DC Ranch News - December 2022

DC Ranch News is a not-for-profit newspaper published by the DC Ranch Community Council to promote the DC Ranch lifestyle. The publication strives to build community by connecting current and future residents along with DC Ranch stakeholders through interesting stories and pictures.

Ranch News offers value to its advertisers and perpetuates DC Ranch’s community values.

DC Ranch Community Council spotlights local businesses as a service to the community and for information purposes only. DC Ranch does not recommend or endorse any described products or services.

2022 threw a lot our way, but we endured. Life on the Ranch was vibrant as we started to reconnect. Sunset Tours for new residents resumed, Yappy Hours filled up quickly, neighborhoods gathered at the inaugural park parties, Resident Leadership Academy Class III graduated, and the year caps off this month with the Home for the Holidays celebrations and Merry & Bright Trail of Lights.

2023 has much in store for DC Ranch. It’s our 25th anniversary after all! Plan to celebrate in ways large and small throughout the year, starting with DC Ranch Day in January. The new Historic Committee will kick off with a special community project to celebrate resident stories and our rich history as a ranch. Desert Camp Site Improvements are scheduled to break ground, and the community’s strategic plan will be updated. Look for a special token at Desert Camp

Community Center to commemorate this special year in our community.

As you welcome friends and family to the Ranch over the holiday season, there are hidden gems about 20 minutes south of us in Old Town Scottsdale that you can explore, from art galleries to unique restaurants to historical exhibits, and adventures such as segway tours and puzzle rides (perfect if you have a compet itive family, like mine!). Learn more in our feature story on pages 10-11.

Wishing you healthy and happy holidays,

Community Engagement Director Jona Davis Senior Communications Manager Elizabeth Dankert Communications Coordinator Alexandra Duemer 480.513.1500 communications.team @dcranchinc.com dcranch.com

A division of Republic Media 200 E. Van Buren St. Phoenix, AZ 85004

Advertising Lisa Schubert lschubert@gannett.com VP, Sales–Local Kevin Martinelli

Editor Jim Williams Art Director Miles Abernethy

• Sense of Community

• Environmental Stewardship

• Family

• Healthy Lifestyles

DC Ranch Community Values Living Connected

• Diversity & Inclusiveness

• Lifelong Learning

• Artistic & Cultural Opportunities

• Relationship with Larger Community

DC Ranch seamlessly connects people to the beauty of both the created environment and the natural Sonoran Desert. Residents feel a sense of community, connecting with each other in friendship and common interest. It is a thoughtfully crafted community designed with unprecedented attention to detail. DC Ranch has a distinctive governance structure with ample resources that exist to ensure a legacy of an amenity-rich and active way of life. The highest standards and a convenient north Scottsdale location establish DC Ranch as a nationally desirable place to live with an exceptional quality of life and premium home values.

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Jenna Kohl Community Council Executive Director

Looking ahead to

The Ranch Association extends warm wishes for the holiday season to all DC Ranch families. While 2022 winds to a close, there are plenty of projects and events on the horizon. Later this month the newly elected Neighborhood Voting Members (NVMs) will be announced. One of their first major tasks is to elect the Association’s Board of Directors. There are two seats due for re-election. NVMs play an integral role in the election process as they cast their votes for open director positions on behalf of the neighbors that they were elected to represent. That’s why it’s important for all owners to communicate with their NVM to ensure that your views are considered. Candidate bios and statements will be posted on DCRanch.com.

There are many common-area neighborhood and community-wide projects slated for 2023, such as:

• New gate equipment and security computers that will be installed in all manned gates

• Street sealing and repairs

• Landscape improvements and tree replacement

• Mailbox cluster replacement

‘Tis the season

According to DCR-19 holiday displays are permitted from Oct. 1 through Jan. 15. Please be considerate of neighbors by avoiding excessive light or noise at night. In the Upper Canyon and Horseshoe Canyon of Silverleaf, roof décor is not permitted. If unsure whether your holiday décor adheres to the community guidelines, check with a Community Standards Specialist by calling 480.977.1299. For holidays and celebrations throughout other times of the year, decorations are permitted one week prior and must be removed one week after.

Short-term rentals are prohibited

The high tourism season is just around the corner as North Scottsdale plays host to several major events. As a reminder, short-term rentals are not permitted in DC Ranch. Tenant leases must be a minimum of six months and only two rentals are permitted in any calendar year. The Ranch Association’s Community Standards team regularly checks websites for advertising of any week ly or monthly rentals in DC Ranch. Residents who rent their homes should also submit a Tenant Regis tration Form on DCRanch.com to ensure that their renter is added to the community’s database for notifications, event registrations and emergency messaging. The reg istration form also creates a separate account for the tenant allowing for gate access and community center access. There are so many wonderful reasons to live in DC Ranch, so it’s important that tenants are registered to enjoy all that the community has to offer.

• Neighborhood street and traffic sign replacement, as needed

• Partial sidewalk replacement as needed

• Landscape drainage improvements in Horseshoe Canyon, Windgate, Rosewood, Montelena, and Ranch Association common area drainage

• Firewise clearing in Country Club, Windgate, Terrace Homes East, Terrace Homes West, Park and Manor, The Estates and Montelena

Did you know?

Now that cooler temperatures are here, did you know that irrigation to landscape and trees can be reduced? Water management experts recommend turning off irrigation between December 1 and March 1 to established native plants and trees. The goal is to irrigate minimally while maintaining a landscape that is aesthetically vibrant and conducive to plant health. The Ranch Association does not irrigate most common area plants and trees during this time.

With the holiday season upon us, it is important to be mindful of street parking. Please instruct your service providers and contractors to park with the flow of traffic (facing the same direction on the same side of the street) and avoid parking in cul-de-sacs, near parks, islands or medians. Parking is prohibited in any area that would restrict traffic to less than one full lane, to allow for emergency vehicle access. Parking on sidewalks, in front of driveways or alleyways, and blocking mailboxes or trash cans is not permitted. Overnight street parking between 2 and 6 a.m. is only permitted with prior approval from DC Ranch gate access staff; the form can be accessed on DCRanch.com. For special situations or large holiday parties, please contact your gatehouse (or East Gate for those behind unmanned gates) in advance for assistance and coordination.

Community Standards reminder

MONTHLY PLANNER

Ongoing programs

All Levels Yoga

Mondays and Wednesdays | 9 to 10 a.m.

The Homestead Community Center

Strength and Balance

Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The Homestead Community Center

Yoga Basics

Tuesdays and Thursdays | 9 to 10 a.m.

The Homestead Community Center

Total Body Aqua Fit

Wednesdays and Fridays

9 to 10 a.m. | Desert Camp Pool

Pickleball Club

Sundays and Fridays | 8 to 11 a.m. Desert Camp Pickleball Courts

Merry & Bright Trail of Lights

Dec. 1-31 | 6 to 10 p.m. nightly Desert Camp | All ages | Free

The Trail of Lights is an exclusive DC Ranch holiday experience not to be missed. Throughout the month of December, residents are invited to enjoy a festive stroll around the perimeter of Desert Camp Community Center for a dazzling display of holiday lights and décor.

Winter Workshop

Saturday, Dec. 3 | 6 to 8 p.m. Desert Camp | All ages | $12; Free for ages 0-2

Get in the holiday spirit at DC Ranch’s own Winter Workshop! Participants will have a jolly time building gingerbread houses, making holiday crafts, enjoying milk and cookies, and taking pictures with Santa and his elves.

Speaker Series: Love and War

Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Homestead | Ages 21+ | RSVP

Join celebrated author Jan KrulickBelin on an extraordinary journey and a pilgrimage of the heart. How far would you go to discover the father you lost as a child? Find out as she discusses her story—a memoir, love story, war story, history book, detective story, travelogue and spiri tual awakening, all rolled into one.

Cocoa & Caroling

Thursday, Dec. 8 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. Desert Camp | All ages | Free

Soak in the beauty of the season with classic holiday songs performed by The Mistletones quartet and stay warm with a cup of hot cocoa or gourmet coffee on the Merry & Bright Trail of Lights.

Gives Group Service Project: Arizona Helping

Hands

Saturday, Dec. 10 | 12:15 to 3:30 p.m. Departs from The Homestead Ages 14+ | $5 donation

Arizona Helping Hands is the largest provider of essential needs for children in foster care in the state. Volunteers will assist with the Holiday Toy Extravaganza by sorting donated toys in their warehouse. Transportation and Gives shirt provided.

Events are subject to change. Check DCRanch.com/calendar for the most up-to-date listing information.

Please note: To sign up for all activities, you must create a CivicRec account. Details at DCRanch.com/CivicRec

Yappy Holidays

Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Desert Camp North Patio All ages | RSVP

Bring your leashed four-legged friend to enjoy a casual gathering with other residents. Take pictures with Santa and enjoy special treats (for pups too), including hot cocoa and gourmet coffee.

Food Truck Night

Thursday, Dec. 15 | 5 to 7 p.m. Desert Camp

Two food trucks roll into DC Ranch with something for everyone. Enjoy fresh seafood from East Coast Joe’s or spice things up with Yolo’s Authentic Mexican cuisine.

Mistletoe Mixer

Friday, Dec. 16 | 5:30 to 7 p.m. Desert Camp | Ages 21+ | $7

Mix and mingle during an enhanced holiday happy hour. This relaxed gathering will get you into the holiday spirit with a performance from an acoustic guitar player. Light snacks, beverages and spiked cider provided.

Field Trip: Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary

Wednesday, Dec. 28 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Departs The Homestead Ages 6 to 11 | Youth $28, Adults $12

Kids will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at a reptile sanctuary and learn about its 1,700 inhabitants. The hands-on tour provides a chance to meet, touch and interact with as many animals as possible. Pack a lunch for a picnic and games on The Homestead lawn upon return. Bever ages and dessert included.

“Cling, clang, cling-a-ling” rang the cowbells, as large spotted specimens hoofed by, with their lovely floral embroidered collars. A melodic moo vibrated against grassy green hillsides. Bright blue skies met gray granite jagged mountain precipices, some with snow, creating screensaver-worthy backdrops.

This was the experience of sixteen patrons of the Village Health Club & Spa that hiked from Interlaken to Zermatt in July, through Backroads Travel.

Camping? Oh no!

Glamping? Not even!

These hikers swag gered (or staggered) into 5-star hotels. Initially I complained of overpacking, haul ing not only casual hiking gear, but also finery for fancy digs.

The genius of the method soon became apparent, when after a long day hiking, one entered a glamorous historic lobby, a no-expensesspared room, lathered fragrant soap and donned fancy clothes to enjoy fine wines over a gourmet dinner.

We watched paragliders twist and swirl down to the park in Interlaken. The next day, we fell in love with Adelboden, a “postcard” town. We hiked the Sound of Music ski area, rode the gondola, stayed at the chic Cambrian and enjoyed their tasting menu.

More cowbell

Then we traversed an ancient high mountain route, the Gemmi pass. We ascended the Sunnbuel cable car and hiked 7 miles, past a frigid ice-blue lake that some dared dip their toes in, to a lodge. Perched on a cliff, overlooking a tiny hamlet, its sign identified 25+ peaks to the south, and had a cable car down to Leukerbad.

The grand dame of town awaited; spa hotel Les Sources des Alpes. Many had prebooked massages, taking advantage of natural hot spring water. Shots of movie stars graced the red velvet bar and waiters dressed in their finest.

We were glad we’d pampered ourselves, as we lurched up a very vertical slope to a high alpen cheese farm with summering cows. We had a fasci nating lesson about cheese yields, storage and family business. As we lunched with cheese and local wines, cowbells clanked from the tops of peaks.

Finally, we hiked Zermatt, home of the magnificent Matterhorn. The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof presided over town square and was filled with oil paintings of this icon. Vacationing revelers clinked glasses into the dark, enjoying warm summer nights.

Challenging but oh-so-scenic hikes abounded; one with a local guide, past slate rooved huts; the other up Gornergrat, where lakes reflected this Toblerone scene. Thankfully, the tram whisked our tired selves downhill. A Swiss adventure, indeed!

THE VILLAGE IS MORE THAN JUST FITNESS

Our club is all about building relationships with our members. Are you looking for a adrenaline rush, join us for a whitewater rafting trip. If you love the winter time, we take a trip to Telluride for fresh powder rides. Are you one for a relaxing float out on lake, join us on a kayaking trip. Socializing is part of what makes the Village different.

Follow Thatcher on Instagram @TheArtfulTourist

By Sydney Ritter | Scottsdale Arts

Arizona artist Mary Shindell created “Mesquite Bosque,” which can be found at the Bell94 Sports Complex in North Scottsdale. The McDowell Moun tains, located east of the complex, became Shindell’s inspiration for the artwork from the moment she saw them as a backdrop to the complex.

“That day the mountains were a stunning violet color. I used the color from the mountains as a response to the site,” said Shindell. “I enjoyed working on this large active area and creating artwork to reflect and enhance the experiences of everyone using the site.”

Shindell drew inspiration from the natural world encompassing the Bell94 Sports Complex. Including the violet color, she also took inspiration from the Mesquite trees near the entrance to the park and throughout Scottsdale by weaving tree branches and leaves on each of the panels.

“Mesquite Bosque” features eight water-jet-cut aluminum panels bordering the facility buildings and the main entrance to the sports fields. Each panel is 8 feet wide and powder-coated in a striking violet color.

“Whether you are passing by on your way to the fields, walking your dog or relaxing at the shaded picnic tables nearby, ‘Mesquite Bosque’ will draw

Public Art livens up Sports Complex

your attention with its colorful panels and intricate line work,” said Victoria Sajadi, public art coordinator at Scottsdale Public Art. “My favorite time to view ‘Mesquite Bosque’ is at sunrise and sunset; the sun at these times deepens the violet color and extends the artwork through the shadows that dance on the sidewalk.”

“Mountains and Rainbows” is another public art piece located at the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park. The metal sculpture was Jose Bermudez’s first major commission in Arizona, purchased by the Scottsdale Fine Arts Commission in

1975 to highlight the newly created Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. It was originally sited within a pondlike setting, with arcing water sprays streaming from one side of the piece, creating a rainbow effect when illuminated by the sun. Twenty-four steel floating discs and an adjoining fountain surrounded the sculpture measuring 22 feet at its highest point.

When the city began Civic Center renovations, the sculpture was restored and restructured so that the debilitated water elements could be removed and relocated to its new location. Bermudez’s work is in numerous museum collections, including the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Detroit Art Institute and the Smithsonian Institution.

FineMark

is pleased to announce Norman Gordon as President of the Bank’s Arizona market, while David Highmark, who has served as CEO of Arizona operations since 2012, turns his focus to FineMark Sports Management (FSM), the Bank’s nationally flourishing professional athlete’s division. Norman will oversee operations in Gainey Ranch and DC Ranch locations.

Norman J. Gordon President, Arizona

David A Highmark President FineMark Sports Management

Mesquite Bosque

Mountains and Rainbows

Sugar Bowl

If you’re looking for a wholesome step back in time, this is it. With bubblegum pink vinyl seating and a classic diner menu, Sugar Bowl may be the cutest destination for an old-fashioned ice cream sundae. Fun fact: are patron Bil Keane's Family Circus cartoons, original pieces from his personal collection that his family has lent to the Sugar Bowl for decor.

Old Adobe Mission

The Old Adobe Mission was built by the Mexican people who first settled in Scottsdale in the late 1910s. Completed in 1933, today it stands as a historic monument and one of only three remaining adobe structures in downtown Scottsdale. Designed by Robert T. Evans, it features beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and handcrafted stained-glass windows.

VINTAGE VIBES

Hotel Valley Ho

A visit to this 1956 hotel is a must for anyone who appreciates mid-century modern style. Architect Edward Varney is known for his cool, minimalist design. The architectural details are reminiscent of a time when celebrities like Bing Crosby and Janet Leigh came to escape the paparazzi and relax by the pool. Saved from a wrecking ball, the Valley Ho was restored to splendor in 2005 and is now registered as a Historic Hotel in America. Fun fact: This was the first Scottsdale hotel to have central air conditioning.

From Old with

By

Take one look at Old Town Scottsdale and it’s easy to see what makes the vibrant heart of our city so original. Nestled within walkable neighborhoods is a unique collection of shops, well as contemporary public art installations, effortless blend of urban chic and Old West flair and makes it a can’t-miss stop on any Here are a few points of interest to get you

UNIQUE GIFTS

The Merchantile

Rusty Spur Saloon

Established in 1951 as the first bar in Scottsdale, Rusty Spur now stands as Scottsdale’s last cowboy saloon. Swing through the parlor doors to find authentic cowboy décor and live country music seven nights a week. Take a cheeky pic on their famous barstools and leave a signed dollar bill on the wall (collected every year as a donation to Phoenix Children’s Hospital)! Fun fact: The bar is in a registered historic building constructed as Farmer’s State Bank of Scottsdale in 1921.

This boutique marketplace features a curated mix of 40 locally-owned and independent merchants including clothing, accessories, home decor, bath and beauty products, art and one-of-a-kind gifts. The vision behind the concept is to help small local businesses grow by offering a trendsetting destination retail space with an ever-changing mix of hip products cultivated by Arizona artisans.

Alexandra Duemer | Community Council

ARTISTIC LANDMARKS

Bronze Horse Fountain

In 1989, artist and gallery owner Bob Parks donated a magnificent fountain with the intent of attracting visitors to the 5th Avenue shops area. The statue features five champion Arabian horses rearing from out of the fountain. Tom Chauncey’s award-winning Arabians served as the model for this statue; each horse’s name is at the base of the sculpture. The statue represents Scottsdale’s status as being central to Arabian horse breeding in America. Today it is one of the most photographed spots in Scottsdale.

Old Town with love

shops, restaurants, art galleries and nightclubs, as installations, world-class museums and historic sites. It’s this West charm that gives downtown its one-of-a-kind any Scottsdale itinerary. started!

“Passing the Legacy”

Created by artist Herb Mignery to honor Arizona’s Hashknife Pony Express, the nation’s longest-running, officially sanctioned U.S. Mail pony express. The bronze statue depicts two Pony Express riders, one from the past, the other from the present. Located on Marshall Way, south of Camelback Road and west of Scottsdale Road, the sculpture was the winner of a competition sponsored by the Scottsdale Public Art Program. It is 20 feet long and more than 9 feet high–25% larger than life-size.

Cowboy sign

The iconic cowboy sign on the northeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Main Street belonged to the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce until 2015 when it was donated to the city. Commissioned in 1952 and created by artist Dee Flagg, the sign has remained in its original location ever since being installed. It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks—and a popular spot to take a selfie—in the bustling nightlife and shopping area.

The Store@ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Find a rich selection of artful gifts ranging from artistic teapots, outstanding greeting cards, novel jewelry, coffee table books, glass works and an eclectic collection of CDs. As a nonprofit, all purchases are tax-free and members receive a 15% discount. Gift wrapping and shipping are also available.

Sphinx Date Co.

Mother-daughter team Sharyn and Rebecca Seitz continue the Sphinx Date Ranch heritage and history of date farming in Scottsdale. To this day, they hand sort all of the Medjools received from independent family farmers in Yuma, Arizona and proudly offer Black Sphinx dates from the original Arcadia grove in Phoenix. They also carry a variety of locally made and native-grown foods; shipping available.

Gilbert Ortega Galleries

While there is a swath of Southwest-inspired gifts in Old Town, the Ortega family is an original. Now in their seventh generation as a Native American art dealer, the store features handmade, original pieces of jewelry, pottery, baskets, weaves and rugs. Sharing these works of art with the community is their time-honored tradition.

Holiday tradition continues on Market Street

By Cheryl Horton | Whitestone

5:30 p.m. Holiday parade! Santa and his merry friends parade up Market Street

5:30 p.m. Festivities begin all along Market Street

6:00 p.m. Copper Ridge School performs (near plaza)

7:00 p.m. Tree lighting ceremony in the plaza

8:00 p.m. Festivities conclude

The Hot Cocoa Stroll is is a longstanding popular DC Ranch community tradition on Market Street. It’s the perfect time of year to get together with family, friends and neighbors to kick off the holiday season!

Market Street will be adorned with a canopy of twinkling holiday lights. The road will be closed to traffic so visitors can stroll the festive walkways and enjoy hot cocoa and tasty treat stations provided by Market Street restaurants, retailers and businesses on this special night.

Visitors of all ages will delight in the joyful parade lead by The Friendly Grinch and Ralphie the Wayward Reindeer. Enjoy free photos with Santa, live music, dance performances, arts and crafts stations, and giveaways.

Don’t miss special performances by local area students from Copper Ridge School’s string orchestra and music theatre group. Dicken’s Carolers will be there in classic harmony and BOOM Percussion Group will engage the audience with an energetic performance.

Hot Cocoa Stroll: Thursday, Dec. 1 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

By Shadie Tofigh March of Dimes Arizona

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies.

Community Support for Mom and Babies

DC Ranch Gives is supporting March of Dimes by collecting items for newborns in the NICU. Brighten a family's holiday season with new books and toys to bring home after their hospital stay. Suggested items include new: rattles, large rings, squeeze toys, teething toys, soft dolls, textured balls, vinyl and board books.

We imagine a world where every mom and baby are healthy regardless of wealth, race, gender, or geography. For over 80 years, we have helped millions of babies survive and thrive. Now we’re building on that legacy to level the playing field for all moms and babies, no matter their age, socioeconomic background, or demographics. We support moms throughout their pregnancy, even when everything doesn’t go according to plan. We advocate for policies that prioritize their health. We support radical improvements to the care they receive. And we pioneer research to find solutions to the biggest health threats to moms and babies.

Please drop off donations at Desert Camp Community Center during business hours now through Dec. 20.

among other women. In light of this data and stories of Arizona families, we align our work to end preventable mater nal health risks and death, end prevent able preterm birth and infant death, and close the health equity gap.

There is much work to be done, and this work cannot be done alone. March of Dimes Arizona thanks DC Ranch Gives for the Books & Toys for Babies Drive, and words of hope for nurses and families who have babies in the Neonatal Inten sive Care Unit (NICU) this holiday season.

Why is March of Dimes mission so important? Did you know in an av erage week in Arizona, 993 women receive adequate prenatal care, and 1,479 babies are born? Of those, 140 are born preterm, and 108 are low birth weight. This means Arizona has a preterm birth rate of 9.5% and an infant mortality rate of 5.2%. Health disparities dispro portionately impact communities of col or. For instance, the preterm birth rate among Black women is 41% higher than

Upcoming volunteer opportunities include joining March of Dimes for Advocacy Day in early February, where you can meet with state legislators to give voice to policies that support moms and babies. Additionally, our annual March for Babies event on April 15 is a perfect opportunity to walk and gather with others committed to serving and supporting Arizona’s moms and babies to bring awareness that support is needed now more than ever.

To learn more, visit marchofdimes.org or email March of Dimes Arizona’s Director of Maternal Infant Health at stofigh@march ofdimes.org.

Silverleaf. This contemporary to be built has city light, golf course & mountain views. The 9,866/sf home has 5 bedrooms with guest house, office and

car garage. $15,995,000.

Mirabel Country Club single level Contem porary with a Great room floor plan with 4 bedrooms, office, 5.5 baths, guest retreat, pool, BBQ, and a 4 car garage. $3,695,000.

Paradise Valley 6,564/sf contemporary to be built with 5 bedrooms including guest house, 5.5 baths, large covered patio fire pit, pool/spa and a 4 car garage. $6,495,000.

Desert Highlands Golf Club offers this Med iterranean masterpiece with unobstructed city and mountain views, features 4 bed rooms, 6.5 baths, & media room. $4,295,000.

Preliminary analysis of the 2022 DC Ranch Resident Survey revealed some interesting trends

• One-quarter of households have at least one child living in the home.

• Significantly more DC Ranch residents reported to be retired compared to 2019 (50% vs. 38%).

• More than half of DC Ranch residents have lived in the community for less than 10 years (56%), with 25% having moved into their home in the past two years (2020 to present).

Residents reported these were the most important factors in deciding to move to DC Ranch

• Proximity to shopping and dining

• Easy access to roads and highways

• Beautiful landscape views

Similar to 2019

• It’s most common for residents to be between the ages of 51 and 80.

• Not surprisingly, residents who do not live year-round in DC Ranch are gone in the summer months.

• Approximately three-quarters of residents reported DC Ranch is their primary residence (78%).

Other

Resident survey findings

By Jona Davis | Community Council

In accordance with the governing documents, the Community Council conducts a survey every three years to gather resident feedback and provide guidance for future planning.

In October, a confidential questionnaire was distributed to approximately 3,000 households. A total of 865 residents (one per household) completed the survey, representing approximately 28% of all households within the community.

interesting takeaways

• Overall satisfaction with community-wide services and operations is quite high, with a majority rating all factors as a 3 or 4 on the 4-point scale provided.

• The majority of residents are highly likely to recommend DC Ranch to a friend or family member as a place to live.

• The most important programs and amenities to residents in 2022 were sports and games, fitness/wellness classes, the New Resident Welcome program and community-wide events.

• The weekly This Week on the Ranch email and Ranch News are considered the most important communication sources for residents.

The data from the surveys is invaluable and DC Ranch staff will continue to analyze the survey data and look for ways that it can be used by all departments to improve the quality of life for residents. Survey related follow-up information will be shared throughout 2023.

[Research was conducted by WestGroup Research in Phoenix. The statistical margin of error for the study is +/- 3.3% with a 95% confidence level.]

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WOMEN’S CLUB BINGO NIGHT

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

(left) First place: Ryan Brandel and Ryan Vickery; (above top)

Second Place: Jack Hardy and Jaime Smith; (above) Runners Up: Mike Wells, Michael Keran, Pam Anzalone and Rich Anzalone

By Trevor Heffner McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is used by an incredible 1 million people annually. Visitors journey through one of the largest urban preserves on the planet in awe of the grand standing Saguaros and majestic wildlife that live through out. Scottsdale and Phoenix metro residents meet up at Gateway, Browns Ranch, or any of the many trailheads available for public recreation for their weekly— or daily—walk, hike, or bike with a friend.

MSC students expe rience the value and importance of environ mental conservation through interactive and engaging learning activities within the Preserve during field trips, or in the class room when our team goes on the road.

For us, for them and for the future

The Preserve doesn’t stop at just recreational use. Organizations like us, the McDowell Sonoran Conser vancy (MSC), and our partners like Scottsdale Community College, the City of Scottsdale, Arizona Game and Fish, and so many more utilize this living lab in our backyard to develop original environmental research.

With over 40% of the earth being covered in an arid desert biome like Arizona, the research we are doing has global applications. MSC ensures research is available for free through open-source platforms. The Sonoran Desert is one of the most biodiverse and beautiful ecosystems—you’ll understand exactly what we mean if you have had the pleasure of watching the sunrise or sunset casting brilliant, rich tones of color across the horizon. If you’re lucky,

you’ll see a feathered friend arc across the sky with an echoing caw to complete the picture.

We are honored to be the protectors of the plants and wildlife that call the Preserve home. And they are protected, for now. But land like the Preserve lives on a timescale much grander than we do, which we must acknowledge and prepare for that future. That’s where our education programs come into play—literally!

Through our education and outreach programs, we inspire youth to become the next generation of recreationists, conser vationists, and outdoor advocates so that open space everywhere stays natural, and accessible, forever.

Help protect natural open space by visiting mcdowellsonoran.org to donate, learn more and get involved.

Photos courtesy of Dennis Eckles and Lynne Janney Russel.

By Kelly Corsette | City of Scottsdale

Scottsdale's WestWorld has long been a center of equestrian activity in the southwest, a home for horse shows and competitions that are a perfect fit in The West's Most Western Town. Thanks to major investments in recent years and an inten tional push to land more, new and bigger events, WestWorld enjoyed another record year and is poised for even bigger and better things to come.

The venue has evolved from a humble collection of outdoor equestrian arenas called Horseman’s Park when it opened in the early 1980s. WestWorld’s modern era began with its 2014 expansion, when 300,000 square feet of joined, climate-controlled event space was built around the long standing Equidome arena.

Among many nationally recognized events that call WestWorld home and produced by longtime partners: the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and the Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Association; each contributed toward the cost of the center’s $51 million expansion.

Since the expanded facility opened, WestWorld has reasserted itself as a bustling hub of equestrian shows,

competitions and event activity. The promise of the new facility, however, was that more and different events would be attractedto the flexible facility—especially during the hotter months.

That promise is being realized. Over the past year, more than 70 events at WestWorld spanned 579 event days at the facility, attracting 500,000 people for an array of vastly

and attractions, everything from a sewing expo, the Abilities Expo for the disability community, fitness and powerlifting competitions, equine, car and motorcycle events along with the city’s annual indoor/outdoor 4th of July celebration.

“Scottsdale represents the full appeal,” says WestWorld Director Brian Dygert. “A big, top-rate, flexible facility supported by an incredible team in a great location with world-class amenities all around. That combination is why we have been able to pull events from California, Nevada, Texas and other parts of the country—what we offer here just can’t be beat.”

WestWorld’s full economic impact is far greater than its direct financial balance.

A 2019 study by ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business estimated that activity generated at and around the venue creates annual total financial impact at more than $111 million in Scottsdale, and nearly $184 million in Maricopa County.

For more information, visit westworldaz.com.

After a record year, WestWorld seeks continued

Multi-event facility

Monterra banquet hall