June 2013 Ranch News

Volunteers honored for service to neighbors and community

From bringing women together to handing out smiles, several indi viduals helped enhance the welcoming lifestyle of DC Ranch over the past year. The Community Council recognized eight residents for their generous community support at the April 20 Volunteer Appre ciation Celebration. See how their contributions are leaving a lasting legacy. | Page 8

Hole in won: Silverleaf teen supports veterans one birdie at a time

Monday, June 3

Ranch Association Board of Directors Meeting

6 p.m. | The Homestead Community Center

SaTurdayS, June 8, 15, 22, 29

Summer Sizzle

11 a.m. | desert Camp Community Center

THurSday, July 4

Patriotic Picnic

11 a.m. | desert Camp Community Center

As a 17-year-old junior at Notre Dame Preparatory Academy, Colton Yates is excelling in school and on the fairway as one of the top young golfers in the Valley. With several regional and national championships under his belt, Yates is capitalizing on his success through his own non-profit organization, Tee It Up for Warriors. Find out how the young entrepreneur is raising funds for wounded veterans and improving his golf game at the same time. | Page 5

Casual traditions foster grand memories at Clubhouse

The Country Club at DC Ranch sits both literally and figuratively in the heart of Country Club village. Aside from exquisite service and amenities, learn why the Club is a gathering place where members create and build friendships with their neighbors. | Page 12

After just a couple of months in business, Diva Nails is the new hot spot to pamper customers with full service nail treatments in a luxurious and relaxing setting. From tasteful manicures to artistic nail design, friendly pamperingt sets this family-run business apart from the rest. | Page 4

Covenant Commission Report

resurgence in construction welcome sight

The Covenant Commission is one of the three governing entities for DC Ranch. Our role in the community is to establish and maintain standards for architectural and landscape design within DC Ranch and Silverleaf. We guide and review design of new custom homes, commercial and industrial products, and modifications to existing properties.

Because construction is currently booming, people often drop by our offices and inquire or comment about how much building activity there is in DC Ranch and Silverleaf. We are definitely enjoying a healthy building environment. As of now, there are 46 custom homes under construction and 89 other homes active in the design process.

Horseshoe Canyon and Arcadia at Silverleaf are the most active neighborhoods under construction. With all this activity, 16 years after the start of DC Ranch, 57 percent of the custom lots in the community have been built or are currently under construction. That represents 417 of the 735 custom lots. Only 31 percent, or 229, of the custom lots are inactive with no design or construction activity yet.

Spanish Colonial architecture remains the most popular style for custom homes with nearly half the construction homes in that style. Mediterranean architecture, both Formal and Rural, is the second most popular style represented in the current group of new

homes under construction. The Silverleaf Club has inspired the use of Rural Mediterranean style in Horseshoe Canyon.

With average home sizes from 6,200 square feet in The Country Club, The Parks, and Arcadia neighborhoods to more than 9,000 square feet in the Upper Canyon and Horseshoe Canyon estate neighborhoods, these homes represent the finest in architecture and construction quality. The new home construction is represented by 25 different builders and 29 different design firms.

We are projecting that 2013 will keep pace with or exceed the volume of new home designs that the Commission received in 2012. Watching the community’s vision flourish is a thrilling experience and will continue to be so over the next year.

Janice Baratta, Senior Design Review Manager

director of membership sales departs Silverleaf Club

practicing lightning safety during monsoon thunderstorm season ensures peace of mind

The Arizona monsoon occurs from June to October due to the intense heating of the desert which creates rising air and low surface pressure. During the winter, the primary windflow in Arizona is from the west or northwest—from California and Nevada. Moving into the summer, the winds shift to a southerly direction which causes moisture stream from the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Lightning from storms are considered especially hazardous during monsoon season. While a house is a good place to retreat from lightning, just going inside isn’t enough. Avoid any conducting path leading outside, such as corded telephones, electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, plumbing, metal doors, or window frames. Don’t stand near a window to watch the lightning; an inside room is generally best for protection.

Kathleen and Jerry Hassler, residents in The Engles Estates neighborhood in Desert Parks village, lost their home to a lightning strike from a monsoon thunderstorm in 2011 which escalated into a fire. Kathleen had heard a loud booming sound early in the evening, but it wasn’t until hours later that Jerry noticed a fire had started in their attic, where a smoke detector had not been installed. Luckily, no one was hurt and the Hasslers had sufficient insurance.

“Our wonderful neighbors looked after our home

Staff aNNiVerSarieS

The following DC Ranch team members celebrate an anniversary in June. Please join us in thanking them for their service to DC Ranch.

Community Council

Tempe Ligett, 4 years, Event and Programs Manager

Jeremy Stevens, 1 year, Communications Manager Ranch Association

Mike Harjung, 7 years, Director of Facility Maintenance and Landscape

Flor Trevizo, 6 years, Maintenance Team

Jose Ornelias, 2 years, Landscape Team

and stayed in constant communication with us about building projects as we temporarily rented a home elsewhere and worked with our private adjustor and advocate to get us back on track,” said Jerry Hassler, who returned to his home in April.

Kathleen even dubs their home “Casa Milagros,” or “House of Miracles,” due to the overwhelming support of the community.

Four simple steps can protect a home from a monsoon thunderstorm:

• Ensure that your homeowner’s insurance policy covers lightning and water damage.

• During a thunderstorm, turn off the A/C unit. Power surges from lightning can overload units, leading to costly repair bills.

• Install smoke detectors in every room of your home, including the attic.

• After a monsoon thunderstorm, keep an eye out in your neighborhood for any signs of smoke or fire.

In the event of a crisis, being there for neighbors is what brings a community together. The Hasslers are grateful for their neighbors support, kindness, and understanding during the rebuilding process.

“Having neighbors like ours is one of the reasons DC Ranch is a wonderful place to live,” said Kathleen.

r anch offices and the Homestead will be closed

July 4; desert Camp open

In observance of Independence Day on Thursday, July 4, The Ranch Offices on Market Street and The Homestead Community Center will be closed. Residents will have key-fob access to restrooms at The Homestead. Desert Camp Community Center will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in conjunction with the Patriotic Picnic Fourth of July event. Residents will have key-fob access to Desert Camp’s restrooms, fitness center, and pool during non-business hours. Regular business hours will resume on Friday, July 5.

After six years at the Silverleaf Club, Tom Colceri resigned as director of membership sales to pursue a career with OB Sports, a professional golf course management, development, and consulting company. Colceri will work on the new business development team. While at Silverleaf, Colceri played an important role of welcoming new members and distinguishing Silverleaf as a premiere private club.

g et involved as a Neighborhood Voting Member alternate

Neighborhood Voting Members (NVMs) for all 43 neighborhoods in DC Ranch are officially full, yet NVM alternates are still needed. Desert Parks, Desert Camp, Country Club, and Silverleaf have numerous openings in these villages available for representation. To learn more about the resident leadership program, please contact Community Liaison Rachelle Pierce at 480.419.5308.

Summer construction hour in effect until oct. 31

From now until Thursday, Oct. 31, construction hours on new homes will take place on Monday to Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and quiet work on Sundays. Construction will not occur on Monday, May 27, Thursday, July 4, and Monday, Sept. 2. Residents who observe construction work outside the permitted times should contact Security Services at 480.338.8477 or 480.388.8478.

2012 Community Council annual report released

The DC Ranch Community Council builds a connected, welcoming community and provides exceptional programs at DC Ranch. The Board of Directors is pleased to report that the organization ended 2012 in a solid position both financially and programmatically. In summary, the Community Council hosted almost 700 events, activities, and programs which engaged about 11,800 participants. Total revenue was nearly $3.0 million and expenses totaled less than $3.0 million. The annual report is available on DCRanch.com in its entirety. Questions related to the report may be directed to Community Council Executive Director Chris Irish at 480.419.5303.

‘rip rap’ water drainage systems under review

Rip rap is an archi tectural rock land scape formation placed without grouting to limit erosion and water flow. If home owners wish to install the natural drainage system, they should blend the stone with appropriate vegetation and color to match their top dressing. The stones should not be piled on the ground, but instead inserted into the soil sparingly so that the appearance is 50 percent soil and 50 percent visible fieldstone. To ensure that rip rap is properly installed, please contact Community Inspector Kenny Martin at kenny.martin@dcranchinc.com or 480.419.5307.

iva Nails brings more pampering to Market Street

With summertime in full swing, looking your best has become easier than ever at Market Street. Cindy Lai and husband, Cuong Mai, opened the nail salon, Diva Nails, in early March. The husband-and-wife team tells Ranch News why they became inspired to move to DC Ranch to help others feel rejuvenated.

Q: Welcome to the neighborhood! Cindy, can you tell us about your new salon?

A: It has been such a friendly reception since we opened Diva Nails next to Safeway. We are especially proud of our state-of-the-art equipment and our staff of 12 technicians, who are professionally trained to provide a wide array of services.

Q: What prompted you to open your first business on Market Street?

Fun, Family and Friendliness

Clubhouse Members enjoy Social, Tennis, Fitness, Pool, and Dining privileges, plus much, much more!

One time fee of $5,000, plus monthly dues. Come see what all the buzz is about. There has never been a better time to be a member of The Country Cub at DC Ranch. Golf Junior, Sports Social, and Clubhouse Memberships Contact us today for your personal tour. www.ccdranch.com 480.342.7246 info@ccdcranch.com

A: We have been Scottsdale residents for more than eight years. When my husband and I decided to open our first salon, we toured this center and immediately fell in love with the beauty of DC Ranch and its spacious desert views. Today, we feel right at home on Market Street because of its friendly, small town feel.

Q: What are your most sought-after services?

A: We specialize in professional nail enhancements for both women and men: manicures, pedicures, and acrylic, or gel treatments of all kinds. You’ll find an extensive menu of services on our website at divanailsaz.com, including eyebrow tinting, eyelash extensions, and organic spa treatments.

Q: What should first-time visitors expect when they visit your salon?

A: We are very proud of our new space. It was designed using rich, natural materials and a water feature that lets our guests relax in comfort. We want you to leave Diva Nails feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Q: Anything else you want our readers to know about Diva Nails?

A: Our professional services are reasonably and competitively priced. A manicure is always $15, and a pedicure is $25, or $40 for both. Even better, receive 10 percent off any service with your DC Ranch Loyalty Card.

Q: Do I need an appointment?

A: We encourage clients to schedule your appointment in advance, but you can always drop in at your convenience.

teen golf sensation shares success with nation’s heroes

The Master’s Tournament is one of Silverleaf resident Colton Yates’ favorite sporting events to watch on television. But this year he was too busy playing in his own golf tournaments to have a chance to view it. At age 17, Yates is one of the up-and-coming young golfers in the Valley who college coaches are closely watching. He has competed in more than a dozen regional and national golf tournaments in the last year and has won four major competitions.

“I am a perfectionist, so when I started playing golf in my early teens, I wanted to master the sport,” said Yates. “The more I learn about the concepts of the game, the more my confidence grows on the course.”

Confidence is what helped Yates achieve success off the course as well, by founding the Tee It Up for Warriors charity. Inspired by the bravery and selflessness of service men and women, the organization helps wounded veterans by funding various military assistance and rehabilitation groups.

“I wanted to figure out a way to raise money through my competitions to show my appreciation for those who defend our country,” said Yates.

Every time the skilled young golfer makes a birdie or eagle, Yates’ sponsors

from a handful of service groups and makes a donation.

“We started the organization in September of 2012 and made a $1,900 donation to Companions for Heroes which matches rescue dogs with veterans looking for companionship,” said Yates. “I was overwhelmed with joy when I received a thank-you letter in the mail. They were not expecting this donation and it felt really good to help out.”

Yates is growing his charity by creating golf towels and polo shirts with the Tee It Up for Warriors logo. Several golfers are already sporting the attire at tournaments, and Yates hopes the increased visibility will create some buzz and interest for the charity.

“It’s kind of crazy to think that I’m the CEO of a company while still in high school,” said Yates. “But this charity is my passion and I’ve learned that passion is what drives success.” Through the first quarter of 2013, Yates’ success in tournament play has already raised another $3,000.

School and golf remain Yates’ main focuses as he works to secure a college scholarship. He already has offers from two schools, and will likely have more on the way as his success continues on and off the fairway.

Jeremy Stevens

Local Expertise. International Exposure.

JASON FELKER & STEPHANIE LUND FELKER NORTH SCOTTSDALE RESIDENTS | LUXURY REALTORS® (480) 264-0655 | info@talkarealty.com

In addition to our extensive marketing to local and out-of-state buyers, being licensed internationally affords our listings the privilege of also being marketed to Canadian buyers and our Canadian REALTOR® colleagues.

aids the preserve

By Jace McKeighan | Volunteer Steward and DC Ranch resident

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, and new volunteers are in greater need than ever. As a non-profit conservation organization, the Conservancy relies on more than 500 volunteers to help promote the McDowell Sonoran Preserve on a yearly basis. Volunteers’ work includes providing public access to the Preserve, protecting the land through research and stewardship, and increasing the community’s appreciation through educational programs and community events. By integrating the Preserve into the fabric of the Scottsdale community, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy is focused on ensuring future volunteers will continue to champion its protection for generations to come.

The recent growth of the Preserve has created a need for more volunteers. While the real estate market collapse of 2008 caused many hardships, it was a boon for land acquisitions in the Preserve. The City of Scottsdale purchased land considered suitable for conservation that had not been acquired previously. In the past two years, the City of Scottsdale purchased 20 square miles of land as additions to the Preserve, and this year will add another four square miles. The boundary of the Preserve stretches from 145th Street and Via Linda Lane, to Stagecoach Pass and Pima Road. Currently, the Conservancy has acquired about 43 of the 54 square miles desired within the City of Scottsdale. In fact, the Preserve now connects the McDowell Mountains in the south to the Tonto National Forest boundary in the north, creating a functional corridor for wildlife. The viability of this corridor is a priority as it ensures a sustainable wildlife population through safe seasonal species migration, mating, and food availability.

With additional land comes more than 100 miles of new trails for the Conservancy to manage; extensive areas of the Preserve that need restoration, or invasive species removed; two new public trailheads that Conservancy volunteers must staff; and increased demands on our education programs including adding community hikes and family and school trips. In addition, the Conservancy will continue to advance our knowledge of the ecology of the Preserve through the ongoing inventory of the flora and fauna and mapping of natural communities found in the Preserve.

A great deal needs to be done, yet becoming a volunteer steward with the Conservancy has never been more convenient. Beginning in September, New Steward Orientations will be held on the second Saturday of every month, lasting just half a day. That’s all that it takes.

If you wish to volunteer your time right now, please contact the Conservancy at 480.998.7971 or visit mcdowellsonoran.org. In the mean time, I’ll see you on the trails.

The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy champions the sustainability of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve for the benefit of this and future generations. As stewards, we connect the community to the Preserve through education, research, advocacy, partnerships and safe, respectful access.

Events:

The following is a list of events and activities at DC Ranch this month. Some activities and events may have a fee or admission Please see DCRanch.com for more information and an up-to-date calendar of activities.

Adult Social Clubs & Activities

DC Ranch Women: Armitage Winebar

Thursday, June 13 | 5 to 7 p.m. RSVP on DCRanch.com

480.342.7178

Intermediate & Duplicate Bridge

Tuesdays | 1 to 4 p.m.

The Homestead Community Center

480.585.1641

Social Bridge

Wednesdays | 12:30 to 4 p.m.

Desert Camp Community Center

480.513.6296

Mahjong

Thursdays | 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Desert Camp Community Center

602.882.8184

Child, Youth & Teen Activities

DC Ranch Swim Team

Mondays and Wednesdays | 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Desert Camp Community Center

480.585.7684

Toddler Fins Swim Lessons

Mondays and Wednesdays

10 to 10:30 a.m.; 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Desert Camp Community Center

480.585.7684

Little Fins Swim Lessons

Mondays and Wednesdays

11 to 11:30 a.m.; 5 to 5:30 p.m.

Desert Camp Community Center

480.585.7684

Junior Fins Swim Lessons

Mondays and Wednesdays | 5:30 to 6 p.m.

Desert Camp Community Center

480.585.7684

Summer Sizzle

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturdays in June

480.342.7178

Summer Programs

Workshops for Youth and Families

Sunday to Friday

June 9-14; June 23-28

July 7-12; July 21-26

The Homestead Community Center

480.245.9724

Multi-Sports Activity Camp (led by Simply Sports)

Monday to Friday | June 3-Aug. 2

8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Desert Camp Community Center

480.585.7684

The Actor’s Toolbox

Monday to Friday | June 3-7

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Homestead Community Center

480.585.1641

Escape the heat at Desert Camp pool this summer for a resort-style retreat. Enjoy a cash bar with themed drinks, family activities, and live music. Bring towels, swim suits, beverages, and snacks to enjoy the poolside fun.

Island Escape

June 8

Relax with Tiki drinks and Caribbean-inspired music for a true island getaway

Fiesta en Fuego June 15

Sway to the sultry sounds of Spain while enjoying fresh Sangria

Surf’s Up June 22

Celebrate the good old days with classic Beach Boys’ melodies along with root beer floats

Dance Party USA June 29

Dance to today’s top hits with a live disc jockey and savor delectable summer treats

Musical Theatre Fundamentals

Monday to Friday | June 17-21

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Homestead Community Center

480.585.1641

The Actor’s Toolbox, Jr. Monday to Friday | July 15-19

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Homestead Community Center

480.585.1641

Kindermusik Summer Camp

Fridays | June 7, 14, 21, 28

9 a.m. to Noon

Desert Camp Community Center

480.794.0222

DC Ranch Village Health Club & Spa Summer Camps

Monday to Friday | May 28-Aug. 2

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

480.502.8844

The Country Club at DC Ranch Summer Camps

Monday to Friday | June 3-28; July 8-19

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

480.342.7201

Community Events & Activities

Trailblazer Breakfasts

Thursdays | 8 to 10 a.m.

Desert Camp Community Center

The Homestead Community Center

480.342.7178

Patriotic Picnic

Thursday, July 4 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Desert Camp Community Center Register on DCRanch.com

480.342.7178

Community Meetings

Ranch Association Board of Directors

Monday, June 3 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The Homestead Community Center

480.419.5308

Ranch Association Modification Committee

Tuesday, June 11 & June 25

4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The Ranch Offices on Market Street

480.419.5307

Nine residents honored for enriching community through service

Vibrant white gladioluses adorned the DC Ranch Community Council’s Volunteer Appreciation Celebration on Saturday, April 20. The flowers symbolize generosity, sincerity, and strength of character—the very qualities of the volunteers recognized at the event. The eight honorees have consistently donated their time and effort to help grow community within DC Ranch.

“As publisher of Ranch News, I read the paper every month and am astounded by the opportunities that DC Ranch residents create to foster community through volunteerism,” said keynote speaker Rick McCartney, CEO of InMedia Company and chair of the Children’s Museum of Phoenix Board of Directors.

With McCartney’s sentiments in mind, DC Ranch is pleased to express gratitude to these extraordinary individuals for their contributions to the community.

Good Neighbor Award

The Good Neighbor award is offered to a resident who is known for lending a helping hand, or identifying a need in the community and taking action to see that it is filled.

Liz Osborn

The Leadership award is in recognition of an individual’s contributions to the management of DC Ranch through service on a board, committee, or as a Neigh borhood Voting Member (NVM). Two residents were recognized in this category.

Tom Grace has been the NVM for the Pioneer neighborhood since the inception of the program in 2005. Since 2008, Grace has been a valued member of the Ranch Asso ciation Budget and Finance Committee and is currently the longest standing member. With his accounting and financial analysis background, Grace is an invaluable resource to the annual budget process and monthly financial reviews.

Last spring, Liz Osborn spearheaded the founding of DC Ranch Women, an active group that facilitates social connections among neighbors to enhance the experience of living in DC Ranch. Osborn has worked diligently all year to not only launch the social group, but also to keep the momentum going and collaborate with other women on group activities.

The Philanthropic award recognizes a resident who volunteers for a community service project or creates a resident-led giving project. Three residents were recog-

Joe McGarr has served on the Ranch Association Board of Directors as a director, and now treasurer for more than four years. He also heads the Budget and Finance Committee. McGarr has helped keep the Association in strong financial standing by offering his time to oversee several budget procedures.

Sheldon and Jane Rubin

Sheldon and Jane Rubin have been involved with Homeward Bound, an organization that provides support services for families who are homeless or fleeing domestic violence, for more than 10 years. The Rubins’ annual Holiday Giving Tree program supports the organization through gift donations from DC Ranch residents. The Rubins collect the presents at the community centers and take them to Homeward Bound as a way to spread holiday cheer to other families.

Pat Simpson recently chaired the highly successful silent auction for Circle the City, a Valley-wide charity providing medical respite care to homeless families. With the help of her DC Ranch friends, she raised nearly $20,000 at the event. Simpson serves on the Community Council Board of Directors and also works with Family Promises, a charity that provides lowincome and homeless families with the tools to become successful citizens of society.

Youth Leadership Awards

The Youth Leadership award recognizes a youth or teen resident who volunteers at community events or programs. Two residents were recognized in these categories.

Alec Koharko volunteer at several TGIF Little Wranglers and Tween Nights. In addition, he is part of the Community Council volunteer group that assists with major events like Run for Ryan House at DC Ranch. Koharko also serves on The Country Club at DC Ranch’s Youth Board of Directors and has tutored students in central

Dylan McCabe joins his best friend, Koharko, in volunteering at TGIF Little Wranglers and Tween Nights along with helping with the Run for Ryan House at DC Ranch. McCabe is a part of the National Junior Honor Society and volunteers regularly within his school community.

Patriotic Picnic

Come hungry for an All-American picnic by the pool as DC Ranch celebrates Independence Day.

The Merchant award recognizes a commercial partner who promotes pride in the

Bob Nathan, RH Nathan Team Russ Lyon

Sotheby’s International Realty

Bob Nathan and his real estate team partnered with the Community Council at events like the Starlight Concert Series and the Community Tree Lighting. Now located on Market Street, Nathan’s team continues to connect merchants and residents to grow an even greater community within DC Ranch.

Brighid Tomasik

Kids who volunteer with their parents are 96 percent more likely to volunteer with

64 million Americans gave 7.9 billion hours of volunteer service in 2012

*Statistics provided by The Department of Labor Statistics and The Corporation for National and Community Service

Patriotic Picnic features a variety of family-fun activities, food, adult beverages, and patriotic crafts. Kids can play pool and field games or take a plunge down the two-story inflatable waterslide. Compete for prizes in an all-ages watermelon eating contest. Make this a family tradition and celebrate our country’s freedom with your friends and neighbors.

Apple Pie Contest

Whether it’s an extra pinch of cinnamon or a special combination of apples, show off your secret-recipe apple pie at the judges’ table. Pies may be entered in adult and youth categories; one pie per family. All entries must be submitted between 11 a.m. and noon on July 4. Prizes will be awarded for the winning pies. To enter the contest, contact the Community Council at 480.342.7178.

Volunteer for Patriotic Picnic

Show your community support by assisting with DC Ranch’s annual Fourth of July celebration. Contact the Community Council at 480.342.7178 for more information about volunteering.

$10 per adult; children 12 and under are free. RSVP at DCRanch.com. Call the Community Council at 480.342.7178 for more information.

ecycled instruments make a bang at MiM

Deep in a shantytown built in a Paraguayan landfill, where families survive by collecting and reselling garbage, some musical instruments are creating inspiration. Believe it or not, in Cateura, Paraguay, music is more prized than shelter; a violin can cost more than a house due to the coveted value of beauty that music brings to the culture.

In recent years, 36-year-old music teacher Favio Chávez gathered a team of students to search the landfill and create instruments—chellos, violins, and drums, to name a few—from recycled trash. The effort helped raise money and establish a thriving music school and a youth orchestra that performs internationally.

“Their story represents the intrinsic need by people around the world to make music,” said Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) Curator Dr. Daniel Piper.

Recently, eight innovative instruments from the landfill went on display in the MIM’s Latin America gallery. Made with items such as metal coins, bottle caps, forks, plastic buttons, oil containers, and old x-ray film, these instruments prove that poverty doesn’t preclude a life rich with music.

“For thousands of years, music has driven innovation and creativity,” said Piper. “It led to the incredible variety of instruments we see at MIM, many of which are made with repurposed materials from everyday life.”

The youth orchestra is also the subject of a documentary called “Landfill Harmonic” by producers Alejandra Nash, Rodolfo Madero, Juliana Penaranda-Loftus, and Emmy-nominated director Graham Townsley. Because the orchestra’s story resonates so strongly with MIM’s mission—which is to enrich the world community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible high-quality musical instruments, images, and music from every country in the world—the “Landfill Harmonic” production team and the museum are now raising funds so the performers can see the MIM exhibit in person.

“Bringing these young musicians to MIM would be the culmination of a dream they couldn’t even imagine just a few years ago,” said Piper. “We are hoping to be able to bring them here within a year.”

To view the innovative recycled world instruments or to donate to help bring the

Musical Instrument Museum

4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, Ariz. 85050 480.478.6000

Scottsdale library first in state to launch public collaboration space

The Scottsdale Civic Center library is home to an innovative space designed to entice groups to gather, share ideas, and work together to launch new thoughts. The Eureka Loft is the first in Arizona and part of an initiative to create a statewide network of collaboration spaces for public use. The loft features collaborative meeting and work space with free Wi-Fi, featured speakers, mentors, and access to critical information via library resources. The space is free and open to the public during regular library hours. More information is available at scottsdalelibrary.org/eureka.

Summer Junior Architect Tours showcase legendary design

Children and their parents can investigate how architecture impacts their lives during Taliesen West’s Junior Architect Tours. From Saturday, June 1 to Saturday, Aug. 31, the renowned design school and former home of Frank Lloyd Wright will host 90-minute educational programs that explore how shapes, colors, and patterns of nature along with math and science influenced Wright in his architectural designs. The sessions are $24 and may be purchased at zerve.com/taliesenwest.

Train for the ‘hottest race on Earth’

Are you tough enough to beat the summer heat in the Valley? Sign up for Scottsdale Beat the Heat which offers an 11.22K, and a shorter 5K race. The event is Saturday, June 22, at WestWorld. The gun will go off at 2:47 p.m., the time of day in 1990 when thermometers in the Phoenix metropolitan area struck 122 degrees. Visit scottsdalebeattheheat.com to register.

Dirt mixes with fun at Mighty Mud Mania

All ages are invited to get dirty at Scott sdale’s 38th annual Mighty Mud Mania. Activities are planned for all age groups which include a mud obstacle course, mud pit, and an area dubbed “Mudville.” The dirty fun is Saturday, June 8, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chaparral Park. New this year is the Extreme Mud Course, recommended for ages 13 and older. Mighty Mud Mania is free, but participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Vista del Camino food bank. Register at scottsdaleaz.com/mightymudmania.

Help support Vista del Camino’s summer hydration station

Scottsdale’s social service agency Vista del Camino serves as a water hydration station during the summer. The station’s purpose is to protect the vulnerable by providing relief from the Arizona summer. Vista del Camino is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Individuals receive free bottled water, sunscreen wipes, lip balm, and hats. The organization is currently seeking donations of bottled water, light-colored T-shirts, sunblock, socks and underwear, hats, and pre-packaged snack items. For more information, call the agency at 480.312.2323.

Swim mentors needed at city pools

Make a difference in a child’s life by becoming a swim mentor for summer sessions at the City of Scottsdale pools. Swim mentors are part of a senior volunteer program that offers training in swimming safety and technique. For more information, call 480.312.0206 or visit scottsdaleaz.gov/sports/aquatics.

a game of tiles creates lasting ties at the Country Club at d C ranch

On a Friday afternoon, it’s common to hear the chatter of Mahjong tiles coming from the lounge of the ladies’ locker room at The Country Club at DC Ranch. It is here that Eileen Miller and her neighbors meet for their weekly games and catch up with one another.

“This has become a tradition for us to regroup on a regular basis,” said Miller. “The other ladies and I lead busy lives and we always look forward to Mahjong as our time to unwind and have some fun.”

As they set up the tiles, the ladies discussed plans for summer travel and wanted to know who was staying in town or leaving.

“Here at the Club, everyone knows everyone and we’re like a great big community,” explained fellow player and Country Club resident Denise Kelly.

friendships with small groups like our Mahjong club.”

Miller and her husband, Bill, have lived in Country Club village and been members at the Club for 14 years. They recently moved a few blocks within the community to the Longhorn neighborhood where Eileen was elected as the Neighborhood Voting Member (NVM).

“The houses in the Longhorn neighborhood of the Country Club were some of the first to be built at DC Ranch. The home plots are large and the vegetation is mature which affords us and our neighbors a great deal of privacy,” said Miller. “When it comes to socializing, it’s easy for everyone to head over to the Club or community centers to meet friends old and new.”

“We share traditions like holidays here with the other families,” added Miller. “But we also form personal

Many of the residents in the Longhorn neighborhood have lived in DC Ranch since it was built, but most moved from other parts of the country. The Millers, for example, came to Arizona from Chicago. And the diversity of backgrounds has developed into a community for this Country Club enclave.

“So many of our neighbors are transplants from the Midwest or East Coast that we’ve created our own version of a family together,” said Miller. “The clubs and programs offered through The Country Club at DC Ranch and Community Council help us connect. I’ve met so many people at Mahjong or Passport to Art events who I never knew lived right down the street. I may have never met them if it weren’t for all the community events.”

The Millers moved to DC Ranch in 1998 and formed strong ties within the community. Miller was an active volunteer for Heartstrings which served as the first

organization in DC Ranch to help raise money for local charities. The group raised thousands of dollars for organizations like Ryan House and HopeKids.

“There is a spirit of giving among residents in my neighborhood and other places that Bill and I have lived in DC Ranch,” said Miller. “People who have been here since the community was developed have established a legacy of service that I think resonates with new residents.”

Back at the Mahjong table, Miller, who now sits on the long-range planning committee for the Club, is working to ensure her friends and neighbors continue to enjoy the welcoming environment that has been established through community involvement.

“We have been very fortunate to travel all over the world, but each time I have looked forward to returning to DC Ranch, our home,” she said.

—Jeremy Stevens

‘d C r anch Sunset’ tantalizes the taste buds for a cool refresher

Summer is here and George Schaffer, mixologist at The Country Club at DC Ranch, has created a oneof-kind cocktail, the DC Ranch Sunset, which is sure to offer some chilling relief from the desert heat.

“The color of the cocktail reminds me of the Arizona sunset during summertime,” said Schaffer, who has been a notable mixologist for more than 15 years in the Valley. “Even the most discerning beverage connoisseurs will be impressed with this drink.”

DC Ranch Sunset

2 ½ ounces pineapple sage infused blueberry vodka

1 ½ ounces of honey simple syrup

4 dashes of cranberry bitters

1 blueberry and pineapple fruit skewer

Combine ingredients in a shaker and shake vig orously. Pour shaker contents into a chilled martini glass and garnish with the fruit skewer. Makes one cocktail.

Pineapple infused vodka: Combine a cubed pineapple with a bottle of vodka in a container. Muddle a small handful of sage leaves with twenty blueberries and add to vodka mixture. Let set in a cool dark place for five days, then strain through a fine meshed filter.

Honey simple syrup: Combine one part honey to one part hot filtered/bottled water. Stir until honey is dissolved. Let the combination cool.

The DC Ranch Sunset is available at The Country Club at DC Ranch for $8. Cheers to that.

—Brighid Tomasik

By the numbers

Friday, June 21marks the first day of summer

93 days of summer in arizona

4 Summer Sizzles

offered every Friday in June at desert Camp Community Center

June’s average temperature high is

100º low is

72º In June, the sun will rise at 5:13a.m. and set at 7:39p.m.

Around the Ranch

Here are some highlights from recent DC Ranch community events and programs.

When you require a higher level of financial services, confidence matters. Both in your assets and in the person you’ve entrusted to manage your money. At MidFirst Private Bank, we believe these are linked. Our discipline is finding a balance between investment innovation and strategically sound decision making. The result is a long-term solution that suits all of your goals.