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VISTANCIA LIVING • December 2011  CONTENTS

Phone: 623.215.8646 / Fax: 623.215.8647 / www.myvistancia.com Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm. Additional hours available by appointment.

10 Michael Middendorf Studios / 623.810.7745 Vanessa Torre Community Manager [email protected]

David Terzich Covenants Coordinator [email protected]

Carrie Lienhart Assistant Community Manager [email protected]

Michael Brooks Maintenance Director of VMC 12 13 [email protected] Lauren Stephan features essentials Lifestyle Director 10 WINTER WONDERLAND EVENT 06 MANAGER’S MESSAGE [email protected] 06 DEVELOPER’S CORNER Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Vistancia James Conrad once again becomes a Winter Wonderland 07 COVENANTS CORNER Maintenance Coordinator for snow play, sledding and more on 08 EVENTS [email protected] Saturday, December 10th from 11am-2pm. 12 HOLIDAY RECIPES Come join in the cool winter fun! 13 HOUSE & HOME April Alvarez 14 CITY OF PEORIA Administrative Coordinator 12 EGGNOG: MORE THAN [email protected] JUST A HOLIDAY DRINK 15 TRAVEL Eggnog is arguably America’s favorite 16 POLICE BEAT holiday drink. But it’s also great as an 18 TEE TIME AT TRILOGY Jake Monday ingredient for other foods. Here’s a recipe 20 BLACKSTONE Community Services Patrol for basic eggnog, but also for eggnog 21 CALENDAR Vistancia Living Magazine is the official community magazine of Vistancia, brought to you cranberry muffins. Enjoy! 22 CLUBS/RESOURCES by the Vistancia Village Association. It is published monthly by Lion Tree Communications, [email protected]. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, 23 LANDSCAPES photographs or illustrations without written permission from the publisher is prohibited 13 HOW DO I MAKE MY POINSETTIAS by law. Trademarks, logos and content provided by advertisers, sponsors and partners On the Cover: Vistancia resident are owned by the respective companies and all rights are reserved by them. The views, LAST ALL YEAR LONG? Logan Middendorf. Photo by Michael statements, and claims of advertisers or other VLM contributors do not necessarily Poinsettias are a beautiful holiday decorating Middendorf Studios, mmdorf@hotmail. represent those of the publisher, Vistancia Village Association or its employees. Printed in plant. But you don’t have to toss them out com / 623.810.7745. the USA. ©2011 Vistancia Living Magazine. All rights reserved. Please recycle. after the New Year. Certified horticulturalist For advertising opportunities, please contact Charlotte Smith tells you how to enjoy your Jonathan E. Himlin at 480.636.6670, or email: Poinsettias all year long! [email protected].

 December 2011 • VISTANCIA LIVING VISTANCIA LIVING • December 2011  MANAGER’S MESSAGE Do You Have the Bad Signal Blues?

n the aftermath of Steve Jobs passing and the launch of the I new iPhone4S, I have been getting a lot of questions regarding the cell tower that was discussed and planned for the Mountain Vista Club. I know a lot of residents are Vanessa Torre very anxious for better coverage for Vistancia Village their new devices and I am too! In Community Manager light of that, I wanted to provide an update to help everyone stay dialed in, so to say.

As you may know, AT&T was the driving force behind the cell tower site which was slated for the tower by Building A. AT&T had agreed to pay for the tower and lease the space from the Association. Work on formal contracts and documents, including engineered drawings went underway. What that means for us is that AT&T is focusing on completing If you’ve been following technology news, you may have heard the merger and is not able to focus on infrastructure such that AT&T, shortly after the work on the documents began, decided as cell sites until the Court has made a decision regarding to merge with T-Mobile. As a result of the merger, AT&T put all cell the merger. I understand how frustrating this must be for towers on hold so that they could focus on the business model residents who invested so much time and energy with us in and examine what new coverage needs exist given the T-mobile learning about the cell tower project and providing us input existing infrastructure and the expanded number of clients. and those waiting for better coverage through AT&T.

Unfortunately, we saw an additional slowing in the project after We are continuing to monitor the AT&T/T-Mobile suit and to look the Federal Government stepped in to block the merger saying for additional carriers that may be interested in moving forward that the merger should not be allowed as it violates antitrust with a cell site here that ATT&T could eventually move into and laws and significantly lessens competition in the wireless provider lease. We will keep you updated as any news regarding the arena. A suit has been filed in the U.S. District Court. cell tower is received. Thanks for your patience!

DEVELOPER’S CORNER Community Spirit Prevails at Vistancia Festival

s a follow-up to the 2011 Sunbelt Holdings seeks to offer experiences and events Vistancia Music and that will enrich the lives of our residents and showcase the A Wine Festival held on vibrancy and beauty of the Vistancia community to those Saturday, November 5th seeking a place to call ‘home’. Special thanks to the CCMC I would like to thank the event team and event partner, Community Music and Wine Events Bob Bambauer sponsors, vendors, volunteers LLC, for their hard work and effort to ensure the event was a Vice President and more than 1,000 attendees great experience for residents and guests of our community. Sunbelt Holdings for making our second annual event a great success. As the The day of fun-filled music and spirits began with a developer of the community, presentation of colors by Sgt. Jason Raith and the Peoria

 December 2011 • VISTANCIA LIVING COVENANTS CORNER

Holiday Safety & Compliance

oliday festivities bring Publication CPSC-611 of the U.S. Consumer Product excitement and joy to Safety Commission H many of us. It’s the time • LIGHTS – Use only lights that have been tested for safety of year to give thanks for what we by identifying appropriate labeling when purchased, lights that have and to reach out to those have been checked and are free of broken or cracked sockets, who aren’t as fortunate. The frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. David Terzich common practice of decorating • ARTIFICIAL TREES – When buying an artificial tree, look for Covenants Coordinator for the various fall and winter a statement specifying that it’s fire resistant. holidays allows a visual reminder • FRESH TREES - Ensure proper water absorption by cutting to us of the holidays and what they represent. With Halloween off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood. Simple and now behind us, many of you are familiar indicators of a fresh tree are when the trunk butt is sticky with with appropriate decorating practices in relation to the CC&Rs resin, the needles do not break when bent or needles are not of Vistancia Village as well as those that help minimize safety easy to remove when pulled away from a branch. Remember hazards for your family and neighbors. to keep trees away from heat sources and maintain sufficient water supply within tree stands while tree is inside. The greener The Associations policy on Holiday Decorations can be the tree, the fresher the tree! found in Section 4.2, (cc) under Article IV in the CC&Rs. As a reminder, holiday decorations may be displayed in **Reminder** Please do not dump fresh trees within the season only from November 1st to January 31st. Located community after holiday use. Contact the City of Peoria Solid below, you will find a few holiday safety tips mentioned in Waste Division at 623.773.7160 to make arrangements for pick publication CPSC-611 of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety up if you are unable to properly dispose of fresh trees. Commission, Holiday Decoration Safety Tips. Please feel free to contact our office at 623-215-8646 or e-mail me at To find all holiday decoration safety tips listed in publication [email protected] if you have any questions in regards CPSC-611, visit the U.S. CPSC website at www.cpsc.gov to either of these subject matters. or type in http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/611.pdf to go directly to the publication.

Police Department Honor Guard, followed by the singing that has a mission of supporting the men, women and families of the national anthem performed by Patrick McDermott, a of Luke Air Force Base. “We are pleased to be a part of a great Fighter Country Partnership board member and drummer for community event where we have the opportunity to further the Screaming Javelinas. Mesquite District Councilmember educate the public about the great work we do for the Airmen Cathy Carlat and Fighter Country Partnership Executive and their families,” said Ron Sites. A charitable donation of Director Ron Sites also delivered welcoming remarks to event $1,250 was raised in support of Fighter Country Partnership attendees. Throughout the remainder of the day, attendees as a result of the 2011 Music and Wine Festival. enjoyed live music from eight local bands ranging from jazz to classic rock and over 50 food, spirits and lifestyle vendors. As an attendee myself, I was amazed at the community spirit One of Vistancia’s own, residents and Liberty High School and engagement throughout the day. I hope to see you all student, Cameron Hobbs had his community singing debut next year! on the performance stage.

Additional appreciation goes to Fighter Country Partnership, the charitable organization that was designated for the event. Fighter Country Partnership is a local non-profit organization

VISTANCIA LIVING • December 2011  EVENTS EVENTS

WINTER WONDERLAND Saturday, December 10th, 11am-2pm Sunset Park

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! Thanks to Caretaker Hanukkah Celebration Landscape and Tree Management, we will have a snow day Wednesday, December 21st, 6pm filled with winter fun! Join us at Sunset Park starting at 11am Join us for a Hanukkah Celebration on Wednesday, December 21st for a day of sledding. We’ll have more than 30 tons of snow at 6pm in the HOA Office! We’ll have homemade potato , brought in for your enjoyment. We will have limited sleds sour cream cookie decorating, Israile dancing, karaoke and dreidel available. If you have your own sled please bring it. Please games! Bring your own potato latkes if you would like to enter the no runner sleds allowed, and NO snowballs thrown during the potato cook off! You can also bring side dishes to share with the sledding hours of 11am and 2pm. This is a free event. Don’t group and your own menorah to light. If you have questions contact forget to wear warm clothing! For more details, see story on Charles Nester at [email protected]. page 10.

Santa, Crafts and Cookies Saturday, December 17th, 10am-1pm Santa Clause will be visiting Vistancia Village! Children will be able to visit with Santa, decorate their own sugar cookie and make a festive craft project. Buy your tickets today in the HOA office for $2 Martinis and Mistletoe per child. Tickets will be $3 the day of the event. Remember to bring Friday, December 2nd, 7-9:30pm your camera to take your own picture with Santa. Walgreens will This year we’ll have our first adult holiday party! Join us on Friday, also be there taking pictures. You may pick up your free picture from December 2nd from 7:00-9:30pm in the HOA office for a fun evening Walgreens after 4pm. Enjoy! with family, friends and neighbors. We’ll dance the night away with a DJ, a caricature artist, heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Tickets Cooking with the Community Manger are $20 per person and include the hors d’oeuvres and three drink Thursday, December 15th, 6pm-8pm tickets per person. There will be martinis, wine and beer for you to We may have a new manager but a longstanding tradition lives on! enjoy. Dress code for this event is cocktail attire with your dancing For this month’s Cooking with the Community Manager, Vanessa shoes of course! We are capping this event at 150 residents due to Torre and Darlene Fassette will take you back to their roots for the occupancy in our office. RSVP today to hold your spot to lstephan@ holidays and show you how to cook up some sumptuous dishes ccmcnet.com. for a classic Italian Christmas. Come learn about all the meats and cheeses you need for a tasty antipasto. Next, we start with a basic

 December 2011 • VISTANCIA LIVING EVENTS

marinara and then learn how to make Eggplant Rollatini for a first course, and Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage for a second course. We’ll also remember to save room for dessert! To attend this free event, please RSVP to April at [email protected].

New Community Website www.vistancialifestyles.com SAVE THE DATE! Vistancia Lifestyles is the place to go to for great articles from local Ladies Night Out experts providing you with free information on many topics such Saturday, January 14th, 5-8pm as photography, skin care, pet care, travel tips, landscaping, home Our next Ladies Night out is Saturday, January 14th from 5-8pm in decor and more. Find fun events going on in Arizona, the West Valley the HOA office! We’ll have a variety of boutiques for you to browse and Vistancia Village. There is a local business listing so you can through, hors d’ourvres, raffle prizes, dessert, wine and champagne. find them when you need them. We even have wonderful recipes The event is free, but bring cash for the variety of vendors who will provided by locals from their home to yours! Focusing on the positive be there. lifestyles is what we’re all about. Let’s face it, we are fortunate to live in a beautiful State; let’s celebrate it! Stress Management Classes Let Carol-ann Henritze guide you in reducing your stress. Carol-ann If you have any questions, want to provide one of your favorite has created and presented successful stress management programs recipes, write an article or advertise, just contact us at: info@ for the past 10 years throughout the valley. Join this powerful, relaxing VistanciaLifestyles.com. Together with Vistancia Living Magazine we four-week series and discover the secret to true stress reduction. bring advertisers a great special too! Begin your journey now. Take back control. Become proactive instead of reactive. Classes are held in building A on Wednesdays, January 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. The cost is $32 for the series. Sign up by contacting Lauren at 623.215.8646 or emailing [email protected].

Pancake Saturday, December 10th, 8:30-10:30am The local cub scouts are organizing a Breakfast prior to Winter Wonderland on Saturday, December 10th from 8:30am- 10:30am in the gym. The proceeds will go toward the Cub Scouts Vistancia 2012 Calendar camping experiences. The pancake breakfast will be $3 per child The HELPING HAND PROJECT is a volunteer group made up and $5 per adult. Go support your local cub scouts on your way to of current residents helping our neighbors in need. Some of our the sledding event! accomplishments are a backpack drive, a snack drive for Vistancia Elementary, a parent playtime and more. We also assist individual Vistancia Village Community Association residents. To help raise money for The Helping Hand Project we will Office Holiday Closures be selling a 2012 calendar featuring some of Vistancia’s beautiful In observation of the Christmas holiday the Association office will scenery. This is a great gift just in time for the holidays and will be be closed December 23rd and will reopen December 27th at 8am. available mid-December. PRE-ORDER YOUR CALENDAR TODAY In observation of the New Year the Association office will be closed FOR ONLY $12 by dropping off your money and contact information in December 30th at 3pm and will re-open at 8am on January 3rd. Have the HOA office. This would make a great gift to send to your families. a safe and enjoyable Holiday!

VISTANCIA LIVING • December 2011  COMMUNITY A Winter Wonderland at Vistancia Saturday, December 10th from 11am-2pm at Sunset Park

Brought to you in part by

At Left: Vistancia residents Clayton and Haley Maples were all smiles at last year’s Winter Wonderland event. At Right: Logan Middendorf is pleased that he brought his mittons.

sled ride, a handful of snow and a cup of hot cocoa. During Stephan wants to make sure that residents know that the community the holiday season there’s no better combination to make a couldn’t hold events like Winter Wonderland and all the other fun, A child smile. And for that very reason there will be smiles to family-oriented activities planned throughout the year without the spare at this year’s Winter Wonderland event, which takes place on support of local partners like Caretaker and others who make it a Saturday, December 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. point to invest in this community and its residents.

Hundreds of winter coat-wearing, fun-loving Vistancia children will Stephan also notes that the shredded ice used to create Winter spend three hours playing and laughing in the “snow” at Vistancia Wonderland is not soft like real snow, so absolutely no snowballs, or Village’s Sunset Park. They’ll take turns sleding down the “snow- more accurately iceballs, will be allowed to be thrown. covered” hill created by the 35 tons of shredded ice being brought in thanks to Caretaker Landscape and Tree Management, a sponsor A limited number of sleds will be available for general use, but of the event. attendees who own a sled are encouraged to bring it as long as it is not a runner sled, which is also not permitted at the event. This is “We couldn’t be more excited to bring Winter Wonderland back to a free event for all residents to enjoy. Attendees may want to bring Vistancia Village this year,” says Lifestyle Director Lauren Stephan. some cash to grab lunch at the park, where a food vendor will be “It’s a real treat to see these kids’ faces light up when they see the selling hot dogs, brats and sodas. hillside turned into a winter playground for a day of sledding.”

10 December 2011 • VISTANCIA LIVING COMMUNITY

“It’s a real treat to see these kids’ faces light up when they see the hillside turned into a winter playground for a day of sledding.” Lauren Stephan, Vistancia Village Lifestyle Director Michael Middendorf Studios / 623.810.7745

So come out and bring the entire family to Vistancia Village’s Winter Wonderland 2011. And for the little tykes, especially for the ones who may be too small to sled, there will be a small, separate snow area in which they can play.

Volunteers Needed Resident volunteers are needed to help push children down the hill. The volunteers help the lines move more quickly since a majority of the children are very young. Please RSVP to lstephan@ccmcnet. com if you can help at this event.

Pancake Breakfast Anyone? On the day of the Winter Wonderland event, wake up early to support your local Cub Scouts, who will hold a Pancake Breakfast from 8:30am-10:30am at the gymnasium. are only $3 per child and $5 per adult, with proceeds going toward the Cub Scouts camping experiences.

VISTANCIA LIVING • December 2011 11 HOLIDAY RECIPES Eggnog: More Than Just A Holiday Drink

Eggnog Cranberry Muffins (From www.annies-eats.net)

Ingredients For the muffins 2¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 tbsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt 1 cup plus 2 tbsp. granulated sugar, divided 2 large eggs ¾ cup eggnog 5 1/3 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 1 tsp. almond extract 1½ cups coarsely chopped cranberries

For the topping ½ cup sugar ½ cup all-purpose flour ½ tsp. ground cinnamon 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, slightly softened ½ cup chopped pecans (optional) he popularity of eggnog as a Basic Eggnog holiday drink throughout the Instructions T United States and Canada is Ingredients Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line 14-16 unquestionable. This tasty, frothy, sweet •6 eggs separated muffin cups with paper liners. In a medium and spicy refreshment, often topped with •1/2 cup sugar mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking vanilla ice cream, meringue, whipped cream •2 tsp. vanilla powder and salt; stir to combine. In a large and wide variety of garnishes like grated •1/4 tsp. salt mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the sugar, nutmeg and chocolate curls, holds a place •2 cups milk eggs, eggnog, melted butter and almond at holiday tables across North America and •1/2 cup rum (optional) extract. Stir until well combined. Mix in the is quite ubiquitous at grocery stores during •2 cups heavy cream dry ingredients just until incorporated. Toss the holiday season. Typically consisting •1/2 tsp. nutmeg the chopped cranberries with the remaining of milk, sugar, spices and raw eggs, it is •1/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional) 2 tablespoons of sugar, and fold into the usually non-alcoholic, but commonly made batter. Divide the batter evenly between the with various liquors, such as brandy, rum, Instructions prepared muffin liners, filling them about whisky, advocaat and/or liqueurs, for an Whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, salt two thirds of the way full. adults-only libation. and vanilla until light yellow and creamy. Add rum and milk. Cover and refrigerate for To make the streusel topping, combine the And while eggnog is a wonderful stand- several hours. Refrigerate the egg whites, sugar, flour, cinnamon and butter. Cut the alone holiday offering, it can also serve as well. When you are ready to serve your butter into the dry ingredients until a coarse, as an outstanding flavor additive to drinks eggnog, whip the heavy cream in one bowl crumbly mixture forms. Stir in the pecans if such as coffee and tea, or to foods such and the egg whites in another bowl. Both using. Sprinkle the mixture evenly on top of as ice cream or fudge. Perhaps eggnog should be beaten to stiff peaks form. Then the muffin batter. showcases its greatest versatility, however, alternate folding in egg whites and whipped as a featured ingredient in recipes for cream to the eggnog mixture. Bake for about 18-22 minutes, or a until a delicious baked goods like breads, cakes, toothpick inserted in the center comes out truffles, pies and muffins. This eggnog is rich, thick and delightfully clean. Let cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, creamy. Garnish with nutmeg and then transfer to a wire rack and let cool As was mentioned, eggnog is available cinnamon if desired. Now that you can completely. commercially. But if you’re a stickler for make your own eggnog, try using the non- homemade recipes, here’s a basic version: alcoholic version in the following recipe.

12 December 2011 • VISTANCIA LIVING HOUSE & HOME Poinsettias Brighten Up Holidays, But How Do I Keep Them All Year Long?

By Charlotte Smith, Certified Horticulturalist

hope each of you had a thankful and filling Thanksgiving. The water drain out the bottom and never allowing the plant to sit in holidays are truly here; the hustle and bustle of the shopping water. I season has begun! And as we are decorating our homes inside and out to welcome friends and family who will be stopping If you would like to keep the plant from year to year, continue by with plenty of good cheer to share, many of our colorful décor watering when its surface is dry from January through March. In may include Poinsettias. Poinsettias are a perennial flowering shrub April decrease the watering, allowing it to dry between waterings. that can grow up to ten feet tall and offer more than one hundred If the stem begins to shrivel it’s showing signs of stress and dying. varieties. A native plant of Mexico and part of the Euphorbiaceous In a week or two, once the plant has acclimated to drying, move it family, Poinsettias were introduced to the United States in 1852 by to a cool spot where it can be kept at about 60 degrees F. In mid Joel Poinsett. They were called the “Crown of the Andes” in Chile May, cut the stems back to about four inches and repot in a larger and Peru, and the Aztecs used the brackets of the plant to make a pot with new potting soil. Water it well. Place it in a bright sunlight reddish-purple dye. window and continue watering when surface is dry. When signs of new growth begin to appear, start fertilizing every two weeks. Move As much as we enjoy the beauty of the plant during the holiday the plant outside in June in a partially shaded location, maintaining season, it is sometimes misunderstood. The flowers of the plant watering and fertilizing. are actually in the center of the colorful bracts (modified leaves). The myth of Poinsettias’ poisonous properties is false, although the In July pinch back each stem about an inch and by mid August the white milky sap can be irritating to the skin and cause an upset stems should be leafed and branched out. Give the plant one more stomach if consumed in large quantities. pinch back leaving three to four leaves on each shoot and bring the plant back indoors to your brightest window. When caring for your Poinsettia, place them near a sunny window. Remember, they are a tropical plant and will accept as much direct In October give the plant complete darkness from 5pm-8am moving light as you can provide. Keep them from cold drafts or direct heat, the plant to daylight during the day. Finally, during the last week and maintain a temperature of 65-75 degrees F. of November stop the darkness and keep the plant in your sunny location and enjoy another holiday season with it! Until next year, Water the plant when the surface feels dry to the touch, letting the may you and your family be blessed with a joyous holiday.

VISTANCIA LIVING • December 2011 13 CITY OF PEORIA Medical Community Making Strides in Peoria By Cathy Carlat physicians in the Denaro Corporate Center on Happy Valley Road west of Lake Pleasant Parkway. s we near the end of another year and reflect This past summer the largest hospital in Arizona, Saint Joseph’s Medical upon the last 12 months, A Group, opened a new clinic at 77th Avenue and Deer Valley Road. The Cathy Carlat there is no doubt that the City of location offers complete family care services and a variety of rotating Councilmember, Peoria is continuing to grow, despite specialists for more comprehensive treatments. Meanwhile, the Peoria Mesquite District, a world-wide recession. We have Regional Medical Center is on schedule to open in summer of 2012. Located City of Peoria worked hard to be a City prepared at Lake Pleasant Parkway and Yearling Road, the facility will be dedicated and equipped to compete among to timely care with a “Door to Doc in 31 Minutes” service philosophy. some of the most successful. Through it all, Mesquite residents have managed to keep a deep sense of local community alive and As your District Representative, it is exciting to see that the medical remain firm on their stance to have quality supersede quantity. community is making strides to fulfill a vital component needed within our community. The Mesquite district has seen a variety of quality medical facilities open their doors to serve our community. Nearly one year ago, As the New Year begins, I will continue to work hard to use all the tools Abrazo Healthcare, locally known as Arrowhead Hospital, opened available to make northern Peoria competitive and attractive to the quality the North Peoria Emergency Center on Lake Pleasant Parkway organizations that enhance the lives, and the property values, of the north of Happy Valley Road. The 14-bed facility has fulfilled a residents of the Mesquite District. needed service to our residents, which is access to emergency healthcare during all hours of the day. Additionally, Abrazo Contact Councilmember Cathy Carlat at [email protected] or by Medical Group has opened offices for primary care and specialty calling 623-773-7306.

14 December 2011 • VISTANCIA LIVING TRAVEL

The Gift of Travel

t’s that time of year. So many special I people to shop for and yet you have no idea what to give that can express how much your loved ones mean to you. Have you ever considered the gift of Eva Guibert travel? Travel can be given Guibert Travel in so many wonderful ways Services including the “Mommy needs time off getaway,” the “romantic Holiday,” or the “family bonding time” vacation.

Yes, the gift itself is great. Who wouldn’t want to receive a trip where they get to relax at a spa resort or go to the best golf courses in Scotland? And what child doesn’t want to go to Disney? But what I’m talking about goes further than a terrific vacation. This gift provides a unique experience that is very personal, emotional and can relax, excite and even expand the mind! This gift can bring your loved ones together in an amazing way. The gift of travel will create memories that can last a lifetime!

You can choose to travel during the Holidays as your gift, or you can be creative in giving the gift of travel during the Holidays, but for a future travel date.

Ask your travel agent; they should have great ideas on how to give that precious gift. Here are a few examples to get those creative thoughts going!

Create a beautiful basket with lots of Italian goodies like pasta, chocolates, parmigiano reggiano cheese, virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar from Modena, and a small Italian facts book or a small Italian language book and your card, and surprise your loved one with a trip to Italy! Your customized trip might include a cooking class if you your loved one loves to cook or just loves Italian food. Imagine a tour of the town the balsamic vinegar is named after?

The ideas are only limited by your imagination, your budget (of course) and the number of wonderful places to visit near or far.

VISTANCIA LIVING • December 2011 15 POLICE BEAT Peoria Police Enhance Holiday Shopping Safety

rom Black Friday through New Year’s, the Peoria Police Department is taking it up a notch to increase safety for F Peoria shoppers. The holiday season typically sees an increase in crimes of opportunity, as the concentration of shoppers in a given area is exceeded only by how distracted they are. Peoria is increasing visibility and presence to both deter crime and respond even more quickly when it occurs.

Patrol staffing levels will be augmented by diverting some on duty personnel from specialty assignments such as investigations and traffic, deploying them in the busy retail areas as a force multiplier. Busy shoppers may see motor officers patrolling these areas, and may not notice the undercover cars and plainclothes detectives doing the same thing.

Officers on bicycles will circulate in these areas as well, and have the advantage of being able to interact with shoppers and manuever easier in logjammed parking lots when responding to situations.

Peoria’s newly formed Community Impact Team will be deployed as well. This special purpose, rapid response team does not routinely respond to calls for service. As such, they are able to be more flexible in their deployment and address emerging situations more effectively than a more traditional patrol squad.

Members of the department’s patrol volunteer unit will be on hand as well. Operating in specially marked patrol cars, these volunteers will provide extra eyes and ears to locate and report suspicious activity, enhance visibility, and assist with emerging sight in your car. Set your alarm, dust off and use your steering traffic problems. wheel lock, and lock your doors and windows. • Pay attention to your surroundings and if you are not comfortable These additional methods are no replacement for smart shopping. go back to the store or mall and ask their security to escort you to Protect yourself when you go out to shop by remembering these your car. tips: • Carry only the credit cards that you intend to use and avoid carrying • Don’t carry more than you absolutely need to in your purse. A large sums of money. Secure your credit card receipts. Someone heavy purse is one more package to worry about, and if stolen the gaining access to your credit card numbers could be the first step in less it contains in the way of personal information, credit cards, having your identity stolen. and valuables, the better. • Make note of where you park and the entrance you used so you • Be alert and walk with a purpose. The bad guy wants an easy can go directly to your car without wandering in search of your car. target, and a distracted, inattentive shopper will fit the bill. If you • Park your vehicle in a well-lit area and be aware of your can, shop with a friend – there is safety in numbers. surroundings. Have your keys out and ready before you get to your • Carry a cell phone with you and be prepared to call the police car. Look your car over as you approach it to make sure everything in case of an emergency. is OK. • Thieves often “shop” in food courts. Don’t leave handbags, gifts, etc. unattended. The Peoria Police Department wishes you a safe and enjoyable • Don’t leave valuables, packages, and recent purchases in plain holiday season!

16 December 2011 • VISTANCIA LIVING VISTANCIA LIVING • December 2011 17 TEE TIME AT TRILOGY Don’t Gasp... Just G.A.S.P. By Joshua Doxtator, Head Golf Professional and Golf Operations Manager, Trilogy Golf & Country Club

and perpendicular to your target. The easiest way to align correctly is to line your clubface to your target first, then your feet according to your clubface. Do not align your feet first, as most of the time you will move trying to get comfortable and your alignment will be skewed. One of the most common flaws in alignment is the shoulders to feet. Often we have our feet aligned correctly but our shoulders are pointed in a different direction. Both should be on the same line, parallel to the target.

Stance is crucial to consistency of the golf swing. Everything we’ve done in life has some sort of athleticism involved, i.e. walking, running, sports, etc. When is the last time you saw someone walking on their heels? Similarly, why would we rest on our heels in the golf swing? It seems simple, but this is a battle amongst all golfers. A proper stance should allow golfers to keep balance and the weight should be felt a little more toward the balls of the feet. How many of you have heard at one time or another to keep your head down? Everyone should be able to relate to that statement. Now what if I were to tell you that this comment is false? Surprised? The truth about topping the ball is usually due to a new golfing season is upon us, and with it comes the itch of person having too much flex in their knees. The more flex in your knees, wanting to hit the links and play to the best of our abilities. the more likely you are to spring out of the shot either topping the ball or A So many times after a long hiatus we get to the practice tee missing it completely. Try adding just the slightest flex and then notice expecting to pick up right where we left off. Unfortunately, golf is not when you straighten your legs how you really don’t go anywhere. If you like riding a bike, if one does not make a conscious effort to practice happen to see someone hitting the ball while looking in the sky let me and keep the skills alive, your best game will quickly disappear. What know and then tell them to keep their head down. Otherwise that’s not we seem to forget over time are the basics and fundamentals of a the problem! sound foundation. The next time you take a sabbatical, don’t frustrate yourself with poor shots. Remember to G.A.S.P! G.A.S.P is a clever Correct posture can make golf a very simple and easy game (insert acronym for GRIP, ALIGNMENT, STANCE and POSTURE. These four chuckle here). Honestly, a correct posture can assist in consistency of fundamentals are crucial to setup and must be solid in order to create impact and also create the correct plane in the golf swing. One common some form of consistency. flaw in posture is the bending of the back creating a hunched position to the ball. Remember, you’re trying to create a flat spine, so bend forward Grip is key to correct rotation of the golf club and a square clubface at the hips and keep your chest high. Your arms should hang down at impact. As a PGA professional, I recommend using a “connected” from your shoulders; they shouldn’t be locked or far away from your grip, meaning an interlock or overlap grip. These grips help connect body at address. The farther the club is away from you at address, the the hands to one another allowing them to work as a unit as opposed flatter your swing plane will be and the greater the dispersion of the golf to against each other. Most often, golfers transition into a strong grip ball. Correct posture creates a tall position to the ball creating a vertical (anyone who fights a slice will more than likely have one). When gripping swing plane which can help narrow the dispersion of the ball. No matter the club you create a “V” with your thumb and index fingers. The right how you setup to the ball, make sure you try to relax. I know that this hand “V” should point to your right shoulder (opposite for lefties). Over can be difficult, but try exhaling before you start the swing. This will help time the right hand begins to slide underneath the club allowing you to relieve any tension and allow your body to move gracefully through the over rotate the face and battle that wicked slice. Don’t let this happen ball and as a result the swing will not be forced. to you! Another suggestion, if you are getting blisters or your hands are sore after practicing or playing, you’re either gripping the club the wrong Moving forward I will continue to write about instruction and give helpful way or there is too much tension in your hands. tips to assist you along the way. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like me to write about something in particular in future Alignment is an easy fundamental to misunderstand. The best way for articles, please contact me via email at josh.doxtator@trilogygolfclub. me to describe alignment is to imagine railroad tracks. Your club face com. I am more than happy to help anyone who is willing to learn. Until should be on one rail and the feet on the other, parallel to each other next time, fairways and greens.

18 December 2011 • VISTANCIA LIVING VISTANCIA LIVING • April 2011 19 BLACKSTONE

Help Monitor Construction Hours In the Community By Erik Ekstrom, Gate Host

s many of you may have noticed, there is more construction A going on than usual and we are asking not only for your understanding and patience, but for your help. This is an exciting time for Blackstone with the creation of many new homes in the area. There is always the possibility that an overzealous builder or sub-contractor will find a way into the community before the construction hours begin, or may even stay later than the hours allow. This is where we need your help. If you see a contractor within the Blackstone community before 7:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday, or after 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday then we need to know about it. We are not asking you to confront the workers on the site, but instead just jot down a little information for us. Is there a name of a company on the side of the truck? What’s the location where the vehicle is parked? Are they making any loud noises or using any power tools? If so we’d like to

be notified at the Gatehouse at 928-252-6000 as soon as possible so we can correct the problem before it gets out of hand.

As I said, this is a great time for all of us as a community and with even more residents moving in, there is even more paperwork and things to track. When was the last time you updated your Quickpass information? It’s really just a good time to go through your lists, make sure the information is what you want it to be. It’s also a great idea to make sure that the phone numbers in the system are correct too. It’s our primary link of communication to you so it is of great importance that the information is current. If you don’t have a Quickpass login or have forgotten yours, please call us so we can help.

We understand that there is much to do during the holiday season, but this will just take a few moments of your time. We want to thank you for being such a wonderful community, and helping us so that we can make it that much better for everyone. Happy Holidays!

Blackstone HOA Office: 623.792.5054 Blackstone Gate House: 928.252.6000 Blackstone Country Club: 623.707.8700

20 December 2011 • VISTANCIA LIVING CALENDAR December 2011 SUN CHRISTMAS! MERRY Adult B-Ball, 7pm Adult B-Ball, 7pm Adult B-Ball, 7pm Adult B-Ball, 7pm 25 18 11 4 HOA OFFICE CLOSED Business Networking, 6pm Spanish Club, 6-7:30pm Zumba, 6pm Yoga, 6-7pm Aerobics, 9-10am Spanish Club, 6-7:30pm Zumba, 6pm Yoga, 6-7pm Aerobics, 9-10am Spanish Club, 6-7:30pm Zumba, 6pm Yoga, 6-7pm Business Networking, 6pm Yoga on the Lawn, 10-11am Aerobics, 9-10am NAC Meeting, 9am Spanish Club, 6-7:30pm Zumba, 6pm Yoga, 6-7pm Yoga on the Lawn, 10-11am Aerobics, 9-10am MON 26 19 12 5 Good News Club, 6-7:30pm Adult B-Ball, 5pm Water Aerobics, 9am Drop-in Tennis, 8-10am Good News Club, 6-7:30pm Adult B-Ball, 5pm Water Aerobics, 9am Drop-in Tennis, 8-10am Good News Club, 6-7:30pm Book Club, 7pm Adult B-Ball, 5pm Water Aerobics, 9am Drop-in Tennis, 8-10am Good News Club, 6-7:30pm Adult B-Ball, 5pm Water Aerobics, 9am Drop-in Tennis, 8-10am TUE 27 20 13 6 Garden Chat, 6pm Spanish Club, 6-7:30pm Yogalates, 6-7pm Elementary Dodgeball, 4pm Women’s Bible Study, 9am Aerobics, 9-10am CELEBRATION, 6PM HANUKKAH Spanish Club, 6-7:30pm Yogalates, 6-7pm Elementary Dodgeball, 4pm MOPS Club, 9-11:30am Aerobics, 9-10am Spanish Club, 6-7:30pm Yogalates, 6-7pm Elementary Dodgeball, 4pm Women’s Bible Study, 9am Aerobics, 9-10am Spanish Club, 6-7:30pm Yogalates, 6-7pm Elementary Dodgeball, 4pm MOPS Club, 9-11:30am Aerobics, 9-10am WED 28 21 14 7 Zumba, 6pm Water Aerobics, 9am Drop-in Tennis, 8-10am Zumba, 6pm Water Aerobics, 9am Story time, 9am Drop-in Tennis, 8-10am History Club, 7pm Manger, 6pm-8pm Cooking with the Community Zumba, 6pm Water Aerobics, 9am Drop-in Tennis, 8-10am Zumba, 6pm Water Aerobics, 9am Story time, 9am Drop-in Tennis, 8-10am History Club, 7pm Zumba, 6pm Water Aerobics, 9am Drop-in Tennis, 8-10am THUR 29 22 15 8 1 HOA OFFICE CLOSED Aerobics, 9-10am Drop-in Tennis, 8-10am HOA OFFICE CLOSED Aerobics, 9-10am Drop-in Tennis, 8-10am Aerobics, 9-10am Drop-in Tennis, 8-10am Ladies Wine Swap, 6-8pm Aerobics, 9-10am Drop-in Tennis, 8-10am 7-9:30pm Martinis and Mistletoe, MOMS Club, 10am-12pm Coffee Talk, 9am Aerobics, 9-10am Drop-in Tennis, 8-10am FRI 30 23 16 9 2 NEW YEAR’S EVE Poker, 6pm Cookies, 10am-1pm Santa, Crafts and Poker, 6pm 8:30-10:30am Pancake Breakfast, 11AM-2PM WONDERLAND WINTER SAT 31 24 17 10 3

VISTANCIA LIVING • December 2011 21 RESOURCES

Vistancia Community Patrol 480.313.2685 Mountain Biking Club Vistancia Village Emergency This club meets on weekends at the discrepancy of group leader. Explore new terrain in For use between midnight and 8am 800.274.3165 and around the Vistancia community. For additional information contact Jason Paladino City of Peoria at 623.824.2785. Police/Animal Control 623.773.8311 Peoria Policing Program, North Tip Line 623.773.5077 Poker Club [email protected] Come meet your neighbors while playing a game of luck and skill. Vistancia Fire 623.773.7279 Poker tournaments will be held the second and fourth Saturday of every month Southwest Ambulance 480.655.7234 in the Association Office. Buy-ins are $20 per person. 100% of proceeds go to Arrowhead Hospital 623.561.1000 top place finishers. For more information, [email protected] / www. North Peoria Emergency Center 623-561-2022 vistanciapoker.com. Sun Health Hospital 623.214.4000 Post Office 623.979.8533 Spanish Club Sunrise Mountain Library 623.773.8650 The Spanish Club will meet from 6-7:30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays in Building Utilities A. It’s open to all residents who would like to learn Spanish as well as those who want Cox Communications 602.694.1952 to practice their Spanish-speaking skills in a supportive environment. The topics of Zona Communications 928.501.2255 conversation will include, but not be limited to: greetings, holiday celebrations, family Southwest Gas 602.861.1999 events. eating out, shopping, traveling, entertainment and games. The $40 monthly APS (Electric) 602.371.7171 dues include all classes and materials. To register contact Susan at susan.roemer@ City of Peoria (water/trash) 623.773.7160 cox.net. Schools Peoria Unified S.D. #11 623.486.6000 Teen Club Lake Pleasant Elementary 623.773.6575 Kids ages 11-17. We plan teen events and do community service projects all while Attendance 623.773.6582 having a great time. Please contact Lauren Stephan at [email protected] for Vistancia Elementary 623.773.6500 more information. Attendance 623.773.6508 Liberty High School 623.773.6525 Tennis Club Sunrise Mountain High School 623.487.5125 Drop-in Tennis is on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at the Mountain Vista Club tennis Creative Castle Preschool and Kindergarten 602-740-9561 courts at 8-10am. For more information Contact [email protected] or call Churches Tom or Barbara at 928.252.3546. Spirit Song United Methodist Church 623.824.1357 Tennis Lessons Activities and Clubs Tennis Pro Mike Ragland instructs Children and Adults in multiple settings including Aerobics private lessons and group clinics. Call Mike for additional information at 623.512.7926. We’ve started a new aerobics class in Vistancia on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9am in the Gymnasium. This is a free fitness class! All you need is a water bottle, a VistanciaLifestyles.com towel and mat if you have one. Enjoy! Vistancia Lifestyles is the place to go to for great articles from local experts providing you with free information on many topics such as photography, Aqua -Tots skin care, pet care, travel tips, landscaping, home decor and more. Find fun Is your child water safe, do they know how to swim? If not, get them enrolled now. events going on in Arizona, the West Valley and Vistancia Village. There is For more information, contact Aqua-Tots at 623-376-6554 or www.aqua-tots.com for also a local business listing. If you have any questions, contact us at: info@ swim lessons. VistanciaLifestyles.com.

Book Club Vistancia Village Business Networking Group We will meet at 7pm the second Tuesday of every month in Building A at the Mountain Meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 6pm in the Mountain Vista Vista Club .If you’re interested in joining please contact Darlene at dfassette@hotmail. Clubhouse. For more information contact Eva at [email protected]. com. Vistancia Village Loaning Library Bunco is Back! Bring a book take a book at the Loaning Library in the Association Office. We are Wednesday, October 19th, 7pm. We need players! Join us in the Clubhouse for also always accepting donations for books and DVDs For more information contact the an exciting dice game and a great way to meet new friends! The fee is $6 per Association Office at 623.215.8646. person to play. There are 4 gift cards available to win! Please contact Lauren at [email protected] if you’re interested in playing! Vistancia Vipers Vistancia Village Swim Team. For more information contact Jen Peery at [email protected]. Garden Chat Garden chat will meet the last Wednesday of every month at 6pm. Contact charstar_ Water Aerobics [email protected] for additional information. Join us for water aerobics at the Mountain Vista Club Pool every Tuesday and Thursday at 9am. If you have any questions contact Lauren at [email protected]. History Club If you want a greater understanding of the principles the United States was founded Yoga on and confidence in your ability to affect freedom this group is for you! We’ll meet in Yoga develops general tone/fitness in the body creating inner peace and overall Building A twice a month March-May, on the 1st & 3rd Thursday evenings. The 1st wellness. Facial Yoga will be presented within the class to tone the facial muscles Thursday of the month will be a lecture by a guest speaker; the 3rd Thursday of the working through some of the lines we develop from stress and time. Yoga is held every month will be a book/article discussion). For more information and the book list, email Monday from 6-7pm in the HOA Office. Contact Ranae Nitura at bellashantiyoga@ Alena Hatch ([email protected]). yahoo.com for further questions.

MOMS Club Yogalates Activities and support for Moms and their kids. For more information, if you are North Yogalates is a mat-based exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength of Vistancia Elementary contact Holly Tenn at [email protected]; if you are South of for the total body. This exercise is aimed at developing a stable core for all types of Vistancia Elementary contact Crystal Beumler at [email protected]. movement attaining balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength. Yogalates is held every Wednesday from 6-7pm in the Gym. Contact Ranae Nitura at bellashantiyoga@ MOPS (Mothers Of Preschoolers) Club yahoo.com for further questions. MOPS is a great place where Mothers Of Preschoolers will be welcomed, accepted and inspired to reach their full potential as both a woman and a mom! The club will meet Zumba the first and third Wednesday of each month in the Mountain Vista Clubhouse. Contact Ditch the workout and join the party! The Zumba program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and Christie for more information at [email protected] or visit www.vistanciamops.com. easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away! The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Classes are Mondays and 22 December 2011 • VISTANCIA LIVING Thursdays at 6pm. For more information, contact Lennie Ambelang at [email protected]. LANDSCAPES Winter Landscaping Tips for A Healthy Regrowth in Spring

By Ed Malouff, ABPA, Director of Water Management

ll of us here at Caretaker Landscape and Tree Management A want to wish you and your family a wonderful Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year!

Below are a few tips to make sure that your landscaping stays beautiful and healthy all winter long, and that the re-growth in the spring is lush and vibrant. l You should reduce your watering frequencies for arid adapted plants, while increasing the watering time for deep penetration into the root zone. When we receive any substantial rainfall, up to ½” of rain, turn the water off for a couple of weeks and enjoy the savings in your water bill. l Fertilizing arid plants is not recommended in the fall, as this may promote a push of new, tender growth that will be susceptible to frost damage. Same with pruning. Keep it to a minimum to retain as much of the foliage as possible to create a blanket of protection. l As leaves begin to fall from trees, collect them for use as mulch. Simply run over them with a bagging mower and spread the mulch around the base of trees and shrubs. This will add nutrients to the soil and help keep winter weeds down while reducing landfill waste. l If you overseeded your lawn with perennial rye grass, it will begin slowing down with the cold temperatures. An application of Nitrate Nitrogen at recommended rates will help keep the grass green. Watering should be done no more than 1-2 times per week. l Your annual flowers will tell you when they need water. Be observant. Are they standing with the flowers upright? Or are they droopy and sad looking? Soil that is moist at 1” to 2” deep probably needs water, and if the surface is wet it does not. Be cautious of fungal growth due to over watering.

We hope you will find these tips helpful in keeping up your landscape this winter. As always, should have any questions, please contact our Account Manager, Anthony Luciano at aluciano@caretakerinc. com. Happy Holidays!

VISTANCIA LIVING • December 2011 23