SUMMER 2007

Scottsdale's Water Treatment Plant

Local Summer Programs

Cool Travel Destinations

Scottsdale's Water Treatment Plant

Local Summer Programs

Cool Travel Destinations

4 Summer 2007

Contents

Features:

Chaparral Water Treatment

Plant ...........................................10

Boy's & Girls Club

Summer Program .......................10

Departments:

Events Calendar .........................10

Ranch Botanical Series:

Red Bird of Paradise .................10

Resident Recipes .......................10

Four-Legged Rancher ................10

Market Analysis ..........................10

Meet Your Neighbor ...................10

Home Makeover .........................10

McCormick Ranch Lifestyle

is published quarterly by

eClaire Publishing, LLC,

7349 N. Via Paseo Del Sur,

Suite 515-268

Scottsdale, AZ 85258.

Phone 480 212-6203.

Fax 480 699-2049.

Not responsible for

unsolicited materials.

Not affiliated with the

McCormick Ranch Property

Owners Association, nor does

the publisher endorse the

advertisers included.

This publication is sent to each

household on the McCormick

Ranch. If you do not live on the

McCormick Ranch or would like a

separate copy mailed to you,

an annual subscription fee

of $12 is requested.

Columns:

Finances .......................................10

Travel ............................................10

Home Style ...................................10

Local Business Highlights:

Bella's House & Pet Sitting ..........10

Get Dressed .................................10

Legacy Pools ................................10

Table of

On the Cover: Las Palomas community pool.

McCormick Ranch Lifestyle 5

Dear reader,

For most Arizonans, June kicks off the most dreaded time of year. That's why I decided to focus this issue on a precious resource in the desert and ideas for staying cool during the summer months.

In my household, we will be celebrating the first birthday of our precious daughter. I have the rare opportunity of raising her in the same house that I grew up in. And as we've taken countless walks around the area, it's been nice to see many new families move to the Ranch as well. Welcome!

Since the magazine's debut in March, I have been overwhelmed by the wonderful support and positive feedback from many of you in the community. Thank you for the encouragement!

Have a safe and pleasant summer,

Alexandra DuemerEditor in Chief and Owneralexandra@mcrlife.com

From the EditorLetter

6 Summer 2007

June 2All-Breed Horse ShowWestworldFREE

June 15Women of Scottsdale Luncheon480 391-6585

July 5M&I Bank Summer Spectacular ArtwalkDowntown Scottsdale 6-9pmFREE

July 20Women of Scottsdale Luncheon480 391-6585

August 17Women of Scottsdale Luncheon480 391-6585

Camps Nearby:

Mountain View ParkJune 18-August 3480 312-7957

International School of ArizonaJune 11-August 3480 874-2326

DePalmas KarateTatum/Thunderbird480 892-3949

Scottsdale Artists SchoolMay 29-July 27480 990-1422

Scottsdale Desert Stage TheatreJune 4-August 3480 483-1664

Montessori AcademyJune 11-August 3480 945-1121

YMCAMay 29-August 17480 922-5477

Events Calendar

News Cafe

Summer Concerts in the ParkMcCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Sundays 7:30-9pm, May 13-July 15FREE

McCormick Ranch Lifestyle 7

OpeN

8 Summer 2007

RESIDEnT RECIPE:

Ziploc Omelets More of a technique, this recipe was submit-ted by Eunice Moody, a resident since 1985.She writes, “This recipe has been a real 0winner for brunches we have entertained.”

• Have each guest write their name on a quart or pint-sized Ziploc bag with permanent marker.

• Crack 2 eggs into the Ziploc bag and shake to combine.

• Put out a variety of ingredients such as cheese, ham, onion, salsa, etc. Each guest adds ingredients of their choice to their bag.

• Make sure to get all the air out of the bag and zip up.

• Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes. Usually 6-8 omelets can be cooked in a large pot.

• Cut the bags and the omelet will roll out easily.

• Serve with coffee cake, fresh fruit and enjoy!

To submit one of your

favorite recipes, please email

editor@mcrlife.com

McCormick Ranch Lifestyle 9

RESIDEnT RECIPE:

Jalapeño Créme BruléeChef Gary Mlinarich attended Indiana University, majoring in finance before pursuing a culinary career that took him to the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts. With culinary experiences from New York to Atlanta and from Orlando to Napa, Gary brought his enormous repertoire to the Pinon Grill at Millenium Resort in 1998.

IngredIents:1 - 1/2 cups Heavy Cream1/2 Vanilla bean; seeded and split3 Jalapenos; split, seeded and rinsed8 oz. Sugar10 oz. Egg yolks

• Place half the sugar with the cream, jalape-nos and vanilla bean in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.

• In a separate saucepan, combine the yolks and remaining sugar and whip well to com-bine.

• Temper the yolk mixture with the hot cream first, then add the remaining cream, stirring to combine.

• Stir with a spatula while cooking over medi-um heat until mixture thickens (should coat the spatula), approximately 5 minutes.

• Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a pitcher.

• Pour mixture into ramekins set in a 2 inch pan with 1 inch of hot water.

• Bake at 300 degrees for 35 minutes, or until set.

• Wipe off ramekins and cool before serving.

10 Summer 2007

The debate as to whether the housing market has hit bottom is still being debated. Several factors have come into play that will substantially impact the market for the next 8 to 14 months. One, lenders have begun to tighten their requirements for lending targeting the sub-prime borrower in addition to tightening most loan requirements. Secondly, foreclosures are on the rise as sub-prime loans with low introductory rates begin to re-adjust to a higher rate.

Sub-prime marketA key factor in the tremendous growth that was expe-

rienced in the housing market over the past three years was the presence of sub-prime borrowing. sub-prime loans were given to borrowers who had insufficient credit histories or insufficient incomes. These loans offered low introductory variable interest rate to attract buyers. After some number of payment periods these loans adjust to a higher interest rate translating to a higher monthly payment. In some cases monthly pay-ments jumped as high as $500 to $700 per month.

Lenders knew in advance that many of the sub-prime borrowers would not be able to make the higher monthly payments that would inevitably have to be paid. Countrywide Financial Corp., the largest U.S. mortgage lender, reported that payments at the end of 2006 were delinquent on approximately 20 percent of the sub-prime loans that the company monitors for other companies and investors who own them. The presence of these late payments is impacting many sub-prime lenders. Since late 2006 more than 30 sub-prime lenders have closed as a result of the increasing delinquencies.

The impact of these loans is also being felt by large regional banks including Wells Fargo and Co. and National City Corp. It is estimated that between 12 to 14 percent of Wells Fargo and Co. total loans outstand-ing are sub-prime loans. As a result of the trends being seen in the sub-prime market lenders have begun to reel in these loans by tightening their credit requirements of borrowers especially those looking to acquire an adjust-able rate mortgage. By tightening loan requirements the number of available buyers in the market has decreased and subsequently put more pressure on the market.

Market

Adress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .List Price Sq.ft. / Bed / Bath

7062 N. Via De La Campana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $539,9001908 / 3 / 2

8101 E. Via Campo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $569,9002207 / 3 / 2

8619 E. San Esteban Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $585,0002400 / 4 / 3

7107 N. Via De Mas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $599,9002186 / 4 / 2

8914 N. 87th Ct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $599,9002273 / 3 / 2

7160 N. Via De La Campana St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $600,0002134 / 4 / 2

8560 E. San Felipe Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $600,0002168 / 3 / 2

8564 E. Via De Los Libros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $649,9002556 / 4 / 2

8573 E. Via De Viva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $649,9002556 / 4 / 2

9031 N. 83rd St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $684,9992925 / 4 / 2.5

10249 N. 87th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $715,0002283 / 3 / 2

8426 N. 85th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $749,0002556 / 3 / 2.5

8113 E. Del Joya Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $799,0002903 / 4 / 3

Homes Currently Under ContractAddress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .List PriceSq.Ft. / Bed / Bath

8607 E. San Felipe Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $578,000 2120 / 3 / 2

8108 E. Naseem Tr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $575,0002308 / 3 / 2

8119 E. Del Joya Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $849,0003003 / 4 / 3

Homes Sold Address List PriceSq.Ft. / Bed / Bath

8109 E. Via Sonrisa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $435,0001618 / 3 / 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $418,000 Sold – 2/20/07

7746 N. Via De Las Brisas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $579,0002437 / 4 / 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $558,000 Sold – 3/05/07

8744 E. San Lucas Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $585,0002458 / 3 / 1.75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $550,000 Sold – 4/03/07

8407 E. Quarterhorse Tr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $699,9002584 / 4 / 2.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $660,000 Sold – 3/12/07

8101 E. Del Timbre Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $750,0002781 / 3 / 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $685,000 Sold – 2/22/07

Currently

For Sale Analysis

McCormick Ranch Lifestyle 11

ForecloSureSWith the rising tides of delinquencies on the sub-prime

loans some home owners facing foreclosure. Foreclosures have a double effect on the housing market that is det-rimental. As homes go into foreclosure they are usually sold for less than market value. When this occurs it brings down the set of comparables for that subdivision. This in turn drives down the asking prior of future sales in the subdivision. Another damaging effect is that foreclosures

A trend that is emerging in the housing market is lenders working with home owners to skirt foreclosure. Lenders do not want to be become owners of these properties and owners do not want to severely dam-age their credit history. Lenders are allowing delin-quent owners to sell their homes for less than what is owed on the mortgage. This is a win – win situation for both sides but more importantly the market. When a home is sold for less than what is owed on the mortgage it is referred to as a “short sale”. The lender actually forgives a certain amount of the home own-er’s debt in exchange for not having to acquire the property and then having to sell it. This development has several beneficial effects on the housing market. By lenders allowing short sales, it helps to save the credit history of the home owner who may purchase a new property in the relative future. The market is also spared having to absorb a large number of homes that would probably cause home values to fall as a reaction to increased inventory.

The presence of pre-foreclosures in the market has been attracting investors who realize the opportunities that are available. As home owners try to avoid fore-closure it sets up opportunities for investors. The past 18 months has been witness to the exodus of inves-tors in the market contributing to the slow down that has been experienced. Pre-foreclosures will attract investors back and contribute to the stabilization and

recovery of the market. Investors are in the position to absorb these homes before lenders acquire them and unload them into the housing market in mass numbers.

Encouraging news has been given regarding the existing/resale housing market. The National Association of Realtors said that its pending home sales index grew by .7 percent in February for con-tracts signed in that month. This news has encour-aged some market analysts to proclaim that existing homes sales have stabilized. In other words housing demand is not getting any worse.

An encouraging trend is emerging among loan applications. Fixed interest rates have fallen to the lowest level in three months. As a result applications for loans at major U.S. lenders have risen to a three month high. As of March 14, 2007 total loan applica-tion including purchase and refinancing increased by 2.8 percent week-on-week and were up 19 percent from same time last year. This trend is encouraging as it signals the marked presence of buyers in the housing market. When the market began to decline months ago potential buyers took the wait and see approach. The noted drop in interest rates is start-ing to entice buyers back into the market. It has also been reported that a large portion of the applicants are owner occupied, which is exactly what the market needs.

Developing

Trends

MCRL

increase the total number of homes available in the market. Sometimes, this increase in supply is greater than demand leading to price reductions in the hous-ing market. The presence of foreclosures in a recov-ering housing market has the ability to postpone the recovery and possibly drive the market even further down. Once all of the foreclosures have been resold in the market then a sustainable recovery will take place.

12 Summer 2007

Skillfully combining aesthetics with function, the City of Scottsdale has created an award-winning water treat-ment plant on the Southeast corner of Hayden and McDonald Road. If you've been here long enough, you probably remember the What's Your Beef or mini-golf that were once here. Today, this 29-acre development includes a popular dog park and the largest Xeriscape demonstration garden in the State of Arizona.

Since its official opening in March 2006, this impres-sive building has become somewhat of a tourist attrac-tion with many people stopping by for photo opportuni-ties or simply to inquire what the building is for. It's hard to miss the “gabion” rock walls, rust-colored spires and triangular canopies casting dramatic shadows.

Art Nunez, Waste Water Treatment Director, has been a part of this project since it's inception. He says, “Scottsdale took a different approach by asking the citi-zens how we can add to your quality of life by adding a water treatment plant here.” Designed to fit in a residen-

tial neighborhood, most people don't realize that this plant treats 30-mil-lion gallons per day.

The $65 million plant has a robust treat-ment process and is the first, and largest, plant in Arizona to employ membrane filtration. The plant treats water for

Scottsdale , as far south as Thomas Road. “A good rainstorm can really muddy the water here, so it's a very challenging area,” says Nunez. He goes on to say, “McCormick Ranch is in a unique area because it can be serviced by us, the Central Arizona Project, or wells depending on the time of year.”

With one full-time plant operator always on site, their job includes lab work, troubleshooting and verification that everything is working as it should. Even though technology helps the plant take care of itself, operator Kenny Thomas explains, “You still need that human ele-ment. Part of this job is listening. You can really hear if something is out of the ordinary in the plant.”

The 6-hour process for making water safe is quite fascinating: Water comes in from the canal in a pipeline under 82nd street. Debris is immediately strained and ferric sulfate is added to the water as an aid to remove arsenic, a known carcinogen. The membrane filtration system uses spaghetti-like fibers with hollow cores to

S P e C I A L F e A T u R e :

“Scottsdale took a different approach by asking the citizens how we can add to your quality of life by adding a water

treatment plant here.”

Chaparral Water Treatment Plant

McCormick Ranch Lifestyle 13

filter out additional small particles, leaving the water clear. The water is then moved to large vats of granular activated carbon (GAC) absorbing natural organic matter. It's interesting to note that just one pound of GAC treats a football-field sized sur-face area. Finally, the water is treated with a sodium hypochlorite solution made on site, which has a much lower concentra-tion of chlorine than household bleach.

On the day I visited the plant, the water clarity level was at .04. The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level of 5.0. So the next time you turn on the tap, thank the water resources group for work-ing 24-hours a day to make sure we have safe water available.

Water conservation tips:

• Always water plants during early morning hours to minimize evaporation.• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your walkways.• Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth.• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full.• Fix leaky faucets and toilets that flush them- selves.• Install a low-flow showerhead.

Chaparral Water Treatment Plant

MCRL

14 Summer 2007

Ranch Botanical Series:

This sun-loving shrub is scattered

throughout the area, providing

beautiful color during our driest

months. The Red Bird of Paradise

carries extravagant clusters of

deep red-orange ruffled flowers that

bloom throughout the summer. Its

small green leaves are feathery and

delicate, but this plant is very tough

and has the thorns to prove it.

Gardening tip: Remove old flower

clusters to encourage more bloom.

Water weekly in summer months

and cut back in fall.

Red Bird of Paradise

McCormick Ranch Lifestyle 15

With 110 million pets nationwide, it's no surprise that the pet industry has grown by leaps and bounds. Danielle Vasta started her pet business in Scottsdale five years ago and was recently voted the 2007 National Pet Sitting Business of the Year.

Originally from the Boston area, she was a student at ASU when the first pet sitting opportunity fell in her lap. It didn't take long before this Communications major got the itch to start her own business.

“Pet owners are very unique. They consider pets like kids, so it's important to me that I build a trusting relationship with clients from the very start,” says Vasta. Before any keys are handed over, she makes two con-sultation visits to answer any questions and interact with the animals. Through the use of different tactics to connect with animals, Vasta has even sat for pot bellied pigs and bearded dragons.

Pet needs and routines are gone over in detail and vet forms are filled out in case of emergency. Vasta says, “It's the hardest part for most pet owners, but part of being a professional is having that plan B, plan C.” Once a client relationship is established, they have the convenience of calling her to set up a sit at a moments notice.

Her business comes in the form of school vaca-tion, business travel, summer time and snow birds. Averaging 10 sits a day, she recently expanded her business to include three qualified cemployees, includ-ing a triathlete to run the dogs and an equestrian expert.

Vasta plans to grow her business to include five employees so that she can devote more of her time to marketing purposes. She also enjoys mentoring new pet sitters in the area and is the resident pet sitting expert on NPR's radio show “Dog Talk”.

Pets experience less stress at home, but the con-venience that Bella's provides goes beyond peace of mind for the pet owner. She also provides a list of con-cierge services free of charge and can run errands for a small fee. Vasta is Red Cross, First Aid and CPR certi-fied.

For more information and pricing details, visit www.

Bella’s House & Pet Sitting480.330.4552

Local Business Highlight:

MCRL

Living within our midsts is a nationally-known author and healer in the community. Victoria Mogilner, a self-pro-claimed flower child, uses her 30 years of experience in alternative medicine to help people.

Originally from Michigan , Mogilner doesn't sit still for long. When she's not treating clients at her East West Rejuvenation Center or the Valley Ho spa, she's teaching at Scottsdale Community College or giving lectures on how to live a longer life at Whole Foods. She says, “We have a community that's very alive here and I love being involved.”

Chinese medicine has been around for 10,000 years, treating the cause of a problem instead of the symptoms. Mogilner became intrigued by the positive effects of acupuncture when she was healed of chronic back pain. Following her passion, she moved to China for 6 months to be personally trained by the Dalai Lama's physician.

Her current practice at the East West Rejuvenation Center in Old Town includes acupuncture, reiki, shaman-ic healing and massage. “I individualize a program for

what the person needs or wants. The rejuvenation clinic teaches people to care for themselves from the inside out,” says Mogilner. Over the years, she has treated clients successfully for all types of conditions including depression, addiction, chronic pain and stress. She says, “People are living longer now, but there are more chronic degenerative diseases. You could be planning for retire-ment, but it means nothing if you don't have your health. This type of care allows people to have a quality of life.”

Mogilner's new book Ancient Secrets of Facial Rejuvenation gives women natural strategies to help counteract the signs of aging. Mogilner explains, “Every meridian begins and ends on the face. So the simple act of washing your face affects your body emotionally, physically and spiritually.” Her book teaches readers how to maximize their energies by spending just 5-10 minutes a day with some simple acupressure moves.

Come and meet Mogilner by attending her book signing event at the New Vision Center (SE corner of Mountain View and Hayden) on Thursday, June 28th at

16 Summer 2007

Meet Your Neighbor:

Oliver is a 6-month old Yorkie. Quite

the rambunctious fellow, he earns the

terrier title by constantly wrestling with

anything bigger than him, including the

two cats he shares his home with.

To submit your pet, please email

editor@mcrlife.com

Our Four-legged Ranchers

MCRL

Victoria Mogilner

McCormick Ranch Lifestyle 17

At a time when most camps in the Valley are either too expensive or already full, it's nice to know that just 5 minutes away is an attractive alternative that offers a variety of activities for ages 6 and up.

The Boys & Girls Club of Scottsdale at Rose Lane (behind Saguaro high school) is the oldest of seven locations Valleywide and offers a true “neighbor-hood” feel. Megan Jackson, Youth Development Supervisor, has been a volun-teer here since the age of 19. Accepting a full time Director position five years ago, Jackson says, “I walked away from the Phoenician making a lot more money, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. These kids get in your heart.”

Camp sessions are available June 11-August 10 at just $75 per week. Each week has a theme that incorporates activities, field trips, and even a dress up day. One of the most popular is Pirate week during which the kids build pirate ships and have a battle on Friday. Some of the favorite events include the 4th of July Parade and the Ice Cream Drop, sponsored by Shamrock.

The Club averages 225 kids each summer, broken into groups of 25-40, according to age. Kids are kept under constant supervision by one senior staff member, one junior staff member, a college student and staff for the activity. Each member of the staff has gone through certified training, back-ground checks and drug testing. “Most of my staff has been here five years,

and many of them were educa-tion majors or teachers,” says Jackson.

Activities are broken into 45-minute segments so the kids are always engaged. Whether it's movie-making, photography, crafts, cooking, dance or sports, they are always doing something different. In addition, swim les-

sons and field trips to various locations are offered each week. However, kids must bring their own lunch and snack.

The teen center is also available from 1-6pm for just $25 per year. Teens have a separate area with pool tables, ping pong and restricted tv and com-puter access. Guest speakers like Miss Arizona and representatives from Scottsdale Prevention Institute or Charles Schwab come in weekly to discuss topics such as: body image, the importance of going to college, money mat-ters, and applying for a job. “It's all about developing the kids,” says Jackson.

There are also mentor and learning opportunities for older kids. For exam-ple, the Leaders in Training (LIT) shadow a staff member while assisting with projects. LIT's don't have to pay a membership fee and earn a trip to Magic Mountain at the end of the summer.

What makes the Boys & Girls Club of today special? Very simply, it's the caring staff, the variety and quality of their programs. Or as Jackson says, “The life-long learning skills that we're teaching our kids, that's what sets us apart.”

“The life-long learning skills that we're teaching

our kids, that's what sets us apart.”

MCRL

Boys & Girls Club Summer Program

18 Summer 2007

What would we do without an oasis during the many 100 plus degree days in the Valley each year? Since 1999, Legacy has made a business out of creating the perfect backyard ambiance for new and existing pools.

Before completing a degree in architecture, owner Joseph Rossiello worked many years in his father's suc-cessful construction business back in New York. “It really gave me a sense of how construction should blend together with the surroundings. Colors make such a difference.”

Most of us on the Ranch are lucky enough to have lush, established greenery in our yards, but the pool itself and cool decking may need refreshing. “Anyone can build a pool, but it takes a certain person to incorporate what already exists to come up with the best design and func-tionality for the homeowner,” says Rossiello. He continues, “A lot of times, people with older homes can't see the potential of what is possible with their existing pool and that's why working with a professional is so key.”

Legacy's business is largely comprised of remodels through word of mouth. “We pride ourselves in giving choic-es and helping people make the best decision for their life-style,” says Rossiello. He further explains that the plaster in older pools contained asbestos which was an added bond-ing agent that no longer exists with today's plaster. The new generation of materials, like pebble and quartz, not only have 10-year warranties but give the water an added spar-kle. Each of the six designers on staff keep up with suppli-ers for an overall knowledge of their products.

A pool renovation takes three weeks and the process begins simply with the client's vision. Legacy uses premier software to create the look that best fits that vision. See how Legacy can enhance your diving pleasure!

Pool SafetyAs of June 1991, the State of Arizona requires a barrier

between the house and pool for homes with a child under the age of 6. Fences should be atleast 5-feet high with no openings larger than 4 inches. Here are some additional safety tips:

• Never leave a child unattended in or near the pool. • Have rescue equipment and a first aid kit nearby. • Don't allow kids to play near the pool. • Learn CPR. Contact the Scottsdale Fire Department at 480 312-1899 for classes. • Have children take swimming lessons at an early age. • Store pool chemicals properly.

Legacy PoolsLocal Business Highlight:

480.657.8767

MCRL

McCormick Ranch Lifestyle 19

Open

20 Summer 2007

River Cruising by Cathy Gleason

April in Paris! No wonder the most beautiful city in the world inspires song writers, artists and poets ... It certainly inspired us.

We arrived early Easter morning eager to experience our first river cruise. Although we are veterans of 57 cruises, we knew this cruise was going to be different. We had chosen a Uniworld River cruise on the river Baroness because it seemed to be the best value. The price included airfare, cruise fare, transfers and guided tours (including lunches) everyday. Highlights of the trip included visiting the D-Day sites in Normandy, the little village of Auvers-sur-Oise where Van Gogh painted his last masterpieces and a visit to Claude Monet’s house and spectacular gardens in Giverney.

All staterooms were outside facing and designed for comfort with European style comforters, duvets, down pillows, plush terry robes, thick, soft bath towels, aromatherapy bath amenities and cozy wool/cashmere blend throws that come in handy on the Sun Deck in the evening or early morning.

Sumptuous cuisine paired with casual elegance made up the dining experience on board. The large dining room windows exhibit an ever-changing scene of quaint villages and churches. The aspect of the cruise that made it an excellent value was the included tours conducted by knowledgeable, English-speaking guides each day. The tours included a lovely Seine River Cruise at night, which showcased the bridges and famous landmarks of “the city of lights”.

The waterways of the world are a wonderful way to discover the world and far superior to motor coach touring since you unpack once and your floating hotel transports you to exciting cities and small villages along the way. Our experience was so enjoyable that river cruising is our “new favorite” form of traveling.

Cathy is the owner of award-winning franchise CruiseOne-The Gleason Crew. She and her husband have been McCormick Ranch residents since 1978. MCRL

McCormick Ranch Lifestyle 21

In a world made of fashion, owner Elisa Lane shines with her own pur-pose to understand what women want to wear. With a true desire to dress women for their everyday lives, Elisa developed Get Dressed to be an everyday solution.

Tucked away in the shopping cen-ter off 92nd and Pima, Lane opened her shop two years ago. She chose the location because it was close to home and in a part of Scottsdale that she felt identified with her product line. Aimed at women ages 30-50, she categorizes her fashion as “fun and contemporary”. The leopard print car-peting and whimsical décor certainly helps set that tone.

Growing up in New York and having a seamstress as a mother has guided Elisa's buying skill to understand what looks best on women. The clothing here is unique because it comes from local designers and trade shows in New York and L.A . So once an item is gone, it's gone. But not to worry, new shipments arrive weekly. “You can usually find a complete outfit here, including shoes, for $100,” says Lane.

She has had customers thank her for encouraging them to buy some-thing and later be fussed over by loved ones. Due in part to the referral of these great clients, plans for a sec-ond, more exclusive store are under way. While Elisa is usually behind the scenes at Get Dressed, she has trained her staff to make you feel wel-come from the moment you walk in.

Lane believes that being an entre-preneur makes you a leader and part of that responsibility is helping others. So in her spare time, she does every-thing from karate, to writing books and sponsoring Ladies who Launch, a group that helps local women in busi-ness get to the next level. Many have asked how she finds the time and her simple response is, “It's easy when you love what you do.”

Local Business Highlight:

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“You can usually find a complete outfit here,

including shoes, for $100,” says Lane.

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MCRL

22 Spring 2007 22 Summer 2007

Springtime in Arizona is the most magical season, in my opinion. It seems everything is more intense... the scents, the colors, the energy. One can go outside at almost any time of day and enjoy the ideal tempera-tures before the impending sauna opens its doors on us. There are also many events to occupy our time dur-ing this time of year. One that remains somewhat of a secret is the Phoenix Film Festival.

Now in its 7th year, the Phoenix Film Festival showcases independent feature films as well as the fin-est in short films. During the week of April 12-19, film fanatics can tap into the true art of film making by visiting Harkins Cine Capri, located off the 101 and Scottsdale Rd.

Sponsored by the Sundance Channel, the festival was co-founded by Phoenix Film Foundation President Chris LaMont and has quickly become Arizona's largest film festival. The festival features many of the directors behind the films which gives audiences a great opportunity to interact with filmmakers at screenings and the festival parties.

Ticket prices start at $10. For more information call 602-955-6444 or go to www.phoenixfilmfestival.com.

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