My Hometown Estrella - December 2011

Volume 5. number 12www.myhometownestrel la .com

my hometown

december 2011

facebook/myhometownestrel laFollow Estrella on Facebook

During a recent work session, the buckeye union High School

Student Advisory Council grouped together for ‘brainstorming,’

where they came up with possible options for outreaching to

the community through a fundraising project for the 2011-

2012 school year. under the instruction of Superintendent of

buckeye union High School, Dr. beverly Hurley, members of

the SSAC focused on potential community project fundrais-

ing, in order to raise proceeds for a safe shelter for domestic

violence victims, “Amy’s House,” scheduled to open its doors in

the buckeye area this month.

4

“The holidays, for me, has always been infused by the warm thoughts

of family - buying gifts, spending time, taking photos. For me, it’s

an entire season of being intentional about focusing on the wishes

and desires of others. Growing up, my favorite tradition was shop-

ping for our Christmas tree. We lived in Florida, so we didn’t have the

wintery experience of chopping down our own tree in the forest, but

instead we went to the local shopping center parking lot to meet the

family that would truck in trees from north Carolina. each year we

brought them a plate from our holiday meal. our family looked for-

ward to seeing theirs annually. Today, my family enjoys Christmas eve

services at our community church, and I look forward to offering my

children the same type of community outreach that I experienced

growing up!”

more on page 8

Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council brainstorms for Community outreach

Warm memories

Celebrate the new Year at the

Starpointe residents Club.

make plans to attend estrella’s

annual new Year’s eve Party.

There will be a buffet dinner,

drink tickets, dancing, and a

champagne toast at midnight.

Dress to impress and celebrate

the new Year in “Hollywood

Style” while staying close to

home. Seating is limited so you must purchase your tickets at the

Starpointe residents Club in advance.

Page 10

new Year’s eve Party

Photos by Jenn Isaacs, Any moment Photography

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Just Steps to the Lake! (10754 W. Indian Wells) Sharp UDC home built with quality 2x6 construction is Move-in ready. Park-like, pre-mium lot is well over 1/3 of an acre and backs to one of Estrella’s private, wildlife preserves. Located in Copper Ridge One, a community of spacious homesites bordering North Lake, this updated home shines. Upgrades include tile fl oors throughout, upgraded cabinets, drop lighting, ceiling fans with remote access & more. Oversized master bedroom boasts private exit to patio. Designer screened doors help you enjoy Arizona’s amazing weather. Nearly 2400sqft off ered at $235,000

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Lovely “Jewel” in the desert is in pristine, move-in condition. � e fi nest of appointments are here, from the gorgeous custom cabinets throughout, including the built in hutch, bar & butler pantry and offi ce with built-in book-shelves and desk, to the exquisite custom drap-eries and remote controlled Silhouette window shading. Roman to old European infl uence is evident in the stone fl oors, columns, fi re place and oversized swimming pool and spa. All bedrooms have private baths. Nice game room with bar.

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Luxury in the Estrella Foothills (13426 W. Beverly) If you yearn for privacy, beautiful surroundings and luxurious living, this 4000+ sqft home is for you. It’s located on 2.5 acres with gated, tree lined, paved drive that winds its way up from the road to a stunning Santa Fe home with all of the trimmings. Authentic Solid wood Vegas, smooth fi nish walls, 10, 12 & 14 ft ceilings, stacked stone fi replace, cus-tom built-ins, Anderson windows, travertine, granite & Alderwood fi nishes. Huge garage! Casita! And so much more! Adjoining 2.5 acres are negotiable. Unbelievable deal at $400,000!

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my hometown: page 3www.myhometownestrel la .com

Volume 5. number 12

december 2011

this month...

Copyright 2011. 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

Creating traditions

As I met with people in and around the Estrella community this month in order to gather information for your doorsteps, I quickly recognized that, on many occasions, annual events evolve and become larger, more exciting and gather greater detail with each passing year. Often, the events that you will read about in this December issue become tradi-tional and create ongoing stories, bringing joy to those involved, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.

Examples of developing tradi-tion are particularly evident in our informational news story, covering high school stu-dents that reach out to help citizens through leadership projects as members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. Each year the council’s mission to be the voices within their represented schools, while bringing positive change to communities, is seen throughout our community. Another indicator is evident in the annual efforts of the Rotarians from Goodyear White Tanks Rotary Club. Their hard work and enthusiasm over the past seven years has earned Phoenix International Raceway a significantly higher

attendance of special-needs guests. Yet another example of developing annual tradition is covered in our pumpkin carving wrap-up story, where a street full of neighbors have casually personalized a celebration of creating jack-

o-lanterns and memories on a chosen warm autumn evening. Together, each of the above mentioned groups have continually generated small wins within their communities, in the process of taking risks by merely starting some-thing new. All along the way they’re learning from their experiences.

Like settling into your favorite exceptionally comfortable armchair,

we hope that you’ll relax and dig into My Hometown Estrella’s final issue of 2011, as you capture the essence of this season of tradition within the following pages. We’re introducing new faces, new businesses and a collection of straightforward information that we hope you will enjoy. We look forward to inspiring you in 2012 with new ideas, unique ‘storytelling’ and even more opportunities to help you create your own traditions, which we’ll encourage you to share with us.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with a sleigh full of opportunities to create your own story!

KIm AlVArADo, eSTrellA reSIDenT

editor’s corner

dining 13

family 14

health 15

community lifestyle

community news

on Your DoorSTeP neWS & eVenTS HAPPenInG In AnD ArounD eSTrellA 4

ClubS, ClASSeS, meeTInGS STArPoInTe reSIDenTS Club ProGrAmS & CommunITY CAlenDAr 9

HoA eVenTS & bulleTIn boArD Your HoA IS HArD AT WorK WITH THeSe Fun reSIDenT eVenTS 10-11

people in your neighborhood

THe WADe FAmIlY neIGHborS & FrIenDS You’D lIKe To meeT 12

business spotlight

IKon CArPeT & TIle CleAnInG 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

AJ Moreno Designer

[email protected]

c O n t r i b u t i n g w r i t E r s

Raj Patel MD, Andy Ragone

wa n t tO a d v E rt i s E ?

Contact Kim Alvarado (800) 497-1309 x705

[email protected] www.myhometownestrella.com

my hometown www.myhometownestrel la .com

eSTrellA

on your doorstepsuperintendent’s student advisory council brainstorms for community Outreach

During a recent work session, the Buckeye Union High School Student Advisory Council grouped together for ‘brainstorming,’ where they came up with possible options for outreaching to the community through a fundraising project for the 2011-2012 school year. Under the instruction of Superintendent of Buckeye Union High School, Dr. Beverly Hurley, members of the SSAC focused on potential commu-nity project fundraising in order to raise proceeds for a safe shelter for domestic violence victims, “Amy’s House,” scheduled to open its doors in the Buckeye area this month. The council broke into small groups and rapidly narrowed a wide-range list of fundraising project ideas to preparation plans for a sponsored movie night, with proceeds directly ben-efiting the newly constructed safe house, “Amy’s House.”

One of the Student Advisory Council Members, Tatum Reedy, said that being a member of the Advisory Council has helped her become more aware of the assistance needed from people in the surrounding community. “It makes you feel great to help people. When you help someone in need, it makes you want to help more and more people,” remarked the Estrella Foothills High School senior.

The Student Advisory Council is made up of students, grades 9-12, rep-resenting three local high schools and one counselor from Buckeye Union High School, Estrella Foothills High School and Youngker High School with a total of 18 members. These students are chosen by their principal, as students that model leadership in the form of being dependable, honest, supportive and inspiring. The Council meets once each month throughout the school year to focus on the development of leadership skills, improve communication and to design and complete an annual project that directly benefits schools or the greater community.

The mission of the council is to be the voice in their schools, district and communities to bring about positive change. Dr. Hurley believes that all people have the capacity for leadership. In addition, getting leadership students together to deal with real-world problem solving procedures also affords Dr. Hurley the opportunity to close the gap between superintendent and student. “This keeps me interacting with the students,” she added,

bringing her back to the classroom in a teacher’s setting, where her career began. She continues to educate students of the Advisory Council, teach-ing them to serve as effective models to inspire the student bodies, while becoming more involved in their communities.

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, or SSAC, has com-pleted three major projects. In 2009, the students sold spirit wristbands and donated $2,471 to D.O.N.A., a shelter for women of abuse who are pregnant. In 2010, the council organized a motivational assembly for all area eighth-grade students designed to inspire and build character. SSAC students raised money to bring in Mr. Jerry Traylor as the keynote speaker. Mr. Traylor was honored by President Regan and featured by Paul Harvey on the “Rest of the Story.” The assembly was a huge success. Last year, the council raised just over $4,000 at a bowling tournament with the proceeds designated to assist local residents who are victims of domestic violence.

Once a project is developed and completed, council members will complete a written project summary and present a project report to the BUHSD Governing Board. And in the process, students learn about leadership through helping others. C. J. Broadbent, a recent graduate of Estrella Foothills High School who participated in the group for three years said, “Thank you for starting SSAC because some of my fondest high school memories were made at those meetings and seeing the results of our work.”

“never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”… margaret mead

Estrella resident, Milan Babyar wrote his first book, Phishers of Men, a personal story about recognizing and overcoming emotional, criminal and spiritual identity theft. Within the pages of the new release, the author identifies three types of ‘identity theft’ that affect all individuals.

Emotional Identity Theft has to do with the attacks on a person’s character throughout a lifetime of experiences. He refers to ‘Character Thieves’ as being the driving force in Emotional Identity Theft. Character Thieves can be kids, adults, economic struggles and health issues…anything that cuts to the core of an individual or even whole families, creating a feeling of diminished self-worth.

Criminal Identity Theft - the type that all of us have heard of. Criminal Identity Theft is the kind of Identity Theft that law enforcement, govern-ment agencies, healthcare providers and financial institutions warn us of. Babyar conveys his horrific personal identity theft experience that cost him thousands of dollars as well as threatened his life and his family member’s lives.

Spiritual Identity Theft is the root cause of all Identity Theft according to the Bible. In Phishers of Men, he recounts some of the story of Job and how he had it all at one time, and then lost everything. Yet God was watching over Job and Job remained faithful for, as Job stated: “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away… blessed be the name of the Lord.”

As a follower of Christ, Babyar states that the book is encouraging for both believers and non-believers, creating the name of his first novel, based on biblical scripture, “Fishers of Men” in Matthew 4:19. “In a world that steals and devours

people and finances, I wanted to write about the alternative reassurance and steadfastness of a caring God. Phishers of Men tells my life story of repeated ups and downs of life…culminating in the final victory that is in Jesus Christ for those that want to follow His invitation to become Fishers of Men,” says the author.

You can meet the author of Phishers of Men, Milan Babyar, at Oasis Bagels on Sunday, December 11, from noon to 2pm. Phishers of Men is print-ed by Tate Publishing of Mustang, OK and is available at www.LandofUz.com. Additional copies will be available at the December 11 book signing date, locally.

local Author, milan babyar releases book - Phishers of men


eSTrellA

on your doorstep

Planting seeds

Seventh and eighth grade students in Ms. Schwimmer’s Environmental Science elective class have set the foundation for a garden in the cen-ter of the junior high wing. Last year, Ms. Schwimmer took a class that was held at an outdoor classroom. This is where her idea of a garden project originated. The news spread quickly and soon after the cam-pus held a hat day to raise the necessary funds to purchase the items needed for the garden.Students are currently preparing the soil by adding chicken manure donated by Hickman’s Egg Farm in Buckeye, and retrieving silt from the desert wash nearby. Everyone participating has a job. Teams have been assigned duties such as daily water, weed control, monitoring fertilizer and soil, etc. The campus is excited about the garden project and being able to share it with others. Be on the lookout for basil, cilantro, tomatoes, and more!

Estrella Mountain Elementary would like to wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and thanks everyone for their support.

upcoming Events at Estrella Mountain Elementary

12/5-12/9 Buy One Get One Free Book Fair ~ You’ll find gifts for everyone on your list!

12/13 Winter Program

estrella mountain elementary School news

Submitted by Michele Santorelli

Holiday news at estrella mountain Preschool

On Wednesday, December 7, Estrella Mountain Preschool will be holding our annual Christmas Presentation for parents and friends. A huge THANK YOU to Carrabbas Italian Grill for providing dinner prior to the show.

reminder:

The school will be closed December 19 to January 3 for the Christmas Break.

During this season as we think about Christmas and the joy this holiday brings, our thoughts turn to how we might bring joy to others. It is in this spirit that Estrella Mountain Preschool is honored once again to be partner-ing with The Pajama Program to host a Pajama Drive for warm comfortable PJs that can be given to local children in need. If you would like to help make a child feel loved during the holidays, please bring a new set of PJs, sizes infant to teen, to Estrella Mountain Preschool by Friday, December 9. For every set of pajamas collected, Scholastic will provide a child with a new book. The preschool is located at 10485 S. Estrella Parkway on the church campus. For questions or further information, please contact Lisa Tucker at 623-476-5578.

Blessings for a wonderful Christmas!

Goodyear White Tanks rotary Club Drives up Attendance at nASCAr

For the past seven years the Goodyear White Tanks Rotary Club members have been driving golf carts to provide transportation for disabled attendees at every local NASCAR event. Often their efforts include shuttling a family with young children, someone elderly or an anxious fan scurrying to make their way from the parking lot to the racing compound to experience the thrills of NASCAR racing at Phoenix International Raceway. A great deal of hard work and enthu-siasm are credited for the highest percentage of handicapped attendees of any track on the NASCAR circuit, reports Rotarian, David Lesnick. This service, provided by the Rotarians, is the club’s second biggest fundraising event of each year. Their secret to driving up attendance, according to Lesnick, seems to be the way that they treat race guests with royal respect. Recently the Rotarians shuttled in families participating in the Make-A-Wish program, where one youngster visited with driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., who received an autographed banner for his classmates.

Estrella book club Meets december 14

Cleo: The Cat Who Mended a Family, Written by: Helen Brown

Through happiness and heartbreak, changes and new beginnings, Cleo turned our to be the unlikely glue that affectionately held Helen’s family together. Rich in wis-dom, wit, heart and healing, this is a story of a cat with an extraordinary gift for knowing just where she was needed most.

“The next Marley & Me. Even non cat-lovers will be moved.”-Good Housekeeping magazine. Estrella Book Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Starpointe Residents Club from 10am-11:30am.

Estrella HomeMonitoring Services

Peace of Mind While You Are Away

623-374-4623Email: [email protected]

Visit us: www.EstrellaHomeMonitoring.comEstrella Resident Owned & Operated

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)


eSTrellA

How do you perceive our management Company (Capital Consultants management Corporation) is doing in overall day-to-day management of com-munity operations? (choose one)

exceeds my expectations 6.3

meets my expectations 54.2

Fails to meet my expectations 22.5

It is time for a change 9.6

no opinion 7.5

How do you perceive the quantity and quality of communications that you receive from the board of Directors and the management Company? (choose one)





no opinion 7.5

How would you rate the effectiveness of our management Company in the enforcement of community Covenants, Conditions and restrictions (CC&r’s)? (choose one)





no opinion 7.9

How do you perceive your board of Directors is performing in setting com-munity policy and determining long-term strategy for the community? (choose one)





no opinion 17.5

The Communications Committee would like to thank everyone who completed the first annual community survey. Your input is greatly appreciated and has been presented to the Board of Directors, as well as distributed to the various volunteer committees. Your responses assist each committee with determination of areas of resident concern and will be addressed and evaluated to assist with future community planning. The individual committees will be responding to community concerns and reporting progress for solutions in upcoming issues of My Hometown Estrella. The responses to this survey are listed in percentages.

realizing that the community always prefers to have greater resident input and participation, which schedule might better encourage your participation in Annual, board, Working Session and Committee meetings? (choose one)

Hold meetings later in the evening, after dinner 21.7

Conduct meetings during the day-time 6.3

Current time-6:30 p.m. is fine 53.8

I would likely not attend whatever the schedule 18.3

regarding your neighborhood Voting member (check all that apply);

I know who my Voting member representative is 36.7

I do not know who my Voting member representative is 60.4

I have had contact with my Voting member representative regarding neighborhood concerns 15.4

I receive communications from my Voting member representative 15.0

regarding the Voting member Committee (check all that apply);

I am knowledgeable of the role and responsibilities of the committee 35.8

I am aware that information regard-ing the committee can be found on the life In estrella community website (www.lifeinestrella.com ) 67.1

I am aware that the committee meet-ings are open to all residents 67.1

I am aware that I may bring up con-cerns at the meetings during open forum 49.6

Are you aware that agendas for all meet-ings are posted on the estrella commu-nity website (www.lifeinestrella.com) and in the community newspaper, my Hometown estrella?

Yes 69.2

no 30.8

Where do you obtain information regarding committee meetings and/or events? (check all that apply);

Starpointe bulletin boards 28.8

e-blasts from Capital Consultants management Corporation 39.6

The community newspaper, my Hometown estrella 59.6

The community website, life In estrella (www.lifeinestrella.com) 63.3

For which purpose(s) do you utilize the Starpointe residents Club? (check all that apply);

Community events 53.8

Swimming pool 57.3

Work out facilities, training classes, work out rooms 68.4

meetings 38.0

other (please specify) 15.4

How do you perceive the value of HoA provided services and amenities (Starpointe residents Club, lakes, parks, programs, common areas and mainte-nance, covenant enforcement, commu-nity patrol and billing and collections) in relation to the Association’s “base” quar-terly assessment of $252 per quarter? (choose one)

An excellent value 22.5

A Good value 30.4

A Fair value 27.9

A Poor value 19.2

Does the financial information that the HoA provides on the community web-site (www.lifeinestrella), regarding the annual operating budget and reserve Funds, meet your needs as a property owner/resident? (choose one)




I am unaware of the fact that finan-cial information is available to resi-dents 12.9

How would you rate the overall quality or condition of the community’s com-mon area landscape and lawns? (choose one)

excellent 21.3

Acceptable 47.9

not Acceptable 23.3

Poor 7.5

Would you prefer to see an improvement to the overall aesthetics or appearance of the common area landscape? (choose one)

Yes, I would strongly prefer to see an improvement 28.3

Yes, I would moderately prefer to see an improvement 35.8

no, I am happy with the current appearance 33.3

no opinion 2.5

In the common area and right-of-way planter beds, would you prefer to see: (choose one);

more vegetation and greenery and leSS granite rock 69.6

less vegetation and greenery and more granite rock 30.4

How many of each type of community activities/events have you attended with-in the past year? (choose one)

I have not attended any community activities or events during the past year 20.4

1-2 events/activities 31.3

3-7 events/activities 25.0

8 or more events/activities 20.8

other (please specify) 2.5

If you did not attend community events/activities within the past year, what are the reasons why? (choose all that apply);

Costs 5.0

Time 21.7

Don’t like events/activities offered 15.0

not aware of events/activities 2.9

not applicable 63.8

The events/activities which I have attended in the past year were mainly applicable to: (choose one)

Children 11.7

Adolescents 0.0

Adults 49.2

Families 39.2

The events/activities which I have attended were (choose one)

excellently planned and executed 17.7

Well planned and executed 48.7

Fairly planned and executed 19.4

not adequately planned or executed 4.7

Currently your assessments subsidize some events/activities and have nominal charges to help defer costs. For those that participate (choose one)

events/activities should be self-sustaining and charges increased to cover the costs for participation 28.3

events/activities should be “free” and assessments adjusted to cover costs, so that all pay equally 4.6

Attempt to achieve a happy medium of the two choices listed above 67.1

What outdoor activities do you partici-pate in within the estrella community? (check all that apply);

running 23.3Walking/Hiking 91.7road Cycling 35.4mountain biking 15.0boating/lake usage 33.8basketball 13.8Tennis 18.8Pickleball 2.9Volleyball 5.4Horseshoes 3.3other (please specify) 12.1

2011 Estrella community surveythe results

Wishing you, my Friends & Neighbors,

a very Merry Christmas! 623-474-6511 Direct 623-474-6511 Direct

Providing Professional Real Estate Services

to Estrella since 2005!

Providing Professional Real Estate Services

to Estrella since 2005!

Kindergarten is an exciting time for parents and children alike, as your little one is growing up and heading off to Elementary School. To assist both you and your preschooler with this transition, Phoenix Children’s Academy has created Kindergarten Club, our unique kindergarten readiness program.

• Literature• Art• Music• Math & Science Concepts

For more information and to schedule a time to visit, please call Keri Rifkin at:

Goodyear • 17670 W. Elliot Rd. (Estrella Pkwy. & Elliot Rd.)

602.635.6390 www.pcapreschool.com

Designed to help your child become more comfortable with the transition from Preschool to Kindergarten, our Private Preschool Program will provide children Kindergarten Readiness skills in a fun and safe environment. Through hands-on activities, your child will experience:

• Phonics / Phonemic Awareness• Social Skills• Listening Skills• And so much more!

An APS Energy Star Community Open Daily 9am-6pm

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.

101303

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ESTRELLAMOUNTAIN

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BUCKEYE RD

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ESTRELLA PKWY

Join us for a Holiday Open House and Celebrationfor the Groundbreaking of Two New Models

December 3rd & 4th, 1-4 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.

®

oliday Open ouseCantaMia® Invites You To A

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Common questions asked by Homeowners about Short Sales..........

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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF INTEGRITY

CELEBRATING

AS YOUR HOMETOWN

JEWELERAS YOUR HOMETOWN YEARS

AS YOUR HOMETOWN

JEWELERJEWELER

YEARSYEARS20


eSTrellA

on your doorstep

Submitted by Kurt & Dee Hanke, Handyman Xtreme

‘Tis the season for eggnog, chilly mornings and family traditions to celebrate our Lord. Our Christmas traditions start with the arrival of our parents from Canada by way of motorcycle. (Yes, you read that correctly). Soon afterward we dig into boxes of decorations, transforming our home into a winter wonderland while watching Christmas movies or listening to Bing Crosby and enjoying tasty treats. Our children look forward to our family Advent Calendar; sometimes they receive treats and sometimes they receive ‘freebies’, such as “A day without chores.” Or “Compliment your sibling on something today.” Unfortunately, they prefer the treats. And speaking of treats – we have an all-day baking party consisting of three generations, a happily-crowded kitchen and goodies from our German and Swedish heri-tage. Sometimes it’s hard to get in that Christmas spirit when you live in Arizona, so we do three things to fix that dilemma…1.One evening we all put on our pj’s, make a bunch of hot cocoa for the thermos and pile everyone (including the three family dogs) into the sport wagon, drive around Estrella singing Christmas songs, drinking hot cocoa and gazing at all the Christmas lights. This is one of Dee’s favorite traditions; however the kids usually duck down so no one sees them. 2. Zoo Lights! Need we say more? 3. Polar Express…ahh nothing like feeling that brisk, cold, blowing wind on your face while snow is crunching under your shoes walking to the train to see Santa. This is the second ultimate ‘kid-moment’ for adults. (Disney is #1 of course). We feel that it’s important at the close of the year to reflect on our trials, triumphs and tribulations so each family member writes a summary of their year (however, Liam will babble his summary this year) and we share it with each other around the firepit, sipping hot cocoa. Tears and laughter are guaranteed. Sharing, as you may have noticed, is a big part of our family; as well as giving. We give food to the local food shelter, warm clothing to the Crisis Pregnancy Center and donate any unused toy or item to our local Goodwill. We ‘wrap up’ our traditions with attending EMC Christmas Eve service and opening gifts when we return home that night. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours!

Xtreme traditions neighborhood Pumpkin carving Party

Leave it to a former teacher, turned stay-at-home mom, Kristi O’Neil, to con-tinue organizing projects and parties for people; this time for her own Montecito neighbors and friends – ages ranging from a four-day-old infant to retirees. The pumpkin carving invitations began at a recent block party, when the O’Neils, along with a group of neighbors, decided to design a family-fun welcoming event for the newest couple mov-ing in on their street. A couple of friends grabbed their pumpkins and their lawn chairs and headed for the driveway event that turned out to be a gath-ering of 26 neighbors, a four-day-old newborn and five neighborhood pets. Families, couples and individuals of all ages were gathered and transformed into jack-o-lantern design technicians. The pumpkin carving party began around 6pm that evening and didn’t conclude until midnight.

“In this economy, families want to have social interaction with others and cannot always afford to hire babysitters to do so. Getting together in our driveway has proven to be a great way to visit with neighbors while the kids run around and have fun, too,” says Kristi.

Estrella travel club

The Estrella Travel Club enjoyed a recent adventure on the Verde Canyon Railroad, followed by a delicious barbeque dinner and live show at the Blazin ‘M Ranch. During the dinner show, three Estrella Travel Club visitors were recognized for their birthdays and received keepsake souvenir hats. The following day some members visited Tuzigoot National Monument, Out of Africa Wildlife Park and shopped the quaint village of Jerome. “It’s rumored that the fudge and kaleidoscope shops had a good day of business,” said D. D. Stolp, one of the club’s members. Next on the traveling agenda is a trip to “Zoo Lights” on December 10. Individuals or families interested in joining this group of fun-seekers to a variety of destinations should contact Judy Northrop at [email protected] or call 623-691-6464. You can learn more about the Estrella Travel Club at www.lifeinestrella.com in the group section.

Who To Go To With Your Community Concerns

On occasion, owners have concerns pertaining to issues that they may experience within their community and are uncertain about how to bring them to the attention of their association. In such circumstances, owners are encouraged to follow this suggested approach for bringing about a timely and satisfactory resolution.

A call to the Community Services Office, 623-386-1112, can put residents in touch with the management company individual best suited to address an owner’s specific concern. Residents are also encouraged to stop in and talk to the staff one-on-one. In the event of an after-hours emer-gency, residents can call 1-800-274-3165 with concerns. Capital Consultant Management Corporation’s goal is to resolve every owners concern or prob-lem with the initial contact.

Residents are always welcome to contact or stop in to see our Community Manager, Lisa Lundskow.

You may wish to contact the Voting Member for your neighborhood. Voting Member contact information is available on the community web-site or by contacting the management at the Community Services Office at 623-386-1112. Following this approach allows the Voting Member to assess whether your concern is applicable to one owner, a neighborhood or the community in general. With this information, the Voting Member can provide advocacy on behalf of the owner in monthly Voting Member Committee meetings.

Owners are also encouraged to contact their Resident Board Members for their specific association to voice any concerns. Contact information for each owner’s Resident Board Member is available on the community website or the Community Services Office, 623-386-1112.

Time to Consider Painting Your Home?

The Estrella Community Association started house painting inspections on November 1. Many homes in our neighborhoods haven’t had their exteriors painted since residences were first constructed and that look of luster and appeal has started to fade. Consider It Finished Painting services would like to remind you that they are here to help. Whether your home is in need of exterior or inte-rior paint, Consider It Finished Painting, a licensed, bonded and insured local company can help you restore your home’s glow. Call a licensed contractor, Matt Nicodemus at 623-221-2004.


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)

11:50-12:40pmTai 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)

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 602-400-8371

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

Crochetting & Knitting

10-11:30am. Starpointe.

WeeKlY eVenTS

estrella Family breakfast

8:30-10am

WeeKlY eVenTS

Adult Golf Clinic 8am

Golf Club of estrella 623-386-2600

1 2 1Crafts & Stuff- 9am

Communications Committee meeting

5pm

VCA CrC meeting

6pm

Photo Club - 7pm

2eCA CrC meeting

9:30am

3

Starpointe Tree lighting event

3pm-6pm

4 5Ad Hoc Guest Fee

Committee meeting

2pm

6emr business Group

8am

landscape Committee

10am

7

ladies of the lake- 1pm

Cruise night at estrella

At mountain ranch marketplace- 6pm

8board of Directors

meeting

6:30pm

9eYS Annual Father/

Daughter Dance

7pm

10Classic Car Club

9am

Farmers market (Yacht Club)- 10am

Travel Club- 11am

11 12Trivia

6:30pm

13 14estrella book Club

10am

Voting member Committee meeting

6:30pm

15Crafts & Stuff

9am

bingo

6pm

VCA CrC meeting

6pm

16eCA CrC meeting

10am

17Cocktails &

Conversations

7pm

18Scrapbooking

10am

19bunco

6pm

20Social Committee

meeting

5pm

21Photo Club- 7pm

Cruise night at estrella

At mountain ranch marketplace- 6pm

22Quiddler

1pm

23 24Starpointe residents

Club is closed.

25merrY CHrISTmAS!

Starpointe residents Club is closed.

26 27Crafts & Stuff

9am

28Candy bingo

9am

29Inside movie at

Starpointe

2pm

30 31new Years eve Party

8pm

Starpointe residents Club is closed.

DeCember 2011

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.


SATurDAY, DeCember 3

christmas tree lighting Saturday, December 3rd3:00pm – 6:00pm

oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches...

Please join us on December 3 from 3:00 to 6:00pm for our annu-al Christmas Tree lighting. enjoy performances by the estrella mountain elementary School band, Starpointe ballet, and the belly Dancing class as well. After you decorate cookies and sing Christmas carols, come play in some reAl snow and sip on hot cocoa. Gift vendors will help kick start your holiday shopping and Santa will be there to let you know if you’ve been naughty or nice too! Visit www.lifeinestrella.com for more information.

DeCember 28 & 29

starpointe winter break activities

candy bingo

Wednesday, December 28th9:00am – 11:00am

$2 – You must purchase tickets in advance. Snacks and Drinks will be provided.

indoor Family Movie

Thursday, December 29th 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Free – You must rSVP in advance. Visit www.lifeinestrella.com for more information.

eVerY FrIDAY

Estrella Family breakfast Friday, December 2nd, 9th & 16th8:30am to 10:00am

The estrella Family breakfast is a great way to spend time with your estrella Family over a continental breakfast. Please join us Friday from 8:30 to 10:00am. The cost for this event is $2 for adults and $1 for children under 12. There will be no Family breakfast on December 23 or December 30 due to the holidays.


Farmers MarketSaturday, December 10thYacht Club Pavilion10:00am to 2:00pm

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 activ-ities; And muCH more! The estrella lakeside Farmers market will run every second Saturday through April so mark your calendars!

monDAY, DeCember 12

Papa John’s trivia night

monday, December 12th6:30pm

Come out and test your skills against our reigning champs Wicked Good, and have some fun at this month’s Trivia night. There are three rounds that include general knowledge, history & geogra-phy, and entertainment. The cost is $5 per person, up to 4 people per team. Papa John’s Pizza, water, soda, and coffee will be pro-vided. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded. Please rSVP at Starpointe by December 9 so that we can have enough pizza on hand.

eSTrellA

hOa eventsTHurSDAY, DeCember 15

Potluck bingo

Thursday, December 15th Potluck 6:00pm

make some quick Christmas cash at b.I.n.G.o!! Starpointe will be hosting bingo night “pot-luck” style; bring your favorite dish and share with fellow residents. Water, soda, and coffee will be provided. bingo Games will start promptly at 6:30pm. Cost is $5 a card for 10 rounds (additional cards are $5). You must be 21 to play and win. The Preschooners Club will be open for your children to enjoy during bingo. Are you feeling lucky?


cocktails & conversation

Saturday, December 17th7:00pm to 9:00pm

Take time to connect with your neighbors this holiday season at the December Cocktails & Conversation event. Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater and be entered into a drawing to win a prize. The uglier the better! We will be serving tasty Italian treats and fes-tive cocktails. If you would like to participate in the White elephant Gift exchange, please bring a wrapped gift with a value of $10 or less. This can be something simple like a gift card or something silly like that clown clock in the attic. The gifts will be blindly exchanged and bargained for during the event. Please check www.lifeinestrella.com for more details on the gift exchange. The cost to join us for this fun filled evening is only $10 per person. Space is limited so you must purchase your ticket by December 14!

SATurDAY, DeCebmer 31

new Year’s Eve Party Saturday, December 31st, 20118:00pm to 1:00amThe Starpointe residents Club

Celebrate the new Year at the Starpointe residents Club. make plans to attend estrella’s annual new Year’s eve Party. There will be a buffet dinner, drink tickets, dancing, and a champagne toast at midnight. Dress to impress and celebrate the new Year in “Hollywood Style” while staying close to home. Seating is limited so you must purchase your tickets at the Community Services office in advance for $100 per couple. Check www.lifeinestrella.com for more information.


eSTrellA

hOa bulletin board community services Office hours:

Closed for Holidays - December 23rd, 26th, 30th and January 2nd 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:Closed for Holidays - December 24th, 25th, 31st, and January 1stMon.–Th. 5:30am–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 for Holidays - December 24th, 25th, 31st, and January 1stClosed WednesdayMonday, Tuesday, Thursday 2pm-7pmFriday, Saturday, Sunday 10am-7pm623-386-3411

community Patrol’s Phone number

602-329-0462, 10pm - 4am (7 days a week)

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: Erin Kennedy

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 contact

Last Call for Committee Candidates – Volunteers Make A Difference

There are currently opportunities to serve on the following committees, which are briefly described below:

• The budget and Finance committee reviews financials, capital reserve contributions and recommends an annual budget to the board of Directors.

• The social committee recommends monthly activities, and assists our lifestyle Director with programming those events.

• The trails committee is instrumental in the development and maintenance of the many pedestrian and cycling trails within estrella.

• The communications committee assists the management com-pany with website communications, newspaper communications, as well as other communication-based functions serving the com-munity.

• The landscape committee assists the management company with issues relating to Common Area landscaping within estrella.

Applications are available on www.lifeinestrella.com, located in the Document library under Applications and Forms, or at the Community Services office and the Starpointe residents Club. Please submit your application by December 1, 2011 if you wish to:

• Serve on one of the committees

• Re-apply for committee membership

• Apply for another committee.

Calling all Starpointe Groups!Are you a resident with an organized group that meets at Starpointe? If so, all group organizers need to contact Tammy Campbell at 623-386-1949 or [email protected]. We’re updating our records to make sure your group is still meeting, the room set up that you currently have is working, and does the day and time still work for your group? If your group organizer does not contact Tammy with updated information, even if nothing has changed, your group will drop off the calendar for 2012. Thank you for your assistance.

New Resident Orientationtuesday, February 7th, 2012, 6pm-7pm

Welcome to estrella! As a new resident, you probably want to know everything there is to know about your community. All new resi-dents are invited to Starpointe for a welcome party on Tuesday, February 7 at 6pm. This is a great opportunity to meet community staff, learn how the Association is operated and to attain an over-view on estrella’s amenities and operations. light refreshments will be served.

Please rSVP to erin at [email protected] or 623-386-1112.

Hope to see you there!

VOTING MEMBERSIf you would like to volunteer to be the Voting member or Alternate Voting member for your neighborhood for the year 2012, please submit your application to the Community Services office by December 1, 2011. Applications are avail-able at www.lifeinestrella.com, Starpointe residents Club and Community Services office. noTe: Current Voting members and Alternates interested in continuing in the position must submit an application.

2012 BUDGETThe board of Directors for the estrella Community Association (eCA) and the Villages at estrella mountain ranch Community Association (VCA) recently voted to approve the 2012 operating budget which resulted in a $2.00/month increase in assessments.

The 2012 quarterly assessment for your Association will be $258.00 and is effective with the new fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2012. If you live in a gated community, you have two assessments. The 2012 quarterly assessment for benefitted parcels are below:

reflection bay (54) quarterly assessment will be $222.00

Hidden Hills (73) quarterly assessment will be $210.00

Sonoran Vista (76) quarterly assessment will be $171.00

emerald Greens (91) quarterly assessment will be $132.00

The Fairways (95) quarterly assessment will be $156.00

The Fairways (96) quarterly assessment will be $159.00

The Palisades (59) quarterly assessment will be $387.00

The Association’s budget/Finance Committee presented a presentation on the 2012 budget at the october 25, 2011 board of Directors meetings. Please visit www.lifeinestrella.com to view the presentation. In addition, all budgets are posted for your review.

A special thanks to the six members of our resident budget/Finance Committee for the long hours and multiple months of work they placed into the 2012 budget.

‘TIS THE SEASON

Are you planning on display-ing holiday decorations for the community to enjoy? With the holiday season fast approach-ing, please keep in mind that seasonal decora-tions may be displayed until Jan 31.

SAVe THe DATe

Estrella’s Youth groupThursday, January 19th , 20125:00pmYouth Club

estrella’s Youth are invited to take over the Youth Club as part of the new estrella Youth Group. The youth group, still to be officially named, will be groups of estrella kids and teens, ages 10 and up, that are interested in planning activities, events, outings, and volun-teer opportunities for their peers. These youth will meet monthly to discuss upcoming events and activities and will play an integral part in the social activities for their community. The time invested in this group can be used as community service hours. Kids and Teens that are 10 and over that are interested in finding out more about the group should attend the first meeting at the Youth Club Thursday, January 19 at 5:00pm.


WHo Are THe

people in your neighborhood

You may recognize Jillian Wade as a contributor to our November issue. She provided tasty holiday recipes, featuring a twist on tradition. This month, we are pleased to introduce Jillian and her family as Estrella residents of the LaEntrada neighborhood in Montecito. She and her husband, Curtis and 18-month-old daughter, Mia, refer to themselves as “east coast transplants” following their most recent residence in Washington, DC where Curtis attended Law School. In 2010 they followed extended family members to Estrella, where they have quickly developed an appreciation for the Arizona sunshine. In recent months, Curtis and Jillian fre-quented the splash waterpark, watching their toddler, Mia, explore water fun. The Wade’s have been regular participants in monthly trivia night at the Starpointe Residents Club and are known to neighbors and friends as members of the “In It for the Pizza” team!

Jillian, a former elementary school teacher, turned stay-at-home mom, continually looks for ways to develop her artistic abilities. She traded in lesson plans for cooking, baking and blogging where she is able to adapt recipes for her own family, as well as for different occasions and tell folks about them. “My blog has recipes ranging from Roman-style pizza to gour-met cupcakes,” she added. One of Curtis’ favorites, Chicken Pot Pie, always sparks flavorsome blogging dialogue ideas. The cooking and baking enthu-siast enjoys making meals and treats for family and friends as one way of showing her love and appreciation for them. “It is my ‘Me’ time,” says Jillian. “It helps keep me balanced; as it is a time when I get to unwind and enjoy

the wade Familysomething I really love doing. I challenge myself by stretching my culinary limits by trying intricate recipes.”

Beginning this month, Jillian will be taking cookie, cupcake and whoopee pie orders via her blog. Visit http://foodfolksandfun.blogspot.com to awaken your taste buds with some mouth-watering, gourmet temptations. Learn how her creativity triggered the creation of homemade baby food for little Mia, with recipes for carrots, applesauce, oatmeal and carrot-cookies (one of Mia’s favorites).

When Jillian’s husband Curtis isn’t working as her per-sonal taste-tester and quality control personnel, he’s an attor-

ney for The Advocator Group, representing clients at social security and disability hearings. He enjoys helping people who are at a vulnerable stage in their lives, offering the assistance they need. He and Jillian were married five years ago in the small city of Derby, Connecticut and have established a family home here in our community.

Opening SoonElliott Market in Estrella Mountain Ranch

17750 West Elliot Road Suite C Goodyear, Arizona 85338

Michael J. Hilgers, DDS, MS

623-935-3908www.hilgersorthodontics.com

Kelly K. Hilgers, DDS, MS and Greg P. Mathieu, DDS

623-536-0079www.hilgerspedo.com

Specialists in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry

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eSTrellA

holiday recipes

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and spices to combine; set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in the molas-ses and egg until combined. Add in the dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least one hour.

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured work surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place the cookie shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and let cool completely. Decorate as desired.

gingerbread snowflakes Submitted by Estrella Resident, Jillian Wade

“I will never use another gingerbread recipe because this one is perfect! The cookies come out a little chewy instead of rock-hard like other recipes I’ve tried. Try them, you won’t be sorry!” Jillian Wade

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

1½ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1½ tsp. ground cloves

2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 C salted butter

1 C sugar

1 egg

1 t vanilla extract

1 1/2 C of all-purpose flour

1/2 t of baking powder

¼ t salt

12 ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips

1 C crushed candy canes

chocolate Peppermint bark cookies

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

16 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 cup molasses

1 large egg

royal Icing

This smooth, hard-drying icing is perfect for making decorations that last. It is also useful as a ‘cement’ to fasten decorations together. Royal icing is edible, but not recommended for icing cakes.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons meringue Powder easy-Add meringue Powder

4 cups (about 1 lb.) confectioners’ sugar

6 tablespoons warm water

makes: About 3 cups of icing.

Instructions:

Step 1 – Beat all ingredients until icing forms peaks (7-10 minutes at low speed with a heavy-duty mixer, 10-12 minutes at high speed with a hand-held mixer).

Step 2 – NOTE: Keep all utensils completely grease-free for proper icing consistency.

* For stiffer icing, use 1 tablespoon less water.

**When using large countertop mixer or for stiffer icing, use 1 tablespoon less water.

Thinned Royal Icing: To thin for pouring, add 1-teaspoon water per cup of royal icing. Use grease-free spoon or spatula to stir slowly. Add ½-teaspoon water at a time until you reach proper consistency.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixer. The dough should look crumbly. Pat dough into the bottom of a 9×13 baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are nice and golden brown. Allow the cookie crust to cool in the pan for 1 hour. Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir chocolate chips until smooth. Spread chocolate mixture evenly on top of the cookie crust. Sprinkle crushed candy canes evenly on top of the chocolate bar. Place bars in the refrigerator for 1 hour until cooked. Cut into triangles. Enjoy!

Community Christmas Celebration 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

Children's Christmas Program

Saturday 12/10, 7 pm & Sunday 12/11, 2 pm

Christmas Eve Services 4:00 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:00 pm

No Services Christmas Day at EMC New Year’s Services: Sat. 12/31, 5 pm & Sun. 1/1, 9 am

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)

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 12/31/11

98$


cOMMunitY liFEstYlE: FaMilY

cOMMunitY liFEstYlE: gardEn

bY AnDY rAGone, reSIDenT oF eSTrellA, DAD AnD PASTor oF “ InSIDeouT” YouTH FelloWSHIP

While sitting at a table together recently, I asked a high school student how things were going. He replied that he is a senior now and looking forward to graduating this spring – well, kind of. “What do you mean?” I asked. ‘Ahhh, I remember that!’ I suddenly found myself reminiscing over that feeling of freedom that came when walking out of the doors of my alma mater for the final time.

His non-verbal expression wasn’t that of freedom but anxiety. I followed up with another question, “What are you looking to do after high school?” That’s when he became a little squeamish and said, “I’m not sure.” A half hour later, it became clear to me that this kid wasn’t ready for college – or much of anything else for that matter. He simply had no idea what came next.

In our time together, he asked if I would play a father role in his life and walk him through his future. Okay, that freaked me out, especially since his dad was sitting behind me at another table. Feeling put on the spot, I replied, “Uh, no. Perhaps what I can do is help create a ‘road map’ so you have a clearer sense of where you’re going.”

He’s a good kid who has made it through much of his teenage life without too many issues, so in that respect his parents did well (really well),

Blue Prints for Life -The Road Map

but something was missing. In our conversation, I asked if he and his parents had any discussions about his future pursuits, to which he said, “Not really.” This struck me as odd because I think I’ve had this conversation many times with each one of my kids. Together, we have identified their interests and have loosely created a “road map” for them to get from point “A” to point “B” and so on. So I started won-dering, do parents sit down with their kids and talk about this stuff? Or are kids just supposed to guess? Furthermore, is there a benefit to having these conversations with our kids while they’re still under our wings? I think so.

So here are my questions: Have we helped our kids identify their God-given gifts and dreams? Have we then followed up by assisting each of them to construct a basic blue-print for their lives? Will they leave home with a road map? I’m not talking about forcing my “secret agenda” upon them. No, that can create other unintended relational problems. I’m simply suggesting that we come along side of them in relationship, point out their gifts and help guide them through the “ins and outs” of what it takes to develop and pursue their passions. In other words, I’m suggesting we give our kids a “road map” for life.

Frost season in the Southwest typically runs mid-November through February. The frequency and intensity of frost can vary during this time of year due to a number of reasons, including elevation and population density. Plants that suffer frost damage are easily recognized by their blackish-brown fruit or leaves and shriveled shoots and stems.

Preventing Frost Damage

•��Plant�native�plants.�Selecting�plants�native�to�our�environment�ensures you use plants that are used to our weather. Non-native plants may not be as tolerant of this climate.

•��Select�western�and�southern�exposure�planting�areas�for�frost-sensi-tive plants.

Frost Damage- What Can You Do?•��Plant�frost-sensitive�plants�near�block�walls,�rocks�and�patios;�rocks�

absorb heat from the sun and maintain a warmer temperature through the night.

•��Cover�bare�soil�with�mulch�to�create�a�barrier�between�the�frost�and�your planting areas.

During the Frost

•��Cover�plants�susceptible�to�frost-damage�with�cloth�or�paper�to�insu-late them. Drape the paper or cloth all the way to the ground to help trap heat radiating from the ground under the cover. A nursery can help you identify material made specifically for covering plants.

•��Watering�plants�the�night�before�a�frost�can�help�them�stay�warmer.�Dehydrated plants are more susceptible to frost damage.

•��Remove�the�cover�after�sunrise�each�morning.

recovering From Frost Damage

•��Do�not�prune�frost-damaged�shrubs�or�ground�cover�plants�until�the threat of frost is done. Pruning away frost damage too early can result in additional damage to the plant if it is hit by frost again.

•��Prune�frost-damaged�trees�after�new�growth�has�emerged.�This�way�you are able to better prune and balance the tree since you can iden-tify where growth is occurring and where the tree may be suffering from frost damage.

•��Removing�damaged�areas�stimulate�new�plant�growth.�It�is�important�to wait to prune until the frost season is over since this new growth is especially sensitive to colder weather.

C

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ADV-MyHometown-Nov2011.pdf 1 10/10/11 10:37 PM


Remember when you were a child and your par-ents took you to a mall or big department store to see Santa? The store windows were decorated with elaborate Christmas scenes and Santa’s village had Christmas trees with colored lights, sparkling balls and tinsel. Your moth-er held your hand while you stood in line for a chance to tell Santa what you wanted for Christmas. As an elf lifted you onto Santa’s lap, you tried to control your nervous-ness so that you could speak clearly. There he was Santa himself. As his beard rubbed your face, Santa asked if you had been good during the past year and what you wanted for Christmas. You had a long list in mind, but were lucky to get out one item before you were pulled from Santa’s lap and back on your way with your mother. Mom understood. She offered to help you write a letter to Santa so that he would have your full wish list before Christmas.

As an adult, you have surely done the same for your children and maybe even your grandchildren. It’s part of the “Spirit of the Season” which is cre-ated when the Spirits within hundreds of millions people reach out in love and caring to family, friends and mankind.

Unfortunately, the past few years have been tough for most people worldwide. The problems and uncertainty have us struggling with high lev-els of stress. You may have reduced your spending to the basics, but be care-ful. In times of high stress, you should be investing in yourself. Spending to

cOMMunitY liFEstYlE: FitnEss

Dear Santa,

SubmITTeD bY bYron GrAHAm; DIreCTor oF mArKeTInG, DéJà Vu meD SPA;

help your family to better manage and tolerate the stress is a wise investment. Maybe it’s time to write another letter to Santa, including your family’s wishes for stress relief, relaxation and confidence building.

Dear Santa: My dream for a time to relax and de-stress is going to Déjà Vu Med Spa for a 60 minute hydration facial followed by a 30 min. hydro-massage tub with essential oils to further relax me before my 90 min. massage, which will relieve any remaining stress. I’ll even add Botox wrinkle removal to take years off my face and build my confidence.

My husband needs to get back to a healthy, fit body with Déjà Vu’s Weight Loss Program. He should also take the symptom-based test to see if his hormones need rebalancing, for men and women over 40.

Our teenagers need help to rebuild self-confidence and relieve social stress by using real medical procedures to eliminate teenage acne problems. Spend less solving the problem than you do treating the symptoms.

Santa, shopping is easy with $100 Gift Cards and a $10 Coupon free with each gift card purchased. Stock Up! Or buy pre-packaged and wrapped product gifts to help continue the stress relief.

Want to know more or have questions, call 623-242-9910 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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


businEss dirEctOrY

Quality Pool Service and Repairs, Complete Weekly

Service, Equipment Repairs/Sales, Acid Wash,

Drain/Refill.

XPRESS POOL SERVICE

Patrick Pace623-853-6859

[email protected]

16 Year Estrella Homeowner

Eve’s CreationsLong Arm Quilting

Eve Buboltz(623) 386-3106 phone

[email protected]

Locate in the Safeway Shopping Center530 N. Estrella Pkwy, Ste C-1

Goodyear, AZ(623) 932-9211

http://estrellachiropractic.chiroweb.com

$50 Exam,

X-Ray &

Adjustment

$40 1- Hour Massage

ESTRELLA PKWYCHIROPRACTIC

Specific Gentle Care

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

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

POOLGUYAZComplete weekly pool care maintenance. New, remodel, equipment repair & installation, solar

heating & much more!$50 First month special (New Clients)

All credit/debt cards acceptedScott “The Poolguy” 623-986-1530


businEss dirEctOrY

advertiser index

company ............................................................................... Phone .........................................website .............................................................................page #Air now Cooling & Heating ........................................................................... 623-932-1674 ............................................www.airnoWac.com ................................................................................ 16

Ace Custom Golf Carts & rentals ............................................................... 623-523-0263 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 19

American Family Insurance ........................................................................... 623-877-8700 ...........................................www.kathirobertsagency.com ............................................................. 12

Cantamia Community ...................................................................................... 623-474-6960 ...........................................www.cantamia.com .................................................................................. 07

Camille Trachsel-Smith, realtor .................................................................. 623-337 8866 ............................................www.estrellaagent.com .......................................................................... 06

Coldwell banker - Greg marthaler .............................................................. 623-760-6434 ...........................................www.gregmarthaler.com ....................................................................... 07

Consider It Finished Painting ........................................................................ 623-393-0030 ...........................................www.ConsideritFinishedPainting.com ............................................. 08

DeJa Vu Salon ...................................................................................................... 623-242-9910 ...........................................www.dejavumedspa.com ...................................................................... 14

edward Jones Investments ........................................................................... 623-386-1940 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 07

elite Shutters and blinds .................................................................................. 623-935-9484 ...........................................www.eliteshuttersandblinds.com ....................................................... 15

estrella Family medical ..................................................................................... 623-298-4642 ...........................................www.estrellafamilymedical.com ......................................................... 15

estrella Home monitoring Service .............................................................. 623-374-4623 ............................................www.estrellaHomemonitoring.com .................................................. 05

estrella mountain Community College .................................................... 623-535-2800 ...........................................www.estrellamountain.edu ................................................................... 19

estrella Household Handyman .................................................................... 623-670-2642 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 18

estrella mountain Church ............................................................................... 623 386-0300 ...........................................www.emcaz.org .......................................................................................... 13

Flooring Gallery and more ............................................................................. 623-935-6088 ...........................................www.flooringgalleryandmore.com ................................................... 12

Gentle Family Dentistry ................................................................................... 623-848-0100 ...........................................www.CharlesClausenDDS.com ........................................................... 15

Golf Club of estrella ........................................................................................... 623-386-2600 ...........................................www.estrellagolf.com............................................................................... 13

Handyman Xtreme ............................................................................................ 602-773-1973.............................................www.HandymanXtreme.com............................................................... 15

Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry.............................................................................. 623-536-0079 ...........................................www.hilgerspedo.com ............................................................................ 12

mountain ranch Family & Cosmetic Dentistry .................................... 623-327-0231 ............................................www.mountainranchdentistry.com .................................................. 21

newland Communities - estrella ................................................................ 623-386-1000 ...........................................www.estrella.com ...................................................................................... 20

oasis bagels .......................................................................................................... 623-327-1777 .......................................................................................................................................................................... 18

osborne Jewelers, Inc ..................................................................................... 623-925-1815 ............................................www.osbornejewelersinc.com ............................................................ 07

Pet-tastic Pet Care .............................................................................................. 623-217-1070 ............................................www.pet-tasticpetcare.com ................................................................. 18

Phoenix Children’s Academy ........................................................................ 602- 635-6390..........................................www.phoenixchildrensacademy.com .............................................. 07

re/mAX Preferred Choice .............................................................................. 623-693-4299 ...........................................www.WeSellAZHomes.com ................................................................... 02

Solar Direct ............................................................................................................ 623-398-6171 ............................................www.solardirectonline.com .................................................................. 18

West uSA realty estrella branch ................................................................. 623-474-5900 ...........................................www.hometownestrella.com ............................................................... 19

look for these businesses...

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!


eSTrellA

business spotlight

The look and feel of a clean home begins with the carpet. When the carpet looks and feels dirty, chances are it is dulling your health chart and your spirits, too. Carpets act like a magnet to Arizona dust and outside pol-lutants, increasing health problems and flaring allergies. Over time, these conditions can break down our immune systems, leading to a variety of declining health conditions.

Ikon Carpet & Tile Cleaning to the rescue! Besides the health benefits of keeping your car-pets, tile and upholstery clean, regularly scheduled cleanings increase the durability and add prolonged existence to the ‘inner glow’ presentation of your home.

Ikon Carpet & Tile Cleaning came to Estrella, along with its Owner/Operator, Al Wilkinson, back in 2004. Al had previously lived in downtown Phoenix and Portland, Oregon prior to his move out west in 1992. He has a 25-year background in broadcasting and has worked previously in moti-vational speaking. Today, he enjoys focusing on his family-owned business and all aspects of the opera-tions of Ikon Carpet & Tile Cleaning. Day-to-day duties range from service calls, where he meets new neighbors and builds his customer base, to behind the scene tasks of running the business, in areas such as marketing, inventory, public relations and problem solving.

A call for clean is right here in the community. Ikon Carpet & Tile Cleaning offers a truck-mounted carpet cleaning system with state-of-the-

art power and solution metering, making it safe and effective for total grime removal and more important, zero residue left behind. Wilkinson believes that knowing the chemicals and cleaning agents and how they should be applied are key elements to producing the cleanest surfaces and the most satisfied customers. In addition to carpet cleaning and stain removal, Ikon offers grout and tile steam-cleaning, utilizing a high-pressure, high-

temperature system which is safe for tile as well as upholstery.

“What I enjoy about the business is making new friends and meeting people. Sounds cliché, but that’s how a retail business grows, through a pleasant customer experience,” said Wilkinson. “Sometimes clients want to share a cup of coffee, the kids show off their school projects, even the family dog wants to make friends. I’ve watched several kids, who have grown up while we were servicing their homes and want to work as carpet cleaning assistants as their first job. All this must mean that we are achieving our goal of a pleasant cleaning experience for our

clients,” he added. Ikon Carpet & Tile Cleaning continues to build a well-respected repu-

tation valley-wide, accompanied by a strong customer satisfaction referral base, offering a variety of discounts for cleaning services. One ‘Group-like special’ rewards neighbors that book in a bundle. Another competitive pric-ing option allows a special pricing rate of three rooms cleaned from just $75 and 4-8 rooms at just $108. Call for an appointment 602-410-0687.

ikon carpet & tile cleaning

Pet-tastic Pet Care “Love and care when you’re not there.”

dog walking ~ pet sitting ~ sick pet companion pet taxi ~ pet supplies delivery ~ pet

waste removal ~ and much more!

www.pet-tasticpetcare.com

Rhonda Syson, Chief Chew Toy 623-217-1070

Custom GolfSales • Service • PartsFree Pickup & Delivery

14200 W. Van BurenSte C-102 Goodyear

623.523.0263Open 8-4 M-F Sat 8-1

Between Ballard & Litchfield

***SHOWROOM NOW OPEN***2005-2006 $4,550 •Street Legal •2pc Windshield

•W/Mirror •New Tires/Wheels •New Body - Paint - Seats •48 Volt Charger •Title •4yr B-to-B Limited Warranty

Battery Special: 6 - 8 - 12 Volt

Consignment & Collision - Rental Carts Available

2011 BMW$2,000 Off List Price!

Big Motor or High Speed

AnnualService

Change Air/Fuel FiltersChange Spark Plugs

Check Cart Over

Trades Welcome - Running or Not

~~~25 Years Experience~~~

Fluid Retention MatCatch Acid, Water, Oil or Gas(Also Available In Car Size)

$399.95 & Up19.6 mph to 29.5 mph

Precedent & DS-CLUB CAR IQ

Hi-Speed Gears $399.95 & Up

Re-Paint/Color Change

Seats/WindshieldLights/Tires/Air Conditioning

Custom Wheels & TiresWater Systems/Turn Signals

Much Much More!!!

Build & ServiceOff Road Vehicles

•Bentley•BMW•Jaguar•Mercedes•57 Chevy

•49 Chevy•Pick-up•Camero•Mimi Cooper•Call For Details

2007 $4,950

2008 $5,950

$69.50

$49.50

$399.95& Up

10” Wheels205/5010 Tires(Caps & Lugs Extra)

Your Custom Body Headquarters

We Work On All Gas & Electric Carts ~ Also Gems

GOLF CARTS& RENTALS

West USA Realty EstrellaFrom our Families to yours we wish you a safe and Happy Holiday Season

Located Next to Elliot Market

ww

w.hom

etownestrella.com

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

Located Next To Shell Gas Station

Like Us On Facebook To Be Entered Into A Drawing For $50 Taste Of Italy Gift Certifi cate. Visit - West Usa Realty Goodyear on

Facebook And Fill Out The Form For Your Chance To Win!!

www.facebook.com/WestUSAGoodyearTHINKING ABOUT

SELLING YOUR

HOME? SHORT SALE

OR TRADITIONALLY?

Family Owned & Operated!

them for you.

and saying “I want to cancel the listing”

call. Please allow 2 days for sign,

All offers will be faxed, emailed or

and request information on your

TRY OUR EASY EXIT LISTINGClark

Contact InformationInformation Center: (623) 386-1000

Starpointe Residents Club: (623) 386-1949Yacht Club: (623) 386-3411

Golf Club of Estrella: (623) 386-2600estrella.com

Estrella by Newland Communities10300 South Estrella Parkway, Goodyear, AZ 85338

*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. ©2011 Newland Real Estate Group, LLC. Prices subject to change. Square footages are

approximate. The Incentive Programs (“Promotion”) are offered by Maracay Homes (the “Participating Builders”) in the Estrella community with regard to new home sales in the Medina neighborhood, and is exclusively sponsored by the Participating Builder, who is solely responsible for the Promotion’s content, implementation, and operation. Please contact the Participating Builders for further information and requirements. Void where prohibited. Void where prohibited.

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 home sites. Visit Estrella.com or contact the Estrella Information Center at (623) 386-1000. Brokers welcome.*

Visit EstrellaTM Today

Gourmet Food Festival at Estrella Offered Fun and Games For The Whole Family

Nearly 400 attendees enjoyed “Game Day Gourmet” while getting a glimpse of the Estrella community spirit.

Maracay Homes is pleased to showcase Medina at Estrella, a neighborhood highlighted by unparalleled views of the Sierra Estrella Mountains. Situated within the Montecito community of Estrella, six floor plans feature Maracay Homes’ famed Flex Design® providing homebuyers additional opportunities to customize their home for the way they want to live. These Energy Star-certified floor plans range from 1,818 to 2,996 square feet with three to five bedrooms and up to 3.5 baths. Three-car garages and two master suites are available in most plans.

Maracay Homes’ Medina at Estrella has a variety of Inventory Homes available for immediate move-in, some ready for closing within 60-days or less! And, for a limited time, each Medina at Estrella home includes a GE washer, dryer and refrigerator as well as a $1,000 design studio credit. In addition, Maracay Home Loans can provide lender incentives such as 3% of the base price to use toward closing costs. As the only builder in Arizona to offer a two-year door-to-door warranty – which includes appliances, as well as a 10-year structural warranty, Maracay Homes is proud of building more than 7,000 homes throughout Arizona during the past 20 years. Maracay Homes is a member of the Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Company family of builders from coast-to-coast. For additional information, contact Julie Olson at Maracay Homes’ Medina at Estrella sales office at (623) 327-2341 or visit www.MaracayHomes.com.

The month of December marks so many traditions both in the greater Phoenix area and within Estrella. Whether it is the entire family spending the evening at the Phoenix Zoo seeing it magically transformed into one of the largest holiday lighting spectacles in the Southwest or walking through Desert Botanical Garden and experiencing “Las Noches De Las Luminaries,” each year families in Estrella look forward to the traditions of the holiday season. On December 3rd the community will join together to kick off the holiday season by counting down to the lighting of the Starpointe Residents Club Christmas Tree. An annual tradition, the event is filled with the sound of caroling, holiday gift vendors for shopping, hot chocolate, cookie decorating and a special visit from Santa Claus himself! Kids can write letters to Santa, get their picture taken with him and even shop at his mini mall to purchase gifts for their parents or favorite pet. Estrella Mountain Elementary School Band, Jazz Band and Choir will be performing holiday favorites. The evening ends at sundown with the lighting of Starpointe’s 20-foot-tall Christmas tree that boasts thousands of holiday lights and decorations. Estrella’s annual holiday tree lighting party begins at 3 p.m. and goes until sundown. This particular event is a favorite among residents and guests. Another holiday tradition hosted at Estrella is its annual New Year’s Eve Gala. Featuring a buffet dinner, dancing and a champagne toast at midnight, event organizers anticipate more than 200 residents will ring in 2012 at the Starpointe Residents Club.

December Builder of the Month Maracay Homes

Tis The Season—Holiday Traditions Abound

West Valley locals and

prospective homebuyers indulged

in an afternoon of gourmet food

sampling and complimentary

family fun on November 5th when

they attended the 4th Annual

Taste of Estrella’s Game Day

Gourmet, presented by Newland

Communities. Event highlights

included local sports mascots

and celebrity appearances, while Chef Eddie Matney of the sensational

restaurant “Eddie’s House” prepared delectable gourmet treats. Game

Day Gourmet offered prospective homebuyers a spirited way to view each

of the seven builders within the Estrella community. Eight neighborhoods

featured a different sports-oriented activity along with food and beverage

pairings created by Santa Barbara Catering to enjoy while touring the well-

appointed model homes.

The weather was ideal, and the event was a particular hit for the

children. They participated in activities devoted to baseball, golf,

tennis, basketball, hockey, soccer

and football while adults enjoyed

watching the new sport sensation,

pickle ball.

“With Phoenix being home to

so many sports teams and sports

enthusiasts, Game Day Gourmet

was the perfect fit for this year’s

event,” said Lynneah Hudson,

Newland Communities Western

Regional Marketing Director. “The carnival-like atmosphere of Game Day

Gourmet really highlighted the family-friendly sense of community found

at Estrella.”

"KFry & Girlfriends Talk Sports" taped at Rosewood Homes

Coyotes mascot "Howler" visits Taylor Morrison Homes

Santa’s Shopping Villageis a holiday tradition

Maracay Homes at Medina offers Flex Design®

My Hometown Estrella - December 2011

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Transcript of My Hometown Estrella - December 2011