DC Ranch Net.com
A publication of the DC Ranch Community Council
March 2011 • Vol. 3, No. 3
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Spotlight On: Mark Wright
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Marketplace News
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MSC Spotlight
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Tell us what you think of Ranch News Ranch Association welcomes new security chief Meet Calistro Bistro Assistant GM Robyn Hendrickson Preserve offers family-focused fun, wildflowers
Family & Healthy Lifestyles 8 Offerings include exhibits, exercise, butterflies & barbecues
Arts & Culture
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Around Scottsdale
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Community Connections
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Education & Philanthropy
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Around the Ranch
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The Heard Museum North brings culture closer Copper Ridge teacher is National Board Certified Your neighbor to the rescue
Cesar Chavez Day of Service includes trail maintenance Images tell of events that provide community connections
Featured Events & Meetings Friday, March 4
Starlight Concert Series: The Chadwicks Market Street Park 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 24
Community Council Board of Directors Meeting Desert Camp Community Center 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 26
Wildflower Walk
Meet at Desert Camp Community Center 8 to 10 a.m. See Events Pg. 7
By Krista Hinz | Community Council
In June 2009, DC Ranch residents, staff, and Copper Ridge educators were united by their common passion for gardening, sustainability and the environment. The 7-member group, who now comprise the Community Garden steering committee, envisioned a shared space where students, teachers, families and members of the community learn the fundamentals of community gardening together. In February, a final rendering of the project was approved by the city of Scottsdale, crystallizing the
A rendering of the Garden, designed by DC Ranch Senior Landscape Review Specialist Scott Dennerline. When complete, the Garden will provide many ways for the community to unite in the common interest of gardening.
committee’s vision. Once complete, the garden will encompass year-round seasonal vegetation, educational plots, personal and family plots, artwork, benches, supplies storage and a community composting area. National Board Certified Teacher and Copper Ridge fifth grade history instructor Nanette Hubbell looks forward to the abundance of unique lessons the garden can teach her students. “A garden can bring out special qualities in students,” said Hubbell. “The opportunities for engaging students and the community are endless.” Community Council Executive Director Suzanne WaldenWells and the committee hope residents and the greater community will embrace all avenues to become actively involved in the garden and help the committee to build a strong volunteer core. “The Garden has the potential to be a powerful connector in the community that bridges the gap between students and residents,” Walden-Wells said. “Ideally, the Garden will inspire residents and expand from the walls of Copper Ridge to families Commun ity Garden | Page 14
Biggest Loser contestant co-headlines Run for Ryan House at DC Ranch By Community Council
Minnesota native SunShine Hampton had battled being overweight all of her life. Her job as a restaurant server for more than 10 years surrounded her with unhealthy dishes. Even at age 11, when she was introduced to her own family’s restaurant business, and with no knowledge of nutrition, she was constantly eating all that was accessible to her. Hampton was challenged by her cousin to try out for season 9 of NBC’s The Biggest Loser. She immediately said no because it would be too humiliating to appear on national television and show everyone her body. With her cousin’s persistence, Hampton made a
gut-wrenching decision to sign up and audition for the show. She and her father were fortunate to be two of 22 couples selected out of tens of thousands vying for a spot on the reality TV series. Alongside her father, O’Neal Hampton Jr., SunShine made her debut on the show in September 2009. Their fatherdaughter relationship was so authentic that it made them fan favorites. Hampton dropped from her official weight of 275 pounds to 160 pounds in 17 weeks. Even though she just missed the final four cut of the NBC reality series, she managed to win a bigger prize than she had ever imagined.
Run co-headliner SunShine Hampton spoke to Desert Canyon middle school students on Feb. 9 about her experiences on Biggest Loser as a way to inspire participation in the March 5 race that launches from Market Street.
“I won the biggest prize already. You can’t put a $250,000 price tag on my health and that is what I’ve gained
Biggest L oser | page 14
Photo: Krista Hinz
Get Connected
Community Garden plans take shape
Photo: Courtesy Community Council
In this Issue
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