My Hometown Estrella - August 2012

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august 2012

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Volume 6 . numb er 8

Back To School! Is it time for school already? Is it really? How did that happen? Did you feel like summer flew by, or are you waiting for the minute of freedom when your children are all off to school? My Hometown Estrella has put together an issue to help you get ready for the new school year. Some topic ideas you’ll find inside: Local Teacher and School Accolades Inspirational Educators Educational Apps for Students Financial Tips for College Students New School Year Resolutions Lunch Box Ideas

Inspirational Educators Most of us can recall at least one favorite instructor from our past. Remember the one who helped make learning the impossible seem just a little bit easier? Maybe it was the original way that the material was presented, or the enthusiasm that the teacher embraced when presenting the lesson. Whatever the reason, the information stuck, like glue, and so does the memory of the never-forgotten inspirational educator. My Hometown Estrella asked a few parents and students around our community to say something about their favorite teachers.

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Trails Committee Survey Results Are In A total of 131 residents responded to the recent survey issued to the community, via the Life In Estrella website, regarding the walking, hiking and biking trails in and around our neighborhoods.

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Volume 6. numb e r 8

august 2012 this month...

my hometown

O ffi 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 is h e r S

Tim Minjares Publisher (800) 497-1309 x707 tim@fountain-inc.com Kim Alvarado Associate Publisher (800) 497-1309 x705 kim@myhometownestrella.com e d ito r i a l

Kim Alvarado Community Editor (800) 497-1309 x705 kim@myhometownestrella.com Mike Minjares Managing Editor (800) 497-1309 x712 mike@fountain-inc.com P r o d u c tio n

AJ Moreno Designer intern@fountain-inc.com Co n t r ib u ti n g w r ite r s

Christopher Carlton, Edward Jones Financial, Patti Hart, Director Soul Care Ministry, Estrella Mountain Church, Byron Graham, Deja Vu Med Spa

W a n t to A d v e r tise ?

Contact Kim Alvarado (800) 497-1309 x705 kim@myhometownestrella.com www.myhometownestrella.com

editor’s corner

Kim Alvar ado, Est r ell a R esid en t

You Learn Something New Every Day Do you remember as a child thinking that the process of learning was confined strictly to inside the walls of the classroom? In my childhood mind, learning took place within a building, where the progression of knowledge was absorbed lesson by lesson, only between the hours of 8am and 3pm, Monday through Friday, and never-ever all of those hours, just the spurts of time that were filled with interesting instructional facts. Wisdom was routinely absorbed immediately following the crisp ring of the morning bell, followed by the daily gradual numbing of the Neocortex brain function, which completely halted sometime before the weighted afternoon clock allowed the buzzer of freedom to set us free. And then suddenly, we turned into adults and we found ourselves asking our children the same questions that our own parents asked us, “What did you learn at school today?” followed by the same response we gave as kids, “Nothin.” Luckily, our Hippocampus part of the brain, our “storage unit” which is all about long-term memory, like the RAM in our computers, reminds us that we did, in fact, learn something new each and every day. And we’re still learning. Routinely, we recall many of the instructions and lessons that have helped form us into continually learning, educated adults. Now, we clearly remember (thanks to that outstanding Neocortex part of the brain), a certain number of the exceptional educators that truly

made a positive difference in our own educational process. For fun, we’re sharing some thoughts from local students about teachers who have made a lasting impression on them and introducing an outstanding educator, Mr. Kent Hegedus, in our Meet Your Neighbor section this month. I think you’ll enjoy reading about some of the ways Mr. Hegedus personalizes his curriculum each year. His teaching skills have certainly made an impression on a number of children and parents in this community. We are looking ahead at future issues of My Hometown Estrella and would like to encourage your participation. Drop me a line and cast a vote for your favorite place to spend happy hour locally. You can reach me at kim@myhometownestrella.com. Your involvement is an enjoyable way to contribute to community building. And that’s what we’re all about here at My Hometown Estrella – community. As we prepare to send students back to school this month, remember to keep those communication lines open with your children. They have interesting things to say and share with you. It’s not enough to ask general questions, like “How was your day?” Ask them specifically about one exciting thing that happened to them today. The more interested you are in them, the more they’ll share, and the more you will learn.

community news O n Y o u r D o o rstep News & events happening in and around estrell a

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h oa ev en ts & Bulletin Board your hoa is hard at work with these fun resident events

FountainMediaGroup inc. publications that build community

Our mission for My Hometown Estrella is to connect Estrella residents to each other and to key resources with the goal of building 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 publication 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. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. 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.

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c lub s , c l ass es , m eeti n gs Starpointe Residents Club Progr ams & community Calendar

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people in your neighborhood Est r ell a M o un tai n E lem en tary S chool T eacher -K en t H eged us neighbors & Friends you’d lik e to meet

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business spotlight Estr ell a Moun tai n Pr eschool

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lifestyle Educational Apps for Students

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Financial Tips for College Students

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Getting Ready to Go Back to School

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New School Year Resolutions...for the Best Year Ever!

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Slice of Life - Lunch Box Ideas

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on your doorstep Local Teacher Selected to Attend 2012 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy Estrella Mountain Elementary School Teacher, Stacy Ruiz, was selected to attend the 2012 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, N.J. She was one of the 200 highly qualified educators selected to attend the intensive one-week, all-expense paid professional development program last month. Stacey was selected by a panel of educators from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Science Teachers Association, based on her qualifications and dedication to inspire her students, as well as her overall commitment to enhance the teaching profession. During the Academy, which was scheduled for July 22-27, teachers discovered new ways to excite students using experiments that demonstrate various math and science concepts including force, gravity and probability. The Academy curriculum works to deepen teachers’ understanding of these principles by conducting hands-on experiments that they can share with their students in the classroom. “I can’t wait to further my education in math and science! I am looking forward to learning from other teachers and being able to bring back wonderful materials to share with my coworkers,” said Stacy Ruiz. Through www.sendmyteacher.com, teachers from all 50 states had the opportunity to apply for this development opportunity with more than 1,000 teachers applying for the 2012 Academy. Parents and students also nominated their teacher to apply for the opportunity by sending an e-card or printing a teacher appreciation certificate from the site. The application process for the 2013 Academy is now open on www.sendmyteacher.com. ExxonMobil partnered with Phil and Amy Mickelson, and developed in conjunction with the National Science Teachers Association and Math Solutions, to found the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in 2005.

Stacy Ruiz at Estrella Mountain Elementary School was selected from more than 1,000 teachers nationwide

The Academy is designed to engage students in math and science at an early age and to retain their interest in these subjects through college and into their careers. This year, more than 600 teachers attended one of the three Academies scheduled in New Jersey, Louisiana and Texas. To date, more than 3,000 teachers have attended the Academy, impacting more than 175,000 students from across the country with the lessons and skills they learned. To nominate local teachers for the 2013 Academy, please visit www. sendmyteacher.com.

Estrella Mountain Elementary School Accepted as an International Baccalaureate School Estrella Mountain Elementary School Principal, Sharon Marine, is happy to announce that EMES has been accepted as an International Baccalaureate (IB) school for the Primary Years Program (PYP) and Middle Schools Program (MYP). The PYP program encompasses grades K-5 and the MYP program encompasses grades 6-8. The IB program is known for its rigor of academics and international focus. In this program, teachers from grades K-8 create units of study which are built on the Arizona Common Core standards and inquiry based teaching. This past year, teachers have been busy creating IB curriculum that aligns with the Arizona State Standards and the Common Core Standards. “This year, we will continue to develop curriculum which is rigorous and challenging for all students. Spanish as a World Language will be taught to all students this year, and we have added 80 more minutes of physical education to the schedule as well,” states the EMES Principal. In the Primary Years Program, PYP K-5, the focus is on six Transdisciplinary themes that have students studying beyond their backyards and learning about global issues. The six themes are a framework that helps to develop units of inquiry. The IB puts best teaching practices into the classroom. The six themes are “Who We Are”, Where We are in Place and Time”, How We Express Ourselves”, “How the World Works”, “How We Organize Ourselves”, and Sharing the Planet”. Teachers incorporate many of the subjects into the units so that each subject is not taught independently but taught with connections to each other. It makes sense to teach with connections our curriculum is based on the AZ state standards. pag e 4 : my h o m e tow n

Our Middle Years Program, MYP is grades 6-8. Again, teachers are building units using interdisciplinary subjects. Teachers work together to create a link to each subject, which is often taught in isolation. Again the teaching strategies are inquiry based and built on research based “best practices” for classrooms. The MYP program also requires students to learn a World Language, in our case it is Spanish and we have added P.E. time to meet IB requirements.

What is the process to become accepted as an IB School? In order to become a candidate school, we had to complete a long and detailed application. In this application, we explained our current teaching practices and how we are aligning them to be in compliance with the IB. We are still teaching the AZ state standards and using the district adopted curriculum. We have added things like a World Language, additional P.E. time and technology.

What does this mean for local students? How will they benef it by attending a Baccalaureate school? Our local students will still get the same outstanding education that Estrella Mountain Elementary has always offered. We have added an international emphasis, because we recognize that the world is growing smaller, students are no longer limited to what is in their community, but have the world at their fingertips. The IB reflects real life by encouraging learning beyond traditional subjects and engaging students in inquiries to become the problem-solvers of tomorrow. To learn more about this program visit www.ibo.org or contact Michele Bove, IB Coordinator at 623-570-5697. www. myhometownestrella.c om

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on your doorstep Trails Committee Survey Results Are In A total of 131 residents responded to the recent survey issued to the community, via the Life In Estrella website, regarding the walking, hiking and biking trails in and around our neighborhoods. On behalf of the Communication Committee, we would like to thank each of you for these favorable, helpful responses and suggestions. The results of the survey are in the hands of the Trails Committee and will be a great resource for future planning. Some of the comments provided by residents included: “The trails are great. They are an important part of our community. Many people live here because of these trails.” “These trails are a great resource for the community. After living here and using them, it would be hard to move elsewhere. They definitely add to the quality of life in Estrella.” “A usable, up-to-date map would be helpful, especially for residents who are seasonal.” “Great trails, keep up the great work! FINS is a destination ride!” “Would love to use them. Would appreciate a ‘trail day’ where residents could hike with a guide to become familiar with the trails.”

West Valley Arts & Economical Study Released

“As a part-time resident, we are very proud to share the trails with friends and family. We use them often when we are at ‘home’ in Estrella. The trails are very well maintained.” “How about posting a map at the Starpointe, and in the newspaper? Keep the trails open. Publicize more!” Objectives For The Estrella Trail System • To plan and develop a neighborhood recreational trail system within the Estrella Community that promotes the appreciation and sustainability of the unique native Sonoran Desert environment surrounding the community • To encourage a safe and healthy outdoor lifestyle that promotes social activities and relaxation among property owners, residents and guests of the community • To foster responsible use and enjoyment of the natural open space facilities and amenities of the Estrella community. We are a general outdoor enthusiasts group for the promotion of responsible mountain biking, hiking, trail building, and the preservation of green and open spaces. Come enjoy the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts. Visit the committee section of www.lifeinestrella for more information.

Slide Into Fall With Phoenix Children’s Academy

Sub mitt ed by : Ja n e n e Va n Le e u we n, Commun icatio n a nd Mar k etin g D i r e cto r o f the We st Valle y Arts Co uncil

The West Valley of Greater Phoenix nonprofit arts and culture industry generates almost $15 million in economic activity and supports more than 500 jobs annually according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Study. As reported by the American for the Arts Industry, nearly $1.6 million revenue dollars are returned locally and statewide. According to the study, nonprofit arts and culture organizations spent $8,532,844 during fiscal year 2010. This spending is far-reaching: organizations pay employees, purchase supplies, contract for services and acquire assets within their community. These dollars, in turn, generated $8,644,000 in household income for local residents and $918,000 in local and state government revenues. Julie Richard, President and CEO of the West Valley Arts Council, the organization who sponsored and coordinated the study on behalf of the West Valley, stated, “This study is incredibly significant for this region. This is the second study of its kind that the Council has participated in and we have shown amazing growth in the non-profit arts and culture industry over the past 10 years. We have grown from $3.5 million in total economic impact in 2000, to almost $15 million in 2010. The arts and culture industry in the West Valley is an economic force despite the fiscal difficulties the area has endured over the past several years.” The West Valley Arts Council is the only full-service local arts agency in the region. The Council exists to build audiences for all the arts, to drive arts policy forward and to champion arts education throughout the West Valley. To view the full text of the national statistical report regarding The Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Study, visit www. AmericansForTheArts.org/EconomicImpact.

Join us as we celebrate Fall at our Fun-Filled Open House!

Friday, August 10th, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Waterslide Crafts & Activities Face Painting Nachos Cookie Decorating

Now Accepting Enrollments for 2012/2013 Academic School Year Infants (from 6 wks.) Toddlers Pre-K Before & After School Summer Camp Space is limited, enroll today!

Goodyear

17670 W. Elliot Rd.

(Mountain Ranch Marketplace at Estrella Pkwy. & Elliot Rd.)

602.635.6390

www.pcapreschool.com w w w.my h o m e tow n e s t re lla .co m

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on your doorstep Inspirational Educators Most of us can recall at least one favorite instructor from our past. Remember the one who helped make learning the impossible seem just a little bit easier? Maybe it was the original way that the material was presented, or the enthusiasm that the teacher embraced when presenting the lesson. Whatever the reason, the information stuck, like glue, and so does the memory of the never-forgotten inspirational educator. Students and parents in and around our community, had the following to say about their favorite teachers:

willingness to share his time and talent without a glimpse of expectation is admirable. I knew that my younger son, Jake, who doesn’t really like school, would flourish in Mr. Hegedus’ classroom last year- and he did!” “My favorite teacher was Mr. Daugherty because his stories entertained us and taught us how to use our own experiences to become better writers each day.” Caleb “My favorite teacher was Mr. Hegedus because he taught in a manner that was fun, yet challenged us. He allowed us to learn at our own pace and encourage each other.” Olivia

“My name is Leigh Ann and my first experience with Mr. Hegedus was when he offered to help my “My favorite teacher was Mrs. McCubbins because she son Adam with hitting a baseball. He met with my made learning fun! She always encouraged us to read, son after school and worked with him on several which I really enjoy.”- Nick occasions. I was awestruck by this teacher, who we barely knew. He took time out for a student that Brothers- Nick, 12 and Zach, 11 “My favorite teacher was Mr. Flagg because he knows a wasn’t even in his classroom to help him with somelot of magic tricks. He let me perform my magic tricks thing that he struggled with. Mr. Hegedus even for my classmates.” Zach came to Adam’s Little League games to see how he was doing. His

CantaMia Offers a Six Year LeaseBack on Your Existing Home With the Purchase of New One Buy a new home at CantaMia in Estrella and the builder will arrange for the lease-back of your existing homes for up to six years. AV Homes, Inc., the builder of CantaMia, works with Marketplace Homes to market your existing home for rent, manage the property and ensure a monthly rent payment even if there isn’t a tenant. Utilities, maintenance and repairs of the rental home are handled by Marketplace Homes. “While the resale market is certainly gaining momentum, with prices up 32 percent over one year ago, if a home owner bought at the height of the market they made need to wait a bit longer, and we want to make it as easy as possible to get them into a new CantaMia home so they can begin to enjoy their new lifestyle,” said Gary Sorrels, CantaMia sales manager. CantaMia is an award-winning, gated, green and solar active adult community, located at the southern end of Estrella. For more information: www.CantaMia.com

Calling All Actors and Actresses-Musical Theatre Auditions at Starpointe Step into something new and creative this fall by becoming a local actor or actress in a live performance. Auditions for a new musical, Curtain Calls will take place at the Starpointe Residents Club on August 18, from 1 to 4pm in the aerobics room. Residents and non-residents, ages 14 years and older are invited for this audition. Wear comfortable clothes in which you can dance and move, along with sneakers or jazz shoes. There is no cost to audition. Auditions will involve reading a scene and learning a 16-count combination. Email Kristin Caraway at kkcaraway@mac.com to receive an audition form and readings, along with further information. Audition forms are also available at the Starpointe Residents Club front desk. You can become a part of the production, even if you’re not chosen for an acting role. Consider participating as a Stage Manager, Stage Crew, Set Construction, Make-Up and Hair, Costume design, Ushering, Ticket Sales or Advertising and Publicity. Rehearsals will begin in October and run through February. Don’t miss your ‘Curtain Call!’

Dive into Sacré Blue: A Comedy of Art, with the Estrella Book Club A rollicking tale that features special printed map endpapers and more than two dozen masterpieces of art throughout the book, Sacré Bleu is better than a day at the museum! It is the color of the Virgin Mary’s cloak, a dazzling pigment desired by artists, an exquisite hue infused with danger, adventure, and perhaps even the supernatural. It is . . . Sacré Bleu. In July 1890, Vincent van Gogh went into a cornfield and shot himself. Or did he? Why would an artist at the height of his creative powers attempt to take his own life … and then walk a mile to a doctor’s house for help? Who was the crooked little “color man” Vincent had claimed was stalking him across France? And why had the painter recently become deathly afraid of a certain shade of blue? These are just a few of the questions confronting Vincent’s friends

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– ‘baker-turned-painter Lucien Lessard and bonvivant Henri Toulouse-Lautrec’ – who vow to discover the truth about van Gogh’s untimely death. Their quest will lead them on a surreal odyssey and brothel-crawl deep into the art world of late nineteenth-century Paris. Oh lálá, quelle surprise, and zutalors! A delectable confection of intrigue, passion, and art history with cancan girls, baguettes, and fine French cognac thrown in for good measure? Sacré Bleu is another masterpiece of wit and wonder from the one, the only, Christopher Moore. The Estrella Book Club meets the second Wednesday of the month at Starpointe at 10am. The next gathering is August 8, Sacré Bleu: A Comedy of Art by Christopher Moore.

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school news Westar PTO The Westar PTO hopes that everyone enjoyed the summer break and is looking forward to a fun new school year. We want to thank all of the volunteers and staff that made Camp Invention such a success in early June. The students had a blast as they experimented and learned about science. Another special thank you goes to Mrs. Schafer, 2nd grade teacher, for volunteering her time every Tuesday and Thursday in June and July to open the school library to local students and families. The children read books, participated in crafts, and enjoyed story time. The PTO is busy planning a fun year for the families and teachers of Westar. Please take note of the following dates that have already been planned. Monday, August 6 - Meet the Teacher Night; 5-7pm - Join Mr. Bogart in the library at 5 & 6pm, meet your teacher, tour the campus, and the lower grades can drop of their school supplies if they want to. Wednesday, August 8 - First day back to school! - A Boo-Hoo Breakfast will be offered to the parents of incoming

Kindergarten students. More information will be announced soon on the PTO’s school website page. Tuesday, August 14 - PTO meeting at 3pm in the school library. - All parents and staff are invited! Wednesday, August 15 - Papa John’s night. - Take a break from cooking and help your school at the same time! Don’t forget to mention your child’s teacher’s name when ordering. Friday, August 31 - Tropical Smoothie day. - Refreshing smoothies will be available for sale after school! School supply lists (sorted by grade level) and specials supplies (art, music, and PE) are posted on the school website. The Westar PTO is open to all parents and staff of Westar. If you are interested in joining the Westar PTO or would like more information about our organization, please contact us atWestarPTO@yahoo.com. We look forward to seeing everyone on the first day of school!

Estrella Mountain Elementary School - August

A Message from the Estrella Foothills High

Calendar

School Principal

• Kinder Open House is August 2 from 4:00-6:00 • 1st day of school is August 8 at 7:40a.m. • 6-8 grade Curriculum Night is August 14 from 4:00-6:00 • 1-5 grade Curriculum Night is August 16 from 4:00-6:00

Banner Medical Facility Coming to Estrella Banner Health and Estrella by Newland Communities have joined together to announce the development of Mountain Ranch Medical Commons, a state-of-the-art, 18,000 square foot, Class A, medical office facility to be developed just north of Estrella Parkway at Cotton Lane. Irgens purchased the 5.3 acres of land in Estrella, a mixed-use, master planned community in Goodyear, from Newland Communities. Banner Health will offer primary care services as the anchor medical tenant. “Mountain Ranch Medical Commons will offer this growing and underserved community access to high-quality medical care and other health services,” said Jason Meszaros, Vice-President and Market Manager for Irgens.

By Leslie Standerfer, Ed.D. Estrella Foothills High School is excited to welcome back our returning upperclassmen, as well as the class of 2016 to their freshmen year. This freshmen class will enter a high school where the students, staff, alumni and the community take pride in what has been accomplished thus far in the school’s history, and look forward to the contributions they will make to EFHS. Estrella Foothills is proud to announce that we were recently awarded the Tony Komadina Award for Outstanding Girls’ Athletic Program by the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA). This award is given “to recognize schools that demonstrate advocacy of, and progress in, girls’ athletics.” EFHS is proud of the accomplishments of all of our athletic programs, but are particularly proud of this award that focuses on equity and fairness for all students. As we start the new academic year, Freshmen and New Student Orientation will take place Tuesday, August 7, from 7:30 to 9:30am. The first day of school for the 2012-2013 academic year is Wednesday, August 8. Classes will begin at 9:30am on that day. Meet the Teachers Night will take place on Wednesday, August 15, from 6:30 to 7:30pm. We wish everyone a successful and fun year!

From Alaska to Arizona, Banner Health is dedicated to fulfilling a nonprofit mission of making a difference in people’s lives through excellent patient care. Based in Phoenix, Banner Health was recently named one of the top five large health systems in the country based on clinical performance. The official groundbreaking is set for fall 2012, with the building completion targeted for mid-2013.

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HOA events College Night College Days! On August 18 we are celebrating the start of a Saturday, August 18 new school year, at our monthly 8:00pm Cocktails & Conversations event, Starpointe with a Starpointe $15 for residents frat party. Put on Purchase your tickets in you favorite coladvance! lege T-shirt and show your school spirit. No matter what your alma mater is you are sure to have fun getting to know your neighbors while enjoying pizza, games and a great performance from the local band Outside the Line. Nothing says college night like a visit to the student union for pizza and hot wings, so we have invited Taste of Italy to serve up their best pizza and spicy hot wings along with a variety of homemade salads and snacks right here at Starpointe. Make sure Cocktails & Conversations

you visit study hall and try one of our signature drinks that will include Jungle Juice and a variety of domestic beers. The bar will also be serving wine, and a limited bar selection. The gallery rooms will be transformed into a gym with a variety of table top games to enjoy but if games are not your thing than you are invited to enjoy the music of Outside the Line in the outdoor music room. Outside the Line is a soulful and extremely versatile variety band comprised of some of the valley’s premier musicians. The band features the very talented Deandre Johnson and James Logan handling lead vocals. They will be dishing out rock and roll, R&B and some good old standards. The fun begins at 8pm August 18, but you must purchase your tickets in advance because they always sell out fast. Purchase tickets in advance at Starpointe for only $15 per person. (Guest fees apply.)

Special Events

Trivia Night Did you know that Trivia Night is always the second Monday of the month at Starpointe? It’s a fact, every second Monday over a dozen teams of four meet up at Starpointe to test their knowledge and show off their skills in a trivia throw down. What started out as a small gathering of 10 trivia buffs two years ago, has blossomed into a fierce battle of wit featuring more than 50 brave trivia challengers. Last month, Wicked Good took home the title of July’s Monday Night Trivia Champs beating out other great teams like the Fab 4, In It For The Pizza, Dumb Luck, and the Menopausal Mamas. Many of these team such as Always Here have been competing for two years and the rivalry is entertaining to watch. There are usually 14 to 18 teams that battle it out for bragging rights and gift cards playfully heckling and cheering for one another. Join us this month Monday, August 13 at 6:30pm and see if your team has what it takes to beat our current champs Wicked Good. Don’t have a team of four? Don’t worry there is always a team in the making that you can join. It’s not all about the trivia either; teams enjoy a variety of Papa John’s pizzas, sodas and water along with a whole lot of laughs. The cost for this event is $5 per person in advance and $8 per person at the door.

Not To Be Missed... Estrella Family Breakfast

August 3

8:30AM

National Watermelon Day

August 3

6:00PM

New Resident Orientation

August 7

6:00PM

Trivia

August 13

6:30PM

Potluck Bingo

August 16

6:00PM

Cocktails & Conversations

August 18

8:00PM

Dive In Teen Movie - Hunger Games August 25

8:00PM

(PG-13) This is a teen and adult movie night. Only people 13 years of age or older will be admitted without signed consent of a parent or guardian.. Check www.lifeinestrella.com for more information on these great events. You must purchase tickets in advance for events. Tickets can be purchased at the Starpointe Residents Club.

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Upcoming Events & Activities Starpointe Fitness Instructors To obtain an updated class schedule visit www.lifeinestrella.com or the Starpointe front desk. Bonnie Jansson

Susan Miller

Shawn Forzetting

Maximum Muscle...using slow eccentric and concentric repetitions working the muscles to “failure”. 623-695-2435 bonniejansson@rocketmail.com

Beginning Zumba…Modifies the moves and paces to suit an older participant or those just beginning.

F.I.T.T. Boot Camp 805-704-0153 contact@estrellapersonaltraining.com

Bea Brumbach Belly Dancing…Tribal style belly dancing is a fun way to dance and get some exercise. 623-695-8098 tribaldancer@cox.net

Zumba…fitness program that combines hot international rythms with easy to follow dance moves. Drums Alive 623-561-5309 smillerdee@cox.net

Pilates 602-460-8283 michalkempton@gmail.com

Taekwondo 602-330-2523 betancur_2@msn.com

Linda Purdy Ballet Pointe 623-386-7303 lindapurdy@mac.com

Kim Hopkins Cardio Splash Power Ball 623-386-5031 sunnyskyaz@cox.net

Linda Jojola Yoga

Michal Kempton

Luis Bentacur

Step and Pump 623-386-0270 h202live@cox.net

Tumbling & Fitness Basic tumbling skills, physical fitness, agility, coordination development, flexibility and balance 623-853-5357 dterry1@cox.net

Rick Harris Kickboxing 623-398-7161 rick@houseofelliott.com

Dawn Terry Total Body Conditioning Core Galore Increase: Balance, stability, coordination and sports perfomance

August 2012

Visit www.lifeinestrella.com for more information or call Starpointe Residents Club at 623-386-1949 Community Events Community Groups Community Meetings

S u n day

M o n day

T u e sday

W e d n e sday

1 Please visit www.lifeinestrella.com for more information about the events above. You must purchase tickets in advance for some events and seating may be limited.

T h u r sday

2

S at u r day

3

9:30am- Playgroup

9am- Crafts & Stuff

1pm- Weekly Poker

9:30am- Needle Workers

6pm- Bridge

F r iday

4 8:30am- Estrella Family Breakfast

5pmCommunications Committee Meeting

6:30pm- Trials Committee Meeting 7:30pm- Friends of Estrella

6pm - Games, Games, Games 7pm- Photo Club

5

6

7 1pm- Bridge

8

13

19

9am- Crafts & Stuff 9:30am- Needle Workers

10am- Landscape Committee Meeting

1pm- Weekly Poker

6pm - Games, Games, Games

6pm- New Resident Orientation Meeting

6pm- Bridge

14

1pm- Ladies of the Lake

15

16

9:30am- Playgroup

9am- Crafts & Stuff

6:30pm - Trivia

1pm- Weekly Poker

6pm- Budget Finance Committee

6pm- Bridge

9:30am- Needle Workers

1pm- Bridge

21 10am-Papercrafting

5pm- Social Committee Meeting

11

8:30am- Estrella Coffee Social

10am- Very Important Teen 11am- Travel Club

6:30pm- Voting Committee Meeting

1pm- Bridge

20

10am-Papercrafting

10

10am- Estrella Book Club

8am- EMR Business Group 10am- Papercrafting

12

9 9:30am- Playgroup

7pm- Photo Club

6pm - Games, Games, Games

7:30pm- Friends of Estrella

6pm - Bingo

22 9:30am- Playgroup 1pm- Weekly Poker 6pm- Bridge

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17

18

8:30am- Estrella Coffee Social

8pm - Cocktails & Conversations

5:30pm- Adult Education Fitness Program

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25

9:30am- Needle Workers

8:30am- Estrella Coffee Social

1pm - Quiddler

7pm - Dive in Movie

6pm - Games, Games, Games

26

27 1pm- Bridge 6pm- Bunco

28 6:30pm- Board of Directors Meeting

29 9:30am- Playgroup 1pm- Weekly Poker 6pm- Bridge 7:30pm- Friends of Estrella

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30 9:30am- Needle Workers

31 8:30am- Estrella Coffee Social

1pm - Quiddler 6pm - Games, Games, Games

my hometown: page 9

Est r e ll a

HOA bulletin board Covenant Friendly Reminders Front Yard Landscape Requirements Front yards (and visible side yards of all corner lots) within singlefamily home neighborhoods at Estrella are subject to the following guidelines:

The Estrella Community Association

• Homeowners shall maintain all visible landscape areas in a clean, neat and weed-free condition

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

Starpointe Residents Club

• All dead and dying plants must be replaced with same species or other compatible plants from the approved plant list

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

• Any modifications to approved front yard landscape installations shall comply with this section of this document

Operating Hours: Mon.–Th. 5:00am–9pm, Fri. 5:00am–8pm Sat. 8am-7pm, Sun. 10am-7pm Youth Club Hours: Mon.-Fri. 1pm-8pm Sat.and Sun. 1pm-7pm

• The visible side yards of all corner lots must be supplemented with shrubs and accent plants to establish landscape height variation. Trash & Recycle Cans No garbage or trash shall be stored in a yard except in covered containers. Trash and recycling containers may not be stored in the front yard of any home and shall be removed from the trash pick-up area on the same day that trash pick-up service is provided. Trash containers must be stored in the garage, or in rear yards or side yards behind the wall enclosing the side yard where they are screened from view from the street or adjacent properties. Please do not put trash and recycle containers out prior to 6pm the day before trash pick up. Oil Stains Driveways must be clean of all stains (oil, paint, etc). The use of oil pans of any type (i.e., cardboard, carpet, plywood, foil or metal pans) is prohibited. The use of cat litter or similar products to cover up oil stains is also prohibited.

The ECA Board of Directors is looking for 3-4 residents to serve on the Election Committee to assist with counting ballots in advance of the Annual Residents Meeting on September 25. Residents must be available to meet at the Community Services Office on the day of the annual meeting and attend the annual meeting to count any remaining ballots. If interested in serving on the Election Committee, please contact the Community Services Office, 623-386-1112.

Exterior Ornamentation Components such as posts or fences to mark the lot corners, statues, benches, wagons, wagon wheels, representations of animals, weather vanes, bird baths, hanging baskets or any other miscellaneous ornamentation and yard decoration items are not permitted outside private areas and must not be visible from adjacent property. Approved Private Areas: • Partially enclosed courtyards • Covered porches and porticos • The portion of the lot near the front entry door of the house enclosed on three sides by the home • The portion of the lot near the front entry bounded by the sidewalk leading from the driveway to the front entry door and the sidewalk of the garage at the entry areas. Portable Basketball Goals Portable basketball goals may be permitted while in use, provided that they are stored so as not to be visible from the street or adjacent residences while not in use.

NOTICE: BOARD MEETING DAY CHANGED Effective August 28, 2012, Board of Directors meetings will be held on the fourth (4th) Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at Starpointe. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Yacht Club Hours Closed Mon & Tues Wed-Sun 8AM-12pm/4pm-8pm 623-386-3411

Community Patrol’s Phone Number 602-329-0462 Monday - Friday 6:00 pm to 2:00 am Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 2:00 am

Estrella Management Estrella 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: Todd Wuellner ECA Compliance/Design Review Coordinator: Jodi Matlock VCA Compliance Coordinator: Amy Helms Administrative Associate - Kim Larsen Communications/Administrative Associate: Shirley Robertson Recreation Director: Dean Westover Recreation Coordinator: Tammy Campbell Recreation Assistant: Katie Hughes Starpointe Front Desk Lead: Mary Ann Brungardt Lifestyle Director: Holly Aguilar Yacht Club Coordinator: Jordan Ring Maintenance Coordinator: Anthony DiGeronimo

Assessment Billing Address: Payment Processing Center c/o CCMC-Western Region PO Box 105260 Atlanta, GA 30348-5260 or pay online at www.ccmcnet.com.

Community Association Board Members:

Scrapbook Some Summer Memories It may still be hot out there, but it isn’t too early to start thinking about gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Consider gathering a group to make a memory book of this summer’s sizzlin’ vacation. Whether you were barefootin’ on the beach off a coastline or camping beneath a star spangled sky in the mountains, capturing those memories in a creatively designed scrapbook will tell the story of the moments of your life for years to come. The Starpointe Residents Club provides the space, free of charge, on the third Sunday of each month for endless creative scrapbooking possibilities. Your scrapbooking creations will be unique treasures that tell the story of your special moments in life for years and generations to come. Visit www.lifeinestrella for information on Scrapbooking/Paper crafts and a variety of groups looking for your creativity.

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Estrella Joint Committee (EJC) Developer Appointed Board Members: Alper Adli, Brian Konderik Pete Tieche, Lesle Sweeney, Brad Kettelkamp Estrella Community Association (ECA) Developer Appointed Board Members: Alper Adli, Lesle Sweeney, Brad Kettelkamp 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

www. myhometownestrella.c om

Est r e ll a

HOA bulletin board Weed Control, Pre-emergent

Yard Appreciation

Now is one of the best times to apply pre-emergent herbicide. Pre-en1ergent herbicide should be applied to the landscaped areas where you wish to prevent and control the growth of weeds. Timing of the application is very important. It requires water to leach the herbicide into the soil where the weed seed is residing. Once the pre-emergent herbicide is absorbed into the soil, it will help deter the germination of most weeds. It is important not to disturb the area where you have applied pre­emergent. The more activity in the area will only break the barrier that you are trying to create with the pre-emergent, and weeds would have a better chance of growing.

Thank you for keeping a nice maintained yard. VCA Yard Appreciation 18224 W La Mirada Dr 18264 W La Mirada Dr 9310 S 182nd Ln 9322 S 182nd Ln ECA Yard Appreciation

An important factor when choosing a pre­emergent herbicide is to determine what type of weeds you have had in the past and selecting a product that targets that type of weed. With proper planning and good timing you can have a successful pre-emergent application. We will be completing the semi-annual application of pre-emergent herbicide at Estrella Mountain during the week of July 16 through 21. You will see a slight discoloration of the ground and some of the surrounding area where the pre-emergent has been applied. This discoloration will disappear when we receive some rain. The crew will begin at the Star Tower and work their way south through the community and the neighborhoods. The area is safe to walk on after the chemical has dried.

18517 W Capistrano Ave 18655 W Capistrano Ave 18629 W Western Star Blvd 10131 S 185th Dr

Save the Date 2012 Annual Meetings will be Tuesday, September 25, at the Estrella Foothills High School Performing Arts Building. The ECA and VCA meetings will be held on the same evening.

A Place to Call “Home” Welcome Neighbors! As a new resident, you probably want to know everything about your community. You are invited to Starpointe for a welcome party on Tuesday, August 7 at 6pm. This is a great opportunity to meet community staff, learn how the Association is operated and to attain an overview on Estrella’s amenities. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Shirley at srobertson@ccmcnet.com or 623-386-1112. Hope to see you there!

At this year’s annual meeting, ECA homeowners will elect two resident members to the Board of Directors. We hope to see you there.

Keith Gagnon Keith Gagnon Project Manager

Project Manager

(602) 460-9749

(602)Keith 460-9749 Cell Gagnon

Keith Gagnon Project Manager (602) 460-9749Keith@EstrellaPainting.com (602) 460-9749 Cel

Estrella Painting The Company Estrella Painting Estrella Painting The Company Estrella Painting Company Company

The

Project Manager

Keith@EstrellaPainting.

(602) 460-9749 Cell www.EstrellaPainting.com Keith@EstrellaPainting.com (602) 460-9749 Cell Keith@EstrellaPainting.com www.EstrellaPainting.com www.EstrellaPainting.c

(602) 460-9749

The

(602) 460-9749

500 N Estrella Parkway, Suite B2-485 Goodyear, AZ 85338 Interior / Exterior

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my hometown: page 11

wh o a r e the

meet your teacher Estrella Mountain Elementary School Teacher–Kent Hegedus Several local families encouraged us to feature an outstanding educator at Estrella Mountain Elementary School in our backto-school issue. At your request, we introduce your neighbor and fifth grade teacher, Kent Hegedus.

One of the many things Mr. Hegedus enjoys about teaching is the concept that each student, each day and each school year is different. “Everyone is a life-long learner,” he said. “It is the curiosity that lights up the eyes of the students and the opportunity to put students on the right path to be successful in their lives that inspire me to teach,” he added. He credits his own life experiences for his style of teaching, where he encourages students to be creative and interactive through the learning process.

Mr. Hegedus is just like that exceptional teacher you may remember from your own childhood classroom. He mirrors the standout educator who made learning a breeze by presenting concepts in an interesting way. You were learning without even realizing it, way back when. Kent Hegedus has been teaching fifth graders at Estrella Mountain Elementary School for the past 18 years. He was born in Michigan, but moved to Arizona with his family at an early age, attending Litchfield Elementary School, Agua Fria High School, Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University-West. He chose to become an educator after what he describes as his “past-life,” which included a series of unrewarding jobs. He originally earned his BS in Photo Journalism at Northern Arizona University and did some work in that field, replacing it with a grocery management position, and ultimately attended ASU West to earn his degree in education. It was parenthood and a desire to have a rewarding career that led him through the doors at ASU-West, to teaching. “I wanted to enjoy what I was doing,” he recalls.

The fifth-grade experience in Mr. Hegedus’ classroom begins each year with the formation of a family. Initially, as a group, the class chooses a theme name for themselves. Throughout the course of the school year, activities are based around that chosen theme. In the spring, fifth grade commences with a talent show, with all students participating. Unknown talents often surface as a result of Mr. Hegedus’ efforts to instill uniqueness and creativity into the spirit of each of his students. Besides teaching, Mr. Hegedus enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing guitar, reading and being outdoors. Earlier this summer, he attended courses to receive the Nation Board Certification in teaching and is excited about the fact that Estrella Mountain Elementary School is in the process of training to become an International Baccalaureate School, which helps develop intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills for students to that they can live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world.

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TO LEARN MORE AND FIND OUT IF YOUR HOME QUALIFIES CALL:

1-800-331-0646 Developer may change home design, materials, features, amenities, method of construction, prices, promotions, and features without notice. Availability subject to change. 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. ROC 256789. Copyright 2012 AV Homes of Arizona, LLC. CANTAMIA®, CANTAMIA BY VITALIA™, and VITALIA™ are the exclusive trademarks and service marks of Avatar Properties Inc.

www. myhometownestrella.c om

community l ifesty le : E du c atio n S u bmitte d by: An twon Lin co l n

Educational Apps for Students At continually growing rates, iDevices are holding the attention of students everywhere. There are over 67,000 education apps available in the App Store. As schools incorporate mobile devices into the curriculum, a west coast father and technology specialist shares some free educational apps that have addictive qualities. – Editor’s note

Reading App - Great for teaching letter recognition, sight words, and phonics. • Bugsy Kindergarten Reading - An essential app for Preschool and Kindergarten students that builds vocabulary, beginning and ending sounds, and vowels. Math App - Math does not have to equal “fear”. These math apps help with math concepts. Learning math has never been so cool. • Kahn Academy - If your child struggles with math concepts this app is a must. There are over 3000 videos explaining simple and complex math concepts. Reference Apps - Do you remember looking up words for the correct spelling in a book? The dictionary you know is not the same dictionary of today’s students. • Dictionary.com Dictionary & Thesaurus - A comprehensive tool that is an essential for students.

Productivity App - Organizational skills is a must for student success. • MyHomework - This app provides an effective way to track classroom assignments. Brain Stimulation App - Educational games allow students to play and build concentration stamina. • Sticker Factory for the iPad - Keeps the mind sharp with a fun matching app and builds hand eye coordination.

eBooks Apps - eBooks brings interactive-play to story time. • The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore An eBook you and your child will want to experience over and over again. This eBook creates a “wow!” experience. These apps are addictive. But they also challenge and prepare young minds for the school year. I encourage you to explore the education app category in the App Store. Download one or all of the above apps. With the right education app, your child will become addicted to learning. You also may want to buy another iPad. Antwon Lincoln works as an Industrial Technology & Media Coordinator for the Chula Vista Elementary School District in Southern California.

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my hometown: page 13

community l ifesty le : F i na nc e S u b m itt e d by C h r isto ph e r C ar lton, yo u r loca l Edwar d Jo n e s Financial Advisor .

Financial Tips for College Students If you’re a college student, you may already be back on campus. If not, you don’t have long to go before school starts again. And this year, in addition to whatever courses you may be taking, try to master some financial lessons, as well. Of course, many students already have at least one foot in the “real world,” because, in addition to taking classes, they’re working many hours a week to help pay for school, rent and living expenses. But even if you’re a fulltime student, living on campus and paying for school through a combination of grants, loans, savings and help from your parents, you can learn some financial basics that can help you throughout your adult life. Specifically, consider these suggestions: • Don’t overuse credit cards. Credit card marketers aggressively target college students, so you’ll need to be vigilant about all the offers that will bombard you. While it might not be a bad idea to carry a single credit card for use in emergencies, it’s very easy to over-use the “plastic” and rack up big debts. You’ll need to discipline yourself to save for the things you want, rather than charging them. • Shop around for financial services. You’ll find plenty of banks willing to give you a T-shirt or a frying pan for opening an account with them. But these places may not be offering you the best deal on checking or savings accounts or loans. It pays to shop around.

• Keep track of your student loans. Make sure you understand all the terms of your student loans: how much you’re expected to pay each month, when payments are due, what interest rate you’re paying, what credits may be available for on-time repayment, etc. You might be able to achieve a more favorable repayment schedule by consolidating two or more loans. Once you start repaying your loans, do whatever you can to stay on track with your payments. • Never stop looking for financial aid. The aid package you may have received as an incoming freshman doesn’t have to be the final word on financial assistance. Colleges offer some scholarships based on college-level academic achievement or real-world experience – both of which you may have accumulated since your freshman year. Study your college’s scholarships and be aggressive in going after them. • Estimate your future income. You may not know exactly what you want to do when you graduate, but if you have a career path in mind, try to learn what sort of salary you can expect during your first few years out of college. Once you have a realistic idea of how much you’re going to earn, you may have the motivation you need to avoid bad financial practices, such as accumulating big debts. College should be a learning experience – in many ways. And if some of the knowledge you obtain during your college years can help you develop sound financial habits, so much the better.

community l ifesty le : He a lt h Byro n Gr aha m, Dir e cto r o f Mar keti n g, Dé jà Vu Med Spa .

Getting Ready to Go Back to School Whether you’re a teacher/ administrator, parent or student, you have come through most of a very hot and dry summer in Arizona. With a new school year approaching, you will be changing your daily routine. Some will be transitioning from a summer of relaxation, travel and free time to a very structured and demanding new school year. For the parents, the intensity will not subside until the kids are back in school. Even then, “your free time” will only last as long as the school day. It’s time for you to take some “me” time. A long, hot summer is hard on your skin and maybe your health. Take an inventory of your personal needs. Here are some thoughts:

Sun Damage: Even if you used a waterproof SPF 45 sunblock, you have still been exposed to UV radiation. UVB affects the outer layers of the skin, while UVA radiation is less intense than UVB, but is more likely to reach deeper layers of tissue and cause damage. If you got a good sunburn, you sustained damage. At Déjà Vu Med Spa, we have Facials, Microderms, Dermal Planning, and IPL that can revitalize your skin and eliminate those unsightly sun spots. Our sunscreens are actually good for your skin. Gained Weight: Research shows, people who gain weight tend to continue gaining weight. So, get back to a healthy weight. Although North America has only 6 percent of the world’s population, it accounts for 34 percent of

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the world’s weight due to obesity. That comes to 214,000,000,000 obesity pounds. Don’t keep your extra weight. Join the Physician Managed Weight Loss Program at Déjà Vu Med Spa and reduce 10 to 20 lbs. per month. Unwanted Hair: Ladies, if you spent most of the summer in shorts or bathing suites, or you think your guy would look better without the fuzzy carpet on his back, you may have realized that it’s finally time to permanently eliminate the excess hair. Laser technology makes it a safe and effective solution.

Don’t Feel Like your Old Self: Chances are that you are not the person you remember. At about age 30, both men and women begin producing fewer hormones. By age 40, the symptoms are becoming apparent. Hormone Rebalancing can provide men and women with: increased energy, improved sleep, a reduction of migraines and menstrual headaches, relief from depression, decreased anxiety, increased lean muscle mass and body density, decreased soft fatty tissue, improved skin, an increase in concentration and memory, decrease in aches pains and stiffness, improved libido and sexual satisfaction, improve sexual function in men, improved blood flow. Hormone rebalancing can also delay the onset or minimize the effects of 10 chronic diseases. For more details visit “Hormone Rebalancing” at our website: www.dejavumedspa.com. All of these benefits and it only takes 10 minutes of your time three to five times a year. Take charge of your life! Call 623-242-9910 to request an appointment or free consultation.

www. myhometownestrella.c om

community l ifesty le : He a lt h Patti H a rt, D i r e cto r o f S ou l C ar e Mi n istry, Estr e ll a Moun tai n C hurch - soulcare@emcaz.org

New School Year Resolutions…for the Best Year Ever! Aaahhh the smell of that new, crisp pair of jeans! The joy of a colorful row of brand new tops in the closet…tags still on! The feel of a brand-new pair of shoes that make you feel just a little taller. Who is anticipating the first day back? Heading into the new school year, there is excitement, nervousness and hope for this year to be the Best Year Ever! So how about some New Year’s Resolutions for the time of year when we really do need them? I encourage everyone to make a fresh list of your own, and see how much progress you can make toward becoming the amazing individual you were designed to be!

Making resolutions and setting goals can seem like a chore. We might look back on previous goals and feel discouraged about those we didn’t complete. Fear not! Think big-picture, and consider your natural strengths and joys. Sit down with your best friends and tell each other the strengths you see in each other. You want to be an artist? Take that big-picture goal and start breaking it down into steps. Take an art class. Check out YouTube videos on drawing. Ask your art teacher how she got better. Whatever your goal is for making this year the Best Year Ever, get started by resolving to take some bold new steps. Write them down, and post them on your mirror. I asked a few of the kids I know about their goals for this school year. Here are some of their responses: “This year my goal is to get the best grades I can, and to help my classmates get the best grades they can by tutoring them if needed, and helping them in different ways.” – Olivia “I’m going to stop doing partial work, and start putting more effort into finishing what I start.” – Sammy “I want to do fewer reports and more service projects.” – Grant

IDEAS FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR RESOLUTIONS: I WILL.. • Stop worrying about my flaws, and start practicing my strengths. • Look for strengths and beauty in others, and tell them what I see. • Sign up to play a new instrument, or try out for a new sport. • Ask the new kid to sit with me at lunch time. • Make plans with people who encourage me to be myself, and celebrate our successes together. • Stand up and speak out about social issues that matter to me. • Spend one Saturday a month helping someone less fortunate. • Let my friends, teachers and family know I appreciate them. • Refuse to gossip, and walk away when others do it. • Forgive people for old mistakes (including my own)…and move forward!

“I want to stop procrastinating and get my work done early or on time.” – Hudson “I’m going to be less defensive and not take things personally, do and hand in more of my homework, and be nicer. I’m going to make more friends.” – S.P. “I’m going to help my friends, be nicer, and focus more when I’m on the computer.” – A.P.

Everything You Need to Know About Backpacks Before School Starts My Hometown Estrella asked a number of children here in Estrella to tell us about their favorite backpack. Children these days carry so much in their backpacks that it is important to buy one that is well made, ergonomic, adjustable and of course, durable. In order to be part of our story, the backpack had to be able to sustain leaps, throws, crashes and slams. It had to survive the beating of every day school life, the heat of the sun, the endless books shoved into corners and crevices, the leaky water bottle, the stinky lunch box. The backpack also had to last the entire school year without falling apart at the seams, without torn mesh holders and handles, and had to have a working, intact zipper. Here are some tips when choosing backpacks. Did you know that LL Bean has free repair/part replacement if your backpack falls apart? Did you know that Land’s End sells lunch boxes that are toxin free? Jansport is a huge favorite for the older kids, and you can find them easily at Target or order them online with free shipping and never leave home! Here are some of the favorites: For preschoolers: Try Pottery Barn Kids (www.potterybarnkids.com). These backpacks are small, made to fit just what a preschooler needs, are water-resistant,

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durable and have reflective threads for safety. You can personalize them for $7, with monogrammed initials, first name or last name. For Elementary Schoolers: LL Bean has a fantastic selection of backpacks for elementary school children. LL Bean has the Junior bookpack for preschoolers, the Original bookpack which is geared towards children aged 7 and up, and the Deluxe bookpack for children aged 10 and up. With a variety of patterns and colors to choose from, these long-lasting, tried and true bags are a safe bet. Visit www.llbean.com to see all backpacks.

For middle and high school children: Jansport seems to be the favorite. Available at Target, or Zappos.com, these “Big Student” backpacks have two main compartments, an ergonomic strap for those heavy Math books, multiple colors, patterns and shapes from which to choose, and many organizational features that may help your messy teenager as they navigate their busy school days. If you order them at Zappos.com, they ship for free, and you save yourself the headache of trying to locate, at a store, the exact color and print that your child wants.

my hometown: page 15

community l ifesty le : foo d By: K ar ishma S in n ott

Slice of Life – Lunch Box Ideas Soon parents throughout our communities will be making lunches five days a week, for months on end. I know that some of us start the year off with the best intentions, and by mid-year, we are out of ideas, out of energy and just plain bored with the daily project. I hope you’ll enjoy these lunch box boredom busters and I encourage you to share your own recipes with your neighborhood editor, kim@myhometownestrella. com in order to build a shareable collection for My Hometown Estrella readers. First, some tips: Bacteria grows between 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is especially true for dairy and meat, so the goal is to keep those foods away from that danger zone for as long as possible. If your mayonnaisebased sandwich is sitting out for 30 minutes in warm weather conditions, chances are it will be safe. But if it sits out for more than an hour during the summer days or two hours on cold days, it becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. One of the things I’ve learned that works better than just an ice pack is a bottle of frozen/icy cold water in addition to the ice pack. This helps to keep the food in the lunch box at the desired temperature, especially if it has meat, mayonnaise or cheese in it. The ice melts just in time to become cold drinking water at recess/lunch. On Sunday afternoons, I sit down at the kitchen island and work on vegetables. I peel and cut carrots, celery and cucumber, jicama (if you haven’t tried jicama, it’s like a yummy, less-fibrous version of celery) and sugar snap peas. I wrap all my veggies in kitchen towels and store them in an air-tight container. This way, I have them ready to go every morning. I usually pack whole fruit – nectarines, satsumas, grapes, raspberries, so prep-time for that is minimal. Cold Wraps and Sandwiches So you have your usual – ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, salami and mustard/mayo, peanut butter and jelly, Nutella and banana. My kids love egg salad and tuna salad sandwiches, but I don’t ever send those to school because I think that they are just too smelly. But, try these sandwiches on

your kids before school starts and maybe they will have a new favorite. Any of these can be a wrap as well, with the addition of deli meat. Herbed cream cheese and cucumber – an English tea time favorite. You don’t have to make your own cream cheese, try a brand like Boursin instead to make your life just a little easier. Try adding roast beef to it when you make a wrap. Health-ables – You know how children love Lunchables? Well, here’s a much more healthy alternative, without sacrificing taste. Find a Japanese Bento Box (online), or a Tupperware container that is divided into sections. Take your favorite lunch meat and cheese (you can buy these pre-sliced at your deli, our favorite brand is Boar’s Head), and with a cookie cutter, cut out desired shape of meat and cheese. Choose a cracker that your kids will love (Social Snackers from Trader Joe’s, or Annie’s Organic Bunny Crackers) and make up your lunch box. Add grapes, a cookie (try Newman O’s) and you have a perfectly customized Health-able. Turkey with cranberry jelly, lettuce and mayo/mustard – this is my husband’s favorite, and he likes the jello-style cranberry jelly that you get in a tin. It sounds gross, but it is a sandwich that is happily reminiscent of Thanksgiving. Hummus and veggie – my kids love hummus. Our favorite brand is Sabra’s Supremely Spicy, paired with sliced cucumber, crisp Romaine lettuce and Boar’s Head sharp Cheddar. Change the veggies, add alfalfa sprouts, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and test it on the kids. I’ve heard from friends who are gluten-free that the best way to make sandwiches is to use healthy rolls/bread. So for those of you who prefer to stay away from gluten, these might be viable options for you. Just a quick note – we have many families with peanut butter allergies that are life threatening, so if at all possible, try to eliminate peanut heavy lunches for school. It seems strange to imagine, but for a lot of these children, the tiniest smidgen of peanut is enough to cause anaphylaxis. Happy packing and good luck to all of our local students as they begin another school year.

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@myhometownestrella.com.

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We look forward to sharing your story with the community!

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e str e ll a

business spotlight Estrella Mountain Preschool Are you ready to open the doors to your child’s future? It begins with the first steps in early education and Estrella Mountain Preschool is making learning more fun, easier and more convenient than ever! Young children who are residents of Estrella, Goodyear and surrounding west valley cities, have been guided through the early steps of knowledge through a fun and educational environment, based on “The Creative Curriculum for Preschool,� for more than nine years at Estrella Mountain Preschool. The preschool, located on the Estrella Mountain Church campus at 10485 S. Estrella Parkway, is offering fall programs, promising to excite preschoolers as they enter the early educational learning process, taking “baby-steps� into the 2012-2013 school year. Children are sure to flourish in an environment where curriculum is research-based and one that encourages learning through creativity. Educational activities assist the students’ development in areas of significance, as well as educationally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. This process is enhanced with additional studies in music and Spanish with special events and activities throughout the school year that encourage involvement from the whole family. The friendly team of teachers and staff are highly qualified individuals who work cooperatively with young students to provide a loving environment, while encouraging imaginative intellectual skills in a safe and cultivating environment for young children. Each day, youngsters learn new concepts through interaction, direction and encouragement. “Our mission is to encourage a child’s self-confidence, empathy, and cooperative learning and play, all in a spirit of love, sharing, and caring. Our goal is to prepare our students for a bright and successful academic future by

*Mark your calendars; Estrella Mountain Preschool begins on Tuesday, August 14.

helping to develop a love of learning, listening skills, self-expression and confidence, effective problem solving skills, and independence,� said Lisa Tucker, Director of Estrella Mountain Preschool. Tucker said that one of her favorite ways to get preschoolers excited about a new school year is by inviting the students, along with their parents, to “Meet the Teacher� day. Prior to the first day of school, students and their parents have the opportunity to come into the classroom, meet the new teacher and practice the procedures that will soon become routine for them, minimizing fears that youngsters often feel prior to starting something new. Lisa adds, “We seek to partner with our families to build a strong spiritual foundation. We are delighted to welcome families of all faiths and denominations as well as those who do not attend church, but wish to provide a child-oriented, relational, creative, fun, Christ-centered education for their child.� Personal rewards that Lisa experiences as the Director of Estrella Mountain Preschool include the joy of meeting new families and seeing the relationships that those families build throughout the course of the school year. She also relishes in the joy that the children radiate when they share something they’ve created at school, which is often accompanied by smiles and hugs that are truly rewarding. “It’s really more than a job; it’s something I do from my heart.� Three and four-day classes are available this fall, following the Liberty Elementary School District Calendar, with the first school bell of the fall season ringing on Tuesday, August 14. If you would like more information on Estrella Mountain Preschool, contact Director, Lisa Tucker at 623.476.5578, by email at preschool@emcaz.org or visit the website at www. empreschool.com

Gigino’s Wine CafÊ Gigino’s sole purpose is relaxation... so everyone come on in, and have a nice glass of your favorite wine or beer and enjoy local art from Justin Lehman and jazz from Angel and Miguel on select nights. /PEN 4UES 3UN s 3 %STRELLA 0ARKWAY 'OODYEAR FACEBOOK COM GIGINOSWINE

pag e 18 : my h om e tow n

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Taylor Morrison has more than 14 communities in the Phoenix area and continues to make its mark with hundreds of new homeowners each year. La Mirada at Montecito, is Taylor Morrison’s unique neighborhood located within the resort-style master-planned community of Estrella. La Mirada offers ten single-family home plans ranging from 1,844 squarefeet to larger than 3,400 square-feet. Spacious layouts make these homes perfect for day-to-day living, family get-togethers and entertaining. Coming this fall, Taylor Morrison will introduce three new floor plans in La Mirada ranging from 1,799 square-feet to 2,289 square-feet. The new single story plans will feature spacious great room layouts, and all will include 3-car tandem garages. Taylor Morrison is proud to introduce a new eco-sensitive building program, Elem3nts™. All homes are HERS rated, creating an energy efficient home that is environmentally friendly and saves homeowners money. Headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, Taylor Morrison is the largest North American privately owned homebuilder based in the United States. Taylor Morrison is a builder and developer of single-family detached and attached homes. For more information on La Mirada at Estrella, visit www.estrella.com or call 623-518-3912.

BACK TO SCHOOL As the summer winds down and the school year gets underway there are many ways parents can help make the year run more efficiently for their children. Westar Elementary School Principal, Mr. Dave Bogart, offers some insight on how to get the semester off to a good start. s Make sure your child starts waking up early enough to eat a good, balanced breakfast and get to school on time. Double check their backpacks for homework, textbooks and any other necessary school supplies. It is important to get these daily routines in place as a difficult morning can shape a child’s outlook on the entire day. s During the first week of school, stop by the front office to ensure all contact information is up-to-date. In addition, many teachers will post grades online and parents must check with the office to get a code that will allow them access to their children’s parent portal. s Take the time to meet your child’s teacher; be sure to openly discuss the upcoming year and any concerns you may have. Then continue communication throughout the semester. s Establish good homework habits. Whether students start their homework when they first arrive home, or initially enjoy some downtime with study time scheduled for later in the evening, it’s important to establish a set routine and see that it’s followed. s Most grade levels have some type of communication log that students take home daily, either in the form of a folder or agenda listing homework and class assignments. Parents are strongly encouraged to use this as a tool to keep in touch with their child’s teacher and class work. s Have children read for 15-30 minutes each night. Reading every day can make a huge difference for children and their success at school. It is so important to foster a love of reading in every child, it helps develop their mind and it’s how we discover new things.

All three of Estrella’s top rated schools – Estrella Foothills High School, Westar Elementary and Estrella Mountain Elementary – begin the semester on August 8. Each school will be observing the Wednesday special schedule: elementary students will have early release at 1:30 p.m. and high school students will get a late start at 9:30 a.m. Regular schedule hours for Estrella Mountain and Westar are 7:40 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. and for Estrella Foothills 7:30 a.m. – 2:25 p.m.

GROWTH IN ESTRELLA Newland Communities and local residents have been enjoying a growth spurt in Estrella. In addition to a steady stream of home sales, new commercial projects are underway that include the much anticipated Walgreens and a new Banner Health center. Walgreens is expected to open later this fall in Estrella’s Mountain Ranch Marketplace. In line with the shopping center’s LEED® Gold certification, the Estrella Walgreens will showcase a new layout and will include sustainable features such as electric vehicle charging stations, active daylight harvesting and high efficiency heating/cooling and plumbing. The store interior will be revamped with a heavier emphasis on upscale finishing and lighting. Deals are currently in the works with several additional retailers, to be announced later this year, who also will be joining Mountain Ranch Marketplace. “Our neighborhoods are filled with everything from young families to retirees, and a store like Walgreens will help serve the varying needs of our residents,” said Lynneah Hudson, Newland Communities’ Regional Marketing Director. Right next door to Walgreens, Estrella has joined forces with Irgens and Banner Health to announce the development of Mountain Ranch Medical Commons, a state-of-the-art, 13,000 square-foot Class A medical office facility. Banner Health will provide primary care services as the anchor medical tenant. The single-story structure will offer efficient, custom-designed medical space, upscale amenities and a sustainable design that conforms to standards of the Green Building Initiative. Construction is set to begin this fall and the project is slated to be completed in mid-2013.

VISIT ESTRELLA TODAY

Estrella.com

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

(623) 386-1000 (623) 386-1949 (623) 386-3411 (623) 386-2600

10300 SOUTH ESTRELLA PARKWAY GOODYEAR, AZ 85338 www.facebook.com/EstrellaAZLife

*Homes in the Estrella community are constructed and sold by builders not affiliated with NNP III-Estrella Mountain Ranch, L.L.C, or Newland Communities, LLC, or Newland Communities, LLC’s affiliated companies (collectively, “Newland”). Newland does not guarantee or warrant the obligations of, or construction by, such builders, or the availability or pricing of homes. Access to, and use of, The Golf Club of Estrella is not included in the purchase of homes or homesites. Additional fees are required. ©2012 Newland Real Estate Group, LLC. Prices subject to change. Square footages are approximate. The incentives described in the promotion is offered between July 1 – July 31, 2012 by William Ryan Homes (the Participating Builder) in the Estrella community with regard to new home sales in Ironwood Pointe and Serenity and is exclusively sponsored by the Participating Builder, who is solely responsible for the content, implementation and operation. Please contact the Participating Builder for further information and requirements. Void where prohibited.

@EstrellaAZLife

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