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Weekend Jetaway Event Helps Kids Arizona Fall League Brings Stars to Scottsdale
Making History in
FALL 2014
Southern Scottsdale
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Contents 16
22
Features:
Making History in Southern Scottsdale . . . . . . . . . 12 Weekend Jetaway Event Helps Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Arizona Fall League Brings Stars to Scottsdale . . 22 In Every Issue: Real Estate Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Resident Recipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Four-Legged Ranchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Local Business HighlightS:
18
Midas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 AnyTime Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
McCormick Ranch Lifestyle is published quarterly by eClaire Publishing, LLC, 7349 N. Via Paseo Del Sur, Suite 515-268 Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Phone 480 212-6203. Fax 480 699-2049. Not responsible for unsolicited materials. Not affiliated with the McCormick Ranch Property Owners Association, nor does the publisher endorse the advertisers included. This publication is sent to each household on the McCormick Ranch. If you do not live on the McCormick Ranch or would like a separate copy mailed to you, an annual subscription fee of $12 is requested.
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Letter from the
Editor Dear reader,
For those of us who stayed home this summer, I have to say we lucked out. It wasn’t until late July that we finally felt the heat we’re so famous for. As always, the pool got lots of use, new businesses opened (like Top Golf) and some closed (like Scottsdale Station). The Loop 101 is widening in anticipation of further growth. As someone once said, “The only thing constant is change.” Our feature this time takes us out of our neighborhood and to the South where efforts are being made to revitalize McDowell Corridor, an important gateway to our city. The School Override is on the ballot again this year and since the school budget is often misunderstood, I hope you’ll take time to read about it on page 14. The busy season around town is coming fast. There are countless events to tickle your taste buds, and for a good cause too. The Weekend Jetaway Event held November 1st gives thousands of Arizona youth the tools they need to succeed in school. If you haven’t yet joined Nextdoor.com for McCormick Ranch and surrounding communities, you’re missing a lot of great information. Currently, over 1,200 neighbors share recommendations and post topics of interest for our area. Along with mcrlife.com and our social media feed, it’s a great way to keep a pulse on everything happening here! Until next time,
Connect with us Alexandra Duemer alexandra@mcrlife.com
@MCRLife
McCormick Ranch Lifestyle
5
Real Estate Hope you had a great summer! While school ended, winter residents went “back home,” and the rest of us fled for a week or two of cooler weather, the McCormick Ranch Real Estate market stayed very active, showing brisk sales and higher prices. Recap of our last article: As did most local markets, McCormick Ranch real estate limped into the Spring buying season with an 89 day period (February, March, April) that saw an alarming 50% increase in the amount of time it took to sell the same number of homes from the previous period. The low buyer activity resulted in an $8,600 decrease in the average sales price, and a $12 decrease in the average price per square foot. Many sellers took their homes off the market, worn out by anemic activity during Q1. We suggested the lower inventory and higher days on the market would create a “market ripe for dealmaking.” What happened in the past 90 days: New listings were down significantly for May and June. This was an enormous help to selling through existing inventory. The Spring Buying Season continued its late arrival but finally gave way in May. May saw only 12 sales, mostly occurring during the second half of the month. June was a very strong sales month, with 30 closings, and July continued the party with 21 more. Overall, the months of May, June, and July showed a remarkable 53.6% increase in closings from that very slow February 1 through April 30 period. The average sales price jumped from $483,366 to $524,478 (up 8.5%). Average price per square foot jumped from $199 to $212 (up 6.5%). As of 8/19, August looks to be another very solid month, with 6 properties closed at an average of $524,000 and $208 per square foot. An additional 22 properties are under contract at an average list price of $529,970 and $220 per square foot. This was exactly the turnaround we were hoping for. Where we are today: Even though inventory is limited, we are leaning towards a Buyer’s Market since showing activity (buyers out looking) is still 6
FALL 2014
below normal. July showing activity had slowed considerably, with vacations, weather, and school as the main reasons. In terms of existing inventory, the selection is underwhelming. We believe we’ll see new inventory hit the market after Labor Day weekend, and buyer activity should increase, checking out the new stock. Some homes that left the market during slow Q1 and Q2 may pop back on MLS for another try. Price sensitivity remains high. Homes needing fixup are seeing longer days on the market. Buyers are still opting for move-in ready properties, and paying the premium to acquire them. What to watch for: If you are a seller with 90+ days on the market, get ready for new inventory and more competition. Adjust your price to sell, make minor repairs or upgrades, or seek staging advice to help marketability. If you are a buyer still looking, new inventory should finally be coming your way. Better weather always helps showing activity and Open House traffic. In closing: Are we back to a normal market? No. Buyer activity is still volatile and inventory remains low. Are we out of the distressed market? Absolutely. Are more consistent days ahead for McCormick Ranch? Based on May, June, July, and August – perhaps, provided the fall months show more of the same. We always believe the fundamentals of a solid market in McCormick Ranch are here – an incredible community of people, great schools, unique amenities, and thriving local businesses. What we find very interesting is the success of local businesses are now attracting more new businesses (think Grassroots paving the way for The Vig, Butterfly Wonderland’s success prompting development of the OdySea Aquarium ). The litmus test for innovative concepts was successful. This is something to keep an eye on.
By Gene Montemore & Gary May The weather will change soon, football season is coming, and a great property in McCormick Ranch is waiting for your family or friends. Enjoy the Fall and go see an Open House! Gene Montemore & Gary May (owner/broker) operate the Central Scottsdale Real Estate Group at Real Living Success Realty. RLS is a marketing-focused brokerage located in the heart of McCormick Ranch and an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Gene & Gary can be reached at info@CentralScottsdale.com or 480-295-4550.
BY THE NUMBERS: Number of single-family closings in MCR: February 1, 2014 – April 30, 2014 (89 days): 41 MAY 1 – JULY 31 (92 days): 63 (53.6% increase) source: ARMLS Average sales price: February 1, 2014 – April 30, 2014: $483,366 MAY 1, 2014 – JULY 31, 2014: $524,478 (8.5% increase) source: ARMLS Average price per square foot: February 1, 2014 – April 30, 2014: $199 MAY 1, 2014 – JULY 31, 2014: $212 (6.5% increase) source: ARMLS Scottsdale year over year sales 2013 - 2014: May: down 21% June: down 10% July: down 19% source: The Wilcox Report, 8/1/14 Scottsdale year over year new listings 2013 - 2014: May: up 3.8% June: down 7.0% July: down 9.2% source: The Wilcox Report, 8/1/14
Featuring some of Southern Scottsdale’s most inspiring, original Mid-Century homes!
If you or your company are interested in becoming a Sponsor for the event, email Dana Close at Dana@ScottsdaleGatewayAlliance.com
Our Commitment to Southern Scottsdale: The Scottsdale Gateway Alliance is a private-sector, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing investment and revitalization opportunities in Southern Scottsdale and the McDowell Road Corridor. McCormick Ranch Lifestyle
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Business Spotlight:
Midas 480 391-0792
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FALL 2014
Greg Milan is the new owner of Midas on 90th street, South of Mountain View Rd and North of Fry’s Marketplace. The shop itself has been here for 15 years, but Milan bought it in March and has been working hard to make it a valued community business. He has brought in new management and doubled the staff. Previously, Milan spent 18 years assisting financial advisors and their clients in Scottsdale. He dreamed of owning a franchise and always liked the garage setting. “The leadership and support from a national name like Midas made sense to me. I’ve worked on cars since I was 16 and thought this was the perfect fit,” he says. For over 50 years Midas has been caring for cars and trucks across the country. They offer a Lifetime Guarantee on brakes, mufflers and exhaust, and shocks and struts for as long as you own your car. Owned by a tire company, Midas also carries Firestone and Goodyear tires, as well as the other major brands. This location is the only one cobranded with SpeeDee Oil Change in all of Arizona. As a full-service shop, Midas offers oil changes with a comprehensive 17point courtesy inspection. They provide manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance for free, and can also perform the services recommended. They use state of the art technology, like the Hunter laser wheel alignment machine. It takes just a few minutes to perform a full, precise wheel alignment check with one of his qualified technicians. This service is currently FREE for any vehicle that comes in. They also accept fleet accounts for local and national service. Milan says, “We do it all and can service any car -- foreign, domestic and European cars. Every customer leaves happy and we’re getting some great reviews.” He adds, “I am always on site and can be reached 24/7.” Currently in process of remodeling the customer service area, Milan and his team are pleased to offer Keurig beverages and free shuttle service. Online appointments, quotes and coupons for this location are available at Midas.com or Speedeeoil. com. Open 7:30am-6pm M-F and 7:30am5pm on Saturday. This location also has a Facebook page: midas90thst. In October, this location will participate in the annual Feed the Hunger Event. Please feel free to drop off canned goods to help starving families in Greater Scottsdale.
Paella
Meet Emma the Brave
As any parent will tell you, seeing your child in pain is the brother (Tom) and younger sister (Kate), Emma has spent a lot of most gut-wrenching, helpless experience. For Keri Lee, resident time on the sidelines talking with adults. “She’s more like an adult oven to Lee. 375 F. and mom of three, this was her daily experience for many years. my age than an1.8 Preheat year old,” says With therapy twice a week, 2. Toss tomatoes in 3oftablespoons Emma has been battling “something” since she was 18 months their goal this year is tocherry get her doing all the things olive a kid her oil and for 12 - 15 minutes (some of the old. She’d be playing and all of sudden shriek in pain. “We age usually does, like runroast and jump. should be blistered). couldn’t go over speed bumps, pour water over her head in the In December, tomatoes Emma went through her 3rd surgery. She was 3. While tomatoes roast heattopaella pan for over3rd grade bath or pull her in a play wagon without her thrilled to come back Cochise medium heat.friends. When hot crying,” says Lee. Finally, when she was 3 and with allhigh of her Leeadd says,remaining “I can’t say oilenough and leeks. Stir the frequently for 2 -support 3 minutes after countless appointments, evaluations, about exceptional we’ve and add garlic. Stirthe forCochise 1 minutecommunity. and add sliced therapies, doctor visits and tests, Dr. Bearns received from They sausage. at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) have an amazing special needs program.” On 4. StirEmma’s occasionally until sausage 7 -she 10 was ordered an MRI that gave us the answer. first Monday backbrowns, at school minutes. She •had Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma in a wheelchair and by that Friday she was 6 tablespoons olive oil 5. Add rice and wine. Stir all on her (tumor = cancer) the length of her back telling her mom she constantly could walkuntil to class • 1her pint cherry tomatoes excess inside spine. These benign tumors often own!liquid has evaporated. 6. Add chicken and thing reducetoheat low. Stir affect balance and coordination. She was Emma’sstock favorite do to is draw. She • 1 large leed, white and light green part only, slivered occasionally for 5 minutes. salt,topepper, immediately admitted to PCH to remove the has been picked twice byAdd PCH be their • 3 garlic cloves minced and roastedartist tomatoes. Stirfunds to combine and tumor. featured to raise with holiday • 1 1/2 tears, pounds cut ainto transfer thesays, oven.“This year we made our own Through Lee sausage, says, “It was one very thin slices (1/8-inch thick) cards. to Keri 7. Bake all excess has been in a •million herrice to get this. art until and helped to liquid raise funds forabsorbed her therapy 2 cupschance long for grain and rice is tender (15 - 20 minutes). After 12 The doctors hadn’t even considered the treatment and medical bills at various events.” • 1 cupBut dryyouwhite 15Ifminutes test to forlearn doneness. necessary possibility. have wine to keep pushing… you’d like more,Asplease visit stir ‘Emma in the a little more stock or Again’ a little water. that’s• 3been lesson.” Brave Will Walk on facebook. To 1/2mycups chicken stock 8. Paella done when rice isLee tender excess Unfortunately, the tumor came back two helpisfamilies in need, alsoand recommends • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste liquid has evaporated. years later at which time Emma endured donating to the United HealthCare Children’s • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 16-months of chemotherapy. With a twin Foundation (www.UHCFF.org).
Directions
with Roasted Tomatoes and Sausages
By Andy Food Culinary Studio Ingredients
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FALL 2014
McCormick Ranch Lifestyle
My name is Trixie and I am a 4-year old Shih Tzu. My favorite thing to do is chasebunnies through the neighborhood, even though some are bigger than me, and I can never catch them. One time, a bunny must have thought I was another bunny and actually chased me! When I am on walks with my mommy, I recognize all kinds of doggies from my day care. What a great neighborhood I live in.
People always ask, “what kind of dog is that?” and it makes us smile. Toby is one of a kind. Born on a ranch West of Phoenix, our daughter picked him out of a litter. He’s developed quite the vocabulary and loves going to the dog park. My wife and I have had many dogs and we think Toby is a combination of all of them!
Four-legged
Ranchers Send us a picture
of your pet! Please email
editor@mcrlife.com
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11
Southern Scottsdale By Dana Close
Almost from the beginning, McDowell Road has been a transportation corridor. Relative to Arizona’s territorial days when it was just a dirt road carved through the desert, McDowell Road was a thoroughfare to yesteryear. Today, this area of revitalization is full of possibility for the future of our city. Initially, McDowell Road connected Phoenix with what we know today as the East Valley, including a tiny farming community called Orangedale that would eventually be called Scottsdale. Mostly, it served as the supply line to Camp Verde, an Army outpost on the Verde River created to protect those pursuing new lives in the West from attacks by the Apaches. Back in 1865 it wasn’t called McDowell Road. That didn’t happen until after the name of the outpost was changed to Camp McDowell, named after Civil War General Irvin McDowell. The heyday of McDowell Road began in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Los Arcos, the Valley’s first indoor mall, was built 12
FALL 2014
at the corner of Scottsdale and McDowell Roads. Papago Plaza was constructed across the street. El Dorado Park, the city’s first major park, was created just west of Hayden Road. Car dealerships followed. There was a time when 32 car lots were located on McDowell Road – which earned it the nickname “Motor Mile.” The dealerships generated tens of millions of dollars in sales tax revenue for the city. In the late 1990’s, the new Loop 101 began luring most of the dealerships away from McDowell Road. When the series of economic downturns hit in the 2000’s, this important part of our city became overlooked. The first sign of progress came about a year and a half ago when two significant events occurred: The City Council designated the revitalization of the McDowell Road Corridor as the City of Scottsdale’s number one strategic priority. And the Scottsdale Gateway Alliance (SGA) was established, an organization comprised of businesses, property owners and neighborhood residents in Southern Scottsdale who
are committed to capitalizing on the potential of the McDowell Road Corridor. The city and SGA are creating an environment that encourages more economic development while respecting the area’s important role in Scottsdale’s history and heritage. For revitalization to be sustainable over time, the public and private sectors must work together. And that’s what is making a difference in this new era of returning the McDowell Road Corridor to its place of prominence in our community. Cleaning up McDowell Road Corridor has become contagious. New landscaping now lines the street most of the way from 64th Street to the 101 Freeway. Scottsdale Road south of McDowell Road also has new desert landscaping on the sides and in the medians. Many existing businesses have been fixed up or given a fresh coat of paint. Construction by Mark Taylor Residential is also underway for 572 apartments that are scheduled to open by the end of the
Photo CREDIT: Scottsdale Historic Society
Making History in
year. And at least one abandoned building has been repurposed by an environmental design business. The Berghoff Design Group, owned and operated by Jeff Berghoff who is also a member of the SGA Board of Directors, employs 250 employees in the old Nissan dealership location. Berghoff is proof that with a little ingenuity and imagination, many of the former car dealerships’ long, narrow lots can creatively accommodate a variety of businesses. The neighborhoods in South Scottsdale are also an asset. Because many homes in Southern Scottsdale were built in the 1950’s and 60’s, in the style that architects and designers call “Mid-Century,” they have a charm seldom found in other parts of the city. Mid-Century homes were constructed with materials that make them sturdy and appealing to people seeking quality craftsmanship and a good investment. Long-time residents, some of whom have grown up in Southern Scottsdale, are seeing an influx of young people who are attracted by the quality of life and friendly environment that make it a great place to raise a family. Of course, we couldn’t talk about Southern Scottsdale without touching on SkySong. Also known as ASU’s Innovation Center, SkySong’s third building is nearing completion and much of its space is already leased. The fourth building is expected to break ground this fall. Currently, SkySong employs more than 1,000 people and is occupied by businesses representing 14 different countries. What’s most impressive is that SkySong isn’t even halfway complete. SkySong is not only bringing worldwide prestige to our city, it’s also infusing a welcome energy to the progress being made in Southern Scottsdale. Given its close proximity to Phoenix, Tempe and ASU, McDowell Road has unlimited economic potential to rebound from the Great Recession. The Scottsdale Gateway Alliance, working in tandem with the City of Scottsdale, businesses and the neighborhoods, is helping make history for Southern Scottsdale by restoring the McDowell Road Corridor back to its former glory. To stay up to date on the progress being made in the McDowell Road Corridor, visit Scottsdale.gov/reinvest/mcdowellcorridor and ScottsdaleGatewayAlliance.com Dana Close is a member of the Scottsdale Gateway Alliance Board of Directors and a resident of Southern Scottsdale.
For revitalization to be sustainable over time, the public and private sectors must work together. And that’s what is making a difference in this new era of returning the McDowell Road Corridor to its place of prominence in our community.
Public School Funding:
Understanding the Basics By Kim Hartmann & Francesca Thomas The most important structure of public school funding in Arizona is the equalization funding formula. This formula, developed in the 1970s, dictates that every student in public school gets the exact same amount of base level funding from the State. When a school district, because it is in a property rich area, collects more taxes than what the State says it needs for the education of its enrolled students, those extra funds are divvied among the schools in areas with less of a property base. Today, the Arizona base level of funding stands around $3200 per student. There are separate pots of money that only be used for designated items (such as soft capital, or maintenance of property in common with other municipalities). It is useful to know that typically these funds may not be used for anything other than their specific designation. And there are 3 main ways the local
14 FALL 2014
community can directly contribute to our public schools. These include tax credit, bonds and overrides. The tax credit law allows state taxpayers to spend up to $400 for married couples, and $200 for single filers, directly in a public school of their choice. It is a dollar for dollar reduction of your state tax liability; basically, you are telling the Legislature that you have already spent a part of your taxes to support a public school. In SUSD, about $3 million was collected lat year in tax credit. If every taxpayer in the district availed himself of this opportunity, over $25 million could be used directly by our schools to support education. Bonds are ballot measures intended to fund capital projects. Bonds are specific to a project and, once passed by voters, funds can only be used for the delineated projects. In SUSD, bonds have been sold to rebuild the high schools and the middle schools- all on time and under budget.
Overrides are also ballot measures. They are restricted to no more than 15% of the maintenance and operations budget of a district, and last only 7 years. In the final 3 years, the funding is reduced by 1/3 each year until full expiration after the 7th year. In November, SUSD will be asking voters to renew an override that is in its final year. While the law does not require it, SUSD has specified exactly how these funds will be used: they will restore art music and PE to all elementary schools; they will reduce class size across all grades; they will support increasing teacher salaries. It is important to understand where all the money comes from, and especially to realize that 48.8% of all public school funding comes from the local community. Kim Hartmann and Francesca Thomas are parents who reside in the Scottsdale Unified School District. Both are candidates for the 2 open seats on the SUSD Governing Board.
Weekend Jetaway Partners with Local PGA Superstar to Elevate Event By Alison Bailin Over the past several years, AXA Advisors Southwest – and its executive Vice President Dillan Micus, a resident of the McCormick Ranch area – has worked with local partners on Weekend Jetaway, an evening of music, culinary creations from leading Valley chefs, cocktails and casino games set in a private jet hangar within the Scottsdale Airport. During the event, guests play a casino-style dice game, with several lucky winners taking home a multitude of lux prizes, including the grand prize – a luxurious all-inclusive, first-class trip on a private jet for four. “We are proud of what we’ve created – and now it is time to elevate it to the next level,” says Micus, recently named to the Phoenix Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” for his work in both the business and philanthropic communities. Turns out, Micus is being literal. “Earlier this year, we partnered with Elevate Phoenix and PGA star Tom Lehman to take our concept to the next level together,” says Micus, noting all proceeds from the 2014 event will benefit the nonprofit organization. Lehman, a Scottsdale resident who has been playing golf professionally for more than 30 years and is the only golfer in history to have been awarded the Player of the Year honor on all three PGA Tours, is a founding board member of Elevate Phoenix. “Elevate Phoenix is a unique and often life-changing program for Arizona youth that provides in-school teaching; after-school mentoring/tutoring; career instruction/ post-secondary preparation; character, life skills and peer leadership development; community service; adventure activities; and reading/literacy improvement within urban public schools,” says Lehman. Currently, the organization reports a 98% graduation rate and 90% post-secondary rate among participating youth in Arizona’s most urban communities. “The heart of our success is the work of our team of full-time, primarily ethnic staff who serve as teachers, mentors, and life coaches to students over multiple years. Teacher mentors are available to students 24/7,” says Lehman. “These one-on-one connections make in-school learning more effective. As a part of this relational approach, Elevate Phoenix standardizes its learning objectives and equips staff to meet the varied learning needs of their students.” Currently, Elevate Phoenix is serving 4,500 local students at a cost of just $222 per student.
As the nonprofit organization got off the ground, it was funded wholly by contributions from businesses and civic organizations. “We’ve never done a large-scale gala or fundraising event involving the entire community,” says Lehman. “Our goal with Weekend Jetaway is to grow it into the premiere event of the fall season.” In an effort to show his support to the event in its first year of partnership, Lehman himself has signed on as the official Weekend Jetaway host and honorary chair. “Weekend Jetaway will take place in a private jet hangar within the Scottsdale Airpark on Saturday, November 1,” says Lehman, noting the event has strategically been moved to November so it can take place the same weekend as the Charles Schwab Cup in Scottsdale, which he has won in previous years. “Like before, it will feature live music and both gourmet food and drink from chefs across the Valley including Sassi, SOL Cocina, The Yacht Club, The Four Seasons Resort, Tom’s Thumb Marketplace, The Melting Pot and many more as well as dancing, a luxurious silent auction and even games – with the winner from the evening taking home a free trip for four on a private jet.” With Lehman and Elevate on board however, there will be some new twists as well, including the chance to be Lehman’s personal guest at the 2015 British Open, new sponsors including Alliance Beverage, elevated entertainment and much more. Tickets are all-inclusive of food, drinks and entertainment and start at $100/person. Sponsorships are available through late October and range from $500 to $10,000. Silent and live auction packages are also being accepted through the end of October. To get involved at any level, or to purchase tickets, please visit www. weekendjetaway.orgor contact committee team member Alison Bailin at abailin@hmapr.com or 602-318-3775.
McCormick Ranch Lifestyle
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BUSINESS PROFILE
Anytime Fitness is Every Day by David Brown 18 FALL 2014
Brian and Amber Mikesell are keeping four-decade-old McCormick Ranch young and shapely. The couple opened an Anytime Fitness franchise July 5 at the Shops at Gainey Ranch, 7704 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, near Wally’s. The 5,000-square-foot facility offers premium cardio- and selectorized strength equipment, free weights and TRX® Suspension Training®, fitness classes, Yoga, Zumba, bootcamps, personal training services and 24/7 and 365-day access. “We’ve also adopted a whole-health mentality — ‘Healthy Body, Healthy Mind’ — so we are the first Anytime Fitness location that offers meditation services with a dedicated meditation room and guided meditations,” says Amber, who has been a Yoga and aerobics instructor and leads the guided meditations at the center. “We are a convenient alternative to the big box clubs,” adds Brian, who has played various sports since youth and belonged to many clubs. “Above all, Anytime Fitness is known for amazing club culture. We don’t have thousands of members, so we know each and every member by name and we know their fitness story, allowing us to cater better to their needs.” The Mikesells demo’d the previous space, a salon and a flower shop, and built out the interior with the best equipment, spa-style private shower rooms, the meditation room and a multipurpose room for personal training and classes. The Ohio natives moved to Scottsdale in 2011 with their son, Joshua. She grew up in London, a small rural town near Columbus, graduated from Otterbein College with a degree in Organizational Communication. He was raised in Lima, moved to Columbus and graduated from Ohio State with a Computer Science degree. “Little did we know that we had worked at some of the same companies and lived in the same neighborhood before we met through a mutual friend for lunch one day, became friends and were married two years later in Columbus,” Amber says. “We both love Ohio but prefer the sun and palm trees of the Valley,” Brian adds, noting that although they don’t live in McCormick Ranch, they did in the San Antigua Apartments their first year in the Valley. “We immediately loved the greenbelt and the breathtaking view of the McDowell Mountains over Marguerite Lake.” Amber notes that the two share people passion and want to help them attain their diverse fitness and healthy life goals, even if that’s just listening for a few minutes when a member needs to discuss these issues. “The primary reason we started this club was to offer a valuable service to people that could positively impact their lives,” Amber says. “We plan to know our members on a personal level, truly understanding what their fitness journey has been and needs to be and we will support them in any way we need to in order to help them achieve their goals,” Brian adds. Club culture is important for both. “We want our members to feel like they’ve joined a community, not just a fitness club. And selfishly, we enjoy offering that positive impact,” she says. “This club is as much for us as it is for our members.” Anytime Fitness Scottsdale Gainey Ranch is staffed Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, call Amber or Brian at 480-348-2348.
The Right Place for Wright’s Spire? By Sam Lowe
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The City of Scottsdale is benefiting from an error in judgement by the State of Arizona. In 1957, famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed a new State Capitol that would have been located in Papago Park, about seven miles east of the existing capitol. One of the design features was a large spire rising from the complex. But the state rejected the proposal because, they said, it was too controversial. So the plans were stored until 2002, when at least part of them were put to good use. Scottsdale Promenade, a new shopping center in the northeast sector of the city, needed an attention-getting landmark and the rejected spire was just what the developers wanted. The plan was resurrected and the forty-ton spire was built in 2003, then installed in 2004 at a cost of one million dollars. Now it stands as a sentry on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. It rises 127 feet above shoppers, and contains 1,700 blue translucent panels. At night, 142 lamps illuminate the spire from the inside, casting a blue hue for more than a mile.
McCormick Ranch Lifestyle
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The Arizona Fall League
Brings Tomorrow’s Baseball Stars to Scottsdale Did you know the next Bryce Harper, Andrew McCutchen, Dustin Pedroia or Mike Trout might be playing baseball in your own backyard this fall? It’s true! Throughout October and November, Salt River Fields and Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale will be home to the Salt River Rafters and Scottsdale Scorpions, respectively, two of six Arizona Fall League (AFL) teams comprised by many of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) elite young prospects — some of whom hail from right here in the Valley! “The Arizona Fall League is regarded throughout professional baseball as the finishing school for top prospects,” explains league director Steve Cobb. “It features top prospects from every organization in Major League Baseball.” The AFL’s role in baseball’s development process goes deeper than players, too. The league has helped future major league managers, coaches, umpires and front office administrators and executives reach the big leagues. For instance, this past July, 36 ex-AFL players and four umpires were selected to participate in MLB’s All-Star Game plus 10 former players in the Futures Game and six of 10 participants in the Home Run Derby. Fans certainly are not forgotten, either. “We also are proud to offer an affordable alternative for fans and families to enjoy professional baseball played at the highest level by an assortment of minor-league all-stars and first-round draft choices who are headed to the major leagues,” says Cobb. Approximately 60 percent of players selected for the Fall League reach the major leagues. Since its inceptions the AFL is responsible for helping develop: 212 MLB All-Stars 34 MLB Managers 46 MLB Umpires 25 MLB Rookies of the Year 12 MLB MVPs 8 MLB All-Star Game MVPs 4 Cy Young Award Winners 3 World Series MVPs Just some of the MLB standouts who played in the AFL in recent years include: Starlin Castro (Cubs SS) Aroldis Chapman (Reds closer) Josh Donaldson (Athletics 3B) Sean Doolittle (Athletics LHP) Freddie Freeman (Braves 1B) Bryce Harper (Nationals LF) 22
FALL 2014
Drew Hutchison (Blue Jays RHP) Craig Kimbrel (Braves closer) Tommy LaStella (Braves 2B) Andrew McCutchen (Pirates CF) Salvador Perez (Royals C) Albert Pujols (Angels 1B/DH) Giancarlo Stanton (Marlins RF) Marcus Stroman (Blue Jays RHP) Troy Tulowitzki (Rockies SS) Mike Trout (Angels CF) The Arizona Fall League remains among the most affordable outdoor activities in the Northeast Valley this fall. “Both day and night games are only $8 for adults and $6 for children or seniors — and you can sit wherever you like. Season passes are similarly wallet-friendly at just $85 for adults and $75 for children or seniors,” says Cobb, noting that all 30 MLB teams are represented on the AFL’s six teams with at least seven players. The Rafters will be stocked with prospects from the hometown Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Miami Marlins and Minnesota Twins. The Scorpions, that boasted current MLB stars Harper and Trout on its 2011 roster and Pedroia, a former ASU star, a few years earlier, will include prospects from the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants in 2014. The Rafters and Scorpions play each of the four other teams whose rosters are filled by players from the other 20 MLB organizations. Finally, just as MLB features signature events — such as its AllStar Game and Home Run Derby — so does the AFL, including three in Scottsdale. Major events during the 2014 season include: Bowman Hitting Challenge, 6:35 p.m., Saturday, October 4, Salt River Fields Fall Stars Game, 5:08 p.m., Saturday, November 1, Salt River Fields Military Appreciation Game (Mesa Solar Sox at defending champion Surprise Saguaros), 6:08 p.m., Saturday, November 8, Surprise Stadium AFL Championship Game, 1:08 p.m., Saturday, November 15, Scottsdale Stadium “Given the top prospects who play here, every AFL game is a showcase of future major leaguers, many of whom will reach allstar status like Mike Trout,” says Cobb. “It is destination baseball for fans during what amounts to a 40-day homestand in perfect weather and modern, comfortable stadiums.” Visit www.mlbfallball.com for current information and tickets.
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HomeWatchAZ Do you own a second home or travel for weeks at a time? Visit our website at www.HomeWatchAZ.com
Now you can have “Peace of Mind” while you’re away. Diane Mitchell, OWNER
BONDED AND INSURED
In Business Since 1998
602 909-6635
homewatchaz@hotmail.com
McCormick Ranch Lifestyle
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