PorcH lIGHT

A P u b l i c A t i o n o f t h e V e r r A d o A s s e m b l y W i n t e r 2 0 0 9

VErrAdo

Dear Neighbor, Welcome to Verrado Porch Light a new publication from the Verrado Assembly! On behalf of the Assembly team, including our hundreds of resident volunteers, it is my privilege to introduce you to our newest community treasure. The porch light is a profound symbol of the Verrado spirit. It welcomes, illuminates, and invites us in. We think its the perfect name for our community newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading the stories of Verrado and its community members as much as we enjoy sharing them. Lets start by sharing the Assemblys plans for the changing environment that we all find ourselves in. Its no secret things are tough these days. And, in spite of so much news suggesting I should feel otherwise, I remain encouraged about the future. I am convinced that community is the undercurrent that carries people forward through the storm of difficult times. And our community enjoys an extraordinary track record of carrying through. From helping a neighbor in need, volunteering at our local schools, or giving back to the less fortunate, the Verrado community is like a tidal wave of hope. And, history tells us that when communities concern themselves with the things that matter most caring, connection, friendship, stewardship, engagement, and the common good they not only weather storms, but are strengthened by the journey. Assessing the things that matter most has been an important lesson for the Assembly team. Frankly, the task seemed overwhelming at first. But, the more we examined the question of our priorities, the more we realized that our community had already provided us with the answers. We learned that the special sense of place that comes with our parks, tree-lined streets, and beautifully landscaped environment matters. We learned that our signature events and special annual traditions provide an important rhythm in our community a rhythm that we have all come to depend on. And we learned that what matters most is fostering a community where people are engaged and connected. As we navigate through difficult times and tighten our financial belts, the Assembly team is clear about what is important to our community. So, in spite of some real challenges ahead, we are proudly presenting an overview of our plans for the next couple of years to help carry our community through the storm. We remain committed to building and enhancing the robust community life enjoyed in Verrado, but we have made some difficult decisions that support our need for financial prudence and clarity of purpose. We will continue to preserve our unique community landscapes, but we will be increasingly financially savvy in doing so. We have made adjustments to our program portfolio in support of a more focused, well-balanced, annual calendar. That means we will be keeping some community programs and eliminating others. And, we remain committed to fostering volunteerism, resident leadership, and a welcoming spirit that makes our community so special. Inside this first edition of Verrado Porch Light, youll find an overview of our plans for 2009 and 2010. And, while we may be a bit leaner, we feel a great sense of strength that comes from being more focused on what matters most a beautiful, charming, engaged, and connected community to carry us through these difficult times. Looking forward to the journey ahead,

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IN THIS ISSUE
2 2009 - 2010 Program Calendar 4 Volunteer: It's Time to Get Involved! 4 Protecting Verrado's Important Landscapes 5 Meet Your Neighbor 5 Hometown Heroes 5 Club Corner 6 VMS Gets Governor's Achievement Award 6 Main Street Cleaners Open 6 Park Profile: Founders Park 7 Verrados Newest Community Partners 7 Beautiful Boutique Open in Verrado 7 Park Profile: Poet's Park

Todd Hornback Executive Director, Verrado Assembly

VErrAdo ASSEmbly:
crEATING UNIqUE oPPorTUNITIES for VErrAdo NEIGHborS To ENGAGE ANd coNNEcT.

Valley of the Sun/White Mountain Road Club Stage Race Feel the earth move with 700+ bike riders racing through Main Street

6th Annual Hometown Holidays All your favorite holiday traditions coming together

Welcome to Verrado Living A warm welcome to Verrados newest neighbors

7th Annual Hometown Holidays All your favorite holiday traditions coming together

5th Annual Independence Day Celebration Verrado celebrates our nations history with a community-wide celebration

Dinner & Movie Nights A beautiful night watching the stars under the stars

6th Annual Independence Day Celebration Verrado celebrates our nations history with a community-wide celebration

Music on Main Series and Finale - All that you love about Music on Main and MORE
Volunteer Appreciation Week Honoring all of Verrados amazing volunteers

Verrado Leadership Class 4 Forum New leaders engage

Volunteer Appreciation Week Honoring all of Verrados amazing volunteers

Welcome to Verrado Living A warm welcome to Verrados newest neighbors Holiday Homes at Verrado Decorating Contest Who will win top prize this year?

Arts & Culture

Sustainability
American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall Exhibit and Events Formal ceremonies honoring Americas lost with the Washington, D.C. replica wall Relay For Life of Buckeye Kick Off Celebration The fun and fundraising begins

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Back to School Bash Pool-fun and a chance to find familiar faces before the first day of school

Education

Health & Wellness

Arts & Culture

Sustainability

Education

Health & Wellness

Verrado Leadership Class 3 Forum New leaders engage

Welcome to Verrado Living A warm welcome to Verrados newest neighbors

Back to School Bash - Pool-fun and a chance to find familiar faces before the first day of school Holiday Homes at Verrado Decorating Contest Who will win top prize this year? Relay For Life of Buckeye Kick Off Celebration The fun and fundraising begins

The Giving Tree Committees Joy of Giving Celebration Share the joy of giving and help make someones holiday season brighter

Dinner & Movie Nights A beautiful night watching the stars under the stars

Dinner & Movie Nights A beautiful night watching the stars under the stars

The Giving Tree Committees Joy of Giving Celebration Share the joy of giving and help make someones holiday season brighter

5th Annual Founders Day Celebration Weekend-long celebration honoring you, Verrados unique community heritage

Dinner & Movie Nights A beautiful night watching the stars under the stars

Relay For Life of Buckeye Have fun at an all-night cancer-fighting event

Buckeye Youth Charity 5K and 1 Mile Fun Runs Race through Verrado benefitting Foster Care Network & Young Life Far West Valley Welcome to Verrado Living A warm welcome to Verrados newest neighbors

Relay For Life of Buckeye Have fun at an all-night cancer-fighting event

Year-Round Excitement at Verrado 2009 and 2010 Program Calendar

the Verrado Assembly Team
2 The Verrado Assembly is excited about our plans to bring an amazing and diverse line up of programs in 2009 and 2010. From cherished signature events that celebrate our unique

heritage to new events that enhance our special community landscapes and exceptional quality of life there will be plenty of opportunities in Verrado to create lasting memories with neighbors and friends. While the Assembly team remains focused on continuing to provide the special moments you know and love, we have made some adjustments in order to better balance our year round fun. In fact, the philanthropic spirit in Verrado has elevated Relay For Life of Buckeye to a prominent place on our

community calendar in the fall season. This calendar addition in turn calls for shifting our Founders Day festivities to the spring season residents can look forward to celebrating the 5th Annual Founders Day in the spring of 2010. In addition, in early 2009, Verrado has been invited to host some exciting new events that we hope to build and expand on throughout this year and next a nation-wide, professional bike race through Main Street, the Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall at VHS, and the Buckeye Youth Charity 5K race around the community.

Of course, this program overview from the Assembly is just a snapshot of events and activities to fill your calendar from the Village Sport & Health Club to the Raven Golf Club at Verrado, and from the Verrado Community Association to our community schools and resident clubsand more, there are plenty of programs and events to stay busy. All events and activities subject to change. Check verrado.net for the most up-to-date calendar of events and activities.

Volunteer: It's Time to Get Involved

Protecting Verrado's Important Landscapes

By Jaime Sargent, Community Programs Manager and Verrado Neighbor, Village Green
You hear the resounding message everywhere today from our countrys leader to our personal connections, and from the national press to our own families its time to engage and take action within our own lives, our communities, and our nation by joining hands to make a difference.

By Randy Dillman, Verrado's Landscape Manager

The Verrado Community Association team is excited about 2009. While we all know it has been a very trying time recently, the Community Association is committed to keeping Verrado looking great. As stewards of this vast community landscape, we will be making some adjustments in the year ahead to preserve our unique community landscapes, with a commitment to being as efficient and resourceful as possible. For example, instead of planting 24 gallon box trees we will be planting 15 gallon trees, allowing us to plant two trees for the price of one, with the added benefit that a smaller tree will adapt and grow more quickly. In addition, plants will be replaced twice each year, in the spring and fall seasons, and planting will be based on priority areas balanced against our budget. The Community Association understands the importance of having plants in front of homes, and it will be a priority of our team to replace as many in the parkway as possible.

Meet Your Neighbor Dan and Shannon Francetic

by Clara Silva, Verrado Neighbor, Summit
It is amazing to see how Verrado has attracted so many people from different areas of Arizona and other far-away states. This includes the Francetics Dan and Shannon are Ohio natives and moved to Scottsdale a few years ago. Dan had heard about Verrado and asked Shannon to come and check out the neighborhood. Shannon was reluctant at first but the more she saw and learned about Verrado, the more she was attracted to making it their home. The green grass, the surrounding neighborhood parks; the tall, green saguaros that sometimes resemble soldiers; the warmth of the people; the Main Street businesses these are signature qualities that no other neighborhood can provide. And all of these qualities reminded Dan and Shannon of the places where they were born. The Francetics were practically the first couple that moved to their block. It was an adjustment having nobody close to their house. So one day Shannon prepared a bunch of baskets with a few goodies in them and off she went to meet her neighbors. This was really the beginning of a new mission for Dan and Shannon. They knew they wanted to offer and do more for their community they wanted to make sure that new neighbors felt welcome. That is how they became part of the Verrado Leadership and began engaging their Hamilton Commons neighbors in different activities. Dan and Shannon are very much involved in Verrado Leadership; they have also participated in Hometown Holidays and a Halloween celebration in their neighborhood, as well as in collecting donations for the needy. Shannon is also active in Relay For Life, acting as a liaison for the accounting chair by tracking team registrations online. We thank you for contributing your time and energy to make Verrado a better place to live. Great job Dan and Shannon!!

Hometown Heroes - Girl Scout Troop 2643

By Sue Orsborn, Verrado Neighbor, Thayer Hill

I am a grandparent working in support of Verrado Elementary School. I do this by collecting and submitting Boxtops 4 Education in exchange for cash for the SuperSTAR PTA to support the school. This year, with over 7,400 Boxtops to trim and bundle, I received the exciting news that the members of Girl Scout Troup 2643 would volunteer to trim and count Boxtops. The girls worked through two of their meetings, contributing over 20 hours of help and making a tremendous difference in the preparation of this years Boxtop submission. The Girl Scouts, under the leadership of Lisa Alewine, who gave their support were: Mattie Alewine, Melissa Bianco, Jessica Bianco, Katryna Eastwood, Daniela Gonzalez, Hailey Myers, Emma Orsborn, and Madison Snediker
Girlscout Troop 2643 helped organize Boxtops in support of VES

Verrado Youth Leadership organized a community car wash and bake sale to support their team fundraising efforts for Relay For Life of Buckeye. Learn more about how you can get involved on the Volunteer page on verrado.net

Verrado is an amazing place to make volunteer contributions close to home if youre looking for an outlet for your passions, creativity or simply to use some free time to unwind from your regular routine. While volunteerism has always been a large part of our community, now, more than ever, that need continues. The Assembly offers several volunteer opportunities that can fit anyones time commitments and interests. Verrado Leadership is now in its third year and welcomed Class 3 at the annual Forum in February. Wed like to thank our long-time leaders and welcome our new leaders for taking on the mission of this group, to cultivate a leadership community through four roles: to provide a warm welcome to new neighbors, to be a neighborhood organizer, to act as an ambassador for the Verrado Assembly, and to be a steward of philanthropic and charitable endeavors. (To find your Neighborhood Captain, go to verrado.net click on Welcome to Verrado select Get Connected, Find Your Neighborhood Captain) We are still accepting applications for 2009; if you or someone you know in your neighborhood would make a great captain, please contact the Assembly. Other exciting and diverse opportunities include the Giving Tree Committee an Assembly program that is dedicated to raising awareness and support for charitable organizations; and Verrado Youth Leadership an Assembly program that engages Verrados youth through a variety of learning and service opportunities. Membership for these groups is always open. The Assembly team has also made it easier to learn about short-term or single-service volunteer projects in and around Verrado through a Volunteer forum on verrado.net. From our signature events, to serving meals at a soup-kitchen, this online forum will be used to help you find an outlet of interest. To learn more about these volunteer opportunities and stay informed of a variety of service opportunities, please join the membership list by logging onto verrado.net click on Clubs & Groups Assembly Leadership Programs Volunteers click on white tab near the top Join Group. 4

I am grateful to be a part of a community that so willingly gives. Thanks Troop 2643.

Club Corner - generationchange

By Kristine Bender, Verrado Neighbor, Fairway Place
As Ghandi said, be the change you wish to see in the world, but the biggest challenge for many could be what is the change they wish to see, and how can they make it. generationchange is a group of friends that share a passion for making meaningful changes in our world in a all areas of interest. It is about all generations inspiring and making a difference in the lives of generations to come, a great place for you to get started in making your change. generationchange partnered with the Village Club and UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) to raise funds to support safe delivery for expectant mothers around the world. This past year also included a backpack drive for the Phoenix Rescue Mission, and a book drive to support the African Camel Library. What a year the bar has been raised for 2009! Plans for the coming year are underway with many exciting opportunities for many to get involved. Keep posted on upcoming events on our verrado.net club page or email generationchange@cox.net to be included on the email distribution list.

generationchange kids a place to start making change.

generationchange kids is a group of kids at Verrado Elementary School that give up recess once a week Wednesdays to learn how to generate change in their world, locally and globally. The kids have a passion for making meaningful changes in our world in all areas of interest. Each week the kids address a different topic of need initiatives that the kids chose and voted on and we educate, motivate and activate the kids to make change and to inspire others. We invite all 4th and 5th graders who are conscious of taking care of the planet we live on, the people that we live with and the inspiration to share it with others to get involved. In the first 100 days of school the kids have tackled ways to save animals, learned about water needs in Africa, and discussed Global Warming. 5

One of the ongoing challenges we have in Verrado during the warm, summer months is trying to grow Bermuda grass in the shade areas; and as the trees in our community get larger, this challenge will only increase. We are proactively looking for solutions to this challenge. We are extremely excited to be one of the first communities to work with Texas Tech this spring on a new variety of turf grass, specifically developed for the shade (early results from Texas Tech have found this new variety of grass to grow 80 to 90 percent in the shade). Stay tuned.

Founded in 2006, generationchange had an incredible 2008. We traveled to New Orleans with Habitat for Humanity to lend a hand in the rebuilding (see photo left). We also traveled to Haiti to work with a medical team to provide much needed medical care; to China to visit orphanages, and to Africa to introduce the Water is Life program (see photo above). generationchange kids was introduced at Verrado Elementary Middle School (see generationchange kids box).

VMS Given 2008 Governor's Achievement Award

by Kimberly A. Diaz, Principal
The Arizona Governor recognized Verrado Middle School in the 2008 Governor's Achievement Awards for Innovative School Design. With only seven schools recognized in the State of Arizona, VMS was given the award for Schools that are the Center of the Community, with an Honorable Mention for Best Overall Architectural Design of a School. Congratulations, Verrado Middle School! A special recognition to Dr. Thomas Heck, Mr. Ken Axford, Mrs. Heather Cruz, Mr. Todd Hornback, DL Withers and DMB!! Their vision was recognized in a very big way!

Main Street Cleaners Now Open

Verrados Newest Community Partners

The Goddard School has started construction on its first West Valley location a state-of-the-art, 8,000 square foot building on the property immediately north of the Village Sport & Health Club bringing high-quality childcare services to the Verrado community. The new school, projected to open in the Fall of 2009, will be designed to accommodate approximately 130 children aged six weeks to six years old and will offer flexible schedules for children Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The completion of the Offices on Main Street at Verrado adds much needed "Class A" office space to the West Valley. The Davis and the Jackson buildings together total approximately 32,000-square-feet of office space that is already more than 50 percent leased. The first tenants have already moved in and include custom homebuilder, Vineyard Homes, engineering firm, Worley Parsons, investment service by William Morris, and DMB's Verrado team. The Davis Building and Jackson Building were named after notable Buckeye residents: the Davis family was one of the early families of the Buckeye Valley; Malie Monroe Jackson is credited with bringing vital irrigation to Buckeye. Summit Community Church recently purchased 7.1 acres of land in Verrado. The church site at the southwest corner of Indian School Road and Sunrise Lane will be the home of Summits worship center. Plans are still being finalized, but construction is expected to begin later in 2009. We are proud to take this step toward a permanent location in Verrado, allowing us to connect even more with the community, said Pator Nate Schaus. For ongoing updates on these and other community partners, please visit verrado.net.

By Shelly Smith Hornback, Verrado Neighbor, Thayer Hill

Main Street Cleaners is a drop off branch of Palm Valley Cleaners, and is the fourth store of this Southwest Valley family-owned chain. Their main branch and primary cleaning site is located near Safeway at the intersection of Litchfield Road and Indian School Road. Main Street Cleaners offers standard two-day service in a friendly setting with reasonable rates. They pride themselves in superior technical services and Andrea beams with confidence as she expertly explains how they hand press each item (as opposed to competitive cleaners whose steam tunnels often require at-home touch-ups.) Main Street Cleaners also provides traditional laundry services, shoe repair, and alterations.

Park Profile - Experience Founders Park

By Crystal Lipinski, Verrado Neighbor, Thayer Hill
Founders Park is considered by many to be the signature park of Verrado. The first sights of the park that you are struck by are the dramatic arches of the ramada and the trellis structures on the north and south ends. The ramada acts as a doorway to the park and provides a wonderful backdrop to showcase the Founders Day Legacy bricks. Here, you can see the names and dates of those who have made this community their home from the first residents in 2004 to those who have recently joined the community.

Verrado life Beautiful New Boutique Now Open in Verrado

By Natalie Nevarez, Verrado Neighbor, Redmond Field
Convenience and comfortable couture have arrived in Verrado with the opening of a new boutique, Verrado life, on Main Street. The new store is tailored to the Verrado lifestyle with clothing, gifts, and home items designed to residents unique tastes. Unique tastes that include individuality as well as pride in our community. There are a plethora of products with the Verrado name: fleece sweatshirts, beautifully designed t-shirts, magnets, and most recently holiday ornaments. Also, clothing that embraces the life is good philosophy of Verrado residents. The boutique doesnt stop with catering to specific apparel, it also focuses on our youngest residents from birth to toddlers. Owners Jim and Debbi Smart of Litchfield Park have been eyeing Verrado for years. Jim is quick to point out that Verrado is a unique concept. Thats why were here and were excited to grow with Verrado. Main Street Cleaners is a good fit for Verrado. Their business model enhances our community culture they offer professionalism with a friendly smile, value community involvement, and emphasize quality services. Andrea says their locally owned and operated business is like a family, and especially enjoys the days she gets to bring her three-year-old daughter to work. Jim and Debbi are proud supporters of local charities and they even accept recycled hangers in good condition. Verrado resident Amy Malobicky is already a loyal customer. She says Main Street Cleaners is very convenient and its good to support what is in the neighborhood. Amy adds how pleased she is to see Main Street active and vibrant and says, We love Verrado and want it to be a successful. Main Street Cleaners is located at 21055 West Main Street. Their phone number is 623.853.9949. Visit the Verrado life boutique and you will find specialty items for children that you couldnt find within 30 miles of Verrado, says Verrado Heritage District resident, Shannon Francetic (read more about Shannon in the Meet Your Neighbor article). Whether its supporting Main Street stores in this current economy, looking for a new golf shirt for your weekend round at the Raven, or picking up a gift for that special little one in your life, visit Verrado life the new boutique is both charming and great shopping wrapped up in convenience. Take a stroll through the tree-lined streets of Verrado to Mokarabia for a latte then, go next door to visit Verrado life for a gift that is not only unique but also contributes to Verrados: live, work, play atmosphere. Verrado life is located at 21063 West Main Street. Their phone number is 623-249-4730. Their hours are Sunday Thursday 10:00 AM 6:00 PM; Friday - Saturday 10:00 AM 8:00 PM. Look for their new, I Believe clothing line soon!

Park Profile - Exploring Poets Park

By Cheryl Peterson, Verrado Neighbor, Lost Creek
I amazed at how much time and thought has gone into the design and planning of Verrado, making the idea of walking everywhere a reality. From the golf club to the health club, and from local restaurants to the grocery store, and from your neighbor's house to neighborhood parks, its all walkable in Verrado. So let's talk about the parks. I have long appreciated all of the parks that Verrado has to offer currently 47 parks are built or near completion across our community but until recently, I didnt appreciate the meaning behind these unique open spaces. Behind Poet's Park, much like the other parks in Verrado, there was an original idea: to create a space where people could play, ponder, and relax.

The poems on display at Poets Park were contributed by Verrado Middle School students. The result is a variety of poetry reflecting the words our 6th graders liked the most. From contemporary poems to traditional and well recognized poems, the words that connected with our students made their way into the park. Each and every poem has meaning and inspiration - our community, our children, our hopes and dreams creating this special place. I hope that you will visit Poet's Park on one of your walks through Verrado. It's not just the words written in concrete, the true beauty is in that the poetry is everywhere. There are 2-foot architectural bronze pieces in the sidewalk, a vegetative area of sandstone, stairs made of granite creating a contrast between natural and polished. When it rains, the granite disappears, so in different weather, you may or may not see the poetry inscriptions. Poets Park is a cultural experience; a community experience; a Verrado experience. Just one more reason I'm glad I moved here. FINDING POETS PARK: Poets Park sits on the northeast corner of Verrado Way and Wycliff Drive. 7

Passage through the ramada leads people to a foliage-lined, grand staircase that has been the focal point for many weddings and photo sessions. The open grassy area beyond invites many types of activities and plays host to the Founder's Day picnic. On the east end, there is a solitary bench that offers not only a view of the entire park, but also of the rising White Tank Mountains in the background. It is incredibly picturesque, especially at sunset. Stop by Founders Park and enjoy all that it has to offer. FINDING FOUNDERS PARK: Founders Park can be found at the far, eastend of Main Street. 6

V E r r A d o A S S E m b ly 2 1 0 2 9 W. m A I N S T. bUckEyE AZ 85396

Volunteer Contributors:
t Kim Diaz, VMS Principal t Kristine Bender, Fairway Place t Shelly Smith Hornback, Thayer Hill t Crystal Lipinski, Thayer Hill t Natalie Navarez, Redmond Field t Sue Orsborn, Thayer Hill t Cheryl Peterson, Lost Creek t Clara Silva, Summit
For more information or to contribute to Verrado Porch Light, please contact the Verrado Assembly at assembly@verrado.net.
Verrado, the VERRADO Logo and all other related marks and insignia used in this publication are owned by DMB White Tank, LLC. No use of these marks and insignia is permitted without permission of the owner.

UPcomING EVENTS

Music on Main Series and Finale

Series February 21, March 7, March 21 and Finale March 28.
Gather with family and friends on Saturday afternoons for live Music on Main. Music starts at 3:00 PM. Bring a blanket to the Village Green to enjoy talented musical performances by local artists, including funky R&B, oldies, jazz, and a Mediterranean guitar duo, and pop rock. February 21 | Jodi Light Performing funky R & B with jazz overtones, Jodi Light performs original works inspired by real life experiences. Jodi has proven herself as a fresh, genuine talent and an honest performer. March 7 | Affinity Affinity is the #1 party band in Arizona and the Southwest. They have been captivating audiences with their high-energy performances since the 1980s. Theyll have you on your feet dancing to the best hits of the 50s, 60s and on through to today. March 21 | Sahnas Brothers Beautifully blending the sounds and rhythms of their native Greek culture with the warm, inviting romance of the classical Spanish guitar, brothers Thano and Demitri Sahnas have created a magical and intimate Mediterranean style that perfectly complements the powerful jazz-fusion of their popular Phoenix-based band Turning Point. March 28 | Fastball Bring the family for the Music on Main Finale all that you love about Music on Main and MORE. Featuring the pop rock sounds of Fastball, singers of the hit song, The Way. Wander along the outdoor arcade playing interactive games, decorating Verrados streets with your creative chalk-art designs, participating in the community art project hosted by the Mosaic Club, perusing community school art displays, and MORE. Enjoy musical performances by the winner of the February 28 Viper Vanguard Battle of the Bands Competition at 3:00 PM, followed by the Viper Vanguard Drumline and Viper Symphonic Winds at 3:40 PM, and wrapping up the afternoon with Fastball at 4:30 PM. Check out verrado.net for event details, including artist music clips.

Additional information about Verrado events and activities can be found on verrado.net. To set up an account, log on to verrado.net and complete the online registration process.