Esplanade Lifestyle - Northgate | May/Jun 2023

LIFESTYLE

PROPERTY

Rachel

TAYLOR

SRobertson@TaylorMorrison.com

Jessica Sinopoli

Sunshine.Linzi@TeamEsplanade.com SALES

EsplanadeNorthgateLifestyle.com

Letter From the Lifestyle Team

SUNSHINE LINZI YOUR LIFESTYLE MANAGER

Summer is on the Way!

May June bring you joy, happiness, laughter, and lots of sunshine! The weather is getting warmer, the days longer, and spring will say farewell before you know it; summer is almost here. Fuel up the barbecue and break out your sunscreen as Lifestyle shares exciting, curated Member events to celebrate!

This May, join your neighbors for your Corks & Courts Grand Opening celebration of our Pickleball Courts! You are invited to celebrate with an afternoon of fun and games hosted by teaching professionals! The celebration will kick off with a toast and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Pickleball Sports Courts. Meet other Members with similar interests in Court Sports and learn more about future clinics and programs that will be offered.

Our gorgeous boutique community continues to grow! Please know that as soon as you go under contract with Taylor Morrison on this property, you are invited to participate in

all Lifestyle events and activities. The Lifestyle program is tailored to your interests, so do not hesitate to reach out to us with your comments and suggestions for our events in the future.

We encourage all newly closed Members to join us for Esplanade 101, as it is the key to your Lifestyle here at Northgate. We also invite all Members to join us for Neighborhood News, a community update with your dedicated team, and Coffee and Conversation with your Lifestyle Manager and team to discuss your Resort Lifestyle.

As you head into summer, get outside, commune with nature, embody freedom and chase happiness like a puppy after its own tail!

Crystal Steere

YOUR NATIONAL MANAGER OF SPA, FITNESS & WELLNESS

We are excited to introduce you to Crystal Steere, your National Manager of Spa, Fitness & Wellness on the Esplanade Resort Experiences team. Her focus on spa and wellness programming brings a fresh perspective to each community and streamlines operations. In addition to a renewed focus on Lifestyle and sports programming, her expertise is leveraged to create exciting wellness initiatives that encourage Members to live an inspired Lifestyle through building their social network while embarking on their wellness journey.

Crystal has been instrumental in the launch of seasonally inspired spa treatments at our spas and introducing our new private label bath and body care product collection. Crystal has also designed an annual fitness membership program and is collaborating with your Lifestyle team to launch monthly wellness workshops, seminars, and expos geared at health, nutrition, and mindfulness.

In addition to spa and fitness programming, Crystal will also be supporting each community as their Court Sports open, working with tennis and pickleball professionals to program weekly tennis, pickleball, and bocce clinics, challenges, and events.

With her extensive background in resort and hotel management in the field of health & wellness, Crystal’s passion for spa and wellness programming encompasses not only industry knowledge, but operational excellence, business acumen, team support, and development.

Crystal has more than 15 years of experience in spa and fitness management working for prestigious companies such as Golden Door Spa, Hilton Hotels, Waldorf Astoria, Northwood Hospitality, WTS, International and most recently as the Spa & Wellness Manager at Esplanade Golf & Country Club Naples, a Taylor Morrison community. In her career, Crystal has been awarded several leadership awards such as Manager of the Year at the Waldorf Astoria Naples and recipient of WTS International Basics to Excellence Management Award.

In addition to being a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Crystal is an experienced leader in Human Resources and Retail Management, holding the title of General Manager at Banana Republic, Gap Inc. Crystal holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a specialization in Hospitality & Resort Management from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.

As a Florida native, Crystal enjoys spending time outdoors exploring all that Southwest Florida has to offer with her two children, Piper and Avery, her husband, Nate, and their two dogs Cooper and Lucy.

WISE ACRES ORGANIC FARM

Strawberry Picking

Thursday, May 11 10 a.m. 4701 Hartis Road Indian Trail, NC 28079

Join Lifestyle to pick your own USDA-certified organic strawberries! Then enjoy a locally sourced, made-to-order delicious Wise Pie wood-fired oven pizza. Members can take a wagon ride through the woods then meet and greet the farm animals. Wind down as you shop the barn for local goods including honey, elderberry syrup, kombucha, treats, and more!

Corks & Courts

Coming in July Pickleball Courts

You’re invited to celebrate the completion of the Pickleball Sports Courts with an afternoon of fun and games hosted by teaching professionals! The celebration will kick off with a toast and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Meet other Members with similar interests in Court Sports and learn more about future clinics and programs that will be offered. Not sure you want to play? No worries. Come out to watch and socialize with your friends and neighbors.

Infused Water

The great part about infused water is that it’s so easy to make. All you need is fresh produce (fruit, veggies and herbs) along with cold water. Start by choosing what flavor you want, wash and chop your produce and simply add it to your water.

The amount of produce you use is up to you based on how much water you’re infusing and how much flavor you want to add. Obviously, the more produce you add, the more intense the flavor will be. The intensity will also depend on how long you let the ingredients soak/infuse.

STRAWBERRY THYME INFUSED WATER

Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, which is known to reduce stress, while thyme is often used in aromatherapy practices for its calming and relaxing effects.

INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS

» 6 chopped strawberries

» 4 sprigs of fresh thyme

» 1-quart cold water

» Let the mixture infuse for at least two hours or overnight for full flavor.

Furry Friends Meet

Sparky LOVED BY GARY & KEIKO MCCULLOUGH

Sparky is a twelve-year-old Dachshund and Jack Russell Terrier mix. Gary tells us, “He’s split down the middle with his front being short Dachshund legs and his back end being longer Jack Russel legs.” Sparky LOVES meeting new people. His favorite thing to do at Northgate is his daily walks and visits to the Sales Gallery. The Northgate team can’t resist giving this good boy all the peanut butter treats. Sparky has met a few of his fellow Northgate Furry Friends and looks forward to meeting more as the community grows.

HAVE A Furry FAMILY MEMBER THAT YOU WANT TO FEATURE?

Contact your Lifestyle Manager to be featured in the next edition of the Lifestyle Magazine. Answer a few questions about your furry, feathery, or scaly friend and share a couple pictures. Don’t have a furry family member of your own, but know a community Member who does? Contact the Member to suggest the feature or your Lifestyle Manager.

Exclusive Concierge Offerings

Part of the Esplanade Lifestyle is rolling out the red carpet and giving our Members VIP access to exclusive offers and services! We are excited to build and foster relationships with local organizations and businesses to offer special rates for our community. If you know of one that would like to partner with Esplanade at Northgate, please contact your Lifestyle Manager.

THE TROON CARD

As a benefit of living in an Esplanade community, we are excited to share that current Esplanade Members receive 25% off standard Troon Card prices. Now in its 25th year, the Troon Card is the ultimate way for golfers to experience the World of Troon at the best rates. In 2023, more than 150 courses are participating in the program. Members can reserve tee times within three-days of their desired date of play and enjoy savings up to 50% off golf fees. Choose from state, region-specific, or national Troon Cards to unlock preferred rates at more than 150 golf courses worldwide. For a complete list of benefits, courses and rates, and to purchase your Troon Card today, visit www.troon.com/product/troon-card-esplanade

DRY CLEANING COLLINS CLEANERS VALET SERVICE

Esplanade Members receive FREE pickup and delivery service directly to their door. Services include dry cleaning, linens, laundry, alterations, shoes, and household items. Stop by the Sales Gallery for the sign-up sheet with the schedule and pricing list or sign up on their website.

704-398-1525 collinscleaners.com

PET SERVICES

CAMP BOW WOW

10% off all services (including grooming) and 5% off all products. Members are given the Wag Bag when they go under contract.

704-708-9663

campbowwow.com/matthews

HOUNDS TOWN USA

15% OFF Saturday Daycare only. Good at Indian Trail location. Members are given discount card at closing.

704-218-2100 houndstownusa.com

HOME SERVICES

QUANTUM SECURITY AND INNOVATIONS

Esplanade Members can choose from three EXCLUSIVE packages: Sonos Home Theater Package, Sonos Package, or Alula Security Package. Members who purchase an exclusive package will also receive a 10% discount on any additional purchase. To view QSI’s state-of-theart systems, visit the Model Homes or stop by the Sales Gallery for a brochure detailing these packages.

704-534-2468

WINDOW COVERINGS

CAROLINA SHUTTERS AND BLINDS

Esplanade Members can choose from exclusive package discounts. Contact Nicole Evans-Lane for a free design consultation. When contacting Nicole, Members are asked to supply the offer code: AFFINITY 303.

704-840-8000 nicole@csandb.us

carolinashutterandblinds.com

Dana & Richard Najera

The Members of our community are truly what make this a wonderful place to live. In each edition, we will spotlight a Member, couple or family to showcase the amazing people that call our community home. If you would like to be featured or want to nominate another Member, please contact your Lifestyle Manager.

Dana: We like to play cards and games. We love spending time with family and friends.

Where did you move from?

Rich: When I retired, we moved from Michigan to North Carolina and lived in the state (two different houses) for 13 years. Then we moved to Florida because Dana always wanted to live there. After almost 10 years she wanted to spend more time with our daughters and granddaughters.

Why did you choose Esplanade at Northgate?

Rich: We wanted to live closer to our daughters and Dana wanted a place with more activities. We were looking in the Durham area and the Charlotte area.

Dana: Because we lived so far away, we had our daughter Julie and her realtor look for us. She knew what we were looking for and she found Northgate!

What’s your favorite food/drink?

Rich: My favorite food is definitely beef, anything Mexican, and beer.

Dana: I enjoy a lot of different foods. I like to drink water, coffee, red wine, and occasionally pineapple juice and rum.

What are some hobbies or activities you enjoy doing?

When/how did you two meet each other?

QRich: My company was installing a new General Accounting system at the bank where Dana worked. I needed someone to test out the system who wasn’t averse to new technology and she was selected for the job. She was good at the task, and she handled us “older guys” teasing her. So, I decided to ask her out.

Dana: We were married less than a year after our first date.

Do have children or grandchildren?

AWe have two daughters, Cristin Yvonne and Julie Elizabeth. Our granddaughters are Leah (age 14), Elise (age 11) and Lola (age 4).

What is your favorite activity to do together?

Rich: Taking trips with our friends and former neighbors. Now we enjoy spending more time with the kids and grandkids.

Rich: I like working around the yard and this is the first place where I don’t need to mow. I really did enjoy mowing and yard work in general. I like taking walks and will be checking out the trails around here. One of my past hobbies was making stained glass windows.

Dana: We enjoy walking together.

Favorite travel destinations and why?

Rich: I would say New Zealand was a favorite! We did a cruise to the Galapagos, Ecuador and Peru. We also did a South American cruise from Santiago, Chili to Ft. Lauderdale. The many ports of call and tours were worthwhile.

Dana: We’ve also traveled to Panama Canal, South America, and Machu Picchu. We’ve visited many states, including Hawaii for our honeymoon and 30th anniversary. The Galapagos and New Zealand were my favorites.

What is something you believe everyone should do at least once in their life?

Rich: Travel and see as much of the world as possible. Dana: Visit The Galapagos and New Zealand.

Recent Events

In case you missed some of the past season’s events, here is a look back at our fun!

In January, we took a Lifestyle guided Member hike through Steven’s Creek Nature Preserve and Nature Center, and celebrated National Bloody Mary Day with Punch & Brunch. Members were given a 30-minute guided kickboxing class by Brittany, owner of 9Rounds of Matthews followed by fresh and cold Bloody Mary’s and a light brunch.

February brought the Regional Favorites Member Potluck. Members brought a potluck dish that celebrated where they’re from. Then enjoyed great company as they shared the origin story of their dishes. The on February 20, Members joined Lifestyle for a walk from Squirrel Lake Park through the local four-mile nature greenway.

As winter was winding down, the men of Northgate met over a freshly brewed cup of coffee at the Men’s Coffee Social in March,

while discussing all their favorite topics. Some common interests were sports, poker night, fishing, boating, restaurants, Veteran’s group, and more! The on March 10, Members joined Lifestyle for a fun night of Trivia. Teresa Cole was our groovy winner of three challenging rounds of questions on Songs and Musical Artists of the ‘60s & ‘70s!

We welcomed spring with the Community Garden Grand Opening! Master Gardeners, Mary Staton and Sheri Hudgins from the NC State Garden Exchange opened the celebrations and Member Christalyn Brinker (Northgate’s very first Member) had the honor of the ribbon cutting. Our Envoy Member Lynn Ray assisted Members with planting Marigold seeds and Lifestyle took photos of Members at the Monarch Butterfly wing prop. Everyone kicked back and relaxed to live music, yard games, food and drink!

Upcoming Events

All activities and events are subject to change. For full details, please visit EsplanadeNorthgateLifestyle.com/events.

PINTS & PICTIONARY

Monday, May 15 | 6:30 p.m.

Sales Gallery

Bring your competitive side and art skills for an evening of Pints & Pictionary! Team up with your neighbor for a chance to win a prize. Members are welcome to bring their own beverages.

ESPLANADE RESORT EXPERIENCES & TROON DEBUT

Thursday, May 18 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Outdoors between The Venue & Pickleball Courts

YAPPY HOUR

Wednesday, May 3 | 5:30 p.m.

Bark Park

Meet up with your furry friends to enjoy a dogtastic social event. May’s theme is Cinco de Mayo! Join your furry friends for barkaritas and a romp around the Bark Park. Feel free to bring your favorite beverages and your favorite toy to play fetch!

STRAWBERRY PICKING

Thursday, May 11 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Wise Acres Organic Farm

Join the Lifestyle team at Wise Acres Organic Farm to pick your own USDA-certified organic strawberries! Then enjoy a locally sourced, made-to-order delicious Wise Pie wood-fired oven pizza. Members can take a wagon ride through the woods then meet and greet the farm animals. Wind down as you shop the barn for local goods including honey, elderberry syrup, kombucha, treats, and more!

MUFFINS FOR MOM!

Friday, May 12 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sales Gallery

Stop by our Sales Gallery to pick up your yummy muffin to show our appreciation for the Moms of Northgate, whether that be human or fur babies! Registration by Friday, May 5 at 5 p.m. is required for you to be able to pick up your treat. Happy Mother’s Day!

Please join Esplanade Resort Experiences and Troon for a very special “Debut” event where you will have the opportunity to meet with the team of highly talented leaders dedicated to elevating how you live and connect within the community you call home. Both informative and fun, mingle with fellow Members while enjoying live entertainment, light bites, beverages and other exciting festivities! During this debut, there will be experience stations hosted by the Esplanade Resort Experiences and Troon teams demonstrating the array of concierge-level services and lifestyle programming currently offered across our Esplanade communities. Get a taste of what you’ll enjoy in the world of culinary, discover how you will find your zen with our uniquely curated wellness offerings, embrace your inner explorer as you uncover what’s to come for future travel opportunities, and more!

THIRSTY THURSDAY TRIVIA

Thursday, May 25 | 6:30 p.m.

Sales Gallery

Test your knowledge of Men’s and Women’s Spectacular Sports Trivia with three rounds (plus bonus round) of questions ranging from hockey to football! Everyone has a favorite sport they love to watch, so get ready to see your neighbors’ competitive streak. Whether you get a lot of questions right (…or not!), this Trivia Night is sure to be a homerun, a slam dunk, a touchdown!

Upcoming Events

All activities and events are subject to change. For full details, please visit EsplanadeNorthgateLifestyle.com/events.

YAPPY HOUR

Wednesday, June 14 | 5:30 p.m.

Bark Park

Meet up with your furry friends to enjoy a dogtastic social event. In honor of National Craft Brew week, June’s theme is Pups & Pints. Feel free to bring your favorite beverages and your favorite toy to play fetch!

DONUTS FOR DAD

Friday, June 16 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sales Gallery

Stop by our Sales Gallery to pick up your gourmet donut to show our appreciation for all the Dads of Northgate, whether they be human or fur babies! Registration by Friday, June 9 at 5 p.m. is required for you to be able to pick up your treat. Happy Father’s Day!

MONDAY MANIA CARD GAME NIGHT

Monday, June 19 | 6 p.m.

Sales Gallery

Learn to play Canasta or hone your skills. Canasta is a card game in the rummy family of games. Members will play at tables of four in two partnerships with two standard decks of cards. Members are welcome to bring their own beverages.

Monthly Member Meetings

CRAFT NORTHGATE

Monday, June 26 | 6 p.m.

Sales Gallery

Join Corrie with Creative Wood and Paint to DIY your very own porch welcome sign! Corrie brings the fun, supplies and instruction to you. When you register for this event, Lifestyle will email Corrie’s template selection and pricing sheet. Payment is due at the time of the event.

ESPLANADE 101

Tuesdays, May 2 & June 13

10 a.m. | Sales Gallery

New Members can meet with the CAM and Lifestyle Manager to briefly discuss HOA and Lifestyle topics outlined in your Member Handbook. Come with your questions!

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Tuesdays, May 16 & June 20

10 a.m. | Sales Gallery

Meet with your Community Association Manager in a relaxed and social setting to discuss the latest news surrounding the neighborhood.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION

Wednesdays, May 24 & June 28

9:30 a.m. | Sales Gallery

Join your Lifestyle Manager for a relaxing and informative meeting. Find out what’s happening on the social scene. Bring your questions and suggestions.

Carolina Waterfowl Rescue Baby Songbird Program

Carolina Waterfowl Rescue (CWR) is non-profit 501(c)(3) wildlife rescue organization located in Indian Trail. CWR is run by federally licensed wildlife rehabilitators who provide sanctuary, rescue, and rehabilitation for wildlife, farm, and exotic animals. The rescue depends on volunteers who donate their time, money, and expertise to helping animals in need throughout the Carolinas.

If you are interested in volunteering to feed baby songbirds, please complete the Volunteer Forms at cwrescue.org/volunteerforms and Volunteer Registration at volunteermatters.net/vm/ SelfRegisterSave.do?owner=waterfowlrescue

A wide selection of volunteer sign-up times are available. Stop in and visit your Lifestyle Manager for assistance with volunteer times. Volunteers are needed now and throughout the summer months. In addition to feeding, duties include keeping baby birds and cages clean, food prep and light housekeeping including dishes, laundry, and floors.

You can also contribute to the Baby Songbird Program with donations of pillowcases, fresh fruits, live meal worms, and knitted or crocheted baby bird nests.

Interest Groups & Social Clubs

Doing more of what makes us happy is called the key to life by many. Share your passion and take the first step by creating a club or group today!

Meet fellow Members with similar interests by creating or joining an Interest Group or Club! Any Member wishing to develop one should contact your Lifestyle Manager to receive information and an application. The Lifestyle Manager will then help to facilitate promotion of activities developed by the Members. Depending on the group size and activity, the Sales Gallery may be a suitable space for your gatherings.

New Clubs

Poker, Mahjong, Canasta and so many more! We are looking to organize a variety of card groups as well as mahjong and pickleball. If you are interested in creating one of these social clubs, please reach out to your Lifestyle Manager. We need a minimum amount of interested parties for each group in order to host properly. Be sure to sign up with your Lifestyle Team if you would like to play and stay tuned to your weekly Lifestyle emails for updates.

How to Practice Self-Care for Good Health

How often do you feel tired, stressed, or uninspired? Though there are many lifestyle and mindset factors that play into each of these feelings or experiences, there’s often one key thing that’s missing from the equation: self-care.

Self-care is any activity that contributes to your overall physical and mental health by offering relaxation, inspiration, or increased connection to yourself and your loved ones. Regularly practicing self-care activities is hugely important for maintaining your overall physical & mental well-being. Here are ideas for self-care activities you may enjoy:

RELAXATION

» Plant and take care of a garden

» Go to bed early or sleep in

» Sit on your porch

» Play with your pet

» Go for a walk

INSPIRATION

» Read a good book

» Volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about

» Enjoy your favorite comfort food

» Visit a museum

» Play a game you enjoy

Thrive Yoga

STRETCH AND RELEASE

Wednesday, May 17 | 10:30 a.m.

Presley Model

This class is a combination of gentle, supported stretches, breathwork and guided visualizations to assist you in improving mental focus, concentration and body awareness while working to release tension, improve flexibility and range of motion throughout the body.

ESSENTRICS

Wednesday, June 21 | 10:30 a.m.

Presley Model

This class is a low-impact, dynamic, full-body workout that simultaneously combines stretching and strengthening while engaging all the muscles in the body. Through standing and floor work, this class will increase your strength, flexibility, and joint mobility for a healthy and toned body.

Cuban Sandwich

The Cubano, or Cuban Sandwich, came to Florida along with Cuban immigrants, in the 19th century and quickly became widely popular in the state. Prior to this, versions of the Cuban have been recorded in pre-colonial Cuba where yucca was used in place of bread and often the filling was fish or bird meat. It took the arrival of the Spanish, who introduced ham and pork, for the Cuban we know and love today to be born.

To make an authentic Cuban sandwich, it really requires Cuban bread which has been baked with a palmetto leaf on top; however, Ciabatta or French bread will absolutely suffice.

DIRECTIONS

1. Slice the bread in half and spread yellow mustard on the inside of the bread.

2. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each half.

3. Place a slice of sweet, cured ham on one half of the bread.

4. Place some mojo marinated pork on the other half of the bread.

5. On one half of the bread, place thickly cut pickles then close up the sandwich.

6. Place the Cuban sandwich on a lightly greased griddle. Take a heavy skillet and place it on top of the sandwich so the weight can press the sandwich down.

7. When the bottom begins to turn crisp, turn the sandwich over and repeat.

Clean Earth Challenge

The National Wildlife Federation and Johnson Outdoors have teamed up to inspire people to get outdoors and take simple conservation action to help clean up our planet.

Get started by taking the Clean Earth Challenge! It’s as simple as picking up trash on your morning walk, at your favorite beach or local park. Or you can join with friends, family, neighbors, classmates and co-workers in a community effort to help make our planet a healthier, happier place.

Our goal is to collect one million pieces of trash and debris that litter our beautiful land, oceans and waterways. This pollution has a devastating effect on the health of our ecosystems, wildlife and the planet. By taking the Clean Earth Challenge, you help improve the health of our environment. Every piece collected counts!

Visit cleanearthchallenge.com to learn more.

UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURES AWAIT

Esplanade Resort Experiences proudly invites you to spark your sense of adventure with the introduction of Destinations by Esplanade, a luxury travel program offering travel-related concierge services, benefits, outings and inspired itineraries that are uniquely curated around the Esplanade lifestyle, with themes of wellness, culinary, adventure, and culture.

Immerse yourself in the wonders across the globe through expertly designed travel itineraries, experience a local excursion planned by your lifestyle team or enjoy specialized discounts on individual airfare, rental cars and accommodations.

Zip line through the Costa Rican jungle, embark on an expedition inside the ice castles of Antarctica, or savor exquisite cuisine during a local culinary demonstration near your home.

With convenience and luxury at the forefront, Members traveling as a part of Destinations by Esplanade will enjoy Member benefits including access to exclusive destinations, upgrades to accommodations, complimentary wine included with select dinners and more!

Ready to explore?

If you’re looking to plan a larger adventure, visit DestinationsByEsplanade.com and use password esplanade2023 to view inspired travel itineraries and Esplanade Member benefits.

For smaller, local offerings and excursions planned by your Lifestyle team, visit the event calendar on your member website and stay tuned to your email for the latest lifestyle updates.

EsplanadeNorthgateLifestyle.com