REFINDING FRIENDSHIP RIGHT NEXT DOOR
A STORY OF HELP AND HOPE
THE JOURNEY IS THE DESTINATION A MODEL APPROACH TO WELLNESS
January
March
August
October
TRILOGY® SUNSTONE
LAS VEGAS
TRILOGY® IN SUMMERLIN®
LAS VEGAS
TRILOGY® BICKFORD NEAR SACRAMENTO
TRILOGY® SAN JUAN OAKS
30 MILES NE OF MONTEREY
TRILOGY® AT THE VINEYARDS BRENTWOOD
NEVINATM — A TRILOGY® BOUTIQUE COMMUNITYTM
PASO ROBLES
TRILOGY® AT MONARCH DUNES
CENTRAL COAST
TRILOGY® AT THE POLO CLUB
PALM SPRINGS AREA
VERTERRATM — A TRILOGY® BOUTIQUE COMMUNITYTM
NEAR SEATTLE
TRILOGY® AT TEHALEH®
NEAR SEATTLE
TRILOGY® VALOR KUNA
TRILOGY® AT WICKENBURG RANCH
WICKENBURG
TRILOGY® AT VISTANCIA®
PEORIA
RIDGECRESTTM — A TRILOGY® BOUTIQUE COMMUNITYTM
PEORIA
TRILOGY® AT VERDE RIVERTM
NORTH SCOTTSDALE AREA
ENCANTERRA® , A TRILOGY® RESORT COMMUNITY
QUEEN CREEK
TRILOGY® LAKE NORMAN
CHARLOTTE METRO AREA
TRILOGY® AT LAKE FREDERICK
LAKE FREDERICK
THREEOAKSTM — A TRILOGY® BOUTIQUE COMMUNITYTM
CULPEPER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
Madison Feltman
CREATIVE DIRECTOR:
Andrea Minogue
ASSOCIATE EDITORS:
Kelci Cooper-Burgoz
Ben Keilholtz
SENIOR CONTRIBUTORS:
Shauna Farmer
Veronica Fergoso
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS:
Victor Aguirre
Kim Alexis
Mike Bauer
Amanda Benton
Brittany Burke
Tabalyn Dosier
Jenny Drennen
Chris Farley
Leta High
Jeff Locke
Hal Looney
Mattie McChesney
Andrea McGann
Ryan Noll
Sara Rainey
Joel Reger
Paula Roe
Jerry Rose
Mackenzie Simmons
Trevor Sunderlage
Andrew Veysey
Miranda White
Dr. Amy Whittington
Daisy Willis
MEMBER CONTRIBUTORS:
KIM ALLEN | Trilogy® at Tehaleh®
RICHARD BROCK | Trilogy® at The Polo Club
BRADD BROWN | Trilogy® at Verde River™
ALICIA CAHALANE-LEWIS | Trilogy® at Lake Frederick
JOE C. DE LADURANTEY | Encanterra ®, a Trilogy® Resort Community
MISSY DEBNAR | Encanterra ®, a Trilogy® Resort Community
MIKE GEBHARDT | Trilogy® at Vistancia®
SALLY GONZALEZ | Trilogy® at Verde River™
KENT GREEN | Encanterra ®, a Trilogy® Resort Community
PAUL HODGEN | Trilogy® at The Vineyards
GORDON HOSMER | Trilogy® at Tehaleh®
DAPHNE HUNT | Trilogy® Lake Norman
ALAN ISENHOWER | Trilogy® Lake Norman
MARIE JACQUAY | T rilogy® Valor
DAVE JAZBEC Trilogy® Lake Norman
MIKE KROZER | Trilogy® at The Vineyards
ROBIN LYNCH | Trilogy® at Lake Frederick
PAT & CHERYL MCCUTCHEON | Encanterra ®, a Trilogy® Resort Community
ROSALYN NIDEFFER Encanterra ®, a Trilogy® Resort Community
KATHLEEN PALLEY | Trilogy® in Summerlin®
JANE RANKIN | Trilogy® Lake Norman
JOE & ALEX REMSON | Encanterra ®, a Trilogy® Resort Community
JAY SIMMONS | Trilogy® Lake Norman
JERRY & CHERYL SLIGAR | Trilogy® Sunstone
TIFFANY SPAULDING Trilogy® at Wickenburg Ranch
BOB & KATHY STUBBS | Trilogy® Sunstone
PATRICIA WELCH | Trilogy® at Vistancia®
We believe that the feeling you get when you make a new friend is among the best feelings you can experience. So we create environments where “community” has meaning far beyond streets and sidewalks and sticks and bricks. Places where each new day is an opportunity for deeper happiness and, for many, personal transformation. Why Trilogy®? Because we believe with all of our souls and hearts and spirit that where you live can make you happier, and that being happier is the true, real, authentic – and often unspoken or unrealized – goal of all of us.
It’s hard to believe that two short years ago, I was packing my car with what little belongings I had and waving goodbye to North Dakota. As I watched the small town disappear behind me, I felt a wave of mixed emotions. Soon after, my new life in Arizona was on the horizon and the nerves dissipated into excitement. Just like many Trilogy® Members, I was ready for an adventure, and ready to start a new chapter.
At Trilogy, transitions like these are celebrated, as they open the door to a new lifestyle. One that promotes well-being whether that be spiritual or physical, connection with yourself and others, and overall happiness. It is this lifestyle that makes living in Trilogy unique and a great place to start your next act.
Working so closely with Trilogy Members over the last two years has led me to think about my own well-being. I’ve prioritized my physical fitness, fostered social connections, and focused on improving my mental health, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't without hardships. Life transitions such as these come with their fair share of changes.
With change, we oftentimes reminisce (Reunited And It Feels So Good, page 20), seek courage (Conquering The Extreme, page 33), and lean on others (Finding Joy, page 17). But as we turn the page and look to the future (Expanding Horizons, page 74), we are reminded that it’s all about the journey not the destination (page 28).
On behalf of the entire #MyTrilogyLife Magazine team, thank you for trusting us to be your storytellers. It has been an absolute joy to learn more about our Members and share what inspires you to continue Living Happier (page 22).
We are extremely grateful for your unwavering support and hope you are as inspired by these stories as we are
Best,
Madison Feltman
Madison Feltman is the Communications Coordinator for BlueStar Resort & Golf and oversees the behind-the-scenes magic of MyTrilogyLife.com and the #MTL Magazine. Outside of work, she can be found at the gym, baking delicious cookies, hiking one of Arizona’s many peaks, hanging out with her furry friend Melon, and spending time with the people she loves.
Perhaps more than anyone among the nearly 1,600 BlueStar Resort & Golf team members, Joel Reger has the “service chip.” A willing helper to anyone who asks, Joel’s unique blend of practical skills, real-world experience, and an inclination to help makes him among the most important leaders in BlueStar.
BlueStar is Trilogy®’s trusted hospitality partner, charged with creating amazing experiences across Trilogy communities.
Joel’s role as Vice President of Operations for BlueStar includes regional oversight across Nevada, Washington, and Northern California. For the past two years, he has been based at Trilogy® Sunstone in Las Vegas. Moving to the glamour and glitz came after nearly a decade at Trilogy® at The Vineyards in Brentwood, California. Joel, who has been with BlueStar since its early years, continues today as one of the group’s most reliable and skilled leaders.
Joel’s career successes include everything from managing clubs to providing 24/7 butler service for guests staying in the Presidential Suites at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale. One thing has been consistent whether serving dignitaries, Trilogy Members, or his team: Joel always puts others first.
We learned more about Joel’s many successes while attending BlueStar’s annual Leaders Conference in Scottsdale.
MTL: Joel, we appreciate you making the time for us. Tell us about growing up in New Jersey?
JR: New Jersey is a beautiful state with a great variety of things to do. Unfortunately, people think of Newark, the refineries, and “Jersey Shore.” My family is from a small town outside New York City called Palisades Park. It was only a square mile, and they still have the Blue laws where you can’t buy alcohol on Sundays. Most people have heard of the
Palisades Amusement Park, and the old Freddy Cannon song. In Jersey, families have a specific shore they go to, and my family always went to Wildwood. We still do every summer. New Jersey isn’t only about the shore. It’s called the “Garden State,” and when I was about three years old, my parents bought an old dairy farm in Northern New Jersey, which my father just recently sold to move to Virginia.
MTL: Do you remember what first drew you to hospitality?
JR: I really enjoyed spending time on the farm. The neighbors were always friendly and constantly helping each other out. We were always ready for guests that would just stop by to say “hello.” That’s where I really learned how to be hospitable. My first real job was as a lifeguard, and from there I started working in health clubs and spas, which led me to The Phoenician while attending Arizona State University. I worked my way through a variety of roles there over 15 years, and I really enjoyed the repeat guests. The resort was their “shore,” and I made some great friendships that remain to this day.
The hotel world can be tough and requires a lot of hours and dealing with some difficult guests. In the industry, we say that to truly be hospitable, you need to make people feel like they are at home…even when you wish they were.
MTL: Did you anticipate ending up as an “executive,” or has it been a surprise?
JR: I’ve been very grateful for all the opportunities presented to me. I was fortunate to work with the President of BlueStar Tim Steckbeck while at The Phoenician. Just like there, I always strived to work hard and take on additional responsibilities to improve my skill set. Fortunately, Tim is the type of leader who recognizes this, and I have been able to grow with the company.
MTL: You’ve now been the direct leader or the overseer of nearly a dozen Trilogy® communities. What’s been the common thread?
JR: The thing I have noticed the most is the desire of Members to be socially engaged and friendly. People are so welcoming and always willing to help one another. It’s like being on the farm again.
MTL: What is your favorite memory of your time with BlueStar? Can you share a funny interaction with a Member?
JR: I was always terrified of public speaking. I would dread it and couldn’t sleep the night before. I would shake nervously and avoid it at all costs. My first day at Trilogy® Rio Vista, a sales manager asked if he could introduce me to someone. He opened the door, handed me a microphone, and asked me to speak to a room of 200 members of a resident volunteer group. All I could think of saying was, “Where were all of you when I was unloading my U-Haul yesterday?” Never had a problem speaking in public from that moment on and some might even say I talk too much!
MTL: What is the most important thing BlueStar can do moving forward?
JR: I think we need to continue to think outside the box and not be afraid to try new things or even some things that might not have worked in the past. Our Members may have some similarities, but our communities are very diverse and our Members have a variety of different abilities, backgrounds, and expectations. We hear that you can’t please everyone, but I always remind them that it is our job to try. n
Joel is amongst a group of BlueStar team members who have been with the company for more than a decade. As recognition for the unique contributions each of these team members make on the experiences at Trilogy®, we’ve included all their names below, along with the community at which they work. If you happen to see them around your Club, please be sure to give them some special recognition.
BLUESTAR
Amanda Benton
Christopher Davis
Roy Edwards
Ben Keilholtz
Sara Rainey
Joel Reger
Steve Rosa
Tim Steckbeck
TRILOGY® James Calvin
AT VISTANCIA® Julieta Gonzalez Cartas
Paul Casartelli
Chris Farley
Luis Fernandez
Bodil Friedman
Alejandro Gamino
Juan Gamino
Charles Gruden
Kristen Hall
Eloy Hernandez
Nicole Hinphy
Gail Johnson
Dragana Nisevic
Stana Nisevic
Say Patel
Maria Sanchez
Michael Santonino
Gregg Snyder
Susan Webster
ENCANTERRA® Marissa Carbajal
Kelly Costello
Tabalyn Dosier
Shawn Horst
Raul Lizarraga
Jaime Lopez
Moises Pinedo
Jose Paz Juarez Rodgriguez
TRILOGY® Michelle Jackson
AT THE VINEYARDS Roxanne Muir
Steven Tsunekawa
TRILOGY® Gene McDonald
AT VERDE RIVERTM
Trilogy®’s reputation for creating an active, engaging, and fun-filled lifestyle is one of the main reasons its communities are so popular. But, how do you deliver such a lifestyle early in a community’s development, before any of its amenities have been completed?
The task may be daunting, but it’s not impossible. Doing so simply takes care, creativity, communication, and contacts… lots and lots of contacts.
Meet Christl Colven, Lifestyle Director of Trilogy® Valor in Kuna, Idaho. Located in a picturesque region outside of Boise, Trilogy Valor is blessed with nearly limitless opportunities for outdoor recreation and smalltown charm. However, Christl’s community is very young in its development. For now, there are just a couple hundred folks living in what will ultimately be a
community of a couple thousand. Up until October 2023, Trilogy Valor had no open amenities - no clubhouse, no restaurant, no fitness center, or any other amenity until the pickleball courts opened, followed by Afturburn Fitness in January 2024. Yet, its Members were enjoying an incredible lifestyle. The community led the Trilogy portfolio's Member Survey scores in terms of overall satisfaction and, amazingly, lifestyle. The story of how this came to be is a fun one - particularly if you happen to be a Member living there!
Christl has deep roots in the area to complement her sharp, caring, and creative mind. Her multi-faceted background in hospitality, health and fitness, and the entertainment industry certainly help as well. In addition to serving as the health and wellbeing coordinator for the local Treasure Valley downtown YMCA, she also owned a med spa in the area for 11 years and spent a large portion of her adult life in Los Angeles working as a makeup artist in the film and television industries. These experiences gave her a tremendous understanding of the local market, honed her creativity, and helped her build a strong social network that serves her Members extremely well.
“When I started at Trilogy Valor, I had to be creative and figure out the best way to create unforgettable experiences for our Members out in their new community,” said Christl. “I used my connections and got to know people who provided these great experiences. I also asked the Members for input on what they might like to do. If possible, I did my best to make it happen.”
Often hailed as "America's Favorite Drive," The Blue Ridge Parkway gets its nickname thanks to the stunning scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains which span from Georgia to Pennsylvania. In the middle of the iconic mountain range sits Trilogy® at Lake Frederick, whose natural beauty can only be found in this stretch of America.
When you live in a place this beautiful, it’s easy to want to protect it, which is what Trilogy® Member Bill Moore and the Lake Frederick Conservation Club have set out to do. In its own right, Trilogy at Lake Frederick is a natural wonderland with the 117-acre Lake Frederick as our community’s centerpiece, perfect for fishing, paddling sports, hiking, and so much more.
When Bill and his wife, Lois, moved to Trilogy in 2017, Bill saw the multitude of opportunities to commune with the nature that now surrounded him. He began kayaking, observing, and photographing his surroundings, including the lake’s magnificent Great Blue Herons and Bald Eagles. And it inspired him to pursue his dream of becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist.
One thing to know about Bill is that he is a great teacher with a real knack for sharing his knowledge and inspiring others to participate in enjoying and nurturing our natural surroundings. So, it wasn’t a surprise when, not before long, Bill became known as the community’s authority on entomology, ecology, and the native flora and fauna.
As more and more of our neighbors began asking questions and chatting with him, Bill realized there was more than just a casual interest in our community to do the right thing for Mother Nature. Bill said, “What we needed to do here was create a framework to organize, educate, and get residents involved in conservation and turn that interest into action!”
So, in 2021, Bill took the first step to start a Member-led Club and began with an interest meeting. It exceeded his expectations when 40 residents showed up. The new group would be called the “Lake Frederick Conservation Club.”
As usually happens with new Member-led Clubs at their initial meetings, we had leaders step forward and plenty of great ideas generated. One of those leaders was Trilogy Member Joyce Watson, who has been a Virginia Extension Master Gardener since 2017. Joyce and her husband, Bob, moved to Trilogy from Charlottesville, Virginia, where over 14 years, they planted native plants, created pollinator gardens, raised bees, and removed invasive plants and trees on their 12-acre property. The Watsons turned their small Lake Frederick lot into a habitat for birds and insects using native plants and guidelines from professor and author Douglas W. Tallamy’s book Nature’s Best Hope.
With Joyce’s yard as inspiration, one of the first projects the Lake Frederick Conservation Club took on was to apply the same principles to create a community Pollinator Garden. In the spring of 2022, the garden was planted near the community’s vegetable plots. Conservation Club Members planned and planted pollinator-friendly, native Virginia plants, complete with a handmade “Pollinator Garden” sign from the Lake Frederick Woodworking Club.
Since then, the garden has expanded as a source of enjoyment and education for the entire community of Trilogy at Lake Frederick. In both 2022 and 2023, the Garden was host to well-attended Grandparents Week events where Conservation Club Members taught more than 30 grandchildren about native plants and how pollination works.
The club hasn’t stopped there. Another one of our flagship projects is the Bags to Benches program, sponsored by a locally headquartered company called Trex®, a manufacturer of woodalternative composite decking, railing, and other outdoor items made from recycled materials. The program allows us to earn one outdoor bench made of recycled plastic for every 1,000 pounds of plastic bags and film we collect and deliver to them during a 12-month period.
The Conservation Club began collecting in the fall of 2022, and by spring 2023, we had our first bench for the Pollinator Garden. Over the summer of 2023, we earned our second bench, which now resides on the Lakeside Lawn of the Shenandoah Lodge & Athletic Club. We’re on our way to earning a third bench, thanks in part to Members of the community. There are bag collection barrels located in the Lodge, which are emptied and taken to the nearby Trex plant weekly. Think of all the plastic that is NOT going into a landfill!
Since its inception, the Conservation Club has grown beyond Bill and any of the original 40 founding members’ wildest dreams. The club currently includes over 350 Trilogy Members who participate in the Pollinator Garden and Bags to Benches projects, as well as additional programming, including:
If you’d like information on how to get your own Conservation Club started, please reach out to Bill Moore via email at hokiebill83@gmail.com.
• BI-ANNUAL LAKE & TRAIL CLEAN UPS that draw over 60 volunteers helping to clear trash and debris from around Lake Frederick.
• INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL to help ensure native plants can thrive.
• CURBSIDE RECYCLING GUIDANCE to help residents clarify what can and cannot go into our recycling containers.
• BRING YOUR OWN CONTAINERS is a collaboration project with BlueStar Resort & Golf that allows and encourages Members to bring their own containers to the community’s signature restaurant – Region’s 117 – to take home leftovers. This helps both eliminate waste and save costs.
• THE COMMUNAL COMPOSTING BIN was created by the Lake Frederick Woodworking Club to allow residents to compost, which acts as fertilizer for the community Vegetable and Pollinator Gardens.
Our club is proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in just two short years, and you can do it too. Consider this a challenge from the Lake Frederick Conservation Club – how can you make a difference? Step forward, band together, and see what you can do to help protect the beautiful places where we live. Not only will it be rewarding to Mother Nature, but to you, too. n
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Trilogy® Member Robin Lynch
Robin moved to Trilogy at Lake Frederick with her husband, John, in August of 2018. They have a son named Matt who lives and works in nearby Washington, D.C. She cares deeply about conservation and animal welfare and spends her time volunteering at the Winchester-area SPCA, leading the Lake Frederick Duplicate Bridge Club, and is an active member of the Lake Frederick Conservation Club.
Did you find joy this past holiday season? For me and many others, the holiday season comes and goes with a mix of emotions. Part of me loves it when stores are full of gifts, and children are buzzing about Santa. I love the traditions, the decorations, and the overall spirit of the holidays as they sweep through my neighborhood every year. But to be honest,
the holidays haven’t always been cheerful for me. For many years, the holidays were the hardest time of the year and often filled my heart with grief and sadness.
Reason being, I’m a Gold Star mom. My son, SGT Cody R. Legg, died while fighting for this country in 2008. He was my only child, and knowing there will never be grandchildren filling the house with laughter or rising to wake the household has been difficult to process.
For several years, I struggled to know how to process the holidays and how I can fit in. “You should decorate,” my friends would say. “It will make you feel better.” Or, “Come spend the day with us and take your mind off things,” said
some others. And while I knew their intentions were kind and they were just trying to help, it didn’t alleviate my pain and my struggle dealing with holidays.
It wasn’t until I started trying to understand grief that I realized the best way to cope with loss is to find a support group of people who, like me, have struggled with their own loss in some way. I soon gained “survivor sisters and brothers” as they’re called, and we sometimes met as a group at events or even just for casual coffee and lunches to spend time with one another. Understanding the difficulty of the holidays, we committed to spending Christmas Eve together, cooking dinner and honoring our sons with empty place settings at the dinner table (complete with a beer for each of them), playing games, sharing stories, and sometimes even having grown-up sleepovers!
It's having a great community that saved me. It's through friends and neighbors that I’ve been able to handle the holidays with a sense of happiness and belonging. The good news is every year gets less intimidating. I now look forward to the holidays and sharing time with my new neighbors and friends.
It was just last September my community here at Trilogy® Valor rallied together to honor my son during a Tribute to Fallen Soldiers motorcycle ride. The participants came to my home to light a torch in honor of my son, as well as the many who have died serving our country and also those who died on 9/11. It was a testament not only to the strength of our Trilogy community but also to the commitment we have to each other here at Valor. It’s been amazing.
With a strong community behind me, I’ve learned to cope better with the holiday season and actually find happiness and joy in sharing about my son with my newfound friends. I tell everyone about him, and even though telling stories about him is sometimes difficult, it is music to my ears when others ask about his life and his sacrifice. I also love when they ask me to share the things I have around my home that are tributes to him. It makes me feel better inside.
I have a box of Christmas decorations that are filled with memories of my son. Instead of feeling sadness, I now use those decorations to remind me of the happier times I was able to share alongside him. After all, they are meaningful and precious to me; so why not give myself a gift? Personalized ornaments, special decorations, and other small things that we put up as décor used to bring my son so much happiness. Instead of fretting over seeing such things, I’ve committed to allowing his joy to seep back into my life and to focusing on my son’s life, not on his passing.
Last month, I held a glass of water in the palm of my hand and asked myself a simple question, “How heavy is this?” After a few moments, I answered, “The weight of the water in this glass is a lot like grief. The longer you hold onto it, the heavier it becomes.” Grief is okay and you don’t have to fear it, but the longer you hold it tightly and let it consume you, the harder and heavier it becomes.
So, if someone else is reading this who has suffered loss, no matter why, where, or when, I encourage you to seek support in your local community. Maybe it’s a circle of new friends, a support group, church — wherever there are kindred spirits –you’ll also find support in knowing things will be okay with one another.
Even though I now find joy in the holidays more than I used to, I still find time during certain holidays (like Memorial Day, for example) to honor my son with grief, but it doesn’t consume me like it once did. And I have my friends and community to thank for all of that. n
Want to learn more about Marie's story, and how her friends and neighbors came together to celebrate her son, as well as her journey? Check out the short film – scan the QR Code.
Another great thing about Christl is her caring way. She goes out of her way to talk to Members and find out about their lives. If she finds out there’s a birthday coming up, she always manages to make it special for the individual. She’s also keen to introduce new Members around and help them form friendships. She’s even enlisted a special group of Members to help welcome others.
The experiences Christl has crafted for her Members run the gamut from simple hikes in the countryside and walks along Trilogy Valor’s greenbelt to special tastings and Happier Hours at local wineries and breweries. She organizes trips to area museums and farmers’ markets, evenings out to enjoy local plays, and thrilling river rafting trips. She’s even rented out a local kitchen to host cooking classes for Members with her favorite area chefs, and one of her more ambitious outings was a day-long tour of area nurseries, which allowed Members to learn all about native plants and helped them make better landscaping choices in their own backyards.
“The Members have been incredibly open to almost everything we’ve tried,” said Christl. “Their response has been overwhelmingly positive. The most rewarding parts have been the relationships I’m building with our Members and the friendships they are building with each other.”
Christl’s advice to other Trilogy communities – bring up Google Maps and get to know your local area. Try to find out what’s of interest to your Members and start building relationships. Most importantly, have empathy for your Members and the new journey they are on. After all, it is the people around us who bring us joy, not the buildings. n
If there’s one thing true about living in the Las Vegas area, it’s that you never really know how things will shake out. As this story illustrates, fate decided to throw a hilarious curveball, reuniting long-lost friends in the quirkiest, most synchronistic way possible at Trilogy® Sunstone.
Picture this: it all began in the groovy 1970s. Kathy Render and Cheryl Sligar were partners in crime, working side-by-side at a local credit union in the dazzling Las Vegas area. They were the dynamic duo, often seen double-dating with Cheryl’s other half, Jerry Sligar, and Kathy’s then-boyfriend, Bob Stubbs (whom she later nabbed and married).
"We started as coworkers, but our friendship quickly blossomed, and we found ourselves spending time together at barbecues, dinners, and special events. Cheryl and Jerry even helped us with our wedding planning. Ah, those were the days, long before the chaos of kids and responsibilities took over our lives," reminisced Kathy, with a hint of nostalgia in her eyes.
But life happened. As the years rolled on, and the middle-age madness set in, staying in touch became a hilarious juggling
act. "We did care for each other, but with our growing families, we drifted apart faster than a toddler chasing a balloon in the wind," Cheryl said, chuckling at the memories. "Back then, staying connected wasn't as easy as ordering pizza online."
Fast forward to the year 2021. In an unexpected twist of fate, Bob and Kathy and Jerry and Cheryl found themselves on a collision course with destiny at Trilogy Sunstone. Cheryl, armed with research and determination, set her sights on a particular floorplan, determined it was THE one for her and Jerry. Little did she know that Bob and Kathy had their eyes set on Trilogy Sunstone too, planning to tour the exact same models on the exact same day, unbeknownst to their old pals.
As the planets aligned and stars twinkled mischievously, both couples stumbled upon each other in their dream home. "I couldn’t believe it!" Cheryl exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment. "It felt like fate itself was playing matchmaker, orchestrating this grand reunion!"
But wait, the plot thickened! Jerry and Cheryl managed to snag Lot 54, while Bob and Kathy were in a bit of a pickle until – cue the drumroll – Lot 55 magically opened up! "It
was like winning the neighbor lottery! Living next to our dearest friends? Pinch me, I must be dreaming!" Kathy gushed, her excitement contagious.
Since moving in 2022, the two couples have become tighter than a pair of skinny jeans after Thanksgiving dinner "We're practically joined at the hip! Jerry and I take leisurely strolls around the neighborhood, making new friends thanks to our epic friendship vibes," Bob said, grinning.
Jerry chimed in, “Trilogy made it easy for us to reconnect not just because we’re neighbors, but because of the huge amount of lifestyle options there are for us to dig in to. And that’s been really special, not just for us, but for every new person who moves into our new neighborhood.”
And so, the Stubbs and Sligars found more than a dream home; they discovered a treasure trove of memories, laughter, and enduring friendships. Thanks to a commitment to community and encouraging neighborly love, these reunited pals are living their best lives, one hilarious adventure at a time.
“We haven’t missed a beat,” said Bob. “Jerry and I take walks around the neighborhood and because of our friendship, we’ve made it a point to reach out to other people in our community and make more friends.”
Alongside each other and the growing number of Members at Sunstone, the Stubbs and Sligars have enjoyed sharing each other’s life experiences, stories about their careers and families. As well as sometimes reflecting on their shared pasts together – not without a belly laugh here and there. Finally, Kathy said, “It’s amazing how sometimes the decisions we make end up connecting us with the people who we care the most about. And as excited we are to live by dear old friends, we’ve made lots of new friends too. That’s really the beauty of living at Trilogy. Whether you’re old friends, new friends, close neighbors, or neighbors who live on opposite ends of the community – we’re all family around here. Getting to know everyone has been truly magnificent.” n
The story of Cheryl, Jerry, Kathy, and Bob is incredible, but amazingly it's not unique. The first major stor y in the first ever #MyTrilogyLife Magazine featured the stories of the O'Briens and Keefers, two couples who were in each others' weddings, drifted apart, and discovered they were neighbors in Trilogy® at The Vineyards.
If you've got a story you'd like to share, please reach out to our team at magazine@bsrgmarketing.com.
An important perspective gained over 20 years and 20+ communities is that interesting, engaging, and creative people are frequently attracted to Trilogy®. It's why the Member-led Clubs are so prevalent and popular, and why each edition of this magazine has more great content submissions than the pages can possibly fit. This year, we decided to dedicate a few pages to some Members whose stories are testaments not just to their own experiences, but are illustrative of the experiences had by so many. The recipe is simple: take the leap, move in, make friends, repeat.
Here's a little more detail from a few of the neighbors from Trilogy communities across the country.
One of the privileges of growing older is returning to that childlike wonder and friendship you once had. You have the time to try a new skill, play with new friends, or think back on fond memories as you’re reminded of them. For Jane, the heat of a 4th of July day in Trilogy® Lake Norman brought her back to the simple days of childhood. With a fresh glass of iced tea in hand, she waited on her front porch for the holiday parade to start.
“While waiting, my mind drifted back to growing up in the small town of Ramseur, North Carolina, and many years of hot, humid Southern summers,” Jane said. “Throughout those long dog days, we built forts in the woods, played one-two-three red light on the front steps, and rode our bikes with playing cards clothes-pinned to the forks of the front wheels. Summer always brought a bounty of vegetables from our garden, but the fresh peaches grown in the Sandhills were a special treat. My dad was a master churner of homemade peach ice cream, and that was almost always a Sunday afternoon activity.”
Jane’s evenings would often end running around the yard with good friends, catching glowing fireflies just to wake up the next morning to watch the neon bugs fly away as she released them
Though some time has now passed since those earlier days, what's remained a passion for Jane is being around nature, and, perhaps more importantly, being around others. As is a longstanding tradition at Trilogy Lake Norman, this July 4th featured a stream of festively decorated cars, carts, and bikes, all now rounding the curve and coming into view. "It's heartwarming to see all the red, white, and blue, smiling faces, hands and flags waving with 'America the Beautiful' playing in the distance.
“My home here and particularly my neighbors are a unique family to be treasured. It truly is wonderful, this community called Trilogy Lake Norman, and I’m proud to have the front door key to a home on Looking Glass Trail.”
When Paul (aka "Pops") and his wife, Mary Jo, moved into their home - which they refer to jokingly as “MJ's Place and Paul's Patio at Hodgen Corner in the Village of Tuscany at Trilogy® at The Vineyards in Brentwood, California” – he set two goals: join a new club every month and have a new dining experience every week. This was part of an effort that had been brewing for some time to recapture the social energy of his working years.
Paul’s life at Trilogy was a shift away from what it was like just a few years prior. “When I retired, I didn't realize how important the socialization of my job was to my well-being. I moved from having contact with 100 different people every week to maybe 10. Later during what I call the Covid period, I put myself on a “three drug” program to get my life back on track after my family tried compassionately and desperately to fix me. The first was humor – still no one laughs at my jokes. The second was overcommunication – my family and friends are still looking for the unsubscribe button. The third was technology – I learned to use my iPhone. While these drugs were helpful, it was the move into Trilogy at The Vineyards that really got my life on track.”
Paul attends several clubs, including some unofficial ones like the groundhog polar plunge club where he provides the good or bad news about winter’s duration. When Paul’s not participating in club meetings, he enjoys spending his time volunteering. He helped get the vineyard certified for sustainable winemaking, worked long shifts at the U.S. Open at LA Country Club, and he is looking forward to the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst.
In an unexpected turn of events, Paul might now be the most decorated swimmer at Trilogy® at The Vineyards. Since first hitting the pool a starting short time ago in February, he’s already set multiple records thanks to his disciplined 6:00am routine. Not only does Paul swim as a hobby, but he also contributes to causes like Gait-to-Gate and the Maui Fire Relief and Recovery effort by hosting swim-a-thons and other fundraising events. Paul invites anyone at The Vineyards who’s interested to join his unofficial swim club.
Needless to say, Paul’s calendar is never boring. His life at Trilogy has brought about new experiences, friendships, opportunities, and lasting memories that are providing the base for, as Paul would say, “a fantastic fourth-quarter win.”
Once you hit the retirement years or an empty nest, you might find that time, which was once scarce, is now abundant. One of our Members from Trilogy® at Vistancia®, Mike, wanted to take full advantage of the time he gained with retirement to explore all sorts of new things.
Four years ago, Mike moved with his wife, Linda, from Chicago to Arizona in hopes of finding a community with opportunity to make new friends. Not only did Mike find that community, but he personally blossomed in unexpected ways. They have since joined more than a dozen clubs and Mike said, “Life in Trilogy at Vistancia has gotten me out of my crusty old shell. For example, I’m interested in art history, and always wanted to learn how to draw and paint. I took my first lessons drawing and oil painting here and haven’t looked back.”
Even though Mike tends to be the only male present in some of the clubs he attends, he’s found such an appreciation for friendship with the women of Trilogy. “I must tell you that I have been most welcomed and made comfortable by my conversations and interactions with these wonderful ladies. In Book Club, I’m reading books I would have never considered, and am learning to understand and appreciate the female viewpoint on many issues. Their kindness and good nature have helped make me a better person. I am also thankful for the support given to me by my wife (Linda) who has encouraged me to be out and about. Many times, she’s had ladies address her with ‘Are you Mike’s wife?’”
“Retirement is a time to get out of your comfort zone, not exclude anything new or different. New learning is growth. If we’re not growing as people, we’re dying. I’ve never felt so happy to be part of such a special community of people. So, if you see me on campus (as I like to call it), you’ll remember that my parting words generally include ‘Be good.’ That doesn’t mean I expect you to behave. My intention is to implore you to be good to yourself and everyone you meet.”
Many of our Members have lived lives full of adventure and opportunity before making their way to Trilogy. Some were even “stars” back in their day, like Patricia from Trilogy® at Vistancia®. A few star-studded highlights include starring with Yul Brynner as “Tuptim” in “The King and I,” co-starring with Robert Goulett in “The Man and His Music,” and soloing with Wayne Newton at the Flamingo in Vegas. One of the more special events she can recall was singing “United We’ll Stand,” a song written by her husband at the Washington Memorial after 9/11.
“After spending so many years in the entertainment business, my husband and I decided that we wanted to travel less and spend more time enjoying each other’s
company,” Patricia said. “Shortly after making that decision, we heard about Trilogy at Vistancia, and I was so impressed that I purchased my home here in October of 2020 – sight unseen. I ordered the entire contents and furnishings online and hired someone in the area to unbox and set up my home. My husband and I did not physically see our home until we arrived at Trilogy in December 2020.”
Even though Patricia is only at Trilogy part time, her days are filled with happiness while she’s there. “Morning walks are delightful. I find it interesting that as early as 6:30am, I am passing several people on these morning walks, and everyone is friendly,” she said. “Then it is off to classes. I also joined the Trilogy at Vistancia Women’s Club and Artisan’s League. There is certainly an abundance of things to do here, especially with all the social mixers, events, and gatherings. I always try to get my monthly spa treatments in too. Living at Trilogy is more than owning a home, it is a lifestyle. I am counting the days until I am able to spend the rest of my time here at Trilogy at Vistancia!”
Beginning to see a pattern? There’s an obvious trend of Members searching for and discovering new fulfilling storylines for their lives. Some take twists and turns, while others are less dramatic, but all are facilitated by the Trilogy® lifestyle. For Kim, she knew she would be moving to Trilogy® at Tehaleh® in Washington to be closer to family, but she couldn’t foresee all the friendship and community that would flourish because of it. She recalls, “There was no clubhouse for almost two years, but that didn’t stop everyone who moved into the new community to find ways to meet and make friends! Our numbers were small enough to hold events in private homes or in one of the models. It didn’t take long before our life in Tehaleh reminded me of a time when we were little and would ask friends things like “Do you want to come out and play?” The community eventually grew, the Seven Summits Lodge opened, and there were more opportunities to be with old friends and meet new ones.
Kim adopted a love for hiking, when a neighbor invited her to go on a hike at Mt. Rainier National Park. Kim described the hike in one word: “WOW!” She continued by saying, “It wasn’t long before other neighbors wanted to come along on our day hikes. We called ourselves the Herding Cats because that’s what it was like getting organized. As it turned out, I was the only one new to mountain hiking. One of the original cats summited Mt. Rainer while another had trekked to the Mt. Everest base camp! What an inspiration they were and continue to be.” The cats try to go on a couple hikes a month, but if the weather takes a turn for the worse, they’ll walk on nearby trails or get coffee together while taking in the view of their mountain. Over the summers, the cats have taken advantage of travels to Slovenia, Austria, and England to hike various trails.
A few summers back, Kim ran into her very first hiking buddy who she hadn’t seen in years while on one of her favorite Mt. Rainier hikes. “To meet up again on the mountain where it all started was truly magical.” I doubt Kim could have predicted she would be in a hiking girl group called the Herding Cats 10 years ago. What began as a move to bring her closer to family turned into a move that brought her a cherished Trilogy family. “Yes, we bought a house 10 years ago – and a lifestyle that continues to enrich our lives in many ways.” n
This past summer, I crossed into my 20th year of practice. Most of that time has been spent right here with you: my favorite “active adult” patients. As I suppose anyone in a career for 20 years would say, I have seen a wide variety of people’s health concerns, but I have also had time to note the commonalities amongst those coming in for support. In preventive medicine, those commonalities form the core of our approach to optimal aging.
At the top of any optimal aging plan are a good diet and plenty of exercise. Maintaining mental health with a strong social circle, and maintaining purpose through volunteering, goal setting, and planning for the future are also integral to your healthy aging. Both quality sleep and brain exercises lead to healthier years (and more of them), and as a provider who focuses on hormone health, I would be remiss not to mention hormone balance as a vital part of staying well. But perhaps the most confusing part of the optimal aging plan is deciding which vitamins, amongst the overwhelming number on the market, are worth considering.
Optimal aging is not to be confused with anti-aging, as the goal is not to stop the inevitable progression of time, but is instead to ensure wellness, function, and quality of life for as long as possible. “Senescence” is the scientific word for deterioration with age. Much of the research currently focuses on senescent, or aged, cells, how they contribute to decline, and what we can do to slow the process. As daunting as that word and its meaning can be, we already are very familiar with effective strategies for controlling damage by aged cells. Most of the damage arises from inflammation and oxidation. Because of this, some tried and true nutrients remain at the top of our optimal aging plans.
Omega-3s (the essential fats in fish oil, algae, and a few other foods) and turmeric are both great anti-inflammatories for most of us to consider. Fish oil can be a mild blood-thinner so watch for interactions or easy bruising, and turmeric can be difficult to take for those with reflux. Side effects and interactions like these are why it is important to review supplements with your doctor, and ideal to have an integrative
physician help you with your plan. For most, however, these nutrients are easy additions that can help decrease aches and pains, help prevent the inflammatory component of heart disease or stroke, and slow damage from aging itself.
Senescent cells show evidence of damage from oxidation and produce further oxidation. Resveratrol, from the skin of red grapes, is a favorite, powerful antioxidant that has shown additional DNA-specific aging benefits. Other bioflavonoids, including quercetin, fisetin, and apigenin can also be taken preventatively. These specific bioflavonoids are being studied aggressively as a method to control the damage caused by aging cells. Alpha-lipoic acid is another antioxidant worth considering, especially if there is a need for neurological support, as it can cross the blood-brain barrier to provide more efficient protection for your nervous system.
In addition to controlling the aging process, a few nutrients make the list because they address common deficiencies or symptoms. Magnesium deficiencies are very common. Magnesium is involved in numerous processes in the body, including maintaining proper bone density, cardiac rhythm, pulmonary function, glucose, and hormone regulation. Magnesium is a smooth and skeletal muscle relaxant, and as such can relieve headaches, high blood pressure, and cramps. Magnesium citrate and glycinate are the most absorbable forms. If you note your lower digestive process is too relaxed with magnesium, you can typically adjust the dosage to accommodate.
Most females, especially small-framed ones, should consider bone support as preventing fractures remains an important part of health aging. Calcium is typically dosed much lower than it used to be, at around 400-600mg calcium citrate or malate. To capitalize on making sure your body transports that calcium to the bones, Vitamin D and Vitamin K (as MK4) should be included as well.
Coenzyme Q10 is another common deficiency due to its depletion by the very commonly prescribed statin medications. CoQ10, especially as ubiquinol, helps to shuttle oxygen around our bodies, allowing us to more efficiently make and use fuel. It is especially important in maintaining heart, kidney, and brain health as we age.
Finally, probiotics are the beneficial flora (bacteria) that line the mucosal surfaces such as the sinus and digestive tracts, and prebiotics are the nutritives that feed our flora. Flora is important for defending against foreign invaders and for di-
gestion, but these benefits are just the surface of what these trillions of good bacteria are doing for us every day. The flora is now thought to be integrally related to our immune system, mood, behavior, and much more. Someday, we will be able to determine and correct individual floras, but we aren’t there quite yet. It’s not a bad idea for now, however, to occasionally include pre- and probiotics, especially when your immune system needs a boost, or you are in need of digestive repair.
You can read more about most of the topics mentioned here on MyTrilogyLife.com, as we have amassed quite a few articles over the last two decades. There are certainly a number of vitamin and supplement considerations that didn’t make this list, and the best optimal aging plan is one personalized to your history and risk factors. If that isn’t available for you, start with the basics: live a healthy, purposeful, and active life, with maybe a few supplements thrown in, and you have a good start. n
Dr. Amy Whittington practices naturopathic medicine at the Alvea Spa in Trilogy® at Vistancia® in Peoria, Arizona She has been Trilogy’s chosen naturopath for more than a decade.
Dr. Amy publishes a monthly Wellness Journal on MyTrilogyLife.com and provides individual consultations in Arizona.
For more about Dr. Amy, scan the QR Code to visit her section on MyTrilogyLife.com*.
*Please note that viewing this area requires login credentials. We recommend requesting Guest Access to MTL from the MyTrilogyLife.com homepage, if you are not yet a Member.
Wellness is often thought of as a destination, but it is more accurately described as a journey. It is a lifelong process of making choices that support our physical, mental, and emotional health. As we age, our needs change, and so does our definition of wellness.
Wellness is essential to maintaining a high quality of life. It means having the energy to enjoy life, the mental clarity to learn, and the emotional resilience to cope with challenges.
There are many different aspects to wellness, but five key dimentions are particularly important.
SOCIAL CONNECTION is essential for overall health and well-being. Strong social ties reduce stress, boost the immune system, and help us live longer, healthier lives.
PHYSICAL FITNESS is another important component of wellness. Regular exercise helps to maintain muscle mass, bone strength, and balance.
INTELLECTUAL ENRICHMENT is essential for keeping our minds sharp and engaged. Learning new things helps to boost memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
EMOTIONAL CONFIDENCE is the ability to manage our emotions in a healthy way. It is important to be able to cope with stress, setbacks, and losses.
SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING is the sense of meaning and purpose in our lives. It can be derived from religious beliefs, personal values, or a connection to nature.
By viewing wellness as a lifelong journey and focusing on Social Connection, Physical Fitness, Intellectual Enrichment, Emotional Confidence, and Spiritual Well-being, we can all live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
To guide us on our journey, we spent a little time with some of the wellness leaders in our Trilogy communities:
How Social Connection Enriches Trilogy® Communities
MANAGER
Seven Summits Lodge at Trilogy® at Tehaleh® Bonney Lake, Washington
I am passionate about wellness, and I believe that social connection is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. I have seen firsthand how social connection can benefit individuals and communities. In my role, I strive to create opportunities for residents to connect with each other and build meaningful relationships.
My background – which includes education, counseling, catering management, and fitness – gives me a unique perspective on wellness. I have learned that taking care of ourselves is not selfish; it is essential for our overall well-being. This philosophy informs my approach.
I believe that social connection is the most important pillar of wellness, particularly in our communities. At Trilogy, there is a built-in network of support and an opportunity for authentic relationships, an advantage not available to all. These connections can help us feel supported, encouraged, and less alone. They can also provide us with a sense of belonging and community.
I recommend several ways to foster social connection:
• Join a club or group. Trilogy communities offer an exciting variety of clubs for any interests you may have or want to explore further.
• Volunteer your time. Volunteering is a rewarding experience that can help you meet new people and make a difference.
• Attend community events. This is a great way to get involved in your community and meet new people.
• Strike up a conversation with someone new. You never know who you might meet!
Trilogy® at The Polo Club Indio, California
My journey into the world of physical fitness began during my childhood, growing up in a small, sports-centric community. Immersed in an active lifestyle, I developed a deep-rooted passion for athletics and movement. This passion intensified during my first year as a trainer in 2010, where I discovered the transformative power of corrective exercise while working with an older clientele. Witnessing their regained mobility and renewed sense of vitality fueled my mission to empower individuals to reclaim their physical well-being.
My passion for fitness deepened further following a life-altering car-bicycle collision. Navigating the challenges of recovery, I experienced firsthand the importance of intentional movement and its profound impact on overall well-being. This personal experience solidified my commitment to helping individuals of all ages achieve optimal physical health and performance.
Here are the top three steps individuals can take to prioritize physical fitness:
1. Cultivate Awareness: Develop a sense of awareness and understanding of your physical activity choices, recognizing the impact of movement on your overall well-being.
2. Nourish Your Body: Embrace a holistic approach to nutrition, making conscious choices to fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods that support optimal performance and recovery.
3. Nurture Your Mind and Soul: Foster meaningful connections that enrich your life, recognizing the profound influence of mental and emotional well-being on physical fitness.
In our Trilogy communities, individuals have access to an exceptional array of fitness classes offered at various times throughout the day. This flexibility ensures that individuals can seamlessly integrate fitness into their daily routines, regardless of their schedule or preferences.
Keeping Our Minds Sharp
Twin Mills Club at Trilogy® Lake Norman Denver, North Carolina
My journey into the world of wellness began 25 years ago when I stepped into the YMCA with a simple goal: to get stronger and healthier. Soon, I realized that my passion lay in inspiring others to achieve their wellness goals as well. This desire led me to pursue certification as a Nationally Certified Instructor and Trainer, and I've never looked back.
My passion for wellness took on a deeper meaning when my sister suffered a horrific car accident that left her in a coma for seven months and with a traumatic brain injury. Witnessing her struggle for recovery, despite the bleak prognosis, my sister refused to give up. Through a combination of healthy eating and exercise, she has achieved remarkable progress. She has lost 100 pounds, regained some of her short-term memory, can walk and stand with assistance, and has even eliminated the need for medication. My sister's journey is an inspiration to me and a testament to the transformative power of wellness.
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to keep our brains active and challenged. By engaging in new learning experiences, we not only maintain cognitive function but also enhance our ability to make informed decisions about our overall well-being. Intellectual enrichment can take many forms, from learning a new language or sport to exploring new recipes or challenging our minds with puzzles and games.
At Trilogy, we offer a variety of opportunities for our Members to engage in intellectual pursuits. Here are a few suggestions:
• Embrace lifelong learning: Challenge yourself to learn something new, whether it's a new language, a sport, or a culinary skill.
• Incorporate brain-stimulating activities: Add crossword puzzles or sudoku apps to your routine and aim to complete a few each week.
• Engage in physically and mentally challenging activities: Participate in personal training sessions or group fitness classes that incorporate counting, problem-solving, or pattern changes.
At Trilogy, we recognize that intellectual enrichment is an integral part of a holistic wellness approach. We incorporate brain-activating exercises into our personal training sessions and group fitness classes, challenging our Members physically and mentally. Additionally, we host regular workshops and presentations led by experts in various fields, providing opportunities for continuous learning and engagement.
Embracing Life's Opportunities
CHRIS FARLEY | DIRECTOR, SPA & WELLNESS
Trilogy® at Vistancia®
Peoria, Arizona
My journey into the wellness industry began in the early 1990s, while I was still a student in college. Guided by amazing mentors, I found myself immersed in a field that continues to bring me immense joy. My career started at a time when Marriott's Desert Springs was home to one of only two spas in the entire Marriott chain. From there, I transitioned to Marriott's Camelback Inn, a prestigious 5-star, 5-diamond property. During this time I truly grasped the essence of
exceptional service, the art of delivering beyond expectations, and the importance of exceeding one's perceived limitations.
My path led me to become a company product representative, allowing me to travel across the country and gain exposure to a diverse range of spas. After marrying and seeking a more settled lifestyle, I seized the opportunity to join the team at Royal Palms as Assistant Spa Director, where I had the honor of opening Alvadora Spa. My career continued to flourish as I was recruited to serve as Assistant General Manager at Gainey Village Health Club and Spa in Scottsdale. Ultimately, my journey brought me to Trilogy at Vistancia, where I am surrounded by an extraordinary team at a remarkable property.
Early on, I was captivated by the diverse perspectives on health and wellness embraced by the incredible staff I had the privilege of working alongside. Witnessing their profound impact on clients, both in the immediate and long term, deeply resonated with me. Even before self-care became a widely recognized concept, I instinctively knew that surrounding myself with individuals who prioritized their own well-being while simultaneously caring for others was the right path for me. I find immense fulfillment in being a part of this process, even if it's indirectly behind the scenes.
Life is a continuous stream of opportunities, and having the emotional confidence to step outside one's comfort zone and pursue passions is a source of immense fulfillment. This confidence, rooted in self-respect and personal trust, fuels my motivation and inspires me to continuously elevate myself and our team.
In our daily lives, we encounter countless opportunities that can either be seized or overlooked. To cultivate emotional confidence, identify activities that bring you joy and be open to exploring new possibilities. Utilize the MTL Events Calendar to bookmark events that pique your interest and set reminders to ensure you don't miss out on engaging experiences. If you find yourself feeling uninspired, connect with a team member or neighbor to discover hidden gems within your community. Embrace the spirit of adventure and combine familiar activities with new, exciting, and challenging experiences. Remember, conquering a mountain is not the only measure of self-challenge. Easing into activities with a group is an excellent way to successfully embark on new adventures and hobbies.
Encanterra®, a Trilogy® Resort Community Queen Creek, Arizona
My journey into the world of wellness began 11 years ago when I joined BlueStar as a Spa Attendant. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working in various roles within the spa and fitness department, eventually leading to my current position as Wellness Director at Encanterra.
Initially, I entered the wellness industry without a clear understanding of its scope and significance. However, as I immersed myself in the work and interacted with our Members, a deep passion for wellness ignited within me. I found immense satisfaction in helping individuals achieve their optimal well-being, whether through a relaxing massage, a revitalizing facial, or a challenging fitness class.
Spiritual well-being, often overlooked, plays a crucial role in shaping our overall well-being. It encompasses the quest for meaning and purpose in life, fostering a sense of connection to something larger than ourselves. Taking time for reflection, meditation, or simply mindful breathing can have profound benefits for our physical and mental health. Additionally, engaging in activities that bring purpose and contribute positively to the world nurtures our spiritual well-being.
Here are some practical tips for cultivating spiritual well-being:
• Embrace Solitude: Dedicate five minutes each day to find a quiet space for meditation, deep breathing, and a respite from the daily chaos.
• Explore Mindful Practices: Enroll in yoga or meditation classes offered at the fitness center.
• Connect with Nature: Take a walk through the beautiful community or venture onto a hiking trail, immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature.
• Engage in Acts of Kindness: Dedicate time to volunteering or supporting environmental causes, making a positive impact on the world around you.
• Practice Compassion and Forgiveness: Incorporate compassion and forgiveness into your weekly routine, fostering inner peace and harmony.
Our community actively supports the spiritual well-being of our Members by providing opportunities for spiritual exploration and connection. Various groups gather regularly for discussions, offering a space for like-minded individuals to share their perspectives and deepen their understanding of spirituality. Additionally, the Mindfulness to Wellness Member-led Club guides participants in cultivating mindfulness and meditation practices, promoting personal, relational, and community well-being. Within our fitness center, we offer a variety of classes, including Yoga and Crystal Sound Healing, designed to nurture spiritual growth and relaxation. Furthermore, we host community programs that provide opportunities for Members to contribute to meaningful causes, fostering a sense of connection. n
Paula, Victor, Jenny, Chris, and Tabalyn are among dozens of passionate wellness leaders across the Trilogy portfolio. They are part of a team that, over the course of the past 15+ years, has produced incredible results with and for the Members. In the most recent survey of Members across the Trilogy portfolio, more than 90% say that living in Trilogy has provided them the opportunity to live a healthier life.
Member Missy Debnar with Members Joe and Alex Remson, Pat and Cheryl McCutcheon, and Kent Green
In the heart of Encanterra® resides a group of extraordinary athletes who have not just challenged the conventional, but have conquered the extreme. These resilient souls are taking endurance sports to new heights, pushing not only their physical limits, but their mental boundaries as well. From marathons, triathlons, and ultra marathons, they've embraced the trials and tribulations of these demanding pursuits. Kudos to our community champions!
HOW MANY RACES HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN?
We have run over 100 races of varying lengths across the United States, from Virginia to California and several states in between.
HOW LONG (DISTANCE) IS A RACE?
A race can be any distance; however, the minimum we run is 5K (3.1 miles).
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START RUNNING MARATHONS?
Once we started running, it was something we said would be a ‘bucket-list’ item. We really wanted to challenge ourselves and see what our bodies could do in our fifties. Our long-term goal is to run a race in all 50 states.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF TRAINING FOR A RACE?
Training is always hard. There are days you don’t want to do it or your body aches. However, our favorite part would have to be the accomplishment of sticking with it and knowing we are bettering ourselves both physically and mentally.
HOW HAS RUNNING MARATHONS IMPACTED YOUR OVERALL WELL-BEING AND HEALTH?
Running, in general, has done wonders for our heart health and mental health. Alex just went for an echo and ultrasound of her heart and was told her heart is in the 100th percentile of the people in her age group. We attribute that to running and an active lifestyle. Running is also known for lengthening telomeres, which help our bodies stay biologically younger than our chronological age.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING MARATHON RUNNERS:
We would tell someone to first find a fun marathon. Having a theme (St. Patrick’s Day, Disney, Star Wars, wine, chocolate, etc.) always adds to the excitement of the run. We LOVE dressing up for our runs. Our most important tip is to find an excellent pair of running shoes. We would also highly recommend going to a running store and getting a professional evaluation of your feet, stride, and pronation.
HOW MANY RACES HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN?
As a pair, we have completed many marathons and shorter runs. Pat has completed two Ironmans, three half Ironmans, five Olympic-distance triathlons, and a few sprint-distance triathlons. Cheryl has completed one Ironman, three half Ironmans, five Olympic-distance triathlons, and a few sprintdistance triathlons.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START COMPETING IN TRIATHLONS?
A sense of accomplishment, fitness, and weight loss.
HOW DID YOU PREPARE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FOR YOUR FIRST TRIATHLONS?
Physically, we started running slowly. We would walk for a minute and then run a minute, alternating for a half a mile. We worked our way up to longer distances. The goal is to build your body up without injuring yourself (or giving up). For biking and swimming, we followed a similar pattern. As we got within range of the planned race and distance, our pace would vary based upon a specific training plan.
Mentally, knowing we completed training per the plan gave us confidence starting the event.
CAN YOU SHARE ANY TIPS OR TRICKS FOR STAYING MOTIVATED DURING LONG TRAINING RUNS?
Run with a friend or music. Plan a reward meal, something you wouldn’t normally eat like pizza or ice cream.
WHAT'S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MARATHON EXPERIENCE AND WHY?
CHERYL: Placing first in my age-group in two different Olympicdistance triathlons. Along with the associated trophies.
PAT: Training and completing the Tempe, Arizona Ironman with Cheryl. What a great way to start retirement!
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE CONSIDERING RUNNING THEIR FIRST TRIATHLON?
Set an appropriate goal based upon your current status. If you don’t run now, start with walking. Then progress to alternating running a minute, walking a minute. There are “couch-to-5K” training plans online. If you want to train for a longer run or triathlon, find a book you find helpful. Training shouldn’t be painful. If it hurts, you are probably pushing too hard. You can gain excellent fitness from workouts that feel good during and after.
HOW MANY RACES HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN?
I have completed more than 60 races, including 35 ultramarathons.
WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST RACE?
My first marathon was the 2006 Chicago Marathon. My first ultramarathon was in the Chicago Lakefront 50 Mile in 2007.
HOW LONG (TIME/DISTANCE) IS A RACE?
I’ve ran races from a 5k to 100 miles. The time it takes one race could be double what it takes another for the same distance! It all varies based upon the course. Some are in the mountains, and some are on flat roads. For example, I ran a 50-mile race in 6 hours and 44 minutes. I also ran a 50-mile race in 11 hours and 29 minutes! One was flat on road, and the other was in the rugged mountains on the Mogollon Rim!
CAN YOU SHARE ANY TIPS OR TRICKS FOR STAYING MOTIVATED DURING LONG TRAINING RUNS?
Have a goal on the horizon. Cross train with things other than running, such as lifting weights, riding a bike, using a stair climber, swimming, etc. But most importantly, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to take a rest day. Your body needs rest just as much as it needs the training.
WHAT'S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ULTRAMARATHON EXPERIENCE AND WHY?
Hands down the Western States 100 Mile in 2019. It’s one of the most competitive and prestigious ultramarathons in the world. I only had a slim chance of getting in through a lottery. At that time, only 262 runners would be selected through the lottery. I had two lottery tickets out of the 20,000-plus entries. Very few people get in, and even fewer people complete it in under 24 hours. I was selected with a roughly three percent chance and finished in 21 hours and seven minutes. I will always be deeply proud and humbled to have lived a unique experience like that.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING RUNNING THEIR FIRST ULTRAMARATHON?
Get fitted for the right shoes. Shoes can make or break the running experience, and the wrong shoes can cause injury later on.
Don’t be afraid to slow down and walk during a run or race. I ran my first ultramarathon (50 miles) by alternating running and walking. I would run for 10 minutes and walk for two to three minutes, then repeat. That race went exceptionally well! Listen to your body. Know the difference between normal muscle soreness and abnormal pain.
Age is just a number, just like the distance. I’ve ran with people in their 50s and 60s who are beating 20-year-olds! n
In a community like Trilogy, the pursuit of extreme challenges is not just a testament to physical endurance, but a reflection of the indomitable human spirit. These extraordinary individuals have embraced the pains of training, the rigors of the race, and the sweet triumph of crossing the finish line. Joe and Alex, Pat and Cheryl, and Kent have not only conquered their chosen races, but have left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who have watched them rise to greatness.
Their stories are a reminder that the pursuit of the extraordinary is not confined by age or circumstance. It's an invitation to embrace the challenges, push beyond one's perceived limits, and find inspiration in the most unexpected places. The journeys of these remarkable neighbors encourage us all to chase our dreams, conquer our fears, and find our own path to greatness.
As they continue to lace up their running shoes, tackle treacherous terrains, and overcome formidable obstacles, they remind us that the spirit of adventure knows no bounds, and the only walls that truly exist are the ones we're determined to break through.
The spirit of Trilogy, as embodied by Joe and Alex, Pat and Cheryl, and Kent, beckons us to conquer the extreme and embrace the challenges that lie ahead. In their footsteps, we find the inspiration to embark on our own remarkable journeys, fueled by passion, tenacity, and an unwavering belief in the extraordinary.
"Anytime someone tells me there’s something I can’t do, something in me tells me that I can," said Tiffany Spaulding, a Member at Wickenburg Ranch. And judging by her latest feat, she means it.
Last summer, Tiffany and her friend, Debbie, challenged themselves to do something that no two women (or men, to our knowledge at least) have done at Wickenburg Ranch. "I love to challenge myself and try things I’ve never done," said Tiffany. "I had an idea to see how much Debbie and I could play in a single day. So, we teed off early in the morning and once we started, we didn’t stop until the sun went down."
Things started at a brisk pace for Tiffany and Debbie. "We teed off at 7:00am on Big Wick and played the first round in just under three and a half hours. That’s when I thought we could play at least 36, or maybe even 45 holes," said Tiffany. "So, we went for it, despite hearing some folks in the shop say it wasn’t possible or that we’d wear ourselves out somewhere between 27 and 36 holes."
Tiffany continued, "I know my friends were playfully naysaying our ambitions, but I actually took it to heart and used their teasing as a means to motivate Deb and I to keep going."
Keep going they did. After the first 18 holes, both ladies still had plenty of pep in their steps. Their friend Shawna joined up with them so they paused for a snack and headed straight back onto the golf course. One round and three and a half hours later, there was a window for 18 more holes if they didn’t waste time and went straight from the 18th green at Big Wick back to the first tee. So off they went, grabbing whatever sustenance and hydration they could to ensure they had the stamina to keep going.
Speaking of hydration and food, Tiffany reminded us that it’s important to remember to bring both the next time you play a round of golf. During the day, it’s recommended that you should consume roughly two-thirds your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should consume at least 100 ounces of water a day. If you play golf, and especially in an arid climate like Arizona, you should drink even more.
"We stayed plenty hydrated and made sure of it by refilling our water bottles and avoiding alcohol," said Tiffany. "We ate food, too, but didn’t stuff ourselves with big meals. Smaller snacks more frequently really made a difference for us as we played the whole day."
As the sun began setting, the ladies made their way up to the 18th green marking their 54th hole of the day. Both ladies
let out a collective sigh. "We knew we had accomplished something special, and we were elated to have been able to play three full rounds of golf in a single day," said Tiffany. "We’re lucky sometimes to play three times a month, but here we are doing it in a day! I think the adrenaline kept us going because if it wasn’t for the sun going down, we might have kept going!"
Stories like theirs aren’t all that unfamiliar at Trilogy® communities throughout the country. We’ve heard numerous stories of people trying new things, exploring new talents, and sometimes pushing themselves beyond the limits of what even they thought were possible.
"I know this may sound like I work in marketing, but the truth is, if it weren’t for the Trilogy lifestyle that we’ve gotten used to here, I don’t think I ever would have thought of playing 54 holes in a single day," said Tiffany. "Our friends who live at Wickenburg Ranch aren’t the kind who like to kick back and let life happen. They're doers, go-getters, and almost always up for trying something new. I asked Debbie the day after we played 54 holes when she’d be ready to try for 72 holes next." Her response?
"I’m ready right now. When’s the first tee time?" n
MEMBER-LED CLUBS CONTINUE TO BRING TRILOGY® COMMUNITIES TOGETHER YEAR AFTER YEAR. WITH SUCH A WIDE VARIETY OF CLUBS OFFERED, THERE SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.
IN HONOR OF THESE INCREDIBLE GROUPS, WE ARE CELEBRATING ANOTHER YEAR OF THE CLUBBIES. THESE AWARDS SHINE A LIGHT ON OUR CLUBS ACROSS THE COUNTRY THAT DESERVE TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR POSITIVE IMPACT.
This award highlights Member-led Clubs that not only make a difference at Trilogy, but in their local communities as well.
WINNER:
Trilogy Serves
Trilogy® at Tehaleh®
HONORABLE MENTION:
Nubian Experience Club
Trilogy® Lake Norman
LOOK OUT FOR:
Friends of Delta Community Service
Trilogy® at The Vineyards
To celebrate communities filled with good neighbors, this award highlights clubs that go above and beyond to serve others.
WINNER:
Neighborhood Watch
Encanterra®, a Trilogy® Resort Community
HONORABLE MENTION:
Caregivers Support Group
Trilogy® at The Vineyards
LOOK OUT FOR:
Think Pink!
Trilogy® at Verde River™
The clubs we showcase are led by Members, usually starting with a few folks that have a common interest. This award goes to little clubs with big potential.
WINNER:
Equestrian Club
Trilogy® at Verde River™
HONORABLE MENTION:
Perfectly Paired Wine Club
Trilogy® in Summerlin®
LOOK OUT FOR:
Mingles Singles Adventure Group
Trilogy® Valor
Members have full creative liberty when creating clubs, so this award calls out the most witty and creative club names.
WINNER:
Better Read than Dead
Trilogy® at Tehaleh®
HONORABLE MENTION:
ROMEO (Really Old Men Eating Out)
Trilogy® at Lake Frederick
LOOK OUT FOR:
The Bad (But Fun) Bowling Group
Trilogy® at The Polo Club
For the communities that share a mutual love of playing games with friends, this award goes to clubs that enjoy a little competition.
WINNER:
Sunstoners Pickleball Club
Trilogy® Sunstone
HONORABLE MENTION:
Bocce Club
Trilogy® at Vistancia®
LOOK OUT FOR:
Music Trivia Club
Trilogy® at The Vineyards
These Member-led Clubs are passionate about travel and sharing new experiences with their friends and neighbors.
WINNER:
The Trailblazers Hiking Club
Trilogy® Lake Norman
HONORABLE MENTION:
Cruising Club
Encanterra®, a Trilogy® Resort Community
LOOK OUT FOR:
Ski Club
Trilogy® at Verde River™
MEMBER-LED CLUBS provide great opportunities to get more involved in your community in any number of ways to fit your lifestyle and interests. With the dozens of clubs to choose from, you are bound to find something you’re passionate about. Still don’t see a fit? Other Members probably feel the same way. To start a club, contact your local lifestyle team or check out your Club’s Member-led Club Expo, which occurs once a year.
At Trilogy®, the true magic lies not just in the activities, but in the people. While staying fit is a welcome side effect, the camaraderie fueled by the diverse sports offerings forms the beating heart of the Trilogy experience. Here, competition and friendship find their perfect balance, where every swing, stride, birdie, and winner becomes a shared celebration of connection.
These friendly competitions take place daily within the communities across the country, but a few times a year, multiple communities converge to see who’s on top.
These stories from Arizona and Washington showcase a couple of these fun events.
The summer sun shined warmly on the links at Verde River Golf & Social Club at Trilogy® at Verde RiverTM in Rio Verde, Arizona, casting long shadows across the fairways and greens. But the Arizona heat couldn't dampen the joyous spirit that bloomed on August 24th, 2023. That day marked the inaugural Cactus Classic, a golf event born from a simple desire to connect players across communities and celebrate the shared love of the game.
Forget fierce competition and serious faces. This was a day for laughter, camaraderie, and forging new friendships. Randomly assigned foursomes, a mix of skill levels, and a relaxed Stableford format ensured everyone could participate and enjoy the company of fellow players.
"The idea came from one of our Directors of Golf," shared Matt Anzalone, Vice President of Golf & Club Operations for Trilogy’s hospitality management partner, BlueStar Resort & Golf. "We ran with it, focused on making it fun and social, a chance to meet like-minded folks from across the Valley."
And fun it was! With a full field of enthusiastic golfers hailing from three Trilogy communities, as well as another BlueStar community in Arizona, the course buzzed with conversation and good vibes. The temperature may have soared to 100+ degrees, but the camaraderie felt even warmer.
"The turnout was amazing," Anzalone confessed. "Especially considering the timing – August isn't exactly peak golf season in Arizona. But that just showed how excited everyone was for this event!"
So excited, in fact, that a second Cactus Classic is already making its way onto the annual calendar. "Mark your calendars for early May 2024," Anzalone announced. "We're bringing back the Cactus Classic, bigger and better than ever!"
While Verde River took home the inaugural trophy, the real victory lay in the connections forged. Post-game, heavy hors d'oeuvres, raffle prizes, and endless laughter solidified the bonds built on the course.
"The format was perfect," Anzalone reflected. "Everyone had a chance to shine, the competition was friendly, and most importantly, everyone had a blast. That's what this event is all about – celebrating the joy of the game and the magic of connecting with fellow enthusiasts."
So here's to the Cactus Classic: a testament to the power of shared passions and the enduring spirit of community. May its roots grow deep and its blooms continue to brighten the fairway for many years to come.
A special thanks to the Verde River Golf & Social Club team and the event sponsors - TaylorMade, Putting World, and On the Rocks - for making this inaugural event a success! n
Forget cutthroat competition – this was a clash of pickleball titans, fueled by shared passion and friendly rivalry. Players from Trilogy® at Redmond Ridge and Trilogy® at Tehaleh® (suburbs of Seattle-Tacoma) descended upon the courts, paddles in hand, eyes twinkling with playful challenge.
Men in Bonney Lake at Tehaleh battled point-by-point, each volley pulsating with the quiet hum of determination. Across the valley, Redmond Ridge's women took center stage, their strategic smashes and deft drops a dance of talent and spirited competition. Their focus was laser-sharp, culminating in a well-deserved team victory that mirrored their male counterparts' success.
But this wasn't just about scoreboard supremacy. Beneath the surface, sportsmanship and camaraderie bubbled like a perfectly placed dink shot. These weren't bitter rivals; they were fellow enthusiasts, united by the thrill of the game. As the final volleys faded, the courts morphed into bustling social hubs. Laughter echoed, forging new connections and strengthening existing bonds over post-match refreshments.
The Northwest Trilogy Pickleball Challenge wasn't just a tournament; it was a testament to the unifying power of sport. It was a day where friendly competition became a bridge, connecting communities and reminding everyone that belonging and joy can be found beyond the boundaries of the court.
In the heart of Trilogy® Lake Norman, a unique tradition has taken root – the Trilogy® Games. The brainchild of Dave Jazbec, a recently retired Member with a passion for bringing people together, the Trilogy Games has become an eagerly anticipated annual event. Held during June, the games draw participants from all corners of the community.
The concept behind the Trilogy Games is simple: foster camaraderie, promote physical activity, and inject a healthy dose of fun into the lives of Trilogy residents. Inspired by the community's spirit and the desire to create lasting memories, Dave devised a series of playful competitions that cater to all ages and abilities.
“It was just a fun thought to engage the community by coming up with something that would be inclusive and allow everyone to participate at some level. I wanted it to be something everyone could embrace and that would bring the community together,” said Dave.
Over the years, the Trilogy Games has evolved into a grand spectacle. The event includes more than 30 different competitions, ranging from traditional games like cornhole and bocce ball to unconventional activities such as pickle(d)ball
with a sponge, swim races with inflatable flamingos, and bench pressing while balancing a glass of water.
What sets the Trilogy Games apart is its emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. Dave, along with a team of volunteers, meticulously plans each event to ensure everyone can participate and enjoy the spirit of friendly competition. “Everything is planned to attract as many participants as possible regardless of ability,” Dave said. “A lot of these activities were also designed to be fun to watch. So even if you didn’t participate in the event, it is still enjoyable for all.” Whether you're a spectator, a seasoned athlete, or a complete novice, there's a game for you.
The Trilogy Games is not just about winning; it’s about celebrating community spirit and creating lasting memories. The opening ceremony, with its torch run, golf cart parade, and team lip-sync battles, sets the tone for a weekend of camaraderie and laughter.
The games themselves are a whirlwind of activity, with teams vying for gold, silver, and bronze medals in a variety of events. The atmosphere is electric, with cheers echoing throughout the community.
But the true heart of the Trilogy Games lies in the connections made between participants. Neighbors become teammates, friendships are strengthened, and a sense of belonging fills the air. The games provide a platform for neighbors to interact beyond their doorsteps and discover the shared passions and talents that make Trilogy a great place to call home.
Dave’s vision for the Trilogy Games has extended beyond the competitions. Recognizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration, he has structured the games to encourage inter-street participation. Teams are intentionally drawn from multiple streets, fostering connections, and breaking down barriers between neighborhoods.
“People often interact with those who live on their streets, but they don’t often mingle with those from neighboring streets,” Dave said. “The teams I set up are comprised of several streets. So, as they meet to prepare for the games, they will socialize and become friends with others who don’t live on their street.”
The impact of the Trilogy Games has been profound. Members excitedly await the annual event, marking their calendars and anticipating the opportunity to connect with their neighbors.
“It has been so rewarding to see how many people are looking forward to it each year,” Dave said.
As Dave looks to pass the baton to the next generation of organizers, he leaves behind a legacy of inclusivity, creativity, and community spirit. The Trilogy Games has become a cherished tradition and blossomed into a symbol of the Trilogy lifestyle, a testament to the power of social connection and physical fitness. n
When you choose to live in our communities, you are choosing to invest time in your well-being and happiness. As you embark on a journey of trying new things, traveling to cool places, meeting interesting people, and achieving joy, your lifestyle team is there to guide you along the way. Whether it be through delicious culinary demos, electrifying tribute concerts, offsite events, or golf cart parades, the lifestyle team at each Trilogy® community strives to provide diverse programming to give you the opportunity to Live Happier® . Although we could write an entire book covering the vast amount of lifestyle events put on throughout the year, here are a few of our favorites.
Outlook Club Members enjoy living the good life. Our lifestyle team offers a variety of events throughout the year, but the few that stood out for us this past year were our Trilogy World Series of Poker Tournament, Spooktacular, and Friendsgiving Dinner
As most know, every year Las Vegas holds their World Series of Poker® Tournament, and we decided to put on our own Trilogy spin on it. Just like the real deal on the Las Vegas Strip, we had a variety of rounds that Members registered to play. The top two chip holders from those tables then advanced to the final table, where we had prizes for the final three. This was a fun tournament for the players and spectators!
Every Halloween we look forward to our Spooktacular party, when we indulge in this creepy theme. We have a great time coming up with creative, yet sometimes gruesome, menu items for the buffet, great bubbling beverages, and of course, our Members kill it with their costumes. It is always interesting to see what they come up with.
Our Friendsgiving Dinner comes from the heart and soul of our staff. We don’t have a restaurant here at Outlook Club, but the staff enjoys cooking up a feast for this intimate meal. Since the beginning, we have increased the number of attendees each year as the community has grown and this has become one of the most popular events. At the end of the day, we strive to foster a long-lasting human connection that our Members can build with each other.
Throughout the year, we hosted an array of exciting events for our Members' enjoyment. The lively Dueling Pianos night was a hit, allowing them to request their favorite tunes, flawlessly performed by talented musicians. The “Key West” theme was well executed, as the evening was complemented by a special menu featuring delicious key lime pie.
The Comedy Show headlined by the incredibly talented Moody McCarthy from New York was an absolute riot, showcasing his renowned, clean yet edgy humor from various TV networks. The audience was left in stitches, eagerly anticipating his next visit.
Adding to the fun, our interactive Sour Grapes Murder Mystery Dinner captivated our Members. The storyline drew everyone in, and the inclusion of some Members as characters heightened the excitement, making for an immersive and amusing evening for all involved.
In the heart of The Polo Club community a beloved tradition thrives – the triannual Golf Cart Parades that have evolved into spirited celebrations marking the 4th of July, Halloween, and December holidays. These vibrant processions symbolize more than festivity; they epitomize the community's unity and spirited engagement.
Three times a year, Members don their finest attire, deck their golf carts with captivating decorations, and immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. The parades kick off with a social gathering featuring themed mocktails, delectable appetizers, and a voting station where fellow Members cast their ballots for the best-decorated golf cart. Participants go all out, vying for votes with goodie bags, interactive games, and imaginative displays.
As the winner is announced, the crowned golf cart leads the parade through the community, accompanied by music and cheers that draw residents out to greet the procession.
Beyond its spectacle, the Golf Cart Parade is a testament to community engagement. It encourages Members to contribute their unique talents, whether through decorations, costumes, refreshments, or games. This tradition promotes a sense of belonging among The Polo Club Members.
Amidst the rush of daily life, these parades serve as a reminder of the power of community, shared joy, and the strength of tradition. It’s a celebration that unites diverse talents and passions, creating enduring bonds, and cherished memories.
Encanterra strives to provide vibrant community gatherings that leave lasting impressions on our Members. From glow putt-putt golf to the heartwarming tradition of the Holiday Stroll, our community thrives on shared moments of joy and togetherness.
On a sparkling evening, our specially designed glow golf putt-putt event drew a lively crowd. The 9-hole course became a hub of laughter, camaraderie, and friendly competition under Arizona's starlit sky.
Amidst the festive spirit, the Holiday Stroll stands out as a heartwarming tradition. Gathering toys for Toys for Tots, this event brings our community together. It began with a golf cart parade and ended with holiday songs echoingthrough the neighborhood, creating a sense of community among neighbors and friends.
In celebration of Oktoberfest, Trilogy at The Vineyards hosted a fun-filled event with an authentic polka band and German beer! Our Members enjoyed live music, German polka dances, and Bavarian musicians.
The Event Lawn was transformed into a beer garden with Members dressed in dirndls and lederhosen. Each Member received a beer stein or wine glass with their ticket for the event to enjoy their drink of choice throughout the day.
Here at The Vineyards, we have a Craft Beer Club who joined in the fun by sampling our very own craft beer they brewed! Our Members were so excited to participate in the games, including brat toss, stein holding competitions, and more! The food was delicious and created the perfect festival atmosphere.
One of the events we were most proud of activating this year at Seven Summits Lodge was the Juneteenth Lunch & Look. A bit of background: Juneteenth (short for June nineteenth) marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. This day is widely known as the official end of slaver y, although it is necessary to mention that the impacts of slavery persisted for many more decades, even affecting society today.
In honor of this very powerful and historical day, we took a group of eager-tolearn Members up to the Northwest African American Museum located in Seattle. Where we explored the exhibits and art installments created and curated by members of the local Pacific Northwest Black and African American community We then supported a local black-owned business called Simply Soulful for lunch and used that time to speak about what we had learned from the day.
Because it’s important to learn about the history of our country, we were personally proud of this event. Pushing Members out of what they may believe to be their comfort zone is one of the best parts of this job. Even as we age, it is still important to keep learning and growing as a person and member of society. Events like this are what make the lifestyle we provide to our Members unique and meaningful. n
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” is a saying that holds true for the Creative Arts Community of Trilogy® at Verde River™ . In 2019 when alternative uses for The Art Loft space were being considered, ths dynamic group came together with the common goal of saving the space while providing a haven for individuals to unleash their inner artist, share their skills, and create lasting friendships.
At the heart of the Creative Arts Community is an array of workshops and activities that cater to a spectrum of artistic interests. From painting and drawing to the artistry of jewelry making, the group provides a welcoming space for individuals of all skill levels. Under the guidance of instructors, workshop participants embark on a journey of creative exploration, nurtured by a supportive learning environment where imagination knows no bounds.
Sally Gonzalez, the club’s leader, attributes the success of the group to its collaborative spirit and commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all. "It's very much a group effort," she emphasizes. "I'm simply providing a bit of focus and structure, but there are many individuals who are incredibly active and passionate about keeping the group thriving."
Beyond the workshops, the Creative Arts Community cultivates a sense of creativity and camaraderie through its open studio sessions. These unstructured gatherings serve as a space for
artists to work independently on their personal projects, exchange ideas, seek constructive feedback, and simply enjoy the company of fellow creators.
The impact of the Creative Arts Community also extends beyond the walls of The Art Loft, reaching the broader community with larger events such as their bi-annual craft fairs. These events serve as a showcase for the talent and craftmanship of Trilogy at Verde River Members, giving artisans a sense of pride by providing them with a platform to share their creations with the entire community.
“The craft fairs really build momentum for the group and the community is very supportive,” Sally said. “Artists will say ‘my things aren’t good enough’ or ‘I’m afraid of criticism.’ But the community gives great feedback, and everyone has fun.”
The future is brimming with exciting possibilities as the group plans to expand its offerings and further integrate with the Verde River community. Restarting the pottery program and offering more diverse workshops, including one on photography, are just a few of the initiatives that lie on the horizon.
The Creative Arts Community has undoubtedly become an asset to Trilogy at Verde River, enriching the lives of the Members in the community and beyond. The group’s passion will continue to foster artistic expression, growth, connection, and shared inspiration for years to come. n
For this year’s showcase feature, we are pleased to be joined by author, actor, supermodel, and now influencer, Kim Alexis. Kim is someone we met in 2023, and we quickly realized how much her message aligns with Trilogy®’s in terms of health, wellness, and the pursuit of the best possible life.
Kim is among an elite few who rose to “supermodel” status in the 1980s. She amassed more than 500 total covers, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour. In 1983 she replaced Lauren Hutton as the face of Revlon’s Ultima II line, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in America. She rounded out her supermodel status by being in the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for six years, which made perfect sense, since she grew up swimming in Lockport, New York, and has always been known for bringing athleticism to her beauty.
After modeling, Kim used her experience to launch a career in broadcasting and writing. Her television resumé includes roles with Good Morning America, Food Network, TV Land, and, most recently, as a featured model in HBO’s documentary, About Face. Her writings include the nonfiction book A Model for a Better Future and a fictional book, Beauty to Die For, along with five eBooks: Modeling: How to be Discovered, Lean Clean, Cheat Eat, My Healthy Thyroid, and Dieting Lessons. She is also a creator for Men’s Journal and has written regularly for The Daily
Kim’s home in Scottsdale, Arizona is a short sprint from the home offices of Trilogy. We are excited to have her here with us to share some insight into her journey, what’s important to her, and how she might be able to be a positive influence to the thousands of Trilogy Members across the country.
MTL: Kim, thank you for sitting down with us today to provide some insight to your views on wellness and healthy aging.
KA: Thank you for having me.
MTL: How did you find yourself in the world of high fashion?
KA: It was unexpected. I was spotted in my hometown. At the time, my primary focus was swimming, which I still love, and something I took quite seriously when I was young. But when the opportunity to model presented itself, I went ahead and took the leap.
MTL: What you achieved is remarkable. Can you share some career highlights?
KA: I've worked with some of the industry's most renowned photographers and designers. My work has taken me to incredible destinations worldwide, allowing me to experience diverse cultures and connect with fascinating individuals. I also gained immense confidence and self-acceptance.
MTL: How did modeling shape your perspective on wellness?
KA: The constant scrutiny I faced underscored the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I realized that my wellbeing was paramount to my success, prompting me to adopt healthy habits and prioritize my physical and mental health. Likely thanks to my solid upbringing and my roots in sports, I was able to maintain the right balance and not experience as much of what others in the business dealt with in terms of body image concerns and ultimately mental health challenges.
MTL: How do you strike a balance?
KA: Maintaining a harmonious balance between nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being is an ongoing journey, and I've learned that it's not about achieving perfection but rather about making conscious choices that support my holistic well-being.
MTL: Can you elaborate on your approach to nutrition?
KA: I believe in nourishing my body with whole, unprocessed foods. I prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive saturated fats. On the food side, I’m not against a treat here and there, but I try and be smart about it.
MTL: How do you integrate fitness into your lifestyle?
KA: I do some form of exercise daily, whether it is just a walk or twice-a-day workouts with weights and cardio of some sort. I enjoy a variety of exercises, including brisk walking, yoga, swimming, and strength training. Incorporating movement into my daily schedule enhances my energy levels, mood, and overall health.
MTL: What would you tell those struggling with goals?
KA: I encourage everyone to be kind to themselves and avoid self-comparison. Our journeys are unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experimenting with different approaches and finding what resonates with you is key.
MTL: What role do you feel health and wellness plays in aging?
KA: I'm passionate about promoting healthy aging and dispelling the negative stereotypes often associated with growing older. I aspire to inspire people to embrace their age and approach life with unwavering enthusiasm. Embracing my natural gray hair was a deeply personal decision that stemmed from a desire to be authentic and true to myself. For many years, I felt pressure to maintain a somewhat false sense of beauty. Now I see that confidence is beautiful.
MTL: So, going gray has been a good move for you?
KA: I actually made two major changes at the same time. After choosing to go gray, I clipped 17” of my remaining blonde hair and donated it to the Children with Hair Loss organization. It’s admittedly been a bit of a shock to the system when I look in the mirror, but overall it’s been liberating. And in the case of the donation, very rewarding.
MTL: Does your advice about healthy aging apply to all?
KA: I think the core principles of healthy aging apply universally. Be smart. Be aware. Listen to your body. Small changes in behavior can make a huge difference.
MTL: What are some common mistakes people make?
KA: Not paying enough attention to their diet. They may eat too much processed food, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. They may also not eat enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. We are products of what we consume, and in a world where there are a million healthy substitutions that taste great, it’s really an unforced error to put the wrong things in your body.
MTL: How do you leverage social media platforms to promote health and wellness?
KA: I openly share my personal experiences and insights on healthy living with my followers. I also showcase inspiring stories of women who embody graceful aging, demonstrating that vitality and beauty can be embraced at every stage of life. Maybe most of all, I try and make myself available to anyone who reaches out. If you message me, I’ll respond – I think that’s really important. If someone is willing to be vulnerable with me and asks for help or advice, it is an honor to be a part of that journey.
MTL: What are your aspirations for the future of health and wellness?
KA: I envision a world where everyone has access to the knowledge and resources necessary to live healthy and fulfilling lives. I also hope to see a shift in societal perceptions of aging, where we celebrate and embrace the beauty of every stage of life. n
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PAUL HODGEN | AUGUST 9, 2023: I was driving to Marin County, California to a quarterly Marin County Chevron Retirement Association luncheon when I first heard about the deadly fires that had swept down on the town of Lahaina, Maui. The following day, I started a $100,000 fundraising campaign to support the people there. At the time, rumors suggested as many as 1,000 may have perished, and the town of Lahaina was gone. Though the destruction was less devastating than these initial reports, the impact on this relatively quiet coastal town is likely to be felt for decades to come.
The fundraising began with a request for donations, a 50:50 raffle, and a month-by-month plan to reach the $100,000 target. As the first month wrapped up, we awarded half of the 50:50 raffle pot to a Tuscany Village resident. He promptly gave most of it back to the Maui fund, and we began planning our September events, which included a putting contest, online silent auction and raffle, root beer float sale, and street party at Hodgen Corner.
During August, September, and October, I sent out several emails, attended Chevron and Trilogy Club events, and updated MTL bulletins with any progress. The final fundraiser leaned on my lap-swimming abilities. I asked folks to sponsor me in a swim-a-thon fundraiser where I planned to honor those who lost their lives by swimming 128 laps. In the end, I swam 144 laps. Plus, I accomplished this task – raising nearly $2,000 – in just 73 minutes and 31 seconds (or 0.84 yards per second).
Thanks to all the wonderful people of Trilogy at The Vineyards, my friends and family across the U.S., and companies like Chevron and Marriott, we raised nearly a third of the goal. I expect to get closer to 50% after spending time in Kauai during the holidays, convincing other owners to contribute to funds supporting Marriott staff in Maui and continue efforts to get matching funds.
During the fundraising effort, we raised about $10,200 in donations, including my $5,000; $5,700 from the events outlined above; $7,200 in matching donations; and $6,400 in donations that were directly based on my inspiration. The $5,000 ($9,500 with corporation matching) went to large organizations like the Hawaii Community Fund, Hawaii/Maui Food Bank, and Red Cross, while another $4,800 ($7,500 with corporation matching,) went to local community and hospitality employee funds. The total giving to date rose to nearly $24,000, including the inspired donations that went directly from my friends and family. In late 2023 and early 2024, another $6,000-10,000 will be distributed including another $3,000 of matching funds from Chevron.
Maui, including West Maui, is open for travel, and they need your travel dollars! Please contact paulhodgen@aol.com if you are interested in donating.
ANOTHER TRILOGY® MEMBER with a big heart for Maui, Kathleen Palley, from Trilogy® in Summerlin®, volunteered for the Red Cross to provide aid to families in Maui. She recalls, “I deployed to Maui on September 2nd, to help with the fire recovery for three weeks. Things were constantly changing, but I was housed in a staff shelter in Kihei with about 150 other Red Cross volunteers. While there, I worked as an intake worker, which meant I met with people who had been impacted by the fire. I opened Red Cross cases for them, and then we could give them immediate financial assistance and help them get into a shelter. From there, a caseworker would take over and my job was done. I met with 13 families that were often large and multi-generational, many of them spoke Tagalog and Spanish. There were a few translators to assist, so I really wished my Spanish was better! I rotated between work locations at The Royal Lahaina, The Hyatt Kaanapali, and The Sheraton Kaanapali where clients could also stay.
“Twice a day, as I drove through Lahaina between my shelter and work location, what I saw reminded me of why I was there. The community of Lahaina was destroyed, but the surrounding neighborhoods encircled the area with love. Signs popped up everywhere along the road for free meals, free internet, and household donation pick-up sites. One of the most visual displays of support was a memorial along the highway with more than 117 crosses placed at one of the only areas you could stop to take photos. Those of you who know me well, know I always have a Diet Coke nearby, and when I saw a Coke sitting next to one of the crosses, the moment became very personal.” Kathleen concludes her memories from Maui with a reminder to take advantage of being able to hug your loved ones.” n
Ask any recent retiree what they plan to do with their free time, and in addition to hobbies, relaxing, and spending time with family, one of the answers is likely to be “traveling.” Traveling can be rewarding in so many ways: opening your eyes to new cultures; enjoying new experiences; spending quality time with loved ones; the list never ends.
At Trilogy® communities across the country, an emphasis is put on providing Members opportunities to travel, whether local, domestic, or even international trips. After a few years of light travel, 2023 kicked things back up a notch with a whole host of trips. Here’s just a small glimpse into a few adventures our Members had in the last year.
MARCH 2023
WITH MACKENZIE SIMMONS, LIFESTYLE MANAGER
One of the most popular trips our Members have ever taken happened in March of 2023 when just over 30 Members traveled to Cuba. The consensus among Members and the two lifestyle team members who accompanied them was that it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Lifestyle Manager Mackenzie Simmons from Trilogy® at The Polo Club was one of two Trilogy representatives on the trip, acting as a guide, resource, and familiar face to the Members on the trip. As a self-proclaimed “travel junkie,” Mackenzie has been to her fair share of destinations including Tokyo, Puerto Rico, and Italy, but Cuba was special.
“Having the opportunity to travel to Cuba as an American was a highlight in itself,” Mackenzie shared. “It was like entering a time machine, transporting me to a past resembling San Juan, Puerto Rico, 50 years ago. Havana's hand-laid brick streets led me through a city brimming with captivating architecture, a vibrant culture, and a history echoing through its alleys.”
Throughout their trip, Members were immersed in the history and rich culture of the country with tours of a cigar factory and the Havana Club Rum Museum, as well as experiences like a performance by the Habana Compas Dance Group and sitting in Cuba’s famous vintage cars.
“If you had to make me choose, I’d say my favorite parts of the trip were the farmhouse and tobacco farm tour, along with visiting Ernest Hemingway's house and the gravesite of Hemingway's bartender,” Mackenzie laughed, knowing the latter highlight may sound a bit odd. “He [Constantino Ribalaigua Vert, known as ‘The Cocktail King of Cuba’] was an influential figure in popularizing tiki drinks and culture in America, and as a former bartender myself, this was my ‘geek out’ moment!”
While there was plenty of fun to be had smoking cigars, sipping Hemmingway’s special Daquiri (Papa Doble), and touring the sites, at the end of the day, travel is all about making connections, something Mackenzie and many of the Members on the trip felt with the locals.
“Their stories, depicting struggles yet resilient optimism, moved me deeply,” Mackenzie said. “Cuba's essence lies not just in its historic allure but in the enduring spirit and resilience of its people—an experience that deepened my appreciation for human tenacity.”
Let this be your sign that if you’ve been thinking about taking a unique trip –do it! – you never know what you might learn.
JUNE 2023
Next aboard is the largest trip Trilogy has ever taken. In June, just over 300 Members from nearly all our communities embarked upon an 11-night cruise through the Mediterranean with stops in Italy, Turkey, and Greece. Together, they toured some of the oldest historical sites in the world, sipped wine, ate authentic cuisine, and truly had the time of their lives.
• Rome, Italy
• Sicily (Messina), Italy
• Santorini, Greece
• Mykonos, Greece
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey
• Athens, Greece
• Naples, Italy
JUNE 2023
WITH JAY SIMMONS, MEMBERIn the last few years, Trilogy® has celebrated Bourbon Week as part of the national calendar of events. Most years, the lineup of fun includes mixology demos at our Clubs, bourbon pairing dinners, tastings, and more. But in 2023, Trilogy® Lake Norman stepped things up, taking 19 Members to Kentucky for a five-day immersive bourbon experience.
“Being wine and tequila enthusiasts from California, we were unaware of the appreciation of bourbons until moving to North Carolina,” shared Trilogy Lake Norman Member Jay Simmons. “We were introduced to bourbon by a good friend here who convinced us the Bourbon Trail was a ‘must do’.”
And so, when Trevor Sunderlage, Trilogy® Lake Norman’s Lifestyle Director, announced the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Trip, Jay and his wife, Kathie, were in.
Upon arrival in Louisville, the group checked into the historic Seelbach Hilton (which is said to have inspired Scott F. Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby) before enjoying a welcome dinner. The next morning was the true kickoff, first heading to one of the city’s most acclaimed tasting rooms – Trouble – before stopping at the first distillery on the tour: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
“Every stop was exceptional, but Peerless Distilling’s tour and presentation were the eye openers for me,” Jay said. “Our tour guide was thorough in explaining the process and what to look for in the tastings. It set the stage for the remainder of the trip!”
Other stops included Angel’s Envy Distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Company, and Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center. And while the trip was planned around bourbon, what would a trip to Kentucky be without horses? On the final full day of the trip, the group visited WinStar Farm, one of North America's leading Thoroughbred racing, stallion, and breeding operations to meet a few of their famous residents. Later that evening, both were combined seamlessly for the culmination of the trip.
“I think the best and most memorable stop was the final one at Heritage Farms,” said Trevor Sunderlage, Trilogy Lake Norman’s Lifestyle Director. “We enjoyed our final bourbon tasting in a horse barn while watching the Belmont Stakes horse race live. I don’t think it can get any better than that!”
Most historians concur that the modern game of golf can be traced back to 15th century Scotland at the “home of golf” – The Old Course at St. Andrews. For many golfers, St. Andrews is at the top of their golf bucket lists, and in 2023, eight Members from Trilogy® at Verde River™ finally got to cross it off.
“When we first arrived in the town of St. Andrews and walked over to the eighteenth green, I think we all were overwhelmed with excitement,” shared Bradd Brown, a Trilogy at Verde River Member who attended the trip. “To actually get to play the course the next day was indescribable. I was really surprised by how intimate the course felt, with dual greens, crossing fairways, and public walkways through the course. It was unlike any golf experience I’d ever had.”
In addition to The Old Course, the group played five other courses around Scotland, including Carnoustie Golf Links, Kingsbarns Golf Links, The Castle Course at St. Andrews, Turnberry’s Alisa Course, and Prestwick Golf Club.
“I was a little anxious about the trip beforehand because I had never played six days of golf in a row and I wondered if I would get a little ‘tired’ of golfing,” Bradd shared. “However, I’ve told everyone that the trip completely exceeded my expectations, and the courses were so amazing and different that I never got tired of playing.”
While St. Andrews was, of course, a highlight, Bradd’s favorite stop might be a surprise. “I would have to say that my favorite course was Turnberry,” he shared. “We learned about the historical importance of the site during World War I and II, which I found really interesting. And it was the only day we had to put our rain gear on. We were fortunate to have great weather during our trip, but it was kind of fun to play a portion of our round at Turnberry in high winds and rain, which felt like an authentic Scottish golf experience.”
Host of the trip and Verde River Golf & Social Club’s Director of Golf, Andrew Veysey, is no stranger to the “authentic Scottish golf experience,” having grown up in nearby Wales.
“My sister lived in Scotland, so I spent a lot of time up there, playing a lot of golf,” Andrew shared. “The trip, for me personally, was great. I was back in my homeland playing the style of golf courses that I grew up playing, eating British food, enjoying a typical British day of warm sunshine, rain, wind, and cold – all in the same day!”
Furthermore, each evening, the group relaxed at authentic Scottish pubs, laughing, and reminiscing about their rounds over pints, resulting in the true feeling of a day in Scotland well spent.
“I thought this trip would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it was so great that I definitely want to go back to Scotland or Ireland for another golf trip,” Bradd said. Lucky for Bradd and any other Trilogy golfers looking to head to the birthplace of golf, Andrew will be leading another trip to Scotland and Ireland in 2024.
More information on this trip and other Explore 360 trips by Trilogy may be found by scanning the QR code. Please note you will need a Member or Guest Login to MTL to view. n
Our well-being thrives through creative expression, which manifests in several different ways. One way Trilogy® Members choose to express themselves is by putting pen to paper, imprinting their mark through published works. Each year we highlight several distinguished Trilogy authors and this year, we were fortunate enough to speak with Encanterra® author Joseph C. De Ladurantey about his writings. We think you’ll find what he has to say enlightening.
MTL: What inspired you to become an author?
JD: I got the writing bug while attending graduate school at the University of Southern California. It inspired me to write textbooks on criminal investigation and teach related courses at local colleges. I carried that energy into a doctorate and enjoyed the dissertation process. Only after many years and cocktail parties did people suggest I write down the stories of how I lived in various capacities as a police officer. In 2015, I released Cowards, Crooks, and Warriors and just continued cranking out books showcased by true stories, albeit with some literary license.
MTL: How did your career in law enforcement shape your writing?
JD: The stories I write about are based upon incidents and cases I experienced over a 40-year career. I decided to create fictional characters, with my lead being Officer Howard Hamilton. No, it is not me! Howard, or HH as his friends call
him, is a composite of many officers I have enjoyed working with. He is a good, conscientious street cop placed in extraordinary circumstances and expected to perform admirably. The setting is the fictional community of Orchard Hill, located in Southern California.
MTL: How long did it take you to write your novels?
JD: My first book [Cowards, Crooks, and Warriors] took 18 months from start to publication. It is a long but rewarding process that evolves into the finished product. The next three were about one year in the making. I never got writer's block as I had the stories in my head and just had to put them down in a format that made sense. The same goes for the music book, which was a passion of mine as I transitioned from law enforcement to retirement, and into the music and artists of the ‘50s and early ‘60s.
MTL: What tips do you have for prospective authors?
JD: Everyone has a book inside of them. It becomes a matter of getting it out and on paper. I used 3x5 cards to jot down brief notes, and after over 200 of them, I put them into something like a storybook format. Getting the first book out is the hardest. We are not all Hemingways, so trust others to help you with your writing. My favorite tool is Grammarly.com. It will make you a better writer and relieve the burden of worrying about your grammar and punctuation.
MTL: Do you have any future projects in the works?
JD: I am waiting for my editor to return Inside, so I can get started on revisions. Depending upon how many changes, I will work diligently to ensure it is out by the first of 2024. Then, it is on to marketing. The Barnes & Noble stores have been very good at allowing me to do book signings throughout Arizona, so I feel 2024 will be very exciting for Officer Howard Hamilton and me. n
Dr. Joseph C. De Ladurantey is a retired chief of police, adjunct professor, radio show host, and an author. He currently resides in Encanterra® with his wife, Sandra. Joe has published two textbooks, written several articles for professional publications, and has too many unfinished manuscripts to count. He has published three crime novels: Cowards, Crooks, and Warriors, Twenty-Three Minutes, and Available Time. His next crime novel, Inside, is due for release in early 2024. He has also published a non-fiction book on the music of the ‘50s and early ‘60s titled, Making Your Memories with Rock and Roll and Doo Wop.
Check out these publications from other authors across the Trilogy® portfolio.
In Room Service Please, Edie May, a budding dance protégé, has lost her virginity on the night of her sixteenth birthday, June 17, 1922, in New York City's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Unprepared for this turn of events, Edie is nonetheless determined to confront the man who seduced her and demand he make things right. However, Edie has been mistaken for Agnes Ayres, the famous Hollywood motion picture actress.
As much as she tries to convince everyone that she is not the rising starlet, Edie is whisked into a role she is not prepared to play. Using her wits and ingenuity, Edie transforms herself from the daughter of a washerwoman living on the Lower East Side into a shining star of her own making, a true Modern, and one of the first flappers of her era.
A tense drama about the lust for control, power, wealth, and murder perpetrated by a wicked lawyer who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. She has motivation. What she lacks is any sense of morality. After derailing her own future at a premiere New York City law firm, her scheme for acquiring wealth was to steal it from a carefully selected, unsuspecting, and generous man. She knew that this con would take several years, but once into it, her impatience had grown past even her tolerance. This man loved her despite everything she threw at him. His dedicated family also became an annoyance that had to be dealt with. There was only one way to get the money she wanted: murder. But not any murder. The perfect murder.
Amaia is impetuous, sensuous, and Jewish. She lives with her parents in early 1930s France. Multi-lingual and highly educated by her teacher father, she obsesses over the growing threat of fascism and anti-Semitism in Germany and France’s right-shifting politics. While most of Europe is tilting toward authoritarians, Spain is leaning left and is on the verge of choosing a liberal democratic republic, promising women’s suffrage and equal rights. Drawn to the progressive tides in Spain, she abruptly flees France to take a teaching job in Basque Country on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees.
Ganiz, an affable Basque sheep farmer, lives on a pristine meadow in a stone cottage called the House of Ganiz. He is a gentle soul and is in denial over the polarization rising in Spain. His isolation and Basque aloofness abet his avoidance of the threat. An inquisitive self-learner with a love for books, he and Amaia bond over shared thoughts and ardent lovemaking Acknowledging their differences, they call themselves the odd couple.
When civil war breaks out and threatens their sanctuary, Amaia pleads for Ganiz to abandon his passivity and act to protect her and their children. When an escaped political prisoner from Pamplona arrives bloody and beaten to their meadow, Ganiz is forced to open his eyes and make hard choices that will mean life or death for his family.
JANUARY : NEW YEAR. NEW YOU.
1-31 | ALL MONTH LONG
January offers a fresh start, and throughout the month, your Club’s lifestyle and fitness teams will be offering plenty of opportunities to improve your overall wellness.
12-18 | TRILOGY® CHOCOLATE WEEK
Enjoy wine and chocolate tastings, restaurant specials, and more.
29 | THE GIFT OF TIME
What will you do with your extra day this year?
1-31 | MOTION MONTH
Have fun with Fitness Bingo, and fitness-themed events and specials.
1 | TRILOGY® BRACKET CHALLENGE
Registration opens, then get ready to complete your brackets beginning March 17.
17 | ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day; join the festivities including Happier Hour and dinner specials.
: NATURE’S GOODNESS
22 | EARTH DAY
22-28 | PETSTOCK®
It’s all about our furry family; celebrate with pet parades, educational sessions, and much more.
24-May 6 | EXPLORE 360 TRIP: SOUTH AFRICA EXPERIENCE
Embark with fellow Trilogy Members on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the “rainbow nation.”
MAY : MOLD YOUR MIND
9- 15 | TRILOGY® WINE WEEK
Sample new wines, visit wineries, enjoy special dinners, and more.
27 | MEMORIAL DAY
30 - June 6 | WOMEN’S GOLF WEEK
We’ll celebrate all week with ways for new and experienced golfers to have fun.
JUNE : BARRELS & BBQ
7 | NATIONAL DONUT DAY
10-16 | TRILOGY® SPIRITS WEEK
An expanded Bourbon Week includes your favorite spirits, mixology demos, drink specials, and more.
20 | SUMMER SOLSTICE SUNSET WALK
This brand-new tradition makes the most of the longest day of the year.
: PRIME SUMMERTIME
4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
Poolside BBQs, golf cart parades, and fun with family, and friends? Yes, please!
15-21 | BEAT THE HEAT WEEK
Escape the heat of the summer with pool parties, frozen treats, and plenty of indoor activities.
1-31 | FOCUS ON FITNESS MONTH
If your New Year’s resolutions faded away, let’s kick your wellness routine back into gear!
6 | NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Celebrate community: turn on your porch light and get out to mingle with your neighbors.
12-18 | EXPLORATION WEEK
Our inaugural Exploration Week is all about trying something new!
18-28 | EXPLORE 360 TRIP: IRELAND & SCOTLAND GOLF EXPERIENCE
Travel to the birthplace of golf and play some of the world’s oldest and cherished courses.
19 | TRILOGY® SURVIVOR POOL RETURNS
Get ready for another year of football fun!
8 | GRANDPARENTS DAY
16-22 | TRILOGY® RESTAURANT WEEK
Trilogy Chefs will put their talents on display with special dining experiences all week long.
28 | GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY
Celebrate and show your neighbors you care on Good Neighbor Day.
OCTOBER : HOPS & HARVEST
10 | WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
14-20 | CRAFT BEER WEEK
Beer lovers: Enjoy a tour of a local brewery, beer-pairing dinners, beer tastings, and more.
: GIVING BACK
1-30 | GAIT-TO-GATE
Get your steps in and benefit a great cause with our annual step-based event.
4-10 | CUP OF COZY WEEK
Snuggle up with a warm beverage, roast marshmallows, or attend a special mixology class during this cozy week!
17 | TAKE A HIKE DAY
Get your Gait-to-Gate steps in on your favorite trail to celebrate!
: TRADITIONS THAT LAST 1-31 | ALL MONTH LONG
Each Trilogy community has their traditions – like Encanterra®’s Holiday Stroll, Lake Frederick’s Member Holiday Party, or Vistancia®’s Toys for Tots Drive – so you can expect to celebrate your own while taking in all that this special season has to offer.
31 | NEW YEAR’S EVE
It’s the biggest event of the year! Celebrate memories from 2024 and get ready for 2025.
Nestled alongside the Trilogy® at Vistancia® golf course, you will find V’s Taproom, home to BlueStar Resort & Golf’s Senior Executive Chef Mike Bauer. Known for his unpretentious style as well as his culinary expertise, Chef Mike has mastered the art of creating mouthwatering meals that keep diners yearning for more. Beyond his culinary skills, Chef Mike is a team player at heart, fostering a lively kitchen atmosphere that translates to every dish he serves. We were lucky to have had the opportunity to sit down with Chef Mike to learn a bit more about his journey and what’s beyond the plate.
MTL: What inspired you to become a chef?
MB: It kind of just happened. I never set out to be a chef. In my early 20s, I was working for a finance company in New Jersey. That company was purchased by another and my entire department was laid off. I was struggling with what to do next and remembered having had a lot more fun working in
pizzerias and restaurants during high school than I did sitting in a cubicle for nine hours a day. I decided to take a job cooking at a resort on the beach at the Jersey Shore. Turned out, I was quite good at it, and the team there convinced me to go to culinary school. With my sister having recently moved to Arizona, I headed west. I had every intention of moving back. However, I got some great jobs with some great chefs, I met my amazing wife, and suddenly I've been in Arizona for 15 years.
MTL: How long have you been with BlueStar?
MB: It’s hard to believe I’ve been with BlueStar and Trilogy® for nearly a decade.
MTL: Do you have any favorite memories during your time at V’s Taproom?
MB: It's tough to say, but I think the best memories mostly revolve around my sous chefs, past and present, and in
particular Stana (Nisevic, Kitchen Manager at V’s Taproom.) We've been through so much together. I would have to say the big holidays (Thanksgiving, Easter, Mother's Day) where we come in at 2:00am and push each other through till almost 6:00pm to make sure everything goes well, not just for our guests, but for our team members as well. My bosses may not like hearing this, but that beer we share together after a 16-hour day where we know our efforts have been appreciated, sure tastes good!
MTL: What is your favorite part of being in the kitchen?
MB: Camaraderie, teamwork, working together for a common goal, being successful, working hard and being able to see your results immediately. It all sounds clich´ e, but I was very into sports growing up, and the attachment you have with your fellow team members closely resembles the connection between teammates on sports teams.
MTL: Do you have a favorite signature recipe?
MB: This is a tough one, because there are so many great ones! It really depends on the mood I'm in. My least favorite question people ask is, "What's your favorite thing to cook?" It changes, all the time! Sometimes I don’t want to cook at all — please someone else cook for me! Currently though, I would have to say my favorite recipe is our play on shrimp and grits. We make cheddar polenta cakes (instead of the traditional soupy grits) with shrimp, andouille sausage, baby bell peppers, heirloom tomatoes, top it off with a cajun cream sauce, and garnish with salty crispy fried leeks. It looks super cool on a plate and is the ultimate comfort food! n
YIELDS 12 - 2” SQUARE CAKES
GET THIS:
– 2 ¼ Cups Water
– 2 ¼ Cups Milk
– 1 ½ Cups Polenta
– 1 ½ Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
– 2 Tbsp Chopped Parsley
– 2 tsp Salt
– ½ tsp Pepper
DO THIS:
1. Lightly oil a parchment lined quarter sheet pan. In a large pan, bring the water and milk to a simmer.
2. Slowly whisk in the grits over moderate heat until thick.
3. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cheddar and parsley Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour into the dish and let cool.
5. Let stand until firm, 30 minutes and refrigerate. For Shrimp & Grits, portion into 2x2" squares.
YIELDS 1 PLATE
GET THIS:
– 5 Pieces Shrimp
– 3 Ounces Cut Andouille Sausage
– 1 Tbsp Sliced Garlic
– 1 Ounce Halved Baby Heirloom Tomatoes
– 2 Ounces Sliced Baby Bell Peppers
– 4 Ounces White Wine
– 1 ½ Tbsp Cajun Seasoning
– 3 Ounces Heavy Cream
– 1 Ounce Butter
– 2 Cheddar Polenta Cakes
– 2 tsp Salt
– 1 tsp Pepper
DO THIS:
1. Add oil to pan and heat. Sauté shrimp and sausage with garlic. Season with first half of cajun seasoning.
2. Add peppers and diced tomatoes.
3. Deglaze pan with white wine.
4. Add heavy cream, second half of cajun seasoning, and reduce until slightly thickened.
5. Mix in butter.
6. Layer two cheddar polenta cakes on the plate. Place all ingredients except for the shrimp on top of polenta cakes, then place shrimp along outside of polenta cakes and top with remaining sauce.
We have all heard the saying “choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” I can honestly say this applied to me. I spent 42 years as an airline pilot and retired in 2019 (mandatory at age 65 in the U.S.). Understand that 42 years encompasses a lot of hotels and restaurants, and I am sure there are many others living in Trilogy® communities that have traveled for work and can relate. With that much traveling, it can cause many things to be pushed aside. For me it was regular exercise and a proper diet.
We moved to Trilogy® Lake Norman in December 2019. It took several months to get my feet on the ground and discover and find activities that would interest me. Fortunately, Jenny Drennen [Fitness Manager at Trilogy Lake Norman] and I began a dialogue in the gym one morning. She took the time to explain the fitness class system and offered suggestions on which classes to try. This was a game changer for me! The classes were done at my own pace, and over time I began to see and feel the results.
A few of my go-to classes include Spin, which improves cardio endurance, and TRX, which focuses on both stretching and cardio. I also enjoy Pilates for stretching and toning. I recently began personal training sessions, currently engaging in boxing workouts several times a week, which offer a complete, total-body workout.
The benefits for me have included weight loss, toning and building of muscle, increased cardio stamina, and improved balance. As important as the physical benefits are, I also feel much better mentally and have more restorative sleep.
As with anything new, beginning the process and making exercise a true habit is the key. The instructors at Trilogy Lake Norman are knowledgeable and caring professionals who make the classes fun and beneficial for all, regardless of physical ability. Exercise is so important for us as we age, and I hope you will consider giving it a try! n
WANT TO LEARN A BIT MORE? JENNY DRENNEN FROM TRILOGY® LAKE NORMAN SHARES HER THOUGHTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF INTELLECTUAL ENRICHMENT AND OVERALL WELLNESS AS PART OF OUR STORY ON PAGES 28-32.
• Take time to investigate the gym and facilities. If possible, talk to an instructor to find out what’s available for classes and equipment. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of an equipment orientation.
• Speak with fellow Members to see which classes they like and why. How were their experiences with these classes?
• Select one class and give it a try. Remember to go at your own pace – don’t overdo it. Give yourself time to recover from your workout.
• Try to exercise on a regular basis. If you are feeling sore, take a day or so to recover. Don’t be discouraged by soreness.
• When you begin to feel the improvement in your health, add another class on a different day or try personal training with one of the fitness instructors at your facility. They can help you zero in on the issues you most want to remedy.
As with anything worthwhile, it takes time and patience to develop the habit of exercise. As we age, it is so important to stay physically active. Regular exercise will improve your weight, muscle tone, energy levels, balance, sleep quality, and mental fitness. Give yourself time to see the results. It is well worth the investment of your time and energy. Good luck and have fun!
Arizona Fashion Week graced Trilogy® at Vistancia®’s Kiva Club in March 2023, offering Members an exclusive glimpse into the latest spring season trends. The event, hosted by the Trilogy Women’s Club and Alvea Spa, featured captivating outfits, delectable food and drinks, and raffle baskets supporting two incredible causes. This special evening of fashion and fun created unforgettable memories for those in attendance.
It's no secret that our Members always strive to look their best, whether they're out to lunch with friends, hitting the pickleball courts, or taking a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood. Members continue to show everyone how good they feel with their individual looks. To ensure our Members feel comfortable and confident in their attire, we aim to offer equally stylish and practical apparel on the online #MTL Shop. Showcasing our spring collection, Vistancia Members served as outstanding models for this fashion show, evident from the captivating photos.
Each model did a fabulous job showcasing their attire and entertained the crowd with striking poses. In photo A, a bright and chic pickleball outfit is featured, suitable for both on and off the court. Photo B showcases another model dressed head to toe in pink, ready for a day out with friends followed by Happier Hour at V’s Taproom. With a slight tilt of the hat, another model acknowledges the audience while flaunting a business casual look. Our last model, dressed in sleek all-blue attire with stylish black sunglasses (photo D),
is sure to be the coolest guy on the golf course. Although the 2023 spring line has sold out, the #MTL Shop is gearing up for the upcoming season with new product launches you’re bound to love.
The spotlight that night wasn't just on fashion; it also shone brightly on two meaningful charities. The first was the Justa Center, an organization supporting homeless seniors across Arizona’s Phoenix Metro area by providing resources, meals, and essential services catered to their unique needs. The second was the Dysart Community Center, which offers educational opportunities to low-income children and adults in Phoenix. Their services, including citizenship courses, after-school programs, youth summer care, and teen programs, empower the community while alleviating social and economic stresses. The participation and support of these noteworthy charities made the evening even more special for everyone involved.
Undoubtedly, this was a fashion show to remember for all parties involved. Our Member models thoroughly enjoyed dressing up and strutting their best catwalk down the runway. The audience relished food and drinks with friends, won raffle baskets supporting great causes, and gained fashion inspiration for their next night out. It was such a success; we're eagerly preparing for the upcoming 2024 spring season with new products in the #MTL Shop. Get ready to look your best while feeling good and living happier! n
For many years, Trilogy® has been recognized as the premier brand in 55+ housing. With communities across the country, there are Members from Washington to Florida being provided the opportunity to live their best lives. Looking for ward, Trilogy is excited to continue to expand its offerings, both in terms of new locations and, in a new innovation, the scale of the communities. Of the next half-dozen Trilogy communities on the horizon, more than half are of the new Trilogy® Boutique Communities™ variety.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills near San Juan Bautista, California, Trilogy® San Juan Oaks exudes the charm of California's Central Coast. This traditional full-scale resort community will offer exciting home designs with open concept living spaces ideal for the region's Mediterranean climate.
Residents will enjoy an array of amenities, including a planned Club with innovative wellness and fitness programs, inviting social spaces, pickleball courts, a dog park, and the recently restored San Juan Oaks Golf Course, which is being completely re-imagined and will offer another great set of amenities. Additionally, Trilogy San Juan Oaks is adjacent to acres of preserved natural open space.
Sales at Trilogy San Juan Oaks are expected to begin in 2024.
San Juan Bautista, California, a historic gem among classic Mission villages, offers a captivating blend of history and charm. Residents can explore the well-preserved adobe buildings, immerse in the vibrant culinary scene, and experience the lively community spirit. Nearby Hollister offers a convenient small city with a terrific assortment of national and local retailers, plus all the services you're looking for.
A VERDANT RETREAT NEAR SEATTLE
Just a short drive from downtown Seattle and conveniently located near Tacoma, Verterra™ — a Trilogy® Boutique Community™, offers a serene and sophisticated lifestyle in a close-knit, more intimate setting. Set within the Tehaleh® masterplan, Verterra enjoys an incredible location with Mount Rainier as its backdrop.
The community's planned Club is being designed to promote well-being, featuring innovative wellness programming, casual dining, and pickleball courts. Residents will be able to enjoy the extensive trail system that winds through the renowned Tehaleh masterplan community. Homes within Verterra feature open-concept, single-story floorplans with thoughtful indoor and outdoor living spaces that expand your entertaining options.
Sales at Verterra — a Trilogy Boutique Community are already underway.
ABOUT BONNEY LAKE, WASHINGTON
Nestled on the eastern shore of Bonney Lake, just 40 miles southeast of Seattle, Bonney Lake, Washington offers a tranquil yet vibrant lifestyle. Residents enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, and a thriving local economy. The city is large enough to provide all the comforts needed, but still quaint enough to easily navigate and enjoy the surroundings.
PERCHED AMONG THE FOOTHILLS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Set atop a ridge in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Sacramento, Trilogy® Bickford plans to offer a lifestyle brimming with outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. At its heart lies The Ridge Wellness Social Club, a community centerpiece featuring innovative wellness programs, casual dining, pickleball courts, and an elevated lifestyle delivered by a resort-caliber hospitality team.
Homes at Trilogy Bickford showcase some of Shea Homes' most innovative floorplan designs, crafted to maximize livability and entertaining options. Residents will also enjoy convenient access to nearby cities like Lincoln and Rocklin, offering a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as convenient access to the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe.
Sales at Trilogy Bickford are already underway.
ABOUT ROCKLIN AND LINCOLN,
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, nearby Rocklin and Lincoln offer a vibrant blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, the area provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and water sports. Visitors can also explore the historic downtowns, home to charming shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
RidgecrestTM is located in Northpointe, the final phase of the same masterplan that includes the now sold-out Trilogy® at Vistancia®. Ridgecrest sits in the community's most elevated location, making it truly distinct.
At its core lies a planned Club dedicated to wellness, fun, and adventure, featuring casual dining, wellness and fitness offerings, pickleball courts, a pool, and more. Surrounded by acres of high desert and mountain preserves, Ridgecrest offers proximity to various outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, and sporting
attractions, including the nearby Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia, MLB spring training at the Peoria Sports Complex, NFL games at State Farm Stadium, and water sports at Lake Pleasant.
Sales at Ridgecrest — a Trilogy Boutique Community are expected to begin in 2024.
The perfect balance of bustling city and small-town charm, Peoria is surrounded by pristine Sonoran Desert and a long-time favorite of Trilogy fans. This great location makes it easy to get to downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale and up north to the Mountains. Set in the northwest part of the Phoenix metro area, Peoria makes trip to California quick and easy.
Surrounded by the rolling hills of Paso Robles, California's celebrated wine country, Nevina™ — a Trilogy® Boutique Community™, captures the essence of California's Central Coast. Located less than an hour from Trilogy Monarch Dunes and just a short bike ride from downtown Paso, Nevina embodies the Californian spirit with a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe.
Planned for just over 400 homes, Nevina plans to offer an engaging, wellnessfocused lifestyle centered around a stunning Club. Residents can expect a vibrant array of activities, including extensive wellness and fitness programming Homes within Nevina feature inviting indoor/outdoor living spaces, ideal for entertaining friends and family.
Sales at Nevina — a Trilogy Boutique Community are expected to begin in 2024.
Just off the 101 along California's fabled Central Coast, Paso Robles exudes a captivating blend of wine country allure, outdoor adventure, and charming small-town vibes. Whether exploring the more than 200 local wineries, enjoying the many vibrant culinary experiences available, or immersing in the many cultural landmarks, Paso Robles is truly a destination in itself. No surprise it's been featured on so many recent hot lists for travelers, foodies, and wine lovers.
There are certain areas of the country where dense urban settings flow seamlessly into the bucolic countryside, and there is perhaps no more compelling an example of this “city close yet country quiet” charm than the small burgs around our nation’s capital. In seemingly no time at all, the Beltway feels far behind as you transition into rolling hills and dense deciduous farmland. It is in this setting that Shea Homes proudly presents ThreeOaksTM — a Trilogy® Boutique Community™, in the charming small town of Culpeper, Virginia.
In addition to the beauty of the surrounding area, ThreeOaks plans to feature a Club as its centerpiece, with wellness and fitness programming, casual dining, pickleball, relaxation areas, and more. When residents are ready to explore, they are at the doorstep of the iconic Shenandoah Valley, renowned for its blend of outdoor adventures and historic charm.
Within the community, homes from Shea Homes' Freedom collection will feature open-concept floorplans with thoughtfully crafted indoor and outdoor living spaces suited towards entertaining.
Sales at ThreeOaks — a Trilogy Boutique Community are expected to begin in 2024
Set in the wooded terrain of Virginia's Piedmont region, Culpeper is quickly growing in popularity due to its unique blend of historic charm, vibrant culture, and access to outdoor recreation. Whether seeking a tranquil escape, an immersion in local history, or a taste of adventure, Culpeper – and the greater region within which Culpeper sits – offers something enticing for nearly everyone. n
If there’s one thing virtually every Trilogy® community shares in common (okay, we know there are LOTS of things you can find at every community), it’s that there are some very special and interesting people living at each one. You never know who your neighbor might be or what kind of life he/she lived. You may find yourself living next to someone who had a career in something completely different than yours, in regions of the country (or world) that you’ve never experienced.
Take Stoneware Drive at Encanterra®, for example. This is the street where Rosalyn Nideffer and her husband, Bob, live. Should you meet Rosalyn for the first time, you might suspect she leads a quiet life, considering her warm demeanor and gentle presence. Speaking to her, you’ll hear her native South
African accent come through her soft voice. But truth is, the real Rosalyn isn’t like what you might gather from her first impression. She’s a fierce competitor who amassed a decades-long career in professional tennis playing against many of the world’s best.
Rosalyn, or “Ros” as she's called by those who know her well, is one of the world’s most formidable tennis doubles opponents, having won two Grand Slam/French Open tennis doubles titles (1981 and 1983) and also 317 singles and 472 doubles matches in the 19-year span of her career. She was also a two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist.
Born in Durban, South Africa, Rosalyn and her family quickly realized she needed a more convenient home base while competing worldwide, and she moved to San Diego in 1985. Since then, she has competed against many of the greatest tennis players of all time, including the likes of Martina Navratilova.
“Many people around this neighborhood don’t know that I played professional tennis,” said Rosalyn. “I tend to be a shy and quiet person off the court and try not to talk about myself when I meet people for the first time.”
We’re willing to bet Rosalyn’s unassuming nature was sometimes an advantage, tricking her competition into thinking she was a docile opponent. “I was raised to be polite and considerate at all times by my parents,” said Rosalyn. “But on the court, I’m a fierce competitor and often show no mercy,” she smirked.
Rosalyn and Bob have been residents at Trilogy since 2019 and really appreciate not only the community aspect at Encanterra®, but also the wide range of options and opportunities for different types of personalities.
“I’m passionate about staying fit and healthy, and there’s an amazing variety of things to do to stay engaged,” said Rosalyn. “But that’s not really why I think this community is special. What makes Encanterra a great place for anyone to feel at home, is the freedom to explore and participate. My husband and I are quite introverted, and we get invited to many things here, yet we never feel pressured. Sometimes we participate, other times we don’t.”
Quality of life and the freedom to explore remain important to Rosalyn, but that doesn’t mean she’s given up on tennis quite yet.
“I still compete on occasion and sometimes participate in the tennis program at the Club,” said Rosalyn. “Tennis has given me so much in my life and career. Any time I can give something back, it’s a good thing, and I’m happy to do it.”
What Rosalyn hits on is something all Members ought to realize when living at any Trilogy community, which is this: No matter what your background, your personality, the kinds of things you enjoy—every Trilogy community is designed to be as inclusive as you want it to be. “Exercise is a huge part of my life, and Trilogy’s wide array of options makes it easy for me to stay active,” said Rosalyn. “It may not seem like that’s a big deal, but to me, living in a community that encourages its residents to get active is one of the main reasons we moved here.”
Rosalyn told us, “It was in 2007 that I really learned the value of movement and staying active. That year, while living in San Diego, several fires swept through San Diego County and our home was among the many that got destroyed. When that happened, I stopped moving, because I was so overwhelmed with putting my life back together.” Rosalyn continued, “I remembered some advice I was given, which was ‘The less you do, the less you want to do, and the less you’re able to do.’ So, after the fires and the devastation of it all, I remembered that exercise, no matter what it is, is what I need to stay healthy, to keep the mind sharp, and to retain a positive outlook on life.”
At Encanterra, one of the most popular means for Members to stay active is playing pickleball. When asked what makes tennis different, Rosalyn said, “Tennis is a tremendous way to exercise the whole body, and I enjoy it more because there’s more room to be creative and to hit a wider variety of shots. You can also maneuver your opponent around the court more than you can in pickleball—which again makes it more of an athletic sport than pickleball is.”
That isn’t to say she’s not a fan of America’s fastest-growing sport. “Pickleball is still quite fantastic, especially if you’re new to court sports,” said Rosalyn. “It’s easy to learn, less challenging on the body, and a tremendous amount of fun to play—at any age or skill level.”
Next time you’re out at Encanterra and see an ace on the tennis court warming up or teaching a tennis class, it might be a world-class tennis player with Grand Slam titles to her name. “It doesn’t matter what you do, just stay as active as you can be,” concluded Rosalyn. “Even though I’ve been an athlete for the better part of my whole life, I still have to remind myself of that and practice what I preach.”
Although it’s safe to say many Trilogy Members like Rosalyn and Bob also relish staying active, that’s usually just the tip of the iceberg. You never know who might be standing on the other side of the net, but there’s always time to catch up in between sets. n
Hal Looney is a long-time member of the senior leadership team at Trilogy® by Shea Homes®, where he oversees the growing network of communities in Arizona and Nevada. He is a kind, intelligent, and passionate leader who is dedicated to making a positive impact on the organization and the people that live in our communities.
Perhaps more than anything, Hal is known for his genuine kindness and compassion. He takes the time to get to know his team members and their families, and he is always willing to help in any way he can. He is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, and he is committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
In addition to his work with Trilogy, Hal plays a key role with the Shea Homes charitable endeavors, including oversight of numerous large-scale projects rebuilding schools, playgrounds, youth activity centers, and building new facilities including gymnasiums, classroom buildings, and STEM labs.
Hal is a leader who makes a positive impact on all those around him. We chose to profile Hal and get his perspective on the company, the Trilogy communities he oversees, and his own personal journey.
MTL: Hal, it’s great to see you. Let’s start with an easy one. Where are you from?
HL: Like a few others who have walked the halls of Trilogy over the years, I am proud to be from the great state of Oklahoma. I attended Oklahoma State University where I studied construction management. I am grateful to have been raised in the mid-southwest among genuine, down to earth people.
MTL: How does your upbringing shape who you are today?
HL: I think what shaped my career was not only growing up amidst my family’s business (commercial and industrial construction), but the influence my parents had in general. My mom and dad instilled a lot of values in me. My mom
taught me patience, and my dad hard work – though each exemplified both traits. More than anything, they showed me the importance of honesty, integrity, and just doing what's right.
MTL: What was your first job? What impact did it have on you?
HL: My first jobs as a young man were in construction, mostly cleaning jobsites, stacking materials, and general labor. As I got older, I was able to go to work on concrete crews, earth moving crews, and paving crews; it was a great opportunity to learn the different aspects of construction, and it lasted through high school, summer jobs, and college. I always just really enjoyed it. I enjoy projects; I enjoy building things; and obviously that shaped my career.
MTL: When did you begin with Shea? What roles have you held with Shea over the years?
HL: After working in several different markets including Atlanta in commercial construction and Dallas where I began my homebuilding career. I was recruited to Phoenix about 30 years ago where I initially started with a national home builder. A few years on, I got the opportunity to join Shea with their newly formed Trilogy division, and in March of 2024 I will be celebrating the start of my 24th year with the group. I started my career with Shea as an Area Vice President. In 2006, I was able to earn the title of Area President, overseeing our Arizona communities. Ultimately, stepping into my current role overseeing our Arizona and Nevada communities.
MTL: What is your favorite memory of your time with Shea?
HL: Well, I have a lot of memories.
My construction roots are still there, so I really enjoy groundbreaking new communities, getting them built, getting models up, and opening the Clubs. I get to see the Members getting excited about what’s to come and then enjoying the lifestyle in what we’ve built.
My other favorite thing is watching people who have worked with me grow their careers. It's really been exciting for me to see folks starting out, and then growing to do and achieve more. I am proud to say that more than a few of our leaders in Shea Homes have crossed my path along the way. What is maybe a little surprising is how much I’ve grown to enjoy experiencing our communities after the construction portion is done. Trilogy is a gateway to opportunities to live a life with more friends and more fun and more genuine joy
– seeing this come to fruition for our Members is what makes me most proud these days.
MTL: How did you become involved in Shea's charitable efforts?
HL: First, I’m glad you asked about this. The amount of work Shea Homes does enhancing the communities in which we work is well beyond what I think anyone really understands. In my times speaking with the family that owns the company, we don’t spend much time on how Trilogy is performing or where our next land opportunity might be. We spend our time talking about how they want to reinvest their blessings back into the communities at large. I became involved because I share the mission of the family to help underserved children in giving them an opportunity to get a great education.
MTL: Which charitable project have you found most fulfilling?
HL: They are all special in their own way. Shea Homes gives in lots of ways, but the common theme tends to be creating educational opportunities in impoverished areas. Over the past decade or so, we’ve either rebuilt or constructed from scratch new buildings at multiple schools in the Greater Phoenix area. I can’t express to you how fulfilling it is to be a part of passing those blessings on and seeing the joy on the students faces when they see their new updated facilities.
MTL: Moving back to your role with Trilogy, what do you see on the horizon?
HL: What I think is most important now is the launch of our Trilogy® Boutique Community™ concept. Trilogy® in Summerlin® in Las Vegas was one of the first in the relatively smaller, more urban execution of Trilogy, and that community is under my purview. What I’ve witnessed there, as that community has matured, is that we absolutely have an opportunity to bring the same lifestyle and the same excitement that our traditional communities provide to a whole new set of potential customers.
MTL: Any other closing thoughts?
HL: I guess I’d just say this: It’s easy to work for a company that you share the same core values with. I’ve been here 24 years now and every day I’m grateful for all the hard tireless work of each of our team members in executing the communities, homes, Clubs, and lifestyle that our Members enjoy every day. n
Travel is always more fun when you explore the world’s greatest destinations with friends. For Trilogy® Members, the ultimate travel experience is Explore 360, which brings together Members from across the country to enjoy specifically curated travel experiences around the globe.
APRIL 24TH – MAY 6TH
AUGUST 18TH – 28TH
2024 SOUTH AFRICAN EXPERIENCE LIFESTYLE HOST TRILOGY® LAKE NORMAN 2024 IRELAND & SCOTLAND GOLF EXCURSION