Spring2014 by eClaire Publishing

Summer Camp Ideas Meet Emma the Brave

Explore the

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

SPRING 2014

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Contents

Features: Explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Summer Camp Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Meet Emma the Brave . . . . . . . . . . 17 Arts Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

In Every Issue: Real Estate Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Resident Recipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Four-Legged Ranchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Local Business HighlightS: Lost & Found Consignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Colleen Malley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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.

SPRING 2014

Letter from the

Editor

Dear reader, It’s certainly an interesting time to live in Scottsdale. With political banter over our General Plan and record-breaking attendance for both Barrett Jackson and the Phoenix Open in January, it seems we’re just warming up. Preparations for next year’s Super Bowl here are already underway. And Scottsdale publicity has been gracing subways and buildings in frigid areas of the country like New York City and Chicago. We’re not ashamed to enjoy the sunshine -- and rub it in a little -- before triple digits make their way back in the forecast! Our feature in this issue focuses on the beautiful McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which has grown in recent years, thanks to the foresight of keeping Scottsdale’s natural appeal. In fact, our City has the largest amount of preserve land in the country. Hiking is a great exercise any time of year and a wonderful way to get in touch with nature. Unfortunately, many novice hikers still come unprepared and have to be rescued each year. I took my kids on their first hike this year and quickly realized I should have brought more water. Luckily, we had grabbed a map and were able to cut the walk short. It’s hard to believe that another school year will be wrapping up soon. We’ve profiled several area public schools in recent issues (see Saguaro in this issue). Many famous Scottsdale area graduates have helped put Arizona in the spotlight; Steven Spielberg, Lynda Carter, Stephanie Meyer and David Spade are just a few. Education continues to be a touchy subject as budgets are cut and charter school attendance increases. Stay tuned for information about the new Great Hearts Academy (K-12) opening in The Pavilions this August. Sincerely,

Alexandra Duemer alexandra@mcrlife.com

(480) 800-3000 butterflywonderland.com 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

McCormick Ranch Lifestyle

Real Estate

Market Trends By Mike Jones of Stone Path Real Estate

SPRING 2014

Over the past two years, real estate prices in McCormick Ranch and Scottsdale have risen on average between 25-30%. Investors have played a large role in that trend. Over the last few months and into the foreseeable future, the market has shifted towards a more balanced market. One of the contributing factors to this balanced market is the pull back of investor buyers. With distressed housing inventory (short sales, bank owned) at its lowest level since 2005, at only 34% of the market, there just are not as many bargains out there for the investor right now. With a downward trend in the number of investor buyers right now, we are seeing an upward buying trend of second homes and more traditional sales. The current ownership in Scottsdale is made up of approximately 30% investors, 15% second home owners and 55% full time residents. Another factor in the shift to this

more balanced market is the growing trend of active listing inventory. McCormick Ranch had approximately 4.2 months of inventory in December 2012, and as of December 2013 that inventory level was back up to 6.7 months. So what does all this mean for home prices in McCormick Ranch? Even with the recent slowdown, more homes on the market and as a result, more competition for home sellers, the average home price in the 85258 zip code at the end of December 2013 was $218 square foot. That is the highest price per square foot McCormick Ranch has seen in nearly 5 years. Note the graph above from the Cromford Report*, with the last 5 years of average price per square foot in the 85258 zip code. In a balanced market based on historical data, I would expect home prices in McCormick Ranch to appreciate at a more modest 46% in 2014. What is the long term outlook for McCormick Ranch real estate, over the next 10-15 years? I feel that McCormick Ranch will continue to be one of the more sought after communities in Scottsdale. No other community in Scottsdale competes with our parks, lakes, greenbelts and shopping. I feel that our second home buyer sales will continue to grow and drive the strength of our market for the next several years. The reason this is the case is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Baby Boomersâ&#x20AC;?. The Baby Boomers as we have all heard of are folks born between the Boom years of 1946-1964. So that puts these folks between the ages of 67 down to 49 years old. If we assume the average retirement age to be about 65, then there are still about 90% of the Boomers coming up on retirement over the next 15 years or so. According to a Del Webb study, 1/3 of Baby Boomers plan to move to a new home in retirement. Also, according to that same study Arizona is in the top 5 of destinations the Baby Boomers will retire to. In my humble opinion, any time is a great time to buy and sell real estate. But, there are some tremendous opportunities we have now with the more balanced market. Sellers can list their homes knowing that the prices are as high as we have seen in almost 5 years, and the fact that as inventories are up, we are going to begin to see more traditional buyers in the market looking to buy homes and step up buyers. For a potential buyer, now is also a tremendous time for you to purchase. This is due to the higher balanced inventories, and with many of the Investor buyers out of the market. This creates less competition for you, and more to choose from. You now have more negotiating power in the market than you did the last couple of years. Plus, you can buy a home knowing that the outlook for the market over the next several years is a positive one, ultimately giving you more confidence in your investment. Mike Jones, Realtor, CDPE. Stone Path Real Estate. www.McCormickRanchProperty.com, (480) 747-2835, email: MJ3044@gmail.com. McCormick Ranch Lifestyle

Lost + Found Resale Interiors 8

SPRING 2014

Jill Cooper of Lost + Found Resale Interiors has an eye for design and a mind for business. With a background in construction project management, interior design, and personal shopping, it’s no wonder that upon first walking into her spacious yet cozy consignment store in Scottsdale, you’ll immediately feel that you’re in the presence of someone who appreciates what it takes to turn a house into a home. From the mossy green walls and the Moroccan style front desk, to the ambient lighting and relaxed background music, there is a welcoming feel to Lost + Found. Jill is very proud of what her shop has become. “We have met so many wonderful people since we opened in 2012—people who have become regulars and more importantly, friends. This makes our job very enjoyable and I can truly say that the entire staff loves what they do. We take pride in helping our customers find what they are looking for and will take the time to offer input or suggestions.” Consignment shopping seems to have taken over where retail shopping left off. You can still find the Robb & Stucky, Kriess, and Baker pieces that you once found in the large retail showrooms, but now find them at 50-90% off! “We price items very fairly, and we do our research to make sure both the consignor and the buyer get the best deal,” says Jill. As an eclectic store, they do not specialize in one type of design style, but strive to bring one of a kind pieces and furnishings that represent all types of décor. They carry antiques, modern, mid-century modern, traditional, and rustic pieces, just to name a few. They are also known for, and very proud of, their extensive art collection. “Our inventory is ever changing and we are very excited to be able to continually offer new reasons for people to stop by and see us,” said Jill. Located just north of Scottsdale Quarter, Jill suggests visiting all of the wonderful second hand stores within her block as well. But Jill’s touch even extends to McCormick Ranch. If you’ve visited the new Altitude Coffee Lab in Mercado Del Lago, then you’ve experienced her decorating style first hand. One of the owners is a dear friend and asked her to help decorate the new coffee house. She says, “I was inspired by the West Village in New York. I wanted visitors to feel encompassed … the grey paint color is warm and gives you a hug when you come in.” Jill worked with the owners to create its edgy feel and maximize space. The result is just what this area needed, complete with cozy seating on the patio. Those who are new to the consignment experience can rest assured that Lost + Found has built a name for itself by being one of the more unique and fairly priced stores in town. Those interested in consigning with Lost + Found are asked to submit photos to info@lostandfoundresale. com. Open seven days a week, Lost + Found Resale Interiors is located at 15551 N. Greenway- Hayden Loop, Suite 150, in Scottsdale, on the Southwest corner of 76th Street and Greenway- Hayden Loop. For more information, visit their online gallery at LostandFoundResale.com or call (480) 588-7006.

resident recipe

Orange Crepes Ingredients: 4 eggs 3/4 cup Florida orange juice 1 tablespoon sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 7 generous tablespoons flour

SPRING 2014

Preparation: 1. In a blender container, place eggs, orange juice, sugar and salt. Cover and pulse 15 seconds until combined. While blender is on, add flour one tablespoon at a time until blended well. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 2. Melt 1/2 tablespoon butter in a 10-inch nonstick sautĂŠ pan. Pour 3 tablespoons of batter into the pan and swirl around to coat the bottom of the pan evenly. 3. Cook until edges are nice and brown and middle is firm to the touch. Loosen edges and flip crepe and cool for approximately 15 seconds. Slide out of pan onto plate and cover with foil while continuing to make crepes with remaining batter. 4. Fill with sugar, jam, or fresh fruit. Garnish with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve immediately.

“We are going in our 2nd year living in McCormick Ranch and absolutely LOVE it here! Our two Yorkshire Terriers, Big Brown & Fuji love it here too. They love Mountain View Park, taking bike rides in their dog trailer, or laying in the sun poolside.” – K. Goldberg

“My husband and I moved to McCormick Ranch five years ago and LOVE IT! We have since rescued three dogs, who cannot get enough of the outdoors. Pictured(from the left) are Sebastian, Sprout and Benny.” -N. Linder

Four-legged

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McCormick Ranch Lifestyle

Explore the

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Last year, more than 350,000 visitors enjoyed Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the largest urban preserve in the nation encompassing more than 30,000 acres. Supported and stewarded by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, visitor logs tell the story of guests from all of the country’s 50 states, from every continent except Antarctica, and virtually every town and city in Arizona. New in the Preserve is the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead where an estimated 100,000 will visit in the first year. Construction of the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead was completed in 2013 with interpretive panels along the trail, just installed in January. The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy’s Brown’s Ranch Interpretive Center is packed full of activities and resources centered on Arizona ranching and pioneer families portraying the unique human history of the McDowell Mountains and Arizona culture. A special focus is the rarely heard history of women -- from Native American women and their families, to women in ranching and modernday pioneers. This focus presents the opportunity for visitors to experience how families in the Sonoran Desert created a life under the harshest of circumstances. Mike Nolan, Executive Director, has been with the Conservancy since 2010. During that time he has watched the preserve more than double in size. In the next three years, another 60-70 miles of trails will be added to the Northern parts near Brown’s Ranch. Nolan says, “We have an extraordinary 120 miles of trails and the diversity really stands out. You can explore and find lots of great things! Part of the charm is that you’re far from civilization, but you have to be prepared.” The Conservancy leads several hikes

with different themes each month. The right shoes and hydration are critical. Last year, the Preserve hosted more than 2,500 elementary school children from across the Phoenix metro area, where staff and volunteers expert in education expanded and enhanced Arizona heritage and science curriculum. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve Institute also recently completed a three-year effort to inventory all of the plants and animals found here. This will help with their monitoring process going forward and ensure our wildlife is protected. Another part of the study will measure human impact on trails and provide the foundation for an Ecological Resource Plan. Nolan finds the most rewarding part of his work is getting to know the 600 volunteer stewards who take care of the preserve. “The citizens of Scottsdale voted to tax themselves and take care of the preserve. It’s interesting to see all the different people involved. I don’t think any other city in the country has done anything like this,” he says. The vision of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy is to be the leader in urban preserve management through the excellence with which we steward the Preserve. Through research conducted by our Field Institute and our educational programs, our volunteer stewards effectively care for the Preserve and share our expertise. These activities result in generations of citizens and visitors enjoying the Preserve in a respectful and informed manner, and learning about its ecological and biological resources.

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve Institute also recently completed a three-year effort to inventory all of the plants and animals found here.

12 SPRING 2014

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Upcoming Events: Crawly Creatures – Friday, March 7th at 4:30 p.m. Back by popular demand; Ranger Amy Burnett from McDowell Mountain Regional Park returns with her family of reptiles. How big will the Gopher Snake be this season? Wildflower Hike - Sunday, March 16th at 7:45 a.m. at Sunrise Trailhead, 145th Street & Via Linda. Join experts in identifying and learning about the Sonoran Desert’s beautiful wildflowers. Allow 3 hours for this 4-mile round trip with about 1,150 feet elevation gain which features sweeping long range views from the Sunrise Peak. Long steep sections. Geology Story – Sunday, March 23rd at 7:45 a.m. Learn about the geologic history of the McDowell Mountains by actually looking at it. We’ll discuss some basic concepts, examine the bedrock of the mountains, and look at huge folds in the rock created more than a billion years ago. Allow 3.5 hours for this 4.5-mile loop hike that climbs about 600 feet over a mountain pass. For more information, visit mcdowellsonoran.org McCormick Ranch Lifestyle

Colleen’s Tips for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell:

Get to know...

Colleen Malley Even as a little girl, Colleen Malley was more fascinated with dollhouses than dolls. Malley’s obsession with the perfect kitchen, the furniture and interior design has only continued to grow. “When my fiancé and I go on vacation to other cities, there isn’t a time we don’t hop in the rental car to drive around and look at homes. I guess you can say we both are obsessed with Real Estate,” says Malley. As a professional dancer who pursued her career as an NFL Cheerleader, this Arizona native brings a ‘team player’ attitude to every transaction. Malley says, “I look back at those younger years as a great experience. The dedication I had to dance, community service, charity work and public speaking has rounded me out to be the professional I am today.” Malley explains that when she started dating her fiancé six years ago he was already a Realtor. Although he’s been a dentist since 1995, it was his second career and he taught her about buying and selling as an investor and working with clientele to find them a perfect home. This partnership worked well; when he had a client she could handle everything while he was in the dental office. They would work together on real estate in the evenings and weekends. After years of working with him and learning, she has now taken the lead, but still enjoys his assistance. She says, “My clients not only hire me as their Realtor for my expertise in real estate, they hire me as their coach. I work together with my client in a team approach so that no stone is left unturned.” Malley teaches her clients the methods necessary to sell their home for the highest 14 SPRING 2014

dollar in the shortest amount of time, or how to efficiently search for their new home. With today’s technology, it has given the client more power than ever and saves the Realtor valuable time in buying and selling homes. In reducing the amount of time spent closing transactions, Malley and her partner have decided that a lower commission base is in order. Most Realtor’s would disagree with this philosophy, but here is their example: Ten years ago your house may have been worth $200,000 and with the lack of all the internet sites that are available it may have taken twice as long to sell your house due to the fact there was so much less exposure in selling your home. A 3% commission yielded the Realtor a $6,000 net at the time of sale. Today that same house may sell for $300,000, and it may sell in half the amount of time due to the multiple internet marketing sites, i.e.. Realtor.com, Redfin.com, Trulia.com. 3% commission would yield the Realtor now a $9,000 commission. By listing your home for 1.5% and selling quickly with all the marketing tools, the Realtor would still net $4,500. Their point is that commissions are negotiable and the amount of work that is invested by the Realtor should be compensated accordingly. Developing a relationship with your Realtor is not just about selling you a home today. “I’m not looking to just sell you a home, I’m looking to build trust and be your Realtor for life! I hope that after I prove myself, you will be proud to refer me to family and friends,” says Malley. For more information, call 480 329-8482 or visit AZRealtorCoach.com

1. Curb Appeal! Whether you use a professional landscaper or do it yourself, the front yard should look neat and tight. Nothing over grown and certainly no weeds! A touch of color is always a positive with some flowers and potted plants at your entry. 2. The biggest bang for your buck is a fresh coat of paint. Nothing makes a house look more appealing, fresh and clean than a coat of paint. 3. Declutter, declutter, declutter! We sometimes don’t realize how much stuff we have and how others perceive it. You’ll be amazed at how much larger your rooms look and feel. 4. Remove as many personal items as possible. Think model home! You want prospective buyers to view the home as their future home. As a seller you need to take the emotions out of the sale. 5. Keep your driveway empty. Do not use it as a storage spot for a car or boat. This will give better curb appeal and leave adequate parking for a Realtor and their clients. 6. If you have resources to do updates to your home, the best dollar for dollar is a kitchen renovation. This could be as simple as newer matching appliances or new cabinets and counter tops. 7. Nobody wants to move into a home with old carpets. You’d be surprised at the inexpensive options available at Lowes & Home Depot. It’s so appealing for a buyer to walk into a home with that new carpet smell. 8. Higher a cleaning company for a deep cleaning of your entire home. Your bathrooms and kitchen should be spotless. Your home should be move-in ready. 9. Keep the temperature comfortable. You don’t need to keep it like an ice box, but you want it comfortable enough so buyers aren’t looking to run out and move on to the next showing. 10. Staging your home may be important if the house is vacant. This can go from complete home furnishings to something as simple as lighting, plants and accessories. After completing 1-10, you should be left with a house you just may not want to leave.

HAPPY HOUR

REINVENTED

At the Downside Risk, we’ve decided to give our Happy Hour a reboot. Starting this week, we’re introducing some new scrumptious small bites and irresistible drink specials that will be sure to whet your appetite.

Guests can wine and dine on some of our newest additions to our Happy Hour Menu items like our crispy calamari rings, tasty potstickers, or one of our delectable tenderloin, burger, or buffalo chicken sliders. Grab some friends or coworkers and stop by daily from 3-7pm and weekends all day to taste our new Happy Hour Menu and let us know what you think!

DON’T FORGET ABOUT OUR... TANTALIZING MENU

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Boys & Girls Club

Summer Camp

By E.J. Hughes

Provides More than Boredom Busters Growing up, most of my summertime memories revolved participate in, not all children are drawn to athletics. To keep around camp. Like many kids, I attended summer day camp kids excited about exercise, we set up obstacle courses, have at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale (The Clubs). “water battle” days and take field trips to swimming pools. I credit a lot to those summers, most of which I spent on the Creativity and the Arts: With art programs often being basketball court or baseball field, but not for making me a the first cut from school’s budgets, many children are not professional athlete – because I’m not. I credit those summers exposed to the creative outlets they so desperately need. Our for providing me with experiences that arts & crafts are among the most enjoyed helped shaped the person I am today. activities the kids partake in, but we take Today, that person is the director of it beyond construction paper. From setclub services for The Clubs, where I have building to pirate ship construction, we the pleasure of helping to create these challenge creative minds to think outside experiences for the next generation. And the box. while the major appeal of summer camp Education and Technology: Kids – freedom, fun and friends – remains the today are the most tech savvy of any Carrie Curran Art Studios same, the world has changed a lot since generation, but summer months can mean carriecurranart.com I was a camper, making this adolescent hours in front of video games or online. International School of Arizona rite of passage more than just a way to We get our campers to unplug from video isaz.org spend time between grades. At The Clubs, games and plug into technology. We offer we design summers to provide the most classes in digital photography, graphic Scottsdale Gymnastics benefit to our campers through programs design and music production, teaching our scottsdalegymnastics.com and activities that will keep kids engaged. children that computers can be useful and YMCA Each activity our campers participate in fun outside the gaming world. valleyymca.org help to develop important life skills as we Parents’ Piece of Mind: While strive to provide a program that allows school-aged children get three months of Desert Stages Theatre kids a variety of experiences. freedom in the summer, most parents do desertstages.org not. With many parents working fulltime, The Clubs ensure those parents know Our goals are to provide: their children are not only safe, but somewhere their children Confidence and Socialization: Summer camps provide enjoy. Keeping kids engaged while out of school lowers their kids’ time with their peers in structured, yet relaxed social risk of getting into trouble – something often associated with environments. Unlike typical grade schools, cliques are not boredom. as developed in camps, allowing barriers to come down and Our Boys & Girls Club Summer Camp is now open for social skills to grow. Without the normal pressures of social registration. All branch camps start the last week of May. For expectations, kids are more likely to try new experiences. I have more information, or to sign up, please visit www.bgcs.org seen campers begin their summers shy and reserved, only to take E.J. Hughes is the director of club services Boys & Girls Clubs center stage later during the camp talent show. Developing their of Greater Scottsdale. He has been an employee of the Clubs for confidence will help them in all aspects of their lives. more than 15 years and was a member prior to that. One of his Physical activity: Club sports are one of our most biggest contributions to the Clubs is the implementation of a College recognized programs. While these programs run year-round, 101 program for high school students. and summer camp offers a variety of sports for campers to

Other Camp Programs Nearby

16 SPRING 2014

Meet Emma the Brave

As any parent will tell you, seeing your child in pain is the most gut-wrenching, helpless experience. For Keri Lee, resident and mom of three, this was her daily experience for many years. Emma has been battling “something” since she was 18 months old. She’d be playing and all of sudden shriek in pain. “We couldn’t go over speed bumps, pour water over her head in the bath or pull her in a play wagon without her crying,” says Lee. Finally, when she was 3 and after countless appointments, evaluations, therapies, doctor visits and tests, Dr. Bearns at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) ordered an MRI that gave us the answer. She had Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma (tumor = cancer) the length of her back inside her spine. These benign tumors often affect balance and coordination. She was immediately admitted to PCH to remove the tumor. Through tears, Lee says, “It was a one in a million chance for her to get this. The doctors hadn’t even considered the possibility. But you have to keep pushing… that’s been my lesson.” Unfortunately, the tumor came back two years later at which time Emma endured 16-months of chemotherapy. With a twin

brother (Tom) and younger sister (Kate), Emma has spent a lot of time on the sidelines talking with adults. “She’s more like an adult my age than an 8 year old,” says Lee. With therapy twice a week, their goal this year is to get her doing all of the things a kid her age usually does, like run and jump. In December, Emma went through her 3rd surgery. She was thrilled to come back to Cochise for 3rd grade with all of her friends. Lee says, “I can’t say enough about the exceptional support we’ve received from the Cochise community. They have an amazing special needs program.” On Emma’s first Monday back at school she was in a wheelchair and by that Friday she was telling her mom she could walk to class on her own! Emma’s favorite thing to do is draw. She has been picked twice by PCH to be their featured artist to raise funds with holiday cards. Keri says, “This year we made our own art and helped to raise funds for her therapy treatment and medical bills at various events.” If you’d like to learn more, please visit ‘Emma the Brave Will Walk Again’ on facebook. To help families in need, Lee also recommends donating to the United HealthCare Children’s Foundation (www.UHCFF.org).

McCormick Ranch Lifestyle

Organic Produce at Your Door Nature’s Garden Delivered is a Phoenixbased business that delivers local (within a day’s drive) organic produce right to your front door. This small company works directly with farmers around the valley and state to get the week’s freshest produce picks. Nature’s Garden Delivered inspects by hand, hand packs, and delivers the produce promptly after arrival, ensuring consistently fresh fruits and vegetables every week. The produce goes from the farm and on to your table within two days. It is a fantastic option for those of us who want to support our local farmers, but can’t always make it to the farmers market!

18 SPRING 2014

Nature’s Garden Delivered offers weekly or bi-weekly delivery right to your home or business. Deliveries are made to your door by 7am and contain a full week’s worth of produce. Boxes are pre-assorted with the option to select either all vegetables, fruits, or a mixture of both. If there is produce you are allergic to or just don’t care for, that’s not a problem! When you sign up you can select items that you never want included in your order. Nature’s Garden Delivered also offers additional items you can add to your delivery including local dairy, eggs, and meats.

There are several sizes of boxes to choose from including tiny, small, medium, and large. They make it convenient by allowing the deliveries to be paid per order with the option to cancel anytime. Also, if you are headed out of town, you can easily plug in your vacation dates and automatically skip your delivery. Gift certificates are available or you can always send a farm fresh box as a gift! It is free to sign up, free delivery, with no cancellation fees. For more information about this fabulous, affordable, and convenient health food service, visit www.naturesgardendelivered.com or call 480-659-4290.

McCormickRanchProperty.com t #6: 4&-- XJUI .D$PSNJDL 3BODI 3&"-5034 t GUARANTEED RESULTS o "TL NF BCPVU NZ 40-% -*45*/( */ %": (6"3"/5&& t '3&& )0.& 8"33"/5: t (P UP .D$PSNJDL3BODI1SPQFSUZ DPN UP 4&"3$) BMM .D$PSNJDL 3BODI )PNFT '03 4"-& PS '03 3&/5 t (0 8*5) &91&3*&/$& o * )"7& #&&/ */ 5)& 3&"- &45"5& #64*/&44 '03 :&"34 Free Report on McCormick Ranch House Prices o *G ZPV SF DVSJPVT BCPVU XIBU ZPVS .D$PSNJDL 3BODI IPNF NBZ CF XPSUI IFSF T BO FBTZ XBZ UP รถOE PVU XIBU IPNFT MJLF ZPVST BSF TFMMJOH GPS JO UPEBZ T NBSLFU Plus (FU B GSFF SFQPSU XJUI VQ UP UIF NJOVUF TUBUJTUJDT CBTFE PO BMM UIF IPNFT GPS TBMF BOE TPME JO .D$PSNJDL 3BODI PWFS UIF MBTU TJY NPOUIT JO BMM QSJDF SBOHFT 5P HFU ZPVS GSFF SFQPSU PO .D$PSNJDL 3BODI IPVTF QSJDFT KVTU DBMM 480-567-9747, ext. 703 GPS B IPVS GSFF SFDPSEFE NFTTBHF PS HP UP McCormickRanchReport.com

Your McCormick Ranch Real Estate Specialist

MIKE JONES Stone Path Real Estate

(480) 747-2835 - Direct (623) 201-2103 - Fax MJ3044@gmail.com

McCormickRanchProperty.com

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Saguaro High School’s CATS Program a Success When you think of Saguaro High School, you may think of their State Champion football and girls basketball teams, elite math & science academy, or successful robotics team, but do you think of their CATS program? This powerful by Anne program positively impacts the entire Saguaro community. Saguaro’s CATS program is a PBIS (a federal acronym for Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports), which is a systematic approach to creating and communicating a set of clear goals and behavior standards and rewarding those who exemplify it. Saguaro implemented CATS about two and a half years ago. CATS stands for Capable Appropriate Trustworthy & Supportive. Each adjective denotes a category of specific related expectations. Defining a campus culture sounds great, but has it worked? “Absolutely,” notes Saguaro Principal Brian Corte. “Our Office Discipline Referrals are down, our school attendance rate has increased, and our percentage of tardiness has decreased.” The CATS program is ubiquitous at Saguaro. CATS posters are everywhere on campus, inside and out, and the school year begins with class time devoted to discussing expectations and brainstorming desired behaviors.

20 SPRING 2014

Saguaro has done such a good job communicating its cultural expectations that based on a government survey of Saguaro students, the CATS message had permeated at the highest level possible. Wurth PBIS is a federal program and Saguaro receives nominal grant money for staff training and small incentives to reinforce student behavior. In other words, implementing Saguaro’s PBIS program requires no local money, according to Principal Corte. Staff emphasize rewarding positive behavior and “catching students being good.” Such positive reinforcement often results in the receipt of a CATS scratch card, which can earn students incentives including snacks and Saguaro paraphernalia. CATS is working and students are receptive, even making CATS part of their everyday vocabulary. Explains Principal Corte, “We actually hear students labeling disruptive behavior as ‘not being CATS.’”

At a Glance:

Saguaro High School is part of the Scottsdale Unified School District. Located at 6250 N. 82nd St., just north of McDonald Drive. It is a division III school with an enrollment of approximately 1,400 students.

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The 44th annual Scottsdale Arts Festival, March 14–16 in Scottsdale Civic Center Park Long recognized as one of the country’s top art fairs and recently named “Best Arts Festival” by Phoenix New Times, the Scottsdale Arts Festival showcases 185 jury-selected artists from the United States and Canada who work in painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewelry, photography and many other media. Works of art are available for purchase directly from the artists and through the Festival’s online art auction. More than 20 Arizona bands and performers will provide continuous live music and entertainment on two stages, including rock, R&B, folk, salsa, swing and much more. Among the musicians are Alan Jones Quintet, The Big Fellahs, Blues Review Band, Bossa Brazil, Carol Pacey & The Honey Shakers, Cold Shott & the Hurricane Horns, Holly Pyle Quartet, Jan Sandwich Band, Jovert, M&M Duo of The Sugar Thieves, Orquesta Salsarengue, Patrick Sassone, Pick and Holler, RC and The Blues Disciples, Str8Up Band, The Swing Tips, Teneia Sanders Band, Thatz That, Tommy Ash Band, Trailer Queen, The Upper Strata, West Hills Brothers and Zachary Scot Johnson. An expanded roster of gourmet food trucks, including members of the Phoenix Street Food Coalition, will serve delicious world cuisine. Participating mobile eateries include 180Q, The Grilled Cheese Truck, Hey Joe! Filipino Street Food, Jamburritos Cajun Grill Express, Luncha Libre, The Maine Lobster Lady, Mamma Toledo’s, Paletas Betty, Pizza People, Satay Hut, Short Leash Hot Dogs, Spice it Up, Taste Rite Gourmet, Tom’s BBQ and Two Fat Guys Grilled Cheese. Also on the menu 22 SPRING 2014

will be Barrie’s Original Kettle Korn and Lu Lu’s Italian Ice. A variety of fine wines, beers, cocktails and beverages will be offered, as well as tastings courtesy of Young’s Market Company, Deep Eddy Vodka and Gold Miner Rum from Desert Diamond Distillery in Kingman, Ariz. In collaboration with the Festival, Scottsdale Public Art will present the U.S. debut of Happy Rainbow by the Los Angeles-based artist duo FriendsWithYou. Previously exhibited in Hong Kong, this interactive outdoor installation of brightly colored sculptures includes a giant, 40-foot-wide inflatable ‘bounce house’ that inspires people of all ages to play and explore. (Happy Rainbow will make an encore appearance at Scottsdale Public Art’s Canal Convergence/ Spring Equinox event, March 20–23, at the Scottsdale Waterfront.) Exploring the theme of “The Color of Fun – The Fun of Color,” Imagine Nation, the Festival’s family area, will offer participants of all ages the opportunity to engage their creativity through free arts activities, storytelling, dancing and more. Imagine Nation is made possible by signature sponsor Fruitsnackia. During the Festival, admission will be free to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), which features the exhibitions The Five Senses and Leslie Shows: Surfacing. The Scottsdale Artists’ School and Arizona Clay Association also will offer free demonstrations at selected times. Official Scottsdale Arts Festival merchandise will be available at the Stores at Scottsdale Center for the

Performing Arts and SMoCA, which also offer a unique selection of art-related merchandise, including artist-made jewelry, imaginative toys, decorative objects from around the world, well-designed furnishings for home and office, music, books, and greeting cards. ADMISSION AND INFORMATION Admission to the Scottsdale Arts Festival is $8 for adults, $5 for students and free for children 12 and under and members of the Scottsdale Cultural Council. Parking and trolley service are free. A two-day pass is available for $12. Tickets may be purchased in advance through (480) 499-TKTS (8587) or at any Festival entrance on the day of the event. (Pets are not allowed, except for trained service animals.) Proceeds benefit the programs of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. LOCATION AND PARKING The Scottsdale Arts Festival takes place downtown at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and Scottsdale Civic Center Park, located at 7380 E. Second St. in downtown Scottsdale, two blocks south of Indian School Road and three blocks east of Scottsdale Road. Free parking is available in the public parking garage located to the west of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on Wells Fargo Avenue. Additional free parking is available at the Old Town Parking Corral at East Second Street and Brown Avenue and at the Civic Center Library parking garage located on Drinkwater Boulevard at East Second Street. Free shuttle service is available along the route of the Downtown Scottsdale Trolley.

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