623-242-9910www.dejavumedspa.com

Open Wednesday thru Saturday 9am to 7pm

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

ADV-MyHometown-May2011.pdf 1 5/18/11 9:16 PM

© ©

A new �o�om

406 N. Litchfi eld Rd. #200 • 623-925-1815www.osbornejewelersinc.com

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF INTEGRITY

More Community Opportunities

Facebook.com/estrellachurch

Estrella Mountain Preschool Phone: 623.476.5578 Website: www.empreschool.com Creative Arts Academy Website: www.caa-az.org

Church Office Hours: Mon.–Thurs. 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Fri. 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

10485 S. ESTRELLA PARKWAY GOODYEAR, AZ 85338

9:00 & 10:45 am Sunday Morning Worship

Loving God, Loving Others, Making Disciples

www.emcaz.org 623.386.0300

There’s a showdown comin’ and you won’t want to miss it! Creative Arts Academy presents our 3rd annual fundraiser

TROUBLE IN TOMBSTONE: Murder at the Low-Key Corral

Friday, Feb. 24 @ 6 pm & Saturday Feb. 25 @ 7 pm at The Odyssey Preparatory Academy

For tickets and info, go to www.caa-az.org

Sunday Teens: 5:30-8:30 pm (Junior high & High school)

Tuesday Children: 6:30 pm (Preschool thru 6th Grade)

Wednesday Service 2.5 (adult): 6:30 pm (Child care provided)

Elite Shutters & Blinds

ROC#211594www.EliteShuttersandBlinds.com

623.935.9484

Arizona’s Finest Window Coverings

Come Visit Our Goodyear Showroom!15479 W. McDowell Road, Suite 105

Goodyear, AZ 85395

GCE_MyHmTwn_final.indd 1 5/8/08 12:07:25 PM

TWO FOR

ONE(ANYTIME) Rate includes two (2)

rounds of golf for the price of one. Tee times may be

booked 5 days in advance. Offer expires 2/29/12

120$

West USA Realty EstrellaWest USA Realty would like to welcome Hilgers Orthodontics and

Pediatric Dentistry to Estrella’s Elliot Market

Homes in Estrella are Selling We Need Your Listings w

ww

.hometow

nestrella.com

(623) 474-5900 HometownEstrella.com17750 W Elliot Rd, Ste 116, Goodyear, AZ 85338

Located Next To Shell Gas Station

We Need Your ListingsWe Need Your Listings

www.facebook.com/WestUSAGoodyear

Family Owned & Operated!

18340 W DESERT TRUMPET

$359,000

$499,000

$480,000

FEBR

UARY

201

2

* “Taylor Morrison’s Dream Home Giveaway” sweepstakes begins February 1, 2012 and ends on July 31, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington D.C. who are at least 21 years of age or older. For complete rules, go to www.TMDreamHomeGiveaway.com. Sponsor: Taylor Morrison. Void where prohibited. Actual prize may differ from home shown in promotional materials. The Incentive Program (“Promotion”) is offered by Taylor Morrison (the “Participating Builder”) in the Estrella community with regard to new home sales in the La Entrada and La Mirada neighborhoods, and is exclusively sponsored by the Participating Builder, who is solely responsible for the Promotion’s content, implementation, and operation. Please contact the Participating Builder for

further information and requirements. Void where prohibited. Homes in the Estrella community are constructed and sold by builders not affiliated with NNP III-Estrella Mountain Ranch, L.L.C, or Newland Communities, LLC, or Newland Communities, LLC’s affiliated companies (collectively, “Newland”). Newland does not guarantee or warrant the obligations of, or construction by, such builders, or the availability or pricing of homes. Access to, and use of, The Golf Club of Estrella is not included in the purchase of homes or homesites. Additional fees are required. ©2012 Newland Real Estate Group, LLC. Prices subject to change. Square footages are approximate. No purchase necessary to enter or win.

Taylor Morrison, the February Homebuilder of the Month, gets dreamy with all new home performance features!

February marks the start of yet another Taylor Morrison Dream Home Giveaway* where one lucky person will win the home of their dreams. Yes, it’s true, the dream of owning a new home that is capable of being both stylish and sensible is now a reality. From February 1 to July 31, contestants can register online or visit any Taylor Morrison neighborhood including La Mirada & La Entrada at Estrella for a chance to win. After July 31, Taylor Morrison will choose a lucky winner at random to win a Taylor Morrison home of their choice.

To kick off this year’s promotion, Taylor Morrison is raising the bar on home performance with their all new ENERGY STAR 3.0 building standards, saving homeowners as much as 30% or more on their home energy usage!

This month’s featured model home is the Mesquite floor plan. A truly enchanting layout, the Mesquite can be seen in the La Entrada neighborhood within Montecito. Ranging in size from 1,897 – 2,070 square feet, this single story three bedroom home has an optional fourth bedroom and features a wide-open great room layout with a large dining area and 10 foot ceilings.

As you approach the resort-inspired community of Estrella, you can’t help but be captivated by the panoramic views of the Sierra Estrella Mountains. In addition to miles of paths and trails that weave throughout the neighborhoods, a picturesque golf course and strong community culture, Estrella has a rich history that dates back to Arizona’s inception.

Arizona celebrates 100 years of statehood on February 14, 2012 and Estrella as a community is proud to celebrate the state’s centennial year and take a look back at its own place in Arizona’s history.

In 1954, the U.S. made its last large land acquisition, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean called the Gadsden Purchase. The acquisition’s purpose was to grow the transcontinental railroad. Prior to the railroad construction, the Butterfield Overland Express was the most famous stagecoach delivering transcontinental mail. The Butterfield Overland Express ran from Tipton, Missouri to San Francisco, California, with its route passing just south of Estrella.

Connected to the rest of the nation with the arrival of the Southern Pacific railroad through the towns of Liberty and Buckeye in 1910, Arizona was granted statehood two years later. As Arizona started to build a reputation for its climate, it also became an idyllic place to grow cotton which was used in making rubber at the beginning of World War I. This period was known as the Cotton Boom of Arizona. In response to the growing demand for cotton, Paul Litchfield, an executive at Goodyear Tire & Rubber

Company, purchased 16,000 acres of farmland in the southwest Valley. A large portion of that land is now the City of Goodyear. Over the next sixty years, Goodyear established itself as a prominent city in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

In 1984, the community was born when the property that would become Estrella was added as a Federal land preserve and made available for public purchase. Four years later, a three-day extravaganza celebrated Estrella’s first offerings with a grand opening, lakeside activities and a concert that featured the Phoenix Symphony.

Over the next decade Estrella became the desert showplace that it is today. In 1999, the Golf Club of Estrella opened featuring a championship golf course designed by renowned golf architects – Nicklaus Design. The course took advantage of the Sonoran Desert and the Sierra Estrella Mountain views to create one of the country’s most spectacular rounds of golf.

ESTRELLA’S BEST IS YET TO COME.

We invite you to discover Estrella – featuring 72-acres of lakes; the Starpointe Residents Club; 18-hole championship golf course; two K-8 schools and one high school; parks, trails and open space; a collection of distinctive builders and spectacular custom homesites. Brokers welcome.

INFORMATION CENTER (623) 386-1000STARPOINTE RESIDENTS CLUB (623) 386-1949YACHT CLUB (623) 386-3411 GOLF CLUB OF ESTRELLA (623) 386-2600

BUILDER OF THE MONTH TAYLOR MORRISON

ARIZONA AT 100:

VISIT ESTRELLA TODAY

www.taylormorrison.com

10300 SOUTH ESTRELLA PARKWAY GOODYEAR, AZ 85338

Estrella.com

To learn more about Taylor Morrison, please visit www.taylormorrison.com or call 623.518.3912 today. Ask about special Dream Home buyer incentives that are being offered through the month of February, then be sure to check out the large selection of spectacular homesites now available within Estrella, including oversized sites as well as view lots that back up to a desert wash!

In 2005, famed master community developer Newland Communities purchased Estrella and over the past seven years has continued to build up the close-knit community and bring options and convenience to Estrella families. In 2009, Estrella was named the number one master-planned community in Arizona by Ranking Arizona Magazine. This marked the fourth consecutive year Estrella received this accolade.

In 2010, CantaMia, the first 55 and better community within Estrella opened to great excitement along with the opening of Safeway, Chase Bank and other services at Mountain Ranch Marketplace, including Walgreens set to open later this year.

And that’s just the beginning. Newland Communities is invested in the future quality of life at Estrella and is committed to attracting some of the best homebuilders and retail partners to make life here the best it can be.

Photos courtesy Estrella Information Center.

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