DC Ranch News - November 2022

Time

Cheers

Jenna Kohl Community Council Executive Director

If you enjoy a glass of vino with your turkey dinner, it’s the perfect time of year to explore Arizona’s local wine. While most of Arizona’s grapes are grown in the southern part of the state, with a few vines up north, you don’t have to go far to give our local wines a try. Tasting rooms have popped up in old town Scottsdale. Fancy a day trip? Cornville, Cottonwood and Jerome offer tasting rooms plus eclectic restau rants, historical sites such as Tuzigoot National Monument to explore, and a chance to kayak down the Verde River. Who knows, maybe you will find a Picpoul Blanc or Mourvedre to toast with at your Thanksgiving gathering?

On a recent trip to Willcox with my family, we visited some of the southern vineyards and hiked at Chiricahua National Monument, a family-friendly place in Southern Arizona where gorgeous trails peppered with grottos and hoodoos abound. Wine and hiking go hand in hand on the Ranch, as well. You can learn more about wine (at our popular, long-standing monthly Grapenuts Wine Club) and enjoy hiking with out ever leaving the Ranch. However you choose to celebrate and give thanks, I wish you a healthy and safe Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.

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.

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

List your home with Laura!

Scan here

• 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.

Like us on Facebook

Community Patrol and Gate Access at DC Ranch

DC Ranch provides 24-hour community patrol and gate access through a third-party contractor, operating 23 gates throughout the community and two patrol vehicles. A third patrol vehicle operates on the paths and trails during normal business hours. The Dispatch and Command Center at the West Gate location is linked to over 100 continuous live video feeds overseeing gates, pedestrian underpass crossings and other remote entry points. Gate transponders are issued out of East Gate and gate staff assist residents with updates to gate access information (e.g. removal of guests and contractors on your account and vehicles registered at your home). Members of the Community

Patrol staff, managers and supervisors are Emergency Medical Response certified, and can provide on-scene first aid, CPR, AED and other minor medical services. In case of life-threatening emergency or imminent danger, please call 911.

Community Patrol can be of assistance with a variety of services, including snake removal, property checks, assistance if you are locked out of your home or a jump start due to a dead battery.

Please call the Dispatch and Command Center at 480.397.9659 for assistance or visit DCRanch.com to learn all that is offered.

Election for Neighborhood Voting Members (NVMs)

Ranch Association Community Patrol and Gate Access Committee to conduct survey

Please watch for information on the upcoming Ranch Association survey coming in January. The Community Patrol and Gate Access Committee has been tasked with gathering data and developing proposed items for the Board of Directors to address in 2023, including enhanced scope of services, pets off leash, how to deter motorized vehicles on paths and trails, speeding and the installa tion of alternative speed deterrents on roads.

Each neighborhood in DC Ranch (44 total) elects a designated resident each year to serve as their liaison to the Ranch Association Board of Directors. NVMs cast the sole vote for the neighborhood they represent when electing the Board. They are also responsible for disseminating information to their respective neighborhoods.

It’s not too late to run as the NVM for your neighborhood for 2023. Applications are accepted through Nov. 4. To complete an application, please visit DCRanch.com. Ballots are due back by Dec. 9 and election results will be announced the week of Dec. 19.

NVM Election Timeline

Nov. 4, 2022 Deadline for Candidate Statements to be received at The Ranch Offices or submitted online by 5 p.m.

Nov. 21, 2022 NVM ballots mailed this week to residents with budgets & assessments

Dec. 9, 2022 Ballots due by 5 p.m. at The Ranch Offices

Dec. 19, 2022 2023 NVMs announced this week on DCRanch.com

Jan. 1, 2023 New NVM one-year terms begin. Orientation will be scheduled mid-month

Firewise to

In today’s climate, wildfire is a safety issue for DC Ranch. Firewise creates defensible space extending five feet from an owner’s wall or view fence where vegetation is minimized and tree limbs are lifted to allow firefighters access when needed. The next 15 feet is then cleared to remove dead and dying landscape, ladder fuels and invasive grasses. Airborne embers and small flames are the main way that wildfires can spread to surrounding homes.

The neighborhoods slated for 2023 clearing are: Country Club, Windgate, Terrace Homes East, Terrace Homes West, The Estates and Montelena. To date, over 35,000 linear feet of ladder fuels has been cleared.

The Ranch Association Policy Committee has been working on amending the Standards for Home, Conduct and Landscape. All documents are being updated including artificial turf specifications and others. Each standard will have an escalating fine schedule to encourage compliance in a timely fashion. Community Standards staff will be inspecting homes more frequently in the neighborhoods. All standards will be enforced throughout the year, rather than only noting the infractions at Transfer and Disclosure during the sale of a property. It is anticipated the standards will be adopted and recorded for implementation in first quarter 2023.

Standards under revision

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

Food Truck Nights

Thursday, Nov. 3 & 17 | 5 to 7 p.m. Desert Camp Community Center

Some of the Valley’s best food trucks roll into DC Ranch!

CPR Training

Saturday, Nov. 5 | 9 a.m. to Noon

The Homestead | Ages 18+ | $30

The class will cover adult, child and infant CPR; the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED); and first aid for choking.

Healthy Holiday Eating Class

Tuesday, Nov. 8 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Homestead | Ages 21+ | $15

This educational class and cooking demonstration includes healthy recipe makeovers, baking substitu tions, party tips and strategies to get you through the holiday season.

Grapenuts

Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 6 to 8 p.m.

Desert Camp | Ages 21+ | RSVP

Women’s Club: Global Hors D’oeuvres

Thursday, Nov. 10 | 6 to 8 p.m. The Homestead | Ages 21+ | RSVP

Join a trained chef to learn about some of the world’s greatest finger foods and how to pair them for your next gathering.

Share and discover wines with neighbors at the DC Ranch wine tasting group.

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

Kids Cuisine: Cupcake Wars

Friday, Nov. 11 | 5:30 to 8 p.m.

The Homestead | Ages 9-15 | $34

Young foodies join a professional chef to prepare a tasty meal and enjoy their creations family style. The dessert course will fire up imaginations with a head-to-head competition to see who can decorate the best cupcakes.

Fall Pickleball Tournament

Saturday, Nov. 12 | 9 a.m. to Noon Desert Camp Courts | Ages 18+ | $10

Join the DC Ranch Pickleball Club for a round robin tournament (intermediate to advanced players). Partners will be randomly selected and change throughout the event. Players will be scored individually to determine a tournament champion.

Candlelit Classics

Sunday, Nov. 13 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The Homestead Lawn Ages 21+ | $23

Enjoy an enchanted evening of music while surrounded by flickering candlelight. Bring lawn seating to bask in beautiful string perfor mances by talented musicians. Light bites and beverages included.

My heart is full of gratitude for your entrustingme with your real estate needs and referring yourfriends, colleagues and loved ones. I cherish ourrelationship and always strive to do my very bestfor you. I feel blessed beyond compare.Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

TO WONDERFULMYCLIENTS, Marnie

The world’s largest sculpture garden comes to life for one week annually. This almost incon ceivable arts accomplishment called Burning Man returned at the end of August after a COVID-19 hiatus. A record number of artworks greeted 80,000 attendees, with over 400 works and 1/3 more art grants awarded since 2019.

This year’s art themes ranged broadly, from dreams to cultural/racial inclusion to environmental stewardship and responsibility. With excerpts from the Self Guided Art Map, globally minded highlights included:

Council of Animals, Quill Hyde This piece explores “our relationship with our animal family, and how the animals feel about us. Elephant, Polar Bear and Rhino are the judges, and Coyote the intermediary.”

Atabey, NiNo The Taino natives that inhabited the Caribbean worshipped the goddess Atabey, symbolized by a silver-scaled fish coming up for air “to bring attention to the state of the earth and the legacies of colonization's victors. Atabey’s legacy is to respect our waters and land.”

The Last Ocean, Jen Lewis This lone LED-lit polar bear stands precariously on a peninsula

of ice connecting to a larger patch, made from recycled ocean plastic. The work explores “the crisis of plastic pollution in our oceans, a warming planet, dwindling natural resources, and the need for aggressive systemic change.”

Gaia, Marco Cochrane, Julia Cortell This fortyfoot mesh sculpture of a woman reclining reflects the “joy we feel when we act on the imperative to take care of each other and our planet. We are all one.”

The Prism of Possibilities, Emily Nicolosi and The Theory Art Collective

Invites participants within 3 potential climate futures “from best to worst-case scenario of climate-impacted earths.”

Chilopod, Lawrence Grown, Team Embrio “Are humans the pests or the stewards of the earth?” “Bioengineers … with a mission to encour age civilizations to safeguard the health of their home planets. When visitors slide down Chilipod’s spine they pick up her thought-spores so that they might disseminate her ecological message across the world.”

Burning Man Art Festival returns

Started in 1986 as a summer solstice bonfire in the Bay Area, Burning Man’s growing popularity caused it to be moved to a remote location in Northern Nevada in 1991. The early years of the festival were purportedly very “wild-west any thing goes,” but in 2004 one of the co-founders established 10 principles that formalized a foundation for its future events. The 10 Principles include: Participation, Radical Inclusion, Communal Effort, Decommodification and Radical Self Expression.

Follow Thatcher on Instagram @TheArtfulTourist

Assessment increase

At the Nov. 3 meeting, the Community Council Board will adopt the 2023 budget. The budget is proposed to include an assessment increase, the first for the Council in three years. Cost savings through competitive bidding for services, taking advantage of reducing pricing through state purchase con tracts, combining services with the Ranch Association, and other efficiencies have been implemented. The budget reflects increased expenses due to infla tion. Budget highlights include funding for strategic planning and enhanced events in recognition of DC Ranch’s 25th anniversary. Additional details will be included in the budget letter mailed to all DC Ranch property owners later this month.

Congratulations to 2022 Resident Leadership Academy graduates

Class III of the Resident Leadership Acade my welcomed 8 resident participants who will graduate in December. This eight-ses sion program is intended for residents interested in developing practical skills, knowledge, and neighborhood con nections to be an effective volunteer and inspired leader in DC Ranch. The Community Council and Ranch Association thank all current and past Resident Leadership Academy partic ipants. Stay tuned for information about applying for Class IV slated for spring 2024.

DC Ranch Sustainability Committee Forms

DC Ranch has, since its inception, been committed to environmental stewardship. As part of that ongoing commitment, and consistent with the community’s strategic plan, DCR2020, the Community Council and Ranch Association are forming a sustainability committee. This new group will provide guidance and counsel on sustainability initiatives and environmental practices for both organizations and the community-at-large. Environmental issues and pressures are relevant and timely. Water restrictions are underway due to drought and decline of the Colorado River; the City of Scottsdale changed their code to prevent mandates for overseeding; and Firewise is being imple mented in DC Ranch as a necessary fire prevention measure. The Committee will focus on measures, practices and programs oriented toward water conser vation, synergy with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, energy use, and more.

Interested in learning more or getting involved? Visit DCRanch.com for details.

By Alison Bailin Batz

COTTONWOOD

Essentially halfway between Prescott and Sedona, Cottonwood is a walkable wonderland for adults and the perfect respite from the daily grind, especially for those who love culinary delights, beer and wine tastings and outdoor adventure.

There are copious wine tasting rooms along Main Street. Arizona Strong hold Vineyards, particularly adept at Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, offers a variety of red and white flights both inside and on a lovely patio. Just across the street is Carlson Creek Vineyards. The name will likely be familiar as there is a tasting room in Scottsdale for the brand, but the barrel-covered space up north is something out of a story book (an adult one, of course). The Rule of Three should not be missed here, nor should the Sangiovese or Mourvedre. Both a pasta paradise and tasting room, Merkin Vineyards Osteria is adjacent to Carlson. Founded by Maynard James Keenan, best known as the front man of the band Tool, Merkin uses fruit exclusively from its 110 acres of estate vineyards in both the Verde Valley and Willcox. Up until last month, Pillsbury Wine Company was just steps away, but winemaker Sam Pillsbury expanded to a larger space a bit further down the street. Now located in a restored historic home, tasting flights, wines by the glass and full bottles are available during a visit, with the Guns and Kisses Shiraz being of note.

Beyond these gems, others not to be missed include Burning Tree Cellars, Winey 101, State Bar, Provisoner Wines, and Small Batch Wine & Spirits. This area is also the perfect place to rest one’s head after a long day of wine tasting, especially if pairing Cottonwood with another northern Arizona wine region like Page Springs. A best bet is to book the Tavern Hotel, which is walking distance from many tasting rooms and known for its expan sive suites and penthouses as well as its nearby eateries in Crema Café, Pizzeria Bocce, Nic’s, Tavern Grill and STRADA at Bocce, each of which excels at offering wines from across Arizona as well as elevated dishes and impressive cocktails.

PAGE SPRINGS

Just 20 minutes from Cottonwood, Page Springs is perfect for those who wish to visit full-scale, working vineyards. Page Springs Cellars, among the vineyards that helped put Arizona on the map, is in the heart of the region. This winery and vineyard tucked into the volcanic landscape overlooking pristine Oak Creek Canyon, Page Springs produces Rhonestyle wines, working primarily with

Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Mourvedre. Bonus: during certain times of the year, the winery offers massages in the vineyard, yoga programs and more.

Just half a mile from Page Springs is Javelina Leap, which makes about 3,000 cases of estate-grown wine each year and hidden behind the main tasting room space is an exceptional winery bistro with perfectly paired small plates and out-of-this-world chocolate truffles. Less than 30 minutes west of Javelina is the Southwest Wine Center, which is home to Yavapai College’s Viticulture and Enology program. A fullscale winery and farm featuring a 13-acre teaching vineyard where students of all ages take part in the ultimate hands-on approach to learning. Nestled into the vineyard is an opulent tasting room and patio, where wine tastings are available Saturday and Sunday by reservation.

Sip, Swirl, Swoon Ways to wine down across Arizona

Last year, Verde Valley was federally acknowledged as an American Viticulture Area (AVA). The monumental declaration made the wine region just the third AVA in the state of Arizona, with the other two in Southern Arizona. To celebrate, here is a look at where to sniff, swirl and sip across State 48 this fall.

WILLCOX

Southern Arizona has abundant wineries and vineyards. It leads Arizona wine grape production by growing 74% of the state’s wine grapes and is the source of the most highly rated Arizona wines by Wine Spectator, San Francisco Chronicle, tastings.com and the Arizona Republic.

Start out any visit down south in Willcox, approximately three hours from the Valley. There, be sure to make time for Keeling Schaefer. For more than 20 years, Keeling Schaefer has led the surge in quality winemaking in Arizona. Almost all of their wines are single varietal, and all of the grapes are grown on just two vineyards. The bright and airy tasting room is located in the heart of Willcox in a refurbished building that was the Willcox Bank and Trust more than 100 years ago.

Also, do not miss Carlson Creek. Though it has a tasting room in Scottsdale and winery/tasting room in Cottonwood, Willcox is home to Carlson Creek’s actual vineyard property, which is one of the largest in the state, run by two brothers and their dad. It is also home to the flag ship tasting room, which is just across the railroad tracks from Keeling, set behind an adorable white picket fence that will offer a fun “Ozzie and Harriett” photo moment.

Aridus Wine Company is also making lights-out good wine in Willcox. Like Carlson, there is a tasting room in Scottsdale for Aridus, which is also family owned. The stylish cellar formally opened in 2012, and the tasting room nearby (next door to Carlson, in fact) soon after. Both are open for tours and tastings. Additional area wineries include Bodega Pierce, Coronado, Golden Rule, and Zarpara Vineyard.

Aridus offers guests the chance to taste Southern Arizona-made wines in the heart of Scottsdale.

Merkin Osteria and Pillsbury Wines were among the first growers to open tasting rooms in northern Arizona.

Javelina Leap Vineyard offers indoor and outdoor wine tastings and a full bistro menu.

Cottonwood, thanks to Carlson Creek’s expansive tasting room and Crema Café’s award-winning brunch, makes the perfect weekend getaway.

Just chill at Icebox Cryotherapy

By Sarah Hackett | Community Council

Icebox Cryotherapy is bringing the latest in health, wellness and reju venation to DC Ranch Crossing. As franchise owner Jolene Cheak’s second location in Arizona, she feels it’s an ideal fit for clientele who are into selfcare and fitness. Cheak encourages the use of cryotherapy for preventative maintenance and explains, “It’s not just used to heal an injury, but is often used to prevent one; everyone is different and knowing your ‘why’ for treat ment is important.”

With over 30 franchises nationwide, Icebox Cryotherapy was started by Alia Alston after suffering from a serious car accident. Her father, a respected chiro practor, recommended cryotherapy and the sessions worked immediately. She jumped on the opportunity to share her passion and help others by making this form of therapy accessible to all. More over, Alston had a goal of making each Icebox location a place of tranquility. “Icebox is luxury spa forward. This is where people go for ‘me time’ and to relax,” says DC Ranch location manager Shay Barklow.

The use of cold therapy to heal the body has been around since the time of the Egyptians. However, it became a practice in the United States in the late 1980s and grew in popularity after a Japanese rheumatologist developed cryotherapy in the 1990s. His theory was that de creasing skin temperature would act as a healing agent. Experts quickly found that dropping the body’s temperature reduced inflammation, chronic pain, acute pain and cut recovery time in half by minimizing cell death, edema and muscle spasms. When cryothera py was first brought to the U.S. it was mainly utilized in the medical and sports industries. Companies like Nike and the NBA used cryotherapy saunas to allow their athletes to heal quickly after daily, arduous workouts.

Cryotherapy provides safe and easy treatment by immersing the body into chambers that are cooled to -200 to -300 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 4 minutes.

“For best results, it’s beneficial to use the therapy a couple times a week. It’s extra impactful if you follow up a cryo session with compression therapy,” says Cheak. Stop by to learn about Icebox promotions, member ships, cryobeauty treatments and enhanced services.

Jolene Cheak

Tips for holiday entertaining

made simple

By Alexandra Duemer Community Council

Does the thought of hosting family and friends over for the holidays send you into a tizzy? Not to worry! These entertaining tips will ensure your party is the highlight of the season.

Plan your menu Everyone will appreciate a varied menu that appeals to guests with diverse palates and preferences. Prepare some healthy options and indulgent options, meaty recipes and vege tarian recipes, a mix of sweet and savory bites, and even a few glu ten-free options. Finally, remember that bite-sized food is always less awkward.

Make menu cards

Everyone likes to eat mystery food, right? Wrong. Make menu cards for each dish so guests know what they’re eating, or get creative and use craft paper on the table (or counter) to write on. This is also a good way to call out common allergens like peanuts or shellfish.

Create a signature cocktail Nothing says party like a festive signature cocktail. Make a big batch so that it’s ready for guests to serve themselves. Keep the bar simple and leave bottles of wine out for additional options. That means you can enjoy the party too!

Set the mood Capturing the spirit of your party is in the details. Visit a local craft store or browse Insta gram and Pinterest for decoration inspiration that fits your theme.

In addition, the right lighting is essential; not too bright and not too dark. Candles and fairy lights are an easy way to add glow and ambiance to your party.

Play some tunes The right music is a party atmosphere essential. Create a playlist of your favorite music, then set it and forget it!

Make some, assemble some It can’t be stressed enough the gift you’ll give yourself by prepping ahead. Whether it’s a casserole, cookies or canapes, make what you can the days (or week) before.

Lean on your local market to buy already prepped platters or store-bought dips. Transfer items to your own dishes and perk them up with fresh accents like a drizzle of olive oil, herbs, toasted pine nuts, etc.

Appeal to the eye Nothing will get your guests ooh-ing and ahh-ing like a darling party treat. Making something almost too pretty to eat will earn you compliments for days.

Be generous This is the season of giving, be generous with your portions and drinks per person. Six to eight items of food and 3 drinks per person, total, is a good estimate. If you have plentiful leftovers, offer them to guests when they leave, or enjoy them yourself in the days following the party.

Be a responsible host After a wonderful soiree with dear ones, ensure their safe return home with a designated driver.

Enjoy the outdoors: Path and trail safety and etiquette

Living in DC Ranch is a dream come true for active people seeking a spirit of connectedness. The community has 47 parks, located at the heart of each neighborhood, that are interconnected by over 50 miles of landscaped paths and trails. It’s easy to enjoy nature and walk all around the community without crossing busy streets. That connectivity promotes healthy lifestyles and a sense of community, two of DC Ranch’s founding values.

The community’s path and trail system offers a pleasant way to enjoy the outdoors. A few important reminders:

• Share the sidewalk safely. Bicycle riders should yield to pedestrians. Riders who come up behind people walking should politely wait for a good time to pass. Avoid yelling or doing anything else that could startle or scare them. Bicycle riders should slow down and be prepared to stop when there are others around.

47 Parks

• Please keep in mind that vehicles such as golf carts, ATV's and motorized skateboards are not permitted on sidewalks or the path system (except for DC Ranch maintenance, security staff and the Country Club mainte nance staff). Battery-operated toy vehicles for children seven or younger may be driven on paved sidewalks under supervision of a responsible adult.

• Dogs must be leashed at all times, and please pick up any pet waste.

Over 50miles of landscaped paths and trails

Pick a route

Residents can download route maps for the following areas on DCRanch.com:

• Desert Parks Village

• Silverleaf Village

• Reata Wash/Thompson Peak Parkway

• Country Club Village

• Desert Camp Village

• Country Club + Desert Camp Loop

• DC Ranch/McDowell

Sonoran Preserve

Your

Your wealth

Significant wealth requires sophisticated, highly customized strategies

a select group of client s, Merrill Private Wealth Management can help manage the complexities of substantial wealth

singular ex perience is both powerful and personal. We’re dedicated to building a lasting relationship and helping you pursue your goals for today while

your legacy

the

Your

Weese Harris Group

Desert

plant-based products from Yon-Ka Paris. An internationally known, scientifically advanced skincare line, Yon-Ka products will also be avail able in the boutique for home use.

Spa specials at DC Ranch Village Health Club & Spa

Among the new treat ments are the Hydraless ence Facial, an ultrahydrating skin quench for dehydrated skin. A botanical-rich gel scrub gently eliminates lifeless cells while infusing skin with lasting moisture.

By Morgan Domaracki

The Village Health Club

There is no better way to celebrate the season than with themed spa services that embrace the beauty of this time of year. The Spa at DC Ranch Village Health Club is offering a number of services during the final two months of the year, along with a new series of treatments with a unique story. The Spa is open to non-members, and those enjoying a service also have access to the entire club on the day of their visit.

In November, The Spa is offering an Organic Harvest 4-Layer Peel ($125) with blueberry, mangosteen and other fruit acids that firm, hydrate and brighten to leave the skin with a youthful glow. Includes choice of Microdermabrasion or Dermaplane. Microneedling can be added for an additional $75.

In December, guests can enjoy the Arctic Berry Facial Peel ($125). This treatment uses arctic plants and berries with a blend of alpha hydroxy acids to create strong age-defying

benefits. Collagen is also boosted and the skin is left firm and refined. Microneedling can be added for an additional $75.

The Holiday Hair Affair is another December special, which includes a gloss enhancement conditioning with any service for $55. To help you look fabulous for the holiday season and events, the Blow Dry Bar will have a series of 3 for $99 or a series of 6 for $175.

New to the spa are five luxury treat ments featuring clean, paraben-free,

There are also Village Wellness Journeys, which are mini-escapes and sensory experiences designed to transport you to a place of total wellness. Guests can choose from four complete journeys showcasing pre-selected essential oils blends, scrubs and unique massage thought fully designed by the Yon-Ka Paris team of experts. Lavender Fields (Detoxify), Citrus Grove (Energizing), Walk in the Forest (Contouring), and Polynesian Voyage (Relaxing) are the four wellness journeys offered at The Spa.

For more information, please visit Villageclubs.com.

By City of Scottsdale

The dark, calm early morning is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle taking place inside the brightly lit city of Scottsdale Granite Reef Senior Center.

Senior Recreation Leader Ana Valadez is helping Desert Mission and St. Mary’s Food Bank unload delivered food targeted for the city’s Brown Bag Program. She safely works alongside a handful of others to put together care packages for the city’s most vulnerable residents—homebound, disabled and low-income seniors.

The center’s Brown Bag Program supplies protein, bread, fruits and vegetables to more than 200 eligible residents the first and third Thursday of each month. Each bag contains about 15 pounds of food valued at $25.50. The program has been in existence for 20 years.

A resident named Helen has been receiving bags for a few years. She’s grateful for the food and says, “There’s always plenty,

Brown Bag Program provides food-delivery for those in need

including fresh fruits and vegeta bles that I don’t always have easy access to.” Besides being a recipient, Helen also volunteers by delivering Brown Bags to other people who live in her retirement building.

The nonprofit Scottsdale Community Partners contributes significantly to this program, providing funding for the food purchases and delivery requirements.

Valadez said Granite Reef Senior Center can always use extra help ensuring seniors are well taken care of. There are year-round volunteer opportunities including assem bling Brown Bags and monetary donations are accepted. In addition, she encourages people who need help—or know of people who need help—to please contact the Granite Reef Senior Center at 480.312.1700.

Visit scottsdaleaz.gov/seniors for more information on services, resources and opportunities provided by the city.

RELAX!

We have your real estate needs covered

BOB NATHAN

Myra